骨碎补总黄酮治疗绝经后骨质疏松症的Meta分析

目的系统评价骨碎补总黄酮(强骨胶囊)治疗绝经后骨质疏松症(PMOP)的疗效及安全性。方法计算机检索CNKI、CBM、VIP、万方数据库、PubMed、Embase、Cochrane图书馆,检索时间是自建库以来至2017年11月3日,按照纳排标准,收集强骨胶囊治疗PMOP的临床对照试验,依据Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions(version 5.35)质量评估,并使用RevMan5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果纳入6篇文献,8个研究。在有效率[RR=1.50,95%CI(1.04～2.17),P=0.03]和提高股骨骨密度[MD=0.04,95%CI(0.02～0.06),P=0.0002]方面,强骨胶囊联合常规治疗可能优于单独常规治疗;在提高腰椎骨密度[MD=0.02,95%CI(-0.01～0.05),P=0.28]、髋骨骨密度[MD=-0.05,95%CI(-0.09～0.00),P=0.05]、改善血钙[MD=0.01,95%CI(-0.06～0.08),P=0.77]、血磷[MD=0.02,95%CI(-0.05～0.09),P=0.58]、血碱性磷酸酶[MD=4.28,95%CI(-6.98～15.54),P=0.46]等指标方面,与常规治疗组相比,差异无统计学意义。强骨胶囊的不良反应包括便秘、口干、恶心、胃肠道反应,经对症处理后缓解,不需停药。结论强骨胶囊在改善患者症状及股骨骨密度方面,可能有一定的辅助治疗作用。而在改善血钙、血磷、血碱性磷酸酶、血骨钙素等客观指标方面,可能无明显优势,但具有较好的安全性。     

仙灵骨葆胶囊治疗绝经后骨质疏松症有效性的系统评价和Meta分析

目的评价仙灵骨葆胶囊治疗绝经后骨质疏松症的有效性和安全性。方法电子检索中、英文数据库共7个(自建库时间至2017年11月),按照纳入标准和排除标准筛选文献,依据Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions(version 5.35)质量评估,并用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果检索到文献共1 779篇,筛选后纳入文献16篇(19项原始研究),总样本量1 492例。Meta分析得出单用仙灵骨葆胶囊对于提高腰椎骨密度疗效优于常规治疗[MD=0.08,95%CI(0.03,0.14),P=0.002];仙灵骨葆胶囊加常规干预对于提高临床有效率[OR=3.35,95%CI(1.86,6.05),P0.000 1]、改善疼痛[MD=-1.71,95%CI(-2.39,-1.03),P0.000 01]疗效优于常规治疗;在改善腰椎骨密度方面,仙灵骨葆胶囊+单一常规干预疗效明显优于单一常规干预[MD=0.06,95%CI(0.04,0.07),P0.000 01];仙灵骨葆胶囊联合常规干预在提高髋部骨密度疗效上可能优于常规干预[MD=0.08,95%CI(0.03,0.14),P=0.001]。结论仙灵骨葆胶囊在改善腰椎骨密度、提高临床有效率及改善疼痛方面疗效确切;但在改善髋部骨密度方面证据不足,总疗程可能是其重要影响因素;仙灵骨葆胶囊联合单一抗骨质疏松药物具有增效作用,与两种或以上抗骨质疏松药物联用叠加增效作用尚待研究。     

