清胰颗粒对重症急性胰腺炎大鼠回肠claudin-1表达的影响

目的观察复方中药提取物清胰颗粒对重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)大鼠回肠黏膜的保护作用及对claudin-1表达的影响。方法 96只健康雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为假手术组,SAP组,SAP+清胰颗粒(治疗)组。采用胆胰管逆行注射3.5%牛磺胆酸钠建立SAP动物模型,假手术组以同样方法注射生理盐水。治疗组于制模前2 h给予清胰颗粒水溶液灌胃,以后每12 h灌胃1次。各组大鼠分别于制模后6,12,24,48 h取回肠末端HE染色观察病理改变;应用免疫组织化学法和实时荧光定量PCR法检测回肠黏膜紧密连接蛋白claudin-1的表达。结果与SAP组比较,治疗组回肠病理损伤在制模后24 h和48 h有明显改善,回肠claudin-1蛋白和mRNA表达水平在制模后12,24,48 h升高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论清胰颗粒能通过上调肠紧密连接蛋白claudin-1的蛋白和mRNA表达,保护肠道黏膜,维护肠黏膜屏障功能。     

急性胰腺炎胰腺iNOS mRNA的表达与肠壁通透性的关系及丹参对其的影响

目的 探讨重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)大鼠胰腺组织诱导型一氧化氮合成酶(iNOS)mRNA的表达及其与肠壁通透性的关系,并观察丹参对其的响.方法 大鼠随机分为3组:(1)SAP组(n=15);(2)SAP丹参注射液治疗组(T组,n=15);假手术对照组(C组,n=15).原位杂交法检查各组胰iNOS mRNA表达,血中一氧化氮(NO),淀粉酶(AML),内毒素(LPS)和血中与肠内125I-清蛋白累积指数,以及胰腺和回肠病理检查.结果 AP组胰腺iNOS mRNA呈强阳性表达,血中NO,AML和LPS含量及125 I-清蛋白累积指数和腹水量均显著高于C组(P<0.01).与SAP组比较,T胰腺及回肠病理损害明显减轻,胰腺iNOS mRNA表达强度较弱,血中NO,AML,LPS及腹水量均显著下降(P<0.01),125I-清蛋白累积指数降低.结论 SAP肠壁通透性增加的原因之一可能与SAP时胰腺iNOS mRNA的过度表达产生过多NO有关.丹参通过下调胰腺iNOS mRNA的达,对降低SAP的肠壁通透性有一定预防治疗作用.     

清胰颗粒对重症急性胰腺炎大鼠肠黏膜屏障的保护作用

目的:探讨复方中药提取物清胰颗粒对重症急性胰腺炎(severe acute pancreatitis,SAP)大鼠肠黏膜屏障的影响。方法:96只健康雄性Wistar大鼠,随机分为假手术组、SAP组和清胰颗粒组。采用胆胰管逆行注射3.5%牛磺胆酸钠建立SAP动物模型,假手术组以同样方法注射生理盐水,清胰颗粒组于造模前2h、造模后6h、18h、30h和42h分别给予清胰颗粒灌胃;SAP组仅给予安慰剂。各组大鼠分别于造模后6h、12h、24h、48h取腹主动脉血行淀粉酶和二胺氧化酶的检测,取胰腺和末端回肠组织行HE染色和病理学评分。结果:与SAP组比较,清胰颗粒组于造模后12h、24h和48h血清淀粉酶降低(P﹤0.05),于造模后24h和48h二胺氧化酶活性降低(P﹤0.05),胰腺和回肠末端病理学评分分别于造模后24h和48h降低有显著性差异(P﹤0.05)。结论:清胰颗粒能够减轻重症急性胰腺炎大鼠胰腺损伤,降低肠黏膜通透性,对重症急性胰腺炎大鼠肠黏膜屏障具有保护作用。     

早期大剂量甲强龙冲击治疗对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎的影响

目的 观察早期大剂量甲强龙冲击治疗对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)炎症变化以及胰腺组织内T淋巴细胞浸润情况的影响.方法 通过腹腔内注射L-精氨酸(320 mg/100 g)制作大鼠重症胰腺炎模型,96只雄性SD大鼠随机分成正常对照组(NS组,n=32),重症急性胰腺炎组(SAP组,n=32),重症胰腺炎甲基强地松龙治疗组(MES组,n=32),观察SAP模型后6 h、12 h、24 h、72 h胰腺湿干比重、血清淀粉酶以及胰腺CD3~+、CD4~+、CD8~+T淋巴细胞及CD4~+/CD8~+比值变化水平.另外3组各取15只SD大鼠观察72h病死率.结果 SAP组较NS组各时段72 h病死率、血清淀粉酶、胰腺湿干比,而胰腺CD3~+、CD4~+、CD8~+T淋巴细胞百分数及CD4/CD8比值明显降低,MES组较SAP组各时段胰腺湿干比、血清淀粉酶明显降低,CD3~+、CD4~+、CD8~+T淋巴细胞百分数及CD4/CD8比值有所降低,但差异无统计学意义.结论 早期大剂量甲强龙冲击治疗重症急性胰腺炎对降低病死率,改善胰腺炎炎性介质反应具有明显作用,对内毒素水平、胰腺免疫功能影响无统计学意义.     

