骨成形蛋白-7在大鼠肾小管间质损害中的作用

目的观察单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)大鼠中骨成形蛋白-7(BMP-7)在肾小管间质中的表达部位、动态变化及其与肾小管间质损害的关系。方法60只Wistar大鼠随机分为正常大鼠组、假手术组和单侧输尿管梗阻组,分别于术后1d、3d、7d、14d处死。采用RT-PCR方法检测BMP-7mRNA、TGF-β1.mRNA表达水平,免疫组化方法检测肾小管间质中BMP-7、TGF-β1、α-SMA的蛋白定位、表达及其与输尿管梗阻后肾小管间质损害的关系。结果与对照组相比,BMP-7mRNA于术后第1天即出现表达下降并随梗阻时间延长递减;而TGF-β1mRNA则随梗阻时间延长而递增(P均<0.05)。BMP-7蛋白在对照组中高度表达,主要分布在肾小管及肾间质,肾小球内基本无表达。在梗阻组随着肾间质损害的加重,BMP-7蛋白表达呈进行性下降,第14天表达量最弱,几乎没有明显的阳性表达,而TGF-β1、α-SMA蛋白表达则逐渐增加(P均<0.01)。BMP-7与TGF-β1蛋白表达阳性面积成显著负相关(r=-0.875,P<0.05)。BMP-7与α-SMA蛋白表达阳性面积亦成显著负相关(r=-0.843,P<0.05)。结论BMP-7于肾小管间质病变早期即出现表达下调,早于肾间质纤维化的出现,其表达量与肾间质TGF-β1、α-SMA表达负相关且随间质病变进展进行性下降。BMP-7表达下调可能参与介导肾小管间质损害的发生发展。     

蛋白酶激活受体2在小鼠肾间质纤维化中的表达及其意义

目的 观察单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)小鼠模型中蛋白酶激活受体2(PAR-2)在肾小管间质中的表达部位、动态变化及其与肾间质纤维化的关系。方法 制备UUO小鼠模型,采用RT-PCR方法检测UUO术后第1、3、5、7、10、14、21天肾组织中PAR-2mRNA的表达;免疫组化方法检测PAR-2蛋白的表达。分析它与肾间质相对面积、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(SMA)表达水平的关系。结果 UUO术后第1天肾小管间质可见少量PAR-2mRNA和蛋白的表达,第7-14天表达显著增加,其后维持在较高水平。PAR-2表达量与肾间质相对面积、α-SMA表达量成正相关。PAR-2表达主要定位于肾小管上皮细胞(尤其为近曲小管),也可见于肾毛细血管袢、间质浸润细胞和成纤维细胞。结论 PAR-2在肾小管上皮细胞和肾间质的表达可能参与了肾间质纤维化发生发展的过程。     

泽泻对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾组织补体C_3及肾纤维化的影响

目的：探讨泽泻对单侧输尿管梗阻（unilateral uretreal obstructire,UUO）大鼠肾小管上皮细胞间充质转分化（epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,EMT）的作用及其机制。方法：采用单侧输尿管梗阻方法制作大鼠肾间质纤维化模型。30只雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、UUO组和泽泻治疗组。术前3d开始,泽泻治疗组给予中药泽泻9g·kg-1·d-1饮片溶于适量生理盐水中灌胃用。术后14d处死大鼠,观察梗阻侧肾组织病理损害和间质纤维化,免疫组化检测α-SMA、E-cadherin、补体成分C3在肾组织中的表达。结果：UUO组大鼠肾间质纤维化明显,泽泻干预后肾间质纤维化程度减轻。免疫组化结果表明UUO组大鼠C3和α-SMA表达明显增加,E-cadherin表达明显减少;泽泻干预后,C3和α-SMA的表达明显低于UUO组（P〈0.05）,E-cadherin的表达高于UUO组（P〈0.05）。结论：UUO大鼠肾小管上皮细胞的C3表达增加,中药泽泻能减轻UUO大鼠C3的表达,抑制肾小管上皮细胞EMT。     

