改良喉罩全麻用于老年患者纤维支气管镜检查的效果

目的 评价改良喉罩全麻用于老年患者纤维支气管镜(纤支镜)检查的可行性和安全性.方法 行纤支镜检查的老年患者80例,随机均分为全麻改良喉罩通气组(Ⅰ组)和局麻组(Ⅱ组).Ⅰ组静注芬太尼1 μg/kg、丙泊酚1～1.5 mg/kg和琥珀胆碱1～1.5mg/kg后插入改良喉罩,纤支镜从接头的风帽口插入;Ⅱ组局麻后检查.记录检查前、插喉罩时、插镜中(过声门)、活检时、检查结束和拔喉罩时SBP、DBP、HR、SpO2,记录体动、呛咳、憋气、低氧血症等不良反应、术后对检查的痛苦记忆和满意度.结果 与检查前比较,各时点Ⅰ组患者SBP、DBP明显降低、HR明显减慢(P＜0.05),插镜中(过声门)活检时、检查结束Ⅱ组SBP、DBP明显升高、HR明显增快(P＜0.05);插镜中(过声门)、活检时Ⅱ组SpO2明显降低(P＜0.05).与Ⅱ组比较,插镜中(过声门)、活检时和检查结束Ⅰ组患者SBP、DBP明显降低、HR明显减慢和SpO2明显升高(P＜0.05).Ⅰ组体动、呛咳、憋气、低氧血症、检查中断、痛苦记忆发生率明显低于Ⅱ组(P＜0.05),满意度明显高于Ⅱ组(P＜0.05).结论 改良喉罩全麻应用于老年患者纤支镜检查安全可行,是一项值得推广的技术.     

不同麻醉方法用于老年患者纤支镜检查的临床研究

目的 探讨不同麻醉方法用于老年患者纤支镜检查的效果与安全性.方法 将40例需行纤支镜检查的老年患者随机分成无痛纤支镜(S)组和常规纤支镜(C)组两组.每组20例患者.S组采用异丙酚、舒芬太尼麻醉,C组采用2%利多卡因雾化喷喉,分别观察两组检查前、检查中及检查后的脉搏血氧饱和度(pulse oxygen saturation,SpO2)、收缩压(systolic blood pressure,SBP)、舒张压(diastolic blood pressure,DBP)、心率(heart rate,HR)变化及副作用.结果 S组麻醉后患者能在无知觉和无痛苦中接受检查,出现呛咳、憋气、及体动等副作用少,血压(blood pressure,BP)、HR变化与C组相比相对稳定,均低于C组(P<0.05).结论 采用异丙酚复合小剂量舒芬太尼麻醉用于老年患者纤支镜检查可充分减轻患者的痛苦,患者无挣扎,手术操作顺利,循环稳定,并发症少,是一种安全而有效的麻醉方法.     

i-gel喉罩用于腹腔镜胆囊手术患者气道管理的效果

目的 评价i-gel喉罩用于腹腔镜胆囊手术患者气道管理的效果.方法 择期全麻下拟行腹腔镜胆囊手术患者120例,性别不限,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄34～62岁,体重45～90 kg,随机分为2组(n=60):ProSeal喉罩组(P组)和i-gel喉罩组(Ⅰ组).根据体重选择喉罩型号,麻醉诱导后置入喉罩,行机械通气,并经引流管放置胃管.记录喉罩置入次数、喉罩及胃管置入情况、纤支镜检查评分,测定喉罩密封压,观察术中口咽部漏气、低氧血症的发生情况.术中监测SpO2、PETCO2、气道峰压,观察拔除喉罩后恶心、呕吐、呛咳、声嘶、咽喉痛、返流误吸的发生情况,记录麻醉时间、手术时间、拔除喉罩时间及苏醒时间.结果 两组麻醉时间、手术时间、拔除喉罩时间及苏醒时间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组术中SpO2、PETCO2、气道峰压均在正常范围内.与P组比较,Ⅰ组喉罩首次置入成功率和纤支镜检查评分升高,喉罩置入时间缩短(P＜0.05).两组喉罩和胃管置入成功率均为100%;Ⅰ组和P组喉罩密封压比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);Ⅰ组咽喉痛发生率低于P组(P＜0.05),恶心呕吐、呛咳发生率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),两组无一例发生声嘶、返流误吸.结论 i-gel喉罩易于置入,气道密封性可靠,通气效果好,不良反应少,可安全有效地用于腹腔镜胆囊手术患者的气道管理.     

