不同年龄患儿罗库溴铵药效学的比较

目的 比较新生儿、婴儿、幼儿和儿童罗库溴铵的药效学.方法 择期全麻手术患儿160例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,根据年龄分为4组(n=40):新生儿组、婴儿组、幼儿组及儿童组.各组随机选取患儿20例,采用4次累积给药法静脉注射罗库溴铵,初始剂量:新生儿组40 μg/kg,婴儿组80 μg/kg,幼儿组及儿童组均为120 μg/kg,后3次均追加罗库溴铵40μg/kg.每次给药后.观察TOF反应.当T1连续3次稳定不变时,给予下一次剂量.采用概率单位法计算T1抑制50%、90%、95%的用药量(ED50、ED90、ED95).各组随机选取20例患儿,静脉注射2倍ED95剂量的罗库溴铵,记录肌松起效时间、高峰时间、临床肌松时间、体内作用时间和恢复指数.结果 与新生儿组比较,幼儿组和儿童组罗库溴铵ED50、ED90和ED95均升高(P<0.01),婴儿组上述指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).婴儿组、幼儿组和儿童组罗库溴铵起效时间、临床肌松时间和体内作用时间缩短,恢复指数降低(P<0.01);与幼儿组比较.儿童组罗库溴铵ED50、ED90和ED95升高(P<0.01).结论 不同年龄患儿对罗库溴铵的量效关系和时效关系存在明显的差别,新生儿对罗库溴铵的敏感性最强.     

丙泊酚对罗库溴铵有效剂量的影响

目的 比较丙泊酚不同输注时间对罗库溴铵有效剂量的影响.方法 中青年女性全麻手术患者24例,以血浆靶浓度4 μg/ml输注丙泊酚和静注雷米芬太尼1/μg/kg麻醉诱导,气管内插管.输注丙泊酚和雷米芬太尼维持脑电双频指数40～50.监测拇内收肌颤搐反应.持续输注丙泊酚5 min(Ⅰ组)或20 min(Ⅱ组)后,给予首剂量罗席溴铵150 μg/kg.当TOF的T1下降并稳定在同一高度时,静注罗库溴铵50 μg/kg,直到T1抑制程度超过90%.记录每次静脉注射罗库溴铵后T1稳定值、间隔时间和皮温测定值,观察有无不良反应.结果 Ⅰ组罗席溴铵ED90和ED95分别为(261.6士53.8)μg/kg和(321.9±73.9)μg/kg,略高于Ⅱ组的(235.3±46.9)μg/kg和(297.7士53.5)μg/kg.两组罗库溴铵量效关系曲线的斜率和截距差异均无统计学意义.结论 中青年女性患者输注丙泊酚对罗库溴铵有效剂量无明显影响.     

罗库溴铵用于小儿的量效关系和肌松时效

目的　研究罗库溴铵用于小儿的量效关系和作用时效。方法　选择小儿与成人各40 例,用单次给药技术建立量效关系曲线,计算ED50、ED90和ED95;选择小儿与成人各10例,静脉注射 罗库溴铵600μg/kg后,记录起效时间、作用时间和恢复时间。结果　小儿与成人罗库溴铵的ED50 分别为199.6μg/kg和177.0μg/kg,ED90分别为297.8μg/kg和264.2μg/kg,ED95分别为 333.6μg/kg和295.9μg/kg;小儿与成人的起效时间分别为(84.4±15.4)s和(111.0±17.7)s,临床 肌松时间分别为(22.2±5.3)min和(28.8±6.2)min,恢复指数分别为(9.0±3.0)min和(12.5± 4.1)min,组间比较有显著性差异(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论　小儿罗库溴铵的ED50、ED90和ED95 均大于成人,且起效快、作用时间短、恢复快。     

罗库溴铵和阿曲库铵联合应用的肌松效应分析

目的探讨罗库溴铵和阿曲库铵联合应用时的肌松效应。方法择期全麻手术女性成年患者147例,丙泊酚和舒芬太尼静脉诱导,输注丙泊酚维持麻醉。面罩辅助或控制呼吸,用加速度仪以连续4次刺激(TOF)方式透皮刺激腕部尺神经,获取肌松药作用起效时间和T1最大抑制程度(Tmax)。按观测项目将患者均分成四组。结果阿曲溴铵ED95为(220.8±3.6)μg/kg,罗库溴铵ED95为(286.3±3.1)μg/kg。0.5×ED95的罗库溴铵与阿曲库铵联合使用,肌松效应达到T1抑制93%~97%时,阿曲库铵的剂量为63.6μg/kg。罗库溴铵0.5×ED95与阿曲库铵63.6μg/kg联合使用,Tmax为(95.3±0.9)%,变异系数1.0%。Ⅳ组中三个亚组的Tmax基本相同,合用组作用起效时间比阿曲库铵组快(P<0.01)。给予肌松药前和注药后5min内,MAP和HR的波动幅度均小于5%。结论罗库溴铵与阿曲库铵合用呈协同作用。当罗库溴铵剂量为0.5×ED95时,为获得T1抑制95%的肌松效应,阿曲库铵的合理用量为63.6μg/kg,比阿曲库铵的ED95减少71.2%。     

