甲基强的松龙对脊髓损伤后伤段脊髓线粒体功能的影响

目的：探讨脊髓损伤后伤段脊髓线粒体呼吸功能和线粒体内游离钙的变化和早期使用甲基强的松龙（MP）对其的影响。方法：54只SD大鼠，随机分组为假手术组（对照组）、脊髓损伤组（SCI组，采用Allen’s打击法造成大鼠脊髓损伤模型）和脊髓损伤后应用MP治疗组（MP组），每组又分为处理后6h、12h、24h三个时间相，每个时间相6只。在各时间相处死动物后提取伤段脊髓线粒体，测定线粒体呼吸Ⅲ态（R3）、呼吸Ⅳ态（R4）、呼吸控制率（RCR）、磷氧比（P／0）和线粒体内游离Ca^2＋浓度。结果：SCI组在伤后6h、12h和24hR3、RCR和P／0显著低于对照组，R4和线粒体内游离Ca^2＋浓度显著高于对照组。差异有显著性（P〈0．01）；伤后6h和12h MP组R3、RCR和P／0高于SCI组，R4和线粒体内游离Ca^2＋浓度低于SCI组，差异有显著性（P〈0．01）；MP组R3、R4和RCR在6h和12h时与对照组之间无显著性差异，24h时R3、RCR和P／0低于正常对照组，有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结论：脊髓损伤后伤段脊髓线粒体呼吸功能和线粒体内游离Ca^2＋浓度明显受到影响，线粒体内膜通透性增加，线粒体氧化磷酸化的偶联程度明显受到抑制。早期使用甲基强的松龙可明显改善线粒体的呼吸功能，抑制Ca^2＋内流，保护伤段脊髓线粒体的稳定性。     

汉防己甲素对大鼠急性脊髓损伤的作用及意义

目的：探讨汉防己甲素（Tet）对急性脊髓损伤（ASCI）的保护作用及作用机制。方法：81只大鼠随机分为三组：生盐水对照组（NS组）、汉防己甲素治疗组（Tet组）和甲基强松龙治疗组（MP组），每组27只，用加速型Allen′s打击法制成脊髓急性损伤模型，监测大鼠ASCI后及用药后的血压变化，测定损伤区脊髓Ca^2 、MDA含量；采用氢清除法测定脊髓伤区血流量（SCBF）的变化；连续观测6周ASCI后运动功能评分情况，ASCI后4h,8h、6周取伤区标本进行组织病理检查，结果：ASCI后10s各组动物的MABP显著升高，1min内迅速降至正常水平，之后Tet组舒张压，平均动脉明显降低（P＜0．05），而收缩压降低不明显（P＞0．05）；ASCI后SCBF下降，但Tet组和MP组的SCBF较NS组高（P＜0．05）；损伤区Ca^2 及MDA含量Tet组和MP组均较NS组低，神经功能评分均较NS组高。结论：Tet能改善微循环，防止SCBF的减少；抗脂质过氧化损伤，减少脂质过氧化物MDA的生成；减轻Ca^2 的局部积聚，防止钙超载，阻断继发性损伤的链式反应，减轻组织继发性损伤。对实验性急性脊髓损伤有保护作用。     

红花注射液对脊髓损伤早期自由基影响的实验研究

目的:通过观察对大鼠脊髓损伤模型早期使用红花注射液后自由基的变化探讨红花注射液防止脊髓继发性损伤的作用机制。方法:选择成年雄性SD大鼠48只,分为正常对照组、损伤组、红花治疗组,每组大鼠16只。采用Allen’s撞击法建立脊髓损伤模型,其中红花治疗组分别于打击后30 min、2、4 h腹腔注射红花注射液。术后6 h测定脊髓组织和血液中丙二醛(MDA)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的含量,并在光镜下观察组织形态的变化。结果:损伤组血液标本和脊髓标本中MDA升高、SOD降低,红花组血液和脊髓标本所测定的各个指标与损伤组比较有显著性差别(P<0.01),红花组与对照组各指标无明显差别(P>0.05)。组织学形态上,红花治疗组脊髓损伤程度小,神经元细胞破坏少。结论:脊髓损伤后血液和脊髓组织中自由基含量升高,红花注射液能有效清除自由基,在一定程度上能防止脊髓继发性损伤。注射红花注射液后,MDA降低,SOD升高。     

