Neuroform Atlas支架在颅内动脉分叉处宽颈动脉瘤栓塞中的应用体会

目的 探讨Neuroform Atlas支架在颅内动脉分叉处宽颈动脉瘤栓塞中的价值。方法 回顾性分析2021年1～9月16例采用Neuroform Atlas支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗颅内动脉分叉处宽颈动脉瘤的临床和影像学资料。动脉瘤位于大脑中动脉分叉处8例，大脑前动脉分叉处4例，大脑前、中动脉分叉处2例，大脑前动脉A2远端分叉处1例，大脑后动脉P2分叉处1例。破裂动脉瘤10例(术前Hunt-Hess分级Ⅰ级6例，Ⅱ级2例，Ⅲ级2例),未破裂动脉瘤6例。结果 均在单一Neuroform Atlas支架辅助下完成栓塞，技术成功率100%。术后即刻造影显示动脉瘤完全闭塞13例，瘤颈残留2例，瘤体残留1例。术中及围手术期未观察到介入操作相关并发症。出院前改良Rankin量表(mRS)0～1分11例，2分3例，3分2例。16例随访时间3～14个月，(7.8±3.2)月。mRS评分0～1分14例，2分1例，3分1例。9例术后3～6个月行DSA,动脉瘤完全闭塞8例，瘤颈残留1例，9例均未见载瘤动脉狭窄或支架内闭塞。结论 Neuroform Atlas支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗颅内动脉分叉处宽颈动脉瘤安全，...     

Lvis支架与Enterprise支架辅助栓塞颅内宽颈动脉瘤的比较

目的比较Lvis支架和Enterprise支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞颅内宽颈动脉瘤的安全性和有效性。方法回顾性比较Lvis或Enterprise支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞颅内宽颈动脉瘤212例(214个动脉瘤),其中Lvis组88例(90个动脉瘤),Enterprise组124例(124个动脉瘤),比较2组动脉瘤栓塞即刻及随访时栓塞程度Raymond分级、围术期并发症、mRS评分。结果 Lvis组置入支架90个,Enterprise组124个。术后即刻DSA:Lvis组RaymondⅠ级77.3%(68/88),Ⅱ级13.6%(12/88),Ⅲ级9.1%(8/88);Enterprise组RaymondⅠ级75.8%(94/124),Ⅱ级15.3%(19/124),Ⅲ级8.9%(11/124),2组比较差异无显著性(Z=-0.214,P=0.830)。术后随访复查DSA:Lvis组RaymondⅠ级90.4%(76/84),Ⅱ级4.8%(4/84),Ⅲ级2.4%(2/84),2例术后6个月复发;Enterprise组RaymondⅠ级72.8%(86/118),Ⅱ级15.3%(18/118),Ⅲ级8.5%(10/118),4例术后6个月复发,2组比较差异有显著性(Z=-3.312,P=0.002)。围手术期支架相关并发症发生率Lvis组11.4%(10/88),与Enterprise组5.6%(7/124)比较无统计学差异(χ~2=2.282,P=0.131)。2组术后6个月mRS评分0～2分Lvis组85.2%(75/88),Enterprise组78.2%(97/124),2组比较差异无显著性(Z=-1.145,P=0.252)。结论 Lvis支架和Enterprise支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗颅内宽颈动脉瘤安全、有效。     

闭环支架半释放技术在颅内宽颈动脉瘤血管内介入治疗中的应用

目的 探讨闭环支架半释放技术在弹簧圈栓塞颅内宽颈动脉瘤治疗中的安全性和有效性。方法 回顾性分析2019年12月～2021年1月采用闭环支架半释放技术辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗37例颅内宽颈动脉瘤的临床和影像学资料。共40个动脉瘤，其中破裂动脉瘤21个，未破裂19个。结果 16个动脉瘤使用LVIS支架，24个动脉瘤使用Enterprise或Enterprise2支架。技术成功率100%(40/40)。术中支架内血栓形成发生率8.1%(3/37)。术后即刻DSA显示RaymondⅠ级32个，Ⅱ级5个，Ⅲ级3个。出院时改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale, mRS)评分0分32例，1分2例，2分3例。37例随访时间6～19个月，平均9.6月。出院后3个月mRS 0分33例，1分2例，2分2例。末次DSA显示RaymondⅠ级31个，Ⅱ级6个，Ⅲ级3个。31个动脉瘤治愈，7个动脉瘤稳定，2个动脉瘤复发。结论 闭环支架半释放技术在颅内宽颈动脉瘤的血管内介入治疗中安全有效。     

