比较负压封闭引流技术和皮肤牵张闭合器修复皮肤软组织缺损的效果

目的比较负压封闭引流技术(VSD)和皮肤牵张闭合器修复皮肤软组织缺损的效果。方法随机将68例皮肤软组织缺损患者分为2组,各34例。对照组应用负压封闭引流技术,观察组应用皮肤牵张闭合器。比较2组的修复效果。结果观察组患者术后VAS评分、创面愈合时间、植皮修复率均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论与VSD技术比较,皮肤牵张闭合器修复皮肤软组织缺损,操作简便、有利于创面愈合,再次修复率低,效果更为理想。     

自制皮肤牵张器与负压技术联合应用对大面积皮肤缺损的疗效观察

目的探讨自制的皮肤牵张器与负压技术联合应用对大面积皮肤缺损创面的治疗效果。方法回顾性分析自2016年1月至2018年6月收治的90例大面积皮肤缺损创面患者的临床资料,根据治疗方法分为A、B、C组,每组30例。A组采用自制皮肤牵张器治疗;B组采用负压技术治疗;C组采用皮肤牵张器与负压技术联合治疗;比较3组治疗效果。结果C组患者治疗后的创面分泌物细菌计数明显低于A、B组(P<0.05),HA、VECF水平明显高于A、B组(P<0.05)。C组患者治疗后的创面色泽(2.78±0.59)、血管分布(2.25±0.30)、厚度(1.92±0.21)、柔软度(1.87±0.17)评分均明显高于A、B组;3组组间比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论采用自制的皮肤牵张器与负压技术联合治疗大面积皮肤缺损可降低创面分泌物的细菌计数,促进血管内皮生长因子分泌和创面愈合。     

新型皮肤牵张器治疗跟骨骨折术后软组织缺损伴骨外露的疗效分析

目的探讨自行研制的新型皮肤牵张器治疗跟骨骨折内固定术后皮肤软组织缺损伴骨外露的疗效。方法回顾性分析2018年7月至2021年1月厦门大学附属东南医院全军骨科中心收治的9例闭合性跟骨骨折内固定术后皮肤软组织缺损患者资料, 男6例, 女3例;年龄19～61岁, 平均42.6岁;初次内固定手术至本次手术间隔时间14～75 d, 平均47.3 d。其中术后伤口脂肪液化伴裂开1例, 伤口皮肤坏死2例, 伤口感染6例;伤口常规扩创后形成类梭形皮肤软组织缺损创面, 面积为5.0 cm×2.0 cm～7.0 cm×3.5 cm, 且所有患者创面Pinch试验均阳性。于创面两侧缘各置入1枚直径为2.0的克氏针, 安装新型皮肤牵张器, 术中根据创面两侧软组织条件, 可急性闭合5 mm左右(宽度), 术后每天调整牵张器的螺纹杆以逐渐缩小创面, 创缘靠拢后无张力缝合。记录创面牵张过程中疼痛视觉模拟(VAS)评分、创面靠拢时间、牵张速度、创面愈合时间、并发症及末次随访时创面瘢痕温哥华瘢痕量表(VSS)评分。结果 9例患者均获随访, 时间8～18个月, 平均12.5个月。所有患者创面均获得顺利闭合, 创面靠拢(至...     

皮肤牵张闭合器联合负压创面治疗技术修复皮肤软组织缺损

目的:探讨皮肤牵张闭合器联合负压创面治疗技术在皮肤软组织缺损修复重建中的临床应用价值。方法:选取皮肤软组织缺损患者92例作为研究对象,随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组46例。治疗组创面清创后采用皮肤牵张闭合器联合负压创面治疗技术处理创面;对照组清创后单纯应用负压创面治疗技术处理。待创面清洁、肉芽组织新鲜后行二期手术植皮封闭创面。结果:治疗组创面平均愈合时间及二期植皮术前创面面积均显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:皮肤牵张闭合器联合负压创面治疗技术修复皮肤软组织缺损,具有操作简单、效果可靠、创伤小等优点。     

