全膝关节置换术应用间隙平衡截骨的疗效评价

目的探讨间隙平衡截骨法结合测量截骨法在全膝关节置换(TKA)术中应用价值和疗效评价。 方法笔者自2012年1月至2015年6月在濮阳市中医院接受人工全膝关节置换术78例(82膝)骨关节炎的患者,纳入标准：初次全膝关节置换术;膝屈曲挛缩畸形角度≤ 15°;膝内翻畸形角度≤ 20°;Kellgren-Lawrence分期Ⅲ、Ⅳ级。排除标准：膝炎性关节疾病施行人工全膝关节置换术的患者;患者伴发严重的内科疾病;资料不完整、未使用同一厂家生产的后稳定型固定平台假体的患者。其中平衡组38例(40膝),测量组40例(42膝)。比较分析2组患者的手术情况、影像学、膝关节功能恢复情况及患者满意度。采用成组设计资料t检验进行统计学分析。 结果78例患者均获随访,随访时间平均(7.6±2.4)个月。2组患者的年龄、性别、体重指数、术前下肢机械力线及KSS评分等指标的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。测量组与平衡组单膝手术时间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),术中2组胫骨外侧及股骨远端外侧截骨量差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),2组股骨外后髁截骨量比较有显著性差异(t＝4.36, P<0.05)。平衡组选择9 mm垫片者(29例)显著多于测量组(13例)(Z＝－5.28,P<0.05)。术中两钉孔连线B线与AP垂直线A线的夹角<2°,测量组外旋角度(1.1±0.5)°,平衡组内旋角度(1.2±0.5)°,术后患膝伸直应力位X线片示内外侧股胫关节角2组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。但屈膝90°应力下X线片示内外侧股胫关节角2组间差异有统计学意义(内t＝6.76,外t＝7.18, P<0.05)。术后下肢力线与小腿解剖轴线夹角两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后3个月膝关节KSS评分2组间差异有统计学意义(t＝4.86, P<0.05),术后患者满意度调查表示平衡组优良率87.5%(35/40例),测量组优良率71.4%(30/42例)。 结论间隙平衡截骨法结合测量截骨法能取得良好的下肢力线和屈伸间隙平衡,还能避免屈曲失稳的并发症。术中易导致股骨假体内旋,要注意调整两钉孔连线B线与AP垂直线A线的夹角。     

测量截骨联合间隙平衡技术在全膝关节置换术中的应用

目的 评价全膝关节置换术中采用测量截骨联合间隙平衡技术的临床疗效。方法 回顾性收集2017年5月至2019年7月在聊城市人民医院接受初次全膝关节置换术(total knee arthroplasty, TKA)的92例患者临床资料,其中47例单纯应用测量截骨技术纳入测量截骨组,男16例,女31例;年龄55～74岁,平均年龄(66.26±4.56)岁。45例应用测量截骨联合新型间隙测量垫辅助的间隙平衡技术纳入联合截骨组,男18例,女27例;年龄52～76岁,平均年龄(64.69±5.83)岁。比较两组的手术情况、影像学及膝关节功能恢复的情况。结果 92例患者完成至少2年随访,联合截骨组的手术时间(68.62±11.06)min,少于测量截骨组(74.81±13.21)min,差异有统计学意义(P=0.017)。联合截骨组的股骨后髁连线外旋截骨角为(4.22±1.27)°,高于测量截骨组的(3.43±0.83)°,差异有统计学意义(P=0.001),联合截骨组的股骨内后髁的截骨厚度为(9.77±0.81)mm,测量截骨组为(9.35±0.69)mm,两者比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.009...     

股骨远端外侧开放楔形截骨与内侧闭合楔形截骨治疗膝外翻的疗效比较

目的对比分析股骨远端外侧开放楔形截骨术与内侧闭合楔形截骨术治疗膝关节外翻畸形临床疗效及优缺点。方法笔者自2009-05—2014-06采用股骨远端内翻截骨术+Tomofix股骨远端锁定钢板内固定治疗50例(61膝)膝外翻畸形,分为观察组(采用股骨远端外侧开放楔形截骨术)和对照组(采用内侧闭合楔形截骨术治疗)。比较2组膝关节损伤与骨关节炎评分(KOOS)、主观满意度指数、股胫角度、膝关节活动度、骨折愈合时间、手术并发症等指标,综合评价该手术方法对膝关节外翻畸形的治疗效果。结果 1例失访,其余49例获得平均35.1(24~72)个月随访。所有截骨部位全部获得骨性愈合。组内KOOS评分显示术后膝关节结构和功能均获得显著改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.01),但2组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组矫正度数(16.15±3.28)°,对照组矫正度数(15.06±3.65)°,2组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。膝关节活动度、主观满意指数组间和组内比较均无统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组骨折愈合时间比对照组慢,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论股骨远端外侧开放楔形截骨术与内侧闭合楔形截骨术矫正膝关节外翻畸形均可取得较理想的治疗效果,内侧闭合楔形截骨骨折愈合较快,但外侧开放楔形截骨术骨量丢失少、手术操作简单,值得推广应用。     

