精浆中细胞因子检测及其意义

目的　研究精浆中的细胞因子的含量及其对男性生育能力的影响。方法　用ELISA法检测了 15例证明有生育能力的健康男性及 2 7例不育男性精浆中的IL 2 .IL 6、IL 8、TNF α、sIL 2R的含量 ,同时检测了精浆中的SOD、MDA及白细胞。结果　本组男性不育症 (非感染组 )患者精浆中的IL 6、IL 8、sIL 2R水平与有生育能力的男性相比有差异 ,感染组精浆中的IL 2 .IL 6、IL 8、TNF α、sIL 2R的含量与生育组比有明显的差异 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　本研究提示生殖道感染时精浆中的细胞因子与男性不育有密切的相关     

米非司酮与三苯氧胺合用对人早孕绒毛、蜕膜分泌功能的影响

目的　探讨米非司酮与三苯氧胺合用抗早孕的作用机理。　方法　放射免疫方法测定绒毛、蜕膜组织培养液中人绒毛膜促性腺激素 (hCG)、孕酮 (P)、雌二醇 (E2 )、6 酮 前列腺素F1α(6 Keto PGF1α)、血栓素B2 (TXB2 )、泌乳素 (PRL)以及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF α)、白细胞介素 (IL) 2。　结果　米非司酮与不同浓度三苯氧胺 (10、10 0、10 0 0、10 0 0 0nmol/L)合用 48h与对照组相比 ,绒毛组织培养液中hCG、P、E2 及 6 Keto PGF1α水平显著下降 (P <0 .0 5,P <0 .0 1) ,TXB2 水平显著升高 (P <0 .0 5) ,6 Keto PGF1α/TXB2 比值显著下降 (P <0 .0 1) ;蜕膜组织培养液中E2 、6 Keto PGF1α、PRL水平显著下降 (P <0 .0 5,P <0 .0 1) ,TNF α水平显著升高 (P <0 .0 1)。米非司酮与三苯氧胺合用对蜕膜E2 、TNF α水平的影响比米非司酮单独应用显著增强 (P <0 .0 5,P <0 .0 1)。　结论　米非司酮与三苯氧胺合用可显著影响绒毛、蜕膜组织的分泌功能 ,增加蜕膜组织TNF α含量 ;对蜕膜E2及TNF α水平的影响大于米非司酮单独应用     

乌司他丁两种给药途径治疗犬急性出血坏死性胰腺炎

目的 探讨乌司他丁(UTI)外周静脉应用和区域动脉灌注两种给药途径对犬急性出血坏死性胰腺炎(AHNP)的治疗效果.方法 制备犬AHNP模型,随机分为3组.A组:生理盐水(NS)胃十二指肠动脉灌注;B组:UTI+NS外周静脉注入;C组:UTI+NS胃十二指肠动脉灌注.在不同时间段抽血,测血清淀粉酶、TNF-α含量.测胰腺...     

磷脂酶A2与NF-κB活化在大鼠急性坏死性胰腺炎肺损伤中的作用

目的:探讨磷脂酶A2 (PLA2 )与NF -κB活化在大鼠急性坏死性胰腺炎肺损伤中的作用。方法:Wistar大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、PLA2 抑制剂组。每组按不同时点(3h、6h、12h) ,分别测定血清淀粉酶、脂肪酶、PLA2 、TNFα、IL - 1、IL -6水平;测定肺组织MPO、PLA2 、TNFα、IL - 1、IL - 6水平;行肺、胰腺组织病理学检查;化学发光ELISA法检测肺泡灌洗液巨噬细胞NF -κB(P65)表达情况;每组12只用于观察2 4h死亡率。结果:PLA2 抑制剂组血清淀粉酶、脂肪酶、PLA2 ,肺组织及血清TNFα、IL - 1、IL - 6水平显著低于模型组(P值均小于0 0 1) ;肺组织MPO、PLA2 水平亦降低;肺泡灌洗液巨噬细胞NF -κB活性显著下降,同时肺脏及胰腺病理损害明显减轻;2 4h死亡率明显降低。结论:PLA2 可通过激活肺组织NF -κB ,上调多种细胞因子的表达而产生肺损害作用;阻断磷脂酶A2 可有效地减轻胰腺炎肺损伤     

