USS椎弓根钉系统治疗下腰椎骨折

目的 报告后路短节段USS椎弓根螺钉治疗L3-5骨折的临床疗效.方法 2000-2006年,共收治下腰椎骨折22例,主要损伤节段,L3骨折12例,L4骨折8例,L5骨折2例,其中有1例为L4-5脱位.按AO进行骨折分类,A类(压缩)17例,B类(分离)2例,C类(扭转)3例.所有病例均采用USS椎弓根螺钉系统固定.术前、术后分别测量病变椎体高度及病变节段前凸角;CT片测量椎管占位率;以Frankel评分系统评价神经功能.结果 随访4个月-30个月,平均16个月.术前伤椎椎节高度为正常椎体的30%-60%,术后恢复至70%-90%,平均83%,术前腰椎前凸角34.40[英文作者]7.50,术后38.10 7.50.术前Frankel评分3.5分,术后4.3分.结论 对于严重的下腰椎骨折脱位,采用USS椎弓根螺     

后路短节段椎弓根螺钉系统治疗胸腰椎骨折脱位伴脊髓损伤

目的探讨脊柱后路减压加短节段椎弓根螺钉系统内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折脱位伴脊髓损伤的疗效。方法对45例上述患者行AF、RF或DSS系统内固定治疗。结果术后平均随访11（5-25）个月,脊柱后凸角由术前平均24.5°恢复到5°;伤椎椎体前缘高度由术前平均51.5%恢复到93.2%。31例患者脊髓神经功能Frankel分级较术前改善1-2级。结论后路减压加短节段椎弓根螺钉系统内固定具有手术操作简单、损伤小、椎管减压充分等优点,有利于脊髓功能的恢复。     

应用Reclvse内固定结合经椎弓根植骨治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

[目的]评价应用Reclvse内固定、经椎弓根植骨治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的疗效,探讨其适应证.[方法]2002年6月～2008年12月,对142例胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者行Reclvse内固定、经椎弓根植骨手术治疗.术前伤椎前缘平均高度49%、脊柱后凸角(Cobb角)平均28°、伤椎椎管正中矢状径平均68%.术后次日X线片、CT扫描,测量伤椎体高度、Cobb角和椎管矢状径.术后每隔2～3个月随访观察内固定物、骨折愈合、神经功能恢复等情况.术后12个月CT检查统计骨折骨性愈合率,取内固定术后3个月X线片统计伤椎体高度,术后18个月按Frankel标准统计神经功能.[结果]术后伤椎前缘平均高度恢复到98%、平均Cobb角4.6°、伤椎椎管正中矢状径恢复到平均92.5%,手术前后有显著性差异(P<0.05).随访期间有椎弓根螺钉折断3例、松动4例、断棒l例、螺丝帽松脱2例.术后12个月骨性愈合率93%,取出内固定后无伤椎体高度丢失,除了9例,神经功能有1～3级恢复.[结论]Reclvse内固定、经椎弓根植骨术是治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的术式之一.此术式创伤小、并发症少、操作简单、经济而疗效可靠,适用于无明显骨质疏松、伤椎椎管正中矢状径≥50%的新鲜胸腰椎爆裂骨折.     

人工骨椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的:探讨经椎弓根人工骨植入椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的方法和效果。方法:胸腰椎爆裂骨折12例,男8例,女4例;年龄28～61岁,平均47.5岁;受伤时间4～12d;术前Frankel分级:C级1例,D级3例,E级8例;受伤椎体:T112例,T122例,L15例,L23例;术前后突角11°～35°,平均24°;术前椎管占位率39%～85%,平均64.5%;术前伤椎椎体前缘高度平均为正常的47%。行后路切开复位短节段椎弓根钉内固定后,人工骨经伤椎椎弓根植入椎体成形术。结果:所有患者均获随访,时间3～19个月,平均13个月。脊柱后突角平均恢复20°,椎体高度平均恢复96%,椎管占位率平均恢复至7%。2例人工骨椎体内充填不足;无内固定松动、断裂、椎体高度变低及生理弧度丢失。神经功能恢复:1例术前Frankel分级C级及2例D级患者术后均恢复至E级。结论:经椎弓根人工骨植入椎体成形术重建了椎体高度,增加了脊椎前柱的抗压稳定性,使患者能早期活动,减少内固定物因应力过大造成的断钉、松动、椎体再压缩等并发症。     

