临床参数和磁共振成像预测前列腺癌病理分期的评价

目的 探讨联合临床参数分期和磁共振成像(MRI)分期预测前列腺癌病理分期的临床意义。方法对53例经病理活检证实的局限性前列腺癌行根治性手术者术前经血清。PSA(临界值16．3ng／ml)加系统6～8针穿刺后Gleason评分(临界值6分)或穿刺阳性针数百分率(临界值34％～50％)进行临床分期及MRl分期以预测术后病理分期，评价术前联合临床参数分期和MRI分期与病理分期的一致性。结果53例中，术前血清PSA加Gleason评分低于临界值，临床分期局限于前列腺内的肿瘤(T，)20例，术后有25．0％(5／20)为T3；术前血清PSA加穿刺阳性针数百分率低于临界值，临床分期为T2 20例，术后30％(6／20)为T3。术前临床参数分期为T，者术后分别有30．3％(10／33)和30．3％(10／33)为T2。MRI诊断的48例前列腺癌者中，术前分期局限于前列腺内的肿瘤(L)，术后病理分期42．4％(14／31)为T3，其中1例为T2N1；术前MRI分期为T3者，术后11．8％(2／17)为T2，5．9％(1／17)术后为T3cN1。联合临床参数分期和MRI分期预测前列腺癌的病理结果有显著相关性(r=0．449，P=0．001)，且能预测病理结果(X^2=10．739，P=0．001)，3种分期方法之间对前列腺癌病理结果的预测差异无统计学意义(X^2=0．305，P=0．859)。血清PSA加穿刺后Gleason评分或穿刺阳性针数百分率临床分期和MRI分期对局限于前列腺内肿瘤的预测(PPV)分别为75．0％(15／20)、70％(14／20)和54．8%(17／31)；对浸润包膜及包膜外肿瘤的预测(NPV)分别为69．7％(23／33)、69．7％(23／33)和88．2%，(15／17)。结论 联合临床参数分期和MRI分期能预测前列腺癌的病理分期。前者能更好地预测局限于前列腺内的肿瘤，而MRI分期能更准确地预测肿瘤对前列腺包膜及包膜外浸润。     

前列腺癌患者术前分期分级偏低的相关危险因素

目的 探讨前列腺癌根治术患者术前分期分级偏低的相关危险因素。方法 对55例前列腺癌根治术患者手术前后分期分级的资料进行比较，分析术前临床分期低于术后病理分期的危险因素。结果 55例患者术前临床分期T1～T250例，其中21例术后病理分期为T3～T4，占42％。26例术前穿刺活检病理Gleason评分2-6分者中11例术后病理分级为7-10分，占42％。Logisatic回归分析筛选出血清PSA（P＝0．0159)及前列腺穿刺阳性针数的百分率(P＝0．0013)是预测术前临床分期低于术后病理分期的危险因素。结论 对于临床分期为T1～T2而血清PSA≥20ng／ml或前列腺穿刺阳性针数≥50％的患者应考虑到临床分期偏低的可能。     

125I放射性粒子永久植入治疗前列腺癌

目的探讨^125I放射性粒子永久植入治疗前列腺癌的疗效、适应证和并发症。方法应用Prowess2．42治疗计划系统经直肠超声引导，^125I放射性粒子植入治疗前列腺癌患者5例，临床分期T2b 4例，T3 1例。Gleason评分7分3例，6分1例，9分1例。术前PSA5．3～8．7ng／ml。结果治疗后随访12—18个月。5例患者PSA明显下降，12个月后均低于0．5ng／ml；术后3个月开始前列腺体积缩小；术后短期出现不同程度的尿路刺激症状，IPSS评分上升，尿流率下降，但3个月后逐渐好转。患者未出现血尿、血便、直肠溃疡等严重并发症。结论^126I放射性粒子永久植入适用于临床局限性前列腺癌，疗效好，并发症少，并有较好的放射安全性。     

术前PSA速率和根治性前列腺切除术后前列腺癌死亡风险的关系

作者评价前列腺癌相关诊断信息作为判断根治性前列腺切除术后死亡风险预测指标的价值。1095例局限性前列腺癌患者入组，评价前列腺癌诊断前的PSA速率、诊断时的PSA水平、Gleason评分和肿瘤临床分期是否能帮助预测前列腺根治术后死于前列腺癌或其他原因的时间。结果发现，PSA速率＞2ng／mL／年者死于前列腺癌(P＜0．001)或其他原因(P＜0．01)的时间明显早于PSA速率＜2ng／ml／年者。     

