枢椎椎弓根钉板结合对侧椎板钉棒固定在寰枢椎及枕颈固定中的应用

目的探讨后路单侧枢椎椎弓根钉板系统结合对侧枢椎椎板钉棒系统在寰枢关节及枕颈固定中的临床疗效。方法后路单侧椎弓根钉板系统结合对侧枢椎椎板钉棒系统寰枢椎固定及枕颈固定11例,新鲜Ⅱ型齿突骨折5例,陈旧性齿突骨折3例,寰椎枕骨化畸形2例,寰枢椎不稳1例。单侧椎弓根发育狭小者6例,单侧椎动脉优势型2例,一侧椎动脉高跨2例,寰椎枕骨化畸形寰枢关节脱位行钉板系统固定失效后再次手术1例。寰枢椎固定9例,枕颈固定2例,1例难复型寰枢关节脱位行经口咽前路松解+后路复位内固定融合术,术后内固定失效行翻修手术。全部患者行后路寰枢或枕颈固定植骨融合术。比较术前、术后JOA评分变化,术后随访X线片及CT,观察寰枢椎复位及融合情况。结果所有患者均得到随访,随访时间6~32个月,平均16个月。全组患者无一例发生脊髓或椎动脉损伤,寰枢椎得到解剖复位,临床症状得到不同程度改善。术后JOA评分13~16分,平均14.9分,术前、术后JOA评分改善率为76%~92%,平均83%,术后半年复查CT显示均获得骨性融合,未见寰枢椎失稳或复位丢失征象,固定螺钉位置良好。结论单侧枢椎椎弓根钉板系统结合对侧枢椎椎板钉棒系统行寰枢关节及枕颈固定临床疗效可靠,但缺少临床对比研究。     

后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定融合治疗上颈椎损伤

目的探讨后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉钉棒系统固定治疗上颈椎损伤的临床效果。方法对13例上颈椎损伤患者行后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定融合术。结果手术时间60～150 min。5例术前Frankel D级患者术后均恢复至E级。13例均获随访,时间6～22个月。患者植骨全部融合,内固定无松动,无断钉、断棒发生。结论后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定融合治疗上颈椎损伤疗效满意。     

后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定及融合术治疗上颈椎不稳11例

目的总结采用寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定及植骨融合术治疗上颈椎不稳的疗效。方法对11例上颈椎不稳患者术前常规行颅骨牵引复位。术中寰枢椎椎弓根的进钉点选择在寰椎后结节中点旁开18～20 mm、后弓上缘下4 mm交点处,矢状面上螺钉向头侧倾斜约5°,与矢状面夹角10°;枢椎进钉点为枢椎关节突根部中点,钉道与矢状面夹角为20～25°,与横断面夹角30～35°。椎弓根钉直径3.5 mm,寰椎、枢椎椎弓根钉长22～28 mm。结果随访5～34个月,11例均植骨融合,内固定无松动断裂。术后JOA评分:优7例,良2例,可2例。结论采用寰枢椎多轴椎弓根钉棒系统内固定及植骨融合术治疗上颈椎不稳,具有固定牢固、固定节段短和三维固定的优点。     

