胃癌患者外周血癌胚抗原mRNA的检测及临床意义

目的 探讨胃癌患者外周血中癌胚抗原(carcinoembryonic antigen,CEA)mRNA的表达及临床意义.方法 采用巢式RT-PCR方法检测50例胃癌术前患者、20例健康志愿者外周血以及10例新鲜胃癌组织中CEA mRNA的表达,并同期测定胃癌患者及健康志愿者血清CEA水平.结果 胃癌患者外周血中CEA mRNA表达阳性率为48.00%,明显高于外周血中的CEA阳性率20%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);胃癌患者外周血中CEA mRNA阳性率与组织学类型、临床分期具有相关性(P＜0.05),而与患者性别、年龄及有无淋巴结转移无明显相关性(P＞0.05),20例健康志愿者无阳性表达,10例胃癌组织均为阳性表达.结论 检测外周血中的CEA mRNA表达可能是检测胃癌微转移一种较理想的方法,对判断患者预后及进一步治疗有积极意义.     

血清MMP-2在甲状腺乳头状癌复发或残留者中的表达研究

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-2在甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)复发或残留患者血清中的表达水平及其临床应用价值.方法 采集2009年3月至2009年12月期间入住我科行手术治疗的68例甲状腺疾病患者的术前空腹血清和15位体检健康者的空腹血清.根据术后病理结果分为PTC伴淋巴结转移组(19例)、PTC复发或残留伴淋巴结转移组(17例)、PTC无淋巴结转移组(10例)、甲状腺良性疾病组(22例),体检健康者作为对照组(15位),采用ELISA法测定各组血清标本中MMP-2的表达水平,并分析各组MMP-2表达水平的差异.结果 血清MMP-2表达水平在PTC复发或残留伴淋巴结转移组、PTC伴淋巴结转移组、PTC无淋巴结转移组、甲状腺良性疾病组及对照组中分别为(1724.00±762.24) ng/ml、(1329.16±776.59) ng/ml、(1489.61±546.53) ng/ml、(1264.87±817.27) ng/ml及(608.43±88.63) ng/ml,PTC复发或残留伴淋巴结转移组和PTC伴淋巴结转移组均分别明显高于甲状腺良性疾病组和对照组(P＜0.05);PTC无淋巴结转移组仅明显高于对照组(P＜0.05),而与甲状腺良性疾病组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).甲状腺良性疾病组与对照组间比较差异也无统计学意义(P＞0.05);3个恶性疾病组间MMP-2表达水平比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).PTC伴淋巴结转移组、PTC复发或残留伴淋巴结转移组、PTC无淋巴结转移组、甲状腺良性疾病组及对照组的MMP-2表达阳性率分别为79％、76％、80％、41％及20％.3个恶性疾病组间阳性率比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05),但均分别明显高于甲状腺良性疾病组和对照组(P＜0.01).甲状腺良性疾病组的阳性率也明显高于对照组(P＜0.01).结论 血清MMP-2的检测可以用于术前甲状腺包块性质判断的筛选指标;血清MMP-2水平检测不适用于判断PTC是否转移.     

实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应检测食管癌患者循环肿瘤细胞及其意义

目的 探讨实时荧光定量逆转录聚合酶链反应(fqRT-PCR)技术评价食管癌患者外周血中循环肿瘤细胞(CTCs)的临床价值.方法 以43例病理确诊的食管鳞癌及10例胸部良性疾病患者为研究对象,将癌胚抗原(CEA)作为检测标志物,应用fqRT-PCR方法定量检测其外周血CEA mRNA表达及拷贝数,评价食管鳞癌患者CTCs状况.结果 食管鳞癌患者外周血CEA mRNA阳性表达率为46.51%(20/43),胸部良性病变患者外周血未见阳性表达;其阳性率随肿瘤TNM分期增高;Ⅲ、Ⅳ期患者CEA mRNA阳性率显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ期(P＜0.05),但Ⅰ、Ⅱ期患者之间及Ⅲ、Ⅳ期患者之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);外周血CEA mRNA拷贝数在Ⅳ期患者明显高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ期患者(P＜0.01);但在Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ期患者间其拷贝数差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).CEA mRNA表达与癌细胞分化程度无明显相关.随访结果:外周血CEA mRNA阳性表达者其转移预测特异性为81.25%(13/16).结论 fqRT-PCR检测食管癌患者外周血CEA mRNA有较高的敏感性和特异性,是监测食管癌CTCs较为可靠的一种方法.     

