Erector spinae plane block in chronic pain: a retrospective study.

Patients with various aetiology of pain who underwent erector spinae plane block at different levels were evaluated at the tertiary Algology clinic. Visual analog scale (VAS) values were recorded before the block; 30 min, two weeks, and two months after the block. Medical records of fifteen patients have been obtained. The average VAS decreased from 7 ± 1 to 5 ± 3 in the second month when compared to the values before block (p < 0.01). ESP block can be an option for chronic pain in postsurgical pain syndrome and myofascial pain management.

THE EFFECTS OF LISTENING TO THE MOTHER'S HEARTBEAT ON THE DEPTH OF ANAESTHESIA IN CHILDREN.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of listening to the mother's heartbeat and womb sounds on the depth of anaesthesia in children. METHODS: The present study included 40 children scheduled for minor surgery under general anaesthesia, with an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) status of 1 to 2. Anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane, and maintained with sevoflurane and oxygen in nitrous oxide. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The children in Group I were made to listen to recordings of their mothers' heartbeat and womb sounds via earphones during anaesthesia induction, while those in Group II were made to listen to ambient noise via earphones. The music was turned off when the inhalational anaesthetics were discontinued. Intraoperative monitoring included electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, non-invasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), bispectral index system (BIS), end-tidal (ET) sevoflurane, ET N2O, ET CO2, and SaO2. RESULTS: In Group I, there was a significant decrease in bispectral index (BIS) values over time (p < 0.05). Although blood pressure and heart rate were lower in Group I, no significant differences between the groups were detected. While the duration of extubation was shorter in Group I, overall, there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: We found that children exposed to recordings of their mothers' heartbeat and womb sounds in addition to music had lower BIS values under anaesthesia, which indicates deeper anaesthesia levels.

Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible protective effect of coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) on neuropathy in rats. METHODS: Experiments were conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey between January and March 2012. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (paclitaxel), group 3 (control + CQ10), and group 4 (paclitaxel + CQ10). Group 2 and 4 rats received paclitaxel (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, on days 0, 2, 4, 6). Group 3 and 4 rats were treated with CQ10 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). The rats that did not receive paclitaxel or CQ10 received vehicle. Mechanical allodynia tests were performed for each animal on day 0, 2, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 19, 39 and 41 for all groups with von Frey filaments. RESULTS: At day 0, mean mechanical withdrawal thresholds were similar among all groups. Starting from day 2, the threshold of the paclitaxel group decreased. Starting from day 10, paclitaxel+CQ10 treated rats had significantly higher thresholds compared with the paclitaxel group, but these values were still significantly lower than that of the controls. Control and control + CQ10 rats had similar threshold values during the protocol. CONCLUSION: The CQ10 treatment decreased the degree of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats.

Interobserver variability for non-invasive prediction of difficult intubation in different years of anesthesiology residency.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of a difficult laryngoscopy/intubation, which could lead to failed intubation is in the range of 1.5%-13%. Failed intubation may lead to hypoxia, brain damage or death. Preoperative evaluation of the airway can be accomplished by non-invasive bedside clinical tests during physical examination. We studied interobserver variability for non-invasive prediction of difficult intubation in different anesthesiology residency years. METHODS: Three hundred eighty four adult patients undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation were enrolled this study. The investigators were divided in to two groups: three of them were in 4th (Group 1) and the other three were in 1st (Group 2) year of their anesthesiology residency. The variables evaluated were age, weight, height, submental-cervical angle, measurements of mandibular space, deviation of trachea, jaw-hyomental distance, swelling or scar tissue at neck, limited mouth opening, small mouth cavity, macroglossia, cleft lip-palate, long teeth and modified Mallampati score. RESULTS: The incidence of difficult intubation is 4.9%. Group 1 is more successful than Group 2 in predicting difficult intubation. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding Mallampati score, measurements of mandibular space, jaw-hyomental distance, mouth opening and mouth cavity; interobserver variability is detected in predicting difficult intubation among different years of anesthesiology residency. In means of submental-cervical angle, tracheal deviation, swelling or scar tissue at neck and macroglossia, similar results which are statistically significant, are obtained.

Comparison of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusion in geriatric patients undergoing outpatient cataract surgery: a prospective, randomized, and blinded study.

