后路寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗上颈椎不稳

目的：总结应用寰椎侧块螺钉与枢椎椎弓根螺钉技术固定融合治疗寰枢椎不稳的效果，探讨寰枢椎不稳的治疗方法。方法：采用寰椎侧块螺钉与枢椎椎弓根螺钉技术对15例寰枢椎不稳的患者进行了固定术，同时行自体髂骨融合。分别应用Vertex 7例，Axis 3例，和cervifix 5例，齿状突陈旧性骨折5例，新鲜Ⅱc型齿状突骨折6例，先天性游离齿状突4例。寰椎侧块螺钉进钉点选择在寰椎后结节中点旁开18mm～20mm，与后弓下缘以上2mm的交点，钉道方向在冠状面垂直，矢状面上螺钉头端向头侧倾斜约5°.枢椎进钉点为枢椎下关节突根部中点，钉道与矢状面夹角约15°，横断面夹角约30°。螺钉直径3．5mm，寰椎侧块螺钉长度28mm～32mm，枢椎椎弓根螺钉长度为22mm～26mm。结果：所有患者均未发生脊髓损伤和椎动脉损伤。随访10～25个月，平均14个月。术前JOA评分5．1～10．9分，平均7．6分。术后JOA评分13．2～16．8分，平均14．8分，改善率87．5％。植骨块全部融合，无内固定断裂、松动。结论：后路寰椎侧块螺钉与枢椎椎弓根螺钉技术稳定性良好，具有三维固定的优点，值得推广。     

后路寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗寰枢椎不稳

目的探讨应用寰椎侧块螺钉与枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定融合治疗寰枢椎不稳的疗效。方法2002年2月至2004年3月,采用寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉技术治疗寰枢椎不稳15例,男9例,女6例;年龄15～57岁,平均39.5岁;齿突陈旧性骨折5例,先天性游离齿突4例,新鲜齿突骨折6例(AdersonⅡC型)。所有患者均伴有寰枢椎半脱位或不稳,表现为不同程度的颈枕区疼痛,活动受限。术前JOA评分5.1￣10.9分,平均7.6分。术前行颅骨牵引。寰椎侧块螺钉进钉点选择在寰椎后结节中点旁18￣20mm与后弓下缘以上2mm的交点处,钉道与冠状面垂直,矢状面上螺钉头端向头侧倾斜约5°。枢椎椎弓根螺钉进钉点为枢椎下关节突根部中点,钉道与矢状面夹角约15°,与横断面夹角约30°。螺钉直径3.5mm,寰椎侧块螺钉长28～32mm,枢椎椎弓根螺钉长22～26mm。应用Vertex7例,Axis3例,Cervifix5例。结果15例患者共置入寰椎侧块螺钉和枢椎椎弓根螺钉各30枚。术后无一例患者发生脊髓和椎动脉损伤。所有患者均获随访,随访时间10～25个月,平均14个月。术后6个月JOA评分13.2～16.8分,平均14.8分,改善率为87.5%。骨折的齿突均骨性愈合,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具有稳定的三维固定效果,可用于治疗寰枢椎不稳。     

