手术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸合并腰椎管狭窄

目的　探讨退变性腰椎侧凸合并腰椎管狭窄的手术方法。方法　对 4 3例适应证患者进行椎板切除减压、CD器械矫正和后外侧融合术 ,术后观察疼痛改善率和测量畸形矫正率。结果　术后1年腰腿疼痛较术前平均改善 76 2 %± 8 3% ,腰椎冠状面矫正率为 4 7 2 %± 6 3% ,矢状面矫正率为 36 4 %± 5 7%。术后 3年腰腿疼痛较术前平均改善 74 8%± 6 9% ,腰椎冠状面和矢状面矫形丢失不明显。结论　手术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸合并腰椎管狭窄时 ,应重视矫正腰椎侧凸和后凸畸形、改善腰椎力学平衡 ,以提高术后中远期临床疗效     

老年人腰椎退变性侧凸症手术治疗的临床分析

[目的] 探讨65岁以上老年人腰椎退变性侧凸症手术治疗的可靠性、手术方法及术后效果.[方法]回顾性分析自2004年9月～2008年4月经手术治疗的64例退变性脊柱侧弯的矫正效果、并发症和随访结果.其病程6～120个月,平均45.2个月.对Cobb' s角<20°的23例患者,行选择性椎管或神经根管减压,经后路椎体间融合,短节段椎弓根钉棒系统固定;对Cobb' s角>20°的42例患者,行椎管减压,长节段固定侧弯矫正,后路椎体间融合及后外侧自体骨植骨融合术.[结果]全组病例术后平均侧弯矫正率为51.2%,疼痛缓解率88.3%,92%患者自诉生活质量得到明显改善,恢复了生活自理能力.平均随访37个月(6～48个月),随访期间矫正度数及椎间隙高度无丢失,融合器无移位.[结论]老年人腰椎退变性侧凸症的手术治疗应严格掌握手术适应证,充分减压,最大限度重建脊柱在冠状面和矢状面的平衡.老年患者病程长、往往伴随多器官疾病,应注意将手术创伤减少到最低程度,术后积极加强功能锻炼.     

后路减压联合不同融合节段固定治疗退变性脊柱侧凸疗效分析

目的比较后路减压联合短节段或长节段融合对退变性脊柱侧凸的治疗效果。方法回顾分析随访2年以上退变性脊柱侧凸患者44例,均行后路减压椎弓根螺钉固定融合手术,根据融合范围分为短节段组和长节段组。记录2组患者术前、术后即刻、末次随访的影像学参数和Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disabiliby index,ODI）评分。结果 2组平均融合节段分别为2.8和5.8个,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。术前短节段组平均侧凸Cobb角为15.9°,长节段组为23.5°;术后Cobb角矫正率分别为23%和61%,手术前后差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。长节段较短节段融合对冠状面失平衡和侧方滑脱改善明显,但2种手术方式对腰椎前凸及矢状面失平衡矫形效果无显著差异。长节段融合早期并发症较短节段融合高。2组患者手术前后ODI评分无明显差异。结论侧凸Cobb角较小、保持良好脊柱平衡的退变性脊柱侧凸患者可选择后路减压联合短节段融合手术,Cobb角较大或严重侧方滑脱的患者选择长节段融合可提高矫形效果,严重矢状面失衡的患者可考虑行截骨矫形手术。     

侧路融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的临床疗效分析

[目的]探讨侧路融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的临床疗效。[方法]2012年3月~2014年6月退变性腰椎侧凸的患者28例,男17例,女11例;年龄55~71岁,平均(65.7±13.58)岁。采用侧路融合术Cross-Fuse假体置入。[结果]平均随访22个月(10~34个月),随访期间腰椎冠状面及矢状面序列矫正度数及椎间孔平均高度、椎间隙平均高度未见明显丢失,融合器无移位,未见假关节形成。末次随访腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI功能障碍指数评分均较术前低,且差异均有统计学意义(P0.001),提示腰痛及腿痛等症状经手术治疗后有所改善。手术后腰椎冠状面及矢状面Cobb角较手术前有所降低,而术后腰椎侧方滑移度、椎间孔平均高度和椎间隙平均高度则有所提高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.001)。[结论]侧路融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸临床效果较好。     

