The relationship between gestational week and QT dispersion in cesarean section patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy affects the cardiovascular system, particularly the cardiac conduction system, thereby increasing the susceptibility of patients towards arrhythmia. QT interval results in ventricular arrhythmias, predominantly polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The present study was planned to investigate the relationship between a gestational week and QT dispersion in cesarean section patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: The study included 40 patients between the ages of 18 and 45 who had no symptoms of anaemia and undergoing elective cesarean section. The patients were separated into two groups based on the gestational week as Group I <39 weeks and Group II ≥39 weeks. The patient was given a sitting position and the puncture site was cleansed with 10% povidone-iodine antiseptic solution. After placing a sterile drape on the patient, the subarachnoid space was punctured through an appropriate vertebral space (L3-L4 or L4-L5) using a pencil-point 25G spinal needle, followed by intrathecal injection of 12.5 mg (2.5 mL) 5% hyperbaric bupivacaine hydrochloride. Electrocardiographic (ECG) records were obtained both preoperatively and at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after spinal block, and the QT, QTc, QTd, and corrected QTd (QTcd) intervals were estimated using Bazett's formula. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups within the QT and QTc intervals. QTcd measured after post-operative was significantly higher in Group II (P = .007). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that spinal anaesthesia may prolong the QTdc interval in patients with a gestational week of ≥39 weeks undergoing cesarean section.

Tissue Oxygen Saturation Change on Upper Extremities After Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blockade; Prospective Observational Study.

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) is a reliable and objective method for assessing the adequacy of infraclavicular block and to describe the time course of StO2 changes. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, StO2 was measured in 40 patients planned for elective hand surgery under infraclavicular block. Noninvasive StO2 monitoring was used prior to ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block and during the first 30 min of the blockade. Sensory and motor blocks were evaluated every 5 min followed by pinprick testing and Bromage scale. Results: Preanesthetic median StO2 values of the blocked side and nonblocked side were similar (p = 0.532), whereas the postanesthetic values of the blocked side were higher. At the fifth minute and the following minute, measurements compared to the nonblocked side (p < 0.001). The median StO2 values increased significantly, which increased by 4.5% at 5 min, by another 5.5% at 30 min, and by an average of 1% from 5 to 30 min compared to the baseline values in the blocked side. The responses of the patients to the questions probed in the pinprick test and Bromage scale were fully compatible with the data obtained by the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) method. Conclusions: StO2 monitoring may provide a useful instrument for rapid evaluation of the success of regional anesthesia in the upper extremity.

Comparison of the cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects of Sugammadex and Neostigmine on human embryonic renal cell (HEK-293).

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, including Neostigmine, have been used to reverse neuromuscular blockage for many years. Sugammadex reverses this blockage using its gamma cyclodextrin ring, a mechanism that differs from that of cholinesterases and so circumvents the side effects of Neostigmine. Although the superiority of Sugammadex to Neostigmine has been outlined in several clinical studies, to our knowledge, there is not any research into cell culture that compares the cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects of the two drugs. Hence, this is the first study to compare the cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects of different dosages of both drugs on human embryonic renal (HEK-293) cells. In this study, the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and apoptotic effects of Sugammadex and Neostigmine on HEK-293 cells were analyzed with using the MTT, Comet Assay and Flow Cytometric Annexin-V methods, respectively. The results demonstrate that Neostigmine at 50, 100, 250, and 500 µg/mL is more cytotoxic than equivalent dosages of Sugammadex. Neostigmine at 500 and 1000 µg/mL was found to be more genotoxic, and Neostigmine at 500 µg/mL had a statistically higher risk of causing apoptosis and necrosis than Sugammadex (p<0.05). Neostigmine administered in-vitro in the same doses as Sugammadex had greater cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects on HEK-293 cells.

Comparison of the efficacy of five different objective methods to evaluate the success of infraclavicular block; which one of them is a reliable and early indicator?

