血液灌流串联血液透析治疗对终末期糖尿病肾病患者胰岛素抵抗与营养状态的影响

目的：探讨血液灌流串联血液透析治疗对终末期糖尿病肾病（ESDN）患者胰岛素抵抗、微炎症状态与营养不良的关系.方法：入选ESDN患者75例,其中单纯血液透析组（HD组）25例、血液透析联合血液滤过组（HD＋ HDF组）28例、血液透析串联血液灌流组（HD ＋HP组）22例,比较各组患者治疗前、后与胰岛素抵抗、C反应蛋白（CRP）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、血红蛋白（Hb）、血清白蛋白（Alb）、空腹胰岛素（FINS）、空腹血糖（FBS）及体重指数（BMI）的相关性,应用Daugirdas公式计算透析充分性（KT/V）,分析血液灌流串联血液透析对ESDN患者胰岛素抵抗、微炎症状态与营养不良的影响;健康人16例作为对照组.结果：治疗前,3组胰岛素抵抗、微炎症状态与营养状态差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,而CRP、TNF-α及IL-6均高于正常对照组（P＜0.001）;治疗12周后,血液灌流治疗与胰岛素抵抗、CRP、TNF-α、IL-6、Hb、Alb及BMI均显著相关;胰岛素抵抗和营养状态：HD＋ HP组治疗前后有改善（P＜0.05）,较HD组和HD＋ HDF组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;炎症因子：HD＋ HP组治疗前后、以及较其他两组显著降低（P＜0.01）,较正常对照组仍增高（P＜0.05）,HD＋ HDF组与HD组之间差异也有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,HD组治疗前后差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论：血液透析的ESDN患者体内长期存在的胰岛素抵抗、微炎症状态和营养不良,血液灌流可有效清除炎症介质,降低ESDN患者的胰岛素抵抗,改善营养状态.     

氯沙坦对非糖尿病维持性血液透析患者血清脂联素及胰岛素抵抗的影响

目的 探讨氯沙坦对非糖尿病维持性血液透析患者血清脂联素水平和胰岛素抵抗的影响,及非糖尿病维持性血液透析患者血清脂联素与胰岛素抵抗的相关性.方法 测定62例非糖尿病维持性血液透析患者和30名健康对照者的血清胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、白蛋白、尿素氮、肌酐、C反应蛋白、收缩压、舒张压、血清脂联素、血糖、胰岛素,并计算稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数及胰岛素敏感指数.分析血清脂联素与胰岛素抵抗等指标的相关性.将维持性血液透析患者按随机数字表法分为氯沙坦组(31例)和非氯沙坦组(31例),氯沙坦组给予口服氯沙坦每天50～100 mg,共6个月,测定治疗前、后两组血清脂联素、血糖、胰岛素及计算稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数及胰岛素敏感指数.结果 维持性血液透析组患者甘油三酯、尿素氮、肌酐、C反应蛋白、血清脂联素、胰岛素、胰岛素抵抗指数、收缩压、舒张压水平与健康对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P分别＜ 0.01,＜0.05);而维持性血液透析组患者高密度脂蛋白及白蛋白水平与健康对照组比较差异也有统计学意义(P＜0.05).氯沙坦治疗组患者血清脂联素和胰岛素抵抗较治疗前比较差异也有统计学意义(P均＜ 0.01).相关分析显示血清脂联素、胰岛素、胰岛素抵抗指数、C反应蛋白、甘油三酯呈负相关(r分别为-0.282,- 0.362,- 0.411,-0.307,P分别＜0.05,＜0.01),血清脂联素与胰岛素敏感指数、胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白呈显著正相关(r分别为0.61、0.249、0.396,P分别＜0.05,＜0.01).结论 氯沙坦可使非糖尿病维持性血液透析患者血清脂联素升高,并减轻维持性血液透析患者高胰岛素血症和胰岛素抵抗.     

