工程化肝组织肝表面片状植入新方法

目的 探索较大尺度工程化肝组织原位肝表面贴覆片状植入、尽快建立血供的可行性.方法 将采用胰酶冷消化法分离的新生大鼠肝细胞(1×1010个/L)、肺组织块贴壁法分离的大鼠微血管内皮细胞(1 ×1010个/L),与片状胶原支架、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF,10g/L)复合构建肝细胞/内皮细胞/血管生长因子/胶原支架复合的片状工程化肝组织.将其在15只大鼠肝表面贴覆植入,4周后取样进行大体观察及组织切片苏木素-伊红(HE)染色.结果 分离的肝细胞及内皮细胞活率均为90％以上.片状工程化肝组织经肝表面贴覆法植入后,大体观察可见能与原位肝脏紧密贴合生长,形成体积大于1 cm3的类肝样组织.体内植入后4周,植入物与肝脏贴合紧密,融合生长.组织学观察显示移植物中肝细胞均匀分布,未见细胞变性及死亡,有血管生成.结论 肝表面贴覆植入法简便安全,可构建较大尺寸的工程化肝组织,有望达到原位修复受损肝脏的目的.     

骨髓基质干细胞联合血管束植入构筑血管化组织工程骨

目的 研究兔骨髓基质干细胞(bone marrow stromal cells,BMSCs)联合动静脉血管束植入异种脱蛋白松质骨(xenogeneic deproteinised cancellous bone,XDCB)构筑血管化组织工程骨,为构建组织工程化骨提供新的思路.方法 从兔髂嵴抽骨髓培养制备兔BMSCs,将第3代BMSCs种植于多孔XDCB并进行成骨诱导2周.手术中分离兔隐动、静脉血管束(vascular bundle,VB),以备穿过有孔的XDCB中.取24只新西兰大白兔,其中12只游离双侧兔隐动静脉血管束,共24侧;另外12只兔仅切开股骨外皮肤植入异种骨,共24侧.实验分4组(n=12),A组为单纯材料植入皮下组(XDCB组),B组为干细胞植入材料组(XDCB+ BMSCs组),C组为血管束植入材料组(XDCB+ VB组),D组为干细胞+血管束植入材料组(XDCB+ BMSCs+VB组),各组交叉配对.分别于术后2、4、8周行大体解剖、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性检测、茜素红(ARS)染色、组织切片等检查,观察各组移植物血管化情况.结果 D组血管化组织工程骨组可见到血管新生、部分新生骨情况优于B组,也优于C组,而A组的异种骨中未测及相应血管化及成骨效能.结论 BMSCs联合动静脉血管束植入XDCB构筑的血管化组织工程骨有一定的成骨效能,并且可见到材料内部血管化,为构建组织工程化骨提供了新的思路.     

大鼠隐血管束全腹壁预制皮瓣模型的实验研究

目的:探讨一种以大鼠隐血管束为预制血管蒂的全腹壁预制皮瓣模型的设计及应用价值。方法:将18只SD大鼠按Ⅰ期手术与Ⅱ期手术之间的间隔时间2、4、6周分为三组。Ⅰ期手术制备大鼠后肢隐血管束预制血管蒂,Ⅱ期手术切开皮瓣四边,形成以预制隐血管束为蒂的岛状皮瓣。Ⅰ期、Ⅱ期术后观察皮瓣血运,记录皮瓣成活面积及成活率。检测Ⅱ期皮瓣血管蒂旁局部组织中血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)含量,取成活皮瓣制作病例切片,HE染色,计算血管密度(血管数/mm2)。运用统计学方法比较各组间差异。结果:Ⅰ期术后各组大鼠腹部皮瓣全部成活;Ⅱ期术后1周,Ⅰ组皮瓣全部坏死,Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组皮瓣平均成活率分别为(14.68±1.02)%,(16.19±1.71)%(P<0.05);Ⅱ期皮瓣局部组织VEGF平均含量:Ⅰ组243.95±4.37,Ⅱ组240.89±3.11,Ⅲ组239.19±2.61(P>0.05);大鼠平均血管密度6周组较4周组略有增多,但差别不大(P>0.05)。结论:大鼠隐血管束全腹壁预制皮瓣模型,可以作为研究提高预制皮瓣成活率的基础,Ⅰ期手术与Ⅱ期手术之间的时间间隔至少需4周。     

