Safety and efficacy of combined use of propofol and etomidate for sedation during gastroscopy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sedation with etomidate or propofol alone during gastroscopy has many side effects. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combined use of propofol and etomidate for sedation during gastroscopy. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Medline (via Ovid SP), Cochrane library databases, CINAHL (via EBSCO), China Biology Medicine disc (CBMdisc), Wanfang, VIP, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the combined use of propofol and etomidate vs etomidate or propofol alone for sedation during gastroscopy. Data were pooled using the random-effects models or fixed-effect model based on heterogeneity. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 2973 participants were included in the analysis. Compared to propofol alone, the combined use of propofol and etomidate possibly increased recovery time (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.04-0.24; P = .005), and the risk for myoclonus (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.73-5.44; P < .001), injection pain, and nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, compared to propofol alone, the combination of propofol and etomidate produced an apparent beneficial effect for mean arterial pressure (MAP) after anesthesia (SMD = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.38-2.26; P = .006), SPO2 after anesthesia (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.43-1.55; P < .001), apnea or hypoxemia (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.08-0.33; P < .001), injection pain, and body movement. Further, compared to etomidate alone, the combination of propofol and etomidate reduced the risk for myoclonus (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.11-0.22; P < .001), body movement, and nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: The combination of propofol and etomidate might increase recovery time vs that associated with propofol, but it had fewer side effects on circulation and respiration in patients undergoing gastroscopy. The combined use of propofol and etomidate can improve and produce an apparent beneficial effect on the adverse effects of propofol or etomidate alone, and it was safer and more effective than propofol or etomidate alone.

Analgesic effect of trigger point injection and EMLA for shoulder pain in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUD: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of trigger point injection (TPI) and eutectic mixture local anesthetics (EMLA) cream on the postoperative shoulder pain in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: In this randomized, single-blinded, and controlled study, total 75 patients were randomly allocated to TPI group (n = 25), EMLA group (n = 25), and control group (n = 25). TPI group received TPIs with 2 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine, and EMLA group received an occlusive dressing with EMLA cream 2 g on both shoulders. Overall, abdominal, and shoulder pains were evaluated at rest and in motion on postoperative day 3. RESULTS: The incidence of shoulder pain was significantly reduced in EMLA group (56%) compared to control (88%) or TPI (88%) groups (P = .025 in both); the severity of shoulder pain was mitigated in EMLA and TPI groups compared to control group (P < .001, each). Consequently, the overall pain decreased in EMLA group and TPI group (P = .023). The patients with exercise habit (n = 31) showed lower incidence of pain than patients without exercise habit (n = 26) (P = .002, P = .005, and P = .037 in overall, abdominal, and shoulder pain, respectively). TPI or EMLA treatments decreased shoulder pain irrespective of exercise habit (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively), but decreased overall pain only in patients without exercise habit (P = .019). Lastly, EMLA lowered overall pain score at the time of first analgesic request in ward compared to control group (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: TPI and EMLA with occlusive dressing effectively reduced the shoulder pain after total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Concomitant resistance mechanisms to multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including crizotinib and several next generation TKIs, have demonstrated beneficial clinical outcomes in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, resistance mechanisms following multiple TKI treatments in ALK-positive NSCLC are not fully elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mutation profiles of 422 cancer-relevant genes in 52 patients with post-TKI biopsy samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and compared between patients receiving crizotinib alone (n = 35) and multi-TKIs (n = 17). RESULTS: EML4-ALK variant 3 is the most frequent ALK variants in this cohort, followed by EML4-ALK variant 1. Half of the patients harbored ALK activating mutations upon progression on crizotinib treatment. After multi-TKIs treatment, 59% of the cases developed resistant ALK mutations, and concomitant ALK activating mutations were more commonly observed in this cohort (P = 0.031). Specifically, ALK G1269 A, L1196 M, and C1156Y substitutions were more common in crizotinib-alone samples, while ALK G1202R was significantly more enriched post-multi-TKIs (P = 0.009). Activated bypass signaling tended to be more prevalent in patients post-multi-TKIs. Furthermore, dual activation of ALK and bypass signaling was more frequently found in the multi-TKIs group (5/17, 29%) in contrast to crizotinib-alone (2/35, 6%) (P = 0.031). Additionally, concurrent TP53 mutation demonstrated significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) compared with TP53 wildtype in crizotinib-alone group (median PFS: 8 vs 13 months, Hazard Ratio = 1.494, P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Concurrent ALK activating mutations and/or upregulated bypass signaling are more enriched in patients undergoing multiple ALK TKI treatments compared to crizotinib alone. Concomitant TP53 mutation correlated to unfavorable survival when receiving a single TKI crizotinib.