后路椎管减压钉-棒内固定治疗腰椎爆裂性骨折并不全瘫48例

[目的]探讨后路椎板开窗减压并钉-棒内固定治疗腰椎爆裂性骨折伴不全瘫的临床效果.[方法]对48例腰椎爆裂性骨折伴不全瘫患者采用后路椎板间开窗减压、椎弓根螺钉固定,椎板、关节突及横突间植骨治疗,其中单侧椎板开窗28例、双侧椎板开窗减压20例.随访椎管内减压情况、椎体高度和神经功能恢复情况.[结果]所有患者椎管减压允分,椎体前缘高度由术前平均48.5%矫正到术后93.2%,后凸角(Cobb's角)由术前的平均28.5°矫正到术后的平均6.5°.37例获得随访,随访时间10～24个月,平均15个月.神经功能按Frankel分级,术后有1～3级恢复,X线片未见椎体高度及脊柱成角加重.[结论]经后路椎管减压钉-棒固定治疗腰椎爆裂骨折伴不全瘫,可同时解决脊髓或/和神经根减压和脊梓稳定的问题,在正确选择适应证的情况下,可取得良好的治疗效果.     

后路椎板开窗减压椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎爆裂骨折伴不完全截瘫

目的:探讨后路经椎板间开窗减压并椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎爆裂骨折伴不完全截瘫的疗效.方法:2003年5月至2006年12月收治腰椎爆裂骨折伴不完全截瘫患者37例,男25例,女12例,年龄18～58岁.脊髓神经功能按Frankel分级,B级5例,C级6例,D级26例.均采用后路经椎板间开窗减压、椎弓根螺钉固定、椎板和横突间植骨治疗,其中单侧椎板开窗减压31例,双侧椎板开窗减压6例.随访椎管减压情况、椎体高度和神经功能恢复情况.结果:术中定位准确,未出现螺钉进入椎管情况,手术时间110～170min,平均145min,术中出血量350～1100ml,平均670ml.术后切口浅表感染2例,发生脑脊液漏2例,经换药后痊愈;1例术后1周缝线断裂致腰背部巨大血肿形成,行血肿清除术后10d切口痊愈.31例得到随访,随访时间8～26个月,平均15.6个月,所有患者椎管减压充分,椎体前缘高度由术前平均52.3%矫正到术后92.7%,后凸角由术前的平均26.4°矫正到术后的平均6.90°神经功能Fmnkel分级有1～3级恢复.23例10～12个月时取出内固定,随访未见椎体高度丢失及脊柱成角加重.结论:后路经椎板间开窗减压椎弓根螺钉固定治疗腰椎爆裂骨折伴不完全截瘫可同时解决脊髓减压和脊柱稳定的问题,在正确选择适应让的情况下可取得良好的治疗效果.     

后路椎弓根螺钉固定加椎体切除减压钛网重建治疗严重下腰椎骨折疗效分析

目的:评价经后路椎弓根螺钉固定,椎管减压,钛网重建椎体治疗严重下腰椎骨折的疗效。方法:2006年1月至2008年12月收治22例严重下腰椎爆裂性骨折患者,男18例,女4例;年龄22～63岁,平均43.8岁。L3 11例,L4 8例,L5 3例。行I期后路椎弓根螺钉固定椎体切除减压钛网重建,统计手术时间、术中出血量、手术前后的伤椎高度、伤椎矢状位指数(SI)、腰椎前凸角等影像学指标变化,采用下腰痛疗效评分法评价疗效。结果:手术时间3～4.2 h,平均3.6 h;出血量900～1 500 ml,平均1 300 ml;矢状位指数术前(57.5±7.6)%,术后(93.5±8.1)%;腰椎前凸角术前(34.3±7.3)°,术后(38.5±9.8)°。22例患者随访10个月～3年,平均2.6年,无内固定失败者,钛网重建节段骨性融合,无假关节形成。15例神经损伤患者末次随访Frankel分级:E级10例,D级4例,C级1例;依据下腰痛评分结果分级,优20例,良1例,可1例。结论:Ⅰ期经腰椎后路椎弓根螺钉固定,椎管减压、椎体切除联合钛网植骨融合重建椎体手术创伤小,可进行彻底的椎管减压和神经根减压;同时可以选择长度合适的钛网,恢复腰椎前凸,可有效重建下腰椎的稳定性;有效防止迟发性神经损害、腰椎后凸畸形及慢性腰痛,可达到较满意的治疗效果。     

