Comparison of antioxidant effects of isoflurane and propofol in patients undergoing donor hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The safety of healthy volunteer donors is one of the most important issues in living-donor liver transplantation. Use of the Pringle maneuver during donor hepatectomy can result in liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of isoflurane and propofol on IR injury caused by the Pringle maneuver during donor hepatectomy. METHODS: A total of 70 American Society of Anesthesiology I-II donors aged 18-65 years who underwent hepatectomy were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: propofol and isoflurane. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured before surgery (t0) and after surgery (t1). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in demographic features, anesthesia, and times of surgery between the groups (P > .05). Plasma TAC levels at t0 and t1 were significantly lower in the propofol group than in the isoflurane group (P < .05). OSI at t1 was significantly higher in the propofol group than in the isoflurane group (P < .05). MDA levels were significantly higher in the propofol group than in the isoflurane group at t0 (P < .05). MDA levels level were significantly higher in the isoflurane group than in the propofol group at t1 (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Propofol may have protective effects against IR injury caused by the Pringle maneuver during donor hepatectomy in living-donor transplantations. However, the effectiveness of propofol for clinical use needs to be investigated further.

Efeitos antimicrobianos de cetamina em combinação com propofol: um estudo in vitro / The antimicrobial effects of ketamine combined with propofol: an in vitro study / Efectos antimicrobianos de la cetamina en combinación con el propofol: un estudio in vitro

EXPERIÊNCIA E OBJETIVOS: Cetamina e propofol são os anestésicos gerais que também exibem efeitos antimicrobianos e promotores do crescimento microbiano, respectivamente. Embora esses agentes sejam frequentemente aplicados em combinação durante o uso clínico, não há dados sobre seu efeito total no crescimento microbiano na administração combinada. Nesse estudo, investigamos o crescimento de alguns microrganismos em uma mistura de cetamina e propofol. MÉTODO: Nesse estudo, utilizamos cepas padronizadas: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Candida albicans. Realizamos uma análise de tempo-crescimento para avaliar as taxas de crescimento microbiano em propofol 1%. A atividade antimicrobiana de cetamina, isoladamente e em propofol, foi estudada pelo método de microdiluição. RESULTADOS: Em propofol, as cepas estudadas cresceram de concentrações de 10³-10(4) ufc/mL para > 10(5) ufc/mL, dentro de 8-16 horas, dependendo do tipo de microrganismo. Foram determinadas a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e a concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) (para Candida, concentração fungicida mínima) de cetamina, como se segue (CIM, CBM): E. coli 312,5, 312,5 µg/mL; S.aureus 19,5, 156 µg/mL; P. aeruginosa 312,5, 625 µg/mL; e C. albicans 156, 156 µg/mL. Na mistura cetamina + propofol, cetamina exibiu atividade antimicrobiana para E. coli, P. aeruginosa e C. albicans em CBMs a 1250, 625 e 625 µg/mL, respectivamente. O crescimento de S. aureus não foi inibido nessa mistura (concentração de cetamina = 1250 µg/mL). CONCLUSÃO: Cetamina preservou sua atividade antimicrobiana de maneira dose-dependente contra alguns microrganismos em propofol, que é robusta solução promotora de crescimento microbiano. O uso combinado de cetamina e propofol na aplicação clínica de rotina pode diminuir o risco de infecção causada por contaminação acidental. Entretanto, deve-se ter em mente que cetamina não pode reduzir todas as ameaças patogênicas na mistura com propofol.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ketamine and propofol are the general anesthetics that also have antimicrobial and microbial growth-promoting effects, respectively. Although these agents are frequently applied together during clinical use, there is no data about their total effect on microbial growth when combined. In this study, we investigated some organisms' growth in a ketamine and propofol mixture. METHOD: We used standard strains including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in this study. Time-growth analysis was performed to assess microbial growth rates in 1% propofol. Antimicrobial activity of ketamine, alone and in propofol was studied with microdilution method. RESULTS: In propofol, studied strains grew from 10³-10(4) cfu/mL to >10(5) cfu/mL concentrations within 8-16 hours depending on the type of organism. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (for candida, minimal fungicidal concentration) of ketamine were determined as follows (MIC, MBC): E.coli 312.5, 312.5 µg/mL; S.aureus 19.5, 156 µg/mL; P.aeruginosa 312.5, 625 µg/mL; and C.albicans 156, 156 µg/ml. In ketamine+propofol mixture, ketamine exhibited antimicrobial activity to E.coli, P.aeruginosa and C.albicans as MBCs at 1250, 625 and 625 µg/mL, respectively. Growth of S. aureus was not inhibited in this mixture (ketamine concentration=1250 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: Ketamine has sustained its antimicrobial activity in a dose-dependent manner against some organisms in propofol, which is a strong microbial growth-promoting solution. Combined use of ketamine and propofol in routine clinical application may reduce the risk of infection caused by accidental contamination. However, one must keep in mind that ketamine cannot reduce all pathogenic threats in propofol mixture.

