转换西罗莫司治疗肾移植后高胆红素血症的临床观察

目的：对转换西罗莫司（SRL）并撤除钙调磷酸酶抑制剂（CNI）类药物对高胆红素血症影响及其安全性和可行性进行临床观察。方法：2006年2月～2007年11月对肾移植后伴有高胆红素血症患者37例转换SRL并撤除CNI类药物，观察转换后总胆红素（TB）水平变化、血清肌酐（Scr）变化和不良事件发生情况。结果：TB和直接胆红素（DB）由转换前的30．45μmol／L和10．10μmol／L下降至转换后的12．13μmol／L和3．7μmol／L（P〈0．01）。Scr和血尿酸（Ua）转换后较转换前均有较明显降低，肌酐清除率（Ccr）有所提高。移植肾和患者全部存活。不良事件主要为高脂血症。结论：转换SRI．治疗肾移植后高胆红素血症是有效和安全的。     

肾移植后泌尿系统肿瘤患者应用西罗莫司替代钙调磷酸酶抑制剂九例

目的 探讨肾移植术后发生泌尿系统肿瘤的患者采用西罗莫司（SRL）替代钙调磷酸酶抑制剂（CNI）的有效性及安全性。方法 将9例肾移植术后发生泌尿系统肿瘤患者的CNI转换为SRL。所有患者停用CNI 12h后使用SRL，首次负荷剂量为3～4mg，维持剂量为0．5～1．5mg／d，以后根据SRL的血药浓度调整使用剂量。将SRL的血药浓度维持于：术后1年内6～10μg／L，1～2年4～8μg／L，2年以后3～6μg／L。药物转换过程中，监测患者的肿瘤复发情况，观察移植肾功能及排斥反应，统计药物的不良反应及药物转换前、后治疗费用的变化。结果 9例患者经药物转换后有8例病情稳定，肿瘤复发率明显降低。仅有1例患者肿瘤复发，于药物转换后12个月死亡。所有患者肾功能保持稳定并有所改善，均无明显不良反应发生，治疗费用也较药物转换前有不同程度的下降。结论 肾移植后发生泌尿系统肿瘤的患者使用SRL是安全和有效的，同时也可减少治疗费用。     

西罗莫司替代钙调磷酸酶抑制剂治疗肾移植后慢性移植肾肾病

目的 探讨采用西罗莫司（SRL）替换钙调磷酸酶抑制剂（CNI）治疗肾移植术后慢性移植肾肾病（CAN）的有效性和安全性。方法 在42例肾移植术后发生CAN的患者中，有32例采用以环孢素A（CsA）为主的免疫抑制方案；10例采用以他克莫司（FK506）为主的免疫抑制方案。将患者的CsA或FK506替换为SRL，停用CNI 12h后口服SRL，SRL的初始剂量为4mg，然后改为2mg／d，以后根据SRL的血药谷值浓度调整其使用剂量，使其血药谷值浓度维持在5～8μg／L。药物替换前、后霉酚酸酯和激素的用量不变。所有患者均随访1年，观察血肌酐、肌酐清除率的变化并监测血常规、血糖、血脂、肝功能等指标。结果 SRL替换CNI治疗1年后，25例患者的移植肾功能明显改善，替换治疗3～20周后移植肾功能好转；10例患者的移植肾功能维持稳定；但7例患者的肾功能继续恶化。替换治疗后，患者血肌酐从替换前的（218±14）μmol／L降为（187±11）μmol／L，肌酐清除率从替换前的（0．83±0．03）ml／s升高为（0．90±0．03）ml／s，替换前后比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。所有患者均未发生急性排斥反应和肿瘤等不良反应。结论 SRL替换CNI治疗慢性移植肾肾病是安全有效的，该方案的副作用主要是血脂增高。     

以西罗莫司为基础的免疫抑制方案不能改善肾移植受者远期疗效

西罗莫司（SRL）较钙调磷酸酶抑制剂（CNI）肾毒性小，因此从包含SRL和皮质类固醇的免疫抑制方案中减少或撤除CNI可能对肾移植后移植肾远期功能有益处。因此，美国克立夫兰移植中心研究人员比较了SRL联合他克莫司（TAC）、SRL联合吗替麦考酚酯（MMF）、TAC联合MMF3种免疫抑制方案在肾移植受者中的有效性和安全性。     

