经口咽病灶清除联合后路融合内固定治疗上颈椎结核

目的 :探讨经口咽病灶清除联合后路融合内固定术治疗上颈椎结核的临床疗效。方法 :2003年1月~2013年12月,应用经口咽病灶清除联合后路融合内固定术治疗上颈椎结核患者19例,男12例,女7例,平均年龄41.9±8.3岁(6~71岁)。其中寰椎结核11例,寰枢椎结核6例,寰椎并寰枕关节结核2例,病灶均破坏累及寰枕关节或寰枢椎侧块,均伴有寰枢关节脱位,病灶周围脓肿形成。采用JOA评分评价脊髓神经功能,VAS评分评价枕颈部疼痛症状,寰齿间隙(ADI)评价复位情况,定时随访并复查X线片、CT评价植骨融合情况。结果:19例患者均成功接受手术,其中行枕颈融合11例,寰枢椎融合7例,C1~C3融合1例。术中未出现脊髓神经及血管损伤。所有患者均获得随访,平均随访33.2±7.2个月(24~48个月)。随访复查X线片、CT显示椎前脓肿消失、寰枢椎复位良好,未发生内固定松动、断裂等;17例术后3个月实现后路骨性融合或前路骨缺损部植骨骨性愈合,另2例术后6个月达骨性融合。术后病理检查均证实结核杆菌感染病灶,术后抗结核药物平均用药时间16.9±1.3个月。随访期间结核无复发,术后18个月结核病变均达到临床治愈。JOA评分由术前的7.9±1.1分上升到末次随访时的14.7±1.2分(P0.05);枕颈部VAS评分由术前的6.5±0.4分下降到末次随访时的1.0±0.5分(P0.05),ADI由术前5.6±1.3mm减小至术后1.6±0.9mm(P0.05),围手术期及术后随访未发现严重的并发症。结论:经口咽病灶清除联合后路融合内固定术是治疗上颈椎结核的一种安全有效的手术方法。     

后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定及枕颈融合术治疗上颈椎不稳27例临床分析

目的 探讨应用寰枢侧块螺钉与枢椎椎弓根钉内固定及枕颈融合术治疗上颈椎不稳的疗效.方法 对寰枢椎不稳27例患者采用寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉及枕颈融合治疗.结果 27例患者均经寰枢椎螺钉或枕颈融合内固定术,其中一例颅底凹陷患者一期行经口齿状突切除术,二期行枕颈融合术,27例患者无一例发生脊髓和椎动脉损伤.所有患者均获得随访,随访3 ～17个月,平均9个月.术后3个月JOA评分13.5 ～16.9分,平均15.2分,改善率为88.4％.植骨块全部融合,无内固定断裂、松动.结论 后路寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定及枕颈融合术具有稳定的三维固定效果,可用于治疗上颈椎不稳.     

枢椎椎弓根钉板结合对侧椎板钉棒固定在寰枢椎及枕颈固定中的应用

目的探讨后路单侧枢椎椎弓根钉板系统结合对侧枢椎椎板钉棒系统在寰枢关节及枕颈固定中的临床疗效。方法后路单侧椎弓根钉板系统结合对侧枢椎椎板钉棒系统寰枢椎固定及枕颈固定11例,新鲜Ⅱ型齿突骨折5例,陈旧性齿突骨折3例,寰椎枕骨化畸形2例,寰枢椎不稳1例。单侧椎弓根发育狭小者6例,单侧椎动脉优势型2例,一侧椎动脉高跨2例,寰椎枕骨化畸形寰枢关节脱位行钉板系统固定失效后再次手术1例。寰枢椎固定9例,枕颈固定2例,1例难复型寰枢关节脱位行经口咽前路松解+后路复位内固定融合术,术后内固定失效行翻修手术。全部患者行后路寰枢或枕颈固定植骨融合术。比较术前、术后JOA评分变化,术后随访X线片及CT,观察寰枢椎复位及融合情况。结果所有患者均得到随访,随访时间6~32个月,平均16个月。全组患者无一例发生脊髓或椎动脉损伤,寰枢椎得到解剖复位,临床症状得到不同程度改善。术后JOA评分13~16分,平均14.9分,术前、术后JOA评分改善率为76%~92%,平均83%,术后半年复查CT显示均获得骨性融合,未见寰枢椎失稳或复位丢失征象,固定螺钉位置良好。结论单侧枢椎椎弓根钉板系统结合对侧枢椎椎板钉棒系统行寰枢关节及枕颈固定临床疗效可靠,但缺少临床对比研究。     

