卡托普利对全麻诱导气管内插管时循环反应的作用

目的 探讨卡托普利静注预防全麻窥喉插管(LTI)循环副反应的效果及作用机制。方法 插管全麻30例患者随机分为两组,试验组(麻醉诱导前10min静注卡托普利0.30～0.35mg·kg~(-1)和对照组各15例。两组均以氟哌利多、芬太尼、硫喷妥钠及氯化琥珀胆碱诱导插管。于LTI前后不同时点测定收缩压(SP)、舒张压(DP)、心率(HR)、心率收缩压乘积(RPP)及血浆血管紧张素Ⅰ(AⅠ)、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AⅡ)、醛固酮(ALD)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)、肾上腺素(E)、心钠素(ANP)、血栓素B_2(TXB_2)的水平。结果 ①试验组LTI期间SP、DP、HR及RPP比较平稳;而对照组于插管即刻及其后1～1.5、3min上述指标明显升高(P<0.05或0.01)。②试验组插管即刻及其后1～1.5minAⅠ明显升高(P<001),AⅡ、ALD显著降低(P<0.05或0.01),NE、E、ANP插管期间及TXB_2插管后无明显变化;而对照组AⅠ、AⅡ及ALD各时点差异无显著性,NE、E插管即刻及其后1～1.5min及ANP、TXB_2插管即刻及其后1～1.5、5min明显升高(P<0.01)。且各内分泌指标组间差异亦显著(P<0.05或0.01)。结论 卡托普利0.30～0.35mg·kg~(-1)麻醉诱导前10min静注,可削弱LTI期间交感神经活动升高,能有效地预防LTI循环副反应。     

静注硫酸镁对气管插管心血管反应的影响

将25例病人分为硫酸镁组(n=15)和对照组(n=10)。以60mg/kg硫酸镁诱导插管,观察气管插后即刻、2min、5min时两组病人的MAP和HR变化。结果表明:硫酸镁组的MAP在插管后即刻、2min时明显低于对照组(P<0.01);HR在插管后即刻未见差异(P>0.05),但插管后2min时对照组快于硫酸镁组,差异有显著性(P<0.05);插管后5min两组病人的MAP和HR未见差异(P>0.05)。表明硫酸镁可明显抑制气管插管的心血管反应。     

静注卡托普利降低安氟醚麻醉用于剖腹手术期间过度应激反应

目的　探讨静注卡托普利降低安氟醚麻醉用于剖腹手术期间过度应激所致循环不良反应的效果及机制。方法　择期剖腹手术病人 4 0例 ,随机分为两组 ,每组 2 0例。常规插管 ,安氟醚麻醉。试验组麻醉诱导前 1 0min及切皮后 30min分别静注卡托普利 0 30～ 0 35mg/kg及 0 1 5～ 0 1 8mg/kg。于麻醉前 (基础值 )、插管、切皮、探查、缝皮后各 1min及术后 1h测定SBP、DBP、HR、心率 收缩压乘积 (RPP)及血浆去甲肾上腺素 (NE)、肾上腺素 (E)、一氧化氮 (NO)、内皮素 (ET)、血栓素B2(TXB2 )、6 酮 前列腺素F1α(6 keto PGF1α)的含量 ,计算NO/ET、TXB2 /PGF1α比值。结果　麻醉后 ,对照组BP、HR、RPP、NE、E及TXB2 /PGF1α较其基础值明显升高 ,NO/ET比值显著降低 (P <0 0 5或P <0 0 1 ) ;而试验组NO/ET于插管后 1min显著升高 (P <0 0 5 ) ,余指标无明显改变 (P >0 0 5 )。与对照组相比 ,试验组麻醉手术期间BP、HR、RPP、NE及E显著降低 ,NO/ET比值明显升高 ,插管和探查后 1min的TXB2 /PGF1α显著降低 (P <0 0 5或P <0 0 1 )。结论　静注卡托普利降低血浆NE、E的水平 ,改善NO/ET平衡 ,降低TXB2 /PGF1α比值 ,可有效地降低安氟醚麻醉剖腹手术期间过度应激的循环不良反应。     

