声门上喷射通气用于非插管静脉麻醉下宫腔镜手术的效果

目的观察声门上喷射通气用于非插管静脉麻醉下宫腔镜手术的安全性和有效性。方法择期行非插管静脉麻醉下宫腔镜手术患者120例,年龄18～65岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,MallampattiⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为喷射组和对照组,每组60例。麻醉诱导后,对照组面罩吸氧,氧流量6 L/min,FiO_2 45%;喷射组经一侧鼻孔置入魏氏经鼻喷射导管进行声门上喷射给氧,并在喷射通气前后行超声测量胃窦部横截面积(CSA-GA)。观察并记录术中SpO_295%、托下颌、面罩加压给氧以及鼻出血、呛咳、无意识肢体运动的例数;记录喷射通气前后的CSA-GA。结果喷射组SpO_295%的发生率明显低于对照组(P0.05)。喷射组患者CSA-GA在喷射通气前后差异无统计学意义。喷射组托下颌、面罩加压给氧、呛咳、无意识肢体运动的例数明显少于对照组(P0.05)。结论声门上喷射通气有效地维持氧合,不增加反流误吸风险,提高了非插管静脉麻醉下宫腔镜手术的安全性。     

喉镜及气管导管弯曲度对模拟颈椎制动患者气管插管的影响

目的 比较视频喉镜(GlideScope)和传统喉镜(Macintosh)及气管导管前端角度对模拟颈椎制动患者气管插管成功率和血流动力学的影响.方法 选择ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级无颈椎活动异常或困难气道拟择期手术的成人患者80例,无长期服用影响BP、HR药物史.麻醉诱导前配戴颈托模拟颈椎制动.麻醉诱导后,随机均分为四组:G1组(弯曲60°)、G2组(弯曲90°)、M1组(弯曲60°)及M2组(弯曲90°),行气管插管.观察喉镜暴露(C/L)分级、插管难易程度[采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)]、插管时间、插管次数,记录基础值、麻醉诱导中、气管插管即刻、插管后1、3、5 min时BP、HR变化.结果 G1、G2组C/L分级优于M1、M2组(P<0.05),G1、G2组VAS低于M1、M2组,G2组插管时间短于其他三组(P<0.05).四组各时点SBP、DBP、HR差异无统计学意义.结论 使用GlideScope并将气管导管弯曲成90°有助于模拟颈椎制动患者的声门暴露,提高插管成功率.     

预氧无正压通气在急症饱胃患者全麻快诱导中的应用

目的 探讨预氧并无正压通气技术在急症饱胃患者全麻快诱导中应用的可行性.方法 21例急症饱胃患者诱导前面罩吸入纯氧3 min,静脉快速诱导期间不实施正压辅助通气.记录诱导用药前及用药后HR、SpO2、BP、ECG及诱导过程中呛咳、呕吐、反流、误吸发生率.结果 预氧显著提高患者SpO2.气管插管前后SpO2、BP、HR无显著变化;诱导过程中无缺氧、反流和误吸发生.结论 对非困难气道、无严重心肺疾病的急症饱胃患者全麻诱导中应用预氧并无正压通气技术是安全、可行的.     

右美托咪啶和异丙酚用于难治性精神病患者脑立体定向手术麻醉效果的比较

目的 比较右美托咪啶和异丙酚用于难治性精神病患者脑立体定向手术的麻醉效果.方法 拟行立体定向脑内多靶点射频毁损术的难治性精神病男性患者30例,年龄22～33岁,体重60-90 kg,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为2组(n=15):异丙酚组(P组)和右美托咪啶组(D组).麻醉诱导:2组均静脉注射咪达唑仑0.05 ～0.10 mg/kg和芬太尼1～2 μg/kg.D组静脉输注右美托咪啶负荷量1 μg/kg(输注时间＞10 min),随后以0.3～0.7 μg·kg-1·h-1速率输注,气管插管前,静脉注射异丙酚1～2 mg/kg.P组静脉注射异丙酚2～3 mg/kg,随后以3～4 mg·kg-1·h-1率静脉输注.经口直接喉镜引导气管插管,保留自主呼吸.分别记录定位过程中体动、呛咳、呼吸暂停、心血管不良事件和低氧血症等的发生情况.结果 与P组比较,D组体动、呛咳、呼吸暂停、心动过速、低血压和低氧血症的发生率降低,心动过缓的发生率升高(P＜0.01),高血压发生率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论与异丙酚麻醉比较,右美托咪啶用于难治性精神病患者脑立体定向手术时麻醉效果好,且对呼吸及循环功能的影响小,更安全.     

