前锯肌平面阻滞与胸椎旁神经阻滞用于胸腔镜手术患者术后镇痛效果的比较

目的比较前锯肌平面阻滞与胸椎旁神经阻滞用于胸腔镜手术患者术后的镇痛效果。方法选择择期行胸腔镜手术患者60例,男38例,女22例,年龄18～65岁,BMI 18～25kg/m2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法分为前锯肌平面阻滞组(S组)和胸椎旁阻滞组(T组),每组30例。两组患者均采用支气管插管静脉全身麻醉,术后采用PCIA。S组于麻醉诱导前行超声引导下前锯肌平面阻滞,T组则行超声引导下胸椎旁阻滞,两组均使用0.4%罗哌卡因30ml,阻滞完成后30min使用针刺法测定并记录感觉阻滞平面;记录阻滞操作时间、起效时间、持续时间;记录术后2、4、8、12、24、48h的静息和咳嗽VAS评分;记录首次按压镇痛泵时间、术后48h内镇痛泵有效按压次数、舒芬太尼使用总量和哌替啶补救性镇痛例数;记录阻滞相关并发症、镇痛不良反应发生情况。结果与T组比较,S组阻滞操作时间明显缩短,阻滞持续时间明显延长(P0.01);S组术后12h静息时和咳嗽时VAS评分明显降低(P0.01),S组PCIA首次按压时间明显延长,S组PCIA 48h内按压次数、舒芬太尼使用量明显减少(P0.01),两组气胸、恶心呕吐发生率差异无统计学意义。结论超声引导下前锯肌平面阻滞或胸椎旁阻滞均可为胸腔镜手术患者提供良好术后镇痛,但前锯肌平面阻滞较胸椎旁阻滞作用更持久、操作时间更短、并发症更少,且能有效减少患者术后对阿片类药物的需求量。     

超声引导下竖脊肌平面阻滞在慢性脓胸患者术中及术后镇痛中的效果

目的观察超声引导下竖脊肌平面(erector spinae plane, ESP)阻滞对慢性脓胸患者术中及术后镇痛效果的影响。方法择期行胸腔镜下胸膜纤维板剥脱术的慢性脓胸患者60例,男35例,女25例,年龄30～70岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为两组:ESP阻滞复合全身麻醉组(E组)和单纯全身麻醉组(G组)。两组均行全身麻醉,E组全身麻醉前实施超声引导下ESP阻滞,术毕均采用患者自控静脉镇痛(patient controlled intravenous analgesia, PCIA)。记录E组超声下胸椎旁间隙显示情况,ESP阻滞20 min后在锁中线处感觉阻滞范围;记录两组术中瑞芬太尼用量、PACU停留时间、术后PCIA泵有效按压次数、术后1、4、12、24、48 h静息和活动时VAS评分。结果 E组有24例胸椎旁间隙显示不清,ESP阻滞20 min后感觉阻滞节段为4.9±1.0。E组术中瑞芬太尼用量和术后PCIA泵有效按压次数明显少于G组(P0.05),PACU停留时间明显短于G组(P0.05),术后1、4、12、24 h静息和活动时VAS评分明显低于G组(P0.05)。结论超声引导下ESP阻滞对慢性脓胸患者是一种安全的镇痛方法,能够提供有效的术中及术后镇痛。     

单点或多点胸椎旁神经阻滞在胸腔镜肺叶切除患者术后镇痛的临床研究

目的评价超声引导下单点或多点胸椎旁神经阻滞(TPVB)联合PCIA在胸腔镜肺叶切除患者的术后镇痛效果。方法选择择期在胸腔镜下行肺叶切除的患者92例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为单点胸椎旁神经组(O组,n=33)、多点胸椎旁神经组(M组,n=29)和对照组(C组,n=30)。记录TPVB的操作时间、起效时间、阻滞平面,记录入室后、阻滞后15min、手术开始后30、60min及术毕时的BP、HR,记录丙泊酚、瑞芬太尼的用量,患者在麻醉恢复室(PACU)的停留时间和烦躁等的发生情况;分别记录手术后1、2、4、8、12、24、36和48h的VAS评分、术后PCIA舒芬太尼的使用量和患者满意度。结果 O组操作时间和麻醉平面明显低于M组(P0.05);三组患者各时点MAP、HR差异无统计学意义。C组术中瑞芬太尼用量、PACU停留时间均明显高于O、M组(P0.05);术后48h内,C组8、12、24、36和48hPCIA舒芬太尼使用量明显多于O、M组(P0.05);O组患者满意度高于M、C组(P0.05)。三组均无烦躁等不良反应发生。结论单点TPVB的镇痛作用与多点TPVB无差别,但单点TPVB组操作时间短,患者满意度高,更能让患者接受。     

