全身麻醉中应用小潮气量联合低水平呼气末正压通气对老年患者呼吸功能的影响

目的 观察全身麻醉中应用小潮气量(VT)联合低水平呼气末正压通气(PEEP)对老年患者呼吸功能的影响.方法 20例ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级上腹部手术老年患者,随机均分为A组和B组.A组,机械通气模式为间歇正压通气(IPPV)加5cm H2O PEEP,VT=6ml/kg,f=15次/分;B组,机械通气模式为IPPV,VT=9ml/kg,f=12次/分.观察术前(T1)、麻醉插管后30min(T2)、拔管后15min(T3)的动脉氧分压(PaO2)、动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)、肺泡-动脉氧分压差(A-aDO2)、MAP、CVP及术中的气道峰(Ppeak).结果 T3时,A PaO2较B组明显升高(P<0.05),A组A-aDO2较B组明显降低(P<0.05).其他各时点A、B两组PaO2、PaCO2、A-aDO2、MAP、CVP、Ppeak组间比较差异无统计学意义.结论 小潮气量联合低水平PEEP通气能够有效改善老年患者术后低氧血症,减少肺部并发症,更有利于老年患者呼吸功能的恢复,对老年患者血流动力学无明显影响.     

气道压力释放通气对急性肺损伤或急性呼吸窘迫综合征患者呼吸功能的影响

目的评价气道压力释放通气（APRV）对急性肺损伤（ALI）或急性呼吸窘迫综合征（ARDS）患者呼吸功能的影响。方法ALI患者42例、ARDS患者33例，随机分2组，APRV组（n=37）、同步间歇指令通气（SIMV）组（n=38）；两组均用SIMV加用呼气末正压通气30min后，APRV组采用APRV模式通气，SIMV组仍用初始参数，分别于APRV前（基础值）、APRV1、8、16、24h测定动脉血气、气道峰压（Ppeak）、气道平均压（Pmean）、中心静脉压（CVP）、氧合指数（PaO2／FiO2）、心率（HR），并记录芬太尼、咪达唑仑、多巴胺用量及尿量。结果与SIMV组比较，APRV组APRV1～24h各时点Ppeak、Pmean降低，APRV16、24h时动脉血PaCO2降低，PaO2／FiO2升高，APRV1—24h时CVP和HR降低，芬太尼用量和咪达唑仑用量明显减少，APRV8—24h各时点尿量升高，多巴胺用量减少（P〈0．05或0．01）。结论APRV用于ARDS或ALI患者的机械通气治疗，不仅能提供更好的通气，而且血液动力学平稳，减少镇静剂和麻醉药用量。     

低潮气量联合低呼气末正压通气用于老年患者单肺通气的临床研究

目的探讨低潮气量(VT)联合低呼气末正压通气(PEEP)对老年患者实施胸科手术单肺通气的临床有效性。方法选择实施胸科手术的老年患者60例。随机均分为研究组和对照组。研究组患者术中采用低VT联合低PEEP;对照组术中采用常规通气方案。记录两组术中PaO2、PaCO2、PETCO2、MAP、CVP及气道峰压(Ppeak)。结果与对照组比较,单肺通气60min时研究组PaO2显著升高,Ppeak明显下降(P<0.05);两组不同时点PaCO2、PETCO2及MAP差异无统计学意义;研究组患者术后3d内有3例术后并发症,明显低于对照组的6例(P<0.05)。结论对于老年患者实施胸科手术采用低VT联合低PEEP通气可有效改善患者术后低氧血症,减少术后肺部并发症,有利于患者术后呼吸功能的恢复,可以安全有效地应用于老年开胸手术。     

