Effect of Tulobuterol Patch Versus Placebo on the Occurrence of Respiratory Adverse Events in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomies: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative respiratory adverse events are common in children. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the transdermal ß-2 agonist, tulobuterol, compared with that of placebo on the incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy. METHODS: In this triple-blinded (patient, anesthesia provider, and outcome assessor) randomized controlled trial, 188 patients were randomly allocated to receive tulobuterol or a placebo. The tulobuterol groups received a tulobuterol patch (1 mg) masked with a bandage, whereas the placebo only received the bandage. The assigned bandage was applied to the patients 8 to 10 hours before the surgery. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any perioperative respiratory adverse events: oxygen desaturation <95%, airway obstruction, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, severe coughing, or stridor. The outcomes were evaluated using the average relative effect test, which estimates the effect of individual components of a composite outcome and then averages effects across components. RESULTS: A total of 88 and 94 patients who received tulobuterol and placebo, respectively, were analyzed. The incidence of any perioperative respiratory adverse event was lower with tulobuterol (n = 13/88; 14.7%) than that with the placebo (n = 40/94; 42.5%), with an estimated average relative risk (95% confidence interval) across components of 0.35 (0.20-0.60; P < .001). The symptoms of airway obstruction were lower with tulobuterol (n = 8/88; 9.0%) than that with the placebo (n = 32/94; 34.0%), with relative risk (95% CI) of 0.31 (0.17-0.56; P < .001). The occurrence of severe coughing was lower with tulobuterol (n = 1/88; 1.1%) than that with the placebo (n = 8/94; 8.5%), with relative risk (95% CI) of 0.15 (0.03-0.68; P = .014). CONCLUSIONS: In preschool children undergoing tonsillectomy, the preoperative application of a tulobuterol patch could decrease the occurrence of perioperative respiratory adverse events. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of the tulobuterol patch in a broad spectrum of pediatric anesthesia.

How Does the Addition of Dexamethasone to a Brachial Plexus Block Change Pain Patterns After Surgery for Distal Radius Fractures? A Randomized, Double-blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Although brachial plexus block in volar plating surgery for distal radius fractures is reportedly associated with lower postoperative pain scores, rebound pain has been reported to occur after the initial block wears off. Dexamethasone can be used in multimodal strategies for antiemesis and to control pain postoperatively. Although prior studies have suggested that anesthesia can be prolonged by adding dexamethasone to regional blocks, no randomized trials we are aware of have ascertained whether doing so will make a clinically important difference in pain after surgery for distal radius fractures. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Do patients who receive supplemental dexamethasone in a brachial plexus block for volar plating of unstable distal radius fractures have (1) better pain scores at 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively than patients who have not received dexamethasone, and (2) lower fentanyl consumption and administration of antiemetic drugs without change in serum blood glucose, as well as a longer analgesic duration from the block after surgery than patients who have not received dexamethasone? METHODS: This randomized, double-blind trial included 69 patients undergoing surgery for distal radius fractures under ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks who were randomly allocated into two groups: a nondexamethasone group receiving a brachial plexus block with 0.5% ropivacaine and a dexamethasone group receiving 0.5% ropivacaine and 5 mg of dexamethasone. Thirty-four patients were allocated to the dexamethasone group and 35 were allocated to the nondexamethasone group. Nine patients (four in the dexamethasone group and five in the nondexamethasone group) were excluded after randomization because local anesthetics were used during their surgical procedures owing to an incomplete block or they requested patient-controlled analgesia after surgery. The treatment groups did not differ in any important ways, including age, gender, BMI, hand dominance, and AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification. All patients received the same surgical procedure and perioperative care protocol, except for the injected agents during their brachial plexus block. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, evaluated using a 10-mm VAS at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. The minimum clinically important difference for the VAS score was 2 of 10 points. Secondary outcome variables included fentanyl administration as a rescue analgesic, the number of patients receiving antiemetic medications because of fentanyl administration, and the duration of brachial plexus block. Serum blood glucose was measured 1 day before, immediately after, and 24 hours after surgery. Patients, surgeons, and outcome assessors were blinded to treatment allocation. RESULTS: The only clinically important between-group difference in VAS pain scores was at 8 hours, favoring the group that received dexamethasone over the group that did not (1.9 ± 1.6 versus 4.7 ± 2.7; mean difference -2.8 [95% CI -3.9 to -1.6]; p < 0.001). After brachial plexus block, the most severe pain score in both groups was reported at 12 hours postoperatively and gradually diminished over time. There was no between-group difference in fentanyl use between those who received dexamethasone and those who did not (21 ± 38 mcg versus 31 ± 29 mcg; mean difference -10 [95% CI -27.4 to 7.4]; p = 0.26). Furthermore, the use of antiemetics did not differ between the groups (27% [eight of 30] versus 37% [11 of 30]; odds ratio 1.6 [95% CI 0.5 to 4.8]; p = 0.41). Baseline and 24-hour postoperative serum blood glucose level did not differ between the groups. However, the immediately postoperative serum blood glucose level was higher in the dexamethasone group than in the nondexamethasone group (121 ± 29 versus 104 ± 20; mean difference 16 [95% CI 3.3 to 28.8]; p = 0.02). The brachial plexus block duration was 3 hours longer (95% CI 0.8 to 5.2 hours) in the dexamethasone group than that in the nondexamethasone group (11 ± 5 hours versus 8 ± 3 hours; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The postoperative pain level in patients who received supplemental dexamethasone in a regional block was not clinically different from that of patients who received conventional brachial plexus block anesthesia when undergoing volar plating for distal radius fractures. However, patients who received a brachial plexus block with dexamethasone experienced slight prolongation of their block and decrease in pain 8 hours after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

The effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block on pulmonary function in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is commonly used for postoperative pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, few studies have analyzed its effect on pulmonary function. The goal of this study was to elucidate the effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB on pulmonary function preservation and analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: We enrolled 58 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Among them, 53 were randomized to group T (n = 27) and group C (n = 26). Group T and group C received ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB with 40 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine and 40 ml of 0.9% normal saline, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) consumption, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and modified Borg scale scores were measured until 24 h post-surgery. RESULTS: The VAS scores were significantly lower in group T than in group C at 1 and 8 h after the surgery. PCA consumption was significantly lower in group T than in group C at all postoperative time points. FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC were more preserved in group T than in group C at 1 h. Group T had significantly lower modified Borg scale scores than did group C at 1 and 8 h. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided TAPB is effective in pulmonary function preservation and pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Therefore, it could be a great option for multimodal analgesia, preservation of pulmonary function, prevention of pulmonary complications including atelectasis, and promotion of postoperative recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: This study was enrolled in the Clinical Research Information Service (Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0004435, Hwa Yong Shin, 2019-08-19).

Placental Pathologic Changes Associated with Fetal Growth Restriction and Consequent Neonatal Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pathological changes of the placenta to determine the mechanism underlying placenta-derived fetal growth restriction (FGR) and investigate its influence on neonatal outcomes. Study design: This retrospective case-control study included 120 singleton pregnancies with FGR as well as 120 gestational age-matched controls. We compared the placental pathological findings and neonatal outcomes according to the presence of placental malperfusion. Results: The FGR group demonstrated lower placental weight (350.8 ± 118.8 vs. 436.1 ± 109.7g, P < .0001), smaller chorionic plate area (157.7 ± 48.0 vs. 201.5 ± 53.4 cm2, P < .0001), and higher rate of villous change lesions (84.2% vs. 52.5%, P < .0001) than the control group. FGR neonates with placental malperfusion had a higher rate of adverse neonatal outcomes (87.1% vs. 63.2%, P = .0175). Conclusion: Small placentas and placental malperfusion reflected in villous changes are associated with FGR. FGR neonates with placental malperfusion are more susceptible to adverse neonatal outcomes.

