维持性血液透析患者透析间期血压节律影响因素的分析

目的 观察维持性血液透析患者透析间期血压节律可能存在的异常并讨论其影响因素。 方法 选择44例维持性血液透析患者，均于透析间期(透析前1 d)进行24 h动态血压监测，根据动态血压监测结果将患者分为3组：非高血压组、高血压控制组及高血压未控制组。监测或评估3组患者的血红蛋白(Hb)、血肌酐(Scr)、Kt/V、血清钙(Ca)、磷(P)、全段甲状旁腺素(iPTH)、透析间期体质量增加(IDWG)、Morisky依从性评分等。对相应的指标进行统计分析，筛选出影响血压节律的因素。 结果 （1）动态血压相关参数包括夜间血压下降率、收缩压和舒张压的夜间下降率、动态动脉硬化指数(AASI)、杓形血压比例在3组之间的差异无统计学意义。高血压未控制组的24 h平均脉压比其他两组高[（80.06±13.41）比（53.00±7.73）、（57.85±21.97） mm Hg，均P < 0.01]。（2）3组患者血压曲线均呈现“两峰一谷”的表现，高血压未控制组夜间血压下降不明显。（3）夜间收缩压下降率与血iPTH呈负相关(r = －0.349， P = 0.024)。（4）44例患者中的全部10例杓型血压节律者的AASI与夜间舒张压下降率呈负相关(r = －0.748，P = 0.013)。 结论 维持性血液透析患者夜间血压下降与甲状旁腺素及血管硬化程度有关。     

慢性肾脏病患者血脂变化相关因素分析

目的通过分析慢性肾脏病非透析患者不同分期及原发病脂质代谢紊乱特点及其变化相关因素,为临床调脂治疗提供依据。方法对618例慢性肾脏病非透析患者进行回顾性研究,分析血脂特点及其变化相关因素。结果总胆固醇在前4期均高于对照组（P〈0．01）,三酰甘油在前4期高于对照组（P〈0.01）,高密度脂蛋白在各期均与对照组无差异。相关分析显示患者血总胆固醇与血红蛋白、红细胞压积等呈正相关（P〈0.01）,与白蛋白、尿素氮、血肌酐等呈负相关（P〈0．05）。三酰甘油与血红蛋白、红细胞压积等呈正相关（P〈0.01）,与年龄、白蛋白、尿素氮、血肌酐等呈负相关（P〈0．05）。高密度脂蛋白与血红蛋白、红细胞压积等呈正相关（P〈0．05）,与体质量、尿素氮、血肌酐呈负相关（P〈0．05）。结论慢性肾脏病不同分期患者血脂水平异常与患者年龄、血红蛋白、白蛋白、肾功能等多种因素相关。     

慢性肾脏病1～2期血压昼夜节律变化的中医病因病机探讨

目的:观察慢性肾脏病(CKD)1~2期非高血压患者24 h血压变异情况,应用中医辨证方法分析CKD1~2期血压昼夜节律异常的中医病因病机。方法:收集47例CKD1~2期非高血压患者及30例健康人的24 h动态血压数据,比较两组血压昼夜异常节律的发生情况。对CKD组进行中医证候评分,根据中医基础理论,分析不同中医证素与非杓型血压的对应关系。结果:CKD组非杓型血压的发生率较正常对照组高(P0.05)。CKD组昼夜平均舒张压差、昼夜平均舒张压变化率低于正常对照组(P0.05)。CKD1~2期患者的主要病位为在肾、在脾,气虚、阴虚为其主要病因病机。在CKD组中反杓型血压患者脏腑辨证病位在肾及阳虚的发生率较非反杓型患者高(P0.05)。结论:CKD1~2期患者的主要病因病机为脾肾气阴两虚;肾阳亏虚,阴阳失调可能是CKD1~2期非高血压患者血压昼夜节律改变的中医病因病机。     

2型糖尿病合并高血压患者动态血压节律与颈动脉内膜中层厚度和估计肾小球滤过率的关系

目的研究2型糖尿病合并高血压患者动态血压节律与颈动脉内膜中层厚度（IMT）、估计肾小球滤过率（eGFR）的关系。方法根据动态血压监测结果将2型糖尿病合并高血压患者分为非杓型血压组（50例）和杓型血压组（50例），用彩色多普勒超声检测这两组患者的IMT，用Cockerdt—Gault公式计算eGFR。结果（1）2型糖尿病合并高血压患者中非杓型血压组IMT显著高于杓型血压组（P〈0．05）。（2）2型糖尿病合并高血压患者中非杓型血压组eGFR显著低于杓型血压组（P〈0．05）。结论2型糖尿病合并高血压患者血压昼夜节律改变不仅可导致动脉结构发生损害，还可导致肾功能损害，因此2型糖尿病合并高血压患者不仅需要将血压降到目标值，而且还应恢复正常血压昼夜节律。     