氯胺酮对大鼠脊髓背角星形胶质细胞的保护机制

目的 探讨氯胺酮对N-甲基-D天冬氨酸（NMDA）诱导的大鼠脊髓背角星形胶质细胞损伤的保护机制。方法 取新生2～3dWistar大鼠40只T12～L5脊髓背角星形胶质细胞,原代纯化培养3周。将细胞随机分六组：NMDA组（N组）,氯胺酮组（K组）、NMDA加不同浓度氯胺酮组（标记为NK1～NK3组）,对照组（C组）。加药后培养30min或24h取各组细胞检测超氧化物岐化酶（SOD）活性和丙二醛（MDA）含量,免疫细胞化学观察Bcl-2／Bax表达,流式细胞仪检测星形胶质细胞凋亡率和胞内游离钙浓度（[Ca^2＋]i）。结果 与C组比较,N组细胞发生大量凋亡（P〈0．01）,Bax强阳性表达,Bcl-2阴性表达,SOD活性显著降低（P〈0．01）,MDA含量明显增加（P〈0．01）,[Ca^2＋]i显著升高（P〈0．01）。与N组比较,NK2、NK3组细胞凋亡明显减少（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）,Bcl-2阳性表达,Bax阴性表达,[Ca^2＋]i低（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）,SOD活性增加（P〈0．01）,MDA含量低（P〈0．01）。结论 氯胺酮抑制激活的背角星形胶质细胞内Ca^2＋超载,增强Bcl-2蛋白表达,抑制NMDA诱导的细胞凋亡,并增强抗氧化酶活性,抑制脂质过氧化反应引起的细胞损伤。     

脊髓损伤后自由基变化及丹参对自由基影响的实验研究

目的　了解实验性脊髓损伤后血液和脊髓组织中自由基的变化及丹参对自由基的清除作用。方法　选用家兔 3 5只 ,分为正常组、损伤组、生理盐水对照组、丹参治疗组 A和 B等 5组 ,后 4组按 Allen氏法致伤造成脊髓损伤模型 ,后 3组术后分别立即静脉注射生理盐水 ,不同浓度丹参注射液。 2小时后取血液和脊髓组织测丙二醛 ( MDA)和超氧化物歧化酶 ( SOD) ,并观察脊髓病理变化。结果　脊髓损伤后血液和脊髓组织中 MDA升高 ,SOD下降 ,使用丹参后可使 MDA降低 ,SOD升高。结论　脊髓损伤后血液和脊髓组织中自由基含量升高 ,丹参能够有效清除自由基 ,两个丹参治疗组之间的抗自由基作用无显著性差异。     

甲基强的松龙对脊髓爆震伤后运动神经元形态学改变的实验研究

目的观察甲基强的松龙(MP)冲击疗法在脊髓爆震伤后早期救治中的疗效.方法将48只家兔随机分为6h生理盐水组(A组)、24h生理盐水组(B组)、48h生理盐水组(C组)、6h MP组(D组)、24h MP组(E组)及48h MP组(F组),每组8只,采用0.9g黑索金(RDX)对每只家兔进行爆震,伤后1h内A、B、C组给予静脉输入生理盐水,速度为5ml/kg/h,D、E、F组根据NASCISⅡ方案给予MP,A、D组于伤后6h取材,B、E组于伤后24h取材,C、F于伤后48h取材,观察脊髓前角运动神经元的形态和数量的变化.结果爆震伤后6h脊髓运动神经元出现可逆性改变,伤后24h脊髓死亡运动神经元达到最多,并且持续到伤后48h,伤后1h内给予MP冲击治疗后,24h、48h组与对照组相比在正常与坏死神经元的数量方面均表现出显著的统计学差异(P＜0.001).结论脊髓爆震伤后早期给予MP冲击治疗,对脊髓运动神经元具有保护作用.     