紫绀及非紫绀型先天性心脏病患儿罗库溴铵药效学的比较

目的 比较紫绀及非紫绀型先天性心脏病(先心病)患儿罗库溴铵的药效学。方法 第一部分:选择非紫绀、轻度紫绀及重度紫绀型先心病患儿各12例,分别为非紫绀组、轻度紫绀组、重度紫绀组,测定0.6 mg／kg罗库溴铵的起效时间、作用时间及恢复指数。第二部分:40例先心病患儿,选择非紫绀、紫绀型先心病患儿各20例,分别为非紫绀组和紫绀组,每组患儿随机分为120、180、240、300μg／kg四个剂量组,用直线回归法建立罗库溴铵的量效曲线,计算罗库溴铵的ED50、ED90,及ED95。结果 第一部分:重度紫绀组起效时间较非紫绀组明显延长(P<0.05),三组间作用时间及恢复指数无差异。第二部分:紫绀组罗库溴铵的量效关系曲线较非紫绀组右移,紫绀组罗库溴铵ED50、ED90及ED95均较非紫绀组高(P<0.05)。结论 重度紫绀型先心病患儿罗库溴铵的起效时间延长,且对罗库溴铵的敏感性降低。     

癫痫患者罗库溴铵95％有效量的测定

目的 通过测定癫痫患者罗库溴铵95％有效量(95％ effective dose,ED95),为癫痫患者合理应用罗库溴铵提供依据. 方法 选取择期行癫痫病灶切除术患者40例,ASA分级Ⅰ、Ⅱ级.根据罗库溴铵不同剂量按随机数字表法分为4组(每组10例):120 μg/kg组、180 μg/kg组、240 μg/kg组和300 μg/kg组.采用单次剂量注射法测定患者ED95,记录拇指内收肌“四个成串刺激(train of four stimulation,TOF)”第1个肌颤搐反应(T1)最大抑制的百分比及药物的起效时间,将最大抑制百分比进行概率单位转换,罗库溴铵的首次剂量做对数转换,用直线回归方法建立维库溴铵的剂量-反应曲线,计算出癫痫患者的罗库溴铵ED95值. 结果 各组间一般情况比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);不同剂量组起效时间比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),T1最大抑制程度随剂量增加而增加(P＜0.05),但240 μg/kg组和300 μg/kg组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);癫痫患者罗库溴铵ED95值为445.3 μg/kg,高于目前正常人群广泛应用的ED95值300 μg/kg(P＜0.05). 结论 癫痫患者罗库溴铵的ED95值高于正常人群,在该类患者中应增加罗库溴铵的剂量约50％以取得与正常人群相同的肌松水平.     

维库溴铵按体表面积与按体重给药用于全麻患者药效学的比较

目的 比较维库溴铵按体表面积与按体重给药用于全麻患者的药效学.方法 择期全麻手术患者40例,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄18～64岁,体重40～ 85 kg,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为2组(n=20):按2倍体重ED95给药组(W组)和按2倍体表面积ED95给药组(S组).麻醉诱导:静脉注射异丙酚2 mg/kg和芬太尼3μg/kg,W组和S组分别静脉注射维库溴铵0.1 mg/kg和2.824mg/m2.T1达最大抑制时行气管插管,机械通气,维持呼气末二氧化碳分压35～45 mm Hg.术中维持BIS值40～50.采用Cooper评分法评估气管插管条件.记录肌松起效时间、T1最大抑制程度、临床作用时间、恢复指数、药理作用时间和维库溴铵用量,计算各指标的变异系数.结果 两组气管插管条件、起效时间、临床作用时间、恢复指数和药理作用时间的变异系数比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与W组比较,S组T1最大抑制程度和维库溴铵用量的变异系数减小(P＜0.05).结论 按2倍体表面积ED95给予维库溴铵可减少全麻患者药效学的个体差异.     