Prospective evaluation of anesthetic protocols during pediatric ophthalmic surgery.

PURPOSE: To date, no protocol of anesthesia for pediatric ophthalmic surgery is unanimously recognized. The primary anesthetic risks are associated with strabismus surgery, including oculocardiac reflex, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and postoperative pain. METHODS: This was a prospective, monocentric, observational study conducted in a tertiary pediatric ophthalmic unit. Our anesthetic protocol for strabismus surgery included postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention using dexamethasone and ondansetron. No drug-based prevention of oculocardiac reflex or local/locoregional anesthesia was employed. RESULTS: A total of 106 pediatric ophthalmic surgeries completed between November 2015 and May 2016 were analyzed. The mean patient age was 4.4 (range: 0.2-7.3, standard deviation: 2.4) years. Ambulatory rate was 90%. Oculocardiac reflex incidence was 65% during strabismus surgery (34/52), 50% during congenital cataract surgery (4/8), 33% during intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (1/3), and 0% during other procedures. No asystole occurred. Postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence was 9.6% after strabismus surgery (5/52) and 0% following the other procedures. One child was hospitalized for one night because of persistent postoperative nausea and vomiting. Postoperative pain generally occurred early on in the recovery room and was quickly controlled. Its incidence was higher in patients who underwent strabismus surgery (27%) than in those who underwent other procedures (9%). CONCLUSION: Morbidity associated with ophthalmic pediatric surgery is low and predominantly associated with strabismus surgery. The benefit-risk ratio and cost-effectiveness of oculocardiac reflex prevention should be questioned. Our postoperative nausea and vomiting rate is low, thanks to the use of a well-managed multimodal strategy. Early postoperative pain is usually well-treated but could probably be more effectively prevented.

Avaliação da dexmedetomidina e do tramadol, associados ao midazolam, em gatas anestesiadas com isoflurano e submetidas à ovário-histerectomia / Evaluation of dexmedetomidine and tramadol, associated with midazolam, in cats anesthetized with isoflurane, undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Objetivou-se comparar as alterações cardiorrespiratórias e a analgesia pós-operatória promovidas pela dexmedetomidina e pelo tramadol, quando associados ao midazolam, em felinas. Para tal, foram selecionadas 18 gatas hígidas, divididas em dois grupos randomizados: GDM, tratadas com dexmedetomidina (10µg/kg) e GTM, tratadas com tramadol (2mg/kg), ambos associados a midazolam (0,2mg/kg,) IM. Após 15 minutos, procedeu-se à indução anestésica com propofol (1,46±0,79mL), mantendo-se a anestesia com isoflurano. As felinas foram submetidas à ovário-histerectomia, registrando-se as variáveis cardiorrespiratórias 15 minutos após a MPA (M0), 15 minutos após a indução (M15) e sequencialmente a cada cinco minutos, até o término do procedimento cirúrgico (M20, M25, M30, M35 e M40). A avaliação da dor iniciou-se 30 minutos após o término do procedimento cirúrgico (MP30) e sequencialmente em intervalos de 30 minutos (MP60, MP90, MP120). A partir do MP120, as avaliações foram registradas a cada hora (MP180, MP240 e MP360). A associação dexmedetomidina-midazolam infere diminuição inicial de frequência cardíaca (FC) sem significado clínico e está relacionada à sedação mais pronunciada, à analgesia menor e menos duradoura e a episódios de êmese, quando comparada à associação tramadol-midazolam. Ambos os protocolos denotaram estabilidade cardiorrespiratória e podem ser considerados seguros em felinas submetidas à ovário-histectomia.(AU)

The aim of this study was to compare cardiorespiratory changes and post-operative analgesia provided by dexmedetomidine or tramadol, associated with midazolam, in female cats. For that purpose, 18 healthy cats were assigned to two randomized groups: GDM, which received dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg) and GTM, which received tramadol (2 mg/kg), both associated with midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) IM. After 15 minutes, anesthesia was induced with propofol (1.46±0.79 mL) and maintained with isofluorane. Ovariohysterectomy was performed and cardiorespiratory variables were registered 15 minutes after pre-anesthetic medication (M0), 15 minutes after anesthetic induction (M15), and every five minutes until the end of the surgical procedure (M20, M25, M30, M35 e M40). Pain evaluation started 30 minutes after the surgery (MP30) and sequentially at thirty-minute intervals (MP60, MP90, MP120). After MP120, each evaluation was registered at every hour (MP180, MP240 e MP360). Dexmedetomidine-midazolam association results in decreases on initial heart rate (HR) without clinical relevance and it is related to pronounced sedation, poor and less durable antinociception and vomiting events, when compared to tramadol-midazolam association. Both protocols indicate cardiorespiratoy stability and safety in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.(AU)

Analgesic efficacy of equimolar 50% nitrous oxide/oxygen gas premix (Kalinox®) as compared with a 5% eutectic mixture of lidocaine/prilocaine (EMLA®) in chronic leg ulcer debridement.

