乌司他丁对老年肾移植围术期细胞因子的影响

目的：观察乌司他丁对老年肾移植患者围手术期细胞因子释放的影响,探讨其促进移植。肾功能早期恢复的机制。方法：选择30例慢性肾炎肾功能衰竭的老年患者（年龄≥60岁）,随机分为对照组（C组）和乌司他丁组（U组）,每组15例。U组于手术开始后至循环开放前静滴50万IU乌司他丁,术后5d继续每天静注30万IU两组分别在术前（T0）、术毕即时（T1）、术后第1天（T2）、术后第3天（T3）、术后第5天（T4）、术后第7天（T5）等时点测定血清超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白介素（IL）-6、IL-8及IL-10的浓度。同时术后第1～30天每天查血肌酐,记录肌酐恢复正常所需天数,记录各组发生延迟肾功能恢复和急性排斥反应的例数。结果：乌司他丁治疗组于T1、T2、T3、T4、T5的SOD、IL-10值高于对照组（P〈0．05）,而MDA、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8值低于对照组（P〈0．05）。血肌酐恢复正常水平时间,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：乌司他丁能够减轻移植。肾的缺血-再灌注损伤和排斥反应引起的组织损伤,促进移植肾功能早期恢复。     

乌司他丁对心脏直视手术患者围体外循环期炎性细胞因子和自由基的影响

目的 评价乌司他丁对血浆促炎细胞因子和自然基代谢水平的影响。方法 选择20例拟在CPB下行心内直视手术的先心病患者,随机分为两组,每组10例。乌司他丁组（U组）患者接受乌司他丁1．2万IU／kg,于切后皮至CPB前缓慢静注半量,另半量加入预充液中随转机进入体内。对照组（C组）用等容量生理盐水代替。分别于麻醉后切皮前（T1）、CPB30min（T2）、CPB结束后30min（T3）、4h（T4）和24h（T5）测定血浆TNF－α、IL－6、IL－8和MDA浓度及SOD活性。结果 C组TNF－α在T2、T3明显升高（P＜0．05）;U组仅在T2高于基础值（P＜0．05）,且于T3较C组低（P＜0．05）。C组IL－6于T2即升高,持续至T5;U组无明显变化,于T2明显低于C组（P＜0．01）。C组IL－8于T2升Y高（P＜0．05）,至T3达峰值（P＜0．01）,于T5下降至基础水平;U组只在T3较基础值升高（P＜0．05）,于T2－T6均显著低于C组（P＜0．05－0．01）。两组MDA均在T2升高（P＜0．01）,C组持续至T4,U组持续至T3。C组SOD活性自T2开始降低（P＜0．01）,持续至T3（P＜0．05）;U组无明显变化,且在T2－T4与C组比较有显著性差异（P＜0．05）。结论 乌司他丁可抑制CPB心脏手术导致的全身性炎性反应,减少自由基的产生,从而减轻心肌缺血再灌注损伤。     

乌司他丁对脂多糖所致内毒素血症大鼠胃肠黏膜循环的影响

目的：探讨乌司他丁（ulinastatin, UTI）对脂多糖所致内毒素血症大鼠胃肠黏膜循环的影响。方法30只雄性Wistar 大鼠随机分成3组,正常对照组（ NC组）、脂多糖（ Lipopolysaccharide , LPS）处理组（ LPS组）和乌司他丁处理组（ UTI组）,每组10只。正常对照组只麻醉不处理,脂多糖组和乌司他丁组经腹腔注射脂多糖5 mg/kg,乌司他丁组于脂多糖注射前经尾静脉静注乌司他丁50000 U/kg。分别于处理前、脂多糖注射后3、6和12 h检测胃黏膜pH（ pHi）值,同时经股静脉抽血检测肿瘤坏死因子-α（ TNF-α）、白细胞介素-6（ IL-6）。采用SPSS 13．0软件进行统计学分析,结果以均数±标准差（ x珋±s）表示。各时间点组间比较采用单因素方差分析,P＜0．05为差异有统计学意义。结果经脂多糖处理后,大鼠3 h后血浆TNF-α和IL-6含量即开始逐渐升高,胃黏膜pH逐渐降低;与脂多糖组比,乌司他丁组在T3、T6和T12时间点TNF-α含量明显降低（ T3： P＝0．044; T6： P＝0．035;T12：P＝0．033）, IL-6含量明显降低（T3：P＝0．041; T6： P＝0．022; T12： P＝0．024）,胃黏膜pH明显升高（T3：P＝0．003;T6：P＝0．028;T12：P＝0．012）。结论乌司他丁可降低内毒素血症大鼠外周血TNF-α和IL-6浓度,增加胃黏膜pH值,改善胃肠黏膜灌注。     

