体外膜肺氧合在临床肺移植中的应用

目的 总结体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)技术在临床肺移植中应用的经验.方法 45例肺移植受者,年龄(50.5±8.6)岁(16～74)岁.原发病为肺纤维化合并肺动脉高压32例,慢性阻塞性肺病4例,矽肺2例,肺结核2例,弥漫性细支气管炎1例,支气管扩张2例,以及原发性肺动脉高压2例.其中3例受者在术前经股动、静脉切开置ECMO管道,分别维持13、19和6d后,在ECMO支持下接受了肺移植手术;40例受者在术中应用了ECMO辅助;2例未在体外循环下接受肺移植的受者,因原发性移植物功能丧失(PGD)于术后行ECMO辅助支持.结果 40例术中应用ECMO者,37例于术毕顺利撤除ECMO,术中辅助流量为(2.8±0.6)L/min,辅助持续时间为(7.7±0.9)h,存活31例;3例术后继续使用ECMO,直至血流动力学稳定,其中2例分别于术后36 h和7d时顺利撤除,另1例术后使用ECMO维持5d后出现急性肾功能衰竭,术后2周时死于多器官功能衰竭.2例术中无体外循环辅助受者和其余3例术中辅助受者因术后发生PGD或急性心力衰竭,而初次或再次使用ECMO,辅助流量分别为(2.5±0.3)L/min和(2.6±0.4)L/min,辅助持续时间分别为(53.5±21.9)h和(88.7±45.9)h,其中3例治愈出院,2例因多器官功能衰竭而死亡.所有受者均未发生明确与ECMO相关的并发症.结论 ECMO是肺移植围手术期支持的重要辅助工具,对于降低等待肺移植过程中的死亡率、稳定术中血流动力学、改善术后严重呼吸功能障碍以及原发性移植物功能不良,可以提供良好的辅助功能.     

体外膜肺氧合在原发性及继发性肺动脉高压肺移植中的应用

目的 探讨体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)在肺移植围手术期应用的方法及疗效.方法 2005年11月至2009年7月,对30例原发性及终末期肺病伴继发性肺动脉高压的患者在肺移植术中应用了ECMO辅助,完成单肺移植18例,不横断胸骨序贯式双肺移植12例.2例患者在术前经股动静脉切开置ECMO管道,分别维持19 d和6 d,术中仍在ECMO支持下进行肺移植;其余患者在麻醉完成后置ECMO管道,开始肺移植术.移植完成后,受者在氧合和血流动力学平稳后撤除ECMO.结果 所有受者均顺利完成移植.27例受者于移植手术结束后顺利撤除ECMO;3例受者术后继续使用ECMO,直至血流动力学稳定,其中2例分别于术后36 h和7 d时顺利撤除,另1例术后用ECMO维持5 d后出现急性肾功能衰竭,术后2周时死于多器官功能衰竭.术后股动静脉切开处伤口感染2例,股动脉血栓形成(中度)1例,经治疗后均好转出院.结论 体外膜肺氧合可安全有效地应用于伴有原发性或继发性肺动脉高压患者的肺移植手术.术中应用ECMO能控制肺动脉高压,同时进行呼吸和循环支持,减少了肺移植手术的并发症.     

