腰椎退变性侧凸的治疗策略

目的探讨非手术治疗或腰椎后路减压、矫形固定、融合手术治疗由于椎间盘退变后继发小关节退变、椎管和神经根管容积变化以及脊柱失稳、畸形等病理改变导致的腰椎退变性侧凸患者的效果。方法2001年7月-2007年6月,治疗退变性腰椎侧凸患者56例,其中行非手术治疗5例。手术治疗51例。手术组患者平均年龄为63岁,腰椎侧凸Cobb角平均30°,采用腰椎后路减压,或辅助椎弓根螺钉矫形固定、后外侧融合或椎间融合治疗。结果56例均得到随访,平均随访时间为20个月,非手术治疗和手术患者均对治疗效果满意,生活质量提高,手术组矫正角度平均为15°,骨融合率达到95％,无神经损伤及翻修病例。结论腰椎退变性侧凸首选非手术治疗,如失败应根据患者情况遵循尽量采用有限内固定和融合的原则行手术治疗。     

腰椎后路节段减压植骨内固定治疗退变性腰椎侧凸

目的评价腰椎后路节段减压植骨内固定治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的临床效果。方法自2009年9月-2010年12月采用腰椎后路节段减压植骨内固定手术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸53例。根据JOA评分标准评估患者术后神经功能的恢复情况,通过X线片观察腰椎前凸角、侧凸角的改善情况。结果随访3-12个月,平均随访时间8个月。末次随访JOA评分改善率平均为85．2％。优34例,良14例,可5例,优良率90．6％。腰椎侧凸Cobb’S角由术前的（30．5．4-6．1）。矫正到末次随访的（12．3±4．1）;腰椎前凸角由术前的（15.2±4．6）。矫正到末次随访的（32．1±7．3）。无矫正角度明显丢失及内固定物失效。结论腰椎后路节段减压植骨内固定手术是治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的一种有效方法。     

退变性腰椎侧凸选择性短节段固定融合的手术治疗

目的探讨选择性减压、短节段固定融合治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的手术疗效。方法回顾性研究2004年1月～2007年6月收治的42例以下肢症状为主的退变性腰椎侧凸患者,其中男15例,女27例;平均年龄为65.6岁。手术方式采用选择性减压、短节段固定融合。对患者术前、首次随访、终末随访时的Cobb角,腰椎前凸角度,VAS评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数进行对比。结果术前与终末随访VAS评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数对比,差异有统计学意义,手术优良率为76.2%,术后早期并发症的发生率为23.9%。结论以下肢症状为主的退变性腰椎侧凸患者可通过狭窄节段椎管减压、短节段固定融合显著地减小手术创伤,获得良好的手术疗效。     

退变性症状性腰椎侧凸的手术治疗

[目的]探讨后路椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉间断固定、椎间植骨融合、矢状位重建术式治疗退变性症状性腰椎侧凸的临床效果。[方法]1999年1月-2006年4月，采用经后路椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉间断固定、椎间植骨融合、矢状位重建术式治疗退变性症状性腰椎侧凸37例，男21例，女16例；年龄51—82岁，平均62．6岁。所有病例拍摄腰椎正侧位片及Bending片，常规备CT和MRI。根据患者下肢症状行全椎板或半椎板减压，神经根扩大，椎间植骨融合及椎弓根螺钉间断固定。[结果]本组病例均获随访（1—6年，平均2年零7个月），术后临床症状均明显缓解，按JOA评分，手术疗效优良率91．9％，侧凸平均矫正率54．8％。随访期间无明显矫正度数及椎间隙高度丢失，术后3个月、1年复查X片内置物无松动及断裂，植骨融合时间平均11．6周。[结论]对于退变性症状性腰椎侧凸患者：（1）采取个体化治疗，年龄不是绝对手术禁忌证，病程长短不是决定手术疗效的重要指标；（2）后路椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉间断固定、椎间植骨融合、矢状位重建术是安全有效的理想术式。     

退变性脊柱侧凸的选择性手术治疗

【摘要】 目的 评价选择性手术治疗退变性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效。 方法 2005年1月~2009年9月共手术治疗22例患者。记录所有患者术前、术后3个月及末次随访时的Oswestry功能评分;记录实施内固定治疗患者术前、术后3个月及末次随访时的侧凸Cobb角、腰椎前凸角以及融合时间。 结果 平均随访19个月（8~36个月）。椎管减压3例;椎管减压并内固定植骨融合术19例,其中长节段固定6例。Oswestry功能评分术前为39.25±10.47,术后3个月为13.85±7.73,末次随访时为17.95±6.18。实施内固定的患者侧凸Cobb角术前为21.05°±8.51°,术后3个月为12.13°±4.83°,末次随访时为14.03°±5.25°;腰椎前凸角术前为 14.40°±14.72°,术后3个月为26.62°±11.48°,末次随访时为24.27°±11.03°;术后6个月,均达到骨性融合。上述各组术后3个月及末次随访的数据与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。 结论 退变性脊柱侧凸的治疗主要以缓解症状为目的,依据不同的临床及影像学表现制定个体化治定方案能够取得满意的临床疗效。     