甘草甜素治疗重症急性胰腺炎的实验研究

目的:探讨甘草甜素对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)疗效。方法:将大鼠随机均分为假手术组,SAP组,SAP+甘草甜素治疗组(治疗组),以5%牛磺胆酸钠胰胆管逆行注射制作大鼠SAP模型。比较各组术后的生存时间,术后不同时间点血淀粉酶及血清TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6的水平及胰腺组织病理学评分。结果:假手术组大鼠在观察时间内无死亡,SAP组和治疗组大鼠术后的平均生存时间分别为(28.50±17.82)h和(41.50±17.59)h,两者差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与假手术组比较,SAP组和治疗组各时间点血清TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6水平均明显升高(均P<0.05),但治疗组上述指标升高程度均明显低于SAP组(均P<0.05);除假手术组外,SAP组和治疗组胰腺组织均呈现出不同程度的SAP病理改变,但治疗组病理改变明显较轻,各时间点组织学评分也明显低于SAP组(均P<0.05)。结论:甘草甜素治疗大鼠重症急性胰腺炎有一定的疗效。     

清胰汤改善重症急性胰腺炎大鼠胃肠动力的机制研究

目的：探讨重症急性胰腺炎（SAP）胃肠动力障碍的发病机制以及清胰汤对其作用。 方法：将48只SD大鼠随机均分为假手术组,SAP模型组（模型组）,SAP模型+清胰汤治疗组（清胰汤治疗组）。SAP模型采用5%牛磺胆酸钠胰腺被膜下多点注射诱导,清胰汤治疗组造模后给予清胰汤灌胃,假手术组与模型组给予等体积生理盐水代替。术后24 h采用双极银丝电极记录大鼠胃窦部消化间期复合肌电活动（IMC）,随后采用ELISA法测定血清胃动素（MTL）及血管活性肠肽（VIP）的浓度,并进行胰腺组织病理学检查及评分。 结果：与假手术组比较,模型组与清胰汤治疗组均表现为MTL浓度降低而VIP浓度升高（均P<0.05）,但清胰汤治疗组MTL浓度降低与VIP浓度升高的程度低于模型组,且胰腺组织病理学评分也低于模型组（均P<0.05）;模型组与清胰汤治疗组IMC的周期及I,II相时间延长,而IMC III相时间缩短,IMC III相峰电位的振幅及频率降低（均P<0.05）,但清胰汤治疗组IMC的各项指标改变不如模型组明显（均P<0.05）。相关性分析显示,SAP大鼠的IMC III相时间与MTL浓度呈正相关（r=0.967,P<0.05）,与VIP浓度及胰腺组织病理学评分呈负相关（r=-0.592,P<0.05;r=-0.736,P<0.05）。 结论：SAP胃肠动力障碍的发病与胃肠激素紊乱有关,清胰汤可能通过对胃肠激素的调节作用而改善胃肠动力。     

低分子肝素区域动脉灌注治疗重症急性胰腺炎的实验研究

目的:观察低分子肝素(LMWH)区域动脉灌注(LAI)对家兔重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)的疗效及对血浆TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10的影响。方法:24只健康成年家兔随机均分为假手术组,SAP组,SAP+LMWH静脉输注组(IV组),SAP+LMWH LAI组(LAI组)。以5%牛磺胆酸钠胰腺被膜下注射诱导SAP模型,造模30 min后,2个治疗组分别以静脉输注和LAI的方式给予LMWH(300 IU/kg),分别在术后0.5,3,6,12 h检测各组家兔静脉血浆TNF-α,IL-6和IL-10水平,并观察胰腺病理学改变。结果:假手术组术后血浆TNF-α和IL-6水平呈缓慢升高,其余各组血浆TNF-α和IL-6水平均在术后0.5~6 h内明显升高,与假手术组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01),随后逐渐降低,其中IV组和LAI组血浆TNF-α和IL-6水平在各时点均低于SAP组(P<0.05或P<0.01),且LAI组两者降低程度大于IV组(P<0.05或P<0.01);假手术组术后IL-10水平在各时点无明显变化,SAP组IL-10水平在术后6 h各时点明显降低,与假手术组比较差异有统计学意义(均P<0.01),IV组和LAI组IL-10水平明显升高,与SAP组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01),且LAI组升高程度明显大于IV组(P<0.01);除假手术组外,其余各组均为轻重不同的SAP特征性病理表现,以SAP组最重,IV组次之,LAI组最轻。结论:LMWH能降低SAP家兔TNF-α和IL-6的水平,提高IL-10的水平,对SAP具有治疗作用,且LAI优于静脉给药。     

