Effect of hyoscine-N-butylbromide on labor duration among nullipara in a southwestern Nigerian teaching hospital: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of hyoscine-N-butylbromide on the duration of the first stage of labor among nulliparous women. METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study among 126 nulliparous women admitted in the active phase of labor to a teaching hospital in Sagamu, Nigeria, from January to August 2018. Based on the inclusion criteria, women were recruited and randomized to the study or control group, and given intravenous hyoscine-N-butylbromide 20 mg (1 mL) or sterile water (1 mL), respectively, during the active phase. Labor progress and outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean ± SD duration of active phase of first stage of labor was significantly shorter in the hyoscine-N-butylbromide group (324.9 ± 134.6 min) than in the control group (392.7 ± 119.6 min) (P = 0.004). The rate of cervical dilatation was 1.4 ± 0.8 cm/h in the hyoscine-N-butylbromide group and 1.0 ± 0.5 cm/h in the control group (P = 0.004). There were no significant differences in fetal heart rate, maternal vital signs, or Apgar scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Hyoscine-N-butylbromide was found to be effective in shortening the duration of the first stage of labor without adverse outcomes for mother or neonate. The trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical trials Registry (PACTR), protocol number: PACTR201808146688942 (https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=3532).

MR enterography - Impact on image quality between single- versus split-dose Buscopan.

INTRODUCTION: MR enterography (MRE) is the most common imaging modality used to assess small bowel pathology, particularly patients with suspected Crohn's disease. Spasmolytic agents, most commonly Buscopan, are routinely used to reduce or cease movement/bowel activity in order to reduce blurring of the images which would otherwise reduce its diagnostic quality. The purpose of this study was to determine if administering an evenly split dose of Buscopan would improve the quality of images obtained relative to the standard single dose performed at our institution. METHODS: Cine sequences through the anterior and mid-abdomen were performed to assess and document small bowel peristalsis. Additional analysis was performed by the use of digital subtraction and measuring the signal-to-noise ratio value on the subtracted image, which was used to compare the amount of small bowel movement. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients who presented to the Department of Medical Imaging between October 2018 and April 2019 were included. In the anterior section, those in the split-dose group had a mean difference of 2.4 lower number of peristalsing bowel loops compared to the single-dose group (P = 0.001), while in the mid-section, those in the split-dose group had a mean difference of 2.5 lower number of peristalsing bowel loops compared to the single-dose group (P-value = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that split-dose Buscopan significantly reduced peristalsis compared to single-dose Buscopan, and a reduction in peristalsis reduces one aspect of motion artefact, which translates to better images.

Diclofenac versus a combination of hyoscine and diclofenac for outpatient hysteroscopy: A placebo controlled randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the effect of administering diclofenac sodium and/or oral hyoscine in pain perception during and after outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy without anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in an University Hospital. We included 217 patients submitted to office hysteroscopy for the following indications: diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial polyps, submucous myomas, infertility and recurrent miscarriage. Patients were allocated into 3 groups: (Group 1) placebo, (Group 2) diclofenac sodium 50 mg and (Group 3) diclofenac sodium 50 mg plus Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide 10 mg. The primary outcome was the visual analogue score immediately after the procedure. The secondary outcomes included Likert acceptance scale, the need for extra analgesia after the procedure, need to stay in the observation room and the occurrence of vagal symptoms. RESULTS: Groups were similar according to age, color, age of menarche, gravity, c-section, abortion, presence of pelvic pain, presence of uterine scar, height and body mass index. Patients in all three groups demonstrated similar visual pain scores when submitted to office hysteroscopy (Group 1: 4.18 ± 3.1, Group 2: 4.68 ± 2.9, group 3: 4.45 ± 2.9, P = 0.59). Moreover, patients presented high acceptance scores of the procedure, similar between groups. We performed a subgroup analysis in patients in treatment for chronic pelvic pain and, in this subgroup, prior medication with diclofenac sodium isolated or associated with hyoscine were both effective in decreasing pain levels when compared to placebo (Group 1: 6.0 ± 1.9, Group 2: 3.6 ± 2.1, group 3: 4.2 ± 1.5, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION(S): Office hysteroscopy is a well tolerated procedure and prior use of analgesic medication was not effective in decreasing pain. In selected patients with chronic pelvic pain the use prior analgesic medication may be beneficial.

