前侧入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨干下段骨折

目的探讨前侧入路双钢板内固定治疗肱骨干下段骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2013-09—2018-02采用前侧入路双钢板固定治疗的21例肱骨干下段骨折,术中作上臂下段前侧切口,骨折复位后于肱骨下段置入2块钢板固定。结果 21例均顺利完成手术,随访时间平均19.6(12～37)个月。未出现感染、桡神经损伤、内固定物松动、骨折端再移位、骨折不愈合等并发症。1例出现皮下积液,加强换药后切口愈合。骨折愈合时间11～18周,平均14.3周。末次随访时21例肘关节屈曲肌力均为Ⅴ级;肘关节伸直范围0°～7°,平均2.39°;最大屈曲范围127°～139°,平均133.13°;Neer肩关节功能评分85～100分,平均93.63分;Mayo肘关节功能评分80～100分,平均92.04分。结论采用前侧入路双钢板内固定术治疗肱骨干下段骨折可以提供足够的固定强度,防止内固定失效,有利于骨折端愈合,降低医源性桡神经损伤的发生率。     

前置钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的可行性研究

目的 评价采用微创前置钢板固定技术治疗肱骨干中下段骨折对桡神经、肌皮神经和肱二头肌功能的影响.方法 2004年5月至2007年12月,采用闭合复位、经上臂前侧远离骨折部位的小切口微创钢板固定技术(MIPO)置入4.5 mm窄动力加压钢板治疗20例肱骨十中、下段闭合性骨折患者.观察术后桡神经功能、肌皮神经功能、前后何肱骨干力线、骨折愈合时间和最后一次随访时肱二头肌肌力.结果 4例患者术后出现前臂外侧皮神经支配区麻小,无医源性桡神经麻痹患者.肱骨干前后位X线片示骨折远、近端0°成角7例,2例内翻成角达11°,内翻成角2°、3°、4°、5°、6°、7°和10°各1例.外翻成角3°,4°、6°和7°各1例.19例患者得到平均10.4个月(8～32个月)随访,骨折均获得愈合,平均骨折愈合时间13.4周(4～32用).伞部患者肱三头肌肌力均为5级.结论 采用前置钢板微创固定技术治疗肱骨巾、下骨折不会损伤桡神经和肱二头肌,但可能会干扰前臂外侧皮神经的功能.     

肱骨近端锁定钢板治疗成人肱骨近端骨折的疗效分析

目的 探讨肱骨近端锁定钢板治疗肱骨近端骨折的临床疗效. 方法 采用肱骨近端锁定钢板治疗53例肱骨近端骨折.测量术后前后位平片患肢肱骨颈干角,内翻复位、即颈干角＜125°为A组,颈干角≥125°为B组.随访时评估记录患者肩关节功能-Constant评分、疼痛评分、并发症以及测量患侧肱骨颈干角的变化. 结果 本组患者获得6～36个月随访（平均16.2个月）.末次随访时,Constant评分均分76分、优良率71.7％,VAS疼痛评分均分2.2.A组10例患者、B组43例患者,Constant评分B组优于A组（78±14.6分vs 67±11.7分,P＜0.05）,术后肱骨头内翻角度前者明显大于后者（P＜0.05）. 结论 采用肱骨近端锁定钢板治疗成人肱骨近端骨折取得满意疗效.术中解剖复位、恢复良好的肱骨颈干角,是内固定稳定、预防术后肱骨头内翻及术后取得良好临床疗效的关键.     

外固定器加小夹板外固定治疗肱骨干骨折

目的:探讨外固定器加小夹板外固定治疗肱骨干骨折的疗效。方法:以单臂外固定器加小夹板外固定治疗肱骨干斜形、螺旋形、粉碎性及多节骨折36例。其中,男25例,女11例;年龄为14~82岁,平均34·4岁。按AO/ASIF分类:A2型11例,B型19例,C型6例。观察骨折临床愈合时间及手术后并发症。以“Constant肩关节评分法”评价肩关节功能,以“关节活动范围测量”评价肘关节功能。结果:随访7~15个月,平均9·3个月。所有骨折均达功能复位或解剖复位,术后平均12周(9~25周)达临床愈合。术后平均7周(4~13周)拆除小夹板,术后平均12周(9~25周)拆除外固定器。最后随访时Constant肩关节评分平均为96分(89~100分),而肘关节功能不受影响。无并发症发生。结论:该疗法用于治疗不稳定性肱骨干骨折具有简便易行、创伤少、固定牢、费用低等优点。两种固定方法同时使用可以取长补短,提高疗效,值得推广。     

