筋骨并重理论在腰椎骨质疏松性压缩性骨折经皮椎体成形术中的应用

目的：探讨中医"筋骨并重"理论指导下经皮椎体成形术联合竖脊肌及关节突关节阻滞治疗腰椎骨质疏松性压缩性骨折的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析2015年1月至2022年3月行经皮椎体成形术（percutaneous vertebroplasty，PVP）治疗的腰椎骨质疏松性压缩性骨折患者115例，男51例，女64例，年龄25~86（60.5±15.9）岁；其中48例采用PVP手术结合竖脊肌阻滞及伤椎关节突关节阻滞治疗（筋骨并重组），67例采用常规PVP手术治疗（常规组）。比较两组患者术前、术后3 d及术后1、6个月的视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale，VAS）、Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index，ODI），对比两组的手术时长、穿刺次数、术中出血量。结果：两组术后VAS、ODI评分均较术前明显改善（P<0.05）。筋骨并重组术后3 d、1个月的VAS、ODI评分较常规组改善更明显（P<0.05），术前、术后6个月两组VAS、ODI评分比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。两组穿刺次数、术中出血量比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：基于"筋骨并重"理论，PVP联合竖脊肌及关节突关节阻滞可有效缓解椎旁软组织痉挛等"筋伤"，相比常规PVP治疗可明显改善患者术后短期腰背部疼痛和腰椎活动度，加快术后康复，获得满意的临床疗效。     

全可视化脊柱内镜技术治疗极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的疗效分析

目的 探讨全可视化脊柱内镜技术治疗极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症（far lateral lumbar disc herniation，FLLDH）的临床效果。方法 2018年5月至2020年6月，我院采用经椎弓根上缘穿刺全可视化经皮脊柱内镜技术治疗FLLDH病人39例。男21例，女18例，年龄为52~72岁，平均60.5岁。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）、日本骨科协会（JOA）评分评估临床疗效。结果 39例病人均顺利完成手术。伤口均甲级愈合，无伤口感染、神经根损伤、脑脊液漏等并发症发生。所有病人均获得随访，随访时间为18~40个月，平均28.8个月。所有病人术后1 d、3个月、12个月VAS评分、ODI指数及JOA评分与术前比较，差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 全可视化脊柱内镜技术治疗FLLDH临床疗效确切，安全性高，值得临床推广。     

电子聚焦式高能体外冲击波联合常规口服药物治疗强直性脊柱炎

目的：探讨体外冲击波联合常规口服药物治疗强直性脊柱炎患者疾病活动度及骶髂关节影像学进展,寻找一种新的安全有效的治疗方法。方法：对2018年1月至2018年12月收治的30例强直性脊柱炎患者进行回顾性分析,其中男20例,女10例,年龄18~50（34.50±9.60）岁。30例患者治疗前MRI上均伴有不同程度的骶髂关节骨髓水肿情况。30例患者根据治疗方法的不同分为治疗组和对照组,其中对照组15例,采用非甾体抗炎药和柳氮磺吡啶肠溶片治疗;治疗组15例,在对照组基础上加电子聚焦式高能体外冲击波。对两组患者的病程、年龄及治疗前后血沉、C-反应蛋白进行分析,并采用疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）,加拿大脊柱骨关节研究协会（spondyloarthritis research consortium Canada,SPARCC）评分系统分别评估骶髂关节疼痛及骶髂关节结构损伤情况,同时计算Bath强直性脊柱炎疾病活动指数（Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index,BASDAI）。结果：所有病例获得3个月以上随访。（1）治疗1个月后VAS、SPARCC评分治疗组明显优于对照组（P<0.05）。（2）治疗1个月后,BASDAI、血沉、C-反应蛋白两组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。（3）所有患者治疗后的VAS、BASDAI、SPARCC评分及血沉、C-反应蛋白较治疗前明显改善（P<0.01）。结论：电子聚焦式高能体外冲击波联合常规药物治疗强直性脊柱炎在快速缓解疼痛、改善疾病活动度、阻止影像学进展方面具有较好的临床效果,并且安全性高、无创,值得临床推广应用。     

