全膝关节置换术对患者躯体平衡性的影响

背景：目前已有研究多以关节活动功能和膝关节假体长期存活率作为判断全膝关节置换术（TKA）是否成功的主要标准，而尚无有关TKA对患者维持躯体平衡性能力影响的研究报道。
　　目的：研究TKA对膝骨关节炎（OA）患者躯体平衡性的影响，并探讨患者维持躯体平衡性的变化与术后膝关节功能恢复情况是否存在相关性。
　　方法：对2011年1月至2013年12月行单侧TKA的膝OA患者21例（右侧12例，左侧9例）进行站立平衡试验，用重心测量仪连续测量躯体重心位置（GCP）。对GCP在单位时间内的横轴方向偏移（ML-X range）、纵轴方向偏移（AP-Y range）以及GCP漂移轨迹（LG）进行量化分析，探讨GCP的ML-X range、AP-Y range以及LG变化程度与患者膝关节恢复情况之间的相关性。
　　结果：患者行单侧TKA后的GCP在横轴方向上的位置由初始位置逐渐向术侧方向转移，且其转移程度和LG变化程度均与膝关节功能恢复情况随术后时间呈线性相关，而GCP在纵轴方向上的转移与膝关节功能恢复情况无明显相关性。结论：患者行单侧TKA后，维持躯体平衡能力逐渐提高，且与膝关节功能恢复情况随术后时间呈线性相关。     

人工全膝关节置换术后躯体重心转移与患者恢复程度的关系

目的探讨膝关节骨性关节炎(OA)患者行单侧全膝关节置换术(TKA)后躯体重心位置(GCP)在水平方向上转移情况,并判断其转移程度与患肢功能恢复情况是否存在相关性。方法用重心测量仪对176例接受单侧TKA的膝关节OA患者进行GCP测定,根据HSS评分标准对患者术前1周、术后6个月、术后1年的患肢功能情况进行评估;同时记录患者GCP,量化GCP转移程度,并与术侧膝关节HSS评分变化程度进行Pearson分析。结果 176例患者在TKA术后6个月和术后1年时HSS功能评分均较术前有明显改善,且随着术侧关节功能进一步恢复,患者GCP由起初的位置逐渐向术侧方向移动。结论术后GCP转移程度与同一时期患者HSS评分变化程度呈线性相关,患者GCP转移程度与同一时期HSS评分变化相关系数R2分别为0.584和0.498。     

旋转平台型膝关节假体置换治疗膝关节骨关节炎的疗效观察

[目的]观察采用旋转平台型膝关节假体置换治疗膝关节骨关节炎(osteoarthritis,OA)的疗效。[方法]回顾性分析2007年3月～2009年8月收治的37例(48膝)严重膝关节OA患者,采用旋转平台型膝关节假体(美国强生公司))进行全膝关节置换(total knee arthroplasty,TKA),比较术前术后患者患侧膝关节HSS评分及膝关节活动度,观察术后并发症。[结果]37例患者中32例(42膝)患者获得满意随访,随访时间为10～48个月,平均随访22.6个月,本组病例手术切口均一期愈合,未发生关节脱位。1例术后1个月发生皮下浅表感染,给予分层穿刺,敏感抗生素治疗;1例术后3 d静脉血栓形成,给予低分子肝素抗凝治疗,均治愈。术前患者HSS评分为37～46分(平均43.27分),术后为73～96分(平均87.22分);术后膝关节活动度为112°～128°(平均117.52°),明显高于术前的40°～90°(平均63.25°),差异具有统计学意义(P﹤0.01)。[结论]旋转平台型假体置换治疗膝关节骨关节炎疗效满意,是治疗严重膝关节骨关节炎的有效方法。     

单髁关节置换术后膝关节运动学研究现状

当前对于严重的膝骨关节炎患者而言,全膝关节置换(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)已成为一种标准的手术治疗方式。但是近些年来,单髁关节置换(unicompartmental knee arthroplasty,UKA)治疗单间室退行性骨关节炎(osteoarthritis,OA)的效果较前明显提高,内侧活动平台型设计假体(牛津膝,OUKA)的20年生存率可达到91%[1]。目前选择UKA还是TKA治疗单间室OA尚存争议[2]。尽管多数TKA可     

