健脾益肾化浊祛瘀方治疗糖尿病肾病CKD2-3期的临床观察

目的：观察健脾益肾化浊祛瘀方治疗糖尿病肾病CKD2-3期的临床疗效。方法：选择符合诊断标准的63例患者,随机分为两组：治疗组33例,对照组为30例,对照组采用西医基础治疗,治疗组在西医基础治疗上加服健脾益肾化浊祛瘀方。两组均为3个疗程（一个疗程为4周）后,观察两组的中医证候、Scr、BUN、e GFR、Cys-c、24 h尿蛋白定量的改变情况。结果：治疗组临床总有效率为71.88%,对照组临床总有效率为46.67%,治疗组治疗后较治疗前明显改善患者的中医各项证候,明显降低Scr、尿素氮、Cys-c、24 h尿蛋白定量,升高e GFR（P〈0.01）;组间比较,治疗后治疗组的中医证候、BUN、24 h尿蛋白定量、Scr值、Cys-c、较对照组明显降低,e GFR较对照组有明显升高,治疗组疗效优于对照组（P〈0.01）。结论：健脾益肾化浊祛瘀方可明显改善糖尿病肾病CKD2-3期的中医证候,改善肾功能,降低蛋白尿。     

通络保肾方治疗IgA肾病的临床研究

目的:观察通络保肾方(大黄虫丸加减)对IgA肾病(CKD1~2期)血瘀证的临床疗效。方法:将120例IgA肾病(CKD1~2期)血瘀证患者随机分为治疗组60例和对照组60例。在基础治疗的同时,治疗组加服通络保肾方,对照组加服氯沙坦钾片,共治疗8周。观察两组患者血瘀证证候、疾病疗效、血纤维蛋白原(Fb)、血抗凝血酶Ⅲ(AT-Ⅲ)活性、尿纤维蛋白原降解产物(FDP)、24 h尿蛋白定量(24 h UP)、尿白蛋白/肌酐比(ACR)、尿红细胞计数(RBC)、血肌酐(Scr)、估算肾小球滤过率(e GFR)的变化。结果:治疗组血瘀证积分较治疗前显著下降(P0.01),治疗组和对照组血瘀证证候总有效率分别为91.4%和57.9%(P0.01),疾病疗效总有效率分别为81.0%和82.5%(P0.05);与治疗前比较,治疗组血Fb降低(P0.05),血AT-Ⅲ显著升高(P0.01),尿FDP显著降低(P0.01);治疗组和对照组24 h UP均显著降低(P0.01),尿ACR、尿RBC均减少(P0.05),两组血Scr和e GFR均无明显变化(P0.05)。结论:通络保肾方能改善IgA肾病(CKD1~2期)血瘀证临床证候,降低血Fb,升高血AT-Ⅲ活性,降低尿FDP水平,减少蛋白尿、血尿,稳定肾功能。     

肾康注射液治疗慢性肾脏疾病（CKD3-4期）的疗效观察

目的：观察肾康注射液治疗慢性肾脏疾病（CKD 3-4期）的临床疗效。方法：96例患者分为两组,试验组给予肾康注射液100 ml＋10%葡萄糖（或者0.9%氯化钠注射液）300 ml静脉滴注每日1次,对照组给予前列地尔注射液5μg＋生理盐水10 ml静脉注射每日1次,疗程为14 d,监测治疗前后患者的血肌酐（Scr）、尿素氮（BUN）、肌酐清除率（Ccr）、中医症候积分等指标变化情况。结果：与自身基线水平相比,治疗后两组患者Scr、BUN、Ccr、中医症候积分均有明显变化,比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,试验组总有效率为54.17%,对照组总有效率为56.25%,两组比较差异无统计学意义。结论：肾康注射液能有效延缓中医辨证分型为湿浊证和（或）血瘀证CKD3-4期患者病程的进展。     

温阳通络法对CKD4期慢性肾衰竭临床疗效的观察

目的:观察温阳活血通络法治疗慢性肾衰竭(CKD)4期阳虚血瘀型患者的临床疗效。方法:入组CKD4期患者60例,随机分为对照组、治疗组各30例,对照组予常规西药基础治疗,治疗组在此基础上加用"温阳通络法"治疗。两组疗程均为3个月,比较治疗前后血清尿素氮(BUN)、血清肌酐(Scr)、24 h尿蛋白(24 h UP)、肾小球滤过率(e GFR)、血清白蛋白(Alb)、血清总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、甲状腺激素水平等指标的变化。结果:温阳活血通络法能有效改善治疗组的临床症候,降低血Scr、BUN及TC、LDL水平,提高FT3、FT4及e GFR水平,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:温阳活血通络法可以有效延缓CKD4期阳虚血瘀型患者肾功能进展,改善患者阳虚及瘀血症状,临床安全有效。     

