六味地黄丸联合鲑鱼降钙素对改善绝经后骨质疏松性疼痛症状的临床研究

目的探索六味地黄丸联合鲑鱼降钙素对改善绝经后骨质疏松性疼痛症状的疗效。方法 136例绝经后骨质疏松症患者随机分为治疗组(68例)和对照组(68例)。对照组给予鲑鱼降钙素治疗,治疗组给予六味地黄丸联合鲑鱼降钙素治疗,为期治疗3个月。检测治疗后两组患者数字疼痛评分(NRS)、视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)和JOA下腰功能评分(JOA)改变,血清胰岛素样生长因子-1 (IGF-1),肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、I型胶原C端肽(CTX-I)和抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶-5b(TRACP-5b)的水平改变;同时记录治疗有效率和药物不良反应。结果治疗前,两组的骨代谢指标、炎症因子水平和NRS、VAS、ODI和JOA评分比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗3个月后,两组NRS、VAS、ODI和JOA评分都有不同程度的改善,其中治疗组上述评分改善更明显,和对照组比较差异有明显的统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后各组血清TRACP-5b、TNF-α和CTX-I水平较治疗前均降低(P0.05),IGF-1水平较治疗前明显升高(P0.05),而治疗组改变更明显,两组比较差异有明显的统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗组治疗有效率显著高于对照组,而药物不良反应比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论六味地黄丸联合鲑鱼降钙素对改善绝经后骨质疏松性疼痛症状效果显著。     

地仲强骨胶囊治疗骨质疏松症的安全性和疗效研究

目的探索地仲强骨胶囊治疗骨质疏松症的安全性和疗效。方法选取132例绝经后骨质疏松症患者随机分为治疗组(n=66)和对照组(n=66)。对照组给予阿仑膦酸钠治疗,治疗组给予地仲强骨胶囊治疗,为期治疗12个月。检测治疗前后两组患者股骨颈及腰椎的骨密度及VAS评分改变,同时测定血清骨代谢指标:I型胶原羧基端肽β特殊序列(β-CTX)和I型胶原氨基端延长肽(PINP)的水平,记录两组治疗总有效率和药物不良反应。结果治疗组的治疗总有效率为84.85%,而对照组为77.27%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗12个月,两组股骨颈及腰椎密度都有不同程度的升高,VAS评分都有不同程度降低,其中治疗组骨密度和VAS评分变化更明显,和对照组比较有明显的统计学意义(P0.05)。同时,治疗组血清β-CTX水平均降低,PINP水平均升高,而对照组β-CTX和PINP水平均降低,两组比较有明显的统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者治疗均未发现明显药物不良反应。结论地仲强骨胶囊治疗骨质疏松症安全有效。     

白藜芦醇对绝经后骨质疏松女性骨代谢和氧化代谢产物水平的影响

目的 探讨白藜芦醇对绝经后骨质疏松症妇女骨代谢和氧化代谢产物水平的影响。方法 选取 2015年11月至 2017年11月在成都市第二人民医院就诊的84例绝经后骨质疏松症患者作为研究对象,随机分为治疗组和对照组。治疗组的患者每天服用白藜芦醇,对照组的患者给予安慰剂片。3个月后,测量各组患者的血清骨代谢标志物[I型前胶原氨基端前肽(PINP)、骨钙素(BGP)、骨碱性磷酸酶(BALP)、I 型胶原 C 末端肽特殊序列(β-CTX)]和氧化代谢产物[蛋白羰基(PCO)、高级氧化蛋白产物(AOPP)、总抗氧化能力(TAC)、Akatsu(MDA)]水平的改变。结果 服用白藜芦醇治疗后,治疗组血清PINP 、BGP 、BALP 、β-CTX 、PCO、AOPP和MDA水平较治疗前显著降低(P＜0.05),治疗后两组之间的差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);治疗组血清TAC水平较治疗前显著升高(P＜0.05),治疗后两组之间的差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。然而,对照组治疗前后的PINP 、BGP 、BALP 、β-CTX 、PCO、TAC、AOPP和MDA指标,其差异并没有统计学意义(P＞0.05)。结论 白藜芦醇可以降低绝经后骨质疏松症女性体内氧化应激和高骨转化速度。     

人工虎骨粉对老年骨质疏松性腰背疼痛的作用

目的了解人工虎骨粉治疗老年原发性骨质疏松症所引发腰背疼痛的治疗效果,并探讨其可能的机制。方法选择原发性骨质疏松症腰背疼痛老年患者76例,采用随机信封法分为治疗组和对照组,每组各38例。治疗组另外给予人工虎骨粉口服,对照组给予碳酸钙和维生素D口服。治疗前、治疗后第3、6个月,分别运用数字疼痛评分(numeric rating scale,NRS)、视觉模拟疼痛评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)对疼痛进行评估;运用Oswestry功能障碍指数(oswestry dability index,ODI)、JOA下腰功能(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分对腰背功能进行评估。结果治疗前两组患者疼痛及腰背功能无差别。治疗后第3、6个月,治疗组的NRS评分、VAS评分、ODI指数、JOA评分均优于对照组(P0.05)。结论人工虎骨粉能够缓解老年原发性骨质疏松症所引发的腰背疼痛,可改善患者腰背功能,提高日常活动能力。     

