A biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation trial to determine the optimum programmed intermittent epidural bolus time interval between 5 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 2 µg·mL-1.

PURPOSE: The optimal epidural mixtures and settings for programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) labour analgesia have yet to be determined. A previous study by our group demonstrated that 10 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.0625% with fentanyl 2 µg·mL-1 administered every 40 min provided effective analgesia during the first stage of labour for 90% of women, without breakthrough pain. We wanted to determine the effective PIEB time interval of 5 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 2 µg·mL-1 under the same study circumstances, aiming at a future comparative study. METHODS: This double-blind dose-finding study used the biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation method to determine the effective PIEB interval 90% (EI90) needed to provide effective analgesia without breakthrough pain during the first stage of labour. We used fixed 5 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 2 µg.mL-1 and studied time intervals of 60, 50, 40, and 30 min. The first patient was assigned an interval of 60 min and the remaining intervals were assigned as per the biased coin up-and-down method. RESULTS: The estimated EI90 was 36.5 min (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.0 to 39.0) by the truncated Dixon and Mood method and 34.2 min (95% CI, 30.8 to 41.5) by the isotonic regression method. We found that 20/40 women had an upper sensory block to ice above T6, 34/40 women had no motor block, and no woman required treatment for hypotension. CONCLUSION: The EI90 between 5 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 2 µg·mL-1 during the first stage of labour is approximately 35 min. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT #02758405); registered 2 May, 2016.

Mode of anesthesia and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing Cesarean delivery for invasive placentation: a retrospective cohort study of 50 consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: Invasive placentation is one of the most important causes of postpartum hemorrhage and Cesarean hysterectomies (CHyst). The optimal mode of anesthesia in the management of these patients remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to review the impact of mode of anesthesia on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with invasive placentation undergoing Cesarean delivery (CD). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in women with invasive placentation who delivered at our hospital during 2000-2012. Patients' charts and electronic health records were searched for relevant data, including obstetric and anesthetic procedures, blood loss, use of resuscitation fluids, and neonatal and maternal complications. Based on the initial planned mode of anesthesia (i.e., general or regional) for CD, comparisons were made between groups for maternal blood loss and transfusion, respiratory complications, and neonatal Apgar scores. RESULTS: Of the 50 women with confirmed invasive placentation, 25 (50%) underwent elective CD, while the remaining 25 (50%) had unplanned CD; 36 (72%) required CHyst. Surgery for 34 (68%) patients commenced under regional anesthesia (RA), and surgery for 16 (32%) patients commenced under general anesthesia (GA). In women who received GA vs RA, there was no difference in mean (SD) blood loss [3,206 (3,777) mL vs 1,906 (1096) mL, respectively; mean difference, 1,300 mL; 95% confidence interval (CI), -739 to 3,339 mL; P = 0.20] or median [IQR] blood transfusion (4 [0-6] units vs 2 [0-4] units, respectively; median difference, 2 units; 95% CI, 0 to 4 units; P = 0.16). In neonates of women who received only RA before delivery vs those who received GA prior to delivery, significantly higher median [IQR] Apgar scores were observed at both one minute (8 [8-9] vs 3 [0-5], respectively; median difference, 5; 95% CI, 3 to 8; P < 0.001) and five minutes (9 [9-9] vs 7 [0-9], respectively; median difference, 2; 95% CI, 1 to 9; P < 0.001). Postoperative respiratory complications were more common with GA (6%) than with RA (0%) (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Having safely performed two-thirds of our cases of CHyst under RA, our study suggests that RA, when compared with GA, is associated with no differences in blood loss or blood transfusion, superior neonatal outcome, and fewer respiratory complications. This suggests that RA can be considered a primary mode of anesthesia for such cases.

Carbetocin at Cesarean delivery for labour arrest: a sequential allocation trial to determine the effective dose.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the effective dose 90% (ED90) of carbetocin to provide adequate uterine tone at Cesarean delivery (CD) for labour arrest. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind dose-finding study of carbetocin using a biased-coin up-and-down design in women undergoing CD for labour arrest under epidural anesthesia. Forty healthy term pregnant women who had received at least three hours of oxytocin infusion during labour were recruited for the study. Carbetocin was administered intravenously upon delivery of the anterior shoulder of the fetus. The first patient received 20 µg, and the dose for the subsequent patient was determined according to the response of the previous patient as per the biased-coin allocation scheme using increments or decrements of 20 µg (maximum 140 µg). Uterine tone was assessed by the obstetrician and rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory throughout the intraoperative period. The primary outcome was satisfactory uterine tone with no need for additional uterotonic drugs intraoperatively. Secondary outcomes included use of additional uterotonic drugs postoperatively in the first 24 hr, estimated blood loss, and adverse effects. RESULTS: The ED90 of carbetocin to produce adequate uterine tone was estimated at 121 µg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 111 to 130; 99% CI: 108 to 133) using the truncated Dixon and Mood (DM) method. The isotonic estimator of ED90 was 140 µg; however, the observed response rate across all doses was < 90%. Also, the 95% CI of the DM estimator is likely to have lower than expected coverage, while the 99% CI may have about 90% coverage. Therefore, these results should be interpreted with caution. The overall median (range) estimated blood loss was 1,014 (104-2,436) mL. The overall incidence of hypotension and tachycardia were 45% and 57.5%, respectively. At a dose of 140 µg, the incidence of tachycardia and intraoperative arrhythmias was 76% and 14%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ED90 of carbetocin at CD for labour arrest, as determined in our study, should be interpreted with caution since it may be underestimated. This dose is higher than the currently recommended dose of 100 µg at elective CD and should not be used routinely given the uncertainty regarding its efficacy and the high incidence of arrhythmias at higher doses. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT01725243.

