上颈椎不稳前路内固定方式的选择

目的:探讨上颈椎不稳前路内固定手术方式的选择及治疗效果。方法:自2000年3月至2010年9月,采用寰枢椎前路内固定手术治疗上颈椎不稳83例,男59例,女24例;年龄20～68岁,平均42岁。其中齿状突螺钉内固定36例,寰枢椎前路经关节螺钉内固定16例,C2,3前路钢板内固定23例,齿状突螺钉联合寰枢椎经关节螺钉内固定5例,齿状突螺钉联合C2,3钢板内固定2例,寰枢椎经关节螺钉联合C2,3钢板内固定1例。结果:1例颈脊髓完全损伤患者,行寰枢椎经关节螺钉内固定,术后1个月死于肺部感染。其余病例获得随访,时间8个月～3年,平均15个月。无椎动脉及脊髓损伤,所有病例寰枢椎获得稳定。36例齿状突螺钉内固定及5例齿状突联合寰枢椎经关节螺钉内固定者,未植骨,齿状突骨性愈合。寰枢椎经关节螺钉内固定病例:1例并发肺部感染死亡;1例齿状突ⅡC型粉碎性骨折并寰枢关节前脱位,齿状突及植骨未骨性愈合,但寰枢关节纤维连接无不稳定表现;1例寰枢椎陈旧性前脱位Ⅰ期前路寰枢椎经关节螺钉内固定,Ⅱ期后路Brooks钢丝内固定后路植骨,寰枢椎骨性融合。其他病例均植骨并获骨性融合。结论:上颈椎不稳患者,根据不同的骨折及不稳类型,选择相应的前路内固定,可取得较好疗效。     

前路经寰枢关节螺钉内固定术治疗寰枢椎不稳定的生物力学及临床研究

目的 探讨前路经寰枢关节螺钉内固定术的生物力学稳定性及疗效.方法 8具新鲜颈椎标本,对每一标本先后行正常状态、齿状突Ⅱ型骨折、前路经寰枢关节螺钉内固定术、后路Magerl螺钉内固定术4种状态三维运动范围的测定.并对20例创伤性寰枢椎不稳定患者施行前路经寰枢关节螺钉内固定术,在齿状突与寰椎前结节后方置入颗粒状松质骨.结果 前路经寰枢关节螺钉内固定术与后路Magerl螺钉内固定术均明显减少寰枢关节各方向运动范围,经统计学检验差异无统计学意义.20例患者中,1例颈脊髓完全损伤患者,术后1个月死于肺部感染.其余19例病例获得随访,时间7个月～3年,平均18个月,无椎动脉及脊髓损伤,所有病例获得骨性融合.结论 前路经寰枢关节螺钉内固定术,操作简便,固定可靠,损伤脊髓或椎动脉的风险较小.     

前路三钉内固定治疗寰椎-齿状突Ⅱ型骨折

背景：齿状突加寰枢椎前路经关节螺钉内固定是近来治疗寰椎-齿状突Ⅱ型骨折的一种新方法,临床报道较少。 目的：探讨颈前路三钉,即齿状突螺钉加寰枢椎前路经关节螺钉内固定治疗寰椎-齿状突Ⅱ型骨折的方法及疗效。 方法：2008年2月至2011年10月于C型臂X线机透视下行颈前路齿状突螺钉加寰枢椎经关节螺钉内固定治疗寰椎-齿状突Ⅱ型骨折5例。 结果：5例骨折患者共植入5枚齿状突螺钉,9枚经寰枢关节螺钉,1例因左侧经寰枢关节螺钉进钉点处骨折而行右侧单侧固定。全部获得随访,随访时间为10~30个月,平均18个月,螺钉位置满意,齿状突骨折均获骨性愈合,寰枢关节稳定,无一例发生螺钉松动、断钉,无一例发生脊髓、椎动脉损伤等并发症。 结论：颈前路齿状突螺钉加寰枢椎经关节螺钉内固定治疗寰椎-齿状突Ⅱ型骨折,对齿状突直接固定同时即刻稳定寰枢椎,为寰椎-齿状突Ⅱ型骨折患者提供了一种新的治疗方法。     

