健侧C7移位至桡神经治疗全臂丛神经根性撕脱伤改良术的解剖学基础

目的寻求健侧C7神经根移位治疗全臂丛神经根性撕脱伤手术中尺神经与桡神经的最佳吻合部位。方法在10具20侧福尔马林固定的成人尸体上肢标本上观察桡神经及其肱三头肌肌支的解剖学特征;尺神经的解剖学特征;尺神经不同水平与对侧颈根部的距离。结果桡神经从后侧束发出部位到发出肱三头肌长头的第一支肌支之间的距离为(8.2±1.4)cm,从发出长头的第一个肌支部位到外侧头最后一个肌支发出部位之间的距离为(4.8±0.7)cm。尺神经肘部以上几乎无分支,尺神经在发出部位的直径为(6.7±0.6)mm;在肘部的直径为(6.3±0.5)mm;在腕部的直径为(4.0±0.4)mm;从锁骨下尺神经发出部位到肘部的长度为(29.0±2.6)cm;从锁骨下尺神经发出点到对侧颈根部的距离为(18.0±1.8)cm。结论健侧C7神经根移位修复桡神经,尺神经与桡神经的最佳吻合部位是锁骨下区,在此部位吻合不但能保证肱三头肌功能恢复,而且大大缩短桥接神经的长度。     

桡神经臂段卡压的解剖学基础

目的　研究桡神经臂段卡压综合征的解剖学因素 ,为临床诊治该病提供形态学依据。方法　对 2 0具 40侧成人上肢标本 ,肉眼观察桡神经在臂段的行径及其与周围结构的毗邻关系 ,并用游标卡尺测量数据。结果　 10 0 %的肱三头肌外侧头起始腱性部分紧贴桡神经 ,且 72 .5 %的腱性部分形成纤维弓 ,穿过该纤维弓时桡神经的周径为 [(0 .93± 0 .14 )cm , x±s,下同 ]。 77.5 %的外侧肌间隔有腱性组织包绕桡神经。 3 7.5 %的肱深动脉于肱骨内外上髁连线中点上方 (16.5 2± 1.2 4)cm处横跨桡神经。 3 5 0 %的肱肌和肱桡肌之间的纤维弓和桡神经直接接触。 7 5 %的肱肌腱性部分从前方压迫桡神经 ;2 5 %桡神经受到肱三头肌长头腱性部分的卡压 ,受压处神经变细。结论　桡神经在上臂行径中多处可受到卡压 ,卡压可来自多个方向 ,术中应尽可能松解已经存在和潜在的卡压结构。     

健侧胸外侧神经移位修复臂丛损伤的应用解剖

目的　为臂丛神经根性损伤提供有效的可供使用的动力神经源。　方法　在 46侧成人尸体标本上 ,观测了胸外侧神经起始部位、走行、分支、长度、支配部位 ,在放大镜下对其向近端进行无损伤分离 ,追踪其神经纤维来源并进行测量。　结果　 46侧中有 43侧起源于上、中干前股 ,3侧起源于上干前股 ;42侧胸外侧神经发出 3支 ,其中 2支分别支配胸大肌上、中部 ,另 1支为交通支 ;胸大肌上部支主要来源于 C5、6 ,其无损伤分离长度 (2 .3± 0 .5 ) cm,中部支及交通支来源于 C7,其无损伤分离长度(1.5± 0 .4) cm,3支长度分别为 (3.7± 0 .5 ) cm、(6 .1± 1.1) cm、(3.2± 0 .5 ) cm,胸外侧神经颈部至对侧肩胛上、上干前股及肌皮神经的长度分别为 (11.6± 1.2 ) cm、(12 .5± 1.3) cm、(15 .9± 2 .1) cm。　结论　健侧胸外侧神经移位可用于修复臂丛损伤。     

