Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Intrathecal Fentanyl and Magnesium Sulphate as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUNDS: The duration and potency of the subarachnoid block (SAB) can be enhanced by incorporating spinal additives into local anesthetics. In this study, the effectiveness of intrathecal fentanyl and magnesium sulphate as adjuvant anesthetics to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine is compared in regard to the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, along with circulatory variables. METHODS: After authorization of ethical committee , 100 patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I and II, were chosen and split into two groups with 50 patients each. A SAB was administered; Group 1 was given 2.5 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 0.5 mL of fentanyl (25 µg), and Group 2 received 2.5 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 0.2 mL of magnesium sulphate (100 mg). 0.3 mL of distilled water was added to both groups making an intrathecal drug volume of 3.0 mL. Perioperative circulatory parameters and sensory and motor block features are noted and compared. Version 21.0 of Statistical Package for the Social for Windows was used for all statistical calculations. RESULTS: Group 1 had a faster onset of sensory and motor block in comparison to Group 2. However, both groups were statistically similar with regard to the duration of sensory and motor blockade, visual analog scale scores, intra and postoperative hemodynamic parameters. CONCLUSION: 0.5 mL fentanyl functions as a better spinal adjuvant to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine compared to magnesium sulphate, block but both the agents had similar duration of block, postoperative analgesia and hemodynamic parameters.

Spontaneous subcapsular renal haematoma in a diabetic patient with acute pyelonephritis.

Spontaneous renal subcapsular haematoma is not a common clinical condition. It is mainly caused by renal tumours, vascular diseases, trauma, anticoagulation, and urological interventions. Patients present with sudden onset abdominal pain mainly in the flank region, haematuria, and abdominal tenderness. We report a case of 42-year-old diabetic patient who presented with a history of fever and left flank pain with clinical signs of pyelonephritis, on whom abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography demonstrated a subcapsular renal haematoma which was confirmed by percutaneous aspiration. Management with antibiotics and percutaneous nephrostomy proved successful.

Perinatal Outcome in Pregnancies Associated with Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study in a Rural Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of North India.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to know type of hypertension affecting pregnant women and impact on perinatal outcome. SUBJECT AND METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study; 120 women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) at gestation ≥28 weeks who delivered in our institute were enrolled. Sociodemography, gestational age, mode of delivery, APGAR, birth weight, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and perinatal outcome were recorded. Mean ± standard deviation or proportions, analysis of variance, Chi-square test, and odds ratio were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Preeclampsia (PE) was most prevalent hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (44.2%), followed by eclampsia (27.50%), gestational hypertension (23.3%), and chronic hypertension (CH) (5.0%). In PE group, 61.8% had FGR, 65.5% newborns were preterm, 74.6% had low birth weight, and 54.1% needed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. In eclampsia group, 42.9% had fetal growth restriction, 65.7% preterm, 80% low birth weight, and 78.6% NICU admission. PE women delivered more fetal growth-restricted babies with odd ratio of 2.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15, 4.9) and at lower gestation with odd ratio of 2.00 (95% CI: 0.95, 4.21). Eclampsia group had more newborn with low APGAR 1 min, NICU admissions, and those requiring ventilator with odds ratio of 3.10 (95% CI: 1.37, 7.03), 4.48 (95% CI: 1.64, 12.24), and 4.09 (95% CI: 1.6, 10.46), respectively. Perinatal mortality was 10, 9, and 2 in eclampsia, PE, and gestational hypertension groups, respectively, with overall rate of 16.9%. PE and eclampsia comprised 71.70% of HDP but contributed 90.5% of all perinatal deaths. CONCLUSION: Preeclampsia-eclampsia is associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes as compared to gestational and CH, necessitating screening, vigilant antenatal care, timely intervention, and referral.