BACKGROUND: Traditional methods that evaluate the success of peripheral nerve block have been replaced by methods that allow objective evaluations over time. Multiple objective techniques for peripheral nerve block have been discussed in the literature. This study aims to investigate whether perfusion index (PI), non-invasive tissue hemoglobin monitoring (SpHb), tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), tissue hemoglobin index (THI), and body temperature are reliable and objective methods to evaluate the adequacy of infracla-vicular blockage. METHODS: Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block in 100 patients undergoing forearm surgery. PI, SpHb, StO2, THI, and body tem-perature measurements was recorded 5 min before the block procedure, right after the procedure, and until the 25th min after the procedure at 5-min intervals. These values were compared between the blocked limbs and non-blocked limbs while being statistically compared between the successful and failed block groups. RESULTS: Although there were significant differences between the groups of blocked extremity and non-blocked extremity in terms of StO2, THI, PI, and body temperature, there was no significant difference between these groups in terms of SpHb. Moreover, a sig-nificant difference was detected between the groups of successful block and failed block in terms of StO2, PI and body temperature, while there was no significant difference between these groups in terms of THI and SpHb. CONCLUSION: StO2, PI, and body temperature measurements are the simple, objective, and non-invasive techniques to be used to evaluate success of block procedures. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, StO2 is the specific parameter with the highest sensitivity among these parameters.

Effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine on carnitine metabolism in normal human bronchial epithelial cells.

Propofol and dexmedetomidine (DEX) are widely used for anesthesia and sedation. We investigated the effects of propofol and DEX separately and in combination on the metabolic profile of carnitine in cultured normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Cells of the propofol group were cultured with 2 µg/ml propofol in RPMI-1640 medium. Cells of the DEX group were cultured with 0.2 ng/m DEX in RPMI-1640 medium. Cells of the propofol + DEX group were cultured with 2 µg/ml propofol + 0.2 ng/ml DEX in RPMI-1640 medium. The control group was untreated. Cells were incubated for 3 h following treatments. The effects of the drugs on cell viability were assessed using the MTT method and by microscopic examination following staining with acridine orange/ethidium bromide. The effects of drugs on carnitine, acetyl carnitine and 25 acylcarnitine derivative profiles were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometry. Neither propofol nor DEX affected cell viability. Administration of propofol, DEX or propofol + DEX to BEAS-2B cells caused no significant change in the concentrations of carnitine and acylcarnitine derivatives compared to the control group. We found that propofol and DEX exhibit no negative effects on the carnitine metabolism by BEAS-2B cells in vitro at clinically relevant concentrations. Our findings establish a baseline for clinical studies of the effects of propofol and DEX on carnitine metabolism.

[Rare reflex in regional anesthesia which have a high-risk in case of forgotten: Bezold-Jarisch reflex]. / Rejyonel anestezide nadir görülen unutulmasi durumunda yüksek risk tasiyan bir refleks: Bezold-Jarisch refleksi.

Bezold-Jarisch reflex is a reflex that may occur during regional anesthesia, upper-extremity blocks and sometimes in general anesthesia, resulting in hypotension, bradycardia, apnea or cardiac arrest elicited by chemical or mechanical receptor stimulations. This reflex mostly occurs in the sitting position during upper-extremity nerve blocks can be forgotten in other complications. The complications that occurred after this reflex can be overcome by taking necessary precautions and providing sufficient cardiac monitorization. In our cases to be presented, we want to remind you of Bezold-Jarisch reflex, which may cause severe complications when forgotten.

