腰椎管狭窄症伴退变性腰椎侧凸患者的影像学表现与临床特点

目的观察伴退变性腰椎侧凸的腰椎管狭窄症患者的临床特点和影像学表现.方法将2004年1月至2005年10月我院收治的44例需手术治疗的伴退变性腰椎侧凸的腰椎管狭窄症患者作为侧凸组,同时随机抽取44例单纯腰椎管狭窄症患者作为对照组.两组患者均拍摄包括胸腰段在内的腰椎正侧位X线片,侧凸组患者加拍全脊柱X线片,两组均测量腰椎前凸角和胸腰段后凸角,侧凸组还测量侧凸Cobb角、顶椎偏离度、侧凸范围内椎体最大侧方滑移度等参数;同时对两组患者进行腰痛程度评级、神经功能JOA 29分法评分及骨密度测量.结果侧凸组患者的平均侧凸Cobb角为17.03°,顶椎偏离度平均为0.31,有25例患者出现侧凸范围内椎体侧向滑移.侧凸组患者腰椎前凸角为19.30°±12.49°,胸腰段后凸角为7.73°±5.16°,对照组分别为20.85°±11.73°和8.73°±6.09°,两组之间无显著性差异(P＞0.1).18例侧凸组和23例对照组患者的平均骨密度值分别为-3.22±2.82和-0.03±2.18,差异有显著性(P＜0.05).侧凸组和对照组的JOA评分分别为11.54±3.78分和12.52±3.67分,无显著性差异(P＞0.1).侧凸组患者明显腰痛占81.8%,对照组患者明显腰痛占52.3%,差异有显著性(P＜0.01).结论腰椎退变性侧凸可以加重腰椎管狭窄症患者的腰痛症状,但对神经功能无明显影响.     

腰椎退变性侧凸症的临床发病特点与治疗

[目的]分析腰椎退变性侧凸的自然史和转归,探讨腰椎退变性侧凸的诊断、分型与治疗原则。[方法]对退变性腰椎侧弯患者的症状、体征、影像学、治疗方法、治疗结果、并发症进行临床分析并进行统计学处理。[结果]腰椎退变性侧凸的影像学特点是椎体高度降低,腰椎单侧或者双侧侧突,关节突密度增高、增生,部分患者MRI和椎管造影表现为腰椎管狭窄,神经根受压;临床特点表现为严重的腰痛和（或）间歇性跛行或神经根性疼痛;临床分型：（1）按照发病的原因分型：①可复性代偿性退变性侧凸;②不可复性退变性侧凸。（2）按照柔韧度将腰椎退变性侧凸分为：①强直型;②非强直型又分Ⅲ度、Ⅱ度、Ⅰ度。Binding片表现为一定的柔软性,腰椎明显改变,Cobb’s角降低原角度的一半为非强直型Ⅲ度;Cobb’s角降低原角度的1/3为非强直型Ⅱ度;Cobb’s角无明显改变,但有明显的腰椎疼痛为非强直性Ⅰ度。（3）按照侧凸的形状分为：①单纯腰弯型;②大腰弯型（以腰椎为主,影响到部分胸椎）;③腰弯合并代偿性胸弯型。治疗上在全身情况允许的情况下进行侧凸矫形,对强直型不强调完全矫形,但强调有严重关节突病变节段行融合手术;非强直型强调矫形,恢复正常生理力线。[结论]腰椎退变性侧凸症是腰椎退变的严重病理变化,腰痛是其主要症状,其原因是腰椎退变导致的腰椎关节突关节炎,手术矫正腰椎畸形的同时进行关节突减压是治疗老年下腰痛的主要环节,诊断依据症状、体征和影像学表现,分型依据临床特点和影像学特点进行,治疗依据临床和影像学特征综合分析采用手术和保守治疗,手术的方式根据腰椎退变的程度决定。     

单纯椎板减压治疗退变性椎管狭窄症并腰椎侧凸的疗效及其影响因素

目的：探讨单纯椎板减压治疗退变性椎管狭窄症并腰椎侧凸的效果及其影响因素。方法：1996年-2000年我科收治的资料完整的退变性椎管狭窄症合并腰椎侧凸患者57例，均采用单纯腰椎椎板减压术治疗。使用JOA评分标准进行疗效评价，根据JOA评分恢复率（recoverrate，RR）将患者分为效果满意组（RR≥50％）和效果不满意组（RR〈50％），对腰椎前凸角、侧凸角、腰椎活动度以及L4椎体倾斜率和侧向位移等影像学参数与l临床治疗效果的关系进行统计分析。结果：本组随访3～7年，平均5．1年，效果满意者42例，不满意者15例，统计分析显示腰椎前凸、活动度、L4椎体的倾斜率和手术减压节段对手术效果有显著影响（P〈0．05），与效果不满意组相比，疗效满意组患者术前腰椎前凸小，活动度低，L4椎体倾斜率不明显，需要手术减压的节段少。结论：对腰椎前凸较小、活动度低和L4椎体倾斜率较小的椎管狭窄症合并腰椎侧凸的患者使用短节段全椎板减压可以获得满意的疗效。     

