后路减压结合Dynesys动态内固定治疗腰椎退变性疾病的中期疗效

目的:评估后路减压结合Dynesys动态内固定治疗腰椎退变性疾病的中期疗效.方法:回顾分析2008年7月～2010年5月采用后路减压结合Dynesys动态内固定治疗的腰椎退变性疾病患者59例,其中腰椎管狭窄症38例,腰椎间盘突出症21例.记录患者术前、术后3个月及末次随访时Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)和疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分,测量术前、术后3个月及末次随访时手术节段活动度(ROM)、椎间高度及上位相邻节段ROM,评估上位相邻节段影像学和症状学退变的发生情况.结果:55例患者获得完整随访,随访48～70个月,平均54个月.术后3个月和末次随访时的ODI分别为(24.1±5.7)％和(15.9±6.3)％,均较术前的(56.3±16.4)％明显改善(P＜0.05).术后3个月和末次随访时的VAS评分分别为2.9±1.5和1.4±0.5,均较术前的6.7±2.7明显改善(P＜0.05).手术节段ROM由术前的(7.6±2.5)°保留至术后3个月的(4.5±2.8)°以及末次随访时的(4.9±2.3)°(P＜0.05).手术节段椎间高度在术后3个月为13.4±2.6mm,较术前12.3±2.7mm明显升高(P＜0.05);末次随访时为12.1±3.2mm,与术前差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).上位相邻节段ROM由术前的(8.1±3.0)o增加至术后3个月的(9.3±3.2)°,至末次随访时达到(10.0±2.9)°(P＜0.05).末次随访时,7例(12.7％)患者出现上位相邻节段影像学退变,1例患者出现上位相邻节段症状学退变而接受二次Dynesys内固定手术.结论:后路减压结合Dynesys动态内固定能够获得良好的中期临床疗效.在中期随访时,Dynesys动态内固定能够保留手术节段部分活动度,存在一定程度的相邻节段退变.     

退变性腰椎滑脱症的手术治疗

目的探讨采用后路腰椎椎管减压、钉棒内固定并椎间植骨融合术和后路腰椎减压并Dynesys系统内固定手术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱的效果。方法应用后路腰椎椎间融合（posterior lumbar interbody fusion,PLIF）术进行椎管减压、钉棒系统固定并椎体间植骨融合手术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱37例;应用后路腰椎管减压并Dynesys内固定手术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱5例。结果随访9～39个月,平均26个月,腰痛疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分术前为8.7分,随访时为2.1分;腿痛VAS评分术前为7.6分,随访时为2.3分。术前Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index,ODI）为58.2%,随访时为21.2%。无严重手术并发症发生。术后X线片复查显示椎间高度均得到不同程度的恢复,滑脱椎体完全复位或者基本复位,椎间植骨融合。无融合器移位或螺钉松动、断裂。结论后路腰椎椎管减压、钉棒内固定并椎间植骨融合术和后路腰椎减压并Dynesys内固定手术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱效果满意,安全彻底的神经根管减压是取得满意临床效果的关键。     

Dynesys动态稳定系统治疗腰椎退变性疾病的短期疗效分析

目的：探讨Dynesys动态稳定系统在腰椎退变性疾病治疗中的短期临床疗效。方法29例腰椎退变性疾病患者在后路减压的同时行Dynesys动态稳定系统内固定术,评价术后疗效。结果术后临床疗效优23例（80%）、良4例（14%）,可2例（6%）。 VAS疼痛评分（0~10分）术前7.14±1.29分,末次随访时2.26±1.03分。术前病变脊柱运动节段过伸过屈活动度（ROM）7.51±2.68度,术后末次随访时ROM为4.22±1.47度。随访期间未见内固定松动和螺钉断裂现象。结论 Dynesys动态稳定内固定系统治疗腰椎退变性疾患具有手术操作简便、安全性高等优点,可减少对脊柱生理结构的破坏,维持节段稳定,减少远期腰椎退变和再次手术的风险,有很好的临床应用前景。     

