[Reducing the pain of intravenous injections in preschool children].

BACKGROUND & PROBLEMS: Peripheral intravenous catheter insertion is a significant source of stress for preschoolers during hospitalization. An average of about 85% of pediatric patients at our general pediatric unit are preschoolers. An average 71% of these exhibit severe pain-related behavior during intravenous insertions. The factors influencing this pain experience may include inappropriate administration of analgesics by nurses, non-pharmacologic pain management, and inappropriate clinical settings. PURPOSE: This project worked to develop a strategy to reduce the incidence of severe injection pain in preschool children from 71.0% to 36.0% and to achieve a capacity improvement target of 50%. RESOLUTIONS: We implemented the following: 1) arranged a relevant training program for pediatric nurses; 2) revised hospital standards for pediatric intravenous insertions; and 3) enhanced analgesic administration and non-pharmacologic pain management through creating child-friendly clinical settings and providing interactive toys. RESULTS: After implementing the above mentioned interventions, the incidence of severe pain-related behavior in pediatric patients decreased from 71.0% to 19.7%, a result that greatly exceeded expectations. CONCLUSIONS: This project demonstrated an effective approach to reducing severe intravenous-insertion pain in preschoolers and increasing pediatric care quality.

[Effectiveness of local cooling and lidocaine administration for prevention of pain upon injection of propofol].

BACKGROUND: Propofol is commonly used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, but pain at the site of intravenous injection is a clinical problem. We studied the effectiveness of local cooling and pretreatment with lidocaine for prevention of injection pain of propofol. METHODS: A total of 226 adult patients scheduled to receive general anesthesia were assigned randomly to four groups: a control group receiving no prophylactic intervention, a cooling group receiving topical cooling, a lidocaine group receiving 1 mg x kg(-1) lidocaine, and a lidocaine plus cooling group receiving topical cooling and 1 mg x kg(-1) lidocaine. A 20 gauge intravenous catheter was inserted into the peripheral vein at the radial side of the forearm. After prophylactic intervention had been performed, 1-2 mg x kg(-1) MCT/LCT propofol was injected. Patients were asked to grade the pain as none, mild, moderate, or severe. RESULTS: The incidence of propofol-induced pain was significantly higher in the control group (39%) than in the other three groups (17% in the cooling group, 16% in the lidocaine group and 8% in the lidocaine plus cooling group). However, there were no significant differences between the three groups with different prophylactic interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that cooling and pretreatment with lidocaine reduce the incidence of pain upon propofol injection.

Prevention of propofol injection pain in children: a comparison of pretreatment with tramadol and propofol-lidocaine mixture.

BACKGROUND: The pain on propofol injection is considered to be a common and difficult to eliminate problem in children. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of pretreatment with tramadol 1 mg.kg(-1)and propofol-lidocaine 20 mg mixture for prevention of propofol induced pain in children. METHODS: One hundred and twenty ASA I-II patients undergoing orthopedic and otolaryngological surgery were included in this study and were divided into three groups with random table numbers. Group C (n=39) received normal saline placebo and Group T (n=40) received 1 mg.kg(-1) tramadol 60 sec before propofol (180 mg 1% propofol with 2 ml normal saline) whereas Group L (n=40) received normal saline placebo before propofol-lidocaine mixture (180 mg 1% propofol with 2 ml %1 lidocaine). One patient in Group C was dropped out from the study because of difficulty in inserting an iv cannula. Thus, one hundred and nineteen patients were analyzed for the study. After given the calculated dose of propofol, a blinded observer assessed the pain with a four-point behavioral scale. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics and intraoperative variables (p>0.05) except intraoperative fentanyl consumption and analgesic requirement one hr after surgery among the groups (p<0.05). Both tramadol 1 mg.kg(-1) and lidocaine 20 mg mixture significantly reduced propofol pain when compared with control group. Moderate and severe pain were found higher in control group (p<0.05). The incidence of overall pain was 79.4% in the control group, 35% in tramadol group, 25% in lidocaine group respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with tramadol 60 sec before propofol injection and propofol-lidocaine mixture were significantly reduced propofol injection pain when compared to placebo in children.

Managing Chemotherapy Extravasation Across Transitions of Care: A Clinical Nurse Specialist Initiative.