后路选择性短节段矫形固定治疗退变性腰椎侧凸症疗效分析

目的探讨后路选择性减压短节段融合固定术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸症的中期效果。方法回顾分析2006-06-2010-03我院采用后路选择性减压短节段融合固定术治疗的退变性腰椎侧凸症患者71例,定期随访VAS、JOA评分并测量腰椎Cobb’s角和前凸角。结果患者术后症状明显好转,四个指标均明显改善(P<0.05):平均VAS评分由术前6.32降至术后1.86,JOA评分由13.31增加至24.17,冠状位Cobb’s角由19.65°矫正至10.32°,矢状位Cobb’s角由32.38°增加至42.31°。JOA改善率为32.64%,侧凸矫正率为47.48%。经过平均4.14年的随访发现上述效果出现轻度丢失,末次随访时16例侧凸进展,其中12例症状加重。结论对于侧凸角度不大、脊柱基本平衡的DLS患者,采用后路选择性减压短节段融合固定术可获得良好的效果,并可以显著的减少手术创伤和术后并发症。     

退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的阶梯性治疗策略

目的退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄多为中老年患者,治疗方法选择复杂。探讨退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的阶梯性治疗策略及疗效。方法 2005年1月-2009年12月,收治退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄患者117例,根据患者意愿、内科合并症、腰腿痛症状、腰椎侧凸后凸旋转三维畸形、腰椎稳定性的情况(侧方滑移、退变性滑脱),以及脊柱整体平衡状态,阶梯性地选择保守治疗(43例)、后路单纯减压术(18例)、后路短节段融合术(1～2个节段,41例)、后路长节段融合畸形矫正(≥3个节段,15例)方法治疗。比较患者治疗前后腰痛及腿痛的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、腰椎前凸角、侧凸Cobb角的变化。结果术后获1年以上随访72例;无死亡及内固定失败。保守治疗19例平均随访19.3个月(1～5年),无症状加重,末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前明显降低(P<0.05),腰椎前凸角减小、侧凸Cobb角增大,但与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。后路单纯减压术12例平均随访36个月(1～5年),末次随访时腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前均明显降低(P<0.05),腰痛VAS评分较治疗前减小,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);腰椎前凸角减小、侧凸Cobb角增大,但进展缓慢,与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。后路短节段融合31例平均随访21.3个月(1～3年),术后发生血肿、切口愈合不良、脑脊液漏、浅表感染各1例,经对症处理后治愈;末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前均明显降低(P<0.05),腰椎前凸角及侧凸Cobb角均明显改善(P<0.05)。后路长节段融合10例平均随访17.1个月(1～3年),术后症状加重1例,经理疗及药物治疗3个月后缓解;术后深部感染1例,经清创切口持续冲洗引流后治愈;末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI、腰椎前凸角及侧凸Cobb角均较治疗前明显改善(P<0.05)。结论退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的治疗应个体化、阶梯性地选择治疗方案。手术治疗以减压为主、矫形为辅,应准确判断症状责任节段、侧凸责任节段、后凸责任节段,防止手术扩大化,积极控制出血,提高手术安全性。     