150例慢性肾脏病患者胰岛素抵抗指数的分布及其相关因素分析

目的观察慢性肾脏病患者胰岛素抵抗指数的分布及其相关因素。方法分析在南京医科大学第二附属医院肾脏科住院并确诊为慢性肾脏病的150例患者的病历资料,通过稳态模型分析法（HOMA2模型）定量评价胰岛素抵抗等指标。结果慢性肾脏病患者胰岛素抵抗指数均值为（2．85±1．67）,其中非糖尿病和2型糖尿病患者分别为（2．74±1．54）、（3．00±1．82）（P=0．356）。随着肾小球滤过率的降低,胰岛素抵抗指数呈增加趋势（Pfortrend＜0．01）。进行有序Logistic回归分析,单因素模型中胰岛素抵抗指数相关因素包括logl0（全段甲状旁腺素）、血磷、心力衰竭、高血压病史、尿蛋白、纤维蛋白原、胱抑素C、尿酸、收缩压、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、肾小球滤过率、碳酸氢根,多因素模型中相关因素包括血磷、胱抑素C、血红蛋白、体质量指数、肾小球滤过率。患者的胰岛素分泌功能指数均值为（169．1％±91）．2％）,其中2型糖尿病患者低于非糖尿病患者（P=0．000）,胰岛素敏感性指数均值为（49．7％±31．3％）,非糖尿病患者与2型糖尿病患者相似且均降低（P=0．838）。结论本研究发现慢性肾脏病患者普遍存在胰岛素抵抗,并且随着肾脏损害的进展呈加重趋势。重视与慢性肾脏病有关的相关因素包括甲状旁腺素、血磷、尿蛋白、胱抑素C、血红蛋白、肾小球滤过率等。     

血液透析患者自体动静脉内瘘血栓形成的危险因素分析

目的 探讨影响血液透析患者自体动静脉内瘘早期血栓形成的危险因素为临床干预提供参考依据.方法 观察慢性血液透析患者104例,在首次使用自体动静脉内瘘后3个月内是否发生血栓形成.对患者年龄、性别、基础疾病是否为糖尿病、平均血压水平、发生血栓时单次超滤量、发生血栓时的血肌酐、尿酸、尿素、血白蛋白、血红蛋白、血小板、甲状旁腺素等指标量化后行多因素非条件logistic回归分析.结果 21例(20.1％)患者在血液透析后3个月内出现动静脉内瘘血栓形成,基础疾病为糖尿病、血肌酐、甲状旁腺素水平、血红蛋白为发生血栓形成的危险因素.血压、尿酸是动静脉内瘘形成的保护因素.结论 本研究进一步揭示基础疾病为糖尿病、血红蛋白、血液透析不充分、甲状旁腺激素异常升高为血液透析患者早期形成动静脉内瘘血栓的危险因素.     

非透析慢性肾脏病患者动脉钙化的影响因素分析

目的探讨非透析慢性肾脏病(chronic kidney disease,CKD)患者动脉钙化的影响因素。方法共收集337例在福建医科大学附属第一医院住院的非透析CKD患者临床资料,包括年龄、性别、体质量指数、血红蛋白、血白蛋白、血碱性磷酸酶、空腹血糖、血尿素氮、血肌酐、血尿酸、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、三酰甘油、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、血钙、血磷、血镁、胱抑素C、估算肾小球滤过率(estimated glomerular filtration rate,eGFR)、全段甲状旁腺素(intact parathyroid hormone,iPTH)、24 h尿蛋白定量、C-反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、25羟维生素D、骨钙素、骨密度(腰椎和股骨颈)。并根据胸部CT平扫分为动脉钙化组(包括主动脉钙化或冠状动脉钙化)和非动脉钙化组,对2组患者的临床资料进行统计分析。结果本组非透析CKD患者经影像学检查提示同时具有主动脉钙化和冠状动脉钙化者共68例(占20.2%),仅有主动脉钙化或冠状动脉钙化之一者119例(占35.3%),无动脉钙化者150例(占44.5%);与无动脉钙化组患者比较,动脉钙化组患者具有年龄大、高血压和慢性肾炎病史多见,血三酰甘油、血胱抑素C、血CRP水平高,eGFR水平低,2组之间比较有统计学差异(均P0.05)。采用Spearman直线相关分析,结果表明动脉钙化与低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、血尿素氮、血肌酐、胱抑素C、血尿酸、iPTH呈正相关,与eGFR呈负相关。Logistic回归分析表明,动脉钙化的保护因素为血红蛋白和eGFR。结论血红蛋白水平和eGFR是非透析CKD患者动脉钙化的保护因素。     

