应用Isola三维矫形系统治疗脊柱侧凸

目的：应用Isola系统矫正脊柱侧凸冠状面、矢状面和轴状面的畸形，评价其治疗效果。方法：回顾性分析2001年3月至2003年6月应用Isola系统治疗脊柱侧凸22例，特发性侧凸18例，先天性侧凸4例。男13例，女9例，年龄12。18岁，平均14．5岁，术前冠状面Cobb角450～83°，平均62°，矢状面Cobb角-12°-54°，平均34°，椎体旋转按Nash-Moe分型Ⅰ度6例、Ⅱ度13例，Ⅲ度3例。结果：术后冠状位矫正为20°～31°，矫正率为62％～85％，平均为69％，矢状位矫正为21°-32°，平均26°。椎体旋转矫正1度。随访9个月～3年，平均2．4年。植骨融合良好，矫正角度丢失率〈4．4％。结论：应用Isola内固定系统矫正脊柱侧凸，利用悬臂技术产生的平移力可获得冠状面良好的矫正率，同时可获得矢状面的矫正，并保持躯干平衡，应用椎弓根钉效果更佳。     

一期前路松解后路三维矫形治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸

目的探讨一期前路松解后路三维矫形治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸的手术策略,并评价其疗效。方法1997年7月～2003年1月应用一期前路松解后路三维矫形治疗重度脊柱侧凸36例,男9例,女27例;年龄13～39岁,平均17.2岁。其中特发性脊柱侧凸33例,神经纤维瘤病性脊柱侧凸3例。术前冠状面Cobb角85°～116°,平均96.2°;矢状面异常20例。前路行凸侧松解、椎间植骨后,同次麻醉下再行后路CD(4例)、CD-Horizon(5例)、TSRH(10例)或Isola(17例)脊柱内固定器械三维矫形内固定及植骨融合,其中31例行胸廓成形术。结果全部病例随访6～48个月,平均24个月。术后冠状面Cobb角30°～65°,平均47.6°,平均矫正率48.5%;80.6%的患者术后维持或达到矢状面平衡。未发生严重的神经系统并发症,无脱钩、断棒及深部感染。术后气胸2例,创伤性胸膜炎1例,术后2年假关节形成1例,术后11个月躯干失平衡1例。随访1年后矫正度丢失大于10°者2例,平均丢失5.2°。结论对重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸应用一期前路松解、后路三维矫形的方法矫形满意。正确选择病例、术前仔细评估、术中应用SEP及唤醒试验可减少神经系统并发症的发生。其远期疗效尚待进一步观察。     

一期后路全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人僵硬性脊柱侧凸

目的回顾分析一期后路全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人僵硬性脊柱侧凸的疗效。方法2001年1月。2007年5月,通过一期后路全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗了19例成人僵硬性脊柱侧凸患者。术前冠状面主凸Cobb角为59．2°（43°-90°）,侧屈位平均矫正率为25％。术后平均随访18个月（10—43个月）,通过影像学检查对手术矫形效果及躯干平衡情况进行分析,末次随访时进行患者主观疗效评价。结果所有患者术后外观明显改善。总体冠状面主凸平均Cobb角矫正率为45．9％。末次随访冠状面Cobb角平均丢失3．1°。冠状面平衡由术前平均2．8cm矫正为术后平均0．8cm。15例患者对手术表示满意。结论对于成人僵硬性脊柱侧凸,一期后路全椎弓根螺钉矫形技术可以获得较高的冠状面矫正率,重建躯干平衡,患者满意度较高,并发症较少。     

大重量Halo-股骨髁上牵引辅助一期后路手术治疗重度僵硬型非特发性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效

