海藻酸钠-氯化钡微囊对大鼠胰岛体外胰岛素分泌功能的影响

目的　观察海藻酸钠 -氯化钡微囊对大鼠胰岛体外胰岛素分泌功能有无影响。方法　以海藻酸钠和氯化钡为材料 ,采用气体吹喷制囊法将新鲜分离纯化的大鼠胰岛制成微囊化胰岛 ,取空微囊、微囊化大鼠胰岛与未微囊化大鼠胰岛各 5 0 0只 ,分为 10份 ,置于培养板中培养 ,用放免法测定并比较第 2、4、6 d培养液中基础胰岛素浓度。结果　空微囊组第 2、4、6 d的基础胰岛素平均浓度均为 0 nm ol/ 1/ 5 0 ,微囊化大鼠胰岛组第 2、4、6 d的基础胰岛素平均浓度为 5 .179、5 .80 6、5 .5 5 8nm ol/ 1/5 0只 ,未微囊化大鼠胰岛组第 2、4、6 d的基础胰岛素平均浓度为 5 .4 4 1、6 .0 80、5 .4 6 8nmol/ 1/ 5 0只 ,后两者差异无显著性意义 (P>0 .0 5 )。结论　海藻酸钠 -氯化钡微囊对大鼠胰岛体外胰岛素分泌功能无影响     

海藻酸-壳聚糖-聚乙烯乙二醇微囊化异种胰岛移植治疗小鼠糖尿病

目的比较海藻酸-聚赖氨酸-海藻酸微囊化(APA)大鼠胰岛和海藻酸-壳聚糖-聚乙烯乙二醇微囊化(ACP)大鼠胰岛移植对小鼠糖尿病的治疗作用.方法链脲霉素220 mg/kg体重腹腔内注射制作小鼠糖尿病动物模型.成模后分成APA微囊组、ACP微囊组和未微囊化胰岛组,每只小鼠腹腔内分别植入200个相应胰岛,检测监测移植前后小鼠的血糖.结果移植后第1天,3组小鼠血糖均较移植前明显降低.未微囊化胰岛移植组小鼠术后第2天血糖均恢复到术前水平;APA微囊组和ACP微囊组小鼠血糖分别维持正常(57.00±14.61)d和(41.67±16.73)d,此两组间差异无显著性(P＞0.05),但均较未微囊化胰岛移植组明显延长(P＜0.05).结论 ACP微囊与APA微囊一样具有免疫隔离作用;ACP微囊化异种胰岛移植可纠正小鼠糖尿病.     

激活型Akt1转染大鼠胰岛联合免疫抑制剂在异种胰岛移植中的应用

目的 探讨腺病毒载体介导激活性Akt1基因(Adv-CA-Akt1)转染大鼠胰岛对异种移植胰岛功能和存活的影响.方法 以BALB/C糖尿病小鼠为受体,分离纯化雄性Wistar大鼠胰岛,体外培养,Adv-CA-Akt1转染后异种胰岛移植.受体小鼠分3组,实验组:Adv-CA-Akt1转染的大鼠胰岛体外培养24 h,小鼠肾被膜下移植,并口服环孢素A(CsA)30 mg·kg-1·d-1;CsA组:未转染胰岛移植,同剂量环孢素口服;对照组:单纯胰岛移植.每只接受300胰岛当量(IEQs)移植.检测术后血糖,移植物存活时间及组织病理学.结果 实验组和CsA组术后2 d血糖即降至正常,胰岛功能存活时间分别为(21.0±3.65)d和(9.0±2.54)d,而对照组血糖短暂下降后再次升高,胰岛功能存活时间(4.2±2.6)d.实验组小鼠生存时间为(31.0±5.67)d比CsA组(17.0±3.35)d和对照组(10.0±1.52)d明显延长,三组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);胰岛素免疫组化染色实验组.肾被膜下见较多有功能胰岛细胞团,而CsA组和对照组胰岛素染色阳性细胞数减少.结论 Adv-CA-Akt1转染大鼠胰岛联合应用免疫抑制剂,可提高胰岛功能,延长异种胰岛移植物存活时间.     