Prophylactic effect of scopolamine butylbromide, a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, on irinotecan-related cholinergic syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cholinergic syndrome frequently occurs within the first 24 h after irinotecan injection. We evaluated the prophylactic effect of scopolamine butylbromide on irinotecan-related cholinergic syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients who received irinotecan-based regimens at our outpatient chemotherapy clinic between April 2013 and May 2014 were enrolled. Patients who developed irinotecan-related cholinergic syndrome were prophylactically administered scopolamine butylbromide at the next scheduled treatment. Risk factors for irinotecan-related cholinergic syndrome were determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Irinotecan-related cholinergic syndrome occurred in 50.8% of patients. Scopolamine butylbromide administration significantly reduced the incidence to 3.4% (P < 0.01). The irinotecan dose (≥ 150 mg/m2) was the only risk factor associated with irinotecan-related cholinergic syndrome. The incidence of cholinergic syndrome in patients with this risk factor was 75%. CONCLUSION: Scopolamine butylbromide was effective in preventing irinotecan-related cholinergic syndrome. It is recommended for patients receiving ≥ 150 mg/m2 irinotecan who may develop cholinergic syndrome at high frequency.

Effect of Premedication Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide before Hysterosalpingography for Diagnosis of Proximal Tubal Obstruction in Infertile Women: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of hyoscine-N-butylbromide (HBB) as premedication on the rate of proximal tubal obstruction during hysterosalpingography (HSG). DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: The Infertility Clinic of Songklanagarind Hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and forty-six infertile women indicated for HSG investigation. INTERVENTIONS: Between May 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017, patients were assigned at random to receive either oral HBB 20 mg or placebo 30 minutes before the HSG procedure. If proximal tubal obstruction was found, participants were be assigned to undergo a second confirming HSG or laparoscopy with chromopertubation within 6 months. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was the rate of proximal tubal obstruction. The secondary outcome was the false-positive result of proximal tubal occlusion from HSG. Proximal tubal obstruction was found in 6 of 70 patients in the HBB group and in 16 of 71 in the placebo group. The rate of proximal tubal obstruction was significantly lower in the HBB group than in the placebo group (8.6% vs 22.5%; p = .04; absolute difference, 13.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.26; relative risk, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16-0.92). After the second HSG or laparoscopy was performed (n = 22), the rate of false occlusion was 20% (1 of 6 patients) in the HBB group, compared with 69.2% (9 of 16 patients) in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Premedication with HBB before HSG can reduce the rate of diagnosis of proximal tubal obstruction and false occlusion.

Oral Diclofenac Potassium Versus Hyoscine-N-Butyl Bromide in Reducing Pain Perception during Office Hysteroscopy: ARandomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of oral diclofenac potassium versus hyoscine-N-butyl bromide (HBB) in reducing pain perception in patients undergoing diagnostic office hysteroscopy (OH). DESIGN: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: A university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: One-hundred twenty-nine patients were divided randomly into 3 groups (n = 43 in each group); group 1 received 50mg diclofenac potassium, group 2 received 20mg HBB, and group 3 received placebo tablets. All tablets were taken orally 1hour before OH. The primary outcome was the participant's self-rated pain perception using the 10-point visual analog scale during the procedure. The secondary outcomes included the visual analog scale score 30 minutes after OH, ease of OH assessment using a 10-cm scale, duration of OH, and adverse effects of the study medications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Both the diclofenac and HBB groups showed significant pain score reduction compared with the placebo group (p = .001). The mean pain score in the diclofenac group was significantly lower than the HBB group (2.12 ± 1.03vs 3.02 ± 1.55, respectively; p = .002). The pain scores in the diclofenac and HBB groups immediately after OH were significantly lower than the placebo group (p = .001), and the mean pain score in the diclofenac group was significantly lower than the HBB group (1.23 ± 0.57vs 1.56 ± 0.73, respectively; p = .024). The ease of procedure score was significantly lower in the diclofenac and HBB groups than the placebo group (p = .003 and p = .005, respectively). The mean duration of the procedure was significantly less in the diclofenac group (p = .01). Fourteen women (32.6%) in the HBB group experienced dizziness and 2 women (4.6%) had nausea, whereas only 4 women (9.3%) in the diclofenac group had dizziness and 2 women (4.6%) had vomiting. CONCLUSION: Oral diclofenac potassium administration 1hour before diagnostic OH reduces the procedure pain with subsequent easier and shorter OH duration. Oral HBB is less effective than diclofenac potassium with more adverse effects.

