Differences in Urinary Bacterial Anti-Adhesion Activity after Intake of Cranberry Dietary Supplements with Soluble versus Insoluble Proanthocyanidins.

A number of clinical trials support the use of standardized cranberry supplement products for prevention of urinary tract infections; however, products that are not well-characterized for sufficient levels of bioactive components may contribute to negative clinical outcomes. Cranberry supplements for consumer use are not regulated and can be formulated different ways using cranberry juice, pomace or various combinations. This can lead to consumer confusion regarding effectiveness of individual products. The current study compared two commercial supplement products, one made from cranberry juice extract and the other from a blend of whole cranberry. The influence of formulation and proanthocyanidin (PAC) solubility on in vitro and ex vivo P-fimbriated Escherichia coli bacterial anti-adhesion activity (AAA) was determined. Both supplement products as well as whole, frozen cranberries were chromatographically separated into crude polyphenolic, sugar and acid fractions. In vitro AAA testing of all fractions confirmed that only those containing soluble PACs elicited activity. The cranberry juice extract product had higher soluble PAC content than the whole cranberry blended product, which contained mainly insoluble PACs. The influence of soluble and insoluble PAC levels in each product on the urinary (ex vivo) AAA was determined following ingestion. The juice extract product was associated with significantly higher urinary AAA than that of the whole berry blended product when consumed once daily over the 1-week intervention period.

Relationship of preoperative androgen levels and metabolic syndrome with quality of life and erectile function in patients who are to undergo radical prostatectomy.

This study aims to investigate whether clinical and biological preoperative characteristics of patients who were to undergo radical prostatectomy were associated with impairment in patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and erectile dysfunction immediately before intervention. We evaluated patient-reported outcomes among 1019 patients (out of 1343) of the AndroCan study, willing to score the Aging Male Symptom (AMS) and the International Index of Erectile Function 5-item (IIEF-5) auto-questionnaires. Univariate linear regression and robust multiple regression were used to ascertain the relationship between demographic, clinical, and hormonal parameters and global AMS or IIEF-5 scores. As a result, most patients (85.1') of the Androcan cohort agreed to complete questionnaires. Significantly higher IIEF-5 global scores were found in non-Caucasian and obese patients, with larger waist circumference, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high blood sugar, concomitant medications, and hypogonadism, while the AMS global score was significantly higher in patients with larger waist circumference, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, raised glycemia, and concomitant medication. The IIEF-5 global score was correlated to age, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), fat mass percentage, and androstenediol (D5). The AMS global score was significantly correlated to DHEA, D5, and DHEA sulfate. Finally, the multivariate models showed that QoL and erectile function were significantly affected, before surgery, by symptoms and signs that are usually considered as pertaining to the metabolic syndrome, while sexual hormones are essentially correlated to erectile dysfunction.

PSA and obesity among men with localized prostate cancer: results of the ANDROCAN study.

PURPOSE: PSA is known to be lowered in obese patients. There is a lack of data regarding patients with prostate cancer. Our objective was to prospectively assess the relationship PSA concentration, PSA mass and BMI in a cohort of patients with localized prostate cancer. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted including patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Clinical and biological data were collected for each patient before surgery. RESULTS: A total of 1343 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 64.0 years. Mean weight was 82.2 kg and mean BMI was 26.8 kg/m2. Mean PSA concentration was 8.7 ng/mL and mean PSA mass 29.3 ng. On univariate analysis, an association was found between PSA mass and either BMI, weight and waist circumference. No association was found between PSA concentration and each weight parameters. On multivariate analysis, obesity was not an independent predictor of PSA concentration (p = 0.73). Independent predictors of PSA concentration were cardiovascular disease (negative association, p = 0.034), predominant Gleason 4 (positive association, p < 0.001) and pT3a (positive association, p < 0.001). BMI was an independent predictor of PSA mass (positive association, p = 0.009). PSA mass was negatively associated with TT (p = 0.015) and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.003), and positively associated with BT (p = 0.032), Gleason grade ≥ 4 + 3 (p < 0.001) and pT3a (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this prospective study of patients with localized prostate cancer, higher BMI was associated with higher PSA mass but not with higher PSA concentration. Screening obese patients with a specific PSA method does not appear to be critical.

