[Normalization of the vascular picture with sympathetic block in severe arterial ischemia from ergotism]. / Normalisierung des Gefässbildes durch Sympathikusblockade bei schwerer arterieller Durchblutungsstörung durch Ergotismus.

This case report presents a 44-year-old woman with severe arterial ischemia leading to claudicatio and acute pain in rest caused by an ergotism. In the history was an abuse of suppositories containing caffeine and ergotamine induced by chronic headache. The initial angiography showed occlusions of the femoral arteries. After excluding other vascular diseases, intraarterial infusions of prostaglandin E were administered. Additionally, physiotherapeutic treatment followed. An progrediency of the symptoms made a epidural catheter for sympathicolysis and treatment of the acute pain necessary. As the results of this intervention were encouraging, a sympathetic blockade with injection of 96% ethanol at the level of L 2/3 and 3/4 was performed. After treatment, the clinical symptoms and the blood flow measured by Doppler ultrasonography normalised. A final angiography demonstrated a now normal arterial status. Ergotism, indication and methods of sympathetic blockades are discussed.

[Volume substitution in acute normovolemic hemodilution. 5% human albumin vs. 6% hydroxyethyl starch]. / Volumensubstitution während akuter normovolämischer Hämodilution (ANH). Humanalbumin 5% vs. Hydroxyäthylstärke 6%.

In order to ascertain the hemodynamic and biochemic effect of different colloid solutions, 60 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty were randomly divided into two groups. Prior to surgery, acute normovolemic hemodilution was performed by withdrawal of 15 ml blood/kg bodyweight and simultaneous compensation using either 5% human albumine (HA) or 6% hydroxyethylstarch (200/0.5) (HAES), each group consisting of 30 patients. During and after the operation a decrease of hemoglobin-levels to 8 g% was accepted before autologous plus (if necessary) homologous blood was applied. Neither hemodilution nor tolerance of normovolemic anemia during the intra- and postoperative period had any negative effects on clinical course. Hemodynamics kept stable, no disorders of coagulation were observed. In addition lactate levels as well as histamin values remained within normal range during the whole investigation period (until the 10th postoperative day). There were no significant differences between the two groups; only histamine levels after albumin were up to 2.2 as high as after HAES. Colloid consumption at the day of operation was on the average 2.6 l/patient x day (HAES) and 3.11 (albumin) respectively. Colloidosmotic pressure remained constant in both groups and seemed to be independent from the kind of volume therapy. The present data demonstrate that normovolemic anemia can be tolerated during the perioperative period even when large amounts of colloid infusion are applied. HAES is an less expensive but adequate colloid solution compared to albumin.

[Endocrine reactions during acute normovolemic hemodilution]. / Endokrine Reaktionen bei akuter normovolämischer Hämodilution (ANH).

To investigate the influence of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) on endocrine parameters in orthopedic surgery patients, 20 patients scheduled for total prosthetic replacement of the hip under epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine 0.5% were randomly allocated to the following groups: ANH group, (about 7.5 ml/kg body weight within 30 min) during substitution with 6% HES 200/0.5; Control group (without hemodilution). During a period before the onset of anesthesia and on the 1st day after the operation, MAP, HR, plasma concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline (by HPLC/ECD), and of ADH, ACTH and cortisol (by RIA) were determined at 8 points, as were glucose, lactate and free glycerol. Biometric data were comparable between the groups. MAP was significantly higher in the ANH group, and the intraoperative decrease was less pronounced. Adrenaline, ACTH, and cortisol revealed no specific influence of ANH and remained within the normal range in both groups. Noradrenaline was above the normal range in both groups and increased slightly (about 20%) during ANH. ADH was significantly higher in the control group. No specific influence of ANH was found with respect to glucose, lactate and free glycerol. In conclusion, ANH had no negative effects on the endocrine stress response during orthopedic surgery under epidural anesthesia. Sympatho-adrenergic reactions were only moderate and tolerable, even for patients with compensated cardiovascular disorders. Slight increases in endocrine parameters in the perioperative period documented adequate stress protection with epidural anesthesia.

