羟考酮与舒芬太尼用于乳腺癌手术全身麻醉的比较

目的观察和比较羟考酮与舒芬太尼用于乳腺癌患者全麻诱导及维持的安全性和有效性。方法选择择期行乳腺癌局部扩大切除术的女性患者200例,年龄25~65岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为两组:羟考酮组(O组)和舒芬太尼组(S组),每组100例。静脉注射羟考酮0.2 mg/kg(O组)或舒芬太尼0.2μg/kg(S组)、丙泊酚2mg/kg与顺式阿曲库铵0.15mg/kg行全麻诱导。术中采用丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼靶控输注维持麻醉。记录麻醉时间、苏醒时间、拔管时间及术中丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼用量;记录拔管后VAS疼痛评分和不良反应的发生情况。结果两组患者麻醉时间、苏醒时间、拔管时间、术中丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼用量差异无统计学意义。术后2hO组静态和动态VAS疼痛评分明显低于S组(P0.05),其他时点及组间比较差异均无统计学意义。两组拔管后各时点静态和动态中度以上疼痛发生率差异无统计学意义。两组患者术后均有18例(18%)发生头晕,O组和S组分别有11例(11%)和9例(9%)发生恶心,但差异无统计学意义。结论与舒芬太尼比较,羟考酮也可安全有效地用于乳腺癌局部扩大切除手术的全麻诱导及维持。     

羟考酮或舒芬太尼预防瑞芬太尼诱发的术后痛觉过敏的效果

目的观察羟考酮或舒芬太尼预防瑞芬太尼术后痛觉过敏的作用。方法全身麻醉下行择期胃癌根治术患者120例,男62例,女58例,年龄18~65岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。将患者随机分为三组:羟考酮组(O组,n=42)、舒芬太尼组(S组,n=40)和生理盐水组(C组,n=38),术毕前分别给予羟考酮10mg、舒芬太尼10μg和等容量生理盐水。评价患者苏醒后静息VAS评分,若VAS≤3分则认为无痛觉过敏现象,3分为有痛觉过敏,≥6分则静注舒芬太尼,直至VAS评分6分。记录拔除气管导管即刻(T_1)、术后0.5h(T_2)、1h(T_3)、2h(T_4)和4h(T_5)的BCS舒适度评分,记录患者意识恢复时间、拔管时间及拔管后4h内恶心呕吐的发生情况。结果 T_1~T_5时O组BCS评分明显高于S组和C组(P0.05)。S组恶心呕吐发生率明显高于O组和C组(P0.05)。三组意识恢复时间和拔管时间差异均无统计学意义。结论术毕前静注羟考酮10 mg明显预防瑞芬太尼麻醉术后诱发的早期痛觉过敏,同时不影响患者苏醒,亦不增加恶心呕吐的发生率。     

不同剂量羟考酮术前用药对腹腔镜胆囊切除术后疼痛及炎症细胞因子的影响

目的观察羟考酮术前给药对腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)后疼痛及炎性细胞因子的影响。方法 80例择期行LC患者,男45例,女35例,年龄38~60岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。按随机数字表法分为四组,每组20例,分别于手术开始前10min静脉注射:O1组羟考酮0.1mg/kg、O2组羟考酮0.15mg/kg、O3组羟考酮0.2 mg/kg(各组药物稀释至2 ml)、C组生理盐水2 ml。采用VAS评分和Ramsay镇静评分对患者术后1、2、4、8、12、24h进行疼痛和镇静程度评分,于麻醉前、术后4、12、24h测定血清中IL-6和IL-10水平,并记录不良反应发生情况。结果 O1组在术后1、2h,O2组和O3组在术后1、2、4、8h的VAS评分明显低于C组(P0.05);O2组和O3组在术后1、2、4、8h的VAS评分明显低于O1组(P0.05)。O3组在术后1、2、4h的Ramsay评分明显高于O1组、O2组和C组(P0.05);O1组和O2组术后1h的Ramsay评分明显高于C组(P0.05)。与麻醉前比较,术后4、12、24h四组IL-6和IL-10水平明显升高(P0.05)。O1组、O2组和O3组术后4、12hIL-6水平明显低于C组,术后4、12、24hIL-10水平明显高于C组(P0.05)。O3组嗜睡、头晕、恶心呕吐的发生率明显高于O1组、O2组和C组(P0.05)。结论 LC术前静脉注射羟考酮0.15mg/kg可有效缓解术后疼痛且不良反应少,同时能调节细胞因子水平,维持促炎与抗炎细胞因子平衡。     

