比较罗哌卡因与右美托咪定联合罗哌卡因腹横肌平面阻滞用于肝部分切除患者术后镇痛的效果

目的 比较罗哌卡因与右美托咪定联合罗哌卡因腹横肌平面阻滞(TAPB)用于肝部分切除患者术后镇痛的效果.方法 择期行肝部分切除患者83例,性别不限,年龄28～66岁,体质量46.0～89.5 kg,ASA分级Ⅰ～Ⅱ级.采用随机数字表法分为2组:观察组(42例)术后给予右美托咪定联合罗哌卡因TAPB镇痛,对照组(41例)术...     

连续前锯肌平面阻滞对胸腔镜下肺癌根治术患者术后肺氧合功能的影响

目的比较连续前锯肌平面阻滞(SAPB)和静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)两种镇痛方式在胸腔镜下肺癌根治术患者术后减少肺部并发症、改善肺氧合功能方面的有效性。方法择期行胸腔镜下肺癌根治术患者126例,年龄18～70岁,BMI 18.5～30.0 kg/m~2,ASAⅠ–Ⅲ级,随机分为两组:连续SAPB组(S组)和PCIA组(P组),每组63例。术毕S组行超声引导下前锯肌平面阻滞,注入0.375%罗哌卡因20 ml,留置导管予0.2%罗哌卡因行自控镇痛;P组行舒芬太尼常规PCIA。麻醉诱导前(T_0)、术毕即刻(T_1)、拔管后2 h(T_2)、拔管后6 h(T_3)、拔管后24 h(T_4)抽取桡动脉血记录PaO_2并计算氧合指数(OI)。记录T_2—T_4时静态和活动VAS评分,并记录肺部并发症发生情况。结果与T_0时比较,T_2、T_3时两组OI明显降低,且P组明显低于S组(P0.05)。T_2—T_4时S组VAS评分明显低于P组(P0.05),但两组补救镇痛例数差异无统计学意义。与P组比较,S组低氧血症、肺不张、恶心、呕吐的发生率明显降低(P0.05)。结论连续SAPB较PCIA能够改善胸腔镜下肺癌根治术患者肺氧合功能。     

腹腔镜与开腹左肝切除术的前瞻性对照研究

目的 比较腹腔镜与开腹左肝切除术的疗效.方法 前瞻性对照分析2010年5月至2011年6月哈尔滨医科大学附属第一医院92例行左肝切除术患者的临床资料.其中行腹腔镜下左肝切除术者42例(腹腔镜组),行开腹左肝切除术者50例(开腹组).对比腹腔镜与开腹左肝切除术治疗左半肝肿瘤的优缺点.计量资料采用t检验,计数资料采用x2检验和Fisher确切概率法.结果 腹腔镜组患者施行肝左外叶切除29例,左半肝切除13例;其中1例伤及肝中静脉中转开腹.开腹组患者施行肝左外叶部分切除33例,左半肝切除17例.腹腔镜组患者的手术切缘距肿瘤距离为(1.6±0.6)cm,长于开腹组的(1.2±0.4)cm(t =3.81,P＜0.05).但腹腔镜组患者的术中出血量为(158±89) ml,明显少于开腹组的( 292±172) ml(t=4.56,P＜0.05).腹腔镜组患者的术后镇痛时间、胃肠道功能恢复时间和住院时间分别为(1.2±0.3)d、(23±4)h、(7.5±2.8)d,明显短于开腹组的(2.0±1.1)d、(49±7)h、(11.3±4.2)d(t=4.57,21.31,5.00,P＜0.05).腹腔镜组和开腹组患者术后第1天的AST、ALT较术前均有不同程度升高,但腹腔镜组升高的幅度较开腹组小(t=6.73,5.03,P＜0.05);并且开腹组术后PT明显比术前延长(t=2.32,P＜0.05).腹腔镜组患者术后并发症发生率为7％ (3/41),住院费用为(2.5±0.7)万元,均较开腹组的8％(4/50)和(2.6±0.6)万元低,但差异无统计学意义(t=0.74,P＞0.05).开腹组患者中有l例术后因急性肝功能衰竭导致MODS死亡.结论 腹腔镜左肝切除术成功率高,安全可行,与开腹手术比较具有手术创伤小、恢复快、总体疗效显著等优点.     

