同种异体半月板移植的研究现状

1 研究背景 1.1半月板的解剖与功能 半月板是膝关节内的软骨盘,位于胫骨平台与股骨髁之间,内侧为C型,外侧为近似O型.均分为前角、后角和体部.前后角借助"止点"结构固定于胫骨平台,内侧半月板前角止于胫骨髁间前斜坡处,后角止于内侧髁间棘后侧、后交叉韧带止点之前;外侧半月板前角止于外侧髁间棘前部,部分纤维与前交叉韧带相延续,后角止于外侧髁间棘后缘.     

基于MRI三维重建的国人正常半月板三维形态学测量

目的利用MRI三维重建技术测量国人半月板三维形态学参数,为优化人工半月板设计提供技术手段和数据支持。方法将29例志愿者的膝MRI扫描数据导入Mimics软件构建胫骨平台及半月板三维模型。应用3-matic软件将内外侧半月板三维模型投影于胫骨平台平面,并根据半月板覆盖角度将半月板均等分为前角、前角体部交界、体部、体部后角交界、后角这五个位置,定量分析国人内外侧半月板前后径、左右径、覆盖角度及各个位置的半月板宽度,并将半月板和胫骨平台模型导入Geomagic软件,利用3D散点模型分别测量半月板前角、体部和后角的最大厚度。结果外侧半月板的覆盖角度及左右径均显著大于内侧半月板,而半月板的前后径内侧大于外侧;半月板宽度方面,外侧半月板前角至体部部分的宽度大于内侧,而内侧的体部后角交界和后角均显著大于外侧。外侧半月板的宽度变化差异较小,而内侧半月板在体部后角交界处最宽;内侧半月板前角和后角的厚度均显著大于外侧,而体部则显著小于外侧;男性半月板的尺寸显著大于女性,而横纵比差异无统计学意义。男性半月板在大多位置宽于女性,而厚度差异性较小;内、外侧半月板各部位的厚度均与体重和身体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)呈正相关。结论本研究利用三维重建技术,通过对国人半月板形态的测量揭示了国人正常半月板形态学的特点及变化规律。     

症状性与非症状性儿童外侧盘状半月板MRI形态学差异的研究

[目的]研究症状性与非症状性儿童外侧盘状半月板(discoid lateral meniscus,DLM)在MRI冠状面上的形态学差异。[方法]自2009年7月~2012年7月,32例症状性儿童外侧盘状半月板(研究组)和27例非症状性儿童外侧盘状半月板(对照组)被纳入研究。在MRI同一冠状面图像上测量两组外侧盘状半月板的游离缘高度、体部高度、关节囊缘高度、体部宽度、股骨外侧髁宽度以及内侧半月板高度等形态学指标。计算外侧盘状半月板游离缘高度、体部高度、关节囊缘高度与内侧半月板关节囊缘高度的比值,外侧盘状半月板体部宽度与股骨外侧髁宽度的比值以及外侧盘状半月板游离缘高度与其体部高度、关节囊缘高度的比值等相对形态学指标,所得数据进行Wilcoxon秩和检验。[结果]研究组外侧盘状半月板冠状面体部宽度为30 mm,大于对照组的24 mm(P0.001);研究组外侧盘状半月板冠状面游离缘高度为5 mm,大于对照组的3 mm(P0.001);研究组外侧盘状半月板体部高度为2.5mm、关节囊缘高度为3 mm,分别小于对照组的4 mm和5 mm(P0.001)。而内侧半月板关节囊缘高度以及股骨外侧髁宽度等形态学指标两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。与对照组比较,研究组外侧盘状半月板体部宽度与股骨外侧髁宽度比值(P0.001)、外侧盘状半月板游离缘高度与内侧半月板高度的比值(P=0.001)以及外侧盘状半月板游离缘高度与其自身体部高度比值(P0.001)增加,而外侧盘状半月板体部高度及关节囊缘高度与同层面内侧半月板高度的比值降低(P0.001)。[结论]外侧盘状半月板在MRI冠状面上的体部宽度、游离缘高度、体部高度以及关节囊缘高度等参数可以作为评价儿童外侧盘状半月板损伤与否的形态学指标。     