诱导期使用羟考酮对老年经尿道前列腺绿激光汽化术患者麻醉效果的影响

目的观察喉罩全麻下老年经尿道前列腺绿激光汽化术诱导期使用羟考酮对麻醉效果的影响。方法本研究选择经尿道前列腺绿激光汽化术的老年男性患者60例,年龄65～80岁,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,采用随机数字表法分为羟考酮组(O组)和舒芬太尼组(S组),每组30例。O组全麻诱导期给予羟考酮0.15 mg/kg,S组全麻诱导期给予舒芬太尼0.15μg/kg。记录两组入手术室时、插入喉罩时和拔除喉罩时HR和MAP。记录两组术后2 h内导尿管相关膀胱刺激征(CRBD)的发生例数和程度。记录两组拔除喉罩即刻、拔除喉罩后1 h和拔除喉罩后2 h的VAS评分和躁动评分。记录两组术后恶心呕吐、呼吸抑制等不良反应发生情况。记录两组患者和外科医师对此次麻醉的满意度。结果 O组和S组入手室术时、插入喉罩时和拔除喉罩时HR和MAP差异无统计学意义。术后2h内O组CRBD发生11例(37%),明显少于S组24例(80%)(P0.05)。术后2h内O组中重度CRBD发生率明显低于S组(P0.05)。不同时点两组间VAS评分差异无统计学意义。O组拔除喉罩即刻和拔除喉罩后1 h躁动评分明显低于S组(P0.05)。O组恶心呕吐和呼吸抑制发生率低于S组,但差异无统计学意义。O组患者满意度明显高于S组(P0.05)。两组医师满意度差异无统计学意义。结论老年经尿道前列腺绿激光汽化术喉罩全麻诱导期使用羟考酮,具有围术期血流动力学稳定,有效防止术后导尿管相关膀胱刺激征和躁动发生,恶心呕吐、呼吸抑制并发症发生率低,患者及手术医师满意度高的优点。     

不同剂量羟考酮复合依托咪酯用于老年患者无痛胃镜检查的效果

目的观察不同剂量羟考酮复合依托咪酯用于老年患者无痛胃镜检查的效果。方法选择2017年2—11月全麻下行无痛胃镜检查的老年患者120例,男62例,女58例,年龄65～79岁,体重46～68 kg,ASAⅠ—Ⅲ级,随机分为四组,每组30例:羟考酮1组(O1组)、羟考酮2组(O2组)、羟考酮3组(O3组)及对照组(C组)。O1、O2、O3组分别静脉注射羟考酮0.025、0.05、0.075 mg/kg,C组静脉注射等容量生理盐水,2 min后四组静脉注射依托咪酯0.2 mg/kg。术中出现呛咳或体动反应时,静脉追加依托咪酯0.1 mg/kg。记录胃镜检测时间;追加依托咪酯的情况;记录呛咳、体动、呼吸抑制、头晕、恶心呕吐、肌震颤等不良反应的发生情况。结果 O1、O2和O3组追加依托咪酯例数明显少于C组(P0.05);O2和O3组追加依托咪酯例数明显少于O1组(P0.05)。O1、O2和O3组呛咳、体动、恶心呕吐和肌震颤发生率明显低于C组(P0.05);O2和O3组呛咳、体动、恶心呕吐和肌震颤发生率明显低于O1组(P0.05)。O3组呼吸抑制和头晕发生率明显高于C、O1和O2组(P0.05)。结论羟考酮0.025、0.05、0.075 mg/kg复合依托咪酯用于老年患者无痛胃镜检查,其中羟考酮0.05 mg/kg更为安全有效。     