中药治疗糖尿病性骨质疏松疗效与安全性的系统评价

目的运用循证医学系统评价方法评价中药治疗糖尿病性骨质疏松的疗效与安全性,为临床实践和研究提供参考。方法计算机检索Pub Med、Web of science、Cochrane图书馆、CNKI、VIP、CBM和万方数据库,查找中药治疗糖尿病性骨质疏松与单独应用西药(钙尔奇D片)比较、中西药结合与单独应用西药(钙尔奇D片)比较的随机对照试验,检索时限均从建库至2015年09月。由2名研究者按照纳入与排除标准独立进行文献筛选、资料提取和质量评价后,采用Rev Man 5.2软件进行Meta分析。结果纳入8个RCT,共698例患者。Meta分析结果显示,与对照组比较,中西药联合治疗糖尿病性骨质疏松在增加患者骨钙素[MD=0.90,95%CI(0.22,1.57)]、腰椎骨密度[MD=0.02,95%CI(0.02,0.03)]、股骨颈骨密度[MD=0.03,95%CI(0.00,0.06)]、Ward’s三角骨密度[MD=0.03,95%CI(0.01,O.05)]方面均有统计学意义;但单纯中药组的腰椎骨密度与对照组相比无统计学意义。在不良反应方面,尚未见中医药的严重不良反应报告。结论现有临床证据表明,中医药可以提高糖尿病性骨质疏松症患者骨密度、缓解骨痛。但其疗效优势值得进一步研究,特别需要高质量的多中心大样本随机双盲对照试验来验证。     

补肾壮骨法防治肾病综合征患者激素性骨质疏松的Meta分析

目的:探讨补肾壮骨法防治肾病综合征患者激素性骨质疏松的临床疗效及安全性。方法:通过检索CNKI、WF、VIP、CBM、FMRS及PubMed等数据库,并结合手工检索相关文献,选择以补肾壮骨法为干预措施治疗肾病综合征患者激素性骨质疏松的临床对照试验,阅读全文、评价其质量并提取相关数据,使用Cochrane协作网提供的Review Manager 5.4软件进行Meta分析。结果:共计纳入10项研究,582例患者。统计学分析结果：试验组在改善髋骨骨密度[MD=0.13,95%CI(0.07,0.20),P<0.000 1)]、血钙[MD=0.08,95%CI(0.05,0.12),P<0.000 01)]、总胆固醇[MD=-0.40,95%CI(-0.53,-0.27),P<0.000 01]、血清碱性磷酸酶[SMD=0.31,95%CI(0.09,0.53),P=0.000 5)]水平上均优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义;试验组在改善血磷水平方面上较对照组优势不显著,差异具有统计学意义[MD=0.04,95%CI(0.00,0.08),P=0.03];纳入研究中仅有2项研...     

全身振动训练对骨质疏松患者治疗效果的Meta分析

目的系统评价全身振动训练对骨质疏松患者的治疗效果。方法计算机检索Pub Med、EMbase、The Cochrane Library(2017年1期)、CBM、Wan Fang Data和CNKI数据库,收集关于全身振动训练对骨质疏松患者效果的随机对照试验,检索时限均从建库至2017年1月31日。2名研究人员独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险后,采用Rev Man 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入文献8篇,657例患者。Meta分析结果显示,与对照组相比,全身振动训练对骨质疏松患者的腰椎骨密度[MD=0.00,95%CI(-0.01~0.01),P=0.92]、桡骨松质骨体积骨密度[MD=-0.87,95%CI(-2.93~1.20),P=0.41]、胫骨松质骨体积骨密度[MD=0.34,95%CI(-0.69~1.38),P=0.52]没有影响;但可以减轻患者的疼痛[MD=-0.67,95%CI(-1.12~-0.22),P=0.003]、降低跌倒发生率[MD=0.50,95%CI(0.29~0.86),P=0.01]。结论全身振动训练并不能改善骨质疏松患者的腰椎骨密度、胫骨和桡骨松质骨体积骨密度,但可以减轻疼痛,而预防跌倒的效果及其安全性还有待进一步的证实。     