齿状突骨折合并寰枢椎不稳术式的选择及疗效观察

目的 探讨齿状突骨折合并寰枢椎不稳的手术方式选择及疗效. 方法 对2002年1月至2011年12月收治的54例齿状突骨折合并寰枢椎不稳患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,男39例,女15例;年龄18 ～55岁,平均36岁;陈旧性齿状突骨折5例,新鲜齿状突骨折49例;齿状突骨折按Anderson-D'Alonzon分型:Ⅱ型30例,Ⅲ型24例;合并寰椎前脱位12例,寰椎后脱位12例,无明显脱位30例;术前神经功能按美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级:B级2例,C级5例,D级16例,E级31例.其中30例患者行前路齿状突空心螺钉内固定术(A组),8例患者行前路经寰枢关节螺钉内固定术(B组),16例患者行后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定术(C组). 结果 术中无椎动脉、脊髓损伤发生,术后寰椎脱位患者均获得良好复位.所有患者术后获6～24个月(平均16个月)随访.A组2例患者术后6个月复查示骨折不愈合,A组其他患者和B、C组所有患者均在术后3～4个月骨折愈合.无螺钉松动、断钉、退钉发生.所有患者术后6个月神经功能按ASIA分级:C级2例,D级6例,E级46例. 结论 上述三种手术方式均是治疗齿状突骨折合并寰枢椎不稳的有效方法.临床根据患者具体病情首选前路齿状突空心螺钉内固定治疗,此方法不合适时可考虑行前路经寰枢关节螺钉内固定术或后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定术等寰枢椎融合术.     

Magerl联合Brooks融合术治疗严重的寰枢椎不稳

目的介绍后路内固定治疗严重寰、枢椎不稳的手术方式。方法12例寰、枢椎不稳患者中单纯II型陈旧性齿状突骨折6例,寰、枢椎前脱位5例(其中习惯性脱位2例,伴齿状突骨折2例,伴横韧带断裂1例),寰、枢椎旋转脱位伴横韧带断裂1例。采用后路C1,2经关节螺钉联合Brooks融合术治疗。结果12例寰、枢椎不稳患者中11例共放置经关节螺钉22枚,1例陈旧性齿状突骨折患者因C2单侧椎板上缘劈裂仅行Brooks融合术。本组患者术中无椎动脉、硬脊膜破裂和脊髓损伤等并发症,随访3~32个月,植骨全部融合。结论Magerl联合Brooks融合术是治疗严重寰、枢椎不稳的有效方法,可提供有效的固定和提高植骨融合率。     

后路经寰枢椎侧块关节螺钉固定融合治疗类风湿性寰枢椎不稳

目的 探讨对类风湿性寰枢椎不稳患者行后路经寰枢椎侧块关节螺钉固定融合治疗的手术方法总总结初步疗效。方法 对１５例类风湿性寰枢椎不稳的患者采用后路经关节突侧块螺钉固定的方法,行寰枢椎（Ｃ１,２）即刻牢固固定。为保证确切的三点固定和植骨融合,同时辅以寰枢间植骨与钛丝固定。结果 患者寰枢椎间稳定性得到恢复,无并发症发生;随访６～１４个月（平均１０个月）,１５例患者均获骨融合。结论 经后路寰枢椎侧块关节螺     

关节间隙螺钉加寰椎挂钩治疗齿状突游离小骨

目的评价C1～C2关节间隙螺钉加寰椎椎板钩治疗齿状突游离小骨合并寰枢椎不稳的临床特点及疗效。方法2004年10月至2007年2月,采用C1～C2关节间隙螺钉及寰椎椎板钩治疗合并寰枢椎不稳的齿状突游离小骨18例,男7例,女11例。年龄13-69岁,平均35．2岁。其中,有明确外伤病史11例。所有病例均存在枕颈部症状,15例存在不同程度的脊髓压迫症状。术前ASIA脊髓神经功能分级：B级2例;C级7例：D级6例;E级3例。术后定期随访,并对临床症状及影像学表现进行分析。结果随访时间6～58个月,平均21个月。术后3月所有病例枕颈部症状消失,X线及CT重建提示所有病例均获得良好骨性融合,寰枢椎序列良好,ASIA脊髓神经功能分级：C级4例,D级7例,E级7例。无因手术操作致椎动脉和脊髓损伤病例。无内固定脱落、断裂、退钉、假关节形成或寰枢椎不稳等并发症。结论C1～C2关节间隙螺钉加寰椎椎板钩是治疗齿状突游离小骨合并寰枢椎不稳的有效方法。     

