桃红四物汤联合低分子肝素预防骨科术后深静脉血栓 Meta分析

目的:系统评价桃红四物汤联合低分子肝素预防骨科术后深静脉血栓形成(DVT)的疗效及安全性。方法:全面检索 Cochrane Library、EMbase、PubMed、JAMA、CNKI、维普和万方数据库中收录的桃红四物汤联合低分子肝素预防骨科术后 DVT的随机对照研究(RCT),检索时限从建库— 2020年 6月。有两位研究者独立筛选文献、资料提取和质量评价后,采用 RevMan5.4软件进行 Meta分析。结果:共纳入 14项 RCTs,入选 1150例患者。 Meta分析结果显示,与低分子肝素组相比,联合组显著降低了 DVT发生率 [RR=0.32,95% CI(0.20,0.51),P<0.00001];联合组的视觉模拟评分法(VAS)疼痛评分 [MD=-1.20,95%CI(-1.39,-1.02),P<0.00001]、术后伤口引流量 [MD=-35.86,95%CI(-41.81, -29.90),P<0.00001]、血小板计数(PLT)[MD=-9.49,95%CI(-13.33,-5.66),P<0.00001]、红细胞计数(RBC)[MD=0.29, 95%CI(0.23,0.36),P<0.00001]、活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)[MD=1.94,95%CI(1.33,2.55),P<0.00001]、血红蛋白(HGB)[MD=4.70,95%CI(3.25,6.15),P<0.00001]、D-二聚体 [MD=-0.06,95%CI(-0.07,-0.06), P<0.00001]以及 C反应蛋白(CRP)[MD=-1.63,95%CI(-1.94,-1.32),P<0.00001]显著优于对照组;凝血酶原时间(PT)在两组比较中无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:桃红四物汤联合低分子肝素预防骨科术后 DVT疗效优于单用低分子肝素,且减少术后下肢深静脉血栓的形成。     

中药益气养阴疗法治疗肠梗阻的Meta分析

目的:采用Meta分析方法评价中药益气养阴疗法治疗肠梗阻(IO)的有效性。方法:计算机检索Pubmed、Embase、Cochrane Library、CNKI、VIP、万方及CBM等数据库,检索时限为建库至2021年3月,2名评价者独立筛选文献、提取资料和评价纳入研究偏倚后,采用RevMan5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果:最终纳入20项随机对照试验(RCT)研究,总病例数1 583例。分析结果显示,中药益气养阴疗法治疗肠梗阻在提高总有效率[OR=4.73, 95%CI=(3.35,6.70), P＜0.001]、缩短肛门恢复排气时间[MD=-1.36, 95%CI=(-1.76,-0.96), P＜0.001]、恢复排便时间[MD=-1.13, 95%CI=(-1.71,-0.55), P＜0.001]、腹痛腹胀缓解时间[MD=-1.38, 95%CI=(-1.67,-1.09), P＜0.001]方面均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义。结论:中药益气养阴疗法治疗肠梗阻疗效优于西医常规内科治疗,各样本数值存在发表偏倚可能性较小,循证医学证据较充分,但因纳入研究总体质量不高,需高质量RCT进一步验证。     

腹腔镜手术与开腹手术治疗直肠癌短期临床疗效的meta分析

目的:通过meta分析评估比较腹腔镜手术(laparoscopic surgery,LS)与开腹手术(open surgery,OS)治疗直肠癌的短期临床疗效。方法:在Pub Med、Cochrane library等数据库中检索2004年1月至2014年1月发表的有关LS与OS治疗直肠癌短期疗效的随机对照试验(randomized controlled trials,RCTs)文献,使用Rev Man 5.2对数据进行meta分析。结果:共有8篇RCT文献、1 518例病例纳入此次研究,其中腹腔镜组663例,开腹组855例。Meta分析结果显示,与开腹组相比,腹腔镜组手术时间较长[MD=26.41,95%CI=(15.26,37.56),P<0.00001],淋巴结清扫数量稍少,但差异无统计学意义[MD=-0.92,95%CI=(-2.39,0.55),P=0.22],出血量更少[MD=-54.22,95%CI=(-73.71,-34.74),P<0.00001],肠道恢复时间[MD=-1.19,95%CI=(-1.70,-0.68),P<0.00001]、第一次进食时间[MD=-0.95,95%CI=(-1.56,-0.33),P=0.002]、住院时间[MD=-3.62,95%CI=(-4.96,-2.28),P<0.00001]均较短,并发症发生率也较低[RR=0.76,95%CI=(0.63,0.91),P=0.003],其余指标均较好。结论:LS治疗直肠肿瘤短期疗效优于OS,手术安全、可行。     