六味地黄丸治疗绝经后骨质疏松症疗效的系统评价和Meta分析

目的系统评价六味地黄丸治疗绝经后骨质疏松症(postmenopausal osteoporosis,PMOP)的疗效。方法系统检索CNKI、CBM、VIP、WanFang、PubMed、Embase、Cochrane图书馆,对纳入研究进行方法学质量评价,并采用Review Manager 5.3软件进行Meta分析。共纳入12篇文献,14个研究。结果Meta分析得出:六味地黄丸+常规治疗方案在治疗PMOP的有效率[OR=1.22,95%CI(1.13~1.32),P<0.00001]、减轻患者疼痛方面[MD=-0.50,95%CI(-0.77^-0.22),P=0.0004]疗效较好,对髋关节骨密度[MD=0.55,95%CI(0.26~0.84),P=0.0002]的改善效果优于常规西药组。而单独使用六味地黄丸及联合单一常规干预措施对腰椎骨密度[MD=0.05,95%CI(0.03~0.07),P<0.0001]改善情况优于常规西药。单独使用六味地黄丸对桡骨骨密度[MD=0.02,95%CI(0.02~0.03),P<0.00001],尺骨骨密度[MD=0.02,95%CI(0.01~0.03),P<0.0001]改善有一定的临床优势。结论六味地黄丸可以提高髋关节、腰椎、尺骨、桡骨的骨密度,并且在提高临床治疗绝经后骨质疏松症的有效率及减轻骨质疏松所造成的疼痛方面具有良好的效果。但在提高股骨颈密度方面证据不足,可能受多种因素影响。同时,六味地黄丸与常规治疗联用具有增强的效果,但联合多种药物时是否对绝经后骨质疏松有明确增效尚待研究。     

强骨胶囊联合降钙素治疗骨质疏松的系统评价

目的评价强骨胶囊联合降钙素治疗骨质疏松的临床疗效。方法检索主要数据库从建库至2017年4月1日强骨胶囊联合降钙素治疗骨质疏松随机对照试验研究,筛选合格研究。应用Cochrane评价员手册进行偏倚风险评价,Jadad评分法进行质量评价。应用RevMan5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果符合纳入标准的文献共5篇。Meta分析结果显示,强骨胶囊联合降钙素试验组与对照组相比,临床疗效总有效率比值比(odds ratio,OR)为2.70,95%可信区间(confidence interval,CI)(1.13,6.44)差异有统计学意义(P=0.02);骨密度均数差(mean difference,MD)为0.11,95%CI(0.08,0.13)差异有统计学意义(P0.0001);血磷指标MD为0.05,95%CI(0.01,0.09)差异有统计学意义(P=0.03);碱性磷酸酶MD为-7.40,95%CI(-11.15,-3.65)差异有统计学意义(P=0.0001);均无重大不良反应发生。结论强骨胶囊联合降钙素治疗骨质疏松临床疗效显著,能有效增加骨密度,升高血磷指标,降低碱性磷酸酶指标,应用安全。但需要更多高质量、多中心严格设计的随机对照试验进一步验证。     

经皮椎体成形术结合补肾壮骨汤治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩骨折的Meta分析

目的系统评价经皮椎体成形术(PVP)结合补肾壮骨汤与单纯经皮椎体成形术(PVP)治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩骨折的疗效与安全性,为骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩骨折的治疗提供更好的科学依据。方法计算机检索Pubmed、Embase、Cochrane图书馆、CNKI、中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、万方医学网等数据库,人工检索Spine等期刊,收集比较经皮椎体成形术(PVP)结合补肾壮骨汤与单纯经皮椎体成形术(PVP)治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩骨折的临床随机对照试验,并评价纳入研究的方法学质量。使用Review Manager 5.3软件对数据进行Meta分析,观察指标包括术后椎体高度恢复情况、治疗有效率、Cobb角、骨密度(BMD)、VAS评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)及新发骨折率。结果最终纳入9项随机对照试验(randomized controlled trial,RCT),共745例患者,其中PVP结合补肾壮骨汤组381例,单纯PVP组364例。Meta分析结果示,与单纯PVP组相比,PVP结合补肾壮骨汤组治疗有效率高[OR=5.11,95%CI(2.51～10.40),P0.00001],骨密度(BMD)提高程度大[MD=0.09,95%CI(0.01～0.16),P=0.04],VAS评分低[MD=-1.03,95%CI(-1.51～-0.55),P0.0001],Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)低[MD=-4.90,95%CI(-6.93～-2.86),P0.00001],新发骨折率低[OR=0.10,95%CI(0.02～0.55),P=0.008],而两者在Cobb角改善[MD=-0.46,95%CI(-2.39～1.48),P=0.64]方面,差异无统计学意义。结论与单纯PVP相比,PVP结合补肾壮骨汤能明显提高骨密度及治疗有效率,有效降低VAS评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数及新发骨折率,进而显著提升患者的生活质量。     

