Effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia versus perineal blocks in hemorroidectomy and anal fistula surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Ultra-low-dose Spinal Anesthesia (SA) is the practice of employing minimal doses of intrathecal agents so that only the roots that supply a specific area are anesthetized. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia with that of Perineal Blocks (PB). Methods: A two-arm, parallel, double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing two anesthetic techniques (SA and PB) for hemorrhoidectomy and anal fistula surgery was performed. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain, complementation and/or conversion of anesthesia, and hemodynamic changes. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. The mean pain values were similar in the first 48 h in both groups (p > 0.05). The individuals allocated to the SA group did not need anesthetic complementation; however, those in the PB group required it considerably (SA group, 0% vs. PB group, 25%; p = 0.005). Hemodynamic changes were more pronounced after PB: during all surgical times, the PB group showed lower MAP values and higher HR values (p < 0.05). Postoperative urinary retention rates were similar between both groups (SA group 0% vs. PB group 3.1%, p = 0.354). Conclusion: SA and PB are similarly effective in pain control during the first 48 h after hemorrhoidec-tomy and anal fistula surgery. Although surgical time was shorter among patients in the PB group, the SA technique may be preferable as it avoids the need for additional anesthesia. Furthermore, the group that received perineal blocks was under sedation with a considerable dose of propofol.

The effectiveness of percutaneous injections of ozonotherapy in low back pain.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar pain is one of the main reasons for medical consultation, causing the disruption of daily routines due to its disabling nature, thus resulting in social and personal damage. Among the complementary treatments, ozonotherapy offers analgesia to most patients, with reports of complications. However, great questions about its clinical effectiveness have not been answered yet, and there have been reports of serious complications. OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of ozonotherapy in the treatment of lumbar pain, focusing on its favorable and unfavorable effects, and its analog profile. METHODS: A cross-sectional bibliographic research was performed with scientific articles obtained from the Pubmed, LILACS and Scopus database, using the following descriptors: "Ozone", "Therapy", "Lumbar pain", "complication", "Disk herniation", "Guideline", "Protocol", "Standards", "Criteria". RESULTS: The researched literature corroborates that, in clinical practice, there is safety in the use of oxygen-ozone therapy through percutaneous injections for the treatment of lumbar pain, especially when compared to surgeries and use of medicines, provided that strict criteria are followed. CONCLUSION: The procedure is effective and has a favorable analgesic profile. However, it is necessary to produce a medical guideline that will help in its strict and systematic control.

The effectiveness of percutaneous injections of ozonotherapy in low back pain

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Lumbar pain is one of the main reasons for medical consultation, causing the disruption of daily routines due to its disabling nature, thus resulting in social and personal damage. Among the complementary treatments, ozonotherapy offers analgesia to most patients, with reports of complications. However, great questions about its clinical effectiveness have not been answered yet, and there have been reports of serious complications. OBJECTIVE To describe the use of ozonotherapy in the treatment of lumbar pain, focusing on its favorable and unfavorable effects, and its analog profile. METHODS A cross-sectional bibliographic research was performed with scientific articles obtained from the Pubmed, LILACS and Scopus database, using the following descriptors: "Ozone", "Therapy", "Lumbar pain", "complication", "Disk herniation", "Guideline", "Protocol", "Standards", "Criteria". RESULTS The researched literature corroborates that, in clinical practice, there is safety in the use of oxygen-ozone therapy through percutaneous injections for the treatment of lumbar pain, especially when compared to surgeries and use of medicines, provided that strict criteria are followed. CONCLUSION The procedure is effective and has a favorable analgesic profile. However, it is necessary to produce a medical guideline that will help in its strict and systematic control.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Dor lombar é um dos principais motivos de consultas médicas, provocando afastamento das rotinas diárias, por ser incapacitante, resultando em danos sociais e pessoais. Dentre os tratamentos complementares, a ozonioterapia oferece analgesia para a maioria dos pacientes e com mínimos relatos de complicações. Entretanto, grandes questionamentos sobre sua efetividade clínica ainda não foram respondidos, além de haver relatos de complicações graves. OBJETIVO Descrever o uso da ozonioterapia no tratamento da dor lombar, enfocando seus efeitos favoráveis e desfavoráveis, e seu perfil analgésico. MÉTODOS Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica transversal com artigos científicos obtidos das bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs e Scopus, utilizando os descritores: "Ozônio", "Terapia", "Dor lombar", "Complicação", "Hérnia de Disco","Diretriz", "Protocolo", "Padrões", "Critérios". RESULTADOS A literatura pesquisada corrobora que, na prática clínica, há segurança na utilização da terapia com a mistura oxigênio-ozônio por meio de injeções percutâneas para o tratamento de dor lombar, principalmente quando comparada às cirurgias e ao uso de medicamentos, desde que sejam seguidos critérios rígidos. CONCLUSÃO O procedimento é efetivo e tem perfil analgésico favorável. No entanto, é necessária a confecção de uma diretriz médica que auxiliará no controle rígido e sistemático do mesmo.