Early-onset drug-induced parkinsonism after exposure to offenders implies nigrostriatal dopaminergic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: The onset of parkinsonism in patients with drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) exhibits extensive individual variability following exposure to offending drugs. We investigated whether the individual variations in the onset time of parkinsonism reflected the underlying subtle dopaminergic dysfunction in DIP. METHODS: We enrolled 71 patients with DIP who had visually normal striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in 18F-FP-CIT positron emission tomography scans. According to their exposure durations to the offending drugs prior to onset of the parkinsonism, the patients were divided into the early-onset group (duration ≤6 months; n=35) and delayed-onset group (duration >6 months; n=36). We performed the quantitative analysis of the DAT availability in each striatal subregion between the groups. RESULTS: No patients with DIP had DAT availability that was more than 2 SD below the normal mean of DAT availability. Compared with the delayed-onset group, the early-onset DIP group had decreased DAT availability in the striatal subregions including the posterior putamen (p=0.018), anterior putamen (p=0.011), caudate (p=0.035) and ventral striatum (p=0.027). After adjusting for age, sex and cross-cultural smell identification test scores, a multivariate analysis revealed that the DAT availability in the striatal subregions of the patients with DIP was significantly and positively associated with the natural logarithm of the duration of drug exposure. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a short exposure to the offending drugs before the development of parkinsonism would be associated with subtle nigrostriatal dopaminergic dysfunction in patients with DIP.

Comparison of the accuracy of noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring for preoperative evaluation between adult and pediatric patients: a retrospective study.

We measured noninvasive hemoglobin (SpHb) levels during the pre-anesthesia visit in patients planning elective surgery. Differences between SpHb and laboratory-measured hemoglobin (Hblab) were compared between adult and pediatric patients. In the pre-anesthesia visiting office, we routinely monitor noninvasive Hb levels with oxygen saturation and heart rate using Masimo Radical-7® Pulse CO-Oximetry (Masimo Corp., Irvine, CA, USA). We attached the R1 20 (body weight, 10-50 kg) or R1 25 (body weight > 30 kg) probe on the index finger. After signal stabilization, SpHb and perfusion index (PI) were recorded. We retrospectively reviewed the recorded data and included patients who visited the anesthesiologist within 24 h after venous sampling. Bias was calculated by subtracting Hblab from SpHb. We compared the biases of adult and pediatric patients (< 18 years) and evaluated correlation coefficients between the bias and Hblab. Records of 105 patients were reviewed and 100 data points of 50 patients in each group were analyzed. The median ± interquartile range bias was - 2.6 ± 2.2 and - 1.2 ± 1.5 g/dL in adult and pediatric patients, respectively (P < 0.001); the corresponding mean ± standard deviation PIs were 4.4 ± 3.1 and 5.9 ± 2.7, respectively (P = 0.19). Bias was inversely proportional to Hblab irrespective of age. The correlation coefficient between the bias and Hblab was - 0.81 in adults and - 0.54 in pediatric patients (P < 0.001). SpHb and Hblab measured during pre-anesthesia visits showed a smaller difference in pediatric than in adult patients. Lower Hblab corresponded to higher accuracy.

Effect of ultrasound-guided phrenic nerve block on shoulder pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy-a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) frequently follows a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A proposed mechanism for PLSP is the irritation or injury of the phrenic nerve by the CO2 pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery. Here, we investigated whether a phrenic nerve block (PNB), performed under ultrasound guidance, could reduce the incidence and severity of PLSP after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHOD: Sixty patients were randomized into two groups, with one group receiving PNB with 4 ml (30 mg) of 0.75% ropivacaine (group P, n = 28) and a control group (group C, n = 32). The existence and severity of PLSP were assessed for 2 days postoperatively. A pulmonary function test (PFT) and diaphragmatic excursion test were performed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: With ultrasound guidance, all PNBs were performed successfully in group P. In group P, the overall incidence and severity of PLSP decreased significantly. There were no significant differences in incisional pain, visceral pain, and analgesic requirements between the groups. Right-side diaphragmatic excursion decreased significantly in group P at 1 h postoperatively. The PFT results and respiratory discomfort assessed by a modified Borg's scale were not different significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, ultrasound-guided PNB can prevent or reduce the PLSP without clinically significant respiratory discomfort.

Optimal Transducer Level for Atrial and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure Measurement in Patients with Functional Single Ventricle.

