乌司他丁对心脏瓣膜置换术患者体外循环期间全身炎性反应的影响

目的 探讨乌司他丁对心脏瓣膜置换术患者体外循环期间全身炎性反应的影响.方法 拟行心脏瓣膜置换术的风湿性心脏病患者40例,性别不限,体重39～72kg,年龄27～44岁,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,随机分为2组(n=20):对照组(C组)和乌司他丁组(U组).U组于CPB前10 min静脉注射乌司他丁1万U/kg,CPB预充液中加入1万U/kg,C组以等容量生理盐水替代乌司他丁.于CPB前15 min(T1)、CPB 10 min(T2)、CPB结束后30 min(T3)、60 min(T4)时测定血浆白细胞介素6(IL-6)、IL-8、IL-10及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的浓度.结果 与C组比较,U组CPB期间和CPB结束后血浆IL-6、IL8和TNF-α的浓度降低,IL-10浓度升高(P<0.05或0.01);与T1比较,T2,3时两组血浆IL-6、IL-8、IL-10、TNF-α的浓度升高(P<0.01).结论 乌司他丁可减低心脏瓣膜置换术患者CPB期间促炎-抗炎反应失衡,减轻全身炎性反应.     

乌司他丁对心脏瓣膜置换术病人脑损伤的影响

目的探讨乌司他丁对心脏瓣膜置换术病人脑损伤的影响及其机制。方法24例心脏瓣膜置换术病人,随机分为乌司他丁组(U组)和对照组(C组),每组12例。U组于麻醉诱导后即刻静脉注射乌司他丁1.2万U/kg,另0.6万U/kg加于体外循环(CPB)预充液中,0.6万U/kg于主动脉开放前约5 min加入CPB机内。C组用等容积生理盐水代替。于麻醉后手术前(T1)、复温至36℃(T2)、停CPB 30 min(T3)、CPB后6 h(T4)抽取颈静脉球血,用放免法测定神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE) 浓度、用ELISA法测定S100β蛋白(S100β)浓度,用硫代巴比妥法测丙二醛(MDA)浓度,用黄嘌呤氧化酶法测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性;于T1、T3、T4用放免法测定肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、白细胞介累8(IL-8)浓度,用ELISA法测定IL-10浓度。结果两组S100β、NSE、MDA浓度在T2-4时高于T1,TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8、IL-10浓度在T3,4时高于T1(P<0.01);U组S100β、NSE、TNF-α、IL-6、IL- 8浓度在T3、4时低于C组(P<0.05或0.01);T2-4时,U组SOD活性高于C组,MDA浓度低于C组(P< 0.05或0.01);U组IL-10浓度在T4时高于C组(P<0.05或0.01)。结论乌司他丁可减轻心脏瓣膜置换术病人的脑损伤,其机制可能与其减少促炎细胞因子释放、增加抗炎细胞因子生成及抗氧化作用有关。     

乌司他丁对肝癌患者高强度聚焦超声治疗期炎性因子的影响

目的了解肝癌患者进行高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)治疗期C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的变化以及乌司他丁对它们的影响。方法20例肝动脉插管化疗栓塞后择期行HIFU治疗肝癌患者,随机分为对照组(C组)和乌司他丁组(U组),每组10例。U组于麻醉诱导后缓慢静注乌司他丁20万U,C组用等量生理盐水代替。分别于HIFU治疗前(T1)、治疗结束时(T2)和治疗结束后24h(T3)采取外周静脉血样测血浆CRP、IL-6、IL-8、IL-10和TNF-а浓度。结果C组在T2、T3时CRP和TNF-а的浓度较T1时有明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。U组CRP的浓度在T2、T3时较T1时有明显升高(P<0.05),但T3时的浓度明显低于C组(P<0.05);IL-10在T2、T3时明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),且T2时高于C组(P<0.05);而IL-6、IL-8和TNF-а的浓度在T2、T3时与T1时相比均无明显改变。结论HIFU治疗肝癌时引起炎性因子的升高,乌司他丁可下调HIFU治疗期间产生的促炎因子并可上调产生的抗炎因子。     

乌司他丁后处理及其联合预先给药对CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌炎性反应的影响

目的 评价乌司他丁后处理及其联合预先给药对CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌炎性反应的影响.方法 择期行CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者80例,性别不限,年龄21～59岁,心功能分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级.采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为4组(n=20):生理盐水对照组(C组)、乌司他丁预先给药组(U1组)、乌司他丁后处理组(U2组)和乌司他丁预先给药联合后处理组(U3组).U1组于气管插管后至升主动脉阻断前10 min经中心静脉输注乌司他丁500～ 1000 U·kg-1·min-(剂量20 000U/kg);U2组于主动脉开放前5～7 min经主动脉根部灌注乌司他丁4000～5000 U·kg-1·min-1(剂量10 000 U/kg);U3组进行乌司他丁预先给药联合后处理;C组给予等容量生理盐水.分别于升主动脉阻断前10 min(T1)、升主动脉阻断后40 min(T2)、主动脉开放后45 min(T3)和术毕(T4)时采集动脉血样,测定血浆IL- 10、IL-1、IL-6和TNF-α的浓度,并进行中性粒细胞(PMN)计数.于主动脉开放后45min时取右心耳组织,采用免疫组化法测定IL-6和IL-1β的表达.结果 与C组比较,U1组、U2组和U3组血浆IL-10浓度升高,血浆IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α的浓度和PMN计数降低,心肌组织IL-1β和IL-6表达下调(P＜ 0.05);与U1组和U2组比较,U3组T2-4时血浆IL-10浓度升高,血浆IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α的浓度和PMN计数降低,心肌组织IL-1β和IL-6表达下调(P＜0.05).结论 乌司他丁后处理可抑制CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌炎性反应,联合预先给药时其效应增强.     

