经皮椎间孔镜技术治疗腰椎管狭窄症的早期临床疗效分析

[目的]探讨经皮椎间孔镜技术治疗腰椎管狭窄症的早期临床疗效及手术技巧。[方法]收集本院2014年11月~2015年9月收治的腰椎管狭窄症患者35例,均为单侧侧隐窝狭窄,均行症状侧侧方椎间孔入路,L4、5节段24例,L5S1节段11例。平均病程23.9个月,平均随访时间6.5个月。分别于术前及术后1 d、3个月和末次随访时行视觉疼痛模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)和改良Mac Nab疗效评定标准对临床疗效进行分析评估,对患者术前和末次随访时X线片、CT和MRI影像学资料进行对比分析。并统计手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症、住院时间等临床资料。[结果]腰痛VAS评分从术前(7.21±0.22)降至术后1 d、3个月、末次随访时的(1.97±0.19)分、(1.35±0.24)分、(1.13±0.25)分;腿痛VAS评分从术前(8.54±0.22)分降至术后1 d、3个月、末次随访时的(2.08±0.28)分、(1.11±0.16)分、(1.06±0.33)分,较术前均有明显改善;ODI评分分别从术前(75.89±2.61)分降至(23.22±3.09)分、(15.17±1.42)分、(13.85±1.26)分。末次随访时,依据改良的Mac Nab标准评估,优良率达91.4%。[结论]经皮椎间孔镜技术在早期可有效治疗腰椎管狭窄症,使神经根在侧隐窝处得到及时彻底减压及松解,临床效果显著。     

MIS-TLIF结合单侧入路双侧减压治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄的早期疗效

目的评估微创经椎间孔椎体间融合术(MIS-TLIF)结合单侧入路双侧减压治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄的早期疗效。方法对32例退变性腰椎管狭窄患者采用MIS-TLIF结合单侧入路双侧减压治疗,记录手术时间、术中出血量、术后住院时间、并发症等情况;观察手术前后影像学变化;采用疼痛VAS评分和ODI评价患者腰腿痛及功能改善情况。末次随访时采用Mac Nab标准评价临床疗效。结果患者均顺利完成手术,无硬膜撕裂及神经根损伤等并发症。手术时间70~140(97.0±11.7)min,术中出血量60~380(140.5±40.7)ml,术后住院时间3~6(4.6±1.4)d。32例均获得随访,时间9~18个月。患者术后CT检查显示椎管均得到有效扩大。所有患者术后临床症状明显改善或消失。术后3 d及末次随访时患者腰腿痛VAS评分和ODI均较术前明显改善,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时采用Mac Nab标准评价临床疗效:优18例,良12例,可2例,优良率93.8%。结论 MIS-TLIF结合单侧入路双侧减压治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄的早期疗效满意,中远期疗效有待进一步随访观察。     

经皮椎间孔及椎板间联合入路内窥镜下行腰椎管狭窄减压术的初步报告

目的 :探讨经皮椎间孔及椎板间联合入路内窥镜下减压治疗以腰椎管侧隐窝狭窄为主要表现的混合性腰椎管狭窄症的临床疗效。方法:2012年6月~2015年1月收治混合性腰椎管狭窄症患者13例,男9例,女4例,平均年龄65±11.6岁(46~86岁),病程4.7±2.9年,患者均有明确腰腿痛病史并伴单侧下肢神经症状及体征,神经源性间歇性跛行均小于500m。术前评估行全麻开放手术风险较高,均采用局麻下联合椎间孔及椎板间入路行内窥镜下减压术治疗。术前及末次随访时应用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)和Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)对患者疼痛及腰部功能进行评价,应用Nakai标准评价临床疗效。结果:全部手术在局麻下顺利完成,手术时间90~140min,平均107.7±16.4min。术中并发神经根外膜撕裂1例,椎管内出血1例,经对症治疗后无明显后遗症状。平均住院4.7±1.2d(3~7d),平均随访时间19.6±9.0个月(9~40个月)。末次随访时腰部及下肢VAS评分由术前的4.6±0.8分和4.7±0.9分降至1.8±0.9分和1.0±0.7分,ODI由术前的(32.7±6.9)%降至(10.5±3.0)%,统计学上有显著性差异(P0.05)。应用Nakai评价的优良率为76.9%(优6例,良5例,可2例,差1例)。结论 :局麻下联合椎间孔及椎板间入路行内窥镜下减压术治疗混合性腰椎管狭窄症安全有效,恢复快,住院时间短,对于麻醉风险高的患者可以作为一种有效的微创治疗腰椎管狭窄症的手术方法。     