肺移植治疗特发性肺间质纤维化32例报告

目的 探讨肺移植治疗特发性肺间质纤维化(IPF)的手术适应证、手术方式及疗效.方法 76例肺移植中32例为肺移植治疗IPF.移植前,患者均经高分辨螺旋CT检查显示为典型的弥漫性蜂窝肺,经开胸或纤维支气管镜肺活组织病理检查确诊为IPF的有16例,动脉血气分析显示动脉血氧分压(PaO_2)≤50 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)的有28例,平均肺动脉压≥30 mm Hg的有15例.32例IPF患者中,28例接受单肺移植,其中常规体外循环下完成2例,体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)支持下完成14例;4例双肺移植均在ECMO支持下进行,取双侧前胸切口不横断胸骨,依次完成双侧单肺移植.术后对所有受者进行了随访,观察患者的预后情况.结果 所有受者均顺利完成手术.18例应用ECMO辅助的受者中,术后有17例成功撤除ECMO辅助,1例于术后2周因多器官功能衰竭而死亡.除上述死亡的1例外,术后早期还有4例死亡,1例术后发生支气管吻合口漏,经手术修补后发生吻合口裂开而死亡,1例死于移植肺活动性出血,2例死于移植肺功能丧失.术后1年内有12例发生急性排斥反应,发生率为37.5%,1例因重症排斥反应死亡,2例因严重感染死亡.受者术后3个月、1年及3年存活率分别为84.3%、75%和54.5%,中位存活时间为51个月,受者肺功能改善明显,生活质量显著提高.结论 肺移植是治疗IPF的有效方法,术后可明显延长受者存活时间,单肺移植可作为IPF的常用术式.对年龄较轻者应选择双肺移植.     

肺移植术后早期原发性移植物失功的危险因素与防治CSCD

目的 探讨肺移植患者术后早期（〈7天）发生原发性移植物失功（primary graft dysfunc-tion,PGD）的危险因素与预后分析.方法 回顾性分析2002年9月至2013年12月接受肺移植治疗的286例终末期肺病患者临床资料,术后均在重症监护病房连续有创监测生命体征、机械通气及免疫抑制治疗.根据早期PGD发生情况,将286例患者分为PGD组和非PGD组.对两组患者的年龄、术式（单肺或双肺移植）、肺动脉压力、供肺缺血再灌注时间、是否应用体外循环（CPB）等进行多因素logistic回归分析比较.结果 术后早期发生3级PGD 22例,死亡10例,病死率45.4％.单肺移植7例,其中体外膜式氧合（ECMO）辅助下3例;双肺移植15例,其中CPB辅助下2例,ECMO辅助下6例.PGD患者术后30天、1年、5年生存率分别为55％、40％、25％,显著低于非PGD组84.9％、78.6％和49.2％.统计学分析显示,术前合并肺动脉高压、供体缺血再灌注时间、术中失血量是肺移植患者术后早期发生PGD的危险因素,术中ECMO支持则是PGD发生保护因素.而年龄、性别、手术方式、手术时间、术前呼吸机依赖并非影响移植术后早期PGD发生的危险因素.结论 3级PGD是肺移植术后常见的严重并发症,病死率极高,对于合并危险因素较多患者,应在围手术期加强管理,进行积极预防;早期诊断,及时治疗能有效提高肺移植手术的成功率.     

矽肺患者33例肺移植术后护理

目的总结矽肺患者行肺移植术后的护理要点及相关经验。方法回顾性分析2007年7月至2016年4月南京医科大学附属无锡人民医院33例行肺移植术的矽肺患者临床护理资料。从移植肺维护(包括气道管理和胸部物理治疗)、液体管理、体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)护理、原发性移植物失功(PGD)观察与护理、早期肺康复和心理护理等方面总结经验。结果 33例受者平均ICU住院时间(9±3)d(3~32 d);平均机械通气时间为(3.8±1.2)d(2~24 d)。21例受者术后第2天拔管脱机,10例术后第3~5天拔管脱机,2例受者分别在术后第3、5天出现肺部感染、呼吸衰竭,暂未拔除气管插管,术后第7、8天行气管切开术。33例受者中2例死亡,其中1例术后发生PGD、急性心力衰竭、重度肺水肿;另1例术中出血4 500 m L,术后发生PGD,术后第7天发生多器官功能衰竭。其余31例均康复出院,术后1个月生存比例为93.8%(31/33)。结论矽肺患者肺移植术后并发症的预防和观察是护理的重点与难点,术后合理有效地护理是其术后顺利康复出院的重要保障。     

