靶控输注丙泊酚和雷米芬太尼在意识消失和对疼痛刺激反应时的相互关系

目的探讨靶控输注(TCI)丙泊酚和雷米芬太尼的相互关系及对脑电双频指数(BIS)的影响。方法全身麻醉患者100例,根据丙泊酚不同血浆靶浓度随机均分为五组:P1.5组,1.5μg/ml;P2组,2μg/ml;P2.5组,2.5μg/ml;P3组,3μg/ml;P3.5组,3.5μg/ml。待血浆浓度和效应室浓度达到平衡后TCI雷米芬太尼,以血浆浓度0ng/ml为起点,每30秒增加0.3ng/ml,直至患者意识消失及对疼痛刺激(50Hz,80mA,0.25ms强直刺激)无体动反应。记录患者在不同丙泊酚血药浓度下意识消失时和对疼痛刺激无反应时雷米芬太尼的血浆浓度(Cp)和效应室浓度(EC)。结果意识消失时雷米芬太尼Cp50从P1.5组至P3.5组分别为5.0、3.0、2.1、1.2、0ng/ml;疼痛刺激无反应时雷米芬太尼Cp50从P1.5组至P3.5组分别为5.4、4.3、3.9、3.5、3.0ng/ml;疼痛刺激无反应时与意识消失时BIS值的差异无统计学意义。结论BIS值变化与丙泊酚血药浓度呈反比关系,雷米芬太尼对BIS值影响不大。BIS值50～60可以作为丙泊酚和雷米芬太尼静脉复合麻醉时监测意识消失的良好指标。     

丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼靶控输注在心脏手术中的应用

目的 观察丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼靶控输注(TCI)在心脏瓣膜置换术和冠状动脉旁路移植术中使用的安全性、有效性以及对术后恢复的影响.方法 择期心脏手术患者150例,以丙泊酚TCI、雷米芬太尼3～5μg/kg诱导,丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼2～8 ng/ml TCI维持,维持脑电双频指数(BIS)于50±10.观察术中血流动力学指标和术后恢复情况.结果 所有患者术中血流动力学平稳,术后恢复良好,无术中知晓.结论 雷米芬太尼[效应部位浓度(Ce)2～8 ng/ml]复合丙泊酚[血浆浓度(Cp)1～2μg/ml]用于心脏手术的麻醉安全有效,血流动力学平稳,有利于术后早期气管拔管.     

术前焦虑对无痛人工流产术患者复合芬太尼麻醉时靶控输注丙泊酚EC_(50)的影响

目的 通过序贯法测定术前焦虑无痛人工流产术患者复合芬太尼麻醉时靶控输注(TCI)丙泊酚的半数有效血浆靶浓度(EC50).方法 选择ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,需行无痛人工流产术患者120例.术前30 min采用汉密顿焦虑量表对患者进行评分与分类:＞14分患者,为焦虑组,初始血浆靶浓度设为5.0 μg/ml;＜6分患者,为非焦虑组,初始血浆靶浓度设为4.0 μg/ml.入选样本从有体动的上一例患者开始计算,其后各例患者血浆靶浓度根据手术过程中有无体动进行调整,浓度变化间隔为0.5 μg/ml,按序贯法进行研究,测定丙泊酚的EC50并记录手术过程中患者的各种生理指标的变化.结果 复合芬太尼1μg/kg时,焦虑组丙泊酚EC50为5.205μg/ml,95%可信限为5.0428～5.3283 μg/m1;非焦虑组丙泊酚EC50.为4.199 μg/ml,95%可信限为4.0944～4.3O64 μg/ml.患者的生理指标变化均在临床允许的范围内.结论 术前焦虑增加无痛人工流产术患者的丙泊酚EC50.     

