同种带瓣主动脉和带瓣肺动脉补片在儿童复杂先心病的应用

１９８９年１１月至１９９２年７月期间，应用低温保存同种带瓣大动脉纠治儿童复杂性先心病１２例。病人年龄２～１６岁（７．２±３．７岁），体重８～３１．５ｋｇ（１８．９±６．６ｋｇ）。诊断为法乐氏四联症（ＴＯＦ）８例，其中伴肺动脉瓣闭锁３例；冠状动脉畸形１例；严重肺动脉发育不良２例；左肺动脉缺如２例。大动脉错位伴室间隔缺损和肺动脉狭窄２例；永存动脉干畸形（Ⅱ型）２例。８例应用同种带瓣管道作右室流出道与肺动脉连接，４例应用同种带瓣肺动脉片作跨瓣环右室流出道扩大术。本组死亡１例，最长随访时间３年。文中对同种带瓣管道的取材方法，保存技术及应用方法作了讨论。     

肺动脉右心室直接吻合纠治复杂先天性心脏病

目的 探讨肺动脉右心室直接吻合纠治复杂先天性心脏病的效果。方法 2001年3月至2004年6月，对17例复杂先天性心脏病病儿采用肺动脉右心室直接吻合方法予以纠治，其中3周岁以下者11例。肺动脉闭锁合并室间隔缺损6例，完全性大动脉错位合并室间隔缺损和肺动脉狭窄4例，永存动脉干4例，法洛四联症合并冠状动脉横跨右心室流出道3例。12例一期根治，5例分期纠治。结果 手术死亡1例。5例分期手术中的3例已成功二期根治。随访1～40个月，所有病儿生长发育良好，心功能0～Ⅰ级。结论 肺动脉右心室直接吻合应用于纠治某些复杂先天性心脏病可取得满意效果。对无同种带瓣管道可选用的婴幼儿病例，此术式尤为适用。     

重建右心室流出道中BalMedic管道与同种异体带瓣管道比较

目的 比较国产牛颈静脉带瓣BalMedic管道与同种异体带瓣管道(Homograft)在右心室流出道重建中的临床效果.方法 2003年1月至2009年7月,使用Homograft管道重建右心室流出道患者10例,使用BalMedic管道重建右心室流出道患者14例.术后1年复查超声心动图,检测移植管道内径、远端吻合口压差、新建肺动脉瓣跨瓣压差、有无血栓形成或瘤样扩张及肺动脉瓣反流程度.结果 Homograft组9例治愈出院,1例因感染性心内膜炎引起多器官功能衰竭死亡,与管道明确相关;BalMedic管道组13例治愈出院,1例于术后第2天因心力衰竭死亡.两组肺动脉瓣及远端吻合口均未见明显狭窄(压差＜ 20 mm Hg)(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),且组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组均无血栓形成,且未见瘤样扩张.Homograft组肺动脉瓣轻度反流2例,中度1例;BalMedic管道组轻度反流4例,无中、重度反流.结论 对于右心室流出道重建,两种管道可获相同治疗效果.鉴于BalMedic管道方便获取、易于保存及更加匹配等特点,将有更好的应用前景.     

自体主动脉瓣移植纠治完全性大血管错位伴肺动脉瓣狭窄

目的探讨解剖纠治完全性大血管错位（TGA）伴肺动脉瓣狭窄的手术方法。方法1例8月龄、体重6．5kg的TGA伴肺动脉瓣狭窄男病婴，术中将原主动脉瓣移植至肺动脉瓣处形成新的主动脉；再行Switch术，同种带瓣管道连接右心室与肺动脉。另1例10月龄、体重9．8kg的该病男病婴，术中将整个主动脉瓣取下，保留左、右冠状动脉，向后移植，后半部分直接与原肺动脉瓣环连续缝合，前半部分与室间隔缺损之间采用dacron补片连续缝合关闭；肺动脉与右心室切口直接连接。结果2例手术均取得成功。出院时超声检查各吻合口通畅，无残余分流．无主动脉瓣反流。术后随访12个月和6个月，生长发育良好，心胸比率0．75。超声示左心功能良好，前例示主动脉瓣轻度反流．后例左、右心室流出道无残余梗阻．结论采用自体主动脉瓣移植纠治完全性大血管错位伴肺动脉瓣和瓣下狭窄，从解剖上得到彻底纠治．效果良好。由于病例少，随访时间短．还需进一步观察。     