肺移植治疗儿童肺动脉高压的临床疗效

目的 探讨同种异体肺移植治疗儿童肺动脉高压(PAH)的临床疗效.方法 受者例1、2为特发性肺动脉高压( IPAH)患儿,均经右心导管术确诊为IPAH,术前心功能不全Ⅳ级,肺动脉收缩压、平均压分别为110、70 mm Hg(1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa)和148、72 mm Hg,在全麻体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)支持下行序贯式双侧单肺移植术,术中ECMO支持时间分别为550 min和450 min,出血量分别为3000 ml和1200 ml.受者例3为先天性心脏病室间隔缺损合并艾森曼格综合征心内直视探查术后,超声心动图(UCG)提示先天性心脏病室间隔缺损,双向分流,肺动脉收缩压、平均压为110、60 mm Hg,在全麻低温体外循环(CPB)下行室间隔缺损修补术同期右侧单肺移植术,术中CPB时间244 min.3例受者与供者体型较匹配,ABO血型相同.结果 受者例1、2术后ECMO分别维持16h、13 h后撤离,术后第3、4天均出现不同程度的血流动力学不稳定,诊断为急性左心衰,均于术后第3、6天行气管切开呼吸机辅助正压通气,经强心、利尿、扩血管等治疗,分别于术后第33天、12天脱离呼吸机.受者例3术后3天内移植肺出现中等程度再植反应性肺水肿,术后第7天气管切开,第12天撤离呼吸机;术后第14天出现急性排斥1次,治疗后缓解.3例受者术后UCG提示心脏形态和心功能明显改善,受者例3室间隔缺损修补完整,无残余分流.分别于术后第93天、32天、62天康复出院,心功能均达Ⅰ级,肺动脉收缩压、平均压分别降为54、32 mm Hg,60、36 mm Hg和53、39 mm Hg.术后已随访41、21、82个月,患儿正常工作学习,至今生活质量良好.结论 对终末期经内科保守治疗效果欠佳的PAH患儿行肺移植能很好改善生活质量.     

肺移植围手术期并发症防治单中心经验

目的探讨肺移植围手术期并发症的预防和处理。方法 2002年9月至2011年4月无锡市人民医院共完成临床肺移植105例：单肺移植73例,双肺移植32例。其中63例在体外循环支持下完成手术。术后带管进入ICU行机械通气、免疫抑制、预防感染和原发性移植物失功（PGD）等治疗。根据国际心肺移植学会的PGD分级分别给予受者液体负平衡、延长呼吸机治疗时间、前列腺素E1及体外膜肺氧合等治疗。结果 105例肺移植受者围手术期存活率为81.9%（86/105）,死亡原因包括肺部感染10例,PGD6例,肺梗死、急性排斥反应、支气管吻合口瘘各1例。围手术期主要并发症包括严重肺部感染12例、PGD3级10例、支气管吻合口狭窄10例、支气管吻合口瘘4例、急性排斥反应3例、出血3例、肺动脉栓塞3例、肺动脉狭窄1例和下肢深静脉血栓1例。86例存活受者心肺功能和生存质量均较好。结论防治感染、免疫抑制、液体负平衡、延长呼吸机治疗时间等围手术期管理可减少术后并发症和降低受者病死率。     

序贯式双肺移植九例报告

目的探讨9例序贯式双肺移植的手术指征和安全性。方法自2003年1月至2005年6月，共进行了9例序贯式双肺移植。2例受者在第1侧肺植入后恢复通气和灌注，再作第2侧肺的切除和植入；6例在第1侧肺植入后使用体外膜氧合（ECMO），再完成第2侧肺的切除和植入；1例在体外循环（CPB）下完成，同时使用一氧化氮（NO）吸入。结果前2例患者术中出现严重的移植肺水肿，术后仅生存12和36h。使用ECMO的6例患者均安全渡过手术关，术后移植肺氧合良好，拔除口插管时间为36～72h，平均为48h，其中4例患者顺利恢复出院，最长已生存16个月，1例术后1个月死于肺部感染大咯血，1例术后3周死于肾功能衰竭。使用CPB的1例患者术中死于大量渗血和严重的酸中毒。结论序贯式双肺移植手术指征较广，但手术风险大；使用ECMO可显著提高手术的安全性。     

