原发性肾上腺淋巴瘤二例报告

目的 探讨原发性肾上腺淋巴瘤的诊断和治疗.方法 原发性肾上腺淋巴瘤患者2例.例1,男,58岁.临床表现为发热、乏力3个月.CT检查示双肾上腺区软组织肿块,右侧2.0 cm×6.0 cm,左侧4.0 cm×7.2 cm,轮廓清,腹膜后未见肿大淋巴结.胸部X线检查、血常规化验未见异常.例2,男,32岁.临床表现为发热3周.CT检查示双肾上腺体积弥漫性增大,右肾上腺区2.5 cm×3.6 cm肿块,腹膜后未见肿大淋巴结.胸部X线检查、血常规化验未见异常.结果例1行后腹腔镜下右肾上腺切除术.肿物剖面呈暗紫色.镜下瘤细胞呈圆形或卵圆形,细胞异形性明显,可见核分裂象.免疫组化染色:CD20、CD45 RO、胎盘碱性磷酸酶(PLAP)阳性.病理诊断:大B细胞恶性淋巴瘤.予CHOP方案(环磷酰胺、表阿霉素、长春新碱及泼尼松)化疗1周期,患者呈明显恶液质,自动出院后2个月死亡.例2行后腹腔镜下双肾上腺切除术.肾上腺剖面呈腐肉样,质脆.镜下瘤细胞弥漫分布,呈圆形或多角形,胞质少,核仁明显.免疫组化染色;CD3、CD45RO阳性,CD20.阴性.病理诊断:T细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤.CHOP方案化疗4周期,随访5个月,一般情况良好.结论原发性肾上腺淋巴瘤临床罕见,尤其是T细胞型非霍奇金淋巴瘤,手术加化疗或放疗效果优于单一治疗. 碱性磷酸酶(PLAP)阳性.病理诊断:大B细胞恶性淋巴瘤.予CHOP方案(环磷酰胺、表阿霉素、长春新碱及泼尼松)化疗1周期,患者呈明显恶液质,自动出院后2个月死亡.例2行后腹腔镜下双肾上腺切除术.肾上腺剖面呈腐肉样,质脆.镜下瘤细胞弥漫分布,呈圆形或多角形,胞质少,核仁明显.免疫组化染色;CD3、CD45RO阳性,CD20.阴性.病理诊断:T细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤.CHOP方案化疗4周期,随访5个月,一般情况良好.结论原发性 上腺淋巴瘤临床罕见,尤其是T细胞型非霍奇金淋巴瘤,手术加化疗或放疗效果优于单一治疗. 碱性磷酸酶(PLAP)阳性.病理诊断:大B细胞恶性淋巴瘤.予CHOP方案(环磷酰胺、表阿霉素、长春新碱及泼尼松)化疗1周期,患者呈明显恶液质,自动出院后2个月死亡.例2行后腹腔镜下双肾上腺切除术.肾上腺剖面呈腐肉样,质脆.镜下瘤细胞弥漫分布,呈圆形或多角形,胞质少,核仁明显.免疫组化染色;C     

原发性肾上腺非霍奇金淋巴瘤七例报告

目的 探讨原发性肾七腺非霍奇金淋巴瘤的临床特点和诊治方法.方法 以肾上腺肿瘤为首发表现的淋巴瘤患者7例.男5例,女2例.年龄33～62岁,平均48岁.单侧2例、双侧5例.体检发现2例;低热、乏力伴体质量下降3～4个月2例;睾丸肿大2个月1例;单侧腰痛伴脾肿大2例.7例血清乳酸脱氢酶367～568 U/L(正常值100～245 U/L),β2微球蛋白5.9～6.3 mg/L(正常值<2.4 mg/L).CT检查示肾上腺肿瘤直径6.3～13.0 cm,呈不规则肿块,境界不清、密度不均、增强后肿瘤轻度强化,未见出血和钙化.结果 术前误诊4例,分别误诊为皮质腺痛2例,肾上腺转移瘤、嗜铬细胞瘤各1例.行肾上腺肿瘤切除4例,其中2例行同侧肾切除,穿刺活检汪实2例,睾丸活检证实1例.病理诊断为非霍奇金淋巴瘤,T细胞型1例、B细胞型6例.免疫组化T细胞型CD3、CD45-RO阳性、B细胞型L26、CD79a阳性.术后4例接受化疗,1例随访2年健在,余3例分别生存2、6、20个月后死亡;穿刺活检和睾丸活检3例接受放化疗,分别生存1 9、32、38个月后死亡.结论以肾上腺肿瘤为首发表现的淋巴瘤临床表现缺乏特异性,术前诊断困难,肿瘤局部病变广泛,影像学表现形态不规则.原发性肾上腺淋巴瘤恶性度较高,预后差,治疗上主要采用手术联合放化疗.     

