mTOR抑制剂对预防肝癌肝移植术后肿瘤复发的疗效分析

目的探讨分析西罗莫司对预防肝癌肝移植术后肿瘤复发的疗效。方法回顾性分析2016年1月1日至2018年12月31日在华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院因原发性肝细胞癌行肝移植的114例受者资料, 根据免疫抑制方案中是否应用西罗莫司分为西罗莫司组(63例)和他克莫司组(51例)。应用单因素和多因素回归分析肝癌复发的危险因素, Cox回归分析评估西罗莫司对受者无瘤生存时间的影响。结果 45例发生了肿瘤的复发和(或)转移。单因素和多因素回归分析表明, 使用西罗莫司是预防肿瘤复发的独立保护因素[P=0.005, HR=0.38, 95%置信区间(CI):0.193～0.748]。他克莫司组受者无瘤生存时间为5个月(4～19个月), 而西罗莫司组的受者的无瘤生存时间为23个月(13～31个月)。两组发生感染及排斥反应概率的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论肝癌肝移植术后免疫抑制方案以雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)抑制剂西罗莫司为主的受者可能比钙调神经磷酸酶抑制剂(CNI)他克莫司为主的受者肿瘤复发率更低, 无瘤生存时间更长。     

不同肝癌肝移植标准受者预后分析

目的分析不同肝癌肝移植标准受者预后情况,评价不同标准之间的差异。 方法回顾性分析2013年1月至2017年12月首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院原发性肝癌肝移植受者的临床资料,比较不同肝癌肝移植标准受者的预后情况。采用单因素方差分析比较不同肝癌肝移植标准受者年龄、手术时间、无肝期时间和肿瘤最大直径,采用秩和检验比较AFP、终末期肝病模型评分和出血量。采用Kaplan-Meier法绘制生存曲线,采用Log-Rank检验比较生存率。采用卡方检验比较Child分级、肿瘤分化程度等指标。P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。 结果根据肝移植术后病理结果,115例肝癌肝移植受者中符合米兰标准43例;符合美国加州大学旧金山分校(UCSF)标准49例,较米兰标准扩大14.0%;符合杭州标准91例,较米兰标准扩大111.6%,较UCSF标准扩大85.7%。截至2017年12月,115例受者平均随访(19±17)个月,中位生存时间41.5个月(1.0～57.0个月)。除肿瘤最大直径和肿瘤数目外,3组不同肝癌肝移植标准受者均具有可比性(P均>0.05)。不同肝癌肝移植受者术后1～4年总体和和无瘤生存曲线差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。 结论相较于米兰标准和UCSF标准而言,杭州标准安全地扩大了肝癌肝移植适用范围,使更多的原发性肝癌患者受益。     

mTOR抑制剂对肝细胞癌肝移植患者术后生存的影响

目的研究肝细胞癌患者肝移植术后使用mTOR抑制剂为主的免疫抑制剂方案对肿瘤复发及生存期的影响。方法收集我中心2005年1月至2008年12月期间因肝细胞癌行肝移植手术的病例建立数据库。根据患者术后所使用的免疫抑制方案分为两组,单CNIs免疫抑制剂组和含西罗莫司(Rapa)组。按照术前肿瘤所符合的移植标准(米兰标准、UCSF标准以及超标准)对组内病例分层分析,对比各组病例之间在肿瘤复率发、无瘤生存期及总生存期方面的差别。结果对于米兰标准及UCSF标准患者,两组间在肿瘤复发率、无瘤生存期和总生存期方面差别无统计学意义;超标准患者两组无瘤生存率无显著差异,含Rapa组总生存期优于单CNIs组(P0.05)。结论超标准肝癌患者术后使用mTOR抑制剂对于延长患者生存期具有一定作用。     

肝细胞肝癌肝移植受者术后生存及肿瘤复发临床分析

目的比较符合米兰标准和杭州标准的肝细胞肝癌(HCC)肝移植受者术后生存及肿瘤复发情况,分析移植术后生存和肿瘤复发影响因素。 方法回顾性分析青岛大学附属医院器官移植中心2014年2月1日至2018年12月31日符合米兰标准和杭州标准的119例HCC肝移植受者临床资料。符合米兰标准受者79例(米兰标准组),超出米兰标准但符合杭州标准者受者40例(杭州标准组)。所有受者肝移植术后均规律随访,收集受者性别、年龄和手术时间等临床资料。无瘤生存时间以受者移植术后发现肿瘤复发转移为观察终点,累积生存时间以受者移植术后死亡为观察终点。采用Kaplan-Meier法绘制生存曲线,采用log-rank检验比较组间累积生存率和无瘤生存率。采用Cox比例风险模型进行影响累积生存时间和无瘤生存时间的单因素和多因素分析。P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。 结果截至2019年7月31日,119例受者术后中位随访时间为27个月(15～43个月),其中术后因肿瘤复发死亡11例复发转移27例。米兰标准组受者1、3和5年累积生存率分别为98.7%、90.2%和90.2%,杭州标准组分别为97.2%、73.9%和73.9%,差异均无统计学意义(χ²＝0.219、1.598和1.598,P均>0.05)。米兰标准组受者1、3和5年累积无瘤生存率分别为90.3%、82.1%和68.6%,杭州标准组分别为81.6%、56.0%和56.0%,两组受者术后1年和5年累积无瘤生存率差异均无统计学意义(χ²＝1.587和3.707,P均>0.05),3年累积无瘤生存率差异有统计学意义(χ²＝5.543,P<0.05)。多因素分析结果证实术前有无脉管癌栓是影响其累积生存率的独立危险因素,差异有统计学意义(HR＝0.159,P<0.05);术前有无脉管癌栓和病理分化类型是影响无瘤生存的独立危险因素,差异均有统计学意义(HR＝0.338和0.395,P均<0.05)。 结论符合杭州标准的HCC肝移植受者移植术后可获得较好的累积生存率及无瘤生存率,受者术前是否存在脉管癌栓及病理分化程度可以指导移植术后肿瘤复发的预防。     

