肝切除术后短期内乙型肝炎再活动的观察

目的探讨乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)相关的肝细胞癌患者行肝切除术后短期(1个月)内乙型肝炎再活动的发生情况和危险因素。方法回顾性分析2015年1~12月期间在四川大学华西医院行部分肝切除术的HBV相关肝细胞癌患者的临床资料,并分析影响乙型肝炎再活动发生率的危险因素。结果 214例患者中有15例(7.0%)患者在术后短期内发生了乙型肝炎再活动。单因素分析结果显示,术前HBV-DNA阴性(P=0.023)及乙型肝炎e抗原阳性(P=0.001)与乙型肝炎再活动的发生有关,进一步进行多因素分析结果显示,术前HBV-DNA阴性[OR=9.21,95%置信区间为(2.40,35.45),P=0.001]及乙型肝炎e抗原阳性[OR=20.51,95%置信区间为(5.41,77.73),P0.001]为部分肝切除术后乙型肝炎再活动的独立危险因素。结论 HBV相关肝细胞癌患者行部分肝切除术后短期内可能出现乙型肝炎再活动,尤其是对于术前HBV-DNA阴性及乙型肝炎e抗原阳性患者在术后短期内应加强HBV-DNA水平的监测,若一旦出现乙型肝炎再活动,应立即启动抗病毒治疗。     

腹腔镜肝切除术在肥胖肝癌患者中的应用价值

目的:探讨肥胖对腹腔镜肝切除术的影响。方法:采用回顾性病例对照研究方法,收集2015年1月至2017年8月收治的75例体重指数≥25 kg/m~2的肝细胞癌患者的临床资料。其中38例行腹腔镜肝切除术(腹腔镜组),37例行开腹肝切除术(开腹组)。对比两组手术相关临床指标、术后并发症发生率;对术后并发症进行多因素分析,了解术后并发症的相关危险因素。结果:与开腹组相比,腹腔镜组手术时间更短[(191.9±68.4)min vs.(224.6±70.7)min,P=0.045],术中出血量更少[(260.1±154.5)ml vs.(338.1±160.8)ml,P=0.036],住院时间更短[(10.2±3.3)d vs.(14.0±4.5)d,P=0.000]。两组术后并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(20.1%vs.24.3%,P=0.735)。开腹组体重指数与手术时间(P=0.000)、术中出血量(P=0.027)呈正相关。腹腔镜组体重指数与手术时间(P=0.835)、术中出血量(P=0.791)无关。腹腔镜组经多因素分析提示,ICGR 15(OR=13.965,95%CI:1.098~177.533,P=0.042)、肝硬度值(OR=15.564,95%CI:1.076~225.203,P=0.044)是影响术后并发症的独立危险因素,而开腹组中肝硬度值(OR=30.843,95%CI:2.118~449.210,P=0.012)、BMI(OR=18.308,95%CI:1.222~274.216,P=0.035)是影响术后并发症的独立危险因素。结论:肥胖对开腹肝癌切除术具有较大影响,此类患者选择腹腔镜肝切除术更具优势。     

合并肝硬化的肝细胞癌病人预后相关因素分析

目的:探讨合并肝硬化的肝细胞癌病人肝切除术后预后的影响因素。方法:收集我院1996年至2001年共415例合并肝硬化肝细胞癌病人的临床病例资料,随访终止于2009年9月1日,死亡为终点事件。分析影响合并肝硬化肝细胞癌病人术后累积复发率和总体生存率的危险因素。结果:术中大出血组(术中出血量>600 mL)和非大出血(对照)组(≤600 mL)的1、3、5、10年累积复发率分别为49.9%、61.4%、70.6%、81.8%和32.2%、52.3%、60.8%、72.0%(P=0.040);总体生存率分别为75.0%、33.3%、25.1%、9.8%和83.5%、58.1%、48.1%、36.0%。大出血组与对照组具有显著统计学差异(P5 cm(HR=1.73,P5 cm(HR=1.82,P5 cm、微血管侵犯、肿瘤无包膜和术中出血量>600 mL能显著影响合并肝硬化肝细胞癌病人的预后。其中,术中大出血对远期生存的影响最为显著。     