Non-invasive hemodynamic assessment of non-pregnant, healthy pregnant and preeclamptic women using bioreactance. [corrected].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We compared hemodynamic profiles of healthy and mildly preeclamptic pregnant women at term, as well as those of non-pregnant controls, using a new non-invasive cardiac output monitor (NICOM) based on bio-reactance. METHODS: We studied healthy term pregnant women at term (Preg, n = 10), mildly preeclamptic pregnant women at term (PregPE, n = 10), and healthy non-pregnant female volunteers (NonPreg, n = 10). With the subjects in the semi left lateral position, 4 electrodes of the NICOM device were applied to their chest wall, followed by a 15-minute rest period. Hemodynamic variables, including the systolic (SBP), diastolic (DPB) and mean arterial (MAP) pressures, as well as the heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), total peripheral resistance (TPR), cardiac output (CO), cardiac power output (CPO), and ventricular ejection time (VET) were then monitored for 15 minutes. RESULTS: The Preg and NonPreg groups showed similar hemodynamic profiles, except for a shorter VET in the Preg group (213.3 ± 19.3 ms versus 265.0 ± 28.8 ms, p < 0.001). The PregPE group showed higher SBP, DBP and MAP, as well as CPO (145.5 ± 12.6 mmHg; 94.5 ± 9.1 mmHg; 111.5 ± 9.8 mmHg; 1.6 ± 0.3 watts), compared to both the Preg (114 ± 12.1 mmHg; 71.7 ± 8.4 mmHg; 85.9 ± 9.3 mmHg; 1.1 ± 0.3 watts) and NonPreg (101.2 ± 11.9 mmHg; 66.7 ± 10.4 mmHg; 78.1 ± 10.6 mmHg; 1.0 ± 0.2 watts) groups. The PregPE group showed higher HR, CO, and TPR, and shorter VET (85.4 ± 8.4 beats.min⁻¹; 6.6 ± 0.7 L.min⁻¹; 1,369.9 ± 173.5 dyne.sec.cm⁻5, 221.6 ± 22.4 ms) compared to the NonPreg group (67.9 ± 9.5 beats.min⁻¹; 5.6 ± 0.7 L.min⁻¹; 1,136.9 ± 149.8 dyne.sec.cm⁻5, 265.0 ± 28.8 ms). CONCLUSIONS: The NICOM device is simple to use, operator independent, and provides clear and consistent monitoring signals. The output identified distinct hemodymamic profiles that are consistent with the findings of more invasive existing methods.

Ultrasound-facilitated epidurals and spinals in obstetrics.

Regional anesthesia is currently the gold standard of practice for pain control in obstetrics. Failures and complications of regional anesthesia can be related to many causes, one of the most important being the blind nature of such techniques. The practice of epidurals and spinals relies primarily on the palpation of anatomic landmarks that are not always easy to find. Ultrasound has recently been introduced into clinical anesthesia to facilitate lumbar spinals and epidurals. The use of preprocedure ultrasound imaging or, eventually, real-time ultrasound guidance should improve not only clinical practice, but also teaching. This article describes the techniques, challenges, and benefits related to the use of ultrasound in guiding lumbar spinals and epidurals.

Avaliação hemodinâmica não invasiva de mulheres não grávidas, gestantes saudáveis e gestantes com pré-eclâmpsia usando biorreatância / Non-invasive hemodynamic assessment of non-pregnant, healthy pregnant and preeclamptic women using bio-reactance / Evaluación hemodinámica no invasiva de mujeres no embarazadas, embarazadas sanas y embarazadas con preeclampsia usando biorreactancia

