胫后肌腱功能障碍的手术治疗

目的探讨胫后肌腱功能障碍的手术治疗方法。方法2002年12月至2005年6月,手术治疗8例单侧胫后肌腱功能不良患者,男2例,女6例;年龄36～56岁,平均47岁。左足6例,右足2例;胫后肌腱功能不良Ⅱ期2例,Ⅲ期6例。根据Maryland足部评分标准,术前足踝功能为可2例、差6例。对每例患者设计个体化手术方案,联合应用足外侧柱延长术、关节融合术、胫后肌腱修复术、弹簧韧带紧缩术及趾长屈肌腱转移术等术式。骨性手术一般辅以一种以上相关的软组织手术,其中4例行胫后肌腱前移加强术,2例行弹簧韧带紧缩术,4例行趾长屈肌腱转移术。术后以短腿管型石膏将患足固定于内翻跖屈位,4～6周后改用短腿后托石膏将患足于中立位继续固定4周,拆除外固定后,根据骨愈合情况逐渐开始负重训练。结果全部病例均获得随访,随访时间12～40个月,平均28个月。根据Maryland足部评分标准,术后优4例、良3例、可1例,优良率为87.5%。所有患者术后足外形均恢复良好,能穿普通鞋。术后X线片测量的足弓高度及提示前足外展、后足外翻畸形矫正程度的特异性角度明显改善(P<0.01),其中弓高平均增加8mm,侧位距跟角平均减少14°,前后位距跟角平均减少12°,侧位第一跖距角平均减少17°,跟骨倾斜角平均增加11°,距舟覆盖角平均减少6°。结论骨性手术结合软组织手术组成的个体化联合术式治疗胫后肌腱功能不良可获得较理想的疗效。     

选择性关节融合术治疗外伤性扁平足的临床研究

目的：探讨选择性关节融合术治疗外伤性扁平足的临床效果。方法：自2007年1月～2009年4月,采用选择性关节融合术治疗14例成人外伤性平足症患者,男9例,女5例;年龄19～50岁,平均32岁;左足6例,右足8例;其中陈旧跟骨骨折8例,跖跗关节损伤4例,跗间关节损伤2例。根据Maryland足部评分标准,术前足踝功能可3足,差9足。对每例患者采用个性化手术方案设计,联合应用的术式有选择性跗间关节关节融合术、跟骨截骨内移术、足外侧柱延长术。术后予以短腿管型石膏将足于内翻跖屈位固定,4-6周后换用短腿后托石膏将足于中立位继续固定4周后拆除外固定,根据骨愈合情况逐渐开始负重训练。结果：全部病例均获得随访,随访时间14～25个月,平均19个月。Maryland足踝评分：优8足,良3足,可3足,优良率为78．6％。结论：选择性关节融合术结合骨性手术组成的个性化联合术式治疗外伤性扁平足可获得较理想的疗效。     

经跗骨窦HyProCure螺钉治疗儿童柔韧性平足症

[目的]评价经跗骨窦Hy Pro Cure螺钉的距下关节制动术治疗儿童柔韧性平足症的短期临床疗效。[方法]采用经跗骨窦Hy Pro Cure螺钉的距下关节制动术治疗儿童柔韧性平足症16例(19足)。对照比较术前、术后正位X线片上的距舟覆盖角,侧位X线片上的距骨第1跖骨角、跟骨倾斜角变化;并采用美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝与后足功能评分和视觉模拟评分(visual analogue score,VAS)进行疗效评定。[结果]16例(19足)患儿均获随访,平均随访时间6.70个月(3.50~12月)。正位X线片上的距舟覆盖角;侧位X线片上的距骨第1跖骨角(Meary角)、跟骨倾斜角(Pitch角)均较术前改善(P<0.05)。末次随访时AOFAS评分及VAS评分与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。[结论]经跗骨窦Hy Pro Cure螺钉的距下关节制动术是治疗儿童柔韧性平足的有效方法,具有简单、创伤小、术后并发症少等优点,但还需长期随访观察远期疗效。     

跟骨内移截骨治疗获得性扁平足临床分析

[目的]探讨跟骨内移截骨治疗扁平足的要点及临床疗效.[方法]自2006年1月～2009年12月,采取跟骨内移截骨及联合手术治疗扁平足3l例,男17例,女14例;年龄19～50岁(平均26.7岁).术前均摄足侧位及跟骨轴位X线片及跟骨CT,测量第1跖距角5°～32°(平均22.3°).均有跟腱挛缩、外移、跟骨外翻、前足旋前外展(负重位外观),有疼痛,根据美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)踝后足评分标准评分平均45.8分.胫后肌腱功能不全均二级.单纯跟骨内移截骨13例,跟骨内移截骨加跟腱延长4例,跟骨内移截骨加跟腱延长及趾长屈肌腱移位14例.[结果]术后随访6～26个月(平均18.8个月),内侧纵弓较手术前增加,内侧柱高度由术前(8.5±3.2)mm增至(16.3±4.1)mm(t=8.35,P≤0.001),10例疼痛消失,15例减轻,6例无明显改变.第1跖距角由术前5°～32°(平均22.3°±4.5°)降至0°～7°(平均3.2°±1.4°) (t=22.57,P≤0.001).足外翻及外展明显改善,有效率80.6%(25/31),(AOFAS)踝后足评分平均84.5分.[结论]跟骨体部截骨手术治疗可屈性平足疗,能够可靠地纠正平足症的跟骨外翻畸形,部分恢复其内侧纵弓,改善足的负重和足踝部生物力学特性,术中根据情况联合其他术式提高疗效,同时应严格掌握适应证.     