Chemotherapy extravasation can lead to serious patient harm in patients with cancer. For nurses who administer vesicant chemotherapy, extravasation is a primary concern. Regardless of nurse experience level and despite prevention strategies, extravasations occur. Literature related to nurse management of chemotherapy extravasation beyond initial treatment is lacking, and no descriptors are available for a formalized process. Communication gaps and a lack of standardized follow-up within a 1400-bed, quaternary care academic medical institution contributes to challenges in care continuity when patients transition between hospital and ambulatory settings. With chemotherapy extravasation, the site does not immediately exhibit signs of tissue injury, leading to a false sense of security. As a result, tissue damage can be significant by the time the patient returns for his or her regular appointment. Two oncology clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) recognized an opportunity to bridge the gap and overcome the challenges by addressing patient needs postextravasation. Between 2015 and 2016, a formal consult process was designed, approved, and implemented to observe, manage, and make recommendations for timely care and follow-up. Since implementation of the process, the oncology CNSs have received multiple requests for consultations. Nursing staff report increased comfort levels with this process in place. A formalized process for managing chemotherapy extravasations increases patient safety and patient and nurse satisfaction.

[Choose which method for the chemotherapy of epithelial ovarian carcinoma: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences of clinical efficacy between intraperitoneal and intravenous chemotherapy. METHODS: The literature database was extensively searched to retrieve the randomized controlled trials with a relevance of study goal. The strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were formulated. And the original studies were selected. After a quality evaluation, the data were extracted. The Cochrane collaboration Revman 4.2 version software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Five clinical studies were included and there were a total of 1 229 eligible patients. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy and intravenous chemotherapy groups were compared: (1) 2 and 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) increased, 2, 3 and 5-year overall survival (OS) increased. The difference was significant enough so that definite conclusions could be drawn; (2) Among the six indicators of unpleasant chemotherapeutic effects (leucopenia, anemia, thrombopenia, GI tract reactions, neurotoxicity and fever), the occurrence of gastrointestinal reaction increased. The difference was significant enough so that definite conclusions could be drawn. And the remaining five indicators had no statistical significance so that definite conclusions could not be drawn. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (Stages FIGOII-IV) undergoing previously a satisfactory tumor reduction surgery (postoperative residual lesions < 1 to 2 cm), intraperitoneal chemotherapy can improve their 2 and 3-year PFS rates and the 2, 3 and 5-year OS rates; Intraperitoneal chemotherapy has not reduced the side effects. But there is an elevated occurrence of gastrointestinal reactions.

The epidural trip: why are so many women taking dangerous drugs during labor?

Two million American women will take an epidural trip this year during childbirth. In most cases, they'll be ill­informed as to possible side effects or alternate methods of pain relief. In many ways, epidurals are the drug trip of the current generation. Similar to street drug pushers, most anesthesiologists in the delivery rooms maintain a low profile, avoid making eye contact and threaten to walk out if they don't get total cooperation. Women get epidurals for one of the main reasons so many women smoked pot in the 1970s­their friends are doing it. This article examines why so many women in the Western world are compelled to take powerful drugs during their labor and exposes the risks epidurals pose to both mother and baby.

Pain Sensitization, Breastfeeding Effectiveness, and Parental Preferences by Antibiotic Route in Suspected Neonatal Sepsis.

OBJECTIVES: Intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) antibiotics have comparable efficacy in treating neonates undergoing sepsis evaluations. There are no clinical data favoring the use of either route regarding newborn pain and parental preferences. We hypothesized that pain associated with IM injections would worsen breastfeeding effectiveness and decrease parental satisfaction, making IV catheters the preferred route. METHODS: This prospective cohort study took place in an academic institution with nurseries in 2 separate hospitals, 1 providing IV antibiotics, and the other, IM antibiotics. Newborns receiving 48 hours of antibiotics were compared by using objective pain and breastfeeding scores and parental surveys. RESULTS: In 185 newborns studied, pain scores on a 7-point scale were up to 3.4 points higher in the IM compared with the IV group (P < .001). Slopes of repeated pain scores were 0.42 ± 0.08 and -0.01 ± 0.11 in the IM and IV groups, respectively (P = .002). Breastfeeding scores were similar between groups. Parents in the IV group were less likely to perceive discomfort with antibiotic administration (odds ratio [OR] 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.74) but more likely to perceive interference with breastfeeding (OR 26; 95% CI 6.4-108) and bonding (OR 101; 95% CI 17-590) and more likely to prefer changing to the alternate route (OR 6.9; 95% CI 2.3-20). CONCLUSIONS: IM antibiotics in newborns are associated with pain sensitization and greater pain than IV dosing. Despite accurately recognizing newborn pain with the IM route, parents preferred this to the IV route, which was perceived to interfere with breastfeeding and bonding.