[Perioperative anemia and erythropoiesis]. / Perioperative Anämie und Erythropoese.

50 consecutive patients with hip arthroplasty had acute normovolaemic haemodilution and intra- and postoperative autotransfusion using Autotrans, Dideco GmbH. 18 of 50 patients received homologous blood products additionally to autotransfusion (Hb less than 8 g/dl, hemodynamic instability). There was no evidence for coagulation disorders, hypoxia or hypovolaemia during the whole investigation period (until the 10th p.o. day) though in some cases haemoglobin-levels less than 7 g% were accepted. No variations of erythropoietin levels could be observed postoperatively, suggesting that acute anaemia alone does not affect erythropoiesis. Reticulocytes, however, increased significantly from the 4th postoperative day. There was no correlation between number of reticulocytes and erythropoietin levels. Lactate levels stayed within normal range during the whole investigation period thus indicating normal microcirculation. The present data demonstrate that postoperative anaemia can be tolerated even in elder patients if intravascular volume is kept constant (normovolaemia). In accordance with recent literature the course of erythropoietin levels seemed to prove that there was no functional reduction in oxygen-availability.

[Plasma concentrations of lidocaine and prilocaine following infiltration anesthesia in otorhinolaryngologic surgery]. / Plasmakonzentrationen von Lidocain und Prilocain nach Infiltrationsanästhesien bei Operationen im Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Bereich.

UNLABELLED: Infiltration anaesthesia is still relevant for the surgical treatment of patients in otorhinolaryngology. The injection of local anaesthetics in well vascularised areas constantly causes the danger of high plasma concentrations of local anaesthetics combined with undesirable side effects. In our study we tried to determine the development of plasma concentrations of local anaesthetics in patients scheduled for routine tonsillectomies and tympanoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 45 patients the development of plasma concentrations was measured immediately after the injection at short intervals; the samples were obtained between 1 minute and 60 minutes after the first injection. Group 1: Lidocaine 0.5% with epinephrine (1:200,000) 15-20 ml for tonsillectomy (n = 18). Group 2: Lidocaine 0.5% with epinephrine (1:200,000) 8-15 ml for tympanoplasty (n = 15). Group 3: Prilocaine 1% with epinephrine (1:200,000) 8-15 ml for tympanoplasty (n = 15). For tactical reasons infiltration anaesthesia for the patients of group 2 was - in addition to general anaesthesia - applied by the otorhinolaryngologist, whereas the patients of groups 1 and 3 were operated exclusively under local anaesthesia. RESULTS: Within the first minute after the initial injection plasma concentrations of the local anesthetic increased close to toxic threshold levels that are associated with undesirable systemic side effects. In the patients of group 1, who underwent tonsillectomy, plasma concentrations of 4-7 micrograms/ml were found during the first minute. The highest average values always appeared within the first five minutes: group 1 2.07 micrograms/ml, group 2: 0.45 micrograms/ml, and group 3: 1.15 micrograms/ml. DISCUSSION: With infiltration anaesthesia in well vascularised areas it may happen that there are--mainly in the early stage--high plasma concentrations of the applied substances, although the total dose was below the known maximum. Despite careful technique (repeated aspiration test in two levels) at least partial intravascular injections are apparently not always avoidable according to the pharmacokinetic data. Our results demonstrate that in addition to a safe peripheral venous line and prophylactic oxygen therapy, intraoperative monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram and verbal patient monitoring is of advantage in this group of patients. In our opinion the "standby function" of an anaesthesiologist can avoid severe complications.

[Sedative-analgesic medication in intensive care patients needing ventilator treatment]. / Untersuchungen zur sedativ-analgetischen Medikation beatmungspflichtiger Intensivpatienten.