Chronic foot and leg ulcers are a common health problem worldwide. A mainstay of chronic ulcer therapy is sharp mechanical wound debridement requiring potent analgesia. In this prospective, controlled, single-centre, crossover design study, patients were assigned to either the administration of topical analgesia with 5% lidocaine/prilocaine cream or the inhalation of an analgesic 50% N2 O/O2 gas premix. Primary outcome parameter was level of pain at maximum wound depth during debridement as measured by a visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes included level of pain after debridement, overall duration of treatment session, duration and completeness of debridement, and the patient's subjective perception of analgesic quality during debridement. Pain level increased from 0·60/0·94 (first/second debridement; baseline) to 1·76/2·50 (debridement) with 5% lidocaine/prilocaine and from 1·00/1·35 (baseline) to 3·95/3·29 (debridement) with 50% N2 O/O2 gas premix. Patient satisfaction was 90·48%/94·44% (first/second debridement) with topical 5% lidocaine/prilocaine analgesia and 90·48%/76·47% with the inhalation of 50% N2 O/O2 gas premix. Debridement was completed in a significantly higher percentage of 85·71%/88·89% (first/second debridement) with 5% lidocaine/prilocaine than with 50% N2 O/O2 gas premix (42·86%/58·82%) (odds ratio 6·7; P = 0·001). This study provides sound evidence that analgesia with topically administered 5% lidocaine/prilocaine cream is superior to the use of inhaled 50% N2 O/O2 gas premix in chronic leg ulcer debridement.

Comparison of the morphine-sparing effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine with and without loading dose following general anesthesia in multiple-fracture patients: A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine (DEX) with or without loading dose both promote morphine-sparing effect in patient-controlled analgesia on postoperative acute pain. However, the contribution of the loading dose to this effect is largely unknown, especially in long-lasting surgeries. The present study was designed to investigate the role of a loading dose of DEX in this morphine-sparing effect in multiple-fracture patients following general anesthesia.Eighty-six patients scheduled multiple-fracture surgeries under general anesthesia were allocated into 3 groups which were maintained with propofol/remifentanil/Ringer solution (PRR), propofol/remifentanil/DEX with (PRDw), or without (PRDo) DEX loading dose before induction, respectively. Time to first morphine request and 24-hour morphine consumption was monitored. Pain intensity was evaluated with visual analog scale.During the first 24 hours following surgery, patients in the PRDw/o group showed increased time to first request of postoperative morphine and decreased total morphine consumption as compared with PRR patients. There was no significant difference with respect to these parameters between patients from the PRDw and PRDo groups. More patients from the PRDw groups experienced intraoperative bradycardia when compared to those from the PRR or PRDo group.This randomized controlled trial indicates that the morphine-sparing effect of intraoperative DEX was not affected by a loading dose in long-time surgeries.

Differences in screening vs non-screening colonoscopy: scope for improvement?

AIM: Colonoscopy performed as part of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) is of high standard as measured using global rating scale (GRS) criteria. Screening practitioners also provide a non-screening colonoscopy service. The current study compares colonoscopy quality indicators between screening and non-screening groups performed by a single practitioner using the GRS. METHOD: Patient details were obtained for all consecutive colonoscopies between 2007 and 2014 performed by a single screening practitioner. Data were collected retrospectively from electronic patient records; BCSP Exeter database and non-screening colonoscopies were compared. Data included patient demographics (age, gender), sedation, and the GRS data including caecal intubation, adenoma and neoplasia detection rates. RESULTS: In all, 1961 colonoscopy procedures (1067 screening and 894 non-screening) were identified; 57% were men. Mean (SD) age for all patients was 64 (± 10.4) years. Non-screening patients were younger [62 (± 14) vs 66 (± 4.8) years; P < 0.05] and were less likely to be men (51.5% vs 61.9%; P < 0.05) than their screening counterparts. Caecal intubation was more successful in screening patients [1027/1067 (96.3%)] than non-screening patients [805/894 (90%)]; P < 0.05. Adenoma detection rate was higher in the screening (46.8 ± 4.4) than non-screening (26.3 ± 11.8) group; P < 0.05. There were no differences in neoplasia detection. Polypectomy was more likely (55.5% vs 30.2%) and polyp retrieval more successful (97.5% vs 86.7%) in the screening group. CONCLUSION: Screening and non-screening colonoscopy differ in the GRS domains of completion and pathology detection. These differences need to be acknowledged when comparing screeners and non-screeners using GRS within units.

