Comparison of Clinical Effects and Physical Examination of Transforaminal and Caudal Steroid Injection With Targeted Catheter in Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Transforaminal and caudal epidural injections are two methods of steroid injection in lumbar radiculopathy. Using a targeted catheter with the possibility of accessing the involved spinal roots and steroid administration selectively next to them during the caudal procedure may achieve the benefits of both transforaminal and caudal procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects and physical examinations of transforaminal steroid injection compared to caudal through a targeted catheter in lumbar radiculopathy. METHODS: Fifty patients with lumbar radiculopathy candidates for epidural steroid injection were divided into transforaminal (T) and caudal (C) groups. Steroid injection under fluoroscopic guidance was performed in group T with the transforaminal method and in group C with the caudal method using a targeted catheter for each involved spinal nerve root. Pain intensity visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), daily analgesic consumption, and physical examinations on four follow-ups (before injection, second week, first and third month) were evaluated. RESULTS: Pain score (VAS) and functional disability index (ODI) were similar in both groups, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The positive Lasègue test was significantly higher in the caudal group than in the transforaminal group only in the third month (p < 0.05). Other physical examinations in both groups did not have significant differences in all the follow-ups. Moreover, there was no difference in the amount of analgesic consumption in the two groups. No complications were observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that transforaminal and caudal steroid injection (with a targeted catheter) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy had similar effects in controlling pain and improving functional disability of patients in the short term. Cases of recurrence of positive Lasègue test in physical examinations in the long term (third month) in the caudal group may indicate the preference of the transforaminal approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) number: IRCT20111102007984N31.

Comparison of Perioperative Pregabalin and Duloxetine for Pain Management After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background: Chronic residual pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the challenges of postoperative pain management. Duloxetine, by controlling neuropathic pain, and pregabalin, by affecting nociceptors, can effectively manage postoperative pain. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of perioperative oral duloxetine and pregabalin in pain management after knee arthroplasty. Methods: In this clinical trial, 60 patients scheduled for TKA under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of three groups A (pregabalin 75 mg), B (duloxetine 30 mg), and C (placebo). Drugs were administered 90 minutes before, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, the first analgesic request time, postoperative analgesic consumption (i.v. paracetamol), and WOMAC score six months after surgery were recorded. Results: The VAS score and analgesic consumption 48 hours after TKA in groups A and B significantly decreased compared to the placebo (P < 0.05). The first analgesic request time was longer in groups A and B than in group C (P < 0.05). While the differences were statistically significant, they are most likely not clinically significant. The WOMAC score before and six months after arthroplasty did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Perioperative oral pregabalin and duloxetine similarly reduce pain and the need for analgesic consumption within 48 hours after TKA but do not affect knee mobility status.

Relationship Between Airway Examination with LEMON Criteria and Difficulty of Tracheal Intubation with IDS Criteria.

Background: Tracheal intubation is a common technique used to secure a patient's airway, which is crucial in anesthesia. Successful tracheal intubation depends on various factors, including the assessment of the patient's airway before the procedure. In recent years, scoring systems, such as LEMON (an acronym for the assessment of the airway's appearance, identification of any dental issues, evaluation of Mallampati classification, assessment of airway obstruction, and examination of neck mobility) and intubation difficulty scale (IDS) have gained attention. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the LEMON criteria and IDS in tracheal intubation. The goal was to provide valuable insights that can assist medical professionals in optimizing their approach to airway management by analyzing clinical data, assessing patient outcomes, and evaluating the consistency between these scoring systems. Methods: This study was based on a descriptive-analytical study involving a group of patients requiring intubation. This study examined 105 patients scheduled for elective surgeries, aged between 19 and 60 years, without specific underlying diseases, such as laryngeal cancer, temporomandibular joint stiffness, or significant tongue enlargement, and with a body mass index (BMI) below 40 kg/m². Initially, expert anesthesiologists assessed the patients using the LEMON criteria, and then the degree of intubation difficulty was measured using the IDS scoring system. Finally, these two criteria were compared. Results: In this study, there was a significant correlation between the LEMON score and the IDS score (P < 0.001). The difficult intubation group (IDS score higher than 0) had higher LEMON scores (with the highest score equal to 4) than the non-difficult intubation group (IDS score of 0) (P = 0.017). The average LEMON and IDS scores were 3.11 and 1.35, respectively. Among the participants, 96.2% had an intubation difficulty score of ≤ 5; nevertheless, 3.8% had a score of > 5. Additionally, limited neck mobility emerged as the sole independent predictor of intubation difficulty (P = 0.002, odds ratio = 6.152). Conclusions: The LEMON score is associated with difficult intubation in adult patients requiring intubation.

