儿童活体肝移植受者术后新发乙型肝炎病毒感染的临床研究

目的探讨儿童活体肝移植术后新发乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染的临床特点及其防治策略。方法 2010年7月至2014年7月,在首都医科大学附属北京友谊医院移植中心和天津一中心医院器官移植中心接受活体肝移植术的106例儿童受者纳入本研究,所有手术由同一外科团队完成。根据供者术前HBV血清学标志物的结果,将儿童受者分为供肝乙型肝炎核心抗体(抗-HBc)阳性组(45例)和供肝抗-HBc阴性组(61例)。了解两组儿童受者的新发HBV感染情况,分析供肝抗-HBc阳性组儿童受者新发HBV感染的危险因素,了解新发HBV感染患儿的特征。结果供肝抗-HBc阳性组和阴性组新发HBV感染发生率分别为18%(8/45)和2%(1/61)。受者术前抗-HBs阴性、术后无抗病毒治疗是抗-HBc阳性供肝受者新发HBV感染的危险因素(均为P0.05)。发病距移植手术的中位数时间12个月(8~48个月)。9例儿童受者中,接受拉米夫定治疗7例,未予抗病毒治疗2例,均全部存活。结论应用抗-HBc阳性供肝的儿童肝移植受者,其术后存在感染HBV的风险。受者术前抗-HBs阴性、术后未给予预防性核苷类似物治疗是抗-HBc阳性供肝受者新发HBV感染的危险因素。接受供体抗-HBc阳性的肝移植儿童受体应使用核苷类似物预防新发HBV感染,移植术前亦要加强对其接种乙肝疫苗。     

肝移植后采用阿德福韦二匹伏酯联合抗乙型肝炎球蛋白预防乙型肝炎复发

目的 探讨阿德福韦二匹伏酯(ADV)联合抗乙型肝炎球蛋白(HBIG)预防存在YMDD变异者肝移植后乙型肝炎复发的效果.方法 16例患者肝移植前乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)DNA阳性,其HBV DNA聚合酶发生YMDD变异,对拉米夫定产生耐受,术前患者开始口服ADV,并肌肉注射小剂量HBIG,以预防移植后乙型肝炎复发.术后监测移植肝功能以及血清和肝组织中HBV标志物.结果 术后平均随访19.4个月,除1例死于肝癌复发外,其余患者存活.15例于术后4周内、1例于术后6个月HBVDNA转阴,此后HBV DNA持续阴性.结论 采用ADV联合小剂量HBIG肌肉注射可以有效预防存在YMDD变异者肝移植后的乙型肝炎复发.     

YMDD变异患者肝移植术后乙型肝炎病毒再感染的防治(附14例报告)

目的探讨YMDD变异受者肝移植术后乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)再感染的防治策略及效果。方法回顾性分析14例在肝移植前伴有YMDD变异的HBV感染相关疾病受者的临床资料,14例受者在接受肝移植后,使用小剂量肌内注射乙型肝炎人免疫球蛋白(HBIG)联合阿德福韦预防术后HBV再感染。结果14例YMDD变异患者平均随访43.2个月,2例死亡,均与HBV再感染无关;移植术后血清中HBsAg和HBV-DNA平均转阴时间为12 d(3～21 d);2例患者分别于术后11个月和22个月出现HBV再感染,排除停药干扰外,实际再感染率为7%(1/14),HBV再感染后经积极治疗HBV-DNA均转阴,肝功能正常,未见阿德福韦相关肾毒性。术前HBV-DNA≥1.0×106copies/ml者术后再感染率高于术前HBV-DNA1.0×106copies/ml者,但比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论小剂量HBIG联合阿德福韦可安全有效地预防YMDD变异患者肝移植术后HBV再感染。     

核苷类似物单药口服预防肝移植术后乙型病毒性肝炎复发的研究

目的探讨核苷类似物单药口服预防肝移植术后乙型病毒性肝炎(乙肝)复发的有效性和安全性。方法回顾性分析1999年10月至2014年4月在广东佛山市第一人民医院行肝移植的32例乙肝相关性疾病患者的临床资料。根据供体来源分为两个阶段。第一阶段为1999年10月至2007年9月的6例无心跳供体肝移植,供肝的乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)血清标志物均为(-),受体术前血清乙型肝炎表面抗原(HBsAg)、乙型肝炎核心抗体(抗-HBc)均为(+),其中2例合并乙型肝炎e抗原(HBeAg)(+),1例合并乙型肝炎e抗体(抗-HBe)(+),5例受体术前血清HBV脱氧核糖核酸(DNA)1 000 copies/ml,1例HBV DNA1 000 copies/ml。给予拉米夫定(100 mg/d)单药口服预防肝移植术后乙肝复发。第二阶段为2011年11月至2014年4月的26例心脏死亡器官捐献供体肝移植(其中1例为肝肾联合移植);供肝血清HBsAg(+)6例、(-)20例,乙型肝炎表面抗体(抗-HBs)(+)15例,HBeAg(+)2例,抗-HBc(+)14例,抗-HBe(+)5例;11例受体术前血清HBV DNA500 copies/ml,15例HBV DNA500 copies/ml;25例给予恩替卡韦0.5 mg/d、1例给予替比夫定600 mg/d单药口服预防乙肝复发。结果第一阶段肝移植受体中位随访时间为104个月,全部受体术后血清HBsAg和HBV DNA均转阴,至今未见乙肝复发。第二阶段肝移植受体中位随访时间为50周,20例接受HBsAg(-)供肝,其中1例于术后39周出现一过性HBsAg(+),随后又转阴;另1例肝肾联合移植受体在移植术后28周发生乙肝复发,但血清HBV DNA(-);其中15例采用抗-HBc(+)供体肝移植术后均未见乙肝复发。6例采用HBsAg(+)供体的肝移植受体术后HBsAg均未转阴。所有随访受体均存活,术后均未见HBV DNA复制,亦未发现核苷类似物相关不良反应。结论核苷类似物单药口服预防肝移植术后乙肝的复发是有效和安全的。     

