全麻复合硬膜外阻滞对单肺通气期间肺内分流的影响

目的：探讨全麻复合高位硬膜外阻滞对单肺通气期间肺内分流（Qs/Qt )的影响。方法：择期开胸手术病人30例随机分为两组：全麻复合硬膜外组（A组）和全麻组（B组）。两组病人分别于麻醉前、双肺通气20分钟、单肺通气15、30分钟时采动脉血及混合静脉血行血气分析，并计算出Qs/Qt等。结果：单肺通气时，两组病人Qs/Qt较双肺通气时显著增加（P＜0．01），PaO2显著降低（P＜0．05）。单肺通气15、30分钟时，A组病人Qs/Qt显著大于B组（P＜0．01）；PaO2显著低于B组（P＜0．05）。麻醉期间A组病人心率亦显著慢于B组（P＜0．05）。结论：单肺通气期间，全麻复合硬膜0．05）。麻醉期间A组病人心率亦显著慢于B组（P＜0．05）。结论：单肺通气时间，全麻复合硬膜外阻滞可引起Qs/Qt增加，PaO2降低，可能与硬膜外阻滞削弱低氧性肺血管收缩机制（HPV）有关。     

硬膜外阻滞复合全麻对单肺通气期间气体交换的影响

目的 观察胸段硬膜外阻滞复合全麻对单肺通气期间气体交换的影响.方法 随机选择ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级择期开胸手术病人80例,将病人随机分为两组,全麻复合硬膜外麻醉组(A组)和全麻组(B组),每组40例.两组病人在开胸前双肺通气20 min(T1)时及开胸后单肺通气(OLV)30 min(T2)、60 min(T3)、120 min(T4)时,分别采动脉血及混合静脉血,观察病人动静脉血气情况并计算肺内分流率(Qs/Qt)值、肺泡-动脉血氧分压差(A-aDO2)和无效腔量/潮气量(Vd/Vt)值.结果 与T1相比,两组T2-4时Paw均升高(P<0.01),T2-4时Qs/Qt均增加(P<0.01),A-aDO2增加(P<0.01),PaO2降低(P<0.01),而Vd/Vt,血压、心率变化无统计学差异(P>0.05);与B组相比,A组T2-4时的Qs/Qt增加(P<0.01),A-aDO2增加(P<0.01),PaO2,降低(P<0.01),而Vd/Vt,血压、心率变化无统计学差异(P>0.05).结论 单肺通气期间硬膜外阻滞复合全麻对肺换气功能有影响,使Qs/Qt增加,PaO2下降,A-aDO2增大;对肺泡通气功能指标Vd/Vt影响甚微.     

硬膜外阻滞对全麻单肺通气期间肺内分流和氧合的影响

目的 本研究旨在通过比较全凭静脉麻醉和静脉复合胸部硬膜外麻醉时单肺通气期间肺内分流和动脉氧合的变化，探讨硬膜外麻醉对肺内分流和氧合的影响。方法 24例因肺癌或食管癌需单肺通气开胸手术病人，根据麻醉方法的不同随机分为全凭静脉组（GA，n=12，异丙酚／芬太尼／维库溴铵麻醉）和静脉复合硬膜外组（GE，n=12，异丙酚／维库溴胺／胸部硬膜外0.5%罗哌卡因麻醉）。连续监测MAP，MPAP，CO，ECG，HR，SpO2。分别于清查地、双肺通气30min、单肺通气5，15，30，和60min、再次双肺通气30min、抽取动脉、混合静脉血血样，因气和肺内分流率（Qs/Qt)。结果 单肺通气后，Qs/Qt进行性增加，至15－30min时达到高峰（分别为GA－33．4％和GE－32．4％），GA组和GE组各时间点肺内分流差异无显著性。GA组和GE组单肺通气时PaO2较双肺通气明显下降，至15－30min时最低（分别为165．1mmHg和168．7mmHg)，但两组各时间点PaO2差异无显著性。除GE组平均动脉压轻度降低外，两组心输出量和心率在整个试验中波动不明显。结论 胸部连续硬膜外阻滞不会影响静脉全麻单肺通气期间肺内分流和动脉氧合，可安全有效用于开胸手术。     

