基于影像学角度进行脊髓型颈椎病发病的多因素Logistic回归分析

目的基于影像学角度进行脊髓型颈椎病(Cervical spondylotic myelopathy,CSM)发病的多因素Logistic回归分析,为CSM的防治提供理论依据。方法纳入2015年12月~2017年12月收治的72例CSM患者,选择同期72例无症状颈椎退变性脊髓压迫(asymptomatic spondylotic cervical cord compression,A-SCCC)患者,设为CSM组与A-SCCC组。收集两组患者X线、CT、MRI等影像资料,并进行单因素分析和多因素logistic回归分析,以确定CSM发病的独立危险因素。结果单因素分析显示,两组患者颈椎不稳、MRI T2WI高信号、脊髓压迫物类型、发育性颈椎管狭窄差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);多因素logistic回归分析显示,颈椎不稳(OR=2.766)、混合型压迫物(OR=2.542)、MRI T2WI高信号(OR=2.986)是CSM发病的独立危险因素。结论CSM与A-SCCC影像学表现存在明显差异,包括颈椎不稳、混合型压迫物、MRI T2WI高信号等均可增加CSM的发病风险。     

颈椎MRI T2WI像颈髓高信号对脊髓型颈椎病预后的影响

脊髓型颈椎病MRI脊髓局限性T2WI像高信号(Increased signal intensity,ISI)是指在颈髓病变部位及(或)相邻部位,MRI T2WI像出现一个有(或无)明显边缘的高密度区,有时可同时伴有T1WI像低信号,临床上一般称之为脊髓水肿或脊髓囊性改变。现将近年来对ISI与脊髓型颈椎病患者预后关系的研究综述如下。1MRI T2WI像颈髓高信号出现的病理机制一般认为颈椎病患者在颈椎伸屈运动时会造成脊髓的慢性压迫、损伤而出现脊髓高信号。颈椎前屈活动时随着颈椎生理弧度的减小,椎体后缘增生骨赘、退变突出的椎间盘组织和增厚骨化的后纵韧带等将进一…     

脊髓型颈椎病脊髓MRI信号改变与临床预后关系的研究进展

脊髓型颈椎病(cervical spondylotic myelopathy,CSM)是脊柱外科常见的颈椎退变性疾病,是颈髓长期受压变性所引发的一系列脊髓功能受损的临床症候群.磁共振(magnetic resonance imaging,MRI)因可清楚地显示脊髓受压程度和髓内信号改变,已广泛应用于CSM的临床影像诊断.CSM脊髓MRI信号改变是指CSM患者颈椎MRI中,在颈髓受压部位和(或)相邻部位,T2WI出现一个或多个边缘模糊或清晰的高信号区(increased signal intensity,ISI),可同时伴有T1WI低信号(low signal intensity,LSI).自Takahashi等[1]于1987年首先报道CSM患者颈椎MRI出现髓内ISI至今,CSM脊髓MRI信号改变得到越来越多学者的关注和研究,但其临床意义尚存在较大争议,尤其体现在脊髓MRI信号改变与临床预后关系方面.现将近年来关于此方面的研究进展综述如下.     

脊髓型颈椎病患者椎间隙狭窄程度与颈椎不稳的关系

目的探讨脊髓型颈椎病(cervicalspondyloticmyelopathy,CSM)患者椎间隙狭窄程度与颈椎不稳和脊髓压迫部位的关系及其对术式选择的意义。方法回顾性分析35例伴有椎间隙明显狭窄的CSM患者的动态X线和MRI表现,观察颈椎不稳和脊髓压迫部位与狭窄椎间隙的关系,并与同期75例椎间隙接近正常的CSM患者比较。结果伴有椎间隙明显狭窄的CSM患者组中,25例狭窄椎间隙上方的邻近椎体出现不稳(71.4%),21例上方邻近椎间盘明显退变(60%)。椎间隙接近正常的CSM患者组,17例存在节段性颈椎不稳(22.7%)。结论CSM患者明显狭窄椎间隙的上方邻近椎体有失稳倾向,上方邻近椎间盘有加速退变的趋势。手术时应注意对邻近节段的处理。     

