胸椎管狭窄症术后疗效与脊髓MRI T2WI高信号的关系

影响胸椎管狭窄症术后疗效的因素主要包括患者年龄、病程长短、是否有大小便失禁、髌阵挛或者踝阵挛是否阳性、JOA评分、脊髓受压时间、压迫程度和范围、手术方式以及是否合并腰椎和颈椎疾病等,其中目前较为公认的主要是病程长短和JOA评分,对MRI T2WI上胸脊髓高信号（intramedullary increased signal intensity,ISI）的认识仍然较少。     

下胸椎椎管狭窄症的临床和治疗特点

目的探讨下胸椎椎管狭窄症的发病机制、病理、临床表现及治疗的特点。方法回顾性分析自1986年6月至2005年9月收治的37例下胸椎椎管狭窄症患者,其中韧带骨化29例:16例黄韧带骨化(ossification of ligamentum flavum,OLF)、13例后纵韧带骨化(ossification of posterior longitudi-nalligament,OPLL);椎间盘突出症8例(Scheuermann病或非典型Scheuermann病);病变部位:T10,11间隙12例,T11,12间隙14例,T12L1间隙11例。观察病变节段和临床神经定位体征间的关系,评价并总结其病理特征和术后神经功能恢复情况。手术采用后路减压或经肋横突入路减压治疗,严格遵循"安全手术原则"。结果下胸椎T10,11、T11,12、T12L1病变间隙导致相应脊髓节段和神经功能不同程度的障碍,神经定位检查具有特异性:T12L1椎间病变患者不出现跟腱反射或膝反射亢进,无髌阵挛或踝阵挛,可出现Babinski征;T11,12椎间病变不出现膝反射亢进或髌阵挛,可出现跟腱反射亢进或踝阵挛及Babinski征阳性,而在T10,11椎间病变上述体征均可能出现。21例患者获完全随访,根据改良JOA评分标准,21例效果均为优良。结论下胸椎椎管狭窄症的病因多是韧带骨化或椎间盘硬突出,引起"一元化"脊髓病变,不同间隙病变有特异性表现,多数采用后路减压术可解除压迫,但应注意安全手术原则。     

外伤性颈椎间盘突出型脊髓损伤的手术治疗

目的评价外伤性颈椎间盘突出型脊髓损伤手术治疗的效果.方法回顾分析48例外伤性颈椎间盘突出型脊髓损伤患者的临床资料,术前Frankel分级A级2例,B级16例,C级20例,D级10例;JOA评分平均5.5±3.5分.均采用颈椎前路椎间盘切除、椎体间植骨、钛板内固定术,依据术前、术后Frailkel分级情况及JOA评分改善率评价治疗效果.结果术后除1例Frankel分级B级患者无恢复外,其余患者恢复l一4个等级.随访4～36个月.平均18个月.术后2个月时JOA评分为12.2±3.2分,改善率为59.9%±17.8%;末次随访时JOA评分为14.4±3.6分.改善率为68.0%±17.0%.随访中未见内置物松动、脱落或断裂等并发症发生,固定节段均获得骨性融合.结论应用颈椎前路椎间盘切除、椎体间植骨、钛板内固定术治疗外伤性颈椎间盘突出型脊髓损伤可获得较理想的脊髓功能恢复效果.     

经根黄通道八边形游离整块切除胸椎上关节突及骨化黄韧带

目的:探讨经根黄通道应用八边形游离整块切除胸椎上关节突及骨化黄韧带法治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化合并脊髓病的疗效.方法:2002年1月～2007年1月共收治胸椎黄韧带骨化合并脊髓病患者90例,男58例,女32例:年龄32～79岁.平均54.2岁.患者术前主要存在感觉障碍和下肢疼痛、麻木83例,束带感69例,括约肌功能障碍53例.以CT仿真内窥镜及三维同步定位像观察椎管内的骨化黄韧带及其毗邻关系结构.采用经根黄通道八边形游离整块切除胸椎上关节突及骨化黄韧带.用JOA括约肌功能评分和下肢运动功能评分以及运动功能恢复率评估疗效.结果:CT三维重建下,90例患者均见根黄通道的存在.手术均取得成功,手术时间2.7±0.8h,出血量260±120ml.85例术后症状立即缓解,无术后加重期.5例发生脑脊液漏,经对症处理后痊愈.病例随访13～38个月,平均23.2个月.83例感觉障碍及下肢麻木疼痛者完全恢复66例,部分恢复17例.69例束带感者恢复67例.术后括约肌功能JOA评分为2.55±0.34分,与术前(2.27±0.54分)比较差异有显著性(P<0.01):术后运动JOA评分为3.68±0.43分,与术前(1.53±0.86分)比较差异有显著性(P<.01).恢复率平均为86.48%.疗效优良率为95.56%.结论:经根黄通道八边形游离整块切除胸椎上关节突及骨化黄韧带减压充分、相对安全和简便.     