胰岛的微包囊与体外培养研究

目的　研究以纯化海藻酸钠制成的大鼠微囊化胰岛在体外培养中的分泌功能和细胞活力。方法　 9～11d龄Lewis大鼠摘取胰腺后 ,剪碎组织至 0 .5～ 1.0mm3大小 ,胰岛分离后微包囊在海藻酸钠钡囊中 ,置培养液中培养 ,1周后行葡萄糖刺激胰岛素释放试验 ,同时行组织学检查 ,镜下观察细胞活力。结果　微囊化和非微囊化胰岛均具有良好的糖刺激反应性 ,2组刺激反应率分别为 (2 0 1.0 6±83 .3 9) %和 (2 2 6.3 8±89.83 ) % ,细胞活力分别为 (86.3 6± 8.3 1) %和 (91.72± 9.91) % ,差异均无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　纯化海藻酸钠和一步法制囊技术对胰岛的体外分泌功能和细胞活力无损害作用。     

转化生长因子-β1对大鼠同种胰岛移植物的影响

目的　研究转化生长因子 β1 (TGF β1 )对大鼠同种胰岛移植物体内外的内分泌功能及存活的影响。方法　构建TGF β1的真核表达载体 pcDNA3 TGF ,并将其转染纯化后的Wistar大鼠胰岛 ,逆转录 聚合酶链式反应 (RT PCR)检测TGF β1和大鼠胰岛素 (Ins1 )在实验组和对照组胰岛中的表达 ,放射免疫法 (RIA)检测体外培养液中的胰岛素含量 ;链脲霉素 (STZ) 60mg/kg体重腹腔内注射制作SD大鼠模型 ,分别将实验组和空白对照组Wistar胰岛移植到受体SD大鼠的肾包囊下 ,观察其在体内逆转糖尿病的作用以及作用时间的长短 ,并检测受体大鼠的糖耐量。结果　实验组胰岛有TGF β1和Ins1的表达 ,而对照组仅有Ins1的表达 ;实验组体外培养液中的胰岛素含量在基础相和刺激相分别为 (3 .86± 1 .2 4 ) μg/L和 (8.43± 1 .59) μg/L ,对照组体外培养液中的胰岛素含量在基础相和刺激相分别为 (4.1 3± 1 .45) μg/L和 (8.95± 1 .74) μg/L ,组间差异无显著性 (P>0 .0 5) ,而组内差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5) ;实验组平均正常血糖维持时间 (2 6 .8± 2 .9)d比对照组的 (1 3 .2± 4 .5)d显著延长。对照组糖耐量曲线均明显高于实验组。结论　TGF β1对胰岛移植物的内分泌功能无损害作用 ,但是可以延长胰岛移植物体内存活时间     

输注胰岛抗原特异性Treg细胞延长同系NOD小鼠移植胰岛的存活时间

目的 探讨输注胰岛抗原特异性调节性T淋巴细胞(Treg细胞)对非肥胖糖尿病(NOD)小鼠同系胰岛移植物存活时间的影响.方法·以未成熟树突状细胞(imDC)联合谷氨酸脱羧酶-65在体外诱导童贞T淋巴细胞分化成胰岛抗原特异性Treg细胞.以已发生糖尿病的NOD小鼠为受者,将分离得到的尚未进展为糖尿病的NOD小鼠的胰岛(500胰岛当量)移植至受者的肾包膜下,对照组不行移植,只观察血糖变化;单纯胰岛移植组只进行胰岛移植,不输注胰岛抗原特异性Treg细胞;实验组于术前1d静脉输注1×106个胰岛抗原特异性Treg细胞,然后进行胰岛移植.术后检测受者的血糖,以判断移植胰岛的存活时间,观察胰岛移植物的病理学变化.结果 对照组血糖持续高于11.1 mmol/L;单纯胰岛移植组小鼠的血糖于术后1～2 d降至正常,到7～17d时开始陆续升高,并维持在术前水平,移植物存活时间为(12.2±2.6)d;实验组小鼠的血糖于术后1～2 d降至正常,至第27天开始有小鼠血糖升高超过11.1 mmol/L,第43天时,所有小鼠的血糖均超过11.1mmol/L,移植物的存活时间为(35.2±4.3)d,明显长于单纯胰岛移植组(P＜0.01).单纯胰岛移植组的移植胰岛有明显的淋巴细胞浸润,并伴有胰岛细胞严重破坏,胰岛素染色未见完整的胰岛存在,仅有极少量残存的分泌胰岛素的胰岛细胞;实验组第15天时移植胰岛形态完整,仅有少量淋巴细胞浸润,分泌胰岛素的胰岛大量存在.结论 体外诱导产生的胰岛抗原特异性Treg细胞可以延缓自身免疫系统对移植胰岛的破坏,明显延长NOD小鼠移植胰岛的存活时间.     