腹腔镜下前列腺癌根治术后切缘阳性的相关因素分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜下前列腺癌根治术后切缘阳性的相关因素. 方法 2004年2月至2007年9月,采用腹膜外途径行腹腔镜下前列腺癌根治术33例.患者年龄57～78岁,平均70岁.术前均经病理证实前列腺癌诊断.Gleason评分3+3者14例(43%)、3+4者11例(33%)、4+3者6例(18%)、4+4者2例(6%),临床分期T1a～T1b 4例(12%)、T1c14例(43%)、T2a～T2b 5例(15%)、T2c 10例(30%).多因素回归分析比较根治术后标本切缘阳性与阴性组临床及生物学参数指标. 结果 腹腔镜下完成前列腺癌根治术31例,中转开放手术2例.术后病理报告切缘阳性9例(27%)、阴性24例(73%).切缘阳性组与阴性组患者术前临床分期T2c分别为6例(67%)和4例(17%)(P=0.010),术后Gleason评分＞7分者分别为3例(33%)和0例(P=0.015),术前PSA＞20ng/ml分别为4例(44%)和5例(21%)(P=0.178),直肠指诊可触及结节或局部质硬者分别为4例(44%)和9例(38%)(P=0.509).多因素回归分析结果显示:临床分期T2c与切缘阳性呈独立正相关关系(OR=24.69),T2c患者术后切缘阳性率明显增高.术前Gleason评分＞7分者切缘阳性率增高,PSA＞20 ng/ml者切缘阳性率有增高趋势,但二者需结合临床分期等指标综合判断对术后切缘阳性的影响.直肠指诊触及结节或质硬者切缘阳性率略增高,可作为参考指标. 结论 影响腹腔镜下前列腺癌根治术后切缘阳性的因素为临床分期、术前病理Gleason评分、总PSA和直肠指诊.临床分期可以作为预测术后切缘阳性的独立相关因素,≥T2c期的患者术后切缘阳性率明显增加.Gleason评分＞7分、PSA＞20 ng/ml作为重要参考指标,应结合临床分期综合分析;直肠指诊有结节或质硬可作为参考指标.     

经腹膜外腹腔镜下前列腺癌根治术及其控尿技术

目的 探讨腹膜外途径腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术及其控尿技术的应用价值。方法 前列腺癌患者28例，年龄60～75岁，平均68岁。PSA0．7～23．6ng／ml。TNM分期：T1N0M011例，T2N0M015例，T3aN0M2例。均行腹膜外途径腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术。，术中充分剪开盆筋膜，分离至前列腺尖部，缝扎背血管复合体。分离膀胱颈部（前列腺交界处），横断并尽可能保护颈部括约肌。仔细观察盆底肌肉并于近端剪开前列腺尖部，尽可能保护盆底括约肌，最后缩小并重建膀胱颈口，间断吻合膀胱和尿道。结果 28例手术均顺利完成，手术时间180～380min，平均240min；出血量400～1200ml，平均800ml，15例出血量〉500ml者输血200～800ml。术后病理示切缘阴性25例，3例前列腺尖部切缘阳性者术后加用全雄激素阻断治疗3个月。患者均于术后2周拔除导尿管，3例术后出现轻度尿失禁，经提肛训练等辅助治疗3个月后好转，能自主排尿。术后3个月时PSA0．02～0．10ng／ml。随访1个月～2年，未见肿瘤复发转移。结论 腹腔镜下经腹膜外途径前列腺癌根治术安全、有效，值得临床推广。     

冷冻治疗单病灶前列腺癌12例临床分析

目的 评价冷冻疗法治疗局限性单病灶前列腺癌的近期疗效及安全性。 方法 局限性单病灶前列腺癌患者12例,均经穿刺活检证实。术前PSA 4.2～14.9 ng/ml,平均9.7 ng/ml。Gleason评分5分3例,6分5例,7分4例。临床分期T1c期8例、T2a期4例。均行超声引导下经会阴前列腺局灶冷冻治疗。术后1年内每3个月、以后每6个月复查PSA。PSA最低值≥1.0 ng/ml或PSA达最低值后上升＞2.0 ng/ml者再次行前列腺穿刺活检排除肿瘤复发。 结果 12例手术顺利,手术时间( 82±26) min,均未输血。术后住院(5±2)d。拔除尿管后,12例控尿均满意。术前有勃起功能者10例,术后仍保持勃起功能者8例。12例随访12 ～ 30个月,平均23个月。术后PSA最低值0.1～6.8 ng/ml,平均2.2 ng/ml,其中＜1.0 ng/ml者9例。术后PSA异常行前列腺穿刺活检4例,阴性3例,冷冻对侧腺体活检阳性1例。 结论 超声引导下经会阴前列腺局灶冷冻治疗安全有效、并发症少,可用于局限性单病灶前列腺癌患者,远期疗效尚需进一步观察。     

澳门特别行政区前列腺癌根治术的疗效观察(附54例报告)

