TIPS治疗土三七导致难治性肝窦阻塞综合征临床疗效观察

目的分析经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)治疗土三七导致难治性肝窦阻塞综合征(HSOS)的疗效。方法回顾性分析2017年1月至2021年4月河南省人民医院血管外科收治的15例行TIPS的土三七导致难治性HSOS患者临床资料, 其中男性7例, 女性8例, 年龄范围30～85岁, 年龄(61.2±14.1)岁。比较TIPS术前和术后(术后1、3、6个月复查结果平均值)白蛋白、丙氨酸氨基转移酶、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶、碱性磷酸酶、谷氨酰转移酶及肝内支架置入前后门静脉压力等。术后门诊复查随访患者症状、肝功能、肾功能等。结果与术前相比, TIPS手术后白蛋白、丙氨酸氨基转移酶、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶等指标明显改善, 差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。15例患者门静脉压力由术前(41.7±3.5)cmH2O(1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa)降至术后的(28.3±4.4)cmH2O, 差异有统计学意义(t=10.41, P<0.001)。术前肝功能Child-Pugh分级A级1例, B级8例, C级6例, 术后Child-Pugh分级A级14例, B级1例。所有患者术后腹水、消化道出血、...     

聚四氟乙烯覆膜支架TIPS术后肝性脑病及其影响因素

目的 探讨聚四氟乙烯(PTFE)覆膜支架TIPS术后肝性脑病(HE)的发生率及其影响因素.方法 收集102例门静脉高压症患者,应用PTFE覆膜支架行TIPS术.术后定期随访,采用寿命表法观察术后HE发生率,采用Cox回归分析HE影响因素.结果 TIPS在全部患者均获得成功.术后平均门静脉压为(2.37±0.29) kPa,较术前明显下降(t=22.8,P＜0.01).随访期间27例(27/102,26.47％)确诊出现HE,术后6、12、24、36及48个月HE累积发生率分别为7％、21％、34％、46％及66％.术前肝功能Child-Pugh分级(P＜0.001)和支架术后门静脉显影情况(P=0.007)为HE的显著影响因素.结论 PTFE覆膜支架TIPS术后HE发生率较高.术前肝功能Child-Pugh分级差,术后门静脉分支均不显影的患者术后HE发生率明显升高.     

膨体聚四氟乙烯覆膜支架与裸支架对经颈静脉肝内门体分流术后门静脉系统血流动力学的影响

目的 对比研究膨体聚四氟乙烯(ePTFE)覆膜支架与裸支架对肝硬化门静脉高压症患者经颈静脉肝内门体分流(TIPS)术后门静脉系统血流动力学的影响.方法 对2007年4月至2009年4月收入南京军区总医院普通外科的60例门静脉高压症患者行TIPS术,术中分别应用8mm直径裸支架和8 mm直径ePTFE覆膜支架.术后观察临床疗效,并应用门静脉造影直接测压及彩色多普勒超声监测手术前后及随访过程中门静脉系统血流动力学参数的变化.结果 所有患者均顺利完成TIPS术,术中未出现操作并发症.术后随访裸支架组平均(8±4)个月,覆膜支架组为(6±4)个月.TIPS术后两组门体压力梯度分别下降约60%及58%(t=0.79,P>0.05),术后裸支架组门体压力梯度逐渐上升[(13.2±1.2)mm Hg],而覆膜支架组保持在术后水平[(9.5±2.9)mm Hg],二者之间相比差异有统计学意义,P<0.05.超声多普勒显示TIPS术后覆膜支架组门静脉系统血流速度和流量参数均显著高于裸支架组,肝内分流道流速及流量参数高于裸支架组[(125±20)cm/s比(88±13)cm/s、(1816±380)ml/min比(1074±239)ml/min],差异有统计学意义,P<0.01.结论 ePTFE覆膜支架维持了TIPS术后门静脉系统及分流道内的高速、高流量血流,维持了较低的门体压力梯度,提高了TIPS术后分流道的通畅率.     

覆膜支架经颈静脉肝内门体分流术治疗门静脉主干癌栓

目的探讨Fluency覆膜支架经颈静脉肝内门腔分流术(TIPS)治疗门静脉主干癌栓并门静脉高压症的临床应用价值。方法对11例原发性肝癌伴门静脉主干癌栓导致门静脉高压症患者行TIPS术。其中9例为食管胃底静脉曲张合并急性出血,另2例为顽固性腹腔积液。TIPS术中采用Fluency覆膜支架建立肝内门腔分流道。测量支架置入前后的门静脉压力。术后随访1~18个月,分析疗效。结果 11例TIPS术均获成功,共置入21枚覆膜支架,直径8mm支架20枚,7mm支架1枚,支架长度4~8cm。平均门静脉压力由术前(32.00±4.12)mmHg降至(11.82±3.09)mmHg(t=10.76,P0.001)。6例在术后1周出现不同程度肝性脑病,经口服乳果糖等内科处理后症状消失。9例急性出血患者术后出血停止,另2例顽固性腹腔积液患者术后腹腔积液明显减少。随访期间,超声提示支架血流通畅,无复发。9例因多器官衰竭于术后2~14个月死亡[平均(5.67±4.00)个月];另2例分别随访16及18个月仍存活。结论对门静脉主干癌栓并门静脉高压症患者,采用覆膜支架行TIPS术是可行的,可有效控制近期门静脉高压相关症状。     

