C3椎板切除并保留C7棘突的颈椎管扩大双开门成形术

[目的] 对传统C3～7椎板成形术进行改良,观察改良手术疗效,探讨其能否有效降低并发症的发生.[方法] 改良椎板成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病20例(A组),A组患者平均年龄65.7岁(45～83岁);男14例,女6例;平均随访时间为18个月(12～27个月).传统术式对照组(B组)为本院同期行传统C3～7椎板成形术的18例患者,B组患者平均年龄59岁(46～75岁);男11例,女7例;平均随访时间为25 个月(12～50个月).对两组患者手术前后的JOA评分、颈椎曲度角度、颈椎活动度及轴性症状严重程度进行比较评估.[结果] JOA评分恢复率,A组患者为46.5%,B组患者为54.1%,两组差异无统计学意义( P>0.05).A组术后有明显轴性症状患者的比例为10%,B组为44.4%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).A组患者术后颈椎曲度Cobb's角11.2°±9.2°,B组患者术后颈椎曲度Cobb's角10.9°±10.1°,A组和B组患者手术前后颈椎曲度的变化差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).A组患者术后颈椎活动度丢失6.9°±4.0°,B组患者术后颈椎活动度丢失11.6°±7.8°,两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).[结论] C3椎板切除保留C2棘突半棘肌附着、同时保留C7棘突颈背肌肉附着的颈椎管扩大椎板成形术能获得良好神经减压效果,同时可以最大程度维持颈半棘肌和颈背肌结构和功能的完整性,减少对颈椎后伸机制和颈椎稳定机制的破坏,从而保留颈椎的活动度和降低术后颈椎轴性症状的发生.     

颈3椎板切除单开门成形术对颈椎轴性症状的影响

目的对传统C3～7椎板成形术进行改良,探讨C3切除、C4～7成形的改良椎板成形术是否相对于传统的椎板成形术能有效降低术后颈椎轴性症状的发生。方法2002年3月至2005年3月,接受C3椎板切除的椎板成形术并获得完整随访的44例颈椎病患者作为试验组(A组),平均随访时间为18个月(12～27个月);同期接受传统椎板成形术并获得完整随访的50例患者作为对照组(B组),平均随访时间为27个月(12～40个月)。对两组患者手术前后的JOA评分、颈椎曲度指数、颈椎活动度及轴性症状严重程度进行比较评估。结果JOA评分恢复率,A组患者为59.2%±11.3%,B组患者为60.1%±19.5%,两组差异无统计学意义。A组术后有明显轴性症状患者的比例为22.7%,B组为54.0%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组患者术后颈椎曲度指数丢失2.1%±1.6%,B组患者术后颈椎曲度指数丢失6.4%±3.2%,两组患者手术前后颈椎曲度的变化差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。A组患者术后颈椎活动度丢失4.6°±4.0°,B组患者术后颈椎活动度丢失11.6°±7.8°,两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论C3椎板切除的椎板成形术在获得良好神经减压效果的同时,可以维持颈半棘肌结构和功能的完整性,减少对颈椎后伸机制的破坏,从而降低术后颈椎轴性症状的发生率。     

保留颈半棘肌的颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术的疗效研究

目的探讨保留颈半棘肌的颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术的临床疗效.方法回顾性分析2001年2月至2009年7月行后路双开门颈椎椎管扩大成形术的189例患者的临床资料,根据术中是否切断C2棘突半棘肌将患者分为颈半棘肌切断组(C3~C7椎板成形术,102例)和颈半棘肌未切断组(C3椎板切除、C4~C7椎板成形术,87例).采用日本骨科协会(JOA)评分法进行神经功能评价;AS程度采用视觉模拟评分法(VAS)进行评价.结果两组手术时间、颈椎曲度、颈椎活动度、颈托固定时间比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组术后6个月JOA评分均较术前有明显升高(P<0.05),但两组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).术后轴性症状(AS)总发生率为30.2%(57/189),其中颈半棘肌切断组37例(19.6%)、颈半棘肌未切断组20例(10.6%),两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组末次随访VAS均较术前明显下降(P<0.05);两组间比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术可有效改善神经功能,但保留颈半棘肌的手术方式缩短了手术时间,保持了颈椎曲度和活动度,有助于减少术后AS的发生.     

