自体骨-腱-骨移植物与LARS人工韧带重建前交叉韧带的比较

目的比较自体骨-腱-骨(BPTB)和LARS人工韧带重建前交叉韧带(ACL)的效果。方法对59例ACL断裂患者采用自体BPTB重建ACL 29例(BPTB组),采用LARS人工韧带重建ACL 30例(LARS组)。按Lysholm、Tegner、IKDC评分系统和KT-1000检查评估功能。结果 59例均获随访,时间30～36个月。术后BPTB组和LARS组Lysholm评分分别为92.90分±9.10分和94.00分±6.87分;Tegner评分分别为5.76分±1.12分和6.07分±1.14分;KT-1000检查松弛分别为2.63 mm±2.16 mm和2.36 mm±2.08 mm。术后IKDC评分:BPTB组正常14例,接近正常11例,不正常4例;LARS组正常18例,接近正常8例,不正常4例。两组各项结果比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论自体BPTB和LARS人工韧带重建ACL均能够获得满意的临床效果。     

自体腘绳肌腱与LARS韧带重建前交叉韧带中期疗效比较

[目的]回顾性比较前交叉韧带(ACL)重建术中使用自体腘绳肌腱(HTAG)与LARS人工韧带作为移植物的中期临床疗效。[方法]2009年1月~2011年12月,本科采用HTAG重建ACL 33例,采用LARS韧带重建ACL 29例。使用VAS、IKDC、Lysholm、Tegner评分等评价临床效果,KT-2000测量膝关节稳定性。[结果]HTAG组重返运动的时间(20.21±5.40)周,而LARS组为(13.13±4.29)周,LARS组明显早于HTAG组,两组间差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。患者平均随访时间为(75.31±7.70)个月。术前各项评分结果两组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时与术前相比较,两组的上述各指标的差异均显著改善,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时HTAG组与LARS组比较,VAS评分[(1.41±0.56)vs(1.38±0.62)],IKDC评分[(92.21±1.39)vs(92.29±1.71)],Lysholm评分[(92.36±3.56)vs(92.81±2.62)],Tegner运动评分[(6.06±0.30)vs(6.14±0.43)],两组间差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。KT-2000测量结果 [(3.16±0.35)mm vs(3.12±0.33)mm],HTAG组与LARS组之间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]HTAG和LARS人工韧带重建ACL均可恢复膝关节稳定性与功能,两组中期随访效果相似。但LARS能够使患者更早期重返运动。     

关节镜下人工韧带重建前交叉韧带的临床初步体会

目的探讨关节镜下应用LARS人工韧带重建前交叉韧带的可行性及近期疗效. 方法用法国产LARS人工韧带对16例前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)损伤行关节镜下ACL重建术.等距点钻胫骨、股骨骨道,将肌腱拉入骨道,韧带游离部分位于关节腔内,拉紧后2枚螺钉固定韧带,合并损伤同期处理. 结果手术时间51～86 min,平均64 min.术后无滑膜炎、韧带断裂、活动明显受限等并发症.16例均随访1.5～6个月,平均3.8月.按照IKDC评分标准:术前C级6例,D级10例;术后A级6例,B级9例, C级1例(χ2=6.264,P<0.05).Lysholm膝关节功能评分术前36～76分,(63.7±7.3)分;术后86～97分,(94.8±9.6)分(t=10.356,P<0.05). 结论关节镜下LARS人工韧带重建ACL,操作简便,可使膝关节获得即时稳定性,早期康复锻炼,最大限度的防止关节功能受限,近期疗效满意.     

