3D与2D腹腔镜下经腹膜外前列腺癌根治术疗效与安全性比较的Meta分析

目的:使用Meta分析比较3D与2D腹腔镜下经腹膜外前列腺癌根治术的疗效与安全性。方法:检索各大数据库相关文献,由2名独立文献分析员进行质量评价及数据提取,利用Revman 5.3软件进行分析。结果:共纳入9篇文献,共705例患者。Meta分析结果显示:与2D腹腔镜比较,3D腹腔镜下经腹膜外前列腺癌根治术可以缩短手术时间(MD=-34.74,95%CI:-49.01~-20.46,P0.000 01)、减少术中出血(MD=-48.53,95%CI:-63.31~-33.75,P0.000 01)、缩短住院时间(MD=-0.96,95%CI:-1.87~-0.05,P=0.04)、减少手术并发症(OR=0.46,95%CI:0.22~0.97,P=0.04)、提高术后控尿能力(OR=2.39,95%CI:1.48~3.85,P=0.000 3)。结论:与2D腹腔镜比较,3D腹腔镜下经腹膜外前列腺癌根治术能够缩短手术时间、减少术中出血、缩短住院时间、减少术后并发症及提高术后控尿,但由于纳入文献较少且质量不高,需要更多高质量的随机对照研究以进一步证实该结论。     

腹腔镜胃癌根治术可行性与安全性的Meta分析

目的:综合分析腹腔镜胃癌根治术与开腹胃癌根治术,探讨腹腔镜胃癌根治术的可行性和安全性。方法:计算机检索The Cochrane library、pubmed、EMbase、CBM、维普、中国知网、万方数据库,检索时间为2010年1月至2015年8月,纳入腹腔镜胃癌根治术与开腹胃癌根治术的资料,用revman5.2处理数据,评价腹腔镜胃癌根治术的可行性及安全性。结果:共纳入公开发表的7篇临床对比研究,以腹腔镜胃癌根治术为观察组,开腹胃癌根治术为对照组进行Meta分析,观察组切口长度低于对照组(MD=-12.93,95%CI:-13.16^-12.70,P<0.00001);观察组出血量更少(MD=-129.98,95%CI:-220.54^-39.42,P=0.005);观察组与对照组淋巴结清扫数目无统计学差异(MD=0.77,95%CI:-2.06~3.60,P=0.56);腹腔镜组较开腹手术时间长(MD=49.17,95%CI:25.32~73.02,P<0.0001);观察组住院时间较对照组短(MD=-2.27,95%CI:-3.77^-0.77,P=0.003)。结论:腹腔镜胃癌根治术治疗胃癌是可行的,在手术彻底性、微创及安全性方面优于开腹胃癌根治术。     

腹腔镜与开放性肾蒂淋巴管结扎术疗效比较的Meta分析

目的 系统评价腹腔镜肾蒂淋巴管结扎术与开放肾蒂淋巴管结扎术的疗效,对临床上手术治疗难治性乳糜尿提供循证依据。方法 通过计算机检索PubMed、Web of Science、Cochrane library、CNKI、CBM和万方数据库,手工检索国内相关杂志《中华泌尿外科杂志》、《中华男科学杂志》、《中国男科学杂志》和《临床泌尿外科杂志》,查找比较腹腔镜肾蒂淋巴管结扎术与开放肾蒂淋巴管结扎术疗效的临床对照研究相关文献,并手检纳入文献的参考文献,检索时限均从建库/建刊至2016年3月。按照纳入和排除标准,2位评价者独立进行文献筛查、质量评价和数据提取,采用Revman 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果 腹腔镜组与开放组在手术时间(WMD=-46.54,95%CI=-62.05~-31.02,P0.000 01)、术中出血量(SMD=-3.83,95%CI=-4.25~-3.41,P0.000 01)、术后肠道恢复时间(WMD=-1.37,95%CI=-1.55~-1.18,P0.000 01)、并发症发生率(RR=0.14,95%CI=0.05~0.39,P0.05)、术后住院时间(WMD=-4.63,95%CI=-6.33~-2.94,P0.000 01)和总住院时间(SMD=-2.89,95%CI=-4.48~-1.30,P0.05)方面差异有统计学意义,腹腔镜组明显优于开放组,但在术后引流管留置时间(WMD=-0.71,95%CI=-1.44~0.03,P=0.06)方面和复发方面两组无统计学差异。结论 两种手术方式具有相似的治疗效果,术后患者病情均得到有效控制。但相比开放手术,腹腔镜肾蒂淋巴管结扎术具备手术时间短、术中出血量少、患者恢复快等优势。考虑本Meta分析纳入的病例数较少,纳入研究存在局限性,有必要开展和设计大样本随机对照研究来进一步验证此结果。     

