The predictive role of carotid artery flow time for anesthesia-induced hypotension in high-risk elderly patients.

Hypotension induced by general anesthesia is associated with postoperative complications, increased mortality, and morbidity, particularly elderly patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of corrected carotid artery flow time (FTc) for predicting hypotension following anesthesia induction in patients over 65 years old. After faculty ethical committee approval and written informed consent, 138 patients (65 years and older, ASA physical status I-III) who scheduled for elective surgery were included in this study. In the pre-operative anesthesia unit, the carotid artery FTc value was measured by ultrasound and hemodynamic values were recorded. Following anesthesia induction with propofol, hemodynamic data were recorded at 1-minute intervals for 3 min. Measurements were terminated prior to endotracheal intubation, as direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation could cause sympathetic stimulation and hemodynamic changes. Hypotension occurred in 52 patients (37.7%). The preoperative FTc value of the patients who developed hypotension was statistically lower (312.5 ms) than the patients who did not (345.0 ms) (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for carotid artery FTc was 0.93 (95% CI for AUC:0.89-0.97; p < 0.001) with an optimal cut-off of value for predicting post-anesthesia hypotension 333 ms, a sensitivity of 90.4% and a specificity of 84.9%. As a result of the multiple logistic regression model, carotid artery FTc emerged as the sole independent risk factor for hypotension following anesthesia induction. Preoperative carotid artery FTc measurement is a simple, bedside, noninvasive, and reliable method for predicting anesthesia-induced hypotension in elderly patients.

The Effect of Oral Fluid Administration 1 Hour before Surgery on Preoperative Anxiety and Gastric Volume in Pediatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Today, preoperative fasting guidelines have changed, allowing clear liquid intake up to 1 h before surgery. However, concerns remain regarding the risk of aspiration associated with clear liquid intake. This study aimed to investigate the impact of clear fluid given 1 h before surgery on child anxiety and gastric volumes. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study included 90 patients aged 5-12 years. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups by a computer-generated randomization: group F (n = 30): standard fasting group, group W (n = 30): patients who received oral water at a dose of 5 mL/kg 1 h before surgery, group C (n = 30): patients who received oral carbohydrate fluid at a dose of 5 mL/kg 1 h before surgery. All patients were assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS) before and 1 h after fluid administration. Antral cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured with ultrasonography after intubation, and gastric residual volume (GRV) was calculated. Hemodynamic data, blood sugar level, and parental satisfaction were also recorded. RESULTS: The m-YPAS scores obtained after 1 h were significantly lower in group C than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Antral CSA and GRV values were lower in group C and group W than in the fasting group (p < 0.001). Parental satisfaction was highest in group C. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that allowing a carbohydrate-rich clear liquid intake 1 h before surgery can significantly reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients without increasing the risk of aspiration.

Thoracic Anaesthesia Practices in Turkey: A Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: In this survey study, we aimed to investigate thoracic anaesthesia practices in Turkey. METHODS: The survey was sent to the members of the Turkish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation by e-mail. Participants were asked to answer 35 questions about their thoracic anaesthesia practice. RESULTS: A total of 148 questionnaires were completed. Most of the participants preferred double-lumen endobronchial tube for one-lung ventilation. 69.6% of auscultation method and 45.9% of fiberoptic bronchoscope method were used to confirm the tube position. The most frequently used additional monitoring method was invasive blood pressure. Generally, intravenous anaesthetic agents were preferred for anaesthesia induction, and a combination of inhalation and intravenous agents was used for anaesthesia maintenance. Most of the participants used intraoperative lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategies. For postoperative analgesia, 75% of participants preferred regional analgesic techniques and 89.9% of them used routine opioid agents. In general, moderate amount of fluid was applied (57.4%), crystalloids were the first choice in fluid therapy, and intraoperative hypotension was generally treated with controlled intravenous fluid and vasoactive agents. The haemoglobin threshold value for blood transfusion was stated as 8 g dL-1 by 35.8% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that the anaesthesia management of thoracic surgery in Turkey is generally compatible with the current international guidelines. However, the following conclusion was reached: training on blood transfusion, the use of fiberoptic bronchoscope, regional techniques, and intraoperative additional monitoring would be beneficial, and a national consensus should be reached on the thoracic anaesthesia practice.

Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block on Postoperative Pain in Children Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) and intravenous paracetamol on postoperative pain control in paediatric patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). METHODS: Forty patients aged 1-5 years, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, scheduled for PNL were enrolled into this prospective randomised controlled trial. After arrival in the operating room, all patients were administered standardised general anaesthesia. Patients in Group PVB received ultrasound-guided PVB using bupivacaine 0.5% at a total volume of 0.5 mL kg-1 at the vertebral levels T11, T12 and L1. Patients in Group P were administered paracetamol intravenously (15 mg kg-1) before the beginning of surgery. Patients in both groups were given tramadol (1 mg kg-1) for supplemental analgesia. Patient demographics, haemodynamic parameters, peripheral oxygen saturation and sevoflurane concentration were recorded. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability pain scores; satisfaction of parents; the number of patients requiring supplemental analgesia; and complications were evaluated during the postoperative period. RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly lower in Group PVB compared with Group P (p=0.001). There were no analgesic requirements in Group PVB; however, all patients needed a supplemental analgesic in Group P. Parental satisfaction was higher in Group PVB than in Group P. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that ultrasound-guided PVB provides more effective postoperative analgesia with no side effects compared to intravenous paracetamol in children undergoing PNL.

The Effect of Sevoflurane and Dexmedetomidine on Pulmonary Mechanics in ICU Patients.

OBJECTIVE: In intensive care unit (ICU) patients, intravenous (iv) and volatile agents are used for sedation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane on pulmonary mechanics in ICU patients with pulmonary disorders. METHODS: After approval of the ethical committee and informed consent between the ages of 18-65 years were obtained, 30 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologist status I-III, who were mechanically ventilated, who had pulmonary disorders and who needed sedation were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were severe hepatic, pulmonary and renal failures; pregnancy; convulsion and/or seizure history; haemodynamic instability and no indication for sedation. Patients were divided into two groups by randomised numbers generated by a computer. For sedation, 0.5%-1% sevoflurane (4-10 mL h-1) was used by an Anaesthetic Conserving Device in Group S (n=15), and iv dexmedetomidine infusion (1 µg-1 kg-1 10 min-1 loading and 0.2-0.7 µg-1 kg-1 h-1 maintenance) was performed in Group D (n=15). Arterial blood gas analysis, airway resistance, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), frequency, tidal volume (TV), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), static pulmonary compliance and end-tidal CO2 values were recorded at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h. RESULTS: Demographic data, airway resistance, PEEP, frequency, TV, Ppeak and static pulmonary compliance values were similar between the groups. PaCO2 and end-tidal CO2 values were higher in Group S than in Group D. Sedation and patient comfort scores were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine are suitable sedative agents in ICU patients with pulmonary diseases.

Determining the effect of long-term dexamethasone and prednisolone treatment on sugammadex

Background/aim: We aimed to investigate the effect of long-term use of dexamethasone and prednisolone on the reversal effect of sugammadex. Materials and methods: TTwenty-four male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. Dexamethasone (600 µg/kg) was given to group D, prednisolone (10 mg/kg) was given to group P, and an equivalent volume of saline per day was administered intraperitoneally to group S for 14 days, respectively. The left hemidiaphragm with attached phrenic nerve was maintained in Krebs solution. Sugammadex (30 µmol/L) was applied while rocuronium (10 µmol/L) was present in an organ bath and a single twitch was obtained. The right hemidiaphragm was used for both adult ( ε-subunit) and fetal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) ( ε-subunit) determination using polymerase chain reaction. Results: All animals lost weight, except group S. The mean baseline single-twitch tension was lower in both group D (14.4 ± 1.7 g) and group P (12.68 ± 0.05 g) than group S (16.8 ± 0.5 g) (P < 0.001). When sugammadex was added to the organ bath while rocuronium was present, the single twitch was measured to be lower in both group D (11.7 ± 0.7 g) and group P (11.5 ± 0.78 g) than group S (16.5 ± 0.24 g) (P < 0.001). Ɣ-AChR expression was higher in both dexamethasone and prednisolone than in saline. Conclusion: Long-term medication with dexamethasone and prednisolone caused muscle weakness, resistance to neuromuscular blockers, and upregulation of immature Ɣ-AChR and reduced the neuromuscular reversal effect of sugammadex.

