外科重症病人脑电双频指数指导靶控输注咪达唑仑的镇静效果

目的评价外科重症监护病房(SICU)病人脑电双频指数(BIS)指导靶控输注(TCI)咪达唑仑的镇静效果。方法SICU病人30例,随机分为3组(n=10):A组采用恒速输注咪达唑仑0．06 mg·kg-1·h-1镇静;B组采用咪达唑仑TCI镇静,初始血浆靶浓度为60 ng/ml;C组在BIS指导下咪达唑仑TCI镇静,初始血浆靶浓度为60 ng／ml。每30 min采用Ramsay镇静评分评估镇静深度,若Ramsay镇静评分小于或大于4分,则A组输注速率增加或减少0．02 mg·kg-1·h-1,B组血浆靶浓度增加或减少20 ng／ml。C组若BIS大于或小于70,则血浆靶浓度增加或减少20 ng／ml。B、C组均随机抽取30份2 ml动脉血样,测定咪达唑仑血药浓度,用偏离性和精密度评价TCI系统的性能。结果咪达唑仑TCI系统的偏离性为12．5％,精密度为22．5％。咪达唑仑实测血药浓度与Ramsay镇静评分的相关系数为0．67(P<0．05)。镇静过程中C组Ramsay镇静评分4分所占比例(54％)高于A组(28％)和B组(40％)(P<0．01)。结论咪达唑仑TCI系统的性能可靠,用于SICU病人以BIS为70调控咪达唑仑TCI,可产生良好的镇静效果。     

氯胺酮口服用于小儿麻醉前的用药观察

目的:分析研究小儿术前应用氯胺酮的最佳剂量,为临床提供参考。方法:选择ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级择期行小儿泌尿外科手术患儿30例,体重7～10kg,随机分3组:A组(氯胺酮8mg/kg、咪达唑仑0.5mg/kg,),B组(氯胺酮9 mg/kg,咪达唑仑0.5mg/kg,),C组(氯胺酮10mg/kg,咪达唑仑0.5mg/kg,)术前30 mi n,口服。结果:3组在苏醒时间、镇静、镇痛及术后睡眠质量方面比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:B组用药方法和剂量是较理想的小儿术前用药。     

口服咪达唑仑复合经鼻艾司氯胺酮用于小儿术前镇静的ED90及临床效果

目的确定口服咪达唑仑联合经鼻艾司氯胺酮行小儿术前镇静时所需咪达唑仑的90%有效剂量(90% effective dose, ED90), 并观察其可行性。方法根据偏倚钱币序贯法依次对40例择期手术患儿进行前瞻性双盲序贯研究。主要观察指标为复合经鼻小剂量艾司氯胺酮30 min后使患儿达到亲子分离焦虑评分(Parental Separation Anxiety Score, PSAS)=1分的口服咪达唑仑剂量。次要观察指标为麻醉诱导前后的SBP和心率、镇静水平、起效时间、术前用药副作用、用药30 min时PSAS评分、面罩接受量表(Mask Acceptance Scale, MAS)评分、静脉穿刺反应(reaction to intravenous cannulation scale, ICS)评分、术后拔管时间、意识恢复时间、PACU停留时间、额外镇痛药物使用情况, 以及低氧血症、恶心和呕吐的发生情况。用Isotonic回归分析法计算咪达唑仑ED90及其95%CI。结果咪达唑仑口服复合0.25 mg/kg艾司氯胺酮滴鼻用于小儿术前镇静的ED90为0.253 (95%CI 0.242～0...     

硬膜外麻醉下异丙酚联合咪达唑仑镇静对内隐记忆的影响

目的探讨术中异丙酚联合咪达唑仑镇静对内隐记忆的影响,分析内隐记忆消失的中潜伏期听觉诱发电位(MLAEP)参数界值,为临床镇静深度监测提供一项新的客观指标。方法 硬膜外麻醉下择期手术病人45例(ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级),随机分为异丙酚组(P)、联合用药一组(PM1)、联合用药二组(PM2)3组,每组15例。P组:异丙酚2 mg·kg-1·h-1;PM1组:异丙酚1.5 mg·kg-1·h 咪达唑仑0.03 mg·kg-1·h-1;PM2组:异丙酚1.5 mg·kg-1·h-1 咪达唑仑0.06 mg·kg-1·h-1。所有病人经异丙酚或异丙酚联合咪达唑仑镇静15 min后,让病人听录音带即内隐记忆刺激。记录入室时(T1)、行硬膜外麻醉后(T2)、静脉给药后15min(T1)、切皮后2min(T4)、内隐记忆刺激完成即刻(T5)等时点的心率(HR)、平均动脉压(MAP)、MLAEP。术后6 h进行记忆调查,测定病人的模糊辨听率。结果 异丙酚镇静Pa、Nb波潜伏期延长、波幅降低(P<0.05),但联合用药组潜伏期延长更明显、波幅降得更低(P<0.05)。所有病人外显记忆均消失;P组均存在内隐记忆,两联合用药组内隐记忆均消失。结论异丙酚和咪达唑仑联合镇静可以消除外显记忆和内隐记忆。MLAEP参数Pa、Nb波潜伏期、波幅可以作为评价术中镇静深度的客观监测指标。     