复合丙泊酚时瑞芬太尼抑制妇科腹腔镜手术患者气腹反应的半数有效血浆靶浓度

目的确定复合丙泊酚时瑞芬太尼抑制妇科腹腔镜手术患者气腹反应的半数有效血浆靶浓度(median effective plasma concentration,Cp50)。方法择期拟行妇科腹腔镜手术患者22例,年龄20～60岁,BMI 18～30kg/m2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。麻醉诱导采用靶控输注(TCI)瑞芬太尼和丙泊酚,对应血浆靶浓度(Cp)分别为5ng/ml和4μg/ml,静脉注射罗库溴铵0.6mg/kg。气管插管后稳定3min,调整瑞芬太尼Cp,第1例患者为6ng/ml,待效应室靶浓度与Cp平衡后建立气腹。发生气腹反应时,下一例采用高一级浓度,否则采用低一级浓度,浓度梯度的比值为1.2。发生气腹反应的标准:建立气腹后3min内HR增快和/或MAP升高幅度超过基础值的20%。计算复合丙泊酚时瑞芬太尼抑制妇科腹腔镜手术患者气腹反应的Cp50及其95%CI。结果复合丙泊酚时瑞芬太尼抑制妇科腹腔镜手术患者气腹反应的Cp50及其95%CI为4.58(4.14～5.08)ng/ml。结论复合丙泊酚时瑞芬太尼抑制妇科腹腔镜手术患者气腹反应的Cp50为4.58ng/ml。     

靶控输注芬太尼复合异丙酚静脉麻醉的药效学

目的研究以血浆靶浓度(Ct)3μg/ml靶控输注(TCI)异丙酚时，50％和95％病人对切皮刺激无体动或心血管反应的芬太尼设定血浆靶浓度(Cp50和Cp95)及其量效关系。方法24例择期行全身麻醉手术的病人，ASAⅠ-Ⅱ级，年龄31—65岁，按芬太尼血浆靶浓度随机分为四组，每组6例。麻醉诱导时通过TCI系统使所有病人异丙酚血浆靶浓度达到和维持3μg/ml，使各组芬太尼的血浆靶浓度分别达到1．00、1．50、2．25、3．38ng/ml。观察和记录手术切皮刺激引起的体动反应和心血管反应。分别计算抑制切皮时体动反应和心血管反应的Cp50、Cp95，并建立对切皮刺激反应的芬太尼量-效关系曲线。结果切皮时体动无反应率随设定的芬太尼靶浓度(当异丙酚Ct=3μg/ml)增加而逐渐增高，病人对切皮刺激无体动反应的Cp50为1．84ng/ml，其95％可信区间为1．46—2．33ng/ml，相应的Cp9，为5．12ng/ml，靶浓度对数剂量(x)与体动无反应率的概率单位(Y)间的回归方程为：Y=2．45X 4．35。同样，病人心血管无反应率随设定的芬太尼靶浓度增加而逐渐增高,Cp50为2．67ng/ml，其95％可信区间为(1．96—3．62)ng/ml，相应的cp95为15．85ng/ml，靶浓度对数剂量(X)与心血管无反应率的概率单位(Y)间的回归方程为：Y=2．13X 4．09。结论靶控输注异丙酚(Ct=3μg／ml)复合芬太尼麻醉，设定芬太尼靶浓度至少为5．12ng/ml，切皮时可以达到满意的麻醉深度。     

靶控输注丙泊酚抑制吞咽反射的半数有效血浆靶浓度

目的 确定TCI丙泊酚时抑制吞咽反射的半数有效血浆靶浓度(Cp50).方法 选择25例鼻窦手术患者,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,TCI丙泊酚镇静,采用序贯法确定丙泊酚血浆靶浓度.在不同靶浓度下咽部注水诱发吞咽,观察是否出现吞咽动作.用Dixon序贯法公式计算吞咽抑制的Cp50及其95％可信区间(CI).结果 吞咽抑制的Cp50为2.4μg/ml,95％ CI为1.5～3.3 μg/ml.结论 TCI丙泊酚镇静抑制吞咽反射的Cp50为2.4 μg/ml,95％CI为1.5～3.3 μg/ml.     

腰椎手术静-吸复合麻醉脑电双频指数为50时的丙泊酚半数有效血浆靶浓度

目的观察腰椎手术静-吸复合麻醉脑电双频指数(BIS)维持50时丙泊酚半数有效血浆靶浓度(Cp50)。方法择期行腰椎间盘髓核摘除术患者,年龄40~56岁,术中麻醉维持采用吸入0.5 MAC七氟醚、静脉泵注瑞芬太尼0.2μg·kg~(-1)·min~(-1)和维库溴铵0.08mg·kg~(-1)·h~(-1),同时TCI丙泊酚。采用序贯法确定丙泊酚靶浓度,初始血浆靶浓度为1.8μg/ml,相邻浓度比为1∶1.1;若患者术中平均BIS值50,则下一例患者靶浓度为1.98μg/ml;若BIS≤50,则下一例患者靶浓度为1.64μg/ml,以此类推。计算丙泊酚Cp50及其95%可信区间(CI)。结果共有26例患者完成序贯试验。丙泊酚Cp50为1.61μg/ml(95%CI 1.52~1.70)μg/ml。结论腰椎手术中0.5 MAC七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼及TCI丙泊酚麻醉,术中维持BIS值为50时所需丙泊酚的Cp50为1.61μg/ml。     