清胰汤对大鼠SAP早期SIRS的影响

目的：观察中药清胰汤对大鼠SAP（重型急性胰腺炎）早期SIRS（全身炎症反应综合征）的影响。方法：选用健康雄性SD大鼠80只，随机分为4组，假手术组（shaln组）、SAP组、地塞米松治疗组（D组）、清胰汤治疗组（Q组），每组20只。采用放免法检测血清TNFα（肿瘤坏死因子α）、IL-1（白介素-1）、IL-6（白介素-6），生化法检测血清AMY（淀粉酶）水平，计算胰腺脏器系数并观察大体及光镜下病理学改变。结果：各组血清TNFα、IL-1、IL-6均明显升高（P〈0．01），并随时间的延长升高更加显著（P〈0．01）。给予清胰汤后，腹水量都明显减少；除2h组外胰腺病理改变明显减轻，胰腺病理评分减少（P〈0．01）；血清AMY、TNFα、IL-1、IL-6明显下降。结论：清胰汤对大鼠SAP早期SIRS具有治疗作用。     

氢饱和生理盐水对重症急性胰腺炎肺损伤的作用及对NOX2/ROS/NF-κB 通路的影响

目的:探讨氢饱和生理盐水(HRS)对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)肺损伤的影响及其与NOX2/ROS/NF-κB通路的关系。方法:72只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为假手术组、SAP模型组(SAP组)、SAP模型+HRS治疗组(HRS组);SAP模型以胆胰管逆行注射5%牛磺胆酸钠制备;术后5min,HRS组经尾静脉注射HRS(6mL/kg),假手术组与SAP组以等体积生理盐水代替;术后3、12、24h分批剖杀大鼠,胰腺和肺组织行病理学检查,以及血清胰酶水平、肺组织丙二醛(MDA)与超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)水平、肺组织NOX2、NF-κB及TNF-α表达水平检测。结果:与假手术组比较,SAP组和HRS组大鼠各时间点均出现明显的SAP与肺损伤表现,表现为胰腺、肺组织病理学评分增加,血清胰酶水平升高,肺组织MDA含量升高、SOD活性降低(均P0.05),但除胰酶水平外(均P0.05),HRS组各损伤指标均明显低于SAP组(均P0.05);术后12h免疫组化结果显示,SAP组和HRS组大鼠肺组织中NOX2、NF-κB和TNF-α的表达均较假手术组升高(P0.05),HRS组上述指标均较SAP组明显低于SAP组降低(均P0.05)。结论:HRS有减轻SAP大鼠肺损伤的作用,机制可能与抑制NOX2/ROS/NF-κB通路活性有关。     

雷公藤多甙对重症急性胰腺炎大鼠糖皮质激素受体的上调影响

目的：探讨雷公藤多甙对重症急性胰腺炎（SAP）大鼠糖皮质激素受体的影响。方法：48只健康雄性SD大鼠,随机分成SAP组、雷公藤多甙（TⅡ）组和假手术组（S组）,每组16只。采用逆行胆胰管注射牛磺胆酸钠造成SAP模型。造模后,SAP组不作处理;TⅡ组立即行雷公藤多甙50mg/（kg.d）腹腔注射;S组仅开腹。术后12h分别处死大鼠,观察胰腺、肝、肾、肺、小肠的病理改变并采用免疫印迹法测定各组织的糖皮质激素受体（GR）含量。结果：SAP组和TⅡ组大鼠各组织的GR水平明显低于S组（P〈0.01）;TⅡ组各组织的GR水平明显高于SAP组（P〈0.01）;12h时模型组大鼠的胰腺、肝、肾、肺、小肠已有明显的病理改变,TⅡ组的病理改变较SAP组明显减轻。结论：在重症急性胰腺炎大鼠模型中存在GR水平的降低,雷公藤多甙可以减轻SAP大鼠胰腺及胰外器官的病理损害,其机制可能与上调GR的表达有关。     

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.