后路多种内固定技术联合应用治疗寰枢椎不稳

 目的探讨后路多种内固定技术联合应用、个体化治疗寰枢椎不稳的适应证、安全性及有效性。方法回顾性分析2010年6月至2013年6月联合应用多种后路内固定技术治疗寰枢椎不稳19例患者的病历资料, 男7例,女12例;年龄15~57岁,平均（40±13）岁。19例患者均有不同程度的枕颈部疼痛及颈椎活动受限,5例（26%）颈痛是唯一症状;另14例（74%）伴有脊髓压迫症状和体征,表现为不同程度的肢体感觉、运动障碍和反射亢进。19例中8例（42%）寰齿间距>3 mm,为3~10 mm,平均（6.4±3.0） mm。11例（58%）寰椎爆裂骨折侧块分离距离7~9mm,平均（7.7±0.9）mm。采用颈椎CT评估双侧枢椎椎动脉上方侧弓的高度,其中4例（21%）单侧< 4 mm。采用寰椎侧块螺钉、寰椎椎板钩、枢椎椎弓根螺钉、椎板螺钉或寰枢椎经关节螺钉等多种后路内固定技术联合应用行寰枢椎融合术。术前、术后3个月及末次随访时19例患者颈部疼痛采用视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale, VAS）评估,14例有颈脊髓损伤症状患者采用日本骨科学会（Japanese orthopedic association,JOA）评分并计算改善率评价患者术后改善情况。通过X线及CT评价内固定位置及植骨融合情况。结果19例均获得随访,随访时间12~24个月,平均（15.3±4.2）个月。术后所有患者枕颈部疼痛均明显改善,VAS评分术前平均为（4.5±1.54）分,术后3个月为（1.2±0.97）分,末次随访为（0.63±0.76）分,差异有统计学意义。JOA评分术前平均为（12.2±1.9）分,术后3个月为（14.5±1.8）分,末次随访为（16.1±1.2）分,JOA改善率平均为87.3%,差异有统计学意义。所有患者术后6个月CT检查均显示植骨融合良好。随访期间未发现内固定松动、断裂及新发寰枢椎不稳。结论术前对寰枢椎的解剖情况及损伤类型进行全面、准确地评估,根据各种内固定技术的应用指征及术者技术特点,选择个体化的多种后路内固定技术联合应用治疗寰枢椎不稳安全且有效。     

三维固定技术治疗寰枢关节不稳

[目的]探讨应用三维固定技术治疗寰枢椎不稳症的疗效。[方法]2002年7月-2005年7月，采用：（1）寰椎侧块螺钉＋枢椎椎弓根钉固定13例患者；（2）枢椎经关节突螺钉＋寰椎后弓钩固定12例患者；两种方法其中Vertex 16例、Summit 9例。[结果]25例患者共置入寰椎侧块螺钉26枚，枢椎椎弓根钉26枚，枢椎经关节突螺钉24枚，寰椎后弓钩24枚。术后无1例发生脊髓和椎动脉损伤，所有患者均得到随访，随访时间10—36个月，平均16．7个月。术后JOA评分13．6～15．9分，平均14．8分，改善率89．5％。骨折的齿状突骨性愈合，植骨块全部融合，无内固定断裂、松动。[结论]两种三维固定技术可靠，疗效肯定。     

骨科：脊柱

20060305寰椎侧块螺钉与寰椎椎弓根螺钉的解剖与生物力学对比研究，20060306后路寰枢椎经关节螺钉内固定治疗陈旧性齿状突骨折，20060307后路寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗寰枢椎不稳，20060308手术治疗寰枢椎不稳，20060309颈枕区融合术后并发症的防治。[编者按]     

前路经枢椎体至寰椎侧块螺钉内固定的解剖学研究及初步临床应用

目的为临床行前路经枢椎体至寰椎侧块螺钉内固定提供理论依据。方法对21具成人寰枢椎标本进行解剖学测量,计算前路经枢椎体至寰椎侧块螺钉内固定术中螺钉走向的最小外偏角α、最大外偏角β和最大后倾角γ;21具寰枢椎标本摄正、侧位X线片,在X线片上测量此术式中螺钉走行的α、β和γ,将标本上所测的数据与在X线片上测的数据作统计学分析,并在标本上模拟这一术式。2004年10月～2006年7月,此术式应用于临床治疗5例陈旧性寰枢椎脱位患者,男3例,女2例;年龄30～55岁;病程3～24个月。脊髓损伤程度按Frankel分级,B级1例,C级2例,D级2例。术后摄X线片及CT。结果利用直角三角形的反正弦原理,由各个测量指标计算出的α、β及γ,与在X线片上所测量出的α、β及γ比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。故将数据合并后α为14.0±1.6°,β为30.0±2.3°,γ为29.0±2.9°。模拟术式中实际应用角度：α为11.2±1.6°,β为28.8±2.3°,γ为29.3±2.9°。所有寰枢椎标本经固定后肉眼观察螺钉全部位于寰枢椎中,未出现螺钉穿出寰枢椎椎体外和寰椎侧块上、椎管内及损伤椎动脉。X线片示所有螺钉均位于理想位置。临床应用5例患者术后随访6～30个月,平均14个月,X线片及CT均示效果良好;术后3个月脊髓功能恢复,采用改良Frankel分级,C级1例,D2级1例,D3级3例。结论只要正确掌握螺钉的进钉方向,采用前路经枢椎体至寰椎侧块螺钉内固定治疗寰枢椎脱位则是安全可行的;但只能使寰椎在复位的位置获得暂时稳定,尚需一期或二期加行后路寰枢植骨融合,以达到永久的牢固固定。     

寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定的研究进展

寰椎椎弓根螺钉固定技术．即通常所说的经寰椎后弓侧块螺钉固定技术，与寰椎侧块螺钉固定技术不是等同的概念。有很多文献将其混淆。寰椎椎弓根螺钉固定技术由Resnick等于2002年首次提出．用于治疗齿状突骨折引起的寰枢椎不稳。枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定技术首先由Leconte于1964年用于枢椎创伤性滑脱的治疗。近年来在寰枢椎后路内固定术中寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定技术发展越来越快，     

侧块钉板固定器治疗寰椎前弓游离并寰枢关节不稳5例

目的探讨寰枢椎不稳后路手术治疗的一种方式。方法用北大第三医院王超教授设计的钛制寰枢椎侧块钉板固定器,改良的椎弓根钉螺钉和侧块钛板相结合治疗寰椎前弓游离并寰枢关节不稳5例。结果探所有螺钉均成功植入,复位固定满意。5例患者全部得到随访,随访12-24个月,平均21个月,均达到骨性愈合。没有神经、血管损伤,未发现螺钉松动、断钉和寰枢椎再移位病例。所有患者颈部前屈后伸及旋转功能良好,结果满意。结论探该型骨折并寰枢关节不稳后路选择寰枢椎侧块钉板固定使治疗变的安全、确切、稳定。     

单侧枢椎椎板螺钉在椎动脉变异的上颈椎不稳中的临床应用

目的：探讨后路寰椎侧块螺钉联合单侧枢椎椎板螺钉＋对侧枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定、自体双皮质骨加压植骨融合术治疗上颈椎不稳伴椎动脉变异的临床疗效。方法：2008年6月至2012年12月,行后路寰椎侧块螺钉联合单侧枢椎椎板螺钉＋对侧枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定、自体双皮质骨加压植骨融合术12例,男8例,女4例,年龄16—77岁,平均47．5岁。术前患者枕颈部活动受限伴或不伴疼痛,VAS评分0-7分,平均3．50±2．71;椎动脉造影或颈椎CTA示单侧椎动脉明显狭窄。观察术中有无神经及血管损伤;术后7d内行X线和CT检查,了解内固定位置;术后随访观察有无内固定松动、断裂失败并发症、复位丢失,以及植骨融合率等。结果：12例单侧枢椎椎板螺钉固定,术中未发生神经和椎动脉损伤。患者颈部VAS评分0．92±0．90,较术前明显减轻（P=0．01）。术后x线示12例患者颈椎序列恢复良好,CT示1例枢椎椎板腹侧皮质侵犯,余位置均良好。12例患者均获得随访,时间6个月～3年;未见内固定松动、断裂和复位丢失等并发症;术后6个月12例均骨性融合。结论：后路寰椎侧块螺钉联合单侧枢椎椎板螺钉＋对侧枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定、自体双皮质骨加压植骨融合术,既避免了传统螺钉固定椎动脉损伤的同时,又克服了部分病例双侧枢椎椎板螺钉时植骨床的不足,在保证良好力学稳定的情况下,可以取得良好的骨性融合率。单侧枢椎椎板螺钉可以作为一种安全有效的补充固定措施应用于椎动脉变异的上颈椎不稳患者中。     

骨科——脊柱

异体楔形骨块在颈椎双开门椎板扩大成形术中的应用；板-棒-多轴螺钉系统后路枕颈固定疗效评价；寰椎侧块螺钉与枢椎弓根螺钉徒手植入技术的研究与应用；枢椎交叉椎板螺钉新技术治疗寰枢椎不稳的生物力学比较；经口寰枢椎前路手术的围手术期处理；Zephir锁定型钢板在颈椎前路融合术的应用；闭合复位结合一期前后路内固定治疗下颈椎骨折脱位     

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.     

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.     

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.