EXPERIENCIA Y OBJETIVOS: La Cetamina y el propofol son los anestésicos generales que también tienen efectos antimicrobianos y son los promotores del crecimiento microbiano, respectivamente. Aunque esos agentes sean frecuentemente aplicados en combinación durante el uso clínico, no hay datos sobre su efecto total en el crecimiento microbiano en la administración combinada. En ese estudio, investigamos el crecimiento de algunos microrganismos en una mezcla de cetamina y propofol. MÉTODO: En este estudio, utilizamos cepas estandarizadas: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Candida albicans. Realizamos un análisis de tiempo-crecimiento para evaluar las tasas de crecimiento microbiano en el propofol al 1%. La actividad antimicrobiana de cetamina, aisladamente y en propofol, fue estudiada por el método de microdilución. RESULTADOS: En el propofol, las cepas estudiadas crecieron de concentraciones de 10³-10(4) ufc/mL para #> 10(5) ufc/mL, dentro de 8-16 horas, dependiendo del tipo de microrganismo. Fueron determinadas la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) y la concentración bactericida mínima (CBM) (para Candida, concentración fungicida mínima) de cetamina, como vemos (CIM, CBM): E. coli 312,5, 312,5 µg/mL; S.aureus 19,5, 156 µg/mL; P. aeruginosa 312,5, 625 µg/mL; y C. albicans 156, 156 µg/ml. En la mezcla cetamina + propofol, la cetamina mostró una actividad antimicrobiana para E. coli, P. aeruginosa y C. albicans en CBMs a 1250, 625 y 625 µg/mL, respectivamente. El crecimiento de S. aureus no se inhibió en esa mezcla (concentración de cetamina = 1250 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONES: La cetamina preservó su actividad antimicrobiana de manera dosis-dependiente contra algunos microrganismos en propofol, que es una robusta solución que promueve el crecimiento microbiano. El uso combinado de cetamina y propofol en la aplicación clínica de rutina puede disminuir el riesgo de infección causada por la contaminación accidental. Sin embargo, debemos tener presente que la cetamina no puede reducir todas las amenazas patógenas en la mezcla con el propofol.

The effects of ephedrine on maternal hypothermia in caesarean sections: a double blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of bolus and the combination of bolus and infusion of ephedrine on maternal hypothermia which are used for treating maternal hypotension under spinal anaesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 110 ASA I-II patients who developed maternal hypotension were included into the study. Spinal anaesthesia was performed with 12.5 mg heavy bupivacaine + 15 µg fentanyl. Group I: Ephedrine bolus 5 mg plus ephedrine infusion, Group B: Ephedrine bolus 5 mg plus normal saline infusion. The systolic blood pressure was allowed to range between 20% from baseline values. Ephedrine solution infusion started after hypotension occurred (0.5 mg/minute). The body temperature under 35.5°C was accepted as hypothermia. The newborns' rectal temperature was measured. Moreover, the Apgar scores, umbilical vein-arterial blood gas and acid-base status were evaluated. RESULTS: In Group I, the body core temperatures which were measured at 9, 18, 33, and 39th minutes were significantly higher than Group B (p < 0.05). The prevalence of maternal hypothermia in Group I was significantly lower than the Group B, which were as 65.5% (36/55) and 85.5% (47/55), respectively (p < 0.05). In Group I, the newborn rectal temperatures and the total dose of ephedrine were significantly higher than Group B (p < 0.05). In Group I, the systolic and mean blood pressures were higher than Group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, we found that combined bolus and infusion of ephedrine for treating maternal hypotension prevents maternal and neonatal hypothermia during caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia compared to bolus administrations alone.