机器人与腹腔镜手术治疗胃癌的围手术期效果Meta分析

目的:系统性分析达芬奇机器人胃切除术(robotic gastrectomy,RG)与腹腔镜胃切除术(laparoscopic gastrectomy,LG)治疗胃癌的围手术期效果。方法:计算机检索Pub Med、Embase、Cochrane Library、中国知网、中国生物医学文献数据库、万方数字化期刊全文数据库及中文科技期刊全文数据库,收集2017年12月前发表的关于比较RG与LG治疗胃癌围手术期效果的中文文献与英文文献,使用Rev Man 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果:最终纳入30项研究,共9 889例患者,其中RG组2 950例,LG组6 939例。Meta分析结果显示,与LG组相比,RG组手术时间长(MD=38.76,95%CI=30.45~47.06,P0.05),术中出血量少(MD=-37.25,95%CI=-49.20~-25.31,P0.05),淋巴结清扫数量多(MD=2.19,95%CI=0.59~3.80,P0.05),术后住院时间、首次排气时间、首次进食时间短(MD=-0.77,95%CI=-1.25~-0.29;MD=-0.13,95%CI=-0.24~-0.03;MD=-0.17,95%CI=-0.30~-0.04;P0.05),两组近端切缘距离、远端切缘距离、术后并发症发生率、中转率及病死率差异无统计学意义(MD=0.02,95%CI=-0.25~0.29;MD=0.17,95%CI=-0.31~0.65;OR=0.90,95%CI=0.76~1.07;OR=2.00,95%CI=0.27~14.77;OR=1.07,95%CI=0.63~1.81;P0.05)。结论:与LG相比,RG治疗胃癌安全、可行,可取得与LG相近或更好的围手术期效果。     

Sextent系统下微创经皮与开放椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗胸腰椎骨折疗效比较的Meta分析

[目的]系统评价Sextent系统下微创经皮(Sextant percutaneous pedicle screw fixation,SPPSF)与开放椎弓根螺钉内固定术(open pedicle screw fixation,OPSF)治疗胸腰椎骨折疗效及安全性。[方法]计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、WanFang Data、VIP和CNKI数据库,收集分别经SPPSF与OPSF治疗胸腰椎骨折的随机或非随机同期对照试验,并手检相关会议论文及追溯纳入文献的参考文献。根据纳入标准进行筛选文献、资料提取、质量评价后,采用Revman 5.2版软件进行Meta分析。[结果]最终纳入随机对照试验1篇,病例对照试验7篇,共417例患者。Meta分析结果显示:与OPSF相比较,SPPSF手术时间短[MD=-28.14,95%CI(-32.14,-24.14),P<0.000 01],术中出血量少[MD=-224.71,95%CI(-277.02,-172.40),P<0.000 01]、术后引流量少[MD=-331.30,95%CI(-392.09,-270.52),P<0.000 01]、下床活动早[MD=-11.95,95%CI(-17.78,-6.13),P<0.000 01]、住院天数少[MD=-8.65,95%CI(-12.56,-4.74),P<0.000 01]和并发症少[OR=0.26,95%CI(0.09,0.69),P=0.007],而SPPSF手术前后伤椎自身Cobb角改善程度不及OPSF,差异具有统计学意义[MD=-0.46,95%CI(-3.72,2.97),P=0.78]。两种术式的术后切口疼痛VAS评分和手术节段的Cobb角改变差异无统计学意义。[结论]SPPSF手术方式的安全性较高,但手术前后伤椎自身Cobb角改善程度不及OPSF,且两种术式的术后切口疼痛VAS评分和手术前后手术节段的Cobb角改善方面相似。     

