PVP和PKP治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的对比研究

【】 目的 探讨经皮椎体成形术(PVP)和经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的临床疗效和安全性。 方法 回顾性分析2008年2月-2014年2月我院收治的63例单节段骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折老年患者的临床资料;按照治疗方法分为PVP组(n=37例)和PKP组(n=26例)。对比两组手术时间、骨水泥注入量、住院时间、住院花费及骨水泥渗漏等并发症;对比两组术前、术后及随访结束时的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、椎体高度(前缘、中央)、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度及生活质量SF-36评分。 结果 PVP组手术时间、骨水泥注入量和住院花费明显低于PKP组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组住院时间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);PVP组和PKP骨水泥渗漏率分别为10.8% vs 3.8%,PKP组低于PVP组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组术前的VAS、ODI、椎体高度、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度及SF-36评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组术前的VAS、ODI、椎体高度、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度及SF-36评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组术后及末次随访时的VAS、ODI、椎体高度、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度及SF-36评分均较术前明显改善,PKP在椎体高度、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度改善方面明显优于PVP组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论 采用PVP和PKP治疗椎管占位小于20%且无神经症状的老年骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折安全可行,两者各有优势,可根据具体情况选择。     

人工骨椎体后凸成形术治疗老年脊柱爆裂性骨折

目的:探讨人工骨椎体后凸成形术治疗老年脊柱爆裂性骨折的手术方法和临床效果.方法:选择老年脊柱爆裂性骨折的患者12例,在C型臂X线机监视下经椎弓根穿刺建立工作通道,放置球囊扩张、复位、注入人工骨强化椎体.疼痛采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)评估,测量术前、术后骨折椎体前高度比、Cobb角及椎管内骨块占位率.结果:12例平均随访7个月, VAS评分从术前(6.9±1.6)降至术后(1.7±0.8).椎体前壁高度明显恢复,后凸畸形得到矫正.Cobb角平均恢复15°,椎管骨块侵占率平均减少21%.结论:采用人工骨椎体后凸成形术治疗老年脊柱爆裂性骨折难度较大,但能迅速缓解疼痛,有效恢复椎体高度和矫正后凸畸形.     

椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折

骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折被认为是经皮椎体成形术及椎体后凸成形术的相对禁忌证。无神经症状的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折在临床上较常见,其治疗方法有待探讨。目的：探讨椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的可行性、疗效及椎管重建情况。方法：回顾性分析2008年1月至2009年1月采用椎体后凸成形术治疗的无神经症状的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折患者18例。术前、术后及末次随访时采用疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analog score,VAS）评估疼痛程度;Oswsetry功能障碍指数（Oswsetry disability index,ODI）评估患者日常生活功能;测量术前、术后及末次随访时骨折椎体椎管内骨块占位率,骨折椎体前缘、中缘的高度,Cobb角。结果：18例全部获得随访,随访时间为12—33个月,平均20．4个月。术后无感染、肺栓塞等并发症,仅1例患者出现椎间盘少量骨水泥渗漏但无症状。患者术后疼痛迅速缓解,VAS评分术前8．2±1．3分,术后2．8±0．8分（P〈0．05）,末次随访时维持在3．04-0．8分。ODI评分术前为67．4％±7．7％,术后降至37．8％±3．1％（P〈0．05）,末次随访时为38．9％4-2．6％。椎管内骨块占位率术前与术后无统计学差异（P〉0．05）,术前与末次随访比较有统计学差异（P〈0．05）,椎体前、中缘和Cobb角的术前与术后、术前与末次随访比较有统计学差异（P〈0．05）。结论：椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折安全、有效;椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折亦存在椎管重建现象。     

椎体后凸成形术治疗无神经症状的骨质疏松性胸腰段爆裂性骨折的疗效分析

[目的]探讨椎体后凸成形术治疗无神经症状的骨质疏松性胸腰段爆裂性骨折的可行性及其疗效。[方法]椎体后凸成形术试行治疗25例无神经症状的骨质疏松性胸腰段爆裂性骨折(Margel分型属A3型)。术中采用骨水泥分次灌注及C型臂X线机动态观察技术。术前、术后及术后12个月时采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogscore,VAS)评估疼痛程度、Oswsetry功能障碍指数(oswsetry disability index,ODI)评估患者日常生活功能。并测量术前、术后及12个月时骨折椎体前缘高度、中部高度、Cobb角及椎管内骨块占位比例。[结果]术后患者症状迅速缓解,无神经损伤的并发症发生。4例患者少量骨水泥渗漏且无症状性并发症。患者VAS评分由术前8.2分降为术后2.8分(P0.05),术后12个月随访时维持在3.0分。ODI评分由术前的68.2%±6.6%改善为术后的35.3%±2.8%,术后12个月随访时仍能维持。椎体前缘高度从61.5%±13.9%纠正为术后的85.3%±10.6%(P0.05),中部高度由73.0%±19.3%纠正为83.3%±7.4%。Cobb角由术前的21.7°±7.8°改善为8.6°±6.6°。随访时椎体高度及Cobb角未见明显丢失。椎管内骨块占位率术前为20.1%±4.1%,而术后为17.8%±1.3%(P0.05)。[结论]椎体后凸成形术治疗无神经症状的骨质疏松性胸腰段爆裂性骨折是可行的,其疗效是满意的。骨水泥分次灌注及C型臂X线机动态观察技术可能有助于避免或减少骨水泥渗漏。     

