乌司他丁对心肺转流心内直视术中细胞因子平衡和心肌细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨乌司他丁对心肺转流(CPB)心内直视术患者细胞因子平衡和心肌细胞凋亡的影响。方法20例择期行二尖瓣置换术患者,随机均分为乌司他丁组(U组)和对照组(C组)。U组给予乌司他丁100万U,其中1万U于转机前静注作过敏试验,99万U加入预充液中;C组用生理盐水代替。于转机前(T0)、转机30min(T1)、CPB停止即刻(T2)、CPB停止后2h(T3)、6h(T4)和24h(T5)采集动脉血,测定血浆肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)和白细胞介素-10(IL-10)浓度。采用TUNEL法测定两组CPB前和CPB停止后30min右心房的心肌凋亡细胞。结果U组T2~T5时的IL-6、IL-8和TNF-α浓度明显低于C组(P<0·01),而IL-10浓度明显高于C组(P<0·01)。CPB停止后30min,U组心肌细胞的凋亡指数明显低于C组(P<0·05)。结论乌司他丁抑制CPB期间TNF-α、IL-6和IL-8的释放,促进IL-10的释放,有利于细胞因子反应平衡的调节;乌司他丁通过抑制细胞凋亡,减少心肌细胞的死亡,可有效的保护心肌。     

雷米芬太尼后处理对心肺转流诱导犬心肌损伤和炎症因子的影响

目的 探讨雷米芬太尼后处理对心肺转流(CPB)诱导犬心肌损伤和炎症因子的影响.方法 健康成年雄性犬12只,随机均分为雷米芬太尼组(R组)和对照组(C组).两组动物经麻醉和开胸后,建立CPB心肌缺血-再灌注模型,阻断升主动脉60 min.R组于主动脉阻断55 min时自主动脉根部随温血灌注液持续输注雷米芬太尼5 min,速度为4μg·kg-1·min-1,灌注液输注速率2 ml·kg-1·min-1持续5 min.C组于相同时点行温血再灌注,灌注液输注速率同R组.分别于CPB前5 min(T0)、阻断升主动脉后30 min(T1)、开放升主动脉后5 min(T2)、停CPB 30 min(T3)和停CPB 2 h(T4)采集股动脉血,检测心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)的浓度和血浆肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、IL-8.记录主动脉开放后心脏自动复跳情况,电镜下观察心肌组织超微结构改变.结果 与T0时比较,两组cTnI、TNF-α在CPB后各时点均明显升高(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),升主动脉开放后各时点IL-6、IL-8均明显升高(P＜0.01).R组升主动脉开放后各时点cTnI、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8均明显低于C组(P＜0.01).R组心肌组织结构损伤程度轻于C组.结论 雷米芬太尼后处理可抑制犬CPB诱导促炎细胞因子的释放,减轻心肌再灌注损伤.     

去白细胞血再灌注液对体外循环犬心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的探讨去白细胞血再灌注液对体外循环(CPB)犬心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响及其机制。方法成年健康犬12条,根据再灌注液成分不同随机分为对照组(C组)和去白细胞血组(D组),每组6条。两组动物经麻醉和开胸后,建立CPB心肌缺血再灌注模型,阻断升主动脉60 min。于阻断40min时,自主动脉根部以2 ml·min-1·kg-1灌入常温晶体液或去白细胞血,持续20 min。分别于阻断前、阻断后30min及60min和开放后30min及60min取静脉血,检测血浆TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8浓度。并于阻断前、阻断后60 min和开放后60 min分别取心肌组织检测髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性。结果与阻断前比较,阻断后各时点两组TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-8血浆浓度均升高,IL-6血浆浓度在开放后各时点升高(P<0．05);D组开放升主动脉后各时点TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6和IL-8血浆浓度低于C组(P< 0．01);D组阻断后60 min和开放后60 min MPO活性低于C组(P<0．01)。结论去白细胞血再灌注液能减轻体外循环犬的心肌缺血再灌注损伤,抑制促炎性细胞因子可能是其作用机制之一。     

心内直视手术患者心肺转流前后血浆肾上腺髓质素及炎性因子的变化

目的 观察心内直视手术患者心肺转流(CPB)前后血浆肾上腺髓质素(ADM)及炎性因子的变化.方法 心内直视手术患者30例,年龄18～36岁,分别于麻醉前(T0)、CPB开始10 min(T1)、主动脉开放(T2)、CPB后3 h(T3)、6 h(T4)及24 h(T5)抽取桡动脉血测定血浆ADM、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)及白细胞介素-10(IL-10),记录CPB时间、主动脉阻断时间.结果 ADM浓度于T2～T5时明显增加(P＜0.01),TNF-a、IL-6和IL-10浓度亦显著增加(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);ADM浓度增高得较早,其净增加值与主动脉阻断和CPB时间无明显相关性.结论 CPB可导致ADM以及TNF-α、IL-6和IL-10等细胞因子水平增高,ADM的改变可能与CPB引起的细胞因子增高有一定关系.     

