右美托咪定预防神经外科全麻术后躁动的临床观察

目的观察右美托咪定预防神经外科手术患者术后躁动的临床效果。方法选择神经外科全麻手术患者60例,随机均分为右美托咪定组(D组)和生理盐水组(C组)。患者手术结束前10min停用麻醉药,D组静脉泵注右美托咪定0.4μg/kg10min,C组静注等剂量的生理盐水。记录麻醉前、拔管即刻、拔管后5min血流动力学变化,并对拔管后5、30、60、120min躁动程度、镇静状态、躁动发生率进行评估。观察呼吸恢复时间、唤醒时间和拔管时间。结果与C组比较,D组拔管即刻及拔管后5min的MAP明显降低,HR明显减慢(P<0.05);与麻醉前比较,D组拔管后5min的MAP明显降低,HR明显减慢,C组拔管即刻及拔管后5min的MAP明显升高,HR明显增快(P<0.05)。D组麻醉苏醒期躁动发生率、躁动程度明显低于C组,D组VAS评分在拔管后5、30、60、120min均明显低于C组(P<0.05),Ramsay镇静评分拔管后5、30min明显高于C组(P<0.05)。结论静脉泵注0.4μg/kg右美托咪定能减轻拔管期应激反应,减少躁动,不延迟呼吸恢复时间、唤醒时间和拔管时间,可预防神经外科全麻术后躁动。     

右美托咪定预防骨科脊柱手术患者全麻后寒战的临床观察

目的 观察右美托咪定对骨科脊柱手术患者全麻后寒战的预防作用.方法 全麻下行脊柱手术的患者90例,随机均分为右美托咪定组(D组)和对照组(C组).D组麻醉诱导后泵注右美托咪定(负荷剂量0.5 μg/kg,10 min泵完,以0.4 μg·kg-1·h-1维持);C组泵注生理盐水,泵注速度及方法同D组.监测并记录诱导前(基础值)、插管后5、15、30、60 min及拔管前后HR、MAP、SpO2、肛温(T),观察并记录术后入麻醉后恢复室(PACU)即刻、30、60 min VAS评分、Ramsay镇静评分(RSS);记录寒战分级、寒战出现的时间.结果 与基础值及与C组比较,插管后30、60 min、拔管前和拔管后D组HR明显减慢(P＜0.05);拔管前、拔管后D组MAP明显降低(P＜0.01).与基础值比较,插管后30、60 min和拔管前、拔管后两组患者T降低(P＜0.05).D组术后寒战发生率明显降低(P＜0.01);入PACU后即刻、30 min D组VAS评分明显降低(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);入PACU后即刻、30、60 min D组RSS评分明显升高(P＜0.01).结论 术中泵注右美托咪定可有效预防骨科脊柱手术患者全麻后寒战的发生.     

右美托咪定对瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚靶控输注全麻的影响

目的观察预先给予右美托咪定对瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚靶控输注(TCI)全麻的影响。方法择期全麻行妇科腹腔镜手术患者40例,随机均分为右美托咪定组(D组)和对照组(C组),D组诱导前15min静脉泵注右美托咪定0.8μg/kg,C组则给予等量生理盐水。观察注药前(T1)、麻醉诱导前(T2)、插管前即刻(T3)、插管后即刻(T4)、插管后3min(T5)、拔管后即刻(T6)、拔管后3min(T7)的BIS、MAP、HR、肾上腺素(E)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)浓度变化;记录丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼的用量、麻醉恢复情况,随访术后延迟性呼吸抑制、术中知晓情况。结果 T2时D组BIS明显低于T1时和C组(P<0.01);与D组比较,T2、T4、T6时C组MAP明显升高,HR明显增快(P<0.05或P<0.01);T4、T6时C组的E、NE浓度明显高于T3时和D组(P<0.01),而D组则无明显变化;D组丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼的用量明显少于C组(P<0.05);D组拔管期间体动、呛咳的发生率明显低于C组(P<0.01),两组呼吸恢复时间、睁眼时间、拔管时间组间差异无统计学意义。结论瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚靶控输注全麻预先静注右美托咪定0.8μg/kg可产生明显的镇静效应,有效抑制患者的应激反应,减少麻醉药的用量,且不延长麻醉恢复时间。     