五合一股骨截骨技术在全膝关节置换术中的应用

目的 探讨应用五合一股骨截骨技术和Deluxe-ps型假体行人工膝关节置换术的近期疗效.方法 2008年10月至2009年12月,应用股骨五合一截骨法采用Deluxe-ps型膝关节假体行TKA手术20例,25膝.对照组为同期应用传统股骨四合一截骨技术,采用Depuy P.F.C.Sigma型膝关节假体行TKA手术17例,22膝.术中测量五合一截骨后各平面夹角和股骨远端前后径距离,计算各角度、距离与对应假体设计参数的差值.术后X线片测量两组外翻角、股骨假体屈曲角以评估股骨侧假体位置.采用KSS评分和功能评分、膝关节ROM评估两组手术前、后膝关节功能.结果 两组所有患者均获得随访6～20个月,平均12个月.本组五合一截骨后各平面夹角、股骨远端前后径距离与对应假体设计参数的差值,差异无统计学意义,两组术前、术后随访KSS评分和功能评分、膝关节ROM差异有统计学意义,两组术后随访KSS评分和功能评分、膝关节ROM差异无统计学意义.两组术后X线片评定假体位置、力线、固定性能等均显示良好,其中外翻角、股骨假体屈曲角与对照组比较差异无统计学意义.结论 初次TKA手术采用五合一股骨截骨技术和Deluxe-ps型假体术后近期疗效满意.     

全膝关节置换术中测量截骨与间隙平衡技术对股骨外旋截骨参数及膝关节功能的影响

目的 探讨全膝关节置换术中股骨外旋截骨时测量截骨技术与间隙平衡技术对截骨参数及膝关节功能的影响.方法 纳入自2014-01-2016-12行全膝关节置换术治疗的64例膝关节骨性关节炎,34例术中采用间隙平衡技术进行股骨截骨(间隙平衡组),30例术中进行股骨测量截骨(测量截骨组).比较2组手术时间、截骨参数(股骨假体旋转...     

关节镜清理联合股骨远端闭合截骨术治疗膝外翻并骨性关节炎的疗效观察

目的观察关节镜下清理联合股骨远端内侧闭合楔形截骨术治疗膝外翻并骨性关节炎的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-01—2017-05采用关节镜清理联合股骨远端内侧闭合楔形截骨术治疗的22例膝外翻并骨性关节炎。比较术前与术后胫股角、负重力线比值、股骨远端外侧角、疼痛VAS评分与膝关节HSS评分。结果 22例术后均获得2年以上随访,随访时间平均35.2 (24~52)个月。术后2年取内固定物时关节镜下二次探查所有患者外侧间室磨损软骨Outbridge分级由Ⅳ级改善为Ⅲ级。术后1年股胫角、负重力线比值、股骨远端外侧角较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。术后1年、2年疼痛VAS评分、膝关节HSS评分较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05),而术后1年与术后2年比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论股骨远端内侧闭合楔形截骨术是膝外翻并骨性关节炎患者理想的保膝治疗手段,可获得较为满意的中期临床效果,有利于膝关节外侧间室软骨修复。     

个性化股骨外翻角截骨全膝关节置换术

[目的]探讨非负重位股骨全长片测量个性化股骨外翻角(VCA)截骨全膝关节置换对下肢和假体力线的影响。[方法] 2018年2月～2019年2月,126例(139膝)拟行初次全膝关节患者纳入本研究,采用随机数字表法将其分为两组。其中,63例(70膝)采用个性化非负重位测量VCA截骨TKA(个性化组);63例69膝采用固定VCA为6°截骨TKA(常规组)。记录围手术期资料;采用HSS膝关节评分评估膝关节功能;拍摄下肢负重位全长X线片,测量力线指标。[结果]两组患者手术顺利,均未发生严重并发症。个性化组70膝术前非负重股骨全长X线片上测量的个性化VCA的分布范围是3.40°～12.20°,平均(6.85±1.77)°,在5°～8°范围的比例为60.00%;负重位全长X线片上测量的VCA的分布范围3.40°～11.90°,平均(6.64±1.72)°,在5°～8°范围的比例为61.43%。非负重位与负重位全长X线片上VCA的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。非负重和负重状态下VCA的差异1°的比例为20%。两组术后影像测量方面,个性化组的HKA角和FFC角显著大于常规组(P0.05);但是,术后两组间FTC角的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。个性化组的HKA和FFC理想率显著高于常规组(P0.05)。[结论]股骨外翻角变异性大,采用个性化股骨外翻角截骨较固定6°股骨外翻角截骨术后可获得更精确的下肢冠状面力线和股骨假体力线。     