不同移植标准下挽救性肝移植的疗效对比分析

目的分析比较符合米兰标准、UCSF标准、杭州标准的肝细胞肝癌(hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC)切除术后肿瘤复发患者肝移植术后的预后情况。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2019年10月在复旦大学附属华山医院行公民逝世后器官捐献(donation after citizen death, DCD)肝移植的256例HCC患者的临床资料。其中, 行初期肝移植175例(PLT组), 挽救性肝移植81例(SLT组)。采用t检验、秩和检验或χ2检验比较两组受者的一般资料、肿瘤病理特征、术后并发症等, 用Kaplan-Meier法和Log-rank检验比较两组受者的术后总生存率(overall survival rate, OS)和无复发生存率(recurrence-free survival rate, RFS)。SLT组符合米兰标准者31例(米兰标准组)、符合加州大学旧金山分校(UCSF)标准者45例(UCSF标准组)、符合杭州标准者69例(杭州标准组), 比较三组受者的OS和RFS。按肝移植术前是否接受降期/桥接治疗, 将SLT组受者再分为降期治疗组(32例)和未降期...     

不同肝癌肝移植标准对于肝癌切除术后复发补救性肝脏移植有效性的评价

目的 评价米兰标准、UCSF标准、Up-to-seven标准作为肝癌切除术后复发补救性肝移植适应症选择标准的有效性.方法 回顾性分析本治疗组自1999年6月至2011年6月间实施的724例肝癌肝脏移植病例数据,其中包括107例肝癌切除术后复发行补救性肝移植术病例,对不同选择标准在各组病例的生存率进行统计分析.结果 对于首选肝脏移植患者米兰标准、UCSF标准、Up-to-seven标准具有良好的一致性,5年生存率分别为76.2％,75.5％,73.4％.对于补救性肝脏移植,米兰标准、UCSF标准具有与首选肝脏移植一致的有效性,受者术后5年生存率分别83.1％,72.6％;而Up-to-seven标准则不具有一致的有效性,符合该标准的补救性肝脏移植受者5年生存率仅为49.9％,不符合Up-to-seven标准补救性肝脏移植受者的5年生存率为49.4％,二者无统计学差异.结论 米兰标准、UCSF标准对于肝癌切除术后复发补救性肝移植适应症的选择具有较好的有效性,Up-to-seven标准有效性则较低;对于补救性肝癌肝移植应进行三维变量的标准选择,包括首次肝切除时肝癌数据、补救性肝脏移植评估时复发肝癌数据以及肝癌切除术后复发的时间间隔.     

再次肝移植治疗首次肝移植术后肝癌肝内复发的效果分析

目的 探讨肝癌肝移植术后复发肝癌的病理特点及再次肝移植治疗的意义及其预后.方法 回顾性分析肝移植术后21例肝癌复发患者的临床资料,其中9例接受再次肝移植治疗,12例行姑息治疗.所有患者原发病均为乙型肝炎后肝硬化合并肝癌,肝移植术后肿瘤均为肝内复发,无法局部切除.结果 9例患者首次和再次肝移植时肿瘤病理分析,肿瘤均为肝细胞肝癌,最大肿瘤直径分别平均为6.2 cm和4.8 cm,多发肿瘤者分别占67％和89％,有微血管侵犯者分别占100％和56％,肿瘤分化为Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级和Ⅳ级者分别为33％、67％、0和22％、22％、56％,复发肝脏肿瘤的平均最大直径和分化程度与原发肝脏肿瘤比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).首次肝移植术后再次移植组患者无瘤存活时间中位数为15.0个月,再次肝移植术后无瘤存活时间中位数为2.5个月,再次移植术后存活时间中位数为5.8个月,总体存活时间中位数为21.8个月;姑息治疗组受者肝移植术后无瘤存活时间中位数为13.0个月,总体存活时间中位数为17.6个月;再次移植组和姑息治疗组术后1、2、3年累积存活率分别为89％、44％、33％和91％、45％、9％,两组间存活率比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 血管侵犯为肝癌复发的高危因素;复发肿瘤分化程度更低;首次肝移植术后肝癌肝内复发可能是术前和术中肿瘤全身播散的早期临床特点和局部表现,不建议再次肝移植治疗肝癌肝移植术后肝癌肝内复发.     

