球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体骨折后骨坏死

目的 探讨球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体骨折后骨坏死的效果.方法 回顾性分析2005年1月至2008年1月收治的31例骨质疏松性椎体骨折后骨坏死患者的临床资料.其中男性13例,女性18例;年龄57～84岁,平均71岁;背部疼痛病史1个月～lO年.术前行x线片、CT、MRI等影像学检查.患者均行球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗,术中取椎体内组织进行术后常规病理学检查.测量并比较术前、术后1 d及末次随访时站立位X线片伤椎前缘相对高度.采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)及Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)评价手术疗效.结果 患者均获随访,随访时间18～48个月,平均27个月.术前与术后1 d伤椎前缘相对高度分别为(34.7±3.1)%和(71.4±2.3)%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);末次随访时为(70.2±2.5)%,与术后1 d相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).术前VAS及ODI评分分别为8.7±0.4和89.1±2.7,术后1 d分别为2.3±0.7和31.7±3.1,手术前后差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);末次随访时分别为1.9±0.2和29.1±2.7,与术后1 d相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).所有指标数据末次随访时与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).2例发生骨水泥渗漏,未出现临床症状.1例术后发生其他椎体骨折.结论 球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术是治疗骨质疏松性椎体骨折后骨坏死的有效方法.     

椎体后凸成形术治疗多节段脊柱骨折中责任椎体的选择

目的 前瞻性研究球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗多节段脊柱压缩骨折中责任椎体的选择及其疗效.方法 2002年10月至2005年6月对35例多节段骨质疏松性脊柱骨折患者,根据MRI各序列上信号的改变确定责任椎体,选择性对责任椎体进行球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗.术前骨折椎体MRI有T1WI低信号改变、T2WI及STIR序列高信号改变者,即确定为责任椎体,可参考X线片表现及局部叩击痛.共计120个椎体有压缩骨折,其中确定为责任椎体并接受手术的有51个椎体.观察术后症状改善及骨折复位情况来评估其疗效.结果 35例患者均顺利完成手术,术后1～3 d完全独立或经搀扶行走.3个椎体出现无症状性骨水泥渗漏,占5.9%(3/51).31例患者获得随访,平均随访时间16.2个月.术后疼痛明显减轻或消失,视觉模拟评分(VAS)由术前8.7降至随访时的2.1(P＜0.01).随访时椎体高度平均恢复率59.17%,后凸畸形Cobb角平均矫正10.1°,术前与末次随访时比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论 对于多节段脊柱压缩骨折,可根据MRI不同序列上信号的改变来确定责任椎,选择性对责任椎进行球囊扩张后凸成形术治疗可获得较好疗效.     

经皮球囊扩张后凸成形术治疗老年椎体压缩骨折的随访研究

[目的]探讨经皮球囊扩张后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的手术效果和患者术后的生活质量.[方法]采用经皮球囊扩张后凸成形术治疗老年椎体压缩骨折病例105例.测量术前、术后3d、术后3个月和随访结束时的椎体高度;术前、术后3d、术后3个月和随访结束时对患者腰痛行VAS评分,术前、术后3个月和随访结束时对患者进行ODI评分.[结果]91例患者获随访,随访时间13 ～ 50个月,平均33.2个月.患者术前椎体平均高度为(1.45 ±0.28) cm,术后3d复查X线片测量的椎体平均高度为(1.75 ±0.23) cm,术后3个月时椎体平均高度(1.75±0.23) cm,随访结束时患者椎体平均高度为(1.74±0.24) cm.术前VAS评分为(7.53±0.68),术后3d为(2.69 ±0.49),术后3个月为(1.02±0.33),随访结束时为(1.01±0.39).术前ODI评分为(77.85 ±3.53),术后3个月为(28.67 ±5.85),随访结束时为(21.33±3.47).术前、术后的椎体高度,VAS评分,ODI评分差别有统计学意义(P＜0.01).[结论]经皮球囊扩张后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折能部分恢复椎体高度,针对压缩骨折带来的腰痛有良好的治疗效果,明显改善了患者的生活质量.     