Metabolic syndrome, levels of androgens, and changes of erectile dysfunction and quality of life impairment 1 year after radical prostatectomy.

Robust data evaluating the association of preoperative parameters of the patients with quality of life after radical prostatectomy are lacking. We investigated whether clinical and biological preoperative characteristics of the patients were associated with impaired patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and sexual outcomes 1 year after radical prostatectomy. We evaluated patient-reported outcomes among the 1343 men participating in the AndroCan trial (NCT02235142). QoL and erectile dysfunction (ED) were assessed before and 1 year after radical prostatectomy using validated self-assessment questionnaires (Aging Male's Symptoms [AMS] and the 5-item abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF5]). At baseline, 1194 patients (88.9%) accepted to participate. A total of 750 (55.8%) patients answered the 1-year postoperative questionnaires. Out of them, only 378 (50.4% of responders) provided answers that could be used for calculations. One year after prostatectomy, ED had worsened by 8.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.3-8.7; P < 0.0001) out of a maximum of 20. The global AMS score has worsened by 2.8 (95% CI: 1.7-3.8; P < 0.0001). ED scores 1 year postsurgery were positively correlated with preoperative age and percentage of fat mass, and negatively correlated with total cholesterol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenediol (D5); AMS were poorly correlated with preoperative parameters. QoL and sexual symptoms significantly worsened after radical prostatectomy. Baseline bioavailable testosterone levels were significantly correlated with smaller changes on AMS somatic subscores postprostatectomy. These findings may be used to inform patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.

Behavior of a dual closed-loop controller of propofol and remifentanil guided by the bispectral index for postoperative sedation of adult cardiac surgery patients: a preliminary open study.

A dual-loop controller permits the automated titration of propofol and remifentanil during anesthesia; it has never been used in intensive care after cardiac surgery. The goal of this preliminary study was to determine the efficacy of this controller to provide postoperative sedation in 19 adult cardiac surgery patients with a Bispectral Index target of 50. Results are presented as numbers (percentages) or medians [25th-75th percentiles]. The sedation period lasted 139 min [89-205] during which the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale was at - 5 and the Behavioral Pain Scale score at three points for all patients and observation times but one (82 out of 83 assessments). Sedation time in the range 40-60 for the Bispectral Index was 87% [57-95]; one patient had a period of electrical silence defined as Suppression Ratio at least > 10% for more than 60 s. The time between the end of infusions and tracheal extubation was 84 min [63-129]. The Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale was 0 [0-0], 0 [- 1 to 0], and 0 [0-0] respectively during the 3 h following extubation while the verbal numerical pain scores were 6 [4.5-7], 5 [4-6], and 2 [0-5]. Mean arterial pressure decreased during sedation requiring therapeutic interventions, mainly vascular filling in 15 (79%) patients. Automated sedation device was discontinued in two patients for hemodynamic instability. No patient had awareness of the postoperative sedation period. Dual closed-loop can provide postoperative sedation after cardiac surgery but the choice of the depth of sedation should take into account the risk of hypotension.

