微骨折术修复关节软骨缺损

[目的]探讨关节镜下微骨折术修复膝关节全层软骨缺损的疗效。[方法]对2001年3月~2008年5月收治的膝关节软骨全层缺损的35例患者进行回顾性分析;平均随访(25.3±6.5)个月(16~53个月)。其中,剥脱骨软骨炎12例,外伤性骨软骨骨折20例,自发性骨坏死1例,继发性骨坏死2例。采用公认的功能评分系统,软骨MR I扫描和主观评分作为疗效判定标准。[结果]微骨折技术修复膝关节软骨全层缺损的总有效率为85.7%,其中疗效优19个膝关节,占54.3%,良11个膝关节,占31.4%,差5个膝关节,占14.3%。33例接受MR I检查,其中19例显示缺损软骨修复充填好,占57.6%,充填中等11例,占33.3%,充填差3例,占9.1%,平均Tegner评分从1.5±1.1提高到5.1±1.2(P0.01);Lysholm平均评分由42.3±11.3提高到85.5±12.1(P0.01)。[结论]微骨折技术是一项可供选择的实用有效修复膝关节软骨缺损的完全在关节镜下操作的微创技术;软骨修复充填程度与关节功能恢复密切相关。     

关节镜下微骨折术联合自体骨软骨移植治疗膝关节股骨髁大面积软骨损伤

目的探讨关节镜下微骨折术联合自体骨软骨移植(osteochondral autologous transplantation,OAT)治疗膝关节股骨髁大面积(4~6 cm^2)软骨损伤的疗效。方法2016年3月-2017年6月,采用关节镜下微骨折术联合OAT治疗22例膝关节股骨髁大面积软骨损伤患者。其中男16例,女6例;年龄22~60岁,平均38.6岁。致伤原因:交通事故伤8例,运动损伤14例。病程1~6个月,平均3.4个月。股骨内侧髁损伤15例,外侧髁损伤7例;软骨损伤面积4~6 cm^2,平均4.98 cm^2。软骨损伤国际软骨修复协会(ICRS)分级:Ⅲ级9例,Ⅳ级13例。伴半月板损伤18例。术前疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为(6.36±1.25)分,Lysholm评分为(36.00±7.77)分。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。患者均获随访,随访时间2~3年,平均2.3年。术后2年时VAS评分为(1.27±0.94)分,Lysholm评分为(77.82±6.21)分,均较术前明显改善(t=16.595,P=0.000;t=21.895,P=0.000)。术后2年,MRI显示软骨缺损区修复良好。结论关节镜下微骨折术联合OAT治疗膝关节股骨髁大面积软骨损伤早期疗效较好。     

关节镜微骨折与Pridie钻孔修复膝关节软骨

目的:观察并比较关节镜下微骨折术与Pridie钻孔术在膝关节软骨全层损伤修复治疗中的疗效差异。方法:选取80例膝关节软骨全层损伤患者为研究对象,将患者随机分为微骨折术组和Pridie钻孔术组。微骨折术组患者关节镜下使用微骨折锥对软骨下骨表面进行打孔,孔与孔之间间隔为2~3 mm,孔深为3~4 mm;Pridie钻孔术组使用直径1.5 mm克氏针在骨表面打孔,观察两组患者在接受不同手术治疗前后膝关节功能Lysholm评分得分差异和治疗疗效差异。结果:两组患者治疗前Lysholm评分比较,无统计学差异(P0.05),接受治疗后,两组患者术后6个月膝关节Lysholm评分均显著提高,与术前相比具有统计学差异(P0.05),其中微骨折组患者Lysholm评分升高更为显著,为(89.3±11.2),与Pridie组患者评分(80.7±11.3),比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。微骨折组患者接受治疗后总有效率为92.5%;Pridie钻孔术组治疗总有效率为87.5%,两组患者治疗优良率比较无统计学差异(χ~2=0.556,P0.05)。但微骨折组患者治疗疗效达到优(Lysholm评分为80~100分)的患者所占比62.5%,与Pridie钻孔组47.5%相比显著提高,且差异具有统计学意义(χ~2=6.667,P0.01)。结论:膝关节微骨折术和Pridie钻孔术都是膝关节镜下治疗软骨较大面积缺损的有效治疗术式,但膝关节镜下微骨折术与Pridie钻孔术相比,具有操作简便、安全性高、术后血凝块粘附好以及损伤部位热损伤小等优点,值得临床推广应用。     

