曲马多与吗啡病人自控镇痛的临床效果比较

目的　比较曲马多和吗啡病人自控镇痛 (PCA)对经腹全子宫切除术病人的镇痛效果。方法　 4 0例病人进行随机、双盲研究。吗啡组 (M组 )PCA单次给药量吗啡 1mg ;曲马多组 (T组 )PCA单次给药量曲马多 2 0mg ;锁定时间均为 10min。术后 4、8、12、2 0、2 8、36h分别观察BP、HR、RR、疼痛评分 (VAS)、恶心、呕吐、镇静评分、眩晕、口干等不良反应。结果　曲马多组与吗啡组病人镇痛效果相似。术后 2 4h曲马多组恶心、呕吐发生率高于吗啡组 (分别为 2 9%vs 11% ,P <0 0 5 ;16 %vs 4 % ,P <0 0 5 ) ;吗啡组产生的镇静作用大于曲马多组 (第一个 2 4h为 34%vs 14 % ,P <0 0 5 )。结论　PCA曲马多对经腹全子宫切除病人可提供满意的镇痛效果 ,但恶心、呕吐的发生率较高     

芬太尼、吗啡PCSA用于心外术后镇痛疗效的随机对照研究

目的　对皮下芬太尼或吗啡病人自控镇痛 (PCA)的疗效及安全性进行评价。方法　将 6 0例ASAⅠ～Ⅲ级心外术后病人随机分成芬太尼与吗啡病人皮下自控镇痛 (PCSA)组 ,其中芬太尼组 2 9例 ,吗啡组 31例。药物配方 :芬太尼组为 1ml药液中含芬太尼 2 5 μg、利多卡因 10mg ;吗啡组为 1ml药液中含吗啡 1mg、利多卡因 10mg ;PCA设置 :负荷量 2ml,单次剂量 1ml,小时限量 10ml,锁定时间 3分钟。于负荷量注射完毕后记录镇痛起效时间 ,并于放置PCSA泵后 2 4、48、和 72小时记录以下指标 :安静、咳嗽和运动时疼痛VAS评分 ,镇静程度 ,PCA需求按压和有效按压次数 ,MAP、HR、RR、SpO2 及副作用。结果　镇痛效果 :芬太尼组镇痛起效时间显著短于吗啡组 (P <0 0 5 ) ;芬太尼组PCA药物用量、需求按压和有效按压次数显著高于吗啡组 (P <0 0 5 ) ;吗啡组恶心、呕吐的发生率明显高于芬太尼组 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　芬太尼、吗啡PCSA操作简单、系统故障发生率低 ,适于较长时间留置     

不同剂量氯胺酮对静脉PCA吗啡术后镇痛效果的影响

目的 评价不同剂量氯胺酮对PCA吗啡镇痛效果的影响。方法 对95例病人进行随机、双盲研究:单纯吗啡组(M组):PCA单次给药量吗啡1mg;氯胺酮组1(MK1组):PCA单次给药量吗啡1 mg+氯胺酮0.04 mg/kg;氯胺酮组2(MK2组):PCA单次给药量吗啡1 mg+氯胺酮0.07 mg/kg;PcA锁定时间均为5 min。分别于术后4、8、12、,16、20和24 h观察血压(BP)、心率(HR)、呼吸频率(RR)、疼痛评分(VAS)、镇静评分以及恶心、呕吐、做梦、复视等副作用等。结果 MK1组、MK2组VAS评分比M组低(0～8 h,P<0.05;8～24 h,P<0.01);吗啡消耗量和恶心、呕吐、镇静、做梦及复视等副作用发生率三组之间差异无显著性。结论0.04 mg/kg氯胺酮复合1mg吗啡可提高经腹全子宫切除术病人术后镇痛质量,并且不增加做梦、复视等副作用。     

