缺血预处理对兔离体心脏长期保存的心肌保护作用

目的　观察缺血预处理对离体心脏长期保存的心肌保护作用。方法　将 2 4只家兔随机分为 4组 ,每组 6只 ,分成空白对照组、预处理组、保存组和预处理后保存组。离体兔心脏用Langendorff装置灌注稳定后 ,分别给予缺血预处理后再灌注、心脏保存 1 8h后再灌注及缺血预处理后再经 1 8h保存后再灌注 60min ,观察左室收缩功能的恢复率、冠脉回流液中碱性磷酸激酶(CK)、乳酸脱氢酶 (LDH)的浓度以及心肌形态结构改变。结果　预处理组同空白对照组相比 ,各项指标差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5)。单纯保存组同对照组相比 ,左室收缩功能明显减弱 ,冠脉回流液中心肌酶的漏出明显增加 ,光镜及电镜观察心肌损伤严重。而经预处理后再保存组 ,左室收缩功能的恢复率较单纯保存组有明显提高 [(51 .9± 7.5) %比 (36 .6± 4 .9) % ,P <0 .0 5] ,心肌酶漏出明显减少 [CK :(31 2± 52 )IU/L比 (642± 1 0 8)IU/L ;LDH :(2 9± 9)IU/L比 (76± 1 0 )IU/L ,P <0 .0 5] ,光镜及电镜观察 ,心肌损伤程度明显减轻。结论　缺血预处理过程本身对心肌细胞无明显损伤 ,是比较安全的 ;缺血预处理对离体心脏长期保存有明显的保护作用     

单纯缺血预处理对兔未成熟心脏不足以提供保护作用

目的探讨单纯缺血预处理(IPC)对兔未成熟心脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法利用Langendorff模型灌注幼兔(14-21d)离体心脏,5min缺血、10min再灌的IPC处理后,观察其在生理体温(39℃)下接受30min缺血、40min复灌的血液动力学、冠脉流出液心肌酶及心肌能量的变化.结果复灌后IPC组与对照组在心率(HR)、冠脉流出量(CF)、左室发展压(LVDP)、左室最大上升和下降速率(±dp/dt)恢复率及室性心律失常发生率无明显差别,肌酸磷酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)漏出量有增多趋势.而IPC组在全心停灌后心脏缺血跳动时间明显延长(P＜0.01),再灌注末心肌ATP含量显著减少(P＜0.001).结论单纯缺血预处理不能保护未成熟心脏免受心肌缺血再灌注损伤,反而可导致心肌细胞的损伤;其原因可能与全心缺血后,心脏不能很快停跳而导致能量消耗过多有关.     

小剂量异丙酚联合缺血后处理对豚鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨小剂量异丙酚联合缺血后处理对豚鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 24只白色雄性豚鼠,随机分为4组(n=6):缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、异丙酚组(P组)、缺血后处理组(IPC组)和异丙酚+缺血后处理组(P+IPC组).I/R组结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min,再灌注90 min;P组自再灌注前5 min至再灌注15 min静脉输注异丙酚4 mg·kg-1·h-1;IPC组心肌缺血30 min,再灌注15 s,缺血15 s,反复4次,持续再灌注88 min;P+IPC组自再灌注前5 min至再灌注15 min静脉输注异丙酚4 mg·kg-1·h-1,余同IPC组.记录缺血前和再灌注90 min时左室收缩压(LVSP)、左室舒张末压(LVEDP)和左室压力变化速率(±dp/dtmax),计算左室发展压(LVDP=LVSP-LVEDP);再灌注90 min时取动脉血,测定血清肌酸激酶(CK)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性,取血后处死豚鼠,取心肌组织,测定心肌组织丙二醛(MDA)含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性.结果 与I/R组比较,P+IPC组再灌注90 min时LVDP和±dp/dtmax升高,LVEDP降低,血清CK、LDH活性及心肌组织MDA含量减少,心肌组织SOD活性增加(P＜0.05),P组和IPC组上述指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 再灌注前5 min至再灌注15 min静脉输注异丙酚4 mg·kg-1·h-1联合缺血后处理可通过抑制脂质过氧化反应,减轻豚鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

缺血预处理对幼兔心肌保护作用及其机制探讨

目的观察缺血预处理(IPC)是否能保护接受全心离体缺血再灌注的未成熟兔心脏,并探讨ATP敏感性钾通道在IPC中的作用.方法利用Langendorff模型灌注幼兔(14～21d)离体心脏,经历5min缺血、10min再灌的IPC后,用4℃的st.ThomasII停搏液使心脏停跳,观察其在生理体温(39℃)下接受45min缺血、40min再灌的血液动力学、冠脉流出液心肌酶及心肌能量变化.并利用ATP敏感性钾通道阻断剂aibenclamide(Gli)作为工具药来研究IPC保护作用的机制.结果IPC明显改善心率(HR)、冠脉流出量(CF)、心脏功能指标(LVDP、±dp/dtmax)恢复率,减少室性心律失常,保存心肌ATP含量;肌酸磷酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)漏出减少.预处理前灌注Gli(10μμmol/L)20min则完全消除了上述IPC的保护效应.结论IPC对经历全心缺血再灌注的未成熟兔心肌具有保护作用.这种保护效应可能涉及到ATP敏感性钾通道的开放.     