Dexmedetomidine is an α2 agonist and remifentanil is a short-acting µ opioid agonist. We aimed to compare the dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusions used for conscious sedation in geriatric patients undergoing outpatient cataract surgery in terms of sedation quality, side effects, and surgeon satisfaction. Eighty patients were allocated into two groups as per the administration of dexmedetomidine (dexmedetomidine group) and remifentanil (remifentanil group) infusion in this randomized, prospective, double-blinded study. In dexmedetomidine group (n = 40), after a loading of 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine in 10 minutes, 0.4 µg/kg/h infusion was administered. In the remifentanil group (n = 40), remifentanil at a dose of 0.05 µg/kg was administered for 10 minutes, and then 0.05 µg/kg/min infusion was continued. Observer Assessment Warning/Sedation Scale values evaluating sedation quality were lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the remifentanil group, although it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Bispectral Index values evaluating sedation quality were lower in the dexmedetomidine group according to the remifentanil group (P < 0.05). The dexmedetomidine group had lower Verbal Rating Scale and Visual Analogue Scale scores evaluating pain intensity compared with the remifentanil group (P < 0.05). The nausea Visual Analogue Scale values evaluating the severity of postoperative nausea in the dexmedetomidine group were lower than those in the remifentanil group (P < 0.05). The surgeon satisfaction was found to be greater in the dexmedetomidine group compared with the remifentanil group (P = 0.015). In geriatric patients, the targeted sedation and analgesia levels were achieved more easily with dexmedetomidine infusion, without hemodynamic and respiratory side effects, compared to remifentanil infusion.

An evaluation of cancer patients' opinions about use of opioid analgesics and the role of clinical pharmacist in patient education in Turkey.

Background Patients' potential misconceptions and concerns about using opioids are among the primary causes of patient-related barriers that may lead to failure in pain management. These barriers can be eliminated through educational interventions, thus achieving better pain management. Objective The aim of this study was to assess patients' beliefs about opioids, reduce the impact of patient-related barriers through educational intervention by a clinical pharmacist, and improve patients' adherence to opioid analgesic treatment. Setting The study was conducted in the Hacettepe University Training and Research Oncology Hospital, Department of Algology in Ankara, Turkey. Method A prospective study conducted between September, 2018 and May, 2019. Patients were included who had been diagnosed with cancer, had been prescribed opioid analgesics, and who attended the pain unit during the period this study was conducted. Patients' beliefs about opioids were assessed using the Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ) right before and 1 month after an educational intervention was provided by a clinical pharmacist. Also, patients' adherence to the opioid regimen was assessed using a validated Self-Report Measure of Adherence questions in Turkish. Main outcome measure The mean scores of the BMQ Necessity Subscale and Concern Subscale, and a level of adherence to opioid treatment. Results Sixty patients who met the inclusion criteria were included and follow-up was completed with 38 patients. Although an increase was detected in the total score of the Necessity subscale after provision of education (p = 0.398), a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease was found in the total score of the 'Concern' subscale, which suggests that patients believe the benefits of opioids outweigh the risks. The patients' pain scores were decreased (p = 0.004); furthermore a significant increase was found in the adherence scores (3.16-3.55) (p = 0.027), and a high level of adherence was observed among the patients in the post-education assessment (p = 0.021). Conclusion The integration of a clinical pharmacist into the pain management team may have a positive impact on the patients' knowledge, concerns and misconceptions about opioids, which may improve adherence and effective pain management in cancer treatment.

[Effect of melatonin on the daytime sleepiness side-effect of gabapentin in adults patients with neuropathic pain]. / Efeito da melatonina sobre o efeito colateral de sonolência diurna da gabapentina em pacientes adultos com dor neuropática.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug. Widely used for the management of neuropathic pain. Although it is known to be well tolerated, somnolence and dizziness are the most frequent adverse effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on daytime sleepiness side effect of gabapentin, sleep quality and pain intensity of patients with neuropathic pain. METHODS: Patients suffering from "neuropathic pain" and planed to receive gabapentin therapy were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received melatonin 3mg and gabapentin 900mg orally, group 2 received matching placebo capsule and gabapentin 900mg. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index for assessment of sleep quality and Verbal Rating Scale were completed at the 0th, 10th and 30th days of treatment. Additive analgesic drug requirements were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty patients were enrolled to the study; age, gender, ratio of additive analgesic consumption, baseline Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburg Sleep Quality index and Verbal Rating Scale scores were similar between the groups. Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores and Verbal Rating Scale scores in Group 1 were significantly lower than group 2 at the 10th day of treatment (p=0.002, p=0.003, p=0.002 respectively). At the 30th day of treatment, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and Verbal Rating Scale scores were significantly lower in Group 1 (p=0.002, p=0.008 respectively). However, Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores did not significantly differ between the groups (p=0.0566). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin supplementation rapidly and significantly improved daytime sleepiness side-effect of gabapentin, however sleep quality of the patients with neuropathic pain was similar between groups.