Hyoscine Butylbromide for the Management of Death Rattle: Sooner Rather Than Later.

CONTEXT: Death rattle (DR) is a dramatic sign in the dying patient. Existing studies with anticholinergic agents are controversial, as this class of drugs has been commonly administered without considering the rationale of the mechanism of action. A meaningful use of these drugs may provide a better outcome. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of hyoscine butylbromide (HB), given prophylactically in comparison with HB administered once DR occurs. METHODS: Dying patients having a score of ≥3 in the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale-palliative version were included in the study. HB (60 mg/day) was given when DR occurred (Group 1) or as pre-emptive treatment (Group 2). The onset of DR (death rattle free time) and intensity of DR were recorded at intervals until death. RESULTS: Eighty-one and 51 patients were randomized to Group 1 and 2, respectively. Patients in Group 2 survived longer than those in Group 1 (P < 0.05). DR occurred in 49 (60.5%) and three patients (5.9%) in Group 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.001). A significant difference in the number of patients reporting DR was found at intervals examined (30 minutes, one hour, and then every six hours until death [P = 0.001]). In Group 1 and 2, DR free time was 20.4 (20.5) and 27.3 hours (25.2), respectively (P = 0.001). In Group 1, the treatment was considered effective in 10 patients (20.4%) only, after a mean of 14.4 hours (SD 8.57). CONCLUSION: The prophylactic use of HB is an efficient method to prevent DR, whereas the late administration produces a limited response, confirming data from traditional studies performed with anticholinergics. This could be considered a new paradigm to manage a difficult and dramatic sign, such as DR.

Hyoscine N-Butylbromide for Preventing Propofol Injection Pain: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled and Double-Blind Study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the aim was to investigate the effect of hyoscine N-butylbromide (HnBB) pretreatment on pain during propofol injection. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind trial, 60 patients scheduled to undergo routine outpatient surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to 2 groups, the HnBB (n = 30) and sodium chloride (n = 30) groups. Twenty seconds after the injection of 20 mg HnBB or 0.9 % sodium chloride, a 50-mg dose of propofol was injected in 2-3 s. Ten seconds later, the pain intensity was assessed using a 4-point scale: no pain (0), mild (1), moderate (2), and severe (3) pain. The Student t test was used for the analysis of parametric data and the Pearson χ2 test for categorical data. RESULTS: The occurrence of pain in the HnBB group (43.3%) was significantly lower than the control group (73.3%) (p < 0.018). Of the 30 patients in each group, 10 in the control group and 3 in the HnBB group experienced severe pain (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with 20 mg HnBB significantly reduced propofol injection pain compared to placebo.

