丙泊酚靶控输注和异氟醚麻醉对罗库溴铵药效学的影响

目的比较丙泊酚靶控输注（TCI）复合雷米芬太尼全凭静脉麻醉和异氟醚复合雷米芬太尼麻醉对单次插管剂量罗库溴铵肌松效应的影响。方法ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级的择期全麻患者48例，随机均分为丙泊酚（P）组和异氟醚（I）组。麻醉诱导后予0.6mg／kg的罗库溴铵插管；P组和I组麻醉维持分别采用丙泊酚TCI-泵注雷米芬太尼和吸入1 MAC异氟醚-泵注雷米芬太尼。监测脑电双频指数（BIS），使用加速度肌松监测仪观察拇内收肌的收缩反应，记录罗库溴铵的起效时间、无反应时间、肌松维持时间及恢复指数等指标。结果两组之间肌松起效时间、无反应时间及T1 25％时间差异无统计学意义，I组25％四个成串刺激比（TOFr）及恢复指数都比P组明显延长（P〈0．05）。结论单次插管剂量的罗库溴铵在丙泊酚TCI-泵注雷米芬太尼麻醉下肌松维持及恢复无明显变化，而在吸入1 MAC异氟醚-泵注雷米芬太尼麻醉下恢复时间明显延长。     

雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚与复合地氟醚麻醉在脊柱侧弯矫正术中唤醒的比较

目的比较脊柱侧弯矫正术中,丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控静脉麻醉和地氟醚复合雷米芬太尼静吸复合麻醉的术中唤醒时间及苏醒质量。方法40例择期行脊柱侧弯矫正术患者,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控静脉麻醉组(P组)和地氟醚复合雷米芬太尼静吸复合组(D组)。比较停止输注丙泊酚或地氟醚后术中唤醒时间及唤醒质量。结果D组患者自主呼吸恢复时间(5.2±1.8)min,呼之睁眼时间(5.2±1.8)min和指令动作恢复时间(7.1±1.2)min均短于P组[(7.2±1.3)min,(8.3±1.7)min和(9.5±1.0)min](P<0.05)。唤醒成功时,P组患者有4例睁眼勉强,并伴有四肢不自主活动,苏醒质量为2级;D组均为1级。结论术中维持相同的循环指标,D组唤醒时间要短于P组,D组唤醒质量也优于P组。     

吸入七氟醚与丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼麻醉在全胃切除手术中的比较

目的 比较七氟醚吸入与丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼麻醉在全胃切除手术中的应用效果.方法 40例ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级择期全胃切除术患者随机均分为七氟醚组(S组)和丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼组(P组).记录围麻醉期各时点的血流动力学、脑电双频指数(BIS)、麻醉药浓度及用量、麻醉恢复期时间和苏醒期不良反应.结果 麻醉期两组DBP、MAP、HR均较麻醉前显著下降(P<0.05).两组患者术中均能维持足够的麻醉深度(BIS 45～60),术中血流动力学平稳.麻醉恢复期P组躁动、呛咳发生率明显低于S组(P<0.05).结论 七氟醚吸入麻醉或丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼静脉麻醉均可安全应用于全胃切除手术.     

全凭静脉麻醉与静吸复合麻醉恢复质量及用药相关费用的比较

目的 比较相同麻醉深度下异氟醚-芬太尼静吸复合麻醉与丙泊酚复合芬太尼或雷米芬太尼全凭静脉麻醉的恢复质量和用药相关费用.方法 ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,择期行下腹部手术患者60例,随机均分为静吸复合组(B组)、芬太尼组(F组)及雷米芬太尼组(R组),分别以异氟醚-芬太尼、丙泊酚-芬太尼和丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼辅以维库溴铵维持麻醉.麻醉深度维持在Narcotrend D0～D2水平,记录术毕停药后患者自主呼吸恢复时间、呼名睁眼时间、拔管时间、定向力恢复时间;观察拔管后即刻、拔管后20 min患者意识状态(OAA/S)、疼痛程度(VAS)及主诉需要镇痛药的例次;术后24 h访视患者,记录有无术中知晓及恶心、呕吐等不良反应;比较三种麻醉方式的用药相关费用.结果 三种麻醉方式术毕自主呼吸恢复时间、呼名睁眼时间、拔管时间的差异无统计学意义,但R组定向力恢复早于B组,其拔管后20 min患者OAA/S评分也高于B组(P＜0.01).R组在拔管后即刻及拔管后20 min VAS明显高于其他两组,主诉需要镇痛药者也多于其他两组(P＜0.01).三组患者术后恶心、呕吐等不良反应发生率的差异无统计学意义.B组麻醉用药相关费用明显低于其他两组(P＜0.01).结论 三种麻醉方式麻醉苏醒速度相近,丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼苏醒质量较好,但麻醉恢复期疼痛明显.全凭静脉麻醉特别是丙泊酚-雷米芬太尼用药相关费用高于异氟醚-芬太尼静吸复合麻醉.     