脑状态指数和Narcotrend指数用于预测全麻苏醒期意识恢复的比较

目的 观察脑状态指数(CSI)和Narcotrend指数(NTI)在全麻苏醒期的变化,探讨两者在预测全麻苏醒期意识恢复中的效能.方法 选择腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者25例,术中靶控输注(TCI)丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼维持麻醉,效应室靶浓度(Ce)分别为2～3 μg/ml和2～4 ng/ml,维持CSI值在40～60.记录全麻苏醒期不同意识恢复水平(对刺激无反应、呼之睁眼、定向力恢复)的CSI、NTI和丙泊酚Ce的变化.结果 CSI、NTI、丙泊酚Ce与苏醒期意识水平变化显著相关,相关系数分别为0.89、0.92和-0.86(P＜0.01).CSI、NTI及丙泊酚Ce预测患者意识恢复水平的概率(Pκ)均大于0.8(P＜0.01).结论 CSI、NTI和丙泊酚Ce均能及时反映全麻苏醒期意识水平的变化.     

三种小剂量非去极化肌松药在无痛纤维支气管镜检查中的应用及效果

目的探讨临床常用的三种非去极化肌松药在无痛纤维支气管镜(纤支镜)检查中的应用及效果。方法拟行无痛纤支镜检查(超声下纤支镜淋巴结活检、气管、支气管扩张与冷冻治疗)患者120例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为四组:罗库溴铵组(R组)、维库溴铵组(V组)、顺式阿曲库铵组(CIS组)及生理盐水组(N组)。患者静脉麻醉诱导意识消失后,采用TOF-Guard肌松监测仪进行肌松监测,三组肌松药组均单次5s内静脉注射1倍ED95剂量的肌松药,待T1达到最大抑制时,置入三通喉罩,丙泊酚靶控输注维持麻醉。记录三种肌松药起效时间、恢复指数、TOFR 0.9恢复时间。并记录患者麻醉前(T0)、意识消失时(T1)、喉罩置入即刻(T2)、纤支镜检查即刻(T3)、检查完毕清醒即刻(T4)的MAP、HR,喉罩置入条件分级以及纤支镜操作时间。结果与N组比较,R、V和CIS组喉罩置入条件与分级均呈现明显优势。与N组比较,T0、T1时R、V和CIS组血流动力学指标差异均无统计学意义;T2~T4时R、V和CIS组MAP明显低于,HR明显慢于N组(P0.05)。与CIS组比较,R组起效时间明显缩短(P0.05),恢复指数明显降低(P0.05)。结论罗库溴铵较维库溴铵、顺式阿曲库铵更有利于短时纤支镜检查的全麻诱导与维持。     

Narcotrend监测下七氟醚和丙泊酚全麻苏醒期特征比较

目的观察和比较Narcotrend麻醉深度监测下丙泊酚与七氟醚全麻苏醒期的特征,以及苏醒时的Narcotrend指数(NTI)是否一致。方法选择60例择期行经鼻蝶垂体瘤切除术患者,随机分为四组,每组15例。丙泊酚深麻醉组(PD组)和七氟醚深麻醉组(SD组)术中维持NTI在46~37,丙泊酚浅麻醉组(PL组)和七氟醚浅麻醉组(SL组)术中维持NTI在56~47。记录苏醒时的NTI、苏醒时间、拨管迟滞时间。结果苏醒时PD组NTI为84.2±2.7,PL组84.9±2.5,明显低于SD组88.6±3.4与SL组89.9±3.3(P0.05),拨管迟滞时间SD组(9.4±4.6)min,明显长于SL组(4.7±2.4)min(P0.05),PD组与PL组差异无统计学意义。SD组苏醒时间较其余三组明显延长(P0.05),SL组、PD组和PL组苏醒时间差异无统计学意义。结论丙泊酚与七氟醚全麻患者苏醒时的NTI并不一致。     