Comparative study of ultrasound-guided paravertebral block versus intravenous tramadol for postoperative pain control in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for renal calculi, and nephrostomy tubes lead to postoperative pain after PCNL. Regional techniques (e.g., epidural analgesia and peripheral blocks) and opioids are applied for postoperative pain treatment. The aim of this study was to compare effectiveness of ultrasound-guided paravertebral block (PVB) and tramadol on postoperative pain in patients who underwent PCNL. METHOD: Fifty-three patients were included in this prospective randomized study. The patients were allocated into two groups: the PVB group (group P, n = 26) and the tramadol group (group T, n = 27). All patients were administered standard general anaesthesia. Ultrasound-guided PVB was performed at the T11- L1 levels using 0.5% bupivacaine for a total dose of 15 mL in group P. Patients in group T were intravenously administered a loading dose of 1 mg/kg tramadol. Patients in both groups were given patient-controlled analgesia. Haemodynamic parameters, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, side effects, and complications, tramadol consumption and additional analgesic requirements of the patients were recorded after surgery. RESULTS: Haemodynamic parameters were statistically similar between the groups. The VAS in group P were statistically lower than in group T. In the 24-h period after surgery, total PCA tramadol consumption was statistically lower in group P than in group T. The use of supplemental analgesic in group T was higher than in group P. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided PVB was found to be an effective analgesia compared to tramadol, and no additional complications were encountered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02412930 , date of registration: March 27, 2015, retrospectively registered.

Comparison of TIVA with different combinations of ketamine-propofol mixtures in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: Adding ketamine to propofol has been suggested to be useful for sedation and general anesthesia. This study aimed to determine the effect of TIVA with different ratios of ketofol on recovery in children. METHODS: Seventy-five children aged 3-12 years and undergoing adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy surgery were randomized into three groups. Ratios of 1:5, 1:6.7 and 1:10 ketamine-propofol mixture (ketofol) were prepared in the same syringe for groups I, II and III, respectively. Induction and maintenance of anesthesia were performed with 1:5, 1:6.7 and 1:10 ratios of ketofol in groups I, II and III, respectively. A McFarlan infusion dose regimen was used (15 mg/kg/h for 15 min, 13 mg/kg/h for 15 min, 11 mg/kg/h for 30 min) and infusion rates were decreased for the different ratios. Infusion rates were reduced to 67, 80 and 90% of the McFarlan dose regimen for groups I, II and III, respectively. Extubating time, length of stay in PACU, postoperative PAED and FLACC scores were recorded. RESULTS: Extubating time was significantly lower [mean 254.3 ± 92.7 s (95% CI 216.6-292.6, p = 0.001)] in group III than in groups I and II [371.3 ± 153 s (308.1-434.48) and 343.2 ± 123.7 s (292.2-394.3), respectively]. Length of stay in the PACU was lower in group III [median 15 min (interquartile range 15-20, p = 0.001)] than in groups I and II: 20 (15-27.5) and 20 min (20-27.5), respectively. CONCLUSION: TIVA with a 1:10 ratio of ketofol admixture with a 90% reduction of McFarlan regimen can provide improved recovery conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02848963.

Comparison of the cardioprotective effects of dexmedetomidineand remifentanil in cardiac surgery

Background/aim: Myocardial protection is an important factor of open heart surgery and biological biomarkers (lactate, CKMB, cardiac troponin I, and pyruvate) are used to assess myocardial damage. This study compares the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on myocardial protection during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Materials and methods: Patients scheduled for elective CABG surgery (n = 60) were included in this study. Anesthesia induction was introduced with propofol, fentanyl, and vecuronium bromide. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil infusion and sevoflurane in the remifentanil group (Group R) and with dexmedetomidine infusion and sevoflurane in the dexmedetomidine group (Group D). Blood samples for biochemical markers were taken from the coronary sinus catheter before cardiopulmonary bypass (T1), 20 min after aortic cross-clamping (T2), 20 min after removal of the aortic cross-clamping (T3), and 10 min after separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (T4).Results: Demographic data were similar between the groups. Lactate level at the T2 period and CKMB levels during the study period were lower in Group D than in Group R. In both groups, all values except pyruvate significantly increased over time. Conclusion: The dexmedetomidine-sevoflurane combination may improve the cardioprotective effect in comparison with remifentanil-sevoflurane in CABG surgery.