Lidocaine-Prilocaine Cream as Analgesia for IUD Insertion: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Triple Blinded Study.

INTRODUCTION: Copper IUD is a long term and reversible contraception which equals tubal ligation in terms of sterilization. One of the barriers to using this contraception method is the fear and the pain associated with its insertion. Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) 5% is a local anesthetic that contains 25 mg lidocaine and 25 mg of prilocaine per gram. Application of topical analgesic cream to the cervix for laser surgery, hysteroscopy and hysterosalpingography is known Aims: this study aimed to determine the effect of EMLA on IUD insertion pain. METHODS: This triple blind clinical trial was conducted on 92 women in a clinic in Hamedan in 2012. After applying the cream on the cervix, pain in three steps, after using Tenaculum, after inserting hystrometr and after inserting IUD and removing IUD insertion tube were assessed with visual analog scale and were compared in EMLA group and placebo group Statistical analysis used to determine and compare the pain of independent t tests, Mann-Whitney U test and repeated measures analysis of variance and chi-square tests to determine the homogeneity of variables and Fisher's exact test was used. RESULTS: Insertion hystrometr was determined as the most painful IUD insertion. The mean pain at step 2 (inserting hystrometr) was (3.11±2.53) in EMLA group, (5.23±2.31) in placebo group. EMLA cream significantly reduced the pain after using tenaculum (P<0.001), pain inserting Hystrometr (P< 0.001) and pain at IUD insertion and removing insertion tube (P< 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Topical Application of EMLA 5% cream as a topical anesthetic on the cervix before insertion IUD reduced the pain during this procedure.

Management of acute anterior shoulder dislocation.

Shoulder dislocation is the most common large joint dislocation in the body. Recent advances in radiological imaging and shoulder surgery have shown the potential dangers of traditional reduction techniques such as the Kocher's and the Hippocratic methods, which are still advocated by many textbooks. Many non-specialists continue to use these techniques, unaware of their potential risks. This article reviews the clinical and radiographic presentation of dislocation; some common reduction techniques; their risks and success rate; analgesia methods to facilitate the reduction; and postreduction management. Many textbooks advocate methods that have been superceded by safer alternatives. Trainees should learn better and safer relocation methods backed up by the current evidence available.

A prospective randomized trial comparing three different analgesic techniques for pain control during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy: a single center experience.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to optimize pain control during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy, the efficacy and safety of three different analgesic techniques were compared. METHODS: Two hundred and forty patients were prospectively randomized into 3 groups before TRUS guided prostate biopsy. Group A received combined periprostatic nerve block (PPNB) and perianal-intrarectal lidocaine-prilocaine (PILP) cream; group B: PILP cream; group C: PPNB. Pain was evaluated using 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: VAS during TRUS was lower in groups A and B vs. C (mean 1.3,1.4 vs. 5.1, P<0.001); VAS for PPNB was lower in group A and group B vs. C (mean 1.1,1.3 vs. 3.5, P<0.001). VAS for sampling wase lower in group A as compared to B and C (mean 0.6, 3.5 and 1.4, P<0.001). VAS on stratified analysis was significantly lower in groupA vs. B and C in patients <60 years, prostate >50 cc and those with lower anorectal compliance (P<0.001). The overall complication rate was similar in all three groups. CONCLUSION: The combination of PILP and PPNB provides better analgesia, especially in patients <60 years, prostate volume >50 cc and lower anorectal compliance as compared to two modalities used alone during the sampling part of TRUS guided prostate biopsy with no increase in the complication rate.