足外侧柱延长术联合内侧软组织重建术治疗成人ⅡB期获得性扁平足

背景：成人Ⅱ期获得性扁平足的治疗在临床上是难点。由于Ⅱ期获得性扁平足分型复杂,临床上应根据不同分型制定手术方案。目的：探讨足外侧柱延长术联合内侧软组织重建术治疗成人ⅡB期获得性扁平足的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析2006年9月至2012年3月采用足外侧柱延长术联合内侧软组织重建术治疗的23例ⅡB期获得性扁平足患者的临床资料。男12例,女11例;年龄19~72岁,平均52.6岁;左足12例,右足11例。致畸原因：胫后肌腱功能进行性不良。其中14例行趾长屈肌腱转位加强术,6例行三角韧带修补术,3例行跟舟韧带修补术。外侧柱延长时,7例应用Evans截骨延长法,3例应用Hintermann截骨延长法,9例应用跟骨“Z”型截骨延长法,4例应用跟骰关节撑开融合延长法。术后采用美国足与踝关节协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS）踝与足评分标准对手术前后足部功能进行评估。结果：19例患者获得随访,随访时间10~56个月,平均26.5个月。末次随访时AOFAS踝与足评分为70~100分,其中优6例,良11例,可2例,优良率为89%（17/19）。所有患者前足外展畸形、足弓高度均得到良好恢复,能穿普通鞋,可正常行走,术后X线片测量扁平足特征角度明显改善（P＜0.01）。弓高平均增加约11 mm,侧位距跟角减少约18°,前后位距跟角减少约12°,侧位第1跖距角减少约15°,跟骨倾斜角增加约11°,距舟覆盖角减少约7°。18例患者畸形纠正满意。1例患者术后5个月因跟骰关节炎而发生足外侧疼痛。未发生伤口感染、骨不连等严重并发症。结论：对于ⅡB期伴有前足外展畸形的成人获得性扁平足,跟骨截骨外侧柱延长术联合足内侧软组织修复重建术的临床效果良好。     

中后足关节融合联合胫前肌腱劈开转位治疗平足症

[目的]探讨中后足关节融合联合肌腱转位治疗平足症的临床效果。[方法]自2010年1月~2016年1月保守治疗无效的52例平足患者(52足)行手术治疗,其中男18例,女34例,年龄16~62岁,平均40.50岁。术中首先对所有患者行跖楔关节融合,再对畸形矫正不足者增加跟骨截骨和跟骰关节融合,甚至距下关节融合,最后对所有患者行胫前肌劈开转位。采用AOFAS足踝评分、VAS评分评估临床效果。[结果]术后患者切口均一期愈合,无神经损伤,感染,皮缘坏死等并发症,52例患者全部随访,随访时间12~60个月,平均35.22个月,其中49例患者术后足部外观明显改善,其余3例足部畸形改善不明显。AOFAS评分由术前的(47.51±6.23)分提高至末次随访时的(88.72±6.54)分(P0.001),VAS疼痛评分由术前的(7.52±3.23)分降至末次随访时(2.01±1.92)分(P0.001)。[结论]采用中后足关节融合联合肌腱移位可有效矫正平足畸形,患足功能恢复好,并发症少。     

单内侧切口双关节融合术治疗终末期成人获得性平足症的研究进展

正成人获得性平足症是足踝部常见的疾患之一,临床表现为足部正常内侧纵弓的丧失、软组织松弛及跟骨外翻等畸形,病因以胫后肌腱功能障碍最为常见,此外还有关节病变,神经源性、医源性及创伤性病变等。对于经保守治疗无效的终末期平足症及僵硬性平足症,常需行后足关节融合手术来矫正畸形并获得稳定。自1923年Ryerson[1]首次报道以来,足三关节融合术成为长期以来最受推崇的处理复杂后足畸     