肝癌肝移植术后雷帕霉素与普乐可复为主免疫抑制治疗结果初探

目的 探讨肝癌肝移植手术后使用雷帕霉素(rapamycin,RPM)与普乐可复为主的免疫抑制治疗是否有助于防止肝癌的复发与转移.方法 2004年1月至2005年1月期间19例肝癌行肝移植病人(米兰标准6例,扩大米兰标准13例)随机选取其中10位病人作为治疗组(米兰标准2例,扩大米兰标准8例)手术后使用雷帕霉素与普乐可复为主免疫抑制治疗,9例(米兰标准1例,扩大米兰标准8例),采用普乐可复为主的肝癌肝移植病人作为对照组,比较两组肝癌病人的累计生存率和累计无瘤生存率,并长期随访了解其复发转移情况.结果 肝癌病人肝移植术后生存时间及复发转移情况:至该文报告时,治疗组无死亡病例,仍存活1O例,其中无瘤生存9例,带瘤生存1例;对照组死亡1例,仍存活8例,其中无瘤生存5例,带瘤生存3例.两组经检验差异有显著性.结论 雷帕霉素可能有助于预防肝癌肝脏移植术后的转移与复发.     

符合米兰标准和杭州标准的肝癌肝移植受者预后回顾性分析

目的比较符合米兰标准和符合杭州标准的肝细胞肝癌(HCC)患者行肝移植术后生存和肿瘤复发情况,验证杭州标准的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析2006年1月至2011年12月中国肝移植注册登记的肝移植手术,并在浙江大学医学院附属第一医院、重庆医科大学附属第一医院两家肝移植中心接受随访调查受者的临床资料,196例肝癌肝移植受者纳入研究。将符合米兰标准的HCC患者作为米兰标准组,共90例(45.9%);超出米兰标准但符合杭州标准者作为杭州标准组,共40例(20.4%);肿瘤结节直径之和8 cm,术前AFP400 ng/m L且组织学分级为低度分化者作为超出杭州标准组,共66例(33.7%)。比较3组受者术后生存率、无瘤生存率,并评判预后。结果米兰标准组受者术后1、3、5年生存率和1、3、5年无瘤生存率分别为88.9%、73.3%、60.0%和84.4%、66.7%、51.1%,杭州标准组受者术后1、3、5年生存率和1、3、5年无瘤生存率分别为80.0%、65.0%、50.0%和75.0%、55.0%、45.0%,超出杭州标准组受者术后1、3、5年生存率和1、3、5年无瘤生存率分别为57.6%、30.3%、18.1%和45.5%、27.3%、18.1%。对3组受者术后累积生存率和无瘤生存率进行比较,米兰标准组和杭州标准组受者术后1、3、5年生存率和1、3、5年无瘤生存率差异均无统计学意义(P均0.05),米兰标准组受者术后1、3、5年生存率和无瘤生存率均显著高于超出杭州标准组受者(P均0.05),杭州标准组受者术后1、3、5年生存率和1、3、5年无瘤生存率均显著高于超出杭州标准组受者(P均0.05)。结论同米兰标准一样,杭州标准也具有很强的科学性,能够显著拓展受益人群,让更多未符合米兰标准的患者能够施行肝移植术。同时杭州标准能有效预测肝移植受者预后,其创新性提出的生物学标准AFP水平和肿瘤分化程度是影响肝癌肝移植受者术后预后的关键性因素。     

肝移植治疗原发性肝癌103例疗效观察

目的 比较不同受体选择标准肝癌肝移植的远期疗效,分析肝痛肝移植术后肿瘤复发相关因素.方法 总结北京佑安医院2004年4月至2008年3月间的103例肝癌肝移植的临床资料,按照肿瘤的特征将其分为3组:符合米兰标准组(A组)、超出米兰标准但满足UCSF标准组(B组)和超出UCSF标准组(C组),比较3组的总体生存率及无瘤生存率,并分析影响远期预后的相关因素.结果 103例肝癌肝移植总体1、2、3年存活率分别为84.0%、70.5%和60.2%.其中A组50例,1、2、3年生存率和无瘤生存率分别为93.4%、83.8%、73.2%和97.3%、93.9%、88.7%;B组17例,1、2、3年生存率和无瘤生存率分别为93.3%、79.4%、66.2%和86.7%、79.4%、66.2%;C组36例,1、2、3年生存率和无瘤牛存率分别为67.0%、45.5%、34.1%和65.8%、50.0%、41.7%.远期生存率A组与B组比较无差异(P=0.631),A组、B组与C组比较具有统计学差异(P值分别为0.001,0.045).结论 米兰标准是肝癌肝移植最佳适应证,超出米兰标准但满足UCSF标准也可获得满意的远期疗效;肿瘤的分期和微血管侵犯是影响远期预后的风险因素.     

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.