皮肤牵张闭合器在四肢创面修复中的应用

目的探讨皮肤牵张闭合器在四肢创面修复中的临床应用价值。方法选取自2014-06—2016-03诊治的46例四肢皮肤软组织缺损,采用皮肤牵张闭合器治疗23例(皮肤牵张闭合器组),采用负压封闭引流技术(VSD)治疗23例(VSD组)。比较2组术后伤口感染例数、再次手术例数、伤口愈合时间。结果 46例均获得1~3个月随访,未见伤口裂开或再次骨外露。VSD组2例在第1次手术后感染,皮肤牵张闭合器组1例术后出现感染,2组术后感染发生例数比较差异无统计学意义(χ~2=0.357,P=0.550)。皮肤牵张闭合器组再次手术例数明显少于VSD组,差异有统计学意义(χ~2=7.263,P=0.007)。皮肤牵张闭合器组伤口愈合时间较VSD组短,差异有统计学意义(χ~2=6.571,P=0.010)。结论与VSD技术相比,应用皮肤牵张闭合器修复四肢创面更简单、方便,能缩短创面愈合时间,愈合瘢痕小。     

自制组合型皮肤牵张器在闭合胫骨骨折术后皮肤软组织缺损中的应用

目的探讨自制组合型皮肤牵张器在胫骨骨折术后皮肤软组织缺损中的应用效果。方法选择自2016年1月至2018年7月收治的胫骨骨折术后皮肤软组织缺损患者64例,按照随机数字表法分为观察组(32例)与对照组(32例)。对照组行皮肤软组织牵伸术治疗;观察组行自制组合型皮肤牵张器治疗。比较两组治疗后创面面积、创面愈合及皮肤恢复的效果。结果两组患者治疗后创面面积均随治疗时间的延长而逐渐缩小,且观察组治疗1、3、7 d时创面面积明显小于对照组,其差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组治疗后的创面愈合评分,观察组明显高于对照组(P0.05);皮肤恢复指标(血管分布、柔软度、色泽、厚度)评分,观察组明显高于对照组(P0.05)。术后20 d,观察组患者的创口愈合良好,皮肤瘢痕正常,对相邻的关节活动无影响。结论采用自制组合型皮肤牵张器治疗胫骨骨折术后皮肤软组织缺损创面,能有效缩小缺损创面面积,且操作简便,疗效确切,值得临床推广应用。     

应用Ilizarov皮肤牵张术修复特殊区域创面

目的探讨应用Ilizarov皮肤牵张术在手掌、足跟等特殊区域创面修复的疗效。方法回顾性分析2018年12月至2019年11月我科运用Ilizarov皮肤牵张术修复手掌、足跟等特殊区域创面的8例患者资料。男5例,女3例;年龄28～56岁,平均(41.5±9.1)岁;碾压伤5例,重物砸伤2例,交通伤1例;手掌6例,足跟2例;均未合并重要神经、血管等损伤。受伤至皮肤牵张术时间35～56 d,平均(43.5±7.0)d,缺损范围5.5 cm×4.5 cm～8.0 cm×6.0 cm,均为菱形或椭圆形。沿缺损长轴在距缺损皮缘1～1.5 cm置入克氏针,安装皮肤牵张器,术中调整牵张力量,术后第5天开始以1 mm/d的速度牵张皮肤,缩小创面。随访时根据疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale, VAS)、Quick上肢功能(Quick disability of arm shoulder and hand, Quick-DASH)评分、美国足踝外科协会(American orthopaedic foot and ankle society, AOFAS)评分等评价疗效。结果所有患者皮肤牵张时间13～20 d,平均(15.8±2.7)d后,皮肤软组织缺损得到完全覆盖,伤口完全闭合。患者均获随访,随访时间8～15个月,平均(11.7±2.4)个月。末次随访时,VAS由术前(6.23±1.04)分降低至(1.75±0.71)分,Quick-DASH评分由术前(54.22±4.83)分降低至(14.58±3.88)分,AOFAS评分由术前(59.50±0.71)分增加至(85.50±2.12)分,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。所有经Ilizarov皮肤牵张术修复的创面皮肤色泽、弹性、感觉及功能与健侧相同部位皮肤近似。所有患者对Ilizarov皮肤牵张术修复特殊区域创面的疗效表示满意。结论 Ilizarov皮肤牵张术是修复手掌、足跟等特殊区域创面的一种行之有效的方法,值得临床推广。     