右美托咪定在老年患者髋关节置换术中的应用

目的观察右美托咪定在老年患者髋关节置换术中的应用。方法选择65～82岁实施全麻的髋关节置换术患者40例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为右美托咪定组(D组)和对照组(C组)。D组患者诱导前10min泵注0.5μg/kg右美托咪定,C组患者给予相同剂量生理盐水,两组均常规诱导插管。术中D组持续静脉泵注右美托咪定0.4μg·kg-1·h-1。记录诱导前10min(T0)、诱导后5min(T1)、10min(T2)、插管即刻(T3)、插管后1min(T4)、3min(T5),手术30min(T6)、1h(T7)、2h(T8)的HR、MAP和SpO2,并记录两组维持相同麻醉深度的丙泊酚用量。结果 C组患者T1、T2时HR快于、MAP高于T0时(P<0.05或P<0.01),D组T1～T8时HR慢于、MAP低于C组(P<0.05);T3时两组HR均快于T0时,MAP高于T0时(P<0.05),但T3～T5时D组明显慢于和低于C组(P<0.05);T6～T8时D组HR慢于C组、MAP低于C组(P<0.05)。手术过程中,在维持相同的麻醉深度下,D组患者丙泊酚用量明显少于C组(P<0.05)。结论右美托咪定可减轻老年患者全麻气管插管时的心血管反应,减少术中丙泊酚用量。     

艾司洛尔对依托咪酯诱导气管插管时脑氧供需平衡和能量代谢的影响

目的:观察艾司洛尔对依托咪酯诱导气管内插管时脑氧供需平衡和能量代谢的影响。方法:将24例择期腹部手术患者随机分为艾司洛尔(A)组和对照(B)组,每组各12例。A组全麻诱导应用依托咪酯、咪达唑仑、芬太尼和维库溴铵,并在插管前30s静注艾司洛尔1mg/kg;B组除不用艾司洛尔外,其他与A组相同。分别于全麻诱导前、气管插管后即刻采集颈内静脉和桡动脉血,检测血糖、血乳酸盐及血气,记录MAP和HR;并计算脑动-静脉血氧含量差(Da-jvO2),脑氧摄取率(CERO2),葡萄糖摄取率(GluER),脑动-静脉血乳酸盐浓度差(Da-jvLac)。结果:与诱导前比较,A组插管后即刻MAP、HR无显著变化(P0.05),SjvO2增高、Da-jvO2和CERO2降低(P均0.05);B组插管后即刻MAP、HR及SjvO2明显增高(P0.01),Da-jvO2和CERO2显著降低(P0.01)。B组插管后即刻MAP、HR及SjvO2水平明显高于A组(P0.01),而Da-jvO2和CERO2水平明显低于A组(P0.05)。两组GluER和Da-jvLac无显著变化(P0.05)。结论:麻醉诱导时给予艾司洛尔1mg/kg可减轻依托咪酯诱导气管内插管对脑氧供需平衡的影响,但不影响脑的能量代谢。     

喉罩与气管插管在全麻或复合硬膜外阻滞时的心率和血压改变

目的比较喉罩与气管插管用于全麻或全麻复合硬膜外阻滞患者的HR和BP变化.方法妇科手术80例,随机分为全麻气管插管(T)组、全麻喉罩(L)组、硬膜外阻滞 全麻气管插管(ET)组、硬膜外阻滞 全麻喉罩(EL)组,每组20例.硬膜外阻滞用1%利多卡因 0.15%丁卡因.全麻诱导咪唑安定2 mg、芬太尼0.2 mg、丙泊酚1.5 mg/kg、琥珀胆碱1.5 mg/kg后插气管导管或喉罩.全麻维持50%N2O O2 异氟醚,静注阿曲库铵、芬太尼.于麻醉前(基础,入室静卧10 min后)、插管后1 min、切皮、进腹探查后5 min、拔管后1 min记录MAP、SpO2、HR、PETCO2.结果插管时HR和MAP均低于基础值,而两组喉罩HR低于插气管导管者,硬膜外复合全麻喉罩组MAP低于气管插管组.切皮时两组全麻MAP高于复合硬膜外组.探查时两组复合硬膜外者HR和MAP均低于基础值,且MAP低于单纯全麻者(P＜0.05).拔管时各组HR均显著高于基础值,MAP未复合硬膜外者显著高于基础值.结论(1)插喉罩对BP和HR的影响不如气管导管剧烈;(2)复合硬膜外阻滞时气管插管或喉罩置入应激反应轻,也可减轻探查时的BP波动.     

舒芬太尼与芬太尼对肝移植术患者血流动力学及应激反应影响的比较

目的比较舒芬太尼与芬太尼对肝移植手术患者血流动力学及应激反应的影响。方法原位肝移植的终末期肝病患者50例,随机均分为两组,舒芬太尼组(S组)和芬太尼组(F组)诱导用药分别为舒芬太尼0.5~0.6μg/kg和芬太尼4~6μg/kg,分别以舒芬太尼0.8~1.5μg/kg和芬太尼10~15μg/kg维持麻醉。记录入室后(T1)、插管即刻(T2)、插管后5 min(T3)、无肝前期末(T4)、无肝期末(T5)、新肝期30 min(T6)、新肝期240 min或关腹时(T7)血流动力学指标及T1、T4~T7时的血清皮质醇(Cor)、血管紧张素I(AI)、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AⅡ)、内皮素(ET)和血糖(Glu)、血乳酸(Lac)浓度。结果 T3、T4时F组MAP显著低于S组(P<0.05)。与T4时比较,T5时两组MAP、CVP、CO均显著降低(P<0.01),HR显著增快(P<0.01)。与T5时比较,T6时两组MAP、CVP、CO均显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。与T1时比较,T5时两组Cor、AⅠ、AⅡ、ET和乳酸均显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),T6时Cor、AⅠ、ET和乳酸仍明显升高(P<0.01...     

