腰椎滑脱椎体终板Modic改变的分布情况及影响因素

目的探讨腰椎滑脱椎体终板Modic改变的分布情况,分析峡部裂性滑脱与退变性滑脱终板Modic改变相关影响因素。方法回顾性分析2005年10月～2011年10月收治的264例腰椎滑脱症患者的影像学资料。比较不同类型腰椎滑脱Modic改变的类型,分析不同类型腰椎滑脱中Modic改变与腰椎滑脱程度、椎间盘退变、体重指数、劳动量的相关性。结果退变性滑脱113例,其中ModicI型7例（6．2％）,ModicⅡ型38例（33．6％）;峡部断裂性滑脱151例,其中ModicI型12例（7．9％）,Modic1I型23例（15．2％）,Modicm型28例（18．5％）。腰椎滑脱伴Modic改变的患者中,滑脱节段Modic改变发生率显著高于非滑脱节段。不同类型腰椎滑脱中Modic改变与滑脱程度、椎间盘退变、体重指数、劳动量存在明显相关性（P〈0．05）。结论腰椎滑脱中Modie改变与滑脱程度、椎间盘退变、体重指数、劳动量存在相关性;Modic改变在退变性滑脱中Ⅱ型较多,在峡部裂性滑脱中以Ⅲ型多见,并且Modic改变易发生在滑脱节段。     

退变性腰椎侧凸椎体终板Modic改变的分布情况及其影响因素

目的:观察退变性腰椎侧凸患者终板Modic改变的分布情况,分析其相关影响因素及与腰痛的关系。方法:回顾分析2000年3月～2009年3月我院收治的126例退变性腰椎侧凸患者的影像学资料,采用VAS对患者腰痛程度进行评估。观察患者终板Modic改变的发生率、类型及分布特点;比较存在Modic改变与不存在Modic改变患者的VAS评分;分析Modic改变与椎间盘退变、终板倾斜度、腰椎侧凸角及体重指数间的相关性。结果:126例患者756个腰椎间盘中,69例(54.8%)124(18.2%)个椎间盘邻近终板存在Modic改变。存在Modic改变患者VAS评分5.5±2.0,不存在Modic改变患者VAS评分3.0±1.5,两者比较差异有显著性(P<0.01)。Modic分型:Ⅰ型有15例患者(11.9%)19个椎间盘退变(2.5%),Ⅱ型48例(38.1%)97个椎间盘退变(12.8%),Ⅲ型6例(4.8%)8个椎间盘退变(1.1%)。退变终板节段:L5/S1椎间盘32个(25.8%),L4/5椎间盘26个(21.0%),L3/4椎间盘9个(7.3%),L2/3椎间盘47个(37.9%),L1/2椎间盘6个(4.8%),T12/L1椎间盘4个(3.2%)。Modic改变发生于终板凹侧99(13.1%)个,发生于终板凸侧25(3.3%)个;凹侧与凸侧发生率比较差异有显著性(P<0.01)。Modic改变与椎间盘退变、终板倾斜度、腰椎侧凸角及体重指数存在显著相关性(P<0.05)。结论:Modic改变与椎间盘退变、终板倾斜度、腰椎侧凸角及体重指数之间存在相关关系;Modic改变以Ⅱ型多见,多发生于终板的凹侧,以L2/3、L5/S1和L4/5节段多发。     

