食管鳞状细胞癌bFGF,TSP-1的表达与微血管密度的关系

目的探讨食管鳞状细胞癌组织中碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（bFGF）、凝血酶敏感蛋白-1（TSP-1）和微血管密度（UVD）表达及其意义。方法采用免疫组化方法对46例病人食管鳞状细胞癌组织常规石蜡包埋切片分别检测bFGF、TSP-1和MVD。结果食管鳞状细胞癌组织bFGF、TSP-1阳性率分别为60．9％（28／46）和37．0％（17146），MVD定量（56．59±28．97）／mm^2。T3期肿瘤组织bFGF阳性表达率明显高于T2期者。bFGF阳性表达的肿瘤组织MVD明显少于bFGF阴性表达的肿瘤组织[（49．51±24．73）／mm^2对（67．61±32．23）／mm^2，P〈0．05）]，T3期、TNMⅢ期肿瘤组织TSP-1阳性表达率明显高于T2期及TNMⅡ期者。肿瘤细胞分化Ⅲ级者MVD明显高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ级者[（85．38±37．88）／mm^2对（41．35±20．32）／mm^2，P〈0．01；（85．38±37．88）／mm^2对（54．28±23．43）／mm^2，P〈0．01]，伴有区域淋巴结转移组MVD明显高于无淋巴结转移组[（65．38±32．33）／mm^2对（47．00±21．66）／mm^2，P〈0．05]。结论bFGF、TSP-1表达以及MVD计数与食管鳞状细胞癌组织的生物学行为有密切关系，bFGF是调节食管鳞状细胞癌组织血管生成的重要因子。     

CD105 mRNA在原发性肝细胞癌的表达与术后复发的关系

目的研究原发性肝细胞癌（HCC）组织CD105 mRNA表达与根治术后早期复发的关系。方法用逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）方法，检测32例HCC行根治性切除术后随访1年以上患者及20例肝内胆管结石患者（对照组）肝组织CD105 mRNA的表达情况。结果中心处癌组织中CD105 mRNA的表达水平为0．45±0．02，明显高于对照组肝组织的0．26±0．02（P〈0．05）；肿瘤边缘处癌组织中CD105 mRNA的表达水平为0．65±0．08，明显高于中心处癌组织（P〈0．05）。边缘癌组织CD105 mRNA高表达与根治术后早期复发有关（t=4．34，P=0．00）；中心处癌组织CD105 mRNA表达与根治术后早期复发无关（t=0．81，P=0．43）。中心癌组织、边缘癌组织CD105 mRNA表达与患者年龄、肿瘤的大小、临床病理分期和病理类型等均无关（P〉0．05）。结论HCC边缘处癌组织CD105 mRNA表达水平明显高于中心处癌组织及对照组肝组织，且其高表达水平与HCC根治术后早期复发有关。     

肝癌及癌旁组织中β-葡萄糖醛酸酶蛋白及mRNA的表达及意义

目的探讨肝细胞癌及癌旁组织中β-葡萄糖醛酸酶（β-G）蛋白及β-G mRNA的表达和临床意义。方法采用逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）方法和免疫组织化学方法，对25例原发性肝细胞癌及其癌旁组织和10例正常肝脏组织进行检测，并分析其与临床病理特点之间的关系。结果半定量分析显示β-G mRNA的表达在肝脏癌组织（3．71±0．32）与癌旁肝组织（1.83±0.22）以及正常肝脏组织（1．71±0．32）间差异比较，均有统计学意义（均为P〈0．01），而癌旁肝组织和正常肝组织间比较，差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；从正常肝组织、癌旁组织到肝癌组织β-G蛋白的阳性细胞表达率分别为（48．2％±5．5％）、（56．8％±6．2％）和（83．8％±9．1％），呈递增趋势（χ^2=42．33，P〈0．01）；β-G蛋白的表达与肝癌病人的门脉癌栓以及淋巴结转移等临床因素有关（P〈0．01），而与肿瘤大小、AFP水平无关。结论β-G与肝细胞的癌变过程密切相关，可能在肝癌的侵袭和转移过程中也起一定的作用。     