外周血GalNAcT mRNA的表达与早期肺癌微转移的研究

目的 观察早期肺癌患者外周血及淋巴结中GalNAc T mRNA的表达,探讨其作为肺癌微转移标志物的可行性.方法 应用巢式RT-PCR技术检测35例Ⅰ、Ⅱ期肺癌患者和12例肺部良性病变患者外周血及淋巴结手术标本,以及10例来志健康志愿者血液标本中GalNAc T mRNA的表达.结果 GalNAc T mRNA在经手术病理证实的35例Ⅰ期、Ⅱ期肺癌患者外周血标本中8例(22.86%)为阳性,43个肺门及纵隔淋巴结21个(46.67%)为阳性.而在12例良性肺部肿瘤及10名健康志愿者外周血均为阴性.在手术切除的43个淋巴结中,RT.PCR法检测到21个(48.84%)有微转移,而常规病理检查只有11个(25.58%)淋巴结有转移,两者差异有统计学分析意义(P＜0.05).结论 GalNAc T mRNA可作为RT-PCR法检测早期肺癌患者外周血微转移的分子标志物,其特异性高,但敏感性较低,有助于早期诊断肺癌转移.     

尿脱落细胞Cox-2mRNA检测在膀胱癌诊断中的价值

目的探讨尿脱落细胞Cox-2基因检测在膀胱癌诊断中的价值.方法采用逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)半定量法检测31例膀胱癌患者、42例泌尿系良性疾病患者和8例健康志愿者清晨中、后段尿脱落细胞Cox-2mRNA的表达,并与尿脱落细胞学检查相对照.结果用RT-PCR法检测尿脱落细胞Cox-2 mRNA用于诊断膀胱癌的特异性为72.1%,低于尿脱落细胞学检测(100%)(P ＜0.05),但敏感性为100%,高于尿脱落细胞学检测(64.5%)(P＜0.01).;表达Cox-2 mRNA的部分膀胱良性疾病患者,其强度与G1膀胱癌患者之间的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),但与G2、G3膀胱癌患者之间的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);膀胱癌患者尿脱落细胞Cox-2mRNA的表达强度随膀胱癌分级的增高而升高(P＜0.05);浸润性膀胱癌患者表达Cox-2的强度高于浅表性膀胱癌患者(P＜0.01).结论采用RT-PCR法检测尿脱落细胞Cox-2mRNA的表达可作为膀胱癌早期诊断、复发监测的一项极其灵敏的方法,并有助于肿瘤分级分期的判断.     

阿苯达唑对肝泡型包虫病患者外周血单个核细胞T-bet及GATA3 mRNA表达的影响及意义

目的 探讨阿苯达唑对肝泡型包虫病患者外周血单个核细胞中转录因子T-bet和GATA3mRNA表达的影响及意义.方法 回顾性分析2013年4月至11月新疆医科大学第一附属医院收治的55例受试者的临床资料.其中肝泡型包虫病患者服用阿苯达唑15例,纳入药物组;肝泡型包虫病首治患者14例,纳入肝泡型包虫病组;健康志愿者26例,纳入健康志愿者组.药物组患者口服片剂阿苯达唑10 mg/(kg ·d),用药时间为(2.5±2.3)年.所有受试者在入组后第2天清晨空腹抽取外周血.采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测各组受试者外周血单个核细胞T-bet和GATA3 mRNA的表达,同时运用ELISA法检测受试者血浆IFN-γ、IL-5的表达.正态分布数据以(x)±s表示,偏态分布数据以M表示,组间比较用单因素方差分析,两两比较采用LSD-t法,用直线相关分析探讨两因素之间相关关系.结果 药物组、肝泡型包虫病组和健康志愿者组受试者外周血单个核细胞T-bet mRNA中位值分别为0.117、0.114、0.094,3组比较,差异无统计学意义(F =0.34,P＞0.05);药物组、肝泡型包虫病组和健康志愿者组受试者外周血单个核细胞GATA3mRNA表达水平中位值分别为0.006、0.007、0.021,3组比较,差异有统计学意义(F =4.96,P＜0.05);药物组、健康志愿者组和肝泡型包虫病组受试者T-bet与GATA3的比值(T-bet/GATA3)中位值分别为25.618、8.235、4.350,3组比较,差异有统计学意义(F=9.12,P＜0.05).药物组、肝泡型包虫病组和健康志愿者组受试者血浆IFN-γ表达水平分别为(367±252) μg/L、(305±52) μg/L、(326±122) μg/L,3组比较,差异无统计学意义(F=0.52,P＞0.05);药物组、肝泡型包虫病组和健康志愿者组受试者血浆IL-5表达水平分别为(40±8)μg/L、(52±39) μg/L、(41±6)μg/L,3组比较,差异无统计学意义(F=1.85,P＞0.05);药物组、健康志愿者组和肝泡型包虫病组受试者IFN-γ与IL-5的比值分别为9.5±9.2、6.8±2.1、8.0±2.8,3组比较,差异无统计学意义(F=1.18,P＞0.05).药物组患者阿苯达唑用药时间和T-bet/GATA3之间无相关性(r=0.076,P＞0.05).结论 肝泡型包虫病患者口服阿苯达唑后明显上调T-bet/GATA3,逆转Th1/Th2细胞失衡,Th1细胞杀伤多房棘球蚴的能力明显增强,而Th2细胞保护多房棘球蚴的能力有所减弱.机体的保护性免疫应答有所恢复.外周血T-bet/GATA3可作为阿苯达唑治疗肝泡型包虫病疗效评价的随访指标.     