Remifentanil without muscle relaxants for intubation in microlaryngoscopy: a double blind randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the effect of remifentanil without muscle relaxant with succinylcholine for intubation in microlaryngoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group R (n=40) and S (n=40) received remifentanil 4 µg/kg intravenously or 1 µg/kg respectively. Anesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg propofol in both groups. Intubation was performed after bolus administration of 10 ml saline as a placebo or 1 mg/kg of succinylcholine in Group R and S respectively. Remifentanil infusion was initiated at 0.025 µg/kg in each groups. RESULTS: Intubation conditions were similar in both groups. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) values at post-induction period were significantly lower in the Group S than in the Group R (p = 0.001). The requirement for ephedrine in Group R was found to be significantly lower than Group S (p = 0.023). Recovery times were significantly shorter (p = 0.001) and recovery scores were significantly higher (p = 0.021) in Group R. Time to patient could respond to commands was significantly longer in the Group S (p = 0.001). The surgeon's satisfaction score was significantly higher in Group R (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that remifentanil without muscle relaxants provides similar intubating conditions as that provided by succinylcholine, and remifentanil is superior to succinylcholine with regard to haemodynamic stability and recovery duration.

Effects of isoflurane and propofol on hepatic and renal functions and coagulation profile after right hepatectomy in living donors.

We compared postoperative hepatic and renal functions and coagulation profiles in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy under isoflurane (n = 40) versus propofol (n = 40) anesthesia. After induction, anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane/air-O2 (group I) or propofol/air-O2 (group P) in addition to remifentanil and atracurium infusion in both groups. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), albumin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), platelet count, and hemoglobin levels were measured in the preoperative period, after end of the operation, and on the first, third, fifth and seventh postoperative days (PODs). INR was significantly increased on POD 3 and aPTT on POD 5 in group I compared with group P (P < .05). Albumin level was significantly lower in Group I on POD 1 and 3 (P < .05). GFR was significantly lower on POD 1 in the group I compared with group P (P < .05). The postoperative coagulation, GFR, and albumin values were superior following administration of propofol than isoflurane in donors who underwent living hepatectomy; however, both approaches were clinically safe, with no significant clinical difference.

Sevoflurane alone and propofol with or without remifentanil for electroconvulsive therapy-a randomised, crossover study.

We compared the effectiveness of three anaesthetic regimens (propofol alone, propofol with remifentanil and sevoflurane alone), with respect to seizure duration and seizure quality in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. Thirty-nine patients underwent a total of 234 electroconvulsive therapy treatments in this prospective, observer blinded, crossover study. Each patient received either propofol 1 mg/kg alone (Group P), propofol 0.5 mg/kg and remifentanil 1 µg/kg (Group R), or sevoflurane alone 6% (Group S) for their initial electroconvulsive therapy session. The patients subsequently received an alternative regimen in their next session, such as from propofol 1 mg/kg alone to propofol 0.5 mg/kg and remifentanil 1 µg/kg, from propofol 0.5 mg/kg and remifentanil 1 µg/kg to sevoflurane alone 6%, or from sevoflurane alone 6% to a continuing alternation between drugs at each session, until their sixth session. Muscle paralysis was achieved with 1 mg/kg succinylcholine. Seizure duration, postictal suppression index, early and midictal amplitude were recorded. The mean motor and electroencephalogram seizure durations were significantly longer in Groups P and R compared to Group S (P <0.001). The postictal suppression index and early and midictal amplitude values were not significantly different among the groups. These findings indicate that the three anaesthetic regimens had similar effects on seizure quality parameters, although sevoflurane was associated with shorter seizure durations than propofol or propofol-remifentanil.