覆膜支架和裸支架行TIPS治疗门静脉高压症的对比研究

目的 比较研究覆膜支架移植物和裸支架在经颈内静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)治疗门静脉高压症中的临床疗效.方法 2007年4月至2009年4月,采用覆膜支架移植物行rIPs治疗门静脉高压症患者30例(A组),同期采用裸支架行TIPS治疗30例(B组),观察两组患者的肝功能、门静脉血流变化及l临床疗效.结果 住院期间两组均未出现出血和肝性脑病,各出现分流道急性阻塞1例.A组术后随访(6.2±3.9)个月,B组术后随访(8.3±4.4)个月,A组和B组的再出血率、分流道阻塞率、肝性脑病发生率和病死率分别为3.3%和20.0%、0和30.0%、16.7%和20.0%、0和13.3%,A组再出血率、分流道阻塞率和病死率低于B组(P<0.05),肝性脑病发生率无差异(P>0.05).A组门静脉压力、门体压力梯度下降程度、门静脉血流增快程度、分流道血流速率高于B组(P<0.05),两组肝功能、血氨及MELD评分无差异(P>0.05).结论 覆膜支架移植物能显著提高分流道通畅率,降低出血复发率,提高TIPS治疗门静脉高压症的疗效.     

采用Viatorr覆膜支架行经颈静脉肝内门体分流术

目的评价采用Viatorr覆膜支架行经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)治疗门静脉高压并发症的疗效与安全性。方法回顾性分析8例接受Viatorr覆膜支架TIPS治疗的肝硬化门静脉高压症患者的资料。术后进行随访,复查上腹部CT,以评价TIPS疗效。结果对8例患者均成功手术,均采用直径8mm、覆膜段长度50~80mm的Viatorr覆膜支架建立肝内分流道。对其中1例合并门静脉海绵样变的患者于门静脉端置入8mm×40mm的E-Luminexx裸支架1枚;1例患者因肝静脉端狭窄于肝静脉端置入8mm×40mm的Fluency覆膜支架1枚。术后患者门静脉压力由术前的[33.08(29.32,40.22)]mmHg降为[23.31(21.43,26.51)]mmHg,差异有统计学意义(Z=-2.52,P=0.012)。术后随访1.1~7.7个月,所有患者均存活,均未再发生门静脉高压相关并发症。术后2例患者发生肝性脑病。术后1~7.7个月复查示所有患者TIPS分流道通畅。结论对国内肝硬化门静脉高压症患者应用Viatorr支架行TIPS治疗安全、有效。     

限制性扩张支架对肝硬化门静脉高压经颈静脉肝内门体分流患者预后的影响

目的观察经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)治疗肝硬化门静脉高压术中限制性扩张支架对术后肝功能、并发症及生存率的影响。方法回顾性分析213例因肝硬化门静脉高压接受TIPS治疗患者,根据术中是否对覆膜支架进行限制性扩张分为限制组与对照组,经匹配后最终每组纳入53例。术后规律随访,对比2组肝功能、消化道再出血、肝性脑病(HE)发生率及死亡率差异;以COX回归分析观察生存率影响因素。结果对照组术后3、7天谷丙转氨酶(GPT)高于限制组(P=0.04、0.04),其他各时间点组间肝功能指标差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。术后6个月、1年及2年,限制组免于HE累积发生率为88.60%、79.10%和68.50%,对照组为90.50%、82.70%和75.50%;限制组免于消化道再出血累积发生率为92.30%、90.30%和90.30%,对照组为96.00%、87.80%和76.60%(P均>0.05)。限制组术后1、2、3年累积生存率分别为92.10%、84.30%和81.20%,对照组为94.30%、82.10%和70.90%(P>0.05)。年龄和总胆红素(TBIL)为TIPS术后患者生存率的独立影响因素(P均<0.05)。结论限制性扩张支架可抑制肝硬化门静脉高压患者TIPS术后短期肝功能急剧受损,对中远期肝功能及预后无明显影响。     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术后分流道失功和肝性脑病发生的危险因素及预防对策