酪氨酸激酶Syk在肝癌中的表达及与血管生成的关系

目的探讨酪氨酸激酶Syk在肝细胞性肝癌中的表达及对肿瘤微血管生成的影响。方法采用RT-PCR检测Syk mRNA在肝细胞性肝癌及癌旁正常组织中的表达,免疫组化SABC法检测标本中CD34的表达反映肿瘤的微血管密度（MVD）。结果24例癌旁正常组织中Syk mRNA均表达阳性,32例肝细胞性肝癌中Syk mRNA表达率为46.9％（15／32）,其中低分化组阳性表达率23．1％（3／13）,明显低于高分化组阳性表达率63．2％（12／19）（P〈0．05）。肿瘤微血管密度（MVD）检测：低分化组（Ⅲ级Ⅳ级为49．2±3.6,54±4.3）,明显高于高分化组（Ⅰ级Ⅱ级为13．6±4．5,32.3±3．2）与正常组织（5．9±1．7）,有显著统计学意义（P〈0．05）。Syk mRNA的表达与CD34的表达明显负相关（r=-0.97）。结论肝细胞性肝癌中Syk基因的缺失对癌组织血管的生成起重要的作用。     

钙结合蛋白S100A2在肝癌中的表达及与肿瘤细胞增殖的关系

目的观察钙结合蛋白S100A2在原发性肝癌中的表达及与肿瘤细胞增殖的关系，探讨两者对肝癌患者预后的影响。方法采用免疫组织化学链霉菌抗生物素蛋白-过氧化酶（SP）法检测62例肝癌标本中S100A2的表达，同时用计算机图象分析技术对其DI值（DNA含量指数）进行检测。结果高／中分化组，无门脉／胆管浸润或淋巴结／远处转移的病例中，S100A2阳性表达率分别为77．27％、76．92％、80．00％；DI值分别为1．68±0．20、1．73±0．23、1．76±0．23；但随着肝癌分化程度的降低，出现门肘胆管浸润或发生淋巴结／远处转移，S100A2阳性表达率降低（50．00％、47．22％、50．00％）（Χ^2=4．39、5．53、5．07，P均〈0．05），而DI值明显升高（1．93±0．29、1．99±0．31、2．01±0．33）（t=3．612、3．794、3．379，P均〈0．01）。并且在短／中期生存患者中，S100A2阳性表达率（50．00％）明显低于长期生存者（100％）（Χ^2=10．05，P〈0．01），而DI值（1．88±0．25）却明显高于长期生存者（1．69±0．21）（t=2．606，P〈0．05）。S100A2的表达与DI值呈明显负相关（t=3．023，P〈0．05）。结论S100A2蛋白表达降低和高的DI值提示肝癌的低分化、高侵袭转移能力及预后不良，两者的联合检测对判断肝癌的恶性程度和预后具有重要的临床意义。     

肝细胞癌微环境中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的分布及其临床病理意义

目的研究CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞（Treg）与肝细胞癌（HCC）临床病理之间的关系；探讨其在评价HCC侵袭性和癌症进展以及预后中的价值。方法用双重酶标免疫组织化学的方法测定52例HCC组织及癌旁组织中Treg数量分布状况。分析其临床病理学资料，研究在HCC微环境中Treg数量分布与其各项临床病理学指标间的关系。结果8例正常肝组织中未发现Treg分布，52例HCC病人的肝癌及癌旁组织标本中，在HCC组织中Treg数量明显高于癌旁组织，差异有显著意义。HCC组织的Treg数量与病人性别、年龄、肝硬化、病理学分级、包膜、术前AFP浓度无显著关系（P〉0．05），而与肿瘤的大小、癌栓、子灶、TNM分期有显著关系。25例小肝癌组和27例大肝癌组Treg细胞单个高倍视野平均数分别为7．1440±1．8535、8．0815±1．5122，两组比较在统计学上有显著差异（P〈0．001）；14例有血管癌栓组和38例无血管癌栓组Treg细胞单个高倍视野平均数分别为8．1143±2．4487、7．4526±1．8794，两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05，P=0．014）；19例癌周有子灶组和33例癌周无子灶组Treg细胞单个高倍视野平均数分别为8．2211±2．4516、7．2909±1．8217，两组比较在统计学上有显著差异（P〈0．001）；不同临床病理分期18例Ⅰ期组、22例Ⅱ期组和12例Ⅲ期组中Treg细胞单个高倍视野平均数分别为6．7333±1．5980、7．8818±2．4171、8．5167±2．2480，在统计学上有显著差异（P〈0．001）。结论肝细胞癌微环境中Treg数量分布与肿瘤大小、血管癌栓、子灶，和临床分期有明显关系，而与其它指标无显著关系。HCC微环境中Treg数量与肝癌的侵袭、进展以及预后有密切关系，HCC微环境中Treg数量增多可以作为判断HCC侵袭性、进展以及预后的一个潜在重要指标。除去或减少肝癌微环境中的Treg细胞有可能提高肿瘤的免疫治疗效果。     

