背侧楔形截骨术治疗第二跖骨头坏死

目的 探讨背侧楔形截骨术治疗第二跖骨头坏死(Freiberg病)的临床疗效。方法 采用背侧楔形截骨术治疗16例Freiberg病患者。记录并发症发生情况,比较手术前后AOFAS踝-后足评分、疼痛VAS评分、跖趾关节活动度。结果 患者均获得随访,时间12～33个月。切口均一期愈合,未出现转移性跖痛、跖骨头坏死等并发症。末次随访时,AOFAS踝-后足评分、疼痛VAS评分、跖趾关节活动度均较术前明显改善(P <0.01)。结论 采用背侧楔形截骨术治疗Freiberg病可有效缓解跖骨疼痛症状,增加患者跖趾关节活动度。     

基于X线分度的跖痛症临床治疗方案研究

目的探讨并评价跖痛症依据X线分度制定的治疗方案的适应证及临床疗效。方法笔者自2013-10—2015-08根据跖痛症的分度标准确定手术方案,采用微创截骨跖骨头抬高术(A组)、Weil截骨术(B组)、跖骨近端截骨短缩内固定术(C组)、跖骨截骨短缩内固定加跖趾关节切开复位克氏针固定术(D组)4种术式治疗跖痛症49例(66足/120跖骨),手术前、后测量责任跖骨头下胼胝体大小、跖趾关节活动度、ACFAS评分、VAS评分以及步态周期中责任跖骨头下最大压力、最大压强及冲量的变化。结果所有患者均获随访12~24个月,平均14个月。4种术式术后责任跖骨头下胼胝痛消失或明显减轻者96.7%。4组手术前后VAS评分、ACFAS评分差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);A组手术前后跖趾关节活动度变化不明显,差异无统计学意义;其余3组关节活动度均较术前减小,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。Footscan足底压力测试手术前后相应跖骨头下最大压强、最大压力及冲量差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后出现转移性跖痛症7例(跖骨),占5.83%;有8例(跖骨)出现截骨端延迟愈合,占6.67%;无截骨不愈合。结论根据跖痛症分度标准确定的治疗方案,可显著减轻疼痛症状,疗效确切,有较好的临床指导意义。     

背侧楔形截骨与跖骨头置换治疗晚期Freiberg病的比较研究

目的比较背侧楔形截骨(dorsiflexion osteotomy,DO)及跖骨头置换(implant arthroplasty,IA)治疗晚期Freiberg病的疗效。方法回顾分析2012年7月—2016年7月收治且符合选择标准的25例Smillie Ⅳ、Ⅴ型Freiberg病患者临床资料,其中13例行DO治疗(DO组),12例行IA治疗(IA组)。两组患者性别、年龄、患足侧别、部位、Smillie分型、病程以及术前疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、患侧跖趾关节屈曲及背伸活动度、美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)评分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。比较两组患者住院费用及术后VAS评分、AOFAS评分、患侧跖趾关节屈曲及背伸活动度,X线片复查两组内固定或假体情况。结果两组术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。患者均获随访,DO组随访时间为12～30个月,平均17个月;IA组为12～24个月,平均16个月。IA组患者住院费用明显多于DO组(t=2.742,P=0.011)。末次随访时,两组VAS评分、AOFAS评分、患侧跖趾关节屈曲及背伸活动度均较术前明显改善(P0.05);两组间上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。X线片复查示,DO组患者截骨均愈合,愈合时间为8～12周,平均9.5周;两组均无内固定及假体相关并发症发生。结论 DO及IA均可有效治疗晚期Freiberg病,明显缓解跖趾关节疼痛并改善活动度,但DO术式住院费用低于IA。     

两种不同术式治疗跖痛症临床疗效分析

[目的]探讨微创截骨与Weil截骨两种不同术式治疗跖痛症的适应证及临床疗效。[方法]对51例(64足/104跖骨)轻度跖痛症患者分别行跖骨颈部微创截骨抬高术(A组,24例/26足/55跖骨)和Weil截骨术(B组,27例/38足/49跖骨)。比较两组患者手术前后责任跖骨的VAS评分、ACFAS评分及跖骨头下最大压力、最大压强及冲量变化,评价两组病例的临床疗效。[结果]术后随访时间6~36个月,平均20个月。A、B两组病例手术前后VAS评分和ACFAS评分差异有统计学意义(P0.05);Footscan足底压力测试手术前后责任跖骨头下最大压力、最大压强及冲量差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。A、B两组病例术后VAS评分、ACFAS及足底压力测试数据比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。A组出现截骨延迟愈合4例(4跖骨)。[结论]两种截骨术均能有效缓解跖痛症的疼痛症状。微创截骨抬高术治疗跖痛症,疗效确定,易于掌握,并发症少,适合于临床推广应用。     