Frequency and intensity of pain related to thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration cytology.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life is an important issue in endocrine tumors because of the high prevalence of benign tumors and the indolent course of most malignant tumors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and the intensity of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and to identify factors associated with pain. METHODS: Single center prospective study in the setting of a one-stop outpatient diagnostic clinic for thyroid nodules. Pain was evaluated using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately following (VAS1) and 30 minutes after (VAS2) FNAC and was considered significant if ≥ 30. Anxiety symptoms were assessed prior to FNAC using a self-report measure questionnaire: the state form of Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI, form Y-A). FNAC was performed with a 25-gauge needle and a moderate aspiration and two passes for each nodule. RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen consecutive patients (163 females, 55 males; mean age 53 years, range 12-84 years) undergoing FNAC of one to three nodules were included. VAS1 was ≥ 30 in 24% of the patients and VAS(2) was ≥ 30 in 13% of the patients. Independent significant factors correlated to a VAS1 of ≥ 30 were age under 25 years and the number of nodules being biopsied. Independent significant factors correlated to a VAS2 of ≥ 30 were VAS1 ≥ 30 and female sex. No correlation was found between pain and nodule size or nodule depth, nor the duration of application of the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) patch prior to FNAC. The mean STAI score for anxiety was 37 ± 12. The average STAI score was significantly higher in women (39) than in men (33; p = 0.01). There was no significant correlation between STAI score and age under 25 years, previous FNAC, number of nodules biopsied, or acetaminophen administration, but the STAI score was significantly correlated to VAS1 and VAS2. CONCLUSIONS: FNAC-related pain is frequent and correlates with the number of nodules biopsied, age under 25 years, female sex, and anxiety.

Ropivacaína, articaína ou combinação de ropivacaína e articaína em anestesia peridural para cesariana: estudo randomizado, prospectivo e duplo-cego / Ropivacaine, articaine or combination of ropivacaine and articaine for epidural anesthesia in cesarean section: a randomized, prospective, double-blinded study / Ropivacaína, articaína o la combinación de ropivacaína y articaína en la anestesia epidural para cesárea: estudio aleatorio, prospectivo y doble ciego

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Iniciar a anestesia peridural com anestésicos locais de longa duração consome uma quantidade significativa de tempo, o que pode ser problemático em centros de anestesia obstétrica muito movimentados. Aventamos a hipótese de que uma combinação de articaína e ropivacaína proporcionaria início mais rápido e mesmo uma recuperação precoce das características do bloqueio sensório-motor. MÉTODOS: Sessenta parturientes a termo agendadas para cesariana eletiva foram randomicamente alocadas em três grupos para receber 20 mL de articaína a 2% (Grupo A), 10 mL de articaína a 2% + 10 mL de ropivacaína a 0,75% (Grupo AR) ou 20 mL de ropivacaína a 0,75% (Grupo R) via cateter peridural. O tempo de início do bloqueio sensorial até T10-T6 e o nível máximo de bloqueio, o tempo para a regressão de dois segmentos do nível máximo de bloqueio sensorial e o tempo de início e duração do bloqueio motor foram todos registrados. A necessidade de analgésicos adicionais, intra- e pós-operatoriamente, também foi registrada. RESULTADOS: Os dados demográficos foram semelhantes. Os tempos de início do bloqueio sensorial até os níveis T10 e T6 foram significativamente menores nos grupos A e AR, em comparação com o Grupo R (p < 0,05). Os tempos de início do bloqueio motor foram semelhantes em todos os grupos, mas um bloqueio motor mais profundo foi observado no Grupo R (p < 0,05). O tempo para a regressão de dois segmentos e a duração do bloqueio motor foram significativamente menores nos grupos A e AR, em comparação com o Grupo R (p < 0,05). A necessidade de analgésico adicional no período intraoperatório foi maior no Grupo A do que nos outros dois grupos (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A combinação de 2% articaína e 0,75% ropivacaína para anestesia peridural em cesariana deve ser preferida à administração peridural de ropivacaína a 0,75% sozinha.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Initiation of epidural anesthesia with long-lasting local anesthetics consumes a significant amount of time, which could be problematic in busy obstetric anesthesia suites. We have hypothesized that a combination of articaine and ropivacaine provides faster onset and even an early recovery of sensory-motor block characteristics. METHODS: Sixty term parturients scheduled to have elective cesarean section were randomly allocated into three groups to receive either 20 mL 2% articaine (Group A), 10 mL 2% articaine + 10 mL 0.75% ropivacaine (Group AR) or 20 mL 0.75% ropivacaine (Group R) via lumbar epidural catheter. The onset time of sensory block to T10, T6 and maximum sensory block level, time to two segments regression from maximum sensory block level, onset time and duration of motor block were all recorded. Intraoperative and postoperative additional analgesic requirements were also recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar. The onset times of sensorial block to T10 and T6 were significantly shorter in Groups A and AR in comparison with Group R (p < 0.05). The onset times of motor block were similar in all groups, but a more intense motor block was observed in Group R (p < 0.05). Two segments regression time and motor block durations were significantly shorter in Groups A and AR in comparison with Group R (p < 0.05). Intraoperative supplementary analgesic requirements were higher in Group A than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A combination of 2% articaine and 0.75% ropivacaine for epidural anesthesia in a cesarean section should be preferred over epidural 0.75% ropivacaine alone.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Iniciar la anestesia epidural con anestésicos locales de larga duración consume una cantidad significativa de tiempo, siendo un problema en los centros de anestesia obstétrica que tienen mucho movimiento. Barajamos la hipótesis de que una combinación de articaína y ropivacaína proporcionaría un inicio más rápido e incluso una rápida recuperación de las características del bloqueo sensitivo motor. MÉTODOS: Sesenta parturientes a término que tenían cita para la cesárea electiva se ubicaron aleatoriamente en tres grupos para recibir 20 mL de articaína al 2% (Grupo A), 10 mL de articaína al 2% + 10 mL de ropivacaína al 0,75% (Grupo AR) o 20 mL de ropivacaína al 0,75% (Grupo R) vía catéter epidural. Se registraron el tiempo de inicio del bloqueo sensorial hasta T10-T6 y el nivel máximo de bloqueo; el tiempo para la regresión de los segmentos del nivel máximo de bloqueo sensorial y el tiempo de inicio y duración del bloqueo motor. La necesidad de analgésicos adicionales en el intra y en el postoperatorio, también se registró. RESULTADOS: Los datos demográficos fueron parecidos. Los tiempos de inicio del bloqueo sensorial hasta los niveles T10 y T6 fueron significativamente menores en los grupos A y AR, en comparación con el Grupo R (p < 0,05). Los tiempos de inicio del bloqueo motor fueron similares en todos los grupos, pero un bloqueo motor más profundo se observó en el Grupo R (p < 0,05). El tiempo para la regresión de los segmentos y la duración del bloqueo motor fueron significativamente menores en los grupos A y AR, en comparación con el Grupo R (p < 0,05). La necesidad de analgésico adicional en el período intraoperatorio fue mayor en el Grupo A que en los otros dos grupos (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÓN: La combinación de ropivacaína al 2% y de articaína al 0,75% para la anestesia epidural en cesárea debe ser el método de preferencia en vez de la administración epidural de ropivacaína sola al 0,75%.

