骨化三醇在抑制大鼠同种肢体移植排斥反应中的作用

目的 探讨应用骨化三醇(1,25-二羟维生素D;简称:VD5)在抑制肢体移植排斥反应中的作用.方法 以Wistar大鼠为供者,SD大鼠为受者,建立同种肢体移植模型.随机将受者分为4组,每组12只.(1)对照组:术后不用免疫抑制剂,仅以15 ml·kg-1·d-1.生理盐水灌服.(2)他克莫司(FK506)组:将FK506用生理盐水稀释为0.5 mg/ml,术后前2周的用量为1.0 mg·kg-1·d-1,术后第3周起,每周灌服2次.(3)VD3组:将骨化三醇用生理盐水稀释为0.125 μg/ml,术后用量为2.5μg·kg-1·d-1,连续灌服4周.(4)VD3+FK506组:术后联合应用骨化三醇及FK506,用药方法和用量与FK506组和VD3组相同.术后观察各组受者移植肢体排斥反应发生的时间和存活时间;流式细胞仪检测T淋巴细胞亚群CD4+、CD8+细胞的百分率.结果 对照组、FK506组、VD3组以及VD3+FK506组肢体移植后排斥反应发生的时间分别为:(3.50±0.50)d、(13.13±1.50)d、(10.63±0.38)d和(29.25±0.63)d;移植肢体的存活时间分别为:(8.50±0.50)d、(26.25±1.50)d、(17.25±0.38)d和(62.00±0.63)d;与对照组比较,VD3组排斥反应发生的时间和移植肢体的存活时间均明显延长,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);VD3+FK506组抗排斥反应效果更佳,与FK506组和VD3组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).VD3组T淋巴细胞亚群CD4+/CD8+细胞的比值明显低于对照组,VD3+FK506组又明显低于VD3组和FK506组(P＜0.01).结论 骨化三醇能明显减轻同种肢体移植排斥反应,延长移植肢体的存活时间;骨化三醇与FK506联合应用效果更佳,二者具有协同作用.     

骨髓细胞胸腺内注射对移植肠CD4、 CD8和CD25的影响

目的 探讨异基因骨髓注射在大鼠小肠移植中的免疫耐受作用和意义.方法 选用近交系大鼠F344/N和Wistar/A进行全小肠异位移植,实验组在异基因移植前7d取供体BMC行受体胸腺内注入,对照单纯同基因及异基因大鼠移植模型了解异基因供体骨髓在受体胸腺内注射能否减少移植后急性排斥反应的发生,观察其生存时间、病理结果及CD4、CD8、CD25的变化.结果 (1)A组移植大鼠平均存活时间为(7.33±1.03) d;B组为(43.76 ±4.57) d;C组为(55.28±7.48)d.(2)异基因大鼠异位全小肠移植术后3、7、15 d可出现典型的轻、中、重度排斥反应,而同基因组和实验组中未出现排斥反应.(3)异基因移植组术后CD4、CD25+,高于其他组(P＜0.05).而CD8的变化差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 移植术前7d异基因供体骨髓在受体胸腺内注射能显著减少小肠移植后急性排斥反应的发生,并可以抑制移植肠CD4、CD25细胞的表达.     

他克莫司与来氟米特对异种胰岛移植术后T细胞亚群的影响

目的 研究他克莫司(FK506)和来氟米特(Lef)对异种胰岛移植后急性排斥反应的抑制作用。方法 将大鼠胰岛移植于糖尿病小鼠肾被膜下。观察移植后不用药对照组、单独应用FK506组、单独应用Lef组以及联合应用FK506和Lef组的胰岛存活情况；并于移植后第5d检测外周血T细胞亚群分布和血清IL-2含量。结果 单独用药组与不用药对照组比较，胰岛存活时间明显延长；联合用药组又明显长于单独用药组。各用药组外周血CD4 T淋巴细胞明显低于未用药组。结论 FK506与Lef通过抑制CD4 T淋巴细胞的增殖而阻止或延缓异种胰岛移植的急性排斥反应。     

