全髋关节置换术患者延迟出院的危险因素分析

目的分析全髋关节置换术患者延迟出院的危险因素。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2018年7月择期行单侧全髋关节置换术患者的临床资料,包括性别、年龄、BMI、ASA分级、手术时间、麻醉方式、术中失血量、术中输液量、术中阿片类药物用量、术中血管活性药物用量、PACU停留时间、术后随访静息疼痛评分、术前住院时间、术前合并症、术后并发症及转归情况。根据术后住院时间将患者分为两组:正常出院组(术后住院时间≤14 d)和延迟出院组(术后住院时间>14 d),采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析影响延迟出院的因素。结果共纳入908例患者。单因素分析显示,与正常出院组比较,延迟出院组的年龄明显偏高,术中失血量明显增多,手术时间、PACU停留时间、术前住院时间明显延长,术前合并症、术后并发症明显增多(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示,年龄≥70岁(OR=2.075,95%CI 1.287~3.346,P=0.003)、手术时间>3 h(OR=1.997,95%CI 1.181~3.375,P=0.010)、术中失血量≥800 ml(OR=2.898,95%CI 1.449~5.794,P=0.003)、PACU时间>60 min(OR=1.745,95%CI 1.064~2.859,P=0.027)、术前住院时间≥7 d(OR=1.805,95%CI 1.114~2.924,P=0.016)、术前有合并症≥2个(OR=2.912,95%CI 1.513~5.825,P=0.003)是导致患者延迟出院的独立危险因素。结论患者年龄、术中失血量、手术时间、PACU停留时间、术前住院时间及术前合并症是全髋关节置换术后出院延迟的独立危险因素,针对危险因素进行有效干预是缩短住院时间改善患者预后的重要策略。     

手术前中重度焦虑发生的相关危险因素

目的研究择期全身麻醉手术患者手术前中重度焦虑的发生率以及相关危险因素。方法在徐州医科大学附属医院选择择期行全身麻醉的手术患者562例,男225例,女337例,年龄18～85岁,ASAⅠ～Ⅲ级,术前1d采用状态特质焦虑量表(STAI)评估患者的术前焦虑程度,按照状态焦虑量表(SAI)评分将患者分为轻度焦虑组(SAI评分≤37分,n=294)和中重度焦虑组(SAI评分37分,n=268)。采集与术前焦虑的发生可能相关的因素如年龄、性别、学历、婚姻状况、既往手术史、是否存在疼痛、术前是否诊断肿瘤及是否有高血压等。结果中重度术前焦虑的发生率为268例(47.7%)。多因素Logistic回归分析表明,女性(OR=1.846,95%CI 1.298～2.624)、单身(OR=2.208,95%CI 1.218～4.004)是中重度术前焦虑发生的危险因素。结论女性、单身可能是中重度术前焦虑发生的独立危险因素。     

影响椎体后凸成形术后骨愈合的相关因素分析

目的探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术(percutaneous kyphoplasty,PKP)治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折(osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture,OVCF)后影响椎体骨愈合的相关因素。方法对2011年1月至2012年1月580例行单节段PKP治疗的OVCFs患者进行回顾性分析,收集患者的流行病学资料和手术相关资料,采用单因素和多因素两种检验方法分析影响患者骨愈合的因素。结果 580例患者中术后共29例(5%)出现骨延迟愈合,从551例椎体正常愈合组中选取29例患者,以性别和年龄为匹配条件与骨延迟愈合组中的患者进行配对。多因素分析结果显示患者术前低骨密度值(OR=0.114,95%CI:0.014~0.900)、存在椎体内裂隙征(OR=35.88,95%CI:1.690~762.034)和高椎体高度恢复率(OR=4.053,95%CI:1.217~13.496)是导致术后骨延迟愈合的危险因素。结论OVCFs患者PKP术后骨延迟愈合可能与术前患者骨密度、椎体内裂隙征、椎体高度恢复率明显相关。     