后路经皮螺钉固定联合局部经皮内窥镜下病灶清除治疗老年脊柱结核

目的：探讨后路经皮螺钉固定联合局部经皮内窥镜下病灶清除治疗老年脊柱结核的近期疗效。方法：对2015年1月至2016年9月接受手术治疗的19例老年脊柱结核患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,男14例,女5例;年龄60~73（66.2±4.0）岁。所有患者入院前已被确诊为脊柱结核,有脓肿、死骨形成但无窦道、神经症状,无开放手术指征。19例患者术前均进行了3周或以上的正规4联药物抗结核治疗。均采用后路经皮螺钉固定联合局部经皮内窥镜下病灶清除术。记录手术前后腰部疼痛的视觉模拟评分（visual analogue score,VAS）、Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry Disability Index,ODI）,病变节段的矢状面Cobb角,红细胞沉降率（erythrocyte sedimentation rate,ESR）及C-反应蛋白（C-reactive protein,CRP）,对比分析不同时间点以上参数变化。结果：19例患者均顺利完成手术及安全渡过围手术期,术中未改变手术方式,手术时间为（153.2±14.0）min。除1例患者切口延迟愈合,其余患者术后2周内切口均Ⅰ期愈合。所有患者获得随访,随访时间为15~26（19.6±3.2）个月。VAS评分由术前的（5.9±1.1）分下降到末次随访时的（1.8±0.9）分（P<0.05）。ODI由术前的（80.9±4.0）%下降到末次随访时的（66.4±5.4）%（P<0.05）。病变节段的矢状面Cobb角由术前的（30.8±5.5）°下降到末次随访时的（15.9±2.5）°（P<0.05）。ESR由术前的（79.6±14.4）mm/h下降到末次随访时的（32.0±8.1）mm/h（P<0.05）。CRP由术前的（56.9±9.5）mg/L下降到末次随访时的（20.4±4.6）mg/L（P<0.05）。结论：老年脊柱结核患者并发症较多,全身基础条件较差,后路经皮螺钉固定联合局部经皮内窥镜下病灶清除术能减少创伤,并能取得满意的临床效果。     

人纤维蛋白粘合剂封闭囊肿术治疗症状性骶管囊肿

目的 探讨经皮穿刺人纤维蛋白粘合剂封闭囊肿术治疗症状性骶管囊肿的疗效。方法 回顾分析2005年1月～2009年12月本院收治的采用CT引导下经皮穿刺抽吸囊液,人纤维蛋白粘合剂封闭囊肿术治疗的症状性骶管囊肿患者资料38例。其中男15例,女23例;年龄21～76岁,平均50岁。初发病例27例,再发11例。囊肿部位:L₅/S₁ 11例,S₁/S₂ 16 例,S₂/S₃ 7 例,骶前4例。经MRI检查均确诊为骶管囊肿。采用Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)和疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale, VAS)评分评估患者术后3个月、1年、5年腰骶区疼痛、麻木和功能改善情况。结果 所有患者均顺利完成手术, 手术时间(42.2±16.0) min,术中出血量(25.8±20.4) mL。38例均获随访,随访时间27～96个月,平均63个月。患者术后ODI和VAS评分均较术前明显改善,差异具有统计学意义(P< 0.01)。术后复查MRI, 患者囊腔消失29例(76.3%),囊腔缩小4例(10.5%),囊肿无缩小5例(13.2%)。结论 微创治疗症状性骶管囊肿具有创伤小、出血少、疗效佳、恢复快等优点,对于初发或开放手术术后再发的患者均有效果,是治疗骶管囊肿的良好方法。     

