复用滤器对联机血流透析滤过溶质清除率及安全性的影响

目的：研究复用滤器对联机血液透析滤过溶质清除率、安全性及氧化应激指标的影响。方法：8例稳定的维持性透析患者分别接受初用和复用滤器的后稀释联机血液透析滤过治疗。测定透析开始后20min和整个治疗时间的透析液侧及血液侧溶质清除率。全面培养法测定透前、透后、透析开始后20min滤器前后细胞因子产生量。高效液相色谱法测定透前、透后血浆及透析液中总抗坏血酸、脱氢抗坏血酸和维生素E含量。结果：两组透析开始后20min及总治疗时间内透析液侧及血液侧小分子物质清除率相似，但复用组β2－微球蛋白（β2－m)吸附清除率明显低于初用组，透析液侧清除率则显著高于初用组。复用组透析液白蛋白含量明显高于初用组，两组透前、透后维生素E水平无显著改变，但透后总抗坏血酸水平均明显下降，其中复用组透析后脱氢抗坏血酸／总抗坏血酸比例较透前明显下降。全血培养法显示，两组彼此之间及透前、透后及透析开始后20min滤器前后细胞因子产生量差异均无显著性意义。初用组及复用组透析中临床症状以及透析后体温无明显差异。结论：复用滤器不影响联机血液透析滤过的溶质清除率，但可增加白蛋白丢失；虽然复用滤器对血液炎症因子产生细胞的激活程度与初用组相似，但有增加氧化应激的危险。     

复用滤器对联机血液透析滤过溶质清除率及安全性的影响

目的 研究复用滤器对联机血液透析滤过溶质清除率、安全性及氧化应激指标的影响。方法 8例稳定的维持性透析患者分别接受初用和复用滤器的后稀释联机血液透析滤过治疗。测定透析开始后20 min和整个治疗时间的透析液侧及血液侧溶质清除率。全血培养法测定透前、透后、透析开始后20 min滤器前后细胞因子产生量。高效液相色谱法测定透前、透后血浆及透析液中总抗坏血酸、脱氢抗坏血酸和维生素E含量。结果 两组透析开始后20 min及总治疗时间内透析液侧及血液侧小分子物质清除率相似,但复用组β2-微球蛋白(β2-m)吸附清除率明显低于初用组,透析液侧清除率则显著高于初用组。复用组透析液白蛋白含量明显高于初用组,两组透前、透后维生素E水平无显著改变,但透后总抗坏血酸水平均明显下降,其中复用组透析后脱氢抗坏血酸/总抗坏血酸比例较透前明显下降。全血培养法显示,两组彼此之间及透前、透后及透析开始后20 min滤器前后细胞因子产生量差异均无显著性意义。初用组及复用组透析中临床症状以及透析后体温无明显差异。结论复用滤器不影响联机血液透析滤过的溶质清除率,但可增加白蛋白丢失;虽然复用滤器对血液炎症因子产生细胞的激活程度与初用组相似,但有增加氧化应激的危险。     

联机血液透析滤过治疗尿毒症的临床应用研究

目的：探讨联机血液透析滤过（On-line hemodiafiltration,On-line HDF)对尿毒症患不同分子量物质的清除率、患耐受性及临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析18例伴有血透并发症及不适症状的尿毒症患行后稀释法On-line HDF 231例次，并与23例仍行常规血液透析（HD）治疗的患（887例次）进行比较，观察Kt/V，血清肌酐（Scr)、尿素氮（BUN）、血磷（SP）、β2－微球蛋白（β2－M）下降率及治疗中患血透常见并发症和不良反应发生率。结果：患对联机HDF治疗效果和耐受性显优于HD，透析并发症和不适症状发生率显低于HD（P＜0．01），联机HDF治疗后血清Scr、BUN、SP、β2－M水平显降低，KT／V明显增高。结论：后稀释法联机HDF能有效清除尿毒症患血中大、中、小分子物质，透析效果显提高，患对该法治疗的耐受性明显提高，适用于易出现血透并发症及不适症状的尿毒症患。     

