单侧椎弓根穿刺椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折

目的评价单侧椎弓根穿刺椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的临床效果.方法2005年5月～2007年7月应用SKY骨扩张器系统行单侧椎弓根穿刺椎体后凸成形术治疗30例骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折患者,男10例,女20例;年龄58～86岁,平均70.2岁.患者均有腰背部疼痛,共34个椎体骨折,其中单椎体26例,两个椎体4例,骨折部位T8～L3.随访观察患者的疼痛、日常功能以及影像学改变情况.结果有2例共2个椎体出现骨水泥渗漏,但均未出现临床症状,无其他并发症发生.术后患者腰痛均明显缓解,随访7～28个月,平均12个月,术前VAS评分8.48±0.50分,术后1周时为2.50±0.54分,末次随访时为2.85±0.34分;Oswestry评分术前为58.00±1.93分,术后为31.00±1.88分,末次随访时为35.00±1.51分;椎体前缘高度术前平均为14.70±1.27mm,术后1周时为24.40±0.90mm,末次随访时为21.50±0.37mm;伤椎后凸角度术前平均为30.50°±1.24°,术后1周时为11.00°±1.07°,末次随访时为13.50°±0.49°.各指标术后及末次随访时与术前比较有显著性差异(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),而末次随访时与术后1周时比较无显著性差异(P＞0.05).患者均在术后1个月内恢复受伤前的生活.结论单侧椎弓根穿刺SKY骨扩张器系统椎体后凸成形术可有效恢复骨质疏松性骨折椎体的高度,迅速缓解疼痛,改善患者的生活质量.     

症状性脊椎血管瘤的术式选择和疗效分析

目的:探讨症状性脊椎血管瘤手术治疗方式选择,评价手术治疗效果。方法 :1998年7月~2013年6月北京大学人民医院骨与软组织肿瘤中心收治并获得随访的症状性脊椎血管瘤患者49例,男19例,女30例。年龄16~83岁。术前均有与血管瘤相关的局部疼痛或脊髓神经根受压症状;其中16例伴有脊髓神经功能损伤(Frankel分级为B~D级)。18例椎体后壁完整、无硬膜囊或神经根受压和/或脊柱不稳的患者行经皮椎体成形术,31例椎体后壁不完整、存在硬膜囊或神经根受压和/或脊柱不稳的患者行开放手术。分析评估所有患者手术后的脊髓功能改善情况、并发症及疼痛症状缓解情况(VAS评分)。结果:18例行经皮椎体成形术者未发生围手术期并发症;术后24h VAS评分由术前4.2±1.6分(2~8分)降至1.0±1.2(0~4分)(P0.01);随访58.7±34.3个月(14~127个月),16例无症状复发,2例症状复发并加重,经放疗后缓解。31例行开放手术者经后路手术19例,前路手术7例,前后路联合手术5例;术中出血量2270±1702ml(300~6000ml);术中1例出血量大,未行内固定术,其余30例均行内固定术,术后发生局部血肿2例,伤口感染1例,无围手术期死亡病例;术后3个月,16例伴不完全截瘫患者14例脊髓功能改善1级或以上,15例术前存在局部疼痛或神经根刺激的患者VAS评分由术前4.8±2.0分(3~9分)降至1.3±1.7分(0~6分)(P0.01);1例术后半年死于其他疾病,其余30例随访76.3±42.1个月(14~191个月),4例复发,其中2例无症状,给予观察,1例有症状者放疗后缓解,另1例手术后缓解。结论:对症状性脊椎血管瘤手术治疗能够取得良好临床疗效。对于椎体后壁完整、无硬膜囊或神经根受压和/或脊柱不稳的患者采用经皮椎体成形术可取得较好果;而对于椎体后壁不完整、存在硬膜囊或神经根受压和/或脊柱不稳的患者应行开放手术治疗。     

侵袭性脊柱血管瘤的外科治疗

目的探讨侵袭性脊柱血管瘤的外科手术方式和临床价值。方法 9例有神经损害的侵袭性血管瘤患者,术前经X片、CT和(或)MRI检查,诊断明确,均行后路减压联合开放椎体成形术治疗,其中3例先行后路减压内固定术(A组),6例先行开放椎体成形术(B组),比较患者术前、术后VAS疼痛评分、Frankel脊髓损伤分级评分、两种手术方式术中出血量及手术时间。结果 9例患者术后VAS评分由术前平均7.5分降至术后平均2.3分,术后神经功能不同程度恢复,术中出血量A组80~100ml,B组50~90 ml,手术时间A组90~100 Min,B组50~100 Min,两组术后复查均无骨水泥渗漏,无椎管内占位,随访7~48个月,平均21.3个月,所有患者术后肿瘤未见复发,病变椎体高度未见丢失。结论开放椎体成形术联合后路减压内固定治疗侵袭性脊柱血管瘤效果良好,先行开放椎体成形术可减少术中出血量,而先行椎板切除减压能进一步降低椎体后壁破损患者的脊髓损伤的风险。     