UNLABELLED: It was the aim of this study to compare two regimens for sedation and analgesia during ventilator treatment in intensive care patients. Special regard was given to endocrine stress response, neuro-monitoring, hemodynamic parameters and clinical practicability. METHODS: A total number of 16 patients of an operative ICU were randomly allocated to the following groups: (1) Fentanyl-group, approximately 0.2 mg/h fentanyl, 2.5 mg/h midazolam and 2 mg/h pancuronium in intermittent doses, (2) ketamine-group, about 50 mg/h ketamine and 2.5 mg/h midazolam by syringe pump, in addition 2 mg/h pancuronium. During a period of 2 days and in intervalls of 6 h, plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine (by HPLC/ECD), ADH, ACTH and cortisol (by RIA), ketamine (by GC) and stress-metabolites (glucose, lactate, free glycerol) were determined. Hemodynamic parameters were investigated in intervalls of 12 h, EEG (Compressed Spectral Array, CSA) in intervalls of 24 h. In addition, routine laboratory data, vigilance and adaptation to the respirator were observed. RESULTS: Plasma levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, ADH, ACTH, cortisol and stress-metabolites were comparable in both groups. Levels of ADH, ACTH, cortisol and free glycerol did not leave the normal range. In three patients, in which epinephrine- or norepinephrine-infusions were necessary to improve cardiocirculatory stability, this treatment could be finished after beginning of the ketamine application. In both groups, CSA showed a dominant delta- und theta-activity according to the clinical aspects of sufficient sedation and analgesia. Hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Postoperative pain therapy by transdermal fentanyl]. / Postoperative Schmerztherapie durch transdermales Fentanyl.

INTRODUCTION: Several investigations have shown that constant rate infusions of opioids are highly effective in the provision of postoperative pain relief. However, such treatment require intravenous access, the availability of infusion pumps and adequate monitoring system. We have studied a transdermal fentanyl formulation (F-TTS, developed by ALZA Corporation, Palo Alto, USA) which should avoid these problems. METHODS: The study was performed in orthopaedic patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty. 40 patients were included consecutively in a double-blind parallel comparison of F-TTS (n = 20) and placebo (n = 20) patches. The patches were applied 0.5 hours prior to epidural anaesthesia and changed after 24 hours. F-TTS is designed to deliver fentanyl at the same rate of 75 micrograms/h. For 36 hours blood samples, pain scores, respiratory patterns and vital signs were collected frequently. Patients could have supplemental pethidine on demand (50 mg/2 h) if the pain relief was inadequate. RESULTS: Fentanyl blood concentrations increased (verum) during the 24 hours period (removal) and decreased slightly after that. At the end of the investigation (36 h) fentanyl concentration remained significantly elevated (about 60% of 24-hours value). F-TTS provided good postoperative pain relief although 11 patients (of 20) required supplemental pethidine. Patients with F-TTS, however had very little pethidine compared to patients with placebo. Two patients (one of each group) had to be eliminated from the study due to severe respiratory depression or inadequate pethidine requirement respectively. The incidence of other side effects such as nausea, vomiting and micturition difficulties were similar in both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Low-dose fentanyl analgesia modified by calcium channel blockers in cardiac surgery.

The hypothesis that calcium channel blockers can potentiate and prolong the anti-nociceptive effects of opioids was tested. Forty-five men scheduled for aorto-coronary bypass operation received fentanyl according to their individual demands (haemodynamics, clinical parameters). The patients were allocated at random into three groups receiving either nimodipine 1.0 microgram kg-1 min-1 (Group 1, n = 15), nifedipine 0.70 microgram kg-1 min-1 (Group 2, n = 15), or no calcium channel blocker (Group 3, n = 15). Cerebral activity was monitored using a computerized spectral analysing system before and during the operation. The total amount of fentanyl required was significantly lower in the nimodipine group than the control group (-71%, P less than 0.001), whereas the nifedipine group did not differ from the control group. Quality of intra-operative anaesthesia was comparable in the three groups with respect to clinical observations (amnesia, sweat, tears, pupils), and the post-operative course was similar in all patients as well. Cerebral activity during the nimodipine-supplemented opioid anaesthesia was higher in the faster frequency bands (13-30 Hz). Power level in the beta range was most pronounced in Group 1, whereas power in the alpha range was similar in the calcium channel-blocker groups. The major conclusion was that nimodipine but not nifedipine administration can reduce fentanyl requirements during surgical procedures without influencing the quality of anaesthesia.