Hyoscine butylbromide significantly decreases motion artefacts and allows better delineation of anatomic structures in mp-MRI of the prostate.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate the effect of hyoscine butylbromide (HBB) on visualisation of anatomical details and motion-related artefacts in mp-MRI of the prostate at 3.0 Tesla. METHODS: One hundred and three consecutive patients (65 ± 10 years) were included in this trial, powered to demonstrate an improvement of image quality after HBB administration, assessed on a 5-point scale by two blinded readers. All patients received high-spatial resolution axial T2-weighted TSE sequences at 3.0 T without spasmolytic agent, repeated after application of 40 mg HBB and followed by routine mp-MRI. Secondary endpoints were (1) susceptibility to side effects, (2) dependence of spasmolytic effect on patients´ weight, and (3) prostate volume. RESULTS: In 68% of patients, HBB significantly improved the anatomic score (mean 3.4 ± 0.9 before and 4.4 ± 0.7 after HBB for both readers, p = <0.001). In 67%, HBB significantly enhanced the artefact score (mean 3.2 ± 1 before and 4.2 ± 0.8 after HBB for reader 1, p = <0.001; 3.2 ± 1 and 4.1 ± 0.8 for reader 2, p = <0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between patients with different bodyweight or prostate volume. Inter-reader agreement was excellent (k = 0.95-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Hyoscine butylbromide significantly improves image quality and reduces motion-related artefacts in mp-MRI of the prostate independent of bodyweight or prostate volume. No side effects were reported. KEY POINTS: • Hyoscine butylbromide (HBB) improved image quality in over 2/3 of patients. • Severe artefacts were reduced after HBB in more than 20%. • The number of non-diagnostic MRI was reduced to <1% after HBB. • HBB effect was independent of bodyweight and prostate volume. • No side effects of HBB were reported in this study population.

Effect of hyoscine butyl-bromide on the duration of active phase of labor: A randomized-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Hyoscine butyl bromide (HBB) is known for its antispasmodic action and has been in use for over five decades, there is however no consensus on its effectiveness in the labor process. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of HBB on the duration of the active phase of labor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 160 parturient who received either intravenous Hyoscine butyl-bromide (20 mg in 1 ml; n = 80) or intravenous normal saline (1 ml, n = 80). The mean duration of active phase of labor was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The observed mean duration of the active phase of labor was significantly shorter (P = 0.001) in the Hyoscine butyl-bromide group (365.11 ± 37.32 min, range = 280-490) than in the Placebo group (388.46 ± 51.65 min, range = 280-525). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean duration of the second and third stages of labor (20.46 ± 10.46 vs. 23.38 ± 18.95 min, P = 0.43 and 8.96 ± 4.34 vs. 9.23 ± 5.92 min, P = 0.75, respectively). The mean 1-min APGAR scores were also comparable (8.08 ± 1.54 vs. 7.64 ± 1.60, P = 0.08). The mean postpartum blood loss was significantly less in the Hyoscine butyl-bromide group (303 ± 96.52 vs. 368 ± 264.19 ml, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Hyoscine butyl-bromide was effective in shortening the duration of the active phase of labor. It was also associated with significantly less postpartum blood loss.

Diffusion-weighted MR enterography for evaluating Crohn's disease: Effect of anti-peristaltic agent on the diagnosis of bowel inflammation.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively investigate how Buscopan affects the diagnosis of bowel inflammation by diffusion-weighted imaging MR enterography (DWI-MRE) in Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Thirty CD patients without previous bowel surgery underwent DWI-MRE (b = 900 sec/mm2) before and after intravenous Buscopan. The 30 patients were randomly divided into two groups; using a crossover design, interpretations were made regarding the presence of restricted mural diffusion (i.e., bowel inflammation) in nine bowel segments in two separate reading sessions by two readers. The readers also judged restricted mural diffusion extent in each bowel segment on two side-by-side DWI-MRE images with a random right-to-left order. Ileocolonoscopy and conventional MRE interpreted by an expert panel were reference standards. RESULTS: We analyzed 262 bowel segments. DWI-MRE without Buscopan significantly decreased sensitivity for both readers (58.8 % vs. 72.9 %, P = 0.046; 57.6 % vs. 85.9 %, P = 0.001) and did not significantly increase specificity (P = 0.085 and 0.396). Two readers noted that 28.6 % and 23.3 % of 262 bowel segments had greater diffusion restriction extent on DWI-MRE with Buscopan compared with DWI-MRE without Buscopan (P < 0.001) and 68.7 % and 74 %, respectively, had similar extent between them. CONCLUSION: Omitting Buscopan caused a greater loss in sensitivity of DWI-MRE than false-positive reduction for diagnosing bowel inflammation in CD. KEY POINTS: • Omitting Buscopan significantly decreases DWI-MRE sensitivity for diagnosing bowel inflammation in CD. • Increase in the corresponding DWI-MRE specificity by omitting Buscopan is less apparent. • DWI-MRE without Buscopan underestimates the extent of bowel inflammation in CD.