羟考酮对三叉神经微血管减压术患者术后早期恢复质量的影响

目的评价羟考酮在三叉神经微血管减压术患者中应用的安全性和有效性,并比较羟考酮与舒芬太尼对三叉神经微血管减压术患者术后早期恢复质量的影响。方法选择择期行三叉神经微血管减压术患者86例,男38例,女48例,年龄18~65岁,BMI 18~30kg/m2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。采用随机数字表法将其分为两组:羟考酮组(O组)和舒芬太尼组(S组),每组43例。两组均接受静-吸复合麻醉,麻醉诱导时O组静脉注射羟考酮0.3mg/kg,S组静脉注射舒芬太尼0.4μg/kg,在手术进行到关硬膜后即刻,O组静脉注射羟考酮0.07mg/kg,S组静脉注射舒芬太尼0.1μg/kg。于术前1d、术后4、24和48h采用数字评分法(numeric rating scale,NRS)评估患者手术切口疼痛和三叉神经区面部疼痛程度。当NRS评分≥4分时O组静脉注射羟考酮3mg,S组静脉注射舒芬太尼5μg进行补救镇痛。于术前1d和术后3d采用40项恢复质量评分量表(QoR-40量表)评估患者恢复质量。记录术后补救镇痛情况、拔管时间、出院时间以及术后恶心呕吐、心动过缓、排尿困难、头晕和瘙痒的发生情况。结果 O组术后3d的QoR-40量表评分中身体舒适度评分、情绪状态评分、心理支持评分、疼痛评分及总评分明显高于S组(P0.05)。O组术后恶心呕吐发生率明显低于S组(20.9%vs 37.2%)(P0.05)。结论在手术时间短于5h的三叉神经微血管减压术患者中,羟考酮0.3mg/kg可安全用于其麻醉诱导,羟考酮0.07mg/kg及3mg可分别安全有效地用于其预防性镇痛及补救镇痛;与舒芬太尼比较,羟考酮可提高三叉神经微血管减压术患者术后早期恢复质量,减少术后恶心呕吐。     

羟考酮对腹腔镜胆囊切除术全麻拔管期躁动的影响

目的:评价羟考酮注射液对腹腔镜胆囊切除术全麻拔管期躁动的有效性和安全性。方法:选择行腹腔镜胆囊切除术120例患者,随机分两组,羟考酮注射液组(均稀释成1 mg/m L)0.1 mg/kg,曲马多组1 mg/kg,观察记录各时间点血流动力学变化;记录拔管时患者的呛咳程度;记录拔管后苏醒期躁动-镇静(RASS)和疼痛评分(VAS)及术后不良反应发生情况。结果:与T0时间点相比,两组T2~T4时间点的MAP明显升高,HR明显增快(P0.05);与曲马多组相比,羟考酮组在T1-T4时间点MAP明显降低,HR明显减慢(P0.05),羟考酮组呛咳控制满意度(95.0%)明显高于曲马多组(81.7%)(P0.05)。与T3(RASS=2.02±0.31,VAS=4.03±0.92)比较,曲马多组在T4~T6的RASS、VAS评分明显降低(P0.05);与曲马多组比较,羟考酮组在T3~T6的RASS、VAS评分明显降低(P0.05)。结论:盐酸羟考酮注射液用于腹腔镜胆囊切除手术时血流动力学稳定,拔管呛咳反应少,术后镇痛效果好,躁动不良反应少,提高了拔管期的有效性和安全性。     

羟考酮或芬太尼联合氟比洛芬酯用于开胸术后静脉镇痛的效果

目的观察和比较开胸手术患者使用羟考酮联合氟比洛芬酯与芬太尼联合氟比洛芬酯镇痛的有效性。方法选择择期开胸手术患者80例,男53例,女24例,年龄40~65岁,ASAⅠ~Ⅲ级,随机分为两组。于手术结束前15min分别静注羟考酮0.1mg/kg(O组)或芬太尼1μg/kg(F组),术后均行PCIA,镇痛泵配方为羟考酮0.8mg/kg(O组)或芬太尼8μg/kg(F组)+氟比洛芬酯4mg/kg+昂丹司琼8mg+生理盐水至150ml。记录术后2、6、12、24、36、48h的静止和咳嗽状态VAS疼痛评分和Ramsay镇静评分;记录术后48h内PCIA有效及无效按压次数、镇痛药追加例数和不良反应情况。结果术后2~48h静息和咳嗽时O组VAS疼痛评分明显低于F组(P0.01或P0.05)。两组不同时点Ramsay镇静评分差异无统计学意义。O组PCIA有效按压次数、无效按压次数和镇痛药追加例数明显少于F组(P0.05)。O组恶心、呕吐等不良反应发生率明显低于F组(P0.05)。结论羟考酮联合氟比洛芬酯可有效地缓解开胸术后疼痛,等药剂量药物镇痛效果似强于芬太尼联合氟比洛芬酯,且不良反应更少。     

