静脉注射利多卡因对老年冠心病非心脏手术围插管期心率变异性的影响

目的：研究静脉注射利多卡因在全麻诱导气管插管期间对老年冠心病自主神经系统功能的影响。方法：选择90例择期腹部手术老年冠心病患者．随机分成利多卡因组（L组n=45）和安慰剂组（P组n=45）．分别于麻醉前（T0）,麻醉诱导后（T1）及气管插管后（T2）用心率变异功率谱分析（HRPSA）技术观察患者的心率变异性（HRV）改变。结果：麻醉诱导后．两组HRV总功率频段（TP）和其中低频段（LF）,高频段（HF）．LF／HF（低频／高频比）均显著降低（P〈0．05）．组间比较L组LF低于C组（P〈0．05）;气管插管后,两组LF、HF、LF／HF及TP均显著升高（P〈0．05）．组间比较L组LF与LF／HF升高程度显著低于P组（P〈0．05）,HF组间差异无统计意义。结论：静注利多卡因能明显抑制插管操作引起植物神经功能的干扰．有利于维护老年冠心病患围插管期心脏自主神经调节功能。     

利多卡因对老年冠心病非心脏手术围插管期心率变异性的影响

目的研究静脉注射利多卡因在全麻诱导气管插管期间对老年冠心病患者自主神经系统功能的影响。方法 90例择期腹部手术老年冠心病患者,随机分为静注利多卡因1.5 mg/kg组(L组)和对照组(P组),每组45例。分别于麻醉前(T0)、麻醉诱导后(T1)及气管插管后(T2)用心率变异功率谱分析(HRPSA)技术观察患者的心率变异性(HRV)变化。结果 T1时两组HRV低频段(LF)、高频段(HF)、低频/高频(LF/HF)和总功率频段(TP)均显著降低(P0.05),L组LF低于P组(P0.05);T2时两组LF、HF、LF/HF及TP较T0、T1时均显著升高(P0.05),T2时L组LF与LF/HF升高程度显著低于P组(P0.05)。结论静注利多卡因能明显抑制插管操作引起植物神经功能的干扰,有利于维护老年冠心病患者围插管期心脏自主神经功能。     

全麻复合硬膜外阻滞对冠心病非心脏手术病人心率变异性的影响

目的　探讨全麻复合胸段硬膜外阻滞对冠心病非心脏手术患者心率变异性的影响。方法　 40例择期胸部或上腹部手术患者分为异氟醚吸入组 (Ⅰ组 )和异氟醚复合高位硬膜外阻滞组(Ⅱ组 ) ,利用心率变异功率谱分析法对麻醉前、麻醉诱导后、插管后、麻醉维持、切皮时及拔管时心率变异性 (HRV)及血液动力学改变进行分析。结果　麻醉诱导后及麻醉维持时两组LF、LF/HF、TP均较麻醉前显著降低 (P <0 0 5 ) ;插管后、切皮时及拔管时 ,Ⅰ组LF、LF/HF及TP显著升高 (P <0 0 5 ) ,而Ⅱ组未见明显改变 ;组间比较显示 ,上述各指标组间均有显著性差异 (P <0 0 5 )。血液动力学改变与自主神经功能变化基本一致。结论　全麻复合胸段硬膜外阻滞可显著降低冠心病非心脏手术患者交感神经活性、交感 /迷走神经均衡性和自主神经总张力 ,并显著降低手术刺激对自主神经功能的影响 ,利于机体血液动力学稳定。     

盐酸右美托咪定对老年冠心患者全麻气管插管期心率变异性的影响

目的：研究盐酸右美托咪定（dexmedetomidine．Dex）在全麻诱导气管插管期间对老年冠心病患者自主神经系统功能的影响。方法：98例择期腹部手术老年冠心病患者．随机分成盐酸右美托咪定（D组n=49,诱导前给予负荷剂量右美托咪定0．7ug,／0g．注射泵缓慢静脉注射．输注时间超过10rain．维持剂量以0．4ug/（kg·h）持续静脉注射）和安慰剂组（P组n=49．诱导前静脉注射等容量氯化钠溶液）．分别于麻醉前（To）．麻醉诱导后（T1）及气管插管后（T2）用心率变异功率谱分析（heart rate Power spectrum analysis．HRPSA）技术观察患者的心率变异性（heart rate variability．HRV）改变。结果：麻醉诱导后．两组HRV总功率频段（TP）和其中低频段（LF）、高频段（HF）．LF／HF（低频／高频比）均显著降低（P〈O．05）．组问比较D组LF低于P组（P〈O．05）;气管插管后,两组LF、HF及TP均显著升高（P〈O．05）,而D组的LF／HF较麻醉前（T0）差异无统计意义,P组的LF／HF较麻醉前（T0）显著升高（P〈O．05）：组间比较D组LF、TP升高程度显著低于P组（P〈0．05）．HF组间差异无统计学意义。结论：盐酸右美托咪定能明显抑制插管操作引起的对植物神经功能的干扰,有利于维护老年冠心病患者围插管期心脏的自主神经调节功能。     