A French version of Ringsted's questionnaire on pain-related impairment of daily activities after lung surgery: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The questionnaire from Ringsted et al. (RQ) assesses the consequences on daily activities of a post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. Our study aimed at translating the RQ into French and to validate its metrological properties. METHODS: Four months after thoracotomy, 134 patients participating in a prospective comparative study of two surgical thoracotomy approaches (axillary and posterolateral) scored the translated questionnaire. The sensitivity of this version was assessed by comparing scores from patients complaining of pain to that of non-complainers. Concurrent validity was assessed using ratings from direct questions on pain, mood, anxiety and enjoyment of life. Homogeneity was assessed with Crombach's coefficient and dimensionality with PCA. RESULTS: A scoring system was devised to homogenise pain-related impairment with activities that were never performed before surgery and activities that had to be abandoned due to pain. The French version is bi-dimensional: routine activities (carrying heavy loads, raising the arms above the head, housework, getting out of bed, car driving, lying on the operated side, coughing, sitting for half an hour) are opposed to running, walking 1 km, climbing stairs, bending knees, standing for half an hour, swimming and cycling; both these factors contribute independently to the global score. Global and factor scores are sensitive to presence of pain while direct questions account for 20 to 50 % of the information provided by the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The French version of the RQ is suitable to assess chronic repercussions of lung surgery on the ability of patients to perform their daily activities.

Aggressiveness of Localized Prostate Cancer: the Key Value of Testosterone Deficiency Evaluated by Both Total and Bioavailable Testosterone: AndroCan Study Results.

Failure rates after first-line treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa) treatment remain high. Improvements to patient selection and identification of at-risk patients are central to reducing mortality. We aimed to determine if cancer aggressiveness correlates with androgen levels in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized PCa. We performed a prospective, multicenter cohort study between June 2013 and June 2016, involving men with localized PCa scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy. Clinical and hormonal patient data (testosterone deficiency, defined by total testosterone (TT) levels < 300 ng/dL and/or bioavailable testosterone (BT) levels < 80 ng/dL) were prospectively collected, along with pathological assessment of preoperative biopsy and subsequent radical prostatectomy specimens, using predominant Gleason pattern (prdGP) 3/4 grading. Of 1343 patients analyzed, 912 (68%) had prdGP3 PCa and 431 (32%) had high-grade (prdGP4, i.e., ISUP ≥ 3) disease on prostatectomy specimens. Only moderate concordance in prdGP scores between prostate biopsies and prostatectomy specimens was found. Compared with patients with prdGP3 tumors (i.e., ISUP ≤ 2), significantly more patients with prdGP4 cancers had demonstrable hypogonadism, characterized either by BT levels (17.4% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001) or TT levels (14.2% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.020). BT levels were also lower in patients with prdGP4 tumors compared to those with prdGP3 disease. Testosterone deficiency (defined by TT and/or BT levels) was independently associated with higher PCa aggressiveness. BT is a predictive factor for prdGP4 disease, and evaluating both TT and BT to define hypogonadism is valuable in preoperative assessment of PCa (AndroCan Trial: NCT02235142).

Sex steroids in serum and prostatic tissue of human cancerous prostate (STERKPROSER trial).

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no consensus regarding the expected concentration levels of intra-prostatic sex steroids in patients with Prostate Cancer (PCa). Our objective was to assess the concentration levels of sex steroids in prostatic tissue and serum, in two cohorts of patients with localized PCa or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Between September 2014 and January 2017, men selected for radical cystectomy (for bladder cancer) or open prostatectomy (for BPH), and men selected for radical prostatectomy for localized PCa were included. Blood samples were collected at baseline before surgery, and steroid concentrations were assessed following the recommendations of the Endocrine Society. Intra-prostatic samples were collected from fresh surgical samples, and assessed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Permanova analysis was performed. Analyses were adjusted for age, prostate weight, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients (41 patients with PCa and 32 patients with BPH) were included in this study. Patients with PCa were younger, and had smaller prostate volumes with higher levels of PSA. The levels of Total Testosterone (TT), Di-Hydro-Testosterone (DHT), and Estradiol (E2) in the serum were not significantly different between PCa and BPH. In PCa tissue, TT concentrations were significantly lower (0.11 ng/g vs 0.47 ng/g, P = 0.0002), however its derivative E2 had significantly higher concentrations (31.0 ng/g vs 22.3 ng/g, P = 0.01). DHT tissue concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups (5.55 ng/g vs 5.42 ng/g, P = 0.70). Intra-prostatic TT concentrations were significantly lower in the peripheral zone than in the central zone for the CaP group (0.07 ng/g vs 0.15 ng/g, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PCa had lower intra-prostatic TT and higher E2 concentrations levels compared to the patients with BPH. PCa seem to consume more TT and produce more E2, especially in the peripheral zone.