双调转术纠治小儿纠正型大血管错位伴肺动脉狭窄

目的 分析和评估纠正型大血管错位伴肺动脉狭窄病儿采用双调转(Double-Switch)手术的治疗效果.方法 2001年8月至2008年12月采用Double-Switch手术行纠正型大血管错位伴肺动脉狭窄21例.其中男11例,女10例;年龄3.5个月至6.3岁,平均(31±18)个月;体重6～28 kg,平均(13.1±6.5)kg.室间隔缺损(VSD)为膜周型15例,远离大动脉1例,肺动脉下5例.轻度二尖瓣反流2例,中度反流2例.采用Senning+Rastelli手术方法 .13例右心室与肺总动脉的连接采用牛颈静脉管道.结果 全组均生存.体外循环转流156～287 min,平均(202.0±35.8)min;主动脉阻断93～161min,平均(138.0±19.8)min.均无完全性房室传导阻滞.随防2～5年,上腔静脉流速增快3例(1.8～2.2)m/s,其中1例术后2.6年再次手术解除上腔静脉梗阻,余2例在随防中;肺静脉回流均无明显梗阻;牛颈静脉管道通畅,解剖右室流出道连接处梗阻2例,压力阶差在30～45 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133kPa),尚在随防中.结论 Double-Switch手术纠治纠正型大血管错位伴肺动脉狭窄的复杂型先心病,取得了较好效果,但仍需进一步随访,以观察这类复杂手术方法 的长期疗效.     

Ross-Konno手术治疗儿童主动脉瓣及瓣下狭窄的临床疗效

目的评价Ross-Konno手术治疗儿童主动脉瓣及瓣下狭窄的早期临床疗效。方法 2018年12月至2019年12月,共12例患儿因主动脉瓣及瓣下狭窄在我科接受手术治疗,其中男8例、女4例,接受手术时中位年龄4岁(11个月~12岁)。Ross-Konno手术11例,单纯Ross手术1例。主动脉瓣重度狭窄8例,主动脉瓣关闭不全2例,狭窄合并关闭不全2例。合并主动脉二瓣化畸形6例,瓣下流出道显著狭窄4例,合并二尖瓣病变4例,合并弓部病变3例。手术采用自体肺动脉带瓣管道移植于主动脉瓣位,同期采用Konno法扩大左室流出道。采用牛颈静脉或带瓣Gore-tex人工血管重建右室流出道,并同期矫治心内合并畸形。所有患者均经多普勒彩色超声心动图定期进行随访评估。结果全组无手术死亡。术后中位随访时间5.5(1~12)个月,1例患儿残余左室流出道中度狭窄,其余患儿无显著左室流出道残余梗阻或复发梗阻,无新主动脉瓣显著反流。1例患儿肺动脉带瓣管道主干中度狭窄,余重建右室流出道血流通畅,无明显瓣膜反流及赘生物形成。结论对于不适合瓣膜成形或置换术的儿童主动脉瓣膜病变,Ross-Konno手术早期结果满意。     