氟比洛芬酯对经腹子宫全切术后病人 PCA效应的影响

目的比较研究硬膜外持续输注0.2%左旋布比卡因期间氟比洛芬酯静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)的临床效应和不良反应,并与氯诺昔康和吗啡作比较。方法选择择期经腹子宫全切术病人60例,ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级,随机分为三组氟比洛芬酯组(F组)、氯诺昔康组(L组)和吗啡组(M组)。采用双泵法行双盲对照观察,A泵三组均为硬膜外持续输注0·2%左旋布比卡因4ml/h;B泵F组以氟比洛芬酯PCIA强化,L组以氯诺昔康PCIA强化,M组以吗啡PCIA强化。记录术后1、2、4、6、8、12、16、18、24h视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Ramesay镇静评分、术后运动神经阻滞恢复评分(改良Bro-mage分级)和病人对PCA综合满意度评分,按常规记录PCA开始后的0~1h、1~2h、2~4h、4~6h、6~8h、8~12h、12~16h、16~18h、18~24hPCA泵的按压次数(D1)与实际进入次数(D2),并记录肛门排气时间及可能出现的不良反应。结果三组病人的一般情况相似,24h硬膜外左旋布比卡因的使用剂量为192mg,三组未按压PCA泵的病人各为2例(10%),静脉用药量分别为(53·9±2·1)mg(F组)、(11·4±2·8)mg(L组)、(4·7±3·5)mg(M组),在相同时点三组间VAS、Ramesay镇静评分、改良Bromage分级均相似,在相同时间段内三组间D1/D2值亦相似。结论在0·2%左旋布比卡因硬膜外持续输注(4ml/h)的基础上,新型靶向非甾体类镇痛药氟比洛芬酯与氯诺昔康和吗啡静脉PCA均能达到辅助镇痛的效果,静脉PCA氟比洛芬酯与吗啡的比例约为12∶1。     

右美托咪啶对胃癌根治术后吗啡病人自控静脉镇痛效果的影响

目的 评价右美托咪啶对胃癌根治术后吗啡病人自控静脉镇痛效果的影响.方法 择期拟行胃癌根治术的病人120例,年龄41～64岁,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法分为2组(n=60):吗啡组(M组)和吗啡+右美托咪啶组(MD组).于手术结束即刻行病人自控静脉镇痛,M组采用吗啡100 mg,MD组采用吗啡100mg+右美托咪啶200μg,均用生理盐水稀释至200 ml,负荷剂量6 ml,背景输注速率1 ml/h,单次给药剂量3 ml,锁定时间10 min,维持VAS评分≤4分,Ramsay评分2～3分.记录术后24和48 h内吗啡用量、PCA总按压次数和有效按压次数;记录术后镇痛期间恶心、呕吐、瘙痒、心动过缓、低血压、镇静过度和呼吸抑制等不良反应的发生情况.结果 与M组比较,MD组术后24和48 h内吗啡用量、PCA总按压次数和有效按压次数降低,术后恶心、呕吐和瘙痒的发生率降低(P＜0.05).两组均未发生心动过缓、低血压、过度镇静和呼吸抑制.结论 右美托咪啶可增强胃癌根治术后吗啡病人自控静脉镇痛的效果,且不良反应少.     

术后止痛泵的应用及临床观察

目的观察病人自控镇痛的临床效果。方法60例ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级行择期手术病人分为传统肌注镇痛,硬膜外病人自控镇痛泵（PCA1）和静脉病人自控镇痛泵（PCA2）,每组20例。PCA术后给首次负荷剂量,之后病人自控给药镇痛,每次注药0．5ml,锁定时间5．5min,术后观察48h内HR、BP、RR及VAS评分,视觉模糊、恶心、呕吐、皮肤瘙痒情况。结果镇痛效果PCA1和PCA2显著优于传统肌注镇痛组（P〈0．05）,镇静评分PCA1高于PCA2和传统肌注,病人及护士满意度（VASS）,PCA1和PCA2无差异,与传统肌注比较差异有显著性（P〈0．01）,恶心、呕吐三组间无明显差异。结论良好的PCA能有效解决术后病人疼痛程度,抑制术后应激反应,减少并发症。     

芬太尼和吗啡用于术后病人自控镇痛的药效学和血药浓度研究

目的 观察芬太尼和吗啡通过不同途径用于术后病人自控镇痛(PCA)的药效学和PCA期间的血药浓度。方法随机选择ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级择期手术病例60例,分为Ⅰ组(硬膜外0.13％布比卡因+芬太尼2μg/m1),Ⅱ组(硬膜外0.13％布比卡因+吗啡O.08mg/ml),Ⅲ组(静脉吗啡0.5mg/ml),每组各20例。Ⅰ组及Ⅱ组维持剂量4 ml/h,PCA剂量为2 ml,锁定时间为20 min;Ⅲ组维持剂量1 ml/h,PCA剂量为2 ml,锁定时间为6min,均镇痛48 h。观察PCA后4 h、24 h、48 h患者的生命体征,镇痛效果以及各种副反应,并由肘静脉抽血以放免的方法测定芬太尼和吗啡的血药浓度。结果 Ⅱ组及Ⅲ组副反应的发生率高。Ⅱ组48 h进药容量要明显少于Ⅰ组(P<0.05)。Ⅰ组芬太尼的血药浓度低于文献报道的最小有效镇痛浓度(MEC),Ⅱ组吗啡4 h的血药浓度低于MEC,而24 h和48 h的血药浓度则要高于MEC。三组病人PCA后4 h、24 h、48 h的生命体征以及镇痛效果差异均无显著性(P>0.05)。结论芬太尼和吗啡经PCA用于临床术后镇痛的效果满意,而且安全,宜根据病人的情况以及手术的需要决定采取术后镇痛方式。     

