雷米芬太尼后处理对心肺转流诱导犬心肌损伤和炎症因子的影响

目的 探讨雷米芬太尼后处理对心肺转流(CPB)诱导犬心肌损伤和炎症因子的影响.方法 健康成年雄性犬12只,随机均分为雷米芬太尼组(R组)和对照组(C组).两组动物经麻醉和开胸后,建立CPB心肌缺血-再灌注模型,阻断升主动脉60 min.R组于主动脉阻断55 min时自主动脉根部随温血灌注液持续输注雷米芬太尼5 min,速度为4μg·kg-1·min-1,灌注液输注速率2 ml·kg-1·min-1持续5 min.C组于相同时点行温血再灌注,灌注液输注速率同R组.分别于CPB前5 min(T0)、阻断升主动脉后30 min(T1)、开放升主动脉后5 min(T2)、停CPB 30 min(T3)和停CPB 2 h(T4)采集股动脉血,检测心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)的浓度和血浆肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、IL-8.记录主动脉开放后心脏自动复跳情况,电镜下观察心肌组织超微结构改变.结果 与T0时比较,两组cTnI、TNF-α在CPB后各时点均明显升高(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),升主动脉开放后各时点IL-6、IL-8均明显升高(P＜0.01).R组升主动脉开放后各时点cTnI、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8均明显低于C组(P＜0.01).R组心肌组织结构损伤程度轻于C组.结论 雷米芬太尼后处理可抑制犬CPB诱导促炎细胞因子的释放,减轻心肌再灌注损伤.     

七氟醚预先给药对心脏瓣膜置换术患者炎性反应的影响

目的 评价七氟醚预先给药对体外循环(CPB)下心脏瓣膜置换术患者炎性反应的影响,探讨其心肌保护作用的机制.方法 择期拟行心脏瓣膜置换术的风湿性心脏病患者20例,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为七氟醚组(S组)和对照组(C组),每组10例.S组于主动脉阻断前吸入七氟醚,呼气末浓度1.0％,维持30 min.于切皮前、主动脉阻断即刻、主动脉开放即刻、主动脉开放后30 min、术后2、6、12、24 h(T1～8)时抽取中心静脉血样,测定血浆肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、IL-8、细胞粘附分子-1(ICAM-1)及肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)的浓度与肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)活性;并记录主动脉开放后心血管活性药物的使用情况.结果 与C组比较,S组T3～8时血浆TNF-α、IL～6、IL8浓度降低,T4～8时血浆ICAM-1及cTnI浓度降低,T8时CK-MB活性降低,心血管活性药物使用率降低(P＜0.05).结论 七氟醚预先给药可抑制炎性反应,对CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌产生一定的保护作用.     

肝素化膜肺和甲基强的松龙预处理对心肺转流后肺损伤的防治作用

目的观察肝素化膜肺和甲基强的松龙预处理对炎性细胞因子的影响和对心肺转流(CPB)后肺损伤的防治作用。方法30例择期行双瓣膜置换的病人,随机均分为三组:肝素化膜肺组(H组)、甲基强的松龙组(M组)和对照组(C组)。术中持续监测ECG、HR、SpO2、MAP、CVP、心输出量(CO);术前、CPB前、主动脉开放前、开放后0·5、1、2、6h采取动脉血测定细胞因子如肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的变化;术前、CPB前、主动脉开放后1·5、2、6h采血测定动脉血气,氧合指数(PaO2/FiO2),同期监测气道压并计算肺的顺应性。结果三组病人在主动脉开放前、开放后0·5、1、2、6h时TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6均较术前显著升高(P<0·05,P<0·01)。主动脉开放前、开放后0·5、1、2、6h时M组TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6均较C组显著降低(P<0·05,P<0·01);主动脉开放后0·5、1hH组TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6较C组明显降低(P<0·05),且M组在开放后各时点TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6较H组降低更明显(P<0·01)。三组开放后各时点较CPB前气道阻力轻度升高,但三组间差异无显著意义。主动脉开放后1·5、2、6h三组病人和术前相比PaO2/FiO2显著降低(P<0·05,P<0·01);与H组、C组相比,M组在主动脉开放后1·5、2、6h时PaO2/FiO2显著增加(P<0·01)。结论CPB可引起以炎性细胞因子升高为特征的全身性炎症反应,产生肺损伤;单纯肝素涂抹膜肺轻度降低细胞因子变化,但对肺功能无明显保护作用;小剂量甲基强的松龙(5mg/kg)可有效抑制细胞因子的升高,促进肺功能的恢复。     