改良整块半关节突椎板切除术治疗胸椎管狭窄症

目的 探讨改良整块半关节突椎板切除术治疗胸椎管狭窄症的疗效.方法 回顾性总结2001年8月至2007年8月采用改良整块半关节突椎板切除术减压治疗23例胸椎管狭窄症患者的资料.采用日本整形外科协会(JOA)胸脊髓病评分法评定术前术后脊髓功能情况,评价治疗效果.结果 23例患者共切除85个节段椎板,平均3.7节.术中出现硬膜撕裂或缺损7例,经积极处理术后有4例出现脑脊液漏;切口浅表感染1例,经换药愈合.随访时间10～74个月,平均21个月.JOA评分术前平均(4.027±1.838)分,随访时平均(8.347±2.555)分,术前和随访时比较差异有统计学意义(t=19.431,19=0.000＜0.01),其中优8例,良9例,改善4例,无变化2例,优良率为73.9%(17/23),总有效率为91.3%(21/23).结论 改良整块半关节突椎板切除术治疗胸椎管狭窄症具有安全快速、减压彻底等优点,疗效肯定.     

胸椎管狭窄症患者硬膜外粘连的处理对策

目的:探讨胸椎管狭窄症患者硬膜外粘连的处理方法.方法:2000年8月～2008年2月我院共收治胸椎管狭窄症患者48例,其中经手术证实有硬膜外粘连者35例,男性32例,女性3例,年龄40～72岁,平均58.6岁.病变累及上胸段5例,中胸段6例,下胸段24例;胸椎黄韧带肥厚、骨化26例,单纯后纵韧带骨化2例,椎板增生骨赘内突1例,单发或多发性胸椎间盘突出14例.术前JOA评分-1～23分.均采用后路椎板切除减压术治疗,对存在的硬膜外粘连采用锐性剥离、椎板蚕食、漂浮组织去薄、部分硬膜切除修补等方法处理.术后根据JOA评分改善率判定治疗效果.结果:平均手术时间为160min,平均出血量为400ml.12例术中硬膜损伤者均行硬膜修补并于硬膜外腔放置引流管,2d后均拔管.术后无1例神经症状加重,未发生神经系统并发症或蛛网膜下腔感染.术后6个月随访时JOA评分7～29分,改善率平均为73.4%±26.3%,治疗效果优22例,良5例,有效7例.无效1例,无加重病例,优良率为77%(27/35),总有效率为97.1%(34/35).结论:对胸椎管狭窄症患者存在的硬膜外粘连采用锐性剥离、椎板蚕食、漂浮组织去薄、部分硬膜切除修补等方法处理可减少神经损伤及术后脑脊液漏的发生.     

胸椎管狭窄症的术式选择

目的 探讨胸椎管狭窄症的手术方式.方法 回顾分析1992年8月～2008年4月期间治疗的胸椎管狭窄症患者124例,使用传统椎板切除减压32例,前方经胸减压植骨内固定2例,后方加侧前方减压3例,多椎板整块切除法减压87例.采用日本矫形外科协会(JOA)胸脊髓病评分法,术前评分为(4.31±1.85)分.结果 随访时间12～138个月,平均30个月,随访时JOA评分为(9.15±1.97)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=30.125,P=0.000),其中优49例,良52例,改善15例,无变化4例,加重4例,优良率为81.45%(101/124),总有效率为93.55%(116/124).并发症:术中有硬膜撕裂或缺损的12例患者,均给予仔细修复,再加严密缝合切口各层组织,术后未形成脑脊液漏;皮肤浅表感染3例,经换药愈合.随访临床和X线片均未见胸椎不稳定表现.结论 胸椎管狭窄症的后路减压效果满意,多椎板整块切除法具有减压彻底、操作安全和疗效肯定等优点,前路减压植骨内固定只适用于局限型OPLL和胸椎间盘突出症.     