胸腔镜肺癌根治术麻醉的改良策略：前锯肌平面阻滞联合全身麻醉

目的评价前锯肌平面阻滞(SAPB)联合全身麻醉用于胸腔镜肺癌根治术的改良效果。方法择期胸腔镜肺癌根治术患者82例, 性别不限, 年龄40～64岁, BMI 18～24 kg/m2, ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级, 采用随机数字表法分为2组(n=41):全身麻醉组(G组)和SAPB联合全身麻醉组(SG组)。SG组全身麻醉诱导前在超声引导下采用罗哌卡因行SAPB。采用咪达唑仑、依托咪酯、舒芬太尼和顺阿曲库铵行全麻诱导, 采用七氟烷和瑞芬太尼行麻醉维持。术后采用舒芬太尼行PCIA, 当VAS评分≥4分时, 静脉注射舒芬太尼2.5 μg补救镇痛。记录术中七氟烷和瑞芬太尼的用量、气管拔管时间和术后48 h内补救镇痛情况、舒芬太尼用量、尼卡地平和艾司洛尔使用情况及不良反应发生情况。结果与G组比较, SG组术中瑞芬太尼和七氟烷的用量、术后舒芬太尼用量、术后镇痛补救率、术后尼卡地平和艾司洛尔的使用率、术后恶心呕吐、皮肤瘙痒及尿潴留的发生率降低, 气管拔管时间缩短, 首次补救镇痛时间延长(P<0.05)。结论相对于单纯全身麻醉而言, SAPB联合全身麻醉用于胸腔镜肺癌根治术时, 不仅对术中全身麻醉用药及术后...     

超声引导下低位前锯肌平面阻滞对上腹部手术患者术后镇痛及炎症反应的影响

目的 评价超声引导下低位前锯肌平面阻滞(SAPB)对上腹部手术患者术后镇痛及炎症反应的影响.方法 择期上腹部手术患者120例,男69例,女51例,年龄18～65岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级.随机分为三组:对照组(C组,n=39),不行神经阻滞;常规SAPB组(SAPB组,n=40),全麻诱导前超声引导下双侧腋中线第5肋水平前锯肌...     

全膝关节置换术围手术期多模式镇痛方案的临床研究

目的 比较连续股神经阻滞联合围手术期口服塞来昔布的多模式镇痛方案与单纯患者自控静脉镇痛(patient-controlled intravenous analgesia,PCIA)用于膝关节置换术后镇痛的效果.方法 接受单侧膝关节置换手术患者40例,随机分为两组.一组联合应用围手术期口服塞来昔布及术后连续股神经阻滞的多模式镇痛(联合组,20例),另一组术后单独应用PCIA(PCIA组,20例).两组患者均在全麻下完成手术.联合组患者返病房后即刻及其后每6h经留置的股神经阻滞管注入0.25 s/ml罗哌卡因20ml.PCIA组只连接静脉PCIA装置,芬太尼浓度10μg/ml,每次自控输注2 ml,无背景输注,锁定时间5 min.两组均在术后48 h内记录患者运动及静息状态下的疼痛视觉类比评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),患肢运动阻滞情况及不良反应.并记录术后24、48、72和96h的体温、膝关节屈曲度.结果 术后4 h,联合组患者的VAS显著低于PCIA组(P=0.026);48 h时运动和静止状态下,联合组患者VAS均显著低于PCIA组(P=0.031).术后4h,联合组患者的运动阻滞程度显著高于PCIA组(P＜0.001);术后24、48 h,联合组患者运动阻滞完全消退.联合组患者术后48、72和96 h的体温明显低于PCIA组(P＜0.05).联合组患者术后平均住院时间明显短于PCIA组.结论 膝关节置换术后,低浓度罗哌卡因连续股神经阻滞联合围手术期口服塞来昔布是一种安全有效、镇痛效果良好的多模式镇痛方法.     

超声引导下单次竖脊肌平面阻滞对胸腔镜下肺叶切除患者静脉自控镇痛效果的影响

目的探讨超声引导下单次竖脊肌平面(erector spinae plane,ESP)阻滞联合患者自控静脉镇痛(PCIA)在胸腔镜下肺叶切除患者术后的镇痛效果。方法择期行胸腔镜下肺叶切除术患者40例,男20例,女20例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。随机分为单次ESP阻滞联合PCIA组(EP组)和单纯PCIA组(P组)。EP组麻醉诱导前行ESP阻滞,20 min后测定阻滞范围,术毕两组均采用PCIA。记录术后1、6、18、24、48h静息和咳嗽时VAS评分,镇痛泵按压次数,输注总量,氟比洛芬酯给药次数,以及术后不良反应发生情况。结果 ESP阻滞20min后可阻滞T_2~T_8或T_3~T_7脊神经支配区域,术后1~48h EP组静息和咳嗽时VAS评分明显低于P组(P0.05),镇痛泵按压次数、输注总量和氟比洛芬酯给药次数明显少于P组(P0.05)。两组术后恶心、呕吐发生率差异无统计学意义。结论超声引导下单次竖脊肌平面阻滞联合PCIA的胸科手术辅助镇痛方式较单纯PCIA方式更为安全有效。     