后路腰椎间融合治疗腰椎管狭窄症患者腰痛的疗效分析

[目的]分析腰椎管狭窄症患者腰痛的原因,探讨后路腰椎间融合术对腰椎管狭窄症腰痛的治疗效果.[方法]比较腰痛明显的腰椎管狭窄症患者和典型间歇性跛行症状的腰椎管狭窄症患者的年龄、术前腰椎失稳、生理前凸消失和退变性侧弯的发生率;分析后路腰椎间融合 (posterior lumbar interbody fusion, PLIF) 治疗腰椎管狭窄症患者下腰痛的随访结果.[结果]腰痛明显组的腰椎管狭窄症患者的平均年龄、腰椎节段性失稳率、腰椎前凸消失和退变性侧弯的比率高于间歇性跛行组的腰椎管狭窄症患者.PLIF术后腰痛症状明显减轻,JOA评分改善,退变性侧弯程度减轻,腰椎前凸恢复,椎间均达到骨性融合.[结论]PLIF可消除腰椎管狭窄症的多种腰痛病因,是治疗腰椎管狭窄症下腰痛的较好术式选择.     

退变性腰椎侧凸症的自然进展和影像学测量指标间相关性的研究

目的研究退变性腰椎侧凸的自然进展,并评估轴向负重位下X线预测自然进展的作用。方法 2007-02-2010-02门诊的腰椎管狭窄症患者302例,按Cobb角分为侧凸组(≥10°,n=106)和狭窄组(<10°,n=196)。门诊随访并收集患者ODI评分、初诊时轴向负重位及历次站立位X线片,并测量Cobb角、顶椎旋转度、侧方移位度、腰椎前凸角、矢状面滑移度五项指标。结果 273例患者完成随访,狭窄组3.85%的病例出现进展,平均Cobb角显著增大;而侧凸组26.37%的病例进展,平均ODI评分、Cobb角、椎体旋转度、腰椎前凸角明显改变。两组患者初诊负重下各项数据与末次随访时比较均无明显差异。负重下顶椎旋转角和侧方移位与末访比有较好的一致性;负重下顶椎旋转和腰椎前凸角进展与Cobb进展具有较好的一致性。结论轴向负重位下的顶椎旋转角、侧方移位和腰椎前凸角是预测短中期进展的有效指标。     

后路椎管减压融合内固定术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸疗效与评价

[目的]用VAS、JOA和SRS - 22评分评价退变性腰椎侧凸后路椎管减压融合内固定术的临床疗效.[方法]回顾分析2002年7月～ 2007年1月后路椎管减压内固定术治疗的32例Cobb角均＜25°的退变性腰椎侧凸患者.术前术后和随访时均行VAS、JOA评分描述患者症状并分析患者影像学检查结果.术后随访时对患者行SRS - 22国际标准量表评分主观评价患者情况,采用SPSS 10.0统计分析软件对数据进行统计分析.[结果]全部32例患者术前Cobb角和腰椎前凸角在术后均得到了一定程度的改善;术前与术后JOA和VAS评分指标均存在显著性差异;SRS-22评分结果尚可接受.[结论]在充分减压的前提下,后路椎管减压融合内固定术对轻度退变性腰椎侧凸可达到满意的临床疗效.VAS、JOA和SRS - 22评分作为脊柱外科普遍采用的痛觉评分标准,用于评价退变性腰椎侧凸患者的主观症状,可操作性强,易于被患者接受,有一定的可行性和实用性.     

侧路融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的临床疗效分析

[目的]探讨侧路融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的临床疗效。[方法]2012年3月~2014年6月退变性腰椎侧凸的患者28例,男17例,女11例;年龄55~71岁,平均(65.7±13.58)岁。采用侧路融合术Cross-Fuse假体置入。[结果]平均随访22个月(10~34个月),随访期间腰椎冠状面及矢状面序列矫正度数及椎间孔平均高度、椎间隙平均高度未见明显丢失,融合器无移位,未见假关节形成。末次随访腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI功能障碍指数评分均较术前低,且差异均有统计学意义(P0.001),提示腰痛及腿痛等症状经手术治疗后有所改善。手术后腰椎冠状面及矢状面Cobb角较手术前有所降低,而术后腰椎侧方滑移度、椎间孔平均高度和椎间隙平均高度则有所提高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.001)。[结论]侧路融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸临床效果较好。     