肝切除联合肝断面射频消融治疗伴有微血管侵犯肝细胞癌的临床研究

目的探讨肝切除术中联合肝断面射频消融术对于伴有微血管侵犯(MVI)肝细胞癌早期复发的影响。方法将2015年6月至2020年6月收治的82例肝细胞癌患者分为两组。联合治疗组(n=41)采用非解剖性肝切除联合术中肝断面射频消融治疗, 单纯肝切除组(n=41)仅采用非解剖性肝切除术。根据术后MVI病理诊断结果将患者进一步分为MVI阳性亚组和MVI阴性亚组, 并分别比较亚组中采用联合治疗和单纯肝切除治疗患者的无复发生存率。结果两组患者的基线资料差异无统计学意义。联合治疗组的无复发生存率与单纯肝切除组相比差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.177, P=0.674), 但在亚组分析中, 对MVI阳性患者联合治疗的无复发生存率高于单纯肝切除治疗, 差异有统计学意义(χ2=5.096, P=0.024);对于MVI阴性患者, 两种治疗方式的无复发生存率差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.688, P=0.407)。多因素分析显示仅肿瘤直径(HR=1.32, 95%CI 1.02～1.72, P=0.036)为局部切缘复发的独立危险因素;而手术方式(HR=0.15, 95%CI 0.04～0.52, P=0.003)...     

结直肠癌患者术后急性肾损伤的相关因素分析

目的分析影响结直肠癌患者术后发生急性肾功能损伤(AKI)的相关因素。方法回顾性分析2018年1月至2021年6月在郑州大学附属肿瘤医院接受结直肠癌手术376例患者的临床资料, 根据改善全球肾脏病预后组织AKI诊断标准将患者分为AKI组(n=29)和非AKI组(n=347), 比较两组患者的人口学信息、围手术期状况、实验室检查结果, 采用多因素Logistic分析结直肠癌患者术后发生AKI的独立危险因素。结果 376例患者中有29例(7.7%)患者术后发生AKI。多因素分析显示:术前合并高血压(OR=3.487, 95%CI:1.081～11.251, P=0.037)、术前贫血(OR=3.158, 95%CI:1.114～8.953, P=0.031)、术中输注晶体量不足(OR=0.998, 95%CI:0.997～0.999, P=0.007)、术中最低平均动脉压值较低(OR=0.915, 95%CI:0.863～0.970, P=0.003)及术后Hb中～重度下降(OR=4.105, 95%CI:1.487～11.335, P=0.006)是结直肠癌患者术后发生AKI的独立危险因素...     

结直肠癌根治性切除术后延迟性肠麻痹的危险因素分析

目的探讨结直肠癌根治术后患者发生延迟性术后肠麻痹(PPOI)的危险因素。方法回顾性分析2016年1月至2022年12月期间青岛大学附属医院896例行根治性结直肠癌切除术患者的临床资料, 根据术后是否发生PPOI将患者分为PPOI组(59例)和非PPOI组(837例)。通过单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析发生PPOI的危险因素。采用受试者工作特征曲线评估潜在预后因素的预测效能。结果 896例患者中59例患者(6.5%)术后发生PPOI。单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析显示, 糖尿病(OR=2.360, P=0.018)、术前血清白蛋白水平<35 g/L(OR=2.196, P=0.036)、术后硬膜外镇痛(OR=2.399, P=0.007)、开放手术(OR=3.413, P=0.001)以及ICU住院时间≥48 h(OR=6.134, P<0.001)是发生PPOI的独立危险因素。联合上述危险因素构建受试者工作特征曲线得到曲线下面积为0.806(95%CI:0.698～0.838), 准确度、敏感度、特异性分别为73.9%、74.0%、72.9%。结论糖尿病、术...     

胰十二指肠切除术后感染并发症相关危险因素的Meta分析

目的探讨胰十二指肠切除术后感染并发症发生的危险因素。方法收集2005年1月至2016年9月间Pub Med、中国知网、万方等数据库公开发表的有关胰十二指肠切除术后感染并发症危险因素的文献,运用固定或随机模型对各个因素进行合并分析。结果共纳入9项研究、1 386例胰十二指肠切除术患者。Meta分析结果显示,术后感染组患者血清白蛋白水平低于术后非感染组(WMD=-3.56,95%CI:-6.01,-1.10,P=0.005);术后感染组手术时间长于非感染组(WMD=37.65,95%CI:20.81~54.49,P0.0001);围手术期输血的患者术后感染率高于未输血的患者(OR=1.62,95%CI:1.15~2.28,P=0.006);术后发生胰瘘的患者术后感染率高于无胰瘘的患者(OR=4.96,95%CI:2.68~9.18,P0.00001)。术前胆道引流(OR=1.15,95%CI:0.86~1.55,P=0.34)、术中出血量(WMD=35.34,95%CI:-18.37~89.04,P=0.20)、术前总胆红素水平(WMD=-0.16,95%CI:-1.12~0.81,P=0.75)、是否合并糖尿病(OR=1.06,95%CI:0.59~1.91,P=0.85)等因素在两组间无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论低白蛋白水平、手术时间长、输血以及术后胰瘘是胰十二指肠切除术后感染的危险因素,而术前胆道引流、术中出血量、术前胆红素水平、是否合并糖尿病与术后感染并发症无明显相关性。     