This study aimed to investigate the optimal transducer level for accurate measurement of atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures in the supine position for patients with functional single ventricle. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomographic images of 108 patients who underwent either the bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) placement or the Fontan procedure were reviewed. Vertical distances from the skin of the back to the uppermost levels of fluid in the single atrium or the pulmonary artery confluence and their ratios to the greatest anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the thoracic cage were determined. In patients who underwent BCPS, the ratios of the uppermost levels of blood in the atrium and pulmonary artery confluence to the greatest AP diameter of the thorax were 76.0 ± 8.1 and 56.3 ± 5.5 %, respectively. The distance (mm) between these two levels was calculated as 24.2 + 0.31 × age (years) (r 2 = 0.08, P < 0.03). In patients who underwent the Fontan procedure, the ratios were 79.3 ± 10.0 and 58.3 ± 5.8 %, respectively. The distance (mm) between these two levels was calculated as 31.1 + 0.44 × age (years) (r 2 = 0.05, P < 0.11). The optimal transducer levels for measuring atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures in the supine position are 75-80 and 55-60 % of the AP diameter of the thorax, respectively, in patients with functional single ventricle. We should consider the difference of the pressure when atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures were measured with the same level of transducers.

Intraoperative trans-fontanellar cerebral ultrasonography in infants during cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass: an observational study.

This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative point-of-care trans-fontanellar cerebral ultrasonography (TFCU) to obtain blood flow velocity (BFV) reference values at the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and peri-callosal part of the anterior cerebral artery (pACA) during pediatric cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). TFCU was performed at three time points (after induction of anesthesia, during CPB, after CPB) in 35 infants. BFV was measured at both ICAs and pACA through the anterior fontanelle with an ultrasound sector probe. We divided patients into Group S (<5 kg, n = 16) and Group L (≥5 kg, n = 19) for comparisons according to weight. We also analyzed BFV in low cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) data. All measurements of the BFV at both the ICAs and the pACA were possible. BFVs at the ICAs were lower in Group S than in Group L at all three time points. BFVs at the pACA were similar in both groups except higher value in Group L after CPB. When the rSO2 was <50, most BFVs (14 of 15 measurements) were lower than the median BFV value during CPB. However, a low rSO2 did not always reflect low BFV before and after CPB. Point-of-care TFCU can determine BFV at the ICAs and pACA during pediatric cardiac surgery. BFV differs according to the patient's size and CPB application. TFCU can be a practical cerebral blood flow monitoring method when rSO2 changes without any specific reason in infants.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01996020.

Comparison of hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation and postoperative pain in patients undergoing closed reduction of nasal bone fracture under general anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial comparing fentanyl and oxycodone.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to compare the intravenous bolus effect of oxycodone and fentanyl on hemodynamic response after endotracheal intubation and postoperative pain in patients undergoing closed reduction of nasal bone fracture. METHODS: In this prospective randomized double-blinded study, 64 patients undergoing closed reduction of nasal bone fracture were randomized into one of two groups: the fentanyl group (Group F) or the oxycodone group (Group O). Each drug (fentanyl 2 mcg/kg in Group F and oxycodone 0.2 mg/kg in Group O) was administered prior to the induction of general anesthesia. Hemodynamic changes after endotracheal intubation and postoperative pain were then measured in both groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the change in mean arterial pressure and heart rate between pre-induction and post-intubation in both Groups F and O (P > 0.05). Postoperative pain in Group O was milder than that in Group F (P < 0.001); however, time to awakening from the end of operation was shorter in Group F (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing closed reduction of nasal bone fracture, oxycodone attenuates hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation similar to fentanyl. However, oxycodone is more effective than fentanyl in improving postoperative pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service (Trial registry number: KCT0001153 ) on 3 July, 2014.

Randomized controlled trial on preemptive analgesia for acute postoperative pain management in children.

BACKGROUND: Preemptive analgesia is an anti-nociceptive treatment that starts before surgery and prevents the establishment of central sensitization. Whether preemptive analgesia is more effective than conventional regimens for managing postoperative pain remains controversial. This study evaluated the efficacy of intravenous preemptive analgesia for acute postoperative pain control in pediatric patients. METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 51 children aged 3-7 years, scheduled for corrective osteotomy were randomized into control (group C) or preemptive (group P) group. Both groups received standardized general anesthesia, including intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with fentanyl, which was started before skin incision in group P or 5 min thereafter in group C. IV-PCA data, pain scores using verbal rating scale (VRS) and Wong-Baker FACES(®) pain rating scale (WBFS), emergence agitation score (EAS) using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale, analgesic requirements, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The primary outcome, pain score at postoperative 1 h, showed no difference between the groups. Both groups did not demonstrate emergence agitation (PAED cutoff value ≥ 12), although the EAS at admission to the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) was lower in group P than in group C (P = 0.002; mean difference 4.85, 95% CI 1.97-7.73). There were no differences in the delivered volume of IV-PCA, frequency of pushing the IV-PCA button, effective push attempts, VRS, WBFS, EAS at discharge from the PACU, additional analgesic requirements, and complications. CONCLUSION: Preemptive analgesia using IV-PCA with fentanyl showed no significant advantages for postoperative analgesia after corrective osteotomy in pediatric patients.

