非心脏手术患者术前焦虑和抑郁状态与术后神经认知功能恢复延迟的相关性

目的分析全麻患者术前焦虑和抑郁状态与术后神经认知功能恢复延迟(DNR)的相关性。方法选择2018年11月至2020年6月择期行全麻非心脏手术患者436例,男231例,女205例,年龄50～80岁,BMI 19～33 kg/m~2,ASAⅠ—Ⅲ级。术前分别采用焦虑自评量表(SAS)和抑郁自评量表(SDS)评估焦虑和抑郁状态。分别于术前1 d、术后30 d对患者进行神经心理学测试,采用Z分法来判定术后是否发生DNR。根据是否发生DNR将患者分为两组:DNR组(n=44)和无DNR组(nDNR组,n=392)。记录患者性别、年龄、受教育程度、术前合并症等,采用单因素和多因素logistic回归分析,采用Spearman相关分析不同焦虑、抑郁程度与术后DNR的相关性。结果术前焦虑和抑郁状态的发生率分别为58.4%和43.2%。术后DNR的发生率为10.2%。Logistic回归分析显示,术后DNR的危险因素包括年龄增加(OR=2.651,95%CI 1.586～5.756)、术前抑郁(OR=1.687,95%CI 1.144～2.659)和麻醉时间延长(OR=1.231,95%CI 1.100～2.213)。结论全麻患者术前抑郁状态是术后30 d发生术后神经认知功能恢复延迟的独立危险因素,与术后神经认知功能恢复延迟明显正相关。     

老年患者髋部骨折术后肺部并发症的危险因素

目的采用巢式病例-对照研究分析老年髋部骨折患者术后肺部并发症的危险因素。方法回顾性分析我院2005年1月至2014年12月诊治的老年髋部骨折患者的临床资料,对其中术后新发生肺部并发症的56例患者(研究组),采用巢式病例-对照研究的方法,按照1∶6匹配同期同类未发生肺部并发症的336例患者(对照组),探讨性别、年龄、术前并存疾病(心脏疾病、高血压、肺部疾病、糖尿病、脑血管疾病和慢性肾脏疾病)、术前卧床时间、手术方式、麻醉方法、失血量和手术时间对术后肺部并发症的影响。结果 572例老年髋部骨折患者中,56例术后新发肺部并发症,单因素分析显示,研究组年龄明显大于对照组(P0.05),术前合并肺部疾病、髓外固定术、全身麻醉比例明显高于对照组(P0.05),术前卧床时间明显长于对照组(P0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,高龄(OR=1.12,95%CI 1.07～1.18,P0.001)、术前合并肺部疾病(OR=3.30,95%CI 1.34～8.15,P=0.010)、术前卧床时间延长(OR=1.29,95%CI 1.15～1.44,P0.001)、髓外固定术(OR=5.69,95%CI 2.10～15.39,P=0.001)和全身麻醉(OR=2.15,95%CI 1.05～4.40,P=0.036)是老年髋部骨折患者术后新发肺部并发症的独立危险因素。结论高龄、术前合并肺部疾病、术前卧床时间延长、髓外固定术和全身麻醉可以作为老年髋部骨折患者术后新发肺部并发症的独立危险因素,针对危险因素进行干预或可降低术后肺部并发症的发生。     

老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素分析

目的探讨老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素。方法回顾性收集临沂市人民医院2019年6月—2022年6月收治的1 296例择期行髋部骨折手术患者的临床资料, 依据术后30 d内是否发生脑卒中分为脑卒中组(30例)和非脑卒中组(1 266例)。单因素分析两组患者的基线资料、术前实验室资料、麻醉相关资料、骨折及手术相关资料, 将单因素分析中P<0.2的因素纳入多因素logistic回归分析, 探讨老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素。结果本研究共纳入1 296例患者, 其中30例术后发生脑卒中, 发生率为2.3%。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示, 老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的独立危险因素为美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)分级Ⅲ-Ⅳ级[比值比(OR)4.441, 95%置信区间(CI)1.243～15.861, P=0.022]、术前红细胞分布宽度(RDW)(OR 1.057, 95%CI 1.006～1.110, P=0.027)较高、颈动脉斑块(OR 2.760, 95%CI 1.191～6.395, P=0.018)、术中低血压(OR 2.641, 95%CI ...     

脊髓神经鞘瘤切除术患者术后慢性疼痛的危险因素

目的 探讨脊髓神经鞘瘤切除术患者术后慢性疼痛(CPSP)的危险因素。方法 选择2020年3月至2021年3月择期行脊髓神经鞘瘤切除术的患者161例,男75例,女86例,年龄≥18岁,ASAⅠ—Ⅲ级。采用数字评分量表(NRS)以及神经病理性疼痛量表(NPQ)评估患者术后3个月发生慢性疼痛及神经病理性疼痛的情况。根据NRS评分将患者分为两组：CPSP组(NRS≥1分)和无CPSP组(NRS=0分)。通过医院电子病历系统以及术后3个月电话随访收集临床资料,采用多因素Logistic回归分析脊髓神经鞘瘤切除术患者发生CPSP的独立危险因素。结果 发生CPSP的患者有63例(39%),其中中重度疼痛(NRS≥4分)40例(25%)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,术前合并疼痛(OR=3.670,95%CI 1.034～13.025,P=0.044)以及术后应用阿片类药物(OR=2.357,95%CI 1.103～5.036,P=0.027)是发生CPSP的独立危险因素。结论 术前合并疼痛以及术后使用阿片类药物是脊髓神经鞘瘤切除术患者发生CPSP的危险因素。     

髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的多因素分析

目的探讨髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的危险因素。方法回顾性分析我院骨科2005年1月~2014年12月572例髋部骨折老年患者接受内固定手术的临床资料,对性别、年龄、术前内科合并症、术前卧床时间、手术方式、麻醉方式、手术时间和术中出血量进行单因素分析,多因素logistic回归模型分析髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的危险因素。结果 25例发生严重术后谵妄(25/572,发生率4.4%)。单因素分析结果显示年龄和麻醉方式有统计学差异(P0.05);多因素logistic回归分析显示年龄(OR=1.12,95%CI:1.05~1.19,P=0.001)和全身麻醉(OR=5.03,95%CI:2.10~12.04,P=0.000)是髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的独立危险因素。结论年龄和全身麻醉是髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的独立危险因素。     

老年患者术前衰弱与术后并发症的相关性

目的 分析非心脏手术老年患者术后并发症的危险因素。方法 回顾性分析2021年3—8月行择期非心脏手术老年患者224例,男122例,女102例,年龄≥65岁,ASAⅠ—Ⅳ级。采用临床衰弱量表(CFS)评估患者术前衰弱状态。根据术后30 d是否发生并发症将患者分为两组：并发症组和非并发症组。采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析影响老年患者非心脏手术后并发症的危险因素。结果 共有64例(28.6%)患者发生术后并发症。与非并发症组比较,并发症组年龄、查尔森共病指数(CCI)明显增大,ASA分级明显增高,合并高血压、冠心病比例、衰弱比例、中性粒细胞浓度明显升高,白蛋白、Hb、淋巴细胞浓度明显降低,出血量明显增多,手术时间和麻醉时间明显延长(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,年龄增大(每增大1岁,OR=1.142,95%CI 1.064～1.225,P<0.05)和术前衰弱(OR=12.028,95%CI 3.727～38.816,P<0.05)是术后并发症的独立危险因素。结论 年龄增大和术前衰弱是老年患者非心脏手术后并发症的独立危险因素。     

胸科手术后非计划二次插管的危险因素

目的分析和探讨胸科手术后患者接受非计划二次插管的危险因素。方法本研究为病例-对照研究。将2014—2018年北京协和医院所有胸科手术后因气道原因接受非计划二次插管的患者与对照组患者进行1∶4配对。采用单因素和多因素分析的方法评估非计划二次插管的危险因素及预后情况。结果 5年间共完成全麻下胸科手术7 711例,其中12例(0.16%)因气道原因接受了术后非计划二次插管。选择48例患者为对照组。Logistic多因素回归分析显示,年龄≥65岁(OR=22.81,95%CI 1.41～367.97,P=0.028)、麻醉时间每延长10 min(OR=1.24,95%CI 1.07～1.43,P=0.003)、纵隔手术(OR=79.16,95%CI 2.95～2122.85,P=0.009)和术前SpO_295%(OR=92.28,95%CI 1.17～7311.58,P=0.043)是造成胸科手术后非计划二次插管的独立危险因素。结论年龄≥65岁、麻醉时间延长、纵隔手术、术前SpO_295%为胸科手术的患者术后非计划二次插管的危险因素。     

脊柱侧弯矫形手术患者术后肺部并发症的危险因素

目的 分析脊柱侧弯矫形手术患者术后肺部并发症(PPCs)的危险因素。方法 回顾性分析2013年8月至2020年10月择期行后入路脊柱侧弯矫形手术的463例患者病历资料。根据患者术后是否发生PPCs分为两组：PPCs组和非PPCs组。采用倾向性评分匹配和多因素Logistic回归分析脊柱侧弯矫形手术患者发生PPCs的相关危险因素。结果 有154例(33.3%)患者发生PPCs。将性别、年龄、ASA分级、吸烟史、高血压病史、Cobb角作为匹配因子进行倾向性评分匹配,再进行多因素Logistic回归分析,结果显示术中输注异体红细胞(OR=1.983, 95%CI 1.135～3.465,P=0.016)和手术时间延长(OR=1.426, 95%CI 1.112～1.831,P=0.005)是发生PPCs的独立危险因素。结论 手术时间延长、术中输注异体红细胞是脊柱侧弯矫形手术术后肺部并发症发生的危险因素。     

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。     

择期全麻手术患者术中知晓影响因素分析

目的回顾性分析择期手术接受全身麻醉患者术中知晓情况,探讨术中知晓的影响因素。方法收集2013年4月至2015年7月在郑州大学第一附属医院行择期手术接受全身麻醉的患者,记录患者年龄、性别、体重、ASA分级、人工气道建立情况、麻醉药物和血管活性药物使用及术后随访情况,明确术中知晓发生率,并应用多因素Logistic回归分析全身麻醉下术中知晓的影响因素。结果共纳入全身麻醉患者141 294例,其中有80例(0.06%)发生术中知晓。术中知晓的危险因素为全凭静脉麻醉(OR=5.181,95%CI 3.032~8.853)、喉罩通气(OR=2.478,95%CI 1.544~3.977)和ASAⅢ或Ⅳ级(OR=9.202,95%CI 5.475~15.466)。术前应用咪达唑仑(OR=0.125,95%CI 0.080~0.196)、术中复合吸入七氟醚(OR=0.193,95%CI 0.113~0.330)有助于降低术中知晓的发生率。结论全凭静脉麻醉、喉罩通气、ASAⅢ或Ⅳ级是全身麻醉患者术中知晓的危险因素,术前应用咪达唑仑、术中复合吸入七氟醚可降低术中知晓的发生率。     

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.     

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.