老年髋部骨折术后谵妄的危险因素分析

目的探讨引起老年髋部骨折患者术后谵妄(postoperative delirium,POD)的主要危险因素。方法回顾性分析2014年5月至2015年1月收治的老年髋部骨折且符合纳入及排除标准的患者289例(股骨转子间骨折157例、股骨颈骨折132例),根据是否出现POD分组,记录并比较两组患者的年龄、性别、骨折部位、术前并存病、受伤至手术时间、手术方式、麻醉方式、手术时间、术中出血量,采用多因素Logistic回归分析老年髋部骨折患者POD的危险因素,观察术后并发症的情况。结果单因素分析显示组间年龄(χ2=13.813,P=0.001)、术前并存病(χ2=19.281,P0.001)、受伤至手术时间(t=5.101,P=0.041)、麻醉方式(χ2=32.632,P0.001)差异有统计学意义。多因素Logistic回归分析示年龄70~80岁和80岁组POD发生率高于年龄70岁组,OR值为3.427(95%CI:1.584,7.415)和6.247(95%CI:1.965,19.862);受伤至手术时间≥7 d组POD发生率高于1~3 d组,OR值为14.279(95%CI:5.391,37.819);术前并存病≥3种组POD的发生率高于≤2种组,OR值为4.069(95%CI:2.024,8.182);全麻组POD发生率高于椎管内麻醉组,OR值为3.988(95%CI:1.848,8.608);POD组和无POD组术后并发症发生率分别为66.7%和42.0%。结论高龄、术前并存病多、受伤至手术时间长、全麻是老年髋部骨折发生POD的危险因素。     

影响T_(1b)期肾占位肾部分切除术后早期肾功能恢复的因素分析

目的:研究影响T_(1b)期肾占位患者肾部分切除术(PN)后早期肾功能的因素。方法:选取在青岛大学附属医院和复旦大学附属肿瘤医院行PN的63例患者,根据患者术前3d内和术后6个月的血肌酐值计算肾小球滤过率(GFR),按照术前及术后6个月GFR变化程度,将患者分为无/轻度损害组(A组)及重度损害组(B组),并分析患者年龄、性别、BMI、高血压病/糖尿病史、吸烟史、ECOG评分、病理、热缺血时间及出血量等因素对术后肾功能的影响。结果:B组患者年龄、BMI、高血压病、糖尿病、肿瘤直径、术前GFR、热缺血时间均明显大于A组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄(OR=2.96,95%CI:1.63~5.10)、BMI(OR=3.08,95%CI:1.78~7.01)、糖尿病(OR=1.60,95%CI:1.12~3.97)和术前GFR(OR=1.06,95%CI:1.03~1.10)为影响T_(1b)期肾占位PN术后早期肾功能的因素。结论:年龄、BMI、糖尿病、术前GFR可影响T_(1b)期肾占位PN术后早期肾功能恢复,积极的术前干预可预防术后慢性肾病(CKD)的发生。     

老年髋部骨折术后肺部并发症的危险因素分析

目的探讨引起老年髋部骨折患者术后肺部并发症(PPC)的危险因素。方法回顾性分析广东省江门市五邑中医院骨伤科二区在2012年6月至2015年6月收治的符合纳入标准的老年髋部骨折患者418例,其中男性182例(43.5%),女性236例(56.5%),年龄75~99岁,平均(82±6)岁,根据是否出现PPC进行分组,记录并比较两组患者的年龄、性别、手术方式、麻醉方式、术前并存病、待术时间、血气分析和肺通气功能情况,采用多因素logistic回归分析老年髋部骨折术后并发症的相关危险因素。结果单因素分析示组间年龄x^2=12.473,P=0.001)、麻醉方式x^2=36.721,P<0.001)、术前并存病x^2=16.724,P<0.001)、待术时间(t=4.872,P=0.041)、血气分析x^2=26.341,P<0.001)、肺通气功能x^2=35.431,P<0.001)差异有统计学意义。多因素Logistic回归分析示年龄>85岁组PPC发生率高于年龄<85岁组,OR值为3.673(95%CI:1.684,7.615);待术3~4 d组和5~7 d组和PPC发生率高于1~2 d组(OR:13.349,95%CI:5.391~23.819;OR:16.579,95%CI:6.324~37.324);术前并存病≥3组PPC的发生率高于≤2组(OR:4.069,95%CI:2.024~8.182);全麻组PPC发生率高于椎管内麻醉组(OR:3.579,95%CI:1.848~8.608);血气分析异常组PPC发生率高于血气分析正常组(OR:9.842,95%CI:2.338~7.421);肺通气功能异常组PPC发生率高于肺通气功能正常组(OR:11.384,95%CI:3.652~9.352)。结论高龄、术前并存病≥3种、待术时间长、全身麻醉以及血气分析异常和肺通气功能异常是老年髋部骨折患者发生PPC的危险因素。     