微炎症反应对维持性血液透析患者血脂水平的影响

目的 观察维持性血液透析(maintained hemodialysis,MHD)患者血脂水平以及微炎症反应对血脂的影响.方法 选取2009年7月至2014年3月MHD患者90例,诊断均符合慢性肾脏疾病5期的诊断标准.记录患者一般临床资料,检测入院时的血脂、血沉(erythrocyte sedimentation tate,ESR)、超敏C反应蛋白(high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,hs-CRP)和白细胞介素6(interleukin-6,IL-6)水平,分析上述炎症指标对血脂及血浆致动脉粥样硬化指数(AIP)的影响.结果 (1)90例患者中,低密度脂蛋白胆固醇升高26例(占28.9％),三酰甘油升高37例(占41.1％),总胆固醇升高31例(占34.4％),高密度脂蛋白胆固醇降低62例(占68.9％).(2)高密度脂蛋白胆固醇降低组ESR、hs-CRP和IL-6明显高于正常组(P＜0.01).低密度脂蛋白胆固醇升高组ESR、hs-CRP和IL-6高于低密度脂蛋白胆固醇正常组(P＜0.05).三酰甘油和总胆固醇升高组和正常组ESR、hs-CRP和IL-6差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).(3)多元线性回归分析显示:ESR、hs-CRP和IL-6与高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平呈负相关(r =-0.263,P＜0.05),ESR、hs-CRP和IL-6与低密度脂蛋白胆固醇呈正相关(r =0.413,P＜0.05),hs CRP和IL-6与AIP呈正相关(r=0.289,P＜0.05),ESR与AIP无相关性(r=0.046,P=0.725),上述炎症指标未见与三酰甘油和总胆固醇有关(r=0.038,P＞0.05).结论 MHD患者体内的微炎症反应可能影响其血脂水平.     

左旋卡尼丁治疗维持性血液透析患者微炎症状态的初步研究

目的:通过观察静脉注射左旋卡尼丁对维持性血液透析(maintenance hemodialysis,MHD)患者相关营养和炎症指标的影响,探讨左旋卡尼丁对MHD患者微炎症的治疗作用.方法:选择透析龄超过6个月的MHD患者62例,随机分为治疗组和对照组,已排除急性感染及其他活动性疾病,每次透析结束后,治疗组给予静脉注射左旋卡尼丁1 g,进行为期3个月随访,分别检测治疗前、治疗1月后、治疗3月末患者的主要人体学指标、改良SGA评分、血生化指标、C反应蛋白(CRP)、透析充分性(Kt/V)和蛋白分解代谢率(PCR).结果:(1)治疗组1月后,MHD患者的干体重、上臂肌围(MAMC)就有上升;治疗组3个月后,患者平均干体重、MAMC平均值较治疗前显著升高(均P＜0.05).改良SGA评分较治疗前明显下降(P＜0.01);对照组以上各项均无变化,治疗组与对照组比较有统计学差异(均P＜0.05).(2)治疗组3个月后,MHD患者的血白蛋白(Alb)(P＜0.05)、前白蛋白(PA)和血红蛋白(Hb)(均P＜0.01)较治疗前明显升高;对照组以上各项均无变化,治疗组与对照组比较有统计学差异(均P＜0.05).(3)治疗组CRP平均值较治疗前明显下降、与对照组相比差异十分显著(P＜0.01).(4)两组血总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)和脂蛋白(a)[Lp(a)]水平治疗前后无统计学差异(P＞0.05).(5)治疗组PCR值较治疗前明显上升,与对照组相比有统计学差异(均P＜0.01);两组Kt/V治疗前后无明显变化(P＞0.05).结论:左旋卡尼丁可明显改善患者的营养状态,同时降低血CRP浓度及微炎症状态,这种作用可能通过调整由前炎症因子和氧化应激造成的特异性胞内信号传导级联的激活,从而提高细胞对慢性炎症和氧化应激的防御功能.     

维持性血液透析患者氧化应激水平多因素分析

目的 探究维持性血液透析(MHD)患者的氧化应激水平,并分析其影响因素,为干预提供依据.方法 选取MHD患者152例(HD组),选取健康人群30例(对照组),分别检测各组的血浆丙二醛(MDA)、总抗氧化能力(TAC)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、血浆白蛋白(ALB)、肌酐(Scr)、尿酸(UA),并统计MHD患者的透析龄、是否应用静脉铁剂、促红细胞生成素(EPO)用量等信息,运用多重线性回归法分析微炎症状态、透析龄、血浆白蛋白、肌酐等因素对MHD患者氧化应激状态的影响.结果 HD组的MDA水平高于对照组(P＜0.05),而TAC水平低于对照组(P＜0.05),微炎症状态、静脉补铁、透析龄、Scr与MDA呈正相关,其中微炎症状态的标准化偏回归系数最大.ALB、UA、EPO与MDA呈负相关、与TAC呈正相关.结论 MHD患者的氧化应激水平高于正常人群,且微炎症状态对氧化应激的影响高于其他因素.     