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Comparamos os perfis hemodinâmicos de gestantes saudáveis e com pré-eclâmpsia leve, a termo, assim como de controles saudáveis não grávidas, usando um novo monitor de débito cardíaco não invasivo (NICOM, do inglês) baseado na biorreatância. MÉTODOS: Estudamos gestantes saudáveis a termo (Preg, n = 10), gestantes a termo com pré-eclâmpsia leve (PregPE, n = 10) e mulheres saudáveis não grávidas (NonPreg, n = 10). Com as pacientes na posição de semidecúbito lateral esquerdo, 4 eletrodos do NICOM foram colocados na parede do tórax. Essa colocação foi seguida de um período de descanso de 15 minutos. Variáveis hemodinâmicas, incluindo pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) e média (PAM), assim como frequência cardíaca (FC), volume sistólico (VS), resistência periférica total (RPT), débito cardíaco (DC), potência cardíaca (PC) e tempo de ejeção ventricular (TEV) foram monitorados por 15 minutos. RESULTADOS: Os grupos Preg e NonPreg apresentaram perfis hemodinâmicos semelhantes, exceto por um TEV mais curto no grupo Preg (213,3 ± 19,3 ms versus 265,0 ± 28,8 ms, p < 0,001). O grupo PregPE apresentou PAS, PAD e PAM mais elevadas, assim como PC (145,5 ± 12,6 mmHg; 94,5 ± 9,1 mmHg; 111,5 ± 9,8 mmHg; 1,6 ± 0,3 watts) quando comparado com os grupos Preg (114 ± 12,1 mmHg; 71,2 ± 8,4 mmHg; 85,9 ± 9,3 mmHg; 1,1 ± 0,3 watts) e NonPreg (101,2 ± 11,9 mmHg; 66,7 ± 10,4 mmHg; 78,1 ± 10,6 mmHg; 1,0 ± 0,2 watts). O grupo Preg apresentou FC, DC e RPT maiores e TEV mais curto (85,4 ± 8,4 batimentos.min-1; 6,6 ± 0,7 L.min-1; 1.369,9 ± 173,5 dina.seg.cm-5, 221,6 ± 22,4 ms) quando comparado ao grupo NonPreg (67,9 ± 9,5 batimentos.min-1; 5,6 ± 0,7 L.min-1; 1.136,9 ± 149,8 dina.seg.cm-5, 265,0 ± 28,8 ms). CONCLUSÕES: O NICOM é um equipamento fácil de ser usado, que independe do operador e fornece sinais de monitoramento claros e consistentes. A avaliação identificou perfis hemodinâmicos distintos e consistentes com os achados obtidos com métodos mais invasivos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We compared hemodynamic profiles of healthy and mildly preeclamptic pregnant women at term, as well as those of non-pregnant controls, using a new non-invasive cardiac output monitor (NICOM) based on bio-reactance. METHODS: We studied healthy term pregnant women at term (Preg, n = 10), mildly preeclamptic pregnant women at term (PregPE, n = 10), and healthy non-pregnant female volunteers (NonPreg, n = 10). With the subjects in the semi left lateral position, 4 electrodes of the NICOM device were applied to their chest wall, followed by a 15-minute rest period. Hemodynamic variables, including the systolic (SBP), diastolic (DPB) and mean arterial (MAP) pressures, as well as the heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), total peripheral resistance (TPR), cardiac output (CO), cardiac power output (CPO), and ventricular ejection time (VET) were then monitored for 15 minutes. RESULTS: The Preg and NonPreg groups showed similar hemodynamic profiles, except for a shorter VET in the Preg group (213.3 ± 19.3 ms versus 265.0 ± 28.8 ms, p < 0.001). The PregPE group showed higher SBP, DBP and MAP, as well as CPO (145.5 ± 12.6 mmHg; 94.5 ± 9.1 mmHg; 111.5 ± 9.8 mmHg; 1.6 ± 0.3 watts), compared to both the Preg (114 ± 12.1 mmHg; 71.7 ± 8.4 mmHg; 85.9 ± 9.3 mmHg; 1.1 ± 0.3 watts) and NonPreg (101.2 ± 11.9 mmHg; 66.7 ± 10.4 mmHg; 78.1 ± 10.6 mmHg; 1.0 ± 0.2 watts) groups. The PregPE group showed higher HR, CO, and TPR, and shorter VET (85.4 ± 8.4 beats.min-1; 6.6 ± 0.7 L.min-1; 1,369.9 ± 173.5 dyne.sec.cm-5, 221.6 ± 22.4 ms) compared to the NonPreg group (67.9 ± 9.5 beats.min-1; 5.6 ± 0.7 L.min-1; 1,136.9 ± 149.8 dyne.sec.cm-5, 265.0 ± 28.8 ms). CONCLUSIONS: The NICOM device is simple to use, operator independent, and provides clear and consistent monitoring signals. The output identified distinct hemodymamic profiles that are consistent with the findings of more invasive existing methods.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Comparamos los perfiles hemodinámicos de embarazadas sanas y con preeclampsia ligera a término, como también los controles sanos de las no embarazadas, usando un nuevo monitor de débito cardíaco no invasivo (NICOM, del inglés), con base en la biorreactancia. MÉTODOS: Estudiamos embarazadas sanas a término (Embarazadas, n = 10), embarazadas a término con preeclampsia ligera (EmbarazadasPE, n = 10) y mujeres sanas no embarazadas (No Embarazadas, n = 10). Con las pacientes en posición de semidecúbito lateral izquierdo, 4 electrodos del NICOM fueron colocados en la pared del tórax. Esa colocación fue secundada por un período de descanso de 15 minutos. Variables hemodinámicas, incluyendo presión arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) y promedio (PAM), como también la frecuencia cardíaca (FC), volumen sistólico (VS), resistencia periférica total (RPT), débito cardíaco (DC), potencia cardíaca (PC) y tiempo de eyección ventricular (TEV), fueron monitorizados por 15 minutos. RESULTADOS: Los grupos Embarazada y No Embarazada, presentaron perfiles hemodinámicos parecidos, excepto por un TEV más corto en el grupo Embar. (213,3 ± 19,3 ms versus 265,0 ± 28,8 ms, p < 0,001). El grupo Embar.PE presentó PAS, PAD y PAM más elevados, y PC (145,5 ± 12,6 mmHg; 94,5 ± 9,1 mmHg; 111,5 ± 9,8 mmHg; 1,6 ± 0,3 watts), cuando se comparó con los grupos Embar. (114 ± 12,1 mmHg; 71,2 ± 8,4 mmHg; 85,9 ± 9,3 mmHg; 1,1 ± 0,3 watts) y No Embarazadas (101,2 ± 11,9 mmHg; 66,7 ± 10,4 mmHg; 78,1 ± 10,6 mmHg; 1,0 ± 0,2 watts). El grupo Embarazada presentó FC, DC y RPT más altos y TEV más corto (85,4 ± 8,4 latidos.min-1; 6,6 ± 0,7 L.min-1; 1.369,9 ± 173,5 dina.seg.cm5, 221,6 ± 22,4 ms) cuando se le comparó con el grupo No Embarazadas (67,9 ± 9,5 latidos.min-1; 5,6 ± 0,7 L.min-1; 1.136,9 ± 149,8 dina.seg.cm5, 265,0 ±28,8 ms). CONCLUSIONES: El NICOM es un equipo fácil de ser usado, que no depende del operador y que suministra señales de monitoreo claras y consistentes. La monitorización identificó perfiles hemodinámicos distintos y consistentes con los hallazgos de los métodos más invasivos existentes.