补肾活血药对绝经后骨质疏松妇女血清骨代谢因子的调控作用

目的观察补肾活血中药对绝经后骨质疏松妇女血清骨代谢因子的调控作用。方法选择2012年7月~2013年12月到广州市天河社区卫生院和广州中医药大学第一附属医院骨科门诊就诊的绝经后骨质疏松症患者共110例,所有患者均以钙尔奇D(600mg/日)作为基础药,将试验组(补肾活血中药+钙尔奇D)55例与对照组(钙尔奇D)55例进行比较研究。临床疗效评估指标包括VAS疼痛评分、不良反应、双能X线骨密度仪检测腰椎和股骨颈骨密度(BMD)、酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测服用补肾活血中药治疗前后血清OPN浓度,电化学发光免疫分析法(ECLIA)检测血清25(OH)D、PINP和β-CTX的浓度。结果 (1)VAS疼痛评分:与治疗前相比,试验组VAS评分明显下降(P0.01);对照组有一定程度降低,但无统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)腰椎、左侧股骨颈的BMD:与治疗前相比,试验组腰椎、左侧股骨颈的BMD治疗后显著增加(P0.05),对照组治疗前后比较均无显著性差异。(3)血清OPN、25(OH)D、PINP和β-CTX指标:与治疗前相比,试验组OPN、PINP和β-CTX浓度治疗后明显下降(均为P0.05),25(OH)D浓度治疗后明显升高(P0.05),对照组治疗前后各项指标间比较均无显著性差异。试验过程中,两组间均未见严重不良反应发生。结论补肾活血中药可缓解绝经后骨质疏松症患者疼痛症状,安全有效。它提高腰椎和股骨颈BMD的作用可能是通过降低血清OPN、PINP和β-CTX浓度,提高25(OH)D水平实现的。     

雷奈酸锶联合鲑鱼降钙素针剂对老年骨质疏松压缩性骨折疗效临床观察

目的探讨雷奈酸锶联合鲑鱼降钙素针剂治疗老年骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折的疗效及对患者骨密度、骨代谢的影响。方法 80例老年椎体压缩性骨折患者随机分为对照组和治疗组。两组患者均进行保守治疗,治疗组在入院后第1天接受雷奈酸锶联合鲑鱼降钙素针剂治疗。分别在治疗前和治疗6个疗程后评定两组患者视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS)及Oswestry功能障碍指数评分(ODI);检测患者骨密度及骨钙素(BGP)和β-胶原降解产物(β-Cross Laps);并观察治疗组药品不良反应发生情况。结果治疗6个疗程后两组患者VAS与ODI评分均较治疗前有明显改善(P0.05),且治疗组患者评分明显低于对照组(P0.05)。治疗6个疗程后,治疗组患者骨密度较术前显著改善(P0.05),血清BGP和β-Cross Laps较治疗前有显著改变(P0.05),且均明显优于对照组(P0.05);而对照组治疗前后上述指标无明显变(P0.05)。两组药品不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论雷奈酸锶联合鲑鱼降钙素针剂治疗老年骨质疏松椎体压缩性骨折疗效较好,能增加患者骨密度,降低血清BAP和CTX水平,值得推广。     

扶元乳膏穴位贴敷治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折患者PKP术后残留腰背痛的疗效观察

目的探讨扶元乳膏穴位贴敷治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折(OVCF)经皮推体后凸成形术(PKP)术后残留腰背痛的临床疗效。方法将2018年3月至2019年12月深圳市中西医结合医院住院部的70例患者,按就诊顺序随机分为观察组、对照组。对照组给予中药热奄包外敷,观察组行扶元乳膏穴位贴敷,两组患者均口服抗骨质疏松药物。记录比较两组患者治疗前和治疗后的视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS评分)、Oswestry残损指数(ODI评分)、血清Ⅰ型胶原氨基端延长肽(P1NP)、骨碱性磷酸酶(BALP)、Ⅰ型胶原交联C-末端肽(β-CTX)含量变化及临床疗效。结果治疗后,2组患者较治疗前的VAS评分、ODI评分及血清β-CTX含量均明显降低,而血清P1NP、BALP含量则显著升高(P均0.05);与对照组比较,观察组治疗后的VAS评分、ODI评分及血清β-CTX含量显著降低,而血清P1NP、BALP含量则明显升高,差异比较均有统计学意义(P均0.05);观察组、对照组治疗总有效率分别为97.1%、85.7%,两组临床疗效差异比较具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论扶元乳膏穴位贴敷可有效缓解骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折PKP术后残留腰背痛,改善临床症状和骨代谢,值得临床推广应用。     

