FTY720作用机制及诱导移植免疫耐受的研究

目的　进一步探讨FTY72 0作用机制及诱导移植免疫耐受的可能途径。　方法　电泳观察FTY72 0 (10 μmol/L)对体外培养的小鼠脾细胞DNA的作用。利用BALB/c(H 2d)到C57BL/6(H 2b)小鼠颈部异位心脏移植模型 ,观察FTY72 0不同给药时间对移植物存活的影响。将受体鼠分为 6组 :第 1组 (n =6)为空白对照组 ,第 2～ 6组为实验组。第 2组 (n =14 )、第 3组 (n =6)、第 4组 (n =6)每天管饲FTY72 0 (3mg/kg体重 ) ;服药时间分别为 :第 2组移植前 3日～移植后第 11日 ,第 3组移植当日～移植后 14日 ,第 4组移植前 3日～移植当日。第 5组 (n =6)和第 6组 (n =6)于移植前 3日～移植后第 11日分别管饲环孢素A(10mg/kg体重 )和 40 氧 (2 羟乙基 ) 雷帕霉素RAD(3mg/kg体重 )。第 2组中长期存活鼠中 ,部分接受了二次 (皮肤 )移植 ,部分检测了全血清IL 4和IFN γ浓度。　结果　小鼠脾细胞与FTY72 0共育后 ,DNA出现典型的凋亡改变。第 1组移植物中位存活时间 (MST)为 8d ;第 2组所有移植物存活均超过 2 7d ,1/2的移植物存活超过 10 0d ;第 3组的MST为 16 5d ;第 4组的MST为 14d ,有 1只超过 10 0d ;第 5组、第 6组的MST分别为 10d和 13d。第 2组长期存活的小鼠IL 4水平明显升高 ,IFN γ水平稳定。　结论　FTY72 0的提前使     

FTY720诱导大鼠心脏移植物长期存活

目的 观察FTY720对大鼠同种异体心脏移植物存活时间的影响。方法 进行SD Wistar大鼠的腹部异位心脏移植，将受者随机分为对照组、甲泼尼龙(MP)组、环孢素A((SsA)组、FTY720组、FTY720与CsA二药联用组和FTY720、CsA及MP三药联用组，各组按分组要求分别于术前3d至术后14d通过灌胃给予FTY720和CsA，术前1d至术后2d腹腔注射给予MP，观察各组动物术后外周血淋巴细胞数量变化和移植物存活时间。结果 FTY720组、二药联用组和三药联用组的大鼠外周血淋巴细胞在给药后3h开始明显下降，停药后开始回升，至停药14d后恢复正常；移植心脏的存活时间，对照组平均为7．8d，CsA组为16．0d，MP组为27．6d，三药联用组为16．8d，而FTY720组和二药联用组分别超过了150d和124d。结论 FTY720可诱导同种异体大鼠心脏移植物长期存活。     

弓形虫感染对大鼠移植心脏存活时间的影响

目的探讨受者弓形虫感染对同种心脏移植物存活时间的影响。方法通过腹腔注射的方法建立弓形虫感染的大鼠模型,分别于感染后4~7d(急性感染组)或感染后27~32d(慢性感染组)进行同种异体颈部心脏移植,并设注射生理盐水的对照组和同系移植对照组。术后不用免疫抑制剂,观察移植心脏的存活时间以及移植物的病理变化。结果同系对照组的移植物存活时间为(135.3±30.4)d;慢性感染组移植心脏的存活时间为(73.6±49.3)d,明显长于生理盐水对照组和急性感染组(P<0.01),其移植心脏组织中的炎症细胞浸润也较对照组显著减轻,尤其是移植物存活时间超过100d者,无慢性移植物病变。结论受者的弓形虫感染能显著延长同种心脏移植物的存活时间,减轻移植物炎症反应。     

FTY720,40-氧-(2-羟乙基)-雷帕霉素和环孢素A延长小鼠心脏移植物存活时间的对比研究

目的 FTY720和40-氧-(2-羟乙基)-雷帕霉素(RAD)是两种新型免疫抑制剂。为评估这两种药物的效果,我们以小鼠心脏移植为模型,对比观察了这两种药物和环孢素A(CsA)对移植物存活时间的影响。方法 供体为BALB/C小鼠,受体为C57BL/6小鼠,受鼠随机分为4组,每组6只:A组空白对照;B组每日管饲CsA 10 mg/kg体重;C组每日管饲RAD 3 mg/kg体重;D组每日管饲FTY 3 mg/kg体重。各服药组均由移植当日开始喂药,至移植心停跳或术后14 d停药。结果 各组的存活天数分别为:A组6、7、8、8、9、9;B组9、9、10、11、12;C组10、12、13、13、14;D组10、12、16、16、17、18。B、C组各有1例带心死亡。所有移植心都出现程度不同的急性排斥反应征象。结论 单独使用RAD或FTY可显著延长小鼠心脏移植物的存活时间。在各所选剂量上,CsA和RAD差异无显著性(P>0.05),FTY的效果明显优于CsA和RAD。FTY和RAD是较有前途的新型免疫抑制剂。     