后路固定颈前路鼻内镜辅助病灶清除治疗上颈椎结核

目的探讨后路固定颈前路鼻内镜辅助病灶清除治疗上颈椎结核的疗效。方法上颈椎结核12例,均先行后路上颈椎侧块螺钉及颅骨钉棒系统固定及植骨,其中4例寰椎并枢椎结核行枕颈融合者植骨于枕颈部,8例枢椎结核仅在寰枢椎间植骨再行前路鼻内镜辅助结核灶清除。结果患者术后颈椎稳定性均得到满意重建,经术中镜下及术后影像学检查证实结核病灶全部清除。手术时间160～250（198±27）min;术中出血量300～500（388±61）ml。手术过程顺利,未发生脊髓、神经根、椎动脉等重要解剖结构的损伤,无脑脊液漏发生。术后JOA评分由术前的8～14（10±2）分提高至10～16（14±2）分。结论后路融合可使颈椎获得较好稳定性,前路鼻内镜下能彻底清除病灶,术后患者症状改善,此术式治疗上颈椎结核效果满意。     

后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉固定融合治疗寰枢椎不稳或脱位

目的探讨颈后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉固定融合治疗寰枢椎不稳或脱位的临床效果。方法对25例寰枢椎不稳或脱位患者采用后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉系统复位固定并植骨融合治疗。结果所有患者术中无椎动脉及脊髓损伤发生,术后枕颈部不适症状均不同程度消失,受损脊髓神经功能改善明显。25例均获随访,时间12~36(18±6)个月。末次随访时,无螺钉断裂、松动或移位,颈椎复位满意,无寰枢椎再移位,失稳现象发生,全部获得骨性融合;颈椎屈曲功能良好,旋转功能轻度受限。结论后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉固定融合术是治疗寰枢椎不稳或脱位的有效方法。     

使用枢椎椎弓根螺钉和枕颈固定板的枕颈融合术

目的观察一种借助于枢椎椎弓根螺钉的枕颈固定装置治疗寰枢关节不稳定的效果。方法从2001年6月至2003年3月用自行设计的一套由椎弓根螺钉和枕颈固定板组成的枕颈固定器,治疗了38例寰枢关节不稳定的患者,其中24例有寰椎枕骨化。沿枢椎椎弓峡部的纵轴安置椎弓根螺钉,将枕颈固定板预弯后固定于枕骨,用螺母锁定固定板与椎弓根钉的过程中,利用固定板的曲度,使寰枢关节充分复位。植骨于枕骨与枢椎后弓间。结果36例获得了随访,平均18个月,均获得了骨性融合。没有神经、血管损伤和断钉、断板的病例。结论使用枢椎椎弓根螺钉和枕颈固定板的枕颈固定器不仅有可靠的、短节段固定作用,而且便于寰枢关节复位。     

枕骨钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗寰枕融合并寰枢椎脱位

[目的]探讨单纯后路枕骨钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗先天性寰枕融合并寰枢椎脱位的治疗效果。[方法]回顾性分析2008年4月~2013年12月本科收治的34例先天性寰枕融合并寰枢椎脱位患者的临床资料。采用单纯经后路枕骨螺钉和C_2椎弓根内固定,应用提拉撑开复位技术治疗此类畸形,术前及术后3、6个月及末次随访时行颈椎X线、枕颈区3D-CT、MRI检查,所有患者均根据术后影像学检查和日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores,JOA)评分评价影像和临床效果。[结果]随访9~38个月,平均16.5个月。患者症状有不同程度改善,无感染、死亡病例。术后影像学检查显示,所有患者复位满意,减压充分,且形成良好骨性融合。比较术前及术后随访时JOA评分和影像数据,结果示术前与术后末次随访时JOA评分及影像数据差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]单纯后路枕骨钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定提拉撑开复位技术,可以安全有效地治疗寰枕融合并寰枢椎脱位。     