体外循环心内直视手术期间乌司他丁对心肌缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 评价乌司他丁对先天性心脏病心内直视手术围体外循环期心肌缺血／再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法 选择20例房间隔缺损或室间隔缺损修补术病人，随机分为对照组（C组）与乌司他丁组（U组），每组10例。分别于体外转流前（T1）、开放主动脉即刻（T2）、开放主动脉30min（T3）、停止CPB 4h(T4)和24h(T5)抽取动脉血，测定血浆CK－MB、CK活性及cTnI浓度。记录CPB转机时间、主动脉阻断时间、手术时间、围CPB期间心血管活性药物的使用情况、心脏复跳情况以及术后24h引流量。结果 两组病人术前血浆cTnI浓度及CK、CK－MB活性无关 正常范围内，组间比较无差异。C组血浆cTnI浓度在T3、T4和T5时点都显著升高（P＜0．01），于T4时点达峰值，T5时点开始下降。U组血浆cTnI浓度在T3、T4时点显著升高（P＜0．01），于T5时点已下降至正常水平。在T3－T5时点U组cTnI水平明显低于C组（P＜0．05）。C组与U组血浆CK和CK－MB活性在T2－T5时点都显著升高（P＜0．01），T2－T4时点两组比较无显著性差异，至T5时点U组显著低于C组（P＜0．05）。U组自动复跳率多于C组（P＜0．05）。术后24h引流量C组明显多于U组（P＜0．05）。结论 围CPB期间分两次使用乌司他丁1．2万U／kg，能减轻心肌缺血／再灌注损伤。     

乌司他丁对法洛四联症患者围术期肝、肾功能的保护作用

目的评价乌司他丁对法洛四联症手术患者肝、肾功能的保护作用。方法将38例法洛四联症患者分为乌司他丁组和对照组,每组19例。乌司他丁组患者于术前1h、术后1h和24h静脉滴注乌司他丁,剂量为每次10000U／kg;对照组患者不给予乌司他丁。两组患者于术前、术后1h、10h、24h、48h和72h分别留取10ml新鲜尿液和2ml血液,检测肝肾功能的各项指标。记录每小时进液量、尿量、纵隔、胸腔引流量、呋塞米用量、机械通气和重症监护时间。结果两组患者均未发生各种心律失常和低心排血量综合征,无围术期死亡。乌司他丁组与对照组比较呋塞米用量少、尿量多、机械通气时间短;乌司他丁组尿蛋白和尿酶检测的异常高峰值低于对照组（术后10h,尿微量白蛋白：65．2±58．3mg／Lvs．71．8±58．9mg／L;尿转铁蛋白：5．8±3．6mg／Lvs．7．4±5．4mg／L;尿免疫球蛋白G：26．9±20．3mg／Lvs．31．3±23．3mg／L;术后1h尿NAG：61．4±81．6U／Lvs．76．1±48．5U／L;P〈0．05）,异常持续时间短（P〈0．05）,术后48h和72h基本接近术前水平。对照组丙氨酸氨基转移酶在术后各时间点均升高（P〈0．01）,而乌司他丁组无明显改变（P〉0．05）。乌司他丁组天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）上升程度低于对照组（术后10h 144．4±20．8U／Lvs．202．7±74．1U／L,P〈0．01）,术后48h和72h基本接近术前水平。结论对法洛四联症患者围术期使用乌司他丁是保护肝肾功能的有效措施,其临床应用安全、有效。     

