髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的多因素分析

目的探讨髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的危险因素。方法回顾性分析我院骨科2005年1月~2014年12月572例髋部骨折老年患者接受内固定手术的临床资料,对性别、年龄、术前内科合并症、术前卧床时间、手术方式、麻醉方式、手术时间和术中出血量进行单因素分析,多因素logistic回归模型分析髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的危险因素。结果 25例发生严重术后谵妄(25/572,发生率4.4%)。单因素分析结果显示年龄和麻醉方式有统计学差异(P0.05);多因素logistic回归分析显示年龄(OR=1.12,95%CI:1.05~1.19,P=0.001)和全身麻醉(OR=5.03,95%CI:2.10~12.04,P=0.000)是髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的独立危险因素。结论年龄和全身麻醉是髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的独立危险因素。     

高龄髋部骨折患者术后谵妄危险因素调查

目的明确年龄≥75岁高龄髋部骨折术后谵妄的发病率,筛选导致术后谵妄的危险因素。方法自2012-06—2015-06诊治年龄≥75岁的髋部骨折435例,统计术后谵妄发生率,并根据术后3 d内是否发生谵妄分为谵妄组和非谵妄组。可疑危险因素进行组间比较后,将差异有统计学意义的因素进行Logistic回归分析,筛选发生术后谵妄的危险因素。结果 102例发生术后谵妄,发生率23.45%。谵妄组与非谵妄组间年龄、术前白蛋白、术后血红蛋白、术后红细胞压积、简易精神状态评价量表评分(MMSE评分)、术前老年痴呆病史、视力障碍、听力障碍、留置导尿、居住状态的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。Logistic回归分析结果显示视力障碍、留置导尿、低MMSE评分、低白蛋白是发生术后谵妄的独立危险因素(P0.05)。结论髋部骨折手术是术后谵妄发生的重要原因;年龄不是高龄髋部骨折患者术后谵妄的独立危险因素;术前认知功能与感觉功能障碍及低营养状态是高龄髋部骨折患者出现术后谵妄的主要危险因素。     

高龄患者髋关节置换术后谵妄的发生率及危险因素分析

目的 探讨行髋关节置换术的高龄患者术后谵妄的发生率及危险因素.方法 选择2009年9月至2010年2月,择期行髋关节置换术患者120例.术前访视患者,术后当天,术后1、2、3d密切随访患者,用谵妄评定法进行谵妄评估.记录患者一般情况、病史、合并症、手术时间、术中失血量、术中输库存血量、术后疼痛评分及谵妄的发生情况,建立数据库.根据是否发生谵妄分为谵妄组和对照组.结果 术后发生谵妄28例,发生率为23.33%.多因素Logistic逐步回归分析高龄、术前合并肺心病、术前合并肺部感染、全身麻醉、术后低氧血症为谵妄的危险因素(P＜0.05).结论 高龄、术前合并肺心病、术前合并肺部感染、全身麻醉、术后低氧血症是术后谵妄的独立危险因素.     

胰十二指肠切除术后早期并发症的危险因素分析

目的 探讨影响胰十二指肠切除术(pancreaticoduodenectomy,PD)后早期并发症发生的危险因素.方法 回顾性分析2005年9月至2009年1月期间行胰十二指肠切除术的221例患者的临床资料,探讨影响早期并发症发生的危险因素.结果 术后早期并发症发生率为17.6％,单因素分析发现:年龄(≥65岁)、术前血清胆红素水平(≥171 μmol/L)、术前血清白蛋白水平(≤30 g/L)、术中输血量(≥1000 ml)、手术时间(≥5 h)为相关危险因素,Logistic逐步回归分析得出:年龄(≥65岁)、术前血清白蛋白水平(≤30 g/L)、术中输血量(≥1000 ml)、手术时间(≥5 h)为影响胰十二指肠切除术后早期并发症发生的独立危险因素.结论 胰十二指肠切除术的手术风险较高,应严格掌握手术指征,对于年龄较大或一般情况较差的患者,术前应全面评估,并给予积极处理;建立专科化队伍,术中应规范操作,控制出血,并尽可能减短手术时间,以期降低术后并发症的发生率.     