颈椎动力位MRI在无骨折脱位型脊髓损伤治疗方案选择中的价值

目的探讨应用颈椎动力位MRI在无骨折脱位型脊髓损伤治疗方案选择中的价值。方法自2014年6月至2015年12月,11例颈椎外伤后出现肢体麻木无力的患者,通过X线及CT未发现明显骨折脱位,中立位MRI发现可疑损伤节段20个,再次行过屈位及过伸位MRI,判断椎管狭窄程度变化以及脊髓高信号损伤出现的情况,从而辅助制定治疗策略。结果中立位MRI上20个可疑损伤节段中,90%(18/20)节段颈椎过伸位MRI上椎管狭窄程度加重,55%(11/20)节段在颈椎过伸位MRI上椎管狭窄程度加重1级,35%(7/20)节段加重2级,10%(2/20)节段无变化(但其中包含一个在中立位即表现为3级椎管狭窄的);过屈位上,25%(5/20)节段椎管狭窄程度减轻1级,75%(15/20)节段无变化。70%(14/20)可疑损伤节段在任何体位均未出现T2像上颈脊髓高信号,10%(2/20)可疑损伤节段仅在过伸位上出现T2像上颈脊髓高信号,20%(4/20)可疑损伤节段在任何体位均出现T2像上颈脊髓高信号。根据中立位MRI,30%(6/20)节段明确脊髓受压具有手术指证,且均考虑行颈椎前路手术;根据过伸位MRI,60%(12/20)可疑损伤节段因明确脊髓受压具有手术指证,且有3个患者共因出现多节段椎管狭窄由原计划的前路手术改为后路手术。结论颈椎动力位MRI可以进一步揭示颈脊髓的动态压迫,是对常规中立位MRI的重要补充,对颈椎无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤患者治疗方案的制定具有重要意义,对于手术方法及手术节段的选择具有重要的辅助参考价值。     

脊髓型颈椎病患者脊髓MRI T2加权像高信号改变和维生素B12水平的关系

目的探讨脊髓型颈椎病(CSM)患者脊髓MRI T2加权像(MRI T2WI)高信号改变与血清维生素B12水平之间的关系。方法 2007年6月—2010年6月,本院共收治确诊CSM患者91例,按照脊髓MRI T2WI有无高信号改变对患者进行分组,有高信号改变为研究组(47例),无高信号改变为对照组(44例)。对患者的血清维生素B12水平进行检测,并分析维生素B12水平与MRI T2WI高信号、性别、年龄、脊髓受压程度之间的关系。结果有高信号改变患者血清维生素B12水平明显降低,与无高信号改变患者相比差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。高信号改变和维生素B12水平下降具有相关性。结论脊髓MRI T2WI高信号改变和血清维生素B12水平存在相关性,血清维生素B12水平可能与CSM的发生相关。     

动态颈椎MRI对脊髓型颈椎病的研究进展

颈椎MRI对脊髓型颈椎病(cervical spondylotic myelopathy,CSM)诊断价值毋庸置疑,但是不少学者发现:多数CSM患者脊髓压迫重,临床症状也重,但有些患者脊髓压迫程度较轻而临床症状较重,也有些患者脊髓压迫程度较重而临床症状较轻.为何出现CSM患者的临床表现和影像学检查不一致的现象?纵观国内常规拍摄的颈椎MRI不难发现:传统的仰卧位颈椎MRI不能全面地、彻底的评估脊柱及其内部脊髓正常或异常状态.人类的自然状态包括承重状态下的躯体状态和复杂的动态姿势,目前,常规颈椎MRI的检查设备没有考虑这些因素.而动态或承重颈椎MRI技术能很好的观察颈椎的退行性变:隐蔽的负重性疾病(例如,局灶性椎间盘突出、脊柱椎管狭窄)以及运动依赖性疾病(例如椎间盘突出、椎管狭窄、动力性不稳定).因此,动态颈椎MRI相对常规颈椎MRI能较早发现CSM病理性改变,就此,查阅国内外近期相关文献,将动态颈椎MRI对CSM的早期诊断和治疗价值的研究进展作如下综述.     