[目的]探讨大重量Halo-股骨髁上牵引辅助一期后路手术治疗重度僵硬型非特发性脊柱侧凸的可行性及临床疗效。[方法]2007年1月²012年2月本院实施587例脊柱侧弯矫形术,对其中行Halo-股骨髁上牵引治疗且临床资料完整的35例重度僵硬型非特发性脊柱侧凸患者进行回顾性分析。[结果]随访142012年2月本院实施587例脊柱侧弯矫形术,对其中行Halo-股骨髁上牵引治疗且临床资料完整的35例重度僵硬型非特发性脊柱侧凸患者进行回顾性分析。[结果]随访14⁷2个月(平均42个月)。Halo-股骨髁上牵引治疗结束后侧凸Cobb角平均(49±11)°,与术前冠状面Cobb角相比,差异具有统计学意义;侧凸纠正率达平均(40.9±9.3)%。后路矫形术后侧凸Cobb角与术前冠状面Cobb角相比,差异具有统计学意义;侧凸矫正率为平均(52.6±8.2)%。术后矢状面后凸Cobb角为(34±10)°,与术前矢状面后凸Cobb角相比,差异具有统计学意义;后凸矫正率平均(51.9±9.3)%。末次随访时冠状面Cobb角平均达(37.6±12)°,与术前冠状面Cobb角相比,差异具有统计学意义;矢状面后凸Cobb角平均(33±10)°,与术前矢状面后凸Cobb角相比,差异具有统计学意义。躯干移位经牵引后从平均(12.5±3.8)mm矫形至(6.94±4.6)mm,平均改善65.7%。1例患者牵引过程中Halo松动,予以更换,无其他明显牵引并发症发生。矫形术后无瘫痪、死亡等并发症,所有患者均未出现内固定松动或断裂。[结论]Halo-股骨髁上牵引在治疗重度僵硬型非特发性脊柱侧凸中是一种安全有效的治疗方案,结合单纯一期后路矫形手术,可大幅度提高重度非特发性脊柱侧凸畸形矫正疗效。     

应用头颅-骨盆环牵引辅助后路截骨治疗重度脊柱侧后凸畸形的临床效果

目的探讨应用头颅-骨盆环牵引辅助后路截骨矫形治疗重度脊柱侧后凸畸形的临床效果。方法回顾分析2014年3月至2018年3月贵州省骨科医院脊柱外科收治的重度脊柱侧后凸畸形患者32例的临床资料。其中男14例,女18例,年龄(17.5±4.8)(14~23)岁。均行Halo骨盆牵引后后路截骨矫形手术治疗。牵引力取患者可承受的极限,牵引时间为(3.2±0.6)(3~4)周,后行后路截骨内固定融合术。对患者治疗前左右侧屈位、牵引后和术后的侧后凸矫正率进行比较。采用SPSS 24.0软件对数据进行统计学处理。结果32例患者均顺利完成手术。行经椎弓根椎体截骨(pedicle subtraction osteotomy,PSO)或邻椎截骨12例、Smith-Petersen截骨(Smith-Petersen osteotomy,SPO)或Ponte截骨20例。未见脊髓与神经损伤并发症发生。治疗前脊柱冠状面Cobb角为(136.8±38.0)°(96°~172°),矢状面Cobb角为(90.4±24.0)°(45°~125°)。患者平卧左右侧屈位侧凸矫正率为(8.9±3.2)%,Halo骨盆牵引后侧凸矫正率为(37.6±4.3)%,后路截骨矫形术后侧凸矫正率为(68.7±4.8)%;牵引后矢状面侧凸矫正率为(30.7±5.6)%,后路矫形术后矢状面侧凸矫正率(60.6±4.3)%;各时间点差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论应用Halo头颅-骨盆牵引辅助后路截骨矫形治疗重度脊柱侧后凸畸形患者,可预测矫形效果,简化手术,降低操作难度,提高畸形矫正率,安全有效。     

置钉密度与Lenke1型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸矫正率的相关性

[目的]回顾性分析全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗Lenke 1型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸矫正率与置钉密度间的相关性.[方法]2007～2009年,56例行后路全椎弓根螺钉矫形内固定的Lenke 1型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者纳入回顾性研究.测量术前、术后影像学资料,分析侧凸矫正率与置钉密度的相关性.[结果]所有患者无手术相关的严重并发症发生.主胸弯角度由术前平均53.4°±11.7°矫正为18.4°±10.5°(P<0.05),冠状面平均矫正率为66.8%.胸椎后凸由术前31.8°±4.39°降至22.3°±3.13°(P<0.05).平均置钉密度为1.56 (1.0～2.0).矢状面胸椎后凸的减小与冠状面Cobb角的矫正度数和矫正率明显相关(P<0.05).置钉密度与侧凸矫正率无相关性.[结论]椎弓根螺钉系统治疗胸椎特发性侧凸可以获得良好的冠状面矫形,但会造成矢状面胸椎后凸减小.置钉密度与侧凸的矫正率无相关性.     