氯胺酮对体外循环心脏手术患者血浆S100-β蛋白及炎性因子的影响

目的 观察氯胺酮对体外循环(CPB)心脏手术患者血浆S100-β蛋白及炎性介质肿瘤坏死因子-a(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的影响.方法 择期行二尖瓣置换术患者40例,ASA Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,随机分为氯胺酮组(K组)和对照组(C组),每组20例.常规全麻诱导后,K组以氯胺酮2mg/kg静脉注射,继之以50μg·kg-1·min-1的速度持续泵注至手术结束,C组给予等量生理盐水.分别于麻醉诱导后(氯胺酮注射前,T1)、CPB后20 min(T2)、CPB结束时(T3)、术毕(T4)、术后24 h(T5)时抽取颈静脉球部血,测定各时点血浆S100-β、TNF-α及IL-6浓度,并对S100-β与TNF-α、IL-6之间的相关性进行分析.结果 与T1时比较,T2时两组患者血浆TNF-α、IL-6显著升高,T4达到高峰,T5时明显下降但仍高于T1时(P<0.05).T2～T5时K组TNF-α均显著低于C组(P<0.05).T2～T4时K组IL-6显著低于C组(P<0.05).T2时两组患者血浆S100-β浓度较T1时显著升高;T3时达到高峰,T5时显著下降但仍高于T1时(P<0.05).与C组比较,T2～T5时K组S100-β均显著降低(P<0.05).T2～T5时S100-β与TNF-α有明显的相关性(r-分别为0.815,0.791,0.684,0.572,P<0.05);T2～T4时S100-β与IL-6有明显相关性(r分别为0.785,0.824,0.703,P<0.05).结论 CPB心脏手术期间应用麻醉剂量的氯胺酮可明显降低CPB诱发的TNF-α、IL-6及S100-β蛋白的升高.     

两种氧合器对心肺转流炎症反应的影响

目的动态监测室间隔缺损修补术患者在心肺转流(CPB)各时段血清可溶性细胞间粘附分子(sICAM-1)、可溶性E-选择素(sE-selection)及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的变化规律,并比较西京-90鼓泡式氧合器和希健-Ⅱ膜式氧合器对其的影响。方法选择择期行室间隔缺损修补术的患者30例,随机均分为鼓泡式氧合器组(B组)和膜式氧合器组(M组)。所有患者分别在麻醉后CPB开始前(T1)、主动脉阻断开放前(T2)、CPB结束时(T3)、术后2h(T4)、6h(T5)、24h(T6)及48h(T7)取静脉血5ml用ELISA法测定sICAM-1、sE-selection及TNF-α的浓度。结果两组患者血清中的TNF-α于T2时开始显著升高,T4时达到峰值(P<0·01)。sICAM-1于T5时开始升高,T6时达峰值。sE-selection于T4时开始升高,T5时达峰值(P<0·01)。M组大部分时点TNF-α、sICAM-1、sE-selection的浓度均低于B组。结论希健-Ⅱ膜式氧合器引起的炎症反应较轻。     

L-精氨酸对体外循环后细胞因子的影响

目的　探讨 L-精氨酸 (L- arginine)对体外循环 (CPB)缺血 -再灌注损伤后全身炎症反应的抑制作用。方法　术前将 5 1例拟行心瓣膜置换术的风湿性心脏病患者随机分成两组 :L-精氨酸组 (n=2 5 ) ,术中给予 30 0 mg/kgL -精氨酸治疗 ;对照组 (n=2 6 ) ,术中给予等量的 5 %葡萄糖注射液。分别于术前、CPB后 2 h、4 h、8h、2 4 h和 4 8h采取动脉血 ,用酶联免疫吸附法分别测定血浆肿瘤坏死因子 - α(TNF- α)、白细胞介素 - 1β(IL- 1β)、白细胞介素 - 10 (IL- 10 )的浓度。　结果　两组 TNF-α、IL - 1β和 IL - 10水平于 CPB后均升高 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,TNF-α和 IL - 1β于 CPB后 4 8h恢复至基础值 ;L-精氨酸组 CPB后 4 h、8h、2 4 h TNF- α和 IL- 1β升高幅度明显低于对照组 (P<0 .0 5 ) ;IL- 10水平各时点组间比较差别无统计学意义 (P>0 .0 5 )。　结论　L-精氨酸可以降低 CPB后 TNF- α、IL- 1β的血浆水平 ,具有抑制 CPB缺血 -再灌注损伤后全身炎症反应的作用。     