Effects of combined ketamine/xylazine anesthesia on light induced retinal degeneration in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of ketamine-xylazine anesthesia on light-induced retinal degeneration in rats. METHODS: Rats were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine (100 and 5 mg, respectively) for 1 h, followed by a recovery phase of 2 h before exposure to 16,000 lux of environmental illumination for 2 h. Functional assessment by electroretinography (ERG) and morphological assessment by in vivo imaging (optical coherence tomography), histology (hematoxylin/eosin staining, TUNEL assay) and immunohistochemistry (GFAP and rhodopsin staining) were performed at baseline (ERG), 36 h, 7 d and 14 d post-treatment. Non-anesthetized animals treated with light damage served as controls. RESULTS: Ketamine-xylazine pre-treatment preserved retinal function and protected against light-induced retinal degeneration. In vivo retinal imaging demonstrated a significant increase of outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in the non-anesthetized group at 36 h (p<0.01) and significant reduction one week (p<0.01) after light damage. In contrast, ketamine-xylazine pre-treated animals showed no significant alteration of total retinal or ONL thickness at either time point (p>0.05), indicating a stabilizing and/or protective effect with regard to phototoxicity. Histology confirmed light-induced photoreceptor cell death and Müller cells gliosis in non-anesthetized rats, especially in the superior hemiretina, while ketamine-xylazine treated rats showed reduced photoreceptor cell death (TUNEL staining: p<0.001 after 7 d), thicker ONL and longer IS/OS. Fourteen days after light damage, a reduction of standard flash induced a-wave amplitudes and a-wave slopes (p = 0.01) and significant alterations in parameters of the scotopic sensitivity function (e.g. Vmax of the Naka Rushton fit p = 0.03) were observed in non-treated vs. ketamine-xylazine treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that pre-treatment with ketamine-xylazine anesthesia protects retinas against light damage, reducing photoreceptor cell death. These data support the notion that anesthesia with ketamine-xylazine provides neuroprotective effects in light-induced cell damage.

A randomized, placebo controlled study: EMLA in minor breast surgery.