Effectiveness of ozone therapy compared to other therapies for low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials / Efetividade da ozonioterapia comparada a outras terapias para dor lombar: revisão sistemática com metanálise de ensaios clínicos randomizados

Abstract Background and objectives: Low back pain is a prevalent disease in the adult population, whose quality of life is considerably affected. In order to solve this problem, several therapies have been developed, of which ozone therapy is an example. Our objective in this study was to determine the effectiveness of ozone therapy for lumbar pain relief in adult patients compared to other therapies (steroid and placebo). Method: We used randomized clinical trials to compare the effectiveness of ozone and other therapies for lumbar pain relief in adults (Prospero: CRD42018090807). Two independent reviewers searched the Medline (1966-April/2018), Scopus (2011-May/2018), Lilacs (1982-May/2018), and EMBASE (1974-March/2018) databases. We use the terms ozone and pain as descriptors. The primary variable was pain relief and the secondary ones were complication, degree of satisfaction, quality of life and recurrence of pain. Results: Of the 779 identified articles, six selected clinical trials show that ozone therapy is more effective for lumbar pain relief; however, they were mostly classified as having a high or uncertain risk of bias (Cochrane Handbook). The meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness of pain relief did not show a significant difference between groups in the three-month period (RR = 1.98, 95% CI: 0.46-8.42, p= 0.36; 366 participants). It also showed greater effectiveness of the ozone therapy at six months compared to other therapies (steroid and placebo) (RR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.87-2.60, p< 0.00001; 717 participants). Conclusions: The systematic review has shown that ozone therapy used for six months for lumbar pain relief is more effective than other therapies; however, this result is not definitive as data from studies with moderate to high risk of bias were used.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A lombalgia é uma enfermidade prevalente na população adulta, que tem sua qualidade de vida afetada consideravelmente. Com intuito de resolver este problema, desenvolveram-se várias terapias. Um exemplo é a ozonioterapia. Objetivamos neste estudo determinar a efetividade da ozonioterapia para alívio da dor lombar em pacientes adultos, quando comparada a outras terapias (esteroide e placebo). Método: Usamos de ensaios clínicos randomizados para comparar a efetividade do ozônio e de outras terapias para o alívio da dor lombar em adultos (Prospero: CRD42018090807). Dois revisores independentes analisaram as bases Medline (1966-Abril/2018), Scopus (2011-Maio/2018), Lilacs (1982-Maio/2018) e Embase (1974-Março/2018). Como descritores, usamos termos ozone e pain. Temos como variável primária o alívio da dor e como variáveis secundárias: complicação, grau de satisfação, qualidade de vida e recorrência da dor. Resultados: Os seis ensaios clínicos selecionados, de 779 artigos identificados, mostram que o grupo do ozônio é mais efetivo para o alívio da dor lombar, porém, foram classificados em sua maioria com alto ou incerto risco de viés (Handbook Cochrane). A metanálise referente à efetividade no alívio da dor não apresentou diferença significante entre os grupos no período de três meses (RR = 1,98; 95% IC: 0,46-8,42; p= 0,36; 366 participantes). Também denotou maior efetividade em seis meses do grupo ozônio em relação a outras terapias (esteroide e placebo) (RR = 2,2; 95% IC: 1,87-2,60; p< 0,00001; 717 participantes). Conclusões: A revisão sistemática demonstrou que ozonioterapia usada por seis meses para alívio da dor lombar é mais efetiva do que outras terapias. Entretanto, esse resultado não é definitivo, visto que foram usados dados de estudos com moderado a alto risco de viés.