脊髓型颈椎病MRI T2信号变化与颈椎活动度的关系

目的探讨脊髓型颈椎病患者MRI T2 WI病理信号变化的危险因素。MRI T2 WI信号变化在脊髓型颈椎病患者经常出现,信号强度的不同反映了脊髓的不同病理改变和颈椎病的发生和发展,但目前没有对引起MRI T2 WI信号变化的危险因素进行探讨,尤其是对颈椎病的发生和发展有着重要影响的颈椎动态特性。方法自2009年5月至2012年5月,符合研究纳入标准的71例脊髓型颈椎病患者纳入本研究。按MRI T2 WI信号强度分为三组：组1,信号无增强;组2,信号轻微增强;组3,信号明显增强。颈椎动态指标采用测量直立位颈椎过屈过伸侧位片Cobb角。结果各组间年龄、症状持续时间、术前JOA评分及性别比例差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。各组间颈椎整体过屈、过伸弧度、活动度,颈椎节段过屈差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。组1与组2、组3在节段过伸弧度与节段活动度差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,组2和组3在节段过伸弧度与节段活动度差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论颈椎节段过伸弧度和活动度增加是脊髓型颈椎病MRI T2 WI出现高信号变化的危险因素。     

单节段人工椎间盘置换治疗颈椎病的中长期疗效

目的:评价单节段颈椎人工椎间盘置换(cervical disc arthroplasty,CDA)对颈椎病的中长期治疗效果。方法:2003年12月～2005年12月采用前瞻、随机、对照研究单节段Bryan假体CDA与传统前路颈椎减压融合(ACDF)手术治疗颈椎病的疗效,所有患者均按统一的纳入、排除标准进入临床研究,共80例,随机分为两组,并进行均衡性检验,一组进行CDA手术,另一组进行ACDF手术,术后经1d、3个月、6个月、1年、2年、5年及2012年6月的末次随访。其中CDA组32例、ACDF组35例完成了随访,应用动力位X线片观察置换间隙活动度,采用McAfee异位骨化分级方法评定颈椎间盘置换术后异位骨化情况,在MRI T2加权像上采用Miyaza-ki颈椎间盘退变分级方法评定两组相邻节段椎间盘退变情况,采用颈椎活动障碍指数(NDI)和疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)评价术后症状改善程度。结果:本组病例随访7.2~9.6年,平均8.8年。CDA组假体位置良好,无塌陷或移位发生,末次随访时矢状面假体置换间隙活动度1.20°~8.20°,平均6.35°±1.45°;32例患者中8例(25%)置换间隙发生异位骨化,其中2例(6.25%)置换节段丧失活动度;翻修3例,1例因头侧邻近间隙退变、颈椎间盘突出压迫脊髓;2例因头侧跳跃间隙后方骨赘压迫脊髓;末次随访时置换间隙相邻的其他63个节段中22个椎间盘退变分级加重1级,8个加重2级,但无相关临床症状出现。ACDF组融合率100%,翻修3例,2例因头侧邻近间隙退变、存在神经症状;1例因尾侧邻近间隙退变,压迫脊髓;其余67个相邻节段中34个椎间盘退变分级加重1级,15个加重2级,但均无相关临床症状出现。末次随访时CDA组的NDI、颈部VAS及上肢VAS评分分别为16.83±3.12、1.17±0.41及1.96±0.51分,ACDF组分别为17.21±3.53、1.23±0.35及1.86±0.62分,较术前均显著改善,但两组间比较无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:颈椎人工椎间盘置换术与ACDF手术治疗单节段颈椎病的中长期临床疗效间无显著性差异,颈椎人工椎间盘置换节段术后中长期可以保持一定活动度,相邻节段椎间盘退变情况好于ACDF组,可以作为单节段颈椎病的手术选择方式。     

脊髓型颈椎病MRI T2WI高信号与患者手术预后关系的Meta分析

脊髓型颈椎病(cervical spondylotic myelopathy,CSM)是一种退行性疾病,常伴有脊髓损害。Takahashi等首先描述了CSM患者MRI上T2加权像(T2-weighted images,T2WI)可出现脊髓高信号的现象,并     

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.