关节囊外髌骨外侧支持带松解治疗髌骨外侧挤压综合征

目的探讨关节镜下关节囊外髌骨外侧支持带松解治疗髌骨外侧挤压综合征(LPCS)的疗效。方法笔者自2011-01—2014-07对218例LPCS行关节镜下关节囊外髌骨外侧支持带松解+清理术,根据需要部分患者采取微骨折术治疗。采用IKDC评分及Lysholm膝关节功能评分评价术后疗效。结果 218例均获随访18~24个月,平均20个月。162例合并有软骨不同程度损伤;32例行微骨折术。术后3个月患者膝关节疼痛症状明显减轻或消失。术后3个月、1年IKDC评分与术前比较有所改善,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),术后3个月髌骨适合角及髌骨倾斜角均比术前更接近于正常;术后6个月疗效按膝关节Lysholm评分评定:优163例,良37例,可15例,差3例,优良率91.7%。结论关节镜下关节囊外髌骨外侧支持带松解治疗LPCS创伤小,可同时在关节镜下进行关节清理术,对髌股关节疼痛伴有髌骨外倾的LPCS可获得满意疗效。     

镜下微骨折治疗距骨骨软骨损伤

[目的]探讨关节镜下微骨折术治疗距骨骨软骨损伤(OLT)的核磁共振成像(MRI)随访结果。[方法]选取2016年1月～2019年5月本科关节镜下微骨折术治疗距骨骨软骨损伤的患者40例进行回顾性分析,术前均完善负重位踝关节正侧位X线片及MRI检查,影像学评估术前及末次随访MRI脂肪抑制序列矢状位下的距骨骨水肿面积,临床评估术前及末次随访VAS评分和AOFAS评分。[结果]所有患者均顺利完成手术,无血管、神经损伤等严重并发症。所有患者均获得随访,平均随访时间(29.52±11.84)个月;末次随访时VAS评分由术前(5.95±1.08)降至(1.15±1.08),AOFAS由术前(64.70±9.74)增至(92.33±5.89),MRI显示软骨损伤区骨水肿面积由术前(80.51±39.55) mm2缩小至(35.41±45.27) mm2,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗有效率达92.50%。[结论]关节镜下微骨折术治疗距骨骨软骨损伤具有较好的临床疗效;其MRI显示明显好转。     

关节镜下缝线固定治疗儿童胫骨髁间前棘骨折

目的探讨关节镜下应用缝线固定治疗儿童胫骨髁间前棘骨折的临床疗效。方法2003年5月～2006年7月,对11例胫骨髁间前棘骨折移位患儿,在关节镜下行骨折复位。以钢丝引导PDSⅡ缝线经骨隧道固定,术后石膏或支具外固定。术后随访采用IKDC和Lysholm评分标准评估疗效。结果全部病例均获随访,平均随访14个月(6～28个月),膝关节活动均正常,Lachman试验阴性;3～6个月,患儿均已恢复正常生活及部分体育锻炼;X线片显示骨折愈合。术后末次随访,KT-2000检查双膝松弛度相差0～4mm(平均1.5mm)。Lysholm评分术后末次随访93～100分,与术前56～79分比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。术后IKDC评分分级为A级(8例,占72.72%)和B级(3例,占27.28%)。结论儿童胫骨髁间前棘骨折经关节镜下骨折复位、缝线固定是一种创伤小、不损伤骺板、疗效可靠的治疗方法。     

关节镜下一期重建膝关节多发韧带损伤的临床观察

[目的]探讨膝关节多发韧带损伤关节镜下一期重建交叉韧带和周围韧带的临床疗效。[方法]2013年12月~2014年10月,24例膝关节多发韧带损伤患者关节镜下一期重建交叉韧带和周围韧带。其中男16例,女8例;年龄21~54岁,平均31.5岁。左膝10例,右膝14例。术前术后采用Lysholm评分。[结果]24例中术后随访1年者6例,随访半年以上者11例,随访3个月者4例,随访3个月以内者3例。IKDC评级,正常8例,接近正常12例,不正常4例。Lysholm评分优6例,良14例,中4例。伸膝完全正常者18例,轻度受限者6例。膝关节屈曲活动度完全正常者14例,100°~120°以内者8例,90°左右者2例。[结论]膝关节多发韧带损伤应尽早重建交叉韧带并修复周围韧带,尤其是后外复合体及3度周围韧带损伤。     