连续置钉或间隔置钉矫治LenkeⅠ型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的效果

目的:对比后路间隔置钉或连续置钉矫治LenkeⅠ型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的效果。方法:将2004年1月～2006年6月期间收治的32例LenkeⅠ型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者随机分成两组,一组手术方法为后路矫形侧连续置入椎弓根螺钉进行矫形(连续置钉组);另一组手术方法为后路矫形侧均间隔一个椎体置入椎弓根螺钉进行矫形(间隔置钉组)。记录所有患者冠状面和矢状面的术前侧凸Cobb角、术后侧凸Cobb角、术后侧凸矫正率并进行两组间比较分析。结果:两组患者术中均无神经脊髓损伤。胸椎侧凸冠状面、矢状面Cobb角连续置钉组术前分别为62.7°±12.7°、28.3°±11.6°;术后分别为14.5°±6.9°、20.5°±10.7°;间隔置钉组术前分别为63.9°±10.9°、28.1°±10.8°,术后分别为14.7°±6.4°、21.0°±10.3°;连续置钉组和间隔置钉组术前C7铅垂线与S1椎体后缘的距离分别为-3.3±6.1cm、-4.4±4.8cm,术后分别为1.4±3.3cm、0.9±3.0cm。两组患者术前及术后冠状面、矢状面侧凸Cobb角及C7铅垂线与S1椎体后缘距离无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:间隔置钉和连续置钉矫正LenkeⅠ型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸效果相比较无统计学差异。     

后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸

[目的]回顾性分析后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸的疗效.[方法]2005年1月～2008年6月,通过后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸患者,27例获得随访.术前冠状面主凸cobb角为48.6°(42°～63°),侧凸平均柔韧度34.2%.术后平均随访27.4个月(24～36个月),通过影像学检查对手术矫形效果和躯干平衡情况进行分析,末次随访时进行患者主观疗效评价.[结果]所有患者术后外观明显改善.冠状面主凸平均Cobb角矫正率为62.1%.末次随访冠状面Cobb角平均丢失2.3°.冠状面平衡由术前平均26 mm矫正为术后平均8 mm.腰椎前凸cobb角由术前平均36.7°增加为39.6°.[结论]后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸可以获得良好的冠状面和矢状面矫形,重建躯干的平衡,主客观疗效满意.     

选择性椎弓根置钉矫形治疗青少年特发性脊柱侧凸

[目的]回顾性观察分析后路选择性椎弓根置钉矫形治疗青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)的临床疗效。[方法]2005年1月～2009年6月采用后路选择性椎弓根置钉矫形手术治疗AIS,测量术前和术后胸侧凸冠状面Cobb角、矢状面Cobb角,腰侧凸冠状面Cobb角,顶椎椎体旋转和身高变化。分析临床疗效。[结果]手术时间平均186min;术中失血量平均800 ml。术中无脊髓、神经及血管损伤,术后无胸腔积液及切口感染。随访2.1～6.4年,平均3.6年。胸侧凸冠状面Cobb角、胸侧凸矢状面Cobb角和冠状腰弯Cobb角分别由术前57.38°±10.93°、29.3°±7.8°、33.03°±7.75°矫正为12.88°±8.79°、17.9°±10.3°和8.85°±3.65°,手术前后有显著性差异(P<0.01),末次随访分别为:13.89°±9.36°、19.3°±5.4°和9.06°±3.78°,与术后比较无显著性差异(P>0.01)。顶椎椎体旋转由术前2.83°±1.25°矫正为1.37°±1.13°(P<0.01),末次随访(1.32°±1.04°)与术后比较无显著性差异(P>0.05);身高平均增长4.45 c...     

胸腔镜辅助下治疗特发性脊柱侧凸

[目的]评价胸腔镜下前路松解,前路或后路矫形治疗特发性脊柱侧凸的治疗效果。[方法]回顾本院自2003年7月~2005年12月施行的11例胸腔镜辅助下前路松解,前路或后路矫形治疗特发性脊柱侧凸病例。年龄12~16岁,平均14.6岁。LenkeⅠ型9例,术前冠状面Cobb s角54°~68°,平均59.7°;LenkeⅢ型2例,术前冠状面Cobb s角分别为58°和71°,平均64.5°。Bending X线片侧凸矫正率为21.8%~32.4%,平均26.4%。对11例患者在胸腔镜辅助下,采用等离子冷消融切除椎间盘松解,前或后路矫正。对手术后及随访时,冠状面和矢状面的Cobb s角进行测量,并对手术时间,术中出血量,围手术期并发症及矫正丢失等进行分析。[结果]平均手术时间290 min,平均术中出血171 ml。松解节段5~7个,平均4.4个。9例LenkeⅠ型术后Cobb s角平均20.4°,Cobb s角矫正率平均65.8%;2例LenkeⅢ型术后Cobb s角分别为20°和25°,Cobb s角矫正率平均65.1%;1例术后包裹性胸腔积液,术后平均随访18.6个月;1例出现矫正度丢失14°,无神经系统及血管损伤并发症。[结论]与传统开胸前路胸椎侧凸矫形手术相比,胸腔镜辅助下胸椎松解前后路矫形治疗脊柱侧凸是安全有效的微创手术,可达到与开胸手术同样效果。     

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.