LARS人工韧带重建前交叉韧带的8～10年临床报道

目的观察重建前交叉韧带(ACL)术中使用LARS人工韧带8~10年的临床疗效。方法笔者自2005-01—2007-12采用LARS韧带重建46例ACL损伤,采用VAS、Lysholm、Tegner评分评价临床效果,采用KT-1000测量膝关节稳定性。结果所有患者获得平均108.3(96~120)个月随访。VAS评分术前平均4.1(2~6)分,术后平均2.3(1~3)分,手术前后VAS评分比较差异有统计学意义(t=3.72,P=0.028)。Lysholm评分术前平均54.5(48~58)分,术后平均94.1(92~96)分,优30例,良14例,可2例,术前术后Lysholm评分比较差异有统计学意义(t=7.98,P0.010)。Tegner评分术前平均5.25(4~7)分,术后平均7.01(7~9)分,手术前后Tegner评分比较差异有统计学意义(t=3.45,P=0.032)。膝关节稳定性的生物力学评价:根据KT-100测得好25例,良19例,差2例。结论应用LARS人工韧带重建ACL损伤恢复迅速,稳定性良好,中期随访效果令人满意,是ACL重建移植物的良好选择。     

关节镜下LARS人工韧带重建后交叉韧带

目的 探讨在关节镜下应用韧带增强重建系统(ligament advanced reinforcement system,LARS)人工韧带重建膝关节后交叉韧带的手术方法和临床疗效. 方法 2006年6月-2007年7月,应用LARS人工韧带在关节镜下重建9例膝关节后交叉韧带断裂患者.男8例,女1例;年龄23～49岁.左膝3例,右膝6例.致伤原因:运动扭伤5例,摔伤1例,车祸伤3例.伤后至手术时间6～20 d,平均13.6 d.合并内侧半月板损伤2例,外侧半月板损伤1例.X线片示胫骨平台无撕脱骨折.术前Lysholm膝关节功能评分为40～55分,平均50分:按国际膝关节评分委员会(international kneedocumentation commime,IKDC)评分C级1例,D级8例:反Lachman试验( )l例,( )6例,( )2例.治疗在关节镜下完成,后交叉韧带胫骨止点、隧道用"定位器"完成;股骨止点、隧道在C臂X线机下完成;骨隧道直径为6 mm,LARS人工韧带直径为7 mm. 结果 本组术后切口均1期愈合,无手术相关并发症发生.所有患者均获随访,随访时间8～16个月,平均10.5个月.术后Lysholm评分70～95分,平均85分;优5例,良3例,可1例,优良率为88%.术后IKDC评分A级7例,B级2例;反Lachman试验均为阴性.无术后感染、韧带自发断裂、松动等并发症发生. 结论 运用LARS人工韧带重建膝后交叉韧带可达到解剖重建,有效恢复膝关节稳定性;且关节镜下手术创伤小、康复快、疗效好.     

关节镜下LARS人工韧带及4股半腱肌肌腱重建前交叉韧带

目的评价LARS人工韧带和自体4股半腱肌肌腱关节镜下重建膝前交叉韧带（ACL）的临床疗效。方法对28例膝ACL断裂患者行关节镜下ACL重建术,根据重建材料的来源分为LARS人工韧带组（13例）和自体4股半腱肌肌腱组（15例）。采用ACL解剖等长重建技术建立胫骨、股骨骨道。并对两组的关节稳定性和Lysholm膝关节功能评分进行对比研究。结果术后膝关节稳定性LARS人工韧带组优于4股半腱肌肌腱组（P〈0.05）。移植后两组Lyshrolm膝关节功能评分较移植前提高（P〈0.05）。术后6个月LARS人工韧带组Lysholm评分（90.4分±5.3分）高于4股半腱肌肌腱组（81.2分±4.7分）（P〈0.05）。结论在关节镜下重建ACL术中,LARS人工韧带可作为自体材料的良好替代物。     

