消化道肿瘤环氧合酶-2表达与凋亡抑制蛋白及化疗药敏性的关系

目的 探讨消化道肿瘤环氧合酶(COX)-2表达与凋亡抑制蛋白及体外化疗药敏性的关系.方法 对84例胃癌、大肠癌标本进行噻唑蓝(MTT)比色法体外化疗药物敏感性实验,并进行COX-2、p53、Survivin、bel-2免疫组织化学染色.结果 肿瘤组织COX-2、p53、Survivin、bel-2表达率分别为70.3%、64.3%、89.3%、60.7%;COX-2与Survivin、bcl-2表达呈正相关(r=0.5072、0.3783,均P<0.01).在肿瘤COX-2强表达组,紫杉醇(PTX)、表阿霉素(eADM)、羟基喜树碱(OPT)对肿瘤细胞抑制率明显低于弱表达组(均P<0.05);p53强表达与PTX、顺铂(DDP)对肿瘤细胞的抑制率明显降低有关(均P<0.05);Survivin强表达时,长春新碱(VCR)、DDP对肿瘤细胞抑制率明显降低(均P<0.05);bcl-2强表达时,5-氟尿嘧啶(5-Fu)、VCR、eADM、奥沙利铂(OXA)对肿瘤细胞抑制率明显低于弱表达组(均P<0.05).结论 消化道肿瘤COX-2通过抑制肿瘤细胞凋亡参与了肿瘤的多药耐药.     

消化道肿瘤凋亡抑制蛋白表达与体外化疗药物敏感性的关系

目的 探讨消化道肿瘤中p53、survivin、bcl-2蛋白表达与肿瘤细胞体外化疗药物敏感性的关系.方法 对84例胃癌和大肠癌进行MTT法体外化疗药物敏感实验和p53、survivin、bcl-2蛋白免疫组化染色,分析3种凋亡抑制蛋白与9种化疗药物对肿瘤细胞抑制的关系. 结果 本组肿瘤中p53、survivin、bcl-2蛋白表达率分别为64%、89%、61%,survivin与Bcl-2蛋白表达具有正相关性(r=0.3027,P＜0.05).p53强表达与紫杉醇、顺铂对肿瘤细胞抑制率明显降低有关(t=2.1282,P=0.0363;t=3.8850,P=0.0002);survivin蛋白强表达时,长春新碱、顺铂对肿瘤细胞的抑制率明显降低(t=2.1693,P=0.0329;t=2.0247,P=0.0046),但奥沙利铂对肿瘤细胞的抑制率明显增加(t=-2.9070,P=0.0047);bcl-2强表达时,氟尿嘧啶、长春新碱、表阿霉素、奥沙利铂对肿瘤细胞的抑制率明显低于弱表达组(t=2.1483～3.2330,P=0.0347～0.0018).结论 消化道肿瘤凋亡抑制蛋白的表达程度与部分化疗药物耐药性有关,评价某种耐药因子与肿瘤化疗药物敏感性的关系时必须考虑其他因素的影响.     

微小RNA-301表达与胃癌细胞对奥沙利铂敏感性的关系

目的:探讨胃癌组织中微小RNA-301(miR-301)表达水平与肿瘤细胞对奥沙利铂(L-OHP)化疗敏感性的关系。方法:收集75例新鲜胃癌组织及癌旁黏膜组织,荧光实时定量反转录聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)技术检测组织中miR-301及B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2(bcl-2)、生存素(Survivin)、NFKB抑制物...     

力学刺激对软骨细胞凋亡信号转导分子Caspase-3及bcl-2、bax mRNA表达的影响

目的 观察力学刺激对软骨细胞凋亡信号转导分子半胱氨酸酶-3( Caspase-3)及B细胞淋巴瘤-2(bcl-2)、bax mRNA表达和凋亡的影响.方法 兔膝关节软骨分离培养,在第3代软骨细胞培养瓶中加入不同剂量的Caspase-3、bcl-2、bax抑制剂,力学刺激诱导凋亡,然后检测软骨细胞凋亡率,聚合酶链反应(PCR)半定量分析Caspase-3 bcl-2、bax mRNA表达.结果 力学刺激诱导软骨细胞凋亡,在加入抑制剂的各组和空白组的凋亡率差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);各组Caspase-3及bcl-2、bax mRNA表达和空白组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).Caspase-3抑制剂组的凋亡率和Caspase-3表达明显相关(r=0.69,t=3.41,P＜0.01);bcl-2抑制剂组和bcl-2的表达明显相关(r=0.73,t=3.97,P＜0.01);bax抑制剂组和bax的表达明显相关(r=0.89,t =6.69,P＜0.01);各组差异均有统计学意义.结论 Caspase-3、bax抑制剂能对抗力学刺激诱导的凋亡,而bcl-2抑制剂使凋亡增加,各组Caspase-3及bcl-2、bax mRNA表达发生相应改变.     

