颈椎前路减压椎间植骨融合钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的探讨颈椎前路减压椎间植骨融合钛板内固定术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床效果。方法对44例多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者行前路减压椎间植骨融合钛板内固定术,比较术前和术后3 d、6个月、末次随访的JOA评分、颈椎曲度及椎间高度。结果手术时间4.2~5.5(4.59±0.37)h;术中出血量320~1 100(608.5±115.4)ml。患者均获得随访,时间6~24个月。术后3 d、6个月及末次随访的JOA评分、平均恢复率、颈椎曲度、椎间高度较术前均显著提高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访与术后6个月比较,JOA评分、平均恢复率、颈椎曲度、椎间高度差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访神经功能疗效无效例数明显低于术后6个月,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论颈椎前路减压椎间植骨融合钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病可恢复和改善神经功能、颈椎曲度。     

前路经椎间隙减压植骨融合术治疗老年多节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效观察

目的:观察颈前路经椎间隙减压植骨融合内固定术治疗老年多节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效。方法:2004年3月～2009年3月采用颈前路连续3或4节段经椎间隙减压、cage植骨、钛板螺钉内固定术治疗老年脊髓型颈椎病患者27例,男15例,女12例;年龄61～75岁,平均66.5±5.1岁;C3～C611例,C4～C79例,C3～C77例。术前及末次随访时行JOA评分、颈部功能障碍指数(NDI)评定,末次随访时行Odom′s临床疗效评定;术前及末次随访时在颈椎侧位X线片上测量颈椎融合节段曲度(Cobb角),观察植骨融合情况。结果:手术时间112.9±28.2min,术中出血量78.9±52.8ml。术中1例发生脑脊液漏,未行硬膜修补,常规放置负压引流管,术后24h拔管,切口愈合良好;术后2例出现吞咽异物感,未特殊治疗2个月后消失。随访6～60个月,平均23.8±7.5个月,JOA评分由术前9.5±1.8分提高到末次随访时的13.6±1.2分,NDI由术前19.0%±3.4%降低到末次随访时的7.8%±2.2%,颈椎融合节段前凸Cobb角由术前的8.8°±1.2°增加到术后的18.0°±2.5°,差异均有统计学意义(P0.001);末次随访时Odom′s临床疗效评定,优8例,良15例,中4例,优良率为85.2%;末次随访时cage及内固定位置良好,植骨均融合。结论:颈前路经椎间隙减压、cage植骨、钛板螺钉内固定术治疗老年多节段脊髓型颈椎病可获得较满意的临床效果。     

微型钛板改良单开门颈椎管扩大成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的临床效果

【摘要】〓目的〓评价微型钛板改良单开门颈椎管扩大椎板成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的临床效果。方法〓2008年1月~2012年2月,观察46例多节段脊髓型颈椎病(MCSM)行微型钛板改良单开门颈椎管扩大椎板成形术的脊髓型颈椎病患者,对比术前及术后JOA评分,在CT上测量C5节段椎管术前、术后6个月的矢状径,计算椎管扩大率[(术后椎管矢状径-术前椎管矢状径)/(术前椎管矢状径)×100%],观察单开门门轴侧骨融合情况。结果〓平均随访18个月(6~24个月)。术前平均JOA评分8.2分,术后平均JOA评分14.8分。C5节段椎管矢状径术前为8.6±1.1 mm,术后6个月为16.1±0.9 mm,椎管扩大率为(74.3±14.4)%。术后6个月,可以观察到单开门门轴侧骨融合,无螺钉松动及再“关门”现象。结论〓微型钛板改良单开门椎管成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病临床效果满意,防止再关门。     

ACDF联合ACCF术中运用Solis融合器、颈前路钛板与n-HA/PA66支撑体治疗3节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的探讨颈前路间盘切除减压融合术(Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion,ACDF)联合颈前路椎体次全切除减压融合术(Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion,ACCF)中运用Solis融合器、颈前路钛板与n-HA/PA66支撑体治疗3节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-04—2017-06采用ACDF联合ACCF治疗的46例3节段脊髓型颈椎病,术中联合运用Solis融合器、颈前路钛板与n-HA/PA66支撑体,比较术前与末次随访时的JOA评分、颈椎整体曲度、融合节段Cobb角、融合节段前柱高度。结果 46例均顺利完成手术并获得完整随访,随访时间36～48个月,平均42.1个月。46例切口均一期愈合,术后12个月均获得植骨融合。2例出现一过性吞咽困难,1例出现脑脊液漏,1例出现n-HA/PA66支撑体下沉,对症治疗后均治愈。末次随访时JOA评分较术前高,颈椎整体曲度、融合节段Cobb角、融合节段前柱高度较术前大,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时按JOA评分改善率评价疗效:优17例,良23例,可6例,优良率86.96%。结论 ACDF联合ACCF术中运用Solis融合器、颈前路钛板与n-HA/PA66支撑体治疗3节段脊髓型颈椎病可有效恢复颈椎高度,改善并维持颈椎曲度,减少并发症的发生率。     

