正中神经掌皮支的应用解剖

目的　为腕掌部手术避免损伤掌皮支提供解剖学基础。方法　对 5 0侧成人上肢标本的掌皮支来源、走行、分支、分布及其营养动脉等进行解剖学观测。结果　掌皮支在腕远横纹的“0”点近端(4 4 .9± 2 1.6)mm处发自正中神经桡侧 ,在该点近端 (18.6± 11.5 )mm处穿出前臂深筋膜后 ,紧贴深筋膜和屈肌支持韧带浅面 ,越豆、舟顶间线的中、外 1/3交点至手掌。在“0”点远端 (8.2± 3 .4)mm处穿出掌腱膜。掌皮支干长 (4 9.7± 2 5 .2 )mm ,起点处宽 (1.2± 0 .9)mm。掌皮支主要分支有 3支者占 5 2 %(2 6侧 ) ,2支者 3 4% (17侧 ) ,1支者 14 % (7侧 ) ,它主要分布于手掌的大鱼际区和掌中区。桡、尺动脉发出营养支 (84.69% )与掌皮支干伴行后进入神经 ,掌浅弓发出营养支 (89.62 % )直接进入掌皮支的手掌部分支。结论　腕掌部手术应靠近尺侧作纵切口以免损伤掌皮支     

小指尺掌侧动脉穿支皮瓣的解剖学基础

目的 探讨小指尺掌侧动脉穿支和尺动脉腕上皮支降支的解剖学特征,为临床尺侧手掌及小指软组织缺损的重建提供新术式. 方法 选用30侧经动脉内灌注红色乳胶的成人上肢标本,以第5掌骨头为观测标志点,手术放大镜下重点解剖观测:①小指尺掌侧动脉穿支的起源、外径、分支与分布、主干长度及主干到第五掌骨头的最短距离;②尺动脉腕上皮支降支的走行及分布.另选1侧新鲜标本进行摹拟手术设计. 结果 小指尺掌侧动脉93.3％起自掌浅弓凸侧的尺侧缘,6.7％由第3掌心动脉与掌深弓发出的分支汇合而成.不同起源的小指尺掌侧动脉发出的穿支穿出深筋膜位置相对恒定,穿出点位于第五掌骨头上(1.3 ±0.3)cm处,由小鱼际浅层肌(小指短屈肌与小指展肌)与第五掌骨之间穿出至皮下,与尺动脉腕上皮支降支形成直接或间接吻合.小指尺掌侧动脉穿支起始外径(0.8±0.4)mm,穿支动脉干长(2.0 ±0.6)cm.结论 小指尺掌侧动脉穿支与尺动脉腕上皮支吻合点位置较固定.以小指尺掌侧动脉穿支为蒂设计皮瓣,血供可靠,转位灵活,可用于修复尺侧手掌及小指软组织缺损.     

腕部桡尺神经浅支的解剖学研究

目的为在桡、尺骨远端骨折处经皮穿针固定提供一个安全进针区域,减少桡、尺神经浅支的损伤提供解剖学依据。方法成人前臂标本18侧,观察桡、尺神经浅支的走行规律。结果桡神经浅支从肱桡肌和桡侧腕长伸肌腱平均间穿出点与桡骨茎突纵向平均距离(L_1)为[(7．4±0．7)cm,(?)±s,下同]。其中16侧在穿出点与桡骨茎突纵向平均距离(L_2)为(4．5±0．6)cm处发出一级分支,称为尺侧支(Ⅰ)和桡侧支(Ⅱ)；尺侧支的桡侧分支(I a)与桡骨茎突的横向平均距离(L_3)为(1．0±0．3)cm,桡侧支与桡骨茎突横向平均距离(L_4)为(0．8±0．3)cm,纵向平均距离(L_5)为(1．5±0．4)cm。2侧桡神经浅支桡侧支被前臂外侧皮神经所替代。尺神经浅支手背支均从尺骨茎突的掌侧走行,与尺骨茎突距离为(0．9±0．3) cm。结论以桡骨茎突为中心,横向距离0．4cm．纵向距离0．6cm的椭圆形区域为桡神经分布相对盲区．从该区经皮克氏针固定桡骨远端,可有效地减少桡神经浅支损伤的发生率。尺骨远端骨折应从尺骨茎突背侧经皮进针相对较安全。     