闭合复位联合椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折

目的 探讨闭合复位联合椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的效果.方法 应用闭合复位联合椎体成形术治疗49例骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折,手术前后用视觉模拟评分(VAS)及Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)的变化来评价患者疼痛缓解和功能改善情况,测量病椎的高度和后凸畸形的改变以及骨水泥在椎体内的分布.结果 32例术后获得随访7～26个月.VAS评分从术前平均(9.2±3.1)分降至术后平均(4.2±2.5)分,ODI指数从术前平均71.4%降至术后平均43.3%,椎体前、中、后壁高度平均增加5.2、6.8、1.3 mm,椎体后凸畸形平均矫正10.2°,手术前后差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 闭合复位联合椎体成形术是治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的有效方法.     

椎体后凸成形术治疗老年人无神经症状的胸腰段不完全爆裂性骨折

[目的]探讨椎体后凸成形术治疗老年人无神经症状不完全性胸腰段爆裂性骨折的安全性及其疗效.[方法]椎体后凸成形术试行治疗18例尤神经症状的老年人胸腰段爆裂性骨折(Magerl分型:A3.1).术中采用体位复位及逐步球囊扩张技术,在C型臂X线机动态观察卜灌注骨水泥.术前、术后及术后12个月时采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analog score,VAS)评估疼痛程度,并测量术前、术后及术后12个月时骨折椎体前缘高度比、Cobb角及椎管内骨块占位率.[结果]手术操作顺利,术后无神经损伤的并发症发生,患者症状迅速缓解.患者VAS评分平均由术前(8.17±0.618)分降为术后(2.33±0.767)分(P<0.05),术后12个月随访时维持在(2.39±0.698)分.椎体前缘高度从平均73.72%±6.153%纠正为术后的92.78%±1.927%(P<0.05),术后12个月为92.33%±1.534% ; Cobb角由术前平均20.50±12.333"改善为6.000±1.8470(P<0.05),术后12月随访Cobb角部分丢失为8.830±2.056°(P<0.05).椎管内骨块占位率术前平均为16.22%土4.387%,而术后为15.56%±4.162%(P >0.05).[结论]在C型臂X线机动态观察下,利用体位复位结合球囊分次逐步扩张技术,椎体后凸成形术治疗无神经症状的老年人胸腰段不完全性爆裂性骨折手术安全、疗效满意.     

经皮椎体成形术和后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的对比研究

目的探讨经皮椎体成形术（percutaneous vertebroplasty, PVP）和经皮椎体后凸成形术（percutaneous kyphoplasty, PKP）治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折（osteoporotic vertebral burst fracture, OVBF）的临床疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析2008年2月至2015年2月我院收治的63例单节段老年OVBF患者的临床资料,按照治疗方法分为PVP组（37例）和PKP组（26例）,对比两组患者的手术时间、住院时间、骨水泥注入量、骨水泥渗漏率、住院费用及手术前后的疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index, ODI）、后凸Cobb角、椎体前缘及中央高度、椎管占位程度以及SF?36量表评分。结果 PVP组在手术时间、骨水泥注入量及住院费用方面明显低于PKP组,差异均具有统计学意义（均P<0.05）。PVP组和PKP组的骨水泥渗漏率分别为10.8%、3.8%,差异具有统计学意义（χ2=4.212,P=0.034）。两组患者术后及末次随访时的各项指标均较术前有明显改善;PKP组患者术后及末次随访时的椎体前缘和中间高度、后凸Cobb角及椎管占位程度的改善显著优于PVP组,差异均具有统计学意义（均P<0.05）。结论采用PVP和PKP治疗椎管占位程度小于20%且无神经症状的老年OVBF安全可行,各有优势,应根据具体情况选择。     

