全麻复合硬膜外阻滞对上腹部手术病人应激反应的影响

目的　观察全麻复合硬膜外阻滞对上腹部手术病人应激反应的影响。方法　26 例择期行上腹部手术的病人,随机分为全麻复合硬膜外阻滞组(GEA组)和单纯全麻组(GA组),每组 13例。分别测定麻醉前、切皮时、切皮后 1 h、术毕拔管各时点血浆皮质醇(Cor)、血管紧张素 -Ⅱ(A Ⅱ)、β- 内啡肽(β- EP)和白细胞介素 10(IL- 10)水平。结果　血浆Cor在拔管时两组均高于麻醉前(P<0. 05);在切皮时、切皮后1 h,GA组明显高于GEA组(P<0 .05);与麻醉前基础值比较,GEA组术中无明显升高。A- Ⅱ- GEA组拔管时高于麻醉前(P<0 .05);GA组切皮后1 h、拔管时均较麻醉前明显升高(P<0. 05)。两组病人β- EP术中、拔管时均上升,与麻醉前比较,GA组明显升高(P<0. 05)。两组病人 IL -10术中、拔管时均呈上升趋势,组间比较无显著性差异。结论　全麻复合硬膜外阻滞能减轻但不能消除上腹部手术病人的应激反应。     

Narcotrend监测下硬膜外阻滞复合全麻在老年病人腹部手术中的应用

目的比较Narcotrend监测下硬膜外阻滞复合全麻和单纯全麻用于老年病人腹部手术的临床效果,探讨老年腹部手术病人更安全合理的麻醉方式。方法 40例ASAⅡ～Ⅲ择期行腹部手术的老年病人,随机分为硬膜外阻滞复合全麻组(EGA)和单纯全麻组(GA),每组20例。两组全麻诱导用药为舒芬太尼0.4μg/kg、顺苯磺阿曲库铵0.15 mg/kg、依托咪酯0.2 mg/kg,气管插管后微泵持续输注丙泊酚、瑞芬太尼及间断静注顺苯磺阿曲库铵维持麻醉,术中行Narcotrend监测并使Narcotrend分级(NTS)维持在D0～D2之间。EGA组全麻诱导前先行硬膜外穿刺置管,注入试验剂量1.3%利多卡因3 ml,气管插管后硬膜外追加1.3%利多卡因6～8 ml,再以0.375%罗哌卡因5～8 ml/次维持硬膜外阻滞。术中监测血流动力学变化,术毕记录两组病人全麻维持用药量和病人睁眼时间、拔管时间及定位功能恢复时间等。结果 EGA组术中收缩压低于GA组(P<0.05);术中麻醉用药比较,EGA组丙泊酚及顺苯磺阿曲库铵用量少于GA组(P<0.05),EGA组瑞芬太尼用量明显少于GA组(P<0.01);恢复时间比较,EGA组病人睁眼时间、拔管时间、定位功能恢复时间均明显短于GA组(P<0.01);两组病人均无术中知晓发生。结论硬膜外阻滞复合全麻用于老年病人腹部手术血流动力学稳定,全麻药用量减少,病人恢复较快,是一种安全可行的麻醉方法,同时进行麻醉深度监测,有利于预防术中知晓。     

经皮穴位电刺激对全麻患者异丙酚效应室靶浓度和芬太尼用量的影响

目的 探讨经皮穴位电刺激对全麻患者异丙酚效应室靶浓度和芬太尼用量的影响.方法 择期全麻下行上腹部手术患者40例,随机分为2组(n=20),异丙酚复合全麻组(P组),穴位电刺激+异丙酚复合全麻组(EP组)从麻醉诱导前30 min至术毕行持续双侧内关穴、足三里穴电刺激,以刺激频率2 Hz和100 Hz的疏密波进行交替刺激,刺激强度8～12 mA.麻醉诱导:两组均静脉注射咪达唑仑0.03 mg/kg、芬太尼1.5μg/kg、维库溴铵0.12 mg/kg,靶控输注异丙酚(血浆靶浓度2.5 μg/ml);麻醉维持:以0.1μg/ml幅度增加或降低异丙酚效应室靶浓度,维持BIS 45～55,间断静脉注射维库溴铵2 mg和芬太尼0.05～0.1 mg.于气管插管前、气管插管后、切皮前、切皮后、术中探查、术毕时记录HR、MAP和异丙酚效应室靶浓度,记录芬太尼用量.于麻醉诱导前(基础状态)、电刺激30 min、切皮后、术中探查、术毕时采集外周静脉血样,测定血清血管紧张素Ⅱ和皮质醇的浓度.结果 EP组异丙酚效应室靶浓度和芬太尼用量低于P组(P＜0.01);两组MAP和HR均波动在正常范围;两组间各时点血清血管紧张素Ⅱ和皮质醇浓度差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与基础值比较,EP组电刺激30 min时血清血管紧张素Ⅱ和皮质醇浓度下降(P＜0.05),P组术中探查时血管紧张素Ⅱ和皮质醇浓度升高(P＜0.05或0.01).结论 经皮穴位电刺激可降低全麻患者异丙酚效应室靶浓度,减少芬太尼用量.     

