椎弓根融合器添加磷酸钙骨水泥后的生物力学效果

目的:评价磷酸钙骨水泥(calcium phosphate cement,CPC)强化和修复椎弓根融合器的生物力学效果。方法:8具成人新鲜腰椎骨L1-L4共32个椎体,随机选取其中20个,分为3组(A,B,C),每组10个。A组(对照组):随机选择10个椎体双侧椎弓根放置直径为6.5 mm的椎弓根融合器,不穿透椎体前侧骨皮质。在材料实验机上进行椎弓根融合器最大轴向拔出力(Fmax)实验,拔出速率为5 mm/min。B组(修复组):对照组拔出椎弓根融合器后再向椎弓根融合器中空部分注入配制好CPC 3-5 ml,室温(28℃)1 h后再行前述最大轴向拔出力(Fmax)实验。C组(强化组):另选10个椎体直接向椎弓根融合器中空部分注入配制好CPC和拧入椎弓根融合器,再行拔出实验。沿椎弓根融合器方向锯开标本,观察CPC在椎体中分布范围。另外10个椎体作椎弓根融合器的递增负荷的周期抗屈实验。结果:正常对照组椎弓根融合器Fmax为(843.1±132.2)N,修复组为(1456.2±239.9)N,强化组为(1499.5±241.2)N;向椎弓根融合器中空部分注入CPC,未见CPC溢出椎弓根外或椎管内。周期抗屈实验中,添加CPC可使椎弓根融合器耐受更大的负荷或在同等负荷下仅产生较小的位移。CPC骨水泥强化和修复椎弓根融合器后轴向拔出力明显高于强化前,差异具有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论:沿椎弓根融合器中空部分注入CPC可显著增加椎弓根螺钉的稳定性,并能减少CPC向椎弓根外或椎管内溢出。在活体中即使不添加CPC也有利于骨细胞长入椎弓根融合器侧孔,同样可以增加螺钉的稳定性。适用于螺钉松动和拔出的修复固定。     

聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯强化对骨质疏松椎弓根螺钉固定的生物力学作用

目的探讨聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯 (polymethylmethacrylate,PMMA)骨水泥强化椎弓根螺钉的方法和评价 PMMA强化骨质疏松椎弓根螺钉后的生物力学性质。方法 6具新鲜老年女性胸腰段骨质疏松脊柱标本 (T10～ L5),使用双能 X线骨密度吸收仪测试每个椎体的骨密度,随机取 16个椎体 (32侧椎弓根 ),一侧椎弓根拧入 CCD螺钉,测量最大旋入力偶矩后拔出螺钉作为正常对照组,用 PMMA骨水泥强化椎弓根螺钉作为修复固定组,行螺钉拔出试验;另一侧经导孔直接强化椎弓根螺钉后拔出作为强化固定组,记录三组螺钉的最大轴向拔出力。结果椎体平均骨密度为 (0.445± 0.019)g/cm2;螺钉最大旋入力偶矩为（ 0.525± 0.104） Nm;正常对照组螺钉最大轴向拔出力为 (271.5± 57.3)N;修复固定组为 (765.9± 130.7)N;强化固定组为 (845.7± 105.0)N。 PMMA骨水泥强化或修复骨质疏松椎弓根螺钉后最大抗压力明显高于强化前,差异有非常显著性意义 (P< 0.01)。结论 PMMA骨水泥强化骨质疏松椎弓根螺钉能显著增加螺钉在椎体内的稳固性。     

磷酸钙骨水泥强化椎弓根螺钉固定的生物力学研究

目的:评价磷酸钙骨水泥(calciumphosphatecement,CPC)对椎弓根螺钉固定的强化作用。方法:在两组男性尸体椎骨的一侧直接置入椎弓根螺钉作为对照(对照侧),另一侧填入CPC后再置入螺钉作强化固定(强化侧),15min和12h后测定椎弓根螺钉的最大轴向拔出力(Fmax),然后用CPC重新固定12h后拔松的椎弓根螺钉并测得其Fmax。结果:强化侧Fmax和对照侧比较,15min后提高了55%,12h后提高了83%;重新固定后,两侧Fmax较固定前分别提高了54.2%和63.6%,差别有显著性意义(Wilcoxon's检验,P<0.01)。结论:磷酸钙骨水泥能强化椎弓根螺钉的固定。     