右美托咪定在老年患者髋关节置换术中的应用

目的观察右美托咪定在老年患者髋关节置换术中的应用。方法选择65～82岁实施全麻的髋关节置换术患者40例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为右美托咪定组(D组)和对照组(C组)。D组患者诱导前10min泵注0.5μg/kg右美托咪定,C组患者给予相同剂量生理盐水,两组均常规诱导插管。术中D组持续静脉泵注右美托咪定0.4μg·kg-1·h-1。记录诱导前10min(T0)、诱导后5min(T1)、10min(T2)、插管即刻(T3)、插管后1min(T4)、3min(T5),手术30min(T6)、1h(T7)、2h(T8)的HR、MAP和SpO2,并记录两组维持相同麻醉深度的丙泊酚用量。结果 C组患者T1、T2时HR快于、MAP高于T0时(P<0.05或P<0.01),D组T1～T8时HR慢于、MAP低于C组(P<0.05);T3时两组HR均快于T0时,MAP高于T0时(P<0.05),但T3～T5时D组明显慢于和低于C组(P<0.05);T6～T8时D组HR慢于C组、MAP低于C组(P<0.05)。手术过程中,在维持相同的麻醉深度下,D组患者丙泊酚用量明显少于C组(P<0.05)。结论右美托咪定可减轻老年患者全麻气管插管时的心血管反应,减少术中丙泊酚用量。     

右美托咪定用于小儿唇腭裂手术麻醉的临床观察

目的 探讨右美托咪定用于小儿唇腭裂手术麻醉中的临床效果,为小儿唇腭裂手术麻醉安全用药提供依据.方法 先天性唇腭裂修复术患儿40例,随机分为右美托咪定组(D组)和对照组(C组).两组患儿均采用紧闭面罩8％七氟烷吸入麻醉诱导,D组同时静脉泵注右美托咪定1 μg/kg,C组给予同等容量生理盐水,均于10 min给完.两组患儿均采用气管插管静吸复合全身麻醉方法,术中维持C组采用异丙酚-七氟烷复合麻醉;D组采用右美托咪定-异丙酚-七氟烷复合麻醉,观察并记录不同时点患儿心率、平均动脉压、脉搏血氧饱和度、呼气末二氧化碳分压并进行躁动评分,记录两组呼吸抑制及躁动发生率.结果 两组患儿的手术时间、麻醉时间及苏醒时间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).D组患儿在气管插管即刻(T2)、术中20 min(T3)、术毕(T4)及拔管(T5)时平均动脉压和心率均明显低于C组(P＜0.05).D组躁动发生率为11.1％,明显低于C组36.4％(P＜0.05).D组无一例发生呼吸抑制.结论 右美托咪定用于小儿唇腭裂修复术安全有效,术中血流动力学平稳,术后恢复期安静、舒适,能够减少围术期并发症的发生.     

右美托咪定对脊柱侧弯矫形术患者全麻诱导和术中唤醒时血流动力学的影响

目的 观察右美托咪定对脊柱侧弯矫形术患者全麻诱导和术中唤醒时血流动力学的影响.方法 择期行脊柱侧弯后路矫形手术患者40例,随机均分为右美托咪定组(D组)和生理盐水组(C组),分别在麻醉诱导前给予0.8μg/kg右美托咪定和等量生理盐水,10 min内输完.术中D组持续泵入右美托咪定0.2μg·kg-1 ·h-1,C组泵入生理盐水.观察麻醉诱导前10 min(T0)、麻醉诱导后3 min(T1)、气管插管后1min(T2)、3 min(T3)以及唤醒开始前即刻(T6)、唤醒试验开始后10min( T5)、15 min(T6)、唤醒时(T7)的SBP、DBP、HR.记录唤醒时间及唤醒期间的出血量.结果 与T0时比较,T1时两组SBP、DBP显著降低,HR显著减慢(P＜0.05),且D组显著高/慢于C组(P＜0.05).T2、T3时D组HR明显慢于C组(P＜0.05).T6、T7时D组SBP、DBP显著低于C组,HR明显慢于C组(P＜0.05).唤醒期间D组出血量显著少于C组(P＜0.01).结论 右美托咪定有助于脊柱侧弯矫形手术患者全麻诱导及术中唤醒时血流动力学的稳定,减少唤醒期间出血,不影响唤醒时间,具有较好的保护效应.     

