肝癌切除联全脾切除治疗肝癌全并肝硬化、脾功能亢进

目的探讨肝癌合并肝硬化、脾功能亢进时肝癌切除联合脾切除的意义.方法将204例肝癌合并肝硬化、脾功能亢进患者分为肝癌切除+脾切除组(简称切脾组,n=94)和单纯肝癌切除组(简称不切脾组,n=110),比较两组患者手术后白细胞、血小板、血清总胆红素、免疫功能的变化以及并发症发生和术后5年生存情况.结果 (1)两组患者术前CD4、CD8、CD4/CD8、IL2、IFN-γ、IL-10水平差异无显著性意义.(2)术后2个月,切脾组CD4和CD4/CD8分别为(40.8±4.1)%和(1.8±0.2),高于不切脾组的CD4(33.8±3.6)%和CD4/CD8(1.1±0.3),而切脾组CD8(25.8±3.8)%低于不切脾组CD8(32.9±4.1%),差异均有显著性意义(P＜0.05);切脾组IFN-γ和IL2分别为(102.2±14.8) pg/ml和(98.1±15.5) pg/ml,高于不切脾组的IFN-γ (85.6±14.7) pg/ml和IL2 (77.7±14.2) pg/ml,而切脾组IL10(56.8±10.3)pg/ml低于不切脾组IL-10(72.8±15.4)pg/ml,差异均有显著性意义(P＜0.05).(3)术后14 d,切脾组白细胞和血小板计数分别为(9.1±1.4)×109/L和(310±55)×109/L,明显高于不切脾组的(3.6±1.2)×109/L和(99±36)×109/L,两组差异有显著性意义(P＜0.01).(4)术后第7天,切脾组血清总胆红素为(24±7)μmol/L,低于不切脾组的(37±13)μmol/L,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05).(5)两组术后并发症发生率分别为15.9%和14.5%,差异无显著性意义.(6)切脾组术后5年累积生存率56.4%,不切脾组为50.9%,差异无显著性意义(P＞0.05);但术后5年无瘤生存率切脾组和不切脾组分别为37.7%和18.9%,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05).结论对肝细胞肝癌合并肝硬化脾功能亢进患者,行肝癌切除联合脾切除可促进机体T细胞亚群和Th细胞恢复平衡、WBC和PLT计数恢复正常;可减轻术后肝脏胆红素代谢负担,有利于肝功能恢复;术后并发症发生率并不增加,而术后5年无瘤生存率却明显提高;脾切除后对减慢肝硬化的发展和减少术后上消化道大出血的发生可能也有帮助.     

肝细胞癌合并肝硬化患者肝脾联合切除术后免疫功能变化的研究

目的　探讨肝细胞癌合并肝硬化患者肝癌切除时联合脾切除术后免疫功能的变化。方法　将 16例肝癌合并肝硬化患者分成 2组 ,即肝癌切除联合脾切除组 ( 7例 )和单纯肝癌切除组 ( 9例 ) ,于术前、术后 2个月取外周血 7ml,采用流式细胞仪检测CD4、CD8、CD4 /CD8,ELISA法检测IL 2、IFN γ、IL 10。　结果　 2组患者术前CD4、CD8、CD4 /CD8、IL 2、IFN γ、IL 10水平差异无显著性 ;术后 2个月 ,切脾组CD4 ( 3 8 2 %± 3 7% )、CD4 /CD8( 1 7%± 0 3 % )高于保脾组CD4 ( 3 2 5 %± 4 0 % )、CD4 /CD8( 1 1%± 0 1% ) ,而CD8( 2 3 7%± 3 7% )低于保脾组CD8( 2 9 4 %± 4 0 % ) (P <0 0 5 ) ;切脾组IFN γ[( 10 4 4± 14 9)pg/ml]、IL 2 [( 98 6± 18 6)pg/ml]高于保脾组 [IFN γ( 70 5± 12 6)pg/ml、IL 2 ( 80 9± 13 5 )pg/ml],而IL 10 [( 5 5 5± 11 2 )pg/ml]低于保脾组 [IL 10 ( 89 4± 10 )pg/ml](P <0 0 5 )。　结论肝癌切除时联合脾切除不但没有降低机体T细胞亚群和Th细胞的平衡 ,反而促进其恢复平衡 ,并改善机体抗肿瘤免疫功能     