恶性淋巴瘤侵及泌尿生殖系统三例报告及文献复习

目的探讨恶性淋巴瘤侵及泌尿生殖系的临床特点。方法报告恶性淋巴瘤侵及泌尿生殖系3例。例1,男,68岁,主诉为右侧腰部不适1个月。CT扫描示右肾门处4.0 cm×5.5 cm软组织影,密度均匀,右腰大肌自肾下极至髂内肌水平弥漫增粗,内见低密度软组织影。例2,男,72岁,主诉为左下肢肿胀2周。CT检查示左精囊软组织肿物,直径2.5 cm;左髂动脉分叉处6.5 cm×4.5 cm软组织肿块。例3,女,48岁,主诉为发热1个月。CT检查示双侧肾上腺区8.0 cm×6.0 cm,7.0 cm×6.5 cm实性占位,界限清晰,密度不均。结合文献复习,对此类疾病的发病率、临床特点、手术治疗和预后进行总结。结果3例患者均手术治疗,原发部位分别为腹膜后及盆腔淋巴结,肾脏、精囊、肾上腺受累各1例,病理类型均为非霍奇金弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤。例1术后2个月死亡。例2、3术后行CHOP方案化疗,分别随访4个月、2年,均无瘤生存。结论淋巴瘤侵及泌尿生殖系统临床症状不典型,预后较差。此类患者手术效果不佳,治疗应以化疗、放疗为主。手术探查对于明确诊断有积极意义。     

原发性肾上腺恶性淋巴瘤3例报告

目的:提高临床对原发性肾上腺恶性淋巴瘤(PAL)的诊治水平。方法:报告收治的3例PAL患者的临床资料,3例的临床表现和影像学检查均无特异性。2例经手术探查明确诊断,1例在CT导引下行肿瘤穿刺活检后明确诊断。病理检查均诊为弥漫型、大B细胞性肾上腺非霍奇金PAL,术后均常规行CHOP化疗。结果:1例患者随访1年后失访,另2例分别于诊断后1年8个月、5年2个月死亡。结论:PAL恶性度较高,预后不良,临床表现和影像学检查缺乏特异性,CT或超声导引下的活检穿刺是明确诊断的好方法,手术及化疗对PAL有效。     

非霍奇金淋巴瘤合并原发肾细胞癌：一种偶然的巧合？（1例报告及文献复习）

目的提高对非霍奇金淋巴瘤合并原发性肾细胞癌的认识,总结其临床特点。方法回顾性分析1例非霍奇金淋巴瘤合并原发性肾细胞癌的诊治经过,并结合文献报道进行分析总结。结果本例患者初诊时误诊为非霍奇金淋巴瘤伴左肾侵犯,给予CHOP方案化疗3个周期后左肾肿块较前无明显变化,行左肾肿块穿刺活检,结果为肾透明细胞癌,遂在全麻下行左肾癌根治术,术后病理证实为左肾透明细胞癌,随访12个月,未见肿瘤复发及转移。结论非霍奇金淋巴瘤合并原发性肾细胞癌临床少见,但并非偶然,需要进一步的研究来阐明两者相关的危险因素,同时在临床工作中亦需提高对非霍奇金淋巴瘤合并原发性肾细胞癌的认识。     

原发性结肠淋巴瘤的诊断和治疗

目的 探讨原发性结肠淋巴瘤(primary colonic malignant lymphoma,PCML)的诊断和治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析12例经手术病理证实为PCML的临床资料,包括患者的主要临床表现、病理、手术治疗和预后,对比研究钡灌肠、结肠镜和多层螺旋CT(muhislice spiral computed tomography.MSCT)等诊断方法.结果 PCML常见的临床表现为:腹痛、腹胀、腹部肿物、肠梗阻、消化管出血,血清肿瘤指标均正常.术前12例患者中,6例行钡灌肠检查,2例检出病变,均未提示淋巴瘤可能.6例行结肠镜检查,3例检出病变,1例提示淋巴瘤可能.10例行MSCT检查,CT初诊检出肿瘤9例,定性诊断准确5例;12例患者均行手术治疗,无围手术期死亡.术后病理结果:12例均为非霍奇金淋巴瘤,除1例为T细胞来源,其余均为B细胞淋巴瘤.术后10例患者接受辅助化疗,11例获随访,1年、3年生存率分别为81.9%(9/11)、54.5%(6/11).结论 PCML无特异性临床症状,钡灌肠和结肠镜检查诊断率低.MSCT扫描在PCML的诊断中具有独特的优越性,结合临床具有较高的诊断价值.手术和术后辅助治疗是治疗早期PCML的重要手段.     