Effect of spinal anesthesia on the QT interval in term and post-term pregnancies scheduled for elective cesarean section: a prospective study.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of spinal anesthesia on the QT interval in patients with term and post-term pregnancy that were scheduled for elective cesarean section.Materials and methods: Forty pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were assigned into two groups: Post-term group (Group P) (n = 20) and Term group (Group T) (n = 20). After entering the operation room, standard monitoring [electrocardiography (ECG), noninvasive blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation] was performed. The patient was placed in the sitting position and spinal anesthesia was performed with a median approach at the L3-L4a level using a 25G Quincke-type spinal needle. After cerebrospinal fluid was viewed, 12.5 mg (2.5 mL) hyperbaric bupivacaine was administered intrathecally over 1 min. Other ECG records were made at min 1 (T1), 5 (T2), and 10 (T3) after the induction of spinal anesthesia and after skin closure (T4). QT and QT dispersion were measured from ECG. Heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) and QT dispersion (QTcd) values were calculated using the Bazett formula.Results: Demographic characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. Postoperative QTc, QTd, and QTcd values were significantly increased in Group P compared to those in Group T (p < .05).Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia led to increased postoperative QTc, QTd, and QTcd values in the patients with a gestational age of ≥42 weeks who underwent cesarean section. Accordingly, it is advisable to perform postoperative strict cardiac monitoring particularly in post-term pregnant women undergoing spinal anesthesia.

Comparison of efficacy between combined periarticular and incisional injections versus periarticular injection alone of bupivacaine for pain control after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of combined periarticular and incisional injections versus periarticular injection alone of bupivacaine in reducing post-operative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind comparative study, 90 patients with primary osteoarthritis who underwent TKA were enrolled. The patients were then randomly divided into 3 groups (30 in each): group 1, without injection; group 2, with periarticular injection of 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine hydrogen chloride (HCl) (100 mg) after implantation; and group 3, periarticular injection of 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine HCl (100 mg) after implantation and incisional injection of 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine HCl (50 mg) before wound closure. Post-operative pain levels were measured using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 mm: no pain and 100 mm: worst pain) at 30 min and 1, 2, 4, and 6 h, post-operatively. RESULTS: The mean VAS score in group 3 (the combined group-periarticular and incisional injections) within the first 4 h was lower than that in group 1 and group 2 (p<0.001). The mean VAS scores at the first 30 min were 65.21±9.46 in group 1, 51.86±5.96 in group 2, and 29.33±8.55 in group 3 (p<0.001). The mean VAS scores at the first 1 h were 64.43±9.32 in group 1, 47.26±4.77 in group 2, and 31.66±7.37 in group 3 (p<0.001). The mean scores at the 2 h were 61.46±8.62 in group 1, 48.33±4.66 in group 2, and 30.83±6.76 in group 3 (p<0.001). The mean scores at the 4 h were 64.72±8.91 in group 1, 47.53±4.35 in group 2, and 34.36±6.64 in group 3 (p<0.001). The differences were not significant at 6 h between group 2 (44.91±4.12) and group 3 (41.83±6.71) (p>0.001). However, the values were significantly lower than those of the control group (63.56±9.73) (p<0.001). In addition, VAS scores at all follow-up times were significantly higher in the control group compared with the other groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study revealed that the combined injection of bupivacaine is more effective than its periarticular injection alone and provides effective post-operative pain management after TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, Therapeutic study.

Evaluation of tissue oxygenation and block quality using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block at different arm angles A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The preference for peripheral nerve block methods is increasing with every passing day. Our aim in this study is to evaluate tissue oxygenation using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), as a non-invasive device that detects tissue oxygen saturation (St02), in patients subjected to infraclavicular blockage at different angles. METHOD: Included in the study were 34 patients aged between 18 and 65 in the ASA I-II group who were scheduled to undergo hand, forearm or arm surgery. An infraclavicular block was applied with the shoulder abducted at 0°, 45° and 90° under USG guidance while the elbow was in extension. The St02 values of the patients were measured with NIRS in both arms every five minutes. RESULTS: A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Tissue oxygenation in the arm subjected to blockade increased significantly over time (p<0.001), while tissue oxygenation in the untreated arm did not change over time. The duration of the sensory blockade differed significantly only for values between 0 and 90 (p = 0.046). The block application time was lower at a 90° angle (p <0.001), and the satisfaction level decreased as the number of needle entries increased (p<0.001). Patient satisfaction increased as the angle increased (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that tissue oxygenation increased with NIRS in the extremity subjected to blockade in patients who underwent a USG-guided infraclavicular block at different angles; however, different angles were not observed to affect tissue oxygenation. KEY WORDS: Near-infrared spectroscopy, Tissue oxygen saturation, Ultrasound, Infraclavicular block.

