[Effects of flunitrazepam on intraocular pressure (author's transl)]. / Effets du flunitrazépam sur la pression intra-oculaire.

Though ophthalmologists operate upon patients that are in a debilitated state, a general anesthesia has to be employed with increasing frequency. Flunitrazepam, known to possess good cardiovascular tolerance, was studied to evaluate its effects on intraocular pressure in 34 unselected patients undergoing 41 operations under general anesthesia, usually 41 operations under general anesthesia, usually for retinal detachment or cataract. Ocular pressure was normal in all cases before surgery, but a history of chronic respiratory insufficiency was obtained in 8 cases and of cardiovascular disease in 18. After premedication with 0.02 mg . kg-1 of flunitrazepam and 0.01 mg . kg-1 of atropine, anesthesia was induced by 0.04 mg . kg-1 i.v. of flunitrazepam alone. No marked alterations in cardiac of respiratory functions were observed. Intraocular pressure was measured with a Schiötz tonometer, just before and 5 minutes after the i.v. injection of flunitrazepam. Results showed -- before: 1.61 +/- 0.51 kPa (12.1 +/- 3.8 mmHg); after: 1.09 +/- 0.36 kPa (8.2 +/- 2.7 mmHg) -- a statistically reduction of 32 p.cent. The precise mechanism of action of flunitrazepam on intraocular pressure is not known, but cannot be related to the reduction in aqueous humor secretory flow or the marked diminution in arterial or venous pressure. A probable explanation is the lowering of resistance to aqueous humor flow exterior to the ocular globe as a result of the muscle relaxant properties of the product. Flunitrazepam appears to be a narcohypnotic of choice in ophthalmological surgery on these inherently debilitated patients.

[Severe preeclampsia: management. Is conservative treatment justified?]. / La Prééclampsie sévère: prise en charge. Un traitement conservateur est-il justifié?

Severe preeclampsia is a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This review was performed to assess the fetal and maternal benefits of allowing women presenting with severe preeclampsia between 24 and 32-34 weeks of amenorrhea to continue their pregnancy following antihypertensive treatment. After ultrasound scanning to assess growth and biophysical state of the fetus, patients without deteriorating maternal conditions, were managed with volume expansion, antihypertensive drugs (as hydralazine, labetalol, nifedipine), anticonvulsants and prophylactic steroids to promote fetal pulmonary maturity. Previous studies have indicated that this conservative management is also possible with the HELLP syndrome, without an increase in maternal morbidity.

A randomized, double-blind comparison between parecoxib sodium and propacetamol for parenteral postoperative analgesia after inguinal hernia repair in adult patients.

The newly injectable cyclooxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, parecoxib, has never been compared with propacetamol, a parenteral formulation of acetaminophen. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy study, we randomly assigned 182 patients scheduled for initial inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia to receive a single injection of 40 mg parecoxib or 2 injections of 2 g propacetamol within the first 12 h after surgery. The study variables were morphine consumption, pain at rest and while coughing, and patient satisfaction throughout the first 12 h postoperatively. For statistical analysis, we used the Student's t-test, chi(2), and covariance analysis. Total morphine consumption did not differ between the two groups. Pain was less intense in the parecoxib group at rest (P = 0.035) but did not differ for pain while coughing. The incidence of side effects was similar. Significantly more patients in the parecoxib group rated their pain management as good or excellent (87% versus 70% in the propacetamol group, P = 0.001). Within the first 12 h after inguinal hernia repair in adult patients, a single injection of parecoxib 40 mg compares favorably with 2 injections of propacetamol 2 g.

[Intrabuccal fixation technic for oral intubation catheters]. / Technique de fixation intra-buccale des sondes d'intubation orale.

An original technique for intrabuccal fixation of orotracheal intubation catheters is described. Applicable for extensive external facial operations only, this procedure allows operation to be performed under conditions of comfort and safety superior to conventional methods using sparadrap and cordonnet. Strict adherence to the technique is necessary to avoid complications.