Effect of magnesium sulfate on anesthesia depth, awareness incidence, and postoperative pain scores in obstetric patients. A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of magnesium on the depth of anesthesia and to determine the effects of magnesium on incidence of awareness and postoperative pain after caesarean section.  Methods: The study was designed as a double-blind, controlled, randomized study and conducted in Hacettepe University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey  between January 2015 and March 2016. A total of 100 pregnant healthy women who were between 17 and 41 years old, ASA II, and scheduled for an elective cesarean section with general anesthesia were included in the study. After induction, sevoflurane was used for maintenance in Group S and desflurane in Group D (control groups). At Group S-M and Group D-M (study groups), magnesium infusion was started with sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia respectively. Minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane and desflurane were kept constant. Bispectral index scores (BIS), fentanyl consumption and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) values were recorded. All of the patients had been followed-up for awareness until the postoperative first year. Results: Demographic variables of the patients were similar. BIS values were significantly higher in control groups throughout the operation (p less than 0.001). No significant difference was detected for intraoperative fentanyl consumption and awareness incidence. VAS values were significantly lower in study groups (p less than 0.05). Conclusion: Magnesium infusion provided significantly lower intraoperative BIS values and lower postoperative VAS scores. We believe that magnesium can be useful as an adjuvant to general anesthesia.

Effect of hypotensive anesthesia on cognitive functions. A comparison of esmolol and remifentanil during tympanoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of esmolol and remifentanil, used as adjuncts for induced hypotension on surgical conditions and short-term cognitive functions, during tympanoplasty. METHODS: The study was conducted in Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey between January 2005 and December 2006 following Institutional Ethical Committee approval, 40 ASA I-II patients, between 18 and 60 years of age were included in this study. With the induction of anesthesia, for group E, an esmolol infusion of 50-250 ug.kg-1.min-1 was titrated, following a bolus of 0.5 mgxkg-1; for group R, a remifentanil infusion of 0.2-0.5 ugxkg-1xmin-1 was titrated; to achieve a mean blood pressure (BP) of 55-65 mm Hg. Arterial BP were recorded continuously throughout the operation. Mini Mental State Test (MMS) was performed at the preoperative 30th minute (MMSP), postoperative 30th minute (MMS30), 60th minute (MMS60) and 24th hour (MMS24). Surgical field was evaluated by the blinded surgeon, using a 6 point category scale. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar in both groups. Sustained controlled hypotension was sufficient in all of the groups throughout surgery. Surgical field scores were lower in group R (p<0.05), although the scores were

Treatment of patients with neuropathic pain and provision of drug information by clinical pharmacists

Abstract Patient's satisfaction with healthcare services has an influence on pain management, which can be improved by patient education. Therefore, this study was aimed at identifying primary care health service opportunities in the treatment of neuropathic pain and assessing patients' satisfaction with the provision of drug information by clinical pharmacists. This was a cross- sectional, prospective study conducted at a pain unit during March-May 2017. Patients aged >18 years; diagnosed with neuropathic pain; and who used amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, or duloxetine were included. They were verbally informed about drug treatment by a clinical pharmacist, and their satisfaction was evaluated after 1 month. In all, 90 patients were included. The median duration for which the patients experienced pain until hospital admission was 3.6 years; furthermore, this duration was longer among women (p < 0.05). However, the median time to seeking advice from doctors was 3 months. The patients (15.6%) were less likely to admit pain unit initially and 46.7% had visited different units before being admitted to a pain unit. More than 95% of the patients indicated that they had received information from a pharmacist at a clinic and were satisfied with the provision of information (median duration, 8.5 min). Thus, the involvement of pharmacists in multidisciplinary pain management may help improve health- related outcomes at hospitals and/or in community care settings