经椎间隙减压融合治疗双节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的观察连续型双节段脊髓型颈椎病行前路经椎间隙减压植骨融合术的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2011年12月至2013年6月手术治疗并获得随访的连续型双节段脊髓型颈椎病31例,其中男20例,女11例;年龄45~70岁,平均为(60.7±10.8)岁。典型的脊髓型颈椎病症状的病程为1~6个月;病变累及椎间隙为C3/4~C6/7,其中C3~5节段为15例,C4~6节段为11例,C5~7节段为5例。在术前、术后及末次随访时通过颈椎X线片对融合节段Cobb角及C2~C7Cobb角进行测量分析,观察颈椎曲度的改变和植骨融合情况;通过日本骨科协会(Japanese orthopaedic association,JOA)评分系统对术前、术后及末次随访的临床症状进行分析。结果随访时间为6~24个月,平均(12.4±8.2)个月。颈椎曲度有明显改善。JOA评分由术前的(9.6±3.2)分增加至末次随访时的(14.4±2.2)分,优良率为83.9%。31例患者随访结束时骨性融合率为96.8%。结论经椎间隙减压植骨融合术治疗连续型双节段脊髓型颈椎病具有能良好改善颈椎曲度、满意的临床治疗效果和较高的植骨融合率。     

前路分节段减压术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的探讨颈椎前路分节段减压术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的手术方法及疗效。方法 2003年12月至2008年12月采用前路分节段减压术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者48例,男25例,女23例;3节段病变39例,4节段9例;术中采用1个椎体次全切除加1或2个椎间隙减压,同时行植骨融合钛板固定,术后定期复查颈椎正侧位及屈伸位X线片,观察植骨融合情况,采用JOA评分评价神经功能。结果手术时间70～220min,平均87min,术中出血量120～800 ml,平均210 ml。全部获得随访,术后随访12～60个月,平均26个月,所有病例均获骨性融合,融合时间3～9个月,平均6.2个月。术前JOA评分为（6.3±3.2）分,末次随访时JOA评分为（13.2±3.6）分,与术前比较有显著性差异（P〈0.01）,改善率为72.8%±16.2%,优良率为89.6%。结论颈椎前路分节段减压术是治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的一种可靠术式,可获得理想的植骨融合率及神经功能改善率。     

前路椎间盘切除减压融合固定治疗两节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的观察前路椎间盘切除减压椎间融合器植骨融合钛板内固定术(ACDF)治疗连续型两节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效。方法采用ACDF治疗38例连续型两节段脊髓型颈椎病患者。在颈椎X线片上测量融合节段Cobb角、融合节段高度,观察植骨融合情况。采用JOA评分对手术前后神经功能进行评估。结果患者均获得随访,时间11～26个月。术后6～8个月椎间隙植骨均获得骨性融合。融合节段Cobb角:术前为5. 7°±3. 4°,术后3 d为8. 8°±2. 7°,末次随访为8. 1°±1. 9°。融合节段高度:术前为53. 2 mm±2. 5 mm,术后3 d为57. 7 mm±3. 3 mm,末次随访为56. 9 mm±2. 6 mm。JOA评分:术前为7. 8分±2. 2分,术后3 d为12. 4分±2. 6分,末次随访时为13. 0分±2. 1分。上述3项指标术后3 d及末次随访与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P 0. 05),末次随访与术后3 d比较差异均无统计学意义(P 0. 05)。结论 ACDF治疗连续型两节段脊髓型颈椎病能维持融合节段高度,临床疗效满意。     