腕部桡尺神经浅支的解剖学研究

目的为在桡、尺骨远端骨折处经皮穿针固定提供一个安全进针区域,减少桡、尺神经浅支的损伤提供解剖学依据。方法成人前臂标本18侧,观察桡、尺神经浅支的走行规律。结果桡神经浅支从肱桡肌和桡侧腕长伸肌腱平均间穿出点与桡骨茎突纵向平均距离(L_1)为[(7．4±0．7)cm,(?)±s,下同]。其中16侧在穿出点与桡骨茎突纵向平均距离(L_2)为(4．5±0．6)cm处发出一级分支,称为尺侧支(Ⅰ)和桡侧支(Ⅱ)；尺侧支的桡侧分支(I a)与桡骨茎突的横向平均距离(L_3)为(1．0±0．3)cm,桡侧支与桡骨茎突横向平均距离(L_4)为(0．8±0．3)cm,纵向平均距离(L_5)为(1．5±0．4)cm。2侧桡神经浅支桡侧支被前臂外侧皮神经所替代。尺神经浅支手背支均从尺骨茎突的掌侧走行,与尺骨茎突距离为(0．9±0．3) cm。结论以桡骨茎突为中心,横向距离0．4cm．纵向距离0．6cm的椭圆形区域为桡神经分布相对盲区．从该区经皮克氏针固定桡骨远端,可有效地减少桡神经浅支损伤的发生率。尺骨远端骨折应从尺骨茎突背侧经皮进针相对较安全。     

肱三头肌长头重建肩外展的解剖与临床应用

目的对肱三头肌长头进行解剖。描述重建肩外展功能的手术方法，并进行临床随访，明确手术的效果。方法对44侧成人上肢标本解剖观察肱三头肌长头起点的性质、血管神经蒂形态、最大游离范围及入肌点部位。对6例臂丛神经损伤患者行肱三头肌长头起点移位重建肩外展功能，术后随访3～11个月，观察临床应用效果。结果肱三头肌长头起点的背侧为肌性，腹侧为腱性，腱性长度为7.6～13.3cm，宽度为1.6～3.4cm。肱三头肌长头血管神经蒂距肌肉起点的距离5.7～11.4cm。神经支配来自桡神经，可分离长度2.9～11.8cm。血供来自肱动脉的19侧，来自肱深动脉的20侧，其它来源5侧。肱动脉来源的血管蒂长1.0～6.0cm，直径为1.6～2.4mm。肱深动脉的血管蒂可分离长度1.5～4.4cm，直径为0.9～2.4mm，分离至肱动脉长度为1.5～6.3cm。神经血管蒂呈多级分支。6例行肱三头肌长头重建肩外展，术后平均随访6.8个月，术前肩外展5°（0°～10°），术后肩外展77.3°（50°～90°）。结论肱三头肌长头可适用于肩外展功能重建的手术，经术后随访，效果良好。     

正中神经掌皮支的应用解剖

目的　为腕掌部手术避免损伤掌皮支提供解剖学基础。方法　对 5 0侧成人上肢标本的掌皮支来源、走行、分支、分布及其营养动脉等进行解剖学观测。结果　掌皮支在腕远横纹的“0”点近端(4 4 .9± 2 1.6)mm处发自正中神经桡侧 ,在该点近端 (18.6± 11.5 )mm处穿出前臂深筋膜后 ,紧贴深筋膜和屈肌支持韧带浅面 ,越豆、舟顶间线的中、外 1/3交点至手掌。在“0”点远端 (8.2± 3 .4)mm处穿出掌腱膜。掌皮支干长 (4 9.7± 2 5 .2 )mm ,起点处宽 (1.2± 0 .9)mm。掌皮支主要分支有 3支者占 5 2 %(2 6侧 ) ,2支者 3 4% (17侧 ) ,1支者 14 % (7侧 ) ,它主要分布于手掌的大鱼际区和掌中区。桡、尺动脉发出营养支 (84.69% )与掌皮支干伴行后进入神经 ,掌浅弓发出营养支 (89.62 % )直接进入掌皮支的手掌部分支。结论　腕掌部手术应靠近尺侧作纵切口以免损伤掌皮支     

桡神经肱三头肌长头支修复腋神经的解剖和临床应用

目的：介绍用肱三头肌长头支转位修复腋神经的解剖学特点和临床应用效果。方法：采用灌注成人尸体标本16具，常规解剖显露腋神经和肱三头肌长头支，观察各神经支的毗邻关系，测量各神经支的横径。根据解剖学特点临床应用6例，进行随访。结果：肱三头肌长头支与腋神经相隔于长头本身，转位方便，其横径与腋神经前、后支横径相近，便于吻合。临床应用6例，术后经随访6-16个月，M4以上肌力5例，M3肌力1例，伸肘无影响。结论：桡神经肱三头肌长头支转位修复腋神经，术式简便，容易操作，适用于臂丛部分损伤、肱三头肌正常的腋神经瘫的修复。     