The antimicrobial effects of ketamine combined with propofol: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ketamine and propofol are the general anesthetics that also have antimicrobial and microbial growth-promoting effects, respectively. Although these agents are frequently applied together during clinical use, there is no data about their total effect on microbial growth when combined. In this study, we investigated some organisms' growth in a ketamine and propofol mixture. METHOD: We used standard strains including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in this study. Time-growth analysis was performed to assess microbial growth rates in 1% propofol. Antimicrobial activity of ketamine, alone and in propofol was studied with microdilution method. RESULTS: In propofol, studied strains grew from 10(3)-10(4) cfu/mL to ≥10(5) cfu/mL concentrations within 8-16 hours depending on the type of organism. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (for candida, minimal fungicidal concentration) of ketamine were determined as follows (MIC, MBC): E.coli 312.5, 312.5 µg/mL; S.aureus 19.5, 156 µg/mL; P.aeruginosa 312.5, 625 µg/mL; and C.albicans 156, 156 µg/ml. In ketamine+propofol mixture, ketamine exhibited antimicrobial activity to E.coli, P.aeruginosa and C.albicans as MBCs at 1250, 625 and 625 µg/mL, respectively. Growth of S. aureus was not inhibited in this mixture (ketamine concentration=1250 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: Ketamine has sustained its antimicrobial activity in a dose-dependent manner against some organisms in propofol, which is a strong microbial growth-promoting solution. Combined use of ketamine and propofol in routine clinical application may reduce the risk of infection caused by accidental contamination. However, one must keep in mind that ketamine cannot reduce all pathogenic threats in propofol mixture.

Comparison of Propofol and Ketamine-Propofol Mixture (Ketofol) on Laryngeal Tube-Suction II Conditions and Hemodynamics: A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blind Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to compare the effect of ketamine-propofol mixture (ketofol) and propofol on the laryngeal tube-Suction II (LTS II) insertion conditions and hemodynamics. METHODS: Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 and 2 patients were divided into 2 random groups to receive either 1 µg/kg remifentanil and propofol 2 mg/kg in Group P (n = 40), or 1 µg/kg remifentanil and ketofol (using a 1:1 single syringe mixture of 5 mg/mL ketamine and 5 mg/mL propofol) in Group K (n = 40) before induction of anesthesia. After induction, LTS II was inserted. Heart rate and noninvasive blood pressure were recorded before induction of anesthesia (t0); immediately following induction (t1); immediately after LTS II insertion (t2); and 3 minutes (t3), 5 minutes (t4), and 10 (t5) minutes after LTS II insertion. Conditions of insertion of LTS II were assessed and scored 1 to 3 using 6 variables as follows: mouth opening, swallowing, coughing, head and body movements, laryngospasm, and ease of LTS II insertion by the same experienced anesthesiologist who did not know the agents. LTS II insertion summed score was prepared depending upon these variables. RESULTS: In regard to LTS II insertion summed score, Group K was more favorable than Group P (P < 0.05). Apnea duration was longer in Group P (385.0 seconds [range = 195.0-840.0 seconds]) compared with Group K (325.50 seconds [range = 60.0-840.0 seconds]) but this was not statically significant. The heart rate values were significantly lower at all measurement intervals in both groups compared with the baseline values (P < 0.05). There was no difference in heart rate between Group P and Group K. The mean arterial pressure values were significantly lower at all measurement intervals in Group P compared with baseline values (P < 0.05). In Group K, the mean arterial pressure values were significantly lower at all measurement intervals compared with the baseline values, except t2 (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between Group P and Group K in terms of mean arterial pressure at t3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that ketofol provided better insertion summed score for LTS II than propofol, with minimal hemodynamic changes.

Effects of desflurane and isoflurane on hepatic and renal functions and coagulation profile during donor hepatectomy.

We compared the effect of two inhalation anesthetics desflurane and isoflurane on postoperative hepatic and renal functions as well as coagulation profiles in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy. This study was performed on 80 patients who were randomly allocated to group D (desflurane, n = 40) or group I (isoflurane, n = 40) after Faculty Ethics Committee approval. After induction, isoflurane or desflurane was used with air/oxygen for anesthetic maintenance. The isoflurane or desflurane concentration was set at one minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). Remifentanil was infused for analgesia as well as cisatracurium. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), international normalized ratio (INR), albumin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, platelet count, and hemoglobin levels were analyzed preoperatively at end of the operation, and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 30. Both AST and ALT differed significantly and continually except on POD 30. AST showed significant elevations from the end of the operation to POD 2 and ALT, from the end of the operation to POD 5 in group I compared with group D. INR was significantly higher from the end of the operation to POD 3 in group I and to POD 2 in group D. At the end of the operation as well as on POD 1 and POD 2, INR was significantly increased in group I compared with group D. Albumin level was significantly lower at the end of the operation in both groups, but it was not different. No patient developed hepatic or renal failure. Our study showed better postoperative hepatic tests and INR using desflurane than isoflurane at equivalent doses of 1 MAC in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy.