体外膜肺氧合联合连续肾脏替代疗法在肺移植术后严重原发性移植物失功治疗中的应用

目的总结肺移植术后早期严重原发性移植物失功(PGD)应用体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)联合连续肾脏替代疗法(CRRT)支持治疗的临床经验。方法回顾性分析2014年1月至2015年5月无锡市人民医院行肺移植术后发生严重PGD的8例患者临床资料。其中男性5例,女性3例,年龄14~60岁;原发病包括肺纤维化4例,原发性肺动脉高压3例,慢性阻塞性肺疾病1例。双肺移植7例,单肺移植1例,手术均在V-A ECMO辅助下进行。术后均采用ECMO联合CRRT进行治疗,观察治疗前后氧合指数、急性生理功能及慢性健康状况评分系统(APACHE)Ⅱ评分、呼气末正压及血清肌酐等指标变化。采用配对t检验比较上述指标。P0.05为差异有统计学意义。结果 8例患者均诊断为PGD 3级,采用ECMO联合CRRT治疗后,氧合指数由(57±20)mm Hg上升至(108±35)mm Hg,差异有统计学意义(t=-2.17,P0.05)。治疗前后APACHEⅡ评分分别为(28±5)分和(19±5)分,差异有统计学意义(t=-1.03,P0.05)。治疗前后,呼气末正压及血清肌酐差异均无统计学意义(t=0.39和1.48,P均0.05)。4例患者成功撤离ECMO及CRRT辅助,好转出院;1例患者撤离ECMO后维持血液透析治疗;2例患者在应用ECMO及CRRT辅助期间出现多器官功能衰竭死亡;1例患者撤离ECMO及CRRT后出现肺部感染,因感染性休克死亡。结论 ECMO联合CRRT治疗能够提供有效的呼吸循环支持,促进心、肺、肾功能的恢复,有望成为治疗肺移植术后重度PGD的重要手段。     

危重状态病人心脏移植的早期结果：阜外医院单中心经验

目的分析危重状态病人心脏移植的早期结果及其在供者分配决策中的意义。方法回顾性分析449例心脏移植受者的临床资料,根据术前状态分为危重状态组(64例)和一般状态组(385例)。总结危重状态的发生情况;比较两组受者的临床资料;分析两组受者术后生存情况及死亡原因;比较危重状态受者术前不同机械循环辅助桥接移植的围手术期结果。结果危重状态病人占总移植人数14.3%,近5年危重状态病人比例逐年增高。与一般状态组受者比较,危重状态组受者术前吸烟史比例较低,既往心脏手术史比例较高,血清肌酐水平较高,原发病为既往移植心脏衰竭比例较高;术后使用机械循环辅助比例较高,术后并发症发生率较高,重症监护室(ICU)入住时间较长,院内病死率较高(均为P≤0.01)。危重状态组受者术后1年生存率低于一般状态组受者(83%比95%,P0.01)。危重状态组受者因感染、多器官衰竭死亡的比例高于一般状态组受者。64例危重状态受者中,术前1例单独使用呼吸机,63例加用机械循环辅助桥接移植。其中49例(77%)单用主动脉内球囊反搏泵(IABP),8例(13%)联合应用体外膜肺氧合(ECMO)和IABP,4例(6%)单用ECMO,2例(3%)单用左心室辅助装置(LVAD)。术前应用ECMO、联合应用ECMO和IABP桥接移植的危重状态病人术后并发症发生的比例较高、ICU入住时间较长、机械通气时间较长,院内病死比例较高。结论危重状态病人心脏移植总体预后不佳,有效的术前管理可在一定程度逆转危重病人的高风险状态。供心分配应把有限的供心分配给最紧急且能从移植中受益最多的病人。     

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.