经皮内镜技术治疗腰椎管狭窄症合并单节段腰椎不稳的疗效分析

目的 探讨经皮内镜下腰椎减压椎间融合联合经皮椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎管狭窄症（LSS）合并腰椎不稳的安全性和有效性。方法 回顾性分析2019年4月至2020年11月我院收治的30例单节段LSS合并腰椎不稳病人的临床资料,均采用经皮内镜下腰椎减压椎间融合术联合经皮椎弓根螺钉固定术治疗。记录手术时间、术中出血量、平均切口长度、住院时间、并发症等围手术期相关参数。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）评价病人的腰腿痛和功能障碍情况。通过腰椎正侧位片、动力位片和CT三维重建评价植骨融合及腰椎稳定性。末次随访时采用改良MacNab标准评估疗效。结果 30例病人均顺利完成手术,手术时间为（267.8±74.3） min,出血量为（83.6±13.3） mL,切口长度为（1.7±0.3） cm,住院时间为（9.6±1.9） d。随访时间为（13.6±1.3）个月,VAS评分及ODI较术前显著改善（P＜0.05）,融合器、钉棒位置良好,融合满意。末次随访时改良MacNab疗效结果：优良率为96.67%。结论 经皮内镜下腰椎减压椎间融合联合经皮椎弓根螺钉固定术治疗LSS合并腰椎不稳的病人创伤小,术后恢复快,短期随访疗效满意。     

后路经椎间隙病灶清除填骨内固定治疗腰骶段脊柱结核

目的：探讨后路经椎间隙病灶清除植骨内固定治疗腰骶段脊柱结核的疗效。方法：对2007年1月至2013年7月行Ⅰ期后路经椎间隙病灶清除植骨内固定手术治疗的32例腰骶段脊柱结核患者进行回顾性分析,其中男17例,女15例;年龄27~63岁,平均（49.8±9.2）岁;病程5~18个月,平均（10.7±3.2）个月;累及L₅椎体者1例,L₅S₁间隙者8例,L₅或S₁椎体及L₅S₁间隙者23例。通过VAS评分、ESR、CRP、腰骶角、L₅S₁椎间高度和神经功能ASIA分级进行临床疗效评定。结果：32例患者均获随访,时间18~39个月,平均21.6个月。手术时间120~260 min,平均175 min;术中出血量700~1 450 ml,平均1 050 ml。术前VAS评分为8.4±1.6,术后3个月为3.5±0.8（P<0.05）,末次随访时为1.7±0.6。术前ESR和CRP分别为（48.8±10.2）mm和（58.6±5.6）mg/L,术后3个月降至（35.6±6.9）mm和（22.5±4.3）mg/L（P<0.05）;末次随访时均降至正常范围内。术前L₅S₁椎间高度及腰骶角分别为（7.7±0.4）mm和（19.3±1.2）°,术后3个月恢复至（10.3±0.3）mm和（22.4±1.5）°（P<0.05）,末次随访时无明显丢失。术前ASIA分级：C级8例,D级19例,E级5例;至末次随访时,除1例仍为D级外,其余均为E级。结论：后路经椎间隙病灶清除植骨内固定可有效地清除结核病灶、维持脊柱的稳定性及改善患者的神经功能障碍,手术安全,并发症较少。     

经皮脊柱内镜辅助下腰椎椎体间融合术及其临床应用

目的：总结经皮脊柱内镜辅助下腰椎椎体间融合术的技术要点,评价并探讨该术式在治疗腰椎退变性疾病中的安全性及近期疗效。

方法：回顾性分析2017年10月至2018年4月24例采用经皮脊柱内镜辅助下腰椎椎体间融合术联合后路经皮椎弓根钉棒内固定治疗下腰椎病变的患者资料。其中,男16例,女8例;年龄39~72（59.6±9.5）岁;腰椎间盘突出伴椎间隙退变15例,腰椎轻度滑脱伴或不伴节段性不稳定9例;22例为单节段融合,2例为双节段融合;单节段融合的节段L_2,3 1例,L_3,4 3例,L_4,5 18例,2例双节段融合均为L_3,4及L_4,5。该技术主要包括局麻加基础麻醉下,行穿刺及椎间孔镜下减压、椎间隙处理及取自体骨植入、融合器植入并撑开,以及后路经皮椎弓根螺钉内固定术。临床疗效评价采用视觉疼痛评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）,Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index,ODI）,记录手术时间、术中出血量、术中及术后并发症等。所有患者于术前,术后3 d及1、3、6、12、18个月摄腰椎正侧位X线片,行CT平扫及三维重建、MRI检查评估内植入物稳定性及融合情况。