泌尿生殖系统非霍奇金淋巴瘤(附8例报告)

目的：探讨泌尿生殖系统非霍奇金淋巴瘤（NHL）的临床特点和诊治方法。方法：总结8例泌尿生殖系统NHL患者的临床资料,患者男5例,女3例,年龄38～76岁,平均55岁,肿瘤发生部位及临床表现分别为睾丸3例（睾丸无痛性增大,其中左侧1冽,右侧2例）、肾上腺2例（1例体检发现、1例低热、乏力伴体重下降．其中左侧1例,双侧1例）、前列腺1例（排尿困难）、左输尿管1例（左侧腰痛）、女性尿道1例（尿道肿物伴排尿困难）。病史1周～3年。检索Pubmed和CBM数据库相关文献,进行复习。结果：8例患者均行于术治疗,病理类型均为非霍奇金B细胞淋巴瘤,3例术后行CHOP方案化疗（睾丸2例、肾上腺1例）,3例行放疗加化疗（警丸1例、前列腺1例、女性尿道1例）,2例未进一步治疗。术后随访1～11年,4例死亡（睾丸2例、肾上腺2例）,余1例存活。结论：泌尿生殖系统NHL临床症状不典型,预后较差,治疗宜采取手术联合放疗及化疗。     

肾上腺淋巴瘤的临床与病理特点分析

目的 探讨肾上腺淋巴瘤的临床和病理特征。方法 回顾性分析1994年至2004年收治的6例以肾上腺肿瘤为首发表现的淋巴瘤患者资料。6例均为男性。中位年龄55岁（35～75岁）。单侧2例、双侧4例，伴脾肿大4例、伴同侧肾上极受累3例、骨受侵1例。腹部CT均表现为肾上腺肿瘤，形态不规则，密度较均匀，增强后肿瘤轻度强化，未见出血和钙化。结果 6例中术前误诊5例，均行左侧肾上腺肿瘤切除，其中行同侧肾切除2例，胰尾切除1例；穿刺活检证实1例。病理报告均为非霍奇金淋巴瘤，弥漫性大细胞型，B细胞型。术后5例中接受化疗3例，化放疗1例，失访1例，1例化疗后无瘤生存28个月后失访，余3例术后分别生存6、17和24个月后死亡；穿刺活检后接受化放疗联合利妥昔单抗（美罗华）治疗1例，随访16个月无瘤健在。结论 肾上腺肿瘤患者特别是双侧或伴脾肿大，影像学表现形态不规则、密度较均匀、增强不明显者，应高度怀疑淋巴瘤的可能。以肾上腺肿瘤为首发表现的淋巴瘤不管是原发或同时伴有其他器官受累者，恶性程度较高，预后相对不良。     

肾原发性淋巴瘤二例报告并文献复习

目的探讨肾脏原发性恶性淋巴瘤的临床病理特点、影像学特征及诊治。方法总结2例肾脏原发性淋巴瘤患者的临床病理、影像学特点、诊断、鉴别诊断及治疗预后资料,并结合文献复习讨论。结果2例患者均为中老年人,发病后均有腰部隐痛或钝痛;影像学检查均显示肾脏占位性病变;病理诊断均为肾脏原发性恶性淋巴瘤,其中1例为霍奇金淋巴瘤（以结节硬化型为主）,1例为非霍奇金淋巴瘤（B细胞性）。1例行手术加化疗,1例单纯化疗;患者预后佳,目前分别存活1年和5年8个月。结论肾脏原发性恶性淋巴瘤十分罕见,尤其是霍奇金淋巴瘤;确诊需病理组织学检查,治疗主要是单纯化疗或根治性肾切除加化疗。     

睾丸原发非霍奇金淋巴瘤

目的 分析睾丸原发非霍奇金淋巴瘤的临床表现、病理特征和治疗情况. 方法 睾丸原发淋巴瘤患者12例.年龄36～78岁.平均62岁.首诊症状:单纯睾丸增大8例;睾丸增大伴阴囊胀痛3例,伴发热1例;阴囊下坠1例.单侧11例,双侧1例.病程15 d～6个月.12例超声检查均有睾丸实质性肿块.10例行CT检查发现腹膜后淋巴结肿大3例.Ann Arbor分期ⅠE 9例、ⅡE2例、ⅢE 1例.12例均行根治性睾丸切除术,10例术后接受CHOP方案(环磷酰胺,阿霉素,长春新碱,泼尼松)化疗4～8个疗程.5例在化疗后行放射治疗,放疗剂量25～50 Gy. 结果 12例术后病理报告均为非霍奇金淋巴瘤,高度恶性3例、中度恶性9例.免疫分型:B细胞型8例,T细胞型2例,分类不明确2例.随访1～9年,失访1例.术后2年非癌死亡1例.1、3、5年生存率分别为82%(9/11),40%(4/10),20%(2/10).肿瘤复发转移部位包括对侧睾丸3例,中枢神经系统3例,肝转移1例,腹膜后广泛转移1例. 结论 睾丸原发非霍奇金淋巴瘤生存率低,应采取综合治疗.Ⅰ E、ⅡE期患者应给予手术加放射治疗加化疗,对侧睾丸应预防性照射.ⅡE期以上患者术后应先行化疗,然后根据病情辅以放射治疗.     

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.