减压结合Dynesys动态稳定治疗退行性腰椎管狭窄症

[目的]探讨减压结合Dynesys动态稳定系统治疗退行性腰椎管狭窄症的疗效和安全性。[方法]2007年1月～2008年6月,对23例退行性腰椎管狭窄症患者在后路减压后行Dynesys内固定术。[结果]随访(26.2±7.3)个月(17～34)个月,VAS评分:术前(8.2±0.9)分(6～10分),术后(2.2±1.3)分(0～5分)(P=0.001);Oswestry评分:术前(72.4±17.0)分(45～89分),术后(22.4±14.7)分(0～43分)(P=0.002)。无椎弓根螺钉松动、断裂。按中华医学会骨科学分会脊柱学组腰背痛手术评定标准评价:优17例,良4例,可2例,症状改善优良率达91.3%。[结论]减压结合Dynesys治疗退行性腰椎管狭窄症可取得良好的早期临床效果,防止固定及邻近节段的退变,是治疗腰椎退行性疾病的一种有效的非融合性、动力性固定方法。     

椎弓根内固定在退变性下腰椎疾患全椎板减压术中的应用价值

目的 探讨椎弓根内固定在退变性下腰椎疾患全椎板减压术中应用的中长期疗效及其安全性.方法 2002年5月至2005年5月,127例退变性下腰椎疾患患者行后路全椎板切除减压术(A组)及全椎板切除减压加后路椎弓根内固定术(B组),对临床资料进行回顾性分析,按照Oswestrydisability index评分标准设计问卷随访,对两种术式治疗退变性下腰椎疾患的临床效果进行评分并行统计分析.结果 全椎板减压患者共146例,截止2007年11月,127例获得随访,男70例,平均年龄(42.64±11.27)岁,女57例,平均年龄(44.37±11.96)岁,其中A组66例,B组61例,随访时间为30个月～66个月(平均为49个月).A、B两种术式优良率分别为77.27%、91.80%,两组间优良率比较P<0.05,二者疗效差异有统计学意义.结论 后路内固定系统为退变性下腰椎疾患全椎板减压提供稳定性支持,降低腰痛并发症,有利于充分减压从而缓解神经系统症状,明显提高下腰椎疾患全椎板减压患者的临床疗效,它也是一项安全的外科技术.     

退行性腰椎侧凸的手术治疗选择

[目的]探讨退行性腰椎侧凸手术治疗的选择,观察手术治疗的疗效。[方法]回顾分析2010年10月²013年05月,本院收治的26例经手术治疗的退变性腰椎侧凸病例,根据临床症状、体征和影像学资料,结合患者的身体条件和基础疾病,分别采用单纯减压,后路椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉内固定、椎间植骨融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸。观察患者术后症状缓解和功能改善情况。[结果]26例患者均获得随访,术后平均随访27.5个月(242013年05月,本院收治的26例经手术治疗的退变性腰椎侧凸病例,根据临床症状、体征和影像学资料,结合患者的身体条件和基础疾病,分别采用单纯减压,后路椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉内固定、椎间植骨融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸。观察患者术后症状缓解和功能改善情况。[结果]26例患者均获得随访,术后平均随访27.5个月(24⁴3个月),术后疼痛VAS评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数的改善率分别为(68.9±2.4)%和(80.5±4.1)%。侧凸平均矫正率(60.4±3.7)%,随访无断钉、断棒发生。[结论]对于退变性腰椎侧凸,应采取个体化治疗,严格掌握手术适应证,治疗以缓解患者症状为主要目的。     

Cosmic动态非融合系统治疗腰椎退变性疾病的短期疗效分析

目的探讨Cosmic动态非融合系统在腰椎退变性疾病治疗中的短期疗效。方法对22例腰椎退变性疾病在后路减压的同时行Cosmic动态非融合系统内固定术,并评价术后疗效。结果术后随访8~24个月,平均14.5个月,术后临床疗效优17例、良4例,可1例。VAS疼痛评分术前(6.74±0.59)分,末次随访时(2.13±0.61)分。术前病变脊柱运动节段过伸过屈活动度(ROM)(8.39±2.72)°,末次随访时为(8.17±2.58)°。随访期间未见内固定松动和螺钉断裂现象。结论采用Cosmic动态非融合内固定系统治疗腰椎退变性疾患具有手术操作简便、安全性高等优点,可减少对脊柱生理结构的破坏,维持节段稳定,减少远期腰椎退变和再次手术的风险,具有很好的临床应用前景。     