成人肱骨近端骨折锁定钢板固定术中重建肱骨颈干角的临床意义

 目的 测量肱骨颈干角的正常值,探讨成人肱骨近端骨折锁定钢板固定术中重建肱骨颈干角的临床意义。方法 测量382名正常成人的肱骨颈干角。回顾性分析2006年6月至2011年2月采用锁定钢板治疗的128例肱骨近端骨折患者的病历资料。测量术后患侧肱骨颈干角,并以测得的正常成人肱骨颈干角双侧95%参考值范围作为参考值,将患者分为内翻复位组(颈干角双侧95%参考值范围上限)。随访指标包括患侧肱骨颈干角的变化、肩关节Constant评分、疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analog scale,VAS)及并发症等。结果　国人肱骨颈干角的正常值为136.1°±4.5°,双侧95%参考值范围127.2°～144.9°。所有患者获得6～32个月的随访,平均13.8个月。内翻复位组29例、正常重建组90例、外翻复位组9例。末次随访,Constant评分分别平均为70.3分、77.2分和73.2分, VAS评分分别平均为2.8分、1.8分和2.1分,肱骨头内翻角度分别平均为4.2°、1.6°和3.1°,并发症发生率分别为34.5%、14.4%和22.2%。正常重建组在功能恢复、VAS评分、术后肱骨头内翻情况及并发症发生率等方面均优于内翻复位组。结论　术中重建良好的肱骨颈干角是内固定稳定、预防术后肱骨头内翻、内固定失败和取得良好临床疗效的关键。肱骨头内翻复位易导致肱骨头进行性内翻及其相关并发症。     

应用MIPPO技术经前侧入路治疗肱骨干中下段骨折

目的探讨应用微创经皮钢板内固定(minimally invasive percutaneous plate Osteosynthesis,MIPPO)技术经前侧手术入路结合食指协助复位治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的临床疗效。方法自2017年4月至2019年1月本院采用MIPPO技术治疗肱骨干中段骨折患者24例。其中男15例,女9例;年龄21～71岁,平均44.6岁。根据AO/ASIF骨折分型:12-A型3例,12-B型12例,12-C型9例。均为闭合性骨折,无桡神经损伤。所有患者均经前侧手术入路,行骨折远、近端前方小切口,食指协助复位,于肱骨前方表面放置10～12孔锁定加压钢板(locking compression plate,LCP)桥接固定,记录手术时间、术中失血量、术后近期并发症、骨折愈合时间、肩关节及肘关节活动范围。采用上肢功能评定表(DASH)评价上肢功能恢复情况。结果 24例患者均获得随访,时间8～18个月,平均14.5个月。手术时间70～145分钟,平均85.5分钟。骨折愈合时间10～22周,平均14.5周。1例出现桡神经损伤,对症治疗1个月后腕关节功能完全恢复。无其他严重并发症发生。末次随访时肘关节屈曲135°～150°(平均144°),伸直0°～5°(平均3°);肩关节前屈135°～165°(平均158°),后伸20°～40度(平均35°),外展均能达到90°,上举150°～170°(平均162°)。DASH评分4～29分(平均11.4分)。结论应用MIPPO技术经前侧入路结合食指协助复位治疗肱骨干中下段骨折具有入路安全、创伤小、骨折断端血运影响小、愈合快、手术操作方便、并发症少和肩肘关节功能恢复好的特点,临床疗效好,值得推广。     

Multiloc髓内钉内固定治疗Neer二、三部分肱骨近端骨折的疗效分析

目的探讨Multiloc髓内钉内固定治疗Neer二、三部分肱骨近端骨折的早期临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2016-08—2017-02采用Multiloc髓内钉内固定治疗的13例Neer二、三部分肱骨近端骨折。比较术后1、6个月疼痛VAS评分、肩关节功能Constant评分、前屈上举活动度、主动体侧外旋活动度及肱骨颈干角。结果 13例均获得随访,随访时间平均8.7(6~14)个月。末次随访时骨折均获得骨性愈合,骨性愈合时间平均15.7(12~20)周。随访期间未出现内固定物断裂、肩峰下撞击、肱骨头缺血性坏死、内翻畸形愈合和螺钉切出等并发症。术后6个月时疼痛VAS评分、肩关节功能Constant评分、前屈上举活动度、主动体侧外旋活动度较术后1个月时明显改善,但出现肱骨颈干角丢失,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月肩关节功能Constant评分:优2例,良9例,可2例。结论 Multiloc髓内钉内固定治疗Neer二、三部分肱骨近端骨折在骨折愈合、肩关节功能恢复和减少并发症方面可取得满意的效果,但是髓内钉手术操作难度大,学习曲线长,术者应熟练掌握髓内钉操作指南。     