腰椎终板Modic改变与腰椎退变的相关性研究

目的总结腰椎终板Modic改变的临床分布特点,探讨Modic改变的发生与腰椎退行性变的相关性。方法对腰腿痛就诊的348例患者根据Modic分级标准对患者腰椎矢状位MRI资料进行评估,记录有无Modic改变、腰椎管狭窄、腰椎滑脱、椎间盘退变,并通过X线测定椎间隙高度。使用SPSS 18.0统计学软件对数据进行处理,探讨Modic改变的发生与性别、年龄、腰椎节段、间盘膨出、间盘突出、间盘脱出、椎间隙改变、椎管狭窄、腰椎滑脱的相关性。结果 348例共1 740个腰椎椎间盘中,89例(25.6%,包括手术患者7例)139个椎间盘(7.9%)邻近终板发生Modic改变,以Ⅱ型为多。按性别统计:男女差异无统计学意义;按不同年龄组统计:50~59岁组最多,为34.31%;Modic改变在椎间盘突出或脱出者、椎间隙高度降低者、退行性腰椎管狭窄、腰椎Ⅰ度滑脱者的发生率较高。结论腰椎终板存在Modic改变,最常见的类型为Ⅱ型,Ⅰ型次之,Ⅲ型最为少见,其多发生于L5~S1节段,其次为L4~5。腰椎Modic的发生与年龄、腰椎节段、间盘膨出、间盘突出、间盘脱出、椎间隙改变、椎管狭窄、腰椎滑脱存在相关性。Modic改变可能是腰椎间盘退变严重的表现。     

退变性腰椎滑脱患者多裂肌萎缩与滑脱程度相关性研究

目的分析退变性腰椎滑脱症患者滑脱节段多裂肌萎缩程度与腰椎滑脱程度的相关性。方法回顾分析2008年1月至2019年4月本院就诊的103例腰椎退变性滑脱症的患者资料,其中男22例,女81例;年龄(58.55±0.88)岁(范围:37~77岁)。L2滑脱2例,L3滑脱10例,L4滑脱81例,L5滑脱10例。所有患者均摄腰椎侧位X线片,行腰椎MR检查。收集影像学资料,采用Image-Pro Plus进行数据测量:①腰椎侧位X线片上测量腰椎滑脱比;②腰椎MR上分别测量退变性滑脱节段的总多裂肌横截面积(total multifidus muscle cross sectional area,TCSA)与无脂肪浸润多裂肌横截面积(fat-free multifidus muscle cross sectional area,FCSA),并计算FCSA/TCSA比值,用来评估多裂肌萎缩程度,该数值越大表明多裂肌萎缩越轻;采用同样的方法测量退变性滑脱节段的上一非滑脱节段的TCSA与FCSA,并计算FCSA/TCSA比值。结果对两位医生的测量结果进行一致性检验,腰椎滑脱比数据进行一致性检验,ICC=>0.75,说明数据一致性高,结果可信度高。退变滑脱节段上一非滑脱节段和退变滑脱节段的多裂肌萎缩程度(FCSA/TCSA比值)分别为0.66±0.09和0.74±0.08,差异有统计学意义(t=-12.618,P=0.000);103例中Ⅰ度滑脱66例(64.1%,66/103),Ⅱ度滑脱患者37例(35.9%,37/103),无Ⅲ度及Ⅳ度滑脱患者;滑脱比与退变滑脱节段FCSA/TCSA存在相关性(P=0.000),相关系数γ=-0.425,滑脱比与退变节段FCSA/TCSA存在高度负相关。结论退变性腰椎滑脱症患者退变滑脱节段多裂肌萎缩程度较退变滑脱节段上一非滑脱节段多裂肌萎缩程度严重;退变性腰椎滑脱症患者退变滑脱节段多裂肌萎缩程度与腰椎滑脱程度存在正相关。     

中老年腰腿痛患者腰椎终板Modic改变的分布情况及其与腰椎不稳的关系

目的:探讨中老年腰腿痛患者腰椎终板Modic改变的分布情况,分析其与腰椎不稳之间的关系。方法:随机选取2007年3月~2011年12月因腰腿痛在我院行腰椎MRI和常规X线片检查的年龄≥40岁的患者430例,男210例,女220例,年龄40~73岁。观察患者腰椎终板Modic改变的发生率、类型及分布特点;根据腰椎是否稳定分为腰椎稳定组和腰椎不稳定组,分析其与Modic改变之间的关系;腰椎稳定组患者分为腰椎曲度正常组和异常组,分析其与Modic改变之间的关系。结果:430例共计2150个腰椎椎间盘中,124例(28.84%)154个(7.16%)椎间盘终板存在Modic改变,其中Ⅰ型34例(7.91%)、34个椎间盘(1.58%),Ⅱ型72例(16.74%)、100个椎间盘(4.65%),Ⅲ型18例(4.19%)、20个椎间盘(0.93%);L2/3 14个,L3/4 24个,L4/5 50个,L5/S1 66个,其发生率分别为0.65%、1.12%、2.32%、3.07%;其中Modic改变位于终板前部79个,后部31个,整个终板44个;仅累及上终板52个,仅累及下终板41个,累及上、下终板61个。腰椎不稳定组终板Modic改变的发生率为36.68%,腰椎稳定组为19.90%,两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);ModicⅠ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ型中腰椎不稳的发生率分别为82.35%、69.44%、33.33%,三者差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);腰椎曲度正常组终板Modic改变的发生率为11.11%,腰椎曲度异常组为23.91%,两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:中老年腰腿痛患者腰椎终板Modic改变以Ⅱ型最多见,以L4/5和L5/S1节段多发;其与腰椎不稳和腰椎曲度之间存在相关关系,ModicⅠ型改变与腰椎不稳相关性最强。     