Nociceptive stimulation during Macintosh direct laryngoscopy compared with McGrath Mac videolaryngoscopy: A randomized trial using indirect evaluation using an automated administration of propofol and remifentanil.

BACKGROUND: Decrease of the nociceptive stimulation induced by laryngoscopy could be an advantage for patients without risk of difficult intubation. The present study aimed to compare the difference in nociceptive stimulation between the use of a conventional laryngoscope or of a videolaryngoscope. Amount of nociception was assessed indirectly using the peak remifentanil concentration determined by a closed-loop administration of propofol and remifentanil with bispectral index (BIS) as the input signal (target 50). METHODS: A prospective single-center randomized study was performed including surgical patients without predictable risk of difficult mask ventilation or of difficult tracheal intubation. Forty consecutive surgery patients were randomly assigned to CL group (conventional laryngoscope) or VL group (McGrath Mac videolaryngoscope). Induction of anesthesia was performed automatically using the closed-loop system and myorelaxation with atracurium. The allocation was revealed just before tracheal intubation. The primary outcome was the peak plasma remifentanil concentration observed during the 5-minute period which followed intubation. RESULTS: Sixteen patients in the CL group and 11 in the VL group were analyzed. Plasmatic remifentanil and propofol concentrations were similar in both groups either before tracheal intubation or during the 5 minutes following intubation. There was a nonsignificant between-group difference (P = .09) for the peak concentration of remifentanil. A comparable result was observed for other outcomes except for the heart rate which increased in the CL group. CONCLUSION: Use of the videolaryngoscope McGrath Mac did not reduce the nociceptive stimulation induced during intubation as evaluated by the automatically administered remifentanil concentration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02245789.

Sexual steroids in serum and prostatic tissue of human non-cancerous prostate (STERPROSER trial).

BACKGROUND: The specific involvement of the sex steroids in the growth of the prostatic tissue remains unclear. Sex steroid concentrations in plasma and in fresh surgical samples of benign central prostate were correlated to prostate volume. METHODS: Monocentric prospective study performed between September 2014 and January 2017. Age, obesity parameters, and both serum and intraprostatic concentrations of sex steroids were collected complying with the latest Endocrine Society guidelines and the steroids assessed by GC/MS. Statistical calculations were adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients, equally divided between normal- and high-volume prostate groups, were included in the analysis. High-volume prostate patients were older, heavier and had higher BMI. Comparison adjusted for age and BMI showed higher DHT concentrations in high-volume prostate. Both normal- and high-volume prostate tissues concentrate sex steroids in a similar way. Comparison of enzymatic activity surrogate marker ratios within tissue highlighted similar TT/E1 and TT/E2 ratios, and higher DHT/E1 ratio and lower DHT/PSA ratio in the high-volume prostates. CONCLUSIONS: STERPROSER trial provides evidence for higher DHT concentration in highvolume prostates, that could reflect either higher 5-alpha reductase expression or lower expression of downstream metabolizing enzymes such as 3a-hydoxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Feasibility and results of a fast-track protocol in thoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: A rehabilitation program, a multimodal strategy favoring rapid postoperative return to autonomy, has rarely been undertaken after thoracic surgery compared to colectomy. The primary outcome of this fast-track program was the length of postoperative stay. Secondary outcomes concerned the feasibility of this strategy, the incidence of postoperative complications and 3-month postoperative mortality. METHODS: Patients were included in this prospective single-center observational study if they were scheduled for lung resection (lobectomy or wedge resection) performed by posterolateral thoracotomy. The rehabilitation program, coordinated by a referent nurse, included a list of actions to be done, especially early feeding and ambulation, multimodal analgesia including epidural analgesia, early removal of chest tube. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients were included in total with two exclusions (failure of epidural analgesia). The postoperative hospital stay was 8 (7-10) days (median [25-75th percentiles]); this duration was similar to that of the historical cohort which was 9 [7-13] days (P=0.06). Most actions were conducted with a high level of acceptance except for the insertion of a single chest tube (19%) and its removal later than expected in the program. Only 50% of patients left hospital shortly after exit criteria were met suggesting failure in the organization. Patients' satisfaction rate reached 77% and no postoperative death was reported during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: A program for early rehabilitation is feasible after thoracotomy. Chest drainage and organization to optimize the length of stay are crucial points.