鲑鱼降钙素注射液与唑来膦酸钠注射液治疗绝经后骨质疏松症的临床疗效对比

目的对比鲑鱼降钙素注射液与唑来膦酸钠注射液在治疗绝经后骨质疏松症的临床疗效研究。方法本研究收集了2010年2月-2016年2月在南昌大学第三附属医院治疗的绝经后骨质疏松症患者82例,分为鲑鱼降钙素注射液治疗组(40例,治疗时间3个月/年,连续3年),唑来膦酸钠注射液组(42例,治疗时间1次/年,5 mg/次,连续3年)。同时口服碳酸钙D3(600 mg/d)、骨化三醇(0.25μg/d)。采集患者基线及治疗3年后骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD)、肾功能、血钙(blood calcium,BC)、血磷(blood phosphorus BP)、骨碱性膦酸酶(bone alkaline phosphatase,BALP);进行组间及治疗前后对照;以视觉模拟标度尺(visual analogue scale,VAS)评分评估骨痛情况,判定临床疗效;对比两组患者不良反应的发生人次及发生率。结果(1)对两组患者肾功能、血钙、血磷、骨碱性膦酸酶水平进行组间及治疗前后比较,差异均无统计学意义,P0.05;(2)两组患者治疗后骨痛评价:两组患者VAS评分均较治疗前降低,但鲑鱼降钙素组VAS评分较唑来膦酸钠组显著降低,差异有统计学意义,P0.05;(3)两组患者治疗后面积骨密度值较治疗前均显著升高,P0.05。唑来膦酸钠组患者腰椎、股骨颈骨密度升高幅度高于鲑鱼降钙素组,两组比较差异有统计学意义,P0.05;(4)在本研究中唑来膦酸钠组不良反应发生率低。结论唑来膦酸钠与鲑鱼降钙素治疗3年均有效提高了绝经后骨质疏松症患者的骨密度,其中唑来膦酸钠组优于鲑鱼降钙素组。两种治疗均有效减轻患者骨痛症状,鲑鱼降钙素组临床疗效优于唑来膦酸钠组。     

杜仲壮骨胶囊联合雷洛昔芬治疗绝经后骨质疏松症临床研究

目的探索杜仲壮骨胶囊联合雷洛昔芬治疗绝经后骨质疏松症临床疗效。方法 158例绝经后骨质疏松症患者随机分为治疗组(n=79)和对照组(n=79)。对照组给予雷洛昔芬治疗,治疗组给予杜仲壮骨胶囊联合雷洛昔芬治疗,为期治疗12个月。检测治疗前后两组患者股骨颈、腰椎及髋部的骨密度,同时测定血清骨代谢指标:骨碱性磷酸酶(BALP)、I型原胶原N-端前肽(PINP)和血清I型胶原交联C-末端肽(S-CTX)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、骨钙素(BGP)的水平,记录两组治疗总有效率和药物不良反应。结果治疗组的治疗总有效率为93.67%,而对照组的为78.48%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗12个月,两组股骨颈、髋部及腰椎密度都有不同程度的升高,其中治疗组骨密度变化更明显,和对照组比较差异有明显的统计学意义(P0.05);同时各组血清S-CTX、PINP和ALP水平均降低,BALP和BGP水平均升高,而治疗组改变更明显,两组比较差异有明显的统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者药物不良反应比较差异有明显的统计学意义(P0.05)。结论杜仲壮骨胶囊联合雷洛昔芬治疗绝经后骨质疏松症,安全有效,较雷洛昔芬单独治疗效果更佳。     

骨碎补总黄酮联合鲑鱼降钙素在慢性阻塞性肺疾病合并骨质疏松症中的疗效

目的研究老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)合并骨质疏松症患者应用骨碎补总黄酮联合鲑鱼降钙素对患者的影响。方法 98名COPD合并骨质疏松症患者随机分为两组即治疗组(n=49)、和对照组(n=49)。对照组的患者给予鲑鱼降钙素治疗,治疗组的患者给予骨碎补总黄酮联合鲑鱼降钙素治疗,为期6个月。检测两组患者治疗前后腰椎1-4 (L_(1-4))和股骨颈骨密度改变,VAS评分及ODI评分改善情况,血清转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)和白细胞介素17(IL-17)水平改变以及骨代谢指标抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRACP)和骨碱性磷酸酶(ALP)水平的改变。同时观察治疗期间两组患者出现的药物不良反应情况。结果治疗后6个月后,治疗组腰椎1-4 (L_(1-4))和股骨颈骨密度均显著高于同时期对照组和治疗前(P0. 05);治疗6个月后,治疗组的VAS评分、ODI评分均显著低于对照组同期和治疗前(P0. 05);治疗后6个月后,治疗组TGF-β1和ALP水平显著高于对照组和治疗前,而IL-17及TRACP水平明显低于对照组和治疗前(P0. 05);两组药品不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0. 05)。结论骨碎补总黄酮联合鲑鱼降钙素提升COPD患者骨密度,改善骨代谢状态和降低细胞因子水平,可以安全有效防治老年COPD合并骨质疏松症。     

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.     

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.     

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.