可吸收钉内固定治疗跖痛症临床疗效分析

[目的]探讨可吸收钉内固定治疗跖痛症的临床疗效。[方法]2012年12月~2014年6月采用可吸收钉内固定治疗不同程度跖痛症患者41例52足,男11例12足,女30例40足;年龄47~76岁,平均60.98岁;共68个跖骨,其中采用Weil截骨可吸收钉内固定术者32个跖骨,采用跖骨近端短缩跖趾关节复位术者36个跖骨。随访时间6~18个月,平均12.5个月。患足均于手术前、后拍摄负重正侧位X线片,测量相关指标,测量记录术趾跖趾关节活动度,应用美国足踝医师学会前足评分系统(ACFAS)、视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分对治疗前后进行评估,采用Footscan足底压力分析仪测量步态周期中责任跖骨头下最大压力、最大压强及冲量的变化。[结果]Weil截骨可吸收钉内固定术后跖骨平均短缩长度为3.52 mm;术足跖趾关节间隙、跖趾骨夹角等X线指标与术前相比,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);VAS评分术前为(6.26±3.24)分,术后为(1.21±0.63)分,ACFAS评分术前为(62.56±10.42)分,术后为(91.96±9.21)分,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。跖骨近端短缩跖趾关节复位术后跖骨平均短缩长度为5.87 mm;术足跖趾关节间隙、跖趾骨夹角等X线指标与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);VAS评分术前为(8.56±3.41)分,术后为(1.92±0.51)分,ACFAS评分术前为(46.37±11.64)分,术后为(90.96±8.86)分,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。两种术式术后患者责任跖骨头下最大压力、最大压强及冲量与术前相比均具有统计学意义(P0.05),术后跖趾关节活动度较术前明显减小(P0.05)。术后出现术趾皮肤麻木11例,术趾皮肤坏死3例,经换药后痊愈。截骨端无移位,全部获得骨性愈合,未发现关节脱位复发、排异反应等并发症。[结论]可吸收钉用于跖痛症手术截骨端内固定,固定可靠,临床疗效确切。     

跖骨近端短缩跖趾关节复位术治疗跖痛症合并重度跖趾关节脱位临床疗效分析

目的探讨跖骨近端短缩跖趾关节复位术治疗跖痛症合并重度跖趾关节脱位的临床疗效。方法采用跖骨近端截骨短缩、跖趾关节复位术治疗的跖痛症合并重度跖趾关节脱位65例,共83个跖趾关节,其中第2跖趾关节68个,第3跖趾关节15个。患足均于手术前后拍摄负重正侧位X线片,测量相关指标,并采用ACFAS、VAS评分对手术前后进行临床评估。结果截骨后跖骨平均短缩长度为5.94 mm。术后跖趾骨夹角、跖骨切线角、跖趾关节间隙及跖趾关节活动度等指标较术前均有改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ACFAS评分术前为(44.06±7.54)分,术后为(90.43±3.88)分;VAS评分术前为(8.14±0.97)分,术后为(1.14±0.73)分;各评分术后均较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论跖骨近端短缩跖趾关节复位术治疗跖痛症合并重度跖趾关节脱位临床疗效确切。     

Chevron截骨治疗中度拇外翻是否保留拇收肌的疗效分析

目的:比较Chevron截骨治疗足拇外翻术中切断拇收肌和保留拇收肌的疗效.方法:回顾性分析Chevron截骨治疗拇外翻畸形31例39足,术中拇收肌切断组15例20足(A组),保留拇收肌组1 6例19足(B组).结果:A组:拇外翻角、第1、2跖骨闻夹角分别改善(16.7±2.0)°、(5.1±0.7)°,第一跖趾关节功能评分提高(44.4±4.4),术后1足拇趾背内侧出现麻木,2足拇趾外侧麻木,1足出现跖骨头坏死,1足出现截骨端延迟愈合;B组:拇外翻角、第1、2跖骨间夹角分别改善(17.1±1.5)°、(5.6±0.8)°第一跖趾关节功能评分提高44.0±3.9,1足拇趾背内侧出现麻木.两组比较拇外翻角、第1、2跖骨间夹角差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);第一跖趾关节功能评分差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论:Chevron截骨治疗中度足拇外翻术中切断拇收肌和保留拇收肌的临床疗效相近,但是术中切断拇收肌存在并发症增加的风险.     