Bipolar Versus Unipolar Intraarticular Pulsed Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Chronic Knee Pain Treatment: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic knee pain is a major widespread problem causing significant impairment of daily function. Pulsed radiofrequency has been shown to reduce severe chronic joint pain as a non-pharmacological and less invasive treatment method. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the effectiveness of unipolar and bipolar intraarticular pulsed radiofrequency methods in chronic knee pain control. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. SETTING: Pain clinic in Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine. METHODS: One hundred patients, aged 20 - 70 years with grade 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis were included in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups to receive either unipolar (group U, n = 50) or bipolar (group B, n = 50) intraarticular pulsed radiofrequency (IAPRF) with a 45 V voltage, 2 Hz frequency, 42° C temperature, 10 msec pulse width, and 10 minute duration. We recorded visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index LK 3.1WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index LK 3.1) scores of patients at baseline and one, 4, and 12 weeks after the procedure. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with ≥ 50% reduction in knee pain at 12 weeks after the procedure. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the groups according to VAS scores at all post-intervention time points. In group B, 84% of patients, and in the group U, 50% of patients achieved at least 50% knee pain relief from the baseline to 3 months. In group B, WOMAC scores were significantly lower than the group U at one and 3 months. LIMITATIONS: Lack of long-term clinical results and supportive laboratory tests. CONCLUSION: Bipolar IAPRF is more advantageous in reducing chronic knee pain and functional recovery compared with unipolar IAPRF. Further studies with longer follow-up times, laboratory-based tests, and different generator settings are required to establish the clinical importance and well-defined mechanism of action of PRF. This study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT02141529), on May 15, 2014. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval date: January 16, 2014, and number: 26/9Key words: Chronic pain, intraarticular, knee joint, knee osteoarthritis, pain management, pulsed radiofrequency treatment, quality of life, recovery of function.

Association between preoperative maternal anxiety and neonatal outcomes: a prospective observational study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Preoperative anxiety can be associated with poor postoperative clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess whether preoperative maternal anxiety level of obstetric patients scheduled for elective cesarean surgery has an effect on clinical outcome of the newborn. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: Operating room. PATIENTS: Sixty pregnant women with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2 scheduled for elective cesarean surgery were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: All patients received spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5mg. MEASUREMENTS: We performed a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire to evaluate preoperative maternal anxiety. We used the Apgar scoring system to assess the physical condition of the newborn. Hemodynamic measurements (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) were recorded at baseline, skin incision, childbirth, and 10, 15, and 30minutes after skin incision. The use of ephedrine, nausea, and vomiting were recorded as well. MAIN RESULTS: Average preoperative maternal state anxiety score was 41.1±4.6, and trait anxiety score was 50.9±5.7. Average Apgar scores of newborns were 7.6±0.8 and 9.2±0.6, at first minute and fifth minute, respectively. We found no significant relationship between the anxiety scores and Apgar scores at first and fifth minute. Forty-two patients required ephedrine, 5 patients had nausea, and 5 patients had vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there was no relationship between preoperative maternal anxiety scores and Apgar scores at the first and fifth minute.

The Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Sugammadex Reversal Time in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone has been shown to cause inhibition of sugammadex reversal in functionally innervated human muscle cells. In this prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study, we evaluated the effect of dexamethasone on the reversal time of sugammadex in children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. METHODS: We recruited 60 patients with ASA physical status I to II, between the ages of 3 and 8 years, scheduled for elective tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. After the induction of anesthesia, patients in group D received IV dexamethasone at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg within a total volume of 5 mL saline, whereas patients in group S received only 5 mL IV saline as the control group. At the end of surgery, all patients were given a single bolus dose (2 mg/kg) of sugammadex at reappearance of T2. Demographic data, hemodynamic variables, time to recovery (a train-of-four ratio of 0.9), time to tracheal extubation, and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance between 2 groups in time to recovery and time to extubation. Time to recovery was 97.7 ± 23.9 seconds in group D and 91.1 ± 39.5 seconds in group S (P = 0.436; 95% confidence interval, -10.3 to 23.5). Time to extubation was 127.9 ± 23.2 seconds and 123.8 ± 38.7 seconds in group D and in group S, respectively (P = 0.612; 95% confidence interval, -11.9 to 20.05). CONCLUSIONS: IV dexamethasone, given after induction of anesthesia, at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, does not substantively affect the reversal time of sugammadex in pediatric patients undergoing adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy.

Preoperative informational video reduces preoperative anxiety and postoperative negative behavioral changes in children.

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia and surgery can lead to major distress for children. Sedative premedication and preoperative preparation techniques are available to reduce preoperative anxiety in children. We aimed to assess the effect of informational video based on role-play modelling on preoperative anxiety and postoperative behavior changes in children undergoing surgery. METHODS: Forty-two children aged 5-12 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I-II, scheduled for elective outpatient surgery, were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly allocated to one group with or without information video presentation. In group V, patients watched the information video (N.=21). Other children were verbally informed in a standard care (group C, N.=21). We recorded patient's demographics (age, birth order, surgery time, surgery type, history of previous surgery, parent's age, parental working status, parental education level), the preoperative anxiety level using Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (MYPAS) and at 1 week after discharge, new developing postoperative maladaptive behaviors (POMB) using the Post Hospitalization Behavioral Questionnaire by telephone interview. RESULTS: Patient's demographics were similar in both groups. Total MYPAS scores were found to be lower in group V as compared to group C P=0.0001). Difficulty getting to sleep, nocturnal enuresis, fear of dark, to object to go to bed at night and decreased appetite of new developing POMB were found to be lower in group V than group C. We also found a correlation between anxiety scores and POMB. CONCLUSIONS: The presentation of an informational video based on model making reduces preoperative anxiety at the time of placement of the facemask and postoperative negative behavioral changes in children.

A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of IV Dexketoprofen, Lornoxicam, and Diclophenac Sodium on Postoperative Analgesia and Tramadol Consumption in Patients Receiving Patient-Controlled Tramadol.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the effects of dexketoprofen, lornoxicam, and diclophenac sodium on postoperative analgesia and tramadol consumption in patients receiving postoperative patient-controlled tramadol after a major abdominal surgery. METHODS: Eighty patients were randomized to receive one of the four study drugs. Patients in group dexketoprofen (DT) received IV 50 mg dexketoprofen, group lornoxicam (LR) received IV 8 mg lornoxicam, group diclophenac sodium (DS) received 75 mg IV diclophenac sodium and group saline (S) received 0.9% saline in 2 mL syringes, 20 min before the end of anaesthesia. A standardized (1 mg kg(-1)) dose of tramadol was routinely administered to all patients as the loading dose at the end of surgery. Postoperatively, whenever patients requested, they were allowed to use a tramadol patient-controlled analgesia device giving a bolus dose (0.2 mg kg(-1)) of tramadol. Pain, discomfort, and sedation scores, cumulative tramadol consumption, supplemental meperidine requirement, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Visual rating scale and patient discomfort scores were significantly lower in DT, LR and DS groups compared to those in in group S (p<0.001). Cumulative tramadol consumption was significantly lower in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-treated groups at each study period after the second postoperative hour than in group S (p<0.001). Supplemental meperidine requirement was significantly higher in group S at each study period after postoperative 30 min than in NSAID-treated groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: After major abdominal surgery, adding IV diclophenac, lornoxicam or dexketoprofen to patient-controlled tramadol resulted in lower pain scores, smaller tramadol consumption, less rescue supplemental analgesic requirement, and fewer side effects compared with the tramadol alone group.