小鼠自体肝脏星状细胞联合同种异体胰岛细胞移植延长移植物存活时间的研究

目的 研究小鼠自体肝脏星状细胞联合同种异体胰岛细胞移植的新方法对胰岛移植物存活时间的作用.方法 选择雄性BALB/c小鼠为胰岛移植模型的供者,雄性C57BL/6糖尿病小鼠为受者.随机将受者分为A、B两组.A组:仅采用供者的胰岛细胞移植;B组:采用受者的肝脏星状细胞(HSCs)与供者胰岛细胞混合后共同移植.术后定期测定受者尾静脉血的血糖含量.结果 B组受者胰岛移植物的存活时间明显延长,血糖含量维持正常的中位时间为66 d(30～180 d),而A组血糖含量维持正常的中位时间为11 d(9～15 d),两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.001).结论 受者肝脏星状细胞能延长共同移植的同种异体胰岛移植物存活时间.     

Th1/Th2类细胞因子转换对小鼠心脏移植物存活的影响

目的 探讨Th1/Th2类细胞因子转换对小鼠心脏移植物存活时间的影响。方法 采用小鼠腹部心脏移植模型，分为同种异体移植组（A组）、同种异体移植+免疫抑制处理组（B组）和同系移植组（C组），每组20对。观察移植物存活时间、供心病理改变、受鼠脾和供心内IFN-γ，IL-2，IL-4及IL-10 mRNA的表达水平。结果 A组及B组移植物平均存活时间分别为（7.8±0.77）d和（14.80±1.01）d，C组移植物存活均超过28d；3组间差异均有显著性（P<0.05）。A组与B组、C组比较，移植物的心肌细胞变性坏死严重，并有大量炎性细胞浸润。A组受鼠脾脏及供心内IFN-γ和IL-10 mRNA表达比其余两组明显增强；3组移植心组织IL-2及IL-4 mRNA均无表达；A组脾脏IL-2 mRNA表达最强；B组脾脏IL-4 mRNA表达明显强于其余两组。结论 Th1/Th2转换在延长移植物存活过程中起重要作用；IL-10也参与移植物排斥反应过程。     

负载供者凋亡细胞的受者未成熟树突状细胞可延长小鼠移植心脏的存活时间

目的　探讨吞噬供体凋亡细胞的受者树突状细胞 (DC)的功能及其在诱导同种异体小鼠心脏移植耐受中的作用。方法　应用中波紫外线照射的方法诱导供者脾细胞凋亡 ,并在体外与受者骨髓来源的DC共同培养 ,同时用核因子 κB寡聚脱氧核苷酸诱骗剂 (NF κBODNDecoy)抑制DC的成熟。建立同种异体小鼠心脏异位移植模型 ,移植术前 7d经门静脉给受者输注经上述处理的DC ,观察移植物的存活时间 ,并检测移植物内相关细胞因子基因的表达情况。结果　NF κBODNDecoy可明显抑制DC吞噬凋亡细胞后的成熟 ;经NF κBODNDecoy处理且负载凋亡脾细胞的DC可抑制T淋巴细胞增殖反应 ,且具有供者特异性 ,接受DC门静脉输注的受者 ,移植心脏的平均存活时间明显延长 ,移植心脏内白细胞介素 2及γ干扰素mRNA的水平减低 ,白细胞介素 10mRNA的水平升高 ,而输注仅负载凋亡脾细胞的DC ,移植心脏的平均存活时间未见延长 (P <0 .0 1) ,这种保护作用具有抗原特异性。结论　以NF κBODNDecoy处理的、吞噬同种凋亡细胞的受者未成熟DC可明显延长同种小鼠移植心脏的存活时间。     