血液透析患者获得性肾囊肿的临床回顾分析

目的：分析维持性血液透析患者获得性肾囊肿（ACKD）的发病及临床特点的分析.方法：选取血液透析半年以上终末期肾病患者185例,分为ACKD组及非ACKD组,比较两组的发病率、血生化指标等.结果：（1）185例血液透析患者中,ACKD的发病率为45.95%,其中男60例（占70.59%）,女25例（占29.41%）.透析1-3年者发病率为40.91%,透析3-5年者发病率为43.18%,透析5-10年者发病率为65.12%,透析10年以上者发病率为66.67%;（2）ACKD组血透前的血肌酐、血尿素氮及血尿酸水平显著高于非ACKD组（P〈0.05）,两组的血红蛋白、红细胞压积差异无统计学意义,但ACKD组的EPO使用量显著低于非ACKD组（P〈0.01）.结论：获得性肾囊肿的发生可能与透析龄、性别及血肌酐、血尿素氮、血尿酸水平相关,获得性肾囊肿发生可以改善贫血并减少EPO的使用.     

成纤维细胞生长因子-23与慢性肾病患者钙磷代谢的相关性研究

目的：检测CKD3～5期患者血中成纤维细胞生长因子23（FGF-23）水平,探讨FGF-23与钙磷代谢的关系。方法：采用酶联免疫分析法（ELISA）对108例CKD3～5慢性肾脏疾病患者及20例健康志愿者进行血清全段FGF-23测定,同时测定血清25（OH）D3、iPTH、血清肌酐（Scr）、血钙（Ca2＋）、磷（P3-）、碱性磷酸酶（ALP）、血红蛋白（Hb）、白蛋白（Alb）、C反应蛋白等指标。观察各期患者以上指标的变化,及其与FGF-23的关系。结果：（1）CKD各组患者血清FGF-23水平均显著高于对照组。CKD各期FGF-23水平逐步升高,组间差异有统计学意义。（2）Pearson相关分析结果显示：非透析组血清FGF-23水平与肌酐清除率、血红蛋白、校正血钙、血磷存在显著负相关关系（P〈0.01）;与钙磷乘积、全段甲状旁腺激素（P〈0.01）和白蛋白（P〈0.05）存在直线正相关关系。透析组血清FGF-23水平与全段甲状旁腺激素及C-反应蛋白（P〈0.01）存在正相关关系。（3）非透析组多元回归结果显示：血磷、iPTH、肌酐清除率是血清FGF-23水平的独立相关因素,其回归方程为：Y（FGF-23）=1.700＋0.106（P）＋0.048（LogPTH）-0.003（Ccr）。透析组PTH、CRP是影响FGF-23的主要变量。结论：CKD患者血FGF-23明显升高,血磷和甲状旁腺激素可能是CKD患者血FGF-23水平的调节因子。     

腹膜透析剂量与残余肾功能及透析质量的关系研究

目的观察慢性肾脏病5期患者应用非透析治疗、不同腹膜透析剂量治疗对肾功能的影响。方法选取慢性肾脏病5期的非糖尿病肾病患者,采用非透析保守治疗者20例,腹膜透析剂量4升／天者26例、6升／天者35例及8升／天者43例。随访观察1年,检查各项指标及肾功能的变化。结果随访1年后,非透析患者血压的控制较4升／天腹膜透析组差（P〈0．05）,血清白蛋白水平、血钙水平低于4升／天透析组,血磷及甲状旁腺素水平高于不同剂量透析组。各组尿量及残余肾功能均有不同程度的下降,其中腹膜透析各组尿量、肾功能及非透析组肾功能均较观察前具有统计学差异（P〈0．05）,而各组之间肾功能下降的幅度未见显著性差异（P〉0．05）。结论慢性肾脏病5期患者早期的腹膜透析治疗对患者钙磷代谢、蛋白质营养改善及血压的控制优于非透析治疗。腹膜透析治疗对残余肾功能的保护与非透析治疗相比未见明显优势,不同的透析剂量在1年的观察期内未显示对肾功能的影响。     

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.     

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.