AIM: Patients undergoing excision for breast lumps prefer general anesthesia or local anesthesia plus sedation, because of the fear of pain for local anesthesia alone. The aim of this study is to show the efficacy of an eutectic mixture of local anesthetic lignocaine and prilocaine (EMLA®) in these patients. METHODS: This study has been designed randomized, placebo-controlled. Forty five patients undergoing excision for breast lumps were divided into three groups. The first group was administered local EMLA cream preoperatively (Group I, N.=15), the second group (Group II, N.=15) had no preoperative preparation and the third group was placebo group (Group III, N.=15). All groups underwent the operation under local anesthesia. Pain during the local anesthesia and three hours after the operation were assessed using the visual analog scale. The amount of local anesthetic used during the operation and the anesthetic need of patients after the operation were assessed. RESULTS: When the three groups were compared, it was found that the intensity of pain in the group with EMLA was considerably lower during and after the operation (P<0.05). The amount of local anesthetic used during the operation was lower (P<0.05) and the need for post-operative analgesic was also less than the usual (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Topical EMLA use decreases the pain, provides per-operative and postoperative patient and physician comfort, improved patient's compliance, and simplifies the surgical procedure. This is the first study demonstrating that a topical anesthetic provides a non-invasive analgesia during benign breast mass excision.

Combination therapy for neuropathic pain: a review of current evidence.

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating chronic condition that remains very difficult to treat. Recently, a number of clinical studies have compared the effectiveness of combination drug therapy with monotherapy for neuropathic pain treatment. In this article, we summarize up-to-date clinical studies of combination therapy for the treatment of both cancer- and non-cancer-related neuropathic pain. Despite a relatively small number of clinical studies on this topic, several positive indications have emerged. First, clinical studies using gabapentin (five positive trials) and pregabalin (five positive trials and one negative trial) in combination with an opioid, cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor or antidepressant have shown positive responses greater than the respective monotherapies for pain related to diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuropathy. Second, high-concentration (8%) topical capsaicin and a 5% lidocaine patch seem to be effective add-on therapies (a modality of combination therapy) for various neuropathic pain conditions. Third, combination therapy for cancer-related neuropathic pain has yielded only limited success based on a number of small-scale clinical studies. While there are benefits of using combination therapy for neuropathic pain treatment, including better pain relief and reduced adverse effects, more clinical studies are required in order to (i) make head-to-head comparisons between combination and single-drug therapies, (ii) identify symptom-specific combination therapies for distinctive clinical neuropathic pain conditions, (iii) explore combination therapies that include non-drug modalities such as physical therapy, psychological coping and biofeedback to facilitate functional restoration and (iv) develop new and objective evaluation tools for clinical outcome assessment.

[Comparison of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia for aortocoronary bypass surgery without artificial circulation].

UNLABELLED: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of sevoflurane and propofol during combined anesthesia with epidural component during aortocoronary bypass surgery without artificial circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 24 patients with ischemic heart disease. All patients underwent aortocoronary bypass surgery on the working heart (from 1 to 5 bypasses) under combined anesthesia (propofol or sevoflurane with epidural anesthesia with the use of ropicavaine and fentanyl). Induction of anesthesia was carried out by midasolam 0.06 mg/kg, propofol 1-1.5 mg/kg, fentanyl 2.5 mcg/kg, myorelaxation was reached by pipecuronium bromide 0.1 mg/kg. Patients were randomized into propofol group (n = 12) and sevoflurane group (n = 12). Both groups received low flow anesthesia (1l/min) with the use of Drager Primus anesthesia workstation. Anesthesia in the first group was maintained by propofol 3-5 mg/kg/h, in the second group by sevoflurane 0.5-3 vol.%. In both groups additional fentanyl was administered in the dose of 1.2 -1.5 mcg/kg/h. RESULTS: In the postoperative period the increase of the stroke volume and decrease of blood plasma lactate were noticed in the sevoflurane group. The postoperative pain, 6 hours after the aortocoronary bypass surgery in the control group was evidently higher according to Visual Analogue Scale. CONCLUSION: Use of sevorane as a component of combined anesthesia during aortocoronary bypass surgery allows to improve the performance of the myocardium, reduce the severity of hypoperfusion in the perioperative period and reduce the severity of pain after the surgery compared to propofol anesthesia.

Propofol, remifentanil and mivacurium: fast track surgery with poor intubating conditions.