The role of routinely given hyoscine-N-butylbromide in colonoscopy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Hyoscine-N-butylbromide (HBB) has been proposed to ease colonoscopy and improve mucosal visualization, yet the results from previous studies are conflicting. In our prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study we aimed at evaluating whether routine administration of HBB, before and during colonoscopy, ease the procedure or increase the detection rate for polyps. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred fifty outpatients scheduled for an elective colonoscopy were randomized to receive intravenous injections of either 10 mg hyoscine-N-butylbromide or saline before insertion and at cecum. Patient tolerance and technical ease of colonoscopy were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Procedure times were recorded. Number of detected polyps per patient was evaluated as well. Heart rate was monitored with a pulse oximetry. RESULTS: HBB did not improve patient tolerance or technically ease the procedure as evaluated by VAS. However, HBB led to faster ileal intubation (1.5 vs 2.0 min, p < 0.001) and shorter total procedure time (22.0 vs 24.0 min, p = 0.03). Patients who received HBB also needed less often external abdominal pressure (48.6 vs 66.7%, p = 0.03). HBB did not improve polyp detection rate (0.89 vs 0.91, p = 0.90). HBB induced a significant rise in heart rate (p < 0.001) and more often tachycardia (17.6 vs 0%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Routine administration of HBB before and during colonoscopy yields only limited improvement in the technical performance of the examination compromised by high incidence of tachycardia.

A multicenter pragmatic study of an evidence-based intervention to improve adenoma detection: the Quality Improvement in Colonoscopy (QIC) study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Low adenoma detection rates (ADRs) at colonoscopy are linked to significantly higher interval cancer rates, and vary between colonoscopists. Studies demonstrate that lesion detection is improved by: withdrawal time of ≥ 6 minutes; use of hyoscine butylbromide; position change; and rectal retroflexion. We evaluated the feasibility of implementing the above "bundle" of interventions into colonoscopy practice, and the effect on ADR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal cohort design was used. Implementation combined central training, local promotion, and feedback. The uptake marker was change in hyoscine butylbromide use. Comparisons were between the 3 months before and the 9 months after the implementation phase, globally, by endoscopy unit and by quartile when colonoscopists were ranked according to baseline ADR. Chi-squared or Fisher's tests were used to evaluate significance. RESULTS: 12 units participated. Global and quartile analyses included data from 118 and 68 colonoscopists and 17 508 and 14 193 procedures respectively. A significant increase in hyoscine butylbromide use was observed globally (54.4 % vs. 15.8 %, P < 0.001), in all endoscopy units (P < 0.001) and quartiles (P < 0.001). A significant increase in ADR was observed globally (18.1 % vs. 16.0 %, P = 0.002) and in the lower two colonoscopist quartiles (P < 0.001), with a nonsignificant increase in the upper middle quartile and a significant fall to 21.5 %. in the upper quartile. The significant variations in ADR among the upper three quartiles disappeared. CONCLUSION: In routine clinical practice, introduction of a simple, inexpensive, evidence-based "bundle" of measures is feasible and is associated with higher global ADR, driven by improvements amongst the poorest performing colonoscopists.

Colonic distention at CT colonography: randomized evaluation of both IV hyoscine butylbromide and automated carbon dioxide insufflation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the efficacy of IV hyoscine butylbromide as a bowel relaxant and automated carbon dioxide insufflation in CT colonography in terms of colonic distention and perceived burden. SUBJECTS AND METHODS; Two hundred twenty-four participants were randomly allocated to one of four groups: control (no bowel relaxant and IV saline placebo before CT colonography with manual carbon dioxide insufflation), hyoscine butylbromide (IV hyoscine butylbromide before examination with manual carbon dioxide insufflation), automated (no bowel relaxant before examination with automated carbon dioxide insufflation), and combined (hyoscine butylbromide before examination with automated carbon dioxide insufflation). The degree of colonic distention on a 4-point scale, examination time, and participants' satisfaction, as measured by their responses to a questionnaire, were assessed. RESULTS: The mean distention grades of all the colonic segments and both positions were 3.22 in the control group, 3.28 in the hyoscine butylbromide group, 3.77 in the automated group, and 3.74 in the combined group. Compared with manual carbon dioxide insufflation, automated carbon dioxide insufflation significantly improved the clinical adequacy of colonic distention and shortened examination time. No statistically significant difference was seen in the clinical adequacy of distention between participants who received hyoscine butylbromide and those who did not, or in examination time. Overall, the participants' experiences were not different. CONCLUSION: Colonic distention was statistically significantly improved by automated carbon dioxide insufflation, but not by the administration of hyoscine butylbromide. The participants' tolerance was similar in each group.