人胃癌细胞原位移植裸鼠原发灶与肝转移灶体外化疗药敏性差异

目的：比较人胃癌原位移植裸鼠肝转移模型原发灶、肝转移灶肿瘤细胞对化疗药物敏感性。 方法：将裸鼠皮下传代的SGC-7901细胞株实体瘤组织块移植于裸鼠胃壁,建立人胃癌裸鼠原位移植模型,待其发生肝转移后取胃原发灶、肝转移灶肿瘤细胞,SRB法检测肿瘤细胞对氟尿嘧啶（5-FU）,顺铂（CDDP）,奥沙利铂（L-OHP）,表阿霉素（eADM）,丝裂霉素（MMC）,长春新碱（VCR）,氨甲喋呤（MTX）7种化疗药物的体外敏感性。 结果：成功建立裸鼠原位移植胃癌转移模型,肿瘤原位移植成瘤率100%,肝转移率75%;7种药物中L-OHP,VCR对原发灶肿瘤细胞的抑制率高于肝转移灶,而eADM,MMC对肝转移灶肿瘤细胞的抑制率高于原发灶（均P<0.05）;5-FU,L-OHP,MTX对原发灶与肝转移灶的抑制率具正相关性（r=0.5203;0.4424;0.3851,均P<0.05）。 结论：胃癌原位移植动物的原发灶和肝转移灶细胞的对化疗药物药敏性存在差异,以原发灶药敏检测结果指导针对肝转移灶的治疗可能是不准确的。     

D-甲硫氨酸联合化疗药物诱导胃癌细胞凋亡的实验研究

目的探讨甲硫氨酸(Met)及其联合化疗药物对胃癌细胞凋亡的诱导作用。方法将人胃癌细胞株SGC-7901分别置于6种不同培养液:含L-Met、含D-Met、不含Met而替以同型半胱氨酸(Met-Hcy )或在上述培养液中分别加入氟尿嘧啶(5-Fu)。培养48h后,应用流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率及凋亡相关基因bcl-2和bax的表达,并在电镜下观察细胞形态变化。结果无论是否加入化疗药物,D-Met组的细胞凋亡率均高于Met-Hcy 组和L-Met组;L-Met加5-Fu组的细胞凋亡率显著高于L-Met组和Met-Hcy 组,但与D-Met组差异无显著性意义。各组间的bcl-2和bax表达率无改变。结论D-Met及D-Met联合化疗药物可通过诱导胃癌细胞凋亡而抑制肿瘤生长,作用机制可能与bcl-2和bax的表达无关。     

新辅助化疗对结肠癌细胞凋亡及相关调控蛋白表达的影响

目的 观察新辅助化疗(NACT)对结肠癌细胞凋亡及相关调控蛋白表达的影响.方法 收集结肠癌患者114例,采用原位末端标记法和免疫组织化学方法分别观察经NACT的FOLFOX4方案治疗前后结肠癌细胞凋亡和癌组织中B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2相关X蛋白(bax)、B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2(bcl-2)、环氧合酶-2(COX-2)、p53蛋白的表达,并判定NACT的近期疗效.结果 NACT化疗后结肠癌细胞发生典型凋亡形态学变化,细胞凋亡系数(3.87％比1.17％)和凋亡阻性率(59.65％比23.68％)显著高于化疗前.经NACT治疗后患者结肠癌细胞bcl-2(54.39％比70.15％)、COX-2(28.07％比50.00％)和p53(45.61％比70.05％)的阳性表达率与化疗前比较均有不同程度降低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),而bax阳性表达率(22.81％比50.88％)显著增强,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).同时bcl-2/bax比值(3.08比1.07)也显著降低.NACT治疗组的总有效率(39.47％)显著高于对照组(1.75％),治疗后患者无严重药物不良反应.结论 结肠癌患者经NACT化疗后癌组织中bcl-2、COX-2和p53蛋白表达明显降低,而bax蛋白的表达显著增加,促进癌细胞凋亡,且NACT的近期疗效显著.     