正中神经环指桡侧指神经支移植修复尺神经深支缺损的应用解剖

目的 为研究环指桡侧指神经支移植修复尺神经深支缺损提供解剖学基础. 方法 对16例32侧新鲜成人上肢进行观测.在10倍手术显微镜下对腕部尺神经深支、正中神经旋前方肌支和环指桡侧指神经支进行显微解剖及测量. 结果 正中神经旋前方肌支直径为(1.13±0.02)mm,正中神经环指桡侧指神经支直径为(1.17±0.05)mm,对掌肌管出口处尺神经深支直径为(1.75±0.07)mm.显微镜下分离环指桡侧指神经支,对掌肌管出口处尺神经深支至旋前方肌支入肌长度即移植段神经长度为(104.59±20.25)mm. 结论 环指桡侧指神经支移植为带血运的神经移植,属肌支对肌支的吻合,是修复尺神经深支缺损的有效方法.     

钩骨腕掌关节移位重建指骨间关节的解剖学基础研究

目的探讨钩骨腕掌关节移位、修复和重建手的功能性关节的解剖学基础。方法22侧冷冻成人手腕标本,解剖观测钩骨腕掌关节和中节指骨基底关节面的形态、结构特点,测量各关节面的尺桡径、掌背径、关节面凹面的深度及关节面面积。将所得数据进行统计分析,比较钩骨腕掌关节和中节指骨基底关节面在形态、结构特点、面积及各径线长度的相似度。结果钩骨腕掌关节的尺桡径(13.54mm±1.15mm,钩骨腕掌关节尺桡侧缘中点的距离)和示、中、环指中节与拇指远节指骨基底关节面的尺桡径(关节面尺桡侧缘中点的距离)无统计学差异(P0.01,对应t值分别为2.7670、-2.0720、2.1608、1.2189);钩骨腕掌关节的掌背径(10.71mm±0.93mm,钩骨底嵴的两顶点间距离)和环指中节指骨基底关节面的掌背径(关节面掌背侧缘中点的距离)无统计学差异(P0.01,t=1.6170);钩骨腕掌关节的尺侧凹面深度(1.30±0.08)mm、桡侧凹面深度(0.95±0.05)mm、面积(139.89±5.44)mm2和示、中、环、小指中节指骨、拇指远节指骨基底关节面的凹面深度(尺、桡侧关节面掌背缘中点为支点测量深度)及面积有统计学差异(P0.01)。结论钩骨腕掌关节可作为一个新的良好关节供区,用于修复和重建各中节指骨基底关节面。     

腕部三神经阻滞在断指再植术的应用

断指再植术 ,以往常规选择臂丛神经阻滞麻醉或高位硬膜外麻醉。我们改行腕部三神经 (桡神经、正中神经、尺神经 )阻滞麻醉 ,取得良好的效果。资料与方法腕部三神经阻滞麻醉 ,用于断指再植手术 2 2例 ,ＡＳＡⅠ级 ,男 19例 ,女 3例 ,年龄 17～ 5 6岁。结合手部感觉神经的分布 ,分别为拇、食、中指选用正中神经加桡神经浅支 ;环指选用正中神经加尺神经 ,小指选用尺神经。在腕部 ,正中神经处于前臂深筋膜之下 ,在桡侧腕屈肌腱与掌长肌腱之间。尺神经表浅 ,位于腕部第二条横线 ,即近侧掌横纹 ,与尺侧屈腕肌肌腱桡侧缘的交点处或腕部尺神经管内。…     