非心脏缺血预处理对兔未成熟心肌的保护作用

目的　研究非心脏缺血预处理 ( IP)对未成熟心肌的保护作用 ,探讨未成熟心肌的保护方法。　方法　采用心脏缺血预处理 ( MIP)、双下肢缺血预处理 ( DL IP)和肾缺血预处理 ( RIP)兔 L angendorff灌注模型 ,比较 3种方法对缺血 -再灌注 ( IR)未成熟心肌损伤的效应。将 2 4只兔分为 4组 ,IR组 ,MIP组 ,DL IP组和 RIP组 ,每组 6只。测定左心室功能恢复、心肌含水量 ( MWC)、乳酸脱氢酶 ( L DH)漏出量、血清肌酸激酶 ( CK)漏出量、心肌三磷酸腺苷 ( ATP)、丙二醛( MDA)含量和超氧化物歧化酶 ( SOD)活性等指标。　结果　 MIP组、DL IP组和 RIP组左心室功能恢复指标、ATP含量和 SOD活性优于 IR组 ( P<0 .0 5 ) ,MWC低于 IR组 ( P<0 .0 5 ) ,L DH、CK漏出率和 MDA含量均低于 IR组 ( P<0 .0 1)。　结论　非心脏 IP对未成熟心肌具有明显的保护作用 ,与 MIP相同 ,可诱发同等效应的心肌保护作用。     

不同预处理中线粒体KATP通道开放对未成熟心肌的作用

目的　了解线粒体ATP敏感性钾通道 (mKATP)开放在不同预处理过程中对幼兔心脏的影响 ,并探讨其机制。方法　幼兔 (小于 2 8d) 34只随机分成 5组 ,对照组 (n =8) :平衡 30min后缺血再灌注 ;二氮嗪预处理组 (n =8) :缺血前二氮嗪 ( 10 0 μmol/L)灌注 5min后重碳酸盐缓冲液 (KH液 )冲洗 10min ,St.ThomasⅡ (STH)停跳 ;二氮嗪 + 5 羟葵酸 ( 5 HD)预处理组 (n =5 ) :二氮嗪 ( 10 0 μmol/L)和 5 HD( 10 0 μmol/L)一起灌注 5min ;缺血预处理 (IPC)组 ( n =8) :平衡 15min后全心缺血 5min ,复灌 10min行IPC ,STH停跳 ;IPC + 5 HD组 (n =5 ) :IPC前用 5 HD ( 10 0μmol/L)灌注 5min。采用LangendOrff模型 ,常温 ( 38℃ )缺血 30min ,复灌 45min。 结果　缺血 /再灌注 (I/R)后二氮嗪组的线粒体评分较IPC组 (P <0 .0 5 )和对照组 (P <0 .0 1)低 ,IPC前给予 5 HD后线粒体评分仍较对照组低 (P <0 .0 5 )。二氮嗪组和IPC组左室发展压力 (LVDP)、左室压力上升和下降最大速率 (±dp/dtmax)恢复在多个时间点上均优于对照组 ,心肌组织ATP含量高于对照组 (P <0 .0 1) ,心肌酶较对照组降低 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　二氮嗪预处理能产生与IPC相似的心肌保护作用 ,并且对线粒体的保护效果较IPC好。mKATP通道和细胞膜KATP     

沉默信息调节因子1在缺血预处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤中的作用

目的 探讨沉默信息调节因子1(SIRT1)在缺血预处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤中的作用.方法 雄性SD大鼠48只,体重200 ～ 250 g,12周龄,采用随机数字表法,将其分为4组(n=12):假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)、缺血预处理组(IPC组)和缺血预处理+SIRT1抑制剂组(IPC+ ex527组).采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min再灌注120 min的方法制备心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型,IPC组和IPC+ ex527组进行缺血预处理(缺血5 min,再灌注5 min,重复3个循环,共30 min),IPC+ ex527组分别于缺血前15 min及再灌注前1 min静脉注射ex527 1 μg/kg.分别于缺血前和再灌注120 min时采集股动脉血样,测定血清TNF-α和IL-6的浓度,处死大鼠,取心肌组织,测定乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)活性、SIRT1表达和NF-κB p65乙酰化水平.结果 与S组比较,I/R组和IPC+ ex527组再灌注120 min时血清TNF-α、IL-6浓度、心肌组织LDH、CK-MB活性和NF-κB p65乙酰化水平升高,心肌组织SIRT1表达下调(P＜0.05);与I/R组比较,IPC组血清TNF-α、IL-6浓度、心肌组织LDH、CK-MB活性、NF-κB p65乙酰化水平降低,心肌组织SIRT1表达上调(P＜0.05),IPC+ ex527组上述指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);与IPC组比较,IPC+ ex527组血清TNF-α、IL-6浓度、心肌组织LDH、CK-MB活性、NF-κB p65乙酰化水平升高,心肌组织SIRT1表达下调(P＜0.05).结论 SIRT1参与了缺血预处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤.     