Airway management using the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in a child with Goldenhar syndrome.

Children with congenital anomalies such as Goldenhar syndrome affecting the airway can be a problem for the anaesthesiologist. We present the case of an 18 month-old child with Goldenhar syndrome, in whom the ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway was successfully used for inguinal hernia surgery.

Ketofol (mixture of ketamine and propofol) administration in electroconvulsive therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a ketamine:propofol combination ('ketofol') for electroconvulsive therapy on seizure activity, haemodynamic response and recovery parameters, and to compare with these with the effects of propofol alone. Twenty-four patients underwent a total of 144 electroconvulsive therapy sessions, allocated in this prospective, double-blind, crossover study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 mg/kg ketofol (0.5 mg/kg propofol plus 0.5 mg/kg ketamine) or 1 mg/kg propofol 1% for anaesthesia induction. Seizure duration and quality, haemodynamic data, recovery parameters and side-effects were recorded and analysed between groups. Both motor and electroencephalography seizure durations in the ketofol group (29 ± 17 and 41 ± 17 seconds, respectively) were similar to that in the propofol group (28 ± 13 and 38 ± 16 seconds, respectively). Postictal suppression index was higher in the ketofol group (89.63 ± 7.88) than in the propofol group (79.74 ± 14.6) (P <0.05). In the ketofol group, heart rate after the seizure ended and mean arterial pressures, recorded at 0 and 5 minutes after the seizure ended, were higher than in the propofol group. Time to obeying commands was longer in the ketofol group (P <0.05). There were no untoward psychological reactions following ketofol. Although no superiority to propofol in terms of seizure duration, haemodynamic or recovery parameters was found, the ketofol mixture selected in our study provided better seizure quality than propofol. We conclude that ketofol can be an alternative strategy to enhance the seizure quality and clinical efficiency of electroconvulsive therapy.

Single intrathecal fentanyl for combined spinal epidural anesthesia confers no advantage over hemodynamic effects in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Neuroaxial blockade for ambulatory transurethral resection of the prostate is a well established technique. Patients in this group are often at high risk for perioperative complications from concurrent diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare the elderly patients who received intrathecal fentanyl alone or intrathecal fentanyl plus bupivacaine or epidural anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients were prospectively randomized to receive fentanyl 25 microg (Group F), fentanyl 25 microg plus hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5 mg (Group BF), or epidural anesthesia adding fentanyl 50 microg (Group E) by combined spinal epidural anesthesia technique. RESULTS: The amount of local anesthetics used until when the sensorial block reached the level of T10 was significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p < 0.001). Maximum level of sensory block was significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p = 0.01). The time elapsed until the sensory block reached T10, the regression of sensory block to L5 level were significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to the basal values, mean arterial pressures were significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p < 0.05). The occurrence of hypotension was significantly lower in the Group BF (9.4%) than in the Group E (18.2%) and the Group F (24.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5 mg plus fentanyl 25 microg administration provides shorter motor block onset time, less local anesthetic usage and adequate hemodynamic stability in elderly patients.

Bispectral index monitoring to guide end-tidal isoflurane concentration at three phases of operation in patients with end-stage liver disease undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation.

It has been shown that anesthetic requirements during liver transplantation are inversely proportional to the degree of hepatic dysfunction. We investigate alterations during the three phases of requirements for intraoperative isoflurane within the target of 40 to 55 Bispectral Index (BIS) values concerning patients with end-stage liver disease who are undergoing liver transplantation. After faculty ethics committee approval, we studied 50 patients of (age range, 18 to 65 years) who were undergoing liver transplantation. After induction, we used isoflurane with air/oxygen (FiO(2) = 0.5%) for anesthetic maintenance. The isoflurane concentration was set within the range of 40 to 55 BIS values. Remifentanil (0.15 µg/kg/min) was infused for analgesia and cisatracurium was administered via continuous infusion. After anesthetic induction, we inserted arterial, pulmonary artery, and central venous catheters. The heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), body temperature, BIS values, end-tidal isoflurane concentration (ETiso) and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (ETCO(2)) were recorded at 30-minute intervals during the dissection and neohepatic phases, at 15-minute intervals during the anhepatic phase. In addition, we calculated the cardiac index during the three phases. There was no difference in heart rates among the operative phases. In contrast, there were significant changes in MAP, MPAP, BIS, ETCO(2) and body temperature values. However, all of these parameters were in physiological ranges and clinically acceptable. The ETiso values were lowest in the anhepatic phase compared to other phases, but the differences were not clinically important. The ETiso values in the dissection and neohepatic phases were compared with the anhepatic phase higher 5% and 8.6% respectively. During liver transplantation, ETiso requirement for the anhepatic phase was lower compared with the other two phases within the range of 40 to 55 BIS values.

Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with diagnoses of eating disorder in a university hospital in Istanbul.

OBJECTIVE: This paper reports the first-ever description of a clinical eating disorder population from Turkey. The aim of this study was to examine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with diagnosis of eating disorders (IDED) referred to a university psychiatry clinic in Istanbul between 2003 and 2009. METHOD: The diagnoses and subtype of 111 IDEDs, the referral type to the hospital, setting of treatment, and state of involuntary hospitalization were evaluated by interview and semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The clinical sample included 64 individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), 38 with bulimia nervosa (BN), and 9 with eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), including only one male. Younger individuals and those with a lower BMI were significantly more likely to be family referred and hospitalized involuntarily. DISCUSSION: The overall socio-demographic features of the sample are generally consistent with data collected in other communities. However, aspects of the clinical features, referral types of eating disorders and subtypes exhibit some characteristics peculiar to our sample.

Effects of 2 different doses of pregabalin on morphine consumption and pain after abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pregabalin has a similar pharmacologic profile to that of its developmental predecessor gabapentin but has shown greater analgesic activity in rodent models of neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the effects of 2 different doses of pregabalin and placebo on postoperative pain and morphine consumption. METHODS: Ninety patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy were included in the study and randomly divided into 3 groups in a doubled-blinded manner. They were given 150 mg of pregabalin (group P300, n = 30), 300 mg of pregabalin (group P600, n = 30), or placebo capsules (group C, n = 30) 4 hours before the induction of anesthesia; they received a second dose of the drug 12 hours postoperatively. Morphine consumption, nausea, and vomiting, visual analogue scale-pain intensity (VAS-PI), sedation scores, and dissatisfaction scores were recorded in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after operation. RESULTS: Morphine consumption at 24 hours was 40.80 (3.42) mg, 33.79 (5.77) mg, and 46.97 (6.67) mg in groups P300, P600, and C, respectively (P < 0.001). VAS-PI scores at movement and at rest in the PACU and at 2, 4, and 6 hours decreased in group P600 (P < 0.01). In the PACU and at 2, 4, and 6 hours, the sedation scores were increased in group P600 compared with the scores in group C (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.01, P = 0.006, respectively). Patient satisfaction was higher in group P600 than in group C for all time points (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness (P = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin at a total dose of 600 mg, administered before operation and at 12 hours postoperatively after abdominal hysterectomy, reduced morphine consumption and pain intensity and increased patient satisfaction. No significant differences in side effects were observed between the study groups.

Obstetric admissions to the intensive care unit in a tertiary referral hospital.

PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the obstetric admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the setting of a tertiary referral hospital in an attempt to identify the risk factors influencing maternal outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All of the obstetric patients who seeked care for delivery at the emergency department and who were admitted to the ICU between January 2006 to July 2009 were retrospectively identified. The Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) was calculated and the maternal mortality rate was estimated for each patient. The mean SAPS II scores and the mean estimated maternal mortality rates for the surviving patients and the nonsurviving patients were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-three obstetric patients were admitted to the ICU. There were 9 maternal deaths and 24 fetal deaths. For the surviving group of patients, the mean SAPS II score was 34 and estimated maternal mortality rate was 20%, whereas for the nonsurviving group of patients, the SAPS II score was 64 and estimated maternal mortality rate was 73%. The difference between the surviving group of patients and the nonsurviving group of patients was statistically significant regarding both the mean SAPS II scores and the mean estimated maternal mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders and hemorrhage appear as the major risk factors influencing maternal outcome in obstetric patients. Considering that the use of the SAPS II scores have enabled the reliable estimation of the mortality rates in the present study, the attempts at defining the focus of care for the obstetric patients who bear the major risk factors and who are admitted to the ICU should be carried out under the guidance of the ICU scoring systems such as the SAPS II.

Intensive care of a weils disease with multiorgan failure.

