尿肝型脂肪酸结合蛋白及其与尿中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白联合应用在成人心脏手术后急性肾损伤诊断中的作用

目的 探讨尿肝型脂肪酸结合蛋白( L-FABP)及其与尿中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白(NGAL)联合应用在预测成人心脏手术后急性肾损伤(AKI)的发生及严重程度中的价值,以期能为临床AKI的早期诊断提供方便可靠的方法.方法 前瞻性收集心脏手术患者术前、术后即刻及术后2h的血和尿标本,分别检测Scr、尿L-FABP和NGAL水平,比较AKI和非AKI患者术后各标志物的动态变化情况.运用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线及曲线下面积(AUC)评估标志物单独及联合应用时诊断AKI的准确性.结果 总共109例患者中26例(23.9％)发生了AKI,其中AKIN Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ期分别占46.2％ 、34.6％和19.2％.尿L-FABP 和NGAL水平在AKI组术后即刻及术后2h均显著高于非AKI组,其浓度变化明显早于Scr.两时间点各标志物单独预测AKI的发生及Ⅱ和Ⅲ期AKI的AUC均在0.81～0.87.用Logistic 回归方程联合术后同一时间点的尿NGAL和尿L-FABP,则术后即刻和术后2h预测术后AKI 及严重程度的精确性进一步提高( AUC=0.911～0.927).结论 尿L-FABP和尿NGAL在心脏术后AKI早期即显著升高,比Scr能更早地预测AKI的发生和严重程度,两者联合应用则可使诊断的精确性进一步提高.     

血清胱抑素C诊断早期急性肾损伤的价值分析

目的探讨血清胱抑素C(Cys C)诊断早期急性肾损伤(AKI)的临床价值。方法 126例在ICU住院治疗的患者中,52例出现AKI(AKI组),74例未并发AKI(非AKI组)。AKI组又分为AKIⅠ期、Ⅱ期和Ⅲ期。比较2组患者及AKI各期间血清Cys C、血清肌酐(Scr)和血尿素氮(BUN)差异,分析Cys C与Scr和BUN之间的相关性。结果 AKI组患者血清Cys C、Scr和BUN均明显高于非AKI组患者,差异具有统计学意义(均P0.05)。随着肾功能损伤程度的加重,血清Cys C、Scr和BUN水平呈上升趋势,各期间差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。相关性分析结果显示Cys C与Scr和BUN的相关系数分别为0.628和0.573(均P0.05)。结论血清胱抑素C可以作为判断早期AKI的生物学标志物,对于诊断早期AKI具有重要的临床价值。     

血清心型脂肪酸结合蛋白在急性肾损伤诊断中的临床意义

目的探讨血清心型脂肪酸结合蛋白(HFABP)检测在急性肾损伤(AKI)中的临床意义。方法根据2012KDIGO指南诊断及分期标准,收集92例临床确诊为AKI患者,并将其分为AKIⅠ期组5 3例,Ⅱ期组2 6例,Ⅲ期组1 3例;收集同期确诊为慢性肾脏病(CKD)患者(Ⅰ-Ⅳ期)30例(CKD组)及同期健康体检者30例作为正常对照组。收集入组患者的基础资料(性别、年龄、原发病等),所有入选者均于确诊后空腹抽取2 4 h内血标本,应用生化分析仪检测血肌酐、血胱抑素C(Cys C)等生化指标,采用酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测HFABP含量;使用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)及曲线下面积(AUC)进行分析HFABP对AKI的早期诊断价值,并根据ROC曲线寻找HFABP的最佳截断值以及HFABP诊断AKI的灵敏度和特异度。结果 (1)血清HFABP水平:AKIⅠ期组及AKIⅡ期+Ⅲ期组HFABP水平均高于正常对照组(P0.0 5);HFABP水平随着AKI进展而升高,各期之间差异有统计学意义(P0.05);AKIⅠ期组HFABP水平稍低于CKD组(P0.05),而AKIⅡ期+Ⅲ期组HFABP水平高于CKD组(P0.05);(2)血清Cys C水平:AKIⅠ期组及AKIⅡ期+Ⅲ期组Cys C水平均高于正常组,差异有统计学意义(P0.0 5);AKIⅠ期组Cys C水平均稍低于CKD组(P0.0 5),AKIⅡ期+Ⅲ期组Cys C水平稍高于CKD组,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。相关分析结果表明,HFABP和Cys C呈正相关(r=0.821,P0.05)。在AKIⅠ期患者中,HFABP诊断AKIⅠ期的最佳截断值为1 5.1 6 ng/ml,HFABP和Cys C诊断AKIⅠ期的曲线下面积分别为0.7 7 1、0.7 3 3;HFABP诊断AKIⅡ期+Ⅲ期的最佳截断值为20.12 ng/ml,HFABP和Cys C诊断AKIⅡ期+Ⅲ期组的曲线下面积分别为0.935、0.918。结论 HFABP是一种检测AKI有效的生物学标志物,对于AKI的诊断具有重要意义。     