保留C_(2、3)棘突肌肉附着点的改良颈椎管扩大成形术

[目的]观察保留C_(2、3)棘突肌肉止点的改良颈后路椎管扩大成型术的临床疗效,探讨保留C_2、C_3棘突肌肉止点对预防颈椎前曲角度丢失、降低轴性症状发生率等并发症方面的临床效果。[方法]2006年1月~2013年10月,对145例C_(4~7)水平狭窄的多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者,按照随机数字表法分组,72例采用C_3椎板下半部切除、T1椎板上半部切除、C4~7单开门椎管扩大成形术(改良组);73例采用C3~7单开门椎管扩大成形术(传统组)。记录两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量;手术前、后按日本矫形外科学会(JOA)评分标准评定神经功能,并计算改善率;记录颈椎曲度和颈肩部疼痛的VAS评分,并进行统计学分析。[结果]随访时间12~47个月,平均23个月。改良组手术时间少于传统组,出血量及引流量与传统组无显著差异。术后12个月随访,改良组和传统组JOA评分、改善率差异无统计学意义;颈椎曲度方面:末次随访时改良组与传统组对比差异有统计学意义,改良组较传统组能更好的维持颈椎前曲;改良组VAS评分明显低于传统组,两组差异有统计学意义。并发症方面:两组术后均未发生脑脊液漏,无切口感染,无1例出现椎板关门。随访期间无内固定松动、脱出、断裂等并发症发生。[结论]保留C_(2、3)棘突肌肉止点的改良颈后路椎管扩大成型术能够在保护颈半棘肌等颈后部伸肌群的情况下实现5个椎板长度的椎管减压,缩短手术时间,获得与传统术式相同的减压效果,并能更好的维持颈椎前凸角度,减少颈肩部疼痛的发生率。     

两种颈后路单开门手术方法对颈椎曲度指数及活动度的影响

[目的]探讨两种颈后路单开门手术方法对术后患者神经功能改善率、颈椎曲度指数、颈椎活动度的影响及其临床意义.[方法]自2008年6月～2011年9月,78例脊髓型颈椎病患者接受颈后路单开门椎管扩大成形术.A组41例患者行改良术式,即保留颈半棘肌肌止,切除C3椎板,C4-7“锚定法”单开门椎管扩大成形术.B组37例患者行传统C3-7单开门椎管成形术.计算两组患者神经功能改善率及术前术后颈椎曲度指数、颈椎活动度的变化,研究两组间差异.[结果]两组患者术后神经功能改善恢复率,A组为(57.5±19.4)％,B组为56.3±19.8％,两组间差异无统计学意义,术后颈椎曲度指数丢失百分比,A组丢失(2.86±2.44)％,B组丢失(5.31±2.12)％,B患者手术前后颈椎曲度指数丢失明显多于A组.术后颈椎活动度,A组患者术后丢失(8.27±5.03).,B组患者术后丢失(11.06±6.97)°,两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).[结论]保留颈半棘肌肌止,C3椎板切除,C4-7“锚定法”单开门椎管扩大椎管成形术,与传统术式相比具有同样的神经功能改善率,同时能有效防止颈椎曲度指数及颈椎活动度的丢失.     

纳米人工椎板在颈椎后路减压椎管重建手术中的临床应用研究

[目的]评估颈椎后路减压手术中应用纳米人工骨重建椎管后临床症状的改善和影像学变化。[方法]观察组30例多节段脊髓型颈椎病行颈椎后路减压人工椎板椎管重建术,对照组38例多节段脊髓型颈椎病行颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术。两组术后平均随访25个月。比较两组的手术时间、术中出血量、术前术后JOA(日本矫形外科学会)评分,轴性症状及C5神经根麻痹的发生情况,颈椎X线片及CT了解椎管矢状径扩大情况及人工椎板融合情况。[结果]观察组手术时间平均92 min,术中出血量平均316 ml,低于对照组,有1例发生C5神经根麻痹。两组在手术时间、出血量及C5神经根麻痹的发生方面比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组术后JOA评分改善率为74.3%,3例出现轴性症状,理疗治疗后好转。术后各节段椎管矢状径皆超过14 mm,术后1年和2年人工骨骨性融合率分别为43.3%和71.1%。两组在JOA评分改善率、轴性症状发生率、椎管矢状径扩大及植骨融合方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。[结论]在颈椎后路全椎板切除减压手术中应用纳米人工椎板重建颈椎管效果良好,获得与颈椎后路双开门椎管扩大成形术相同的治疗效果,而且具有手术时间短、术中出血少及并发症较少的优点。     