[The endocrine stress-reaction to orotracheal intubation and topical anesthesia with lidocaine]. / Untersuchungen zur endokrinen Stress-Reaktion bei orotrachealer Intubation und Oberflächenanaesthesie mit Lidocain.

The influence of laryngoscopy and intubation with or without topical lidocaine anesthesia on the endocrine stress response was investigated in six groups of 40 orthopedic surgery patients differing in premedication and technique of lidocaine application (one- or two-step method). Controls were included without lidocaine application. Plasma levels of catecholamines (by HPLC) were measured before induction and 1, 5, and 10 min after intubation, ADH-levels (by RIA) before induction and 5 and 10 min after intubation. In addition, mean arterial pressure (MAP, MAP), HR, and the incidence of coughing and cardiac arrhythmias were observed. The statistical evaluation (analysis of variance with repeated measures on one factor) considered P values of less than 0.05 significant. There was no influence of laryngoscopy and intubation on plasma catecholamine levels during the observation period. A continuous decrease in both levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine was significant. ADH levels showed no significant changes. Lidocaine had no influence on these endocrine parameters. MAP and HR increased after intubation in all groups studied. The increase in HR was less pronounced after lidocaine treatment. Coughing (4 patients) and ventricular dysrhythmia (2 patients) were observed only in patients without lidocaine treatment. In conclusion, no influence of different modes of treatment on the endocrine stress response during intubation became obvious. There was no indication that the cardiovascular symptoms during laryngoscopy and intubation are caused by systemic stress. An explanation may be a direct neural impulse via sympathetic efferents to the heart. On the other hand, topical application of lidocaine did prevent coughing and cardiac irritation, and the increase in HR was attenuated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Incidence of air embolism in implantation of hip prostheses]. / Untersuchung zur Häufigkeit von Luftembolien bei der Implantation von Hüftprothesen.

The prosthetic supply of the hip-joint may be accompanied by the problem of venous air embolism. By including 53 orthopaedic patients having undergone total hip replacement, the influence of bone-cement as well as of the different anaesthetic techniques on the frequency of embolic phenomenons was investigated. Embolism was determined as an abrupt decrease (greater than 5 mmHg) in the end-tidal pCO2. Venous embolism often occurred with cemented endoprostheses in contrast to non-cement implantations. Patients with general anaesthesia presented more often with venous air embolism than patients with epidural anaesthesia. This might be explained by an expanding effect of nitrous oxide on air bubbles entering the vascular bed under the implantation of the shaft-prostheses. Our data stress the importance of continuous monitoring of end-tidal pCO2 for early discovery of lung embolism.

[Haemoseparation in heart surgery]. / Hämoseparation in der Herzchirurgie.

The Haemonetics Cell-Saver, a device developed for the recovery of autologous blood, was evaluated at our department, the major areas of concern being: quantity of blood salvaged, reduction in blood bank usage and possible monetary saving. In addition, various coagulation analyses were performed at frequent intervals. This study consisted of 292 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, who were randomly divided into two groups: 148 patients (group I) receiving autotransfusion (immediate centrifugation of oxygenator content after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass) were compared to 144 patients without autologous transfusion (group II). In the group of autotransfused patients, a mean of 2.27 units of bank blood were used throughout their entire hospital stay, as compared to 6.12 units of homologous blood in the other group (II) without autotransfusion. There were no significant differences between the two groups in respect of laboratory parameters and clinical course during the perioperative period. The data presented indicate a significant reduction in bank blood usage, thus protecting the patients from various hazards accompanying homologous blood transfusion (hepatitis, AIDS). Since the cost of Haemonetics software is recovered by 1.25 units of bank blood, a cost reduction of about US $135.-was achieved.

Influence of nimodipine and nifedipine on intrapulmonary shunting--a comparison to other vasoactive drugs.