颈椎椎体终板区Modic退变的MRI评价

目的总结颈椎椎体终板Modic退变的发病情况,探讨其临床意义。方法回顾分析136例颈椎病患者的颈椎MRI矢状位图像资料,记录椎体终板Modic退变的发生率、发生节段及退变类型,统计Modic改变在颈椎各节段的分布。结果136例颈椎病患者中有23例存在Modic退变,发生率为16．9％。患者平均年龄为50．6岁。男性患者中发生率为17．7％,女性为15％。最常出现Modic退变的节段为C5,6。ModicⅠ型、Ⅱ型和Ⅲ型的发生率分别为4．4％、7．4％、5．1％。结论颈椎病患者存在椎体终板区Modic退变现象,退变以Ⅱ型最多,以C5,6节段最为常见。     

下腰痛患者Modic改变的临床分布及其分型的相关因素

目的 探讨下腰痛患者Modic改变的临床分布及其分型的相关因素。方法 收集103例下腰痛患者的性别、年龄、受累节段、相关节段的椎间盘退变和突出、腰椎曲度和终板凹角等数据,采用单因素分析和logistic回归分析Modic改变分型的相关因素。结果Modic改变的患者中Ⅰ型16例(15. 5%),Ⅱ型83例(80. 6%),Ⅲ型4例(3. 9%)。共127个节段存在Modic改变:L1～2节段3个,L2～3节段8个,L3～4节段13个,L4～5节段38个,L5～S1节段65个。因Ⅲ型Modic改变的病例过少,各相关因素的分析中仅对Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型进行统计研究。单因素分析表明年龄、椎间盘退变和L4～5前凸角与Modic改变分型有关,logistic回归分析表明仅年龄与Modic改变分型有关。结论 在下腰痛患者中Modic改变Ⅱ型最为常见,其次是Ⅰ型,Ⅲ型不常见;Modic改变主要发生在L4～5和L5～S1节段;年龄是Modic改变分型的影响因素。     

腰椎间盘退变性疾患下腰椎终板形态的MRI观察

【摘要】　目的：在MRI片上观察腰椎间盘退变患者下腰椎终板形态的分布规律,分析终板形态和椎间盘退变的关系。方法：回顾分析两组腰椎间盘退变性疾病患者的术前腰椎MRI,A组110例为单节段腰椎间盘突出症患者,B组35例为椎间盘源性腰痛患者。根据正中矢状面MRI T1像,将终板形态分为凹面、平坦、不规则三型;根据Pfirrmann法评定椎间盘退变程度并将Ⅰ～Ⅴ级分别计为1～5分;按Modic改变分级标准判定各节段终板有无Modic改变。分析下腰椎终板的形态特点及三种分型与椎间盘退变程度、Modic改变等的关系。结果：①435个下腰椎节段中,凹面型终板最多（215/435）,A组中占50.6％（167/330）,B组中占45.7％（48/105）,且主要分布于L3/4（108/215）、L4/5（83/215）节段;平坦型终板占29.0％（126/435）,并主要位于L5/S1节段（76/126）;不规则型终板最少（94/435）,A组中占23.0％（76/330）,B组中占17.1％（18/105）,也主要位于L5/S1节段（45/94）。②A组患者中,凹面型终板退变程度平均为3.31±0.81分,平坦型为3.66±0.64分,不规则型为4.16±0.67分,两两比较有显著差异（P＜0.05）;椎间盘突出节段以平坦型（37/110）和不规则型（43/110）终板占多数,无突出节段则以凹面型（137/220）终板占多数,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）;不规则型终板比凹面型和平坦型更容易伴发Modic改变,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）,凹面型和平坦型间无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。③B组患者中,凹面型终板的椎间盘退变程度平均为3.23±0.86分,平坦型为3.54±0.85分,不规则型为3.94±0.54分,仅凹面型和不规则型间差异有显著性（P＜0.05）。④相同终板形态时A组和B组椎间盘退变程度相比均无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。结论：终板形态与椎间盘退变、Modic改变之间有相关性。终板形态由凹面型到平坦型再到不规则型,腰椎间盘退变程度逐渐加重。影像学上终板形态改变在一定程度上反映了椎间盘退变的程度。     