Effect of bupivacaine intraperitoneal and intra-abdominal bicarbonate in reducing postoperative pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a double-blind randomized clinical trial study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the effect of bupivacaine intraperitoneal with intra-abdominal bicarbonate in reducing postoperative pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. RESULTS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 58 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy referred to a hospital in Tehran, Iran (2019), were assigned into three groups: at the end of the surgery, spraying 50 cc of bupivacaine 0.2% through the laparoscopic port; or rinsing the abdomen with 5.7% bicarbonate dissolved in 1000 cc of normal saline; or abdominal lavage with normal saline. Pain of patients was evaluated according to visual analogue scale criteria and means Ramsay score in recovery times, 2, 8 and 24 h and post-operative analgesia satisfaction score at 2 and 24 h were also evaluated. The mean age of range was 44.26 ± 13.13 years, 44 female patients and 14 male patients. The mean Ramsay score in recovery, 2, 8 and 24 h postoperative times was not significantly different among the groups. Comparing post-operative analgesic satisfaction scores in recovery, 2 and 24 h revealed no significant difference among the groups. We found that use of bupivacaine intraperitoneal and intra-abdominal bicarbonate decreased pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy but the decrease was more in bupivacaine group than bicarbonate group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered, IRCT20180723040570N1; date of registration: 2019-06-24.

The Effect of Painless Delivery with Intrathecal Sufentanil on Labor Progress and Neonatal Outcomes: A Single Center Study on Pregnant Women.

Background: Delivery pain is the most unbearable pain and can be relieved with intrathecal opioids. This study aimed to investigate the effect of intrathecal sufentanil for painless delivery on labor progress and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women. Methods: This was a single-arm observational cohort study on 1055 pregnant women candidates for vaginal delivery with spinal analgesia referred to the Akbarabadi Hospital. First, 0.1 µg/kg of intrathecal sufentanil was used, and maternal blood pressure and maternal and fetal heart rates were recorded after analgesia. During delivery, the mothers were monitored for nausea, pruritus, motor block, apnea, urinary retention, or the possibility of an emergency cesarean section. The duration of the analgesia, the duration of the second stages of labor, and the mother's pain scores were recorded based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and arterial blood gas (ABG) of the umbilical cord were also recorded. Results: The most common station was -3 for 723 women, followed by -2 for 229 women. Fifty-two women underwent cesarean section, and fetal distress was the most common reason for cesarean section (57.7%). The mean time for initiating analgesia was 5.93 ± 2.87 minutes, and the mean visual analog scale was 1.08 ± 0.16. The mean Apgar was 9.0 ± 0.47; the mean weight at birth was 2917.39 ± 449.90 gr; PH was 7.31 ± 2.03; HCO3 was 22.67 ± 3.08mEq/liter, and PaCo2 was 43.36 ± 7.06 mmHg. Regarding complications, the patients just developed itching (n = 78), and hypotension, bradycardia, apnea, and decreased consciousness were overlooked. Conclusions: Intrathecal sufentanil is safe and efficient in painless delivery, resulting in normal Apgar and normal PH with no specific side-effect.

Comparison of RAMP and New Modified RAMP Positioning in Laryngoscopic View During Intubation in Patients with Morbid Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and anesthesiologists are facing challenges in the airway management of such patients. Excessive adipose tissue influences pharyngeal spaces and affects the laryngoscopic grade. Standard ramp positioning is time-consuming and difficult to prepare, and requires expensive equipment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the standard ramp position with the proposed low-cost and easily accessible modified ramp position in laryngoscopic view during the intubation of patients with morbid obesity. METHODS: In this single-blind clinical trial, 84 patients candidate for bariatric surgery at Rasoul Akram Hospital in 2020 were assigned to the rapid airway management positioner (RAMP) (R) and new modified RAMP (MR) groups by the block randomization method. The laryngoscopic view of the glottis based on the Cormack-Lehane scale, ventilation quality, duration of intubation, intubation attempts, oxygen saturation at the end of intubation, and the need for backward, upward, rightward pressure (BURP) maneuver for successful intubation were recorded. Normal distribution tests and Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The results showed no significant differences between the two groups regarding ventilation score, laryngoscopy grade, number of intubation attempts, duration of intubation, and the need for BURP maneuvers during intubation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The two methods are not significantly different, and the new modified ramp position can be used with more ease and availability and less cost.