梗阻性黄疸对心肌的损伤及乌司他丁保护作用的研究

目的 观察胆道梗阻后心肌损伤及乌司他丁(UTI)的保护作用。方法动态观测胆道梗阻大鼠的心肌组织丙二醛(MDA)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、血清总胆红素(TBIL)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、内毒素(ET)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)含量；取左心室心肌行光电镜检查，并应用ABC免疫组化染色法，定位TNF-α在心肌组织中的表达和分布。结果胆道梗阻后，血清TBIL，ALP，CK-MB，ET，TNF-α的水平逐渐升高；心肌组织MDA含量逐渐升高，SOD含量逐渐减少，心肌TNFα表达升高；各UTI治疗组与同时相梗阻组比较，血清TBIL，ALP，CK-MB，ET，TNF-α水平及心肌组织MDA含量减少，SOD含量升高，心肌TNF-α表达下降；光电镜下可见随胆道梗阻时间延长，心肌损害加重，各UTI治疗组与同时相梗阻组比较，心肌损害减轻。结论UTI通过对抗自由基损伤、内毒素血症、TNF-α的综合作用，对胆道梗阻所致心肌损伤有明显保护作用。     

原发性肝癌患者sIL-2R,IL-6和TNF-α测定及其临床意义

笔者采用双抗体夹心ELISA法测定 3 3例原发性肝癌 (PHC )患者血清sIL 2R ,IL 6和TNF α水平 ,并对术前、术后 2周的测定值进行对比。结果示PHC患者手术前sIL 2R ,IL 6和TNF α明显高于正常人 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;手术后 2周 ,上述三指标明显下降 (P <0 .0 5 )。AFP水平与sIL 2R ,IL 6和TNF α水平无关 ( r=0 .3 82 6,0 .5 3 0 1,0 .3 72 5 ,均 P >0 .0 5 ) ;病理类型与sIL 2R ,IL 6和TNF α水平无关 (P >0 .0 5 )。提示sIL 2R ,IL 6和TNF α可作为原发性肝癌诊断、疗效及预后评价的辅助性指标。     

氟比洛芬酯预先给药对大鼠内毒素性急性肺损伤的影响

目的 评价氟比洛芬酯预先给药对大鼠内毒索性急性肺损伤的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠40只,体重190～220 g,随机分为3组:对照组(C组,n=8)、脂多糖组(LPS组,n=16)和氟比洛芬酯组(FA组,n=16).C组尾静脉注射生理盐水(NS)1 ml;LPS组尾静脉注射LPS 5 mg/kg(1 m1);FA组尾静脉注射氟比洛芬酯6 mg/kg(1 m1)后0.5 h注射LPS 5 mg/kg(1 m1).LPS组和FA组于注射LPS后2、4 h时、C组于注射NS后4 h时,各随机处死8只大鼠,取股动脉血样8 ml,行血气分析;采用放免法测定血清血栓素B2(TXB2)和6-酮-前列腺素F1α(6-keto PGF1α)的浓度;采用ELISA方法测定血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、IL-6和IL-10的浓度.取左肺上叶组织,计算肺组织湿/干重比值(W/D)和肺含水量(LC).注射LPS或NS后4 h时取左肺下叶组织,光镜下观察肺组织病理学结果.结果 与C组比较,LPS组PaO2和PaO2/FiO2下降,PaCO2、W/D和LC升高,血清TXB2、6-keto PGF1α浓度和TXB2/6-keto PGF1α比值升高,血清TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6浓度升高,FA组W/D和LC升高,血清TXB2和6-keto PGF1α浓度升高,血清TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6和IL-10浓度升高(P<0.05或0.01).与LPS组比较,FA组PaCO2、W/D和LC降低,PaO2和PaO2/FiO2升高,血清TXB2、6-keto PGF1α浓度和TXB2/6-keto PGF1α比值降低,血清IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α浓度降低,血清IL-10浓度升高(P<0.05).FA组肺组织病理学损伤较LPS组轻.结论 氟比洛芬酯预先给药可减轻内毒素性急性肺损伤,可能与维持血液TXA2和PGI2平衡及抑制炎性反应有关.     