Rastelli手术治疗大动脉转位伴室间隔缺损

目的介绍Rastelli手术治疗大动脉错位伴室间隔缺损的经验.方法全组49例中男29例,女20例.平均年龄5.6岁;平均体重17.2kg.完全性大动脉转位31例,纠正性大动脉转位18例;伴肺动脉狭窄45例,伴肺动脉高压4例.均在低温体外循环下行Rastelli手术.二期根治5例.体外循环灌注(178.5±52.5)min;主动脉阻断(109.2±38.3) min.结果手术早期死亡6例,死亡率12.2%.死因为肺动脉高压危象、肾衰、心律紊乱和严重低心输出量综合征.术后并发症有心律紊乱、肺动脉高压危象、蛛网膜下腔出血、脑功能紊乱、肾衰及多脏器功能衰竭、心包或胸腔积液、感染等.CICU平均监护7.3 d.随访中因同种带瓣大动脉(VHC)感染死亡1例.结论完全性大动脉转位手术中,右室流出道直切口有利于心内隧道修补室间隔缺损;纠正性大动脉转位手术中,解剖右室径路显露缺损较好且易避开传导系统,但不利于术后心功能恢复.而解剖左室径路修补室间隔缺损的房室传导阻滞发生率高;大于4岁者手术宜选择大号VHC可减少再次手术几率;对无长段左室流出道狭窄的完全性大动脉转位病婴,可在动脉换位术基础上行肺动脉瓣叶交界切开或Konno术以解除左室流出道梗阻.为防止术后功能性二尖瓣反流,对伴肺动脉狭窄的纠正性大动脉转位病儿,提倡心房-大动脉双换位手术.     

改良主、肺动脉根部置换术治疗伴左室流出道梗阻的大动脉错位

目的 探讨一种新的主、肺动脉根部置换手术治疗合并室间隔缺损(VSD)、左室流出道梗阻(LVOTO)的大动脉错位(TGA).方法 4例伴LVOTO、VSD的TGA患者及1例伴LVOTO、VSD的右心室双流出口患者,被采用改良的Nikaidoh技术将主动脉和肺动脉根部完整互换移植、冠状动脉移植以及双心室流出道重建;其中2例房室异常连接患者被同期施行Senning手术.结果 所有患者手术均获成功,术后恢复良好.术后平均随访5.40个月,生长发育好.超声心动图检查提示心室功能良好,主动脉瓣无反流;2例患者肺动脉瓣有少量反流.结论 保留半月瓣的主、肺动脉根部置换术治疗伴LVOTO的复杂型TGA患者,不仅可获得解剖根治,同时解决了右心室流出道的非生长性问题,改进的冠状动脉再植技术扩大了Nikaidoh手术的适应范围,并获得很好的近期疗效.但其远期疗效仍需更大组的手术例数及更长期的随访来验证.     

法乐四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如的外科治疗

法乐四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如临床少见。作者单位自１９６６年５月以来共收治的法乐四联症２２９４例，其中合并一侧肺动脉缺如２３例（约占１％），左肺动脉缺如１９例，右肺动脉缺如４例。９例应用右心室到肺动脉心外管道，其余的应用带单瓣右心室流出道补片。手术死亡２例，手术死亡率为８．７％。存活者术后恢复顺利，远期疗效较满意。作者认为，四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如应选用带单瓣右心室流出道补片，如有异常冠状动脉或肺动脉闭锁则用右心室到肺动脉同种带瓣主动脉心外管道。     

法洛四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如的手术治疗

目的报告法洛四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如的外科治疗。方法８例法洛四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如患者，左侧肺动脉缺如７例，右侧肺动脉缺如１例；其中２例肺动脉闭锁。６例行一期根治术，２例先行体－肺动脉分流术，再分别于术后８个月和１１个月行二期根治术。６例应用带单瓣补片跨瓣加宽右心室流出道，２例采用右心室到肺动脉带瓣管道。结果全组术后出现呼吸衰竭２例，低心排血量综合征３例；其中１例死于心力衰竭，死亡率１２．５％。７例长期存活者术后随访０．５～５．０年，平均２．５６年，无晚期死亡，心功能Ⅰ级６例，心功能Ⅱ级１例。结论法洛四联症合并一侧肺动脉缺如根治术时，必须严格掌握手术适应证，右心室流出道跨瓣补片应带单瓣     

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.