目的 随访总结澳门特区54例接受前列腺癌根治性手术患者的临床特点以及预后.方法 2000年11月至2006年11月,54例前列腺癌患者行耻骨后前列腺癌根治手术.年龄54～79岁,平均69.8岁.统计分析术前PSA水平,术后病理分期以及Gleason评分,手术时间、术中出血、术中以及术后并发症.随访3～75个月,平均25.2月.分析术后PSA变化,术后生化复发、局部复发、远处转移率以及死亡率.结果 本组病例大部分属于局限性前列腺癌患者,术前血清PSA:0～4.0 ng/ml占16.7%,4.0～10 ng/ml占51.8%,10.1～20.0 ng/ml占24.1%,>20 ng/ml占7.4%;TNM分期:T1a+1b占7.6%,T2a+2b占20.3%,T2c占38.9%,T3a占20.3%,>T3a仅占12.9%;Gleason评分:2～4分占9.5%,5～6分占41.5%,7分占30.2%,8～10分占18.8%.手术平均时间为216分钟,术中平均出血量为760毫升.术中并发症:大出血1例(1.9%),损伤直肠1例(1.9%),损伤闭孔神经1例(1.9%).早期术后并发症:尿失禁14例(25.9%),排尿困难5例(9.3%),急性尿潴留4例(7.4%),盆腔积液2例(3.8%),淋巴囊肿1例(1.9%),膀胱直肠瘘1例(1.9%).晚期术后并发症:真性尿失禁或重度尿失禁6例(11.1%),急迫性尿失禁2例(3.8%),膀胱颈挛缩8例(14.8%).术后总复发率为14.8%,其中仅有PSA升高5例(9.3%),发现局部复发和PSA升高1例(1.9%),远处转移和PSA升高2例(3.8%).结论 前列腺根治手术是治疗局限性前列腺癌安全有效的方法 .     

雄激素全阻断治疗对前列腺体积的影响及相关因素分析

目的 探讨前列腺癌近距离治疗前雄激素全阻断治疗对前列腺体积变化的影响及与临床病理因素的相关性。方法 前列腺癌患者74例。年龄54～84岁，平均71岁。均经会阴前列腺穿刺活检证实。血清PSA值2．8～71．2ng／ml；TNM分期T1cN0M0～T3aN0M0；Gleason评分5～9分65例，不确定9例；前列腺体积14～83ml，其中〈50ml42例，〉50ml32例。前列腺体积经三维治疗计划系统测量。采用手术去势加雄激素阻断（比卡鲁胺50ms／a或氟他胺250mg3次／d）31例，药物去势（戈舍瑞林3．6mg或亮丙瑞林3．75mg次／28d）加雄激素阻断治疗43例，时间2．1～5．6个月，平均2．8个月。观察前列腺体积变化与治疗前患者血清PSA值、Gleason评分、TNM分期、活检阳性区数及治疗方式的关系。结果 雄激素全阻断治疗后74例患者平均前列腺体积缩小37％。前列腺体积〉50ml者前列腺缩小程度大于体积〈50ml者（P=0．004）。前列腺体积缩小比率与治疗前体积大小呈正相关（r=0．321，P=0．006），而与治疗前血清PSA值、Gleason评分、TNM分期、活检阳性区数及雄激素全阻断治疗方式无关。结论 雄激素全阻断治疗可以缩小前列腺体积，使之适合粒子植入，治疗前前列腺体积越大，体积缩小越明显。     

腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术治疗高危前列腺癌的临床体会

目的：探讨腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术在高危前列腺癌治疗中的价值。方法回顾性分析2012年3月～2014年11月本院腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术治疗26例高危前列腺癌的临床资料。患者平均年龄65．2岁,术前检查单独PSA≥20ng／mL者9例;兼具PSA≥20ng／mL并Gleason评分≥8分者17例;术前诊断T3 b和T4期各1例。3例患者因前列腺体积过大术前分别行3～6个月新辅助内分泌治疗。手术方式均采用经腹膜外路径腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术,同时行盆腔淋巴结清扫。结果26例手术均获成功,平均手术时间152min,平均出血量85mL,无输血病例。所有患者均于术后两周拔除导尿管,8例拔管后尿失禁,经盆底训练后于1周至3个月恢复控尿。术后病理T2a～T2b,Gleason评分≤7分者10例;T2c～T4,Gleason评分≥8分者16例。术中清扫淋巴结数目平均5．5个,淋巴结阳性3例;切缘阳性4例,术后控尿恢复后予局部放射治疗。19例获访3～30个月,所有患者均控尿良好,PSA≤0．2ng／mL。结论对高危前列腺癌患者采用以根治性前列腺癌切除术为核心的综合治疗策略安全有效,可使患者获益。     

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.