Comparing Efficacy of Propofol and Dexmedetomidine in Conscious Sedation During Stapedotomy Surgery.

Introduction: We decided to compare dexmedetomidine with propofol regarding several anesthetic and surgical aspects, during stapedotomy done under conscious sedation. Materials and Method: Thirty patients aged 20-50 years with (American Society of Anesthesiology) ASA class I-II, were assigned to two groups of propofol and dexmedetomidine using a random number table. In dexmedetomidine group, patients received dexmedetomidine infusion (0.5 µg/kg/h) and in the control group, propofol was administered (3 mg/kg/h).Time to reach the desired Ramsey Sedation Score (RSS) and time to reach Aldrete score ≥ 9; incidence of inadvertent movement and amnesia; as well as patients' and surgeons' level of satisfaction and degree of bleeding was recorded. Data on hemodynamic variables were monitored and recorded at several intervals. Results: The mean time taken to reach the RSS (2-4) was 10.3 ± 2.1 min in dexmedetomidine group and 3.1 ± 1.2 min in propofol group. Time to reach Aldrete score ≥ 9 for patients sedated with dexmedetomidine was 8.6 ± 2.1 min and for propofol group was 4.6 ± 1.4 min (p value < 0.05).There were also significant differences between two groups in terms of surgeon's satisfaction with sedation, and the amount of intra operative bleeding. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that dexmedetomidine is a better choice for conscious sedation than propofol. However, the time to reach the required sedation in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly longer.

Correlation of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Chronic Rhinosinusitis Disease Severity.

INTRODUCTION: The present study was conducted to investigate the association between the serum vitamin D levels and severity of disease in chronic rhino sinusitis (CRS) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 93 patients suffering from chronic rhino sinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRS w NP). Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was detected using a simple blood test. A22-item questionnaire, namely the sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22), was used to assess the subjective disease severity and patients' quality of life. In addition, the radiographic signs of the disease severity were evaluated using the Lund-Mackay Scale (LMS). RESULTS: The mean age and serum vitamin D level of the patients were measured at 37.7±13.6 years and 24.6±16.9 ng/ml, respectively. Moreover, the mean of LMS and SNOT-22 scores were calculated at 14.2±11.2 and 40.8±17.6, respectively. There was a negative correlation between the SNOT-22 and serum levels of vitamin D (P=0.034). Similarly, LMS and serum vitamin D levels were correlated negatively (P=0.027). Furthermore, the results revealed a direct relationship between LMS and SNOT-22 (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, there was a significant relationship between the serum vitamin D levels and severity of disease in patients with CRS w NP. Therefore, serum vitamin D levels could be added to the routine workup of the patients suffering from CRS w NP.

Effect of Cold Diet and Diet at Room Temperature on Post-Tonsillectomy Pain in Children.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to compare the effect of cold diet and diet at room temperature on post-tonsillectomy pain in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study a total of 120 children within the age range of 4-12 years who underwent tonsillectomy were randomly assigned to two groups, namely group C with a cold-served diet and group room temperaturewith a room-temperature-served diet postoperatively. Each patient's post-operative pain was evaluated using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale prior to oral diet initiation after the operation, before thesecond acetaminophen dose, before the next day breakfast, and before discharge. RESULTS: Out of 103 children, 48 and 55 children were femaleand male, respectively. The average age of the children was 7 years and 2 months. There was no significant difference in gender and age between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the mean scores of FLACC scale between the two groups at different times, including before starting an oral diet (P>0.15), before the second dose of acetaminophen (P>0.22), before the next day breakfast (P>0.32), and before discharge (P>0.83). In terms of bleedingfrequency, as well as nausea and vomiting, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The obtained results of this study indicated that using cold liquids and foods after tonsillectomy did not have a significant effect on post-tonsillectomy pain in children. According to the findings, it is not rational to advise the mother or the child about the temperature of fluids and foods consumed post-tonsillectomy.

Frequency and causes of seizure among hospitalized burned children.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, frequency, type, time of occurrence and atiology of seizures in children with burn was investigated. All cases were under 18 years and were hospitalized in Shahid Motahari Burns Hospital during 2006-2011. Extracted data from patients' medical records was reviewed and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Among 1103 patients, 69 (6.2%) had seizures, more frequently in the first 24 h following burn. Thermal burn, especially with boiling water was the cause of burn in most of the children. Seizures occurred more commonly in children less than 3 years old and was generalized (tonic-clonic). Seizure was found to be primarily associated with febrile seizure, while hyponatremia was diagnosed as the second cause. Previous seizure history and seizure with unknown cause were identified as other etiologies. This paper summarizes the key information about seizure following burn, which health professionals, especially those in burn centers, should be aware. However, since this study was single-center more investigations in other centers are needed.