经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗疼痛性椎体血管瘤

目的 探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术(percutaneous kyphoplasty,PKP)治疗疼痛性椎体血管瘤的临床疗效。方法 搜集2008年01月-2017年04月苏州大学附属第一医院骨科行PKP治疗的疼痛性椎体血管瘤(vertebral hemangioma, VH)患者资料。本组32例中男7例、女25例,年龄平均61.3±12.8岁(32-92岁)；血管瘤位于胸椎20例、腰椎9例、胸椎合并腰椎多发者3例,共累计36个椎体,其中2个椎体血管瘤合并椎体压缩骨折。应用视觉模拟评分(visual analogs scales, VAS)评估患者疼痛情况,用Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)量表评估患者生活质量,并记录术后并发症。结果 32例患者共计36个血管瘤椎体均顺利完成手术,其中双侧穿刺30个椎体,单侧穿刺6个椎体。所有患者完成随访,平均14.69±4.91月(7-26个月)。VAS评分术前5.63±1.52,术后24h为1.31±1.06,与术前相比有显著统计学差异(p<0.05),术后1月0.88±0.82,末次随访0.69±0.58；ODI评分术前(61.09±18.95)%,术后24h(21.72±10.57)%,与术前相比有显著统计学差异(p<0.05),术后1月(12.66±9.10)%,末次随访(9.31±5.60)%。VAS评分与ODI评分均较术前明显下降,且在术后随访中呈递减趋势。术后X线片4例椎体出现椎旁骨水泥漏,无临床症状,无椎管内渗漏。1例患者术后8月因骨质疏松出现临近椎体骨折再次行PKP术,1例92岁患者术后1年自然死亡。术后影像学资料未显示有血管瘤复发。结论：对于无神经压迫、以疼痛为主要症状的椎体血管瘤,椎体后凸成形术具有良好的安全性和治疗效果；合并椎体压缩骨折的血管瘤患者PKP同样有效。     

椎体后凸成形术和椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体骨折疗效的对比研究

目的探讨椎体后凸成形术（percutaneou8kyphoplasty,PKP）和椎体成形术（percutaneousvertebroplasty,PVP）在治疗骨质疏松性椎体骨折中的应用。方法共562例骨质疏松性椎体骨折,采用PVP治疗256例,PKP治疗306例。统计分析手术前后视觉模拟疼痛评分（vAS）、SF-36评分系统、伤椎高度及后凸畸形的X线片测量。结果患者获随访6。12个月,术后症状缓解,无神经损伤,骨水泥渗漏并发症2组比较差异无统计学意义fP〉0．05）。2组手术前后VAS和SF-36评分比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;PKP组术前与术后1周、6个月椎体高度恢复率、椎体后凸角度改善率与PVP组比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;PKP组的术后12个月和术后6个月的椎体压缩率、后凸角度比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05）。结论PVP与PKP均可显著缓解椎体压缩骨折患者的疼痛,PKP矫正椎体高度及改善后凸畸形比PVP好;骨水泥渗漏发生率2组相当。     

单侧与双侧经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较单侧与双侧经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折(OVCFs)的临床疗效.方法 60例胸腰椎OVCFs患者分为两组,采用单侧PKP治疗31例38椎(单侧组)、双侧PKP治疗29例34椎(双侧组);比较两组术前、术后和术后6个月疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Cobb角及椎体高度、手术时间、X线照射时间及骨水泥注射量等,评价疗效.结果 60例患者均获随访,时间3 ～15(9.6±1.2)个月.患者疼痛均明显缓解;两组VAS评分、椎体Cobb角度、椎体前缘高度的恢复情况与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);但两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).双侧组手术时间、X线照射时间及骨水泥用量均大于单侧组(P＜0.05).结论 单侧PKP与双侧PKP治疗OVCFs疗效相似;但单侧PKP具有创伤小、手术时间短、放射暴露少、风险小等优点,应是治疗OVCFs的优先选择.     