Venous access ports: frequency and management of complications in oncology patients.

Totally implantable venous access ports have been in use now for over 20 years. They are valuable instruments for long-term intravenous treatment of patients with cancer. Apart from perioperative difficulties, the typical complications associated with venous access ports are venous thrombosis, port infection, extravasation, pinch off syndrome, dislocation, occlusion and catheter leakages. The vast majority of these complications are avoidable, or at least the complication rate can be reduced with health care personnel training and education of patients. This review will give a broad overview on the frequency and possible complications related to port devices. Furthermore, this review suggests strategies for management including proposals to avoid such complications.

Remifentanil prevents withdrawal movements caused by intravenous injection of rocuronium.

PURPOSE: The incidence of pain induced withdrawal movement following intravenous injection of rocuronium is high. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the effect of pretreatment of remifentanil on the withdrawal movements due to intravenous injection of rocuronium during anesthetic induction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety adult female patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly allocated to three groups. Each patient intravenously received one of three solutions of equal volume (4 mL): normal saline (Group I, n=30), 0.5 microg/kg remifentanil (Group II, n=30) or 1 microg/kg remifentanil (Group III, n=30). Thirty seconds after remifentanil administration, anesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg IV thiopental. Twenty seconds after thiopental injection, 0.6 mg/kg IV rocuronium was administered (injection rate of 0.5 mL/sec) and patients' withdrawal movements were assessed. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were assessed on arrival in the operation room, before the tracheal intubation and immediately, 1 and 2 min after the tracheal intubation. RESULTS: The incidence of withdrawal movements was significantly lower in both of the remifentanil groups (3 and 0% in Group II and III, respectively) than in the saline group (70%). Remifentanil attenuated the increase of heart rate and MAP immediately and 1 min after the tracheal intubation. CONCLUSION: The pretreatment with 0.5 and 1.0 microg/kg remifentanil of bolus doses prevented the withdrawal movements caused by rocuronium injection, and effectively blunted cardiovascular activation following tracheal intubation.

I.v. N-acetylcysteine and emergency CT: use of serum creatinine and cystatin C as markers of radiocontrast nephrotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of i.v. administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on serum levels of creatinine and cystatin C, two markers of renal function, in patients with renal insufficiency who undergo emergency contrast-enhanced CT. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven adult patients with renal insufficiency who underwent emergency CT were randomized to two groups. In the first group, in addition to hydration, patients received a 900-mg injection of NAC 1 hour before and another immediately after injection of iodine contrast medium. Patients in the second group received hydration only. Serum levels of creatinine and cystatin C were measured at admission and on days 2 and 4 after CT. Nephrotoxicity was defined as a 25% or greater increase in serum creatinine or cystatin C concentration from baseline value. RESULTS: A 25% or greater increase in serum creatinine concentration was found in nine (21%) of 43 patients in the control group and in two (5%) of 44 patients in the NAC group (p = 0.026). A 25% or greater increase in serum cystatin C concentration was found in nine (22%) of 40 patients in the control group and in seven (17%) of 41 patients in the NAC group (p = 0.59). CONCLUSION: On the basis of serum creatinine concentration only, i.v. administration of NAC appears protective against the nephrotoxicity of contrast medium. No effect is found when serum cystatin C concentration is used to assess renal function. The effect of NAC on serum creatinine level remains unclear and may not be related to a renoprotective action.

[Effect of rocuronium administration rate and remifentanil on prevention of rocuronium injection pain in pediatric cases]. / Pediyatrik olgularda roküronyum enjeksiyon agrisinin azaltilmasinda roküronyum uygulama hizi ve remifentanilin etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of remifentanil administration prior to slow and fast rocuronium infusion on hemodynamic changes and rocuronium injection pain in pediatric patients. METHODS: In total, 120 5-15-year-old ASA score I/II pediatric patients were included in the study. Group A: slow rocuronium injection-saline; group B: slow rocuronium injection (0.6 mg/kg IV)-remifentanyl; group C: fast rocuronium injection-saline; and group D: fast rocuronium injection-remifentanyl. Withdrawal movement after rocuronium injection was recorded based on a 3-point response to withdrawal score. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded. RESULTS: One minute after rocuronium injection, HR values were found to be lower in remifentanil groups (p: 0.0001; 101.4±22.1, p: 0.003; 99.8±18.3 in group B and D, respectively) compared with those in placebo groups (p: 0.025; 107.4±21.7, p: 0.012; 114.0±16.4 in group A and C, respectively). With respect to the response to withdrawal scores, unresponsiveness rates were the highest in group B (66.7%) and group D (70%). The number of non-responder patients was 9 in saline-administered groups (group A and C), whereas it was 20 and 21 in remifentanil-administered groups (group B and D, respectively). Generalized responses were observed predominantly in groups A (20%) and C (20%). Generalized responses were highest in groups A (20%, n=6) and C (20%, n=6). CONCLUSION: There was no impact of infusion speed on rocuronium injection pain in pediatric cases, whereas it is concluded that remifentanil administration prior to rocuronium injection considerably reduced rocuronium injection pain regardless of injection speed and without serious hemodynamic changes.