Effect of Ketamine, Thiopental and Ketamine-Thiopental Combination during Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of anaesthesia with thiopental (4 mg kg(-1)), ketamine (1 mg kg(-1)) and ketamine-thiopental (1 mg kg(-1) and 4 mg kg(-1), respectively) combination during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and haemodynamic variables in patients with resistant major depression. METHODS: Patients with HDRS scores above 17 were included. The patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the anaesthesia used. Group 1 was given thiopental (4 mg kg(-1)), Group 2 was given ketamine (1 mg kg(-1)) and Group 3 was given ketamine (1 mg kg(-1)) and thiopental (4 mg kg(-1)). Succinylcholine (1 mg kg(-1)) was administered in all patients for muscle relaxation. HDRS and HAM-A scores were evaluated before ECT, after 3, 6. ECT and after the final ECT. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rates and oxygen saturations were recorded before and after anaesthesia induction and after the ECT procedure. Seizure duration was recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included in the study. Thirty (52%) patients were male and 28 (48%) were female. The mean age was 42.7±15.8 years in Group 1, 44.8±11 years in Group 2 and 38.6±6.8 years in Group 3. In all groups, HDRS scores were reduced compared with the baseline values. There was no statistical significant difference between the groups regarding HDRS scores. HAM-A scores were higher in Group 2 and Group 3. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate values were lower in Group 1 and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In this study, anaesthesia induced with thiopental, ketamine and thiopental-ketamine combination was observed to not result in a difference in ECT for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine at a dose of 1 mg kg(-1) given just before ECT did not enhance the antidepressant effect of ECT; however, anxiety scores were increased with ketamine application.

Preoperative Psychological Preparation of Children.

Surgery and anaesthesia are significant sources of anxiety for children. In the preoperative period, reducing anxiety helps in preventing the negative consequences that may occur after surgery. The predetermined high-risk children in terms of the development of anxiety play an important role in reducing the negative consequences. Recently featured approaches are modelling and coping techniques, although many techniques are used in the preoperative psychological preparation. The use of computer programs in this area may facilitate important achievements, and it needs to support new studies to be performed.

Coadministration of intravenous remifentanil and morphine for post-thoracotomy pain: comparison with intravenous morphine alone.

OBJECTIVES: In this double-blind, randomized study, the authors compared the effects of a patient-controlled remifentanil and morphine combination with morphine alone on post-thoracotomy pain, analgesic consumption, and side effects. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Volunteer patients at a university hospital undergoing elective thoracotomy surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated randomly into 2 groups to receive patient-controlled analgesia: the morphine (M) group or the morphine plus remifentanil (MR) group. Pain, discomfort, sedation scores, cumulative patient-controlled morphine consumption, rescue analgesic (meperidine) requirement and side effects were recorded for 24 hours. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixty patients were allocated randomly to receive intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with morphine alone (M) or morphine plus remifentanil (MR) in a double-blind manner. Patients were allowed to use bolus doses of morphine (0.02 mg/kg) or the same dose of a morphine plus remifentanil (0.2 µg/kg) mixture every 10 minutes without a background infusion. VAS scores were lower in the MR group than in the M group at 30 minutes (p = 0.04), 1 hour (p = 0.03), and 2 hours (p = 0.04). Mean cumulative doses of morphine were not significantly different at 27.8±15 mg for the M group and 21.9±10.5 mg for the MR group. Significantly more patients needed meperidine in the M group (p = 0.039); these also experienced more nausea (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Coadministration of PCA remifentanil with morphine for the treatment of post-thoracotomy pain did not reduce morphine consumption but provided superior analgesia, less use of rescue analgesics, and fewer side effects compared to morphine alone.

Anaesthetic Management of a Patient with Hereditary Angioedema.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by reduced activity of the C1 esterase inhibitor. Clinically, angioedema most often involves the upper extremities, face, neck and larynx. The most common cause of death is asphyxia related to laryngeal oedema. Attacks are triggered by many factors such as trauma, stress, infections and hormonal fluctuations. C1 esterase inhibitor concentrates, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), androgen steroids, quinine pathway inhibitors and antifibrinolytics can be used as treatment. In this case report, the anaesthetic management of a patient with hereditary angioedema undergoing laminectomy surgery is reported.