两种氧合器对心肺转流炎症反应的影响

目的动态监测室间隔缺损修补术患者在心肺转流(CPB)各时段血清可溶性细胞间粘附分子(sICAM-1)、可溶性E-选择素(sE-selection)及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的变化规律,并比较西京-90鼓泡式氧合器和希健-Ⅱ膜式氧合器对其的影响。方法选择择期行室间隔缺损修补术的患者30例,随机均分为鼓泡式氧合器组(B组)和膜式氧合器组(M组)。所有患者分别在麻醉后CPB开始前(T1)、主动脉阻断开放前(T2)、CPB结束时(T3)、术后2h(T4)、6h(T5)、24h(T6)及48h(T7)取静脉血5ml用ELISA法测定sICAM-1、sE-selection及TNF-α的浓度。结果两组患者血清中的TNF-α于T2时开始显著升高,T4时达到峰值(P<0·01)。sICAM-1于T5时开始升高,T6时达峰值。sE-selection于T4时开始升高,T5时达峰值(P<0·01)。M组大部分时点TNF-α、sICAM-1、sE-selection的浓度均低于B组。结论希健-Ⅱ膜式氧合器引起的炎症反应较轻。     

前列地尔脂肪乳剂在体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术中对炎症反应的作用

目的探讨前列地尔脂肪乳剂（1iposomalprostaglandinEl,Lipo-P（厄,）在体外循环（CPB）冠状动脉旁路移植术（CAPG-）中对炎症反应的作用。方法选取2006年7月至2008年12月锦州市中心医院32例冠心病需行CAB（9治疗患者,按随机数字表法分为两组,每组16例。实验组：男9例,女7例;年龄54．4418．1岁;CPB开始前至CPB结束持续经中心静脉泵人Lipo-PGE,Els．ong／（kg·min）];对照组：男9例,女7例;年龄54．8±20．4岁;除不使用I．ipc-PGE。外,其他操作均与实验组相同。分别于CPB前,升主动脉开放后1h、2h、6h和24h抽取两组患者的动脉血,检测血浆白细胞介素6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死凶子a（TNFa）及可溶性细胞间黏附分子l（sICAM-1）的浓度,并对两组检测结果进行比较。结果升主动脉开放后两组血浆II,6、TNF-a和sICAM-1浓度均逐渐升高,后两者于升主动脉开放后6h达峰值。实验组升主动脉开放后各时间点血浆1L-6（升主动脉开放后24h：16．1±2．2μg／Lvs．19．2±4．5肛g／L,P〈0．05）、TNF-a（升主动脉开放后24h：1．8±0．4μg／LVS．2．2±0．5μg／L.P〈0．05）和sicAM-1（升主动脉开放后24h：233．6±36．6μg／L.VS．294．2±55．7μg／L,P〈O．05）浓度均较对照组明显降低。结论Lipo-PGE。可减轻CPB引起的中性粒细胞聚集,抑制血管内皮细胞的激活,减轻血管内皮细胞损伤和全身炎症反应。     

不同途径注入乌司他丁对心内直视术心肌保护的比较

目的 观察乌司他丁经不同途径注入对心内直视手术围心肺转流(CPB)期心肌缺血-再灌注损伤的影响.方法 选择45例心功能Ⅱ或Ⅲ级需在CPB下行单纯人工二尖瓣置换术的风湿性瓣膜病患者,随机分为三组,每组15例,A组:乌司他丁以12 000 U/kg半量加在停跳液500ml中,另半量加入预充液中;B组:麻醉诱导后锯胸骨前经颈内静脉缓慢推注乌司他丁12 000 U/kg的半量,另半量加入预充液中;C组:用等量的生理盐水.于切皮前(T0)、CPB 30 min(T1)、主动脉开放后1 h(T2)、6 h(T3)、24 h(T4)抽取静脉血测定血浆中肌酸磷酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶(NE)、血浆白细胞介素6(IL-6)、白细胞介素10(IL-10)、血浆肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α).结果 与T0时比较,T1～T4时三组CK-MB、NE、IL-6、IL-10及TNF-α均明显升高(P＜0.05);与C组比较,T2～T4时A、B组CK-MB、NE、IL-6、TNF-α均明显降低及IL-10明显升高(P＜0.05);与B组比较,T3、T4时A组CK-MB、NE、IL-6、TNF-α均明显降低及IL-10明显升高(P＜0.05).结论 乌司他丁对CPB下行心内直视手术对心肌缺血-再灌注损伤具有保护作用,抑制炎症因子的释放,乌司他丁加入停跳液的保护作用优于传统的静脉给药效果.     