腰椎退变性侧凸合并椎管狭窄症的外科治疗

目的 探讨腰椎退变性侧凸合并椎管狭窄症的临床特点及外科治疗.方法 回顾性分析1997年1月至2007年1月手术治疗腰椎退变性侧凸合并椎管狭窄症的43例患者,男18例,女25例;年龄51～72岁,平均56.4岁.侧凸Cobb角25°～40°,平均31.8°;腰椎前凸-40.5°～70°,平均-20.9°.采用后正中切口,"责任狭窄节段"椎板减压,切除突出的"责任椎间盘",扩大狭窄的神经根管.应用平移、去旋转结合凹侧撑开、凸侧加压技术,矫正侧凸.28个椎间隙应用融合器融合,9个椎间隙应用自体髂骨融合.其余节段行后外侧融合.结果 术后随访1～10年,平均4.9年,采用JOA 29分标准进行评定.末次随访侧凸Cobb角5°～10°,矫正度数12°～30°,矫正率58.8%.腰椎前凸角矫正为-12°～17.3°,平均12.3°.所有患者均获得骨性融合,术前JOA评分11分,末次随访为25分,优良率为90.1%.未发现螺钉断裂、松动,无断棒现象.1例术后10d出现皮肤浅表感染,应用敏感抗生素而治愈;1例术后脑脊液漏,经抬高床尾,口服醋氮酰胺治愈.2枚钛合金cage移位,无不适而未处理.结论 腰椎退变性侧凸合并椎管狭窄症的外科治疗较为棘手,手术以解决"责任节段"为重点,融合固定是保证治疗效果的前提.     

长节段固定、局限性减压治疗合并退变性腰椎侧凸的腰椎管狭窄症

目的评价后路长节段固定、局限性减压治疗合并退变性腰椎侧凸的腰椎管狭窄症的临床疗效。方法 2005年6月至2009年8月收治的合并退变性腰椎侧凸的腰椎管狭窄症患者42例,其中男性13例,女性29例,均采用后路长节段固定、局限性减压手术治疗,分析患者术前、术后JOA评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数、Cobb角的变化,并进行对比。结果腰椎JOA评分由术前（11.5±3.6）分增加到术后（23.4±2.1）分（P〈0.01）,临床改善率75.3%;术前ODI为（68.2±2.4）%,术后改善至（34.2±1.7）%（P〈0.01）;冠状位Cobb角术前为（27.6±2.3）°,术后改善至（10.5±1.5）°（P〈0.01）;矢状位腰椎前凸角术前为（11.8±1.2）°,术后改善至平均（35.3±1.6）°（P〈0.01）。患者全部获得随访,随访时间12～56个月,平均38个月,随访期间除1例因感染内固定物取出,其余41例矫正效果无丢失,内固定物无松动、断裂现象,植骨融合良好,无假关节形成。结论对于合并退变性腰椎侧凸的腰椎管狭窄症患者,掌握合适的手术适应证,后路长节段固定、局限性减压及植骨融合是有效的治疗方法。     

后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸

[目的]回顾性分析后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸的疗效.[方法]2005年1月～2008年6月,通过后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸患者,27例获得随访.术前冠状面主凸cobb角为48.6°(42°～63°),侧凸平均柔韧度34.2%.术后平均随访27.4个月(24～36个月),通过影像学检查对手术矫形效果和躯干平衡情况进行分析,末次随访时进行患者主观疗效评价.[结果]所有患者术后外观明显改善.冠状面主凸平均Cobb角矫正率为62.1%.末次随访冠状面Cobb角平均丢失2.3°.冠状面平衡由术前平均26 mm矫正为术后平均8 mm.腰椎前凸cobb角由术前平均36.7°增加为39.6°.[结论]后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸可以获得良好的冠状面和矢状面矫形,重建躯干的平衡,主客观疗效满意.     

退变性腰椎侧凸选择性短节段固定融合的手术治疗

目的探讨选择性减压、短节段固定融合治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的手术疗效。方法回顾性研究2004年1月～2007年6月收治的42例以下肢症状为主的退变性腰椎侧凸患者,其中男15例,女27例;平均年龄为65.6岁。手术方式采用选择性减压、短节段固定融合。对患者术前、首次随访、终末随访时的Cobb角,腰椎前凸角度,VAS评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数进行对比。结果术前与终末随访VAS评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数对比,差异有统计学意义,手术优良率为76.2%,术后早期并发症的发生率为23.9%。结论以下肢症状为主的退变性腰椎侧凸患者可通过狭窄节段椎管减压、短节段固定融合显著地减小手术创伤,获得良好的手术疗效。     

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.