“冬梅护理”健康延伸服务在胫骨平台骨折病人术后康复中的应用

目的 探讨“冬梅护理”健康延伸服务在胫骨平台骨折病人术后康复中的应用效果。方法 选取2019年6月至2020年12月我院骨科收治的80例胫骨平台骨折病人,按入院时间分为对照组和观察组,每组40例。对照组采用常规出院健康教育指导,观察组在对照组的基础上实施“冬梅护理”健康延伸服务。观察两组病人膝关节功能恢复情况、功能锻炼依从性、并发症情况和病人满意度。结果 观察组膝关节功能优良率为90%,明显高于对照组60%,差异有统计学意义（χ²=9.600,P=0.002）。观察组病人功能锻炼依从性及护理满意率均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。观察组并发症发生率为5%,明显低于对照组（25%）,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 “冬梅护理”健康延伸服务能有效促进胫骨平台骨折病人术后膝关节功能康复,减少相关并发症的发生,提高病人满意度和依从性,具有良好的临床应用价值。     

关节镜下骨隧道缝线固定与空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折的疗效对比

目的 观察并比较关节镜下骨隧道缝线固定与空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折的临床疗效。方法 对2009年1月至2013年11月期间中国人民解放军武汉总医院通过关节镜手术治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折并获得随访的62例病人的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据手术固定方法不同分为骨隧道缝线固定组（28例）和螺钉固定组（34例）。比较两组的平均手术时间、膝关节屈伸活动度;采用Lysholm膝关节评分量表、2000国际膝关节评分委员会（International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC）膝关节主观评价问卷对膝关节功能进行评价;采用轴移试验、Lachman试验评价膝关节稳定性;标准膝关节正侧位X线片评价骨折愈合情况。结果 随访12~32个月,平均16.5个月,两组的平均手术时间相近,且术后病人均未出现膝关节屈伸活动受限。缝线固定组手术前后的Lysholm评分分别为（50.46±4.59）分、（92.25±2.82）分,2000 IKDC膝关节主观评分由术前的（49.29±8.49）分提高到术后的（90.86±3.38）分;螺钉固定组手术前后的Lysholm评分分别为（49.06±3.85）分、（91.76±7.34）分,2000 IKDC膝关节主观评分由术前的（47.00±8.31）分提高到术后的（90.29±2.78）分;术后评分均明显优于术前,差异均有统计学意义（t=-38.802,t=-21.730,t=-44.723,t=-28.102,P均＜0.001）,但两组组间比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。两组术后轴移试验结果均为阴性,Lachman试验结果差异无统计学意义（χ²=0.033,P=0.856）。病人末次随访时均达到骨性愈合,未发现骨赘形成及髁间窝撞击表现。结论 关节镜下采用骨隧道缝线固定或空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折均可获得牢靠固定,临床疗效理想,骨隧道缝线固定法在处理粉碎骨折及合并半月板损伤的手术操作方面更具优势。     

射频治疗对关节镜下半月板部分切除术早期疗效的影响

目的 探讨半月板部分切除术后使用射频汽化修整残留半月板对病人术后膝关节预后的影响。方法 前瞻性地纳入60例病人,随机分为两组,观察组（26例）病人采用膝关节镜下半月板部分切除+射频修整术,对照组病人（34例）采用膝关节镜下单纯半月板部分切除术。对比两组病人术后48 h伤口引流量及疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评分;采用膝关节Lysholm评分标准评估膝关节功能,记录并比较两组病人术前及术后6个月随访时的Lysholm评分。结果 观察组和对照组病人的术后引流量分别为（51.15±22.69） ml、（63.24±23.45） ml,VAS评分分别为（1.45±0.50）分、（1.62±0.55）分,两组间比较,差异均无统计学意义（t=0.264,P=0.610;t=0.259,P=0.613）;所有入组病人术后的Lysholm评分为（91.58±5.78）分,均优于术前的（73.53±4.52）分,差异有统计学意义（t=8.012,P=0.005）;观察组及对照组术后的Lysholm评分分别为（90.00±5.54）分、（92.79±5.75）分,差异无统计学意义（t=0.219,P=0.641）。结论 关节镜下行半月板部分切除术的出血量与使用射频汽化仪无关,无论是否使用射频汽化修整残留半月板,病人术后膝关节的功能都能得到较好的恢复。     

关节镜下双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗前交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折