关节镜下与切开固定治疗后交叉韧带胫骨止点骨折的比较

[目的]探讨关节镜下ETHIBOND线与Inlay切开治疗膝关节后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。[方法] 2014年1月～2017年6月收治的40例急性后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折患者,依据住院号单双数随机分为关节镜组18例,切开组22例。评估两组患者术前、术后3 d、术后1个月、末次随访时VAS评分,记录手术时间、膝关节活动度和后抽屉试验稳定性,并使用Lysholm及IKDC评分系统评价膝关节功能恢复情况。[结果]两组手术均顺利完成,无血管神经损伤等严重并发症。关节镜组手术时间显著长于切开组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。平均随访(18.26±4.64)个月。术后影像学检查(X线片和CT)显示所有患者骨折均复位满意并一期愈合。关节镜组术后3d VAS评分高于切开组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但术前、术后1个月VAS评分和末次随访时VAS评分两组差异无统计学意义(P<0.05)。末次随访时,两组患者的后抽屉试验阴性率、膝关节平均活动度、Lysholm评分、IKDC评分差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。[结论]关节镜下ETHIBOND线固定与Inlay切开锚钉固定治疗PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折均可获得满意的临床疗效,但切开组在手术时间和早期术后疼痛方面更具优势。     

髌内侧滑膜皱襞综合征为主的膝关节内紊乱

目的:通过临床病例观察,探讨膝内侧滑膜皱襞综合征的诊断、类型及与半月板损伤、软骨损害的关系,分析膝内侧滑膜皱襞综合征的特点及在骨性关节炎发病中所起的作用。方法:关节镜下治疗内侧滑膜皱襞综合征患者48例(53膝),其中男13例(13膝),女35例(40膝);年龄16~71岁,平均56岁;病程1个月~10年,平均26个月。48例于关节镜直视下观察并手术切除滑膜皱襞,处理相应病变。采用Lysholm膝关节量表记分法评价疗效。观察症状体征与实际病损的关系,计算术前与术中诊断的符合率。关节镜下观察症状性滑膜皱襞的部位、性状、分型及软骨磨损的部位和分级,分析增生的滑膜皱襞与半月板损伤、软骨损害的关系。对术前后Lysholm评分采用SPSS13.0统计软件进行统计学处理。结果:常见的软骨缺损有股骨内髁内侧的沟槽状缺损及股骨内侧滑车的类圆形缺损。软骨退变以股骨内髁非负重区为主,占总数的54.29%;以股骨滑车内侧次之,占40.00%;以髌骨内侧关节面为主的缺损居第3位,占5.71%。术后48例53膝均获随访,随访时间17个月~4年,平均28个月。Lysholm膝关节评分:术前平均(41.00±7.03)分,术后平均(85.00±8.01)分(t=-26.17,P<0.001),证明关节镜治疗效果显著。本组优(>90分)12膝,良(80~90分)37膝,可(70~79分)4膝,优良率92.45%,无复发及二次手术者。结论:通过关节镜下特征性改变可以对内侧滑膜皱襞综合征做出明确诊断,股骨内髁及滑车软骨的沟槽状及类圆形磨损是2种典型的皱襞引起的软骨缺损。镜下切除滑膜皱襞疗效满意,对防止软骨进一步损害有积极的意义。     

膝关节滑膜软骨瘤病的关节镜下诊断和治疗

[目的]探讨关节镜手术对膝关节滑膜软骨瘤病的诊断和治疗价值.[方法] 2007年1月～2010年4月收治膝关节滑膜软骨瘤病患者27例,男性19例,女性8例;年龄22～ 53岁,平均32.7岁,左膝10例,右膝13例,双膝2例.采用关节镜技术对患者进行诊断,并取出关节内的滑膜软骨瘤游离体,同时行滑膜切除术.[结果]术后随访14～32个月,平均24.3个月,患者术后症状明显缓解,无感染、神经血管损伤等并发症,随访期内未见滑膜软骨瘤病复发.疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)由术前的(6.2±0.7)分降低至末次随访时的(2.5±0.4)分,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05);Lysholm评分由术前的(58.9±5.3)分增加至末次随访时的(86.5±4.2)分,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05).[结论]关节镜手术对膝关节滑膜软骨瘤病可以早期明确诊断,而且具有创伤小、术后功能恢复快、并发症少等优点,是治疗膝关节滑膜软骨瘤病的有效方法.     

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.