腹腔镜胃肠手术时复合硬膜外麻醉减少全凭静脉麻醉丙泊酚的用量

目的研究腹腔镜胃肠手术患者复合0.375%罗哌卡因硬膜外麻醉对全凭静脉麻醉丙泊酚用量及全麻苏醒的影响。方法 40例择期行快速康复外科(fast-track surgey,FTS)腹腔镜胃肠道手术的患者,年龄32~70岁,随机均分为两组:R组硬膜外注射0.375%罗哌卡因10ml,感觉阻滞平面达到T5后开始全麻诱导,之后每小时注射6ml直至手术结束。C组硬膜外穿刺置管仅用于术后镇痛。术中根据Narcotrend指数(NTI)调整丙泊酚血浆靶浓度,使NTI维持在D2(37~46);调整瑞芬太尼输注剂量,使MAP维持在基础值的80%~120%。记录丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼的用量、停止输注丙泊酚至NTI恢复至C1(70~74)的时间(Tc)和B2(80~84)的时间(Tb);记录睁眼时间(Ta),睁眼时的NTI(NTIa)以及有无术中知晓。结果 R组术中丙泊酚及瑞芬太尼用量明显少于C组(P0.05或P0.01),去甲肾上腺素用量明显多于C组(P0.01)。R组Tb和Ta明显短于C组(P0.05或P0.01),所有患者均无术中知晓发生。结论复合0.375%罗哌卡因硬膜外麻醉能够减少全凭静脉麻醉所需丙泊酚用量,缩短全麻苏醒时间。     

SLIPA喉罩在老年患者侧卧位全麻手术中的应用

目的 观察SLIPA喉罩在老年患者侧卧位全麻手术中的应用效果.方法 行人工全髋置换术老年患者60例随机均分为SLIPA喉罩组(S组)和气管插管组(G组).麻醉期间常规监测HR、SBP、DBP.记录喉罩或气管导管插入次数、成功率.每15分钟记录SpO2、PET CO2、气道压峰值,以及麻醉时间、手术时间、拔管时间、苏醒时间、拔管后不良反应.结果 S组插管即刻、拔管即刻HR明显慢于G组,SBP、DBP均明显低于G组(P＜0.05).S组拔管时间、苏醒时间均短于G组(P＜0.05).S组拔管后无呛咳,G组有9例(30％)呛咳(P＜0.05).两组咽喉痛发生率无差异,且两组均无反流误吸发生.结论 老年患者侧卧位全麻手术中SLIPA喉罩与气管插管通气效果相同,心血管反应更小,不良反应更少.     

改良喉罩联合地佐辛用于纤支镜检查的临床观察

目的探究在纤支镜检查中使用改良喉罩联合地佐辛取得的麻醉效果。方法选取ASA分级Ⅰ~Ⅱ级的患者90例,随机分为三组,每组各30例。A组病人诱导:芬太尼2~3μg/kg,丙泊酚1~2 mg/kg,插入普通喉罩。B组和C组病人诱导:地佐辛0.1~0.15 mg/kg,丙泊酚1~2 mg/kg,分别插入普通喉罩、改良喉罩。三组患者均在麻醉状况下实施纤维支气管镜检查,分别记录患者的麻醉前(T0)、诱导后(T1)、插喉罩时(T2)、进镜5 min(T3)、检查结束(T4)及拔喉罩时(T5)的平均动脉血压(mean arterial pressure,MAP)和心率(heart rate,HR)、不良反应及镜检医师对麻醉效果的满意度。结果 A组T1时点的MAP、HR低于B组和C组(P0.05),A组T2~T4时点的MAP、HR高于B组和C组(P0.05);A组术中低氧血症的发生率、检查中断的发生率、术后恶心、呕吐的发生率均高于B组和C组(P0.05);B组术中检查中断的发生率高于C组(P0.05);B组和C组镜检医师对麻醉效果的满意度高于A组(P0.05)。结论在纤支气镜检查中,改良喉罩联合地佐辛麻醉,具有血流动力学稳定、安全、不良反应少等优势,值得在临床治疗中推广。     

丙泊酚复合芬太尼用于纤维支气管镜检查

目的探讨丙泊酚复合芬太尼用于纤维支气管镜(纤支镜)检查的可行性、最佳使用剂量及对呼吸、循环功能的影响。方法选择140例ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级患者,分别采用丙泊酚复合芬太尼静脉麻醉组(P组,n=75)和单用利多卡因局麻组(L组,n=65),比较其在纤支镜检查时的耐受情况,术中SBP、DBP、HR、SpO2的变化及患者术后感受。结果P组SBP、DBP、HR、SpO2变化均小于L组(P<0.05),患者清醒后自我感受显著优于L组。结论丙泊酚复合芬太尼用于纤支镜检查安全有效。     

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.     

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.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

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.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

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.     

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.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.