维甲酸抑制大鼠单侧输尿管梗阻模型肾间质纤维化

目的探讨维甲酸对大鼠单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)模型肾间质纤维化的影响。方法建立大鼠UUO模型前2d治疗组和对照组分别每天给予10mg/kg全反式维甲酸或溶媒皮下注射。观察模型第3、7和12天肾小管损害百分比、肾间质纤维化程度、肾间质巨噬细胞数、肾间质α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、胶原Ⅲ和单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)mRNA的表达。结果维甲酸显著减轻肾小管损害和肾间质纤维化(P<0.01)。治疗组肾间质巨噬细胞数和肾间质α-SMA表达显著低于对照组(P<0.01)。维甲酸显著抑制胶原Ⅲ和MCP-1mRNA表达(P<0.01)。结论维甲酸减少大鼠UUO模型肾间质巨噬细胞浸润、降低胶原Ⅲ和MCP-1mRNA表达、抑制α-SMA蛋白的表达,从而减轻肾间质纤维化。     

丹酚酸B对输尿管梗阻大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化的影响

目的:探讨丹酚酸B对输尿管梗阻大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化影响及作用机制.方法:雄性SD大鼠,建立单侧输尿管梗阻模型(UUO).设假手术组、模型组、治疗组(丹酚酸B 30 mg·kg-1·d-1)术后第9天处死各组大鼠.采用光镜观察肾间质纤维化、炎细胞浸润,免疫组化观察肾组织转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和Vimentin蛋白表达的变化.结果:(1)治疗组大鼠肾间质纤维化程度较模型组明显减轻;(2)UUO模型第9天时大鼠肾组织TGF-β、α-SMA和Vimentin表达明显增强,炎细胞浸润明显增加.采用丹酚酸B治疗后,肾组织TGF-β1、α-SMA和Vimentin表达的异常增强能得到有效抑制,炎细胞浸润明显减少.结论:丹酚酸B具有减轻肾组织纤维化的作用,而这一作用与其能有效抑制炎细胞浸润和TGF-β1过度表达,进一步阻押肾小管上皮细胞转分化(EMT)有关.     

槲皮素对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾脏α-平滑肌肌动蛋白表达的影响

目的:观察槲皮素(Que)对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾脏病理和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)表达的影响,探讨槲皮素对肾间质纤维化的保护作用及作用机制.方法:采用单侧输尿管结扎(UUO)致肾间质纤维化大鼠模型.将36只大鼠随机分为3组(n=12):假手术组(Sham组)、模型组(UUO组)、槲皮素(剂量100 mg·kg-1·d-1)治疗组(Que组).术后10 d以化学比色法测定梗阻侧肾组织匀浆中羟脯氨酸(Hyp)的含量;HE和Masson染色观察大鼠肾脏病理变化;采用免疫组织化学法、Western blot法检测各组大鼠梗阻侧肾脏α-SMA的表达部位及蛋白表达水平.结果:HE和Masson染色联合图像分析显示大鼠UUO术后10 d梗阻侧肾脏呈现肾间质纤维化,经 Que治疗梗阻侧肾脏病理改变减轻(P＜0.05).免疫组织化学和免疫蛋白印记分析显示经Que治疗梗阻侧肾脏α-SMA染色阳性表达范围和相对表达丰度明显减少(P＜0.01).同时经Que治疗后肾组织匀浆中的Hyp含量降低(P＜0.05).结论:槲皮素可以减轻UUO大鼠肾间质纤维化,其作用机制与抑制肾小管上皮细胞转化成肌成纤维细胞有关.     

氯沙坦对肾间质纤维化的抑制作用

目的:肾小管间质纤维化(tubulointerstitial fibrosis,TIF)是慢性肾脏病进展为终末期肾病(end-stage renaldisease,ESRD)的重要共同通路。血管紧张素ⅡAT1受体阻断剂--氯沙坦对慢性肾脏病具有保护作用,但其能否抑制肾小管间质纤维化及其可能的机制尚不清楚。本实验通过在体内构建单侧输尿管梗阻(unilateral ureteral obstruction,UUO)大鼠模型,观察氯沙坦对肾小管间质纤维化的抑制作用及其可能机制。方法:50只SD大鼠分为3组:假手术组(n=10),UUO组(n=20),UUO氯沙坦治疗组(n=20)。术后氯沙坦治疗组予以氯沙坦灌胃,剂量20mg·kg-1·d-1。分别在术后第7天、第14天处死大鼠。冰冻组织行E-cadherin,Vimentin,α-SMA,β-catenin和ZEB1免疫荧光染色及Western blot分析。结果:UUO组大鼠第7天组织病理学改变为肾小管管腔扩大,小管萎缩,间质增宽及炎细胞浸润,部分小管间质纤维化;第14天间质纤维化表现更为严重。与对照组相比,UUO模型组大鼠第7天、第14天肾间质上皮标志物E-cadherin表达显著下降,而Vimentin,α-SMA,β-catenin和ZEB1表达增加。与UUO模型组比较,UUO氯沙坦治疗组大鼠肾小管间质纤维化改变明显减轻,肾组织E-cadherin表达增加,Vimentin,α-SMA,β-catenin和ZEB1的表达减少。结论:氯沙坦可抑制大鼠体内的肾小管间质纤维化,其机制可能与氯沙坦抑制小管上皮间充质转化相关因子β-catenin/ZEB1的表达有关。     