经椎弓根螺钉内固定翻修术的生物力学研究

目的探讨不同直径与长度螺钉翻修及骨水泥强化后椎弓根固定的强度,评价其生物力学效果.方法采用10具新鲜成人尸体T10～L5节段共80个椎体标本.首先置入5.5mm/45mm椎弓根螺钉作为对照组.再将脊椎标本随机平分为Ⅰ、Ⅱ两大组.Ⅰ组中40个椎体各随机选择一侧椎弓根应用6.25mm/45mm螺钉翻修(Ⅰ a组),另一侧椎弓根应用7.0mm/45mm螺钉翻修(Ⅰ b组);Ⅱ组中40个椎体各随机选择一侧椎弓根应用6.25mm/55mm螺钉翻修(Ⅱa组),另一侧椎弓根应用7.0mm/55mm螺钉翻修(Ⅱb组).再随机选择56个椎弓根分别行细小螺钉及粗大螺钉骨水泥强化固定翻修(Ⅲa组、Ⅲb组).在858Mini-MTS生物力学实验机上测试最大拔出力及最大扭力矩,并进行统计分析.结果①6.25mm/45mm螺钉翻修5.5mm/45mm螺钉置入后的椎弓根,其拔出力及扭力矩无明显增加(P＞0.05);应用7.0mm/45mm、6.25mm/55mm及7.0mm/55mm螺钉翻修,把持力及扭力矩均明显增加(P＜0.05).②骨水泥强化固定后,螺钉把持力远大于单纯螺钉翻修组,且与螺钉粗细无关.③在对照组及螺钉翻修组,螺钉把持力与扭力矩间有明显相关性,相关系数r=.86.结论①椎弓根螺钉翻修时,单纯螺钉直径增加1.5mm或直径增加0.75mm、长度增加l0mm以及骨水泥强化均可达到翻修固定的生物力学要求,以骨水泥强化固定更为明显.②增加螺钉直径与长度的翻修中,把持力与扭力矩是一致的;而应用骨水泥强化固定时,螺钉把持力主要取决于骨水泥本身及添加物-骨界面结合强度.     

重度骨质疏松条件下椎弓根螺钉内固定的可靠性研究

目的评价重度骨质疏松条件下椎弓根螺钉的稳定性,为椎弓根内固定在合并有重度骨质疏松症的患者中的选用提供力学理论基础。方法采用新鲜尸体脊柱标本,检测骨密度后,根据诊断标准,选用正常骨质的2具尸体标本、重度骨质疏松的4具尸体标本,分离T12~L5节段成单个椎体以备后用;然后在骨质正常椎体置入椎弓根螺钉12枚作对照组;在重度骨质疏松水平,分单纯置入椎弓根螺钉(pedicle screw,PS)、经磷酸钙骨水泥(calcium phosphate cement,CPC)强化钉道后置入椎弓根螺钉、经聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(polymethylmethacrylate,PMMA)强化钉道后置入椎弓根螺钉三种方法置钉,依次为PS组、CPC/PS组和PMMA/PS组,进行螺钉轴向拔出实验,测最大拔出力、刚度和能量吸收值,对所测指标进行组间对比分析。结果重度疏松条件下,PS组、CPC/PS组和PMMA/PS各组最大拔出力、刚度、能量吸收值均显著低于对照组(P0.005);但是,PMMA/PS组三项指标均显著高于PS组、CPC/PS组(P0.001);PS组、CPC/PS组之间比较仅最大拔出力存在显著性差异(P0.05),刚度与能量吸收值差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论重度骨质疏松条件下,椎弓根螺钉固定强度明显下降,不宜单纯应用普通椎弓根螺钉行脊柱内固定治疗,采用普通骨水泥强化钉道后置钉可以提高椎弓根螺钉稳定性。     

直入式注入PMMA骨水泥强化椎弓根钉内固定生物力学研究

【摘要】 目的 分析直入式骨水泥注入椎体强化方法在体外提高螺钉稳定性的效果。方法采用新鲜尸体脊柱标本共24个椎体,一侧椎弓根采用直入式注入PMMA骨水泥强化椎弓根钉固定作(试验组),另一侧椎弓根采用常规椎弓根螺钉固定(对照组),两侧进行最大轴向拔出力试验、最大旋出力矩试验、周期抗屈试验生物力学测试,比较两组测试结果。结果〓骨水泥强化组中螺钉的稳定性均显著强于单纯常规椎弓根螺钉组(P < 0.05)。结论〓应用PMMA行椎体强化椎弓根钉固定有利于增强对椎弓根钉的把持力,可有效防止椎弓根钉的松动及脱落,具有良好的临床效果。     