自体骨髓细胞经门静脉移植治疗肝硬化与肝功能不全的临床研究

目的观察自体骨髓细胞经门静脉移植对肝硬化和肝功能不全的治疗效果。方法2005年2月至2006年6月在我科接受手术治疗的40例肝硬化门静脉高压症患者（脾切除、断流术或内镜食道曲张静脉套扎术）,被随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组20例。两组患者于术中埋置“门静脉导管-皮下药盒”,术后3-4周,治疗组经移植通道输注自体骨髓细胞,而对照组只输注生理盐水。在第1次输注后每隔1个月再重复进行输注,共输注3次。第3次输注后1个月进行疗效评价。结果（1）两组恢复均顺利,未发现与移植操作有关的不良反应或并发症。（2）丙氨酸转氨酶、总胆红素、白蛋白和凝血酶原时间：治疗组分别由（60±52）μmol／L、（26±15）μmol／L、（33±5）μmol／L和（18±2）s变为（26±15）μmol／L、（14±8）μmol／L、（41±3）μmol／L和（12±2）s（P〈0．01）;对照组分别由（47±37）μmol／L、（22±23）μmol／L、（35±4）μmol／L和（18±4）s变为（65±51）μmol／L、（19±42）μmol／L、（35±4）μmol／L和（18±4）s（P〉0．05）;治疗组优于对照组（P〈0．01）。（3）血清透明质酸和前胶原Ⅲ肽：治疗组分别由（188±160）ng／ml和（13±18）ng／ml变为（104±80）ng／ml和（8±9） ng／ml（P〈0．05）;对照组分别由（79±193）ng／ml和（10±16）ng／ml变为（136±187）ng／ml和（9±17）ng／ml（P〉0．05）;治疗组亦优于对照组（P〈0．01）。结论自体骨髓细胞经门静脉移植可改善肝功能和肝纤维化血清学指标。     

西罗莫司在肾移植术后远期各类并发症患者中的转换应用

目的 探讨以钙调磷酸酶抑制剂(CNI)为主要免疫抑制方案的肾移植受者术后远期发生各类并发症时,应用两罗莫司(SRL)转换治疗方案的有效性及安全性.方法 肾移植术后远期38例采用CNI的患者因发生各类并发症而转换为SRL治疗,其中慢性移植肾肾病(CAN)17例、肿瘤10例、糖尿病3例、移植肾动脉狭窄(TRAS)球囊扩张术后2例、CNI毒性肝损害2例、丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)感染2例、面容改变1例及马兜铃酸肾病1例.SRL首剂负荷剂量为4～6 mg,维持剂量为1～2 mg/d,血SRL浓度维持在4～8 μg/L.使用SRL当天,CNI的用量减少一半,并在达到血SRL目标浓度的2～4周内逐渐撤除.转换后对患者随访了3～46个月,动态观察血常规、血肌酐、血糖、血脂及尿蛋白等指标,观察不良反应及监测急性排斥反应、移植肾功能丧失和肺部感染等并发症的发生.结果 转换治疗后.17例CAN患者中12例肾功能明显好转,血肌酐水平由转换前的(195.8±40.0)μmol/L降至(159.1±37.5)μmol/L(P<0.05);10例肿瘤患者中7例存活良好,2例发生肿瘤远处转移,1例死亡,血肌酐水平由转换前的(102.8±28.0)μmol/L降至转换后3个月的(77.8±25.6)μmol/L(P<0.05);2例TRAS球囊扩张术后患者肾功能恢复正常,TRAS未再发生;3例糖尿病患者血糖水平有所改善;2例CNI肝毒性者转换后肝功能恢复正常;2例HCV感染者肝功能稳定,病毒RNA拷贝水平下降;1例面容改变者症状明显好转;1例马兜铃酸肾病者未发生肿瘤.转换治疗后,所有患者均未发生急性排斥反应,不良反应主要为高脂血症3例、蛋白尿3例及白细胞减少1例.结论 肾移植术后采用CNI者发生CAN等远期并发症时,将CNI转换为西罗莫司治疗是安全,有效的.     

