雷米芬太尼用于颅内肿瘤术中控制性降压

目的 探讨雷米芬太尼用于颅内肿瘤术中控制性降压效果.方法 择期50例颅内肿瘤手术患者随机分为雷米芬太尼组(R组)和硝普钠组(N组).手术开始时,R组给予雷米芬太尼0.10～0.20 μg·kg-1·min-1泵注,N组给予硝普钠3～8 μg·kg-1·min-1泵注.监测并记录麻醉诱导前(T0)、麻醉诱导后(T1)、开始降压前(T2)、开始降压后(T3)、停止降压5 min(T4)及停止降压30min(T5)时的MAP、HR、SpO2、PETCO2、CVP及围术期总输液量、输血量、出血量和尿量.结果 与T0时比较,两组T1～T4时MAP明显降低,R组HR明显减慢,T1时N组HR明显减慢,T2～T4时N组HR明显增快(P<0.05).与T1时比较,两组T2～T4时MAP明显降低(P<0.05),N组患者T5时MAP反跳性升高,且明显高于R组(P<0.05).与T1时比较,N组患者T2～T5时HR明显增快,且T2～T4时明显快于R组(P<0.05).R组的输液量、输血量、出血量均较N组明显减少(P<0.05).结论 雷米芬太尼可安全用于颅内肿瘤术中控制性降压.     

雷米芬太尼对小儿心内直视手术心肺转流前血流动力学的影响

目的 观察不同剂量雷米芬太尼对小儿心内直视手术心肺转流(CPB)前血流动力学的影响.方法 75例拟行先天性心脏病矫治患儿随机均分为四个不同剂量的雷米芬太尼组和芬太尼组(F组).麻醉诱导静注芬太尼10μg/kg、雷米芬太尼2μg/kg;麻醉维持于切皮前10 min分别静脉泵注雷米芬太尼0.5μg·kg-1·min-1(R0.5组)、1.0μg·kg-1·min-1(R1.0组)、1.5μg·kg-1·min-1(R1.5组)、2.0μg·kg-1·min-1(R2.0组)和静注芬太尼10μg/kg(F组).记录麻醉前(T0)、插管后2 min(T1)、切皮后2min(T2)、劈胸骨后2 min(HR)的HR、MAP及各组开胸后到CPB前间羟胺的使用例数情况.结果 五组血流动力学在T0～T3时基本稳定.与F组比较,T3时R0.5、R1.0组FIR明显增快(P<0.05),R2.0组MAP降低(P<0.05).开胸后R2.0组间羟胺使用率(60%)明显高于F组(20%)(P<0.05).结论 输注雷米芬太尼0.5～1.5μg·kg-1·min-1能维持心内直视手术CPB前小儿的血流动力学稳定.     

雷米芬太尼-硝普钠用于鼻内镜手术控制性降压

目的研究雷米芬太尼或雷米芬太尼-硝普钠用于鼻内镜手术控制性降压的效果及对血浆内分泌激素的影响。方法48例择期全麻下行鼻内镜手术病人,采用硝普钠（N组）、雷米芬太尼（R组）或雷米芬太尼复合微量硝普钠（RN组）控制性降压,维持MAP在60～70mmHg。记录降压前即刻（T0）、降压30min（T1）和停降压待BP自然恢复稳定后（T2）时的MAP、HR,并在以上各时点抽取动脉血测定血浆皮质醇（Cor）、血管紧张素Ⅱ（A-Ⅱ）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）和血糖（BG）的浓度。结果R组17例（70．8％）单纯用雷米芬太尼可达到降压目的。降压期间,N组HR明显增快（P〈0．05）,停降压后出现反跳性高血压;R和RN组HR减慢（P〈0．05）,停降压后MAP回复至降压前水平。降压后BG、Cor、A-Ⅱ的浓度和T0时相比,N组明显增高（P〈0．05）;三组IL-6的浓度均明显升高（P〈0,05）,N组升高幅度大于R、RN组（P〈0．05）。结论雷米芬太尼用于鼻内镜手术行控制性降压安全可行,有效抑制了机体的应激反应;复合微量硝普钠能减少雷米芬太尼的用量,降压效果可靠。     

两种控制性降压方法对老年患者心率变异性的影响

目的 观察雷米芬太尼或硝酸甘油复合七氟醚控制性降压对老年患者心率变异性(HRV)的影响.方法 40例行鼻内窥镜手术患者,年龄60～74岁,静吸复合全麻,分为A、B两组,A组(n=22)以0.2 μg·kg-1·min-1持续输注雷米芬太尼,B组(n=18)以0.5 ng·kg-1·min-1持续输注硝酸甘油.根据血压变化调整速度及七氟醚呼末浓度,将SBP降低至基础值的70%左右.记录降压过程中HRV及SBP、HR,术毕记录苏醒时间及呼吸恢复情况.结果 降压过程中A组HR较降压前明显减慢,B组明显增快;复压后A组HR无明显变化,B组明显减慢(P<0.01);降压过程中A组LF、HF、LF/HF均较降压前显著下降,B组LF、HF较降压前显著下降,但LF/HF显著升高(P<0.01);复压后两组LF、HF较复压前明显升高,但A组LF/HF无明显变化,B组LF/HF显著下降;A组有2例拔管后出现呼吸抑制.结论 雷米芬太尼复合七氟醚降压更适用于老年患者,但术后应加强呼吸管理.     