全膝关节置换中固定平台假体和活动平台假体相比较的Meta分析

[目的]应用Meta分析的方法,评价全膝关节置换术(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)中应用固定平台型假体(fixed bearing total knee arthroplasty,FB)和活动平台型假体(mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty,MB)的疗效差异,为临床选择适当类型假体进行TKA术提供依据。[方法]计算机检索Pubmed、EMBASE、Ovid和Cochrane图书馆关于TKA术中应用FB和MB的随机或半随机对照试验,按照文中所述纳入标准收集后进行比较,利用RevMan5.0软件进行异质性分析及Meta分析,绘制森林图。[结果]本文检索了1979～2009年间发表的1 718篇关于TKA术中应用FB和MB的文献,经过筛选和评价,最后收集到已发表的14篇(共1 305例患者)随机或半随机的对照试验,符合本次Meta分析所纳入的试验标准。结果发现两组在KSS评分、关节活动度、患者满意率、放射学指标和假体相关并发症上差异无统计学意义(95%显著区间有重叠)。[结论]相对MB的先进设计理念,现有临床研究结果尚不支持在TKA术中应用MB疗效显著优于FB。     

旋转平台与后稳定固定平台膝关节假体分析

目的比较分析旋转平台、后稳定固定平台膝关节假体对初次单侧膝关节置换患者术后患肢功能恢复的影响。 方法回顾性分析初次行单侧膝关节置换术的350例膝关节病患者临床资料。纳入病例均经临床、X线片或CT确诊。其中选择旋转平台膝关节假体180例设为A组,选择后稳定固定平台膝关节假体170例设为B组,比较两组手术前后美国特种外科医院膝关节评分(HSS)、美国膝关节协会评分(KSS)、膝关节屈曲度(ROM)及静态稳定性指标,记录两组并发症情况。其中HSS、KSS、ROM、静态稳定性指标等计量资料行t检验,并发症等计数资料行χ²检验。 结果两组术后6个月HSS评分、KSS评分、ROM、横轴向躯体重心(GCP)偏移位置均较术前显著上升,GCP漂移轨迹均显著减少,差异有统计学意义(A组手术前后t ＝－105.415、－107.890、－23.829、56.647、78.339;B组手术前后t ＝－103.736、－136.420、－22.141、－26.077、69.119,均为P<0.05);A组术后6个月GCP漂移轨迹显著小于B组(t ＝7.082,P<0.05);两组并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义(χ² ＝2.361,P>0.05)。 结论旋转平台与后稳定固定平台假体均能明显促初次单侧膝关节置换患者术后患肢功能恢复,并发症类似,但前者相对静态稳定性更好。     

非骨水泥型与骨水泥型胫骨平台假体在人工全膝关节置换中的中短期临床疗效比较

背景:目前,骨水泥型全膝关节置换术仍是全膝关节置换(total knee arthroplasty, TKA)的金标准,但随着假体制造工艺的提高,尤其是小梁金属在关节假体中的应用,逐渐克服了早期非骨水泥型TKA缺点,理论可获得更高的生存率,但其临床效果尚存争议。目的:比较非骨水泥钽金属一体化胫骨平台(tantalum monoblock tibial component, TMT)与骨水泥型胫骨平台在全膝关节置换中的中短期临床疗效。方法:回顾性研究2012年7月至2016年7月获得随访的440例因膝关节骨关节炎选用同系列股骨假体的TKA患者术后临床效果,其中,234例患者选用TMT,共350个膝关节;206例患者选用骨水泥型胫骨平台假体,共332个膝关节;比较分析两组术后关节活动度、KSS评分、VAS评分、WOMAC评分、SF-36评分、术后X线评价、并发症及中短期假体生存率。结果:两组术后ROM、KSS、VAS、WOMAC、SF-36等评分比较无统计学差异(P> 0.05); TMT组假体周围关节感染(periprosthetic joint infection, PJI)发生率较骨水泥组低(P=0.03),术后其他并发症及假体生存率方面两组间无统计学差异(P>0.05);末次影像学检查两组均未见>1 mm或进行性发展的透亮线,TMT组术后早期透亮线逐渐消失,展现出良好的骨长入特性;两组胫骨平台β角(胫骨假体内翻角)、δ角(胫骨假体后倾角)无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:与骨水泥型胫骨平台比较,TMT并未增加TKA术后膝关节早期功能锻炼的失败率,二者在临床效果、影像学评价等方面无统计学差异;但应用TMT的患者PJI发生率较低,并展现出良好的骨长入特性,因而理论上可获得更高的长期假体生存率。     