清热凉血法治疗脑卒中后应激性溃疡的Meta分析

目的 对国内外已发表的有关中医清热凉血法治疗脑卒中后应激性溃疡的临床疗效及优势进行 Meta分析。方法:计算机检索中国医学文献数据库、维普数据库、中国期刊全文数据库、万方数据库、PubMed、Cochrane Library数据库,检索时限为建库至2022年11月,由2名评价者独立筛选文献、提取资料和评价纳入研究偏倚后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果:最终纳入10项随机对照试验(RCT)文献,纳入病例总数1 044例,其中观察组488例,对照组566例。Meta分析结果显示:与对照组比较,中医凉血止血法联合常规西医治疗脑卒中后应激性溃疡患者总有效率更高[OR = 3.99,95%CI(2.40,6.63),P < 0.001]、病死率更低[OR = 0.43,95%CI(0.28,0.66),P< 0.001]、止血时间更快[MD = -15.73,95%CI(-19.40,-12.06),P < 0.001]、恢复清醒率更高[OR = 2.59,95%CI(1.58,4.23),P < 0.001]、恢复清醒时间更短[MD = -18.58,95%CI(-28.48,-8.67),P < 0.001]、不良反应发生率更低[OR = 0.19,95%CI(0.08,0.49),P < 0.001]。在治疗后胃液pH值方面,观察组和对照组未见明显差异[MD = 0.77,95% CI(-0.07,1.60),P = 0.07]。结论:清热凉血法联合常规西医治疗可以提高治疗有效率、降低病死率、降低不良反应发生率、缩短止血时间、提高昏迷患者恢复清醒率及缩短恢复清醒时间。但纳入文献质量偏低,尚需更高质量RCT研究进行验证。     

抗菌药物联合血必净治疗急性胆囊炎、胆管炎疗效的Meta 分析

目的:系统评价抗菌药物联合血必净治疗急性胆囊炎、胆管炎的临床疗效。方法:全面检索PubMed、EMbase、Cochrane Library、CNKI、维普和万方数据库中收录的抗菌药物联合血必净治疗急性胆囊炎、胆管炎的随机对照研究(RCT)文献,检索时限为2000 年1 月—2019 年7 月。提取相关资料进行质量评价,采用RevMan 5.3 软件进行Meta 分析。结果:共纳入9 篇RCT 文献,包括702 例患者。与对照组相比,抗菌药物联合血必净治疗能显著提高临床有效率[OR=3.40,95%CI(2.01,5.84),P ＜ 0.0001],显著降低血WBC 水平[MD=–1.63,95% CI(–2.49,–0.77),P =0.0002]、PCT 水平[MD= – 0.24,95% CI(–0.29,–0.19),P ＜ 0.00001] 以及CRP 水平[MD=–2.34,95% CI(–3.16,–1.52),P ＜ 0.001]。结论:抗菌药物联合血必净治疗急性胆囊炎、急性胆管炎疗效优于单用抗菌药物,上述结论仍需更多高质量的临床研究进一步验证。     

腹腔镜下水分离法治疗卵巢型子宫内膜异位症的系统评价

目的:系统评价腹腔镜下采用水分离法剥离卵巢型子宫内膜异位症与普通机械剥离法对卵巢功能的保护作用。方法:计算机检索中国知网、万方、维普、Embase、PubMed、Web of Science六个数据库中关于腹腔镜下水分离法治疗卵巢型子宫内膜异位症的随机对照试验,检索时限均为建库至2021年8月。由两位研究员独立筛选文献、提取基本资料,并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险。采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果:最终纳入16项研究、1 393例患者。Meta分析结果显示,水分离法较直接剥离法手术时间短[MD=-17.32,95%CI(-30.15,-4.49),P=0.008]、术中出血少[MD=-32.55,95%CI(-42.22,-22.87),P<0.00001]、剥离的囊肿组织中卵巢组织[RR=0.38,95%CI(0.26,0.56),P<0.0001]与卵泡数量[MD=-3.31,95%CI(-4.56,-2.06),P<0.00001]少,术后6个月抗苗勒管激素[MD=0.61,95%CI(0.29,0.93),P=0.0002]与卵巢窦卵泡数量[MD=...     

手术干预与传统方法治疗多发性肋骨骨折随机对照研究的系统评价与Meta分析

目的对手术和传统方法治疗多发性肋骨骨折进行系统评价,对比其疗效。方法计算机检索中国期刊全文数据库(CNKI)、万方数据库(Wanfang)、维普期刊数据库(VIP)、PubMed、OVID、EMbase、The Cochrane Library、Thieme及Springer Link数据库。收集有关手术和传统方法治疗多发性肋骨骨折的随机对照研究(RCT),检索时限为各数据库建库至2019年7月。对文献进行筛选、质量评价及数据提取。Meta分析采用RevMan 5.3软件。结果共纳入文献12篇,患者1039例。其中手术组512例,传统组527例。Meta分析显示:两组在肺部感染发生率[RR=0.41,99%CI(0.29,0.58),P<0.00001]、肺不张发生率[RR=0.24,99%CI(0.06,0.94),P=0.007]、呼吸机支持时间[SMD=-2.64,99%CI(-4.38,-0.91),P<0.0001]、住ICU时间[SMD=-1.33,99%CI(-2.26,-0.40),P=0.0002]、总体住院时间[SMD=-2.25,99%CI(-3.30,-1.19),P<0.00001]、胸壁畸形发生率[RR=0.08,99%CI(0.04,0.17),P<0.00001]等方面差异有统计学意义。在住院死亡率[RR=0.75,99%CI(0.23,2.46),P=0.53]、气管切开率[RR=0.69,99%CI(0.39,1.21),P=0.09]、呼吸机支持率[RR=0.65,99%CI(0.41,1.05),P=0.02]、胸腔引流时间[SMD=-2.58,99%CI(-6.41,1.25),P=0.08]等方面差异无统计学意义。结论手术治疗多发性肋骨骨折能够减少肺部并发症、缩短住院时间、降低胸壁畸形发生率,有利于患者快速康复和改善生活质量。     