[Anesthesia for cesarean section in a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: case report.]. / Anestesia para cesariana em paciente com hiperplasia adrenal congênita: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the anesthetic management of a Cesarean section in a patient with non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and to review the clinical features and management of various forms of CAH during pregnancy. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old primigravida, diagnosed with non-classic CAH, was admitted with intrauterine growth retardation at 28 weeks of gestation. Clinical features included morbid obesity, mild hypertension and chronic use of glucocorticoids. An emergency Cesarean section was performed at 29 weeks of gestation under uneventful spinal anesthesia with perioperative steroid coverage. Both mother and neonate had good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The management of patients with CAH presenting for labour or operative delivery should include the understanding of the effects of chronic steroid therapy, signs of adrenal insufficiency and perioperative steroid coverage. Anesthetic considerations should include issues related to obesity and hypertension. A multidisciplinary approach is required to ensure successful outcome.

[Extraconal block for cataract extraction surgery with implantation of intraocular lens: influence of access way (upper or lower) in anesthetic outcome]. / Bloqueio extraconal para facectomia com implante de lente intra-ocular: influência da via de acesso (superior ou inferior) na qualidade da anestesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is no completely safe anesthetic technique for ophthalmic surgery. The introduction of extraconal anesthesia has increased the number of ophthalmic surgeries with blockade since the incidence of severe complications is lower, as reported by Hay in 1991. Extraconal blockades may be induced by several access ways, among them upper and lower ways. This study aimed at evaluating the influence access ways (upper or lower) in anesthetic outcome. METHODS: Participated in this study 164 patients of both genders, aged 23 to 92 years, physical status ASA I to IV, 1 and 2 Goldmans cardiac risk index, undergoing elective cataract extraction surgery with intraocular lens implantation. Patients were randomly distributed in two groups of 82 according to primary extraconal block access way: group UE (upper extraconal), group LE (lower extraconal). Blockade quality was evaluated by the following parameters: intraoperative pain, eyelid and/or eyeball movement, persistence of Bell s reflex, number of blocks needed for eye akinesia, and surgeons evaluation. RESULTS: Upper extraconal approach was associated to more effective eyelid (upper access - 56.1%; lower access 36.6%) and superior rectus muscle akinesia (upper access - 93.9%; lower access 65.9%) and also a lower incidence of supplementary blocks (upper access - 29.3%; lower access 42.7%). The lower extraconal approach was associated to more effective inferior rectus muscle akinesia (upper access - 72%; lower access - 84.1%), however without statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS: In the conditions of this study the upper extraconal approach was better as compared to the lower approach as the primary access way for anesthetic block for cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation.

Extraconal block for cataract extraction surgery with implantation of intraocular lens: contribution of fentanyl associated to local anesthetics for quality of block and postoperative analgesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Loco-regional anesthesia for cataract extraction surgery offers as advantages minimum physiological changes, complete anesthesia, eye reflexes blockade, lower incidence of nausea and vomiting and shorter recovery time, in addition to postoperative analgesia. Continuous concern with blockade quality as well as with postoperative analgesia is responsibility of the anesthesiologist. This study aimed at evaluating whether fentanyl has contributed to blockade quality and postoperative analgesia in cataract extraction surgery with implantation of intraocular lens. METHODS: The association of fentanyl and 0.75% bupivacaine for eye blockade and postoperative analgesia was evaluated in 164 patients undergoing cataract extraction with implantation of intraocular lens (extracapsular technique). Patients were homogeneous in gender, demographics, operated eye, ASA physical status and Goldmans cardiac risk index. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups (82 patients each): with or without fentanyl. Blockade quality was evaluated according to the following parameters: intraoperative pain; eyelid and/or eyeball movement; Bells reflex persistence; number of blocks needed to produce akinesia and surgeons evaluation of blockade. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated by patients request for additional postoperative analgesia. RESULTS: Results have shown that fentanyl has significantly improved medial rectus muscle blockade quality (with fentanyl - 17.1%; without fentanyl - 32.9%) and has decreased postoperative analgesics consumption (analgesics with fentanyl - 20.7%; no analgesics with fentanyl - 41.5%). CONCLUSIONS: In the conditions of this study, fentanyl has improved block quality, has decreased medial rectus muscle motility and the need for postoperative analgesics.