Pulmonary manifestations in adult patients with chronic granulomatous disease.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by failure of superoxide production in phagocytic cells. The disease is characterised by recurrent infections and inflammatory events, frequently affecting the lungs. Improvement of life expectancy now allows most patients to reach adulthood. We aimed to describe the pattern of pulmonary manifestations occurring during adulthood in CGD patients. This was a retrospective study of the French national cohort of adult patients (≥16 years old) with CGD. Medical data were obtained for 67 adult patients. Pulmonary manifestations affected two-thirds of adult patients. Their incidence was significantly higher than in childhood (mean annual rate 0.22 versus 0.07, p=0.01). Infectious risk persisted despite anti-infectious prophylaxis. Invasive fungal infections were frequent (0.11 per year per patient) and asymptomatic in 37% of the cases. They often required lung biopsy for diagnosis (10 out of 30). Noninfectious respiratory events concerned 28% of adult patients, frequently associated with a concomitant fungal infection (40%). They were more frequent in patients with the X-linked form of CGD. Immune-modulator therapies were required in most cases (70%). Respiratory manifestations are major complications of CGD in adulthood. Noninfectious pulmonary manifestations are as deleterious as infectious pneumonia. A specific respiratory monitoring is necessary.

Prevalence and characteristics of pain in patients awaiting lung transplantation.

CONTEXT: Pain in patients awaiting lung transplantation is not well known. OBJECTIVES: This study prospectively investigated prevalence and characteristics of pain in these patients. METHODS: Assessment, undertaken at the time of registration, comprised an interview, a physical examination by a pain-qualified anesthesiologist, and a questionnaire completed by the patient and investigator. This questionnaire included evaluation of pain (intensity, location, sensory and affective qualifications, and treatment), detection of neuropathic pain, and assessment of anxiety and depression. A patient was considered "with pain" when at least one of the following criteria was met: 1) positive answer to the question "Do you suffer regularly from pain?" and 2) score greater than 3 on at least one of three numeric pain scales (current, maximal, and average during the last eight days) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe pain imaginable). RESULTS: One hundred forty-three patients were enrolled. Prevalence of pain was 59%. Three independent variables were correlated to the magnitude of the average pain score for the preceding eight days: female gender (P = 0.003), cystic fibrosis (P = 0.02), and depression score (P = 0.02). Among the pain patients, 39% took analgesic drugs daily and 36% regularly but less than daily; 2% used opioids. Nineteen percent used nonpharmacological strategies (e.g., hypnosis, relaxation). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the prevalence of pain in this population and specific problems associated with pain such as anxiety and depression. Appropriate assessment and treatment of pain should be considered a component of pretransplantation management.

Assessment of diagnostic gain with hexaminolevulinate (HAL) in the setting of newly diagnosed non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer with positive results on urine cytology.