个体化预测老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄风险

[目的]通过分析老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄的相关危险因素,建立并验证个体化预测老年髋部骨折术后谵妄风险的列线图模型。[方法]纳入2013年1月～2018年3月于淄博市中心医院行手术治疗的老年髋部骨折患者257例,收集临床资料。应用单因素及多因素Logistic回归模型,分析老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄的独立危险因素。应用R软件构建预测老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄风险的列线图模型,并进行验证。[结果]多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄(OR=1.143,95%CI:1.076～1.214)、2型糖尿病(OR=4.591,95%CI:2.14～9.846)、ASA评分III级(OR=4.262,95%CI:1.600～11.352)、ASA评分IV级(OR=5.396,95%CI:1.868～15.583)、全身麻醉(OR=1.281,95%CI:1.066～1.540)及手术时间(OR=1.018,95%CI:1.001～1.035)是老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄的独立危险因素(P0.05)。对列线图模型进行验证,ROC曲线显示该模型预测老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄风险的曲线下面积为0.818(95%CI:0.752～0.885);校准曲线为斜率接近于1的直线,Hosmer-Lemeshow拟合优度检验(x~2=8.760,P=0.363)均显示该模型预测老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄风险具有良好准确度。[结论]本研究基于年龄、2型糖尿病、ASA分级、麻醉方式及手术时间这5项老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄的独立危险因素,构建的预测老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄风险的列线图模型,具有良好的区分度与准确度,可为临床个体化防治老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄提供科学指导。     

老年患者脊柱手术术后谵妄危险因素分析的回顾性研究

目的:探讨老年患者脊柱手术术后谵妄的发生率及相关危险因素。方法:采用回顾性分析2016年1月至2018年11月收治的老年脊柱手术病例436例,根据术后是否发生谵妄分为谵妄组和非谵妄组。记录患者的性别、年龄、身体质量指数,糖尿病史,冠心病史,慢性阻塞性肺疾病史,术前白细胞计数,术前红细胞比容,术前血红蛋白水平,手术方式,手术时间,麻醉时间,美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)评分,心功能分级,术中失血量,术中输血量,术中芬太尼、异丙酚和地佐辛的用量,术后白细胞计数,术后红细胞比容,术后血红蛋白水平,术后电解质(钠离子、钾离子),采用单因素Logistic回归分析有统计学意义的危险因素后进行多元Logistic回归分析进一步探讨独立危险因素。结果:纳入436例中112例老年患者术后出现谵妄,发生率25.68%。谵妄组与非谵妄组在年龄、术前白细胞计数、术前红细胞比容、术后红细胞比容、术后血红蛋白水平、术后钠离子浓度、麻醉时间、ASA评分、心功能评分、术中失血量、术后地佐辛使用量、糖尿病史、冠心病史、慢性阻塞性肺疾病史方面差异有统计学意义(P0.05),通过多因素Logistic回归分析显示年龄、ASA评分、术后地佐辛量、慢性阻塞性肺疾病史是老年患者脊柱手术术后谵妄发生的独立危险因素。结论:患者高龄72岁、ASA评分2分、地佐辛镇痛药物的使用以及患者合并慢性阻塞性肺疾病史是术后谵妄发生的独立危险因素。     

老年患者髋部骨折术后肺部并发症的危险因素

目的采用巢式病例-对照研究分析老年髋部骨折患者术后肺部并发症的危险因素。方法回顾性分析我院2005年1月至2014年12月诊治的老年髋部骨折患者的临床资料,对其中术后新发生肺部并发症的56例患者(研究组),采用巢式病例-对照研究的方法,按照1∶6匹配同期同类未发生肺部并发症的336例患者(对照组),探讨性别、年龄、术前并存疾病(心脏疾病、高血压、肺部疾病、糖尿病、脑血管疾病和慢性肾脏疾病)、术前卧床时间、手术方式、麻醉方法、失血量和手术时间对术后肺部并发症的影响。结果 572例老年髋部骨折患者中,56例术后新发肺部并发症,单因素分析显示,研究组年龄明显大于对照组(P0.05),术前合并肺部疾病、髓外固定术、全身麻醉比例明显高于对照组(P0.05),术前卧床时间明显长于对照组(P0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,高龄(OR=1.12,95%CI 1.07～1.18,P0.001)、术前合并肺部疾病(OR=3.30,95%CI 1.34～8.15,P=0.010)、术前卧床时间延长(OR=1.29,95%CI 1.15～1.44,P0.001)、髓外固定术(OR=5.69,95%CI 2.10～15.39,P=0.001)和全身麻醉(OR=2.15,95%CI 1.05～4.40,P=0.036)是老年髋部骨折患者术后新发肺部并发症的独立危险因素。结论高龄、术前合并肺部疾病、术前卧床时间延长、髓外固定术和全身麻醉可以作为老年髋部骨折患者术后新发肺部并发症的独立危险因素,针对危险因素进行干预或可降低术后肺部并发症的发生。     