BACKGROUND: Mivacurium is widespread used because it is the non-depolarizing muscle relaxant with the shortest duration time. Therefore, it seems to be ideal for fast track or ambulatory surgery. However, especially in combination with propofol and remifentanil onset time remains unclear and incidence of poor intubating conditions seems to be higher than in other regimes of anesthesia. METHODS: We included 35 ear, nose and throat (ENT) patients in this study. Muscle relaxation was measured by acceleromyograhpy at the adductor pollicis muscle (a.p.m.) and intubating conditions were evaluated. Anesthesia was induced with 2.5 mg kg-1 propofol and 1 µg kg-1 remifentanil and intubation was performed three minutes after the administration of 0.2 mg kg-1 mivacurium. Open vocal cords conjoined with full relaxation of the a.p.m., easy mouth opening and prevention of coughing and bucking represented the primary endpoint in this study. RESULTS: Only 20% of patients (N.=7) had optimal intubating conditions and achieved the primary endpoint. In 21 patients (60%) a complete block of the a.p.m. could not be achieved and in six patients (17%) the vocal cords were closed. In seven patients (20%) we observed difficult mouth opening and in 11 patients (31%) coughing and bucking. In addition, we found a prolonged onset time of 228±95 seconds (mean±SD). CONCLUSION: In combination with propofol and remifentanil the muscle relaxant agent mivacurium led to uncertain muscle relaxation and to poor intubating conditions. Therefore the study was aborted after 35 patients. Probably mivacurium is not a useful muscle relaxant agent if fast and deep muscle relaxation is needed. The advantage of a short duration time is foiled by intubation complications due to insufficient muscle relaxation.

The effect of sub-Tenon lidocaine injection on emergence agitation after general anaesthesia in paediatric strabismus surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sevoflurane is widely used for paediatric anaesthesia. However, many cases of emergence agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia have been reported and pain was suggested as a major contributing factor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sub-Tenon lidocaine injection on emergence agitation in children receiving sevoflurane or propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia. METHODS: We enrolled 260 children, aged 4-10 years, who were scheduled for strabismus surgery, and randomized them to one of four groups: group SS, SL, BS, and BL. Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (SS, SL) or propofol-remifentanil infusion (BS, BL). At the end of surgery, the surgeon injected into the sub-Tenon space 1 ml of isotonic saline (SS, BS) or 2% lidocaine (SL, BL). Emergence behaviour was assessed in the post-anaesthesia care unit using a 5-point scoring scale (score 1, asleep; 2, awake and calm; 3, irritable or consolable crying; 4, inconsolable crying; and 5, severe restlessness). We defined a score of 4 or 5 as emergence agitation. The incidence of emergence agitation was analysed using χ² and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The incidence of emergence agitation in group SL and BL was significantly lower compared to group SS and BS, respectively (P = 0.011, 0.019). The lidocaine-injected group showed significantly lower occurrence of emergence agitation (10.4%) than isotonic saline-injected group (27.2%; P = 0.001). Emergence agitation was significantly higher following sevoflurane (25.0%) than balanced anaesthesia (13.1%; P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: The frequency of emergence agitation is significantly reduced by sub-Tenon lidocaine injection regardless of the modality of anaesthesia used.

Efficacy of low-dose caudal clonidine in reduction of sevoflurane-induced agitation in children undergoing urogenital and lower limb surgery: a prospective randomised double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Sevoflurane is commonly used as an inhalational induction agent in paediatric patients. Emergence agitation is a common post-operative problem in young children who have received sevoflurane. Clonidine has proven to be effective in reducing the incidence of post-operative agitation at a higher dose (3 and 2 µg kg⁻¹). It has some dose-dependent disadvantages, prominently bradycardia, hypotension and respiratory impairment. OBJECTIVE: The authors conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose caudal clonidine (1 µg kg⁻¹) in reducing the incidence of sevoflurane-induced agitation in preschool children undergoing urogenital and lower limb surgery. METHODOLOGY: A double-blind study was conducted comparing 0.25% (0.75 ml kg⁻¹) bupivacaine and clonidine 1 µg kg⁻¹ (group 1), 0.25% bupivacaine (0.75 ml kg⁻¹) and clonidine 0.75 µg kg⁻¹ (group 2), with 0.25% bupivacaine (0.75 ml kg⁻¹) alone (group 3). Ninety children of 1-5 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II were randomly assigned into three groups. Post-operatively, patients were monitored for 1 h to observe emergence agitation, which was assessed with the help of Pain and Discomfort Scale. RESULT: Post-anaesthetic agitation was observed in two patients (6.6%) in group 1, eight patients (26.6%) in group 2 as compared to 12 patients (40%) in group 3 after 15 min of post-operative observation. The mean scores in group 1 at 15 and 30 min were significantly lower than those in group 3 (P value <0.05). None of the groups had showed any haemodynamic and respiratory compromise, either clinically and statistically. CONCLUSION: Caudal clonidine at a lower dose (1 µg kg⁻¹) could be effective in reducing the incidence of sevoflurane-induced emergence agitation in children undergoing urogenital and lower limb surgery without any significant adverse effects.