全麻复合胸段硬膜外阻滞用于老年病人食管癌手术的观察

目的　观察全麻复合胸段硬膜外阻滞用于老年病人食管癌手术的临床效果。方法　5 4例择期行食管癌根治术老年患者 ,随机分单纯全麻 (A)组和硬膜外复合全麻 (B)组 ,每组 2 7例。不同时间点采静脉血测定胰岛素、皮质醇、肾上腺素和血糖浓度。结果　两组术中血皮质醇、血糖浓度均升高 ,切皮后 12 0min时均达高峰 ,B组低于A组 (P <0 0 5 )。术中血胰岛素水平亦呈上升趋势 ,肾上腺素水平A组明显高于B组 (P <0 0 5 )。MAP、HR于切皮后 4 5min及 6 0minA组显著升高 ,拔管时达高峰 ;同期B组无明显波动。结论　静脉全麻复合硬膜外阻滞用于老年人食管癌根治手术 ,应激反应小 ,全麻药用量和术后躁动减少 ,病人恢复快。     

硬膜外阻滞复合全身麻醉应用于腹部大手术效果分析

目的:观察硬膜外阻滞复合全身麻醉应用于腹部大手术患者的可行性。方法:全麻诱导用咪唑安定0.1mg/kg,芬太尼3μg/kg,丙泊酚2mg/kg,维库溴铵0.1mg/kg。复合组于诱导前在T_(8～9)或L_(3～4)间隙行硬膜外穿刺置管,注入2％利多卡因5ml,平面确定后进行全麻诱导。全麻维持用丙泊酚2mg.kg~(-1),h~(-1)持续泵入,间断静注芬太尼和维库溴铵,并吸入安氟醚。用多功能监测仪监测心血管功能,记录术后躁动及药物用量。结果:复合组插管、切皮、拔管时的平均动脉压,心率上升幅度较对照组少。术后躁动率、药物用量显著低于对照组。结论:硬膜外阻滞复合全身麻醉应用于腹部大手术,术中血流动力学稳定、应激反应小,全麻药用量和手术后躁动减小。硬膜外术后镇痛有利于患者创口愈合、早日康复。     

不同麻醉方式对肺癌手术后患者血清中Ang-Ⅱ、Cor及MDA等应激因子的影响

目的研究分析不同麻醉方式对肺癌手术后患者血清中Ang-Ⅱ(血管紧张素Ⅱ)、Cor(血清皮质醇)及MDA(丙二醛)等应激因子的影响。方法选取2016年1月至2017年7月本院收治的80例实施手术治疗的肺癌患者作为研究对象,根据手术麻醉方式不同分为两组,每组各40例患者。对照组患者给予静脉全麻,观察组则采用全麻复合硬膜外麻醉,对比两组术后应激因子水平变化及并发症发生率。结果观察组患者术后24小时及术后48小时,Ang-Ⅱ、Cor及MDA水平均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);观察组患者术后躁动、恶心呕吐、低氧血症发生率10.00%(4/40)低于对照组的35.00%(14/40),差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论对肺癌手术患者给予全麻复合硬膜外麻醉有助于降低术后患者血清中Ang-Ⅱ、Cor及MDA等应激因子水平,同时有利于促进预后恢复,在临床应用中具有推广价值。     

丙泊酚靶控输注辅助硬膜外麻醉对手术应激反应的影响

目的观察丙泊酚靶控输注（TCI）用于辅助硬膜外麻醉对围术期促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）、皮质醇、血糖及心率（HR）、平均动脉压（MAP）的影响.方法选择30例ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级,择期行子宫切除术的病人随机分为两组.Ⅰ组在硬膜外麻醉平面确定时丙泊酚TCI目标血药浓度1.5 μg/ml;Ⅱ组作为对照组,单纯硬膜外麻醉,不使用TCI.于术前（T1）、术中（T2）、术毕（T3）抽取静脉血检测血糖、皮质醇、ACTH,同时记录各时点HR、MAP.结果Ⅰ组皮质醇随手术进程逐渐升高,但与基础值比无显著性差异,且在术中及术毕显著低于Ⅱ组;Ⅱ组皮质醇在术中及术毕显著高于基础值;Ⅰ、Ⅱ组ACTH在术中及术毕均显著升高,且Ⅱ组ACTH在术中及术毕均显著高于Ⅰ组.Ⅰ组血糖无显著变化,Ⅱ组血糖在术中术毕显著升高.结论丙泊酚可能通过抑制垂体ACTH释放的增加抑制皮质醇的分泌,从而避免了围术期过度的应激反应.     

