帕瑞昔布钠超前镇痛对腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者术后炎性因子及应激激素的影响

目的观察帕瑞昔布钠超前镇痛对腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者术后炎性因子及应激激素的影响和术后镇痛效果。方法2010年3～9月60例择期拟行全麻下腹腔镜胆囊切除术的患者,按随机数字表随机分为2组,研究组（帕瑞昔布钠组）和对照组（生理盐水组）,每组30例。2组患者分别在麻醉前30rain于静脉注射用生理盐水稀释成2ml的帕瑞昔布钠40rag或生理盐水2ml。分别在注射帕瑞昔布钠或生理盐水前10min（T1）、术后即刻（T2）、术后6h（T3）、12h（T4）、24h（T5）抽取静脉血样,测定血浆P物质、白细胞介素一6（IL．6）、肿瘤坏死因子（TNF一仪）的浓度以及血浆肾上腺素（E）、去甲肾上腺素（NE）水平。手术结束24h内采用视觉模拟评分法（VAS）评价术后1、2、4、6、8、12、24h的镇痛效果。结果研究组血P物质浓度在T2和T3时点显著低于对照组[T2：（101．66±8．16）pg／mlV8．（139．42±6．05）pg／ml,t：～20．360,P：0．000;T3：（119．51±10．13）pg／mlvs．（146．67±5．11）pg／ml,t=－13．111,P=0．000]。研究组血浆IL-6浓度在T2、T3、T4时点显著低于对照组[T2：（48．43±10．13）pg／mlvs．（67．41±12．03）Pg／ml,t=－6．610,P=0．000;T3：（61．87±12．31）pg／mlVS．（96．25±36．51）pg／ml,t=－4．887,P：0．000;T4：（42．35±11．18）pg／mlV8．（60．51±10．09）pg／ml,t=－6．605,P=0．000]。研究组血浆TNF一0【浓度在T2、T3、T4时点显著低于对照组（P〈0．05）。研究组血浆E和NE浓度在T2、T3时点均显著低于对照组（P〈0．05）。研究组术后1、2、4、6、8、12h静态和动态VAS评分显著低于对照组（P〈0．05）。结论腹腔镜胆囊切除术术前给予帕瑞昔布钠能产生良好的超前镇痛效应,减少炎性因子的产生,降低应激激素的释放,有利于术后恢复。     

帕瑞昔布钠与舒芬太尼在肛肠病术后镇痛的应用

为比较帕瑞昔布钠和舒芬太尼联合应用与单纯应用舒芬太尼在肛肠病术后的镇痛效果和不良反应,将肛肠病术后病人120例随机分为帕瑞昔布钠组和对照组各60例。手术结束时帕瑞昔布钠组静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠40mg和舒芬太尼1．00pg／ml行静脉自控镇痛（PCIA）,12h后帕瑞昔布钠组再静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠40mg;对照组单纯应用舒芬太尼1．50μg／ml行PCIA。观察两组病人术后2,4,6,12h和24h的疼痛强度（VAS评分）、镇痛的补救以及不良反应的发生率。结果显示,与对照组相比,帕瑞昔布钠组术后舒芬太尼用最减少,不良反应发生率降低,术后24h镇痛满意度明显提高（P〈0．05）,而两组12h和24h VAS评分无显著性差异（P〉0．05）。结果表明,肛肠病术后静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠可减少术后舒芬太尼的用量,提高病人术后镇痛效果。     

帕瑞昔布结合切口局麻用于腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术后镇痛的临床研究北大核心CSCD

目的观察帕瑞昔布结合切口局麻用于腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术后的镇痛效果。方法选择气管全麻下行腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术的患者160例,将患者分为4组,每组40例。在手术结束前10min,A组静注生理盐水4ml及切口予生理盐水浸润（对照组）,B组静注帕瑞昔布钠40mg及切口予生理盐水浸润（帕瑞昔布组）,C组静注生理盐水4ml及切口予0．75％罗哌卡因局部浸润麻醉（罗哌卡因）,D组静注帕瑞昔布钠40mg及切口予0．75％罗哌卡因局部浸润麻醉（帕瑞昔布＋罗哌卡因）。结果术后6h,A组与C组疼痛评分无明显差异,D组VAS评分低于A、B、C三组（P〈0．05）。术后24h,C组与A、B组评分差异无统计学意义;而D组VAS评分显著低于A、B、C三组（P〈0．05）。D组对整体镇痛质量满意度达95．0％,显著高于A、B、C三组（P〈0．05）。结论帕瑞昔布钠结合切口局麻可以为腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术术后早期提供良好的镇痛效果。     