微囊化新生猪胰岛细胞体外培养的研究

海藻酸钠-聚赖氨酸-海藻酸钠生物微胶囊(简称APA微胶囊),具有生物半透膜性,葡萄糖与胰岛素能通过该膜,而抗体与淋巴细胞则不能,避免了机体对移植物的排异反应,使移植物体内生存时间延长。此项技术是目前最具前景的免疫隔离技术。本文利用胶元酶消化和体外培养的方法制备新生猪胰岛细胞,用微囊包膜技术,将胰岛细胞包裹,体外培养。放射免疫法测定培养液中胰岛素的含量,比较微囊化及未微囊化新生猪胰岛细胞胰岛素分泌能力和胰岛素刺激释放试验、组织学检查。证实二者差异不显著,均具有良好的生物活性。胰岛细胞团在微囊内分化发育良好,并不断分泌胰岛素,囊内外均未见纤维细胞生长。APA微囊及其制备技术对胰岛细胞活性和分泌功能无明显影响。微囊包膜后胰岛细胞的活性和分泌功能良好,微囊包膜新生猪将为临床异种移植提供良好的供体来源。     

微囊化新生猪胰岛异种移植治疗糖尿病大鼠的实验研究

目的 观察微囊化新生猪胰岛异种移植对糖尿病大鼠的治疗效果及其对糖尿病并发症的预防作用。方法 糖尿病大鼠随机分为3组：①海藻酸钠-聚赖氨酸-海藻酸钠(APA)微囊包膜胰岛移植组；②未微囊包膜胰岛移植组，两组均接受胰岛腹腔移植；③未移植组。定期监测移植后血糖，白内障发生情况。并进行肾脏组织病理学检查，比较各组结果。结果 微囊化胰岛移植逆转了糖尿病大鼠的高血糖状态，最长达235天，明显长于未微囊胰岛移植组。有效的早期微囊胰岛移植的大鼠未出现糖尿病性白内障及肾小球基底膜改变，而未移植组及未微囊化胰岛移植组大鼠2～3个月后均出现白内障及肾小球基底膜改变。结论 APA微囊能有效保护移植物的体内存活，微囊化新生猪胰岛移植对大鼠糖尿病及其并发症有较好的治疗及顶防作用。     

CTLA4Ig基因对大鼠胰岛移植后排斥反应的治疗作用

目的　研究CTLA4Ig基因在糖尿病大鼠体内表达及其产物对胰岛移植物存活的作用。方法　利用Lipofectin载体包裹CTLA4IgcDNA质粒后转染鼠胰岛和肌肉细胞 ,检测移植后CT LA4Ig表达和T淋巴细胞转化率。结果　胰岛移植术后 7dT淋巴细胞转化试验 ,实验组 (A组 )和对照组 (B组 )每分钟脉冲数 (cpm)分别为175 .7± 98.2 ,2 5 4.4± 116 .3 ,两组比较差异显著 (P <0 .0 5 )。A组胰岛移植第 7d ,2只大鼠血清CTLA4Ig呈阳性 (阳性率 2 0 % )。A、B两组胰岛移植后血糖维持正常时间分别为 (14.8± 12 .3)d和 (3 .6± 5 .1)d ,两组比较差异显著 (P <0 .0 5 )。A、B两组大鼠平均存活时间分别为 (2 4.0± 10 .8)d和 (10 .8± 4.8)d ,两组比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　脂质体包裹的CTLA4IgcDNA转染肌细胞和胰岛细胞 ,可以在受体大鼠胰岛细胞或肌肉组织中表达 ,其表达产物可使胰岛移植物和受体鼠存活时间明显延长 ,抑制细胞免疫活性 ,发挥其治疗排斥反应的作用     

微囊化新生猪甲状旁腺细胞异种移植的实验研究

目的 探讨微囊化新生猪甲状旁腺细胞异种移植治疗大鼠甲状旁腺功能低下症的效果。方法 应用微囊化技术，制备微囊化（海藻酸钠－聚赖氨酸－海藻酸钠生物微胶囊）新生猪甲状旁腺细胞，32只去甲状旁腺的Wistar大鼠随机分成微囊组、非微囊组、空囊组和对照组，分别移植微囊化新生猪甲状旁腺细胞、甲状旁腺细胞、空微囊及生理盐水。移植后监测血钙及甲状旁腺素水平40周，40周后回收移植物，透射电镜检查。结果 移植后，微囊组大鼠血钙及甲状旁腺素水平恢复到正常范围内，直至观察结束时（40周），透射电镜检查显示移植物存活良好；非微囊组、空囊组和对照组大鼠的血钙及甲状旁腺素水平无改善。结论 微囊化新生猪甲状旁腺细胞异种移植在不用免疫抑制剂情况下，可以在大鼠体内存活，且有功能；海藻酸钠－聚赖氨酸－海藻酸钠生物微胶囊对免疫活性细胞及抗体具有屏蔽作用。     

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.