尿NGAL和血、尿胱抑素C对早期糖尿病肾脏疾病诊断价值的研究

目的:探讨中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白(NGAL)和胱抑素C(Cys C)对糖尿病肾脏疾病(DKD)的早期诊断价值和临床意义。方法:选取2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者60例,根据尿白蛋白/肌酐比(ACR)分为3组,正常白蛋白尿(NA)组20例,ACR≤30 mg/g;微量白蛋白尿(MA)组20例,30 mg/gACR300 mg/g;大量白蛋白尿(CA)组20例,ACR≥300 mg/g;选择同期的健康查体者20例作为对照组(NC)。留取晨尿和空腹血液标本,用ELISA法检测尿NGAL、血和尿Cys C水平,分析其与肾小球滤过率(e GFR)之间的相关关系,应用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线评价其对DKD早期诊断的敏感性和特异性。结果:(1)DKD各组的尿NGAL、血和尿Cys C水平,除NA组与NC组比较血Cys C差异无统计学意义(P0.05)、NA组与MA组比较尿Cys C差异无统计学意义(P0.05)外,其他各组间差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)糖尿病患者尿NGAL、血和尿Cys C水平与e GFR均呈负相关(r值分别为-0.82,-0.787,-0.716,P0.05)。(3)DKD患者尿NGAL、血和尿Cys C的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.821,0.79和0.734。结论:DKD患者尿NGAL与血和尿Cys C,与e GFR均具有相关性,且尿NGAL较血和尿Cys C更为敏感,尿NGAL可作为早期诊断DKD的敏感指标。     

尿中性粒细胞明胶酶相关载脂蛋白和肝型脂肪酸结合蛋白对肝移植术后急性肾损伤的早期诊断价值

目的 探讨尿中性粒细胞明胶酶相关载脂蛋白（NGAL）和肝型脂肪酸结合蛋白（L-FABP）在肝移植术后急性肾损伤（AKI）中的早期诊断价值。 方法 前瞻性收集2007至2008年间25例肝移植患者术前、门静脉开放后2、4、6、12、24、48、72和120 h的血液和尿液标本,检测Scr和尿NGAL及L-FABP水平。根据急性肾损伤网（AKIN）标准中的Scr标准将患者分为AKI组和非AKI组。观察两组各时间点尿NGAL、尿L-FABP和Scr水平的动态变化;运用受试者工作特征曲线（ROC）评价尿NGAL和L-FABP诊断AKI的精确性。 结果 25例患者中11例发生了术后AKI,两组患者术前、术中及术后情况差异无统计学意义。术后24 h AKI组与非AKI组的Scr差异有统计学意义[(90.48±50.32) 比（59.84±14.72） μmol/L,P < 0.05]。AKI组与非AKI组术后2～120 h尿L-FABP均显著升高,4 h时差异有统计学意义[2361.41（1036.89~4048.93） ng/mgCr比5246.97（2406.33~7688.21） ng/mgCr,P < 0.05]。AKI组术后2、4、6 h尿NGAL均显著高于非AKI组,差异有统计学意义 [69.02（29.79~237.29）比22.94（8.69~46.23） ng/mgCr,29.34（16.06~536.91）比 12.66（8.91~22.78） ng/mgCr和34.23（11.47~81.26）比11.84（6.57~20.10） ng/mgCr,均P < 0.05]。ROC曲线下面积（AUC）结果显示,与尿L-FABP相比（当4 h截断点为3451.75 ng/mgCr时,AUC为0.760）,尿NGAL对早期诊断AKI具有更高的敏感性和特异性（2、4、6 h的截断点分别为43.02、26.97和17.19 ng/mgCr时,AUC分别为0.766、0.773和0.773）。 结论 尿NGAL在肝移植术后早期AKI的诊断上表现出较高的敏感性和特异性,也许能作为肝移植术后AKI早期诊断的生物学标志物,但仍需要大样本的临床研究加以证实。     