Efficacy of premixed versus succedent administration of fentanyl and bupivacaine in subarachnoid block for lower limb surgeries: A randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Subarachnoid block is the most commonly used anaesthesia technique for lower limb surgeries. Opioids are the most commonly used adjuvants with local anesthetics (LA). Adjuvants are given premixed with LA loaded in a single syringe. This study was conducted to evaluate differences in level of sensory and motor block and incidence of hypotension whilst administering hyperbaric bupivacaine and fentanyl either in a single syringe or different syringes. The effect of administering opioid prior to LA and vice versa on these parameters was also assessed. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients were randomly allocated into three groups of 40 each: Group A received premixed 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 2.5 ml (12.5 mg) and 0.5 ml (25 microgram) of fentanyl in a single 3.0 ml syringe, Group B received 0.5 ml (25 microgram) of fentanyl in a 3.0 ml syringe followed by 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 2.5 ml (12.5 mg) in a 3.0 ml syringe, Group C received 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 2.5 ml (12.5 mg) in a 3.0 ml syringe followed by 0.5 ml (25 microgram) fentanyl in a 3.0 ml syringe. All statistical calculations were done using SPSS 21 version statistical program for Microsoft Windows. RESULTS: The mean time for onset of sensory and motor block was least in group C followed by group B. The duration of sensory and motor block was prolonged in groups B and C. Patients in group A experienced more hypotension as compared to groups B and C. CONCLUSION: Administering hyperbaric bupivacaine first followed by fentanyl leads to an early onset and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block.

Pictorial Essay: Classic Signs in Pediatric Neuroradiology.

BACKGROUND: A number of metaphorical imaging signs have been described in the radiology literature. OBJECTIVE: These signs not only make the learning process easier but also increase diagnostic confidence. For this reason, these signs are quite popular among radiologists. CONCLUSION: In this article, we have demonstrated classic signs described in pediatric neuroradiology with appropriate examples and illustrations.

A comparative study of desflurane versus sevoflurane in obese patients: Effect on recovery profile.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anesthesia in obese patients is difficult due to associated comorbidities and altered physiology. Desflurane and sevoflurane have a low fat-blood solubility coefficient and are better suited in these patients to achieve a rapid emergence. We studied BIS guided drug titration to compare the postoperative recovery characteristics and cognitive function of desflurane versus sevoflurane in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent, sixty obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were randomized to receive either BIS guided desflurane or sevoflurane. Recovery was assessed by time taken for eye opening on verbal command, sustained head lift for 5 s, and extubation and orientation to time, place, and person after discontinuation of volatile anesthetic agent. For cognitive function, time taken to complete Mini mental state examination (MMSE) score to baseline was compared in both study groups. RESULTS: Difference of time taken for eye opening on verbal command, sustained head lift for 5 s, and extubation and orientation to time, place, and person was not significant between both anesthetic groups. Patients in sevoflurane group took significantly (P-value = 0.001) less time (40.07 ± 13 min) to achieve preoperative MMSE score than desflurane group (51.2 ± 11.7 min). CONCLUSION: Both desflurane and sevoflurane have similar recovery profile in obese patients when anesthetic concentration is carefully titrated. Reversal of cognitive function is significantly earlier in obese patients anesthetized with sevoflurane.

Premedication with pregabalin 150mg versus 300mg for postoperative pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pregabalin has been used in various studies for postoperative pain relief in varying doses. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support a safe and effective dose of pregabalin. The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of two different preoperative doses of pregabalin (150 mg and 300mg) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for postoperative pain relief. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety adult patients of either sex with American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I and II scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were randomized to receive pregabalin 150mg (group A), pregabalin 300mg (group B), or placebo (group C) orally 1 h before surgery. The pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and a verbal rating scale (VRS) for the initial 24 h postoperatively. The primary outcome of our study was the comparative assessment of the severity of pain in the postoperative period in three groups. Postoperative analgesic consumption and incidence of side effects were assessed as secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: VAS score was significantly more in group C than group A and B (P-value <0.05). The total amount of fentanyl required in 24 h was least in group B (228.33 ± 42.41µg) followed by group A (292.50 ± 46.49µg) and group C (322.50 ± 39.58µg) (P-value 0.0001). The incidence of sedation, dizziness, and visual disturbances was more in group B as compared to group A and was least in group C. CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin 150 mg is effective in decreasing postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with fewer incidences of adverse effects such as sedation and visual disturbances as compared to pregabalin 300 mg.