The preemptive use of diclofenac sodium in combination with ketamine and remifentanil does not enhance postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic gynecological procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preemptive effects of diclofenac sodium, in combination with remifentanil and ketamine. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out at the Hacettepe University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey from September to December 2004. Forty-three, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status group I-II women, aged >18 years, who would undergo both diagnostic and operative laparoscopic surgery were randomly assigned into 2 groups. All patients received intraoperative 0.1 microg x kg(-1)min(-1) remifentanil infusion. Diclofenac (1 mg x kg(-1) intramuscular) was administered, 20 minutes before the operation. Ketamine (0.8 mg x kg(-)1 intravenously) was administered 5 minutes before the skin incision and at completion of skin closure. We divided the patients into 2 groups; Group I (diclofenac + remifentanil + ketamine), Group II (remifentanil + ketamine). Pain was evaluated postoperatively using the visual analogue scale (VAS) while global satisfaction by verbal rating scale (VRS). RESULTS: All 43 female patients have a mean +/- SD age of 32.3 +/- 6.5 years, height of 163 +/- 5.3 cm, and weight of 62.9 +/- 9.5 kg. The VAS and VRS scores and also time to first analgesic request were not different between the groups. In all groups, >98% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. CONCLUSION: We have not found any preemptive or additive effect of diclofenac sodium with the concomitant use of ketamine.

The role of antifibrinolytic agents in gynecologic cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of crystalloid and colloid solutions, tranexamic acid and epsilon-aminocaproic acid on the need for allogenic blood transfusion and on coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters. METHODS: We conducted the study in the Anesthesiology and Reanimation Department of Hacettepe University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey between March 2004 and April 2005. The study included 105 patients, classified by the American Society of Anesthesiology as physical status groups I-II, undergoing gynecologic cancer treatment. We divided them into 5 groups: group I (crystalloid) received crystalloid solutions, group II (colloid) received colloid solutions, group III (tranexamic acid) received 10 mg x kg(-1) tranexamic acid, and group 5 (epsilon-aminocaproic acid) received 100 mg x kg(-1) epsilon-aminocaproic acid. All patients bleeding amount was measured and recorded perioperatively, and at the 12th and 24th hours postoperatively. We then evaluated the patients' hemoglobin, hematocrit, activated thromboplastin time, international normalized ration, fibrinogen, and thrombocyte count and symptoms of pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: In comparing the amount of bleeding, the bleeding in the tranexamic acid group was 30.8% less than the crystalloid group (p<0.05), 33.3% less than the colloid group (p<0.05), and 23.9% less than the epsilon-aminocaproic acid group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: When the negative effects of blood transfusions were considered, tranexamic acid administration can be recommended for decreasing the need for blood transfusion in gynecologic cancer surgery.

Comparison of the effects of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) using dexmedetomidine and propofol during septoplasty operations: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Septoplastical surgery to correct septum deviation can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. During local anesthesia, sedation helps to provide minimum anxiety/discomfort. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of patient-controlled analgesia using dexmedetomidine and propofol on sedation level, analgesic requirement, and patient satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized-parallel clinical study. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing septoplastical surgery at our university hospital were randomized into two groups. A nasopharyngeal cotton tampon soaked in 0.25 % adrenaline solution was placed, and 1 mg midazolam and 1 mcg/kg fentanyl were applied 5 min before the injections of a surgical local anesthetic. Loading dose was 0.5 mg/kg propofol (Group I) and 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine (Group II). The sedation was sustained by a bolus dose of 0.2 mg/kg and continuous basal infusion dose of 0.5 mg/kg/h propofol in Group I, or by a bolus dose of 0.05 µg/kg and continuous basal infusion dose of 0.4 mcg/kg/h dexmedetomidine in Group II. The primary outcomes were patient satisfaction via patient-controlled anesthesia and analgesic demand. Secondary outcomes were sedation level of patients under local anesthesia. RESULTS: In Group II, SpO2 levels were significantly higher than in Group I. Intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements were lower in Group II than in Group I. There were no statistically significant differences in patient satisfaction, hemodynamic parameters, nausea and vomiting between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine can be used safely as an analgesic and sedation drug in septoplastic surgery.

