罗格列酮对糖尿病大鼠肾保护机制的研究

目的探讨罗格列酮对糖尿病肾损害的保护作用机制。方法单次腹腔注射50mg/kg链脲佐菌素制备糖尿病大鼠模型,糖尿病大鼠随机分成糖尿病组、罗格列酮治疗组(5mg·kg-1·d-1),和正常对照组。用免疫组化、RT-PCR及Western印迹的方法检测8周后过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体(PPAR)γ、TGF-β1表达的改变。结果与正常对照组相比,糖尿病组及治疗组PPARγ及TGF-β1表达增加(P<0.05);而治疗组PPARγ及TGF-β1表达显著低于糖尿病组(P<0.05)。结论罗格列酮可通过活化PPARγ,下调TGF-β1,显著减少糖尿病大鼠尿蛋白,从而延缓肾脏损伤。     

银杏叶提取物对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾脏的TGF-β_1表达影响

目的：观察银杏叶提取物（EGB）对单侧输尿管梗阻（UUO）大鼠肾组织转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）参与的肾间质纤维化的影响。方法：建立UUO大鼠模型,分组：UUO组、治疗组（UUO＋EGB）、对照组（假手术组）。治疗组给予EGB200mg·kg^-1.d^-1灌胃,用免疫组化方法检测术后7d、10d、14d的肾组织TGF-β1表达量并观察肾脏病理改变及测定肾功能、血TGF-β1等指标。结果：治疗组与UUO组相比,治疗组的肾组织TGF-β1表达及血TGF-β1水平均明显降低（P〈0.01）,肾间质炎性细胞浸润、肾小管扩张、萎缩及肾间质纤维化均较UUO组减轻,并且血TGF-β变化与病理轻重相平行。结论：银杏叶提取物可通过下调肾组织TGF-β1减轻UUO术后肾组织间质纤维化。     

美沙拉嗪对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾间质NF-κB和TGF-β1表达的影响

目的 观察单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型肾间质核因子κB (NF-κB)、转化生长因子β1 (TGF-β1)的表达变化,探讨美沙拉嗪干预后对其表达的影响.方法 将30只雌性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(SOR组)、模型组(UUO组)、美沙拉嗪治疗组(MES组),每组10只.建立单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型72 h后灌胃给药:MES组给予美沙拉嗪(200 mg·kg-1 ·d-1)灌胃给药;SOR组、UUO组给予等量生理盐水灌胃给药.建模成功后第10天检测各组血肌酐、尿素氮,并取梗阻侧肾组织,行HE及Masson染色观察肾脏病理变化;免疫组织化学检测NF-κB p65和TGF-β1在肾间质的表达和变化.结果 ①UUO组术后第10天梗阻侧肾脏肾小管间质损害指数明显高于SOR组(P＜0.01),MES组则低于UUO组(P＜0.05).②UUO组大鼠肾间质NF-κB p65及TGF-β1表达增加,明显高于SOR组(P＜0.01),MES组则低于UUO组(P＜0.05).结论 单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型肾脏存在肾小管间质的炎症损伤和纤维化,美沙拉嗪通过抑制NF-κB p65和TGF-β1表达而减轻肾间质炎性损害和纤维化.     

丹酚酸B对输尿管梗阻大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化的影响

目的:探讨丹酚酸B对输尿管梗阻大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化影响及作用机制.方法:雄性SD大鼠,建立单侧输尿管梗阻模型(UUO).设假手术组、模型组、治疗组(丹酚酸B 30 mg·kg-1·d-1)术后第9天处死各组大鼠.采用光镜观察肾间质纤维化、炎细胞浸润,免疫组化观察肾组织转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和Vimentin蛋白表达的变化.结果:(1)治疗组大鼠肾间质纤维化程度较模型组明显减轻;(2)UUO模型第9天时大鼠肾组织TGF-β、α-SMA和Vimentin表达明显增强,炎细胞浸润明显增加.采用丹酚酸B治疗后,肾组织TGF-β1、α-SMA和Vimentin表达的异常增强能得到有效抑制,炎细胞浸润明显减少.结论:丹酚酸B具有减轻肾组织纤维化的作用,而这一作用与其能有效抑制炎细胞浸润和TGF-β1过度表达,进一步阻押肾小管上皮细胞转分化(EMT)有关.     