UNLABELLED: Leptospirosis is a commonly encountered type of zoonosis, especially in tropical regions. There is insufficient data regarding its frequency in non-tropical regions such as Turkey. Although leptospirosis presents with a mild icteric form in nearly 90% of cases, it can lead to Weils disease characterized by fever as well as fulminant hepatorenal and respiratory failure, in approximately 5 - 10% of cases. In this case report, we present a patient with Weil's disease, complicated with multiorgan failure. KEYWORDS: Weils disease; Leptospirosis; Multiorgan failure.

The effects of intrathecal levobupivacaine and bupivacaine in the elderly.

The objective of this study was to compare the block durations and haemodynamic effects associated with intrathecal levobupivacaine or bupivacaine in elderly patients undergoing transurethral prostate surgery. Eighty patients were prospectively randomised to receive plain 1.5 ml levobupivacaine 0.5% (group levobupivacaine) or 1.5 ml plain bupivacaine 0.5% (group bupivacaine) in combination with fentanyl 0.3 ml (15 microg) for spinal anaesthesia. The time to reach T10 and peak sensory block level, and to maximum motor block were significantly shorter in group bupivacaine compared to group levobupivacaine (p < 0.05). Peak sensory block level was also significantly higher in group bupivacaine. In group bupivacaine, mean arterial pressure was significantly lower than group levobupivacaine, starting from 10 min until 30 min after injection (p < 0.05). Hypotension and nausea were less common in group levobupivacaine than group bupivacaine (p < 0.05). Because of the better haemodynamic stability and fewer side-effects associated with levobupivacaine, it may be preferred for spinal anaesthesia in elderly patients.

The effects of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl on emergence characteristics after adenoidectomy in children.

This randomised controlled study evaluated the effects of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine on emergence characteristics of children having adenoidectomy and anaesthetised with sevoflurane. Ninety children, two to seven years of age and ASA physical status I, were studied. Children were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 30 children, with the study intervention injection given intravenously after intubation. Children in Group F received fentanyl 2.5 microg x kg(-1), children in Group D received dexmedetomidine 0.5 microG x kg(-1) and children in Group C received saline solution. Anaesthesia was induced with 50% N2O and 8% sevoflurane in O2 by mask and atracurium 0.6 mg x kg(-1) was administered for tracheal intubation. All children received paracetamol 40 mg/kg rectally one hour preoperatively and dexamethasone 0.5 mg x kg(-1) intravenously. The time to extubation was shorter in Group D than Group F. The eye-opening time was longer in Group F (16.1 +/- 5.3 minutes) than in Groups C (12.0 +/- 4.2 minutes) and D (12.7 +/- 3.2 minutes). The proportion of pain-free children in early recovery was significantly higher in Groups D (47%) and F (43%) than Group C (13%) (P < 0.05). The proportion of children with agitation scores > 3 was lower in Groups D 17% (5/30) and F 13% (4/30) than in Group C 47% (14/30) (P < 0.05). Fentanyl 2.5 microg x kg(-1) and dexmedetomidine 0.5 microg x kg(-1) had similar haemodynamic effects and emergence characteristics. Fentanyl has been safely used in children for many years. Further studies of dexmedetomidine safety and its interaction with other anaesthetic agents are required before recommending its routine use during general anaesthesia in children.

The effect of esmolol on the QTc interval during induction of anaesthesia in patients with coronary artery disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether esmolol has an effect on QT interval during induction of anaesthesia using etomidate and fentanyl in patients with known coronary artery disease. Sixty patients were prospectively randomised to either a control group or the esmolol group. Esmolol was administered as a bolus 1 mg.kg(-1), followed by a continuous infusion at 250 microg.kg(-1)min(-1). All patients received etomidate 0.3 mg.kg(-1) and fentanyl 15 microg.kg(-1). The ECG was recorded prior to induction of anaesthesia (T0), 5 min following the start of drug infusions (T1), 1 min following etomidate (T2), 3 min following vecuronium (T3), 30 s (T4), 2 min (T5) and 4 min (T6) after intubation. In the esmolol group, QTc interval was significantly shorter at T1, T2 and T4 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, QTc interval increased following tracheal intubation during induction of anaesthesia using etomidate and fentanyl. An infusion of Esmolol attenuated the QTc interval prolongation associated with tracheal intubation.