目的 探讨关节镜下运用双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament, ACL）胫骨止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析我院2015年5月至2017年6月采用关节镜下双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗ACL胫骨止点撕脱骨折10例,收集手术时间、术中出血量、前抽屉试验及Lachman试验情况;比较其手术前后的国际膝关节文献委员会（the international knee documentation committee, IKDC）膝关节评分及Lysholm膝关节功能评分;通过X线片评价骨折复位及愈合情况。结果 本组病人术后均未出现严重并发症,前抽屉试验及Lachman试验均为阴性。术后随访12~24个月,平均17.7个月。末次随访时的Lysholm评分和IKDC评分分别为（86.60±5.10）分、（88.40±5.76）分,均较术前显著提高,差异具有统计学意义（t=18.515,P＜0.001;t=20.672,P＜0.001）;复查X线片示骨折复位及愈合满意。结论 关节镜下运用双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗ACL胫骨止点撕脱骨折,可有效恢复膝关节稳定性,疗效满意。     

带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折的疗效分析

目的 分析带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗后交叉韧带（posterior cruciate ligament, PCL）胫骨止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月至2017年6月利用带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗的26例（26膝）PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折病人的临床资料。其中,男22例,女4例;年龄为17~39岁,平均31岁;病程为1~8 d。术后1年通过后抽屉试验评价膝关节功能;比较其术前术后的膝关节Lysholm评分和Tegner评分。结果 术后1年复查X线,所有病人骨折完全愈合,均未出现感染,后抽屉试验转为阴性。手术前、后的Lysholm评分分别为（24.08±9.50）分、（97.60±1.04）分;Tegner评分分别为（3.15±0.92）分、（8.60±0.32）分;术后分值均显著优于术前,两者比较,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.165,P=0.038;t=2.304,P=0.027）。结论 利用带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定修复PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折临床效果良好。     

基于健康信念模式的康复治疗对绝经后骨质疏松性髋部骨折恢复的影响

目的 探讨基于健康信念模式（the health belief model, HBM）的康复治疗对绝经后骨质疏松性髋部骨折病人恢复的影响。方法 选取2014年6月至2017年1月在我院行动力髋部螺钉内固定术和髓内钉内固定术的绝经后骨质疏松性髋部骨折住院病人60例。按入院顺序采用随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,各30例。观察组术后给予基于HBM的康复治疗,对照组术后给予常规康复治疗。康复治疗前后,采用Harris髋关节功能评分量表和Barthel指数（Barthel index, BI）评定量表评估病人的功能恢复情况,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评估疼痛程度,并观察两组病人康复治疗前后腰椎正位（L₂~L₄）、健侧股骨颈、Ward''s三角区的骨密度、骨碱性磷酸酶（bone alkaline phosphatase, BALP）水平的变化。结果 治疗后两组Harris髋关节功能评分、Barthel指数评分比较,观察组均优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.409,P=0.019;t=2.394,P=0.020）;治疗后两组VAS评分比较,观察组明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义（t=4.691,P＜0.001）;治疗后两组腰椎正位（L₂~L₄）、健侧股骨颈、Ward''s三角区的骨密度比较,观察组均明显高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.125,P=0.038;t=2.819,P=0.007;t=2.067,P=0.043）;治疗后两组BALP比较,观察组明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（t=2.295,P=0.025）。结论 基于HBM的康复治疗能有效增加骨密度,降低BALP水平,促进绝经后骨质疏松性髋部骨折病人的功能恢复,并提高了病人日常生活自理能力。     

自制多功能组合式复位固定钳在股骨、胫骨骨干骨折的初步应用

目的 总结自制多功能组合式复位固定钳治疗股骨、胫骨骨干骨折的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月至2020年5月我院收治的86例股骨干骨折、胫骨干骨折病人的临床资料,根据治疗方式不同分为观察组和对照组,每组各43例。观察组采用多功能组合式复位固定钳治疗,对照组采用传统持骨钳把持。比较两组病人切口长度、术中出血量、手术时间、骨折愈合时间、并发症发生等情况。结果 对照组切口大小、术中出血量、手术时间、愈合时间均高于观察组,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）;观察组优良率为97.67%,高于对照组的83.72%,差异无统计学意义（χ²=3.445,P=0.063）;对照组（16.28%）并发症发生率高于观察组（2.33%）,差异无统计学意义（χ²=3.445,P=0.063）。结论 自制多功能组合式复位固定钳在实际操作过程中使用灵活,有利于减少创伤,方便了手术操作,缩短了手术时间,有其临床应用价值。     