[Effectiveness of ozone therapy compared to other therapies for low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials]. / Efetividade da ozonioterapia comparada a outras terapias para dor lombar: revisão sistemática com metanálise de ensaios clínicos randomizados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is a prevalent disease in the adult population, whose quality of life is considerably affected. In order to solve this problem, several therapies have been developed, of which ozone therapy is an example. Our objective in this study was to determine the effectiveness of ozone therapy for lumbar pain relief in adult patients compared to other therapies (steroid and placebo). METHOD: We used randomized clinical trials to compare the effectiveness of ozone and other therapies for lumbar pain relief in adults (Prospero: CRD42018090807). Two independent reviewers searched the Medline (1966-April/2018), Scopus (2011-May/2018), Lilacs (1982-May/2018), and Embase (1974-March/2018) databases. We use the terms ozone and pain as descriptors. The primary variable was pain relief and the secondary ones were complication, degree of satisfaction, quality of life, and recurrence of pain. RESULTS: Of the 779 identified articles, six selected clinical trials show that ozone therapy is more effective for lumbar pain relief; however, they were mostly classified as having a high or uncertain risk of bias (Cochrane Handbook). The meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness of pain relief did not show a significant difference between groups in the three-month period (RR = 1.98, 95% CI: 0.46-8.42, p = 0.36; 366 participants). It also showed greater effectiveness of the ozone therapy at six months compared to other therapies (steroid and placebo) (RR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.87-2.60, p < 0.00001; 717 participants). CONCLUSIONS: The systematic review has shown that ozone therapy used for six months for lumbar pain relief is more effective than other therapies; however, this result is not definitive as data from studies with moderate to high risk of bias were used.

Is there a protocol in experimental skin wounds in rats using low-level diode laser therapy (LLDLT) combining or not red and infrared wavelengths? Systematic review.

A systematic review addressing experiments with healing of skin wounds in rats using LLDLT with different active means seeking to identify a pattern in adjustments such as laser wavelength, power and fluency and analysing wound healing parameters, such as wound area, presence of fibroblasts, angiogenesis, leukocyte infiltration, epithelial coverage and antibacterial effect. It was perceived that a protocol does not exist in view of the wide variation in the use of power (9 to 500 mW) and fluency (1 to 60 J/cm2); however, between the different wavelengths, the highlight was the combined use of red and infrared wavelengths showing better results than when used alone.

Applications of magnesium sulfate in obstetrics and anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Magnesium is predominantly an intracellular ion. Its blocking effects on NMDA receptors are responsible for the analgesic and sedative characteristics of this ion. The objective of this study was to review the physiology, pharmacology, and decreased plasma levels of magnesium, as well as its applications in obstetrics and anesthesia. CONTENTS: Magnesium is an intracellular cation with multiple functions: it is a cofactor for enzymes of the glucose metabolism and those that participate in the degradation of nucleic acids, proteins, and fatty acids; it regulates the movements of transmembrane ions; and it intervenes in the activity of several enzymes. Critical patients have a tendency to develop hypomagnesemia, and the treatment consists in correcting the cause, whenever possible, and replacement of magnesium. A reduction in the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of inhalational agents in animals and the use of opioids in humans under anesthesia has been demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium sulfate has been used in obstetrics with good results, inhibiting premature labor and in the treatment of eclampsia-associated seizures. It is potentially analgesic and sedative, and could be used as adjuvant during general anesthesia, attenuating the blood pressure response to tracheal intubation and decreasing the need of anesthetics.