胸椎旁神经阻滞对开胸手术患者静脉镇痛效果的影响

目的 研究胸椎旁神经阻滞对开胸于术后静脉镇痛效果的影响.方法 择期全麻下肺叶切除术的患者102例,随机分成二三组:Ⅰ组,32例,单纯全麻;Ⅱ组,36例,于全麻诱导后行胸椎旁神经阻滞;Ⅲ组,34例.于全麻诱导前行硬膜外阻滞.三组均于术毕缝皮时启动患者静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)泵行芬太尼、氟比洛芬酯静脉镇痛,分别于患者清醒拔除气管导管后即刻(T1)、术后24 h(T2)、48 h(T3)进行视觉模拟评分(VAS),记录启动自控按钮次数及背景输注总量.结果 三组24、48 h PCIA泵的背景输注总晕差异无统计学意义.Ⅱ、Ⅲ组在T1、T2时的VAS均低于Ⅰ组(P＜0.05),术后48 h内启动自控按钮次数明显少于Ⅰ组(P＜0.05).结论 在开胸手术前行胸椎旁神经阻滞或硬膜外阻滞可以增强芬太尼、氟比洛芬酯的静脉镇痛效果.     

胸椎旁神经阻滞用于乳腺癌根治术后镇痛的临床疗效评价

目的评价超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞在乳腺癌根治术后镇痛中的临床效果。方法选择接受乳腺癌根治术的女性患者60例,随机分为2组,超声引导下椎旁神经阻滞(thoracic paravertebral block,TPVB)组和对照组,各30例TPVB组患者在超声引导下实施胸椎旁神经阻滞,给予0.5%罗哌卡因20 ml;对照组给予等量的生理盐水。两组患者在静吸复合麻醉下完成手术,术后均采用经静脉患者自控镇痛(PCIA)。评价术后1、4、8、12、24、48小时静止和运动视觉模拟评分(VAS)、舒芬太尼用量和不良反应。随访患者术后3个月和6个月慢性疼痛情况。结果 TPVB组患者在术后1、4、8、12小时静止和运动VAS评分低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者术后48小时静止和术后24、48小时运动VAS评分比较差异无统计学意义;TPVB组PCIA舒芬太尼用量明显少于对照组(P0.01);TPVB组患者术后恶心和呕吐的发生率分别为17.2%和6.9%,对照组分别为43.3%和26.7%,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。TPVB组术患者后3个月和6个月疼痛的发生率分别为13.8%和6.9%;对照组分别为36.7%和30%。结论超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞可以为乳腺癌根治术患者提供良好的术后镇痛,减少阿片类药物的用量和不良反应,降低慢性疼痛的发生率。     

单次胸椎旁阻滞联合持续胸椎旁阻滞在开胸肺叶切除术后的镇痛效果

目的观察超声引导下单次胸椎旁阻滞(TPVB)联合持续TPVB在肺癌开胸肺叶切除术后的镇痛效果。方法 60例行开胸肺叶切除术患者,随机分为两组,每组30例。两组术前均给予0.5%罗哌卡因20ml行单次TPVB,SC组术中以0.2%罗哌卡因5ml/h持续泵注行TPVB,SP组术后行舒芬太尼PCIA。记录术后1、6、12、18、24、48h的VAS疼痛评分,患者满意度及不良反应发生情况。结果术后18、24、48h,SP组VAS评分明显高于SC组(P0.01)。SC组患者镇痛效果满意率为87%,明显高于SP组的63%(P0.05)。SC组和SP组各有1例(3.3%)呕吐。SP组有1例嗜睡。两组均无一例呼吸抑制发生。结论与单次TPVB联合PCIA相比,超声引导下单次TPVB联合持续TPVB在开胸肺叶切除术后镇痛效果更好,不良反应更少,患者满意度更高。     

超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞在单侧乳腺癌手术患者术后镇痛、镇静中的作用

目的分析超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞在单侧乳腺癌手术患者术后镇痛、镇静中的作用效果。方法选取2013年6月至2017年6月在本院诊断的72例单侧乳腺癌手术患者为研究对象,随机将其分为A、B、C 3组,A组患者采用单纯静脉镇痛治疗,B组患者在A组基础上加用局部浸润治疗,C组患者在A组基础上采用超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞治疗,比较各组患者临床相关指标水平。结果各组患者术后不同时间点的VAS评分有明显差异(P0.05);各组患者术后不同时间点的镇静评分及不良反应发生率无显著差异(P0.05);C组舒芬太尼使用量明显低于A、B组(P0.05)。结论超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞对单侧乳腺癌手术患者的术后镇痛效果显著。     