股骨闭合复位器辅助复位股骨交锁髓内钉固定治疗股骨干骨折的临床疗效分析

目的 探讨股骨闭合复位器辅助复位股骨交锁髓内钉固定治疗股骨干骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析手术治疗股骨干骨折的100例病人,其中股骨闭合复位器辅助复位股骨交锁髓内钉固定50例（复位器辅助组）,单纯牵引架牵引复位股骨髓内钉固定50例（牵引架辅助组）,比较两组的手术时间、出血量、导针反复进针次数、骨折愈合时间、需要骨折断端切开辅助复位例数及术后并发症发生率。结果 随访时间为12~18个月。复位器辅助组：骨折均愈合,愈合时间为4~8个月,无感染、内外翻、短缩畸形发生,术后Harris髋关节评分及美国特种外科医院（Hospital for Special Surgery, HSS）膝关节评分优良率均达92.0%。牵引架辅助组：发生骨不连1例,余病人骨折均愈合,愈合时间为4~9个月,无感染发生,无内外翻、短缩畸形发生,Harris及HSS评定标准优良率均达88.0%。两组手术时间、出血量、导针反复进针次数、骨折断端切开辅助复位例数比较,差异均有统计学意义（t=10.699,P＜0.001;t=22.517,P＜0.001;t=3.010,P=0.003;χ²=6.383,P=0.012）。骨折愈合时间、并发症发生率、髋膝关节功能优良率比较,差异均无统计学意义（t=0.646,P=0.520;χ²=1.010,P=0.315;χ²=0.444,P=0.505）。结论 股骨闭合复位器辅助复位股骨交锁髓内钉固定治疗股骨干骨折,操作简便、创伤小、效果可靠。     

基于舒适理论的睡眠质量管理在膝关节置换病人围手术期应用的临床效果

目的 观察对膝关节置换病人围手术期实施基于舒适理论的睡眠质量管理的临床效果。方法 选取2017年2月至12月行膝关节置换的150例病人为对照组,2018年1月至12月行膝关节置换的180例病人为观察组。对照组采取常规骨科护理,观察组在对照组的护理措施基础上应用基于舒适理论的睡眠质量管理措施。两组病人均佩戴升级版乐心MAMBO大麦运动手环监测夜间睡眠情况。观察两组病人手术前1 d、手术当天、手术后第1、2、3天的睡眠效率和睡眠障碍发生人次,运用自制的舒适度调查问卷了解两组病人术后的舒适度。结果 观察组在手术当天、手术第1、2、3天的睡眠效率均明显优于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）;观察组在5 d围手术期内的睡眠障碍发生人次（45人次）显著少于对照组（60人次）,差异具有统计学意义（χ²=8.486,P=0.004）;观察组病人的总体舒适度得分明显优于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（t=-8.239,P＜0.001）。结论 基于Kolcaba舒适理论框架实施的睡眠质量管理是提高膝关节置换病人术后早期睡眠质量和舒适度的有效方式。     

股内侧肌下入路与髌旁内侧入路在老年膝关节置换中应用的初步临床分析

目的 分析比较全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）中采用股内侧肌下入路（subvastus approach, SVA）与髌旁内侧入路（medial parapatellar approach, MPA）的早期临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2016年8月在本院完成初次TKA的69例病人资料（年龄均超过60岁）,根据手术入路的不同分为SVA组和MPA组,记录并比较两组病人的手术切口长度、手术时间、总出血量、术后可直腿抬高时间、膝关节术后活动度（range of motion, ROM）。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评价病人疼痛情况,采用美国膝关节协会评分（knee society score, KSS）评价病人的膝关节功能。结果 SVA组病人的手术切口长度为（11.48±1.35） cm,与MPA组的（15.24±1.41） cm相比,差异有统计学意义（t=11.041,P＜0.001）;两组间手术总失血量及手术时间比较,差异均无统计学意义（t=0.209,P=0.835;t=1.003,P=0.320）;SVA组病人的术后直腿抬高时间为（1.52±0.62） d,MPA组为（2.61±0.97） d,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（t=5.462,P＜0.001）。术后第3、7天SVA组静息和活动状态下的VAS评分均优于MPA组,两组间比较,除外术后第7天静息状态下的VAS评分,其他时间及状态下的VAS评分差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。术后第3、7天,MPA组病人的膝关节ROM（89.09°±5.51°、93.03°±7.06°）均小于SVA组（96.36°±4.55°、96.36°±6.53°）,差异均有统计学意义（t=5.842,P＜0.001;t=1.991,P=0.049）。术后2周,MPA组病人的KSS评分为（72.42±4.35）分,小于SVA组病人的（78.79±3.96）分,差异有统计学意义（t=6.214,P＜0.001）。术后第1、3、6、9个月,两组间KSS评分和膝关节ROM比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 人工全膝关节置换采用SVA对伸膝装置影响小,可促进置换后关节功能及关节活动度的快速恢复,减少疼痛,提高术后满意度。     

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.