后路寰枢椎钉棒固定非融合治疗新鲜Ⅱ型齿状突骨折保留寰枢椎旋转功能的临床初探

目的:介绍寰枢椎后路钉棒固定非融合治疗新鲜Ⅱ型齿状突骨折保留寰枢椎旋转功能的临床初步疗效. 方法:2010年1月～2011年7月收治8例不适合前路齿状突螺钉固定的新鲜Ⅱ型齿状突骨折患者,其中骨折线呈前下后上型者5例,牵引后齿状突骨折复位不佳者3例;男6例,女2例;年龄21～56岁,平均38岁.在气管插管全麻下行一期后路寰枢椎钉棒固定,不进行后路植骨;待术后随访CT复查显示齿状突骨折骨性愈合后,二期后路手术取出内固定,观察寰枢椎旋转功能的恢复情况. 结果:8例患者均成功进行寰枢椎后路钉棒固定,共置入直径3.5mm的寰椎、枢椎螺钉各16枚,其中寰椎采用椎弓根螺钉固定13枚、部分经椎弓根螺钉固定3枚,枢椎采用椎弓根螺钉固定11枚、椎板螺钉固定5枚;术中齿状突骨折复位满意,未发生椎动脉、脊髓损伤一期术后随访12～24个月,平均16个月,末次随访CT复查显示8例患者齿状突骨折均获得骨性愈合,颈椎左、右旋转均约35°～55°,平均约45°. 二期后路钉棒内固定取出术后颈椎旋转功能即刻得到部分恢复,颈椎左、右旋转均约50°～70°,平均约60°;随访6～12个月后颈椎旋转功能基本恢复正常,颈椎左、右旋转均约80°～90°,平均约85°.结论:对不适合前路齿状突螺钉固定的新鲜Ⅱ型齿状突骨折患者,采用一期后路寰枢椎钉棒固定非融合、二期取出内固定的方法可保留寰枢椎的旋转功能.     

骨科：脊柱

侧块钉固定治疗齿突骨折并寰枢关节脱位；经枢椎椎弓根内固定钉道轨迹的术前三维CT重建；四点内固定技术治疗创伤性寰枢椎不稳；重建钛板枢椎椎弓根螺钉及颗粒状植骨枕颈融合术；一期前后路联合内固定治疗多节段颈椎骨折脱位     

椎弓根螺钉技术在学龄前儿童寰枢椎脱位治疗中的应用

目的探讨寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉技术在2~5岁学龄前儿童寰枢椎脱位手术治疗中的应用效果。方法 2008年9月—2015年8月采用颈椎后路椎弓根螺钉钉棒系统治疗寰枢椎脱位学龄前患儿15例,男10例,女5例;年龄24~60个月,平均39.8个月。患儿主要表现为颈部疼痛、活动受限,5例患儿有颈髓压迫症状,美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级C级2例,D级3例。术前常规行张口位和伸屈动力侧位X线、CT三维重建及MRI检查。麻醉后行颅骨牵引手法复位,对于可完全复位及部分复位的13例患儿,行俯卧位后路手术;对不能复位的2例患儿,先前路松解再翻身行后路手术。直视下置入寰枢椎螺钉,并完成复位及固定植骨融合。早期5例患儿行自体髂骨块植骨,后期8例患儿行异体骨植骨,另2例患儿未植骨。结果 15例患儿手术过程顺利,共置入54枚螺钉,其中寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉49枚,寰椎侧块螺钉3枚,枢椎棘突椎板螺钉2枚,未发生脊髓、神经根及椎动脉损伤。术中出血量30~150 m L,平均80 m L;手术时间80~200 min,平均110 min。所有患儿随访6~60个月,平均32.6个月。患儿术后3个月随访时均无明显颈部疼痛症状,无明显活动受限。5例术前神经功能异常患儿在术后6个月随访时均恢复至E级。自体髂骨植骨患儿寰枢椎融合时间为3~6个月,平均4.2个月;异体骨植骨患儿寰枢椎融合时间为6~9个月,平均7.3个月。结论对寰枢椎明显脱位的学龄前儿童可以考虑施行后路寰枢椎复位、固定植骨融合术,常规直径3.5 mm的椎弓根螺钉钉棒系统可以用于大多数2~5岁学龄前患儿寰枢椎固定。     

寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗上颈椎损伤

目的总结枕骨、枢椎椎弓根钉棒系统或寰枢椎椎弓根钉棒系统固定用于治疗上颈椎损伤的效果。方法对16例上颈椎损伤患者术前常规行颅骨牵引复位。术中寰枢椎椎弓根的进钉点选择在寰椎后结节中点旁开18~20 mm、后弓上缘下4 mm交点处。矢状面上螺钉向头侧倾斜约5°。冠状面垂直。枢椎进钉点为枢椎关节突根部中点,钉道与矢状面夹角为20°~25°,与横断面夹角30°~35°。椎弓根螺钉φ3.5 mm,寰椎、枢椎椎弓根螺钉长24~28 mm,术中遇阻力大时随时调整方向。结果平均手术时间110 min。术前Frankel分级C级1例,D级4例,术后均恢复至E级。随访6~38个月,16例全部植骨融合,内固定无松动。结论枕骨、寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定融合治疗上颈椎损伤是一种新技术,具有固定牢固、固定节段短和三维固定的优点。     