肝癌切除联合脾切除治疗肝细胞癌合并脾功能亢进的体会

目的探讨肝细胞癌合并脾功能亢进患者同期行肝癌切除和脾切除的安全性及可行性。方法回顾性分析2001年11月至2012年4月期间笔者所在医院收治的52例肝细胞癌合并脾功能亢进同期施行肝癌切除和脾切除患者的临床资料。结果肝癌切除联合脾切除19例,肝癌切除联合脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术33例。手术时间（249．63±40．90）min（182～340min）,术中出血量（580．77±260．31）mL（200～1700）mL。全组无死亡病例,术后并发症包括：胸腔积液11例,肺内感染3例,肝断面感染3例,胆汁漏1例,切口感染2例,高胆红素血症3例,门静脉系统血栓形成22例,均经保守治疗后好转。术后第14天,患者的白细胞和血小板计数分别由术前的（3．19±1．59）×10^9／L和（53．96±18．94）×109／L升至（8．86±5．06）×10^9／L和（464．90±189．27）×10^9／L（｜P〈0．05）;术后红细胞计数变化不明显,甚至有轻度下降。结论对于肝细胞癌合并脾功能亢进患者,选择合适的病例同期行肝癌切除和脾切除是安全可行的,而且脾切除有助于缓解脾功能亢进。     

肝癌合并肝硬化患者肝癌切除后机体免疫状态的变化

目的探讨肝癌合并肝硬化患者癌灶切除前后机体免疫状态的变化。方法以肝硬化患者为对照组 ,采用流式细胞技术 (FCM)及ELISA方法分析 18例中晚期肝癌合并肝硬化患者癌灶切除前后外周血T细胞亚群CD4、CD8、CD4 /CD8及Th1/Th2细胞因子IFN γ、IL2、IL10蛋白水平的变化。结果　肝癌切除术后CD4 (33± 3) %、CD4 /CD8(1 1± 0 1)、IL2 (71± 11)pg/ml、IFN γ(90± 15 )pg/ml回升 ,高于术前水平〔CD4 (2 9± 4 ) %、CD4 /CD8(0 9± 0 3)、IL2 (5 7± 15 )pg/ml、IFN γ(78± 13)pg/ml〕 ,但仍低于肝硬化组〔CD4 (37± 4 ) %、CD4 /CD8(1 3± 0 2 )、IL2 (82± 15 )pg/ml、IFN γ(10 4± 2 2 )pg/ml〕(P <0 0 1或P <0 0 5 ) ;CD8(32± 3) %、IL10 (70± 9)pg/ml下降 ,低于术前〔CD8(35± 6 ) %、IL10(81± 15 )pg/ml〕水平但高于肝硬化组〔CD8(2 9± 2 ) %、IL10 (6 1± 10 )pg/ml〕(P <0 0 5 )。结论　癌灶切除后 ,机体免疫功能有明显改善。但仍未恢复到肝硬化患者的水平。     

合并脾功能亢进肝癌患者的外科治疗

目的 探讨肝癌切除合并脾脏切除对肝癌合并脾功能亢进患者的临床意义.方法 回顾性分析2004年3月至2006年1月我科收治的35例合并脾功能亢进肝癌患者的临床资料,其中切脾组12例,未切脾组23例.分析手术前后肝功能以及血小板、白细胞变化情况.结果 35例均成功切除肿瘤.切脾组12例患者术后脾功能亢进消失.术后1周,切脾组患者白细胞由术前的(3.2±1.7)×109/L上升到(8.5±5.3)×109/L,血小板计数由(52.6±23.7)×109/L上升到(245.3士94.6)×109/L(P＜0.01).未切脾组白细胞及血小板计数变化不大.切脾组肝脏功能恢复较快,术后1周基本恢复至术前水平.切脾组患者均接受了较为系统的术后化疗.术后随访2年,切脾组7例生存(58.3％);未切脾组10例生存(43.5％).切脾组与未切脾组患者总的无瘤生存期分别为(16.4±4.3)个月和(14.3士5.2)个月(P＜0.005).结论 肝癌切除合并脾脏切除是治疗合并脾功能亢进肝癌患者的有效方法.     

肝癌合并有脾亢的外科治疗

目的　探讨原发性肝癌合并脾功能亢进 (脾亢 )的一期联合手术治疗的可行性和适应证。方法　回顾性研究 2 0例原发性肝癌合并脾亢的病人 ,14例行肝癌切除 (均为不规则肝切除 )及脾切除 ,其中 9例附加贲门周围血管离断术 ;5例行术中肝癌微波固化治疗及脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术 ;1例行肝癌切除及术中肝癌微波治疗和脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术。结果　术后脾亢症状基本消灭 ,术后 1周血小板 ,WBC分别由原来的 4 5 .9× 10 9/L、3.3× 10 9/L上升到 2 4 7× 10 9/L、13.0× 10 9/L。无手术死亡 ,术后黄疸及腹水等并发症在出院时消退。结论　肝癌合并脾亢行肝切除或术中微波固化同时行脾切除及断流手术是一种安全可行的方法 ,可明显减少术后并发症并对后续治疗有益。     