小儿氯胺酮麻醉分别复合异丙酚与咪达唑仑的比较

目的比较小儿氯胺酮基础麻醉时复合异丙酚与咪达唑仑的麻醉效果。方法随机选择40例小儿短小手术,肌注氯胺酮后分别复合异丙酚(Ⅰ组)和咪达唑仑(Ⅱ组)进行麻醉,记录麻醉时间、生命体征变化、苏醒时间等。结果两组病人麻醉时间:Ⅰ组为(42.8±10.2)min,Ⅱ组(40.7±11.5)min,时间基本相似(P>0.05)。氯胺酮用量分别为Ⅰ组(8.12±1.13)mg/(kg.h),Ⅱ组(8.25±1.00)mg/(kg.h),两组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患儿各项生命体征参数(HR、RR、BP、SpO2)相比差异无统计学意义。心率和血压在肌注氯胺酮后20 min均增加了(15±5)%,但在静注异丙酚和咪达唑仑后均下降5%~10%。苏醒时间基本相同。结论氯胺酮基础麻醉中分别复合异丙酚与咪达唑仑均可安全运用于小儿短小手术。     

两种全身麻醉方法用于小儿气管异物取出术的比较

目的比较七氟醚联合瑞芬太尼和咪达唑仑联合氯胺酮在小儿气管异物取出术中的效应。方法拟在全身麻醉下行支气管镜异物取出术患儿40例,随机均分为七氟醚组(S组)和氯胺酮组(K组)。S组面罩吸入6%七氟醚及吸氧6L/min行快速诱导,患儿入睡后调整吸入七氟醚的浓度和氧流量,使MAC维持在2.0～2.5,置镜前开始泵注瑞芬太尼0.05～0.1μg·kg-1·min-1,置镜后吸入2%～3%七氟醚维持麻醉,支气管镜侧孔接高频呼吸机,必要时行辅助呼吸。K组入手术室前肌注氯胺酮4～6mg/kg,入室后静脉推注氯胺酮1～2mg/kg、咪达唑仑0.05～0.1mg/kg、芬太尼2～3μg/kg,置镜后视情况追加氯胺酮1～2mg/kg或咪达唑仑0.05～0.1mg/kg维持麻醉。记录置镜前后SpO2和RR,以及不良反应情况。结果与入室时比较,置镜即刻、置镜后和退镜时S组SpO2明显升高,置镜后和退镜时K组SpO2明显降低(P<0.05);置镜即刻、置镜后和退镜时K组RR明显减慢(P<0.05)。与K组比较,S组一次置镜成功率明显升高,呛咳发生率明显降低,喉水肿、舌后坠、哭闹躁动、呕吐发生率降低(P<0.05)。S组苏醒时间为(20±7)min,明显短于K组的(50±18)min(P<0.05)。结论与咪达唑仑联合氯胺酮比较,七氟醚联合瑞芬太尼麻醉在小儿气管异物取出术中更安全和有效。     

氯胺酮复合咪达唑仑对谷氨酸诱导PC12细胞凋亡的影响

目的 探讨氯胺酮复合咪达唑仑对谷氨酸诱导PC12细胞凋亡的影响.方法 诱导分化4 d的神经元样PC12细胞随机分为5组:对照组(c组);谷氨酸组(Glu组)加入20 mmol/L谷氨酸;氯胺酮组(K组)、咪达唑仑组(M组)、氯胺酮+咪达唑仑组(K+M组)均加入20 mmol/L谷氨酸后,分别加入50 μmol/L氯胺酮、1μmol/L咪达唑仑、50 μmol/L氯胺酮+1 μmol/L咪达唑仑.各组细胞继续培养24 h后采用MTT法检测细胞活力,Hoechst33258核染色法及Annexin V-FITC/PI双染流式细胞术检测凋亡细胞.结果 与C组比较,Glu组细胞活力降低,细胞凋亡率升高(P<0.01);与Glu组比较,K组和M组细胞活力升高,细胞凋亡率降低(P<0.05);与K组和M组比较,K+M组细胞活力升高,细胞凋亡率降低(P<0.05);K组和M组细胞活力及细胞凋亡率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 氯胺酮复合咪达唑仑可更有效地抑制谷氨酸诱导PC12细胞凋亡.     