临时内撑开在严重脊柱侧凸矫形中的辅助应用

背景：Halo头颅环牵引作为严重、复杂、僵硬的脊柱侧凸矫形的辅助治疗方法已获得普遍认可。但它需要较长的住院时间，还存在相关并发症及一些禁忌证，如固定的颈椎不稳、脊柱后凸或椎管狭窄等。本文研究临时脊柱内撑开在严重脊柱侧凸矫形中的应用及其效果。 方法：回顾性分析儿童严重脊柱侧凸行临时脊柱内撑开治疗的病例10例。我们的目的是：（1）评价临时内撑开对严重脊柱侧凸的矫形是否有帮助，（2）比较该方法与头颅环牵引的并发症。术前平均侧凸104°，所有病例均先行侧凸僵硬部分的后路松解（其中6例同时行前路松解），并在脊髓监护下植入脊柱撑开内置物。10例患者中4例行一次撑开操作（即初次手术或第一次撑开手术）后做融合术，6例行两次撑开操作（即初次手术或第一次撑开手术完成后再行第二次撑开手术）后做融合术。所有病例完成撑开操作后均行后路双棒内固定植骨融合术。在术前、每次脊柱内撑开操作后、固定融合手术后及末次随访时均摄X线片，测量侧凸的角度以明确矫形效果。 结果：术前侧凸Cobb角平均104°。应用脊柱初次内撑开至最终融合前，侧凸平均矫形率为53％（104°-49°）[范围，39％（70°-43°）-79％（70°-15°）]。这一方法使患者获得了安全、逐步的侧凸矫形。初次手术至最终固定融合手术的时间间隔平均为2．4周。最终侧凸平均矫形率为80％（104°-20°）[范围，73％（131°-35°）-91％（110°10°）]，无神经并发症或感染发生。 结论：临时脊柱内撑开可使严重脊柱侧凸经过脊柱融合获得最大的侧凸矫正，是治疗严重脊柱侧凸可供选择和有效的方法。 可信水平：治疗性研究，Ⅳ级。进一步可信度参见作者介绍。     

退行性腰椎侧凸的手术治疗选择

[目的]探讨退行性腰椎侧凸手术治疗的选择,观察手术治疗的疗效。[方法]回顾分析2010年10月²013年05月,本院收治的26例经手术治疗的退变性腰椎侧凸病例,根据临床症状、体征和影像学资料,结合患者的身体条件和基础疾病,分别采用单纯减压,后路椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉内固定、椎间植骨融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸。观察患者术后症状缓解和功能改善情况。[结果]26例患者均获得随访,术后平均随访27.5个月(242013年05月,本院收治的26例经手术治疗的退变性腰椎侧凸病例,根据临床症状、体征和影像学资料,结合患者的身体条件和基础疾病,分别采用单纯减压,后路椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉内固定、椎间植骨融合术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸。观察患者术后症状缓解和功能改善情况。[结果]26例患者均获得随访,术后平均随访27.5个月(24⁴3个月),术后疼痛VAS评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数的改善率分别为(68.9±2.4)%和(80.5±4.1)%。侧凸平均矫正率(60.4±3.7)%,随访无断钉、断棒发生。[结论]对于退变性腰椎侧凸,应采取个体化治疗,严格掌握手术适应证,治疗以缓解患者症状为主要目的。     

单纯椎板减压治疗退变性椎管狭窄症并腰椎侧凸的疗效及其影响因素

目的：探讨单纯椎板减压治疗退变性椎管狭窄症并腰椎侧凸的效果及其影响因素。方法：1996年-2000年我科收治的资料完整的退变性椎管狭窄症合并腰椎侧凸患者57例，均采用单纯腰椎椎板减压术治疗。使用JOA评分标准进行疗效评价，根据JOA评分恢复率（recoverrate，RR）将患者分为效果满意组（RR≥50％）和效果不满意组（RR〈50％），对腰椎前凸角、侧凸角、腰椎活动度以及L4椎体倾斜率和侧向位移等影像学参数与l临床治疗效果的关系进行统计分析。结果：本组随访3～7年，平均5．1年，效果满意者42例，不满意者15例，统计分析显示腰椎前凸、活动度、L4椎体的倾斜率和手术减压节段对手术效果有显著影响（P〈0．05），与效果不满意组相比，疗效满意组患者术前腰椎前凸小，活动度低，L4椎体倾斜率不明显，需要手术减压的节段少。结论：对腰椎前凸较小、活动度低和L4椎体倾斜率较小的椎管狭窄症合并腰椎侧凸的患者使用短节段全椎板减压可以获得满意的疗效。     

伴有侧凸畸形的腰椎管狭窄症的外科治疗

目的总结后路一期减压、内固定、融合手术治疗伴有腰椎侧凸畸形的腰椎管狭窄症患者的效果。方法自1998年1月-2005年10月,治疗伴有腰椎侧凸畸形的腰椎管狭窄症患者38例,腰椎侧凸畸形角度平均31°,术前 JOA评分平均11分,均采用腰椎后路一期减压、矫形、内固定、融合治疗。结果 32例得到随访,随访时间1-4年,平均2．5年,矫正角度平均13°。矫正角度丧失1°-5°,平均3°。截骨融合率100％。随访时JOA评分平均23分,患者对手术效果满意。结论后路一期减压、内固定、融合手术是治疗伴有腰椎侧凸畸形的腰椎管狭窄症的有效手段。     

退变性腰椎椎管狭窄症的病理变化及诊断治疗

本文报告１４６例退变性腰椎椎管狭窄症，其目的在于：探讨腰椎退变与椎管狭窄的关系，退变性椎管狭窄的临床特点及其治疗方法问题。本组全部经手术治疗，椎管扩大减压包括侧隐窝扩大，充分暴露受压神经根和硬膜囊是提高治疗效果重要措施，维持腰椎稳定是外科治疗重要内容。１３２例随访，平均３８个月，优良者１１２例（８４．８％）。研究表明，退变性腰椎管狭窄症，除中央椎管狭窄外，神经根管（包括侧隐窝）狭窄更多见。在外科治疗时必须注意这种病理变化特点，避免遗漏，影响手术效果。     

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.