CXC趋化因子受体6在小鼠心脏移植排斥反应中的表达及意义

目的 研究CXC趋化因子受体6(CXCR6)在同种异体小鼠心脏移植中的表达及CXC趋化因子配体16(CXCL16)与CXCR6相互作用对移植物存活时间的影响.方法 以野生型Balb/c小鼠(H-2d)为供者(同种移植组),或以野生型C57BL/6小鼠(H-2b)为供者(同系移植组),以野生型C57BL/6小鼠为受者分别行小鼠腹腔异位心脏移植.测定同系和同种移植组小鼠移植心脏CXCR6mRNA的表达,并测定受者脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞CXCR6的表达.另制作小鼠同种异位心脏移植模型(Balb/c小鼠为供者,C57BL/6小鼠为受者),将其分为实验组和对照组,实验组受者移植当天至发生排斥反应时腹腔注射抗CXCL16抗体,对照组受者同期注射对照抗体.记录两组移植心脏存活时间.进行CD8+T淋巴细胞的细胞毒试验,即用Balb/c小鼠脾细胞免疫C57BL/6小鼠后,获取C57BL/6小鼠脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞,将Balb/c小鼠脾细胞与C57BL/6小鼠CD8+T淋巴细胞混合培养,分别加入抗CXCL16抗体、小鼠IgG(对照抗体)和抗CD40L抗体.结果 同种移植组移植心脏中CXCR6 mRNA的表达以及脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞上CXCR6的表达均高于同系移植组和正常对照组.抗CXCL16抗体对CD8+T淋巴细胞的细胞毒活性无影响.与对照组相比较,实验组小鼠移植心脏存活时间并未明显延长.结论 小鼠心脏移植排斥反应中CD8+T淋巴细胞CXCR6的表达上升,阻断CXCL16/CXCR6相互作用并不能延长移植心脏的存活时间.     

CXC趋化因子受体6在小鼠心脏移植排斥反应中的表达及意义

目的 研究CXC趋化因子受体6(CXCR6)在同种异体小鼠心脏移植中的表达及CXC趋化因子配体16(CXCL16)与CXCR6相互作用对移植物存活时间的影响.方法 以野生型Balb/c小鼠(H-2d)为供者(同种移植组),或以野生型C57BL/6小鼠(H-2b)为供者(同系移植组),以野生型C57BL/6小鼠为受者分别行小鼠腹腔异位心脏移植.测定同系和同种移植组小鼠移植心脏CXCR6mRNA的表达,并测定受者脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞CXCR6的表达.另制作小鼠同种异位心脏移植模型(Balb/c小鼠为供者,C57BL/6小鼠为受者),将其分为实验组和对照组,实验组受者移植当天至发生排斥反应时腹腔注射抗CXCL16抗体,对照组受者同期注射对照抗体.记录两组移植心脏存活时间.进行CD8+T淋巴细胞的细胞毒试验,即用Balb/c小鼠脾细胞免疫C57BL/6小鼠后,获取C57BL/6小鼠脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞,将Balb/c小鼠脾细胞与C57BL/6小鼠CD8+T淋巴细胞混合培养,分别加入抗CXCL16抗体、小鼠IgG(对照抗体)和抗CD40L抗体.结果 同种移植组移植心脏中CXCR6 mRNA的表达以及脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞上CXCR6的表达均高于同系移植组和正常对照组.抗CXCL16抗体对CD8+T淋巴细胞的细胞毒活性无影响.与对照组相比较,实验组小鼠移植心脏存活时间并未明显延长.结论 小鼠心脏移植排斥反应中CD8+T淋巴细胞CXCR6的表达上升,阻断CXCL16/CXCR6相互作用并不能延长移植心脏的存活时间.     

CXC趋化因子受体6在小鼠心脏移植排斥反应中的表达及意义

目的 研究CXC趋化因子受体6(CXCR6)在同种异体小鼠心脏移植中的表达及CXC趋化因子配体16(CXCL16)与CXCR6相互作用对移植物存活时间的影响.方法 以野生型Balb/c小鼠(H-2d)为供者(同种移植组),或以野生型C57BL/6小鼠(H-2b)为供者(同系移植组),以野生型C57BL/6小鼠为受者分别行小鼠腹腔异位心脏移植.测定同系和同种移植组小鼠移植心脏CXCR6mRNA的表达,并测定受者脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞CXCR6的表达.另制作小鼠同种异位心脏移植模型(Balb/c小鼠为供者,C57BL/6小鼠为受者),将其分为实验组和对照组,实验组受者移植当天至发生排斥反应时腹腔注射抗CXCL16抗体,对照组受者同期注射对照抗体.记录两组移植心脏存活时间.进行CD8+T淋巴细胞的细胞毒试验,即用Balb/c小鼠脾细胞免疫C57BL/6小鼠后,获取C57BL/6小鼠脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞,将Balb/c小鼠脾细胞与C57BL/6小鼠CD8+T淋巴细胞混合培养,分别加入抗CXCL16抗体、小鼠IgG(对照抗体)和抗CD40L抗体.结果 同种移植组移植心脏中CXCR6 mRNA的表达以及脾脏CD8+T淋巴细胞上CXCR6的表达均高于同系移植组和正常对照组.抗CXCL16抗体对CD8+T淋巴细胞的细胞毒活性无影响.与对照组相比较,实验组小鼠移植心脏存活时间并未明显延长.结论 小鼠心脏移植排斥反应中CD8+T淋巴细胞CXCR6的表达上升,阻断CXCL16/CXCR6相互作用并不能延长移植心脏的存活时间.     

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.