前十字韧带断裂继发半月板损害的临床研究

目的研究前十字韧带(anteriorcruciateligament,ACL)断裂对半月板的影响。方法回顾分析1984年12月～1999年12月间收治的419例ACL断裂患者半月板的损伤情况及其与软骨损伤的关系。结果外侧半月板的损伤率随病程增加无显著变化,而内侧半月板的损伤率随病程增加显著增加,由急性期的31.1%增至亚慢性期的48.2%(P<0.01),又增至慢性期的78.8%(P<0.001)。内侧半月板后角损伤率较前角高,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。损伤形态以纵裂最常见,随着病程的增加,半月板损伤也越发复杂。内侧半月板损伤患者的内髁软骨损伤的发生率要高于内侧半月板正常者的内髁软骨损伤发生率,但差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);而外侧半月板损伤患者的外髁软骨损伤的发生率却显著高于外侧半月板正常者,差异有非常显著性意义(P<0.01)。结论ACL断裂可伴发和继发半月板的损害,ACL断裂时伴发的多为外侧半月板的损伤,而继发的半月板损害却以内侧为重。内髁软骨损害主要由股胫关节前后向不稳、异常活动增加造成,而与内侧半月板的损伤关系不大。     

膝关节半月板撕裂的磁共振表现

目的进一步认识膝关节半月板撕裂的磁共振成像(MRI)表现。方法回顾分析50例膝关节半月板撕裂的MRI资料,所有病例均经关节镜手术证实。采用永磁型MRI机,场强0.2T。结果50例半月板撕裂中,按照部位分类,半月板撕裂位于内侧半月板前角2例,内侧后角37例,外侧半月板前角5例,外侧后角3例,同时累及半月板前角、体部和后角者内侧2例,外侧1例。按照半月板撕裂的形式分为:水平撕裂8例;垂直撕裂4例;斜形撕裂26例;纵形撕裂3例;放射状撕裂4例;桶柄状撕裂2例;复杂撕裂3例。结论MRI能够清楚显示膝关节半月板撕裂的部位和形式,为临床治疗提供可靠的依据,是目前诊断半月板撕裂的最好的影像学检查方法。     

异种半月板移植实验研究的初步报告

目的观察生物型异种半月板移植修复羊半月板缺失的效果,探讨生物型半月板重建正常膝关节半月板的可行性。方法以猪膝关节内侧半月板为供体,应用环氧固定技术对猪半月板进行去抗原处理,制成生物型异种半月板移植体。随机切除6只山羊一侧膝关节内侧半月板,将生物型异种半月板塑形并与羊内侧半月板的形态和尺寸相匹配,原位植入半月板缺失部位。分别于术后12周、24周、36周处死动物,对移植半月板、股骨内侧髁及内侧胫骨平台进行大体形态、病理切片和电镜扫描观察。结果随着时间延长,异种移植半月板与周边组织愈合良好,并逐渐被新生组织替代;术后12周,移植膝关节软骨未见退变,24～36周后移植膝关节软骨出现轻度退变,移植半月板出现被吸收和宿主纤维母细胞爬行替代现象。结论我们初步认定,生物型异种半月板作为羊半月板缺失移植的供体可被宿主细胞逐渐替代,逐步形成新生的自体半月板,且短期内对移植膝关节软骨具有明显的保护作用;在实验各阶段均未出现明确的免疫排斥反应。     

儿童症状性外侧盘状半月板患者前交叉韧带形态及信号变化的MRI影像学研究

[目的]报告儿童症状性外侧盘状半月板患者前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligment,ACL)形态及信号的变化特征。[方法]自2008年3月²012年5月经关节镜及核磁共振成像(magnatic resonance imaging,MRI)证实的儿童症状性外侧盘状半月板36膝(外侧盘状半月板组),以及经MRI证实的外侧半月板形态正常儿童35膝(对照组)被纳入本研究。应用GE Healthcare Centricity RIS/PACKS系统分别测量两组病例在MRI冠状面及矢状面上ACL长度、下止点宽度及体部宽度。比较两组病例ACL形态及信号变化的特征。[结果]外侧盘状半月板组冠状面ACL体部宽度明显小于对照组(t=3.733,P=0.001);而矢状面ACL长度、下止点及体部宽度及冠状面ACL长度、下止点宽度与对照组比较差异无统计学意义。外侧盘状半月板组正常ACL走行及形态发生率明显低于对照组(x2=13.019,P=0.001);而外侧盘状半月板组在冠状面(x2=12.776,P=0.001)及矢状面(x2=10.271,P=0.001)异常ACL走行及形态发生率均明显高于对照组。与对照组比较,外侧盘状半月板组ACL异常信号发生率增高(x2=5.418,P=0.020)。[结论]儿童症状性外侧盘状半月板可以引发ACL的MRI影像上的形态改变和信号异常。     