OBJECTIVE: In accordance with the European Association of Urology guidelines, a second transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) is recommended for high-grade or T1-category tumors. This practice brings into question the benefit of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) in reducing the residual disease after TURB in patients with positive results on urine cytology showing high-grade cancer cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A prospective, bicentric, randomized study comparing white light cystoscopy (WLC)+PDD with hexaminolevulinate arm with WLC alone (control arm) during the first TURB in patients with primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and with positive results on urine cytology showing high-grade cancer cells. Patients underwent a first TURB with WLC and PDD or WLC alone, and then a second TURB with WLC and PDD, after 4 to 6 weeks. The number of tumors visualized in WLC and PDD and histology of the TURB specimen was recorded to perform a statistical analysis comparing both the 2 arms. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients were enrolled (hexaminolevulinate, n = 72; control, n = 79). The number of visualized tumors did not increase with PDD in the first or second TURB. During the second TURB, the residual tumor rate was not reduced in patients who had PDD during the first TURB. No significant difference was observed regarding the pattern of category and grade, the size, and the recurrence and progression risks during either the first or the second TURB. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer with positive results on urine cytology, performing a second TURB allows to diagnose residual tumor in approximately half of the cases. This rate was not significantly reduced by the use of the PDD during the first TURB.

Procoagulant phospholipids and tissue factor activity in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with intracerebral haemorrhage.

Brain contains large amounts of tissue factor, the major initiator of the coagulation cascade. Neuronal apoptosis after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) leads to the shedding of procoagulant phospholipids (PPLs). The aim of this study was to investigate the generation of PPL, tissue factor activity (TFa), and D-Dimer (D-Di) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at the acute phase of ICH in comparison with other brain diseases and to examine the relationship between these factors and the outcome of ICH. CSF was collected from 112 patients within 48 hours of hospital admission. Thirty-one patients with no neurological or biochemical abnormalities were used to establish reference range in the CSF ("controls"). Thirty had suffered an ICH, and 51 other neurological diagnoses [12: ventricular drainage following brain surgery, 13: viral meningitis, 15: bacterial meningitis, and 11 a neurodegenerative disease (NDD)]. PPL was measured using a factor Xa-based coagulation assay and TFa by one home test. PPL, D-Di, and TFa were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the CSF of patients with ICH than in controls. TFa levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in ICH than in patients with meningitides or NDD. Higher levels (P < 0.05) of TFa were observed in patients with ICH who died than in survivors. TFa measurement in the CSF of patients with ICH could constitute a new prognostic marker.

Comparison of two doses of tranexamic acid in adults undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: The optimal dose of tranexamic acid (TA) is still an issue. The authors compared two doses of TA during cardiac surgery in a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized study. METHODS: Patients were stratified according to transfusion risk, then randomized to two TA doses: 10 mg/kg bolus followed by 1 mg·kg·h infusion (low dose) until the end of surgery or 30 mg/kg bolus followed by 16 mg·kg·h infusion (high dose). The primary endpoint was the incidence of blood product transfusion up to day 7. Secondary ones were incidences of transfusion for each type of blood product and amounts transfused, blood loss, repeat surgery, TA-related adverse events, and mortality. RESULTS: The low-dose group comprised 284 patients and the high-dose one 285. The primary endpoint was not significantly different between TA doses (63% for low dose vs. 60% for high dose; P = 0.3). With the high dose, a lower incidence of frozen plasma (18 vs. 26%; P = 0.03) and platelet concentrate (15 vs. 23%; P = 0.02) transfusions, lower amounts of blood products (2.5 ± 0.38 vs. 4.1 ± 0.39; P = 0.02), fresh frozen plasma (0.49 ± 0.14 vs.1.07 ± 0.14; P = 0.02), and platelet concentrates transfused (0.50 ± 0.15 vs. 1.13 ± 0.15; P = 0.02), lower blood loss (590 ± 50.4 vs. 820 ± 50.7; P = 0.01), and less repeat surgery (2.5 vs. 6%; P = 0.01) were observed. These results are more marked in patients with a high risk for transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: A high dose of TA does not reduce incidence of blood product transfusion up to day 7, but is more effective than a low dose to decrease transfusion needs, blood loss, and repeat surgery.