硝酸甘油控制性降压对妇科腹腔镜手术患者眼内压的影响

目的 评价硝酸甘油控制性降压对妇科腹腔镜手术患者眼内压的影响.方法 择期行妇科腹腔镜手术患者40例,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄25～55岁,体重55～ 70 kg,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为2组(n=20):对照组(C组)和硝酸甘油控制性降压组(N组).静脉注射咪达唑仑0.1mg/kg、芬太尼3μg/kg、维库溴铵0.1 mg/kg和依托咪酯0.3 mg/kg麻醉诱导,气管插管后行机械通气,维持PErCO2 35-40 mm Hg.静脉输注异丙酚8mg·kg-1·h-1和维库溴铵0.1mg·kg-1·h-1麻醉维持,手术开始前3 min时追加芬太尼2μg/kg.术中维持BIS值50～60.手术开始后,N组静脉输注硝酸甘油2-4 μg·kg1·min-1行控制性降压,维持CVP12～14cm H2O,术毕停止降压.分别于麻醉诱导前(To)、气管插管后3 min(T1)、气腹10 min(T2)、30 min(T3)、60 min(T4)、90 min(T5)、120 min(T6)和气腹结束后 10 min(T7)时,记录眼内压和CVP;记录术中高眼压(眼内压＞21 mum Hg)的发生情况.结果 与C组比较,N组T3-6时眼内压降低,T2-6时CVP降低,高眼压的发生率降低(P＜0.01).结论 采用硝酸甘油行控制性降压可有效预防妇科腹腔镜手术中高眼压的发生.     

喉罩-雷米芬太尼复合七氟醚或丙泊酚麻醉在烧伤整形术中的应用

目的 比较喉罩-雷米芬太尼联合七氟醚与喉罩-雷米芬太尼联合丙泊酚两种麻醉方法在整形手术中应用的优缺点.方法 30例择期疤痕切除植皮术患者,随机均分为喉罩-雷米芬太尼联合七氟醚(S)组与喉罩-雷米芬太尼联合丙泊酚(P)组.静脉诱导置人喉罩后,S组静脉泵入0.15μg·kg-1·min-1雷米芬太尼及吸入2%～3%七氟醚维持麻醉.P组患者通过外周静脉泵入雷米芬太尼0.15μg·kg-1·min-1及丙泊酚6～8 mg·kg-1·h-1维持麻醉.记录患者术中生命体征、苏醒时间、术中及术后并发症发生情况.结果 麻醉诱导后两组患者MAP及HR均明显低于麻醉前水平(P<0.05),S组MAP、HR在切皮前已恢复到术前水平,而P组术中各个时点MAP及HR仍明显低于麻醉前水平及对应时间点的S组(P<0.05).结论 与喉罩-雷米芬太尼联合丙泊酚比较,喉罩-雷米芬太尼联合七氟醚用于烧伤整形手术具有血流动力学更稳定、麻醉更平稳等优点.     

右美托咪啶和硝酸甘油控制性降压在颅内动脉瘤夹闭术中的比较

目的 比较在颅内动脉瘤夹闭术中右美托咪啶或硝酸甘油控制性降压的效果及对脑氧代谢的影响. 方法 60例行颅内动脉瘤夹闭术患者,采用随机数字表法分为右美托咪啶组(D组)和硝酸甘油组(N组).D组泵注右美托咪啶,首剂量1.0 μg/kg(泵注10 min),0.4 μg·kg-1·h-1～0.8 μg·kg1·h-1维持；N组泵注硝酸甘油,首剂量3μg·kg-1·min-1,10 min后3μg·kg-1· h-1～9μg· kg-1· min-1维持.记录麻醉诱导前(T),控制性降压开始后0(T0)、10(T1)、20(T2)、30 min(T3)和停止降压后30 min(T4)的平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR),同时采集桡动脉血和颈内静脉球部血行血气分析,计算脑氧摄取率(cerebral oxygen extraction rate,CERO2). 结果 实施控制性降压后,两组MAP均在30 min内达到目标血压.降压期间,HR:D组T3时(66±10)次/ min低于T0时(76±9)次/min(P＜0.05),N组T3时(86±8)次/min高于T0时(77±8)次/min(P＜0.05)；CERO2:D组T3时(27±6)％低于T0时(35±6)％(P＜0.05)；N组T3时(32±6)％与T0时(34±5)％差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).D组CERO2与MAP呈正相关(r=0.83).结论 右美托咪啶用于颅内动脉瘤术中控制性降压安全、可靠.与硝酸甘油比较,有减慢HR,降低术中脑氧代谢率的优点.     