怡肾丸对单侧输尿管结扎模型大鼠肾脏TGF-β1及P38MAPK表达的影响

目的:观察不同时相单侧输尿管结扎(UUO)模型大鼠肾脏组织,通过测定肾脏组织TGF-β1及丝裂原活化蛋白激酶p38(P38MAPK)的含量,探讨怡肾丸是否是通过阻断P38MAPK信号传导通路来延缓肾间质纤维化的发展从而达到保护肾脏的目的。方法:采用UUO诱导的肾间质纤维化模型,分别于造模后3、7、14d三个时间点处死该时间点大鼠,并用免疫组化法检测大鼠肾脏TGF-β1及P38MAPK的表达。结果:(1)怡肾丸组对改善大鼠活动等均优于其余各组;(2)通过采用HE及Masson染色观察UUO大鼠肾小管间质组织形态学的改变;(3)免疫组化结果提示怡肾丸组及依那普利组肾小管上皮细胞TGF-β1及P38MAPK的表达低于模型组。结论:(1)P38MAPK的活性在大鼠梗阻性肾病组织中随时间增加明显增高,提示P38MAPK的活化与肾间质纤维化有正相关。(2)怡肾丸可能通过抑制TGF-β1及P38MAPK的表达,减轻炎症反应和纤维化程度,从而达到保护肾脏、延缓肾间质纤维化的作用。     

过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ配体抑制大鼠肝纤维化的实验研究

目的 研究过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(peroxisome proliferator activated receptorgamma,PPARγ)配体对大鼠肝纤维化的作用.方法 将Wistar大鼠40只随机分为两组,对照组(20只)和罗格列酮组(20只).所有动物使用饮水中加人质量比0.3‰硫代乙酰胺的方法 制作肝纤维化模型.对照组喂饲普通颗粒饲料.罗格列酮组喂饲含200 ppm罗格列酮的颗粒饲料.喂饲6个月后,用RT-PCR方法 检测肝纤维化大鼠肝脏PPARγ、TGF-β 1 及Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达,用Westernblot法检测PPARγ、TGF-β 1 、Ⅰ型胶原及α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)表达,用Van Gieson(VG)染色的方法 检测肝组织切片的胶原表达情况.结果 罗格列酮组与对照组相比,PPARγmRNA表达显著增强(t=6.93,P<0.01),TGF-β 1 mRNA(t=3.89,P<0.01)和Ⅰ型前胶原mRNA表达显著降低(t=5.67,P<0.01).PPARγ、TGF-β 1 及Ⅰ型胶原蛋白表达所得结果 与RT-PCR结果 相一致.罗格列酮组与对照组相比,α-SMA表达显著降低(t=3.12,P<0.01).罗格列酮组肝组织切片的胶原染色低于对照组(t=3.47,P<0.01).结论 PPARγ配体能够抑制大鼠纤维化肝脏的胶原产生,在体内具有一定的抗肝纤维化作用.     

人参皂甙Rg1对梗阻肾的保护作用

目的:探讨人参皂甙Rg1(G- Rg1)对梗阻肾的保护作用。方法:建立大鼠单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)模型。假手术组:未行输尿管结扎即关腹;非治疗组:行左侧输尿管结扎后关腹;G- Rg1 组:行左侧输尿管结扎后关腹,并给予G -Rg1灌胃[120 mg/(kg·d)]。全部大鼠1 周后处死,取出左肾常规固定。免疫组织化学染色法检测Bax、PCNA、TGF -β1蛋白表达水平,并应用计算机图文系统进行分析。结果:UUO大鼠肾小管上皮细胞、肾间质细胞中Bax、PCNA蛋白表达显著增多,肾间质、肾小球中TGF- β1 蛋白表达显著增多。G- Rg1 明显抑制UUO大鼠肾小管上皮细胞中Bax蛋白表达(P<0.05),促进PCNA蛋白表达(P<0.05);抑制肾间质和肾小球中TGF- β1蛋白表达(P<0.05)。结论:Bax在梗阻肾小管上皮细胞凋亡、TGF- β1 在间质纤维化和肾小球硬化中可能起着重要的作用。G -Rg1可能有抑制梗阻肾小管上皮细胞凋亡、促进上皮细胞增殖、抑制间质纤维化和肾小球硬化的作用。     