Comparison of the potency of different propofol formulations: a randomized, double-blind trial using closed-loop administration.

BACKGROUND: Several commercial formulations of propofol are available. The primary outcome of this study was the required dose of propofol alone or combined with lidocaine to achieve induction of general anesthesia. METHODS: This multicenter, double-blinded trial randomized patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III) just before elective surgery with the use of a computer-generated list. Three different propofol 1% formulations-Diprivan (Astra-Zeneca, Cheshire, United Kingdom), Propoven (Fresenius-Kabi AG, Bad Homburg, Germany), and Lipuro (B-Braun, Melshungen AG, Germany)-were compared with either placebo (saline solution) or lidocaine 1% mixed to the propofol solution. Depth of anesthesia was automatically guided by bispectral index and by a computerized closed-loop system for induction, thus avoiding dosing bias. The authors recorded the total dose of propofol and duration of induction and the patient's discomfort through a behavioral scale (facial expression, verbal response, and arm withdrawal) ranging from 0 to 6. The authors further evaluated postoperative recall of pain using a Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: Of the 227 patients enrolled, 217 were available for analysis. Demographic characteristics were similar in each group. Propoven required a higher dose for induction (2.2 ± 0.1 mg/kg) than Diprivan (1.8 ± 0.1 mg/kg) or Lipuro (1.7 ± 0.1 mg/kg; P = 0.02). However, induction doses were similar when propofol formulations were mixed with lidocaine. Patient discomfort during injection was significantly reduced with lidocaine for every formulation: Diprivan (0.5 ± 0.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3), Propoven (0.4 ± 0.3 vs. 2.4 ± 0.3), and Lipuro (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3), all differences significant, with P < 0.0001. No adverse effect was reported. CONCLUSION: Plain propofol formulations are not equipotent, but comparable doses were required when lidocaine was concomitantly administered.

Ultrasound-guided perineural circumferential median nerve block with and without prior dextrose 5% hydrodissection: a prospective randomized double-blinded noninferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided perineural peripheral nerve block using a hydrodissection technique may reduce the risk of accidental intravascular local anesthetic (LA) injection. In this prospective randomized double-blind study, we tested the hypothesis that median nerve block effectiveness is not reduced when circumferential perineural hydrodissection with dextrose 5% in water (D5W) precedes LA injection. METHODS: Patients scheduled for hand surgery were randomized to receive an ultrasound-guided median nerve block at the elbow to achieve circumferential perineural spread with either 6 mL of D5W followed by 6 mL of LA (lidocaine 1.5% with epinephrine 1:200,000) (D5W-LA group) or with 6 mL of LA alone (LA group). The primary outcome was onset time of successful anesthesia defined by a complete abolition of light touch sensation for the index finger. RESULTS: Data from 95 patients were analyzed: 43 in the D5W-LA group and 52 in the LA group. Noninferiority tests were significant (all P < 0.05) for a critical limit of 7 minutes between D5W-LA and LA groups for onset time of the primary criterion, light touch block at index finger (mean ± SD, respectively: 23.9 ± 7.4 and 22.0 ± 7.9 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.9 to 2.1 minutes), and for cold block at index fingertip, sensory blocks at thenar eminence, and motor block. Success rate at 30 minutes (defined as complete abolition for cold and light touch at index finger) was noted in 100% and 98.1% (95% CI, -6% to 10%) and 95.2% and 96.2% (95% CI, -13% to 9%) of patients for the D5W-LA and the LA groups. CONCLUSION: Performing an ultrasound-guided perineural circumferential hydrodissection with D5W into which LA is injected leaves nerve block outcome unchanged. The assumption that this procedure may reduce the risk of intravascular injection and systemic toxicity remains to be demonstrated.