急性胰腺炎大鼠肾上腺损伤中bax与bcl-2表达的研究

目的 观察急性胰腺炎(AP)大鼠肾上腺损伤时细胞凋亡及调控基因bcl-2和bax蛋白的表达及作用.方法 采用牛磺胆酸钠逆行胰胆管注射法建立AP模型.术后3、6、12 h检测血皮质酮水平,观察肾上腺病理,TUNEL检测细胞凋亡,免疫组织化学检测bcl-2和bax蛋白表达.结果 与SO组比较,AP3 h组血清皮质酮显著增高,随后逐渐降低(P＜0.05).随病程延长,肾上腺细胞凋亡指数增高,bax蛋白表达增强,bax/bcl-2比值亦逐渐升高(P值均＜0.05),并与凋亡指数(AI)呈正相关(r =0.759,P＜0.05).结论 bax和bcl-2可能参与了AP肾上腺损伤的发病过程.通过激活bcl-2和抑制bax的蛋白表达,减少细胞凋亡发生从而保护肾上腺结构和功能,可能为今后AP及相关肾上腺损伤的药物及基因治疗提供依据和新思路.     

纳米炭吸附5-FU淋巴靶向化疗对胃癌组织及转移淋巴结bcl-2、bax及caspase-3表达的影响

目的 探讨纳米炭吸附5-FU淋巴靶向化疗对胃癌组织、转移淋巴结及正常胃组织中bcl-2、bax及caspase-3表达的影响.方法 将2005年10月至2006年8月在我科住院的28例胃癌患者分为淋巴靶向化疗(LNTC)组(n=14)和对照组(n=14).LNTC组先以纳米炭吸附5-FU行淋巴靶向化疗后再行手术,对照组直接手术.术毕取胃癌组织、转移淋巴结及正常胃组织,采用免疫组化法检测其中bcl-2、bax及caspase-3表达情况.结果 LNTC组中胃癌组织及转移淋巴结内bcl-2表达阳性率低于对照组(28.6%比78.6%,25.0%比70.0%),bax表达阳性率高于对照组(85.7%比28.6%,80.0%比30.0%),caspase-3表达阳性率高于对照组(57.1%比14.3%,55.0%比15.0%),2组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05); 正常胃组织中三者表达阳性率2组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 纳米炭吸附5-FU淋巴靶向化疗可使胃癌组织及转移淋巴结内bcl-2表达下降,bax和caspase-3表达增加,影响这些凋亡调节分子表达可能是其诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡的机理之一.     

羟基磷灰石纳米粒子肝动脉灌注对兔VX2肝种植瘤生长和bax/bcl-2蛋白表达的影响

目的 探讨羟基磷灰石纳米粒子（NanoHAP）在体内对兔VX2肝种植瘤生长的抑制作用及对肿瘤细胞bax／bcl-2凋亡蛋白表达的影响。方法 将56只VX2肝荷瘤兔随机分成四组，通过肝动脉灌注NanoHAP溶胶、5-Fu以及5-Fu与NanoHAP的混合液，并与生理盐水组对照。观察各组动物的一般情况，对肿瘤体积进行监测并比较。采用免疫组织化学染色观察bax／bcl-2蛋白的表达。结果 各治疗组对肿瘤生长都有明显的抑制作用。NanoHAP溶胶组肿瘤体积明显小于对照组（P〈0．05），肿瘤生长抑制率达到28．1％；5-Fu组抑瘤率达到43．7％，但动物表现出明显毒副作用；联合治疗组抑瘤率达到51．2％，而且毒副反应明显小于5-Fu组。NanoHAP组及联合治疗组免疫组织化学染色显示bcl-2蛋白表达率分别为41．7％（5／12）、38．5％（5／13），较对照组72．7％（8／11）明显降低；bax蛋白表达率为50．0％（6／12）、61．5％（8／13），明显高于对照组127．3％（3／11）。结论 NanoHAP在体内对兔VX2肝种植瘤生长有明显的抑制作用，而且能明显降低5-Fu的毒性作用。其抑瘤机制可能是通过影响bax／bcl-2的表达加速肿瘤细胞凋亡。     

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.