将钙调磷酸酶抑制剂转换为西罗莫司在慢性移植肾肾病中的临床治疗效果

目的 探讨慢性移植肾肾病(CAN)患者将免疫抑制方案中钙调磷酸酶抑制剂(CNI)转换为西罗莫司(SRL)的有效性及安全性.方法 选取72例经移植肾活检证实发生CAN的受者,其中35例将免疫抑制方案中CNI转换为SRL(SRL组),其余37例继续原CNI方案(CNI组).另取10例因其他原因将CNI转换为SRL治疗的受者,将45例转换为SRL的患者分为A组[血肌酐(SCr)＜120 μmol/L),B组(SCr为120～200 μol/L,且Banff分级为Ⅰ～Ⅱ级),C组(SCr为120～200 μmol/L,且Banff分级在Ⅱ级以上),D组(SCr＞200 μmol/L).随访期为24个月,检测各组随访期内的各临床指标.结果 转换治疗前,两组间SCr和肾小球滤过率(eGFR)的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);转换治疗后24个月内,SRL组SCr水平和eGFR较CNI组明显改善(P＜0.05),而CNI组的移植肾功能有逐渐衰退的趋势.SRL组尿蛋白及血脂明显上升(P＜0.05),而CNI组变化不大;SRL组血小板计数较CNI组明显下降(P＜0.05),两组间其他指标的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).A组患者各指标在转换治疗前后的变化并不大,B组患者的肾功能及蛋白尿有改善明显,C组和D组患者肾功能有不同程度衰退情况,且蛋白尿加重.结论 SRL转换治疗对于稳定及改善CAN患者的移植肾功能是有效、安全的,CAN早期进行转换(SCr＜200 μmol/L)效果明显.     

他克莫司在胰、肾同期联合移植中的应用体会

目的回顾性总结他克莫司（FK506）在胰、肾同期联合移植（SPK）中的应用经验。方法37例SPK受者，术后早期采用抗淋巴细胞球蛋白（最初3例）或抗白细胞介素2受体单克隆抗体（34例）诱导治疗，采用FK506、霉酚酸酯（MMF）和皮质激素维持治疗。FK506于术后第3～4天开始口服，起始剂量为0．05～0．08mg·kg^-1·d^-1，3～5d后根据血药浓度调整用量，血FK506的浓度谷值，术后1个月内维持在10～12μg／L，2～3个月为6～10μg／L，3个月后为4～8μg／L。结果37例术后均停用胰岛素，仅1例（2．7％，1／37）术后6个月死于急性心肌梗死，受者、移植胰和移植肾1年存活率均为97％。空腹血糖恢复正常的时间为（13．4±8．9）d。28例1型糖尿病患者术后空腹血糖恢复正常的时间为（9．7±3．2）d，9例2型糖尿病患者术后空腹血糖恢复正常的时间显著延长，为（23．0±11．7）d。1年内急性排斥反应发生率为13．5％（5／37），其中4例为单纯移植肾排斥反应，1例同时累及移植胰腺和肾脏；2例经激素冲击治疗后逆转，1例经激素和抗淋巴细胞球蛋白治疗逆转，另2例经激素冲击治疗后，血肌酐一度下降，但2～3个月后因再次发生排斥反应，血肌酐逐渐上升，恢复血液透析，但移植胰功能良好，其后行再次肾移植。结论以FK506为基础的免疫抑制能安全、有效地预防SPK后的排斥反应。     

肾移植受者术后远期发生贫血的危险因素

目的探讨同种肾移植受者术后远期发生贫血的危险因素。方法93例同种肾移植受者按照贫血与否分为贫血组和非贫血组，探讨免疫抑制剂、降压药物、移植肾功能以及其他伴随疾病对肾移植术后远期贫血的影响，同时检测两组血清促红细胞生成素的水平。结果贫血组女性受者，联合应用西罗莫司（SRL）和霉酚酸酯（MMF），应用血管紧张素转化酶抑制剂（ACEI）或血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂（ARB）降压药物，血肌酐大于120μmol／L，慢性移植肾小球硬化，以及伴有巨细胞病毒（CMV）感染或者上消化道溃疡的肾移植受者均较非贫血组显著增多（P〈0．05）。贫血组促红细胞生成素（EPO）水平显著低于非贫血组（P〈0．05）。结论女性患者、联合SRL和MMF治疗、应用ACEI类或ARB类降压药，血肌酐大于120μmol／L，慢性移植肾小球硬化，以及伴有巨细胞病毒（CMV）感染或上消化道溃疡等疾病是肾移植术后远期发生贫血的危险因素。     

西罗莫司替代钙调素抑制剂在慢性移植肾功能减退患者中使用的临床观察

慢性移植。肾功能减退（CRAD）是肾移植术后移植。肾丢失的主要原因。虽然慢性移植。肾功能减退是多因素造成的疾病，但是目前钙调素抑制剂（CNI）对CRAD的影响已引起高度重视。新一代免疫抑制药物西罗莫司（SRL）不抑制钙调磷酸酶，对。肾脏无毒性作用，可以保护和改善。肾功能。2005年6月至2006年4月我们对25例。肾移植术后发生慢性移植。肾功能减退的患者改用SRL替代CNI来预防排斥反应，取得了良好效果，现报告如下。     

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.     

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.     

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.