一种低耗材牵张装置在皮肤缺损创面中的应用

目的探讨一种低耗材皮肤牵张装置在皮肤软组织缺损创面的临床疗效。方法 2016年12月～2018年2月,应用自制皮肤牵张装置(由扎带和克氏针组成)治疗皮肤软组织缺损创面15例,其中缺损创面为大腿皮瓣供区者5例,小腿慢性不愈合创面4例,骨筋膜室综合征切开后缺损创面3例,体表肿物切除后缺损创面3例。缺损范围2.5 cm×4.0 cm～8.0 cm×15.0 cm。结果 5例创面术中即刻闭合,术后2周拆除皮肤牵张装置;10例创面经术后持续牵拉闭合,平均闭合时间18.9天;15例病人均获随访,随访时间8～12个月,平均10.2个月。创缘皮肤呈线性愈合,瘢痕较小,克氏针孔处会遗留点状瘢痕,无皮肤坏死、感觉功能减退等并发症发生。结论该装置制作简便,治疗急慢性创面中疗效显著。     

皮肤牵张闭合器在儿童肢体创面缺损的治疗应用

目的:回顾性分析可调式皮肤牵张闭合器在儿童大面积肢体创面缺损的临床应用价值。方法:自2017年1月至2019年1月,应用可调式皮肤牵张闭合器处理儿童严重下肢创面缺损患儿11例,男9例,女2例,年龄4～12(8.3±2.7)岁,均为单侧下肢大面积创面缺损,其中车祸伤致肢体皮肤缺损4例,骨筋膜室切开减压术后无法缝合关闭3例,下肢骨折内固定术后钢板外露3例,皮肤撕脱伤清创缝合术后大面积缺血坏死1例。创面宽度(5.6±1.2) cm,长度(7.0±1.6) cm,均已行VSD负压引流、扩创缝合等处理,其中4例已行游离皮片植皮,2例已行局部皮瓣转移手术处理,植皮或皮瓣手术失败,前期治疗效果均不佳。结果:术后经持续牵引5～14(10.5±2.6) d后创面闭合,未再行植皮或者皮瓣修复处理。无创缘血供不佳、皮肤感染坏死、末梢感觉障碍等并发症发生。11例患儿均获随访,随访时间3～18(8.9±3.8)个月。创缘皮肤呈线性愈合,瘢痕轻微。结论:通过可调式皮肤牵张闭合器治疗儿童大面积肢体创面缺损,符合Wolff定律及组织自然重建理念,为治疗儿童肢体皮肤及软组织缺损提供了一种可供选择的有效方法。     

应用皮肤牵张器闭合胫骨骨折术后皮肤软组织缺损

目的探讨应用皮肤牵张器治疗胫骨骨折术后皮肤软组织缺损的疗效。方法 2016年4月—2017年3月,采用皮肤牵张器治疗15例胫骨骨折术后皮肤软组织缺损患者。其中男11例,女4例;年龄24～59岁,平均37.5岁。致伤原因:交通事故伤7例,重物砸伤3例,高处坠落伤3例,摔伤2例;均无神经及血管损伤。闭合骨折3例,伤后行切开复位内固定术;开放骨折12例,伤后行创面清创、外支架固定术。首次手术后1～3个月小腿皮肤软组织缺损未愈合,缺损范围为14 cm×5 cm～20 cm×7 cm,均为长条形或梭形。在皮肤缺损纵轴线两侧的皮肤边缘穿入克氏针,然后以皮肤牵张器扣锁两侧克氏针后适当收紧,根据皮缘血供及小腿肌肉受压情况,及时调整牵张器的张力,待皮缘相互接触时去除克氏针及牵张器,行间断缝合术。结果 15例皮肤软组织缺损经6～13 d牵张均得到覆盖,间断缝合后12 d伤口均愈合拆线。伤口愈合评分从术后当天的(3.40±0.51)分降至术后12 d的(1.27±0.46)分,差异有统计学意义(t=12.911,P=0.000)。15例患者均获随访,随访时间4～12个月,平均6.5个月。牵张后皮肤色泽、弹性及痛触觉均与正常皮肤相似,毛发生长正常。术后出现1例钉道感染和2例小腿不适感,经治疗后症状均缓解。结论利用皮肤牵张器闭合胫骨骨折术后皮肤软组织缺损是一种有效的治疗方法。     

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.     

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.