乌司他丁对大鼠胰腺缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的探讨乌司他丁对大鼠胰腺缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及其机制。方法SD大鼠72只随机分为假手术组（C）、缺血再灌注组（I）和乌司他丁组（U）。采用ELISA和免疫组化方法检测大鼠血清中肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素1B（IL-1β）、胰腺组织bcl-2蛋白和热休克蛋白70（HSP70）表达的变化;并观察胰腺病理组织学改变。结果缺血再灌注组的各时点TNF-α含量明显高于假手术组和乌司他丁组（P〈0．05）;缺血再灌注组和乌司他丁组的IL－1β含量在6,12,24h较假手术组明显增加（P〈0．05）,但乌司他丁组增高水平明显低于缺血再灌注组（P〈0．05）;乌司他丁组在再灌注6,12,24h时bcl-2蛋白表达明显高于缺血再灌注组和假手术组（P〈0．05）．后两组各时点表达水平比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;缺血再灌注组和乌司他丁组HSP70的表达在12,24h较假手术组明显增加（P〈0．05）。病理组织学观察：乌司他丁组炎症反应较缺血再灌注组明显减轻。结论鸟司他丁能降低大鼠胰腺缺血再灌注损伤时血清TNF—α、IL-1β水平和上调胰腺组织bcl-2蛋白的表达,对大鼠胰腺缺血再灌注损伤有明显保护作用。     

乌司他丁对心肺转流心脏手术病人脑氧代谢的影响

目的探讨乌司他丁对心肺转流（CPB）心脏手术病人脑氧代谢的影响。方法选择24例择期行心脏瓣膜置换术病人,随机分为乌司他丁组（U组）和对照组（C组）,每组12例。U组共给予乌司他丁2．4万U／kg,其中1．2万U／kg于麻醉诱导后静脉推注,0．6万U／kg加入CPB预充液中,随转流进人体内,0．6万U／kg于主动脉开放前约5min加入CPB机内。C组用等量的生理盐水代替。于麻醉后手术前（T1）、低温稳定期（T2）、复温至36℃（Ts）、CPB结束后60min（Tt）、CPB结束后6h（T5）同时抽取动脉血与颈静脉球血,进行血气分析和动脉血、颈静脉球血乳酸（AL、VL）测定并计算动脉血氧含量（CaO2）、动脉-颈内静脉血氧含量差（Ca-jvO2）、脑乳酸生成量（AVDL）与乳酸氧指数（LOI）。结果C组Ca-jvO2于T2至T5、U组于T2至T4均有不同程度降低（P〈0．05）;两组AL、VL于T2至T5进行性升高,AVDL、LOI于T4、L高于T1至L3两组间CaO2各时点无显著性差异;U组颈静脉球血氧饱和度（SjvO2）、AL、VL、AVDL、LOI于T4、T5时明显低于C组（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）;U组Ca—jvO2于T4、T5时明显高于C组（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。结论乌司他丁可以减轻CPB引起的脑无氧代谢,改善脑氧摄取与利用。     

乌司他丁对肝癌患者高强度聚焦超声治疗后细胞免疫功能的影响

目的 探讨乌司他丁对肝癌患者高强度聚焦超声（HIFU）治疗后细胞免疫功能的影响。方法 择期行HIFU治疗的肝癌患者20例，ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级，随机分为2组（n=10）：对照组（C组）和乌司他丁组（U组）。U组于麻醉诱导后缓慢静脉注射乌司他丁20万U，C组输注等量生理盐水。于HIFU治疗前即刻（T1）、治疗结束即刻（T2）及治疗结束后24h（T3）采取肘静脉血样2ml，使用流式细胞仪检测CD3^＋、CD4^＋、CD8^＋T淋巴细胞和NK细胞百分率。结果 与T1比较，C组T2、T3时CD3^＋、CD4^＋、CD8^＋T淋巴细胞百分率差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），T2时CD4^＋，CD8^＋比值增高，T2、T3时NK细胞百分率增高（P〈0．05），U组T2、T3时CD3^＋T淋巴细胞百分率差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），T2时CD4^＋、CD8^＋T淋巴细胞百分率增高（P〈0．05），T2、T3时CD4^＋／CD8^＋比值、NK细胞百分率增高（P〈0．01）；与C组比较，T2、T3时U组NK细胞百分率增高（P〈0．05）。结论 乌司他丁可有效提高HIFU治疗肝癌患者的细胞免疫功能。     