跖骨关节内背侧楔形截骨交叉螺钉固定治疗Freiberg病

目的评价跖骨关节内背侧楔形截骨交叉螺钉固定治疗Freiberg病的临床疗效。方法 2010年1月至2016年1月我科采用跖骨关节内背侧楔形截骨交叉螺钉固定治疗Freiberg病患者16例,其中男11例,女5例;年龄22~36岁,平均(28.3±5.7)岁。病变部位均为第2跖骨头,均为单足发病。根据Smillie分期:Ⅱ期3例,Ⅲ期11例,Ⅳ期2例。记录患者术后并发症、骨愈合时间以及跖趾关节活动度,并采用美国足踝外科协会(American orthopaedic foot and ankle society,AOFAS)前足评分评价术后疗效。结果 16例患者均获随访,随访时间为12~46个月,平均(27.7±15.9)个月。患者术后切口均一期愈合,无切口感染、血管神经及肌腱损伤发生。跖骨短缩1.5~2.0mm,平均(1.8±0.3)mm。患者均获一期骨愈合,平均愈合时间(10.3±2.4)周(8~12周)。患者术后平均(4.7±1.4)个月(3~6个月)均重返工作岗位。术后12个月随访时,跖趾关节背伸较术前改善了(17.7±2.2)°(t=2.937,P0.05),跖屈较术前改善了(8.3±1.9)°(t=2.573,P0.05),差异均有统计学意义。AOFAS评分由术前(61.3±5.7)分改善至术后12个月的(83.7±7.9)分,差异有统计学意义(t=2.379,P0.05)。优3例,良13例,优良率为100%。结论跖骨关节内背侧楔形截骨结合交叉螺钉固定可以有效重建跖骨头外形、改善跖趾关节活动度,术后并发症少、固定强度好、骨愈合率高,允许早期负重,是治疗Freiberg病的一种有效方法。     

第1跖趾关节融合术对第1、2跖骨间角的影响

目的探讨第1跖趾关节融合术是否能够有效减少第1、2跖骨间角,从而减少前足宽度。方法笔者自2010-06—2015-06行第1跖趾关节融合术治疗75例拇僵硬、拇外翻、拇内翻。分别测量术前、术后正位负重X线片,根据术前跖骨间角分为3组:A组(≤13°),B组(14°~20°),C组(≥20°)。结果本组获得随访12~36个月,平均17.5个月。第1跖趾关节均达到骨性融合,6例由于内固定刺激拆除内固定。末次随访3组跖骨间角分别为(5.6±2.3)°、(7.8±3.2)°、(9.5±4.5)°,各组与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。A、B、C 3组AOFAS评分术前分别为(49±7.5)、(48±6.5)、(42±3.5)分;术后分别为(75±6.5)、(74±5.5)、(73±7.5)分。A、B、C 3组术后AOFAS评分与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论第1跖趾关节融合术不仅可以减小拇外翻角度,也能有效减小第1、2跖骨间角,从而避免不必要的跖骨截骨。     

Weil截骨术治疗原发性跖痛症的短期临床效果评价

目的观察Weil截骨术治疗原发性跖痛症的短期临床效果。方法自2011-04—2013-05采用Weil截骨术治疗原发性跖痛症39例(48个跖骨头),切开、松解跖趾关节囊,避免损伤关节软骨,并将近节趾骨完全跖屈,彻底显露跖骨头,用摆锯自跖骨头关节面背侧下方2 mm沿足底负重平面向近端跖侧截骨,将远端跖骨块向近端平行推移,用直径1.5 mm克氏针由跖骨近端向跖骨头临时固定,用1枚直径1.7 mm皮质骨钉最终固定。比较术前及术后3个月跖骨绝对长度、跖趾关节活动度、VAS评分、AOFAS评分。结果本组均获得随访7~24个月,平均15.2个月。截骨后跖骨平均缩短3.88 mm。所有患者术后无切口感染及截骨延迟愈合,跖侧疼痛均明显改善。关节间隙维持,患足外观正常,无转移性跖骨下疼痛。所有患者术后跖骨绝对长度缩短、跖趾关节活动度减小,但VAS评分明显降低、AOFAS评分明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 Weil截骨术治疗原发性跖痛症短期临床疗效显著,是一种可靠的术式。长期疗效有待进一步观察。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.