前列腺素E1脂肪乳剂在体外循环中对心肌缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨前列腺素E1脂肪乳剂(Lipo-PGE1)在体外循环(CPB)中对心肌缺血-再灌注损伤(MIRI)的保护作用.方法 选取我院明确诊断的心脏瓣膜病、先天性心脏病房间隔缺损(ASD)、室间隔缺损(VSD)患者32例,随机分成两组,每组16例.Lipo-PGE1组CPB开始前持续静脉泵滴入Lipo-PGE1(剂量2ng/kg·min)至升主动脉开放后2h;对照组滴入等容量的生理盐水.两组患者均分别于CPB开始前,升主动脉开放后1、2、6和24h等时点抽取动脉血,测心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)、肌酸激酶同工酶MB(CK-MB)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)的表达值.结果 CPB前两组患者的cTnI,CK-MB,IL-6,TNF-α和sICAM-1指标比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),升主动脉开放后1、2、6和24h均较CPB前明显升高(P＜0.01),但Lipo-PGE1组较对照组低(P＜0.05).结论 CPB前至升主动脉开放后2h持续静脉泵滴入Lipo-PGE1(剂量2ng/kg·min),能有效地抑制IL-6,TNF-α的释放,减弱sICAM-1表达,减轻炎症反应和对心肌细胞的损伤,对CPB术中MIRI具有保护作用.     

甘利欣对体外循环患者急性肺损伤的保护作用

目的 研究甘利欣对体外循环(CPB)所致急性肺损伤的影响及其机制。方法24例风心病心内直视瓣膜置换术患者,随机分为两组,每组12例。甘利欣组(G),麻醉诱导后用10％葡萄糖注射液50ml加甘利欣2.5 mg·kg-1泵入,对照组(C)10％葡萄糖50 ml泵入。于麻醉诱导后10min(T0)、转流后30 min(T1)、开放主动脉后30 min(T2)、术毕(T3)、术后4 h(T4),术后24 h(T5)测血浆TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-11和丙二醛(MDA)的浓度及锰超氧化物歧化酶(Mn-SOD)的活性。测定麻醉诱导后10 min(t0)、体外循环后10min(t1)、30min(t2)、术毕(t3)的呼吸指数(RI)。结果 两组 TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-10、MDA和Mn-SOD在体外循环后均有不同程度的增高。G组TNF-α在T1和T2低于C组(P<0.05),在T1-L3、T5,C组IL-1β高于G组,IL-10低于G组(P<0.05);C组MDA在T2-T4高于G组(P<0.05);C组Mn—SOD的活性在T1、T2低于G组(P<0.05或0.01)。C组的RI在转流后升高,且在t1、t3高于G组。结论甘利欣可抑制心脏瓣膜置换术患者CPB引起的炎性反应,减少氧自由基产生,从而减轻体外循环所致的急性肺损伤。     

不同剂量芬太尼复合麻醉下心脏瓣膜置换术患者围术期血浆细胞因子和心肌酶的变化

目的 探讨不同剂量芬太尼麻醉下心脏瓣膜置换术患者围术期血浆细胞因子和心肌酶水平的变化。方法 择期行心脏瓣膜置换术患者30例,随机分为3组:F1组、F2组和F3组,每组10例,微量泵分别连续输注芬太尼总量30、60、100μg·kg-1。分别于麻醉前(T1)、体外循环(CPB)转流前(T2)、开主动脉后30 min(T3)、开主动脉后2 h(T4)及术后24 h(T5)采动脉血,测定血浆中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)浓度及肌酸激酶(CK)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)活性,并记录三组患者在ICU的滞留时间和拔管时间。结果 与T1比较,三组CPB后TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10、CK、CK-MB升高(P<0.01)。与F1组比较,F2组、F3组T3、T4时TNF-α、IL-6、T4、T5时CK、T3-5时CK-MB降低、T4、T5时IL-10升高(P<0.05)。F3组ICU滞留和术后拔管时间明长于F1组和F2组(P<0.05)。结论 较大剂量芬太尼可抑制CPB诱导的炎性反应和心肌缺血再灌注损伤,但是对于拔管时间和在ICU的滞留时间芬太尼有顶峰效应。     

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.