环氧合酶-2在重症急性胰腺炎大鼠胰腺组织中表达的实验研究

目的　研究环氧合酶 -2 (COX 2 )在重症急性胰腺炎 (SAP)大鼠胰腺组织中的表达 ,探讨其在SAP发病中的机制。方法　健康成年雄性SD大鼠 40只随机分成重症急性胰腺炎组 (SAP ,n =2 0 )和正常对照组 (NC ,n =2 0 )。术后 12h两组各处死 10只大鼠 ,检测腹水量 ,血清淀粉酶活性、肿瘤坏死因子 -α(TNF α)浓度 ,血浆TXB2 和 6 keto PGF1α浓度及胰腺组织中COX 2的表达 ,光镜观察胰腺的病理变化 ,并进行评分。两组其余 10只大鼠观察 2 4h及 72h存活率。结果　SAP组 12h大鼠胰腺组织中COX 2蛋白表达为强阳性 ,而NC组中无COX 2的表达。血清淀粉酶活性、TNF α浓度 ,血浆TXB2 和 6 keto PGF1α浓度均显著高于NC组 (P <0 .0 1) ,SAP组腹水量生成显著增加 (P<0 .0 1)。光镜病理评分显示 ,SAP水肿、炎症、出血和坏死评分均较NC组有明显升高 (P <0 .0 5 )。SAP组大鼠 2 4h死亡率为 10 0 % ,NC组死亡率 2 4h为 0 ,48h为 10 .0 %。结论　重症急性胰腺炎时有COX 2的高表达和前列腺素 (PGs)升高 ,提示COX 2可能通过促进PGs升高而在SAP发病中起重要作用。     

清胰汤对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎时急性肺损伤治疗作用的观察

目的 :探讨中药清胰汤在治疗重症急性胰腺炎 (SAP)时对急性肺损伤 (ALI)的保护机制 ,为临床用药提供确切的理论依据。 方法 :Wistar大鼠制备大鼠重症急性胰腺炎肺损伤模型 ,随机分成 3组 :假手术对照组 (SHAM) ,SAP模型组 (SAP) ,SAP +清胰汤治疗组 (QYT)。分别于造模后 2 4h测定动脉血气、血清淀粉酶的含量、血清内毒素及血清和肺组织匀浆中的TNF、IL - 6、MDA、SOD的含量、肺湿重 /干重比值以及肺组织病理学改变。 结果 :①SAP模型组内毒素、TNF、IL - 6、氧自由基、肺湿重 /干重比值均较SHAM组明显升高 (P <0 0 1)。动脉血气显示肺损伤严重 ,肺组织病理学形态改变加重。②QYT组各检测指标均较SAP组明显改善 (P <0 0 5 )。 结论 :清胰汤通过保护肠屏障 ,减少了细菌移位 ,降低血清中内毒素水平 ,防止过氧化损伤 ,纠正机体致炎和抗炎系统失衡等多方面机制而对肺脏起到全面保护作用。     

氯化钆对大鼠急性出血坏死性胰腺炎肺损伤的影响

目的　观察氯化钆对大鼠急性出血坏死性胰腺炎 (AHNP )肺损伤的影响 ,探讨肝脏Kupffer细胞在该病理过程中的作用。方法　 42只Wistar大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、氯化钆预防组( 10mg/kg)、氯化钆对照组 ( 10mg/kg)。假手术组仅翻动腹腔脏器数次即关腹 ;模型组经胆胰管逆行注射 5 %牛磺胆酸钠 ( 1ml/kg ,0 .1ml/min)诱发AHNP ;氯化钆预防组在AHNP造模前 1d经尾静脉注射氯化钆溶液。 3组动物于术后 3h ,6h分批取材 :( 1)经腹主动脉取血 ,测定血清淀粉酶、TNFα和IL 1(假手术组加测血AST和ALT) ;( 2 )取右肺一部分匀浆 ,测定MPO ;另一部分经 10 %甲醛固定 ,行组织病理学观察 ;( 3 )取左肺进行肺泡灌洗 ,分离收集并纯化肺泡巨噬细胞 ;提取核蛋白后采用化学发光ELISA法检测NF κB (p65 )的表达情况 ;( 4 )留取胰腺组织行组织病理学观察。氯化钆对照组经尾静脉注射氯化钆溶液 2 4h后处死 ,取血测定血AST和ALT。结果　氯化钆预防组在造模后 3h及 6h ,肺组织MPO水平、血清TNFα及IL 1水平、肺泡巨噬细胞NF κB(p65 )的表达水平均显著低于模型组 (均为P <0 .0 1) ;肺组织病理学改变显著减轻。血清淀粉酶及胰腺病理改变两组无显著差别。结论　预防性应用氯化钆可明显减轻AHNP大鼠所并发的肺损伤 ;肝脏Kupffer细     

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.     

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.     

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.