Randomized, clinical trial on the preventive effects of butylscopolamine on early postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) can be a distressing complication for patients in whom a urinary catheter was inserted during an operation. Our randomized, dual-center, clinical trial investigated the effects of butylscopolamine on the prevention of postoperative CRBD in patients undergoing various operations. METHODS: Adult male patients undergoing elective operations requiring intraoperative urinary catheterization under general anesthesia were enrolled. They were assigned randomly to 2 groups: The butylscopolamine group (n = 49) received 20 mg of butylscopolamine intravenously immediately before the end of the operation; no medication was given for prevention of CRBD in the control group (n = 50). The presence and severity of CRBD were assessed at 1, 2, and 6 hours postoperatively. Adverse effects of butylscopolamine were also examined. RESULTS: The overall incidence of CRBD was less in the butylscopolamine group than in the control group (31% vs 66%, respectively; P = .001). The incidence of CRBD at 1, 2, and 6 hours postoperatively was also less in the butylscopolamine group (P = .006, .04, and .048, respectively). In addition, the average severity of CRBD for 6 hours postoperatively was significantly less in the butylscopolamine group than in the control group (median, 0 [interquartile range, 0-17] vs 22 [interquartile range, 0-47], respectively; P = .002). Adverse effects were comparable between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of butylscopolamine at the end of an operation decreases effectively the incidence and severity of early postoperative CRBD without adverse effects.

The hemodynamic effect of an intravenous antispasmodic on propofol requirements during colonoscopy: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Hemodynamic status during induction of anesthesia may modify the amount of propofol needed to induce loss of consciousness (LOC). This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of antispasmodic-induced tachycardia on the concentration of propofol at the effect-site for inducing LOC when deep sedation was executed for colonoscopy. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen adult patients were randomly assigned to receive either 20 mg of the antispasmodic Buscopan intravenously (Buscopan group; n = 58) or normal saline (control group; n = 58) for colonoscopy. After administration of Buscopan, the antispasmodic or normal saline, propofol was given by means of target-controlled infusion to induce LOC. We recorded patient characteristics, hemodynamic profiles, effect-site propofol concentration upon LOC, total propofol dosage for colonoscopy, and colonoscopy outcomes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the characteristics between the two groups. Although the patients receiving Buscopan had a higher heart rate than those of the control group (101 ± 15 beats/minute vs. 77 ± 13 beats/minute; p < 0.001), we found no significant difference between two groups in the effect-site propofol concentration for inducing LOC (3.9 ± 0.6 µg/mL vs. 3.8 ± 0.6 µg/mL; p = 0.261) nor total propofol dosage required for colonoscopy (3.2 ± 1.4 mg/kg vs. 3.1 ± 1.1 mg/kg; p = 0.698). Both groups had comparable colonoscopy outcomes, including percentage of patients completing the procedure and total procedure time. CONCLUSION: The hemodynamic responses to intravenous Buscopan neither affected the effect-site propofol concentration needed to induce LOC, nor the total propofol dosage required for colonoscopy in this study. There is no need to modify the dosage of propofol in patients subject to Buscopan premedication in colonoscopy.

Managing overactive bladder symptoms in a palliative care setting.

BACKGROUND: The combined symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, and incontinence (overactive bladder) are common symptoms within an elderly population but are also seen in palliative care patients and are most often due to detrusor muscle overactivity. These symptoms can lead to a marked reduction in quality of life and pharmacological management is traditionally with anticholinergic drugs. These medications carry a high risk of side effects and are often poorly tolerated by palliative care patients. Other management approaches, however, such as the use of urisheaths may markedly improve quality of life without adding to symptom burden in patients nearing the end of life. OBJECTIVES: This article highlights two cases in palliative care where overactive bladder symptoms prove difficult to manage with anticholinergic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The discussion will give an overview of treatment strategies to help aid the clinician in managing these difficult symptoms in patients with a terminal illness.