上颈椎失稳并脊髓不全损伤的手术治疗

目的探讨和评价上颈椎失稳并脊髓不全损伤的手术治疗方法。方法对12例不同原因的上颈椎不稳并脊髓不全损伤行手术治疗,采用后路经寰枢椎椎弓根系统固定寰枢融合10例,枕颈融合2例,一期前路减压或病灶清除3例,后路减压或枕骨大孔扩大2例。结果置入寰椎椎弓根螺钉20枚,枢椎椎弓根螺钉24枚,枕骨上用椎弓根螺钉固定2枚,其他螺钉4枚,随访中均获骨性愈合,无螺钉松动、退钉、螺钉钢板断裂,神经症状改善率为82.8%。结论前柱结构基本完整者,后路手术能满足减压和稳定目的;对仅有寰枢椎不稳而C1、2结构完整者,应作寰枢融合;经寰枢椎椎弓根固定是首选的固定方法。     

经口咽前路松解复位后路椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗难复性寰枢椎脱位

目的:探讨经口咽前路松解后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉复位内固定治疗难复性寰枢椎脱位的临床疗效.方法:2004年3月-2006年7月共收治11例难复性寰枢椎脱位患者,临床症状均有四肢麻木并进行性加重.术前神经功能JOA评分6～12分.平均8.5分,均施行经13咽前路寰枢椎松解,一期后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉系统进一步提拉复位、内固定、植骨融合术,随访观察临床疗效并进行X线、CT、MRI等影像学检查,观察复位、内固定及植骨融合情况.结果:平均手术时间4.3h,平均出血量630ml,术中出现硬膜破裂l例,椎弓根钉切割1例,未出现椎动脉损伤和脊髓损伤加重患者.随访12～24个月,平均16个月,术后1年时神经功能JOA评分10-17分,平均13.5分,平均改善率58.8%.手术后颈椎旋转功能均有不同程度的丢失,旋转范围为80.～120.,平均100..所有患者均获得解剖复位、植骨融合,无内固定失败者.结论:经口咽前路寰枢椎松解复位后路椎弓根螺钉提拉复位、内固定、植骨融合术,对难复性寰枢椎脱位有较好的临床疗效.     

改良植骨方法在后路寰枢关节和枕颈融合内固定术中的应用

目的:探讨改良植骨方法在寰枢关节和枕颈融合内固定术中的应用价值。方法:2011年1月~2013年1月,对32例因齿状突不连(21例)、寰椎横韧带断裂或松弛导致寰枢关节不稳(6例)以及颅底凹陷(5例)的病例,施行了后路经C1侧块或椎弓根螺钉和C2椎弓根或Magerl螺钉固定术(27例)或枕颈固定术(5例)。术中植骨时在C1和C2后弓或C2和枕骨间植入颗粒状松质骨,压实后将少许稍长的皮质骨条铺在表面,再放置明胶海绵2条,用可吸收线缠绕在两侧内置物上或缝合于两侧软组织上,形成网状结构,术后颈托固定,随访观察患者植骨融合情况。结果:所有患者均顺利完成手术。1例经口咽前路松解复位后路椎弓根螺钉内固定患者,出现术后咽后间隙感染,经积极抗感染治疗,于术后2周恢复。术中无内固定或植骨困难,术后随访未见复位丟失或假关节形成。32例均获得随访,时间5个月~3年2个月,平均19.1±7.2个月,全部患者手术后3~6个月获得骨性融合。结论:在寰枢关节和枕颈融合内固定术中应用改良植骨方法,可获得满意的融合率。     

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.