剖宫产术患者重比重罗哌卡因混合小剂量舒芬太尼腰麻的效果

目的探讨重比重罗哌卡因混合小剂量舒芬太尼用于剖宫产术患者腰麻的效果。方法择期行剖宫产术的单胎和妊娠足月初产妇40例,年龄22～34岁,体重60～73 kg,ASAⅠ级。随机分为2组（n=20）,罗哌卡因组（R组）蛛网膜下腔注射1%罗哌卡因1.5 ml（15 nag）＋生理盐水0.7ml＋ 50%葡萄糖0.3 ml;罗哌卡因＋舒芬太尼组（R＋S组）蛛网膜下腔注射1%罗哌卡因1.5 ml（15 mg）＋舒芬太尼5μg（0.1 ml）＋生理盐水0.6 ml＋50%葡萄糖0.3ml。蛛网膜下腔穿刺成功后,将混合药液注入蛛网膜下腔,速率0.1 ml/s。记录感觉阻滞、运动阻滞情况,术中疼痛程度、腹肌松弛程度和牵拉反应程度,术中低血压、心动过缓、恶心、呕吐及瘙痒等不良反应的发生和处理情况,新生儿体重及出生后1 min和5 min Apgar评分。结果R＋S组蛛网膜下腔注药后感觉阻滞平面达到T10、T6和最高阻滞平面的时间短于R组,且最高阻滞平面升高（P〈0.05或0.01）;蛛网膜下腔注药后2组下肢运动阻滞起效时间和达最大运动阻滞时间差异无统计学意义,2组最大运动阻滞评分均为3分（P〉0.05）。R＋S组感觉阻滞恢复至L3、首次感觉疼痛和开始PCA镇痛的时间比R组长（P〈0.05或0.01）,下肢运动阻滞完全恢复时间组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。R＋S组牵拉反应程度低于R组（P〈0.01）。2组不良反应发生率、麻黄碱和阿托品使用率及新生儿体重、出生后1min和5 min Apgar评分差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论剖宫产术患者重比重罗哌卡因混合舒芬太尼5μg腰麻感觉阻滞起效时间缩短,阻滞平面上移,持续镇痛作用时间延长。     

下肢手术患者罗哌卡因与布比卡因蛛网膜下腔阻滞效果的比较前瞻性、多中心、随机、双盲研究

目的 比较单侧下肢手术患者罗哌卡因和布比卡因蛛网膜下腔阻滞的效果.方法 本试验为前瞻性、多中心、随机、双盲的临床研究.拟行单侧下肢手术患者218例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄18～64岁,体重指数18～24 kg/m2,性别不限.随机分为2组,R组(n=110)蛛网膜下腔注射5 ms/ml罗哌卡因3.5 ml;B组(n=108)蛛网膜下腔注射5 mg/ml布比卡因2.5 ml.采用改良的Bromage评分法评估非术侧下肢的运动阻滞效果,记录起效时间和维持时间;采用针刺法评估感觉阻滞效果,记录起效时间和维持时间;评估术中麻醉质量与肌松效果;记录不良反应的发生情况.结果 与B组比较,R组运动阻滞起效时间延长,运动阻滞和感觉阻滞维持时间缩短(P＜0.05或0.01),感觉阻滞起效时间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);两组运动阻滞和感觉阻滞有效率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);两组麻醉质量和肌松效果均较好,麻醉质量比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),R组肌松效果优于B组(P＜0.05);两组不良事件发生率均较低,且差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 下肢手术患者采用罗哌卡因蛛网膜下腔阻滞时,术中麻醉质量及肌松效果良好,且其运动阻滞维持时间较布比卡因短,有利于术后的恢复,其临床效果更具优越性.     