不同途径注入乌司他丁对心内直视术心肌保护的比较

目的 观察乌司他丁经不同途径注入对心内直视手术围心肺转流(CPB)期心肌缺血-再灌注损伤的影响.方法 选择45例心功能Ⅱ或Ⅲ级需在CPB下行单纯人工二尖瓣置换术的风湿性瓣膜病患者,随机分为三组,每组15例,A组:乌司他丁以12 000 U/kg半量加在停跳液500ml中,另半量加入预充液中;B组:麻醉诱导后锯胸骨前经颈内静脉缓慢推注乌司他丁12 000 U/kg的半量,另半量加入预充液中;C组:用等量的生理盐水.于切皮前(T0)、CPB 30 min(T1)、主动脉开放后1 h(T2)、6 h(T3)、24 h(T4)抽取静脉血测定血浆中肌酸磷酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶(NE)、血浆白细胞介素6(IL-6)、白细胞介素10(IL-10)、血浆肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α).结果 与T0时比较,T1～T4时三组CK-MB、NE、IL-6、IL-10及TNF-α均明显升高(P＜0.05);与C组比较,T2～T4时A、B组CK-MB、NE、IL-6、TNF-α均明显降低及IL-10明显升高(P＜0.05);与B组比较,T3、T4时A组CK-MB、NE、IL-6、TNF-α均明显降低及IL-10明显升高(P＜0.05).结论 乌司他丁对CPB下行心内直视手术对心肌缺血-再灌注损伤具有保护作用,抑制炎症因子的释放,乌司他丁加入停跳液的保护作用优于传统的静脉给药效果.     

乌司他丁后处理及其联合预处理对体外循环下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌细胞凋亡的影响

目的 评价乌司他丁后处理及其联合预处理对CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌细胞凋亡的影响.方法 择期CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者80例,性别不限,年龄21～59岁,心功能分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级.采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为4组(n=20):生理盐水对照组(C组)、乌司他丁预处理组(U1组)、乌司他丁后处理组(U2组)和乌司他丁预处理联合后处理组(U3组).U1组进行乌司他丁预处理:于气管插管后～升主动脉阻断前10 min经中心静脉输注乌司他丁500～ 1000 U·kg-1·min-1(剂量20000U/kg),U2组进行乌司他丁后处理:于主动脉开放前5～7 min经主动脉根部灌注乌司他丁4000～5000 U·kg-1·min-1(剂量l0000U/kg),U3组进行乌司他丁预处理联合后处理,C组给予等容量生理盐水.分别于升主动脉阻断前10 min、升主动脉阻断后40 min、升主动脉开放后45 min和术毕时采集动脉血样,分离血浆,测定血浆肿瘤坏死因子-α (TNF-α)和可溶性肿瘤坏死因子受体l( sTNF-R1)浓度.于升主动脉开放后45 min时取右心耳心肌组织,测定TNF-α、Bcl-2、Bax、caspase-3表达和细胞凋亡情况,并计算Bcl-2与Bax的比值(Bcl-2/Bax比率)和凋亡指数(AI).结果 与C组比较,U1组、U2组和U3组血浆TNF-α和sTNF-R1的浓度及AI降低,心肌组织TNF-α、Bax、caspase-3表达下调,Bcl-2表达上调,Bcl-2/Bax比率升高(P＜0.05);与U1组和U2组比较,U3组血浆TNF-α和sTNF-R1的浓度和AI降低,心肌组织TNF-α、Bax和caspase-3表达下调,Bcl-2表达上调,Bcl-2/Bax比率升高(P＜0.05).结论 乌司他丁后处理可抑制CPB下心脏瓣膜置换术患者心肌细胞凋亡,联合预处理时其效应增强,其机制与平衡心肌细胞Bcl-2与Bax表达及下调TNF-α及其受体表达有关.     