Modic改变在腰腿痛病例中的分布及相关因素分析

目的探讨腰椎终板Modic改变在腰腿痛病例中的的临床分布特点，并探讨发生Modic改变的相关因素。方法选择2005年一年内因腰痛或坐骨神经痛行腰椎MR检查和常规X线检查的患者1223例，分析腰椎MRI中终板Modic改变在椎间盘节段、年龄和椎间盘退变分类中的分布特点及其相关因素。结果1223例6115个腰椎椎间盘中，257例（21．0％）320个椎间盘（5．2％）邻近终板发生M0dic改变，其中Ⅰ型48例（3．9％）51个椎间盘（0．8％），Ⅱ型206例（16．8％）266个椎间盘（4．3％）、Ⅲ型3例（0．2％）3个椎间盘（0．05％）。椎间盘节段L5S1 168个、L4-5 95个、L3-4 29个、L2-3 18个、L1-2 10个，发生率分别为13．7％、7．8％、2．4％、1．5％、0．8％。突出、脱出和滑脱病例发生率较高（辟0．00）。女性发生率高于男性（P=0．005）。40岁以上是Modic改变发生较多的年龄段（P=0．001）。椎间盘退变程度、椎间盘节段与年龄均和Modic改变具有显著相关性（P=0．000）。回归方程为Y=-5．955＋0．198A＋1．528L＋1．883D（Y为M0dic改变，A为年龄，L为椎间盘节段，D为椎间盘退变程度），P=0．000，EXP值：D=6．571，L=4．609，A=1．220。结论腰椎终板Modic改变和椎间盘退变、椎间盘节段和年龄之间存在相关关系，椎间盘退变是最重要的影响因素。Modic改变Ⅱ型最多，Ⅰ型次之，Ⅲ型最少；多发生于L4-5和L5S1椎间盘节段；女性高于男性；40岁以上是易发年龄。     

腰椎MR成像椎间盘终板区Modic征象的诊断价值

目的探讨腰椎终板区椎体MRI征象特征及其在腰腿痛病因诊断中的价值。方法回顾分析106例有腰痛伴或不伴下肢放射痛病人132个椎间节段和86例正常成人112个椎间节段腰椎间盘近终板区椎体MRI信号改变(Modic征)发生率,并与手术病理学检查对照,评价其诊断价值。临床治疗效果依据手术前、后Oswestry下腰痛功能障碍指数评定法评定。MRI敏感性=阳性/(阳性+假阴性)×100%。结果腰腿痛病人组和正常对照组Modic征发生率分别为53.03%、3.57%,二者有显著性差异(P<0.05)。其中Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ型发生率分别12.7%、23.9%和2.1%。以腰腿痛为主要症状者多表现为Ⅰ、Ⅱ型病变(P<0.05)。病程在1年以内者多表现为Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型病变,超过1年者以Ⅲ型变化为主。Oswestry功能障碍指数由74.68%改善为18.37%,手术效果良好。Modic征对诊断椎间盘源性腰腿痛敏感性为73.9%。结论腰腿痛病人腰椎MR成像Modic征发生率较正常人高,且以Ⅰ、Ⅱ型多见,是诊断椎间盘退变性下腰痛较敏感的影像学参数。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.