单肺通气期间雷米芬太尼和硬膜外镇痛对血液氧合及肺内分流的影响

目的比较单肺通气（OLV）期间雷米芬太尼和胸段硬膜外镇痛对血液氧合及肺内分流的影响.方法14例择期开胸食管癌根治术患者,ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级.于全麻双肺通气（TLV）、雷米芬太尼输注OLV 30 min和停雷米芬太尼胸段硬膜外镇痛OLV 30 min,分别进行动、静脉血气分析,并计算肺内分流率（Qs/Qt）.结果与TLV时比较,OLV时动脉血氧分压（PaO2）明显下降,Qs/Qt明显升高（P＜0.01）,混合静脉血氧分压（PvO2）、动脉血氧饱和度（SaO2）、动脉血氧含量（CaO2）均明显下降（P＜0.05）.但OLV时输注雷米芬太尼与硬膜外镇痛相比,PaO2、Qs/Qt、PvO2、SaO2、CaO2均无显著性差异.结论OLV期间输注雷米芬太尼和硬膜外镇痛对血液氧合和肺内分流无明显影响.     

肺泡征募对单肺通气时氧合和肺内分流的影响

目的探讨肺泡征募(ARS)通气方式对单肺通气(OLV)时氧合和肺内分流的影响。方法择期行食管癌根治术患者24例随机分为观察组和对照组。全麻诱导后插入右双腔支气管导管,开胸后行OLV。观察组ARS于开胸后15min进行。记录动脉血压、HR和SpO2,并在侧卧后双肺通气(TLV)15min、OLV15min、OLV40min行动脉血气分析,以简化肺内分流公式计算肺内分流率(Qs/Qt)值。结果TLV15min和OLV15min时,观察组和对照组的SpO2、SaO2、PaO2、Qs/Qt和PaCO2差异无显著意义(P>0.05)。OLV40minARS观察组较对照组PaO2显著增加(P<0.05),Qs/Qt明显降低(P<0.05)。结论ARS通气方式在麻醉状态下OLV时可改善肺内氧合,降低肺内分流。     

不同全麻药物复合胸部硬膜外阻滞对单肺通气肺内分流和氧合的影响

目的 比较静脉异丙酚和异氟醚吸入全麻复合胸部硬膜外麻醉时,单肺通气期间肺内分流和动脉氧合的变化。方法 24例ASAI-Ⅲ择期需单肺通气开胸手术病人,随机分为静脉异丙酚组（GP组,n=12）和异氟醚吸入组（GI组,n=12）。两组均以0.5％罗哌卡因行胸部硬膜外阻滞。连续监测MAP,MPAP,CO,ECG,HR,SPO2。调整异丙酚输注速度或异氟醚吸入浓度使脑电BIS维持在44～55。分别于清醒仰卧位,侧卧位双肺通气30、单肺通气5、15、30、和60、再次双肺通气30min,测定动脉及混合静脉血血气,计算肺内分流率（Qs/Qt）。结果 两组病人麻醉侧卧双肺通气后肺内分流均明显增加（P<0.01）。单肺通气5min后,肺内分流进一步增加,GP组15min达到高峰[（31.1±4.2）％],GI组30min达到高峰[（33.5±7.8）％」,GI组在30min和60min[（33.1±7.1）％」时肺内分流率显著高于GP组[30min:（28.4±4.6）％;60min:（28.4±3.6）％」。两组单肺通气时PaO2较双肺通气明显下降（P<0.05）,至15～30min时达到最低,但两组间PaO2差异无显著性。除GI组 MAP略低于GP组外,两组间PvO2、MPAP、CVP、CI和 HR无显著差异。结论 在胸部硬膜外阻滞下,静脉异丙酚麻醉比异氟醚吸入全麻对单肺通气期间肺内分流影响较小,但对PaO2影响无明显差异。     

化疗后病人单肺通气期间氧合及肺内分流的变化

目的探讨肺癌化疗后病人在单肺通气期间氧合和肺内分流的变化。方法ⅢA期非小细胞肺癌病人20例(CT组),盐酸吉西他滨或多西他赛联合卡铂2周期化疗后手术,术前ASAⅡ～Ⅲ级。另选20例术前未化疗肺癌病人为对照组(C组)。麻醉诱导后,插入双腔气管导管,用纤支管镜确保导管到位。桡动脉穿刺置管测压和中心静脉置管(17～18cm)。在双肺通气后20min(S1)、单肺通气后20min(S2)、40min(S3)、80min(S4)、再次双肺通气后30min(S5)时分别采取动脉血和静脉血测血气,记录PaO2、PaCO2、PVO2、pH、Hb等。根据肺内分流标准模型公式计算Qs/Qt。结果与双肺通气相比,两组在单肺通气期间PaO2明显降低(P<0.05),两组在单肺通气期间Qs/Qt均明显增加(P<0.05),两组在单肺通气期间PVO2均明显下降(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,在单肺通气期间,化疗组PaO2明显低于对照组(P<0.05),化疗组Qs/Qt明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。与双肺通气相比,两组在单肺通气期间气道压力(Paw)明显升高(P<0.05)。结论化疗后肺癌病人在手术中进行单肺通气期间,由于化疗药物的肺毒性作用和弥散功能的受损,与未化疗肺癌病人相比,PaO2下降更加显著,肺内分流也相应增多。     