PVP和PKP治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的对比研究

【】 目的 探讨经皮椎体成形术(PVP)和经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的临床疗效和安全性。 方法 回顾性分析2008年2月-2014年2月我院收治的63例单节段骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折老年患者的临床资料;按照治疗方法分为PVP组(n=37例)和PKP组(n=26例)。对比两组手术时间、骨水泥注入量、住院时间、住院花费及骨水泥渗漏等并发症;对比两组术前、术后及随访结束时的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、椎体高度(前缘、中央)、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度及生活质量SF-36评分。 结果 PVP组手术时间、骨水泥注入量和住院花费明显低于PKP组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组住院时间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);PVP组和PKP骨水泥渗漏率分别为10.8% vs 3.8%,PKP组低于PVP组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组术前的VAS、ODI、椎体高度、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度及SF-36评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组术前的VAS、ODI、椎体高度、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度及SF-36评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组术后及末次随访时的VAS、ODI、椎体高度、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度及SF-36评分均较术前明显改善,PKP在椎体高度、后凸Cobb角、椎管占位程度改善方面明显优于PVP组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论 采用PVP和PKP治疗椎管占位小于20%且无神经症状的老年骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折安全可行,两者各有优势,可根据具体情况选择。     

应用Sky骨扩张器系统治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的临床初步报告

目的 探讨应用Sky骨扩张器系统行椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性压缩骨折的早期临床疗效.方法 12例骨质疏松症17个压缩性骨折椎体,采用Sky骨扩张器行单侧经椎弓根椎体扩张,扩张高度为14mm,注入医用骨水泥.观察围手术期并发症,测量压缩椎体和后凸畸形恢复程度.采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale, VAS)随访患者胸腰背部疼痛恢复情况.结果 每个椎体手术时间(52.4±28.7)min(23～90min),骨水泥注射量为(5.4±1.0)ml(3.5～7ml).随访3～6个月,平均4.5月,术前VAS评分为(7.6±1.8)分,术后1天为(2.8±1.1)分,术后3天为(2.6±1.2)分,末次随访时为(2.2±1.0)分.术前椎体前缘高度(13.8±5.3)mm(压缩49.1%±19.1%)、中线高度(9.9±4.6)mm(压缩39.8%±18.4%),术后椎体前缘高度(16.6±4.8)mm(压缩59.1%±17.2%)、中线高度(15.2±4.0)mm(压缩60.6%±16.9%),手术前后单椎体后凸Cobb角为22.3°±8.5°和12.5°±6.4°.1例少量骨水泥渗漏入椎间盘,未出现临床不适,未见其他并发症.结论 采用Sky骨扩张器系统行经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性压缩骨折安全、有效,其长期疗效尚有待于进一步观察.     

经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗疼痛性椎体血管瘤的临床疗效

目的 探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术(percutaneous kyphoplasty,PKP)治疗疼痛性椎体血管瘤(vertebral hemangioma,VH)的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2016年8月于我科行PKP治疗VH的病人的临床资料.本组30例中,男6例,女24例,平均年龄为(62.0±12.6)岁;血管瘤位于胸椎18例、腰椎9例、胸椎合并腰椎多发者3例,共累计34个椎体,其中2个椎体血管瘤合并椎体压缩骨折.应用疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)评估病人疼痛情况,采用Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)评估病人的生活质量,并记录术后并发症.结果 本组病人均顺利完成手术,其中双侧穿刺28个椎体,单侧穿刺6个椎体,平均随访时间为(14.77±4.98)个月.两组病人术前、术后24 h、术后1个月及末次随访时的VAS评分分别为(5.63±1.52)分、(1.31±1.06)分、(0.88±0.82)分、(0.69±0.58)分;各时间点的ODI分别为(61.09±18.95)%、(21.72±10.57)%、(12.66±9.10)%、(9.31±5.60)%,两组病人术后的VAS评分及ODI均较术前明显下降,与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05).术后4例椎体出现椎旁骨水泥渗漏,无临床症状;1例病人术后8个月因骨质疏松出现邻近椎体骨折,再次行PKP术;1例92岁病人术后1年自然死亡.术后影像学资料未显示有VH复发.结论 对于无神经压迫、以疼痛为主要症状的VH,PKP具有良好的安全性和治疗效果,且对合并椎体压缩性骨折的VH病人同样有效.     