旋转平台与固定平台全膝关节置换术的对比研究及髌骨置换与否对疗效的影响

目的评估旋转平台和固定平台假体全膝关节置换(TKA)两型假体间的疗效有无差异及髌骨置换与否对疗效的影响。方法选取同一医师施行的78侧初次TKA进行回顾。术前诊断包括骨关节炎、类风湿性关节炎等。施行固定平台TKA手术的患者共30侧,14侧置换髌骨;施行旋转平台TKA手术的共48侧,36侧置换髌骨。术前和术后随访行膝HSS评分、测量关节伸直角度和屈曲角度,以比较两型假体TKA疗效;比较髌骨置换组与未置换组TKA疗效;在髌骨置换组与未置换组中,分别比较固定平台TKA和旋转平台TKA的疗效。结果成功随访76侧,平均25.2个月。旋转平台组术后HSS评分、伸直角度与固定平台组间的差异无统计学意义,前者术后的屈曲角度(112.0±11.5)°优于固定平台组间的差异有统计学意义(t=3.270,P0.01)。髌骨未置换组术后HSS评分、伸直角度与髌骨置换组(102.5±15.1)°组间差异有统计学意义(t=2.469,P0.05;t=3.747,P0.01),术后屈曲角度与后者间的差别无统计学意义。髌骨未置换组中,旋转平台TKA与固定平台TKA的术后HSS评分、屈曲角度无差异,伸直角度差别无临床意义。髌骨置换组中,旋转平台TKA术后HSS评分、伸直角度与固定平台TKA间的差异无统计学意义,前者术后的屈曲角度(112.9±13.0)°与后者术后的屈曲角度(96.7±18.4)°比较差异有统计学意义(t=2.838,P0.05)。结论旋转平台假体与固定平台假体TKA术后总体疗效相似,旋转平台假体能够更好地改善关节屈曲角度;置换髌骨并不能更好地改善膝关节功能。     

固定平台型和移动平台型假体全膝关节置换术后临床效果的分析比较

[目的]对应用移动平台型假体和固定平台后稳定型假体全膝关节置换术(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)后进行随访对照研究,分析这两种假体TKA术后的临床效果.[方法]对2003年1月～2004年12月间诊断为膝骨性关节炎的患者,随机应用固定平台后稳定型假体(scorpio)和移动平台型假体(Gemini MK Ⅱ)行TKA手术.记录术前及随访时术膝的膝关节评分、疼痛评分、功能评分、髌骨评分和膝关节活动度,及股骨角、胫骨角、膝外翻角、胫骨平台后倾角、髌骨高度.[结果]术前固定平台组和移动平台组的年龄、体重指数、患膝内翻畸形、最大屈曲度及屈曲挛缩度均无统计学差异(P＞0.05).术后平均随访31个月,固定平台组和移动平台组的术前术后膝关节评分、疼痛评分、功能评分、髌骨评分均无统计学差异(P＞0.05),都明显改善了患膝的症状和功能.固定平台组和移动平台组的术后最大屈曲度(108°±9.3°,99.5°±10.1°)间存在显著性差异(P＜0.05).两组的股骨角、胫骨角、膝外翻角、胫骨平台后倾角、术前术后髌骨高度无显著性差异(P＞0.05).[结论]平均随访31个月时固定平台后稳定型假体和移动平台假体TKA均明显改善了患膝的症状和功能,两组的膝关节评分、功能评分、疼痛评分、髌骨评分及X线片检查评价均无显著性差异.固定平台组的术后最大屈曲度大于移动平台组的术后最大屈曲度.     

全膝关节置换术治疗胫骨平台骨折后创伤性关节炎中期疗效

目的探讨全膝关节置换术治疗胫骨平台骨折后创伤性关节炎的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2007年1月至2017年1月,获得随访的13例全膝关节置换术治疗胫骨平台骨折后创伤性关节炎患者的临床资料,其中男9例,女4例;年龄43～75岁,平均57岁。胫骨平台骨折按Schatzker分型,Ⅰ型1例,Ⅱ型3例,Ⅲ型4例,Ⅳ型3例,Ⅴ型2例。其中骨折保守治疗3例,切开复位内固定10例。骨折至全膝置换手术的间隔时间1～14年,平均7年。应用美国膝关节协会评分(knee society score,KSS)和功能评分对全膝关节置换术(total knee arthroplasty,TKA)术前和术后随访进行评估。术前TKA膝关节屈伸活动范围(78.5±32.5)°,KSS评分(63.8±12.1)分,功能评分(62.8±9.8)分。结果根据术中情况,6例患者选择后稳定型假体;3例患者因平台骨缺损选择螺钉水泥处理;3例患者因骨缺损选择胫骨侧延长杆加垫块处理;1例患者因内侧韧带部分损伤选择限制性膝关节假体(legacy constrained condylar knee,LCCK)。本组13例患者中,1例患者术后出现伤口并发症,经治疗后痊愈;3例患者术后出现肌肉间隙静脉血栓,给予抗凝保守治疗;1例患者术后发生了僵直膝,给予麻醉下手法松解。术后随访时间12～113个月,平均68个月。末次随访时KSS评分(81.7±11.1)分,功能评分(83.5±15.4)分,膝关节屈伸活动度(105.4±18.2)°,与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论应用TKA治疗以往胫骨平台骨折后发生的创伤性关节炎,可明显改善功能,缓解疼痛,恢复肢体的下肢力线,确保假体达到软组织平衡,但手术技术要求较高,容易出现伤口并发症。     

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.     

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.     

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.