改良颈椎后路单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的:总结保留颈半棘肌肌止、C3椎板切除、C4～C7“锚定”单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床效果.方法:2009年1月～2011年10月,共对74例多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者采用保留颈半棘肌肌止、C3椎板切除、“锚定法”固定悬吊C4～C7椎板的单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗,其中57例患者获得随访,男31例,女26例,年龄50～71岁,平均63岁.术前JOA评分4～11分,平均8.5±2.0分,颈椎活动度23°～49°,平均37.4°±10.3°,颈椎曲度指数6.0％～22.0％,平均(13.9±7.4)％.观察患者术中和术后并发症发生情况;术后6个月复查颈椎X线片,测量颈椎曲度指数和颈椎活动度,观察颈椎曲度指数和颈椎活动度变化情况;末次随访时对患者神经功能进行JOA评分,计算神经功能改善率 结果:手术均顺利完成,手术时间50～110min,平均70min.术中出血150～600ml,平均230ml.术中无脊髓损伤、脑脊液漏等并发症发生.术后早期41例患者有颈痛,给予消炎镇痛治疗,术后3周内疼痛消失或明显缓解2例出现切口感染,经抗感染治疗并再次清创后切口延时愈合.9例有明显轴性症状,发生率为15.8％;6例出现C5神经根麻痹,给予甲基强的松龙、营养神经药物等治疗后症状明显缓解.随访6～32个月,平均13个月,术后6个月颈椎曲度指数为4.2％～21.1％,平均(11.3±8.1)％,较术前丢失(2.9±2.4)％;颈椎活动度为18°～46°,平均28.2°±10.8°,平均丢失8.2°±5.1°.患者神经功能均不同程度得到改善,末次随访时JOA评分为10～17分,平均13.8±2.3分,较术前明显提高(P＜0.05),神经功能改善率为29.0％～77.3％,平均(57.0±19.7)％.末次随访均未发现“再关门”现象.结论:保留颈半棘肌肌止、C3椎板切除、“锚定法”固定悬吊C4～C7椎板的单开门椎管扩大成形术可明显改善多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者的神经功能,手术操作简单,临床疗效满意.     

颈椎后路减压纳米人工椎板重建颈椎管的疗效分析

目的评估应用纳米人工骨重建颈椎椎管的临床疗效。方法对23例行颈椎后路减压人工椎板椎管重建术的患者进行随访。统计手术时间及术中出血量;采用JOA（日本矫形外科学会）评分标准评定患者脊髓神经功能状态;观察轴性症状及颈5神经根麻痹的发生情况;颈椎X线片及CT了解椎管矢状径扩大情况及人工椎板融合情况。结果手术时间平均92 min,术中出血量平均316 ml。人工椎板植入未见排斥反应,术后12月人工骨骨性融合率为45.5%。手术前后颈椎椎管矢状径差异有显著性,椎管矢状径均超过14 mm。JOA评分由术前平均9.6分增加至术后1年时平均15.1分,改善率为74.3%。3例出现轴性症状,理疗治疗后好转;未出现颈5神经根麻痹并发症。结论在颈椎后路减压手术中应用纳米人工椎板重建颈椎管可以获得较好的近期疗效。     

单开门椎板成形术颈椎影像参数的变化

[目的]分析颈后路单开门椎板成形术后颈伸肌(neck extensor muscle,NEM)与颈椎矢状位参数变化,探讨术后NEM萎缩与颈椎矢状位参数变化的相关性.[方法]2015年1月—2019年7月于本院行颈后路单开门椎板成形术的患者共128例,于术前、术后1周,术后1、2年行影像检查,测量C2-7Cobb角、C2...     

经颈后肌间隙入路与正中入路行椎板成形术治疗多节段颈椎脊髓病的疗效比较

目的对比分析经颈后肌间隙入路椎板成形术与正中入路椎板成形术治疗多节段颈椎脊髓病(multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy,M-CSM)的临床效果。方法纳入2014年7月~2016年5月治疗的66例M-CSM患者进行研究,其中36例行经颈后肌间隙入路椎板成形术(观察组),30例行颈后正中入路椎板成形术(对照组),比较两组手术基本情况和临床疗效。结果与对照组相比,观察组手术时间明显延长,术中失血量明显增加,但轴性症状等并发症发生率明显降低(13.89%vs 40.00%),差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组JOA评分、VAS评分分别于术后1周、3个月显著改善,但观察组术后JOA评分改善速度更明显(P0.05)。两组术后3、12个月的颈椎曲度、颈椎活动度均显著改善,但观察组术后12个月颈椎曲度、颈椎活动度维持效果明显优于对照组(P0.05)。结论经颈后肌间隙入路与正中入路行椎板成形术治疗M-CSM的临床效果相当,但前者并发症更少,且更有利于长期维持理想的颈椎曲度及活动度。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.