足副舟骨疼痛综合征继发ⅡA期胫后肌肌腱功能不全的手术治疗

[目的]探讨足副舟骨疼痛综合征继发ⅡA期胫后肌肌腱功能不全的手术治疗.[方法] 2005年10月～2010年2月,对16例足副舟骨疼痛综合征继发ⅡA期胫后肌肌腱功能不全的患者施行副舟骨切除+趾((躅))长屈肌腱转移术.男5例,女11例;年龄15 ～27岁,平均23.5岁.右足7例,左足9例.Ⅰ型副舟骨4例,Ⅱ型副舟骨9例,Ⅲ型副舟骨3例,发病至手术时间为6～24个月,平均8.5个月.所有患者均根据美国足踝外科协会(american orthopodics foot and ankle society,AOFAS)的足与踝关节评分法进行术前、术后相关评估.[结果]术后16例获随访12 ～66个月,平均28.6个月.手术前后负重位X线片测量相关特异性指标,手术前后比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).其中侧位距跟角平均减少9.6°,前后位距跟角平均减少8.8°,侧位第1跖距角平均减少11.9°,跟骨倾斜角平均增加7.4°,距舟覆盖角平均减少5.4°.AOFAS(ankle - hindfoot scale)评分:总评术前为(48.26±2.08)分,术后为(84.56±1.86)分.其中疼痛指数:术前为12.57 ±2.06,术后为37.50±2.48;足踝关节功能指数:术前为23.32±2.81,术后为38.60±1.69;踝-后足对线指数:术前为4.60±0.6,术后为7.40±1.06.手术前后比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).特别是在缓解足和踝部疲劳感、疼痛及正常穿鞋方面改善明显.[结论]足副舟骨疼痛综合征继发ⅡA期胫后肌肌腱功能不全的患者施行副舟骨切除+趾((躅))长屈肌腱转移术,短期效果良好,但远期疗效有待于临床进一步观察.     

跟骨截骨联合改良Kidner手术治疗副舟骨源性平足症

目的通过临床及影像学的结果评估跟骨内移截骨术结合改良Kidner手术治疗副舟骨源性平足症的临床疗效。方法自2014年1月至2015年12月,我科收治19例(25足)经6个月以上保守治疗无效的副舟骨源性平足症患者,其中男7例9足,女12例16足;年龄18～52岁,平均(33.2±9.8)岁。患者均为柔韧性平足,伴有不同程度的平足及跟骨外翻畸形,术中切除副舟骨行胫后肌腱止点带线锚钉重建术。术前及末次随访患足采用Maryland功能评分及VAS疼痛评分评定。术前及随访拍摄足负重正侧位X线片并记录负重侧位X线片跟骨倾斜角(Pitch)、跟距角(Kite)及距骨第1跖骨角(Meary's);负重正位X线片的距舟覆盖角(TCA)、距骨第1跖骨角(T1M1)的改变。结果术后19例(25足)患者均获随访,随访时间14～36个月,平均随访时间(23.6±7.1)个月。末次随访时患足Maryland功能评分为(92.1±2.1)分,VAS疼痛评分为(0.7±0.9)分,较术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.01)。术后负重侧位X线片跟骨倾斜角(Pitch)、跟距角(Kite)及距骨第1跖骨角(Meary's),负重正位X线片的距舟覆盖角(TCA)、距骨第1跖骨角(T1M1)与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P0.01)。术后患者切口均为Ⅰ期愈合,无内固定相关并发症发生,患者末次随防足部疼痛均消失,平足畸形明显改善。结论采用跟骨内移截骨术结合改良Kidner手术治疗副舟骨源性平足症可有效纠正平足畸形,术后患足功能恢复好,并发症少。     

改良Kidner手术联合HyProCure治疗副舟骨源性平足症疗效观察

目的探讨改良Kidner手术联合HyProCure距下关节稳定器治疗副舟骨源性平足症的初期治疗效果。方法 2014年12月至2016年10月,收治副舟骨源性平足症患者17例(24足),均经过半年以上的保守治疗后疼痛症状无缓解,其中男6例(8足),女11例(16足);年龄11～17岁,平均13.5岁。美国矫形足踝协会(American orthopaedic foot and ankle society,AOFAS)踝与后足功能评分为(71.7±4.3)分,术前视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)为(5.54±0.93)分。术前检查为Ⅱ型副舟骨伴后足轻度外翻畸形,足弓高度有不同程度降低。术中均切除副舟骨,置入HyProCure距下关节稳定器,使用带线锚钉重建胫后肌腱。8例联合行经皮跟腱延长,7例联合行腓肠肌松解,5例同时行弹簧韧带紧缩。于侧位X线片上测量距骨第1跖骨角(Meary's角)、跟骨倾斜角(Pitch角),正位X线片上测量距舟覆盖角(talocal caneal angle,TCA)、距骨跟骨角(Kite角),采用AOFAS踝与后足功能评分及VAS评分评价临床疗效。结果术后17例(24足)患者均获随访,随访时间7～23个月,平均13.6个月。侧位X线片上的距骨第1跖骨角、跟骨倾斜角,正位X线片上的距舟覆盖角、距骨跟骨角均较术前改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时AOFAS评分及VAS评分与术前比较明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论改良Kidner手术联合HyProCure距下关节稳定器治疗副舟骨源性平足症,能有效纠正平足畸形,恢复足部功能,并发症少,但远期疗效有待进一步随访。     

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.