胸腔镜肺段切除术治疗60岁以上ⅠA期非小细胞肺癌的近期疗效

目的探讨胸腔镜下肺段切除术治疗60岁以上早期非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer,NSCLC)的近期疗效。方法回顾性分析2011年10月~2014年12月我科64例60岁以上ⅠA期NSCLC的临床资料,分别行胸腔镜下肺段切除术(肺段切除组,n=32)和胸腔镜下肺叶切除术(肺叶切除组,n=32),比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结清扫数目、术后引流管放置时间、住院时间、围术期并发症和随访情况。结果肺段切除组与肺叶切除组术中出血量中位数分别为100(20~900 ml)、150(50~500 ml)ml,无统计学差异(Z=-1.509,P=0.131);术后并发症发生率分别为6.3%(2/32)、9.4%(3/32),无统计学差异(χ~2=0.000,P=1.000);术后胸腔引流管留置时间分别为(5.4±1.2)、(5.5±1.1)d,无统计学差异(t=0.218,P=0.828);住院时间分别为(6.4±1.2)、(6.5±1.1)d,无统计学差异(t=0.218,P=0.828)。肺段切除组手术时间(136.8±65.2)min,明显短于肺叶切除组(189.2±74.2)min(t=2.999,P=0.004)。肺段切除组淋巴结切除中位数6.5枚(3~45枚),明显少于肺叶切除组中位数12.0枚(4~30枚)(Z=-4.750,P=0.000);肺段切除组切除N1淋巴结中位数3.0枚(2~9枚),明显少于肺叶切除组中位数5.0枚(2~11枚)(Z=-3.294,P=0.001);切除N2淋巴结中位数3.5枚(0~36枚),明显少于肺叶切除组中位数8.5枚(1~29枚)(Z=-4.814,P=0.000)。肺段切除组32例中位随访时间18个月(12~42个月),肺叶切除组32例中位随访时间16个月(12~19个月),均无复发和转移。结论胸腔镜下肺段切除术可以作为60岁以上老年ⅠA期NSCLC的治疗选择,近期效果不差于胸腔镜肺叶切除术。     

食管系膜切除在胸、腹腔镜食管癌手术质量控制中的应用

目的探讨食管系膜切除在胸、腹腔镜食管癌手术操作流程优化及手术质量控制中的应用价值。方法回顾性比较2013年3月~2014年10月262例食管癌手术的临床资料,根据病人和家属的意愿选择术式,分为胸、腹腔镜食管癌食管系膜切除组(EME组,n=132)和开放食管癌切除组(开放组,n=130),比较2组术中出血量、术后胸腔引流量、术后住院时间、清扫淋巴结数、淋巴结转移率、食管系膜转移率、术后并发症发生率。结果 EME组术中出血量(105.6±34.5)ml,明显少于开放组(168.4±40.7)ml(t=-13.480,P=0.000);术后引流量(975±267)ml,明显少于开放组(1289±287)ml(t=-9.171,P=0.000);术后住院时间(9.6±2.8)d,明显短于开放组(14.7±3.5)d(t=-13.034,P=0.000);清扫淋巴结数(24.3±12.1)枚,明显多于开放组(18.9±12.1)枚(t=3.612,P=0.000);淋巴结转移率65.1%(86/132),明显高于开放组46.2%(60/130)(χ~2=9.581,P=0.002);淋巴结外转移率43.2%(57/132),明显高于开放组13.8%(18/130)(χ~2=27.587,P=0.000);食管系膜转移率71.9%(95/132),明显高于开放组45.3%(59/130)(χ~2=19.105,P=0.000)。2组术后并发症发生率(25.6%vs.27.7%)差异无显著性(P0.05)。EME组局部复发率9.8%(13/132),明显低于开放组26.9%(35/130)(χ~2=12.760,P=0.000)。EME组与开放组生存率比较无统计学差异(χ~2=3.129,P=0.077)。结论 EME创伤小、术后恢复快、淋巴结清扫更彻底,可降低肿瘤的局部复发;以食管周围间隙及食管系膜的界标为平面进行整块切除,优化了手术流程,有利于食管癌手术质量控制。     