保持载瘤动脉通畅的椎动脉夹层动脉瘤治疗：附28例报告

目的:探讨保持载瘤动脉的椎动脉夹层动脉瘤治疗方法及效果。方法:回顾性分析2013年1月—2018年10月28例接受保持载瘤动脉通畅治疗的颅内椎动脉夹层动脉瘤患者的临床资料。结果:28例患者中,未破裂12例,破裂16例,平均年龄(51.8±7.5)岁。28例患者手术技术成功率为100%。5例未破裂患者采用单纯2枚及2枚以上支架植入,术后即刻造影显示动脉瘤内造影剂滞留,随访造影发现动脉瘤消失或动脉瘤明显变小,Raymond分级Ⅰ级3例(3/5),Ⅱ级例2(3/5)。另外23例患者采用2枚重叠支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞,术后即刻造影显示,动脉瘤Raymond分级Ⅰ级11(11/23)例,Raymond分级Ⅱ级5(5/23)例,Raymond分级Ⅲ级7(7/23)例,其中19例(19/23)获随访(14.5±7.9)个月。随访造影发现动脉瘤Raymond分级Ⅰ级16例(16/19),Raymond分级Ⅱ级3例(3/19),无Raymond分级Ⅲ级病例。16例破裂患者中,2例发生支架内血栓形成或术后穿支事件,给予溶栓治疗后消退。预后mRS评分≤2分27例(27/28),≥3分1例(1/28)。结论:保持载瘤动脉通畅,多支架或多支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞椎动脉夹层动脉瘤可以获得较好的临床结果。     

血管内治疗大脑前动脉远端动脉瘤

目的观察血管内治疗大脑前动脉远端(DACA)动脉瘤的效果。方法回顾性分析14例接受血管内治疗的DACA动脉瘤患者(共15个动脉瘤),对10个动脉瘤行单纯弹簧圈栓塞、4个动脉瘤行支架辅助下弹簧圈栓塞,1个以Onyx胶栓塞。之后复查DSA,根据Raymond分级评价即刻疗效。术后6个月复查DSA,以改良Rankin量表(mRS)评估预后,mRS评分0~2分为结局良好。结果术后即刻12个动脉瘤Ⅰ级栓塞,3个Ⅱ级栓塞。术中、术后均未发生缺血等并发症。1例术后12 h死于动脉瘤再次破裂出血。术后6个月随访显示1例复发,10例结局良好(mRS评分0~2分),另2例mRS评分分别为3分、4分。结论个体化血管内治疗DACA动脉瘤安全、有效。     

颅内分叉部动脉瘤复发后行支架辅助栓塞再治疗的临床效果

目的探讨初次行单纯弹簧圈栓塞或开颅夹闭术治疗后复发的颅内分叉部动脉瘤患者行支架辅助栓塞再治疗的可行性及有效性。方法回顾性分析2009年3月至2019年11月复旦大学附属华山医院放射科介入组收治的初次行单纯弹簧圈栓塞或开颅夹闭术治疗后复发并接受支架辅助栓塞再治疗的20例颅内分叉部动脉瘤患者的临床资料。男性9例,女性11例,中位年龄55.5岁(范围:33~71岁);首次治疗行单纯弹簧圈栓塞17例、开颅夹闭术3例;复发后15例行单支架辅助栓塞治疗,5例行Y形双支架辅助栓塞治疗。收集患者围手术期情况、术后并发症及预后情况。采用Mann-Whitney U检验对患者初次及再次治疗后的随访时间进行比较;采用t检验对再次治疗前、术后即刻及末次随访时近端载瘤动脉主干与支架侧分支的夹角大小进行比较。结果20例患者中,18例(90.0%)患者术后即刻脑血管造影示致密栓塞(RaymondⅠ型),2例(10.0%)示瘤颈少许残余(RaymondⅡ型),术后随访[M(QR)]8.5(16.3)个月,与初次治疗后随访时间的15.5(27.0)个月相比,差异无统计学意义(U=157.7,P=0.25)。随访期间2例患者复发,均为术后即刻瘤颈少许残余病例,其中1例为Y形双支架辅助栓塞病例。围手术期发生症状性缺血6例,其中4例为Y形双支架辅助栓塞病例;未发生围手术期出血等并发症,无手术相关的永久性致残及死亡病例。术后即刻和末次随访时载瘤动脉主干与支架所在分支成角分别为(115.4±28.9)°和(132.6±26.8)°,均较术前的(90.1±21.1)°明显增大(t=5.14,P<0.01;t=7.78,P<0.01)。结论初次弹簧圈栓塞或开颅夹闭术后复发的颅内分叉动脉瘤患者再次接受支架辅助栓塞是可行的,动脉瘤再复发率较低。     