Efficacy of different fluids preload on propofol injection pain: A randomized, controlled, double-blinded study.

Injection pain of propofol remains a common clinical problem. Previous studies demonstrated that propofol injection pain was alleviated by applying nitroglycerin ointment to the skin of injection site, which inspires us to test whether venous vasodilation induced by fluid preload could alleviate the pain. Different types or volumes of fluid preload were compared. 200 ASA I-II adult patients were randomly assigned to five groups of 40 each. A 20 G cannula was established on the dorsum or wrist of the hand. When fluid preload given with Plasma-Lyte A 100 mL (P100 group), 250 mL (P250 group), 500 mL (P500 group), 0.9% saline 500 mL (N500 group) or Gelofusine 500 mL (G500 group) was completed within 30 min, respectively, Propofol (0.5 mg/kg, 1%) was injected at a rate of 0.5 mL/s. A blind investigator assessed the pain using a four-point scale. Incidence of pain in P100, P250, and P500 groups was 87.5%, 57.5% and 35%, respectively (P<0.05). The median pain intensity score was significantly lower in P500 group than that in P250 and P100 groups (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Comparison of the effect of different types of solution preload indicated that the highest incidence of pain was in N500 group (62.5%) (N500 vs. P500, P=0.014; N500 vs. G500, P=0.007). The median pain intensity score in N500 group was higher than that in P500 group (P<0.05) and G500 group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between P500 and G500 groups. It is suggested that Plasma-Lyte A or Gelofusine preload with 500 mL before propofol injection is effective in alleviating propofol-induced pain.

[Intravenous antibiotics for rhinosinusitis]. / Antybiotykoterapia dozylna w leczeniu zapalenia zatok przynosowych.

The still present problem of choice of a treatment method in chronic sinusitis was introduced in this study. The heterogenous etiology of chronic sinusitis and its treatment consequences were presented. The main current options in the treatment of chronic sinusitis were shown. The functional endoscopic sinus surgery was emphasized as the most important. The different courses of antibiotic therapy: nebulization, oral and intravenous were introduced as a method of choice in exacerbation of chronic process. The intravenous antibiotics were analyzed in details and it was especially based on the bacterial biofilms theory according to the newest literature. The obtaining results were good enough. They were better in children than in adults and in patients with shorter history of sinusitis, however they were not free from complications. Thrombophlebitis, allergic reaction, neutropenia were indicated as most frequent complications that caused the break in the therapy. In the conclusion the intravenous antibiotic therapy was estimated as a useful procedure, but not highly recommended due to a possibility of complications.

Use of remifentanil to reduce propofol injection pain and the required propofol dose in upper digestive tract endoscopy diagnostic tests.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The introduction of propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) as a sedative agent has transformed the area of sedation for endoscopic procedures. However, a major drawback of sedation with the use of propofol is its high incidence of injection pain. The most widely used technique in reducing propofol injection pain is through the association of other drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of remifentanil-propofol combination on the incidence of propofol injection pain and its influence on the total dose of propofol required for sedation in upper digestive tract endoscopy (UDE) diagnostic tests. METHOD: One hundred and five patients undergoing upper digestive tract endoscopy were evaluated and randomly divided into 3 groups of 35 patients each. The Control Group received propofol alone; Study-group 1 received remifentanil at a fixed dose of 0.2mg/kg combined with propofol; Study-group 2 received remifentanil at a fixed dose of 0.3mg/kg combined with propofol. The incidence of propofol injection pain and the total dose of propofol required for the test were evaluated. The sample was very similar regarding age, weight, height, sex, and physical status. Statistical analysis was performed according to the nature of the evaluated data. Student's t-test was used to compare the mean of age, weight, height (cm), and dose (mg/kg) variables between groups. The χ(2) test was used to compare sex, physical status, and propofol injection pain between groups. The significance level was α<0.05. RESULTS: There was significant statistical difference between the study groups and the control group regarding the parameters of propofol injection pain and total dose of propofol (mg/kg) used. However, there were no statistical differences between the two study groups for these parameters. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the use of remifentanil at doses of 0.2mg/kg and 0.3mg/kg was effective for reducing both the propofol injection pain and the total dose of propofol used.