血HMGB1在急性肾损伤中的临床意义

目的:探索血高迁移率族蛋白1(high mobility group protein B1,HMGB1)在急性肾损伤(acute kidney injury,AKI)疾病进程中的临床意义。方法:分别收集40例AKI患者及30例AKI高危人群的临床资料,并采集其血标本,同时选取10例同期健康体检者为对照组。检测AKI患者血HMGB1、胱抑素C(cystatin C,Cys C)、肌酐(creatinine,Cr)水平,并与对照组进行比较分析;检测AKI患者各分期、行连续性血液净化治疗(continuous renal replacement therapy,CRRT)治疗前与肾功恢复正常后血HMGB1、Cys C、Cr水平并行比较分析。分别检测30例AKI高危人群入院后0 h、6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h的血HMGB1水平,并与同时段血Cys C、Cr水平进行比较分析。结果:(1)在AKI患者组,血HMGB1水平明显高于对照组,且血HMGB1水平与AKI患者肾脏损伤程度呈正相关性;肾功能恢复正常后,血HMGB1水平下降,差异均有统计学意义(P 0. 05)。(2)在AKI高危人群组,血HMGB1水平明显高于正常人群,且进展至AKI者血HMGB1水平明显高于未进展至AKI者。(3)在AKI高危人群组,出现急性肾损伤前,血HMGB1较Cys C、Cr更早升高,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 05)。结论:血HMGB1水平在肾脏损伤早期即有变化,且与肾脏损伤程度呈正相关性,可望作为AKI早期诊断和评估预后的临床指标。     

尿HO-1和血清HFABP、FGF-23水平对慢性肾脏病患者急性肾损伤的预测及发生的Logistic回归分析

目的:研究尿HO-1和血清HFABP、FGF-23水平对慢性肾脏病患者急性肾损伤的预测及发生的危险因素。方法:本研究采取前瞻性研究，选择2019年02月—2020年12月在我院诊断与治疗的慢性肾脏病患者120例作为研究对象，其中发生急性肾损伤患者34例，比较AKI组以及非AKI组患者的一般资料、尿HO-1和血清HFABP、FGF-23水平之间的差异。结果:AKI组患者的年龄、体重指数、收缩压、舒张压、血尿酸、三酰甘油、空腹血糖、血肌酐水平显著高于非AKI组，糖尿病、高血压以及高血脂的比例显著高于非AKI组(P<0.05);AKI组患者的尿HO-1和血清HFABP显著高于非AKI组，FGF-23显著低于非AKI组(P<0.05);通过联合检测效能比较，尿HO-1和血清HFABP、FGF-23水平对AKI的灵敏度显著高于单独检测；通过ROC曲线分析，尿HO-1和血清HFABP、FGF-23水平联合检测的曲线下面积显著高于单独检测；通过多因素分析，存在高血压、糖尿病、高脂血症，较高的年龄、体重指数、收缩压、舒张压、血尿酸、三酰甘油、空腹血糖、血肌酐水平均是造成患者AKI的危险因素...     