地佐辛联合帕瑞昔布钠在混合痔患者术后镇痛中的应用

为探讨地佐辛联合帕瑞昔布钠在混合痔患者术后镇痛中的应用效果,选择择期行混合痔切除术者80例进行研究,患者ASA分级Ⅰ～Ⅱ级,均采用腰硬联合阻滞麻醉,腰麻药物为0．5％罗哌卡因1．5ml。将80例患者随机分为四组,即生理盐水组（NS组）、地佐辛组（D组）、帕瑞昔布钠组（P组）、地佐辛联合帕瑞昔布钠组（DP组）,各20例,于手术结束前10min经静脉滴注相应药物。对比各组患者术后4h（T4）、8h（T8）、12h（T12）、24h（T24）时的疼痛情况（VAS评分）、术后补给镇痛药（双氯芬酸钠缓释片）量和不良反应。结果显示,T。时点各组间VAs评分比较差异无统计学意义,P〉0．05。T8和T12时点,P组、NS组、D组VAS评分均高于DP组,差异均有统计学意义,P〈0.05;D组与P组比较差异无统计学意义,P〉0.05。T24时点,DP组VAS评分与P组和D组比较差异无统计学意义,P〉0．05;与NS组VAS评分比较差异有统计学意义,P〈0.05。DP组术后补给镇痛药量略少于D组和P组,明显少于NS组,P〈0．05。D组不良反应发生率明显高于其他三组,P〈0．05;DP组和P组比较差异无统计学意义,P〉0.05。结果表明,地佐辛和帕瑞昔布钠联合对混合痔患者进行术后镇痛效果优于两药单独应用,且可以减少其他镇痛药用量,不良反应较少,是一种理想的镇痛方法,值得临床推广应用。     

帕瑞昔布钠对全膝关节置换术后股神经阻滞镇痛及膝关节功能恢复的影响--前瞻、双盲、随机对照研究

目的：评价帕瑞昔布钠对全膝关节置换术后连续股神经阻滞的镇痛效果及对早期膝关节功能恢复的影响。方法2012年5～12月择期行全膝关节置换术患者100例,于腰麻硬膜外联合麻醉前行连续股神经阻滞并用于术后镇痛。患者以随机、双盲形式分为2组：连续股神经镇痛组（ C组）和帕瑞昔布钠联合连续股神经镇痛组（ P组）,P组于切皮前30 min和术后12、24、36和48 h静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠40 mg,C组给予等量生理盐水。术后对2组静息和被动运动时膝关节前后部疼痛视觉模拟评分（ visual analogue scale ,VAS）、镇痛泵按压次数、主动直腿抬高时间、被动屈膝90°时间、术前及术后72 h美国特种外科医院膝关节评分（ Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score ,HSS）进行评估。结果静息时膝关节前部VAS评分各时点2组相似（P＞0．05）,后部VAS评分在术后8、12、24、48 h时P组比C组降低（P＜0．05）;膝关节被动运动时前部VAS评分在24、48 h时P组比C组降低（P＜0．05）,后部VAS评分在24 h时P组比C组降低（P＜0．05）;镇痛泵按压次数在术后4～8 h及8～12 h时间段P组比C组减少（P＜0．05）;2组术前、术后72 h HSS评分差异无显著性（P＞0．05）;主动直腿抬高时间、被动屈膝90°时间P组比C组缩短（P＜0．05）。结论帕瑞昔布钠对全膝关节置换术后连续股神经阻滞的患者在一定程度上缓解疼痛,缩短主动直腿抬高时间、被动屈膝90°时间从而部分改善早期膝关节功能,具有较好的促进恢复作用。     

帕瑞昔布在老年股骨转子间骨折术后镇痛的应用

目的探讨帕瑞昔布应用于老年股骨转子间骨折术后镇痛的临床效果和安全性。方法老年股骨转子间骨折手术患者60例,随机分为帕瑞昔布组（30例）和静脉自控镇痛组（对照组,30例）。比较两组间术后镇痛效果、吗啡累计使用量、不良反应发生数等指标。结果帕瑞昔布组在术后6、12、24h的VAS分值明显小于对照组（P〈0．05）;两组在术后2、48h的VAS分值近似（P〉0．05）。帕瑞昔布组吗啡累计使用量明显小于对照组（P〈0．05）,不良反应发生数亦少于对照组。结论老年股骨转子问骨折患者术后使用帕瑞昔布镇痛效果理想,利于患者康复,不良反应少,安全性高。     

帕瑞昔布钠在胸腰椎骨折手术全身麻醉中应用的临床观察

目的;探讨帕瑞昔布钠在胸腰椎骨折手术中,超前镇痛及预防苏醒期躁动的效果及其安全性。方法：40例ASAⅠ-Ⅱ级择期胸腰椎骨折手术患者,随机分为帕瑞昔布钠组（P组）和生理盐水组（N组）（n=20）。两组均采用两泊酚、舒芬太尼复合全身麻醉。术前,P组静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠2ml（40mg）。N组静脉注射生理盐水2ml。分别记录麻醉诱导前（T1）、拔除气管导管前（停药10min,T2）,拨管时（T3）、拔管后10min（T4）各时间点．两组的评价动脉压（MAP）、心率（HR）、氧饱和度（SpO2）及躁动评分（Rs）、镇静评分（Rss）和舒芬太尼用量。结果：N组：T2～T4各点MAP、HR较P组显著升高,部分时点差异有显著性（P〈0．05）;P组RS评分显著低于N组,而RSS评分显著高于N组,舒芬太尼的用量少于N组。结论：帕瑞昔布钠用于胸腰椎骨折手术．可产生明显的超前镇痛作用,减少术中舒芬太尼的用照,并可预防苏醒期躁动发生。     