人参皂甙Rg1对梗阻肾的保护作用

目的:探讨人参皂甙Rg1(G- Rg1)对梗阻肾的保护作用。方法:建立大鼠单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)模型。假手术组:未行输尿管结扎即关腹;非治疗组:行左侧输尿管结扎后关腹;G- Rg1 组:行左侧输尿管结扎后关腹,并给予G -Rg1灌胃[120 mg/(kg·d)]。全部大鼠1 周后处死,取出左肾常规固定。免疫组织化学染色法检测Bax、PCNA、TGF -β1蛋白表达水平,并应用计算机图文系统进行分析。结果:UUO大鼠肾小管上皮细胞、肾间质细胞中Bax、PCNA蛋白表达显著增多,肾间质、肾小球中TGF- β1 蛋白表达显著增多。G- Rg1 明显抑制UUO大鼠肾小管上皮细胞中Bax蛋白表达(P<0.05),促进PCNA蛋白表达(P<0.05);抑制肾间质和肾小球中TGF- β1蛋白表达(P<0.05)。结论:Bax在梗阻肾小管上皮细胞凋亡、TGF- β1 在间质纤维化和肾小球硬化中可能起着重要的作用。G -Rg1可能有抑制梗阻肾小管上皮细胞凋亡、促进上皮细胞增殖、抑制间质纤维化和肾小球硬化的作用。     

尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活物在动物肾小管上皮细胞转分化中的表达及其意义

目的:探讨尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活物(u-PA)在动物肾小管上皮细胞转分化(EMT)中的表达及其意义。方法:将64只大鼠分为假手术组和单侧输尿管梗阻(UUO)组,术后3、7、14、28天取肾,观察肾小管间质损伤(TIS)、肾小管间质纤维化(RIF)程度及肾小管基底膜(TBM)破坏程度,免疫组织化学检测u-PA及上皮细胞钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、纤维连接蛋白(FN)的变化,并进行统计学分析。结果:UUO组与假手术组相比,在同时间点各检测指标的差异均有统计学意义(P0.01),观察各指标在UUO组内各时间点的差异也均有统计学意义(P0.01)。UUO组u-PA与TBM断裂的肾小管百分比呈正相关(r=0.556,P0.01)。结论:u-PA的表达影响TBM的完整性,参与EMT进程。     

绞股蓝总皂苷防治单侧输尿管结扎大鼠肾间质纤维化的实验研究

目的探讨绞股蓝总皂苷(GPs)对单侧输尿管结扎(UUO)大鼠肾组织结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)表达及肾间质纤维化的影响。方法采用UUO大鼠模型,将大鼠随机分为3组假手术组、模型组、GPs组。假手术组和模型组仅给予标准饲料30g,GPs组于术前3d至术后9d每天给予GPs200mg·kg-1·d-1灌胃,第9d处死各组大鼠。免疫组化法检测各组肾组织CTGF、转换生长因子β1(TGF-β1)和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达;RT-PCR方法检测各组CTGFmRNA含量;Masson染色评定各组肾小管间质损害程度。结果模型组CTGF、TGF-β1、α-SMA的表达及肾小管间质损伤指数明显高于假手术组(P<0.01),而GPs组各项指标明显低于模型组(P<0.01)。各项指标作相关分析,CTGF与肾小管间质损伤指数(r=0.788,P<0.01)、TGF-β1(r=0.879,P<0.01)、α-SMA(r=0.940,P<0.01)为正相关关系。结论绞股蓝总皂苷可以抑制肾纤维化时结缔组织生长因子表达,从而遏制肾纤维化的进展。     

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.