三碘甲状腺原氨酸在心肌保护中的药理性预适应作用

目的探讨三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)预处理对离体大鼠心肌缺血再灌注(I/R)损伤的保护作用及相关机制。方法40只SD大鼠随机均分为5组正常对照组,缺血损伤(I/R)组,缺血预适应(IP)组,三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)组,三碘甲状腺原氨酸+格列本脲(Glib+T3)组。采用Langendorff灌注实验装置,观察各组心肌缺血再灌注前后心肌超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,丙二醛(MDA)、心肌乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、心肌激酸肌酶同工酶(CK-MB)的含量变化,并取心肌组织行电镜超微结构检查。结果与I/R组相比,T3组(3.0ng/L)明显增加心肌组织SOD的活性[(66.44±7.53)对(46.18±7.81)μmol/mg,P<0.05],减少MDA[(56.17±8.57)对(73.47±7.38)μmol/mg,P<0.05]含量;减少大鼠冠脉流出液中心肌LDH[(29.9±4.5)对(58.1±4.6)IU/L,P<0.05]和CK-MB[(36.7±3.4)对(56.2±3.1)IU/L,P<0.05]的含量,而30μmol/L的Glib与T3合用后,上述心肌保护作用被部分抵消。结论经T3预处理的大鼠心肌具有确切的抗再灌注损伤作用,这一保护作用与KATP通道开放有关。     

11,12-环氧二十碳三烯酸对幼兔心脏再灌注性心律失常的影响

目的 为提高未成熟心肌的保护作用,观察11,12-环氧二十碳三烯酸(11,12-EET)对幼兔冷停搏长时间保存的心脏再灌注性心律失常的影响. 方法 16只幼兔按单纯随机原则分成2组,每组8只.对照组:采用St.Thomas Ⅱ心脏停搏液保护心肌;实验组:采用St.Thomas Ⅱ 11,12-EET心脏停搏液保护心肌.采用Langendorff灌注装置,测定灌注心脏停搏液后的电机械活动停止时间以及保存16小时(4°C)后复灌30分钟(37°C)的心率(HR)、冠状动脉流量(CF)、心肌含水量(MWC)、冠状动脉漏出液中肌酸激酶(CK)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、心肌钙离子含量,观察心律失常发生情况. 结果实验组灌注心脏停搏液后的电机械活动停止时间明显缩短;HR恢复、CF、MWC、CK、LDH、心肌钙离子含量和心律失常情况均优于对照组. 结论 St.Thomas Ⅱ液中加入11,12-EET可减轻幼兔离体心脏长时间保存后再灌注性心律失常的发生.     

11,12-EET对未成熟离体兔心的长时间保存作用

目的 观察11，12-EET(11，12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid)液对未成熟兔离体心脏的保护作用。方法 将48只未成熟离体兔心按随机分配原则分成对照组(24只)和EET组(24只)，对照组保存心脏采用St.Thomas No.2液为停搏液及保存液，EET组采用St.Thomas No.2液 11，12-EET为停搏液及保存液，分别保存心脏8h、16h、24h。利用非循环式Langendorff灌注装置测定各组心脏保存前及保存后再灌注30min(37℃)的左心室变化压(LVDP)、舒张末期压(LVEDP)、最大压力变化速率( dp/ptmax)和冠状动脉流量(CBE)，并测定心律失常评分、心肌肌酸激酶(CK)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)含量及观察心肌超微结构的改变等指标。结果 (1)EET组各保存时间的心功能恢复率、心肌水肿程度、心律失常评分均好于相应对照组；CK、LDH及心肌超微结构的改变亦明显优于对照组。(2)心脏保存16h后，EET组的心功能恢复率、心律失常评分基本接近心脏保存之前的测定值，而对照组则明显减低。(3)心脏保存24h，EET组心脏全部复跳，对照组5只心脏不能复跳。结论 St.Thomas No.2液中加入11，12-EET可延长对未成熟兔离体心脏的保存时间并增强其保存效果。     

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.