CT引导下经皮椎体成形术治疗胸椎转移性肿瘤

目的:探讨CT引导下经皮椎体成形术治疗胸椎转移性肿瘤的安全性及疗效.方法:2004年4月～2006年2月共治疗胸椎转移性肿瘤患者18例.共30个椎体,患者均有顽固性胸背痛,术前VAS评分平均8.6分,伴脊髓压迫者6例,术前Frankel分级C级2例,D级4例,均应用CT引导下经皮椎体成形术行病变椎体内骨水泥注射治疗.随访观察并发症发生情况及治疗效果.结果:30个椎体存CT引导下均一次穿刺成功.单侧注射骨水泥12例,平均注入量2.75ml;双侧注射6例,平均注入量4.7ml,无骨水泥渗漏及神经损害加重情况发生.15例局麻药效消失后疼痛明显缓解,2例72h后疼痛缓解,1例无效.随访6～24个月,平均11.4个月.术后1周时VAS评分平均2.62分,末次随访时VAS评分平均2.94分,与术前比较均有显著改善(P<0.01).末次随访时6例脊髓压迫者神经功能2例C级恢复至D级,其余均恢复至E级.2例原发灶为肝痛及1例肺癌患者死亡,其余患者手术椎体未发生新的病理性骨折及脊髓压迫加重.结论:CT引导下经皮椎体成形术具有良好的止痛及预防病理性骨折作用,是治疗胸椎转移性肿瘤安全、有效的方法.     

骨质疏松性椎体骨坏死的诊断及椎体后凸成形术治疗

目的:探讨骨质疏松性椎体骨坏死的初步诊断依据及其经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术的疗效.方法:回顾分析2006年1月～2010年6月在我院行球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗的39例骨质疏松性椎体骨坏死患者的临床资料.男17例,女22例;年龄61～80岁,平均69.4岁;腰背部疼痛病程3周～10年,平均3.2个月.术前腰椎骨密度T值为-2.69～-6.73,平均-3.17.术前均行脊柱X线片、MRI及CT检查,病变椎体为T7 1例,T92例,T11 5例,T12 13例,L1 9例,L2 5例,L3 3例,L4 1例.均术中抽取病变椎体内组织行病理检查证实为骨坏死.分析本组患者的临床及影像学特点,通过测量术前、术后2d与末次随访时站立位X线片上椎体前缘高度变化及VAS评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)变化评估椎体后凸成形术的疗效.结果:术前均有腰背痛,坐起、翻身及行走等脊柱承受负荷时疼痛加重,且病程＞3周.脊柱X线片上均有椎体压缩改变,25例(64％)骨坏死椎体在X线片可见椎体内裂隙征,31例(79％)骨坏死椎体在CT片上可见椎体内裂隙征,所有骨坏死椎体在MRI片上有界限清晰的信号改变区域.随访13～48个月,平均26.3个月,骨坏死椎体前缘高度由术前(31.7±11.1)％恢复至术后2d(69.4±12.7)％,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),末次随访时为(67.2±15.5)％,与术后2d比较无统计学差异(P＞0.05).VAS评分及ODI术前分别为8.2±1.4分和(80.1±8.7)％,术后2d分别为1.8±0.6分和(25.7±8.1)％,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);末次随访时分别为1.9±0.5分和(26.1±7.9)％,与术后2d比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).5例术中发生骨水泥渗漏,未出现临床症状.3例术后发生其他椎体骨折.结论:骨质疏松性椎体骨坏死根据影像学特点并结合临床特点可做出初步诊断,采用球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗创伤小、安全有效.     

经皮椎体成形术治疗椎体血管瘤

目的 探讨经皮椎体成形术(PVP)治疗椎体血管瘤(VH)的疗效.方法 18例胸腰椎VH患者累及椎体共22个(胸椎8个,腰椎14个),除1例不全截瘫患者(Frankel C级)外均采用经皮椎弓根入路,19个椎体双侧椎弓根、2个椎体单侧椎弓根注射.透视下骨水泥注入治疗,1例ⅣB型VH辅以无水乙醇注入,1例截瘫患者给予后路切开减压、骨水泥置入、椎弓根螺钉固定.观察疼痛和椎体形态的变化.结果 18例均获随访,时间9个月～3年,平均(23.33±8.02)个月.14例疼痛即刻缓解;1例2 d缓解;1例ⅣA型VH术后神经症状明显缓解, 6个月时神经症状基本消除;1例术后症状部分缓解,仍有下腰痛, 3个月后给予椎间盘造影后,L4～5椎间隙能诱发明显下腰痛,行后路椎间盘摘除、椎间融合器融合、椎弓根内固定,症状完全缓解.1例不全截瘫者3个月后逐步弃拐行走,神经恢复达Frankel E级.未见再发病例.结论 PVP治疗VH可获得即刻稳定和疼痛很快缓解的效果.     