阴式与腹式子宫黏膜下肌瘤剔除术的比较

目的探讨阴式子宫黏膜下肌瘤剔除术的临床应用价值。方法我院2005年3月～2008年5月因异常子宫出血经宫腔镜联合B超检查诊断为子宫黏膜下肌瘤78例,肌瘤均位于子宫下段,肌瘤直径30～63mm。行宫腔镜切除失败后,改行阴式子宫肌瘤剔除术36例（阴式组）,改行腹式子宫肌瘤剔除术42例（开腹组）,比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后住院时间与术后恢复情况。结果阴式组36例成功完成手术,手术时间（64.7±10.4）min,显著短于开腹组（71.7±11.3）min（t=-2.829,P=0.006）;阴式组术中出血量（200.0±38.4）ml,显著少于开腹组（253.6±47.6）ml（t=-5.412,P=0.000）;阴式组术后肛门排气时间（18.5±4.3）h,显著短于开腹组（30.9±4.7）h（t=-12.078,P=0.000）;阴式组术后住院时间（4.9±1.2）d,显著短于开腹组（7.0±1.3）d（t=-7.368,P=0.000）。2组术后随访3～40个月,平均28个月,随访未见肌瘤复发,术后满意率达100%,2组妊娠率差异无统计学意义[2.8%（1/36）vs4.8%（2/42）,χ2=0.000,P=1.000]。结论对于宫腔镜无法切除的子宫下段较大黏膜下肌瘤（肌瘤直径≥30mm）,阴式子宫肌瘤剔除术较传统开腹手术具有术中出血少、术后恢复快、住院时间短、并发症少等优点。     

宫腔镜电切术与开腹子宫切除术治疗子宫内良性病变的疗效比较

目的比较宫腔镜电切术与开腹子宫切除术治疗子宫内良性病变的临床效果. 方法宫腔镜电切术治疗子宫内良性病变58例为宫腔镜组,开腹全子宫切除术 60例为对照组,对两组手术时间、住院时间、术后恢复工作时间和治愈率进行比较. 结果对照组手术时间为(68.4±20.6) min,宫腔镜组为(55.2±19.7)min(t=-3.555,P=0.000); 术后住院时间分别为(7.2±1.8)d,(4.5±1.5)d (t=-8.836,P=0.000); 对照组术后恢复工作时间为(64.4±25.3) d,宫腔镜组为(37.2±7.8) d(t=-7.835,P=0.000);对照组治愈率为100%(60/60),宫腔镜组为94.7% (54/57)(χ2=1.477,P=0.224). 结论宫腔镜电切术近期效果好,术后恢复快,在部分病例可替代子宫切除治疗子宫内良性病变.     

宫腔镜在宫内妊娠物残留诊治中的应用

目的探讨宫腔镜在宫内妊娠物残留的诊断与治疗中的价值。方法2005年8月～2008年8月对66例(宫腔镜组)宫腔镜检查明确诊断宫内妊娠物残留后,38例宫腔镜下定位后行清宫术、18例宫腔镜下直视清宫术、10例宫腔镜下电切术,并与同期的68例妊娠残留物(对照组)采用传统的清宫方法比较。比较2组治愈率、手术时间、术后出血时间、出血量等。结果宫腔镜组治愈率100%(66/66)明显高于对照组75.0%(51/68)(χ2=18.897,P=0.000);宫腔镜组术后出血时间(4.1±0.8)d明显少于对照组(15.3±3.6)d(t=-24.688,P=0.000);宫腔镜组出血量(16.2±4.8)ml明显少于对照组(92.1±9.6)ml(t=-57.616,P=0.000)。宫腔镜组手术时间(43.2±6.5)min与对照组(41.8±5.9)min相比无明显差异(t=1.306,P=0.194)。结论宫腔镜是诊断及治疗宫内妊娠物残留的一种有效方法。     