脾切除原位肝移植术后血小板异常变化一例

患者　男性 ,35岁。诊断“慢性乙型肝炎 (乙肝 ) ,肝功能失代偿 ,终末期肝硬化”入院。 2年前因肝炎后肝硬化 ,门静脉高压症 ,脾肿大伴脾功能亢进行切脾手术。ＣＴ及Ｂ超提示 :肝硬化伴腹水。化验检查 :丙氨酸转氨酶 77Ｕ/Ｌ ,碱性磷酸酶 181Ｕ/Ｌ ,总胆红素 2 4 5 μｍｏｌ/Ｌ。乙肝表面抗原 (+) ;核心抗体 (+) ;丙肝抗体 (- )。血常规 (ＢＲＴ) :白细胞(ＷＢＣ ) 4 2× 10 9/Ｌ ,血红蛋白 (Ｈｂ)10ｇ/Ｌ ,红细胞压积 (ＨＣＴ) 2 6 1% ,血小板计数 (ＰＬＴ) 95× 10 9/Ｌ。于 2 0 0 1年 5月2 4日在全麻下行经典原位肝移植术 ,术中不转流 …     

脾切除治疗原发性血小板减少性紫癜的疗效观察

目的　观察脾切除对原发性血小板减少性紫癜 (ITP)的治疗效果。方法　对我院 1990～ 1999年内科治疗无效的 7例ITP患者行脾切除手术 ,并对其临床疗效进行观察。全组患者术后随访 6个月至 8年。结果　 7例患者术前血小板计数平均为 3 2× 10 9 L ,术后第 3天、7天、1个月、2个月及半年血小板平均值分别上升为 191× 10 9 L、3 5 4× 10 9 L、3 17× 10 9 L、2 0 0× 10 9 L和 15 1× 10 9 L ,本组患者血小板均于术后 1周内恢复正常 (≥10 0× 10 9 L) ;术后半年血小板在正常范围者 6例 ,治愈 6 7,显效 1例。术后各阶段血小板计数与术前的差异均有显著性意义。结论　术前病程长短与手术疗效无相关关系 ,脾切除治疗ITP有效。     

肝硬化脾亢伴血小板减少的围手术期处理

目的　研究肝硬化脾功能亢进伴重度血小板减少的围手术期处理及脾切除术后血小板动态变化的临床意义。方法　收集2 0 0 1年1月～2 0 0 4年5月已行手术治疗的32例肝硬化脾大脾亢、血小板计数<5 0×10 9/L患者,观察其手术前后血小板计数的变化趋势、分析围手术期处理及其治疗效果等。结果　通过术前保肝、纠正低蛋白血症、出血倾向、术中预先结扎脾动脉,血小板计数<30×10 9/L时,输注浓缩血小板等措施,32例病人在术中、术后的凝血机制良好,无一例发生难以控制的大出血者,病人住院时间在15～2 6 d,平均19.3d,均痊愈出院。术后患者的血小板数迅速上升和术前比较即有显著意义(P<0 .0 5 ) ;术后第1天的血小板计数值和手术前的比较已有极显著意义(P<0 .0 0 1) ,以后继续上升至术后第10天达到峰点(5 0 2±184 )×10 9/L )并超过正常值范围,随后渐达正常范围内。结论　1术前保肝、纠正低蛋白血症、出血倾向、术中预结扎脾动脉是减少术中、术后出血的必要措施;血小板计数<30×10 9/L ,是术前输浓缩血小板的指征。2脾切除后血小板有规律性动态变化,指导临床抗凝用药。     

肝切除联合脾脏微波消融治疗肝癌合并脾功能亢进的 34 例回顾性分析

目的：探讨肝切除联合脾脏微波消融治疗肝细胞癌（HCC）合并脾功能亢进的安全性和有效性。方法：回顾性分析 34 例因 HCC 合并肝硬化后脾肿大、脾功能亢进而进行部分肝切除联合脾脏微波消融治疗患者的资料,通过手术前后的增强 CT 评估脾脏微波消融体积,通过实验室检查评估手术前后血常规及肝功能改变,并在术后 6 个月定期随访。结果：34例脾脏消融体积平均为（35.3±2.4）%,在随访期内无严重不良事件或手术相关死亡的发生。术后 1 天外周血白细胞水平（12.44±4.45）×109/L 与术前（3.83±1.02）×109/L 相比,其差异显著,具有统计学意义（P<0.01）。外周血小板计数术前平均为（41.04±14.88）×109/L,术后逐渐升高,在术后 2 周达到（113.45±58.33）×109/L。外周血小板计数术前与术后 2 周的差异显著,具有统计学意义（P<0.01）。肝功能 ALT 和 AST 在术后 1 天均升高 , 分别为（564.5±529.8）U/L和（429.1±318.3）U/L,与术前相比,ALT 为（32.8±12.2）U/L,AST 为（34.1±10.7）U/L,其差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.01）;但在术后 7 天 ALT 和 AST 分别恢复至（56.7±43.4）U/L 及（38.8±21.4）U/L,与术前相比,其差异均不具有统计学意义（P>0.05）。术后 1 个月复查 CT 证实所有患者的脾脏损毁体积占术前脾脏总体积的（24.9±4.3）%。结论：肝切除联合脾脏微波消融治疗 HCC 合并肝硬化后脾肿大、脾功能亢进,具有较好的安全性和有效性。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.