胸内手术患者心率变异性与呼吸功能及住院时间的关系

目的 探讨胸内手术患者心率变异性与呼吸功能及住院时间的关系。方法 以动态心电图监测45例择期胸内手术病人，术前监测至少12小时，术后24小时，求得每例手术前后平均每小时的心经变异性总功率（TP）、高频（HF）、低频（LF）、极低频（VLF）、LF／HF比和平均R－R间期（RRmean）。根据术后呼吸功能情况分为呼吸功能障碍组（Ⅰ组）和呼吸功能正常组（Ⅱ组）。结果 术后Ⅰ组术前HF低于Ⅱ组（P＜0.05）、而LF／HF比却显著高于Ⅱ组（P＜0.01）。Ⅰ组术后的TP、HF、LF、RRmean明显低于Ⅱ组（P＜0.05）。患者总众议院时间与术前心率变异性（HRV）和术后LF／HF无明显相关性（P＞0.05），但与术后TP、HF、LF、VLF、RRmean吸明显负相关（P值均＜0.01)。结论 （1）胸内手术后呼吸功能不全与HRV下降有关；（2）术前HF、LF／HF比的异常可能是患者术后呼吸功能障碍者的预测因素；（3）术后24小时内TP、HF、LF、VLF、RRmean的急剧下降可预示术后并发症增多和住院时间延长。     

老年高血压病人麻醉诱导期的心血管功能变化

目的 通过监测心率、心率变异性(HRV)、血压和心排血量(CO)的变化，探讨术前用降压药的老年高血压病人麻醉诱导期的心血管功能变化规律。方法 40例老年高血压病人分为两组：Ⅰ组，长期应用抗高血压药物组；Ⅱ组，对照组。以咪唑安定、丙泊酚、芬太尼和维库滇铵行麻醉诱导和气管插管。监测诱导期间HR、HRV、MAP和CO的变化。结果 诱导后HR、MAP、CO显著降低，插管即刻及插管后1—3min MAP、HR较诱导后显著升高，插管后5—10min又降至诱导后水平，CO无显著变化。组间比较，Ⅱ组MAP升高幅度显著大于Ⅰ组。LF、HF在诱导及插管后均有了下降趋势，LF/HF无明显改变，组间无显著差异。麻醉诱导后低血压和诱导后15min内麻黄碱用量及输液量无显著差异。结论 老年高血压病人麻醉诱导期间心血管反应明显。术前应用抗高血压药物，选择咪唑安定、丙泊酚、芬太尼和维库滇铵的麻醉诱导气管插管时的心血管反应较未正规用抗高血压治疗的病人轻，对心率变异性无影响；但应注意麻醉诱导前必须补足血容量，以防止发生诱导后低血压。     

老年糖尿病患者非心脏手术后心脏自主神经功能的变化

目的 探讨老年糖尿病患者非心脏手术后心脏自主神经功能的变化。方法择期行非心脏手术老年患者30例，分为糖尿病组（DM组，n=15）和非糖尿病组（NDM组，n=15）。用三通道动态心电图监测仪分别于手术前日（术前）、术后第1天和第2天记录当晚23：00至次日早晨7：00总的心率变异性（HRV），包括总功率（TP）、高频功率（HF）、低频功率（LF）、极低频功率（VLF）及LF／HF。结果术前DM组TP、HF低于NDM组（P〈0．05），术后第1天：两组TP、HF、LF、VLF、LF／HF下降，DM组HF低于NDM组而LF／HF高于NDM组（P〈0．05或0．01），术后第2天：DM组TP、HF、LF及VLF较术后第1天进一步降低，亦低于NDM组（P〈0．05或0．01）。结论与非糖尿病患者比较，糖尿病患者非心脏手术后发生心脏自主神经功能紊乱更为严重和持久。     