Analgesic efficacy of two interscalene blocks and one cervical epidural block in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: Despite its effectiveness in other surgeries, studies on continuous epidural block in upper-extremity surgery are rare because of technical difficulties and potential complications. This study compared postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (UCISB) and fluoroscopy-guided targeted continuous cervical epidural block (FCCEB) in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). METHODS: Seventy-five patients were randomly and equally assigned to groups FCCEB (0.2%), UCISB75 (0.75%), and UCISB20 (0.2%) according to the initial ropivacaine dose (8 ml). The background infusion (0.2% ropivacaine at 5 ml/h), bolus (3 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine), and lockout time (20 min) were consistent. Respiratory effects [respiratory discomfort (modified Borg scale), ventilatory function, and hemidiaphragmatic excursion (ultrasound)], analgesic quality [pain severity at rest and motion attempt (VAS-R and -M), number of boluses, analgesic supplements, and sleep disturbance], neurologic effects, procedural discomfort, satisfaction, and adverse effects were evaluated preprocedurally and up to 72 h postoperatively. RESULTS: FCCEB caused less respiratory depression and sensorimotor block, but had less analgesic efficacy than UCISBs (P < 0.05). FCCEB caused nausea, vomiting, and dizziness more frequently (P < 0.05) and had lower patient satisfaction than UCISBs (P < 0.05). UCISB75 can cause severe respiratory distress in patients with lung disorders. Other variables were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: UCISB20 may provide superior postoperative analgesia and is the most recommendable postoperative analgesic method in ARCR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized controlled trials, Therapeutic study, Level I.

Appropriate dose of dexmedetomidine for the prevention of emergence agitation after desflurane anesthesia for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy in children: up and down sequential allocation.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine can be used for the prevention of emergence agitation (EA) in children. However, an inadequate dose of dexmedetomidine can induce prolonged sedation and cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effective dose of dexmedetomidine for the prevention of EA after desflurane anesthesia for patients undergoing a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. METHODS: We enrolled 21 unpremedicated children, between 2 and 12 years, undergoing either a tonsillectomy or an adenoidectomy. General anesthesia was induced using sevoflurane and oxygen, and dexmedetomidine was administered before surgery. Anesthesia was maintained using desflurane resulting in a BIS range of 40-60. In the postanesthetic care unit (PACU), EA (agitation measured at level 4 or more at least once) was assessed on arrival in the PACU,15 min later, and 30 min later. The dose of dexmedetomidine for consecutive patients was determined by the response of the previous patient, using an increment or decrement of 0.1 µg/kg. RESULTS: The 50% effective dose of dexmedetomidine for prevention of EA was 0.25 µg/kg (95% confidence limits, 0.17-0.33 µg/kg), and the 95% effective dose was 0.38 µg/kg (95% confidence limits, 0.29-0.39 µg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: For prevention of EA after desflurane anesthesia for 50% and 95% of children undergoing tonsillectomies or adenoidectomies, 0.25 µg/kg or 0.38 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine is suggested. Further study is needed to validate the suggested dose of dexmedetomidine to prevent the EA that was identified in the present study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0000126 .

