七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼快通道麻醉技术用于青少年脊柱侧弯后路矫形手术

目的 比较七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼与异氟醚复合芬太尼用于青少年脊柱侧弯后路矫形手术的麻醉效果.方法 择期行脊柱侧弯后路矫形手术的患者40例,ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级,年龄11～18岁.随机分为两组:异氟醚复合芬太尼组(A组)和七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼组(B组).A组以丙泊酚、芬太尼、维库溴铵和异氟醚维持麻醉;B组以丙泊酚、雷米芬太尼、维库溴铵和七氟醚维持麻醉.根据双频指数(BIS)和血流动力学反应调整麻醉深度.在唤醒前约30 min停用维库溴铵和镇痛药.要求唤醒时停用丙泊酚和吸人麻醉药,唤醒时间为停用丙泊酚和吸入麻醉药到患者双侧脚趾能动的时间.记录唤醒时间、唤醒质量及唤醒期间HR、SBP、DBP、BIS的变化.患者拔除气管导管清醒后随访患者对术中唤醒过程有无记忆.结果 患者的一般情况、唤醒期间HR、SBP、DBP和BIS两组问比较均无统计学差异.两组患者唤醒时BIS明显高于停药前(P＜0.001),但是术后随访发现所有患者对唤醒试验均无记忆.唤醒时间A组26.3 min±10.4 min,B组12.1 min±9.4 min,两组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).唤醒成功时,两组的唤醒质量比较无统计学差异(P＞0.05).结论 七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼快通道麻醉技术适合用于行术中唤醒的青少年脊柱侧弯后路矫形手术,其唤醒时间短、术中血流动力学平稳.该麻醉条件下行BIS监测,有助于及时唤醒病人和唤醒后加深麻醉,亦有助于防止术中知晓.     

全凭静脉麻醉与静吸复合麻醉恢复质量及用药相关费用的比较

目的 比较相同麻醉深度下异氟醚-芬太尼静吸复合麻醉与丙泊酚复合芬太尼或雷米芬太尼全凭静脉麻醉的恢复质量和用药相关费用.方法 ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,择期行下腹部手术患者60例,随机均分为静吸复合组(B组)、芬太尼组(F组)及雷米芬太尼组(R组),分别以异氟醚-芬太尼、丙泊酚-芬太尼和丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼辅以维库溴铵维持麻醉.麻醉深度维持在Narcotrend D0～D2水平,记录术毕停药后患者自主呼吸恢复时间、呼名睁眼时间、拔管时间、定向力恢复时间;观察拔管后即刻、拔管后20 min患者意识状态(OAA/S)、疼痛程度(VAS)及主诉需要镇痛药的例次;术后24 h访视患者,记录有无术中知晓及恶心、呕吐等不良反应;比较三种麻醉方式的用药相关费用.结果 三种麻醉方式术毕自主呼吸恢复时间、呼名睁眼时间、拔管时间的差异无统计学意义,但R组定向力恢复早于B组,其拔管后20 min患者OAA/S评分也高于B组(P＜0.01).R组在拔管后即刻及拔管后20 min VAS明显高于其他两组,主诉需要镇痛药者也多于其他两组(P＜0.01).三组患者术后恶心、呕吐等不良反应发生率的差异无统计学意义.B组麻醉用药相关费用明显低于其他两组(P＜0.01).结论 三种麻醉方式麻醉苏醒速度相近,丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼苏醒质量较好,但麻醉恢复期疼痛明显.全凭静脉麻醉特别是丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼用药相关费用高于异氟醚-芬太尼静吸复合麻醉.     

七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼快通道麻醉在鼻内窥镜手术中的应用

目的观察七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼快通道麻醉在鼻内窥镜手术中的应用效果。方法 60例择期行鼻内窥镜手术患者,年龄21～55岁,随机分为三组,每组20例。Ⅰ组全凭吸入七氟醚麻醉,Ⅱ组丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼,Ⅲ组七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼。观察三组患者术中、术后血流动力学变化,记录术后拔管时间、清醒时间、术后躁动评分(RS)、意识状态评分(OAA/S)等。结果三组术中血压控制均较满意。术后Ⅱ、Ⅲ组拔管时间及清醒时间较Ⅰ组短,躁动发生率稍低(P0.05)。结论七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼静吸复合麻醉与丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼全凭静脉麻醉均为鼻内窥镜手术提供安全、快捷、苏醒彻底的快通道麻醉方法。     