三种麻醉方法对腹腔镜手术二氧化碳气腹期间自主神经活动趋势的影响

目的以心率变异性（heart rate variability，HRV）为观察指标，观察分析不同的麻醉方法对腹腔镜胆囊切除手术（Laparoscopic cholecystectomy，LC）二氧化碳（CO2）气腹期间自主神经活动趋势的影响。方法选择ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级的择期L患者45例，按手术日期分为全身麻醉组（Ⅰ组，对照组）、全身麻醉＋艾司洛尔组（Ⅱ组）和全麻复合硬膜外阻滞组（Ⅲ组），分别在麻醉前，气腹前，气腹后5、10、20及30min观察HRV及血流动力学的变化。结果与气腹前相比，Ⅰ组低频（LF）、低频／高频（LF／HF）在气腹后不同时点均显著升高（P〈0．05）；Ⅱ组LF／HF在气腹后5、10min显著升高（P〈0．05）；Ⅲ组气腹后各时点LF、HF、LF／HF均无显著变化（P〉0．05）。组间比较，Ⅰ组LF、LF／HF在气腹后各时点均显著高于Ⅱ、Ⅲ组（P〈0．05），Ⅱ组LF在气腹后10min显著高于Ⅲ组（P〈0．05），LF／HF在气腹后5、10min显著高于Ⅲ组（P〈0．05）。HF各组间差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。结论艾司洛尔可减轻气腹引起的应激反应，但不能完全阻止其交感活性的增强；全麻复合硬膜外阻滞用于腹腔镜胆囊切除手术，可以抑制气腹引起的交感神经兴奋，维持自主神经的稳定性。     

静脉注射利多卡因对2型糖尿病患者气管插管期心率变异性的影响

目的 研究静脉注射利多卡因在全麻诱导气管插管期间对2型糖尿病患者自主神经系统功能的影响. 方法 70例择期腹部手术2型糖尿病患者,采用McLeod改良Wichmann-Hill伪随机数发器生成的随机序列.随机双盲分成利多卡因组(L组,诱导前静脉注射1.5 mg/kg利多卡因)和对照组(C组,诱导前静脉注射等容量氯化钠溶液),每组35例,分别于麻醉诱导前(T0)、麻醉诱导后1 min(T1)、麻醉诱导后3 min(插管前,T2)及插管后1 min(T3)、6 min(T4)用心率(heart rate,HR)变异功率谱分析技术观察患者的心率变异性(heart rate variability,HRV)改变. 结果 与T0比较,T1～T2时,L组低频段(low frequency,LF)(233±131)、(219±98) ms2/Hz和总功率频段(total power,TP)(751±219)、(761±236) ms2/Hz,C组LF (296±99)、(279±103) ms2/Hz,高频段(high frequency,HF)(91±36)、(97±43) ms2/Hz,低频/高频比(LF/HF ratio,LF/HF)(1.8±0.7)、(1.9±0.6)及TP(759±197)、(751±213) ms2/Hz均显著降低(P＜0.05),组间比较,L组LF低于C组(P＜0.05),而L组HF高于C组(P＜0.05);T3～T4,两组LF、HF及TP均较To显著升高(P＜0.05),而L组的LF/HF较T0差异无统计意义,C组的LF/HF(6.0±1.8)、(5.9±1.9)较T0显著升高(P＜0.05);组间比较L组LF、TP升高程度显著低于C组(P＜0.05),HF组间差异无统计意义.与T0比较,T1～T2时,两组HR、收缩压(stolic blood pressure,SP)、舒张压(diastolic blood pressure,DP)均显著降低(P＜0.05);组间比较,L组SP、DP降低程度显著高于C组(P＜0.05),而两组间HR的改变差异无统计学意义.T3～T4,两组HR、SP、DP较麻醉诱导后均显著升高(P＜0.01).组间比较L组HR、SP及DP升高程度显著低于C组(P＜0.05). 结论 全麻诱导气管插管期间2型糖尿病患者对自主神经功能一定的干扰,静注利多卡因能明显抑制插管操作引起的对自主神经功能的干扰,有利于维护2型糖尿病患者围插管期心脏的自主神经调节功能.     

靶控输注咪达唑仑镇静时老年和年轻患者心率变异性的变化

目的 观察靶控输注咪达唑仑镇静时老年手术患者和年轻患者心率变异性（HRV）的变化。方法 38例ASAI-Ⅱ级择期椎管内麻醉下行下肢或下腹部手术患者，分为老年组（60－82岁）和年轻组（18－40岁），每组19例。采用靶控输注，靶浓度从50ng/ml起渐增，直至病人OAA／S评分为1级。观察镇静起效期和恢复期不同OAA／S评分时，两组HRV参数等的变化。结果 随咪达唑仑镇静程度加深，两组患者LF、nuLF、LF／HF、TP和HRV逐渐降低，nuHF升高，HF无明显改变。随镇静作用减退，HRV参数逐渐恢复至基础值。LF、LF／HF、TP和HRV与镇静评分的相关性较好（r=0.502-0.719)。两组总体变化趋势一致。相同镇静评分时，绝大多数HRV参数值老年组与年轻组无显著性差异，仅在深度镇静（OAA／S1级）时，老年组HRV各值均显著低于年轻组（除外LF／HF）。结论 深度镇静（OAA／S1级）时，咪达唑仑对老年患者自主神经活性的抑制较年轻患者显著，但对没有心血管和自主神经系统疾病的老年手术患者交感－副交感神经均衡性的维持与年轻患者无明显差异。     

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.     

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.