RUNX3基因在肝癌组织的mRNA表达水平及其临床意义

目的 探讨RUNX3基因在肝癌组织和癌旁组织的mRNA表达水平及其与临床病理因素的相关性.方法 采用RT-PCR检测RUNX3基因在51例肝癌组织及其癌旁组织的mRNA表达水平,分析RUNX3基因mRNA表达与临床病理因素的相关性.结果 RUNX3基因在51例肝癌组织的mRNA表达量相对值为0.4509±0.0963;在相应癌旁组织的mRNA表达量相对值为0.9147±0.0222;两者差异有显著统计学意义(t=33.6087,P＜0.001).RUNX3基因mRNA表达水平在分化程度、浸润周围组织、癌栓、肝内转移等病理因素方面的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).在性别、肿瘤直径、肿瘤部位、癌肿出血坏死、组织分型方面的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 RUNX3基因在肝癌组织的mRNA表达水平显著低于在癌旁组织.RUNX3基因mRNA低表达与分化程度、浸润周围组织、癌栓、肝内转移等病理因素相关.RUNX3基因可能是肝癌的一种抑癌基因.     

肝细胞癌中氨基肽酶N(CD13)的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨氨基肽酶N(CD13)在肝细胞癌中的表达水平及其临床意义.方法 应用免疫组织化学染色方法检测CD13在55例肝癌组织及其相应癌旁组织和13例正常肝组织中的表达水平.运用X2检验分析肿瘤组织中CD13表达与临床病理因素的关系.运用Kaplan-Meier法分析肿瘤组织CD13与患者术后总生存时间的关系.结果 CD13在肝癌组织中的阳性表达率为72.73％(40/55),在癌旁组织的阳性表达率为21.81％(12/55),在正常肝组织的阳性表达率为7.69％(1/13).与癌旁组织和正常组织比较,肝癌组织中CDI3的阳性表达率显著升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).进一步分析显示CD13表达与肝癌的分化程度、包膜侵犯、淋巴结转移、门静脉癌栓形成、临床TNM分期等临床病理因素相关(P＜0.05).K-M生存曲线提示肿瘤CD13阳性表达的病例较阴性表达者生存率降低,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).多因素COX逐步回归分析提示CDI3是影响总体生存率预后的独立危险因素.结论 CD13在肝癌的发生和发展中可能发挥重要的作用,可作为肝癌临床诊断和判断预后的一项重要指标.     

Apaf-1基因在肝细胞肝癌中的表达和意义

目的 探讨凋亡蛋白活化因子1(apoptoic protease-activating factor 1,Apaf-1)基因mRNA及其蛋白在肝细胞肝癌(HCC)中的表达和意义.方法 采用逆转录-聚合酶联反应(RT-PCR)和免疫组化(SP)的方法 检测手术切除53例肝癌组织,53例癌旁组织和14例肝血管瘤组织中的Apaf-1基因mRNA及其蛋白的表达情况,同时结合临床病理资料分析其在肝细胞癌中发生、发展的意义.结果 在癌组织中Apaf-1基因mRNA及蛋白的表达率明显降低(分别为45.28%,32.07%),低于癌旁组织(90.56%,79.24%)和肝血管瘤组织(100%,92.85%),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);而癌旁组织和肝血管瘤组织之间的差异无统计学意义.且Apaf-1基因蛋白的表达缺失与患者的HBsAg、Edmondsor分级和有无门静脉癌栓有关,而与患者性别、肿瘤直径和AFP水平无关.结论 Apaf-1基因的表达异常可能对人HCC的发生和发展起着重要作用,可能对临床诊治和判断患者的预后有一定的参考意义.     

Dkk3在肝细胞肝癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的探讨dkk3在肝细胞肝癌中的表达及临床意义。方法 40例肝癌及其癌旁组织,10例正常肝组织采用Real time PCR检测DKK3mNA水平表达情况和228例肝癌组织及癌旁组织石蜡切片采用免疫组织化学方法对DKK3蛋白水平表达情况进行检测;并对228例肝癌患者预后生存率进行分析。结果 DKK3mRNA水平中在肝癌组织中低表达,在正常组织中高表达(P0.05),DKK3蛋白水平在肝癌组织中低表达(P0.05),DKK3蛋白高表达肝癌患者预后生存时间长于低表达(P0.05),差异有统计学意义。结论 DKK3在肝细胞肝癌组织中低表达,说明DKK3是一种抑癌基因,并且预后结果分析提示DKK3有可能在抑制肿瘤增长,分化,转移中发挥作用。     

PPM1D mRNA表达与肝癌预后的相关性研究

目的 :探讨PPM1D m RNA表达与肝癌预后的相关性。方法:提取86例肝癌患者癌组织及癌旁肝组织总RNA,q PCR法检测PPM1D m RNA表达量,免疫组化检测蛋白表达水平。根据癌旁肝组织中PPM1D m RNA表达量,将肝癌患者分组为高表达组与低表达组,对两组患者临床资料及生存时间进行统计分析。结果:PPM1D m RNA在肝癌组织中表达水平显著高于癌旁组织,免疫组化检测蛋白表达水平证实上述结果。以癌旁肝组织PPM1D m RNA表达量为阈值,高表达组56例,低表达组30例。两组患者的AFP水平、肿瘤大小、肿瘤TNM分期以及肿瘤复发、家族史等临床病理因素差异有统计学意义(P0.01);年龄、性别、门静脉侵犯、淋巴结转移、HBV感染及酒精摄入史等因素差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。高表达组患者中位生存期为13个月,低表达组为32个月。结论:PPM1D m RNA表达水平可能与肝癌恶性程度相关,可能成为肝癌预后的预测因子。     