双平面股骨远端截骨术治疗外翻膝骨性关节炎

[目的]探讨双平面股骨远端内侧闭合截骨术(CWDFO)治疗外翻膝早期膝关节骨性关节炎的技术与初步结果。[方法]回顾性研究2015年1月～2016年12月就诊于本科行股骨远端内侧闭合截骨术的外翻膝膝关节骨性关节炎患者33例35膝。常规对患者行膝关节镜探查清理术,经中长约15 cm的纵形切口,暴露膝关节髁上部位。于股骨内侧干骺端向股骨外侧髁上斜形打入2根克氏针作为远端导针。根据术前测量截骨角度,再打入2根近端导针,远、近导针交汇于股骨外侧髁上缘皮质内侧0.5～1 cm处,用摆锯分别沿远近导针横行截断股骨后侧3/4,保留外侧骨皮质铰链。再用薄锯片于股骨前1/4处纵形截骨,冠状面的纵形截骨面与横形截骨面成角90°～110°,沿前方骨面向上,走行2～5 cm后截出前方骨皮质。移除楔形截骨块,于下肢外侧缓慢施压闭合骨面,用TomoFix钢板固定。[结果]所有患者手术顺利,未发生腓总神经损伤、内侧副韧带松弛、感染、下肢静脉血栓、切口愈合不良等并发症。术后HSS评分增加(P0.05),VAS评分显著下降(P0.05)。影像测量方面:术后股胫角(aFTA)、股骨远端外侧角(aLDFA)、机械轴在胫骨平台位置均显著改善(P0.05)。全部截骨愈合。[结论]股骨远端内侧闭合截骨术可有效矫正下肢力线,减轻外侧间室压力负荷,保留膝关节原有活动度,临床疗效确切。     

两种股骨截骨角度对膝关节置换术中股骨假体冠状位对线的影响

[目的]研究两种股骨远端外翻截骨角测定方法在膝关节置换术中对股骨假体对线的影响。[方法]对本院2015年3月~2015年6月由两名主刀医师完成的连续111例共137膝全膝关节置换术进行回顾性研究。两名主刀医师术前计划时在下肢全长X线片上测量股骨远端外翻截骨角度的方法不同,并以此分为两组。第一组利用股骨远端1/3解剖轴与股骨力线轴夹角(DFMA)作为股骨远端外翻截骨角,共71膝;第二组利用股骨解剖轴与股骨力线轴夹角(FMA)进行外翻截骨,共66膝。术后测量标准下肢全长X线片中股骨力线轴与股骨假体远端内外侧髁连线之夹角并比较两组结果的差异。[结果]两组患者的年龄、BMI、术前内翻角度、术前HSS评分、术后HSS评分差异均无统计学意义(P=0.149~0.985)。DFMA组术中所使用的股骨外翻截骨角度实际为6.08°±1.57°,FMA组为4.82°±0.74°,两组截骨角度差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。DFMA组76.1%的术后股骨假体在0°±2°范围内,显著优于FMA组的51.50%,(P=0.005),并且DFMA组74.60%的术后下肢力线在0°±3°范围内,显著优于FMA组的53.00%,(P=0.008)。DFMA组术后下肢力线角度与FMA组差异无统计学意义(1.60°±2.46°vs 1.98°±3.35°,P=0.458)。[结论]内翻膝使用股骨远端1/3解剖轴与力线轴夹角作为个性化股骨外翻截骨角度,术后股骨假体冠状面位置优于使用股骨解剖轴与力线轴夹角。应用股骨解剖轴线确定股骨外翻截骨角度往往偏小,导致残留膝关节内翻畸形。     

测量截骨联合间隙平衡全膝关节置换治疗膝骨关节炎

[目的]比较单纯测量截骨与测量截骨联合间隙平衡技术全膝关节置换治疗膝骨性关节炎的临床效果。[方法]回顾性分析2015年8月—2018年8月全膝关节置换术治疗膝骨关节炎116例患者的临床资料,其中57例采用单纯测量截骨技术,59例采用测量截骨联合间隙平衡技术。比较两组患者围手术期、随访和影像资料。[结果]两组患者手术均顺利完成。两组患者手术时间、出血量、住院时间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。联合截骨组股骨内后髁截骨量显著大于测量截骨组[(9.84±1.12) mm vs (8.79±0.72) mm,P0.05],而联合截骨组术中髌骨外侧支持带松解率显著低于测量截骨组(3.39%vs 15.79%, P0.05)。术后1个月联合截骨组膝关节KSS评分[(72.22±7.85) vs (68.23±8.10),P0.05]和膝伸屈活动度(ROM)[(103.78±7.93)°vs (99.84±7.56)°,P0.05]均显著优于测量截骨组,但术后6个月及末次随访时,两组间KSS评分和ROM的差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。影像方面,相应时间点,两组间FTA、TPA、PTS测量结果差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]骨性关节炎全膝关节置换术中测量截骨联合间隙平衡技术能够获得更适当的膝关节屈曲间隙,减少软组织松解,并改善术后早期功能。     

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.