罗哌卡因切口浸润联合羟考酮静脉输注对剖宫产术后宫缩痛和早期恢复的影响

目的观察罗哌卡因切口浸润联合羟考酮静脉术后镇痛对剖宫产术后宫缩痛和产妇早期恢复的影响。方法择期行剖宫产手术产妇60例,年龄22～35岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为三组:羟考酮组(O组),罗哌卡因组(R组)和羟考酮联合罗哌卡因组(OR组)。O组患者于手术缝皮前静脉注射羟考酮0.1 mg/kg,R组患者于手术缝皮前皮下注射0.5%罗哌卡因15 ml浸润麻醉,OR组患者于手术缝皮前静脉注射羟考酮0.1 mg/kg联合皮下给予0.5%罗哌卡因15 ml浸润麻醉。术后VAS评分4分者静脉注射曲马多50 mg作为补救镇痛。比较三组产妇术后4、8、16、24、48 h的切口痛和宫缩痛的VAS评分和Ramsay镇静评分、术后48 h曲马多补救镇痛例次、术后恢复情况、术后皮肤瘙痒和恶心呕吐等不良反应发生情况。结果术后16、24 h O组和OR组宫缩痛VAS评分明显低于R组(P0.05),O组和R组切口痛VAS评分明显高于OR组(P0.05),术后曲马多补救镇痛例次明显大于OR组(P0.05)。O组和R组恶心呕吐发生率明显高于OR组(P0.05)。三组其他不良反应和术后恢复情况差异无统计学意义。结论剖宫产手术应用羟考酮静脉术后镇痛联合罗哌卡因切口浸润为基础的多模式镇痛,能对产妇的切口痛和宫缩痛达到良好的镇痛效果,其中羟考酮在减轻宫缩痛方面作用明显,且不增加术后不良反应。     

羟考酮对腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者拔管期应激反应、术后疼痛的影响分析

目的分析羟考酮对腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者拔管期应激反应、术后疼痛的影响分析。方法收集行腹腔镜胆囊切除术治疗的患者120例,ASA分级为Ⅰ~Ⅱ级,根据随机数字表法分为4组(每组30例),A、B、C组分别于术前15min静脉注射0.1mg/kg、0.15mg/kg、0.2mg/kg的羟考酮,D组静脉注射相同剂量的生理盐水。比较4组患者术后VAS评分、Ramsay镇静评分和炎性因子水平,并比较4组患者静脉注射羟考酮即刻(T1)、拔管即刻(T2)及拔管后5(T3)、10min(T4)的平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)、血清肾上腺素(E)、皮质醇(Cor)水平。结果 C组拔管时间、苏醒时间明显高于A组、B组和D组(P0.05);B组、C组T2、T3时刻MAP、HR均明显低于A组和D组(P0.05);B组、C组T2、T3、T4时刻血清E、Cor水平明显低于A组和D组(P0.05);B组、C组术后1、2、6h的VAS评分明显低于A组和D组(P0.05);C组术后1、2、6h的Ramsay评分明显高于A组、B组和D组(P0.05);D组术后6、12h血IL-6水平均明显高于A组、B组和C组,术后6、12、24h血IL-10水平均明显高于A组、B组和C组(P0.05);B组、C组术后6、12h血IL-6水平均明显低于A组,IL-10水平均明显高于A组(P0.05);C组恶心呕吐、嗜睡、头晕发生率明显高于A组、B组和D组(P0.05)。结论腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者术前15min静脉注射0.15mg/kg的羟考酮,可更加有效减轻拔管期应激反应,改善了术后疼痛和炎症反应,且未增加不良反应的发生和拔管时间、苏醒时间,值得临床重视。     

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.