益生菌对绝经后妇女骨代谢影响的Meta分析

目的 应用Meta分析方法系统评价益生菌对绝经后妇女骨代谢的影响。方法 计算机检索PubMed、中国知网等国内外8个数据库中关于益生菌治疗对绝经后妇女骨代谢影响的随机对照试验,检索时限自建库至2021年10月28日。由2名研究者根据纳排标准独立筛选文献、资料提取及评价文献质量,用RevMan 5.3软件对纳入文献进行Meta分析。结果 本研究共纳入8篇文献包含826例患者,其中益生菌组418例,安慰剂组408例。Meta分析结果显示：与安慰剂组相比,益生菌组股骨骨密度增加[MD=0.04,95%CI(0.00,0.08),P=0.04],血清I型胶原吡啶交联终肽(CTX)[MD=-0.12,95%CI(-0.13,-0.11),P<0.000 01]和骨特异性碱性磷酸酶(BALP)[MD=-4.19,95%CI(-4.68,-3.70),P<0.000 01]水平显著降低,两组患者的腰椎骨密度及不良反应发生率均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论 益生菌可以改善绝经后妇女的股骨骨密度,降低血清CTX和BALP水平,并且不会增加不良反应的发生,对绝经后妇女的骨质疏松有一定...     

经尿道前列腺电切联合内分泌治疗晚期前列腺癌膀胱出口梗阻疗效的荟萃分析

目的系统评价经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP)联合内分泌治疗晚期前列腺癌(PCa)合并膀胱出口梗阻(BOO)的疗效。方法计算机检索Pubmed、Cochrane library、Sciverse、中国知网、维普及万方数据库,收集所有比较TURP联合内分泌治疗和单纯内分泌治疗晚期PCa的随机对照试验和非临床对照试验,检索时间均从建库至2016年7月。2名研究者根据纳入排除标准独立筛选文献、提取资料,应用Revman 5.3进行荟萃分析。结果共纳入7个研究,包含4个随机对照试验(RCT),3个非随机临床对照试验(CCT)。RCT的Meta分析结果显示:TURP联合内分泌组最大尿流率大于对照组[MD=3.11,95%CI(1.13,5.09),P=0.002],IPSS评分小于对照组[MD=-6.76,95%CI(-12.61,-0.91),P=0.02],而两组术后残余尿量差异无统计学意义[MD=-27.81,95%CI(-63.91,8.29),P=0.13]。对CCT的Meta分析结果显示:TURP联合内分泌组最大尿流率大于对照组[MD=5.49,95%CI(4.23,6.74),P0.001],IPSS评分[MD=-7.69,95%CI(-11.69,-3.69),P=0.0002]及膀胱残余尿量[MD=-33.21,95%CI(-59.82,-6.61),P=0.01]低于对照组。同时,两组生存率差异无统计学意义[RR=1.06,95%CI(0.95,1.17),P=0.29]。描述性分析显示:TURP组术后PSA不呈现增加趋势。结论 TURP联合内分泌治疗晚期PCa合并BOO患者,能够有效改善排尿困难症状,提高生活质量,且不影响总体生存率。     

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.