在线血液透析滤过的临床疗效观察

目的 观察血液透析滤过(HDF)和血液透析(HD)对尿毒症患者不同溶质的清除和常见并发症的发生率.方法 45例规律透析患者前6个月行HD治疗为自身对照组.后6个月间歇行HDF治疗为实验组.对照组采用F6聚砜膜透析器,每周透析2～3次,每次4小时;实验组采用F60s聚砜膜透析器,每周透析2～3次,每次4小时,每2周HDF 1次.观察两组透析前后溶质:血尿素氮(Bun)、肌酐(Cr)、β2微球蛋白(β2-MG)清除及透析相关并发症的发生率.结果 两组透析前后Bun、Cr、均明显下降(P<0.01).HDF组透后β2-MG明显低于透前(P<0.01),HD组透析前后β2-MG差异无显著性(P>0.05).HDF组并发症的发生率较HD组明显降低(P<0.05).结论 HDF较HD能明显清除中分子物质,能明显降低透析相关并发症.     

交替稀释透析滤过是提高透析清除β2微球蛋白的新选择

目的 探讨前、后稀释联机透析滤过法在临床应用中如何提高透析质量的方法.方法 对2009年1月至2009年5月在湖北省武汉市第一医院血液净化中心维持性血液透析42例患者按随机数字表法分为A、B、C组.结果 C组患者年龄与A、B组比较差异有统计学意义(P < 0.05).B组患者超滤量与A、B组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).但是各组透析龄、血流量、血浆白蛋白及血红蛋白水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).3组患者β2微球蛋白指标比较显示,B、C组患者透析后β2微球蛋白水平与A组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),C组患者β2微球蛋白清除率高于B组,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 采用交替稀释联机透析滤过在一定程度上能提高维持性血液透析患者β2微球蛋白清除率,不增加患者费用,临床易操作,对于血流量达不到300ml/min也可使β2微球蛋白清除率超过印60%.对于老年人、心血管功能差及血管通路等原因不能采用较高血流量但是又想达到较好透析效果的患者较适用.     

交替稀释透析滤过是提高透析清除β2微球蛋白的新选择

目的 探讨前、后稀释联机透析滤过法在临床应用中如何提高透析质量的方法.方法 对2009年1月至2009年5月在湖北省武汉市第一医院血液净化中心维持性血液透析42例患者按随机数字表法分为A、B、C组.结果 C组患者年龄与A、B组比较差异有统计学意义(P < 0.05).B组患者超滤量与A、B组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).但是各组透析龄、血流量、血浆白蛋白及血红蛋白水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).3组患者β2微球蛋白指标比较显示,B、C组患者透析后β2微球蛋白水平与A组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),C组患者β2微球蛋白清除率高于B组,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 采用交替稀释联机透析滤过在一定程度上能提高维持性血液透析患者β2微球蛋白清除率,不增加患者费用,临床易操作,对于血流量达不到300ml/min也可使β2微球蛋白清除率超过印60%.对于老年人、心血管功能差及血管通路等原因不能采用较高血流量但是又想达到较好透析效果的患者较适用.     

交替稀释透析滤过是提高透析清除β2微球蛋白的新选择

目的 探讨前、后稀释联机透析滤过法在临床应用中如何提高透析质量的方法.方法 对2009年1月至2009年5月在湖北省武汉市第一医院血液净化中心维持性血液透析42例患者按随机数字表法分为A、B、C组.结果 C组患者年龄与A、B组比较差异有统计学意义(P < 0.05).B组患者超滤量与A、B组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).但是各组透析龄、血流量、血浆白蛋白及血红蛋白水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).3组患者β2微球蛋白指标比较显示,B、C组患者透析后β2微球蛋白水平与A组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),C组患者β2微球蛋白清除率高于B组,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 采用交替稀释联机透析滤过在一定程度上能提高维持性血液透析患者β2微球蛋白清除率,不增加患者费用,临床易操作,对于血流量达不到300ml/min也可使β2微球蛋白清除率超过印60%.对于老年人、心血管功能差及血管通路等原因不能采用较高血流量但是又想达到较好透析效果的患者较适用.     

