白细胞滤除对犬体外循环诱发全身炎性反应的影响

目的探讨白细胞滤除对犬体外循环（CPB）诱发全身炎性反应的影响。方法蒙古犬12只，体重25—30kg，随机分为2组（n=6）：对照组（C组）和白细胞滤除组（LD组），C组不使用白细胞滤器，LD组将滤器安装于CPB的静脉回流端，在CPB2min时打开滤器5min。分别于CPB前即刻（T0）、阻断升主动脉后即刻（T1）、阻断升主动脉30min（T2）、开放升主动脉后5min（T3）、停CPB即刻（T4）、停CPB2h（T5）自股静脉抽血，测定白细胞计数和血浆L-选择素、白细胞介紊（IL）-6、IL-8、髓过氧化物酶（MPO）水平。于过滤后30、60、90min时测定滤器内IL-6、IL-8浓度，并在过滤后90min时取滤膜行病理学检查。结果LD组T1时白细胞计数低于C组；两组CPB期间血浆L-选择素、IL-6、IL-8浓度均高于T0，T5时LD组血浆L-选择素、IL-6、IL-8、MPO水平均低于C组。过滤后60、90min时滤器中IL-6、IL-8浓度高过滤后30min；滤器内白细胞滤膜全层布满白细胞，人血面白细胞多于出血面。结论白细胞滤除能抑制犬CPB所引起的全身炎性反应。     

肝素化膜肺和甲基强的松龙预处理对心肺转流后肺损伤的防治作用

目的观察肝素化膜肺和甲基强的松龙预处理对炎性细胞因子的影响和对心肺转流(CPB)后肺损伤的防治作用。方法30例择期行双瓣膜置换的病人,随机均分为三组:肝素化膜肺组(H组)、甲基强的松龙组(M组)和对照组(C组)。术中持续监测ECG、HR、SpO2、MAP、CVP、心输出量(CO);术前、CPB前、主动脉开放前、开放后0·5、1、2、6h采取动脉血测定细胞因子如肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的变化;术前、CPB前、主动脉开放后1·5、2、6h采血测定动脉血气,氧合指数(PaO2/FiO2),同期监测气道压并计算肺的顺应性。结果三组病人在主动脉开放前、开放后0·5、1、2、6h时TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6均较术前显著升高(P<0·05,P<0·01)。主动脉开放前、开放后0·5、1、2、6h时M组TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6均较C组显著降低(P<0·05,P<0·01);主动脉开放后0·5、1hH组TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6较C组明显降低(P<0·05),且M组在开放后各时点TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6较H组降低更明显(P<0·01)。三组开放后各时点较CPB前气道阻力轻度升高,但三组间差异无显著意义。主动脉开放后1·5、2、6h三组病人和术前相比PaO2/FiO2显著降低(P<0·05,P<0·01);与H组、C组相比,M组在主动脉开放后1·5、2、6h时PaO2/FiO2显著增加(P<0·01)。结论CPB可引起以炎性细胞因子升高为特征的全身性炎症反应,产生肺损伤;单纯肝素涂抹膜肺轻度降低细胞因子变化,但对肺功能无明显保护作用;小剂量甲基强的松龙(5mg/kg)可有效抑制细胞因子的升高,促进肺功能的恢复。     

复氧方式对慢性缺氧幼年大鼠肺组织TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-10 mRNA表达的影响

目的观察不同复氧方式对慢性缺氧幼年大鼠肺组织肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）和白细胞介素-10（IL-10）mRNA的表达的影响。方法5周龄雄性SD大鼠54只，随机均分为三组：Ⅰ和Ⅱ组大鼠分别在常压低氧（FiO2=10％）下持续缺氧2周后快速纯氧或21％O2复氧3h；Ⅲ组大鼠行间断缺氧（慢性缺氧同Ⅰ组，但每天暴露于空气中1h）2周后快速纯氧复氧3h。各组大鼠分别于复氧后0，1、3h留取肺组织标本。逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）方法检测肺组织TNF-α、IL-β、IL-10mRNA表达水平，光镜下观察肺组织病理改变。结果与复氧前相比，Ⅰ组大鼠肺组织TNF-α、IL-1βmRNA在复氧1、3h明显升高（P〈0．01），IL-10mRNA表达在复氧3h后明显升高（P〈0．01）。Ⅱ、Ⅲ组大鼠肺组织复氧1，3h TNF-α、IL-1βmRNA的表达和复氧3h IL-10mRNA表达均明显低于Ⅰ组（P〈0．01）。肺组织病理检查见Ⅱ、Ⅲ组大鼠的肺损伤均较Ⅰ组明显减轻。结论慢性缺氧幼鼠肺组织复氧损伤早期存在炎症介质／抗炎介质失衡，21％O2复氧及复氧前间断吸入21％O2可明显减少复氧后炎性因子的表达和减轻复氧引起的肺损伤。     