Comparison of efficacy of prophylactic ketamine and dexmedetomidine on postoperative bladder catheter-related discomfort.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of prophylactic ketamine and dexmedetomidine on postoperative bladder catheter-related discomfort/pain in patients undergoing cystoscopy. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 75 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients between 18-75 years of age and undergoing cystoscopy between November 2011 and June 2012 at Hacettepe University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups to receive 1 µ/kg dexmedetomidine, 250 µ/kg intravenous ketamine, or normal saline. All patients were questioned regarding probe-related discomfort, patient satisfaction, and pain at the end of the operation 0 (t0) and 15 (t1), 60 (t2), 120 (t3), and 360 (t4) minutes postoperatively. Evaluations were performed in person at the  post-anesthesia care unit, or in ambulatory surgery rooms, or by phone calls. RESULTS: Pain incidence in the dexmedetomidine and ketamine groups (p=0.042) was significantly lower than that in the control group (p=0.044).The sedation scores recorded at t0 in the dexmedetomidine and ketamine groups (p=0.004) were significantly higher than that of the control group (p=0.017).Patient groups were similar regarding the rate of hallucinations experienced at t1, no patients experienced hallucinations at t2, t3, or t4. Significantly more patients experienced hallucinations at t0 in the ketamine group than in the dexmedetomidine group (p=0.034) and the control group (p=0.005).  CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine and ketamine had similar analgesic effects in preventing catheter-related pain; however, dexmedetomidine had a more acceptable side effect profile. To identify the optimal doses of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, more large-scale interventional studies are needed.

Repeated attacks of venous air embolism during endoscopic sinus tumor surgery: a case report.

Repeated attacks of venous air embolism during an operation is a very rare situation. We report a case of multiple venous air emboli during an endoscopic surgery of a sphenoidal sinus tumor.

All about ketamine premedication for children undergoing ophtalmic surgery.

Ketamine is a non-barbiturate cyclohexamine derivative which produces a state of sedation, immobility, analgesia, amnesia, and dissociation from the environment. One of the most important advantages of ketamine premedication is production of balanced sedation with less respiratory depression and less changes in blood pressure or heart rate. As its effects on intracranial pressure, the possible effect of ketamine on intraocular pressure has been controversial overtime. In this study, we aimed to demostrate all the advantages and possible side effects of ketamine premedication in 100 children with retinablastoma undergoing ophthalmic surgery. All the children were premedicated with ketamine 5 mg kg(-1) 15 minutes before the examination orally and peroperative complications, reaction to intravenous catheter insertion, need for additive dose and intraocular pressures of children were recorded. We showed that ketamine administration orally is a safe and effective way of premedication for oncologic patients undergoing examination under general anaesthesia. The incidence of agitation, anxiety at parental separation and reaction to insertion of intravenous catheter was very low while adverse side effects were seen rarely. Intraocular pressure which is very important for most of the ophthalmic surgery patients remained in normal ranges.

Comparison of propofol and midazolam on patients undergoing spinal surgery with intraoperative wake-up test: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Instrumentation in correction operations for spinal deformities carries a 0.5-5% risk of injuring the spinal cord. The wake-up test is used for early detection of these injuries. In this study we compared the effects of propofol and midazolam during wake-up test in scoliosis surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly assigned as group P and group M. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2.5 mg kg(-1) for group P or midazolam 0.5 mg kg(-1) for group M with remifentanil 0.5 µg kg(-1) and cisatracurium 0.15 mg kg(-1) for both groups. At the maintenance of anesthesia O2/air and infusions of remifentanil and cisatracurium were used. In group P, propofol 6-10 mg kg(-1)h(-1) and in group M, midazolam 0.5 mg mg kg(-1) were preferred. Approximately 15 min before the wake-up test, all drugs were discontinued. At the wake-up test, anesthesiologist asked the patients to open their eyes and squeeze his/her hand at every 30s until the patients responded. Then patients were told to wiggle their toes. Hemodynamic parameters, time of eye-opening, appropriate movement upon verbal command were evaluated. BIS frequency throughout the operation was recorded. RESULTS: The eye opening time was 9 ± 2.15 min in group P and 7 ± 3.15 min in group M. Motor movement time was 12 ± 2.55 min in group P and 21.25 ± 3.93 min in group M. CONCLUSION: Propofol provided better wake-up conditions and conducted a better neurologic assessment within the same BIS values than midazolam.