Quantitative assessment of airway and parenchymal components of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using thin-section helical computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to diagnose and characterise chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) into its forms, patterns, and severity using MDCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, spirometric and MDCT evaluation was done in 52 consecutive patients diagnosed with COPD. In each patient six segmental bronchi were evaluated for CT morphometric indices of bronchial wall thickness (BWT) and wall area percentage (WAP). Quantitative evaluation of emphysema was done using inbuilt software, and volume of emphysematous lung was determined using percentage low attenuation area (LAA). COPD was categorised into the following: emphysema predominant; airway predominant; or mixed phenotypes, and severity grading was assigned as mild, moderate, or severe. RESULTS: Centrilobular was the predominant emphysema pattern occurring alone (36.5%) or in combination with paraseptal changes (34.6%). Among COPD phenotypes, emphysema predominant was the commonest (44.3%), followed by mixed (30.8%), and bronchitis predominant (25.0%). The mean BWT in the airway-predominant group was significantly higher (1.94 ± 0.28 mm) than in the emphysema-predominant subgroup (1.79 ± 0.23 mm) with a p value of 0.005. CONCLUSION: MDCT is an indispensable tool in quantitative and qualitative evaluation of COPD patients. Measurement of CT indices like BWT, WAP, and %LAA can reliably categorise COPD into phenotypes like emphysema predominant, airway predominant, or mixed, which serve as a guide for patient management.

MR Imaging of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy - Distribution Patterns and ADC value correlations.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy causes hypoxic brain injury. Due to differences in brain maturity at time of insult, severity of hypotension and duration of insult, there are four distinct patterns of brain injury. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive modality for evaluating these patterns of brain injury. Additional role of Diffusion weighted imaging and ADC values can be useful in the evaluation of such cases. We conducted this study to analyse the usefulness of ADC values in the brain tissue affected by hypoxic-ischemic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of all the patients referred to our department for magnetic resonance scanning of brain with history of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and clinical features cerebral palsy. 23 Cases with imaging manifestations of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were included in the study. We studied distribution patterns of HIE in our cases and calculated the ADC values of involved as well as normal grey and white matter. Further, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios for each dichotomized diffusion and ADC values were obtained Wilson Score method. RESULTS: The most common distribution pattern in our study was involvement of peri-rolandic area (15 cases, 65%). ADC values were significantly (p < 0.005) increased in abnormal white matter. No significant changes (p = 0.8) were seen in ADC values of normal and abnormal grey matter. CONCLUSIONS: Due to significant increase in ADC values of affected white matter, ADC value can be used as a marker to detect chronic sequel of hypoxic ischaemic brain injury. Another observation was the perirolandic brain tissue being most common area of involvement in the cases with cerebral palsy.

Comparison of Local Wound Infiltration with Ropivacaine Alone or Ropivacaine Plus Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Pain Relief after Lower Segment Cesarean Section.

CONTEXT: Dexmedetomidine, α2-adrenergic agonist, when coadministered with local anesthetics, improves the speed of onset, duration of analgesia and decreases the dose of local anesthetic used. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of local subcutaneous wound infiltration of ropivacaine alone with ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine for postoperative pain relief following lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was a prospective, randomized control, double-blind study. Sixty female patients belonging to physical status American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I or II scheduled for LSCS under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups of thirty patients each. Group A: local subcutaneous wound infiltration of 0.75% ropivacaine (3 mg/kg) diluted with normal saline to 40 ml. Group B: local subcutaneous wound infiltration of 0.75% ropivacaine (3 mg/kg) plus dexmedetomidine (1.5 µg/kg) of the body weight diluted with normal saline to 40 ml. Standard spinal anesthesia technique was used and LSCS was conducted. The allocated drug was administered by local subcutaneous wound infiltration before closure of the skin. In postoperative period, pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) over a period of 24 h, time of giving first rescue analgesic consumption, mean analgesic consumption, patient satisfaction, and incidence of side effects in 24 h postoperative period was noted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: All observations were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Chi-square test and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: A total number of patients requiring rescue analgesic, mean VAS each time rescue analgesic was given, and the mean analgesic required in 24 h postoperative period was lesser in Group B than in Group A. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine for the surgical wound infiltration significantly reduces postoperative pain and rescue analgesic consumption in patients undergoing LSCS. No serious adverse effects were noted.