普乐可复在异种小肠移植中的作用

目的探讨免疫抑制剂普乐可复(FK506)对于异种小肠移植后迟发异种移植物排斥反应和细胞介导的异种移植物排斥反应的作用。方法采用仓鼠-大鼠动物实验模型,分为对照组和治疗组。治疗1组为单纯用FK506组;治疗2组为FK506加脾切除组。观察移植肠管吸收功能、体重、生存时间、FK506血药浓度及移植肠管苏木精-伊红染色。结果治疗1、2组的生存时间分别为(29.5±2.4)d和(106.6±26.3)d,与对照组(4.3±0.5)d相比显著延长(P<0.01);且治疗1、2组之间相比,差异亦有非常显著性意义(P=0.006)。术后第4d对照组苏木精-伊红染色可见绒毛萎缩,有大量炎性细胞浸润。治疗组小肠黏膜显示高分泌状态。术后126d治疗2组小肠肌层明显增厚、绒毛萎缩、肠壁小动脉壁纤维化。结论FK506可抑制异种小肠移植后迟发异种移植物排斥反应和细胞介导的异种移植物排斥反应;加脾切除可明显延长异种小肠移植的存活时间;但不能逆转异种小肠移植后所发生的慢性排斥反应。     

蛙皮素对大鼠小肠移植黏膜免疫的影响

目的探讨蛙皮素对大鼠小肠移植肠道免疫的影响。方法本实验通过建立大鼠小肠移植模型,术后3d应用FK506。皮下微量注射蛙皮素后用流式细胞仪检测移植肠肠黏膜的淋巴细胞的T细胞的亚型B淋巴细胞的含量和组成的变化,观察蛙皮素对小肠移植术后移植肠肠免疫的影响。结果黏膜固有层BBS+FK506组CD3+、CD8+、CD45RA+细胞较生理盐水+FK506组明显增加(P<0.05)。Peyerpatches淋巴结BBS+FK506组CD3+、CD8+、CD45RA+细胞较生理盐水+FK506组明显增加(P<0.05)。CD4+细胞两组改变不明显。结论BBS可以明显改善小肠移植和免疫抑制剂造成的移植肠非特异性免疫细胞的减少,而不特异性免疫细胞的减少无明显改善,有助于小肠移植术后感染的防治。     

CD4+CD25+T细胞联合CD154单抗抑制大鼠肝移植急性排斥反应的研究

目的探讨CD4 CD25 T细胞联合应用CD154单抗在抑制大鼠肝移植急性排斥反应中的作用。方法分离Lewis大鼠脾脏CD4 _CD25 T细胞后与DA大鼠脾细胞单向混合淋巴细胞反应行体外激活。用"二袖套法"行DA到Lewis的原位肝移植48例。A组为对照组;B、C组单独术前回输体外激活的CD4 CD25 T细胞或术后腹腔注射抗CD154单抗;D组联合应用CD4 CD25 T细胞和CD154单抗。每组大鼠12对。术后7 d各组处死6只受体,检测移植肝内T细胞亚群和细胞因子水平。余大鼠观察生存情况,死亡大鼠观察移植肝病理变化。结果D组受体生存期(52.00±10.64)d明显长于B、C组(P<0.01);移植肝内CD4 CD25 T细胞比例(16.43±4.28)%明显高于B、C组(P<0.05、P<0.01),而淋巴细胞浸润数量[(3.47±1.21)%×106]和(CD8 T细胞百分比(14.19±3.02)%明显低于B、C组(P<0.05、P<0.01);移植肝内白细胞介素- 2(IL-2)水平(6.44±1.83)ng/L低于B、C组(P<0.05),IL-10(43.72±7.55)ng/L和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)(270.06±46.91)ng/L明显高于B、C组(P<0.05、P<0.01)。结论联合应用CD154单抗能明显增强CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞对大鼠肝移植急性排斥反应的抑制作用。     

大鼠小肠移植排斥反应时外周血T淋巴细胞上CD2分子的表达

目的探讨大鼠小肠移植急性排斥反应时外周血T淋巴细胞上CD2分子的表达。方法实验分3组进行,A组为假手术对照组(n=18),给予普通饲料喂养;B组(n=18)行SD大鼠到SD大鼠的同系小肠移植,术后常规补液,给予抗生素;C组(n=18)行SD大鼠到Wistar大鼠的小肠移植,术后处理同B组。各组于术后3、5、7d取肝素抗凝血,行流式细胞术检测,同时取移植肠组织,进行病理学检查。结果术后C组动物的存活时间为(7.0±2.1)d,B组为(33.3±2.3)d,A组>90d,C组与A、B组相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3、5、7d的外周血CD2阳性T淋巴细胞,A组分别为70.2%、69.8%和70.3%;B组为71.3%、69.7%和70.2%;C组为95.6%、88.1%和81.2%,C组各时点的CD2阳性细胞均高于A、B组相应时点(P<0.05);C组移植肠可见排斥反应的病理改变,且随术后时间的延长逐渐加重。结论小肠移植术后发生急性排斥反应时外周血CD2阳性T淋巴细胞表达率升高;术后早期CD2表达率的突然增高,提示可能发生急性排斥反应。     