Pre-warming the Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA) improves fitting to the laryngeal structure: a randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: The Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA), a type of supraglottic airway, has a non-inflatable cuff that softens at body temperature to fit the laryngeal structure. We investigated whether pre-warming of SLIPA to body temperature may improve insertion parameters. METHODS: Ninety adult patients were assigned equally randomized to either Group W or Group R. Anesthesia was induced using propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium. In Group W, the SLIPA was warmed to 37 ° C before insertion, whereas in Group R, it was inserted at room temperature. The insertion time, oropharyngeal leak pressure, postoperative throat pain, blood staining, regurgitation, number of attempts at insertion, and difficulty of insertion were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The insertion time was shorter in Group W than in Group R (3.60 [3.15-4.06] s vs. 6.00 [4.45-7.50] s; P < 0.001). Oropharyngeal leak pressure from the time of insertion until 3 min after insertion was significantly higher in Group W than in Group R (P < 0.05). Postoperative throat pain, measured using the visual analog scale, was lower in Group W than in Group R (0.00 [0.00-2.50] vs. 2.00 [0.00-4.50]; P = 0.006). The difficulty of insertion was lower in Group W than in Group R (P < 0.004). There were no significant differences in terms of blood staining, regurgitation, and number of attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-warming the SLIPA to body temperature has significant benefits compared to maintaining the device at room temperature. Specifically, insertion was easier, both insertion and fitting to the laryngeal structure could be performed more quickly, and the incidence of sore throat was reduced. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Identifier NCT01209000.

Determination of the 95% effective dose of remifentanil for the prevention of coughing during extubation in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy).

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available regarding the 95% effective dose (ED95 ) of remifentanil to prevent the cough response during emergence from general anesthesia in children. METHODS: This study included 40 patients aged 3-12 years who underwent elective tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. A predetermined remifentanil dose was infused continuously with desflurane during surgery and was continued until extubation. In the emergence period, the cough response during awake extubation was assessed to determine the remifentanil dose for the next patient. The first patient received remifentanil at the rate of 0.01 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) , and subsequent patients received a 0.01 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) higher dose than the previous patient if there was more than moderate coughing detected, and the patient after those with less than mild coughing received either the same dose (95% probability) or a 0.01 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) lower dose (5% probability) using the biased coin design. Times to extubation and adverse events were recorded. The ED95 was calculated using the maximum-likelihood estimation. RESULTS: The ED95 of remifentanil for preventing coughing during extubation was 0.060 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) (95% confidence interval, 0.037-0.068). There was moderate coughing in all groups receiving 0.01-0.06 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) of remifentanil, but no cough response occurred in the group receiving remifentanil 0.07 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) . Time to extubation was weakly correlated with remifentanil infusion rate (r = 0.331). One patient who received remifentanil 0.07 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) showed desaturation over 5 s immediately after extubation, but recovered after receiving 100% oxygen. CONCLUSION: The ED95 of the continuous remifentanil infusion rate was 0.060 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) to prevent the cough response during extubation in children after tonsillectomy.

Comparison of two devices using near-infrared spectroscopy for the measurement of tissue oxygenation during a vascular occlusion test in healthy volunteers (INVOS® vs. InSpectra™).

The aim of this study was to compare tissue oxygen saturation as measured by INVOS® and InSpectra™ during a vascular occlusion test (VOT) in the same subject. Twenty healthy adults were investigated. The INVOS® and InSpectra™ probes were placed randomly on the right and left thenar eminence in the same participant and monitoring of tissue oxygen saturation (SrO2 from INVOS® and StO2 from InSpectra™) were begun. Pneumatic cuffs placed around each upper arm were inflated simultaneously to 30 mmHg above the initial systolic blood pressure and maintained until the tissue oxygen saturation had decreased to 40% or below. The cuff pressure was then released rapidly. The time to achieve initial stability, the baseline value, the time from the baseline value to 40%, the rate of deoxygenation, the rate of reoxygenation, and the hyperemic area under the curve were calculated from SrO2 and StO2. The baseline value by INVOS® was lower than that by InSpectra™ (75.6±8.2 vs. 81.8±3.4%, p<0.01). The time to reach stable baseline value was significantly longer for SrO2 than for StO2 (249±86 and 54±40 s respectively; p<0.01). SrO2 declined to 40% more rapidly than did the StO2 (147±38 vs. 199±41 s, p<0.01). The deoxygenation and reoxygenation rates were higher (p<0.01) and the reactive hyperemic area was more extensive for INVOS® than for InSpectra™ (p=0.015). In conclusion, the VOT on the thenar muscle using INVOS® was as clinically applicable as InSpectra™, but baseline values and dynamic changes of INVOS® differed from those of InSpectra™.

Partially Withdrawn Nasotracheal Tube: An Alternative to the Nasal Trumpet.