老年股骨转子间骨折患者术后死亡危险因素分析

目的分析老年股骨转子间骨折术后死亡率及其危险因素。方法以2014年1月—2015年12月因股骨转子间骨折行股骨近端交锁髓内钉内固定治疗的患者为研究对象,其中135例患者符合选择标准纳入研究。收集患者临床资料,包括性别、年龄、入院至手术时间、合并内科疾病,以及入院时血红蛋白、白蛋白、总淋巴细胞计数(total lymphocyte count,TLC)、营养状况。采用单因素分析及Cox比例风险模型筛查患者术后死亡危险因素。结果内固定术后2年内共27例(20.0%)患者死亡,其中16例(11.9%)于术后1年内死亡。单因素分析显示,年龄、合并冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病、合并内科疾病数量、入院时血红蛋白及白蛋白水平是股骨近端交锁髓内钉内固定治疗的老年股骨转子间骨折患者术后死亡影响因素(P0.05)。多因素分析显示,年龄(≥80岁)、合并2种以上内科疾病和术前白蛋白35 g/L是患者术后死亡的独立危险因素(P0.05)。结论老年股骨转子间骨折患者术后死亡率高,因此对于此类患者,尤其是高龄、合并内科疾病较多和低白蛋白患者,应综合评估围术期风险,加强围术期管理,以改善临床预后。     

非心脏手术老年患者术后谵妄与术前衰弱的关系

目的评价非心脏手术老年患者术后谵妄与术前衰弱的关系。方法收集2019年3月至2022年7月于本院行非心脏手术老年患者, 收集患者年龄、合并疾病、性别、吸烟史、手术类型、术前白蛋白、手术时间、麻醉时间、术后低血压、文化程度、营养状况、ASA分级、术后是否入ICU、术中出血量、术前衰弱状态等病历资料。根据是否发生术后谵妄分为谵妄组和无谵妄组。采用多因素logistic回归分析法筛选术后谵妄发生的危险因素, 绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析危险因素对术后谵妄的预测价值。结果谵妄组74例, 无谵妄组321例, 术后谵妄发生率为18.7%。与无谵妄组相比, 谵妄组年龄≥70岁、文化程度初中及以下、营养状况差、ASA分级Ⅲ级、术后入ICU、衰弱患者比例和术中出血量差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。logistic回归分析结果显示, 年龄、文化程度、营养状况、ASA分级、术中出血量及衰弱均是谵妄的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。术前衰弱预测术后谵妄的ROC曲线下面积及其95%可信区间为0.672(0.605～0.740)。结论术前衰弱是非心脏手术老年患者术后谵妄的独立危险因素, 可在一...     

麻醉选择对老年人髋部骨折术后谵妄的影响

目的探讨不同麻醉方法对老年髋部骨折患者术后出现谵妄的影响。方法回顾性分析自2010-01—2015-01诊治的208例老年髋部骨折的临床资料。于术后麻醉清醒后观察患者意识情况,对患者是否出现谵妄进行评估。按麻醉方法分为全身麻醉组和椎管内麻醉组。结果所有患者症状均进行术后即刻随访和观察,共发生术后谵妄66例,占总数31.7%。全身麻醉组发生谵妄29例,发生率为42.0%(29/69),椎管内麻醉组发生谵妄37例,发生率为26.6%(37/139)。结论对于老年髋部骨折患者,全身麻醉较椎管内麻醉更易出现术后谵妄,尤其是高龄患者选择全身麻醉术后谵妄发生率较高。     

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.