Approach to scorpion stings in pregnancy: A retrospective case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Scorpion stings remain a serious health problem in many parts of the world. There is very limited information regarding the effects of therapies delivered for scorpion stings in pregnant women on the mother and fetus. They can cause acute conditions such as fetal loss, preterm delivery, or placental abnormalities and can also result in other conditions that may have an effect on the baby in the long term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study the medical records of 24 pregnant women who were admitted to the emergency room at Suruç State Hospital due to scorpion stings between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gestational week, monthly distribution of the cases, type of delivery, status of the fetus, affected body sites, and local and systemic findings were evaluated. The clinical severity of each case was assessed using Abroug's classification. A fetal biophysical profile test was administered in pregnant women above 24 weeks of gestation. The newborns underwent follow-up for mental and motor functions in the pediatric department at three-month intervals for 12 months. RESULTS: 24 patients, with a mean age of 26.1 ± 2.4 years, were included in the study. The most common region stung by scorpions was Lower extremity (58.3%). The most common symptom occurred in cases was immediate localized pain (58%). In terms of gestational age, 41.6% of scorpion sting were within the third trimester. Biophysical profile scores were 8 and above. Only symptomatic treatment, without use of anti-venom, was done to all the patients in this study. And neither death nor major sequel happened. CONCLUSION: Scorpion stings during pregnancy may not have significant adverse effects on the fetus and the mother. Decisions regarding the use of anti-venom in pregnant women should be considered carefully when only limited safety information, especially in those patients with only local symptoms.

Are multiple repeated cesarean sections really as safe?

AIM: Surgical complications were compared between patients with three or less prior cesarean deliveries and four or more prior cesarean deliveries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 120 patients who had undergone cesarean sections (CSs) in our Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between August and November 2015, were retrospectively studied. Cases were reviewed on the basis of age, type of operation, type of anesthesia, number of CSs, time of hospitalization, and intra-operative and post-operative complications. RESULTS: Cesarean sections had been performed on 62 (51.7%) patients whose cesarean number was three or less, while 58 (48.3%) patients had multiple CSs four or more. Patients with four or more prior cesareans had an increased rate of intra-abdominal adhesions, compared with the other group. There was no significant difference in the gestational weeks, neonatal admission rate, incidence of cesarean hysterectomy, uterine scar rupture, placenta previa with placental invasion anomalies, bladder and bowel injuries, incidence of peripartum hemorrhage and blood transfusion rate between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There is no greater risk of maternal complications in patients with four or more prior cesareans, excepting intra-abdominal adhesions.

Anaesthetic Management of Children with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome.

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a rare, autosomal dominant syndrome presenting with mental retardation and physical abnormalities, including broad thumbs, big and broad toes, short stature and craniofacial anomalies. Special attention was paid to the possibilities of difficult airway, aspiration pneumonia and cardiovascular dysfunction during anaesthesia. Micrognathia, retrognathia, broad nasal bridge, abnormally large or 'beak-shaped' nose, hypoplastic maxilla and small mouth-typical dysmorphic facial features are one of the biggest causes of the difficult airway in this syndrome. Approximately one-third of the affected individuals have a variety of congenital heart diseases. Recurrent respiratory infections are likely to be the result of microaspiration or gastro-oesophageal reflux in this syndrome. In this case report, we discussed the anaesthesia management of a child with RTS who underwent right endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

Intraperitoneal Administration of Silymarin Protects End Organs from Multivisceral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Model.