Effects of ketamine versus dexmedetomidine maintenance infusion in posterior spinal fusion surgery on acute postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND: One of the most challenging issues after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery is providing appropriate pain control measures to enhance recovery of the patients. We aimed to compare effects of ketamine versus dexmedetomidine infusion during maintenance of anesthesia on acute postoperative pain in PSF surgery. METHODS: In a double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 87 patients candidates for PSF surgery were randomly assigned into three groups. Anesthesia protocol for all groups was the same except: the first group received 0.2 mcg/kg/h dexmedetomidine infusion, the second received 0.1 mg/kg/h ketamine infusion, and control group received normal saline infusion as a placebo. Pain intensity by VAS scale and level of sedation by Ramsey scale were assessed, and amount of opioid prescribed after surgery was measured and compared for patients during the recovery and at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery in three groups, and hypotension and bradycardia during operation were reported. RESULTS: There was a significant difference among the groups regarding pain intensity and amount of opioids during recovery and at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. Pain intensity and amount of opioids for ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups were significantly lower than those in the controls during recovery and at the hours after surgery. There was no significant difference regarding bradycardia and hypotension and level of sedation during recovery and at the hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: Both ketamine and dexmedetomidine infusions during maintenance of anesthesia are effective in reducing acute postoperative pain effectively after PSF surgery.

Emergency Tracheostomy in Two Airway Trauma Patients Suspected of COVID-19: A Case Report.

Coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and became a pandemic on Mar 11, according to the World Health Organization report. In the epidemic of COVID-19, many patients admitted to hospitals for other reasons may be silent carriers of COVID-19 and have the risk of infecting medical personnel. Thus, meticulous personal protection measures should be considered in suspicious patients, especially when close contact with the patient's airway is anticipated. We introduce two airway trauma patients suspected of COVID-19 who required emergency tracheostomy. Patient one was a 29-year-old man who suffered facial trauma following a car accident. A chest CT scan showed peripheral ground-glass opacities suggestive for COVID-19. The second patient was a young elevator mechanic who experienced maxillofacial trauma after an elevator crash. The methods of anesthesia and airway protection and safety precautions are described.

The Effect of Phenylephrine Infusion on Maternal Hemodynamic Changes During Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is used as a common anesthetic technique in many routine and outpatient surgeries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of phenylephrine on maternal hemodynamic changes during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 116 pregnant women candidate for the elective cesarean section through spinal anesthesia in the Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital, Tehran in 2019. The eligible women were randomly divided into the intervention (phenylephrine; n = 58) and control (normal saline; n = 58) groups. The data collection tool was a checklist, including the demographic and clinical variables, such as age, height, weight, body mass index, gravid, gestational age, Apgar score of 1 and 5, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, SPO2, PH of the umbilical cord, PCO2, HCO3, base excess, nausea, and vomiting. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software and P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The intervention and control groups showed a significant difference in terms of the PH of the umbilical cord, PCO2, and nausea and vomiting (P value < 0.05). The results of the repeated measure ANOVA test showed a significant statistical difference between the intervention and control groups at different time points in terms of arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Phenylephrine is effective in the prevention of some complications, like reducing mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, nausea, and vomiting during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Therefore, these drugs can be used based on maternal hemodynamic status during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