经皮穴位电刺激对单肺通气期间氧合和肺内分流的影响

目的：观察开胸手术中经皮电刺激穴位对单肺通气期间肺氧合及肺内分流的影响。方法：将择期开胸手术患者46例随机分为经皮穴位电刺激组（E组）和对照组（C组）。E组在麻醉诱导前30min开始经皮电刺激两侧孔最、肺俞穴。分别于平卧双肺通气30min（T1）、侧卧双肺通气30min（T2）、单肺通气15min（T3）、30min（T4）、60min（T5）各时点抽取桡动脉血及中心静脉导管血2mL,检测和计算pH、PaCO2、PaO2、SaO2、PvO2、SvO2、Hb、Qs/Qt。结果：两组患者PaO2、SaO2在单肺通气（T3、T4、T5）后开始下降（P〈0.05）,E组在T3、T4、T5时点明显高于C组（P〈0.05）。两组患者Qs/Qt在单肺通气（T3、T4、T5）后开始升高,E组在T3、T4、T5时点明显低于C组（P〈0.05）。结论：经皮电刺激孔最、肺俞穴位可以降低单肺通气时的肺内分流率,改善肺的氧合作用。     

单肺通气期间体位对血液氧合的影响

目的比较单肺通气(OLV)期间不同体位对血液氧合及肺内分流的影响。方法15例择期开胸食管癌根治术病人,ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级,于仰卧位双肺通气(TLV)(T1)、仰卧位OLV 30 min(T2),侧卧位开胸前OLV 30 min(T3)分别进行动静脉血气分析,并计算肺内分流率(Qs/Qt)。结果T2与T1比较,动脉血氧分压(PaO2)、混合静脉血氧分压(P-VO2)、动脉血氧饱和度(SaO2)、混合静脉血氧饱和度(S-VO2)和静脉血氧饱和度(CvO2)明显下降,Qs/Qt明显升高(P<0.01),动脉血氧含量(CaO2)明显下降(P<0.05)。T2与T1相比,PaO2明显下降,Qs/Qt明显升高(P<0.01),SaO2明显下降(P<0.05),P-VO2、S-VO2、CaO2和CvO2无明显变化。T2与T3比较,PaO2和S-VO2明显下降,Qs/Qt明显升高(P<0.01)。P-VO2、SaO2和CvO2明显降低(P<0.05)。结论T3较T2能明显改善血液氧合,减少肺内分流。     

肺叶支气管填塞通气对食管癌根治术患者肺内分流的影响

目的 评价肺叶支气管填塞通气对食管癌根治术患者肺内分流的影响。方法 择期行食管癌根治术患者24例，随机分为2组（n=12）：A组为双腔支气管导管组。B组为肺叶支气管填塞气囊组。麻醉诱导后，A组插入双腔支气管导管，B组先插入单腔气管导管，再在纤维支气管镜引导下插入支气管填塞气囊。两组均先行双肺通气30min，再行肺隔离通气至少30min，A组为单肺通气。B组为肺叶支气管填塞通气。术中监测气道压。分别于清醒仰卧位自主呼吸空气时（L）、侧卧位双肺通气30min（T1）和肺隔离通气30min（T2），抽取桡动脉血和中心静脉血标本，测定血气和血红蛋白，计算肺内分流率（Qs／Qt），采用放免法测定动脉血浆血栓素B2（TXB2）和6-酮-前列腺素F1α（6-k-PGF1α）浓度。结果 与A组比较。仅T2时B组PaO2升高，气道压、Qs／Qt及TXB2浓度均降低（P〈0．05）。与Tn比较，T1时两组Qs／Qt均升高（P〈0．05），TXB2浓度变化无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；与T1比较，R时A组Qs／Qt和TXB2浓度升高（P〈0．05），而B组变化无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。两组6-k-PGF1α浓度组内及组间比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论 肺叶支气管填塞通气可以通过降低开胸手术期间的肺内分流来提高机体的氧合功能。     

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.