Cyclin D1在肝细胞癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的探讨Cyclin D1在肝细胞癌（HCC）组织中的表达及其意义。方法采用免疫组织化学S-P法检测50例HCC组织、20例正常肝组织中Cyclin D1蛋白的表达情况。结果Cyclin D1蛋白在肝癌组织中的阳性率为44．0％,极显著高于正常肝组织（均为阴性表达）（P〈0．01）;阳性表达与肝癌的肝内转移和肝癌的分化程度有关（P〈0．05,P〈0．05）。Cyclin D1的过表达均与病人术后〈3年生存期有关（P〈0．05）。结论Cyclin D1在HCC的发生、发展过程中起着不同程度的作用,检测Cyclin D1对判定HCC预后可提供一定的依据。     

抑癌基因PTEN在肝细胞癌中的表达及其意义

目的：探讨肝细胞癌（HCC）组织中抑癌基因PTEN蛋白的表达及其意义。方法：应用免疫组织化学SP法，检测53例HCC组织和癌周组织中PTEN蛋白的表达水平。结果：53例HCC中PTEN蛋白阳性率（52．8％）和阳性强度明显低于癌旁组织（92．5％）（P〈0．01，P〈0．05）；HCC组织中PTEN蛋白的表达与HCC的分化程度密切相关（P〈0．05），HCC分化愈差，PTEN蛋白表达愈弱；PTEN蛋白表达还与癌拴形成有关（P〈0．005）。结论：PTEN的异常表达在HCC发生、发展过程中可能起重要作用，其表达水平有可能作为反映HCC进展和预后的生物学指标。     

骨桥蛋白在肝细胞癌中的表达与临床病理特征的关系

目的 研究骨桥蛋白在HCC中的表达与临床病理特征的关系.方法 选取48例HCC手术切除的新鲜肝癌和癌旁组织标本和10例正常肝组织,以10%福尔马林固定,常规石蜡包埋,每一个标本行连续切片,厚4 μm.应用SABC免疫组化法,以骨桥蛋白单克隆抗体对HCC组织切片进行染色.对骨桥蛋白在HCC中的表达及其临床病理特征的关系进行分析.结果 OPN在HCC组织中的阳性率为50.00%,明显高于癌旁及正常肝组织(P＜0.01).骨桥蛋白在高、中、低HCC中评分依次为0.67±1.63,2.14±1.81和2.20±1.74,低分化明显高于高分化(P＜0.05).骨桥蛋白在有转移与无转移HCC中的评分是2.64±1.84和1.25±1.74,有转移者明显高于无转移者(P＜0.01).骨桥蛋白与其他病理特征无明显关系.结论 骨桥蛋白在HCC癌组织中的表达明显升高,低中分化者和伴有转移者高于分化高和不伴转移者.提示骨桥蛋白可能促进了HCC的发展和转移.     

促血管生成素家族在大肠腺癌中的表达及与微血管密度和临床病理特征的关系

目的 探讨促血管生成素-1（Ang-1）、促血管生成素-2（Ang-2）、促血管生成素受体（Tie-2）及血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）在大肠腺癌及癌旁正常组织中的表达，及与微血管密度（MVD）和临床病理特征的关系。方法 采用免疫组织化学方法检测Ang-1、Ang-2、Tie-2及VEGF在45例大肠腺癌及10例癌旁正常组织中的表达。结果 大肠腺癌组织中的Ang-2蛋白及VEGF蛋白明显高于癌旁正常组织（P〈0．01），腺癌的分化程度越低，Ang-2及VEGF蛋白的表达率越高（P〈0．05），Ang-2与VEGF蛋白的表达存在明显正相关性（r=0．997，P〈0．01）；大肠腺癌组织中的Ang-1蛋白明显低于癌旁正常组织（P〈0．01），腺癌的分化程度越高，Ang-1蛋白的表达率越高（P〈0．05）；Tie-2蛋白在大肠腺癌和癌旁正常组织中的表达差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。大肠腺癌的分化程度越低，MVD越高（P〈0．05），腺癌组织中Ang-1蛋白阳性表达组MVD明显低于阴性表达组（P〈0．01），Ang-2蛋白阳性表达组MVD明显高于阴性表达组（P〈0．01）。≥5cm及有淋巴结转移的大肠腺癌组织中，Ang-2蛋白的表达明显增加（x^2=8．889，P〈0．01；x^2=10．020，P〈0．01）。结论 在大肠腺癌组织中，相对Ang-1占优势的Ang-2的过度表达，可能在肿瘤的血管生成和进展过程中起着重要作用。     

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.