大鼠隐血管束全腹壁预制皮瓣模型的实验研究

目的:探讨一种以大鼠隐血管束为预制血管蒂的全腹壁预制皮瓣模型的设计及应用价值。方法:将18只SD大鼠按Ⅰ期手术与Ⅱ期手术之间的间隔时间2、4、6周分为三组。Ⅰ期手术制备大鼠后肢隐血管束预制血管蒂,Ⅱ期手术切开皮瓣四边,形成以预制隐血管束为蒂的岛状皮瓣。Ⅰ期、Ⅱ期术后观察皮瓣血运,记录皮瓣成活面积及成活率。检测Ⅱ期皮瓣血管蒂旁局部组织中血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)含量,取成活皮瓣制作病例切片,HE染色,计算血管密度(血管数/mm2)。运用统计学方法比较各组间差异。结果:Ⅰ期术后各组大鼠腹部皮瓣全部成活;Ⅱ期术后1周,Ⅰ组皮瓣全部坏死,Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组皮瓣平均成活率分别为(14.68±1.02)%,(16.19±1.71)%(P<0.05);Ⅱ期皮瓣局部组织VEGF平均含量:Ⅰ组243.95±4.37,Ⅱ组240.89±3.11,Ⅲ组239.19±2.61(P>0.05);大鼠平均血管密度6周组较4周组略有增多,但差别不大(P>0.05)。结论:大鼠隐血管束全腹壁预制皮瓣模型,可以作为研究提高预制皮瓣成活率的基础,Ⅰ期手术与Ⅱ期手术之间的时间间隔至少需4周。     

显微外科与血管化组织工程组织的构建

血运重建是组织再生的基础，要获得组织工程化组织必须保证植入体内的种子细胞尤其是材料内部的种子细胞能够获得及时充分的营养。因此血供的重建就成为组织工程由基础向临床应用的关键性环节。血液供应的重建方法主要有：利用血管内皮细胞生长因子促进血管生长，采用血管内皮细胞与成骨细胞联合移植的方法，或应用显微外科技术。利用显微外科技术，可通过带蒂筋膜瓣包裹、带血供肌瓣包裹或血管束植入的方法，在构建组织工程化组织的同时建立其血液供应。组织工程化组织在临床应用时，如果修复邻近的缺损，只需在原位进行血管化；但在缺损局部软组织条件差、常常无法找到可供利用的筋膜瓣、肌瓣或血管束的情况下，可异位构建血管化的组织工程组织，二期采用显微外科方法通过带血管的组织移植修复缺损。     

血管束移位形成轴型筋膜瓣移植的实验研究

血管束移位形成轴型筋膜瓣移植的实验研究陈江萍，郭恩覃筋膜组织是皮下的一层较致密的结缔组织。以筋膜组织及轴心动脉形成的带血管蒂的筋膜瓣移植临床应用非常广泛。我们对采用血管束植入筋膜组织使其成为“轴型”筋膜瓣的可行性进行了实验研究。１．材料和方法：实验用...     

血运重建加内固定治疗股骨颈骨折

目的研究血运重建方法对股骨颈骨折的治疗作用.方法1991年1月至2000年1月,对36例股骨颈骨折手术内固定同时采取血管束植入,带血管蒂、肌蒂骨膜(骨)瓣移位或移植,并对部分植入血管或移植骨瓣血管进行对接吻合连通血液循环.结果36例1～9年随访,其中35例在2～5个月骨折愈合,单纯血管束植入术中,1例年长者发生骨不愈合,2例出现股骨头缺血性坏死.结论股骨颈骨折手术治疗中,为防止骨不愈合及股骨头缺血性坏死,可常规进行血运重建手术.在骨折端进行植入血管的对接吻合连接血运是一个提高疗效的重要方法.     