经quadrant管道系统椎板间减压治疗腰椎管狭窄症合并腰椎退变性侧弯

[目的]评估经quadrant管道系统椎板间减压治疗腰椎管狭窄症合并腰椎退变性侧弯的临床疗效。[方法]2013年6月~2016年6月采用经quadrant管道系统椎板间减压治疗腰椎管狭窄症合并腰椎退变性侧弯19例,男8例,女11例,年龄58~83岁,平均(71.52±6.43)岁。狭窄节段:L_(3-4)2例,L_(4-5)10例,L_5S_17例;右侧弯7例,左侧弯12例,均伴有不同程度的骨质疏松,骨密度T值在-2.5~-5.5。术前有7例用1%利多卡因2 ml进行选择性神经根阻滞以判断责任节段。术中均透视一次明确责任节段。术前和术后随访均采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、Oswestry功能残障指数(Oswestry disability indx,ODI)对患者进行评估,改良Mac Nab进行临床疗效评价。[结果]19例患者均顺利完成手术,手术时间40~90 min(58.34±12.32)min,手术切口长约2~3 cm,住院时间6~10 d(6.44±0.43)d。术中均未发生硬脊膜破裂或撕裂、神经根损伤等并发症。随访6~36个月(24.52±2.43个月),腰痛VAS评分由术前的(4.51±1.42)分降至末次随访时的(0.23±0.14)分,腿痛VAS评分由术前的(7.89±0.91)分降至末次随访的(0.65±0.17)分;ODI评分由术前(70.53±8.85)分降至末次随访的(9.13±4.47)分。术后腰腿痛VAS评分和ODI评分与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后2年时改良Mac Nab临床疗效评价:优11例、良6例、可2例,优良率89.47%。[结论]经quadrant管道系统下椎板间减压治疗腰椎管狭窄症合并腰椎腿变性侧弯具有手术切口及创伤小、手术时间短、手术视野清楚、术中出血量少,可达到精准、彻底、有效的减压,术后康复时间短等优点。近期治疗效果明确、安全、有效、经济实用。对于年龄大、体质差、骨质疏松明显、症状重、病程长、保守治疗效果差或无效果的患者可考虑作为一种手术治疗方案的选择。     

经皮椎间孔镜下BEIS技术治疗老年腰椎管狭窄症

目的评价经皮椎间孔镜下BEIS技术治疗老年腰椎管狭窄症的临床效果。方法对40例老年腰椎管狭窄症患者实施经皮椎间孔镜下BEIS技术治疗,采用视觉模拟评分法(VAS法)和改良Mac Nab疗效评定标准评定治疗效果。结果术后当日、术后3 d、1周、1个月及3个月VAS评分分均显著低于术前,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。根据改良疗效评定Mac Nab标准,本组优30例,良5例,可5例,优良率87.5%(35/40)。结论经皮椎间孔镜下BEIS技术对治疗老年腰椎管狭窄症,近期效果确切且安全。     

关节突定位滑移经皮脊柱内镜技术治疗腰椎管狭窄症

[目的]探讨经皮脊柱内镜关节突定位滑移技术(guiding and sliding)治疗腰椎管狭窄症。[方法]2016年8月~2016年11月收治腰椎管狭窄症患者共计30例,均采用侧方椎间孔入路,上关节突定位滑移技术椎间孔成形术。把后纵韧带后缘线以上部分称为"up",以下部分称之为"down",采用"up-down-up"的顺序分区域减压。随访时间3个月,采用视觉疼痛模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)和改良Mac Nab疗效评定标准,对临床疗效进行分析评估。并统计透视定位次数、手术时间,与既往上关节突尖部定位的30例患者及文献资料对比。[结果]手术时间(55.00±14.60)min,术中透视(8±1.30)次,较本科原来[(90.00±15.00)min和(16±2.30)次]及其他作者报道的[(86.00±15.40)min和(37.50±7.50)次]明显减少,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。腰腿痛VAS评分从术前(5.43±1.24)分降至术后1 d的(1.88±0.49)分、术后3个月的(1.58±0.46)分,较术前均有明显改善(P0.05)。ODI评分术前(43.40±18.11)分,术后1 d降至(34.87±16.02)分,术后3个月时降至(15.67±7.54)分(P0.05)。术后3个月随访时,依据改良的Mac Nab标准评估,优良率达93.33%。[结论]经皮脊柱内镜关节突定位滑移技术治疗腰椎管狭窄症能够明显改善临床症状、减少透视次数,缩短手术时间,近期疗效满意。     