围术期使用帕瑞昔布钠对腰椎内固定手术镇痛效果影响的前瞻性随机对照研究

目的探讨围术期使用帕瑞昔布钠对腰椎内固定手术镇痛效果的影响。方法 2011年6月～2012年1月择期在全身麻醉下行腰椎内固定手术40例,按随机数字表分为对照组和帕瑞昔布钠组,每组各20例。诱导前帕瑞昔布钠组给予帕瑞昔布钠40 mg,对照组给予生理盐水2 ml。术毕连接电子镇痛泵,镇痛药物配方为舒芬太尼200μg＋欧贝8 mg＋0.9%NaCl稀释至200 ml,无背景剂量,病人自控静脉镇痛（patient-controlled intravenous analgesia,PCIA）单次注射剂量2 ml,锁定时间20 min。帕瑞昔布钠组术后12、24、36、48、60 h分别给予帕瑞昔布钠40 mg,对照组给予生理盐水2 ml。分别记录术后2、24、48、72 h的疼痛评分,24、48、72 h的舒芬太尼用量、睡眠质量评分,使用镇痛泵期间的恶心评分和术后72 h切口总引流量。结果术后2 h,帕瑞昔布钠组和对照组视觉模拟评分（visual analogue score,VAS）分别为（2.20±0.61）分和（3.21±0.71）分,帕瑞昔布钠组明显低于对照组（t=-4.825,P=0.000）;术后48 h,帕瑞昔布钠组和对照组VAS评分分别为（2.05±0.76）分和（2.85±0.75）分,帕瑞昔布钠组明显低于对照组（t=-3.351,P=0.002）;其余各时点2组VAS评分均无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。2组术后24、48 h舒芬太尼用量无显著性差异[（54.8±18.2）μg vs.（53.2±14.2）μg,t=0.310,P=0.758;（97.4±30.3）μg vs.（108.6±19.8）μg,,t=-1.384,P=0.174];术后72 h,对照组舒芬太尼用量显著高于帕瑞昔布钠组〔（166.2±18.7）μg vs.（139.8±37.6）μg,t=2.810,P=0.008〕;手术日帕瑞昔布钠组睡眠质量评分明显低于对照组（Z=-2.572,P=0.010）;2组恶心评分和切口引流量差异无显著性（P〉0.05）。结论围术期使用帕瑞昔布钠可以改善腰椎内固定手术的镇痛效果,减少舒芬太尼用量。     

帕瑞昔布钠在无痛人流术术后镇痛中的应用

目的评价帕瑞昔布钠在无痛人流术术后镇痛的效果及安全性。方法选择120例ASA Ⅰ-Ⅱ级要求进行无痛人工流产术的患者,随机分为对照组（单用异丙酚）和帕瑞昔布钠组（帕瑞昔布钠复合异丙酚）。在手术过程中连续监测平均动脉压（MAR）、心率（HR）、呼吸（RR）和脉搏血氧饱和度（SaO2）,分别记录清醒后5分钟、0．5小时和6小时的疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）,同时记录术后不良反应。结果两组患者术中MAR、HR、RR的最低值与术前相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;两组患者清醒后0．5小时和6小时两个时点疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）比较有显著性差异（P〈0．05）;手术时间、丙泊酚用药总量、苏醒时间及不良反应两组间差异无统计学意义。结论无痛人工流产术术中静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠不能即时产生充分的镇痛,但有良好的人工流产术术后镇痛作用,可安全用于人流术后镇痛。     

帕瑞昔布钠和氟比洛芬酯用于小儿扁桃体和腺样体切除术的比较

目的观察帕瑞昔布钠和氟比洛芬酯在小儿扁桃体和腺样体切除手术术后的镇痛效果及副作用的发生情况。方法选择全麻下行扁桃体和腺样体摘除术的患儿60例,年龄5岁～8岁,按随机数字表法均分为3组（每组20例）：A组（帕瑞昔布钠组）、B组（氟比洛芬酯组）和c组（生理盐水对照组）。A组和B组于麻醉插管后手术开始前15min分别静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠1mg／kg和氟比洛芬酯1mg／kg,C组静脉注射生理盐水2ml。观察手术时间、拔管时间、苏醒期反应、恢复期疼痛评分、术中瑞芬太尼总量以及副作用。结果3组患儿手术时间、拔管时间和术中瑞芬太尼总量相比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;苏醒期躁动发生率：A组和B组患儿均为5％,C组为55％,A组和B组明显低于C组（P〈0．01）;术后各时间点的疼痛评分C组明显高于A组和B组（P〈0．01）;A组和B组均无恶心呕吐发生,C组恶心呕吐发生率为5％。结论帕瑞昔布钠和氟比洛芬酯用于小儿扁桃体和腺样体切除手术均可获得良好的镇痛效果,减少拔管期躁动的发生,且不延迟拔管时间。     

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.