This study was assigned to investigate the influence of calcium channel blockers (nimodipine and nifedipine) in comparison to other vasoactive drugs (nitroglycerin, dopamine) on pulmonary shunting (Qs/Qt). Fifty anesthetised patients scheduled for aortocoronary bypass operation were randomly allocated to 5 groups receiving one of the following drugs: nimodipine 1.0 microgram X kg-1 X min-1; nifedipine 0.7 microgram X kg-1 X min-1; nitroglycerin (TNG) 0.5 microgram X kg-1 X min-1; dopamine; micrograms X kg-1 X min-1; placebo (0.9% NaCl). Nimodipine as well as nifedipine led to a significant increase in cardiac output (+44%; +39%), pulmonary vascular resistance simultaneously decreased (-25%; -28%). PaO2 increased significantly (+16%; +13%), too, whereas Qs/Qt remained almost unchanged. In contrast, the increase in cardiac output induced by dopamine (+27%) was accompanied by a significant increase in shunting (+34%). TNG application did not alter Qs/Qt, but pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) decreased markedly (-19%).

New membrane oxygenator (LPM 50): influence on extravascular lung water and pulmonary function in comparison to bubble oxygenator.

A prospective, randomized, clinical study involving 30 patients undergoing aorta-coronary bypass grafting was designed to compare the influence of a new membrane oxygenator and a commonly used bubble oxygenator on extravascular lung water and pulmonary function after extracorporeal circulation. Although membrane oxygenators might have some advantages from the biochemical and biophysical points of view, in this clinical study no differences in lung water accumulation and pulmonary gas exchange could be detected between bubble and membrane oxygenators after extracorporeal circulation.

[Hemodynamic effects in high-dose infusion of nimodipine, a new calcium antagonist]. / Hämodynamische Effekte unter hochdosierter Infusion von Nimodipin, einem neuen Kalzium-Antagonisten.

Nimodipine, a new calcium channel blocker, seems to be effective in the treatment of vasospasm in cerebral vasculature. Typical cardiovascular side effects have limited the dose in neurology and neurosurgery to 0.03 mg/kg X h. This study was designed to examine the influence of an infusion of high dose nimodipine (0.09 mg/kg X h) on haemodynamics. 52 patients undergoing aorto-coronary bypass surgery and prospectively randomised in a nimodipine group and a control group having received 0.9% saline solution as placebo were investigated at 3 different times: 1. before induction of anaesthesia (n = 6) 2. during anaesthesia (n = 10) 3. during extracorporeal circulation (ECC n = 10). Predominant effect of high-dose nimodipine was a decrease in total systemic resistance (TSR), followed by a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and a significant increase in cardiac output. Haemodynamic effects were much more pronounced during anaesthesia in comparison to patients before induction of anaesthesia, thus demonstrating an interaction between anaesthetics and calcium channel blocker. Heart rate (HR -9.3%) and dp/dtmax (-17%) showed a decrease, too. The decrease in MAP and HR in connection with a decrease in left ventricular pressure (-21.9%) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (-42.8%) indicate a reduction in myocardial oxygen demand. An increasing dosage of nimodipine is accompanied by increasing cardiovascular effects. From the haemodynamic point of view high dosage of nimodipine seems to be of advantage in patients with hypertension and/or coronary heart disease suffering simultaneously from cerebral vasospasm.

[Catheterized peridural anesthesia as a procedure for intra- and postoperative pain therapy in chemonucleolysis]. / Die Katheterperidural-anästhesie als Verfahren der intra- und postoperativen Schmerztherapie bei Chemonucleolysen.

In 13 patients scheduled for intradiscal therapy with chymopapain we performed continuous lumbar epidural anaesthesia as a method of intra- and postoperative pain relief. In all patients epidural anaesthesia provided a sufficient analgesia by the use of bupivacaine 0.75% intraoperatively. In contrast to chemonucleolysis under general anaesthesia only half of the patients needed postoperative pain therapy, which was achieved by the epidural injection of bupivacaine 0.25%.