目的探讨经颈静脉肝内门体分流术（TIPS）后发生分流道失功和肝性脑病的危险因素及预防对策。方法回顾性分析2008年8月至2013年1月南京大学医学院附属鼓楼医院收治的116例肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血（EGVB）患者的临床资料。所有患者接受TIPS治疗,其中使用裸支架39例、血管覆膜支架32例和联合支架45例。记录患者的性别、年龄、肝硬化病因、肝功能CTP分级及评分、既往EGVB治疗史、支架类型、门静脉穿刺部位等资料。随访从TIPS手术当日开始,术后第5天行分流道彩色多普勒超声造影检查,术后1、3、6个月及以后每隔6个月均行分流道彩色多普勒超声造影检查。随访时间截至2013年3月。采用COX回归模型单因素分析筛选影响TIPS术后发生分流道失功和肝性脑病的相关变量,再将单因素分析筛选出的变量进行多因素分析。结果TIPS术后5d至36个月18例患者发生分流道失功。发生分流道失功的患者中,采用裸支架者10例,采用血管覆膜支架和联合支架者各4例。65例患者随访时间〉1年,其中59例在术后1年内分流道保持通畅,术后1年通畅率为90．8％（59／65）。12例患者经再次介入溶栓成功,5例未成功,1例因经济原因未处理,再介入通畅率为95．65％（110／115）。29例患者于TIPS术后1～18个月发生肝性脑病,其中5例发生2次以上肝性脑病,3例进展为肝衰竭,1例死亡。21例患者肝性脑病发生在术后3个月内,8例患者肝性脑病发生在术后4～18个月。26例患者肝性脑病为West—HavenⅠ～Ⅱ级,3例患者为West—HavenⅢ级。单因素分析结果表明：肝功能CTP分级、CTP评分、TBil是TIPS术后发生分流道失功的危险因素（RR=0．314,0．600,0．940,P〈0．05）。年龄、肝功能CTP分级、CTP评分是TIPS术后发生肝性脑病的危险因素（RR=2．798,2．683,1．328,P〈0．05）。多因素分析结果显示：肝功能CTP分级、CTP评分和TBil不是TIPS术后发生分流道失功的独立危险因素（RR=0．762,0．650,0．952,P〉0．05）。年龄及肝功能CTP分级是TIPS术后发生肝性脑病的独立危险因素（RR=2．641,2．510,P〈0．05）。脾切除手术史是TIPS术后短期内发生分流道失功的危险因素（RR=0．168,P〈0．05）。结论肝功能CTP分级、CTP评分、TBil是TIPS术后发生分流道失功的危险因素,年龄及肝功能CTP分级是TIPS术后发生肝性脑病的独立危险因素。脾切除后患者TIPS术后抗凝治疗应得到充分重视。术前积极改善肝功能,强化术后3个月内肝性脑病的预防,脾切除患者术后充分抗凝,对减少TIPS术后并发症,提高患者生命质量有重要意义。     

急诊TIPS治疗肝硬化急性静脉曲张破裂出血的中长期效果

目的观察急诊经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)治疗肝硬化急性静脉曲张破裂出血的中长期效果。方法回顾性分析75例因肝硬化急性静脉曲张破裂出血经药物和内镜治疗失败而于24 h内接受急诊TIPS患者,对比分流前后门静脉压力梯度(PVPG);术后定期规律随访,检测肝肾功能及凝血功能,统计再出血及肝性脑病(HE)发生率、支架通畅情况及生存情况。结果75例TIPS后均成功止血;分流前PVPG为(24.11±4.97)mmHg,分流后(9.21±2.73)mmHg,较前明显降低(P<0.001)。丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)和凝血酶原时间(PT)术后1、3个月均较术前升高(P均<0.05),术后6、12个月与术前差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);术后1、3、6个月及1年总胆红素(TBIL)、白蛋白(ALB)均高于术前(P均<0.05)。随访期间7例复发出血,12例发生HE,8例支架功能障碍,10例死亡。Kaplan-Meier曲线示术后1、3、6个月生存率均为97.33%,12个月为95.73%,2年为92.31%,3、4年均为90.01%,5年为78.35%。结论急诊TIPS治疗肝硬化急性静脉曲张破裂出血安全、有效,中长期效果较好。     

彩色多普勒超声联合超声造影评价TIPS术后支架通畅性

目的探讨彩色多普勒超声联合超声造影评价TIPS术后支架通畅性的价值,并分析TIPS术后支架内血流动力学特点。方法回顾性分析32例TIPS术后患者的超声检查资料,观察并评价彩色多普勒超声及超声造影模式下支架通畅情况(分为0～3级);测量支架门静脉端、中段、肝静脉端血流速度。分析不同超声检查方法评价TIPS术后支架通畅性的差异,并比较通畅性良好(3级)的支架不同部位间血流速度的差异。结果不同超声检查方法间支架通畅性分级差异有统计学意义(Z=-3.589,P0.001)。8例次彩色多普勒超声显示支架轻度狭窄(2级)、6例次彩色多普勒超声显示支架重度狭窄(1级)及2例次彩色多普勒超声显示支架闭塞(0级),超声造影均显示支架通畅性良好(3级)。支架门静脉端[(71.52±36.84)cm/s]、中段[(94.35±39.94)cm/s]、肝静脉端[(99.83±32.63)cm/s]血流速度差异有统计学意义(F=22.617,P0.001);且两两比较显示,支架中段(P=0.001)及肝静脉端(P0.001)血流速度均高于门静脉端。结论彩色多普勒超声联合超声造影可提高评估TIPS术后支架通畅性的准确率。支架内不同位置血流速度存在一定差异。     

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.