[Intramuscular versus rectal diclofenac associated with low dose spinal morphine for post-cesarean analgesia.]. / Diclofenaco por via muscular ou retal associado com baixas doses de morfina subaracnóidea para analgesia pós-operatória em cesarianas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diclofenac has been used in combination with spinal opioids to control postoperative pain; however, the best regimen of its administration is not known. This study evaluated the quality of postoperative analgesia of different regimens of diclofenac administration, in patients submitted to Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine and morphine. METHODS: After the end of surgery, patients were randomly allocated into three groups that received diclofenac as follows: G50VR(n=62), 50 mg rectally; G50IM(n=62), 50 mg intramuscularly and G75IM (n=62), 75 mg intramuscularly. Pain was evaluated with a 0-10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) every 30 minutes for six hours and rescue intravenous (iv) meperidine was administered whenever VAS >/= 3 cm. RESULTS: In the interval between 30 and 150 min after diclofenac administration, mean pain scores in G50VR (0.9 +/- 1.4; 1.4 +/- 1.4; 1.3 +/- 1.5; 1.3 +/- 1.2 and 1.5 +/- 3.3 cm) were higher as compared to G50IM (0.4 +/- 0.8; 0.5 +/- 0.8; 0.7 +/- 1.0; 0.7 +/- 1.1 and 0.7 +/- 1.1cm) and G75IM (0.4 +/- 0.8; 0.7 +/- 1.3; 0.7 +/- 1.1; 0.8 +/- 1.2 and 0.7 +/- 1.0 cm). The need for rescue meperidine (43.5%) and total meperidine consumption (21.3 +/- 28.9 mg) were higher in G50VR as compared to G50IM (21% and 8.2 +/- 18.2 mg) and G75IM (19.4% and 6.8 +/- 16.7 mg) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When associated with low doses of spinal morphine, intramuscular diclofenac offers better postoperative analgesia than the rectal route. Additionally, a ceiling effect is probably present for this drug, as no advantages were observed with doses larger than 50 mg intramuscularly.

[Spinal sufentanil associated to hyperbaric bupivacaine: Is it possible to decrease opioid dose?]. / Sufentanil subaracnóideo associado à bupivacaína hiperbárica para analgesia de parto: E possível reduzir a dose do opióide?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The association of isobaric bupivacaine to lower spinal sufentanil dose provides satisfactory analgesia and lower incidence of side effects. This study aimed at evaluating quality of analgesia and incidence of side effects of decreased spinal sufentanil doses associated to hyperbaric bupivacaine for labor analgesia. METHODS: Participated in this study 69 healthy term pregnant patients in active labor. Patients were randomly allocated in three groups receiving spinal combination of 2.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine and 1 mL saline solution (Control Group); 2.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine and 2.5 microg sufentanil (S2.5 Group) or 2.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine and 5 microg sufentanil (S5 Group). Pain, using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and side effects were evaluated at 5-minute intervals for the first 15 minutes and then at 15-minute interval until delivery. Study would end with delivery or when patient requested rescue analgesia (VAS > 3 cm). RESULTS: Groups S2.5 and S5 presented longer analgesia duration (67.2 +/- 38.6 and 78.9 +/- 38.7 minutes, respectively) and a larger number of patients with effective analgesia (100% and 95.6%, respectively) as compared to Control group where mean analgesia duration was 35.9 +/- 21.6 minutes (p < 0.05) with 69.6% of patients with effective analgesia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The association of sufentanil to hyperbaric bupivacaine improves quality and prolongs analgesia duration. When associated to 2.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine, there is no benefit in administering more than 2.5 microg of sufentanil for labor pain relief.

Anestesia para cesariana em paciente com hiperplasia adrenal congênita: relato de caso / Anesthesia for cesarean section in a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste relato de caso é ilustrar a conduta anestésica para cesariana em paciente portadora da forma não clássica de hiperplasia adrenal congênita (HAC) e revisar as manifestações clínicas e a conduta nas suas várias formas durante a gestação. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente primigrávida, 32 anos, portadora da forma não clássica de HAC foi admitida com quadro de retardo de crescimento intra-uterino, com 28 semanas de gestação. Suas características clínicas incluíam obesidade mórbida, hipertensão arterial leve e uso crônico de glicocorticóides. Com 29 semanas de gestação, a paciente foi submetida à cesariana de emergência sob raquianestesia, observando-se administração de esteróides no período peri-operatório. Mãe e recém-nascido apresentaram boa evolução. CONCLUSÕES: A conduta clínica em parturientes portadoras de HAC deve incluir no planejamento os efeitos da corticoterapia crônica, os sinais de insuficiência adrenal e a administração peri-operatória de esteróides. Em relação à anestesia é necessário considerar aspectos relacionados à obesidade e à hipertensão arterial. Uma abordagem multidisciplinar é necessária para garantir um bom resultado materno-fetal.