Antidotes to vesicant chemotherapy extravasations.

The foregoing sections have reviewed the experimental studies and clinical anecdotes describing potential pharmacologic antidotes to extravasations of vesicant anticancer agents. Numerous prior reviews have also suggested specific antidotes or very conservative, non-pharmacologic approaches. Many antidotal approaches to extravasation have not been experimentally validated and thus, few 'antidotes' share a rationale which is founded on positive experimental and clinical studies. However, using this criteria, a few active antidotes can be distilled from the literature. These are outlined in Table 6. These antidotes include isotonic (1/6 M) sodium thiosulfate for mechlorethamine (and optionally for cisplatin), hyaluronidase for the vinca alkaloids (and optionally for epipodophyllotoxins such as etoposide), and cooling with very topical DMSO and low dose hydrocortisone for the anthracyclines. For the alkylating agent mitomycin C, topical DMSO has been effective experimentally but has not yet received clinical validation, at least in published studies. Nonetheless, the severity of mitomycin C ulcerations and the documented safety of topical DMSO in the small series of doxorubicin extravasation patients argues for its use when mitomycin extravasates in the clinic. Furthermore, except for DMSO, all of these extravasation antidotes are listed in the official FDA-approved package inserts for each vesicant agent. Thus, the inserts for vincristine and vinblastine specify hyaluronidase, for doxorubicin, glucocorticosteroids, and for mechlorethamine, sodium thiosulfate. New studies are clearly needed to clarify the role of topical DMSO with anthracyclines and mitomycin C. In addition, efforts should be made to begin clinical development of radical dimers such as DHM3 which can directly inactivate quinone-containing vesicants like doxorubicin and mitomycin C. Although the incidence of chemotherapy extravasation may be lessened with vascular access devices, it nonetheless, continues to comprise a serious and highly litigious area of oncology practice. This commands continued extravasation intervention studies and diligent prevention when ever possible.

Prevention and management of extravasation of cytotoxic drugs.

Extravasation of certain cytotoxic agents during peripheral intravenous administration may cause severe local injuries. Most extravasation can be prevented with the systematic implementation of careful administration techniques. However, the management of this complication, the aim of which is to prevent progression to tissue necrosis and ulceration, remains an important challenge in the care of cancer patients. Many antidotes have been evaluated experimentally and a few may be able to reduce the local toxicity of the more common vesicant cytotoxic drugs. Because no randomised trial on the management of cytotoxic drug extravasation in humans has ever been completed, recommendations must be based on the more consistent experimental evidence and on cumulative clinical experience from available case reports and uncontrolled studies, which are reviewed in this article. Empirical guidelines recommend the use of topical dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and cooling after extravasation of anthracyclines or mitomycin, locally injected hyaluronidase after extravasation of vinca alkaloids, and locally injected sodium thiosulfate (sodium hyposulfite) after extravasation of chlormethine (mechlorethamine; mustine). Plastic surgery may be necessary when conservative treatment fails to prevent ulceration. The possibility of late local reactions must also be considered in the management of patients receiving chemotherapy.

Wound botulism associated with black tar heroin.

The incidence of wound botulism is increasing and the epidemiology of the disease is changing. The majority of new cases are associated with injection drug use, in particular, the use of Mexican black tar heroin. This case report and discussion of wound botulism illustrate the following important points: Dysphagia, dysphonia, diplopia, and descending paralysis, in association with injection drug use, should alert the treating physician to the possibility of wound botulism. In such patients, the onset of respiratory failure may be sudden and without clinically obvious signs of respiratory weakness. For the reported patient, maximum inspiratory force measurements were the only reliable indicator of respiratory muscle weakness. This is a measurement not routinely performed in the ED, but may prove essential for patients with suspected wound botulism. To minimize the effect of the botulinum toxin and to decrease length of hospital stay, antitoxin administration and surgical wound debridement should be performed early.