雷米芬太尼控制性降压对颅脑手术患者血液动力学的影响

目的观察神经外科手术中雷米芬太尼控制性降压对血液动力学的影响。方法20例ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级择期行颅脑手术患者,采用全凭静脉复合麻醉,术中持续泵注雷米芬太尼行控制性降压,维持MAP 60~70 mmHg,观察降压前(T0)、降压达目标时(T1)、维持降压15 min(T2)、30 min(T3)、停降压15 min(T4)3、0 min(T5)6个时点的MAP、HR、心输出量(CO)、心脏指数(CI)、心室收缩加速度指数(ACI)、左心做功(LCW)、外周血管阻力(SVR)的变化。结果与T0比较,T1、T2、T3时点MAP、SVR、LCW均显著降低(P<0.01);HR亦明显减慢(P<0.05);CO、CI、ACI无明显降低。结论神经外科手术中行雷米芬太尼控制性降压安全、有效,具有对心功能影响小的优点。     

瑞芬太尼控制性降压对胃癌根治术患者脑氧代谢的影响

目的 探讨瑞芬太尼控制性降压对胃癌根治术患者脑氧代谢的影响.方法 择期行胃癌根治术患者42例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄30～64岁,性别不限,体重指数<30 kg/m2,随机分为3组(n=14):对照组(C组)、瑞芬太尼控制性降压组(R组)和硝普钠控制性降压组(N组).麻醉诱导:静脉注射咪达唑仑0.1 mg/kg、芬太尼5 μg/kg、维库溴铵0.08 mg/kg和异丙酚2 mg/kg,气管插管后行间歇正压机械通气,潮气量8～10 ml/kg,呼吸频率12次/min,吸呼比1:1.5,维持呼气末二氧化碳分压30～35 mm Hg.麻醉维持:静脉输注异丙酚50～100 μg·kg-1·min-1和瑞芬太尼0.1 μg·kg-1·min-1,吸入异氟醚(呼气末浓度1.1%),间断静脉注射维库溴铵0.04 mg/kg.开腹膜时C组瑞芬太尼输注速率不变;R组瑞芬太尼输注速率每分钟增加0.05 μg·kg-1·min-1;N组静脉输注硝普钠1 μg·kg-1·min-1,1 min后每分钟增加0.5 μg·kg-1·min-1.R组和N组MAP降至麻醉诱导前的70%但不低于50 mm Hg.记录控制性降压诱导时间和血压恢复时间;于麻醉诱导前、降压前即刻、降压达目标血压10、30 min和停止降压20 min时,记录MAP和HR;采集桡动脉和颈内静脉球部血样行血气分析,计算动脉血氧含量(CaO2)、静脉血氧含量(CjvO2)、动脉.静脉血氧含量差(Da-jvO2)、脑氧摄取率(CERO2)和动脉-静脉乳酸含量差(Da-jvL).结果 R组控制性降压诱导时间和血压恢复时间长于N组,但血压较N组稳定(P<0.05);与C组比较,R组Da-jvO2、CERO2和Da-jvL降低,N组CERO2和Da-jvL升高(P<0.05).结论 胃癌根治术患者瑞芬太尼控制性降压效果良好,可降低脑组织氧耗.     

雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚在老年患者无痛肠镜检查中的应用

目的比较不同剂量雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚在老年患者无痛肠镜检查中的应用。方法60例ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级无痛肠镜检查老年患者(>65岁),随机分为三组。丙泊酚负荷剂量为0.8mg/kg、雷米芬太尼0.5μg/kg,静注时间各60s,丙泊酚维持量6mg·kg-1·h-1。A组雷米芬太尼维持量0.03μg·kg-1·h-1,B组0.06μg·kg-1·h-1,C组0.09μg·kg-1·h-1,持续输注至肠镜进至回盲部停药。根据患者反应,单次静脉追加丙泊酚10mg,观察并记录患者检查前、丙泊酚给药后、雷米芬太尼给药后、镜检开始后1、5min、退镜完毕后1、5min的MAP、SpO2、HR、BIS、RR、VT、PETCO2和麻醉起效时间、入镜时间、苏醒时间,镇静评分、定向力恢复、术后视觉模拟评分、离院时间以及不良反应。结果镜检中A组MAP、BIS低于B、C组(P<0.05),C组HR慢于A组(P<0.05)。各组给药后、镜检中的MAP、HR、BIS、RR、VT低于检查前(P<0.05,P<0.01),PETCO2高于检查前(P<0.05,P<0.01)。A组丙泊酚用量较B、C组大,苏醒时间、离院时间较B、C组长(P<0.05,P<0.01),BIS下降明显(P<0.05,P<0.01)。所有患者麻醉满意度为100%。结论雷米芬太尼0.06μg·kg-1·h-1配伍丙泊酚用于门诊老年患者无痛肠镜检查较为合适,但应注意注药速度,并加强监测,尽可能避免心动过缓和低血压的发生。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.