用于人工流产术的丙泊酚靶浓度年龄差异

目的探讨用于人工流产术麻醉时丙泊酚靶浓度的年龄差异。方法选择81例需要行人工流产的孕妇。起始丙泊酚靶控输注(TCI)的靶浓度设定为4μg/ml,并伍用芬太尼1μg/kg。术中依据患者出现明显的肢体活动或呼吸抑制(SpO2<90%)相应增加或降低TCI的靶浓度。结果所有患者术中的BP、HR能维持在安全水平。年龄<30岁组和≥30岁组患者术中最大丙泊酚靶浓度分别为(6.17±0.79)和(5.30±0.46)μg/ml。结论丙泊酚TCI应用于无痛人工流产术的麻醉时,所需的丙泊酚靶浓度随着年龄的增加而降低。     

异丙酚TCI镇静靶控技术在宫腔镜手术中的应用

目的探讨异丙酚靶控输注(target controlled infusion,TCI)麻醉在宫腔镜手术中的应用效果。方法择期进行宫腔镜手术患者100例,年龄26~42岁,体重46~60 kg,ASA分级Ⅰ~Ⅱ级,随机分成TCI组和对照组各50例;外科医生消毒时静脉滴入芬太尼2μg/kg。对照组按常规经验首次注射1%异丙酚2~3 mg/kg后,依患者表情及体动情况分次静注异丙酚20~30 mg以加深麻醉;TCI组利用Graseby3500TCI微量泵进行异丙酚血浆MASH模式TCI,初始目标血浆浓度(Cp)设定为2μg/ml,当警觉-镇静评分(OAAS)达到2分或以下时为入睡浓度,维持入睡浓度,依患者表情及体动情况适当调节,记录术前、手术扩宫、进镜、宫内操作及清醒时的HR、SBP、DBP、SPO2,及TCI组各时间点效应室浓度(Ce),统计两组的异丙酚用量,进行统计学分析。结果对照组异丙酚总用量为(391.3±74.5)mg,平均用量为(0.21±0.08)mg/kg,明显高于TCI组(209.7±83.0)mg和(0.11±0.02)mg/kg(P<0.01)。同时对照组在扩宫、进镜、操作中SBP与HR指标比术前下降,均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。TCI组术中血浆效应室浓度维持在(1.7~2.3)μg/ml。结论在宫腔镜手术的麻醉中,TCI技术能明显减少异丙酚的用药总量及平均用量,术中血浆效应室浓度维持在(1.7~2.3)μg/ml。     

不同雷米芬太尼血浆靶控浓度实施气管插管的条件和心血管反应

目的研究不同雷米芬太尼血浆靶控浓度复合丙泊酚输注在不使用肌松药时的气管插管条件和心血管反应。方法36例择期手术病人,随机分为三组,分别为雷米芬太尼血浆靶控浓度2ng/ml组、3ng/ml组和4ng/ml组。靶控输注(TCI)5min后,开始TCI丙泊酚(3μg/ml),10min后进行气管插管。失败病人则增加雷米芬太尼靶控浓度1ng/ml,10min后重复。分别在雷米芬太尼输注前、丙泊酚开始输注时、置入喉镜前即刻、插管后1min,记录气管插管评分、MAP、HR,同时记录不良反应和血管活性药物的使用情况。结果2ng/ml组、3ng/ml组及4ng/ml组第1次插管评分分别为(10.58±2.42)、(9.25±3.46)和(6.08±0.99)分;第1次插管成功率分别为6/12(50%)、7/12(58%)、10/12(83%);第2次插管成功率分别为1/6(17%)、2/5(40%)、1/2(50%)。三组雷米芬太尼输注后MAP无明显变化,HR均有下降,4ng/ml组尤其明显。2ng/ml组病人插管后与插管前相比HR与MAP有明显升高。高浓度雷米芬太尼组需用血管活性药物比例增加。结论固定丙泊酚TCI血浆浓度3μg/ml,不使用肌松药时,雷米芬太尼4ng/ml血浆浓度可基本满足插管条件。     

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.