经皮椎体成形术和经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗重度骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折疗效分析

目的 观察经皮椎体成形术( Percutaneous vertebroplasty,PVP)和经皮椎体后凸成形术(Percutanous kyphoplasty,PKP)治疗重度骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的临床疗效、可行性、安全性.方法回顾性分析2006年1月至2010年12月收治重度骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折患者并获得随访34例,PVP治疗19例25个椎体,PKP治疗15例20个椎体.观察两组患者间SF-36评分、伤椎高度恢复、骨水泥渗漏及随访期间伤椎高度丢失情况、临近椎体骨折情况.结果 PVP组和PKP组患者在术中骨水泥渗漏率、末次随访时SF-36评分、末次随访时临近椎体骨折发生率间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).在椎体复位效果的观察指标上,PKP组术后椎体前缘间、椎体上下终板中心间高度恢复量、术后后凸角度恢复值、末次随访后凸角度恢复值上与PVP组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),同时在末次随访时PKP组伤椎高度丢失量与PVP组差异也有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 PVP和PKP治疗重度骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折均可显著改善患者症状,PKP具有较好的复位效果,但术后椎体高度丢失明显,在骨水泥渗漏率、相邻椎体骨折发生率指标上相对于PVP未表现出明显优越性.     

微创球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术治疗中老年胸腰椎骨质疏松压缩性骨折

目的 探讨微创球囊扩张椎体后凸成形术(percutaneous kyphoplasty,PKP)在骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩性骨折(osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture,OVCF)的临床疗效及相关问题.方法 采用球囊扩张PKP治疗椎体OVCF 26例,术前患椎明显疼痛,但无神经症状及体征;术前CT示椎体后壁均完整.结果 26例患者腰背部疼痛在术后24 h缓解并下床活动,椎体高度基本恢复,后凸畸形矫正9°,无脊髓神经损伤、骨水泥漏、肺栓塞等并发症.结论 PKP治疗胸腰椎OVCF可有效缓解疼痛,部分恢复椎体高度,疗效满意.     

胸腰段脊柱骨折后路术后迟发后凸畸形的研究

目的探讨胸腰椎骨折后路术后脊柱迟发后凸畸形以及患椎楔变的发展规律.方法随访并回顾了 1975年 1月～ 1999年 12月我院收治的 43例胸腰椎骨折患者,随访 5～ 26年,平均 8.2年.分成两组,第一组为椎弓根钉内固定组;第二组为保守治疗、棘突钢板内固定、哈氏 棒内固定等非椎弓根钉内固定组.分别测量受伤时、术后即刻、术后 1年、术后 2年、最近随 访时患椎的椎体楔变角,上下终板角.结果两组病例中,患椎术前前高、上下终板角以及患椎楔变角均无明显差异( P >0.05).手术后,椎弓根钉组各项指标均恢复.但在最近随访时,各项指标又有不同程度的丢失,术前脊柱后凸(上下终板角)平均为 19.5°,术后平均为 8.6°,最近随访时平均为 20.0°;术前患椎楔变角平均为 20.7°,术后平均为 9.1°, 最近随访时平均为 15.9°.非椎弓根钉固定组在不同阶段随访时的各项指标较受伤时均下降 ,术前后凸平均为 16.6°、术后平均为 14.6°、最近随访时平均为 23.0°;术前患椎楔变角平均为 15.6°,术后平均为 16.6°,最近随访时平均为 22.0°.结论胸腰椎骨折后路椎弓根 钉固定术远期仍存在患椎高度丢失,椎体楔变,在 2年后达到受伤时水平并保持稳定,脊柱后 凸成角畸形却是一个进行性的过程.椎弓根钉固定组的椎体楔变及后凸成角改变程度轻于非椎弓根钉固定组.     

经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗老年新鲜骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折

目的探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗老年新鲜骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折(OVCF)的临床疗效。方法采用PKP治疗86例老年新鲜OVCF患者,观察手术一般情况、术后并发症情况及疗效。结果患者均获得随访,时间1~3年。VAS评分、ODI、椎体后凸Cobb角、椎体前缘及中部高度变化等5项指标术后2 d及末次随访均较术前显著改善,差异均有统计学意义(P0.01,P0.05)。未出现骨水泥椎管内渗漏、神经或神经根损伤、肺栓塞等严重并发症。结论 PKP治疗老年新鲜OVCF疗效确切,手术出血量少,并发症少,术后患者症状和体征改善显著。     

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.     

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.     

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.