Bloqueio extraconal para facectomia com implante de lente intra-ocular: influência do fentanil associado ao anestésico local na qualidade do bloqueio e na analgesia pós-operatória / Extraconal block for cataract extraction surgery with implantation of intraocular lens: contribution of fentanyl associated to local anesthetics for quality of block and postoperative analgesia

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A anestesia locorregional para cirurgias oftalmológicas oferece vantagens, como: mínimas alterações fisiológicas, anestesia completa, bloqueio dos reflexos oculares, pequena incidência de náuseas e vômitos, menor tempo de recuperação e analgesia pós-operatória. A preocupação constante com a qualidade do bloqueio, assim como da abordagem da analgesia pós-operatória deve ficar sob a responsabilidade do anestesiologista. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o fentanil contribui na qualidade do bloqueio extraconal e na analgesia pós-operatória de facectomias com implante de lente intra-ocular. MÉTODO: Estudou-se a associação do fentanil e bupivacaína a 0,75 por cento na qualidade do bloqueio ocular e na analgesia pós-operatória em 164 pacientes submetidos a facectomia com implante de lente intra-ocular (técnica extracapsular), de ambos os sexos com homogeneidade de parâmetros antropométricos, olho operado, classificação do estado físico (ASA) e índice de risco cardíaco de Goldman. Os pacientes foram distribuídos em dois grupos (82 pacientes em cada grupo) por sorteio de forma aleatória, com e sem fentanil. Avaliou-se a qualidade do bloqueio por: aparecimento da dor no per-operatório, manutenção de movimentação das pálpebras ou do globo ocular, persistência do reflexo de Bell, número de bloqueios realizados para a obtenção de condições cirúrgicas e avaliação do bloqueio pelo cirurgião. A analgesia pós-operatória foi avaliada pela necessidade de complementação analgésica pelo paciente. RESULTADOS: Fentanil associado à solução anestésica no bloqueio extraconal aumentou significativamente o bloqueio do músculo reto medial (com fentanil - 17,1 por cento, sem fentanil - 32,9 por cento) e diminuiu o consumo de analgésicos no período pós-operatório (uso de analgésicos com fentanil - 20,7 por cento, não uso de analgésicos com fentanil - 41,5 por cento)...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Loco-regional anesthesia for cataract extraction surgery offers as advantages minimum physiological changes, complete anesthesia, eye reflexes blockade, lower incidence of nausea and vomiting and shorter recovery time, in addition to postoperative analgesia. Continuous concern with blockade quality as well as with postoperative analgesia is responsibility of the anesthesiologist. This study aimed at evaluating whether fentanyl has contributed to blockade quality and postoperative analgesia in cataract extraction surgery with implantation of intraocular lens. METHODS: The association of fentanyl and 0.75% bupivacaine for eye blockade and postoperative analgesia was evaluated in 164 patients undergoing cataract extraction with implantation of intraocular lens (extracapsular technique). Patients were homogeneous in gender, demographics, operated eye, ASA physical status and Goldman’s cardiac risk index. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups (82 patients each): with or without fentanyl. Blockade quality was evaluated according to the following parameters: intraoperative pain; eyelid and/or eyeball movement; Bell’s reflex persistence; number of blocks needed to produce akinesia and surgeons evaluation of blockade. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated by patients’ request for additional postoperative analgesia. RESULTS: Results have shown that fentanyl has significantly improved medial rectus muscle blockade quality (with fentanyl - 17.1%; without fentanyl - 32.9%) and has decreased postoperative analgesics consumption (analgesics with fentanyl - 20.7%; no analgesics with fentanyl - 41.5%)...

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La anestesia locorregional para cirugías oftalmológicas ofrece ventajas, como: mínimas alteraciones fisiológicas, anestesia completa, bloqueo de los reflejos oculares, pequeña incidencia de náuseas y vómitos, menor tiempo de recuperación y analgesia pos-operatoria. La preocupación constante con la calidad del bloqueo, así como la abordaje de la analgesia pos-operatoria debe quedar bajo la responsabilidad del anestesiologista. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si el fentanil contribuye en la calidad del bloqueo extraconal y en la analgesia pos-operatoria de facectomias con implantación de lente intra-ocular. MÉTODO: Se estudió la asociación del fentanil y bupivacaína a 0,75% en la calidad del bloqueo ocular y en la analgesia pos-operatoria en 164 pacientes sometidos a facectomia con implantación de lente intra-ocular (técnica extracapsular), de ambos sexos con homogeneidad de parámetros antropométricos, ojo operado, clasificación del estado físico (ASA) e índice de riesgo cardíaco de Goldman. Los pacientes fueron distribuidos en dos grupos (82 pacientes en cada grupo) por sorteo de forma aleatoria, con y sin fentanil. Se evaluó la calidad del bloqueo por: aparecimiento de dolor en el per-operatorio, manutención de movimentación de los párpados o del globo ocular, persistencia del reflejo de Bell, número de bloqueos realizados para la obtención de condiciones quirúrgicas y evaluación del bloqueo por el cirujano. La analgesia pos-operatoria fue evaluada por la necesidad de complementación analgésica por el paciente. RESULTADOS: Fentanil asociado a la solución anestésica en el bloqueo extraconal aumentó significativamente el bloqueo del músculo recto medial (con fentanil - 17,1%, sin fentanil - 32,9%) y diminuyó el consumo de analgésicos en el período pos-operatorio (uso de analgésicos con fentanil - 20,7%, en el uso de analgésicos con fentanil - 41,5%)...