骨填充网袋椎体成形术与经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的比较

目的探讨骨填充网袋椎体成形术与经皮椎体后凸成形术(percutaneous kyphoplasty,PKP)治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折(osteoporotic vertebral burst fracture,OVBF)的疗效差异。方法回顾性分析我科2015年1月~2017年12月58例OVBF,骨填充网袋椎体成形术组22例,PKP组36例。比较2组手术时间、骨水泥灌注量、骨水泥渗漏率、疼痛视觉模拟评分(Visual Analogue Score,VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry Disability Index,ODI)、伤椎前缘高度、伤椎后凸Cobb角。结果骨填充网袋椎体成形术组手术时间和骨水泥注入量与PKP组比较无明显差异(P>0.05)。骨填充网袋椎体成形术组骨水泥渗漏2例(9.1%),明显少于PKP组骨水泥渗漏14例(38.9%)(χ^2=4.670,P=0.031),均无神经脊髓症。58例术后随访12~36个月,平均24.4月。2组间VAS评分、ODI比较差异无显著性(P>0.05),组间和时间无交互作用(P>0.05)。2组患者术后1 d、末次随访VAS评分、ODI均明显小于术前(P均=0.000),且末次随访时较术后1 d进一步降低(P均=0.000)。2组间伤椎前缘高度、伤椎后凸Cobb角差异无显著性(P>0.05),组间和时间无交互作用(P>0.05)。2组患者术后1 d、末次随访时伤椎前缘高度显著高于术前(P均=0.000),末次随访时较术后1 d无明显丢失(P=0.144)。2组患者术后1 d及末次随访时伤椎后凸Cobb角明显小于术前(P均=0.000),末次随访时较术后1 d无明显变化(P=0.288)。骨填充网袋椎体成形术组1例手术椎体再骨折,2例非手术椎体骨折,PKP组4例非手术椎骨折,2组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论骨填充网袋椎体成形术和PKP治疗OVBF均可缓解患者的临床症状,部分恢复伤椎高度,矫正伤体后凸畸形,但骨填充网袋椎体成形术能有效降低骨水泥渗漏。     

经皮椎体后凸成形术骨水泥位置对术后疗效影响的对比分析

[目的]比较经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松压缩骨折术后骨水泥(poly methyl meth acrylate,PMMA)在椎体中的位置对疗效的影响.[方法]回顾性分析经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松椎体压缩骨折(单椎体)98例患者.根据术后骨水泥在椎体中的位置分为两组:侧方组(骨水泥偏于椎体一侧,未过中线)42例,中位组(骨水泥偏于椎体中央,越过中线)56例.测量并比较两组以下指标:手术前后VAS评分(10分制视觉模拟评分),ODI评分(Oswestry功能障碍指数,Oswestry disability index),SI(椎体矢状面指数,sagittal index,SI=椎体前缘高度/椎体后缘高度)及Cobb角.[结果]两组VAS、ODI评分、SI及Cobb角术前术后比较有统计学意义(P＜0.05);术前及术后两组间相比,VAS、ODI评分、SI及Cobb角均无统计学意义(P＞0.05);2组病例均未见患椎侧方再压缩.[结论]经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松椎体压缩骨折有较好的临床疗效,骨水泥在椎体中的分布位置对疗效没有显著影响,骨水泥偏一侧者不会增加椎体再次侧方压缩的风险.     

临时单侧经皮椎弓根螺钉撑开联合PKP治疗椎体后壁破裂骨质疏松椎体压缩骨折

目的:评价临时单侧椎弓根螺钉撑开结合椎体后凸成形术治疗伴椎体后壁破裂的骨质疏松椎体压缩骨折的疗效。方法:选择我院2012年1月~2014年12月收治的35例单节段伴椎体后壁破裂且无神经功能损害的骨质疏松椎体压缩骨折患者,女性30例,男性5例,年龄55~80岁(平均65.5±7.13岁)。损伤节段从T11~L4共35个骨折椎体。均采用术中临时单侧椎弓根螺钉撑开,结合球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗,随访观察治疗效果。影像学观测术前、术后伤椎Cobb角及椎体高度变化情况,采用视觉模拟评分(vasual analogue scale,VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)评价患者手术前后的疼痛和功能状况以判断临床疗效。结果:手术时间平均78.33±13.94min,每个病椎注入骨水泥量平均5.10±1.13ml。术中出血平均18.80±5.29ml。术中有2个椎体出现骨水泥渗漏,渗漏方向为椎体侧方1例,椎间隙1例,均无椎管内渗漏。术后随访12~24个月(平均15±5.50个月)。术前伤椎Cobb角为16.25°±6.50°,伤椎前缘高度为0.62±0.17,伤椎中央高度为0.63±0.09;末次随访时分别为12.26°±5.14°,0.71±0.11和0.70±0.14,较术前明显改善(P0.05);术前VAS为8.03±1.61分,ODI为0.73±0.17;末次随访时分别为0.60±0.74分和0.10±0.04,较术前明显改善(P0.05)。结论:伴有椎体后壁骨折的骨质疏松椎体压缩骨折,应用经皮邻椎临时椎弓根螺钉撑开结合椎体后凸成形术治疗,恢复椎体高度满意,骨水泥渗漏发生率低,可获得良好的临床疗效。     

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.