吸入七氟醚与丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼麻醉在全胃切除手术中的比较

目的 比较七氟醚吸入与丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼麻醉在全胃切除手术中的应用效果.方法 40例ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级择期全胃切除术患者随机均分为七氟醚组(S组)和丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼组(P组).记录围麻醉期各时点的血流动力学、脑电双频指数(BIS)、麻醉药浓度及用量、麻醉恢复期时间和苏醒期不良反应.结果 麻醉期两组DBP、MAP、HR均较麻醉前显著下降(P<0.05).两组患者术中均能维持足够的麻醉深度(BIS 45～60),术中血流动力学平稳.麻醉恢复期P组躁动、呛咳发生率明显低于S组(P<0.05).结论 七氟醚吸入麻醉或丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼静脉麻醉均可安全应用于全胃切除手术.     

雷米芬太尼分别复合丙泊酚与异氟醚用于阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征手术的麻醉效果

目的比较雷米芬太尼、丙泊酚全凭静脉麻醉与雷米芬太尼、异氟醚静吸复合麻醉用于阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征手术时的麻醉效果。方法择期行悬雍垂、鄂咽成形术或鄂咽成形术患者40例,性别不限,年龄30～55岁,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,按照随机数字表法,将其分为2组(n=20):雷米芬太尼、丙泊酚全凭静脉麻醉组(A组)和雷米芬太尼异氟醚静吸复合麻醉组(B组)。麻醉诱导完成后,A组靶控输注丙泊酚4～8 mg/(kg·h),B组吸入0.5%～1%异氟醚,两组持续静脉输注雷米芬太尼0.2～0.3 g/(kg·min)。记录患者诱导前即刻(T1)、诱导完成后即刻(T2)、插管后即刻(T3)以及手术开始20 min时(T4)的血流动力学变化。记录自主呼吸恢复时间、气管导管拔除时间和PACU停留时间。记录术后呛咳、躁动和恶心呕吐等不良反应的发生率。结果与B组比较,T4时A组BP和HR显著降低(P0.01),A组自主呼吸恢复时间、拔管时间和PACU停留时间均显著缩短(P0.05),A组剧烈呛咳和躁动发生率显著降低(P0.01)。结论雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚更适合用于阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征手术的麻醉。     

七氟醚静吸复合麻醉与全凭静脉麻醉用于小儿手术的比较

目的 比较七氟醚静吸复合麻醉与丙泊酚、芬太尼全凭静脉麻醉用于小儿手术的临床效果.方法 60例4～14岁ASA Ⅰ级择期行外科手术的小儿,随机均分为丙泊酚、芬太尼全凭静脉麻醉组(丙泊酚组)和七氟醚静吸复合麻醉组(七氟醚组).丙泊酚组静脉麻醉诱导,静脉麻醉药物维持.七氟醚组七氟醚麻醉诱导,七氟醚麻醉维持.记录术中血流动力学变化,术后麻醉恢复情况.结果 两组诱导方法都能实现快速诱导,且丙泊酚组麻醉诱导起效更快,意识消失时间、插管时间较七氟醚组缩短(P＜0.01).而七氟醚组麻醉诱导对心率的影响更小,诱导更平稳.七氟醚组苏醒时间、拔管时间、定向力恢复时间和PACU滞留时间均短于丙泊酚组(P＜0.01).结论 七氟醚静吸复合麻醉后术中循环稳定,术后清醒迅速、平稳,可安全有效地应用于小儿手术.     

丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼或氧化亚氮用于妇科腹腔镜诊疗手术麻醉苏醒的比较

目的对丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼或氧化亚氮用于妇科腹腔镜诊疗术后麻醉苏醒、早期拔管进行比较。方法选择ASAⅠ级,临床诊断不孕,拟于气管内插管的全麻下择期行腹腔镜检查及治疗的患者45例,随机分为三组:丙泊酚3μg/ml组(A组),丙泊酚2μg/ml组(B组)和氧化亚氮组(C组),每组15例。三组患者均为丙泊酚靶控输注(TCI)给药诱导及术中维持麻醉,罗库溴铵维持肌松。A组:维持丙泊酚靶浓度3μg/ml不变,雷米芬太尼根据血液动力学变化按0~1μg.kg-1.min-1输注给药,维持血液动力学稳定。B组:维持丙泊酚靶浓度2μg/ml不变,同样通过调整雷米芬太尼的给药速度维持血液动力学稳定。C组:丙泊酚TCI诱导,气管内插管后伍用氧化亚氮吸入维持麻醉。呼气末氧化亚氮浓度保持(65±1)%,通过调整丙泊酚的靶浓度来维持血液动力学稳定。三组患者均在手术结束时同时停麻醉药。以停麻醉的时间为零点计时,记录呼患者睁眼时间、气管拔管时间及答问切题时间。结果在睁眼时间、拔管时间和答问切题时间三项观察指标中,各组之间差异均有极显著意义(P<0.01)。B组患者睁眼时间(4.5±2.1)min、拔管时间(5.4±2.3)min、答问切题时间(8.1±2.8)min最短,说明麻醉苏醒最快;C组分别为(11.6±3.4)、(12.7±3.6)、(20.2±4.5)min,患者苏醒最慢;A组分别为(8.7±2.9)、(10.0±3.2)、(14.5±3.8)min,处于中间。结论低浓度丙泊酚TCI(2μg/ml)复合雷米芬太尼用于妇科腹腔镜诊疗手术,可使患者术后清醒快,恢复迅速。     

丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控输注行无痛胃镜的临床观察

目的 观察丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控输注行无痛胃镜检查的麻醉效果及对呼吸、循环的影响.方法 60例ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级要求无痛胃镜检查者,随机均分为三组,分别给予丙泊酚人工静注组(A组)、丙泊酚靶控输注组(B组)、丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控输注组(C组).观察各组麻醉前、麻醉后2 min、置胃镜后2 min、苏醒时的SBP、DBP、HR、RR、SpO2,以及各组胃镜检查时间、苏醒时间、丙泊酚、雷米芬太尼用量及不良反应.结果 麻醉后2 min及置胃镜后2 min B、C组SBP下降,C组DBP下降(P<0.05);三组患者RR下降(P<0.05).三组患者均未出现严重的低血压、心动过缓、呼吸抑制,SpO2均高于96%.C组患者苏醒时间显著缩短(P<0.05或P<0.01),丙泊酚用量显著减少(P<0.01),术中三组患者体动、呛咳等不良反应差异无统计学意义.结论 丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控输注可为无痛胃镜检查提供安全可靠快捷的麻醉.     

雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚静脉麻醉的临床应用

目的观察雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚静脉麻醉的效果。方法全身麻醉下腰椎手术患者60例,随机均分为雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚静脉麻醉组(Ⅰ组)和静吸复合麻醉组(Ⅱ组)。雷米芬太尼和丙泊酚的负荷量分别为1μg/kg和1mg/kg,雷米芬太尼以0.5μg·kg-1·min-1速率输注。麻醉中通过增减雷米芬太尼0.1μg·kg-1·min-1输注速率调整麻醉深度。丙泊酚按5∶4∶3方案输注,即5mg·kg-1·h-1输注10min,4mg·kg-1·h-1输注10min,20min后3mg·kg-1·h-1恒速输注。观察两组气管插管反应、麻醉效果、苏醒质量。结果两组麻醉效果相同,均可抑制气管插管反应(P<0.01),且Ⅰ组较Ⅱ组明显(P<0.05)。Ⅰ组苏醒质量较Ⅱ组好(P<0.01),不良反应较Ⅱ组高(P<0.01),术中无知晓。结论雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚用两个注射泵静脉麻醉,采用负荷量加两种以上速率输注全凭静脉麻醉简便易行。     

雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚麻醉在电视胸腔镜手术病人的应用

目的评价雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚全凭静脉麻醉在电视胸腔镜手术(VATS)中的麻醉效果。方法ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级于电视胸腔镜下行自发性肺大泡缝扎术病人40例,随机分为雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚组(R组)和芬太尼复合丙泊酚组(F组),每组20例。观察麻醉诱导及气管插管时BP、HR;记录术毕停药后病人自主呼吸恢复时间、呼之睁眼时间及拔管时间;记录拔管后即刻、30min和24h疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS);随访记录术中知晓发生率和术后恶心呕吐等副作用。结果R组插管期心血管副作用显著低于F组(P<0.05)。R组术后自主呼吸恢复时间、呼之睁眼时间及拔管时间明显短于F组(P<0.05)。R组拔管后即刻、30min的VAS高于F组(P<0.05)。两组病人均未出现术中知晓,术后的恶心呕吐发生率差异无显著意义。结论雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚全凭静脉麻醉可安全、有效地应用于电视胸腔镜下自发性肺大泡缝扎术。雷米芬太尼半衰期短,需提前实施术后镇痛。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.