PKP治疗骨质疏松性多节段椎体压缩性骨折的临床应用研究

目的 探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗骨质疏松性多节段椎体压缩性骨折的疗效和安全性.方法 采用Skv膨胀式椎体成形器或球囊扩张对骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折65例238椎(其中Sky组20例,球囊组45例)行经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗.在X线片上测量术前、术后的椎体前缘、中线、后缘的高度及术后后凸畸形纠正范围.术前的临床所见及随访结果 均采用Oswestry功能障碍指数和疼痛视觉模糊评分进行评定.结果 65例术后24 h内疼痛症状明显缓解或消失.后凸畸形纠正范围11～26°,平均17°.随访9～46个月,平均24.8个月,患者诉明显疼痛,X线片示椎体高度未见明显丢失,未出现严重并发症.术后3个月及最后随访时Oswestry功能障碍指数和VAS评分均较术前有明显改善(P<0.05).Sky组与球囊组疗效比较无显著性差异(P<0.05).结论 Sky膨胀式椎体成形器及球囊扩张PKP治疗多发性骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折,均能迅速缓解疼痛,恢复椎体高度,但球囊对于一次治疗多椎体病变更为经济、适用.     

单球囊双侧扩张椎体后凸成形术的探讨

目的探讨单球囊双侧扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性脊柱压缩骨折的临床疗效。方法2002年3月～2004年2月,采用单球囊双侧扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性脊柱压缩骨折15例17椎,男6例6椎,女9例11椎;年龄62～83岁,平均70.5岁。T12 8椎,L1 7椎,T8 1椎,T11 1椎。术前CT显示椎体后壁均完整。MRI显示骨折椎体在T1WI呈低信号,T2WI呈高信号。经骨密度仪测定证实脊椎均存在不同程度的骨质疏松,平均骨密度为0.603g/cm2。结果所有患者术后疼痛均明显减轻,疼痛视觉模拟数字评分由术前平均8.3分降至术后平均2.1分。平均椎体前缘高度恢复54.2%±34.1%,中部恢复60.5%±35.4%,后缘恢复40.7%±32.3%。矢状面排列改善明显。手术前后侧位X线片示Cobb角平均改善9.5°(0°～28°)。平均灌注骨水泥5.9ml(3.5～7.8ml)。除1个椎体前缘有少许未引起临床症状的骨水泥渗漏外,其余椎体在X线片上均无明显骨水泥渗漏。所有患者均获得随访,随访时间2～48个月,平均10.5个月,未发现与手术有关的并发症出现。结论单球囊双侧扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性脊柱压缩骨折可以有效缓解疼痛,恢复椎体高度,改善椎体矢状面排列,疗效满意。     

经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折

目的评价球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折的疗效和安全性。方法自2008年8月至2011年7月采用椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松脊柱压缩骨折30例42椎,患者均有腰背部疼痛。取俯卧位调节手术床使椎体骨折部位过伸,达到满意的闭合复位后,经皮双侧或单侧椎弓根穿刺球囊扩张,填充骨水泥。随访观察患者的疼痛、日常功能以及影像学改变情况。根据术前和术后侧位X线片测量椎体高度、后凸畸形角度,进行统计学分析。利用Oswestry评分、视觉模拟评分（visualanaloguescale,VAS）评定临床疗效。观察有无骨水泥渗漏等并发症。结果术后随访6～24个月,平均10个月。术后伤椎处疼痛均明显缓解,VAS评分从术前平均（8．45±0．48）分降至术后平均（2．45±0．52）分,椎体高度明显恢复,后凸畸形得到矫正。随访期间疗效满意,伤椎高度无明显丢失。未出现严重的骨水泥渗漏并发症。术后椎体高度及伤椎后凸角度与术前比较有统计学差异（P〈0．05）,术后VAS及Oswestry评分与术前比较有统计学差异（P〈0．01）。结论球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松脊柱压缩性骨折,能有效恢复椎体高度和矫正后凸畸形,能迅速缓解疼痛,减少骨折并发症,提高患者生活质量。     