腺病毒-VEGF基因重组体促进预构皮瓣成活的实验研究

目的：应用大鼠预构皮瓣模型,探讨基因治疗技术产生的血管内皮生长因子促进预构皮瓣血管新生和皮瓣存活的可能性,为临床上寻找加速预构皮瓣成熟的新方法提供实验依据。方法：20只SD大鼠每只腹部两侧各构建一个预构皮瓣,共构建40个皮瓣,每只大鼠两侧皮瓣按随机原则进行不同的处理,分别归于实验组或对照组,每组各20个皮瓣。于大鼠腹部两侧各标记3cm×2cm矩形预构区,短边平行于腹股沟韧带,自尾侧短边中点向后纵向切开后肢皮肤,剥离出长约2cm的股动静血管束,远端结扎切断。在两侧预构区域的中轴线上,于真皮与肉膜层间各制作一皮下隧道,实验组的隧道壁皮下组织内注射携带有VEGF基因的腺病毒,同法向所有对照组的隧道壁软组织内注射等量生理盐水。将已剥离好的血管束向颅侧翻转置入相应皮下隧道内。所有已植入股血管的预购区域2周后均被制成以植入血管束为蒂的岛状皮瓣,从两组中各取一个皮瓣进行免疫组化染色,观察有无VEGF生成,其余岛状皮瓣均缝回原处。形成岛状皮瓣后第七天观察皮瓣存活及血管新生情况。结果：实验组与对照组的皮瓣平均存活率分别为（90．48±1．89）％、（69．75±2．36）％,其差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;血管放射显影图上,实验组植入血管周围见广泛白色显影,尤以血管两端明显,而对照组新生血管显影仅局限于植入血管周围;组织学切片显示实验组植入血管周围新生血管丰富,以毛细血管为主,并见肉芽成份,对照组新生血管相对较少,两组间新生小血管管腔大小则无明显差异;免疫组化检测显示仅实验组皮瓣中有VEGF表达。结论：腺病毒-VEGF基因重组体能通过促进预构皮瓣的血管新生,增加预构皮瓣的存活率。     

兔动静脉短路环法诱导组织工程骨支架材料血管生成的初步研究

目的 通过比较动静脉短路环(AV环)和动静脉束(AV束)植入珊瑚后诱导血管新生的程度,探讨构建带血管蒂的组织工程骨支架材料动物模犁的可行性.方法 新西兰兔36只,解剖分离出左侧股静脉和股动脉及腘动脉分支.AV环组(A组)将胭动脉和股静脉末端切断,近心端行血管端端吻合,形成动静脉短路环,环绕套入天然珊瑚块的侧槽中.AV束绀(B组)股动静脉血管束保持血流通畅,不切断,动静脉分开套人珊瑚块的两边侧槽中.植人体外加ePTFE膜包裹隔绝,固定于大腿皮下.2、4、6周行标本的墨汁灌注和血管铸型,墨汁灌注后珊瑚脱钙、HF染色、组织学观察,分析珊瑚孔隙中组织结构和血管新生情况,计数每份标小的平均血管密度,血管密度做计量统计学分析;血管铸型标本行大体解剖和腐蚀后血管分栉等观察,了解血管与珊瑚的火系,以及新生血管程度和米源.结果 珊瑚植入体内后表面和深部有大量纤维血管样组织生长.墨汁灌注显示血管广泛分布在珊瑚表层和间隙内,结构成熟,4周已贯穿珊瑚块的全层.2、4、6周血管密度逐渐加大,A组(2周276.6±4.67;4周517.20±10.66,6周707.00±11.87)较B组(2周153.60±7.16,4周269.40±6.80,6周279.20±6.53)血管生成密度更大,筹异有统计学意义(P<0.01).血管铸型显示A组血管环周边和珊瑚表层充满小血管,B组血管明显稀疏.腐蚀铸型显示A组血管环动静脉段芽生和伴行有丰富的小血管,在入口处形成网状结构,并相互吻合;B组主干动脉血管无发芽新生血管,仅有周边伴行的部分小血管长入.结论 AV环方法和AV束方法均可以促进驯瑚的血管化,前者诱导血管新生的能力更强.     

岛状颞浅血管颈部预制扩张皮瓣修复面部软组织缺损

目的　探讨应用颞浅血管束颈部预制扩张皮瓣修复面部较大软组织缺损的原理及临床应用方法。　方法　 1998年～ 2 0 0 3年 ,对 6例面部瘢痕挛缩的患者 ,将颞浅血管植入颈部扩张皮瓣皮下 ,经 3个月组织扩张 ,形成以颞浅血管为蒂的颈部预制扩张皮瓣 ,移位修复同侧面部软组织缺损。预制扩张皮瓣最大范围为 12 cm× 8cm,蒂长 7～8cm。　结果　术后 6个预制扩张皮瓣 ,移位后有一过性充血潮红 ,均完全成活。修复面颊部及颏部软组织缺损后 ,随访3～ 6个月 ,效果良好。　结论　以颞浅血管颈部预制扩张皮瓣修复面部软组织缺损方法可靠。颞浅血管束与扩张皮瓣接触范围的大小与蒂部所携带皮瓣的面积呈正相关。     

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.     

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.