老年尿毒症患者血液透析滤过临床疗效观察

目的探讨血液透析滤过(hemodiafiltration,HDF)对老年尿毒症患者不同分子量物质的清除率、患者耐受性及临床疗效。方法选择38例行维持性血液透析(maintenance hemodialysis,MHD)的老年尿毒症患者,依经济状况随机分为HDF组和血液透析(hemodialysis,HD)组。HDF组行前稀释HDF 1次/周,HD 2次/周;HD组患者行HD 3次/周。2组HD方案一样,且观察时间均为3个月;观察2组尿素清除指数(Kt/V)、血清肌酐(SCr)、尿素氮(BUN)、血尿酸(uric acid,UA)、β2-微球蛋白(β2-microglobulin,β2-MG)、全段甲状旁腺素(immunoreactive parathyroid hormone,iPTH)、血钾、血钙、血磷、二氧化碳结合力(carbon dioxide combining power,CO_2-CP)下降率及治疗中的并发症和不良反应发生率。结果老年尿毒症患者对HDF治疗效果和耐受性显著优于HD,HDF组的HD并发症和不适症状发生率显著低于HD组(P0.01),HDF治疗后血清β2-MG、iPTH水平显著降低,Kt/V明显增高。治疗前后2组血清BUN、SCr、UA均明显下降,但下降幅度差异无统计学意义。治疗前后2组血钾、血钙、CO_2-CP及酸碱平衡失调均明显改善或纠正(P0.01),但2组间比较其变化幅度差异无统计学意义。结论前稀释HDF、结合HD的方案与单纯HD治疗相比,能有效清除尿毒症患者血中大、中、小分子物质,透析效果显著提高。患者对该法治疗的耐受性明显提高,适用于易出现HD并发症及不适症状的老年尿毒症患者。     

不同置换液量血液透析滤过治疗尿毒症皮肤瘙痒疗效观察

目的：观察不同置换液量血液透析滤过(HDF)对尿毒症皮肤瘙痒的治疗作用。方法：将30例并发皮肤瘙痒的维持性血液透析尿毒症患随机分为三个组，分别接受高置换液量后稀释HDF(置换液20L)、低置换液量后稀释HDF(置换液10L)和高通量血液透析治疗。均使用F60透析器，隔日1次，连续3次，其余治疗条件相同。对皮肤瘙痒症状定量计分，比较三组病人治疗前后皮肤瘙痒症状积分的改变以及血磷和甲状旁腺激素(PTH)的变化。结果：高置换液量HDF组治疗后皮肤瘙痒积分明显下降，有统计学意义。其余两组无差异。以皮肤瘙痒积分下降50％为有效计算，高置换液量HDF组7例有效，有效率70％；低置换液量HDF组3例有效。有效率30％；透析组1例有效，有效率10％。三组间比较有统计学差异。三组透析后血磷均明显下降，有统计学意义；PTH亦有下降，HDF组有统计学差异，HD组无统计学差异。结论：增加置换液量可以提高HDF治疗尿毒症皮肤瘙痒的疗效；HDF治疗尿毒症皮肤瘙痒疗效优于高通量血液透析；HDF清除PTH的效果高于HD。     

不同血液净化方法对尿毒症患者甲状旁腺素水平的影响

目的比较联机血液透析滤过（HDF）和常规血液透析（HD）对尿毒症患者甲状旁腺素（iPTH）水平的影响。方法选择我院血液净化中心2004年6月至2006年12月期间透析龄超过9个月且iPTH明显升高的尿毒症患者60例，其中男38例、女22例，平均年龄43．5岁，平均透析龄（18．6±9．3）月。将患者随机分为HDF组和HD组，每组30例。两组患者每周均透析三次，HDF组为1次HDF、2次HD，每次透析4h。HDF组使用F60滤过器；HD组使用F6HPS透析器，统一低分子肝素抗凝。检测透析前后患者血液血肌酐（SCr）、血尿素氮（BUN）及iPTH水平并计算其清除百分率。结果SCr与BUN清除率在HD组分别为（70.6％±3．2％）和（74．2%±4．0％），在HDF组分别为（71．8％±2．3％）和（76．2%±3．8％），两组之间差异无统计学意义。HD组血iPTH值透析前后无显著差异，清除率仅为（1．7%±0．9%），而HDF组iPTH的清除率为（32．8％±7．8％），该组透析前后溶质浓度及清除率的差异均有统计学意义。结论两种血液净化治疗方式对小分子物质的清除效果无差异，但HDF对中分子物质（iPTH）的清除效果明显优于HD。定期HDF有利于iPTH的清除、防止iPTH异常导致的钙磷代谢紊乱、降低代谢性骨病等并发症的发生率。     

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.