在小儿整形外科手术中异丙酚与氯胺酮复合静脉麻醉最佳搭配的研究

目的　在小儿整形外科手术中寻找异丙酚与氯胺酮复合静脉麻醉最佳搭配方案。方法　选择 36例外耳再造术患儿 ,随机分为四组 ,各组均用异丙酚和氯胺酮不同搭配比例维持麻醉。观察各组病人的麻醉过程中的血流动力学变化情况和麻醉恢复情况 ,同时记录异丙酚与氯胺酮的平均用量。结果　与第二、三、四组相比 ,第一组的异丙酚与氯胺酮用量多、麻醉恢复拔管时间较长、同时麻醉后出现头晕、复视等并发症发生率也较高 (P <0 0 5 )。第二、三组异丙酚用量无统计学差异 (P >0 0 5 ) ,而氯胺酮用量则有统计学差异 (P <0 0 5 )。第三组血流动力学不稳定 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　在小儿整形外科手术中选用适当搭配比例的异丙酚与氯胺酮 (手术前期用异丙酚 6mg·kg-1·h-1、氯胺酮 1 2mg·kg-1·h-1麻醉维持 ;手术中后期用异丙酚 6mg·kg-1·h-1、氯胺酮 0 8mg·kg-1·h-1维持 ;手术后期用异丙酚 6mg·kg-1·h-1维持并根据病人具体情况逐步减少异丙酚的输注速率 )复合静脉麻醉是一理想而且经济的麻醉方案。     

咪达唑仑对氯胺酮镇痛效果的影响

目的观察不同剂量咪达唑仑对氯胺酮镇痛效应的影响,为临床合理配伍使用药物提供依据。方法腹腔注射25 mg/kg氯胺酮建立镇痛模型,150只小鼠均分为NS组、M组、K组、M1K组和M2K组,采用甩尾法、热板法和扭体法(n=10)分别观察腹腔注射1、2 mg/kg咪达唑仑对氯胺酮镇痛小鼠甩尾潜伏期(TFL)、热板法痛阈(HPPT)和扭体次数(WTs)的影响。结果给药后5、10、15、20 min K组TEL、HPPT延长(P<0.05);各时点M组小鼠TFL、HPPT均无明显变化;M1K组和M2K组给药后10、15、20 min TFL、HPPT延长,给药后15 min M1K组和M2K组TEL、HPPT明显长于K组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。给药后15 min内K、M1K和M2K组小鼠WTs明显少于NS组(P<0.01)。但K、M1K和M2K组间差异无统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论一定剂量的咪达唑仑可以增强氯胺酮的体表镇痛作用。     

Ebstein畸形矫治术的麻醉管理

本院2004年3月至2005年12月手术治疗Ebstein畸形患者22例,男女各11例,年龄3个月-52岁,体重5-80kg。16岁以下患者诱导前肌肉注射氯胺酮6-7mg·kg-1、东莨菪碱0．01 mg·kg-1,意识消失后静脉注射舒芬太尼1μg·kg-1、泮库溴铵0．1-0．2 mg·kg-1麻醉诱导;16岁以上患者麻醉前30min肌肉注射吗啡10mg、东莨菪碱0．3mg,口服安定10mg,静脉注射咪达唑仑0．03-0.05 mg·kg-1、依托咪酯0．2-0.3 mg·kg-1、舒芬太尼1-2μg·kg-1、哌库溴铵0.08-1．0 mg·kg-1麻醉诱导。气管插管后行机械通气,维持呼气末二氧化碳分压(PETCO2)30-35mm Hg。吸入1.0％-1．5％异氟醚,间断静脉注射舒芬太尼和哌库溴铵维持麻醉。连续监测心电图、有创血压、脉搏血氧饱和度、PETCO2、中心静脉压、体温和经食管超声心动图。术中麻醉管理要点为减轻右心室前、后负荷,避免肺血管阻力增加,保护心功能,维持血液动力学稳定。所有患者术后症状明显缓解,右心房内径、右心室内径低于术前,围术期无1例患者死亡。     

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.