腹腔镜与开腹子宫肌壁间肌瘤剔除手术的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜在子宫肌壁间肌瘤剔除术中的临床应用价值。方法2006年1月～2007年12月对120例子宫肌壁间肌瘤按随机数字表法分组并征求患者同意后,52例行腹腔镜下子宫肌瘤剔除术（腹腔镜组）,68例行开腹子宫肌瘤剔除术（开腹组）,对2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后病率、并发症、住院时间、术后随访情况进行比较。结果手术时间腹腔镜组长于开腹组[（106.3±54.9）minvs（66.5±7.3）min,t=5.918,P=0.000];术中出血量腹腔镜组略少于开腹组[10～300ml（中位数50ml）vs20～200ml（中位数50ml）,Z=-1.998,P=0.046];术后病率腹腔镜组显著低于开腹组[7.7%（4/52）vs30.9%（21/68）,χ2=9.608,P=0.002];并发症发生率腹腔镜组与开腹组相似[3.8%（2/52）vs8.3%（3/36）,χ2=0.000,P=1.000];住院时间腹腔镜组明显短于开腹组[（7.5±1.4）dvs（10.4±1.2）d,t=-12.201,P=0.000];术后随访时间腹腔镜组与开腹组相似[（9.7±2.3）月vs（9.6±1.8）月,t=0.267,P=0.790],均无复发;腹腔镜组术后月经恢复正常率与开腹组相似[94.4%（17/18）vs90.5%（19/21）,χ2=0.000,P=1.000]。结论腹腔镜下子宫肌壁间肌瘤剔除术与开腹手术相比效果无差异,术后恢复优于开腹手术,是一种理想的手术方式。     

不同栓塞剂栓塞子宫肌瘤的疗效对比

目的探讨不同栓塞剂行子宫动脉栓塞治疗子宫肌瘤的疗效、术后副反应及并发症. 方法 107例子宫肌瘤行子宫动脉栓塞,其中 41例用聚乙烯醇栓塞(PVA组),66例用平阳霉素碘油乳剂和真丝线段栓塞(PLES组).随访6个月,观察临床症状改变、肌瘤大小变化、术后副反应及并发症. 结果 PVA、PLES组贫血改善率分别为93.8%(15/16)、90.5%(19/21)(χ2=0.000,P=1.000);2组月经量减少、经期基本恢复正常,改善率分别为94.7%(18/19)、92.3%(24/26)(χ2=0.000,P=1.000),压迫症状消失率分别为60.0%(6/10)、53.3%(8/15)(χ2=0.000,P=1.000),腹痛症状消失率分别为88.9%(8/9)、81.3%(13/16)(χ2=0.000,P=1.000).2组疗效及症状改善率差异无显著性(P＞0.05).PVA组栓塞后发热发生率22.0%(9/41)明显低于PLES组84.8%(56/66)(χ2=41.958,P=0.000),2组栓塞术后恶心、呕吐和腹部疼痛发生率差异无显著性(P＞0.05).2组均无异位栓塞及严重的并发症.结论 PVA与PLES行子宫动脉栓塞治疗子宫肌瘤疗效显著、相同,2种栓塞剂术后副反应发生无差别.     

腹腔镜精准肝切除临床应用价值分析

目的探讨腹腔镜精准肝切除与开腹常规肝切除治疗原发性肝癌的疗效。方法选取我院2013年5月~2015年5月原发性肝癌70例,按按照入院时间顺序编号,采用随机数字表随机分为对照组(n=35)与观察组(n=35),对照组接受开腹常规肝切除手术,观察组接受腹腔镜精准肝切除手术。比较2组患者手术情况、术后肝功能、并发症和预后等指标。结果观察组与对照组手术时间分别为(102.4±23.1)、(98.3±21.3)min,2组比较无明显差异(t=0.772,P=0.221)。观察组术中出血量(214.6±37.5)ml,明显少于对照组(379.3±45.1)ml(t=-16.612,P=0.000)。观察组住院时间(8.5±2.5)d,明显短于对照组(12.4±3.2)d(t=-5.682,P=0.000)。观察组术后AST(10.5±2.3)U/L,明显低于对照组(15.2±1.9)U/L(t=-9.320,P=0.000);ALT(21.4±2.8)U/L,明显低于对照组(30.2±3.3)U/L(t=-12.030,P=0.000);ALB(56.4±2.4)g/L,高于对照组(42.3±2.0)g/L(t=26.701,P=0.000);TBIL(17.3±1.6)μmol/L,明显高于对照组(15.6±1.1)μmol/L(t=5.180,P=0.000)。观察组并发症发生率5.7%(2/35),明显低于对照组22.9%(8/35,χ~2=4.200,P=0.040)。术后6个月观察组复发转移率3.1%(1/32),对照组转移复发率12.1%(4/33),2组患者转移复发率无明显差异(χ~2=0.801,P=0.371)。2组生存率log-rank检验存在显著差异(χ~2=5.300,P=0.021)。结论腹腔镜精准肝切除治疗原发性肝癌可行,具有创伤小、安全性高等特点,值得临床推广。     