NeuroformⅡ支架联合MatrixⅡ弹簧圈治疗颅内宽颈动脉瘤的初步经验

目的探讨NeuroformⅡ支架植入联合MatrixⅡ弹簧圈栓塞治疗颅内宽颈动脉瘤的疗效、技术要点、安全性及并发症防治。方法诊断为颅内宽颈动脉瘤的病人11例,其中大脑前动脉瘤2例,后交通动脉瘤4例,眼动脉瘤1例,大脑中动脉瘤2例,椎基底动脉瘤2例。7例先行NeuroformⅡ支架瘤颈成形,将微导管通过支架网眼置入动脉瘤内,填塞弹簧圈;4例先置入微导管于动脉瘤内,再释放支架后栓塞,术后3~6个月随访。结果所有病例栓塞操作均顺利完成,无手术并发症;其中致密填塞8例,部分致密填塞3例,术后病人均恢复良好,4例短期随访无再出血及血栓栓塞症状发生。结论NeuroformⅡ支架联合MatrixⅡ弹簧圈治疗颅内宽颈动脉瘤安全、有效。     

支架辅助栓塞与单纯栓塞治疗颅内动脉瘤的安全性和有效性对比分析

目的 比较颅内动脉瘤支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞与单纯弹簧圈栓塞治疗的安全性和有效性。方法 回顾性分析宜兴市人民医院从2009年6月至2020年9月收治的401例接受支架辅助栓塞或者单纯栓塞治疗的颅内动脉瘤患者,记录患者的临床及影像学资料,对比分析并发症的发生率、动脉瘤复发率、预后效果等。结果 277例患者采用单纯弹簧圈栓塞治疗,124例患者采用支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗。支架辅助栓塞组栓塞后即刻Raymond分级为Ⅰ级、Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级者占比分别为72.6%(90例)、21.8%(27例)、5.6%(7例),而单纯栓塞组为58.1%(161例)、32.9%(91例)、9.0%(25例),支架辅助栓塞组的动脉瘤术后即刻栓塞率较高(P=0.022)。单纯栓塞组手术相关并发症发生率为6.5%(18/277),而支架辅助栓塞组为8.1%(10/124),两者比较无明显差异(P=0.569)。单纯栓塞组和支架辅助栓塞组的死亡率比较无明显差异(3.3%vs. 4.0%,P=0.693),但支架辅助栓塞组术后6个月复查的复发率明显低于单纯栓塞组(12.6%vs. 22.2%,P=0.042)。结论 与单纯弹簧圈栓塞相...     

支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞在急诊栓塞颅内宽颈微小动脉瘤破裂中的应用

目的探讨支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞在治疗急诊治疗颅内破裂宽颈微小动脉瘤(最大径≤3mm)中的操作技巧及临床疗效。方法回顾急诊支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗的7例颅内破裂宽颈微小动脉瘤患者资料,分析治疗方法、疗效、并发症、预后及6~12个月随访结果,评价支架技术的安全性、有效性及操作技巧。结果术后即刻造影显示,完全栓塞5例,次全栓塞1例,单纯植入支架1例;未发生破裂出血及血栓栓塞事件。术后3个月改良式格拉斯哥预后评分(GOS)结果显示,6例恢复正常,1例恢复良好。6~12个月随访未发现动脉瘤再破裂出血。结论支架辅助弹簧圈急诊栓塞治疗颅内破裂宽颈微小动脉瘤安全有效。     

大脑中动脉分叉部动脉瘤的血管内治疗

目的总结大脑中动脉分叉部动脉瘤的诊断和血管内治疗方法。方法 2010年1月-2011年6月,收治32例大脑中动脉分叉部动脉瘤患者并行血管内治疗。男12例,女20例;年龄35～81岁,平均49.5岁。患者均有突发头痛病史,其中2例有意识障碍伴一侧肢体活动受限;22例有高血压病史。术前Hunt-Hess分级:Ⅰ级10例,Ⅱ级15例,Ⅲ级7例;Fisher分级:Ⅱ级24例,Ⅲ级8例。16例患者应用单微导管弹簧圈栓塞,7例应用双微导管弹簧圈栓塞,4例应用球囊辅助弹簧圈栓塞,4例应用单支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞,1例应用双支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞。结果术后即刻数字减影血管造影检查示,除2例单微导管弹簧圈栓塞者获近乎致密栓塞外,余均获致密栓塞。术中18例蛛网膜下腔广泛出血,行腰大池置管持续引流3～7 d;余14例有少量蛛网膜下腔出血,术后间断腰椎穿刺缓慢释放血性脑脊液。术后1周颅脑CT示蛛网膜下腔出血量明显减少。术后1 d,2例出现局部脑缺血,经尼莫同等药物抗血管痉挛治疗1周后缓解。32例均获随访,随访时间4～17个月。患者无动脉瘤破裂再出血,术后3例一侧肢体瘫痪,1例术后失语,余无并发症及后遗症发生。术后3、6个月及1年复查计算机断层摄影血管造影术示致密栓塞的动脉瘤未再通。结论选择合适的介入治疗方法,大脑中动脉分叉部动脉瘤的血管内治疗是安全、可靠的。     

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.