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence: A new perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the use of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnostic interpretation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) or thinning and its association with ear pathologies and to find whether it is an acquired condition and its association with increase in age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: study was performed in a tertiary care institute present in a village, following approval of the institutional ethical committee. Retrospective review of temporal bone CT examinations performed between September 2016 and March 2017 was done. 1 mm interval axial images with sagittal and coronal reformatted images were reviewed for the presence of canal dehiscence and thinning by investigators. We characterised the Superior semicircular canal status as normal, frank dehiscence or thinning. Frank dehiscence was further classified anatomically as anterior limb, apex and posterior limb dehiscence.The patient list was then subcategorized into 5 age groups, and the prevalence of SSCD was calculated for each group. RESULTS: Retrospective review yielded 80 positive cases which included SSC dehiscence (N = 39) and thinning (N = 41). 80 normal scans were selected as control group retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed to assess for differences between the groups studied. Pearson chi-square test applied. there was a significant association of SSC pathologies prevalence with increasing age (p = < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between SSCD and presence of either CSOM or Cholesteatoma (p = 0.285). Vertigo rather than Tullio phenomenon was the statistically significant complaint (p = <0.001). which brought the patient to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The SSCD and thinning belong to the same spectrum and are acquired conditions. Increasing prevalence in old age suggests it to be an acquired condition rather than a congenital one. No significant association of these condition was seen with CSOM and cholesteatoma. Vertigo is the predominat symptom bringing the patient to hospital along with Tullio phenomenon.

Comparative efficacy of clonidine versus magnesium sulfate as an adjunct to lignocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia for postoperative analgesia: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) is a very good technique to be used in unstable patients. Various adjuvants have been added, but till date, there is no ideal adjuvant. Clonidine is one of the most widely used adjuvants in IVRA. However, it has many side effects. Hence, the search continues for a better adjuvant. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of clonidine versus MgSO4 as an adjunct to lignocaine in IVRA for postoperative analgesia and to compare their side effect profile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective double-blind randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care institute. Forty adult patients were included. Patients were assigned into two groups; Group 1 (n = 20) received 3 mg/kg of 2% lignocaine + 50% MgSO4 1.5 g diluted with normal saline to 40 ml. Group 2 (n = 20) received 3 mg/kg of 2% lignocaine + clonidine 150 µg diluted with normal saline to 40 ml. Pain score, time to first rescue analgesic (TTFA), total number of rescue analgesics required, and the side effects of the two drugs were compared for 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean TTFA was significantly longer in Group 1 (193.9 ± 38.4 min) than in Group 2 (169.5 ± 33.3 min); P < 0.05. The mean number of rescue analgesics required was 1.6 ± 0.7 in Group 1 as compared to 2.1 ± 0.8 in Group 2 (P < 0.05). More serious side effects such as hypotension and bradycardia were noted with clonidine, although all patients experienced transient pain during intravenous injection of MgSO4. CONCLUSION: MgSO4 provides better postoperative analgesia as compared to clonidine when used as an adjunct to lignocaine in IVRA with fewer side effects.

Vibration sensation as an indicator of surgical anesthesia following brachial plexus block.