结果：所有患者获得随访,时间12~18个月。单节段融合手术时间（192.3±22.7）min,双节段融合（272.5±24.7）min。估计术中出血量每节段<50 ml,所有患者未输血。术前VAS（7.4±1.1）分,术后改善至（2.3±0.8）分（t=-19.65,P<0.000 5）;术前ODI（41.2±3.3）%,末次随访时改善为（12.3±2.5）%（t=-35.76,P<0.000 5）。术后共出现手术相关并发症4例,2例术后出现对侧神经根性症状,于对侧椎间孔镜减压治疗后,症状完全缓解;1例出现经皮螺钉置入相关神经症状,予拆除该侧钉棒内固定后,症状缓解;1例出现手术切口感染,予清创缝合术后好转。至末次随访,所有患者未出现融合器及钉棒系统的移位和松动,14例出现融合迹象。

结论：采用经皮脊柱内镜辅助下腰椎椎体间融合术治疗腰椎退变性疾病具有微创、安全、有效的优势,临床效果显著,但其远期结果仍需多中心大样本的随访研究证实。     

CT引导下经皮空心拉力螺钉固定治疗骶髂关节损伤

目的:探讨CT引导下经皮空心钛合金拉力螺钉内固定治疗骶髂关节损伤的临床疗效。方法:骶髂关节损伤患者36例,其中男26例,女10例;年龄19⁶8岁,平均35岁。ISS评分平均19分。按Tile分类:B1型6例,B2型16例,B3型4例;C1型4例,C2型3例,C3型3例。入院至手术时间平均5d。采用CT引导下经皮空心钛合金拉力螺钉内固定术治疗,硬膜外麻醉下共置入48枚空心钛合金拉力螺钉。结果:手术时间30¹10min,平均42min;术中失血10³5ml,平均18ml。1例因肺功能障碍延迟手术,1例行开颅术,死于多脏器衰竭。术后随访3²7个月,平均17.9个月。依据骨盆创伤治疗标准,影像学评价优29例,良6例,差1例;临床评价优23例,良13例。并发症包括轻度下腰痛1例、骶尾部痛1例。结论:CT引导下经皮空心钛合金拉力螺钉内固定治疗骶髂关节损伤,置钉精确,安全有效,并发症少。     

小剂量骨水泥经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折

目的 分析小剂量骨水泥经皮椎体后凸成形术(percutaneous kyphoplasty,PKP)治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折(osteoporotic vertebral compression, OVCF)的临床疗效。方法 2009年12月~2013年12月, 采用小剂量骨水泥PKP治疗老年椎体压缩骨折患者46例(58个椎体),测量术前、术后X线片椎体高度变化,并采用视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale, VAS)评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index, ODI)评估手术疗效。结果 所有手术均顺利完成,无椎体后缘和椎管骨水泥渗漏;所有患者疼痛感明显缓解或消失, 42例患者术后生活可自理,3例患者1~3个月逐渐恢复正常生活,1例患者生活不能自理,但疼痛症状改善。术后随访1年,椎体前缘、椎体中部高度均较术前增加,差异有统计学意义(P< 0.05);术后VAS评分及ODI均较术前改善,差异有统计学意义(P< 0.05)。结论 小剂量骨水泥PKP治疗老年OVCF能有效缓解疼痛,恢复椎体高度,且骨水泥渗漏并发症发生率低,是一种安全可靠的手术方法。     

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.