骨间前动脉腕背支尺骨膜瓣修复三角纤维软骨的解剖学基础

目的为三角纤维软骨修复提供新的手术方法.方法在40侧经动脉灌注红色乳胶的成人尸体标本上,解剖观测骨间前动脉腕背支的走行、分支及分布.结果骨间前动脉腕背支在伸肌腱深面贴骨间膜背侧下行至尺骨茎突上(1.6±0.8)cm处分为内、外侧终支,并分别与尺动脉腕背支、桡动脉腕背支吻合.腕背支近端较恒定地发出尺、桡侧骨皮支,其中尺侧骨皮支经伸肌间隙沿尺骨小头走行,沿途分出皮支和尺骨骨膜支.尺侧骨皮支长(1.4±0.7)cm,外径( 0.9±0.2)mm,可提供3.1cm×3.2cm×0.3cm尺骨远段背侧骨膜瓣.结论可以尺动脉腕背支为蒂设计尺骨远端骨膜瓣转位修复三角纤维软骨的新术式.     

腕关节神经支配的解剖学研究

目的观察支配腕关节神经的来源、直径、数目及其行径;为去神经支配治疗腕关节疼痛提供解剖学资料。方法对10具20侧福马林固定的上肢标本,在手术显微镜下解剖并观察骨间后神经、前臂外侧皮神经、桡神经浅支、尺神经腕背支支配腕关节背侧的腕关节支;骨间前神经、正中神经掌皮支、尺神经深支及其主干支配腕关节掌侧的关节支。结果骨间后神经是支配腕关节背侧神经的主要来源;前臂外侧皮神经、桡神经浅支、尺神经腕背支也发支支配腕关节背侧。骨间前神经、正中神经掌皮支、尺神经深支发支参与支配腕关节的掌侧。结论用去神经支配的方法治疗腕关节顽固性疼痛主要适用于腕背侧的疼痛。     

掌长肌腱深浅层正中神经阻滞麻醉的研究与应用

目的介绍一种用于手部手术的腕部正中神经阻滞麻醉的新方法。方法在腕部掌侧远端腕掌横纹近侧2cm，于掌长肌腱的尺侧进针，将局麻药注射在掌长肌腱的深层，麻醉正中神经主干；另将局麻药注射在掌长肌腱及深筋膜浅层，麻醉正中神经的掌皮支。结果麻醉起效时间2～23min，平均9．1min。手掌桡侧半、桡侧三个半手指掌侧、示指及中指中远节背侧、环指中远节背桡侧均起到麻醉效果。132例患者中仅2例出现拇指掌侧及示指桡侧麻醉不完善，追加指根阻滞麻醉后手术得以顺利进行。结论对于手部掌桡侧半手术，应用腕部掌长肌腱深、浅层正中神经阻滞麻醉法，患者痛苦相对较小，麻醉确切，安全可靠，是一种较理想的麻醉方法。     

骨间前动脉腕背支尺骨膜瓣修复三角纤维软骨的解剖学基础

目的:为三角纤维软骨修复提供新的手术方法。方法:在40侧经动脉灌注红色乳胶的成人尸体标本上,解剖观测骨间前动脉腕背支的走行、分支及分布。结果:骨间前动脉腕背支在伸肌腱深面贴骨间膜背侧下行至尺骨茎突上(1.6±0.8)cm处分为内、外侧终支,并分别与尺动脉腕背支、桡动脉腕背支吻合。腕背支近端较恒定地发出尺、桡侧骨皮支,其中尺侧骨皮支经伸肌间隙沿尺骨小头走行,沿途分出皮支和尺骨骨膜支。尺侧骨皮支长(1.4±0.7)cm,外径(0.9±0.2)mm,可提供3.1cm×3.2cm×0.3cm尺骨远段背侧骨膜瓣。结论:可以尺动脉腕背支为蒂设计尺骨远端骨膜瓣转位修复三角纤维软骨的新术式。     

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.