geneX骨水泥强化骨质疏松椎体椎弓根钉的生物力学研究

目的评估骨质疏松情况下geneX骨水泥强化椎弓根钉的固定强度。方法应用微量注射泵对30个新鲜小牛腰椎标本注射稀盐酸建立骨质疏松椎体模型。60个椎弓根分为四组:geneX骨水泥组,硫酸钙骨水泥(CSC)组,聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯骨水泥(PMMA)组,对照组。随机选择一侧注射2.5 ml骨水泥,然后置入螺钉;另一侧行正常螺钉固定对照,应用材料试验机进行轴向拔出力测试,记录各组的轴向最大拔出力和能量吸收值并进行比较。结果 geneX组与CSC组两组拔出力及能量吸收值比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),两组均显著低于PMMA组(P<0.05),两组均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论 geneX骨水泥强化椎弓根钉可显著提高椎弓根固定强度,geneX骨水泥可用作椎弓根强化螺钉的填充材料。     

CPC提高椎体钉固定强度的体外实验研究

目的探讨磷酸钙骨水泥(calcium phosphate cement,CPC)强化骨质疏松椎体钉后穿透单侧椎体皮质固定的可行性。方法选用新鲜成人尸体胸腰段骨质疏松标本24个,实验组为骨水泥(PMMA)和磷酸钙骨水泥灌注后椎体钉穿透单侧椎体皮质固定;对照组为无骨水泥强化,螺钉穿透双侧椎体皮质固定。应用螺钉拔出实验,记录螺钉最大拔出力并观察椎体破坏形态。结果三组拉出力值PMMA组(811.19±188.58N)、CPC组(541.89±101.44N)、对照组(374.21±77.66N)差异有显著性,P<0.01。分别增加122%±56%和50%±37%。对照组(8例)螺钉拔出破坏时均为螺钉抽出,在8例PMMA强化椎体中所有椎体均有不同程度骨折。而在8例CPC强化椎体中仅1例发生椎体骨折。结论应用CPC强化骨质疏松椎体钉简化手术步骤、增加手术安全性是可行的。     

强化膨胀式椎弓根螺钉翻修作用的生物力学评价

目的测试骨水泥强化膨胀式椎弓根螺钉(augmentation expansive pedicle screwfixa-tion with polymethyl methacrylate,AEPS),未强化的膨胀式椎弓根螺钉(expansive pedicle screw,EPS),CDH椎弓根螺钉翻修后的最大轴向拔出力,评价AEPS螺钉的翻修效应。方法24个新鲜小牛腰椎随机分成三组,AEPS组、EPS组、CDH组,每组8个椎体,三组椎体的椎弓根处均预先植入直径6.5mm CDH螺钉,拔出螺钉造成螺钉松动脱出的脊柱模型,然后分别植入AEPS、EPS、CDH螺钉,再次拔出螺钉,记录翻修后最大轴向拔出力。结果AEPS、EPS、CDH螺钉翻修后的最大拔出力分别为(2723.3±565.4)、(2216.3±475.6)和(1321.4±346.7)N,AEPS和EPS螺钉最大拔出力均显著高于CDH螺钉(P<0.05),AEPS轴向拔出力高于EPS螺钉,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论AEPS与EPS螺钉具有相当的翻修作用。     

磷酸钙骨水泥加强骨质疏松性肱骨近端骨折内固定的生物力学研究

目的 通过比较注射型磷酸钙骨水泥(CPC)和聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)骨水泥在加强骨质疏松性肱骨近端骨折内固定中的生物力学表现,探讨注射型CPC替代PMMA骨水泥作为肱骨近端骨缺损填充材料的可行性. 方法选择42个甲醛浸泡的老年女性尸体肱骨标本,制作成肱骨近端三部分骨折合并骨缺损模型.模型随机分三组:CPC填充组、PMMA骨水泥填充组和空白对照组,分别对三组标本进行压缩、拉伸及松质骨螺钉轴向拔出试验,测量极限压缩载荷、极限拉伸载荷及松质骨螺钉初始松动加载力等相关数据. 结果 CPC组和PMMA组的最大压缩载荷、拉伸载荷和螺钉松动强度均显著高于空白对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);而CPC组和PMMA组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论注射型CPC能够获得与PMMA骨水泥近似的力学强度,可以认为是能够较好替代PMMA骨水泥的生物材料.     

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.