Bloqueio extraconal para facectomia com implante de lente intra-ocular: influência da via de acesso (superior ou inferior) na qualidade da anestesia / Extraconal block for cataract extraction surgery with implantation of intraocular lens: influence of access way (upper or lower) in anesthetic outcome

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Nas intervenções cirúrgicas para oftalmologia näo se encontrou técnica de anestesia totalmente segura, a introduçäo da anestesia extraconal fez aumentar as indicações de cirurgias oculares com bloqueio, já que a incidência de complicações graves é menor, fato já descrito por Hay, em 1991. Os bloqueios extraconais podem ser realizados por várias vias de acesso, entre elas a superior e a inferior. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar qual via de acesso (superior ou inferior) promove bloqueio anestésico de melhor qualidade. MÉTODO: Foram incluídos neste estudo 164 pacientes, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 23 e 92 anos, estado físico ASA I a IV, índice cardíaco 1 e 2 de Goldman, com indicaçäo de facectomia com implante de lente intra-ocular. Os pacientes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de 82, de acordo com a via de acesso primária do bloqueio extraconal: grupo ES (extraconal superior) e EI (extraconal inferior). A qualidade do bloqueio foi avaliada pelo aparecimento da dor no per-operatório, manutençäo de movimentaçäo das pálpebras ou do globo ocular, persistência do reflexo de Bell, número de bloqueios realizados para a obtençäo de condições cirúrgicas e avaliaçäo do bloqueio pelo cirurgiäo. RESULTADOS: A via de acesso superior apresentou maior incidência de acinesia de pálpebras (via superior - 56,1 por cento; via inferior - 36,6 por cento) do músculo reto superior (via superior - 93,9 por cento; via inferior - 65,9 por cento), assim como menor necessidade de bloqueios complementares (via superior - 29,3 por cento; via inferior - 42,7 por cento). A via de acesso inferior apresentou maior acinesia do músculo reto inferior (via superior - 72 por cento; via inferior - 84,1 por cento) sem diferença estatística. CONCLUSÕES: Nas condições deste estudo a via extraconal superior demonstrou ser superior em relaçäo à via extraconal inferior, como via de acesso primária para bloqueio locorregional para cirurgia de facectomia com implante de lente intra-ocular

Diclofenaco por via muscular ou retal associado com baixas doses de morfina subaracnóidea para analgesia pós-operatória em cesarianas / Intramuscular versus rectal diclofenac associated with low dose spinal morphine for post-cesarean analgesia

Justificativa e objetivos - O diclofenaco tem sido utilizado em combinação com opióides por via subaracnóidea no controle da dor pósðoperatória; entretanto, a melhor forma de sua administração não é conhecida. Este estudo avaliou a qualidade da analgesia pósðoperatória de diferentes esquemas de administração de diclofenaco, em pacientes submetidas à cesariana sob raquianestesia com bupivacaína e morfina. Método - Após o final da cirurgia, as pacientes foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos que receberam diclofenaco como se segue: G50VR (n=62), 50 mg por via retal; G50IM (n=62), 50 mg por via muscular e G75IM (n=62), 75 mg por via muscular. A dor foi avaliada com uma escala analógica visual de 0ð10 cm (EAV) a cada 30 minutos nas primeiras seis horas e meperidina, via venosa, foi administrada como medicação de resgate sempre que a EAV fosse igual ou maior que 3 cm. Resultados - No intervalo entre 30 e 150 minutos após a administração do diclofenaco, a média da intensidade de dor no grupo G50VR (0,9 ñ 1,4; 1,4 ñ 1,4; 1,3 ñ 1,5; 1,3 ñ 1,2 e 1,5 ñ 3,3 cm) foi maior quando comparada com as do G50IM (0,4 ñ 0,8; 0,5 ñ 0,8; 0,7 ñ 1,0; 0,7 ñ 1,1 e 0,7 ñ 1,1 cm) e G75IM (0,4 ñ 0,8; 0,7 ñ 1,3; 0,7 ñ 1,1; 0,8 ñ 1,2 e 0,7 ñ 1,1 cm). A necessidade de meperidina de resgate (43,5 por cento) e o consumo total de meperidina (21,3 ñ 28,9 mg) foram maiores no G50Vr, quando comparados com G50IM (21 por cento e 8,2 ñ 18,2 mg) e G75IM (19,4 por cento e 6,8 ñ 16,7 mg). Conclusões - Quando combinada com baixas doses de morfina subaracnóidea, a administração do diclofenaco por via muscular promove melhor analgesia pós-operatória que por via retal. Além disso, parece haver um efeito teto para esta droga, já que não se observam vantagens com doses superiores a 50 mg por via muscular

Sufentanil subaracnóideo associado à bupivacaína hiperbárica para analgesia de parto: É possível reduzir a dose do opióide?