右美托咪定对颅脑手术拔管期血流动力学的影响

目的观察不同剂量右美托咪定在颅脑手术拔管期对血流动力学的影响。方法 48例患者随机均分为右美托咪定0.4、0.6、0.8μg/kg组(D1、D、D3组)和生理盐水组(C组)。手术结束前分别给予不同剂量右美托咪定和等容量生理盐水。记录给药前(T1)、给药后10min(T2)、15min(T3)、拔管前(T4)、拔管时(T5)和拔管后1min(T6)的MAP、HR、SpO2;记录苏醒期血管活性药使用情况。结果与C组比较,D1、D2和D3组在拔管期间血流动力学较平稳,但D3组血管活性药物使用较多。结论术毕前给予右美托咪定0.4μg/kg和0.6μg/kg可有效维持颅脑手术拔管时血流动力学的稳定,且不延长拔管时间。     

右美托咪定复合氟比洛芬酯预防全麻苏醒期躁动的临床研究

目的观察右美托咪定复合氟比洛芬酯对全麻患者苏醒期躁动及拔管期心血管反应的影响。方法择期行全身麻醉的口腔颌面部肿瘤手术患者80例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为氟比洛芬酯组(F组)、右美托咪定组(D组)、右美托咪定复合氟比洛芬酯组(DF组)和对照组(C组),每组20例。F组于手术结束前30min经静脉注射氟比洛芬酯50mg;D组于手术结束前30min经静脉注射右美托咪定0.5μg/kg;DF组手术结束前30min经静脉注射氟比洛芬酯50mg,同时经静脉注射右美托咪定0.25μg/kg;C组静脉注射与D组等容量的生理盐水。记录四组患者拔管前(T0)、拔管时(T1)、拔管后5min(T2)MAP、HR的变化;记录苏醒时间、拔管时间以及拔管前Riker镇静躁动评分、拔管后5min的Ramsay镇静评分。结果 T1、T2时F组、C组MAP明显高于,HR明显快于T0时(P0.05或P0.01);D组、DF组MAP明显低于,HR明显慢于C组(P0.01)。D组苏醒时间、拔管时间明显长于,Ramsay镇静评分明显高于其他三组(P0.05);D组、DF组Riker镇静躁动评分明显低于C组(P0.05);D组、DF组患者躁动发生率明显低于C组(P0.05或P0.01)。结论右美托咪定0.25μg/kg复合氟比洛芬酯50mg可有效降低全麻患者苏醒期躁动并能降低患者拔管期心血管反应,不会延长患者的苏醒时间和拔管时间。     

右美托咪定对室间隔缺损修补术婴儿心肌损伤的影响

目的 评价右美托咪定对室间隔缺损修补术婴儿心肌损伤的影响.方法 择期拟行室间隔缺损修补术婴儿40例,3～6月龄,体重4～6 kg,ASA分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,采用随机数字表法,将其分为2组(n=20):对照组(C组)和右美托咪定组(D组).入室后开放静脉通路,麻醉诱导后经鼻气管插管,行机械通气.D组在麻醉诱导后持续静脉输注右美托咪定0.5 μg· kg-1 ·h-1至术毕,C组相同速率持续静脉输注生理盐水至术毕.于术前10 min(T1)、切皮(T2)、胸骨劈开即刻(T3)、主动脉开放后10min(T4)和术毕(T5)时记录HR和BP.于T1、T5和术后24 h(T6)时采集右颈内静脉血样,测定血浆肌酸酶同工酶(CK-MB)活性和心肌肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)浓度.结果 与T1时比较,D组各时点HR和BP差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),C组T2-5时HR和BP升高,2组T5.6时血浆CK-MB活性及cTnT浓度升高(P＜0.05).与C组比较,D组T2-5时HR和BP、T56时血浆CK-MB活性及cTnT浓度降低(P＜0.05).结论 麻醉诱导后静脉输注右美托咪定0.5 μg·kg-1·h-1可减轻室间隔缺损修补术婴儿的心肌损伤程度.     

右美托咪定对高血压患者全身麻醉拔管期RPP和PRQ的影响

目的探讨右美托咪定对高血压患者全身麻醉拔管期心率收缩压乘积(RPP)和血压心率比值(PRQ)的影响。方法择期高血压手术患者60例,性别不限,年龄18～60岁,ASAⅠ～Ⅲ级。采用随机数字表法,将患者随机均分为右美托咪定组(D组)和对照组(C组)。手术结束前30min D组静脉注射右美托咪定0.5μg/kg(大于10min);C组静脉注射等剂量生理盐水。观察两组用药前、拔管前、拔管时,拔管后5、10min的HR、SBP、DBP、MAP。计算RPP和PRQ。结果与C组比较,D组患者SBP、MAP在拔管前、拔管时、拔管后5min,DBP在拔管时、拔管后5min明显降低,HR在拔管前、拔管时明显减慢(P0.05);D组患者RPP在拔管前、拔管时、拔管后5、10min均明显降低(P0.05)。两组患者各时点PRQ差异均无统计学意义。结论手术结束前30min静脉注射0.5μg/kg右美托咪定,能有效减轻高血压患者拔管期的心血管反应及稳定血流动力学,降低RPP值。     

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.