血/尿胱抑素C在老年脓毒症患者急性肾损伤中的临床研究

目的研究血、尿胱抑素C在老年脓毒症患者急性肾损伤(AKI)中的临床价值。方法回顾性研究江汉大学附属医院重症医学科老年脓毒症患者76例。根据是否出现AKI分为非AKI组和AKI组,比较2组的临床特征、实验室及生理学指标,并采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析研究变量(血、尿胱抑素C及血肌酐)预测脓毒患者发生AKI的精确性。结果 76例老年脓毒症患者,27例发生了AKI,发生率为35.5%。与非AKI组比较,AKI组患者的APACHEⅡ评分较高(P0.05);SOFA评分较高(P0.05);前降钙素均较高(P0.05),平均动脉压较低(P0.01)。AKI组患者的血胱抑素、尿胱抑素明显高于非AKI组,组间差异有统计学意义(P0.01),而在血肌酐、死亡率方面,2组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。根据RIFLE分级,将AKI分为3级,其中出现R级(Risk)有5例,占18.5%;I级(Injury)有9例,占33.3%;F级(Failure)13例,占48.1%;持续性肾脏替代治疗(CRRT)发生率为48.1%。ROC曲线显示,血胱抑素的曲线下面积为0.877,尿胱抑素的曲线下面积为0.867(P0.01),血肌酐的曲线下面积为0.592(P0.05)。结论联合血、尿胱抑素及尿量可早期预测老年脓毒症患者AKI的发生。     

白细胞介素-18早期诊断冠脉搭桥术后急性肾损伤的研究

目的 研究白细胞介素-18 (IL-18)与冠脉搭桥手术后急性肾损伤(AKI)的关系.方法 选择冠状动脉硬化性心脏病行冠脉搭桥手术的患者80例,根据AKI诊断标准,分为AKI组和非AKI组.分别留取术前及术后2、4、6、8、12、24 h等不同时间点的血液和尿液标本,测定标本中血清肌酐(Scr)、血液及尿液中IL-18水平.运用ROC曲线及曲线下面积评价尿液及血液的IL-18对AKI的敏感性及特异性.结果 80例患者共有13例发生AKI,发病率为16.25％,AKI组Scr升高峰值出现在24 ～ 48 h内.血、尿IL-18峰值均出现在术后4h,ROC曲线显示术后2h血及尿IL-18的AUC均＞0.8.Logistic回归分析表明术后2h血、尿IL-18是冠脉搭桥手术后AKI发生的有效预测指标.结论 冠脉搭桥手术后血液及尿液IL-18可作为冠脉搭桥术后AKI早期诊断生物标志物.     

尿NGAL和L-FABP在儿童泌尿系统疾病致急性肾损伤诊断中的意义

目的:探讨尿中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白(NGAL)和尿肝型脂肪酸结合蛋白(L-FABP)对儿童泌尿系统疾病致急性肾损伤诊断中的意义。方法:选取本院小儿肾内科收治的泌尿系统疾病患儿108例,按照KDIGO的标准诊断AKI将患者儿分为AKI组(50例)与非AKI组(58例),参照AKI分期标准,将AKI组分为1期组、2期组和3期组。同期进行健康体检儿童46例作为对照组。用酶联免疫吸附法测定尿L-FABP、NGAL水平,并与Scr、APACHEⅡ积分进行相关分析。利用受试者工作特征ROC曲线分析二者对AKI的诊断效能。结果:AKI组患儿BUN、Scr、NGAL、L-FABP水平均高于非AKI组和对照组,且随着疾病分期增加而升高,比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);AKI组尿NGAL、L-FABP与Scr、APACHEⅡ积分呈正相关(P0.05);NGAL、L-FABP诊断AKI的AUC分别为0.846、0.893,二者联合诊断的AUC为0.951。结论:尿NGAL和L-FABP均可作为儿童泌尿系统疾病致AKI有价值的早期诊断生物标志物,观察患儿两项指标的整体的动态变化可反映AKI的病情及预后。     

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.