Comparison of Two Acupuncture Protocols (K1, DU25 or K1, DU26) Efficacy on Recovery Time of Patients After General Anesthesia, a Randomized Control Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has been used for more than two thousand years as part of traditional Chinese medicine. OBJECTIVES: This randomized prospective clinical trial aimed to compare the effect of acupuncture on K1 (Yongquan) and DU26 (Renghong) with acupuncture on K1 (Yongquan) and DU25 (Suliao), with sham acupuncture on the recovery time of general anesthesia. METHODS: The patients (51) were randomly assigned to three groups: (A) acupuncture on K1 and DU26, (B) acupuncture on K1 and DU25, and (C) sham acupuncture. In each group, at the end of surgery acupuncture was performed accordingly for twenty minutes and the Bispectral Index (BIS) values at end of surgery, 5th minute, 10th minute, 15th minute and 20th minute as well as time of extubation and time of eye opening after the end of surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: BIS study at 5th minute, 10th minute and 15th minute after the end of surgery in the groups revealed a significant difference between sham acupuncture group and both A and B acupuncture groups, which was higher in groups A and B in comparison with sham acupuncture group. Time of opening eyes and time of extubation after the end of surgery between group A and sham acupuncture group differed significantly, which was earlier in group A. There was no significant difference between group B and sham acupuncture group in terms of eye opening and extubation time. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture on K1 and DU26 accelerates restoring of consciousness and shortens of eye opening and extubation after general anesthesia, but on K1 and DU25 only speeds up retrieving of consciousness without significant effect on time of eye opening or extubation after general anesthesia.

A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Oral Memantine and Placebo for Acute Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

BACKGROUND: Memantine is an N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) antagonist. By transferring acute postoperative pain, the NMDA channels may lead to active excess and neuropathic pain. Objectives: This study attempted to investigate the effect of preoperative use of single oral dose of memantine in controlling Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) postoperative pain. METHODS: A double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients undergoing DCR. On arrival at the operating room, the memantine group received 20 mg of oral memantine and the control group received placebo. The severities of pain by visual analogue scale (VAS) and sedation by Ramsy Scale were measured immediately 1, 2, and 6 hours after the operation. The drug's side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The pain scores of patients in the recovery in 1, 2, and 6 hours after operation were significantly lower in the memantine group than the placebo group (P < 0.001). The sedation score, 1 hour after the operation, was significantly greater in the memantine group than the placebo (P < 0.001). The sedation scores did not have any statistically significant difference in recovery and 2 hours after surgery between the two groups. Moreover, the sedation scores in 6 hours after the surgery were identical in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The oral single-dose 20 mg of memantine administered before DCR can reduce postoperative pain compared with placebo.

The effect of gabapentin on reducing pain after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery in patients with morbid obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery (LGBP) is a major problem. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug that can be effective in postoperative pain control. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effect of preoperative administration of gabapentin on reducing pain after LGBP in patients with morbid obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed in Hazrat Rasoul Akram Medical Center in Tehran. A total of 60 patients undergoing LGBP were randomly allocated into two groups; one group received 100 mg of oral gabapentin and the other group received placebo. Pain was evaluated at recovery time, and at the first, second, fourth and sixth hour of surgery by visual analog scale. The number and dose of opioid use after surgery and incidence of postoperative complications, such as nausea and vomiting, agitation, and headache, were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain score in the group receiving gabapentin was significantly lower than the placebo group (P < 0.001). Indications and dose of opioid consumption between the two groups were not statistically significant. Incidence of nausea/vomiting (P = 0.028) as well as agitation (P = 0.037) was significantly lower in the gabapentin group. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of gabapentin before surgery can reduce pain after LGBP. Furthermore, it is not accompanied by significant short-term adverse effects.

Effect of intravenous methylprednisolone on pain after intertrochanteric femoral fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pain after surgery is one of the major problems in patients with intertrochanteric fracture. This study investigates administration of single-dose Methylprednisolone prior to surgery with the goal of reducing Post-operative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Eighty two patients with stable intertrochanteric unilateral fracture were selected and divided into two groups: one received Methylprednisolone (MP) 125 mg and the other received placebo. Pain was evaluated at rest and 45° flexion of the hip in times 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours and during walking in times 24, 36, and 48 hours after the surgery. Post-operative nausea, vomiting and fatigue and changes in C - reactive protein (CRP) levels before and after the surgery were also recorded. RESULTS: Pain at rest, 45° flexion of the hip and during walking after the surgery was significantly lower in the MP group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Fatigue (p = 0.002) and changes in CRP (p=0.001) were significantly lower in MP group. Incidence of nausea, vomiting (p = 0.37) and opioid consumption (p = 0.49) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Single-dose methylprednisolone 125 mg (IV) can reduce Post-operative pain in patients with intertrochanteric fracture undergoing elective surgery.