[Comparison of propofol and midazolam on patients undergoing spinal surgery with intraoperative wake-up test: randomized clinical trial]. / Comparação de propofol e midazolam em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de coluna vertebral com teste de despertar no intraoperatório: estudo clínico randomizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Instrumentation in correction operations for spinal deformities carries a 0.5-5% risk of injuring the spinal cord. The wake-up test is used for early detection of these injuries. In this study we compared the effects of propofol and midazolam during wake-up test in scoliosis surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly assigned as group P and group M. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2.5mgkg(-1) for group P or midazolam 0.5mgkg(-1) for group M with remifentanil 0.5µgkg(-1) and cisatracurium 0.15mgkg(-1) for both groups. At the maintenance of anesthesia O2/air and infusions of remifentanil and cisatracurium were used. In group P, propofol 6-10mgkg(-1)h(-1) and in group M, midazolam 0.5mgmgkg(-1) were preferred. Approximately 15min before the wake-up test, all drugs were discontinued. At the wake-up test, anesthesiologist asked the patients to open their eyes and squeeze his/her hand at every 30s until the patients responded. Then patients were told to wiggle their toes. Hemodynamic parameters, time of eye-opening, appropriate movement upon verbal command were evaluated. BIS frequency throughout the operation was recorded. RESULTS: The eye opening time was 9±2.15min in group P and 7±3.15min in group M. Motor movement time was 12±2.55min in group P and 21.25±3.93min in group M. CONCLUSION: Propofol provided better wake-up conditions and conducted a better neurologic assessment within the same BIS values than midazolam.

Effect of melatonin on the daytime sleepiness side-effect of gabapentin in adults patients with neuropathic pain / Efeito da melatonina sobre o efeito colateral de sonolência diurna da gabapentina em pacientes adultos com dor neuropática

Abstract Background and objectives: Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug. Widely used for the management of neuropathic pain. Although it is known to be well tolerated, somnolence and dizziness are the most frequent adverse effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on daytime sleepiness side effect of gabapentin, sleep quality and pain intensity of patients with neuropathic pain. Methods: Patients suffering from "neuropathic pain" and planed to receive gabapentin therapy were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received melatonin 3 mg and gabapentin 900 mg orally, group 2 received matching placebo capsule and gabapentin 900 mg. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index for assessment of sleep quality and Verbal Rating Scale were completed at the 0th, 10th and 30th days of treatment. Additive analgesic drug requirements were recorded. Results: Eighty patients were enrolled to the study; age, gender, ratio of additive analgesic consumption, baseline Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburg Sleep Quality index and Verbal Rating Scale scores were similar between the groups. Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores and Verbal Rating Scale scores in Group 1 were significantly lower than group 2 at the 10th day of treatment (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, p = 0.002 respectively). At the 30th day of treatment, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and Verbal Rating Scale scores were significantly lower in Group 1 (p = 0.002, p = 0.008 respectively). However, Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.0566). Conclusions: Melatonin supplementation rapidly and significantly improved daytime sleepiness side-effect of gabapentin, however sleep quality of the patients with neuropathic pain was similar between groups.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Gabapentina é um agente antiepiléptico, amplamente utilizado para o tratamento da dor neuropática. Embora conhecida por ser bem-tolerada, sonolência e tontura são os seus efeitos adversos mais frequentes. Neste estudo, nosso objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da melatonina sobre o efeito colateral de sonolência diurna da gabapentina, a qualidade do sono e a intensidade da dor em pacientes com dor neuropática. Métodos: Os pacientes que sofriam de "dor neuropática" e com prescrição para receber terapia com gabapentina foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O Grupo 1 recebeu 3 mg de melatonina e 900 mg de gabapentina por via oral, o Grupo 2 recebeu uma cápsula de placebo correspondente e 900 mg de gabapentina. A escala de sonolência de Epworth (ESS), o índice de qualidade do sono de Pittsburgh para avaliação da qualidade do sono (PSQI) e a escala de avaliação verbal (VRS) foram aplicados nos dias 0, 10 e 30 de tratamento. A necessidade de medicamentos analgésicos adicionais foi registrada. Resultados: Oitenta pacientes foram incluídos no estudo; idade, sexo, quantidade de analgésico adicional consumida e os escores basais de ESS, PSQI e VRS foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Os escores ESS, PSQI e VRS do Grupo 1 foram significativamente menores que os do Grupo 2 no décimo dia de tratamento (p = 0,002, p = 0,003, p = 0,002, respectivamente). No trigésimo dia de tratamento, os escores ESS e VRS foram significativamente menores no Grupo 1 (p = 0,002, p = 0,008, respectivamente). No entanto, os escores PSQI não diferiram significativamente entre os grupos (p = 0,0566). Conclusões: A suplementação de melatonina melhorou de forma rápida e significativa o efeito colateral de sonolência diurna da gabapentina, mas a qualidade do sono dos pacientes com dor neuropática foi semelhante entre os grupos.