乌司他丁和抑肽酶对体外循环小儿炎性反应及心肌损伤的影响

目的研究乌司他丁和抑肽酶对体外循环（CPB）小儿炎性反应及心肌损伤的影响。方法选择拟行CPB的先天性心脏病患儿90例,随机分成6组,每组15例：对照组（C组,不使用乌司他丁及抑肽酶）、小剂量乌司他丁组（UL组,乌司他丁1万U/kg）、大剂量乌司他丁组（UH组,乌司他丁2万U/kg）、小剂量抑肽酶组（AL组,抑肽酶7．5万KIU/kg）、大剂量抑肽酶组（AH组,抑肽酶15万KIU/ kg）、小剂量乌司他丁复合小剂量抑肽酶组（UL＋AL组,乌司他丁1万U/kg＋抑肽酶7．5万KIU/kg）。乌司他丁或/和抑肽酶按各组要求剂量在转机前一次性加入预充液中。于CPB前（T1）、升主动脉开放5 min（T2）、CPB结束后30 min（T3）、4 h（T4）抽取动脉血,测定血浆IL-6、IL-8、IL-10、TNF-α、cTnI浓度及CK-MB活性,记录术后辅助通气时间、24 h引流量、心脏复跳情况及围术期多巴胺使用情况。结果与C组比较,在T2～T4时,UH组、AH组、UL＋AL,组血浆IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α、cTnI浓度及CK-MB活性降低;AH组、UL＋AL组IL-10增高（P＜0．05）;UL＋AL组心脏自动复跳率（100％）增高,血管活性药物使用率较低,术后辅助通气时间较短（P＜0．05）;AH组术后出血量较少（P＜0．05）。结论大剂量乌司他丁、大剂量抑肽酶及小剂量乌司他丁复合小剂量抑肽酶,均可通过抑制CPB炎性反应、减轻小儿心肌损伤,小剂量乌司他丁复合小剂量抑肽酶效果更佳。     

氟比洛芬酯对大肠癌患者术后血清IL-2、IL-6的影响

为探讨氟比洛芬酯静脉注射对大肠癌患者术后血清白介素-2（IL-2）、白介素-6（IL-6）的影响,将120例ASAⅠ-Ⅱ级拟行直肠癌根治术的患者随机分为3组,氟比洛芬酯组（F组）、吗啡组（M组）和曲马多组（T组）各40例。3组均以咪达唑仑0．06mg／kg、芬太尼5μg／kg、丙泊酚1.0mg／kg、罗库溴铵1．5mg／kg麻醉诱导后行气管插管,以七氟烷吸入维持麻醉深度（MAC值2．1左右）,术中间断静脉注射顺苯磺酸阿曲库铵维持肌松。于麻醉诱导前10minM组静脉注射吗啡0．1mg／kg,T组静脉注射曲马多1．5mg／kg,F组静脉注射氟比洛芬酯1．5mg／kg。3组分别于术前（T0）、手术结束后3h（T1）、术后1d（T2）和术后3d（T3）取外周静脉血以酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）测定血清中IL-2、IL-6的浓度。记录患者术后不良反应,包括恶心、呕吐、皮肤瘙痒等。结果显示,M组IL-2水平在术后3h开始下降（P〈0．05）,术后1d时下降到更低的水平（P〈0．01）,术后3d时略有回升,但仍然低于麻醉前的水平（P〈0．05）;T组IL-2水平在术后3h与麻醉前比较无差异,术后1d后逐渐升高（P〈0．05）,在术后3d恢复到术前水平（P〉0．05）;F组IL-2水平术后3h明显升高,持续至术后1d,与麻醉前比较差异有显著性（P〈0．01）,术后3d后略有下降,但仍高于术前水平（P〈0．05）。3组IL-6血清浓度术后3h全部升高,术后1d达顶峰。T组与F组术后1d血清IL-6浓度与M组相比有统计学差异（P〈0．05）,而F组升高的幅度较T组小（P〈0．01）。术后3d F组与M组血清IL-6浓度相比,仍有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。M组不良反应的发生率显著高于其他两组（P〈0．05）。F组恶心、呕吐的发生率与M组相比有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结果表明,与吗啡和曲马多相比,氟比洛芬酯可更好地促进IL-2的分泌,抑制IL-6的升高,且术后不良反应发生率更低,围手术期镇痛更为安全有效。     

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.