经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性脊柱压缩性骨折

目的探讨经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年性骨质疏松性脊柱压缩性骨折的疗效。方法对15例(20个椎体)患者行经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术的治疗,分析患者术前术后的临床表现,X线术前术后的对比。结果具有创伤小、手术时间短、并发症少、恢复快、止痛效果好。结论经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术是治疗老年性骨质疏松性脊柱压缩性骨折的理想方法。     

单侧穿刺PKP术治疗骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折

目的评价单侧经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的临床疗效。方法自2010年1月至2013年1月采用单侧经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折60例86椎,其中男18例,女42例;年龄58~83岁,平均68.5岁。均为新鲜骨折,均有明显腰背部疼痛不适,无脊髓、神经根受损症状和体征。术前CT显示椎体后壁完整。MRI显示伤椎在T1WI呈低信号,T2WI呈高信号。经皮单侧椎弓根穿刺球囊扩张,填充骨水泥。测量术前、术后正侧位X线片椎体高度及后凸畸形角度,并进行统计学分析,随访观察患者术前、术后腰背疼痛、日常功能等改变情况。采用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、Oswestry评分评定临床疗效。结果术后随访6~24个月,平均14个月。术后腰背部疼痛迅速缓解,随访期间疗效满意,椎体高度明显恢复,后凸畸形得以改善,伤椎高度无明显丢失。7例术后再发其他椎体压缩性骨折再次入院行球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术后得以改善,术后椎体高度及后凸角度与术前相比有统计学差异(P0.05,P0.01),术后VAS评分及Oswestry评分与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论单侧经皮球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折,可有效恢复椎体高度和矫正后凸畸形,迅速缓解疼痛,提高生活质量,临床疗效满意。     

球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年脊柱压缩骨折的疗效分析

目的探讨球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年脊柱压缩骨折的疗效.方法在C型臂X线机引导下,采用美国Kyphon公司提供的微创器械及特制球囊,对46例老年骨质疏松性压缩骨折患者的59个椎体通过椎弓根或椎弓根外途径行经皮穿刺椎体球囊后凸成形术,观察患者术后疼痛缓解情况及压缩椎体高度恢复情况.结果46例患者术后疼痛均得到有效控制,次日即可佩戴围腰下床行走,VAS评分由术前的平均8.3分下降为2.4分;复查X线片示椎体高度恢复基本满意,术前压缩椎体的前、中缘相当于椎体后缘高度的54.10%±14.49%、58.86%±19.47%,术后恢复到83.56%±27.74%和87.92±22.16%(P＜0.01).未发生严重骨水泥渗漏到椎管内现象出现.结论球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性脊柱压缩骨折是一种既有效又安全的治疗方法,可有效避免老年人长期卧床所带来的各种并发症.     

球囊单侧扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折

目的探讨球囊单侧扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的疗效和安全性.方法2004年12月～2006年12月采用球囊单侧扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗30例骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折患者,共44个伤椎,其中男13例19个伤椎,女17例25个伤椎;年龄66～83岁,平均72岁;骨折部位为T7～L5椎体,术前CT显示椎体后壁均完整.结果30例患者均手术顺利,3例3个椎体前缘有少许未引起临床症状的骨水泥渗漏,其余椎体X线片上均未见明显骨水泥渗漏.所有患者术后48h内疼痛明显减轻或消失并可下床活动,住院4～12 d.随访6～24个月,平均14个月,术前平均疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为8.6±0.2分,术后为2.0±0.3分,末次随访时为2.1±0.2分,术后评分显著低于术前(P＜0.01);Oswestry功能评分由术前43.1±1.1分降低到术后20.3±1.2分和末次随访21.1±1.2分(P＜0.01);伤椎前、中柱的平均高度由术前15.1±1.8mm增加到术后24.3±2.1 mm和末次随访24.4±1.8 mm,手术前后差异有显著性(P＜0.05).脊柱后凸Cobb角由术前平均21.2°±4.3°减小到术后10.1°±3.2°和末次随访10.2°±3.3°(P＜0.05).结论球囊单侧扩张椎体后凸成形术可有效恢复骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折椎体的高度,缓解疼痛,改善患者的脊柱功能及减少骨水泥渗漏,临床疗效满意.     

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.