DMBT1基因在上消化道癌组织中的表达及其意义

目的　探讨DMBT1基因转录表达异常在人上消化道癌组织发生、发展中的作用。方法　应用逆转录 聚合酶链反应 (RT PCR)检测 38例食管癌、2 1例贲门癌、2 5例胃癌肿瘤组织及其相应癌旁正常组织中DMBT1mRNA的表达缺失情况。结果　食管癌、贲门癌及胃癌组织中DMBT1mRNA阳性表达缺失率分别为 63 .2 % (2 4 / 38)、52 .4 % (1 1 / 2 1 )及 72 .0 % (1 8/ 2 5) ;伴有淋巴结转移的癌组织中DMBT1表达缺失率均显著高于相应淋巴结无转移的癌组织 (P <0 .0 2 5) ;肿瘤外侵越严重 ,DMBT1mRNA表达缺失率越高 (P <0 .0 2 5)。结论　DMBT1基因表达缺失与上消化道癌侵袭及淋巴结转移密切相关 ,提示该基因在上消化道癌的发生、发展及转移中起一定作用。     

肝细胞癌中SEMA3B基因的表达及其意义

目的 通过对SEMA3B基因在原发性肝细胞癌（HCC）组织中表达的检测，探讨该基因与HCC发生机制的关系。方法 采用逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）方法检测35例HCC组织及癌旁肝组织SEMA3BmRNA表达水平。结果 （1）在所有受检的癌旁肝组织中，SEMA3BmRNA表达率为85．7％（30／35），明显高于癌组织的表达率20．0％（7／35），差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）；（2）合并有肝硬化（20／28）或者乙肝（19／28）的患者，其癌组织中SEMA3B基因的表达缺失率显著高于无肝硬化（8／28）或乙肝阴性（9／28）患者（P〈0．05）；（3）SEMA3B基因的异常表达情况与年龄、性别的差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），与HCC患者术前肝功能Child—Pugh分级评价和血清AFP的检测值高低无相关（P〉0．05）；（4）SEMA3B的表达缺失率与TNM分期关系无统计学差异，低分化型癌组织中SEMA3B基因缺失率高于中、高分化型，但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。此外，该基因的缺失与肿瘤大小无关（P〉0．05）。结论 SEMA3B基因在HCC组织中的高频表达缺失说明该基因的失活与HCC的发生密切相关。SEMA3B基因是定位于染色体3p21．3区域的与HCC相关的抑癌基因，并且可能在HCC的发生发展方面起重要作用。     

MRP1/CD9蛋白在人肝细胞癌中的表达及其意义

目的　探讨MRP1 /CD9蛋白在人肝细胞癌 (HCC)中的表达及其与癌侵袭转移的关系。方法　构建肝癌组织芯片。样本包括肝细胞癌及癌旁肝组织 1 5 2例,癌栓 2 2例,肝内转移癌 4例,肝外转移癌 1 7例。正常对照肝组织 5例。应用免疫组织化学 (免疫组化 )方法检测肝癌组织芯片中样本MRP1 /CD9蛋白的表达。结果　 2 7% ( 4 1 /1 5 2 )肝细胞癌原发灶表达MRP1 /CD9蛋白。伴癌栓形成HCC中MRP1 /CD9蛋白表达率低于无癌栓形成者 (分别为 2 1. 8 2%和 4 0. 4 8% ; P < 0. 0 5 )。巨块型肝癌中MRP1 /CD9 蛋白表达率亦低于直径在 1 0cm以下者 (分别为 5%和 3 4. 8 2% ; P <0. 01 )。MRP1 /CD9蛋白表达尚与HCC病理分级及血清AFP水平有关:病理分级 2级的阳性表达率高于 3 ~ 4级 (分别为 3 9. 0 2%和 2 2. 5 2% ; P = 0. 0 4 3 ),血清AFP≤ 2 0μg/L者阳性表达率高于 >2 0μg/L者 (分别为 4 1. 9 4%和 2 2. 5 0% ; P = 0. 0 2 9 )。结论　肝细胞癌MRP1 /CD9蛋白表达水平低下可能与癌组织侵袭转移有关。     

3p21.3区域相关抑癌基因——RASSF1A、BLU和SEMA3B在肝癌组织中的表达及临床意义

目的 探讨3p21.3区域相关基因--RASSF1A、BLU和SEMA3B基因转录表达与肝细胞癌发生及预后的关系.方法 用RT-PCR的方法 检测RASSF1A、BLU和SEMA3B基因在79例肝癌组织以及相应的癌旁组织中的表达.结果 (1)肝细胞癌组织中三种基因的表达缺失率均明显高于癌旁组织(P＜0.05);(2)合并有肝硬化或者乙肝表面抗原阳性的病人,其肝癌组织中三种基因的表达失活率显著高于无肝硬化或乙肝表面抗原阴性病人(P＜0.05);(3)低分化型癌组织中三种基因缺失率均高于中、高分化型,但SEMA3B的差异无显著性(P＞0.05);(4)年龄、性别、肝功能分级和血清AFP值对三种基因表达的影响无显著性差异(P＞0.05).结论 肝癌组织中3p21.3区域相关抑癌基因转录表达缺失,可能参与调控肝癌的发生、发展过程,并影响其预后.     