细胞S期激酶相关蛋白2、p16蛋白在非小细胞肺癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的 观察细胞s期激酶相关蛋白2(SKP2)、p16蛋白在非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)组织中的表达,探讨它们之间的关系及其临床意义.方法 利用组织芯片和免疫组织化学技术检测SKP2、p16蛋白在89例非小细胞肺癌,10例肺良性病变组织中的表达.结果 NSCLC组织中SKP2、p16蛋白表达阳性率分别为(23.52±13.57)%、(44.72±15.97)%,均与肺良性病变组织差异有统计学意义(2.91±1.27)%、(91.13±6.57)%(P＜0.01).SKP2蛋白在NSCLC组织中的表达水平与细胞分化程度,病理类型,TNM分期密切相关(P＜0.01),而与淋巴结转移差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).p16蛋白在NSCLC组织中的表达水平与细胞分化程度,病理类型,TNM分期,淋巴结转移密切相关(P＜0.01).NSCLC组织中SKP2、p16蛋白表达呈负相关(r=-0.309,P＜0.01).NSCLC组织中SKP2蛋白表达率与患者生存时间呈负相关(r=-0.241,P＜0.01),p16蛋白表达率与患者生存时间呈负正相关(r=0.144,P＜0.01).结论 SKP2蛋白表达增高与p16蛋白表达降低共同在NSCLC的发生发展中起促进作用,且它们对NSCLC患者的预后也有相反的影响.     

胃癌患者外周血中survivin、livin和XIAP基因表达及其临床意义

目的 联合检测胃癌患者外周血中肿瘤细胞凋亡抑制蛋白survivin、livin和XIAP基因的表达,探讨其在胃癌微转移中的意义.方法 采用逆转录分子信标实时荧光定量PCR方法,以survivin、livin和XIAP基因cDNA克隆重组质粒为标准品,检测50例胃癌患者外周血中survivin、livin和XIAP基因的表达,并以30例健康志愿者为阴性对照组.结果 Survivin、livin和XIAP基因mRNA分子信标实时定量方法的线性检测范围为103～1010拷贝数.胃癌患者外周血中survivin、livin和XIAP基因模板拷贝数以及阳性率与患者的性别、年龄及病理类型无关(P＞0.05),而与淋巴结转移及TNM分期有关(P＜0.05).阳性表达者复发或转移率明显高于阴性表达者,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 联合检测外周血survivin、livin和XIAP基因mRNA表达可能成为胃癌的早期诊断和评价预后的新指标.     

血清VEGF监测术后复发转移性乳腺癌的临床意义

探讨术后复发转移性乳腺癌患者血清VEGF表达及其临床意义.用ELISA检测50例复发转移性乳腺癌,20例原发性乳腺癌,20例乳腺良性疾病及15例健康女性血清VEGF的浓度.结果:复发转移组血清VEGF浓度高于原发组(P＜0.05)、良性疾病及健康对照组(P＜0.01).血清VEGF表达阳性率高于CEA、CA15-3( P＜0.05),而与CEA、CA15-3联合表达差异无显著性(P＞0.05),与复发转移部位、原肿瘤病理类型、腋淋巴结转移状况、ER、PR、HER-2表达及月经状况无关(P＞0.05).结论:复发转移组血清VEGF表达水平明显升高.单项检测VEGF优于CEA、CA15-3,与CEA和CA15-3联合检测表达相似.血清VEGF有望作为乳腺癌复发转移的一项监测指标.     

RhoC、KAI1在原发性乳腺癌组织中的表达及意义

目的 探讨Ras homologous C(RhoC)、KAI1在乳腺癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征的关系.方法 采用免疫组化方法,应用HPLAS-1000型彩色图像分析系统,检测45例乳腺良性疾病组织和75例乳腺癌组织中RhoC和KAI1的表达情况,并分析其与临床病理特征的关系.结果 RhoC蛋白在乳腺良性疾病组织和乳腺癌组织中表达的灰度值分别为(0.07±0.01)、(0.35±0.12),二者之间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).RhoC表达与乳腺癌淋巴结转移、TNM分期呈正相关(P＜0.05).KAI1蛋白在乳腺良性疾病组织和乳腺癌组织中表达的灰度值分别为(0.72±0.25)、(0.27±0.13),二者之间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).KAI1表达与乳腺癌淋巴结转移、TNM分期呈负相关(P＜0.05).RhoC、KAI1蛋白表达与患者年龄无相关性(P＞0.05).结论 RhoC、KAI1在乳腺癌发生、发展中发挥重要作用,RhoC和KAI1异常表达可能成为判断乳腺癌生物学行为的重要指标.     

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.