单次胸椎旁神经阻滞联合自控静脉镇痛对开胸患者术后急性和慢性疼痛的影响

目的观察单次胸椎旁神经阻滞联合自控静脉镇痛对开胸患者术后急性和慢性疼痛的影响。方法选择行开胸手术的成年患者80例, 采用随机数字表法将患者分为两组(每组40例):自控静脉镇痛组(I组)和单次胸椎旁神经阻滞联合自控静脉镇痛组(P组)。I组患者不给予胸椎旁神经阻滞, 术毕时给予自控静脉镇痛;P组患者手术开始前在手术切口肋间水平行超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞, 注入0.3%罗哌卡因复合地塞米松10 mg共20 ml, 术毕时也给予自控静脉镇痛。记录两组患者术后6、24、48、72 h静息和咳嗽时数字分级评分法(Numeral Rating Scale, NRS)疼痛评分, 术后l、3、6、12个月时对患者进行电话随访, 询问是否存在静息时伤口疼痛以及NRS疼痛评分。结果 P组术后6、24、48、72 h静息和咳嗽时NRS疼痛评分低于I组(P<0.05)。P组术后1个月和术后3个月静息时NRS疼痛评分低于I组(P<0.05)。两组患者术后6个月和术后12个月静息时NRS疼痛评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组患者术后l、3、6、12个月静息时慢性疼痛发生率差异无统计学意义(...     

双侧胸椎旁神经阻滞复合全麻用于重症肌无力患者胸腺切除术的临床效果

目的观察双侧胸椎旁神经阻滞复合全麻用于重症肌无力患者胸腺切除术的效果。方法择期行胸腺切除术的重症肌无力患者32例,随机分为两组,术中分别采用单纯全麻(G组)或全麻复合双侧胸椎旁神经阻滞(GP组),全麻用药为丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼。记录术中麻醉用药量、停药-苏醒时间、停药-气管拔管时间和术后躁动评分。结果 GP组麻醉用药量明显少于G组(P0.01),停药-苏醒时间、停药-拔管时间均明显短于G组(P0.01),术后躁动评分明显低于G组(P0.05)。结论全麻复合双侧胸椎旁神经阻滞用于重症肌无力患者行胸腺切除术,可减轻手术及疼痛等应激因素对循环功能的影响,并减少全麻用药量,有利于患者术后早期恢复。     

不同镇痛方式在胸腔镜肺叶切除术患者术后镇痛效果的比较

目的比较不同镇痛方式在胸腔镜肺叶切除术患者术后镇痛的效果。方法择期行单侧胸腔镜肺叶切除术患者60例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为三组:自控椎旁神经镇痛组(PVB组)、自控硬膜外镇痛组(PCEA组)和自控静脉镇痛组(PCIA组)。PVB组在神经刺激仪引导下行术侧T4~5椎旁间隙穿刺插管,PCEA组行T4~5硬膜外穿刺插管。手术结束前30min停用瑞芬太尼;PVB组经椎旁间隙导管注射0.2%罗哌卡因15ml负荷量;PCEA组硬膜外注射0.125%罗哌卡因5ml,PCIA组静脉注射舒芬太尼0.1μg/kg。之后连接镇痛泵PVB组0.2%罗哌卡因,5ml/h,PCA量5ml,锁定时间15min;PCEA组0.125%罗哌卡因,5ml/h,PCA量5ml,锁定时间15min;PCIA组舒芬太尼1.0μg/ml,2ml/h,PCA量2ml,锁定时间15min。记录入室后(T0)、拔出气管导管30min(T1)、术后24h(T2)、48h(T3)、72h(T4)HR、MAP、PaO2、PaCO2;及T1~T4时静息和咳嗽时VAS评分。测定T0、T2~T4时用力肺活量占预计值的百分比(FVC%)、用力1秒呼气量占预计值的百分比(FEV1%),并计算FEV1/FVC;记录镇痛期间不良反应的发生情况。结果与T0时比较,T1时PVB组和PCEA组MAP明显降低、PCIA组MAP明显升高,PCEA组HR明显减慢、而T2时三组HR明显增快(P0.05)。与PCIA组比较,T1时PVB组、PCEA组和T2时PCEA组MAP明显降低,T1时PCEA组HR明显减慢(P0.05)。与PCEA组比较,T1、T2时PVB组MAP明显升高,T1时PVB组HR明显增快(P0.05)。与T0时比较,T1时三组患者PaO2和T1、T2时PCIA组PaCO2明显升高(P0.05)。与PCIA组比较,T1、T2时PVB组和PCEA组PaCO2明显降低(P0.05)。与T0时比较,T2~T4时三组FVC%、FEV1%明显降低(P0.05)。与PCIA组比较,T2~T4时PVB和PCEA组FVC%和FEV1%明显升高(P0.05)。三组FEV1/FVC组间组内差异无统计学意义。与PCIA组比较,T1~T4时PVB组和PCEA组咳嗽时VAS评分明显降低(P0.05)。PVB组和PCEA组患者无一例发生嗜睡,明显低于PCIA组14例(P0.01)。结论胸腔镜肺叶切除后患者自控椎旁神经阻滞镇痛效果完善,有利于术后肺功能恢复,且不良反应发生率低,安全有效。     

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.