罗库溴铵预注和麻黄碱预处理对小儿罗库溴铵肌松起效的影响

目的 观察小儿在罗库溴铵预注、麻黄碱预处理和罗库溴铵预注复合麻黄碱预处理对罗库溴铵起效时间、插管条件和肌松时效的影响.方法 选择全麻下行择期手术的患儿80例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为四组.在麻醉诱导前预先静注:Ⅰ组生理盐水O.5 ml,Ⅱ组罗库溴铵0.06 mg/kg,Ⅲ组麻黄碱70 μg/kg,Ⅳ组罗库溴铵0.06 mg/kg和麻黄碱70 μg/kg.预注和预处理4min后,Ⅰ、Ⅲ组静注罗库溴铵0.6 mg/kg,Ⅱ、Ⅳ组静注罗库溴铵0.54 mg/kg.待四个成串刺激(TOF)第1个颤搐反应高度(Th)达最大阻滞程度后行气管插管.记录肌颤搐抑制75%、90%和达最大阻滞程度的时间,并评估气管插管条件,同时观察HR、BP变化.结果 Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组的最大阻滞起效时间分别为(196±43)、(140±43)、(144±35)和(100±33)s,Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组的起效时间明显短于Ⅰ组(P＜0.05),Ⅳ组的起效时间较Ⅱ、Ⅲ组短(P＜0.05).各组气管插管条件均达到6～9分,优良率100%.各组麻醉诱导期间均无明显的心血管不良反应.各组的临床肌松作用时间和恢复指数差异均无统计学意义.结论 罗库溴铵预注和麻黄碱预处理分别使用均能缩短小儿罗库溴铵的肌松起效时间,而两种方法复合使用可进一步加快肌松起效,但该方法对罗库溴铵的肌松时效无明显的影响.     

罗库溴铵对皱眉肌和拇内收肌肌松作用时效的比较

目的比较皱眉肌(CS)和拇内收肌(AP)在罗库溴铵肌松作用起效时间和恢复过程中的差异。方法40例择期行胆囊切除术或胃大部切除术的患者,随机分为2组,A组:罗库溴铵用量为0.6mg,/kg,B组罗库溴铵用量为0.9mg/kg,每组20例。行硬膜外麻醉后,A、B组分别静脉注射罗库溴铵0.6、0.9mg/kg。用TOF同步刺激,并记录CS和AP肌松起效时间,观察在80%肌颤搐抑制时的气管插管条件,以及恢复过程中T125%恢复时间及恢复指数(RI)。每组10例患者在AP的T1达80%抑制时行气管插管,另10例在CS的T1达80%抑制试行气管插管,分别评定该时的气管插管条件。结果A组AP和CS的最大T1抑制均为100%,AP、CS的起效时间分别为106±34、(111±36)s,B组AP和CS的起效时间分别为84±28、(74±26)s;与A组比较,B组AP和CS的起效时间均缩短(P<0.05)。两组在CS抑制达80%时指导气管插管的总体优良率(20/20)明显高于AP抑制达80%时指导气管插管的总体优良率(12/20)(P<0.01)。B组T125%恢复时间和RI均均长于A组(P<0.05)。两组AP与CS的T125%恢复时间与RI比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论罗库溴铵的肌松作用时效在CS和AP有差异,3倍ED95较2倍ED95罗库溴铵的肌松起效时间缩短。CS肌群的肌松监测有助于改善气管插管的条件。     

罗库溴铵用于老年人的有效剂量探讨

目的　用单次剂量法评估罗库溴铵在老年人和中年人剂量反应的差异 ,并探讨其可能的机制。方法　择期全麻手术患者 80例 ,分成中青年组 (30～ 4 5岁 )和老年组 (>6 5岁 ) ,每组 4 0例。按罗库溴铵用量将老年组再分成 10 0、15 0、2 0 0、2 5 0和 2 75 μg/kg五个亚组 ,中青年组分为 10 0、15 0、2 0 0、2 5 0和 30 0 μg/kg五个亚组 ,每亚组 8例。丙泊酚和芬太尼诱导及手控气囊面罩通气下 ,用加速度仪以连续 4次刺激方式刺激尺神经 ,获取静脉注射罗库溴铵后T1最大抑制 (Tmax)程度和时间。结果　老年组罗库溴铵的ED50 、ED90 和ED95分别为 (115 0 8± 35 10 ) μg/kg、(2 4 7 4 4± 32 95 )μg/kg和 (2 6 3 10± 34 15 ) μg/kg ,中青年组分别为 (15 0 5 0± 2 9 2 8) μg/kg、(2 74 0 4± 30 6 3) μg/kg和 (2 89 4 9± 31 70 ) μg/kg。老年组的ED50 、ED90 及ED95分别是中青年组的 76 %、90 3%和 91 2 %(P <0 0 1)。老年组的血清钾、血浆总蛋白和白蛋白浓度低于中青年组 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　罗库溴铵在正常体重老年人的作用强度大于中青年。年龄组间罗库溴铵作用强度的差异可能与电解质和血浆蛋白水平的差异有关     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.