超声骨刀辅助下"揭盖式"椎管后壁整块切除治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化症

目的探讨超声骨刀辅助下"揭盖式"椎管后壁整块切除治疗胸椎黄韧带骨化症(OLF)的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年6月—2017年3月治疗的38例OLF患者的临床资料。根据手术方法分为2组,观察组(21例)行超声骨刀辅助下"揭盖式"椎管后壁整块切除术,对照组(17例)行高速电动磨钻辅助下椎管后壁切除术。记录2组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术前及术后JOA评分,观察是否存在脑脊液漏、神经根及脊髓损伤等并发症以评价临床疗效。结果所有手术均顺利完成,患者随访918(13.6±3.2)个月。观察组手术时间及术中出血量少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05);2组患者术后1周及末次随访时日本骨科学会(JOA)评分均较术前改善,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05),但术前、术后1周及末次随访时JOA评分在组间比较差异无统计学意义(P 0.05);术中未发现神经根或脊髓损伤,观察组3例及对照组2例患者术后出现脑脊液漏,经非手术治疗后痊愈。所有患者未出现术后神经损伤症状加重等情况。术后复查CT确认手术节段脊髓均获得充分减压。结论超声骨刀辅助下"揭盖式"椎管后壁整块切除治疗OLF与高速电动磨钻辅助下椎管后壁切除术疗效相当,且能减少手术时间、降低出血量。     

Bryan颈椎间盘假体置换治疗硬膜外型颈椎间盘突出症

目的探讨Bryan人工颈椎间盘置换应用于硬膜外型颈椎间盘突出症的手术技巧并评价其近期临床疗效。方法2005年2月~2005年12月,对5例硬膜外型颈椎间盘突出症患者实施前路减压 Bryan颈椎间盘假体置换术。术前摄颈椎正、侧位和动力位X线片,颈椎CT、MRI并进行颈椎病JOA评分。术后1周复查颈椎X线片以了解假体位置及其活动功能情况;复查颈椎MRI,了解颈段脊髓减压情况。本组病例均获随访3~13个月(平均7个月),分别于术后6周、3个月重新进行JOA评分。结果本组患者均完成单节段椎间盘置换,术后无神经、血管损伤等并发症发生;颈椎MRI示所有患者颈脊髓减压彻底,术后临床症状均显著改善;术后6周及3个月的JOA评分较术前有明显提高。至最后一次随访复查,手术节段活动度无明显丢失,假体均无偏移、下沉等。结论对硬膜外型颈椎间盘突出症行Bryan颈椎间盘假体置换术时,在满足假体骨床的前提下,仍可获得充分的颈脊髓减压。     

胸椎黄韧带骨化合并硬脊膜骨化的手术策略

目的介绍黄韧带骨化合并硬脊膜骨化的手术策略并讨论手术的可行性。方法 2006年6月-2009年12月收治黄韧带骨化致胸椎管狭窄患者98例,其中18例经手术证实合并硬脊膜骨化。男11例,女7例;年龄46～73岁,平均58岁。病程5～48个月,平均20个月。所有患者均由于症状加重选择后路减压术,通过根黄通道八边形游离整块切除胸椎上关节突及骨化黄韧带和硬脊膜。手术前后采用日本骨科协会(JOA)评分、改良Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)和Cobb角测量进行疗效评价。结果术后患者初始症状均明显缓解。术后18例均出现暂时性脑脊液漏,保守治疗8～10 d后脑脊液漏停止。患者伤口均Ⅰ期愈合,无神经症状加重、蛛网膜下腔感染、伤口感染、窦道形成等并发症发生。18例均获随访,随访时间20～60个月,平均49个月。末次随访时无脊髓压迫复发、神经症状加重等。术后1、12个月患者JOA评分及ODI值均较术前明显改善(P<0.05);术后12个月JOA评分及疗效、ODI值均较术后1个月明显改善(P<0.05)。术后12个月患者Cobb角(8.0±1.2)°与术前(6.7±1.6)°比较差异有统计学意义(t=4.000,P=0.001)。术后2个月MRI水平位、矢状位和脂肪抑制像上显示受压节段脊髓膨起良好。结论根黄通道八边形游离整块切除胸椎上关节突及骨化黄韧带和硬脊膜的手术方法,对于治疗继发于黄韧带骨化和硬脊膜骨化的胸椎管狭窄安全可靠,无修补的方法对于硬脊膜缺损的处理也有效。     

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.     

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.