小剂量纳布啡复合罗哌卡因腰麻用于剖宫产术效果观察

目的探讨小剂量纳布啡复合罗哌卡因腰麻用于剖宫产手术的效果。方法随机将择期行剖宫产手术的80例患者分为2组,每组40例。罗哌卡因组(R组)蛛网膜下腔注射1%罗哌卡因1.5 mL+0.5 mL生理盐水,罗哌卡因+纳布啡组(R+N组)蛛网膜下腔注射1%罗哌卡因1.5 mL+0.5 mL纳布啡5 mg。蛛网膜下腔穿刺成功后,注射混合液,速率为0.1 mL/s。记录感觉神经最高阻滞平面、运动神经阻滞评分,感觉、运动神经的起效及恢复时间。了解术中麻醉效果满意度。记录术中出现低血压、心动过缓、恶心、呕吐、瘙痒、呼吸抑制、宫缩痛等不良反应及处理措施。结果 2组患者的感觉神经阻滞起效时间及恢复时间、运动神经阻滞改良评分比较差异明显(P0.05)。2组患者麻醉效果满意度差异显著(P0.05)。心动过缓和宫缩痛例数及发生率分别为2∶4(5%∶10%)和3∶1(7.5%∶2.5%),差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 5 mg纳布啡复合罗哌卡因腰麻用于剖宫产术,麻醉镇痛效果更好,特别是对宫缩痛效果显著,不良反应少,可以安全用于剖宫产手术。     

不同比重罗哌卡因腰麻在妇产科手术中的应用比较

目的 :探讨不同比重 1 0mg罗哌卡因用于妇科手术的麻醉效果和并发症发生率 ,并与布比卡因比较。方法 :37例妇科择期手术病人 ,年龄 2 2～ 6 0岁 ,体重 50～ 70kg ,ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级 ,随机分为 3组 :R1组 (罗哌卡因重比重液组 ) :罗哌卡因 1 0mg + 5%葡萄糖 1ml+麻黄素 1 5mg共 2 .5ml重比重液 ;R2 组 (罗哌卡因轻比重液组 ) :罗哌卡因 1 0mg +注射用水 3.5ml+麻黄素 1 5mg共 5ml轻比重液 ;B组 (布比卡因重比重液组 ) :布比卡因 7.5mg + 5%葡萄糖 1ml+麻黄素 1 5mg共 2 .5ml重比重液。采用腰麻 -硬膜外联合穿刺 ,成功后将不同局麻药在 30s内注入蛛网膜下腔。观察麻醉起效时间、最高麻醉平面及到达时间、运动阻滞分级、术中镇痛肌松情况 ,麻醉消退时间及术中低血压、恶心、呕吐、术后头痛发生率。对给药后 2 0min平面不足T10 者硬膜外追加 0 .5%罗哌卡因和 1 %利多卡因以满足手术要求。结果 :麻醉起效时间、最高麻醉平面及到达时间组间比较无差异 ,但R2 组显示单边阻滞者多于R1组和B组 ,且需辅以硬膜外给药例数多于R1和B组 ;手术开始时间R1组 ( 1 2min)早于R2 组 ( 1 7.8min)和B组 ( 1 5min) ;术中镇痛、肌松效果 ,单纯蛛网膜下腔阻滞比较 ,R1组与B组相同 ,R2 组镇痛完善例数明显低于R1组和B组 ,辅助硬膜外给药     

重比重联合轻比重罗哌卡因在蛛网膜下腔麻醉剖宫产术中的应用

目的 分析剖宫产术中使用重比重罗哌卡因联合轻比重罗哌卡因的蛛网膜下腔麻醉与单一重比重罗哌卡因蛛网膜下腔麻醉效果及血流动力学变化. 方法 选择142例在蛛网膜下腔-硬膜外腔联合麻醉下拟行择期剖宫产术患者.根据标准纳入的患者(132例)按计算机编码被随机分配到单一重比重罗哌卡因组(A组)或重比重和轻比重罗哌卡因联合组(B组),每组66例.主要观察指标是低血压的发生率,次要观察指标是感觉阻滞水平. 结果 两组均表现出相似的麻醉效果.A组低血压发生率比B组显著增高(74％比45％)(P＜0.05),A组恶心发生率比B组显著增加(23％比8％)(P＜0.05). 结论 重比重联合轻比重罗哌卡因蛛网膜下腔麻醉相比单一的重比重罗哌卡因蛛网膜下腔麻醉可提供相似的麻醉效果及更加稳定的血流动力学.     