Airtraq可视喉镜用于鼾症患者经鼻气管插管的前瞻性随机对照研究

目的比较Airtraq可视喉镜与Macintosh喉镜应用于阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(obstructive sleep apnea and hyperpnoea syndrome,OSAHS)患者经鼻气管插管的效果。方法选择我院2016年5~10月60例OSAHS择期行腭咽成形术,随机分为M组和A组2组,分别应用Macintosh普通喉镜和Airtraq经鼻可视喉镜经鼻气管插管,分别记录诱导前(T_0)、插管前(T_1)、气管插管即刻(T_2)、插管后第1分钟(T_3)和第5分钟(T_4)的血压和心率,气管插管时间,喉镜暴露分级(Cormach-Lehane分级)以及喉外部压迫操作、是否使用气管插管钳辅助和喉镜片沾血的发生率。结果 M组收缩压和心率在T_2、T_3、T_4时点均显著高于T_1时点(P0.05),A组T_2、T_3、T_4时点收缩压、舒张压和心率之间无明显差异(P0.05)。2组患者收缩压在T_2、T_3时点,心率在T_2、T_3和T_4时点有统计学差异(P0.05),舒张压无统计学差异(P0.05)。A组喉镜暴露分级显著优于M组(Z=-4.935,P=0.000);A组插管时间(30.4±9.0)s显著短于M组(42.3±16.5)s(t=-3.468,P=0.000)。结论 OSAHS手术经鼻气管插管时,Airtraq可视喉镜比Macintosh普通喉镜对血流动力学影响更小,插管时间更短,更有利于插管。     

支撑喉镜下CO_2激光治疗声门下息肉的麻醉管理

目的 探讨非气管插管高频喷射通气(High-Frequency Jet Ventilation,HFJV)全凭静脉麻醉方法应用于声门下息肉激光切除的可行性.方法 42例ASAⅠ级～Ⅱ级声门下息肉手术患者,采用瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚全凭静脉麻醉.在置人支撑喉镜前气管插管,机械控制通气,置入支撑喉镜即刻拔除气管插管,应用内径2.5 mm,外径3.0 mm 的金属导管于声门下5 cm处HFJV.术中持续监测并记录诱导前、气管插管机械控制通气后5 min、置入支撑喉镜即刻、HFJV后1 min、HFJV后5 rain、HFJV后10 min、HFJV后15min的心率(HR)、平均动脉压(MAP)、心电图(ECG)和脉搏氧饱和度(SpO_2);在置入支撑喉镜拔除气管插管即刻和HFJV后15 min采集足背动脉血进行血气分析.记录术毕患者苏醒情况、麻醉时间和手术时间.结果 麻醉时间(30.1±3.8)min,手术时间(7.9±2.6)min,术中各时间点HR、MAP与支撑喉镜置入即刻相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),但与诱导前相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);术中所有患者保持SpO_2≥99%;HFJV后15 minPaCO_2较拔除气管插管即刻升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),但均低于70 mm Hg.结论 非气管插管HFJV全凭静脉麻醉可安全用于声门下息肉激光切除.     

Supreme喉罩用于腹腔镜手术患者气道管理的效果

目的 评价Supreme喉罩用于腹腔镜手术患者气道管理的效果.方法 择期全麻下行腹腔镜手术的患者120例,性别不限,年龄35～60岁,体重48～85 kg,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,Mallampatis Ⅰ～Ⅲ级,随机分为2组(n=60):Supreme喉罩组(S组)和气管插管组(T组).S组根据患者体重选择喉罩型号,麻醉诱导后置入喉罩,并经引流管放置胃管,T组在直接喉镜下行气管插管.记录气管插管或喉罩置入时间及置人情况;记录S组胃管置入状况和喉罩气道密封压,并行纤维支气管镜检查评分,以评价喉罩对位情况;记录术中SpO2、PrrCO2和气道峰压(Ppeak),记录拔除气管导管或喉罩后不良反应的发生情况;记录手术时间、麻醉时间、拔管时间和苏醒时间.结果 与T组比较,S组喉罩置入时间、拔管时间和苏醒时间缩短,拔除喉罩后低氧血症、呛咳、咽喉痛的发生率降低(P<0.05);两组均无返流误吸发生.各时点spO2、PETCO2、Ppeak均在正常范围内,组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).S组喉罩置入成功率和T组气管插管成功率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),S组喉罩气道密封压为(25±4)cm H2O,喉罩对位准确率95%,胃管放置成功率100%.结论 Supreme喉罩通气效果好,气道密封性可靠,拔除后不良反应少,可安全有效地用于腹腔镜手术患者的全麻气道管理.     