原位肝移植术后乙型肝炎病毒再感染的相关因素分析

目的 分析原位肝移植（OLT）术后HBV再感染的相关因素,评价联合应用乙型肝炎免疫球蛋白（HBIG）和核苷（酸）类似物预防HBV再感染的疗效.方法 收集2003年10月-2007年8月在中山大学附属第三医院行OLT治疗的160例HBV相关性终末期肝病患者,117例患者术前服用核苷（酸）类似物.所有患者术后长期肌肉注射HBIG,并联合服用核苷（酸）类似物,采用回顾性调查方法分析患者术前资料,并前瞻性长期随访OLT术后HBV再感染情况.正态分布计量资料2组间的比较采用独立样本t检验;组间率的比较采用Fisher＇s精确概率检验,P〈0.05表示差异具有统计学意义.结果 160例患者中,19例患者出现HBV再感染,再感染率为11.88%（19/160）.患者术前HBV DNA载量、HBeAg状态及抗病毒治疗时间与OLT术后HBV再感染之间无显著相关性（r值分别为0.108、0.127和0.033,P值均〉0.05）.19例HBV再感染患者中有17例是长期使用拉米夫定治疗的患者,其中8例酪氨酸-蛋氨酸-天门冬氨酸-天门冬氨酸（YMDD）变异株阳性,其HBV DNA载量为（7.0±2.0）log拷贝/mL,而YMDD变异阴性组为（3.2±2.5）log拷贝/mL,2组比较差异有统计学意义（t=3.531,P=0.003）.17例长期服用拉米夫定治疗的患者中,12例加用阿德福韦酯,3例改用恩替卡韦,均获得满意疗效.结论 OLT术后长期小剂量肌肉注射HBIG,并联合核苷（酸）类似物可有效预防HBV再感染.OLT术后使用拉米夫定易出现YMDD变异,而YMDD变异是HBV再感染的重要因素,临床上要予以重视.     

拉米夫定预防和治疗肾移植受者乙型肝炎复发的临床观察

目的：探讨拉米夫定预防和治疗肾移植患者乙型肝炎复发的效果。方法：28例肾功能衰竭患者，肾移植术前乙型肝炎表面抗原（HBsAg）阳性，其中8例乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）DNA阳性，术前患者的肝功能正常，无肝脏纤维化。供者HBsAg均为阴性。20例接受拉米夫定预防性治疗，其中14例术前HBVDNA阴性者术后即刻接受拉米夫定治疗，6例HBVDNA阳性者术前即接受拉米夫定治疗；8例于肾移植术后出现肝功能异常时开始拉米夫定治疗。拉米夫定均为口服给药，起始量为100mg／d。结果：28例患者术后随访13～54个月，平均23．6个月，2例死亡。20例预防性用药者中，仅3例术前用药者术后9、3个月出现HBVDNA滴度增高，合并轻度肝功能异常，丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）的平均峰值为87．5U／L，拉米夫定治疗后肝功能恢复正常，HBV DNA转阴；另外17例治疗期间HBV DNA阴性，肝功能正常。未预防用药的8例，术后4．6个月时HBV DNA转为阳性（或HBV DNA滴度明显升高），肝功能异常，ALT的平均峰值为174．5U／L，给予拉米夫定后，肝功能恢复正常，HBV DNA转阴，但有5例在治疗期间HBV DNA反复阳性。在拉米夫定治疗期间，28例患者的血肌酐维持在正常水平，未出现严重的药物不良反应。结论：HBsAg阳性的肾移植患者，在出现肝功能异常前使用拉米夫定，对于预防乙型肝炎复发是安全、有效的。     