关节镜下解剖等长重建技术在LARS韧带重建前交叉韧带中的应用

目的 探讨前交叉韧带(ACL)解剖等长重建技术在关节镜下LARS韧带重建前交叉韧带术中应用的可行性及近期疗效.方法 用LARS人工韧带对8例前交叉韧带损伤行关节镜下ACL重建术.采用前交叉韧带解剖等长重建技术钻胫骨、股骨骨道,将LARS韧带拉入骨道,韧带游离部分位于关节腔内,拉紧后2枚界面螺钉固定韧带.结果 手术时间30～80 min,平均56 min.术后无滑膜炎、韧带断裂、活动明显受限等并发症.8例均随访2～6个月,平均4个月.根据Lysholm膝关节功能评分,术前评分为22～65分(40.25±17.07)分;术后评分为80～93分(88.75±4.06)分(t=8.083,P＜0.01).结论 前交叉韧带解剖等长重建技术在关节镜下LARS韧带重建前交叉韧带术中操作简便,效果可靠,值得推广.     

LARS韧带在超常体重人群前交叉韧带重建中的应用

目的 观察LARS人工韧带在超常体重人群前交叉韧带(ACL)重建的近期疗效.方法 LARS人工韧带行ACL重建11例,均在关节镜下完成.结果 本组随访13～18个月,术前前抽屉试验(+++),轴移试验阳性,Lysholm评分(58.08±7.44)分.术后前抽屉试验、轴移试验(一),Lysholm评分(89.47±8.70)分.结论 LARS人工韧带具有良好的生物力学性能,用于超常体重人群重建ACL近期疗效满意,提示LARS在治疗该类患者ACL损伤中可能具有一定的优势.     

三种不同移植物重建前交叉韧带的疗效分析

目的 观察及比较关节镜下自体四股半腱肌肌腱、深低温同种异体骨-腱-骨(B-PT-B)复合体、LARS人工韧带重建膝前交叉韧带(ACL)的临床疗效.方法 对55例膝ACL断裂患者行关节镜下ACL重建术,根据重建ACL的材料来源分为自体四股半腱肌肌腱组(20例)、深低温同种异体B-PT-B复合体组(20例)、LABS人工韧带组(15例),并对3组在股四头肌肌力、关节稳定性、Lysholm膝关节功能评分等方面进行对比研究.结果 术后3个月股四头肌肌力恢复情况:LARS人工韧带组较自体组、异体组恢复快,而自体组与异体组无明显差异;术后3个月膝关节稳定性:LARS人工韧带组较自体组、异体组好,自体组与异体组无明显差异,Lysholm评分:自体组(86.3±4.1)分与异体组(88.6±3.8)分无明显差异,但LARS人工韧带组(95.4±4.2)分明显高于前2组(P＜0.05).术后12个月,3组股四头肌肌力恢复情况、膝关节稳定性、功能评分差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 关节镜下同种异体韧带、LAPS人工韧带重建膝ACL疗效满意,可作为自体材料的良好替代物,但患者所承担费用较高;LARS人工韧带可在术后早期进行膝关节功能活动.     

自体韧带混合人工LARS韧带重建后交叉韧带的疗效观察

目的探讨自体韧带混合人工LARS韧带治疗后交叉韧带断裂的临床疗效。方法自2011-09—2013-04采用人工韧带及自体韧带(半腱肌、股薄肌)混合重建后交叉韧带治疗72例单纯后交叉韧带损伤。结果 72例均获得随访21~38个月,平均26个月。所有患者膝关节活动度良好,术后疼痛感明显好转。查体见胫骨台阶感恢复,后抽屉试验阴性,稳定性良好。术后复查骨隧道及内固定物情况,未见关节退变及胫骨后沉。Lysholm评分术前(53.4±6.73)分,末次随访(92.1±5.91)分;IKDC术前评分(48.32±7.52)分,术后(91.7±5.67)分,手术前后Lysholm评分(t=36.66,P0.05)、IKDC评分(t=39.08,P0.05)比较差异有统计学意义。结论采用自体肌腱结合LARS韧带重建膝关节后交叉韧带近期效果及中期效果满意,为治疗后交叉韧带断裂提供新的治疗选择。     

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.