肺癌组织中p16基因mRNA表达及其临床意义

目的　检测肺癌组织中p16基因mRNA的表达情况 ,探讨p16基因在肺癌发生发展过程中的作用。方法　应用逆转录 聚合酶链反应 (RT PCR)方法检测肺癌组织中p16基因mRNA的表达。结果　肺良性疾病组织、癌周正常肺组织p16基因mRNA表达高于肺癌组织 ,差异有显著性 (P分别 <0 .0 5 ) ;小细胞肺癌p16基因mRNA阳性率 (10 0 %)高于非小细胞肺癌 (4 6.0 %)P <0 .0 5 ;临床Ⅰ、Ⅱ期p16基因mRNA阳性率 (75 .0 %)高于临床Ⅲ、Ⅳ期 (3 4.1%) ,P <0 .0 5 ;无淋巴结转移的病例p16基因mRNA阳性率 (73 .3 %)高于有淋巴结转移的病例 (3 3 .3 %) ,P <0 .0 5 ;高、中分化病例组p16基因mRNA表达阳性率 (5 4.5 %)与低分化病例组 (4 4 .0 %)之间差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　p16基因的异常改变可能参与了非小细胞肺癌发生发展过程 ,p16基因mRNA的表达检测作为一种辅助指标。     

肺癌组织中乙酰肝素酶与血管内皮生长因子-C的表达

目的　探讨乙酰肝素酶 (HPSE)和血管内皮生长因子 C(VEGF C)的表达与肺癌发生、发展的关系。方法　应用免疫组织化学SABC法对 6 5例肺癌 (其中鳞癌 31例、腺癌 2 5例、大细胞癌3例、小细胞癌 6例 )患者的肺癌组织中HPSE和VEGF C蛋白的表达进行测定 ,并与癌旁组织和正常肺组织对比 ,结合肺癌的临床病理学特征及预后进行分析。结果　肺癌组织中HPSE和VEGF C蛋白的阳性率分别为 5 1% ( 33/6 5 )和 5 7% ( 37/6 5 ) ,明显高于正常肺组织的 5 % ( 3/6 5 )、6 % ( 4 /6 5 )和癌旁组织 9% ( 6 /6 5 )和 12 % ( 8/6 5 ) ( χ2 =34 6 ,38 8和 2 6 7,2 8 6 ;均P <0 0 1) ;不同病理类型、分化程度的肺癌组织中HPSE和VEGF C蛋白阳性率差异均无显著性 ( χ2 =0 39和 0 4 1,0 4 5和 0 0 4 ,均P >0 0 5 ) ;Ⅲ、Ⅳ期患者肺癌组织中HPSE和VEGF C蛋白阳性率均为 95 % ( 2 1/2 2 ) ,明显高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ期患者的 2 8% ( 12 /43)和 37% ( 16 /43) ( χ2 =2 6 6和 2 0 1,P <0 0 1) ;生存 3年或以下的肺癌组织中HPSE和VEGF C蛋白阳性率 88% ( 2 2 /2 5 )和 96 % ( 2 4 /2 5 )明显高于生存 3年或以上者的 2 8%( 10 /36 )和 36 % ( 13/36 ) ( χ2 =2 1 5和 2 2 2 ,P <0 0 1)。结论　肺癌组织中存在HPSE和VEGF C的高表达 ,     

SH2-B在非小细胞肺癌中的表达

目的 观察SH2-B在非小细胞肺癌癌组织、癌旁组织、正常肺组织、结肠癌组织中的表达.方法 用免疫组织化学SP法检测36例非小细胞肺癌癌组织、癌旁组织、36例正常肺组织、14例结肠癌组织中SH2-B的表达.结果 SH2-B在非小细胞肺癌癌组织、癌旁组织、正常肺组织、结肠癌组织中阳性表达率分别为97%(35/36)、64%(23/36)、14%(5/36)、71%(10/14).SH2-B在阳性细胞表达数计分及染色强度计分,正常肺组织、癌旁组织、癌组织依次增强,各组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 SH2-B异常活化在非小细胞肺癌癌变过程中可能发挥重要作用.     