退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的阶梯性治疗策略

目的退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄多为中老年患者,治疗方法选择复杂。探讨退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的阶梯性治疗策略及疗效。方法 2005年1月-2009年12月,收治退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄患者117例,根据患者意愿、内科合并症、腰腿痛症状、腰椎侧凸后凸旋转三维畸形、腰椎稳定性的情况(侧方滑移、退变性滑脱),以及脊柱整体平衡状态,阶梯性地选择保守治疗(43例)、后路单纯减压术(18例)、后路短节段融合术(1～2个节段,41例)、后路长节段融合畸形矫正(≥3个节段,15例)方法治疗。比较患者治疗前后腰痛及腿痛的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、腰椎前凸角、侧凸Cobb角的变化。结果术后获1年以上随访72例;无死亡及内固定失败。保守治疗19例平均随访19.3个月(1～5年),无症状加重,末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前明显降低(P<0.05),腰椎前凸角减小、侧凸Cobb角增大,但与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。后路单纯减压术12例平均随访36个月(1～5年),末次随访时腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前均明显降低(P<0.05),腰痛VAS评分较治疗前减小,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);腰椎前凸角减小、侧凸Cobb角增大,但进展缓慢,与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。后路短节段融合31例平均随访21.3个月(1～3年),术后发生血肿、切口愈合不良、脑脊液漏、浅表感染各1例,经对症处理后治愈;末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前均明显降低(P<0.05),腰椎前凸角及侧凸Cobb角均明显改善(P<0.05)。后路长节段融合10例平均随访17.1个月(1～3年),术后症状加重1例,经理疗及药物治疗3个月后缓解;术后深部感染1例,经清创切口持续冲洗引流后治愈;末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI、腰椎前凸角及侧凸Cobb角均较治疗前明显改善(P<0.05)。结论退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的治疗应个体化、阶梯性地选择治疗方案。手术治疗以减压为主、矫形为辅,应准确判断症状责任节段、侧凸责任节段、后凸责任节段,防止手术扩大化,积极控制出血,提高手术安全性。     

精准减压、固定、融合治疗伴腰椎不稳的退变性腰椎侧凸

目的探讨精准减压、固定、融合治疗伴腰椎不稳的退变性腰椎侧凸的疗效。方法回顾性分析2001-01-2008-01于我院行手术治疗的36例退变性腰椎侧凸伴腰椎不稳患者的资料,采用日本矫形外科协会评分及疼痛视觉模拟评分评估神经功能恢复及症状改善情况,Cobb角、腰椎前凸角评估矫形效果。结果末次随访时JOA评分高于术前;末次随访VAS平均低于术前为差异有统计学意义(t=3.21,P<0.05);末次随访时侧凸Cobb角较术前改善为差异有统计学意义(t=8.20,P<0.05);末次随访时腰椎前凸角、较术前增大为差异有统计学意义(t=5.32,P<0.05)。结论精准减压、固定、融合手术既改善了神经刺激症状,又消除了椎间不稳定,是治疗伴腰椎不稳退变性腰椎侧凸的有效手段。     

退变性腰椎侧凸的手术治疗及疗效

目的探讨退变性腰椎侧凸的后路手术方法和手术疗效。方法回顾性分析2007~2012年本院手术治疗并获得随访的32例退变性腰椎侧凸患者的手术方法及疗效。患者均接受腰椎后路减压椎间融合器植骨融合内固定术,术后随访6个月~6年。采用下腰痛Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)对患者手术前后的临床症状进行评分和疗效评价;通过手术前后冠状位和矢状位Cobb角度的比较,了解患者手术治疗的侧凸矫正率和腰椎前凸的恢复情况。结果患者ODI术前(52.30±13.65)%、术后(9.62±6.41)%,术前术后比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),术后疼痛改善率为81.6%。32例患者中,24例疗效为优,6例疗效为良,2例疗效为可,术后疗效评价的优良率为93.8%。患者冠状位Cobb角术前21.99°±8.97°、术后6.84°±5.32°,术前术后比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),侧凸矫正率为69.0%。患者腰椎前凸Cobb角术前13.80°±15.99°、术后24.95°±12.86°,术前术后比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论退变性腰椎侧凸采用腰椎后路减压椎间融合器植骨融合椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗效果较理想,术后疗效满意。手术的关键是彻底减压、正确选择融合节段、重建退变节段椎间高度、矫正前凸减少和后凸畸形、纠正椎体侧方移位和侧凸畸形以稳定椎体。     

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.