EphA7基因在原发性肝细胞癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨原发性肝细胞癌中EphA7 mRNA的表达及其临床意义.方法 应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)及实时荧光定量PCR法检测EphA7 mRNA在40例肝癌及相应的癌旁肝组织和10例正常肝组织中的表达,并分析其与肝癌临床病理因素之间的关系.结果 40例肝癌组织及相应的癌旁肝组织和10例正常肝组织中均有EphA7 mRNA的表达.实时荧光定量PCR分析显示EphA7 mRNA在肝癌组织(20.0711±32.0232)中的表达显著高于癌旁肝组织(4.5184±9.4738,P＜0.05)和正常肝组织(4.1764±4.7193,P＜0.05),而在癌旁肝组织和正常肝组织中的表达差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).EphA7 mRNA的过表达与肝癌细胞的分化程度、门静脉癌栓的形成及淋巴结转移等临床病理因素有关(P＜0.05).结论 EphA7的过表达与原发性肝细胞癌的生物学行为密切相关,可能在肝癌的恶性转化、侵袭和转移过程中发挥作用.     

miR-338—3p在肝癌组织中的表达及意义

目的 检测miRNA 在肝癌中的表达谱,探讨miR-338-3p 在肝癌组织中的表达及与肝癌临床病理参数的关系和意义.方法 采用液相芯片技术分析20 对肝癌组织与其癌旁组织中114 种miRNA 表达谱的差异.Real-time RT-PCR 验证另36 对肝癌组织中miR-338-3p 下调表达及其与肝癌临床参数的相关性.结果 31 种miRNA 在肝癌组织与非肝癌组织间呈现差异表达,其中12 种miRNA 在癌组织的表达较癌旁组织上调,19 种miRNA 在癌组织中表达下调.miR-338-3p下调表达程度与肝癌恶性程度、肿瘤分化程度、肝内和肝外转移及门静脉癌栓有关,与患者性别、AFP、HBsAg、是否合并肝硬变等不相关（P 〈 0.01）.miR-338-3p 的表达量肝癌组织低于非肿瘤组织,转移性肝癌低于非转移性癌组织,miR-338-3p 的表达量随着肿瘤级别的增加而逐近降低（P 〈0.01）.结论 肝癌组织与癌旁组织之间存在miRNA 差异表达,其中miR-338-3p 下调表达程度与肝恶性行为相关.     

组织因子 mRNA在肝癌患者组织中表达升高的意义

目的 检测组织因子(TF)在肝癌组织中的表达并探讨其临床意义.方法 采用RT-PCR方法检测肝癌、癌旁及对照组肝组织(各27例)中TF mRNA的表达,并结合临床病理资料进行分析.结果 TF在肝癌组织中的表达阳性率及相对表达强度分别为62.96%(17/27)和0.567±0.268,均较癌旁组织的33.33%(9/27)和0.469±0.184及对照组肝组织的29.63%(8/27)和0.353±0.121高(P＜0.05),其相对表达强度与肿瘤大小、肝内和肝外转移及门静脉癌栓有关(P＜0.05),而与患者性别、AFP、HBsAg、是否合并肝硬变、肿瘤分化程度、癌灶数目、包膜浸润及淋巴转移均无关(P＞0.05).结论 TF在肝癌组织中的表达升高与部分侵袭转移指标有关,提示其可能参与了肝细胞癌的发生及侵袭、转移.     

CD146与VEGF在人肝细胞癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的 该研究旨在观察人肝细胞癌(hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC)组织中CD146与VEGF的表达及其关系,探讨它们在HCC中与血管生成的关系及其临床意义.方法 采用免疫组化法检测60例HCC癌组织及癌旁肝组织中CD146、VEGF的表达情况,用CD34标记免疫组化法检测微血管密度(microvessel density,MVD),分析它们的表达与临床病理指标的关系.结果 CD146、VEGF在癌组织中的阳性率分别为66.67%和63.33%,而在癌旁组织中的阳性率分别为30%和33.33%,癌组织与癌旁组织比较差异有显著性(P＜0.05).癌组织的MVD为54.92±8.55/200倍视野,癌旁组织的MVD为21.36±6.63/200倍视野,两者差异有显著性(P＜0.05).与癌旁组织相比,癌组织中CD146、VEGF表达及MVD明显增加.CD146在人肝癌组织中的表达与临床分期、门静脉癌栓及肝外转移明显有关,而与术后复发、肿瘤个数、肿瘤直径、血清AFP水平及肿瘤分化程度无明显关系.VEGF在人肝癌组织中的表达与术后复发、肝外转移、临床分期、门静脉癌栓、肿瘤直径相关,而与肿瘤个数、血清AFP水平及肿瘤分化程度无明显关系.在癌组织中MVD与CD146、VEGF的表达呈正相关,CD146与VEGF亦呈正相关.结论 肝癌组织中CD146及VEGF高表达,与肿瘤血管形成和转移密切相关,分析它们的表达有助于综合判断HCC的预后.     

荧光定量检测肝癌、癌旁组织及外周血AFP mRNA

目的　探讨肝癌、癌旁组织及外周血AFPmRNA的表达意义。方法　应用荧光定量聚合酶链反应 (FQ -PCR)定量检测 30例原发性肝癌术前外周血、肝癌组织、癌旁组织AFPmRNA。结果　肝癌组织AFPmRNA的基因拷贝数与组织的分化程度、有无肝内浸润和 (或 )转移及血清AFP明显相关 ;而与外周血的AFPmRNA的表达相关无显著性 ;肝癌组织与癌旁组织AFPmRNA的表达量差异有显著性。结论　定量检测AFPmRNA表达情况可能判断肝癌组织的分化程度及早期诊断微小肝癌、肝癌的复发和转移 ,并指导治疗 ,判断预后。     

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.