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A adição de bupivacaína isobárica a doses menores de sufentanil por via subaracnóidea promove analgesia de qualidade satisfatória, com menor incidência de efeitos colaterais. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da analgesia e a incidência de efeitos colaterais de doses reduzidas de sufentanil subaracnóideo associados à bupivacaína hiperbárica em analgesia de parto. MÉTODO: Foram estudadas prospectivamente 69 gestantes de termo em trabalho de parto. As gestantes foram aleatoriamente divididas em três grupos que receberam, no espaço subaracnóideo, a combinação de 2,5 mg de bupivacaína hiperbárica e 1 ml de solução fisiológica (Grupo Controle); 2,5 mg de bupivacaína hiperbárica e 2,5 æg de sufentanil (Grupo S2,5) ou 2,5 mg de bupivacaína hiperbárica e 5 æg de sufentanil (Grupo S5). A dor, de acordo com a escala analógico visual (EAV) de dor e a incidência de efeitos colaterais foram avaliadas a cada 5 minutos nos primeiros quinze minutos e a seguir a cada 15 minutos até o nascimento. O estudo terminava com o nascimento, ou quando a paciente solicitava medicação analgésica de resgate (EAV > 3 cm). RESULTADOS: Os grupos S2,5 e S5 apresentaram maior duração de analgesia (67,2 ± 38,6 e 78,9 ± 38,7 minutos, respectivamente) e maior porcentagem de pacientes com analgesia efetiva (100 por cento e 95,6 por cento, respectivamente) que o grupo Controle, no qual a duração média de analgesia foi de 35,9 ± 21,6 minutos (p < 0,05) e a porcentagem de pacientes com analgesia efetiva foi de 69,6 por cento (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A adição de sufentanil à bupivacaína hiperbárica melhora a qualidade e prolonga a duração da analgesia. Quando associado a 2,5 mg de bupivacaína hiperbárica, não há vantagem de se administrar dose superior a 2,5 æg de sufentanil para alívio da dor do trabalho de parto.

Organizaçåo de serviços de anestesia obstétrica na cidade de Såo Paulo / Organization of obstetric anesthesia services in the city of Såo Paulo

Background and objectives - The quality of obstetric anesthesia is directly related the to organization of obstetric anesthesia services. In Brazil, there is a lack of information on such services. The purpose of thisstudy was to charcterize the material and human resources and the functional organization of obstetric services in public, private and university affiliated hospitals in the city of Säo Palo. Methods - Questionnaires were sent to the chiefsof obstetric anesthesia services services of 75 hospitals located in the cityof Såo Paulo, which had more than 100 deliveries in 1991. Fifty-six were private,15public and 4 university hospitals. The questionnaires included 4 parts aimingat the characterizati0n of: size of hospitals and type of patient; physical and material resources available; human resources available, their qualification andorganization; preferred anesthetic techniques. Results - Fifty hospitals responded,33 being private, 13 public and 4 university affiliated. The majority of thehospitals are middle to large sized, with a great number of deliveries per year. Patients under the Public Health Care System are taken care of in almost all publichospitals (92.5 percent) and in all university hospitals. Support services are available in the great majority of the hospitals, although there is a lack of blood banks in private hospitals and of intensive care beds in public hospitals. The anesthesiologist is present in the hospital during 24 hours a day in 92 pre cent of the studied hospitals and is responsible for the administration of anesthesia in 98.0 per cent of them. The qualification of the anesthesiologists regarding basic training programs in anesthesiology is satisfactory, but only a small percentage is Board Certified (Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology) or has any academic titles. The anesthetic technique is standardized in only 16,0 per cent ofthe hospitals. Equipment and monitoring devices are available in most of the hospitlas, although there is a lack of mandatory devices in some; however, even when available, monitoring resources are often underutilized. Medical school affiliation and academic activities prevail in public hospitals. The routine use of new techniques and the participation of the anesthesiologist in the postanestheticperiod occurred more frequently in private hospitals. Conclusions - The conditions for the practice of obstetric anesthesia in the fifty hospitals studied in Säo Paulo are satisfactory. However, some important problems were detected such asthe lack of mandatory equipment in some hospitals, lack of standards of practiceand the underutilization of monitoring resources, even when available

Gasometria venosa durante anestesia peridural para cesárea / Venous blood gases in the upper limbs during epidural anesthesia for cesarean section

Foram estudadas 14 gestantes ASA I submetidas a anestesia peridural para cesárea eletiva. Os pacientes receberam uma dose padräo de 150 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5 por cento, com epinefrina 1:200.000. Os níveis de bloqueio sensitivo e térmico e a gasometria venosa do membro superior esquerdo foram avaliadas nos tempos: T1-Controle, T2-Histerotomia, T3-após 20 UI de ocitocina. No momento da histerectomia (T2), em média 40,8 minutos após o início da anestesia, estando o bloqueio sensitivo em T4,2 e o bloqueio térmico em T3,9 a Pv02 e a Svo2 (51,1 +- 16,7mmHg e 80,8 +- 12,4 por cento) aumentaram significativamente em relaçäo aos valores de controle (38,4 +- 11,2mmHg e 61,7 +- 18,2 por cento). Após a histerectomia, os níveis sensitivo e térmico do bloqueio e as alteraçöes gasométricas nåo se modificaram significativamente até o final do experimento. Conclui-se que a anestesia peridural para cesárea modifica o padräo gasométrico venoso do membro superior e que a infusåo de ocitocina näo acrescenta modificaçöes adicioanis.