硬膜外自控镇痛对腰-硬联合麻醉术后头痛的影响

目的 观察腰-硬联合麻醉(CSEA)术后硬膜外自控镇痛(PCEA)对术后头痛发病率及病程的影响.方法 选取脐以下手术1800例,年龄18～85岁,ASA I～Ⅲ级,所有患者均采用腰-硬联合麻醉,取L3～4或L2～3穿刺,术后双盲随机均分成三组:观察组(PCEA组)、常规组(PCIA组),对照组(C组).观察术后头痛的发病率、程度、头痛持续时间及其他小良反应.术中监测BP、HR、RR及SpO2.结果 PCEA组头痛发病率显著低于PCIA和C组(P<0.05),PCIA组和C组头痛发病率差异无统计学意义,PCEA组病程明显短于PCIA和C组(P<0.05),三组镇痛期间BP、HR、RR、SpO2均在正常范围内,差异无统计学意义.结论 CSEA术后行PCEA,在为患者术后镇痛的同时,也应预防和治疗其术后头痛.     

超声引导下前锯肌平面阻滞对开腹肝癌切除术围术期细胞免疫功能的影响

目的探讨超声引导下前锯肌平面阻滞(serratus anterior plane block, SAPB)对经肋缘下开腹肝癌切除术患者围术期细胞免疫功能的影响。方法开腹肝癌切除术患者55例,男33例,女22例,年龄48～65岁,体重57～72 kg,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法分为两组:SAPB联合全麻组(S组,n=28)和单纯全麻组(D组,n=27)。S组患者于全麻诱导后行超声引导下右侧第8—11肋SAPB,将0.5%罗哌卡因5 ml从第8—11逐肋分别注入。D组诱导后于相同位置注射等量生理盐水。术中采用七氟醚吸入和瑞芬太尼静脉泵注维持麻醉,术中根据需要追加舒芬太尼,术后均行舒芬太尼PCIA。记录术中瑞芬太尼、舒芬太尼用量,术后0～24 h和0～48 h镇痛泵按压次数,分别在诱导时、术后1 h、24 h和48 h检测外周血干扰素γ(INF-γ)和IL-4的浓度,计算INF-γ/IL-4比值。结果与D组比较,S组术中瑞芬太尼[(1.92±0.47) mg vs (2.33±0.38)mg,P0.05]和舒芬太尼追加次数明显减少,术后0～24 h和0～48 h镇痛泵按压次数明显减少(P0.05),术后INF-γ浓度[1 h:(5.42±0.80)pg/ml vs (4.11±0.79)pg/ml, 24 h:(4.23±0.90)pg/ml vs (3.88±0.62)pg/ml, 48 h:(4.42±0.85)pg/ml vs (3.79±0.83)pg/ml, P均0.05]和INF-γ/IL-4比值明显升高(1 h:2.19±0.44 vs 1.62±0.71, 24 h:1.67±0.48 vs 1.35±0.42, 48 h:1.77±0.63 vs 1.58±0.60,P均0.05)。结论超声引导下前锯肌阻滞可能有助于减轻肋缘下开腹肝癌切除术患者围术期的免疫抑制反应。     

超声引导下低位前锯肌平面阻滞和腰方肌阻滞用于腹腔镜肾癌根治术的比较

目的比较超声引导下低位前锯肌平面阻滞(SAPB)和腰方肌阻滞(QLB)用于腹腔镜肾癌根治术的应用效果。方法选择行腹腔镜肾癌根治术患者90例,男55例,女35例,年龄18～80岁,BMI 19～28 kg/m~2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。将患者随机分为三组:SAPB联合全麻组(S组)、QLB联合全麻组(Q组)和单纯全麻组(G组),每组30例。记录神经阻滞操作时间、神经阻滞起效时间、神经阻滞范围、神经阻滞相关并发症发生情况。记录术后0.5、2、12、24、48 h静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分。记录术中丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼用量、补救镇痛例数、术后48 h内镇痛泵按压次数及患者镇痛满意度评分。结果 S组阻滞操作时间和阻滞起效时间明显短于Q组(P0.05)。术后0.5、2、12、24 h S组和Q组静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分以及术后48 h活动时VAS疼痛评分明显低于G组(P0.05)。S组和Q组术中丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼用量明显少于G组(P0.05),补救镇痛率明显低于G组(P0.05),镇痛泵按压次数明显少于G组(P0.05),镇痛满意度评分明显高于G组(P0.05)。S组阻滞平面集中在T_6—T_(11),Q组阻滞平面集中在T_7—L_1。结论低位SAPB和QLB均可有效缓解腹腔镜肾癌根治术患者术后早期切口痛,减少术中全麻药物用量以及术后镇痛药物用量。与QLB比较,低位SAPB操作更简单、起效时间短,适宜在临床推广应用。     

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.     

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.     

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.