椎体后凸成形术后疼痛的原因分析

目的探讨椎体后凸成形术治疗椎体压缩骨折术后疼痛的原因。方法 8例骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折行椎体后凸成形术后仍然疼痛原因:2例出现骨水泥渗漏;3例术中出现椎弓根骨折;2例随访中出现邻近节段骨折;1例术后检查发现转移性病理骨折。骨水泥渗漏和椎弓根骨折患者给予镇痛和卧床休息及继续抗骨质疏松治疗,2例邻近节段骨折再次行椎体后凸成形术,1例转移性病理骨折进行放化疗。结果 8例随访3～12个月,平均7个月,7例骨质疏松性骨折治疗前VAS(3.5±1.5)分,治疗后VAS(1.2±0.5)分;1例病理性骨折治疗前VAS评分为4分,随访时VAS为1.3分。结论椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折术后疼痛原因包括骨水泥渗漏、椎弓根骨折、邻近节段骨折等,应对术后疼痛进行个体化处理。     

经皮椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎椎体转移癌的疗效观察

目的：观察经皮椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎椎体转移癌的效果。方法：对25例胸腰椎椎体转移癌患者的37个椎体在C型臂X线透视下经皮椎体穿刺并注入骨水泥成形，术后按疼痛缓解程度6级评定法及简明健康状况调查表（SF-36）对治疗后患者生活质量进行评估。结果：所有患者术后均未发生感染、脊髓压迫和肺栓塞等并发症。24例患者术后2～72h内疼痛得到不同程度缓解，1例多发脊柱严重破坏者术后疼痛无缓解，术后1周疼痛缓解优良率为72．0％。术后随访3～27个月，平均7个月，根据SF-36评分，患者总体生活质量评分由术前的平均232分提高到末次随访时的平均349分。结论：经皮椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎椎体转移癌安全可行，具有良好的止痛效果．能够有效改善患者的生活质量。     

椎体成形术后手术椎体感染的临床表现和治疗效果

目的报道椎体成形术后手术椎体感染的临床表现和治疗效果。方法回顾性分析2014年1月至2019年6月河南省人民医院脊柱脊髓外科收治的6例椎体成形术后手术椎体感染患者的临床资料。男2例,女4例;年龄64~81岁。背部疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为6~8分;神经功能评分按美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级:C级2例,E级4例。所有患者均行感染椎体次全切除联合长节段椎弓根螺钉固定,并给予相应的抗菌治疗。根据患者炎症指标、影像学检查和临床表现等综合判断疗效。结果6例患者术后获12~42个月(平均20.4个月)随访,手术时间295~455 min(平均370.8 min),出血量760~2250 mL(平均1536.7 mL)。无出现硬膜撕裂、神经症状加重或死亡等严重并发症。末次随访时所有患者体温正常,手术切口愈合良好。复查炎症指标正常。末次随访时影像学检查显示内固定物无移位,无螺钉松动和钉棒断裂,植骨区域骨性融合良好,原感染椎体无炎症信号。末次随访时患者背部疼痛VAS评分为2~4分。2例患者ASIA分级从C级改善至D级,4例患者维持E级;4例患者最终可独立正常行走,2例患者需助行器辅助行走。结论椎体成形术后手术椎体感染会导致背部疼痛和神经功能障碍。采用椎体次全切除加长节段椎弓根螺钉固定联合相应的抗菌治疗可以取得良好的治疗效果。     

手术联合椎体成形术治疗多发性脊柱肿瘤

目的探讨外科手术联合椎体成形术治疗多发性脊柱肿瘤的方法、疗效及并发症。方法2001年2月至2003年11月,采用手术联合椎体成形术治疗包括转移瘤、多发性骨髓瘤和淋巴瘤等在内的多发性脊柱肿瘤患者20例,男性13例,女性7例。病变累及2个脊椎节段者5例,3～4个节段者11例,5个或以上节段者4例。所有患者均存在神经系统损害和严重疼痛,术前Tomita评分,平均7．2分(3～9分)。结果20例患者中17例(85％)术后疼痛得到缓解,12例有神经功能损害的患者中,10例术后麻痹症状改善。术前Frankel分级为B级的患者1例术后改善为C级;1例术前Frankel A级的患者术后无明显变化。椎体成形术的并发症主要与骨水泥渗漏有关：硬膜外少量渗漏2例3椎,椎旁渗漏2例2椎,沿椎旁静脉渗漏和椎问盘内渗漏各1例。结论选择适当病例,对多发性脊柱肿瘤病例采用外科手术联合椎体成形术以及综合其他治疗方法,可以更好的缓解疼痛,改善神经症状,提高生存质量。     

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.     

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.