七氟烷预处理对体外循环患者炎性反应的影响

目的 观察七氟烷预处理对体外循环（GPB）患者炎性反应的影响，探讨其心肌保护作用机制。方法 30例择期CPB下心内直视手术患者，随机分成2组（n=15）：对照组（C组）和七氟烷预处理组（S组）。S组手术开始至CPB前吸入七氟烷（呼气末浓度2％）20min，随后给以10min洗脱期，而C组患者只吸入纯氧。分别于麻醉诱导前即刻（T0）、主动脉开放后10 min（T1）、CPB后即刻（T2）、4h（T2）、24h（T4）采集桡动脉血，测定血浆肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素（IL）-6、IL-8、细胞粘附分子（ICAM）-1、肌酸激酶同工酶（CK-MB）及心肌肌钙蛋白I（cTnⅠ）水平，并观察主动脉开放后心脏自主复跳情况。结果 与T0时比较，2组T1-4时TNE-α、ICAM-1、IL-6、IL-8、CK-MB及cTnⅠ水平均升高（P〈0．01）;与C组比较，S组T1-4时TNT-α、IL-6、IL-8浓度均降低，T2-4时ICAM-1、CK-MB、cTnⅠ水平均降低，心脏自主复跳率较高（P〈0．05或0．01）。结论 七氟烷预处理（吸入2％七氟醚2 h）通过抑制炎性反应，对CPB患者心肌产生一定的保护作用。     

人工虫草菌丝粉防治慢性马兜铃酸肾病的研究

目的探讨人工虫草菌丝粉对慢性马兜铃酸肾病的防治作用。方法将40只大鼠随机分为4组：正常组、木通组（关木通煎剂10g·kg^-1·d^-1灌胃）、治疗组（关木通煎剂10g·kg^-1·d^-1与人工虫草菌丝粉混悬液5g·kg^-1·d^-1灌胃）、马兜铃酸（AA）组（皮下注射AA10mg·kg^-1·d^-1）各10只，给药8w。结果8w后木通组、治疗组、AA组与正常组相比，24h尿蛋白定量、尿NAG酶、尿β2-微球蛋白（β2-MG）增加（P〈0．05，P〈0．01）。治疗组与木通组相比，24h尿蛋白定量及尿β2-MG定量无统计学差别（P〉0．05），治疗组尿NAG酶明显低于木通组（P〈0．01）。3组肾小管间质病理积分显著高于正常组（P〈0．01），治疗组与木通组积分无统计学差异（P〉0．05）。3组转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1），金属蛋白酶抑制剂1（TIMP-1），基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）表达较正常组明显上调（P〈0．01）。治疗组TGF-β1，TIMP-1表达较木通组下调（P〈0．05），MMP-9表达较木通组上调（P〈0．01）。结论人工虫草菌丝粉可降低尿NAG酶和TGF-β1，TIMP-1的表达，但其缓解慢性马兜铃酸肾病所引起的肾损害的作用还未全部达到统计学意义。     

肾RI及尿β2-MG和NAG在高能冲击波致肾损伤中测定的意义

目的 探讨肾血管阻力指数（RI）及尿β2-MG，NAG在高能冲击波致肾损伤中测定的意义。方法 将40只雄性家兔随机分为两组：电磁碎石组、液电碎石组。每组再分为A、B两组，分别冲击1000次和1500次。分别于冲击前和冲击后不同时间收集尿标本检测β2-MG，NAG彩超测肾RI。结果 冲击后24h，72h肾RI及尿β2-MG，NAG显著升高（P〈0．01）。冲击后1500次组升高幅度显著高于1000次组（P〈0.01）。电磁碎石组和液电碎石组波源之间无显著差异（P〉0．05）。结论 肾RI及尿β2-MG，NAG可作为冲击波致肾脏损伤的检测指标。冲击次数的控制可以减轻肾损伤。     

去白细胞血再灌注液对体外循环犬心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的探讨去白细胞血再灌注液对体外循环(CPB)犬心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响及其机制。方法成年健康犬12条,根据再灌注液成分不同随机分为对照组(C组)和去白细胞血组(D组),每组6条。两组动物经麻醉和开胸后,建立CPB心肌缺血再灌注模型,阻断升主动脉60 min。于阻断40min时,自主动脉根部以2 ml·min-1·kg-1灌入常温晶体液或去白细胞血,持续20 min。分别于阻断前、阻断后30min及60min和开放后30min及60min取静脉血,检测血浆TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8浓度。并于阻断前、阻断后60 min和开放后60 min分别取心肌组织检测髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性。结果与阻断前比较,阻断后各时点两组TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-8血浆浓度均升高,IL-6血浆浓度在开放后各时点升高(P<0．05);D组开放升主动脉后各时点TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6和IL-8血浆浓度低于C组(P< 0．01);D组阻断后60 min和开放后60 min MPO活性低于C组(P<0．01)。结论去白细胞血再灌注液能减轻体外循环犬的心肌缺血再灌注损伤,抑制促炎性细胞因子可能是其作用机制之一。     