川黄方联合前列腺素E1对60例2-4期CKD合并AKI患者的疗效观察

目的：观察川黄方联合前列腺素E1（凯时）治疗脾肾气虚、毒瘀互结型2-4期慢性肾脏病（ chronic kidney disease,CKD）合并急性肾损伤（ acute kidney injury,AKI）的临床疗效。方法：符合纳入标准病例60例,随机分为2组,其中川黄方加凯时组（治疗组）29例、凯时组（对照组）31例,疗程均为2周。观察两组治疗前后的中医证候积分、血肌酐（ Scr）、血尿素氮（ BUN）、血尿酸（ UA）、肾小球滤过率（ eGFR）,并统计临床总有效率。结果：与治疗前相比,两组均能有效降低Scr、BUN、UA（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）,提高eGFR（P〈0.05）,但治疗组较对照组在Scr、BUN、eGFR改善方面更为明显（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）。另外,治疗组取得75.86%的总有效率,显著优于对照组（35.48%,P〈0.01）,中医证候积分改善方面治疗组亦优于对照组（P〈0.01）。结论：川黄方联合凯时能有效减轻A on C患者肾损伤、促进肾功能恢复,并改善中医证候群,优于单用凯时治疗。     

78例慢性肾脏病患者血瘀证与肾小管-间质病理损伤的相关性分析

目的：探讨慢性肾脏病（CKD）患者血瘀证与临床指标及肾脏病理之间的关系。方法：采用横断面调查,对符合纳入/排除标准的78例CKD患者于肾活检前24h内行中医虚损证候、血瘀证及湿热证评分;分析血瘀证积分与中医虚损证候积分、湿热证积分、年龄、病程、血压、体重指数（BMI）、24h尿蛋白定量、血浆白蛋白（Alb）、血肌酐（Scr）、尿酸（UA）、eGFR、血红蛋白（Hb）、血小板（PLT）、血三酰甘油（TG）、血胆固醇（CHO）、纤维蛋白原（FBI）等临床指标及肾脏病理损伤半定量积分之间的关系。结果：（1）经过多元相关回归分析及多元逐步回归分析,发现患者的瘀血证积分与虚损证型积分、湿热证积分及肾小管间质病理损伤积分之间有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。（2）瘀血积分病程≥13个月组与4～6个月组存在统计学差异（P〈0.05）。（3）瘀血积分在不同中医虚损证型中的分布均存在统计学差异（P〈0.01）,其中无虚损证型组与脾肾阳虚组存在统计学差异（P〈0.05）,与肝肾阴虚组及阴阳两虚组存在统计学差异（P〈0.01）。（4）瘀血证积分随着患者肾小管-间质损伤程度不同而变化,其中多灶状损伤组分别与无损伤组、灶状损伤组存在统计学差异（P〈0.01）。结论：（1）在CKD患者中存在瘀血证伴随中医虚损证型出现的情况;（2）湿热证与血瘀证之间存在密切联系,“湿热夹瘀”可能是CKD患者的重要中医证候;（3）血瘀证与肾小管间质损伤存在相关性,血瘀证可能是导致CKD进展的重要因素。     

益肾化湿泄浊方对气虚湿浊型CKD3～4期患者的临床疗效观察

目的:观察健脾益肾化湿泄浊方治疗气虚湿浊型CKD3～4期患者的临床疗效.方法:选取我院诊治的CKD3～4期患者共70例,分为对照组35例、治疗组35例.对照组予以基础治疗;治疗组在基础治疗上加用中药健脾益肾化湿泄浊方,两组均治疗2个月.观察指标:肾功能(BUN、Scr、eGFR),血Alb、U-TP,凝血功能(Fg、D...     

肾衰泻浊丸对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾组织核转录因子κB与肝细胞生长因子及骨桥蛋白mRNA表达的影响

目的：通过研究中药复方——肾衰泻浊丸对单侧输尿管梗阻（UUO）大鼠肾间质核转录因子κB（NF-κB）、骨桥蛋白（OPN）、肝细胞生长因子（HGF）表达的影响,探讨其抗肾间质纤维化的机制。方法：建立UUO大鼠模型,72只成年雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、贝那普利组及肾衰泻浊丸低、中、高剂量组。在不同的时间点（14、21、28d）检测每组4只实验大鼠治疗后的血清尿素氮（BUN）、肌酐（Scr）变化。观察梗阻侧肾脏病理变化;采用免疫组化法检测肾组织中的NF-κB、HGF及OPN的表达;RT-PCR法检测肾组织中OPNmRNA的表达水平。结果：与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠血清BUN、Scr水平、NF-κB、OPN表达显著升高,HGF表达减少差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01,P〈0.05）;与模型组相比,各治疗组血BUN、Scr水平、NF-κB、OPN表达均显著降低,HGF表达均有所增多差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01,P〈0.05）。肾衰泻浊丸能够明显降低UUO大鼠血BUN、Scr水平,减轻肾间质损伤,明显下调肾组织中NF-κB和OPN的表达、上调HGF的表达,与贝那普利组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01,P〈0.05）。结论：肾衰泻浊丸可能通过改善肾功能、抑制NF-κB、OPN的表达、诱导HGF的高表达,从而改善肾间质纤维化。     