Stability studies of binary and ternary mixtures containing morphine, midazolam, levomepromazine and hyoscine butylbromide for parenteral administration.

OBJECTIVES: [corrected] Parenteral (intravenous or subcutaneous) administration is routinely used in palliative medicine because patients are not able to take drugs orally. To avoid excessive injections, several drugs are usually given in the same dose, but the stability of these drugs when mixed is not always known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of several mixtures of drugs (morphine, midazolam, levomepromazine and hyoscine butylbromide) kept under different storage conditions. METHODS: Stability was evaluated on the basis of percentage of drug remaining, pH, change of colour and gas or precipitate formation. KEY FINDINGS: The most notable results of the study showed that levomepromazine is rapidly degraded in 0.9% NaCl in all cases, and at high concentrations, morphine can precipitate when stored at 4°C. CONCLUSIONS: Mixtures containing levomepromazine are rapidly degraded under experimental conditions.

Colon distension and scan protocol for CT-colonography: an overview.

This article reviews two important aspects of CT-colonography, namely colonic distension and scan parameters. Adequate distension should be obtained to visualize the complete colonic lumen and optimal scan parameters should be used to prevent unnecessary radiation burden. For optimal distension, automatic carbon dioxide insufflation should be performed, preferably via a thin, flexible catheter. Hyoscine butylbromide is - when available - the preferred spasmolytic agent because of the positive effect on insufflation and pain/burden and its low costs. Scans in two positions are required for adequate distension and high polyp sensitivity and decubitus position may be used as an alternative for patients unable to lie in prone position. The great intrinsic contrast between air or tagging and polyps allows the use of low radiation dose. Low-dose protocol without intravenous contrast should be used when extracolonic findings are deemed unimportant. In patients suspected for colorectal cancer, normal abdominal CT scan protocols and intravenous contrast should be used in supine position for the evaluation of extracolonic findings. Dose reduction can be obtained by lowering the tube current and/or voltage. Tube current modulation reduces the radiation dose (except in obese patients), and should be used when available. Iterative reconstructions is a promising dose reducing tool and dual-energy CT is currently evaluated for its applications in CT-colonography. This review also provides our institution's insufflation procedure and scan parameters.

Peppermint oil solution is useful as an antispasmodic drug for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, especially for elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Although hyoscine butyl bromide (HB) and glucagon (GL) are often used as antispasmodic drugs during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), these agents may cause adverse effects. Recently, it was reported that peppermint oil solution (PO) was very effective and had few side effects. AIM: We clarified the efficacy and usefulness of PO as an antispasmodic during upper endoscopy, especially for elderly patients. METHODS: This study was a non-randomized prospective study. The antispasmodic score (1-5, where 5 represents no spasm) was defined according to the degree of spasms of the antrum and difficulty of biopsy. We compared the antispasmodic scores between non-elderly patients (younger than 70) and elderly patients (70 years old or older) according to the antispasmodic agent. RESULTS: A total of 8,269 (Group PO: HB: GL: NO (no antispasmodic) = 1,893: 6,063: 157: 156) EGD procedures were performed. There was no significant difference in the antispasmodic score between Group PO (mean score ± standard deviation: 4.025 ± 0.925) and Group HB (4.063 ± 0.887). Among the non-elderly patients, those in Group PO (n = 599, 3.923 ± 0.935) had a worse antispasmodic score than those in Group HB (n = 4,583, 4.062 ± 0.876, P < 0.001). However, among the elderly patients, those in Group PO (n = 1,294, 4.073 ± 0.917) had similar scores to those in Group HB (n = 1,480, 4.064 ± 0.921, P = 0.83), and significantly better scores than those in Group GL (n = 69, 3.797 ± 0.933, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Peppermint oil was useful as an antispasmodic during EGD, especially for elderly patients.