心瓣膜置换术患者围术期尿NAG/Cr变化及乌司他丁对肾的保护作用

目的　了解心瓣膜置换术患者围术期尿 N-乙酰 - β- D-氨基葡萄糖苷酶 (NAG) /肌酐 (Cr)的变化 ,观察乌司他丁对肾的保护作用。　方法　 5 3例心瓣膜置换术患者用抽签法随机分为两组。实验组 :2 3例 ,给乌司他丁 2 0 0 0 0U/ kg,分 3次静脉注射 ;对照组 :30例 ,静脉注射生理盐水 2 0 m l。分别于术前 30 min,主动脉阻断前 5 min,主动脉开放后 5 min,手术结束 ,术后第 1、3、5 d检测尿 NAG/ Cr值、血尿素氮 (BU N)和血 Cr等指标。　结果　两组患者的尿NAG/ Cr值均于手术开始后升高 ,于主动脉开放后 5 min和手术结束时达到高峰 ;主动脉开放后 5 min、手术结束时和术后第 1d,实验组患者尿 NAG/ Cr值明显低于对照组 (P<0 .0 5 )。尿 NAG/ Cr值与体外循环 (CPB)时间、主动脉阻断时间和 TM- 5 0 (平均灌注压低于 5 0 mm Hg的时间压力积分 )呈正相关 (r=0 .5 6 0 ,0 .4 93,0 .5 0 5 ;P<0 .0 5 )。　结论　CPB时间、主动脉阻断时间和 TM- 5 0可影响尿 NAG/ Cr,乌司他丁对心瓣膜置换术患者围术期的肾损伤有一定的保护作用。     

乌司他丁对原位肝移植术患者围术期肾功能的影响

目的乌司他丁对原位肝移植术患者围术期肾功能的影响。方法 40例择期行原位肝移植术患者,随机分为2组,乌司他丁组(U组,n=20):切皮后将乌司他丁30万IU加入100 ml生理盐水,持续静脉输注1 h,之后每4小时重复一次直至术后48 h。对照组(C组,n=20):以等容量生理盐水代替。测定麻醉前、术毕、术后24、48 h血清尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)的水平及尿N-乙酰β-D氨基葡萄糖苷酶(NAG)、视黄醇结合蛋白(RBP)、α1-微球蛋白(α1-MG)、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶(γ-GTP)的水平。结果麻醉前组间血清BUN、Cr及尿γ-GTP、RBP、α1-MG、NAG水平差异均无统计学意义(P>0．05)。与麻醉前比较,C组血清BUN和Cr在术后24、48 h升高(P<0．05或0．01),尿γ-GTP、α1-MG、RBP和 NAG在各时点升高(P<0．01);U组血清BUN、Cr和尿γ-GTP、NAG在各时点差异无统计学意义(P> 0．05),尿α1-MG在各时点升高(P<0．01),尿RBP在术后24、48 h升高(P<0．05或0．01)。与C组比较,U组血清BUN、Cr和尿α1-MG在术后24、48 h降低,尿γ-GTP、RBP和NAG在各时点降低(P<0．05 或0．01)。结论乌司他丁对原位肝移植术患者围术期肾功能有一定的保护作用。     

温阳活血方对慢性马兜铃酸肾病大鼠肾损害的干预作用

目的：观察温阳活血方对慢性马兜铃酸肾病肾损害的干预作用。方法：将48只雄性SD大鼠随机分为5组：（1）正常对照组（n=8）：予生理盐水灌胃;（2）模型组（n=10）：按关木通水煎液10ml·kg^-1·d^-1（相当于关木通40g·kg^-1·d^-1,马兜铃酸A2．6mg·kg^-1·d^-1）给大鼠灌胃;（3）中药组（n=10）：在模型组基础上,再予温阳活血方30g·kg^-1·d^-1灌胃;（4）西药组（n=10）：在模型组基础上,再予科素亚33．3mg·kg^-1·d^-1灌胃;（5）中西药结合组（n=10）：在模型组基础上,再予温阳活血方＋科素亚灌胃。20周末,收集大鼠尿液测定24h尿蛋白、NAG、β2-MG,腹主动脉取血用于测定Scr、BUN、RBC、Hb。结果：与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠24h尿蛋白、NAG、β2-MG、Scr、BUN均明显升高（P〈0．01,P〈0．05）,而血Hb、RBC均明显下降（P〈0．01）;与模型组比较,治疗组大鼠24h尿蛋白、NAG、β2-MG、Scr、BUN均明显下降（P〈0．01,P〈0．05）,而血RBC、Hb均明显升高（P〈0．01,P〈0．05）。结论：温阳活血方对慢性马兜铃酸肾病大鼠肾损害有一定的保护作用,能降低尿蛋白和尿NAG、β2-MG的排泄,改善肾功能和贫血。     

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.