不同剂量芬太尼复合麻醉下心脏瓣膜置换术患者围术期血浆细胞因子和心肌酶的变化

目的 探讨不同剂量芬太尼麻醉下心脏瓣膜置换术患者围术期血浆细胞因子和心肌酶水平的变化。方法 择期行心脏瓣膜置换术患者30例,随机分为3组:F1组、F2组和F3组,每组10例,微量泵分别连续输注芬太尼总量30、60、100μg·kg-1。分别于麻醉前(T1)、体外循环(CPB)转流前(T2)、开主动脉后30 min(T3)、开主动脉后2 h(T4)及术后24 h(T5)采动脉血,测定血浆中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)浓度及肌酸激酶(CK)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)活性,并记录三组患者在ICU的滞留时间和拔管时间。结果 与T1比较,三组CPB后TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10、CK、CK-MB升高(P<0.01)。与F1组比较,F2组、F3组T3、T4时TNF-α、IL-6、T4、T5时CK、T3-5时CK-MB降低、T4、T5时IL-10升高(P<0.05)。F3组ICU滞留和术后拔管时间明长于F1组和F2组(P<0.05)。结论 较大剂量芬太尼可抑制CPB诱导的炎性反应和心肌缺血再灌注损伤,但是对于拔管时间和在ICU的滞留时间芬太尼有顶峰效应。     

盐酸戊乙奎醚对心肺转流后肺损伤的保护作用

目的探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚对心肺转流(CPB)后肺损伤的保护作用。方法 40例二尖瓣置换手术患者随机均分为盐酸戊乙奎醚组(P组)和对照组(C组),两组麻醉方法相同。P组在麻醉诱导后和升主动脉开放前分别缓慢静注盐酸戊乙奎醚0.02mg/kg;C组在同时点给予等容量的生理盐水。手术开始前(T1)和升主动脉开放后30min(鱼精蛋白中和后,T2)分别进行右肺中叶灌洗。测定肺灌洗液(BALF)中细胞因子白细胞介素-8(IL-8)和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)浓度;行血气分析计算肺泡-动脉氧分压差(PA-aDO2)。结果 T2时C组BALF中IL-8、TNF-α和PA-aDO2明显高于T1时和P组(P0.05或P0.01)。结论盐酸戊乙奎醚通过抑制炎性细胞因子释放IL-8和TNF-α,减轻CPB后的肺损伤。     

心内直视手术患者心肺转流前后血浆肾上腺髓质素及炎性因子的变化

目的 观察心内直视手术患者心肺转流(CPB)前后血浆肾上腺髓质素(ADM)及炎性因子的变化.方法 心内直视手术患者30例,年龄18～36岁,分别于麻醉前(T0)、CPB开始10 min(T1)、主动脉开放(T2)、CPB后3 h(T3)、6 h(T4)及24 h(T5)抽取桡动脉血测定血浆ADM、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)及白细胞介素-10(IL-10),记录CPB时间、主动脉阻断时间.结果 ADM浓度于T2～T5时明显增加(P＜0.01),TNF-a、IL-6和IL-10浓度亦显著增加(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);ADM浓度增高得较早,其净增加值与主动脉阻断和CPB时间无明显相关性.结论 CPB可导致ADM以及TNF-α、IL-6和IL-10等细胞因子水平增高,ADM的改变可能与CPB引起的细胞因子增高有一定关系.     

乌司他丁后处理及其联合预先给药对CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌炎性反应的影响

目的 评价乌司他丁后处理及其联合预先给药对CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌炎性反应的影响.方法 择期行CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者80例,性别不限,年龄21～59岁,心功能分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级.采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为4组(n=20):生理盐水对照组(C组)、乌司他丁预先给药组(U1组)、乌司他丁后处理组(U2组)和乌司他丁预先给药联合后处理组(U3组).U1组于气管插管后至升主动脉阻断前10 min经中心静脉输注乌司他丁500～ 1000 U·kg-1·min-(剂量20 000U/kg);U2组于主动脉开放前5～7 min经主动脉根部灌注乌司他丁4000～5000 U·kg-1·min-1(剂量10 000 U/kg);U3组进行乌司他丁预先给药联合后处理;C组给予等容量生理盐水.分别于升主动脉阻断前10 min(T1)、升主动脉阻断后40 min(T2)、主动脉开放后45 min(T3)和术毕(T4)时采集动脉血样,测定血浆IL- 10、IL-1、IL-6和TNF-α的浓度,并进行中性粒细胞(PMN)计数.于主动脉开放后45min时取右心耳组织,采用免疫组化法测定IL-6和IL-1β的表达.结果 与C组比较,U1组、U2组和U3组血浆IL-10浓度升高,血浆IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α的浓度和PMN计数降低,心肌组织IL-1β和IL-6表达下调(P＜ 0.05);与U1组和U2组比较,U3组T2-4时血浆IL-10浓度升高,血浆IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α的浓度和PMN计数降低,心肌组织IL-1β和IL-6表达下调(P＜0.05).结论 乌司他丁后处理可抑制CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌炎性反应,联合预先给药时其效应增强.     

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.