Airtraq喉镜联合弹性插管探条在预计困难气道支气管插管中的应用

目的 比较Airtraq喉镜联合弹性插管探条(gum elastic bougie,GEB)和纤维支气管镜(fiberoptic bronchoscope,FOB)在预计困难气道患者支气管插管中的效果.方法 择期行右侧单肺通气的胸外科手术患者48例,张口度大于3 cm,Mallampati分级Ⅲ或Ⅳ级,随机数字表法分为两组(每组24例):Airtraq喉镜联合GEB组(A组)和FOB组(F组).记录插管首次成功率、置管时间、支气管对位用时和气道损伤情况,记录麻醉诱导前和支气管对位成功后2 min时点的SBP、DBP、HR和血浆去甲肾上腺素(norepinephrine,NE)浓度.结果 插管首次成功率A组与F组差异无统计学意义(91.7％比95.8％,P＞0.05);A组置管时间[(91±17)s]短于F组[(105±19) s](P＜0.05);A组支气管对位用时[(132±34)s]长于F组[(55±12)s](P＜0.05);气道损伤并发症两组之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组SBP、DBP、HR和血浆NE浓度在插管完成后2 min均较麻醉诱导前明显升高(P＜0.05),且A组高于F组(P＜0.05).结论 Aiaraq喉镜联合GEB用于预计困难气道支气管插管与FOB一样安全有效,但支气管对位较慢,心血管应激反应较大.     

全麻联合针刺在老年腹部手术中的应用

目的：观察全麻联合针刺对老年腹部手术中血流动力学、应激反应及全麻药用量的影响。方法：80例择期行腹部手术老年患者随机分为全麻组（A组）和全麻联合针刺组（B组）,B组全麻诱导前先行针刺诱导,连续监测血流动力学变化,检测麻醉前、切皮后和术毕血清皮质醇（Cor）、去甲肾上腺素（NE）、肾上腺素（E）和血糖（Glu）浓度。结果：A组气管插管后1min、切皮时、拔管毕的HR、MAP显著高于B组（P〈0．05）,切皮后及术毕B组血清Cor、NE、E及Glu浓度明显降低（P〈0．05）,B组术中丙泊酚、芬太尼用量减少,睁眼时间、完成指令时间、定位功能恢复时间缩短,术后躁动发生率低（P〈0．05）。结论：全麻联合针刺应用于老年患者腹部手术可使血流动力学稳定、应激反应降低、全麻药用量及术后躁动例数减少。     

Airtraq喉镜和Macintosh直接喉镜在经口气管插管时血流动力学的比较

目的比较Airtraq视频喉镜和Macintosh直接喉镜经口气管插管时心血管反应。方法40例拟择期经口气管插管全麻下手术的患者,按照随机数字表随机分为两组,Airtraq组（A组）和Macintosh喉镜组（M组）,每组20例。观察麻醉诱导前、诱导后、插管即刻、插管后1、3min时的心率（HR）、血压和心率收缩压乘积（ratepressureproduct,RPP）。结果两组声门暴露时间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,导管置入时间A组（6±4）S短于M组（10±4）S（P〈0．01）。两组诱导后的HR、血压和RPP值都较诱导前的基础值明显下降（P〈0．05）,插管即刻、插管后1min的心血管指标较诱导后明显增高（P〈0．05）。A组插管后3min心血管指标与诱导后比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,而M组3min时心血管指标[收缩压（SBP）（106±17）mmHg（1mmHg=0．133kPa）,舒张压（DBP）（65±10）mmHg,平均动脉压（MAP）（78±19）mmHg,HR（92±12）次／分,RPP（9748±2072）]与诱导后[SBP（93±15）mmHg,DBP（54±9）mmHg,MAP（67±10）mmHg,HR（85±12）次／分,RPP（8117±1886）]比较差异仍有统计学意义（R0．05）。A组、M组插管后5min心血管指标与诱导后比较差异均无统计学意义。结论与Macintosh直接喉镜相比,应用Airtraq视频喉镜行经口气管插管可减少插管置入时间,且血流动力学反应较轻。     