七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼快通道麻醉在鼻内窥镜手术中的应用

目的观察七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼快通道麻醉在鼻内窥镜手术中的应用效果。方法 60例择期行鼻内窥镜手术患者,年龄21～55岁,随机分为三组,每组20例。Ⅰ组全凭吸入七氟醚麻醉,Ⅱ组丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼,Ⅲ组七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼。观察三组患者术中、术后血流动力学变化,记录术后拔管时间、清醒时间、术后躁动评分(RS)、意识状态评分(OAA/S)等。结果三组术中血压控制均较满意。术后Ⅱ、Ⅲ组拔管时间及清醒时间较Ⅰ组短,躁动发生率稍低(P0.05)。结论七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼静吸复合麻醉与丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼全凭静脉麻醉均为鼻内窥镜手术提供安全、快捷、苏醒彻底的快通道麻醉方法。     

七氟醚复合舒芬太尼或雷米芬太尼静吸复合麻醉在先天性心脏病通道手术中的应用

目的观察七氟醚复合舒芬太尼或雷米芬太尼快通道麻醉在小儿先天性心脏病手术的应用。方法 60例先天性心脏病患者,男40例,女20例,年龄2～12岁,随机分为舒芬太尼组（SF组）、雷米芬太尼组（RF组）两组,每组30例。两组均用咪唑安定和维库溴铵诱导麻醉,SF组诱导用舒芬太尼1μg/kg,继之泵入舒芬太尼2～3μg/（kg·h）;RF组诱导用雷米芬太尼2μg/kg,继之泵入雷米芬太尼0.1～1μg/（kg·min）维持麻醉,两组均吸入七氟醚,间断静推维库溴铵。观察两组患者术前、术中、术后血流动力学变化,记录术后清醒时间、拔管时间、术后躁动情况。结果与T0比较,两组患者T4、T5HR明显增快（P〈0.05）,T1、T3、T4MAP下降（P〈0.05）;苏醒情况：SF组清醒时间、拔管时间较RF组长（P〈0.01）,RF组躁动发生率较SF组高（P〈0.05）。结论七氟醚复合舒芬太尼或雷米芬尼静吸复合麻醉均能为先天性心脏病手术提供安全、快捷的快通道麻醉。     

异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉对脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒试验的影响

目的 探讨异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉对脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒试验的影响.方法 择期拟行脑功能区肿瘤切除术患者60例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄18～60岁,随机分为3组:异丙酚组(P组)、地氟醚组(D组)及七氟醚组(S组),每组20例.静脉注射依托咪酯0.3mg/kg、芬太尼3 μg/kg、维库溴铵0.1 mg/kg行麻醉诱导,采用1%丁卡因喉头及气管粘膜表面麻醉后行气管插管.P组、D组和S组分别靶控输注异丙酚,血浆靶浓度2.0μg/ml,持续吸入地氟醚、七氟醚1.5 MAC维持麻醉.各组均靶控输注瑞芬太尼,血浆靶浓度2.5 ng/ml,唤醒试验前血浆靶浓度降为0.5 ng/ml,静脉注射曲马多100mg,停用麻醉药,行唤醒试验.记录唤醒时间,观察唤醒试验时躁动及寒颤的发生情况.结果 各组患者唤醒时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),P组寒颤发生率较D组和S组高(P<0.05).结论 采用异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉,脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒时间无差别,地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉时有关并发症发生率低,更适用于术中唤醒试验.     