术中输注供体脾细胞联合术后延迟使用小剂量他克莫司诱导同种异基因大鼠心脏移植免疫耐受

目的观察移植术中经受体门静脉输注供体特异性脾细胞联合术后延迟使用小剂量他克莫司（FK506）对诱导大鼠同种心脏移植免疫耐受的作用。方法将Wistar大鼠和SD大鼠分为7组,A组至F组分别采用Wistar大鼠和SD大鼠作为供、受体,G组为SD→SD大鼠同基因移植对照。其中A组无任何处理,B组输注供体特异性脾细胞,C组与D组分别早期应用和延迟应用FK506[0.5 mg/（kg.d）],E组与F组既术中经门静脉输注供体脾细胞,又分别早期或延迟应用FK506。采用改良大鼠腹腔异位心脏移植。观察期为术后100 d,观察移植心存活时间及其病理变化。结果 G组移植心均长期存活（100 d）。A~F组存活时间分别为（7.4±0.9）d、（22.1±3.6）d、（8.0±0.8）d、（7.9±1.3）d、（24.4±4.5）d、（95.5±6.0）d。F组7/8移植心长期存活。C组、D组的移植心存活时间与A组比较差异无统计学意义（均为P〉0.05）。与A组比较,B组、E组与F组的移植心存活时间明显延长（P〈0.05~P〈0.01）。而F组移植心存活时间又明显长于B组与E组。病理检查G组移植心心肌未见排斥反应。A组移植心术后9 d表现为3~4级排斥反应,F组存活时间达100 d的大鼠移植心未见排斥反应。结论术中经受体门静脉输注供体脾细胞联合延迟使用小剂量FK506使同种异基因大鼠在移植后早期免疫系统激活后再被抑制,有利于诱导同种移植免疫耐受。     

大鼠小肠移植后外周血CD45RC+细胞和CD45RC-细胞比值的变化及意义

目的探讨可用于诊断小肠移植后排斥反应的指标.方法采用F334大鼠建立同系全小肠移植模型,以近交系F334大鼠和BN大鼠建立同种全小肠移植模型,术后采用流式细胞仪连续测定外周血CD4+、CD8+细胞中CD45+亚群以及CD45RC+细胞与CD45RC-细胞比值(CD45RC+/CD45RC-)的变化,同期进行移植肠组织病理学检查.结果同系移植组受者术后均获长期存活(＞28 d);同种移植组受者术后存活(12.0±1.3)d,出现中、重度排斥反应.术后外周血CD4+CD45+和CD8+CD45+细胞的变化,两组间的差异无统计学意义;同系移植组CD4+CD45RC+/CD4+CD45RC―及CD8+CD45RC+/CD8+CD45RC―在术后3 d升高,然后迅速降至手术当天的水平,同种移植组上述指标术后均维持较高水平.结论动态观察CD4+CD45RC+/CD4+CD45RC-较适于监视排斥反应的发展过程,而CD8+CD45RC+/CD8+CD45RC-更适于排斥反应的早期诊断.     

RANTES在CD4+Tm细胞介导小鼠心脏移植急性排斥反应中的表达及意义

目的 探讨趋化因子RANTES在CD4+记忆性T淋巴细胞(Tm细胞)介导的小鼠心脏移植急性排斥反应中表达的变化及意义.方法 以Balb/c小鼠为供鼠,C57BL/6小鼠为受鼠,进行皮肤移植,提取并纯化受鼠脾脏中的CD4+ Tm细胞.分为两组进行实验:实验组,C57BL/6小鼠输注1×106个CD4+ Tm细胞,第2天以Balb/c小鼠为供鼠,进行颈部异位心脏移植;对照组,C57BL/6小鼠未输注CD4 Tm细胞,直接进行心脏移植.观察两组移植心脏存活时间和组织病理学改变,检测移植物中RANTES基因的相对表达量及RANTES在受鼠血清中的浓度.结果 皮肤移植受鼠脾脏中CD4+ Tm细胞达到26.83％.对照组受鼠存活时间为(7.67±0.21)d,实验组为(5.17±0.17) d(P＜0.01).对照组移植心脏急性排斥反应的评级为(2.67±0.14)级,实验组为(3.92±0.08)级(P＜0.01).实验组移植心脏中RANTES基因的相对表达量为对照组的(2.6±0.21)倍(P＜0.01).实验组血清中RANTES浓度为(223.6±16.79) pg/ml,对照组为(120.7±9.47) pg/ml(P＜0.01).结论 接受CD4+ Tm细胞输注的心脏移植受鼠,其体内RANTES的表达量明显增加,加速了急性排斥反应的发生.     

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.