美沙拉嗪对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾间质NF—kB和TGF—β1表达的影响

目的观察单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型肾间质核因子-kB（NF-kB）、转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）的表达变化,探讨美沙拉嗪干预后对其表达的影响。方法将30只雌性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组（SOR组）、模型组（UUO组）、美沙拉嗪治疗组（MES组）,每组10只。建立单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型72h后灌胃给药：MES组给予美沙拉嗪（200mg·kg-1·d-1）灌胃给药;SOR组、UUO组给予等量生理盐水灌胃给药。建模成功后第10天检测各组血肌酐、尿素氮,并取梗阻侧。肾组织,行HE及Masson染色观察肾脏病理变化;免疫组织化学检测NF-xBp65和TGF-β1在肾间质的表达和变化。结果①UUO组术后第10天梗阻侧肾脏肾小管间质损害指数明显高于SOR组（P〈0．01）,MES组则低于UUO组（P〈0．05）。②UUO组大鼠。肾间质NF-kB p65及TGF-β1表达增加,明显高于SOR组（P〈0．01）,MES组则低于UUO组（P〈0．05）。结论单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠模型肾脏存在肾小管间质的炎症损伤和纤维化,美沙拉嗪通过抑制NF-kB p65和TGF-β1表达而减轻肾间质炎性损害和纤维化。     

黄芪注射液改善肾间质纤维化的作用机制研究

目的:观察黄芪注射液对肾间质纤维化的改善作用并探讨其机制.方法:以单侧输尿管梗阻(unilateral ureteral obstruction,UUO)大鼠模型为研究对象.将36只SD大鼠随机分为对照组、UUO模型组和黄芪注射液治疗组.治疗组每日给予黄芪注射液(5 ml·kg-1·d-1)腹腔注射,术前1天始至术后第9天止.术后第10天取术侧肾脏组织.HE、PAS和苦味酸-天狼星红染色,观察肾小管间质病理改变、肾皮质相对间质容积和相对胶原含量的变化.免疫组织化学方法检测转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和Ⅰ型胶原在肾间质中的表达.免疫印迹方法检测热休克蛋白47(heat shock protein 47,HSP47)在肾脏中的表达.结果:UUO大鼠模型组和治疗组均出现明显的肾间质纤维化病理改变,但治疗组病变程度相对较轻.肾皮质相对间质容积和相对胶原含量于模型组及治疗组明显高于对照组(P＜0.01),但治疗组明显低于模型组(P＜0.01).免疫组化染色显示:TGF-β1、α-SMA和Ⅰ型胶原表达于模型组和治疗组均明显高于对照组(P＜0.05),但治疗组较模型组有明显减少(P＜0.05).免疫印迹方法显示:HSP47蛋白表达于模型组和治疗组明显高于对照组(P＜0.05),但治疗组较模型组有明显减少(P＜0.05).结论:黄芪注射液对大鼠肾间质纤维化具有明显的改善作用,这种作用部分是通过抑制TGF-β1表达,阻止肾小管上皮细胞转分化,减少胶原合成实现的.     

依普利酮对大鼠单侧输尿管梗阻模型肾间质纤维化的影响

目的：研究依普利酮对大鼠单侧输尿管梗阻（UUO）模型肾间质纤维化的影响,探讨依普利酮的抗肾间质纤维化作用机制。方法：42只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分成假手术（SO）组、UUO组和UUO＋依普利酮治疗组（T-UUO组,依普利酮100mg.kg-1.d-1）。于术后7d、14d分别处死各组7只大鼠。免疫组织化学法测定α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-smoothmuscle actin,α-SMA）、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1（monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,MCP-1）、单核细胞/巨噬细胞-1（monocytes/macrophages-1,ED-1）,及增殖细胞核抗原（proliferative cell nuclear antigen,PCNA）的表达。结果：UUO组肾间质α-SMA、MCP-1、ED-1、PCNA的表达较SO组增加（P〈0.05）;在术后各时间点,使用依普利酮治疗的T-UUO组大鼠肾间质α-SMA、MCP-1、ED-1、PCNA的表达较UUO组显著减少（P〈0.05）,但仍高于SO组（P〈0.05）。结论：依普利酮可通过降低α-SMA和MCP-1表达、抑制单核/巨噬细胞浸润和和系膜细胞增生,减轻肾间质纤维化。     

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.