肝癌肝切除术后持续低蛋白血症的相关因素分析

目的 探讨影响原发性肝细胞癌(HCC)肝切除术后持续低蛋白血症的因素.方法 回顾性分析2007年3月至2010年7月川北医学院附属医院收治的行肝切除术的88例HCC患者的临床资料.用Logistic同归模型对肝切除术后持续低蛋白血症发生的相关因素进行单因素和多因素分析.应用ROC曲线评估术后持续低蛋白血症发生的风险,并作风险等级划分.结果 共有17例患者术后持续低蛋白血症.单因素分析结果显示,腹腔积液、Child分级、肿瘤直径、术中出血量及输血量、术前ALP及Hb、术前WBC≥10×109/L、术前AST等于或高于正常值2倍以及肝门阻断等与术后持续低蛋白血症的发生相关( OR=2.592,5.154,6.848,2.249,3.336,5.296,0.285,15.000,3.281,1.716,P＜0.05).多因素分析结果显示肿瘤直径、术前Hb、肝门阻断是影响患者术后是否发生持续低蛋白血症的独立危险因素(Wald=9.326,6.151,4.253,P＜0.05).不同风险等级的患者术后持续低蛋白血症的发生率差异有统计学意义(x2=18.607,P＜0.05).结论 术前纠正贫血、术中尽量采用半肝阻断能减少术后持续低蛋白血症发生的风险.     

颈动脉体瘤切除术后缺血性脑卒中的危险因素分析

目的探讨颈动脉体瘤(CBT)切除术后缺血性脑卒中(IS)的发生原因及预防方法。方法回顾性分析2005年1月至2014年12月我科行CBT切除术患者128例的临床资料,共6例术后发生IS,对围手术期及手术中相关因素进行单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析,筛选CBT术后发生IS的危险因素。结果 6例术后IS患者均成功切除CBT,1例行自体大隐静脉移植重建颈内动脉,2例行颈外动脉切除术。发生IS的平均时间为术后(13.83±5.03)小时,1例死亡。单因素分析显示:颈动脉无症状性斑块(P=0.009)、术中收缩压差值(P=0.017)、术前/后收缩压差值(P=0.014)、术前FDP值(P=0.032)等因素在IS组及非IS组间比较差异有统计学意义。Logistic回归分析显示:术前FDP值于两组间比较差异有统计学意义(OR=1.163,95%CI:1.038~1.304,P=0.009)。结论术前全面评估、术中合理操作是提高CBT手术安全性的关键,围手术期对高危人群的识别,对预防CBT患者术后发生IS意义重大。     

非心脏手术患者全麻后早期谵妄的危险因素分析

目的 分析非心脏手术全身麻醉后早期谵妄发生的术前和术中危险因素.方法 2009年6月全身麻醉下接受择期非心脏手术且术后在麻醉恢复室留观患者228例符合研究入选标准,根据CAM-ICU诊断标准分为谵妄组和非谵妄组,收集21个术前因素,14个术中因素,分析与早期术后谵妄相关的危险因素.结果 两组间8个术前变量(年龄、ASA分级、术前血钙、血肌酐、血糖、总胆红素和/或直接胆红素、血清总蛋白和/或白蛋白、恶性疾病)和6个术中变量(手术类型、手术部位、麻醉维持方式、术中总输液量,术中总体液丢失量和手术时间)差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).Logistic回归分析显示吸入麻醉(OR＝6.3,P<0.05)、恶性疾病(OR=3.5,P<0.01)、高ASA分级(OR=3.4,P<0.01)、直接或间接胆红素增高(OR=2.5,P<0.05)以及开放手术(OR＝2.4,P<0.05)是早期术后谵妄的危险因素.结论 吸入麻醉、恶性疾病、高ASA分级、术前直接或间接胆红素增高和开放手术是择期非心脏手术后早期谵妄发生的危险因素.     

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.