全麻腹腔镜胃癌根治术中应用小潮气量联合低水平呼气末正压通气对老年患者呼吸功能的影响

目的:观察全身麻醉腹腔镜胃癌根治术中应用小潮气量(tidal volume,VT)联合低水平呼气末正压通气(positive end expiratory pressure,PEEP)对老年患者呼吸功能的影响。方法:将34例ASA I或II级腹腔镜胃癌根治术老年患者分为A、B两组。A组:机械通气模式为间歇正压通气(intermittent positive pressure ventilation,IPPV)加5cm H2O PEEP,VT=6ml/kg,f=16次/min;B组:机械通气模式为IPPV,VT=9ml/kg,f=12次/min。观察术前(T1)、麻醉插管后30min(T2)、拔管后15min(T3)的动脉氧分压(PaO2)、动脉二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)、呼气末二氧化碳分压(PETCO2)、肺泡-动脉氧分压差(A-aDO2)、平均动脉压(mean arterial pressure,MAP)、中心静脉压(central venous pressure,CVP)及术中的气道峰压(peak airway pressure,Ppeak)。结果:T3时,A组PaO2明显高于B组(P<0.05),A组A-aDO2明显低于B组(P<0.05)。其他各时点A、B两组PaO2、PaCO2、PETCO2、A-aDO2、MAP、CVP、Ppeak组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:腹腔镜胃癌根治术中应用小VT联合低水平PEEP通气能有效改善老年患者术后低氧血症,减少肺部并发症,有利于老年患者呼吸功能的恢复,对血流动力学无明显影响,是老年患者腹腔镜上腹部手术全麻安全、有效的通气方法。     

小潮气量肺保护性通气策略与压力通气模式对妇科腹腔镜手术患者氧合功能的影响

目的:评价小潮气量肺保护性通气策略(protective lung ventilation mode,PLV)与压力通气模式(pressure con-trolled ventilation,PCV)在妇科腹腔镜手术中应用的有效性及安全性。方法:拟于我院择期行妇科腹腔镜手术的患者共计144例,按随机序列号分为PLV组和PCV组,每组72例。PLV组潮气量6 ml/kg,吸呼比1∶2,呼吸频率16次/min,呼气末正压5 cmH 2O(1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa);PCV组设定通气压力维持潮气量8 ml/kg,吸呼比1∶2,呼吸频率12~16次/min。分别于气管插管后5 min(T1)、气腹后10 min(T2)、气腹后20 min(T3)、撤除气腹后10 min(T4)记录患者气道峰压(airway peak pressure,Ppeak)、平均气道压(mean airway pressure,Pmean),并计算动态肺顺应性(dynamic lung compliance,Cdyn)。于T3、T4时点行血气分析记录PaO 2、PaCO 2、肺泡-动脉氧分压差(alveoli-arterial oxygen partial pressure,A-aDO 2),并计算氧合指数(oxygenation index,OI)。结果:PLV组T3时点Ppeak、Pmean显著高于PCV组,但Cdyn低于PCV组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。PLV组T4时点Ppeak显著高于PCV组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组T2、T3时点Ppeak、Pmean较T1时点显著升高,而Cdyn显著低于T1时点,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。PLV组T3时点Ppeak、Pmean显著高于T2时点,Cdyn显著低于T2时点,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。PLV组T3时点PaO 2、OI显著高于PCV组,而PaCO 2、A-aDO 2显著低于PCV组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组T4时点PaO 2、OI较T3时点显著升高,而PaCO 2、A-aDO 2较T3时点显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组T4时点PaO 2、PaCO 2、A-aDO 2、OI差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组间各呼吸系统并发症发生情况及住院天数差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:对妇科腹腔镜手术患者而言,PCV有助于维持患者呼吸动力学稳定,而小潮气量PLV有助于维持患者术中氧合功能,二者安全性差异无统计学意义。     

无创通气与有创通气在慢性阻塞性肺疾病加重期患者中的疗效观察

目的 观察无创通气与有创通气治疗慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD)加重期的临床疗效.方法 80例COPD加重期患者,按照入科时的PaCO2水平,应用分层随机化法分为无创组和有创组各40例,两组均给予常规基础治疗.当患者需要机械通气时,无创组给予无创呼吸辅助,治疗效果不佳时更换为有创通气;有创组给予有创呼吸辅助.观察指标:两组患者治疗6 h、24h及7 d后pH、PaO2、PaCO2变化;两组患者VAP发生率、插管率、死亡率、住ICU时间和住院费用.结果 治疗后两组血气分析结果(pH、PaO2、PaCO2)均有显著改善,且有创组改善程度优于无创组,但两组间比较差异无统计学意义(均P＞0.05);两组患者死亡率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);无创组插管率、住ICU时间、呼吸机相关性肺炎(ventilator-associated pneumonia,VAP)发生率、住院费用较有创组明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 无创通气治疗COPD加重期患者无创伤、疗效确切,缩短住院时间,降低住院费用和VAP发生率,能使部分患者免于气管插管,值得临床广泛应用.     