快速康复外科理念在机器人辅助前列腺癌根治术中应用的Meta分析

目的:探讨快速康复外科理念(Enhanced recovery after surgery,ERAS)在机器人辅助前列腺癌根治术(Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy,RARP)中应用的有效性和安全性。方法:计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、Web of Science、中国知网(CNKI)、维普、万方和中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM),搜集机器人辅助前列腺癌根治术中应用快速康复外科理念治疗的回顾性队列研究和随机对照试验(Randomized controlled trial,RCT),检索时限均为建库至2021年2月25日,使用RevMan 5.4软件进行Meta分析。结果:纳入6个RCT和5个回顾性研究,共包括1 418例患者,其中671例患者行ERAS方案,747例行常规护理。Meta分析结果显示,ERAS组具有更短的住院时间[MD=-3.49,95%CI(-4.36,-2.62),P<0.00001],更快的首次肠道排气[MD=-12.66,95%CI(-16.30,-9.03),P<0.00001],更早的下床活动时间[MD=-21.06,95%CI(-27.25,-14.87),P<0.00001]及更低的术后并发症发生率[MD=0.45,95%CI(0.32,0.65),P<0.00001]。而在手术时间[MD=-1.83,95%CI(-8.25,4.59),P=0.58]和术中出血[MD=-17.08,95%CI(-41.34,7.18),P=0.17]方面两组之间差异无统计学意义。结论:在机器人辅助前列腺癌根治术中,ERAS方案相比常规护理方案能使患者快速实现肠道功能恢复和更早下床,降低患者术后并发症发生率,最终使患者早日出院,从而使前列腺癌患者从中获益。受纳入研究数量及质量的限制,该结论仍需更多高质量研究予以验证。     

低分子肝素联合激素、环磷酰胺治疗难治性肾病综合征的Meta分析

目的评价低分子肝素联合激素、环磷酰胺治疗难治性肾病综合征(refractory nephrotic syndrome,RNS)的疗效。方法电子检索知网、万方、维普、PubMed、EMbase和Cochrane Library数据库,检索时间均从建库至2018年3月,收集低分子肝素联合激素、环磷酰胺治疗RNS的临床随机对照试验(randomized controlled trials,RCT),根据纳入和排除标准筛选文献、质量评价及数据提取后,采用Revman5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入15篇中文RCT研究,1077例RNS患者,其中试验组542例,对照组535例。Meta分析结果显示,试验组完全缓解率[OR=2.28,95%CI(1.76,2.95),P<0.00001]明显高于对照组,同时实验组24 h尿蛋白定量[MD=-1.14,95%CI(-1.57,-0.72),P<0.00001]、血肌酐[MD=-7.81,95%CI(-8.87,-6.75),P<0.00001]、尿素氮[MD=-1.81,95%CI(-1.88,-1.74),P<0.00001]均明显优于对照组。结论对于我国RNS患者,低分子肝素联合激素、环磷酰胺治疗疗效显著,但仍需要更多高质量的RCT进一步证实。     

3D打印辅助手术与传统手术治疗Pilon骨折疗效比较的荟萃分析

[目的]系统评价3D打印辅助手术和传统手术在治疗Pilon骨折中的疗效。[方法]计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、CNKI、CBM、WanFang等中外数据库,至2018年5月1日。两位作者分别进行文献搜集、筛选、质量评估、数据提取,存在争议时,通过讨论解决。[结果]共5篇RCTs符合纳入标准,包含319例患者,其中158例患者采用3D打印辅助手术,161例行传统手术。Meta分析结果显示:3D打印辅助手术手术时间[MD=-21.72,95%CI (-28.49,-14.95),P0.05]、失血量[MD=-76.17,95%CI (-103.95,-48.40),P0.05]、术后功能恢复[MD=7.59, 95%CI (2.21,12.97),P0.05]、术后疼痛[MD=-0.59,95%CI (-1.18,-0.01), P0.05]、优良率[RR=1.16,95%CI (1.04,1.29),P0.05]、解剖复位率[RR=1.32,95%CI (1.12,1.55),P0.05]明显优于传统手术方式。在骨折愈合时间[MD=-1.06,95%CI (-2.53,0.41),P0.05]和感染率[RR=0.51,95%CI (0.20,1.31),P0.05]方面,两者无显著差别。[结论] Meta分析结果表明3D打印辅助手术手术时间、失血量、术后功能恢复、术后疼痛、优良率及解剖复位率明显优于传统手术方式。对于复杂的Pilon骨折,我们常规推荐使用3D打印辅助手术。     

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.     

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.