喉镜辅助光棒在困难气管插管中的临床应用

目的 探讨喉镜辅助下光棒在困难气管插管中的临床应用效果.方法 全麻插管手术患者120例,Yamamoto气道评级Ⅲ～Ⅳ级,随机均分为三组:喉镜组(A组)、单纯光棒组(B组)及喉镜辅助光棒组(C组).记录患者插管前后MAP、HR、去甲肾上腺素(NE)和肾上腺素(E)的变化,及插管成功率、插管时间、插管后并发症的发生情况.结果 与诱导后比较,插管即刻和插管后1min三组患者MAP、NE和E均显著升高,HR明显增快(P＜0.05),且A组高于B、C两组(P＜0.05),B、C两组相比差异无统计学意义.插管成功率A组为82.5％,B组为77.5％,C组为100％,C组显著高于A、B组(P＜0.01).插管时间A组为(43.3±12.5)s,B组为(47.1±15.1)s,C组为(31.1±10.7)s,C组显著短于A、B组(P＜0.05).结论 喉镜辅助下光棒在困难气管插管中成功率高、时间短,对血流动力学影响较轻,术后并发症少.     

弹性橡胶探条用于引导双腔支气管导管插管的对比研究

目的探讨弹性橡胶探条应用于引导双腔支气管导管插管的可行性。方法选择2010年2～8月需行双腔支气管导管插管、直接喉镜显露Cormack-Lehane气道分级Ⅱ～Ⅲ级的胸科手术60例,随机分为常规双腔支气管导管插管组（SI）和经弹性橡胶探条引导双腔支气管导管插管组（BI）,每组各30例。吸纯氧5 min后,静脉顺序给予咪达唑仑0.05mg/kg、芬太尼3μg/kg、利多卡因40 mg、丙泊酚1.5～2 mg/kg和罗库溴铵0.6 mg/kg麻醉诱导,肌松完善后直接喉镜下分别经铝制管芯（SI组）或弹性橡胶探条（BI组）引导双腔管插管。观察诱导插管期间心率（HR）和平均动脉压（MAP）变化,记录2组完成诱导时间和气管插管一次成功率,比较2组术后气管插管相关并发症发生率。结果与诱导前比较,2组HR和MAP在麻醉诱导后均明显下降（P〈0.01）,插管后1 min,2组HR和MAP上升（P〈0.05）,插管后3 min恢复至诱导前水平。2组完成诱导时间分别为：SI组（5.1±0.8）min,BI组（5.9±0.9）min（t=3.423,P=0.542）。BI组气管插管一次成功率（96.7%）明显高于SI组（80.0%）（χ2=4.043,P=0.044）。术后SI组有14例出现喉痛,而BI组仅为6例（χ2=4.800,P=0.028）。结论弹性橡胶探条可安全应用于引导双腔支气管导管插管。     

瑞芬太尼复合异丙酚用于支撑喉镜下声带息肉摘除

目的观察瑞芬太尼复合异丙酚麻醉在支撑喉镜下声带息肉摘除手术的应用效果。方法 2011年2月至6月择期行声带息肉摘除术的ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级患者80例。随机分为瑞芬太尼组（R组）和芬太尼组（F组）,每组40例,均复合异丙酚麻醉诱导和维持。观察记录麻醉诱导前、插管即刻、支撑喉镜置入时及置入后3分钟、拔管前后3分钟各时点的平均动脉压（MAP）、心律（HR）,自主呼吸恢复时间、术毕至拔管时间及完全清醒时间。结果插管即刻、支撑喉镜置入及拔管前各时点,F组MAP和HR均明显高于基础值,R组血流动力学较基础值无明显变化,组间比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。R组患者自主呼吸恢复时间、术毕至自拔管时间完全清醒时间较F组明显缩短（P〈0.05）。结论瑞芬太尼复合异丙酚静脉麻醉可有效抑制气管插管、拔管及支撑喉镜置入引起的应激反应和血流动力学剧变,患者苏醒平稳、迅速。     

预计困难插管患者使用Airtraq喉镜、Shikani喉镜和Macintosh喉镜行气管插管的比较

目的 探讨Airtraq喉镜、Shikani喉镜和Macintosh喉镜在预计困难插管患者中行气管插管的应用价值.方法 行全麻插管手术预计困难插管患者75例,随机分为Airtraq喉镜组(A组)、Shikani喉镜组(S组)和Macintosh喉镜组(M组),三次内插管成功者入选本研究,每组25例.记录插管时间,麻醉诱导前(T1)、诱导后(T2)、插管结束即刻(T3)和插管后3 min(T4)时的MAP和HR.同时观察各组患者的声门暴露程度以及有无咽喉损伤.结果 A组插管时间最短,其次为S组,M组最慢,A组明显短于S组和M组(P＜0.05).A组插管成功率高于S组和M组(P＜0.05).与T2时比较,T3、T4时M组MAP明显升高、HR明显增快(P＜0.05).T3、T4时M组MAP高于A组,HR快于A组(P＜0.05).A组声门完全显露率最高,其次为S组,M组最低,A组明显优于S组和M组(P＜0.05).A组咽喉损伤发生率低于M组(P＜0.05).结论 在预计困难插管条件下,与Shikani喉镜和Macintosh喉镜比较,使用Airtraq喉镜可以缩短插管时间,提高插管成功率,减少气管插管时心血管应激反应,维持血流动力学稳定,降低咽喉损伤的发生率.     