经伤椎置钉椎弓根螺钉系统治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的 探讨经伤椎置钉椎弓根螺钉系统内固定治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折的临床疗效.方法 2001年11月至2009年8月对26例下腰椎爆裂性骨折患者行椎弓根螺钉系统内固定,男19例,女7例;年龄21～56岁,平均37.6岁.所有患者均于伤椎及其上、下相邻椎置入椎弓根螺钉并行后外侧植骨融合.比较术前、术后及未次随访时伤椎椎体的前缘高度比值、腰椎前凸角.结果 本组26例患者术后获12～48个月(平均26.3个月)随访,伤椎椎体前缘高度比值由术前47.35%±6.42%恢复至术后95.35%±6.67%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),末次随访时为94.91%±6.73%,与术后比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).腰椎前凸角由术前30.16°±7.12°恢复至术后39.32°±8.65°,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),末次随访时为39.18°±9.72°,与术后比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).随访期间末发生内固定松动、断裂等并发症.末次随访时下腰痛视觉模拟(VAS)评分由术前平均(8.9±1.6)分降至(1.2±0.3)分.术前合并神经损伤的12例患者除2例D级患者无改变外,其余患者美国脊髓损伤学会(ASIA)分级均提高1～2级.结论 经伤椎置钉椎弓根螺钉系统内固定治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折能有效地维持伤椎复位后的高度及腰椎前凸角,手术创伤小、操作相对简单,是一种治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折的有效方法.     

经椎间孔椎体间融合单节段椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸腰椎A3型爆裂骨折

目的:探讨后路单节段椎弓根螺钉内固定结合经椎间孔椎体间融合治疗胸腰椎单椎体A3型爆裂骨折的临床疗效及其安全性。方法:2005年3月～2007年10月收治并获得随访的胸腰椎单椎体A3型(AO分型)爆裂骨折患者16例,其中T112例,T122例,L15例,L25例,L31例,L41例。术前脊髓神经功能按Frankel分级标准评定,C级1例,D级4例,E级11例。均行后路单节段椎弓根螺钉内固定结合经椎间孔椎体间植骨融合治疗,随访观察治疗效果。结果:所有手术均顺利完成,无椎弓根螺钉置入位置错误及神经血管损伤等并发症发生。手术时间90～180min,平均125min;出血量200～600ml;平均330ml。随访10～38个月,平均14.6个月,无内固定松动、断裂,椎间植骨均获得骨性融合。术后1周及末次随访时骨折节段矢状面后凸角、伤椎椎体前缘高度与预计正常高度的比值较术前均明显改善(P0.01);末次随访时与术后1周时比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。术前脊髓神经功能受损的5例患者术后均恢复到E级。结论:采用后路切开复位减压单节段椎弓根螺钉内固定结合经椎间孔椎体间植骨融合治疗胸腰椎单椎体A3型爆裂骨折手术时间短、出血少,复位固定可靠,融合节段少,是治疗胸腰椎单椎体A3型爆裂骨折的有效方法之一。     

通用脊柱固定系统治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折后椎管形态和神经功能的恢复情况

目的探讨通用脊柱固定系统(USS)治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折后椎管形态和神经功能的恢复情况。方法采用后路短节段USS椎弓根螺钉联合支具治疗22例胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者,比较手术前后椎体前缘高度百分比、椎体后缘高度百分比、Cobb角、椎管形态和神经功能变化、生活质量评分。结果患者均随访1年。椎体前缘高度百分比、椎体后缘高度百分比、Cobb角、椎管正中矢状径、椎管占位和椎体后缘骨块突入椎管比例术后1周、术后1年与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P 0.001),术后1年与术后1周比较差异无统计学意义(P 0.05)。术后1年神经功能分级与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.003)。术后1年SF-36生活质量量表总分显著高于术前(P 0.001)。结论后路短节段USS椎弓根螺钉联合支具治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折,能够有效恢复椎体高度,改善椎管形态和神经功能。     

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.