精准肝切除治疗原发性肝癌近期疗效的Meta分析

目的:系统性评价精准肝切除治疗原发性肝癌的近期疗效。方法:检索国内外数据库,收集有关比较精准肝切除与常规肝切除治疗原发性肝癌疗效的随机对照试验(RCT)与临床对照试验(CCT)。按纳入标准筛选后进行质量评分,提取数据,采用Rev Man 5.3软件行Meta分析。结果:共纳入了6个RCT及9个CCT,其中患者1 367例,精准肝切除术685例(精准组),传统肝切除术682例(对照组)。Meta分析结果显示,与对照组比较,精准组术中出血量、围手术期输血量、住院时间减少,但手术时间延长(MD=-175.45,95%CI=-234.37~-116.53;MD=-311.04,95%CI=-444.53~-177.55;MD=-3.11,95%CI=-4.36~-1.87;MD=31.72,95%CI=12.00~51.44,均P0.05);肿瘤完整切除率提高(OR=0.18,95%CI=0.07~0.45,P=0.0003);肝功能恢复加快(ALT:M D=-81.75,95%C I=-109.50~-54.00;AST:M D=-67.27,95%C I=-94.36~-40.18;TBIL:M D=-4.54,95%CI=-7.33~-1.75;ALB:MD=3.75,95%CI=0.54~6.97,均P0.05);并发症发生率减少(OR=0.24,95%CI=0.17~0.35,P0.05);1年复发率降低、1年生存率提高(OR=0.56,95%CI=0.37~0.85;OR=1.61,95%CI=1.01~2.57,均P0.05)。结论:精准肝切除治疗原发性肝癌较常规肝切除创伤小、恢复快,且近期预后好。     

达芬奇机器人与腹腔镜手术治疗胃癌疗效比较的Meta分析

目的:系统评价达芬奇机器人胃癌手术的有效性、安全性与近远期疗效。方法:检索国内外数据库,收集比较达芬奇机器人胃癌手术与传统腹腔镜胃癌手术的文献,对获得的数据用Rev Man5.2软件进行Meta分析。结果:纳入17篇文献,共5787例患者,其中机器人手术1676例,传统腹腔镜手术4111例。Meta分析结果显示,与传统腹腔镜手术比较,机器人手术所用时间延长(WMD=43.51,95%CI=34.14~52.88,P0.05)、术中失血量减少(WMD=-30.17,95%CI=-42.83~-17.51,P0.05)、淋巴结清扫数目增加(WMD=1.95,95%CI=0.07~3.84,P0.05)、首次进食时间提前(WMD=-0.22,95%CI=-0.32~-0.12,P0.05),而其他指标包括近远端切缘距离、R0切除率、中转率、术后首次排气时间、术后住院时间、并发症发生率、病死率、3年生存率均相似(均P0.05)。结论:达芬奇机器人胃癌手术安全、有效,且有较好的近远期疗效。     

腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗老年胃癌患者疗效的Meta分析

目的:対比分析腹腔镜与幵腹手术治疗老年胃癌患者的临床疗效。方法:检索2016年10月前发表于PubMed、Embase,MEDLINE,Cochrane Library、万方数据库、中国期刊全文数据库(CNKI)、中国生物医学期刊文献数据库(CMCC)及维普数据库中対比腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗老年胃癌患者临床疗效的文献。按预设标准进行筛选并进行质量评价,提取数据后用RevMan 5.2软件对两组患者手术指标、术后恢复情况及术后并发症进行Meta分析。结果:有19项对照研究共计2 951例患者纳入分析,其中腹腔镜组1387例,开腹组1 564例。Meta分析结果显示,与幵腹组相比,腹腔镜组术中出血量少(MD=415.85,95%CI:-414.66~-87.04,P=0.00),淋巴结清扫数量多(MD=0.62,95%CI:0.06~1.19,P=0.03)。腹腔镜组术后首次下床活动时间、术后首次肛门排气时间、术后首次经ロ进食时间及术后住院时间均短于开腹组(P0.05)。两组手术时间差异无统计学意义(MD=6.44,95%CI:-5.83~18.72,P=0.30)。腹腔镜组术后总体并发症、手术相关并发症、呼吸系统并发症及切口并发症发生率均低于开腹组(P0.05)。结论:与开腹老年胃癌根治术相比腹腔镜老年胃癌根治术同样安全、可行且具有手术创伤小、术后康复快、并发症发生率低的优势。     