纤维支气管镜引导下经鼻清醒气管插管对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征患者插管应激反应的影响

目的评价纤维支气管镜(FOB)引导下经鼻清醒气管插管对阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征(OSAS)患者插管应激反应的影响。方法择期全麻下行悬雍垂腭咽成形术的OSAS患者60例,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,年龄41～65岁,MallampatisⅢ或Ⅳ级。随机均分为两组:A组,经鼻盲探气管插管;B组,经FOB引导经鼻气管插管。记录麻醉前(T0)、插管成功即刻(T1)、插管后1min(T2)、3min(T3)的MAP、HR、SpO2及ECG变化,并于各时点取桡动脉血5ml检测血浆中肾上腺素(E)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)和皮质醇(Cor)的浓度;记录两组插管时间、插管成功率和插管期间高血压、心动过速、心肌缺血及损伤性鼻出血的发生情况。结果与T0时比较,T1、T2时两组的MAP、血浆E、NE和Cor浓度明显升高、HR明显增快(P<0.05)。与A组比较,T1～T3时B组MAP、血浆E、NE和Cor的浓度明显降低(P<0.05),T1、T2时HR明显减慢(P<0.05)。B组气管插管时间(45±9)min明显短于A组(54±13)min。B组气管插管成功30例(100%)明显高于A组26例(86.7%)(P<0.05)。B组心动过速0例(0%)、高血压7例(23%)及心肌缺血6例(20%),明显低于A组的13例(43%)、16例(52%)、13例(43%)(P<0.05)。结论 FOB引导下经鼻气管插管可明显减轻OSAS患者插管应激反应,维持血流动力学稳定,提高插管成功率,减少并发症。     

GlideScope视频喉镜在颈椎外伤患者气管插管中的应用

目的观察全麻下应用GlideScope视频喉镜进行气管插管的成功率及插管时的心血管反应,评价其在颈椎外伤患者中的应用价值。方法168例择期或急诊颈椎手术患者,美国麻醉医师协会（ASA）分级I-Ⅱ级,随机分为2组（n=84）：Glidescope喉镜组（G组）和纤维支气管镜组（F组）。在快速静脉全麻诱导后分别用GlideScope视频喉镜和纤维支气管镜经口腔插管,记录插管操作时间、次数和并发症,并测量诱导前（T1）、诱导后（T2）、插管时（L）、插管后lmin（T4）、气管插管后3min（T5）的心率（HR）、收缩压（SBP）、舒张压（DBP）及平均动脉压（MAP）。结果G组84例患者中,78例一次插管成功,4例二次插管成功,2例插管失败,改为纤维支气管镜插管,插管成功率为97．6％;F组84例均成功插管。气管插管过程中2组的HR、SBP、DBP、MAP平稳,而且2组间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论GlideScope视频喉镜插管迅速,成功率高,心血管反应轻微,操作简便,便于携带,适合颈椎外伤患者应用管理气道。     

不同表面麻醉方式对全麻插管应激反应及导管耐受性影响的研究

目的：观察咽喉粘膜表面麻醉、气管粘膜表面麻醉、导管外涂乳膏表面麻醉三种不同方式的应用．对全麻插管应激反应及耐管性影响的临床研究。方法选取90例ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级择期全麻手术气管插管病人。随机分为三组（n=30）．A组为三重表麻组．B组为双重表麻组、C组为对照组。记录三组在喉镜显露声门即刻（To）．插管后1min（T1）、3min（T2）．5min（T3）的平均动脉压（MAP）和心率（HR）数值以及意识恢复后。患者对导管的耐受程度。结果：同对照组比较．三重表麻组和双重表麻组的MAP和HR均明晁低于对照组（P〈0．01）。在耐管性方面,三重表麻组明显高于双重表麻组和对照组（P〈0．05）。结论：三种表麻方法序贯应用能有效预防喉镜置入和气管插管引起的心血管应激反应,并明显提高导管耐受程度。     

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.