东莨菪碱-曲马多-芬太尼复合液用于剖宫产术后镇痛

目的观察静脉东莨菪碱配伍曲马多与芬太尼在剖宫产术后镇痛的临床效果及不良反应。方法ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级行剖宫产术病人60例,随机分为东莨菪碱组(S组)和氟哌利多组(D组),每组30例。S组,东莨菪碱0·3mg 曲马多500mg 芬太尼0·5mg;D组,氟哌利多2·5mg 曲马多500mg 芬太尼0·5mg。均以生理盐水配置100ml药袋,静脉给予负荷剂量4ml后连接镇痛泵进行病人自控镇痛(PCA)。术后24、48h行视觉模拟评分(VAS)和镇静评分,并对用药总量、PCA量及不良反应发生情况进行观察比较。结果两组VAS差异无显著意义。D组术后24h用药总量、PCA量和镇静评分均大于术后48h,D组术后24h镇静评分比S组高(P<0·05),不良反应发生率D组明显高于S组。结论东莨菪碱配伍曲马多及芬太尼应用于剖宫产术后镇痛安全有效,不良反应发生率明显低于氟哌利多。     

严重烧伤病人休克期镇痛的临床研究

目的探讨严重烧伤休克期静脉注射小剂量氯胺酮、芬太尼病人自控镇痛(PCA)的安全性、有效性及对血糖和应激激素的影响。方法60例严重烧伤病人于伤后24 h内入院,随机分为传统镇痛组(CAT组)、静脉注射氯胺酮组(PCIKA组)、芬太尼组(PCIFA组)和氯胺酮、芬太尼联合镇痛组(PCIKFA组),每组15例。CAT组根据病人需要肌注哌替啶50 mg和异丙嗪25 mg,其余三组静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)药物配制为:PCIKA组氯胺酮20 mg/ml 氟哌利多50μg/ml,PCIFA组芬太尼10μg/ml 氟哌利多50μg/ml,PCIKFA组氯胺酮10 mg/ml 芬太尼5μg/ml 氟哌利多50μg/ml,负荷量均为1.5 ml,PCA量1 ml,锁定时间30 min,持续输注量1.5 ml/h。观察并记录镇痛开始前及开始后1、4、8、24、48 h时的HR、MAP、SpO2、视觉模拟评分(VAS)和镇静状态及有无恶心、呕吐、幻觉、呼吸抑制等不良反应。检测镇痛开始前及开始后1、8、24、48 h的血糖和血浆应激激素的水平。结果另外三组病人静脉镇痛效果明显优于CAT组(P<0.01),并且有良好的镇静作用;HR、MAP和SpO2各组间差异无显著意义,各组病人无恶心、呕吐、幻觉及呼吸抑制等不良反应;三组PCIA病人镇痛开始后血糖和血浆应激激素明显降低(P<0.01),各组之间胰岛素水平差异无显著意义。结论严重烧伤病人休克期静脉注射小剂量氯胺酮、芬太尼,病人PCA安全、有效,并降低此类病人的高血糖反应和应激反应。     

胸外手术后应用吗啡自控镇痛的效果观察

目的 :观察和评价胸外手术后应用吗啡自控镇痛 (PCIA)的效果 ,探索可靠得胸外手术后PCIA的方法。方法 :选择 60例胸外手术成年病人 ,随机分为PCIA组 (P)组和对照组 (C组 ) ,每组 3 0例。P组于术后用PCIA泵开始吗啡持续镇痛 ,C组病人在病房由外科医生按照传统肌注哌替啶止痛 ,记录两组病人术后 2 4h、48h、72h的MAP、HR、RR、VAS、VASS评分 ,记录两组病人术后的自主排尿时间 ,恶心呕吐等副作用。结果 :P组病人术后 2 4h、48h、72h的RR明显低于C组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,VAS和VASS评分明显优于C组 (P <0 .0 1) ;两组病人术后首次自主排尿时间、肛门排气时间和恶心、呕吐发生率无显著性差异 ;P组的镇静率明显高于C组 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论 :吗啡PCIA可安全实行胸外科手术后切口镇痛 ,效果满意 ,副作用小 ,较传统肌注哌替啶的效果为好。     

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.