内外侧半月板后根部损伤有限元力学研究

[目的]探讨内外侧半月板后根部损伤对膝关节生物力学的影响。[方法]膝关节正常志愿者4例作为研究对象,采用MRI对左膝关节进行扫描,建立膝关节各部位有限元模型,在股骨部分垂直加1 150 N垂直力模拟人体正常周期中的伸直状态,测量应力分布。在完整膝关节有限元模型中同时删除内、外侧半月板根部相应单元和节点,模拟内外测半月板根部同时损伤模型;将完整膝关节模型设为对照组;分别加载1 000 N轴向压缩载荷和134 N向前剪切力,测量不同部位的最大压应力和最大剪切应力。[结果]人体正常走平路膝伸直状态时,承受应力的大小依次为:外侧半月板前部>内侧胫骨平台>股骨外侧髁>内侧半月板后部>股骨内侧髁>外侧胫骨平台>双股骨髁后部。损伤组股骨内髁、股骨外髁、内侧胫骨平台、外侧胫骨平台软骨、外侧半月板最大压应力显著高于完整组(P<0.05)。损伤组股骨内髁、股骨外髁、内侧胫骨平台、外侧胫骨平台软骨、外侧半月板最大剪切力显著高于完整组(P<0.05)。[结论]内、外侧半月板后根部同时损伤导致膝关节各部位承载应力显著增加。     

一种新发现半月板损伤类型的命名、定义及临床研究

目的发现一种新的半月板损伤类型,命名为纤维松散型半月板撕裂,提出定义并进行临床研究。方法纳入自2012-01—2014-06符合标准的1 008例(1 016膝)因各种原因接受膝关节镜手术的患者,共发现纤维松散型半月板撕裂23例,全部位于外侧半月板前角,其中7例合并半月板囊肿。16例未合并半月板囊肿的患者予以半月板边缘部分修整后(盘状半月板予以成形)由外向内用爱惜邦2号线捆扎缝合。7例合并半月板囊肿患者行外侧半月板前角大部切除术,但尽量保存体部及后角的完整性。结果 1 008例中发现纤维松散型半月板撕裂23例,发生率为2.3%。纤维松散型撕裂是外侧半月板前角特有的损伤类型,而且是常见的损伤类型(35.9%)。22例获得随访13~38个月,平均18.8个月。末次随访时膝关节功能Lysholm评分、IKDC评分较术前明显增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。7例并发半月板囊肿者末次随访时均未复发。结论外侧半月板前角的环状纤维与体部和后角的均匀分布不同,聚集成束,长期的超载负荷使环状纤维束之间松散分离,形成独特的纤维松散型损伤。纤维松散型撕裂是外侧半月板前角常见的损伤类型,也与半月板囊肿多发于外侧半月板前角密切相关。     

膝关节骨关节炎内侧半月板突出的临床意义

目的 探讨膝关节骨关节炎患者内侧半月板突出的病因及影响.方法 选取2011年1月至2012年3月诊断为膝关节退行性骨关节炎并经MRI确认有内侧半月板突出的60例患者为半月板突出组,无突出的60例为对照组.在MRI上测量内侧半月板突出距离、胫股角,分析突出组胫股角与突出距离的相关性,比较两组膝内翻、内侧半月板及胫股关节软骨损伤的发生率,分析内侧半月板突出对半月板损伤、膝内翻对半月板突出的影响.结果 突出组:半月板突出距离平均(8.30±1.79) mm;60例有膝内翻,胫股角平均179.0°±2.2°;内侧半月板损伤发生率:前角50.0％ (30/60),体部93.3％ (56/60),后角93.3％ (56/60);内侧半月板后角根部撕裂14例,发生率23.3％(14/60);胫股内侧关节软骨退变发生率:胫骨内侧平台100％(60/60),股骨内髁100％(60/60);胫股角与内侧半月板突出距离呈负相关.对照组:内侧半月板超出胫骨内侧平台边缘的距离平均(0.57±0.80) mm;4例膝内翻;内侧半月板损伤发生率:前角0,体部16.7％(10/60),后角70.0％ (42/60);无内侧半月板后角根部撕裂;胫股内侧关节软骨退变发生率:胫骨内侧平台26.7％(16/60),股骨内髁30.0％ (18/60).半月板突出组与对照组半月板损伤比值比为6.0、膝内翻例数比值比为15.0.半月板突出组内侧半月板各部位及胫股内侧关节软骨损伤的发生率和严重程度高于对照组.结论 膝内翻可能是内侧半月板突出的原因之一,内侧半月板突出显著增加半月板损伤的发生率,其对膝胫股内侧关节骨关节炎的发生、发展有重要影响.     

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.