经后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗C1-2不稳

目的:探讨经后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗寰枢椎不稳的临床疗效.方法:2003年1月至2006年12月,采用寰枢椎经后路椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗C1-2不稳患者27例,男18例,女9例,年龄17-71岁,平均43.5岁.其中AndersonⅡ型齿状突骨折16例(陈旧性骨折7例,新鲜骨折9例),Ⅲ型陈旧性齿状突骨折1例,横韧带断裂4例,上颈椎肿瘤1例,先天性游离齿状突并寰枢椎不稳5例.患者均有不同程度的颈枕区疼痛,活动受限;影像学均有寰枢椎半脱位或不稳,JOA评分5～12分,平均8.6分.其中3例难复性脱位患者先行前路松解术;22例同时行植骨融合,5例单纯行内固定.随访治疗效果.结果:27例患者共置入螺钉108枚,其中有3例在置入寰椎椎弓根螺钉时后弓破裂,直接将螺钉固定在寰椎侧块上.手术时间1～3h.出血量100-400ml,术中有2例在剥离寰椎后弓下缘时损伤静脉丛,成功止血.术后X线片及CT显示2例一侧枢椎椎弓根螺钉部分进入椎动脉孔,1例螺钉偏内致椎弓根内侧皮质破裂,均无神经症状,其余螺钉位置良好,寰枢关节复位满意.所有患者均获随访,随访时间6-42个月,平均26个月,术后JOA评分13～17分,平均14-8分.未发生与螺钉相关的神经血管并发症,无内同定松动或断钉现象,22例植骨者术后随访时均已达到骨性融合,5例未行植骨患者1年后拆除内固定,寰枢关节旋转功能良好.结论:寰枢椎后路椎弓根螺钉技术是治疗寰枢椎不稳的有效方法.     

微创前路经寰枢椎关节突固定融合治疗寰枢椎不稳

目的探讨微创前路经寰枢椎关节突固定融合治疗寰枢椎不稳的临床效果和并发症。方法 2007年5月-2010年12月,对13例寰枢椎不稳患者行前路经皮关节突螺钉固定和内镜下植骨。其中男11例,女2例;年龄17～61岁,平均41.3岁。受伤至手术时间5～14 d,平均7.4 d。合并横韧带断裂Jefferson骨折6例,齿状突骨折5例,游离齿状突2例。术前Frankel分级为D级2例,E级11例。记录手术时间、术中出血量、放射线暴露时间和并发症,术后X线片观察寰枢椎稳定性,末次随访时评价神经功能恢复情况,并行薄层CT扫描三维重建评价融合情况。结果手术时间95～156 min,平均124 min;术中出血量30～105 mL,平均65 mL;放射线暴露时间30～64 s,平均41 s。13例均获随访,随访时间12～47个月,平均25.9个月。无血管、脊髓神经、气管、食道损伤及内植物失败等并发症。植骨融合时间6个月,动力位X线片未见不稳。末次随访时Frankel分级均为E级。寰枢椎融合率为84.6%(11/13);2例关节间隙未见连续性骨桥形成,但寰枢椎稳定。结论微创前路经寰枢椎关节突固定融合是治疗寰枢椎不稳的一种安全有效方法,具有微创技术优点。     

导航下椎弓根螺钉＋椎板钩在寰枢关节融合中的应用

目的探讨导航引导下椎弓根螺钉与椎板钩联合固定在寰枢关节融合中的疗效。方法分析应用该术式的18例枢椎齿状突骨折患者。观察术中有无出现椎动脉或脊髓神经损伤等并发症,术后复查X线片了解骨折脱位的复位情况,随访观察内固定有无松脱、神经功能恢复及植骨融合情况。综合评定该手术的可行性。结果术后X线片显示枢椎齿状突骨折、寰枢关节脱位复位理想。随访5～24个月,内固定均未见松动,全部病例达到植骨融合,寰枢关节获得稳定,2例合有脊髓神经损伤的患者术后得到恢复。结论3D导航下椎板钩＋椎弓根螺钉联合固定既可避免在置入寰椎椎弓根钉时损伤椎动脉及脊髓神经的风险,也可以为寰枢关节提供较为稳定的三柱固定,是后路寰枢关节融合比较理想的方法。     

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.