Truview喉镜气管插管在婴儿应用的安全性和可行性

目的观察Truview喉镜气管插管在婴儿应用的安全性和可行性。方法选择62例ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级患儿,年龄3～12月,拟在经口气管插管全身麻醉下实施择期整形外科手术,随机分为Truview喉镜组(T组)和Macintosh喉镜组(M组),每组31例。记录插管时声门暴露分级、麻醉诱导前、诱导后、气管插管后即刻及气管插管后1、2、3、4和5min的HR和SpO2;记录暴露声门时间、气管插管时间及气管插管的并发症。结果与M组比较,T组喉镜暴露声门程度差异无统计学意义,但暴露声门时间及气管插管时间相对延长(P0.05);两组患儿气管插管时HR均有增快(P0.05),但两组间HR和SpO2差异无统计学意义;插管时及拔管后两组均未见明显并发症。结论 Truview喉镜可以安全地应用于婴儿气管插管,但暴露声门和气管插管耗时相对延长。     

保留自主呼吸条件下七氟烷吸入联合UE可视喉镜在可预料困难气道诱导插管中的应用体会

目的 探讨保留自主呼吸条件下七氟醚吸入诱导联合UE可视喉镜在可预料困难气道管理中的应用效果。方法 选择美国麻醉医师协会（ASA）分级Ⅰ~Ⅲ级、术前评估为困难气道的全麻手术患者50例。患者入室后自主呼吸,面罩吸入6 L·min^-1氧气+8%七氟烷,间断辅助利多卡因呼吸道表面局麻,联合UE可视喉镜行气管插管。观察患者诱导前（T₁）、插管前（T₂）、插管后即刻（T₃）3个时间点平均动脉压（MAP）、心率（HR）、脉搏氧饱和度（SpO₂）的变化,记录插管时间和一次性插管成功率及诱导期间相关不良事件发生率。结果 所有患者诱导插管期间SpO₂均稳定在96%以上,无一例出现呼吸抑制。一次性成功插管43例（86%）,二次插管成功4例,插管时间在（136.8±35.2）s,喉痉挛、呛咳等不良反应少,2例出现牙龈少量渗血,血流动力学变化无明显差异。结论 保留自主呼吸条件下七氟醚吸入诱导联合可视喉镜气管插管应用于困难气道管理中插管成功率高、血流动力学平稳、不良反应少,是一种安全可行的麻醉诱导方案。     

Tosight视频喉镜用于患儿气管插管的临床研究

目的探讨Tosight视频喉镜用于患儿气管插管的临床效果。方法 70例6～15岁ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级患儿,按气管导管的弯曲角度随机均分为:A组(弯曲为60°)和B组(弯曲为80°)。快速诱导后采用Tosight视频喉镜实施经口气管插管操作,观察记录Tosight视频喉镜喉部显露分级、声门暴露时间、气管插管操作时间、插管次数和并发症的发生情况;记录诱导前(基础值)、诱导后、插管后即刻及插管后1、3、5min的SBP、DBP和HR变化。结果所有患儿均成功完成气管插管操作,其中A组3例患儿改变导管的弯曲角度至80°后插管成功,插管总时间A组明显长于B组(P<0.05)。与基础值比较,插管后即刻、插管后1、3、5min两组SBP明显降低;插管后1min两组HR明显增快(P<0.05)。与诱导后比较,插管后即刻,插管后1、3、5min两组HR明显增快(P<0.05)。两组组间比较插管期间SBP、DBP和HR差异无统计学意义,均无严重并发症。结论 Tosight国产视频喉镜用于6岁以上患儿气管插管,具有操作简单方便、影像清晰、声门暴露好、插管成功率高等优点。其中管芯弯曲80°比60°的插管一次成功率高,插管时间明显缩短。     

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.