老年糖耐量低减患者胰岛素抵抗与颈动脉粥样硬化相关性探讨

目的:探讨老年糖耐量低减动脉粥样硬化与胰岛素抵抗的相关性.方法:患者193例,分为2组:糖耐量低减(IGT)组101例;正常健康对照(NGT)组92例.所有病例均行颈动脉起声检查IMT,同时洲定空腹血糖和胰岛素、糖基化血红蛋白(HbAIC)、动态血压、尿徽量白蛋白排泄率(UAER)、甘油三酯、胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白、BMI,计算稽态模式评估法的胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)和胰岛B细胞分泌指教(HOMA-IS)以分别反映胰岛素敏感性和胰岛素分泌功能.结果:颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)与HOMA-IR、体重指数(BMl)和空腹血糖呈正相关;与NGT组比较.IGT组颈总动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)、颈动脉分叉处IMT、FPG、血脂、BMI、HOMA-IR显著高于NGT组(P<0.05),HOMA-IS低于NGT组(P<0.05).结论:IGT患者IMT显著高于正常人,糖代谢异常可加速动脉粥样硬化的进展,而且与胰岛素抵抗的发生、发展密切相关.     

血液透析患者颈总动脉僵硬度与胰岛素抵抗的关系

目的 探讨维持性血液透析患者颈总动脉僵硬度与胰岛素抵抗的关系。 方法 选取80例非糖尿病、病情稳定的血液透析患者为研究对象。采用超声血管壁跟踪系统（Echo-tracking）在血液透析结束后1 h测定颈总动脉硬化参数β作为评价大动脉僵硬度的指标。胰岛素抵抗用内环境稳定模型评估胰岛素抵抗法（HOMA-IR）进行评价。常规检测血红蛋白、白蛋白、总胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、三酰甘油、脂蛋白(a)、载脂蛋白A1、载脂蛋白B、C反应蛋白、钙、磷、肌酐。用独立样本t检验、Pearson及多元逐步回归法分析各参数关系。 结果 既往有心血管病史者颈总动脉硬化参数β大于无心血管病史者（11.41±4.13比9.75±3.63，P < 0.05）。Pearson相关分析显示，颈总动脉硬化参数β与HOMA-IR（r = 0.321，P < 0.01、年龄（r = 0.376，P < 0.01）、脉压（r = 0.267，P < 0.05）、透析龄（r = 0.219，P < 0.05）呈正相关。多元逐步回归结果显示，HOMA-IR（β = 0.228，P < 0.05）、年龄（β = 0.308，P < 0.01）是颈总动脉硬化参数β增加的独立危险因素。 结论 在血液透析患者，胰岛素抵抗可能通过参与大动脉僵硬的发生，导致心血管疾病发病率和病死率增加。     

维持性血液透析患者微炎症与动脉粥样硬化的关系

目的 探讨维持性血液透析患者微炎症与动脉粥样硬化的关系.方法 测定40例经透析充分的维持性血液透析患者透析前血肌酐、血尿酸、血糖、血浆白蛋白、甘油三酯、胆固醇、C反应蛋白、白细胞介素6、肿瘤坏死因子α.应用超声测定颈动脉中层厚度及有无颈动脉斑块形成.结果 两组患者在年龄、性别构成、血脂、血糖、血尿酸水平比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)的前提下,动脉粥样硬化组患者C反应蛋白、白细胞介素6及肿瘤坏死因子α与非动脉粥样硬化组患者比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 微炎症参与了维持性血液透析患者动脉粥样硬化的形成.     

维持性血液透析患者血脂变化和胰岛素抵抗的相关分析

目的 通过对48例维持性血液透析患者空腹血糖、血清胰岛素和血脂各项指标的观察,计算胰岛素抵抗指数和胰岛素敏感指数,评价胰岛素抵抗情况.方法 选取我科维持性血液透析患者48例(观察组),同时选取30名健康体检者(对照组)作为正常对照,测定两组受试者的血糖、糖化血红蛋白、血清胰岛素、尿素氮、肌酐、尿酸、血脂指标,计算胰岛素抵抗指数和胰岛素敏感指数.结果 维持性血液透析患者的血糖、血清胰岛素、糖化血红蛋白、胰岛素抵抗指数水平升高,胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白、低密度脂蛋白与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),其中胆固醇与血糖呈负相关(r=-0.3482,P＜0.05);高密度脂蛋白与血清胰岛素呈负相关(r=-0.2603,P＜0.05);低密度脂蛋白与血糖呈负相关(r=-0.3289,P＜0.05),而对照组仅甘油三酯与血糖、胰岛素抵抗指数呈正相关(r分别=0.371,0.368,P均＜0.05).结论 维持性血液透析患者中存在脂代谢紊乱,可能参与胰岛素抵抗.     

维持性血液透析患者动脉粥样硬化的早期诊断及相关因素研究

显著的影响.MHD患者桡动脉内膜厚度显著厚于对照组(P＜0.05),与颈动脉IMT呈正相关(P＜0.01).有斑块患者IMT及心血管并发症的发生率高于无斑块患者(P＜0.01).结论 MHD患者颈动脉粥样硬化发生率高,微炎症状态是其发生的重要影响因素.     

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.