显微内窥镜下手术治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄症

目的 :评价显微内窥镜下手术治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄症的临床效果。方法 :用METRX手术系统对 2 3例退变性腰椎管狭窄症患者在显微内窥镜下行手术减压 ,以ODI(oswestrydisabilityindex)(Version 2 0 )评分法对患者术前及术后 9个月评分 ,并综合满意度评估。结果 :术前ODI评分平均71 32± 18 6 2 ,术后平均 39 84± 17 38,Wilcoxon秩和检验手术前后ODI评分差异显著 ,手术综合满意程度 :优 11例 ,良 6例 ,可 3例 ,差 0例 ,优良率 85 %。结论 :显微内窥镜下手术减压可以治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄症 ,但应注意适应证的选择 ,微创下难以处理时应中转为常规开放手术。     

经皮椎间孔镜下ULESS技术治疗老年退变性腰椎管狭窄症

目的观察经皮椎间孔镜下应用ULESS技术治疗老年退变性腰椎管狭窄症的临床疗效及安全性。方法对32例退变性腰椎管狭窄症的患者采用经皮椎间孔镜下ULESS技术行病变节段全椎管减压,包括椎管成形术、椎间盘摘除术、黄韧带及纤维环成形术。术前及术后1 d、1周、3个月、6个月采用疼痛VAS评分和ODI评价疼痛及功能障碍情况,术后6个月时应用MacNab标准对临床疗效进行评价。结果患者均获得随访,时间6~8个月。患者均未出现神经血管损伤、感染等并发症。术后1 d、1周、3个月及6个月时,腰腿部疼痛VAS评分分别为1.75分±0.75分、1.72分±0.43分、1.63分±0.72分及1.57分±0.76分,与术前8.56分±0.72分比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);ODI分别为10.05%±3.49%、10.90%±3.82%、11.06%±4.59%及11.12%±3.56%,与术前65.60%±7.24%比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月按照MacNab评分标准评定疗效:优18例,良10例,可4例,优良率为87.5%。结论经皮椎间孔镜下ULESS技术治疗老年退变性腰椎管狭窄症,对脊柱稳定结构所产生的破坏小,创伤小,是一种安全、有效的方法。     

经椎间孔扩大减压结合改良经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合术治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄症(22例3年以上随访)

[目的]观察经椎间孔扩大减压结合改良经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合术(transforaminal lumbar interdody fusion,TLIF)治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄症的长期疗效,探讨该术式的安全性和有效性.[方法]2008年10月～2009年1月应用经椎间孔扩大减压结合改良TLIF治疗腰椎管狭窄症患者25例.观察术后及随访时患者腰背痛VAS和JOA评分的改善情况.[结果]25例患者均顺利完成手术,最终22例患者获得超过3年的随访,随访时间(37.3±1.3)个月.术后2周腰背痛VAS评分(1.32±1.04)分,随访末期腰背痛VAS评分(0.64±0.79)分,均较术前的(4.44±1.23)分显著降低(P=0.000);末次随访JOA评分(27.4±2.3)分较术前(12.4±2.8)分显著改善(P =0.000),改善率91.8％±10.8％,优良率100％.围手术期及随访期间未发生严重并发症.[结论]经椎间孔扩大减压结合改良TLIF是一种治疗退变性腰椎管狭窄症安全而有效的方法,患者可获得长期的功能改善.     

经皮椎间孔入路内镜治疗老年腰椎管狭窄症的短期临床疗效

目的 探讨经皮椎间孔入路内镜技术治疗老年腰椎管狭窄症的短期临床疗效。方法 收集2016年3月至2020年6月采用经皮椎间孔入路内镜技术治疗的腰椎管狭窄症老年病人27例,其中男10例,女17例;年龄为（71.22±6.48）岁（60～82岁）;责任椎间隙为L3/43例,L4/523例,L5/S11例。记录术前、术后1 d以及术后3、6、12个月疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）;参照改良Mac Nab标准评价临床疗效。结果 所有手术均顺利进行,手术时间为（152.92±40.57）min(42～230 min),所有病人均未发生手术相关并发症。所有病人均获得12个月以上随访。术后各时间的VAS评分及ODI均较术前改善,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。Mac Nab评分：优15例（55.6%）,良6例（22.2%）,可6例（22.2%）,优良率为77.8%(21/27)。结论 经皮椎间孔入路内镜技术治疗老年腰椎管狭窄症安全、有效、微创。     

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.     

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.