前路减压椎间桥形融合器ROI-C置入治疗连续双节段脊髓型颈椎病的疗效对比

目的 :比较颈椎前路减压椎间桥形融合器ROI-C置入与传统钛板联合cage融合固定治疗连续双节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2011年1月~2012年12月我科行颈椎前路减压应用ROI-C或传统钛板联合cage融合固定治疗的连续双节段脊髓型颈椎病患者57例,25例患者采用ROI-C作为内置物(A组),32例患者采用cage和前路钛板作为内置物(B组),两组患者年龄、性别比、术前JOA评分、术前颈痛VAS评分及手术节段均无统计学差异。比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后JOA评分、术后颈痛VAS评分、颈椎生理曲度(Cobb角)、手术节段前凸角、融合率、吞咽困难发生率及邻近节段退变率。结果:A组手术时间141.3±49.9min,术中出血量123.6±54.1ml,B组分别为168.3±44.4min和126.2±32.6ml,A组手术时间低于B组(P0.05),两组术中出血量相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后3个月及末次随访时,两组JOA评分均显著高于术前水平,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组颈痛VAS评分较术前明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组间同时间点JOA及VAS均无显著性差异(P0.05)。A组术前、末次随访时颈椎生理曲度分别为12.6°±7.3°、21.9°±6.2°;B组分别为14.3°±9.3°、19.6°±7.3°,两组末次随访时颈椎曲度较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),两组间同时间点差异无显著性(P0.05)。A组术前、末次随访时手术节段前凸角分别为3.4°±5.6°、9.6°±5.5°;B组分别为4.4°±4.3°、9.1°±4.1°,两组手术节段术后前凸角较术前明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组间同时间点比较差异无显著性(P0.05)。A组术后有2例诉轻度吞咽困难,吞咽困难发生率8%(2/25),B组术后有10例诉轻度吞咽困难,1例诉中度吞咽困难,吞咽困难发生率34.4%(11/32),两组吞咽困难发生率相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。A组术后3个月手术节段融合率88%(22/25),B组术后3个月手术节段融合率87.5%(28/32),末次随访两组手术节段均获得骨性愈合。A组50个邻近节段中有6个节段椎间盘信号发生退变或退变级别加重,B组64个邻近节段中有8个节段椎间盘信号发生退变或退变级别加重,两组邻近节段退变率无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:颈椎前路减压后应用ROI-C固定治疗连续双节段脊髓型颈椎病可以获得与传统cage联合前路钛板固定相似的临床疗效,但使用ROI-C置入具有手术时间短、术后吞咽困难率低等优点。     

单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术联合侧块螺钉治疗脊髓型颈椎病伴颈椎不稳

目的:探讨单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术联合侧块螺钉治疗脊髓型颈椎病伴颈椎不稳的疗效。方法:2010年3月至2012年10月,采用单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术联合侧块螺钉治疗脊髓型颈椎病伴颈椎不稳患者25例,其中男18例,女7例;年龄57~68岁,平均57岁。记录术前及末次随访时的JOA评分,对患者临床症状改善进行分析。同时记录Cobb角及颈椎活动度,分析颈椎退变程度。结果:33例患者均获随访,时间18~36个月,平均25.6个月。出现脑脊液漏1例,切口脂肪液化1例,C5神经根麻痹4例,JOA评分由术前的5.2±2.1增加至末次随访时的11.3±2.4(P0.05),Cobb角由术前的(6.5±3.4)°提升至末次随访时的(13.2±4.9)°(P0.05)。颈椎活动度由术前的(30.4±9.2)°下降至末次随访时的(26.5±8.7)°(P0.05)。结论:单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术联合侧块螺钉治疗脊髓型颈椎病伴颈椎不稳疗效良好,具有适用范围广、牢固等优点,但要减少并发症的发生。     

颈椎后路单开门椎管减压Centerpiece钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的早期疗效分析

目的探讨颈椎后路单开门椎管减压Centerpiece钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的早期临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2010-08—2014-03行颈椎后路单开门椎管减压Centerpiece钛板内固定治疗的27例多节段脊髓型颈椎病。结果本组平均随访13.7个月。末次随访时JOA评分为(14.6±2.4)分,神经功能改善率(73.0±7.6)%。术后3 d复查颈椎MRI提示颈椎椎管明显扩大,颈髓压迫解除;颈椎三维CT检查未见单开门椎板塌陷以及椎板"再关门"颈髓受压的发生。铰链侧骨折缝隙消失时间为(5.7±1.2)个月,27例均达到骨性融合。术后3 d及术后6个月C5椎管矢状径无变化,均为(16.3±1.1)mm,椎管扩大率为(73.4±10.2)%。结论颈椎后路单开门椎管减压Centerpiece钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病具有稳定的力学特点,可提供较稳定的固定,早期疗效满意。     

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.     

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.     

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.