慢性肾脏病各期ET、TXA_2、PGI_2的临床观察及与血瘀证关系的探讨

目的：探讨内皮素（ET）、血栓素A2（TXA2）、前列腺素I2（PGI2）在慢性肾脏病进展中的作用,及与血瘀证的关系。方法：测定135例来我院门诊和住院的2～4期慢性肾脏病（MDRD公式计算GFR以确定分期）患者的血清肌酐（Scr）、尿素氮（BUN）、血清白蛋白（Alb）、内皮素（ET）、6-酮-前列腺素F1α（6-Keto-PGF1α）、血栓素B2（TXB2）,并与正常对照组相比,观察不同慢性肾脏病分期患者ET、TXB2、6-Keto-PGF1α的变化;并将这些患者分为血瘀证和非血瘀证,观察各期患者血瘀证的检出率,各期血瘀证和非血瘀证患者ET、TXB2、6-Keto-PGF1α的差异。结果：从CKD2期到4期,ET逐渐增高,2期、3期、4期均与正常对照组差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,2期和3期之间差异无统计学意义,4期分别与正常对照组、2期、3期相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;从CKD2期到4期,TXB2逐渐增高,6-Keto-PGF1α逐渐降低,2期、3期、正常对照组之间差异均无统计学意义,4期分别与正常对照组、2期、3期差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。从2期到4期,血瘀证检出率逐步增加（2期21.4%,3期49.0%,4期68.2%）,CKD2期和3期的血瘀证均较非血瘀证ET、TXB2为高,6-Keto-PGF1α为低,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,而CKD4期的血瘀证较非血瘀证ET、TXB2为高,6-Keto-PGF1α为低,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论：慢性肾脏病患者凝血机制的紊乱随着CKD的进展逐步增加,在进入CKD4期后尤为明显,TXA2/PGI2的代谢异常,血小板活化,内皮细胞受损是慢性肾脏病进展的重要因素。凝血机制紊乱在临床上可表现为血瘀证,随着CKD进展,血瘀证患者逐步增多,在CKD4期血瘀证虽然较非血瘀证患者的凝血机制有异常,但无明显差异,提示CKD4期非血瘀证患者虽然没有宏观的血瘀表现,仍可能存在肾脏的微型癥积,即肾脏局部的瘀血阻络是慢性肾脏病进展的重要因素之一。     

腹膜透析患者中医证型及其影响因素的临床观察

目的：观察腹膜透析（PD）患者中医证型的分布与变化,分析影响证型的相关因素,为中医药治疗干预提供参考.方法：共96例PD患者,记录病史、症状体征与舌脉,进行中医辨证分型,同一患者当中医证型发生变化时进行连续性观察,并观察中医证型与透析龄、临床合并症及实验室指标间的关系.结果：（1）证型分布：本虚证以脾肾气虚证、脾肾阳虚证为主,分别占43.8%、26.0%,标实证依次为湿浊证、血瘀证、风动证、湿热证、水气证,以湿浊、瘀血证多见;（2）证型的变化：血瘀、湿热、湿浊等标实证可随病情发生变化;（3）证型与透析龄的关系：透析龄＜24个月脾肾气虚、脾肾阳虚证与湿浊证多见,透析龄≥24个月脾肾阳虚、阴阳两虚、血瘀、风动证较多,组间比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01或〈.05）;（4）证型与临床合并症的关系：发生腹膜炎与非腹膜炎时比较湿热证增多,脾肾阳虚证减少,发生容量超负荷与非容量超负荷时比较水气证明显增多,但组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;（5）证型与实验室指标的关系：本虚证中阴阳两虚、脾肾阳虚证患者血Hb明显下降,血CRP升高,阴阳两虚证血Alb下降,脾肾阳虚证血iPTH升高,肝肾阴虚、气阴两虚证血TG升高,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,各标实证实验室指标比较差异无统计学意义（P〈0.05）.结论：PD患者的中医证型本虚证以脾肾气虚与脾肾阳虚证为多,标实证主要为湿浊、血瘀证,透析龄、临床合并证及某些实验室指标是影响中医证型的因素.     

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.