中药黄芪对实验性脊髓损伤的神经保护作用

目的探讨黄芪(AR)对脊髓继发性损伤的保护作用,并与甲基强地松龙(MP)进行对照.方法 Wistar大鼠60只,以改良Allen氏法制备脊髓打击伤模型,随机分为三组.测定不同药物处理后4 h、8 h、24 h脊髓组织线粒体SOD活性和MDA浓度以及血液流变学改变;光镜观察用药后1、2周黄芪对病理学改变的影响,同时进行联合行为学评分(CBS).结果黄芪处理后脊髓组织MDA浓度明显低于各时相点对照组,SOD活性显著升高(P＜0.01),与MP治疗组无明显差异(P＞0.05).血液流变学指标也有所改善.病理检查发现黄芪治疗组髓鞘受损轻微,组织赦免范围增大.结论黄芪治疗可以缓解脊髓损伤后的脂质过氧化反应,改善微循环,从而发挥脊髓保护作用.     

甲基强的松龙对大鼠脊髓损伤后GFAP、neurocan和phosphacan表达的影响

目的观察甲基强的松龙(MP)对大鼠脊髓损伤(SCI)后GFAP、neurocan和phosphacan表达的作用.方法36只成年Wistar大鼠随机分为3组,其中正常对照组4只,损伤组和治疗组各16只.正常对照组大鼠不损伤脊髓,治疗组大鼠采用局部压迫法损伤T9脊髓,损伤后立即尾静脉推注MP 30mg/kg,随后24h内每间隔6h推注MP(30mg/kg)一次,共给药5次.损伤组以同样方法损伤脊髓并推注等量生理盐水.分别于伤后3d、7d及14d切取损伤处脊髓标本,行RT-PCR及免疫组化检测GFAP、neurocan和phosphacan mRNA相对含量和蛋白表达.结果大鼠SCI后GFAP、neurocan和phosphacan mRNA相对含量增加.伤后3d、7d、14d,MP治疗组比损伤组GFAP mRNA含量均明显减少(P＜0.01);伤后3d、7d治疗组neurocan和phosphacan mRNA含量减少(P＜0.01);至伤后14d时含量改变不明显(P＞0.05).结论SCI后MP能抑制大鼠GFAP、neurocan和phosphacan表达.     

脊髓爆震伤后早期治疗神经元的形态学变化

[目的]研究脊髓爆震伤后早期采用不同药物干预对脊髓前角运动神经元影响。[方法]将36只家兔随机分为对照组（A组，n=12）、地塞米松实验纽（B组，n=12）、甲强龙实验组（C组，n=12），每组家兔均采用0．9g单质金属炸药黑索金（cyclotrimethylene trinitramine）进行爆震，伤后各组分别给予静脉输入生理盐水、地塞米松及甲强龙，于伤后6h、24h2个时间点取材，在光镜下观察脊髓前角运动神经元形态和数量的改变。[结果]发现爆震伤后6h脊髓运动神经元出现可逆性改变，伤后24h脊髓死亡运动神经元显著增加，伤后早期给予地塞米松及甲强龙治疗后，死亡神经元的数量减少与对照组相比有显著的统计学意义（P〈0．001），而B、C组之间无显著差别（P〉0．05）。[结论]脊髓爆震伤后早期应用糖皮质激素对运动神经元具有保护作用，在本实验条件下，甲强龙在早期脊髓爆震伤中的疗效与地塞米松相比没有优势。     

外源性神经节苷脂对大鼠脊髓损伤的保护作用

目的 :探讨外源性神经节苷脂 (GM1)对大鼠脊髓损伤后继发性损害的保护作用。方法 :用Allen’sWD技术制备脊髓损伤模型 ,96只大鼠随机分为 :假手术组、对照组和实验组 ,于损伤平面以下蛛网膜下腔置细塑料导管 ,实验组术后15min经导管注入GM1溶液 ,对照组注入等量生理盐水。用药后不同时间测定脊髓组织超氧化物歧化酶 (SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)浓度和兴奋性氨基酸 (EAA)的含量。伤后 2、 4周联合行为学评分 (CBS)观察实验动物神经功能恢复情况。结果 :脊髓损伤后用GM1组 ,损伤脊髓组织MDA浓度和EAA含量明显降低 ,而SOD活性则显著升高。CBS评分明显降低。结论 :外源性GM1可拮抗脊髓损伤后的脂质过氧化反应 ,降低兴奋性氨基酸的毒性 ,从而发挥保护脊髓作用     

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.