鼻面罩无创正压通气联用呼吸兴奋剂治疗慢阻肺呼吸衰竭合并肺性脑病患者的疗效

目的：评价鼻面罩无创正压通气联用呼吸兴奋剂治疗慢阻肺呼吸衰竭合并肺性脑病患者的疗效。方法将68例慢阻肺呼吸竭合并肺性脑病患者随机分为对照组和观察组,分别给予鼻面罩无创正压通气治疗和鼻面罩无创正压通气联用呼吸兴奋剂治疗,评价联合治疗方法的临床疗效。结果两组患者通气3h 后和治疗结束时的 pH、PaO2和 PaCO2较治疗前均明显好转,观察组患者的恢复情况优于对照组（P ＜0.05）。经过治疗后,观察组患者通气有效率85.29%,明显高于对照组（P ＜0.05）,气管插管率和胃胀气发生率分别为14.71%和32.35%,低于对照组（P＜0.05）,两组患者的住院病死率均为2.94%,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论鼻面罩无创正压通气联用呼吸兴奋剂治疗慢阻肺呼吸竭合并肺性脑病的临床效果优于单纯鼻面罩无创正压通气,是一种较好的治疗方法。     

无创双相气道正压通气用于全麻苏醒延迟患者呼吸支持

双相气道正压通气(BiPAP)应用口趋广泛,尤其在呼吸内科的尢创治疗效果越来越被临床认可.我科在保留自主呼吸下对气管插管全身麻醉后苏醒延迟患者拔管后行无创BiPAP辅助呼吸支持21例,报道如下.     

BiPAP呼吸机治疗老年慢性肺心病并发Ⅱ型呼吸衰竭病人的护理

目的:观察无创双向气道正压(Bipap)通气对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)合并Ⅱ型呼吸衰竭中的治疗价值及护理效果.方法:将90例COPD合并Ⅱ型呼吸衰竭患者分为三组:对照组、BiPAP组和气管插管组,每组30例;分别予相应治疗措施治疗3天后比较三组病人在治疗前后的血气分析指标.结果:治疗前三组病人血气分析指标(PaO2,PaCO2,pH)无统计学意义(P＞0.05),治疗后各组间差异相比较均有统计学意义(P＜0.05),气管插管组优于BiPAP组(P＜0.05),但两组与空白组相比较均具有统计学意义.(P＜0.05)结论双水平气道正压无创通气可有效治疗COPD并Ⅱ型呼吸衰竭.     

肺保护性通气在开胸手术后急性呼吸窘迫综合征患者中的应用

目的 观察肺保护性通气(LPSV)对开胸手术后发生急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)患者的治疗效果.方法 37例术前无其他合并症、手术顺利而术后发生ARDS的患者在常规治疗的基础上给予机械通气[同步间歇性指令呼吸(SIMV)+压力支持模式(PSV)+呼气末正压(PEEP)或双水平气道压通气(BiPAP)],并根据通气模式的不同分为常规通气组(CMV组,20例)和肺保护性通气组(LPSV组,17例),记录两组患者机械通气后24h的动脉血气分析结果、氧合指数(PaO2/FiO2)、气道平台压(Pplat)、吸入峰值压(PIP)、PEEP及机械通气时间、气压伤等指标的差异.结果 LPSV组机械通气时间、气压伤发生率和病死率分别为7.3d、5.9%和29.4%,而CMV组为17.6d、15.0%和60.0%,两组比较差异有统计学意义 (P＜0.05);LPSV组的气道压,包括PIP和Pplat显著低于CMV组,差异有统计学意义 (P＝0.031,0.031).两组患者的动脉血氧饱和度(SaO2)、pH、动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)和PaO2/FiO2差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 LPSV可明显减少呼吸机相关性肺损伤,降低了病死率,是开胸手术后ARDS患者的一种有效通气方法.     

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.     

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.     

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.