Objective: To determine whether intraperitoneal silymarin administration has favorable effects on the heart, lungs, kidney, and liver and on oxidative stress in a rat model of supraceliac aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods: Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided equally into three groups: sham, control, and silymarin. The control and silymarin groups underwent supraceliac aortic occlusion for 45 min, followed by a 60 min period of reperfusion under terminal anesthesia. In the silymarin group, silymarin was administered intraperitoneally during ischemia at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Rats were euthanized using terminal anesthesia, and blood was collected from the inferior vena cava for total antioxidant capacity, total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index measurement. Lungs, heart, liver and kidney tissues were histologically examined. Results: Ischemia/reperfusion injury significantly increased histopathological damage as well as the total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels in the blood samples. The silymarin group incurred significantly lesser damage to the lungs, liver and kidneys than the control group, while no differences were observed in the myocardium. Furthermore, the silymarin group had significantly lower total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels than the control group. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of silymarin reduces oxidative stress and protects the liver, kidney, and lungs from acute supraceliac abdominal aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat model.

The Anaesthetic Management of a Patient with Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a deficit of oxidative decarboxylation of branched-chain aminoacids. It leads to a build-up of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and toxic metabolites in blood and urine, progressing to acute and chronic brain dysfunction. The first symptoms appear in early childhood and are characterized by sweet-smelling urine, with an odor similar to that of maple syrup. At birth, infants seem healthy, but if untreated, they may suffer from neurological deterioration, seizures, hypertonia, or ataxia. During stressful situations, such as infection or surgery, patients may experience severe ketoacidosis, rapid neurological deterioration, and hypoglycemia. We report the anaesthetic management in a child patient with MSUD, admitted for peritonal dialysis catheter insertion with general anaesthesia.

[Adding 75 mg pregabalin to analgesic regimen reduces pain scores and opioid consumption in adults following percutaneous nephrolithotomy]. / Adição de 75mg de pregabalina ao regime analgésico reduz escores de dor e consumo de opiáceos em adultos após nefrolitotomia percutânea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adding novel adjunctive drugs like gabapentinoids to multimodal analgesic regimen might be reasonable for lessening postoperative pain scores, total opioid consumption and side effects after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We aimed to evaluate the effect of pregabalin on postoperative pain scores, analgesic consumption and renal functions expressed by creatinine clearance (CrCl) and blood neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C (Cys C) levels in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: 60 patients undergoing elective PCNL were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to oral single dose 75 mg pregabalin group and a control group. Visual Analog Scale pain scores (VAS), postoperative intravenous morphine consumption during the first 24 postoperative hours, serum NGAL, Cys C levels and creatinine clearance (CrCl) was measured preoperatively and post-operatively at 2nd and 24th hour. RESULTS: Postoperative VAS scores were significantly decreased in the pregabalin group at the postoperative 30th min, 1st, and 2nd hour (p = 0.002, p = 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). Postoperative mean morphine consumption was statistically significantly decreased for all time intervals in the pregabalin group (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to CrCl, or Cys C at preoperative and postoperative 2nd and 24th hour. Postoperative 24th hour NGAL levels were significantly decreased in the pregabalin group (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Oral single-dose preemptive 75 mg pregabalin was effective in reducing early postoperative pain scores and total analgesic consumption in patients undergoing PCNL without leading to hemodynamic instability and side effects.

Effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on oxidative stress during general anesthesia for elective cesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Anesthetic agents might considerably influence maternal-fetal oxidative stress and antioxidants during cesarean section (CS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on oxidative stress parameters both in mothers and newborns undergoing elective CS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty ASA physical status I-II, term parturients undergoing elective CS under general anesthesia were randomized to desflurane (Group D) and sevoflurane (Group S) groups. Blood samples were collected from mothers before operation and postoperatively and umbilical artery samples were obtained at delivery. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) status, lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), and free sulfhydryl (-SH) levels were measured and oxidative stress index was calculated. Secondary outcomes included maternal hemodynamics. RESULTS: Preoperative LOOH, TOS, OSI, TAC, and -SH levels were similar among groups. Postoperative maternal serum LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly increased in Group D compared to Group S (p = 0.003, p = 0.005, p = 0.04; respectively). Postoperative umbilical artery LOOH, TOS, OSI levels were also significantly increased in Group D compared to Group S (p = 0.04, p = 0.02, p = 0.01; respectively). Postoperative TOS (p = 0.001, < 0.001 respectively) and OSI (p = 0.003, < 0.001 respectively) levels in both Group D and Group S were statistically significantly decreased compared to preoperative levels. Postoperative LOOH and -SH levels in Group S (p = 0.04, 0.029 respectively) were statistically significantly decreased compared to preoperative levels. There were no significant differences in TAC and -SH levels among groups (p = nonsignificant [n.s.]). Maternal perioperative mean blood pressure and heart rate were similar among groups (p = n.s.). CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress indices might be modified with preferred anesthetic agent and sevoflurane showed more favorable effects than desflurane in view of oxidative stress.

Supplemental oxygen in elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: Handle the sword with care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of 21% and 40% oxygen supplementation on maternal and neonatal oxidative stress in elective cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty term parturients undergoing elective CS under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in the study. We allocated patients randomly to breathe 21% (air group) or 40% (oxygen group) oxygen from the time of skin incision until the end of the operation. We collected maternal pre- and post-operative and umbilical artery (UA) blood samples. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured. RESULTS: Age, weight, height, parity, gestation week, spinal-skin incision time, skin incision-delivery time, delivery time, operation time, 1(st) and 5(th) minutes Apgar scores, and birth weight were similar between the groups (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). There were no differences in preoperative TAC, TOS, or OSI levels between the groups (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Postoperative maternal TAC, TOS and OSI levels significantly increased in the oxygen group (p = 0.047, < 0.001 and 0.038, respectively); umbilical artery TAC levels significantly increased in the oxygen group (p = 0.003); and umbilical artery TOS and OSI levels significantly increased in the air group (p = 0.02 and < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The difference in impact on maternal and fetal oxidative stress of supplemental 40% compared to 21% oxygen mandates further large-scale studies that investigate the role of oxygen supplementation during elective CS under spinal anesthesia.

Axillary brachial plexus blockade in moyamoya disease?

Moyamoya disease is characterized by steno-occlusive changes of the intracranial internal carotid arteries. Cerebral blood flow and metabolism are strictly impaired. The goal in perioperative anaesthetic management is to preserve the stability between oxygen supply and demand in the brain. Peripheral nerve blockade allows excellent neurological status monitoring and maintains haemodynamic stability which is very important in this patient group. Herein, we present an axillary brachial plexus blockade in a moyamoya patient operated for radius fracture.

Intraperitoneal administration of silymarin protects end organs from multivisceral ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model

Abstract Objective: To determine whether intraperitoneal silymarin administration has favorable effects on the heart, lungs, kidney, and liver and on oxidative stress in a rat model of supraceliac aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods: Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided equally into three groups: sham, control, and silymarin. The control and silymarin groups underwent supraceliac aortic occlusion for 45 min, followed by a 60 min period of reperfusion under terminal anesthesia. In the silymarin group, silymarin was administered intraperitoneally during ischemia at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Rats were euthanized using terminal anesthesia, and blood was collected from the inferior vena cava for total antioxidant capacity, total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index measurement. Lungs, heart, liver and kidney tissues were histologically examined. Results: Ischemia/reperfusion injury significantly increased histopathological damage as well as the total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels in the blood samples. The silymarin group incurred significantly lesser damage to the lungs, liver and kidneys than the control group, while no differences were observed in the myocardium. Furthermore, the silymarin group had significantly lower total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels than the control group. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of silymarin reduces oxidative stress and protects the liver, kidney, and lungs from acute supraceliac abdominal aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat model.