乌司他丁对体外循环期间胃肠循环及炎性因子的影响

目的 探讨乌司他丁对心内直视手术病人胃肠循环及炎性反应的影响。方法 选择30例风心病心内直视瓣膜置换术病人,麻醉诱导后插入胃管,随机分为对照组(C组)和乌司他丁组(U组);U组给予乌司他丁1.2万u·kg-1,于麻醉诱导后缓慢静注半量,另半量加入预充液中随转机进入体内。对照组用等量生理盐水代替。分别予CPB前(T0),主动脉阻断30min(T1),停机60min(T2),术后6h(T3)测定PaCO2和胃粘膜PCO2(PiCO2)、计算PiCO2与PaCO2之差P(i-a)CO2和胃粘膜pH(pHi),同时取颈内静脉血测,TNF-α和IL-6浓度。结果 pHi:C、U两组T1、T2显著降低(P<0.01),T3基本恢复至T0水平(P>0.05),两组间比较U组T1、T2、T3显著升高(P<0.05)。P(i-a)CO2、TNF-α和LI-6:U、C两组与T0比较T1、T2、T3显著升高(P<0.01),两组间比较U组T1、T2、T3显著下降(P<0.01)。结论 乌司他丁可改善CPB期间胃肠微循环,保护胃粘膜,还可减轻CPB期间促炎性细胞因子,TNF-α、IL-6的生成和释放,从而减轻CPB病人机体的急性炎症反应。     

乌司他丁减轻心肺转流脑损伤的研究

目的探讨围麻醉期乌司他丁对心肺转流(CPB)下行心脏手术患者脑部炎性反应的影响及其脑保护作用。方法择期心脏瓣膜置换患者24例,随机均分为乌司他丁组(U组)和对照组(C组)。U组患者在麻醉后和转机时分别静脉泵注乌司他丁,泵注时间均为1h。C组患者则给予等量容积的生理盐水代替。分别于麻醉后手术前(T1),CPB开始后30min(T2),CPB结束后1h(T3),4h(T4)和20h(T5)抽取颈静脉球血,采用ELISA法测定颈静脉球血白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶(PMNE)和S100B蛋白的浓度。结果与T1相比,两组患者颈静脉球血中IL-6、PMNE的浓度在T2～T5时明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),且C组升高的幅度明显大于U组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。与T1时相比,两组血浆S100B蛋白水平在CPB开始后明显升高(P<0.01),T3时达到高峰,T4时开始下降,T5时明显下降。U组T2～T5时的S100B蛋白浓度升高的水平明显低于C组(P<0.01)。结论乌司他丁可减轻CPB心脏手术患者脑局部炎性反应,可降低颈静脉球血中S100B蛋白水平升高的幅度,具有一定的脑保护作用。     

乌司他丁对不停跳冠状动脉搭桥术围术期促炎性细胞因子的影响

目的　观察乌司他丁对心脏不停跳冠状动脉搭桥术(OPCABG)患者围术期血浆促炎性细胞因子代谢水平的影响。方法　22 例行 OPCABG患者随机分为两组:乌司他丁组(U组),切皮前(麻醉诱导后)将乌司他丁12 kIU·kg 1·h 1稀释至100 ml生理盐水中持续静脉输注;对照组(C组),以等量生理盐水代替。分别于切皮前(T1)、切开心包时(T2)、旁路血管开放时(T3)及术毕(T4)抽取静脉血采用放免法测定血浆白细胞介素 6(IL- 6)、白细胞介素 8(IL -8)及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF- α)浓度。结果　C组IL 6浓度在手术开始后T2~T4 时段均较T1 明显升高(P<0 05);U组IL 6浓度较对照组明显降低(P<0 .05);U组IL 8和TNF -α在T2~T4 时段较对照组显著降低(P<0. 05)。结论　心脏OP -CABG术中应用乌司他丁能显著抑制IL 6、IL- 8、TNF -α等促炎性细胞因子的释放。     

依达拉奉联合乌司他丁对心脏瓣膜置换术患者脑保护的作用

目的 探讨依达拉奉联合乌司他丁对心脏瓣膜置换术患者围心肺转流(CPB)期脑保护的作用.方法 择期心脏瓣膜置换术患者40例,随机均分为四组.E组于麻醉诱导后静脉滴注依达拉奉0.5 mg/kg,U组于麻醉诱导后静注乌司他丁1.2万U/kg,EU组按照E组和U组的用药量及方法联合给药;C组用等容量生理盐水代替.分别于麻醉后用药前(T0)、主动脉开放后10 min(T1)、4 h(T2)及24 h(T3)采集颈静脉球部血,检测丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-10、神经组织蛋白(S-100β)及神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE),并观察术后神经精神并发症的发生情况.结果 与C组比较,T1、T2时E、U、EU组TNF-α、IL-6、MDA、S-100β及NSE降低,IL-10、SOD及T-AOC升高(P＜0.05);与EU组比较,T1、T2时U组TNF-α、IL-6、MDA、S-100β及NSE均升高,IL-10降低(P＜0.05);E组TNF-α、IL-6升高,IL-10降低(P＜0.05);与U组比较,T1、T2时E组TNF-α、IL-6升高,IL-10、MDA降低(P＜0.05).术后随访无谵妄及神经系统阳性体征.结论 依达拉奉联合乌司他丁用于心脏瓣膜置换术麻醉,有利于抑制炎症因子、氧自由基及其他细胞因子之间网络式的级联放大效应,减轻围CPB期脑损伤;其脑保护效应比单用依达拉奉或乌司他丁更具有优势.     

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.