BACKGROUND: Local anesthetic instillation in close vicinity to nerves anywhere in body blocks sensations in the same order as in central neuraxial blockade. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vibration sense as criteria to determine the onset of surgical anesthesia following brachial plexus block and its correlation with loss of sensory and motor power. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included fifty patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologist physical status I and II, aged between 18 and 45 years, undergoing elective upper limb surgery under brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach. The baseline values of vibration sense perception using 128 Hz Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork, motor power using formal motor power of wrist flexion and wrist extension, and sensory score by pinprick method were recorded preoperatively and every 5 min after giving block till the onset of complete surgical anesthesia. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation of time (in minutes) for sensory, motor, and vibration block was 13.33 ± 3.26, 21.10 ± 3.26, and 25.50 ± 2.02, respectively (P < 0.05). Although all the patients achieved complete sensory and motor block after 25 min, 14% of the patients still had vibration sensations intact and 100% of the patients achieved complete sensory, motor, and vibration block after 30 min. CONCLUSIONS: Vibration sense serves as a reliable indicator for the onset of surgical anesthesia following brachial plexus block. Vibration sense testing with 128 Hz Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork along with motor power assessment should be used as an objective tool to assess the onset of surgical anesthesia following brachial plexus block.

Giant Atretic Occipital Lipoencephalocele in an Adult with Bony Outgrowth.

BACKGROUND: We present unique case of a giant extracranial atretic occipital lipoencephalocele in an adult patient with new bone formation within it which was not associated with any developmental malformation of brain. Resection of the lipoencephalocele was performed for esthetic reasons. CASE REPORT: 18 year old female patient presented to the surgery OPD with complains of a large mass in the occipital region present since birth. It was of size of a betel nut at the time of birth and gradually increased in size over a long period of time. It was painless and not associated with any other constitutional symptoms. On examination the rounded fluctuant mass was present in the midline in occipital region covered with alopecic skin with dimpling in the overlying skin. On MRI there was mass showing both T1 and T2 hyperintense signal area suggestive of fat component. Herniation of meninges and atretic brain parenchyma was also seen through a defect in the occipital bone in the midline. There was a Y shaped bony outgrowth seen arising from occipital bone into the mass which was quite unusual in association with an atretic lipoencephalocele. CONCLUSIONS: A large lipoencephalocele with bony outgrowth in an adult patient is a rare presentation of atreic occipital encephalocele.

Contrast Intravasation During Hysterosalpingography.

Hysterosalpingography is an imaging method to evaluate the endometrial and uterine morphology and fallopian tube patency. Contrast intravasation implies backflow of injected contrast into the adjoining vessels mostly the veins and may be related to factors altering endometrial vascularity and permeability. Radiologists and gynaecologists should be well acquainted with the technique of hysterosalpingography, its interpretation, and intravasation of contrast agents for safer procedure and to minimize the associated complications.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Characterization of Perianal Fistulous Disease in a Rural Based Tertiary Hospital of North India.

BACKGROUND: To diagnose and characterize the perianal fistulous disease using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a hilly and rural area of North India. MATERIAL/METHODS: This prospective hospital based study was conducted for a period of one year from April 2014 to April 2015 in the departments of Radiodiagnosis and Surgery of our institute. A total of 50 consecutive patients presenting with perianal fistulous disease fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study and taken up for MRI. The perianal fistulae were classified according to St James University hospital classification and tracks were assessed with regard to anatomical plane, length, ramifications, abscess formation, enteric communication, external cutaneous opening, enhancement and suprasphincteric extension. Surgical correlation was done in 31 patients who opted for surgical treatment. Rest of the 19 patients preferred alternative medicine for treatment or chose to postpone their surgery. RESULTS: The disease was much more prevalent in males in comparison to females with male to female ratio of 24:1. Grade 4 was the most common type of fistula (34%) while Grade 5 was the least common type (4%).MRI showed a high sensitivity of 93.7% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.7% when correlated with surgical findings. A substantial number of patients (38%) preferred alternative medicine or non surgical form of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is a very sensitive modality for the evaluation of perianal fistula. In our study group, the disease predominantly affected middle aged men. Ramifications and abscesses were commonly seen, affecting nearly half of the patients and majority of the patients had active fistulous tracks with posteriorly located enteric opening. Overall, transsphincteric fistulae were most common. Significant number of patients avoided surgery or showed preference for non surgical treatment.