锁定加压钢板微创固定治疗肱骨干骨折的初步报告

目的探讨锁定加压钢板(LCP)经肱骨前侧入路微创穿皮固定治疗肱骨干骨折的方法及疗效。方法2004年2月-2005年1月间,使用LCP经肱骨前侧入路微创穿皮固定治疗肱骨干骨折17例,男12例,女5例;年龄18-75岁(平均48岁)。根据AO分型:A型3例,B型10例,C型4例。结果经14-25个月(平均19．1个月)随访,17例患者全部愈合。骨折愈合时间为9-14周(平均11．3周)。末次随访时,肩关节前屈135°-180°(平均174°),后伸20°-40°(平均38°),外展70°-90°(平均87°);肘关节前屈115°-135°(平均133°),后伸-10°-0°(平均-1°);手臂肩残疾问卷表(DASH)评分6-44分(平均11分)。术后3例出现并发症:1例GustiloⅢB型开放性骨折发生浅表感染,经保守治疗后痊愈;1例术后出现一过性桡神经麻痹,3个月后症状完全消退;另有1例出现明显的肩肘关节功能障碍。无继发骨折移位及内固定物失效或断裂。结论LCP经肱骨前侧入路微创穿皮固定治疗肱骨干骨折可以提供稳定的固定,骨折愈合率较高,神经血管结构相对安全;更适合于粉碎性或骨质较差的肱骨干骨折。     

闭合复位微创钢板与切开复位钢板内固定治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的比较研究

目的 比较传统切开复位钢板内固定(open reduction and plating osteosynthesis,ORPO)和闭合复位微创钢板内固定(minimal invasive plating osteosynthesis,MIPO)治疗肱骨干中下段骨折的临床效果.方法 2004年3月-2006年10月,分别采用MIPO和ORPO技术治疗40例肱骨干中、下段闭合骨折患者.MIPO组19例,男14例,女5例;年龄19～60岁,平均39.05岁.肱骨干中段骨折10例,下段骨折9例.根据OTA分型:A型3例,B型13例,C型3例.合并桡神经麻痹4例.ORPO组21例,男13例,女8例:年龄24～62岁,平均39.05岁.肱骨干中段骨折13例,下段骨折8例.根据OTA分型:A型14例,B型7例.合并桡神经麻痹5例.两组受伤至手术时间2～14 d.MIPO组行闭合复位,经上臂前侧远离骨折部位小切口肌下插入钢板,置肱骨干前侧固定,不显露桡神经.ORPO组经上臂前外侧或后侧入路,显露桡神经并加以保护,后显露骨折端并复位,钢板置肱骨干前外或后侧固定.采用肩关节UCLA评分及肘关节Mayo评分标准评价疗效.结果 术后患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合.MIPO组无医源性桡神经麻痹患者出现;ORPO组有5例出现一过性桡神经麻痹,至最后一次随访时桡神经功能全部恢复.MIPO组18例获随访,随访时间14～44个月,平均25.44个月;ORPO组19例获随访,随访时间13～48个月,平均32.11个月.骨折愈合时间MIPO组12～32周,平均17.06周;ORPO组8～58周,平均16.11周;比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).两组患者均无骨不连、内固定断裂发生.肩关节前屈活动度:MIPO组150～170°,平均166.94°;ORPO组130～170°,平均164.74°.肩关节UCLA评分:MIPO组33～35分,平均34.78分;ORPO组30～35分,平均34.42分.肘关节活动度:MIPO组120～140°,平均133.33°;ORPO组120～140°,平均136.7°.肘关节Mayo评分:MIPO组90～100分,平均99.44分;ORPO组95～100分,平均99.74分.以上各指标两组比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 ORPO与MIPO技术治疗肱骨干中下段骨折均可获得良好效果,但MIPO技术具有无需显露桡神经、不会造成医源性桡神经麻痹的优点.     

肱骨近端锁定钢板内固定治疗成人4部分肱骨近端骨折的疗效分析

目的探讨国产肱骨近端锁定钢板系统(LPHP)内固定治疗成人4部分肱骨近端骨折的临床效果。方法回顾性分析采用LPHP内固定治疗的21例4部分肱骨近端骨折。结果所有患者术后获平均12.2个月(7~24个月)的随访,均获骨性愈合,无感染、神经和血管损伤等并发症。末次随访时Constant-Murley评分平均为76.2分,优良率为71.2%;平均DASH问卷调查评分为18.4分(15~26分)。患肩活动度:外展平均140°,前屈平均135°。结论采用国产LPHP内固定治疗成人4部分肱骨近端骨折可取得满意疗效。     

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.     

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.     

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.