剖宫产术患者蛛网膜下腔注射不同等比重局麻药的药效学

目的 探讨剖宫产术患者蛛网膜下腔注射不同等比重局麻药的药效学.方法 拟在脊椎-硬膜外联合阻滞下行剖宫产术患者96例,孕37～41周,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,体重50～85kg,随机分为3组(n=32):布比卡因组、左旋布比卡因组和罗哌卡因组分别于蛛网膜下腔注射等比重0.5%布比卡因、等比重0.5%左旋布比卡因和等比重0.5%罗哌卡因.采用序贯法进行试验,初始剂量为9 mg,相邻剂量比为0.9,麻醉有效,则下一例患者采用低一级剂量;麻醉无效,则下一例患者采用高一级剂量.麻醉有效的标准:注射局麻药后15 min内感觉阻滞平面达到T7或以上、术中无牵拉痛、注射局麻药后45 min内硬膜外不需要追加局麻药.计算3种局麻药麻醉的半数有效剂量(ED50)和95%有效剂量(ED95)及其95%可信区间(95%CI).结果 布比卡因麻醉有效的ED50(95%CI)、ED95(95%CI)分别为6.15(5.48～6.68)mg、7.62(6.91～11.82)mg;左旋布比卡因麻醉有效的ED50(95%CI)、ED95(95%CI)分别为8.06(7.46～8.62)mg、9.59(8.86～13.42)mg;罗哌卡因麻醉有效的ED50(95%CI)、ED95(95%CI)分别为10.55(9.73～11.49)mg、12.80(11.66～21.42)mg.布比卡因、左旋布比卡因和罗哌卡因的效价比为1.00:0.76:0.58.结论 剖宫产术患者蛛网膜下腔注射等比重布比卡因、左旋布比卡因和罗哌卡因麻醉有效的效价比为1.00∶0.76∶0.58.     

经尿道前列腺电切术老年患者鞘内注射不同局麻药的药效学

目的 探讨经尿道前列腺电切术老年患者鞘内注射不同局麻药的药效学.方法 择期拟在脊椎-硬膜外联合阻滞下行经尿道前列腺电切术的老年患者90例,ASA分级Ⅰ～Ⅲ级,年龄69～82岁,体重指数＜30 kg/m2,随机分为3组(n=30):左旋布比卡因组(L组)、罗哌卡因组(R组)和布比卡因组(B组)分别于蛛网膜下腔注射0.5%左旋布比卡因、0.5%罗哌卡因、0.5%布比卡因.采用序贯法进行试验,初始剂量分别为7、10、6 mg,相邻剂量比均为0.9.阻滞有效,则下一例采用低一级剂量;阻滞无效,则下一例采用高一级剂量.阻滞有效的标准为:蛛网膜下腔注药后20 min内感觉阻滞平面达T10.计算3种局麻药半数有效剂量(ED50)及其95%可信区间(95%CI).结果 经尿道前列腺电切术老年患者鞘内注射左旋布比卡因、罗哌卡因和布比卡因阻滞的ED50及其95%CI分别为6.781(6.561～7.024)mg、9.135(8.670～9.616)mg和5.170(5.012～5.333)mg.左旋布比卡因、罗哌卡因和布比卡因的效价比为0.76∶0.57∶1.00.结论 经尿道前列腺电切术老年患者鞘内注射左旋布比卡因、罗哌卡因和布比卡因阻滞的效价比为0.76∶0.57∶1.00.     

罗哌卡因和布比卡因用于老龄患者下肢手术麻醉中的对比研究

【摘要】 目的 探讨在老龄患者下肢手术的麻醉中等效剂量罗哌卡因和布比卡因麻醉效果以及对手术的影响。方法 选择拟行股骨颈骨折手术老龄患者50例,随机分为罗哌卡因组(R组)和布比卡因组(B组)。两组均采用腰硬联合麻醉(CSEA),分别给予0.5%罗哌卡因2.5 mL和0.5%布比卡因2.5 mL注入蛛网膜下腔。术中麻醉效应不足时硬膜外给予2%利多卡因。术中监测呼吸循环状况,评估麻醉效果,并观察不良反应。结果 两组麻醉效果,最高阻滞平面及不良反应的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),B组的血压下降更加明显(P<0.05),R组下肢感觉阻滞起效更慢,持续时间更短(P<0.05),下肢运动阻滞程度显著低于B组(P<0.05)。结论 罗哌卡因和布比卡因在老龄患者下肢手术的腰硬联合麻醉都有效,罗哌卡因对循环系统影响更小,运动神经阻滞更轻且恢复迅速,更适合老龄患者下肢手术麻醉中的应用。     