寰枢椎椎弓根钉治疗寰枢椎脱位的临床应用

目的：探讨经后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉固定系统复位固定植骨融合治疗寰枢椎脱位的临床疗效。方法：2005年12月至2007年6月收治16例寰枢椎脱位的患者,男10例,女6例;年龄38～45岁,平均40.5岁;其中12例伴有神经损伤,按ASIA分级：B级3例,C级5例,D级4例。术前均行寰枢椎CT扫描及X线检查,入院后立即行颅骨牵引。术中应用经后路通用脊柱椎弓根钉棒矫形固定系统固定,同时在寰椎后弓和枢椎椎板间大量髂骨植骨融合。观察术后近期疗效及并发症情况。结果：术中未发生血管、神经等重要组织结构的损伤。16例患者均获得随访,随访时间12～24个月,平均18个月。术后所有患者头枕部疼痛、酸困不适症状均得到改善,采用Odom临床疗效评定标准,优12例,良4例。12例伴有神经损伤患者11例得到明显恢复。按ASIA分级：B级1例,C级2例,D级5例,E级4例。无内固定物松动及断裂,所有植骨均达骨性融合。结论：经后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉固定系统复位固定植骨融合能够直视下置钉、短节段固定、术中复位,且固定可靠,融合率高,有利于上颈椎稳定性重建及脊髓神经功能恢复。     

难复型寰枢椎脱位的手术治疗

目的探讨后路寰枢椎弓根钉棒系统在难复型寰枢椎脱位的临床应用。方法 18例难复型寰枢椎脱位患者,采用后路寰枢椎弓根钉棒系统,进行寰枢椎部分撑开后提拉复位,固定及植骨融合,其中单纯固定融合14例,加行颈椎管成压术者4例。结果本组平均手术时间2.8(1.8～3.6)h,平均出血量380(150～680)ml,均无术中、术后并发症,无脊髓损伤症状加重。18例患者获得6月～3年随访,获得良好寰枢椎骨性融合,钉棒系统内固定牢固,无松动;寰枢椎保持复位位置;术后脊髓功能(JOA17分法)改善率82.3%,其中优12例,良4例,有效2例。结论经后路寰枢椎弓根钉棒系统,对寰枢椎进行部分撑开后提拉复位,一次完成难复型寰枢椎脱位的复位、固定和融合,是治疗难复型寰枢椎脱位较理想的手术方法。     

经后路椎弓根钉固定治疗外伤性寰枢椎脱位

[目的]探讨经后路椎弓根钉固定治疗外伤性寰枢椎脱位的临床疗效。[方法]对18例外伤性寰枢椎脱位的病人,术前均行寰枢椎CT扫描及X线检查,入院后立即行颅骨牵引,术中应用互轨自锁椎弓根钉棒矫形固定系统Ⅱ(ALPFⅡ)固定,同时在寰椎后弓和枢椎椎板间大量髂骨植骨融合。观察术后近期疗效及并发症情况。[结果]术中未发生血管、神经等重要组织结构的损伤,随访时间12～18个月,平均14个月,所有病人头枕部疼痛、酸困不适症状均得到改善,15例伴有神经损伤者,除1例C级无恢复外,其余14例神经功能得到明显恢复,按ASIA分级:C级1例,D级4例,E级10例。无内固定物松动及断裂,所有植骨均达骨性融合。[结论]经后路椎弓根钉固定是治疗外伤性寰枢椎脱位的一种可靠的治疗方法。具有直视下置钉、短节段固定,术中复位、固定可靠,融合率高,疗效满意,有利于上颈椎稳定性重建及脊髓神经功能恢复等优点,为寰枢椎脱位患者的治疗提供了一种较好的内固定术式。     

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.