肝细胞癌中nm-23H1的表达及临床意义

利用免疫组织化学 (免疫组化 )法检测肝细胞癌组织中nm 2 3H1 的表达情况 ,探讨其临床意义。结果显示 :89例肝细胞癌组织中nm 2 3H1 阳性表达 3 4例 (3 4/ 89,3 8.2 0 % ) ,阴性表达 5 5例(5 5 / 89,61.80 % ) ;有直接浸润或远处转移的 49例病例中 12例nm 2 3H1 表达阳性 (12 / 49,2 4.49% ) ,无直接浸润或转移的 40例病人中 2 2例表达阳性 (2 2 / 40 ,5 5 .0 0 % ) ;5 1例能手术切除的肝癌中 2 8例nm 2 3H1 表达阳性 (5 4.90 % ) ,3 8例未能手术切除的病例中 6例表达阳性 (15 .79% )。提示有转移浸润的肝细胞癌组织nm 2 3H1 基因阳性表达远低于无浸润转移者 ,说明nm 2 3H1 基因与肝细胞癌的转移浸润有着一定的关系 ;病灶能手术切除者其nm 2 3H1 基因阳性表达率显著地高于不能手术切除者 (P <0 .0 1) ,因此认为肝细胞癌的nm 2 3H1 表达可作为术前判断肝癌能否切除的参考指标。     

胃癌组织中PTEN，VEGF，MMP-9的表达及相关性研究

目的　探讨胃癌中PTEN,VEGF,MMP-9的表达及其与胃癌生物学行为的关系。方法　应用免疫组织化学SP法检测 7 1例胃癌组织及 3 7 例远癌胃黏膜中PTEN,VEGF,MMP-9 的表达。结果　胃癌组织中PTEN蛋白表达 ( 7 1. 8% )显著低于远癌胃黏膜的表达 ( 1 0 0% ) (P < 0. 0 1 ) , 且与肿瘤的组织分化程度、浸润深度及淋巴结转移呈负相关 (均P< 0. 0 5 ),而与年龄、性别等无关 (均P> 0. 0 5 ) 。VEGF在胃癌中的表达 ( 6 2. 0% ) 显著高于远癌胃黏膜的表达 ( 2 9. 7% ) (P < 0. 0 1 ) ,且与淋巴结转移呈正相关 (P< 0. 0 1 ) ,而与年龄、性别、组织分化程度及肿块浸润深度无关 (均P> 0. 0 5 )。MMP-9在胃癌中的表达 ( 6 9% ) 显著高于远癌胃黏膜的表达 ( 4 0. 5% ) (P < 0. 0 1 ),且与淋巴结转移呈正相关 (P< 0. 0 5 ) , 而与年龄、性别、组织分化程度及癌组织浸润深度无关 (均P> 0. 0 5 )。PTEN在胃癌中的表达与VEGF和MMP-9呈负相关 (P < 0. 0 5 )。结论　胃癌中PTEN蛋白表达降低,其表达与肿瘤的组织分化程度、浸润深度及淋巴结转移密切相关,且与VEGF,MMP-9表达呈负相关。联合检测PTEN,VEGF,MMP-9有助于提高胃癌侵袭转移能力的评估,对胃癌的预后判断具有重要的临床意义。     

KAI1/CD82蛋白表达与肝细胞癌侵袭转移

目的　探讨KAI1/CD82蛋白表达与人肝细胞癌侵袭转移的关系。方法　构建肝癌组织芯片 ,收集肝细胞癌及癌旁肝组织 15 5例 ,癌栓 2 2例 ,肝内转移癌 4例 ,肝外转移癌 16例。正常对照肝组织 5例。应用免疫组织化学方法检测肝癌组织芯片中样本KAI1/CD82蛋白的表达。结果6 1% (95 /15 5 )肝细胞癌原发灶表达KAI1/CD82蛋白 ,仅有 32 % (7/2 2 )癌栓呈阳性表达 (P <0 0 5 )。不伴有肝外转移、肝内转移及癌栓形成肝细胞癌中KAI1/CD82蛋白表达率分别高于伴有肝外转移 (P =0 0 38)、肝内转移 (P <0 0 1)及癌栓形成者 (P <0 0 1)。KAI1/CD82蛋白在包膜完整与无包膜 (P <0 0 5 )、癌灶直径 <5cm与直径≥ 5cm(P <0 0 1)及血清AFP <4 0 0 μg/L与AFP≥ 4 0 0 μg/L (P =0 0 36 )肝细胞癌中表达率差异亦有显著意义。结论　肝细胞癌KAI1/CD82蛋白表达丧失可能与癌灶侵袭转移有关     

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.     

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.     

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.