肋间神经移位修复桡神经肱三头肌肌支的长期随访疗效

目的 分析探讨肋间神经移位修复桡神经肱三头肌肌支的长期随访疗效.方法 回顾性随访2004年至2008年于我院行肋间神经移位修复桡神经肱三头肌肌支的23例患者术后肱三头肌肌力的恢复情况.其中16例患者诊断为全臂丛神经根性撕脱伤,7例患者诊断为C5～G7根性撕脱伤合并下干损伤(非根性撕脱伤).患者受伤至接受肋间神经移位手术的时间间隔为5.7个月;平均随访时间48.7个月.结果 肱三头肌肌力恢复优良率(肌力恢复至M3及以上)为39.1％,肌力恢复至M2的患者占30.4％,肌力恢复至M1及以下占30.5％.G5～C7根性撕脱伤合并下干损伤患者肱三头肌肌力恢复优于全臂丛神经根性撕脱伤患者.使用2根或2根以上的肋间神经移位修复肱三头肌肌支术后疗效未见明显差异.结论 肋间神经移位修复桡神经肱三头肌肌支可使肱三头肌得到一定程度的恢复.     

联合尺神经束支和臂丛外神经移位治疗臂丛损伤

目的 观察联合尺神经束支和臂丛外神经移位治疗臂丛损伤的临床效果.方法 臂丛损伤6例,其中单纯上干损伤4例;上中干为主,合并下干部分损伤2例.伤后平均2.8个月接受手术.术式包括尺神经部分束支转位至肌皮神经肱二头肌肌支,膈神经或者副神经斜方肌支转位至肩胛上神经,桡神经肱三头肌长头肌支转位修复腋神经肌支.用肱二头肌、岗上肌和三角肌肌力,肩外展和上举角度,尺神经功能损失等指标对手术方式和效果进行评估.结果 6例中5例得到随访,平均随访时间18个月,肱二头肌均在术后3～4个月开始恢复肌力.随访时间18个月以上的4例屈肘M_4~+～M_5;随访时间4个月的1例屈肘M_3~+.其中3例行外展功能重建,单用膈神经修复的病例上臂可上举至180°,外展肌力M_4~+;联合副神经和肱三头肌长头肌支修复的病例上肢可外展90°,肌力M_4~-;单用副神经修复的病例上肢可外展80°,肌力M_3~+.3例手部握持力与术前相同,2例增强.4例手部尺神经供区功能无明显影响,1例小指掌侧皮肤感觉减退,第一骨间背侧肌萎缩.结论 尺神经部分束支转位修复肱二头肌支可以有效的恢复臂丛损伤后屈肘功能;用膈神经修复肩胛上神经可能取得更好的肩外展和上举效果;本组臂丛下干部分损伤的病例受伤均在3个月内,采用此术式同样恢复了肱二头肌功能,未加重原有的手功能障碍.     

桡神经前臂各肌支的解剖学研究

目的明确桡神经前臂各肌支的解剖学特征。方法取成人上肢标本47具,肉眼及放大镜下,于肱骨内、外上髁连线上约10cm处,肱肌与肱桡肌间找出桡神经,沿其主干向远端分离出前臂各肌支至入肌点,观察各肌支数目及走行,以肱骨外上髁为测量起点,沿神经走行测量各肌支发出点、入肌点高度,并作统计学分析。结果47具标本中,有35具(74.5%)桡神经深支走行与肱骨外上髁至尺骨茎突连线基本吻合;各肌支数目不等,其中指伸肌支数目最多,平均4.6支,拇长伸肌支及示指伸肌支数目较少,平均仅为1.1支;有29具(61.7%)桡侧腕短伸肌支发自桡神经浅支,15具(31.9%)发自桡神经深支,3具(6.4%)与桡神经浅、深支一同发出。结论前臂于旋前位时,肱骨外上髁至尺骨茎突连线近端7/10可作为桡神经深支的体表投影;指伸肌支、尺侧腕伸肌支及小指伸肌支长度较短及其发出点距桡神经深支穿出旋后肌的位置相对较近是医原性桡神经损伤的重要原因;不同肌支数目差别较大与其所支配肌肉的结构、功能有关;不同报道中桡侧腕短伸肌支起源差别较大可能与解剖过程中人为造成的偏差有关。     

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.