芬太尼对肛门直肠手术患者小剂量罗哌卡因腰麻效果的影响

目的 评价芬太尼对肛门直肠手术患者小剂量罗哌卡因腰麻效果的影响.方法 择期行肛门直肠手术患者40例,性别不限,年龄20 ～ 55岁,BMI 18～ 28 kg/m2,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法,将患者分为2组(n=20):0.5％罗哌卡因7.5 mg组(R组)和0.3％罗哌卡因6.0 mg+芬太尼10 μg组(RF组).L3,4间隙行蛛网膜下腔穿刺,穿刺针斜面朝向骶尾部,R组注射重比重0.5％罗哌卡因1.5 ml,RF组注射重比重0.3％罗哌卡因6.0 mg+芬太尼10 μg混合液2.0 ml.记录感觉阻滞起效时间、最高感觉阻滞平面、感觉阻滞持续时间、运动阻滞起效时间和运动阻滞持续时间,记录术毕时改良Bromage评分.结果 与R组比较,RF组感觉阻滞持续时间和运动阻滞持续时间缩短,术毕时改良Bromage评分降低(P＜0.05或0.01);感觉阻滞起效时间、最高感觉阻滞平面、运动阻滞起效时间及不良反应发生率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 10 μg芬太尼混合0.3％罗哌卡因6mg腰麻可满足肛门直肠手术要求,运动神经的阻滞轻,恢复快.     

不同镇痛方式在胸腔镜肺叶切除术患者术后镇痛效果的比较

目的比较不同镇痛方式在胸腔镜肺叶切除术患者术后镇痛的效果。方法择期行单侧胸腔镜肺叶切除术患者60例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为三组:自控椎旁神经镇痛组(PVB组)、自控硬膜外镇痛组(PCEA组)和自控静脉镇痛组(PCIA组)。PVB组在神经刺激仪引导下行术侧T4~5椎旁间隙穿刺插管,PCEA组行T4~5硬膜外穿刺插管。手术结束前30min停用瑞芬太尼;PVB组经椎旁间隙导管注射0.2%罗哌卡因15ml负荷量;PCEA组硬膜外注射0.125%罗哌卡因5ml,PCIA组静脉注射舒芬太尼0.1μg/kg。之后连接镇痛泵PVB组0.2%罗哌卡因,5ml/h,PCA量5ml,锁定时间15min;PCEA组0.125%罗哌卡因,5ml/h,PCA量5ml,锁定时间15min;PCIA组舒芬太尼1.0μg/ml,2ml/h,PCA量2ml,锁定时间15min。记录入室后(T0)、拔出气管导管30min(T1)、术后24h(T2)、48h(T3)、72h(T4)HR、MAP、PaO2、PaCO2;及T1~T4时静息和咳嗽时VAS评分。测定T0、T2~T4时用力肺活量占预计值的百分比(FVC%)、用力1秒呼气量占预计值的百分比(FEV1%),并计算FEV1/FVC;记录镇痛期间不良反应的发生情况。结果与T0时比较,T1时PVB组和PCEA组MAP明显降低、PCIA组MAP明显升高,PCEA组HR明显减慢、而T2时三组HR明显增快(P0.05)。与PCIA组比较,T1时PVB组、PCEA组和T2时PCEA组MAP明显降低,T1时PCEA组HR明显减慢(P0.05)。与PCEA组比较,T1、T2时PVB组MAP明显升高,T1时PVB组HR明显增快(P0.05)。与T0时比较,T1时三组患者PaO2和T1、T2时PCIA组PaCO2明显升高(P0.05)。与PCIA组比较,T1、T2时PVB组和PCEA组PaCO2明显降低(P0.05)。与T0时比较,T2~T4时三组FVC%、FEV1%明显降低(P0.05)。与PCIA组比较,T2~T4时PVB和PCEA组FVC%和FEV1%明显升高(P0.05)。三组FEV1/FVC组间组内差异无统计学意义。与PCIA组比较,T1~T4时PVB组和PCEA组咳嗽时VAS评分明显降低(P0.05)。PVB组和PCEA组患者无一例发生嗜睡,明显低于PCIA组14例(P0.01)。结论胸腔镜肺叶切除后患者自控椎旁神经阻滞镇痛效果完善,有利于术后肺功能恢复,且不良反应发生率低,安全有效。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.