腹腔镜辅助与传统开放胃癌根治术治疗老年胃癌患者安全性及疗效比较的meta分析

目的系统评价腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术(LAG)与传统开放胃癌根治术(COG)治疗老年胃癌患者的安全性及疗效。方法计算机检索Pubmed、EMBASE、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、中国期刊全文数据库(CNKI)、万方数据库及维普数据库中的有关LAG与COG治疗老年胃癌患者疗效比较的文献,采用Rev Man 5.2软件行meta分析。结果最终纳入10篇病例对照研究,累计样本量为1 522例,其中观察组757例,对照组765例。meta分析结果显示:对于老年胃癌患者,与COG比较,LAG的术中出血量少[MD=–121.12,95%CI为(–179.93,–62.31),P0.000 1],术中淋巴结清扫数量多[MD=1.62,95%CI为(0.60,2.65),P=0.002],术后首次下床活动时间[SMD=–2.58,95%CI为(–4.58,–0.58),P=0.01]、术后肠道功能恢复时间[SMD=–0.85,95%CI为(–1.20,–0.51),P0.000 01]和术后首次经口进食时间[MD=–0.90,95%CI为(–1.27,–0.52),P0.000 01]早,术后住院时间短[MD=–4.03,95%CI为(–5.62,–2.44),P0.000 01],术后总体并发症发生率[OR=0.49,95%CI为(0.38,0.64),P0.000 01]、手术相关并发症发生率[OR=0.54,95%CI为(0.39,0.74),P=0.000 1]、切口并发症发生率[OR=0.42,95%CI为(0.22,0.81),P=0.010]及呼吸系统并发症发生率[OR=0.60,95%CI为(0.38,0.95),P=0.03]均较低,但2组患者的手术时间[MD=8.36,95%CI为(–10.97,27.69),P=0.40]和术后吻合口漏发生率[OR=0.60,95%CI为(0.27,1.31),P=0.20]比较差异均无统计学意义。结论对老年胃癌患者,LAG与COG同样安全及可行,且LAG在减少术中出血量及保证术中淋巴结清扫数量方面具有明显优势,具有创伤小、术后住院时间短、术后总体并发症发生率低等近期疗效优势。     

3D与2D腹腔镜肝切除术有效性、安全性的Meta分析

目的:系统评价3D与2D腹腔镜肝切除术的有效性及安全性。方法:计算机检索中、英文数据库，搜集3D与2D腹腔镜肝切除术对比的临床研究，检索时限为建库至2023年1月。对检索获得的文献进行仔细筛选及文献质量评价，并提取符合纳入标准的数据。最后，通过RevMan 5.3软件进行数据分析。结果:共10项研究、769例患者符合纳入标准，其中3D组362例，2D组407例。Meta分析结果表明，相较2D组，3D组手术时间更短(MD=-25.23,95%CI=-42.50～-7.96,P=0.004),术中失血量更少(MD=-45.19,95%CI=-69.79～-20.59,P=0.0003),术中输血率更低(OR=0.34,95%CI=0.14～0.83,P=0.02),胆漏发生率更低(OR=0.46,95%CI=0.21～0.98,P=0.04),术后住院时间更短(MD=-0.97,95%CI=-1.26～-0.69,P<0.00001);两组中转率、术后总体并发症(肝衰、腹腔出血、切口感染)及住院费用方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:与2D腹腔镜相比，3D腹腔镜肝切除术...     

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.