After 2-jaw surgery, difficulty in breathing through the mouth and the nose is common due to nasal airway obstruction, intraoral bleeding, and sometimes maxillomandibular fixation. A partially withdrawn nasotracheal tube can be used economically with equal efficacy to the nasopharyngeal airway to provide supplemental oxygen after 2-jaw surgery.

Transthoracic echocardiographic guidance for obtaining an optimal insertion length of internal jugular venous catheters in infants.

BACKGROUND: There are multiple methods of determining the optimal position of central venous catheter (CVC) tips. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and compare TTE and height-based method for correct positioning of CVCs in infants undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: Ultrasonography-guided central venous catheterization was performed via the right internal jugular vein. Longitudinal images of the right atrium and superior vena cava were obtained using TTE. The catheter tip was located 10 mm above the crista terminalis. If the catheter tip was not clearly visualized, the probe was rotated to obtain transverse images and the CVC tip was positioned at the level of the pulmonary artery bifurcation. The mean distance from the catheter tip to the level of the carina was compared with that calculated using a height-based formula. RESULTS: Among 106 cases, positioning of the CVC tip under TTE guidance failed in four patients; thus, the success rate was 96.2%. The mean distance from the CVC tip to the level of the carina was different for positioning using the TTE method (-3.8 ± 8.2 mm; 95% confidence interval, -5.5 to -2.2 mm) and that using the height-based formula (6.1 ± 9.6 mm; 95% CI, 4.2 to 8.0 mm; P = 0.001). The distance was consistent regardless of the height when the insertion length was determined using TTE (r = -0.048, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic echocardiography is a practical method for the correct placement of the CVC tip with less variability compared to the height-based method.

The effect of sevoflurane and ondansetron on QT interval and transmural dispersion of repolarization in children.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the prolongation of QT interval by the combination of sevoflurane and ondansetron in pediatric patients. Additionally, transmural dispersion of repolarization as interval between the peak and end of the T wave (Tp-e) and Tp-e/QT ratio was also measured to assess the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. METHODS: The 3-lead electrocardiography (ECG) in lead II was sampled at three stages: at preinduction, just before (Sevo alone) and finally, after administration of ondansetron (Sevo+Ondansetron) in 41 children aged from 3 to 12 years. The QT interval was corrected for heart rate using Bazett's formula. And, Tp-e interval was obtained, and Tp-e/QT ratio was calculated. For analysis of the changes of parameters, a repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to identify significant differences in QTc, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio at the three epochs. RESULTS: The mean QTc at preinduction period was 413.8 (20.8) ms. The mean Sevo alone and Sevo+Ondansetron QTcs were 432.5 (28.1) and 439.2 (27.6) ms, and the differences in QTc prolongation between stages were all significant (P < 0.01). Ondansetron increased Tp-e interval significantly; however, Tp-e/QT ratio was not different among three stages. There were no ECG abnormalities such as atrial or ventricular arrhythmia and T-wave abnormality in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane prolongs the QTc interval and its combination with ondansetron further increased this effect in children. However, the dispersion of ventricular repolarization was not significantly affected, and there were no adverse events such as ventricular arrhythmia in this study. The combination of sevoflurane and ondansetron may be clinically safe, but careful ECG monitoring is still advisable.

Ultrasound-guided Prolotherapy with Polydeoxyribonucleotide Sodium in Ischiofemoral Impingement Syndrome.

Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome is an uncommon disorder defined by hip pain caused by the narrowing of the space between the ischial tuberosity and lesser trochanter with associated entrapment of the quadratus femoris muscle. We effectively treated two male patients using ultrasound-guided prolotherapy with polydeoxyribonucleotide sodium mixed with local anesthetics. A 24-year-old male patient with no history of trauma or surgery complained of bilateral hip and groin pain; magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated slight narrowing of the bilateral ischiofemoral spaces with mild enhancement of the left quadratus femoris muscle. A 23-year-old male patient with a history of iliotibial band release and iliopsoas tendon release complained of left hip and groin pain; magnetic resonance imaging revealed swelling of the left quadratus femoris muscle. After the fifth treatment session of prolotherapy, the pain severity score using the visual analog scale was found to be minimal (0-1/10), and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed a slightly decreased enhancement of the quadratus femoris muscle compared with that on previous images. Prolotherapy with polydeoxyribonucleotide sodium was an efficacious treatment for two patients with ischiofemoral impingement syndrome who were not candidates for surgery.