围术期患者因素和麻醉方式对再次剖宫产术中出血风险的影响

目的通过回顾性病例数据分析,探讨围术期患者因素和麻醉方式对再次剖宫产术中出血风险的影响。方法通过检索医院电子病历系统,搜集我院2015年10月至2017年10月再次剖宫产产妇2 442例的临床病历资料,年龄20～45岁,BMI 18～40 kg/m~2,ASAⅠ—Ⅳ级。剖宫产常规采用椎管内麻醉,全麻仅用于患者强烈要求、椎管内麻醉禁忌或失败等情况。根据术中出血标准分为明显出血组(MH组,n=494)和非明显出血组(NMH组,n=1948)。记录产妇的术前、术中和术后的资料。应用Logistic回归分析筛选术中出血的危险因素。采用倾向性匹配分析比较全麻组(GA组,n=141)与非全麻组(NGA组,n=141)术中明显出血发生率、新生儿窒息和住院时间。结果 MH组的术中出血量明显大于NMH组(P0.05)。Logistic回归结果显示再次剖宫产术中出血的危险因素包括:前置胎盘(OR=38.269,95%CI 15.970～91.706,P0.001),宫缩乏力(OR=10.047,95%CI6.155～16.399,P0.001),胎盘粘连(OR=5.045,95%CI 3.146～8.089,P0.001),全麻(OR=2.922,95%CI 1.521～5.614,参考组:非全麻,P0.001)等。倾向性匹配结果显示,GA组术中明显出血发生率明显高于NGA组(P0.05), 1 min新生儿窒息率明显明显高于NGA组(P0.05),住院时间明显长于NGA组(P0.05)。结论再次剖宫产术中出血的风险因素包括前置胎盘、宫缩乏力、胎盘粘连、全麻等。全麻与非全麻比较,可增加术中出血风险和新生儿窒息发生率,延长住院时间。     

肝移植患者术后气管导管延迟拔管的危险因素

目的 探讨行肝移植手术患者术后气管导管延迟拔管的危险因素。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月至2021年10月于全麻下行肝移植手术患者339例,男264例,女75例,年龄18～80岁,BMI 14～35 kg/m²,ASAⅡ—Ⅴ级。根据术后24 h内是否拔除气管导管分为两组：正常拔管组和延迟拔管组。采用单因素分析延迟拔管相关的影响因素,多因素Logistic回归分析筛选肝移植术后延迟拔管的独立危险因素。结果 有60例(17.7%)患者术后延迟拔管。与正常拔管组比较,延迟拔管组终末期肝病模型(MELD)评分明显升高(P<0.05),手术时间、冷缺血时间明显延长(P<0.05),术中严重低血压发生率明显升高(P<0.05),术中6%羟乙基淀粉输入量、浓缩红细胞输入量、血浆输入量明显增多,(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,MELD评分≥17分(OR=1.829,95%CI 1.004～3.333,P=0.049)、浓缩红细胞输入量>4 U(OR=3.264,95%CI 1.650～7.271,P=0.001)和冷缺血时间≥4...     

老年脊柱手术患者术后发生谵妄的危险因素分析

[目的]探讨老年脊柱手术患者术后发生谵妄的危险因素。[方法]回顾分析2014年8月～2016年10月在本院行脊柱内固定手术的老年患者(年龄65岁)共846例的临床资料,其中,术后出现谵妄者92例,男58例,女44例,其中颈椎手术38例,腰椎手术54例,而其余745例患者术后无谵妄。比较两组间性别、年龄、体重指数、吸烟史,术前主要内科合并症、手术部位、手术时间、术中失血量、术后是否发生低氧血症以及术后是否使用止痛泵等,寻找谵妄相关危险因素。并应用Logistic回归进行多因素分析。[结果]单因素分析结果显示年龄、术前血红蛋白值、糖尿病史、脑卒中病史、手术时间及术后低氧血症在谵妄组和非谵妄组之间的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析表明术前血红蛋白低(OR=2.026,95%CI 1.229～3.338,P=0.006),高血压病史(OR=1.633,95%CI 1.008～2.646,P=0.046)、慢阻肺疾病史(OR=2.222,95%CI 1.147～4.302,P=0.018)、颈椎手术(OR=1.544,95%CI 1.298～1.994,P=0.048)、手术时间长(OR=1.010,95%CI 1.004～1.016,P=0.002)是术后发生谵妄的独立危险因素。[结论]术前血红蛋白低、高血压病史、慢阻肺疾病史、颈椎手术、手术时间长是术后发生谵妄的独立危险因素。     

音乐治疗对ICU术后患者焦虑抑郁的影响

目的探讨音乐治疗对全麻手术后进入ICU患者焦虑、抑郁状态的影响.方法将39例全麻手术后进入ICU的患者随机分为观察组19例和对照组20例.对照组实施常规护理;观察组在此基础上于术前晚及术后1～5 d进行音乐治疗.采用状态特质焦虑量表(STAI)、抑郁自评量表(SDS)及视觉模拟焦虑(VAS)方法比较两组焦虑、抑郁程度.结果观察组术后第5天STAI、SDS、VAS值均显著低于对照组(均P＜0.05).结论音乐干预可降低ICU患者的焦虑、抑郁情绪,且使护理更加人性化.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.