不同麻醉下脊柱侧弯矫形术患者术中唤醒试验的比较

目的 比较不同麻醉下脊柱侧弯矫形术患者术中唤醒试验.方法 选择拟行脊柱侧弯矫形术患者40例,年龄13～ 18岁,性别不限,BMI＜ 30 kg/m2,ASA分级Ⅰ级.采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为2组(n=20):异丙酚复合舒芬太尼组(P组)和靶控吸入七氟醚复合舒芬太尼组(S组).麻醉维持时S组靶控吸入七氟醚,呼气末靶浓度0.8％～1.5％;P组靶控输注异丙酚,血浆靶浓度3～5μg/rml,两组均靶控输注舒芬太尼,效应室靶浓度0.2 ～ 0.3 ng/ml.唤醒试验前停止输注顺阿曲库铵,下调舒芬太尼效应室靶浓度至0.1.ml;5 min后,S组停用七氟醚,P组停用异丙酚;5 min后开始唤醒试验.于唤醒试验前、唤醒成功时及唤醒成功后10 min(T0～2)时记录MAP和HR,记录唤醒时间、唤醒期间呛咳、躁动的发生情况,术后随访记录患者术中知晓的发生情况.结果 与P组比较,S组术中唤醒时间短(P＜0.05).两组术中唤醒期间MAP和HR均在正常范围内,两组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).所有患者术中唤醒试验均成功,术中唤醒期间无一例发生呛咳、躁动及术中知晓.结论 靶控吸入七氟醚复合舒芬太尼可安全有效地用于脊柱侧弯矫形术患者术中唤醒试验,且唤醒时间短于靶控输注异丙酚复合舒芬太尼麻醉,更适用于术中唤醒试验.     

利多卡因持续静脉泵注对鼻内窥镜术中异氟醚用量及术后疼痛的影响

目的 观察术中持续静脉泵注利多卡因对鼻内窥镜术术中异氟醚用量及术后短期内疼痛的影响.方法 40例择期鼻内窥镜术患者随机均分为利多卡因组(L组)和对照组(C组).L组麻醉诱导前缓慢静注利多卡因1 mg/kg,给予2 mg·kg-1·h-1泵注至手术结束;C组以生理盐水替代.两组均行丙泊酚、雷米芬太尼、阿曲库铵和异氟醚吸入复合全麻.调整异氟醚的吸入浓度,保持BIS值45～55.观察并记录入室后诱导前、诱导后、插管后1、5 min、拔管前5 min、拔管时、拔管后5、30 min、术后2、6 h的血压、心率;术中异氟醚用量;拔除气管导管前后行躁动评分;PACU期间需芬太尼镇痛例数及拔管后30 min、术后2、6 h VAS.结果 两组术中血压、心率基本平稳.L组较C组术中异氟醚用量明显减少、PACU期间芬太尼用量减少、拔管时间缩短,术后2、6h VAS明显降低(P＜0.05).结论 术中静脉持续泵注利多卡因在鼻内窥镜术中能减少异氟醚用量,减轻术后疼痛.     

雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚与芬太尼复合异氟醚在实施心脏手术快通道麻醉的比较

目的比较雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚与芬太尼、丙泊酚复合异氟醚用于不停跳心脏手术患者麻醉的应激激素及血流动力学变化。方法26例患者随机均分为雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚(RP组)和芬太尼复合异氟醚(FI组)两组。分别记录不同时点HR、MAP和血糖(Glu)数值,同时观察相应时点血浆皮质醇(Cor)及促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)反应。结果两组患者各观察点血流动力学及应激激素变化组间比较差异无统计学意义。两组患者血浆Cor、ACTH、Glu在心肺转流(CPB)后15min、停CPB后10min与诱导前比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),RP组患者术后清醒时间及拔管时间明显早于FI组(P<0.01),但ICU留观时间组间比较差异无统计学意义,且RP组术后疼痛发生率高于FI组(P<0.05)。结论雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚实施不停跳心内直视手术麻醉,可维持术中血流动力学平稳,停药后清醒快,符合快通道心脏手术麻醉要求,但应加强术后镇痛。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.