Dynesys治疗腰椎(L4、5)退变性疾病的早期临床疗效分析

目的 探讨Dynesys应用于腰椎(L4、5)退变性疾病的早期临床疗效及相关影像学改变.方法 自2008年8月～2009年12月,采用椎板开窗减压或部分切除,减压后置入Dynesys系统装置治疗12例腰椎退变性疾病.结果 术后随访14～28个月,ODI、VAS、JOA评分较术前明显改善(P＜0.05),L4、5节段椎体的活动度(ROM)术后与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 Dynesys系统保留了腰椎生理曲度和固定节段的活动度,延缓并减少邻近节段的退变,短期临床疗效满意,其长期疗效有待进一步观察.     

Dynesys动态固定系统治疗腰椎退变性疾病的临床疗效

目的探讨Dynesys动态固定系统应用于退变性腰椎疾病中的临床疗效评价。方法自2009-01—2013—01采用Dynesys动态固定系统结合后路椎板减压治疗35例腰椎退变性疾病,包括腰椎间盘突出症23例,腰椎管狭窄症12例。结果术后随访时间为6-40个月。平均26个月。术后3个月、1年和末次随访时的VAS及ODI均较术前明显下降。差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05）,而末次随访时较术后3个月和1年继续下降,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。手术节段椎间隙后缘高度较术前明显增加,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,但随时间的延长,高度略有下降,椎间隙前缘高度较术前减少,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。手术节段保持了一定的活动度,但较术前明显减少,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论Dynesys动态固定系统结合椎板减压治疗腰椎退变性疾病的早期效果较明显。该手术方案维持了手术节段的椎间隙高度,在稳固脊柱的前提下保留一定活动度,能够预防邻近节段退变及腰椎不稳,但远期的疗效还需进一步深入研究。     

Dynesys与后路减压融合内固定术治疗腰椎退行性疾病临床疗效的系统评价

目的:通过Meta分析评价Dynesys与后路减压融合内固定术治疗腰椎退行性疾病的有效性与安全性。方法:计算机检索Cochrane图书馆、Medline、Embase、CNKI、万方数据库和中国生物医学文献数据库,手工检索相关文献的参考文献及主要中英文骨科杂志。收集所有比较Dynesys和后路减压融合内固定术临床疗效与安全性的中、英文前瞻性或回顾性对照研究,评价纳入研究的方法学质量并提取资料,采用Cochrane协作网提供的Rev Man 5.2软件进行系统评价。结果:共纳入9项临床研究,其中3个前瞻性随机对照研究,6个回顾性对照观察研究。共692例患者,其中Dynesys组336例,后路减压融合内固定术组356例。Meta分析结果显示:与后路减压融合内固定术相比,Dynesys显著缩短了手术时间(P0.01)、减少了术中出血量(P0.01);与术前相比,在末次随访时二者均显著改善了患者ODI评分及腰腿痛VAS评分,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);Dynesys有效保留了固定节段部分活动度,但后路减压融合内固定术组患者邻近节段活动度的增加大于Dynesys组(P0.01);二者对于固定节段椎间高度的改善差异无统计学意义(P0.05),但后路减压融合内固定术具有较高的术后并发症发生率(P0.05)。结论:Dynesys和后路减压融合内固定术均是治疗腰椎退行性疾病的有效方式。与后路减压融合内固定术相比,Dynesys可以保留固定节段部分活动度,邻近节段活动度增幅及术后并发症发生率均较低,但其对于邻近节段退变的预防需要更多长期随访的前瞻性临床随机对照试验加以验证。     

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.