全麻联合硬膜外阻滞对胃癌根治术中血糖、糖代谢激素及白介素6的影响

目的 比较全麻联合硬膜外阻滞和单纯全麻下胃癌根治术中血糖、部分糖代谢激素和白细胞介素6的变化。方法 30例选择性胃癌手术患者随机分成全身麻醉联合硬膜外阻滞（G＋E）和单纯全麻（G）两组，分别于麻醉前、麻醉后手术前、切皮后30、60、90、120、150和180min、拔管后10min抽取静脉血，测定血清血糖、胰岛素、胰高血糖素、皮质醇和白细胞介素6的浓度。结果 术中G＋E组血糖升高迟于G组，但两组均于拔管后10min达高峰（P＜0．01）；整个术程血糖水平仅于切皮后60minG＋3组低于G组（P＜0．05）。血皮质醇升高G＋E组也较G组迟，切皮后180min时两组均达高峰（P＜0．01），拔管后10min时有所下降，但仍高于术前水平（P＜0．05）；皮质醇升高幅度于切皮后30minG＋3组比G组小（P＜0．05）；胰高血糖素和白细胞介素6在两组均于切皮后90min时明显升高，于拔管于10min时达高峰，组间比较无差异（P＞0．05）。术中胰岛素水平变化不明显（P＞0．05）。血糖与胰高血糖素和IL－6密切相关（r＝0．72和0．63，P＜0．01）；白介素6与胰高血糖素和皮质醇的相关系数分别为0．75和0．44（P＜0．05或0．01），与胰岛素变化无明显相关（P＞0．05）。结论 全麻联合硬膜外阻滞对胃癌根治术程早期的伤害性刺激消除效果比单纯全麻好，但术程后期均不能消除由IL－6等体液介质介导的应激性内分泌和代谢改变。     

右美托咪啶在全麻下胰腺癌高强度聚焦超声治疗中的作用

目的:探讨全麻下行胰腺癌高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)治疗中应用右美托咪啶的临床价值。方法:选取2014年4月—2015年12月行HIFU手术治疗的87例胰腺癌患者采用抽签法随机分为观察组43例和对照组44例,两组均采用芬太尼2~3μg/kg、顺阿曲库铵0.2 mg/kg、丙泊酚1.5~2.0 mg/kg进行麻醉诱导,采用丙泊酚、雷米芬太尼、顺阿曲库铵、七氟烷进行维持麻醉,观察组于麻醉诱导前15 min静脉输注右美托咪啶负荷量0.7μg/kg,之后以0.2μg/(kg·h)静脉输注至术毕,对照组麻醉诱导前给予等量生理盐水。比较两组患者麻醉诱导完毕(T_0)、麻醉30 min(T1)、麻醉90 min(T_2)、麻醉180 min(T3)时刻的平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)、动脉血氧饱和度(SpO_2)水平,以及麻醉前、手术后90 min的血清炎症因子的变化。结果:观察组的丙泊酚用量、七氟烷用量、雷米芬太尼用量均明显低于对照组(均P0.05);观察组和对照组的手术时间、麻醉时间、拔管时间差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05);在T0~T3时刻,两组患者的MAP值差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);在T1~T3时刻,观察组的HR值明显低于对照组,而SpO_2值明显高于对照组(均P0.05);术前两组各炎症因子水平差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05);术毕90 min,观察组各炎症因子水平均明显低于对照组(均P0.05)。结论:全麻下行胰腺癌HIFU治疗中应用右美托咪啶可以减少麻醉药物的用量、稳定术中心率、降低炎症因子水平。     

胸段硬膜外镇痛对开胸手术病人血糖、胰岛素和皮质醇水平的影响

目的　观察胸段硬膜外镇痛 (TEA)对开胸手术病人血糖、胰岛素和皮质醇水平的影响。方法　 2 0例在地氟醚麻醉下行开胸手术病人 ,随机分为TEA组和对照组。于麻醉前、术中 90分钟、术毕 6 0分钟和术后第 1、2、3天测定血糖、胰岛素及皮质醇浓度 ,计算胰岛素敏感性指数。结果　两组病人血糖均自术中 90分钟时明显升高 ,术毕 6 0分钟达峰值 ,术后第 1、2天仍居高不下 (P<0 0 5或P <0 0 1)。TEA组术中及术后胰岛素水平无明显改变 ;对照组术后第 1、2天胰岛素水平升高明显 (P <0 0 5或P <0 0 1)。TEA组病人皮质醇仅术毕 6 0分钟时明显升高 (P <0 0 5 ) ,而对照组于手术中 90分钟明显升高 ,并持续到术后第 1、2天 (P <0 0 5 )。两组胰岛素敏感性指数均明显下降 (P <0 0 5 ) ,于术后第 3天TEA组恢复接近麻醉前水平 (P >0 0 5 ) ;而对照组至术后第 3天仍低于麻醉前值 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　TEA可缓解开胸手术应激反应 ,减轻术后糖代谢紊乱。     

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.