腹腔镜微波消融治疗小肝癌合并肝硬化的临床疗效

目的探讨腹腔镜微波消融治疗小肝癌合并肝硬化的效果。方法回顾性分析我科2009年4月~2013年6月收治的50例小肝癌合并肝硬化的患者资料,26例行腹腔镜下微波消融(消融组),24例行腹腔镜下肝癌切除(切除组)。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、术后并发症、术后肝功能,以及1、2、3年生存率。结果 2组术后丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)升高,白蛋白(ALB)降低,术后7 d恢复正常水平,但消融组术后1、3 d ALT、AST明显低于切除组,ALB明显高于切除组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。消融组手术时间(53.5±8.5)min,明显短于切除组(92.9±19.8)min(t=-9.019,P=0.000);消融组术中出血(41.9±17.2)ml,明显少于切除组(131.3±66.0)ml(t=-6.663,P=0.000);消融组住院时间(7.8±1.0)d,明显短于切除组(10.4±1.3)d(t=-7.742,P=0.000);消融组术后并发症发生率19.2%(5/26),明显少于切除组45.8%(11/24)(χ~2=4.059,P=0.044)。消融组术后1、2、3年生存率分别为100%、88.5%、80.8%,切除组分别为100%、91.7%、83.3%,差异无显著性(log-rank χ~2=0.077,P=0.782)。结论位于特殊部位的、腔镜不容易切除的小肝癌合并肝硬化,可实施腹腔镜下微波消融治疗,且操作简单,创伤小,并发症少。     

宫腔镜诊治Ⅰ型剖宫产瘢痕妊娠的价值

目的探讨宫腔镜在Ⅰ型剖宫产瘢痕妊娠(cesarean scar pregnancy,CSP)诊治中的价值。方法回顾性分析我院2010年12月~2014年8月阴道彩色超声提示Ⅰ型CSP 173例,其中A组83例行双侧子宫动脉栓塞术,术后24 h行宫腔镜检查联合清宫术;B组90例行宫腔镜检查,并在宫腔镜直视下切除妊娠组织并电凝止血。比较2组术中、术后情况。结果宫腔镜检查证实为Ⅰ型CSP 148例,阴道彩色超声阳性符合率为85.5%(148/173),假阳性率14.5%(25/173)。A组术中出血量(30.0±14.9)ml,显著多于B组(17.2±9.1)ml(t=6.362,P=0.000);A组住院费用(12 046.4±984.8)元,显著多于B组(6511.3±826.5)元(t=37.137,P=0.000);A组住院时间(5.6±0.9)d,显著长于B组(5.0±0.9)d(t=4.052,P=0.000);A组盆腔疼痛和子宫穿孔的发生率显著高于B组(χ2=6.860,P=0.009;Fisher检验,P=0.024)。2组血β-h CG降至正常时间无统计学差异[(21.8±4.8)d vs.(20.9±4.9)d,t=1.127,P=0.261]。结论与双侧子宫动脉栓塞术联合清宫术相比,宫腔镜直视下切除妊娠组织处理Ⅰ型CSP术中出血量少,住院费用低,是治疗Ⅰ型CSP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.     

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.     

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.