肝移植术后HBV再感染的治疗

目的分析肝移植术后乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）再感染患者的抗病毒治疗与乙肝病毒基因变异情况。方法317例HBV相关终末期肝病患者肝移植术后15例单独使用LAM，302例使用小剂量乙肝免疫球蛋白（hepatitis B immune globulin，HBIG）和拉米夫定（lamivudine，LAM）（或adefovir dipivoxil，ADV）联合预防HBV再感染，同时检测HBV血清标志物、血清HBV DNA、YMDD区变异、及肝活检组织乙型肝炎标记物。结果术后LAM组有4例术前HBV DNA阳性患者术后HBV再感染，LAM＋HBIG联合用药组16例HBV再感染，两组术后HBV再感染差异有统计学意义（26．7％VS．5．30％，P〈0．01）。317例患者术后12例发生YMDD变异，发生率为3．79％，再感染病例60％（12／20）。经加用ADV治疗后5例HBV DNA转阴性，4名患者HBV DNA滴度下降，肝功能显著改善，3例发生纤维淤胆性肝炎，2例死亡，1例经再次肝移植治愈。结论小剂量HBIG＋LAM可以有效地预防肝移植术后HBV再感染；在小剂量HBIG＋LAM用药基础上HBV再感染可能产生YMDD（tyrosine，methionine，aspartate，aspartate）变异；ADV可作为LAM耐药后用药，对于发生突破性感染的患者应采取以ADV为主的综合治疗。     

乙型肝炎表面抗原阳性患者肾移植21例

目的 总结分析乙型肝炎表面抗原(HBsAg)阳性对肾移植受者肾功能的影响以及抗乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)治疗的时机.方法 肾移植术前HBsAg阳性者21例,其乙型肝炎核心抗体(抗-HBc)阴性,乙型肝炎e抗体(抗-HBe)阴性,HBV DNA定量<105拷贝/L,肝脏B型超声波检查无异常发现.供、受者HLA抗原错配数≤3,淋巴细胞毒交叉配合试验<0.10.术后采用环孢素A(CsA)、霉酚酸酯和甲泼尼龙预防排斥反应.11例术后肠道功能恢复后立即口服拉米夫定100 mg/d,另10例在随访过程中发现肝功能异常、HBV DNA升高时,给予拉米夫定100 mg/d,同时减少CsA和糖皮质激素的剂量,并行护肝治疗.结果 10例经抗病毒和护肝治疗后,丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)和HBV DNA于术后1年左右恢复至正常水平.预防性口服拉米夫定者的HBV DNA均保持在106拷贝/L以下,ALT正常或稍高(未超出正常值的2倍).采用拉米夫定预防性治疗者术后2年内的肾功能优于未预防性治疗者(P<0.05).结论 HBsAg阳性并非肾移植的禁忌证,术后早期行预防性抗病毒治疗可有效避免肝功能异常,也有利于改善移植肾功能.     

核苷类似物联合HBIG干预下肝移植后HBV再感染的危险因素及预后分析

目的 探讨肝移植术后在核苷类似物联合低剂量乙肝免疫球蛋白(HBIG)的干预下乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)再感染的危险因素及其预后.方法 回顾性分析340例因HBV相关性终末期肝病行肝移植患者的临床资料.所有患者术前即开始给予核苷类似物控制病情,术中和术后均给予核苷类似物联合低剂量HBIG的预防方案.术后对患者进行定期随访,监测患者的HBV再感染发生率、存活率及预后.记录患者性别、年龄、原发病、术前2周HBV DNA水平、HbeAg水平、YMDD变异以及术后免疫抑制剂和核苷类似物使用情况等指标进行单因素分析,将P<0.1的变量纳入COX多因素回归分析,筛选出影响术后HBV再感染的危险因素.结果 340例患者术后发生HBV再感染33例,再感染率为9.7%,再感染时间为术后(8.4±13.2)个月(2～49个月),术后1、3、5年再感染率分别为7.0%、10%、13%.33例患者HBV再感染后均停用HBIG,并调整核苷类似物的用量,除3例HBV DNA定量为3 log10～5 log10拷贝/ml外,其余均控制在3 log10拷贝/ml以下.340例患者术后1、3、5年存活率分别为89%、83%和82%,其中HBV再感染者分别为94%,87%,81%,未再感染者分别为89%,82%,82%,Log-rank检验显示HBV再感染对患者长期存活率无明显影响(P=0.828).经COX多因素回归分析表明,原发病为原发性肝癌(P=0.035)、HBVDNA定量>5 log10拷贝/ml(P<0.001)是发生HBV再感染的危险因素.进一步分层分析显示,原发性肝癌复发后HBV再感染发生率显著高于未复发者,分别为27.9%和8.7%(P=0.001).结论 原发病为原发性肝癌及术前HBV DNA>5 log10拷贝/ml是影响HBV再感染的高危因素.在核苷类似物联合HBIG预防方案的干预下,HBV再感染对预后影响不大.     

肝移植术后HBV再感染的危险因素分析及对策

目的探讨肝移植术后乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)再感染的危险因素及相关对策。方法对2003年9月至2004年12月间在我院施行原位肝移植术病例进行前瞻性研究,选取符合研究标准的130例患者,采用肌注型乙型肝炎免疫球蛋白(HBIg)联合核苷类抗病毒药物预防HBV再感染,并长期随访,分析HBV再感染的危险因素。结果130例中128例术后血清HBsAg转为阴性,并检测到HBsAb,平均随访12.2个月,HBV再感染率为6.3%(8/128)。结论肝移植术前血清HBeAg阳性、术后第1天血清HBsAg阳性及HBsAb<200U/L是HBV再感染的危险因素。     

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.