家猪失血性休克容量复苏时内皮素和一氧化氮的变化及其与肾功能的关系

目的 探讨家猪失血性休克容量复苏时血浆内皮素(ET)和一氧化氮(NO)的变化及其与肾功能的关系.方法 雄性家猪14头,体重14～17 kg,随机分为2组(n=7):假手术组(S组)和失血性休克容量复苏组(HS-VR组).HS-VR组经股动脉放血建立失血性休克模型[通过放血和回输放出的血液维持平均动脉压(MAP)35～45 mm Hg,持续90 min],然后回输全部放出的血液及等容量的复方乳酸钠林格氏液进行容量复苏.S组除不放血及容量复苏,其他操作同HS-VR组.分别于放血前(基础值)、失血性休克模型制备成功时(T1)、容量复苏结束时(T2)、容量复苏结束后30 min(T3)、60 min(T4)、120 min(T5)、240 min(T6)时记录MAP、心率(HR)、中心静脉压(CVP)、肺动脉压(PAP)、肺动脉楔压(PCWP)和心输出量(CO),并于上述时点采集血样,测定血浆ET、NO、尿素氮(BUN)和肌酐(Cr)浓度,并计算ET/NO比值,ET/NO比值分别与血浆BUN、Cr浓度进行直线相关分析.结果 与S组比较,T1时HS-VR组MAP、PAP、CVP和CO降低,HR增加,血浆ET、BUN和cr浓度升高,ET/NO比值升高,T2时PAP和CVP升高,T4时HR降低,T6时PAP和ET/NO比值降低,T4-6时血浆NO浓度升高(P<0.05或0.01);HS-VR组血浆ET/NO比值与BUN、Cr浓度呈正相关.结论 容量复苏可纠正ET与ND功能失衡,改善失血性休克家猪肾功能.     

雷米芬太尼对患者心率变异性的影响

目的 探讨麻醉诱导期雷米芬太尼对患者心率变异性(HRV)的影响.方法 择期行气管插管全麻患者60例,年龄19～55岁,随机分为三组,每组20例.麻醉诱导时R1组、R2组和R3组分别用雷米芬太尼1、1.5和2μg/kg.记录诱导前(T0)、气管插管前即刻(T1)、气管插管后即刻(T2)及插管后1 min(T3)、3 min(T4)、5 min(T5)患者HRV中的低频功率(LF)、高频功率(HF)、标化的低频功率(LFnu)、标化的高频功率(HFnu)、LF/HF比值及SBP、DBP、HR的变化.结果 与T0时比较,T1时三组BP均明显降低(P＜0.01),而R3组T2～T4时仍明显偏低(P＜0.05);R1组T2～T5时HR增快(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);R1组T1～T5时LF、HF、T5时HFnu明显降低,LF/HF值明显升高(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).结论 以1.5μg/kg雷米芬太尼麻醉诱导可预防气管插管时血流动力学反应,维持自主神经调节的均衡性.     

硬式与软式纤维支气管镜经口气管插管的比较

目的比较硬式纤维支气管镜与软式纤维支气管镜经口气管插管的临床应用效果。方法 80例经口气管插管全麻下行腹腔镜手术的ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级患者,随机均分为硬式纤维支气管镜组(S组)和软式纤维支气管镜组(F组)。麻醉前行Mallampati气道评估分级,记录两组在麻醉诱导前、诱导后、气管插管即刻及插管后1、3、5min的SBP、DBP和HR。并记录插管时间和气管插管成功率。结果两组Mallampati气道分级情况差异无统计学意义。两组患者气管插管即刻、插管后1min的SBP、DBP明显高于诱导后,HR明显快于诱导后(P<0.05)。F组患者气管插管即刻的SBP、DBP明显高于S组,HR明显快于S组(P<0.05),插管后1min的HR也明显快于S组(P<0.05)。S组插管时间(47.6±7.9)s,明显短于F组的(61.4±14.7)s(P<0.05)。Mallampati气道评估分级Ⅲ～Ⅳ级患者插管成功率S组为88.89%,明显高于F组的54.54%(P<0.05)。结论硬式纤维支气管镜气管插管成功率高且插管时间短,但插管时血流动力学仍有一定波动,适用于一般患者及气道评估为Ⅲ～Ⅳ级气道的患者。     

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.     

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.