Usos do sulfato de magnésio em obstetrícia e em anestesia: [revisão] / Applications of Magnesium Sulfate in Obstetrics and Anesthesia: [review] / Usos del sulfato de magnesio en obstetricia y en anestesia: [revisión]

Justificativa e objetivos: O magnésio é um íon predominantemente intracelular. Seu efeito bloqueador do receptor NMDA lhe confere características analgésicas e sedativas. O objetivo desse artigo foi revisar a fisiologia, a farmacologia e a diminuição da concentração plasmática do magnésio, assim como algumas das suas aplicações em obstetrícia e em anestesia. Conteúdo: O magnésio é um cátion intracelular que possui múltiplas funções: é cofator de enzimas do metabolismo glicídico e de enzimas da degradação dos ácidos nucleicos, proteínas e ácidos graxos; regula a passagem de íons transmembrana e intervém na atividade de várias enzimas. O paciente em estado crítico apresenta tendência à hipomagnesemia e o tratamento consiste em corrigir a causa quando possível acompanhada da reposição do magnésio. Já foi demonstrada a redução da concentração alveolar mínima (CAM) dos agentes inalatórios em animais e do uso de opioides em humanos sob anestesia. Conclusões: O sulfato de magnésio vem sendo utilizado em obstetrícia com boa efetividade para inibição do trabalho de parto prematuro e para o tratamento das crises convulsivas associadas ao quadro de eclâmpsia. É um fármaco com potencial analgésico e sedativo que pode ser utilizado como coadjuvante durante a anestesia geral atenuando a resposta pressórica à intubação traqueal e diminuindo a necessidade de anestésicos.

Background and objectives: Magnesium is predominantly an intracellular ion. Its blocking effects on NMDA receptors are responsible for the analgesic and sedative characteristics of this ion. The objective of this study was to review the physiology, pharmacology, and decreased plasma levels of magnesium, as well as its applications in obstetrics and anesthesia. Contents: Magnesium is an intracellular cation with multiple functions: it is a cofactor for enzymes of the glucose metabolism and those that participate in the degradation of nucleic acids, proteins, and fatty acids; it regulates the movements of transmembrane ions; and it intervenes in the activity of several enzymes. Critical patients have a tendency to develop hypomagnesemia, and the treatment consists in correcting the cause, whenever possible, and replacement of magnesium. A reduction in the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of inhalational agents in animals and the use of opioids in humans under anesthesia has been demonstrated. Conclusions: Magnesium sulfate has been used in obstetrics with good results, inhibiting premature labor and in the treatment of eclampsia-associated seizures. It is potentially analgesic and sedative, and could be used as adjuvant during general anesthesia, attenuating the blood pressure response to tracheal intubation and decreasing the need of anesthetics.

Justificativa y objetivos: El magnesio es un ión predominantemente intracelular. Su efecto bloqueador del receptor NMDA le confiere características analgésicas y sedativas. El objetivo de este artículo, fue revisar la fisiología, la farmacología y la disminución de la concentración plasmática del magnesio, como también de algunas de sus aplicaciones en obstetricia y en anestesia. Contenido: El magnesio es un catión intracelular que posee múltiples funciones: es cofactor de enzimas del metabolismo glicídico y de enzimas de la degradación de los ácidos nucleicos, proteínas y ácidos grasos; regula el paso de los iones transmembrana e interviene en la actividad de varias enzimas. El paciente en estado crítico, presenta una tendencia a la hipomagnesemia, y el tratamiento consiste en corregir la causa cuando es posible, acompañada de la reposición del magnesio. Ya ha quedado demostrada la reducción de la concentración alveolar mínima (CAM), de los agentes inhalatorios en animales y el uso de opioides en humanos bajo anestesia. Conclusiones: El sulfato de magnesio, ha venido siendo utilizado en obstetricia con una buena efectividad para la inhibición del parto prematuro y para el tratamiento de las crisis convulsivas asociadas al cuadro de eclampsia. Es un fármaco con potencial analgésico y sedativo que puede ser utilizado como coadyuvante durante la anestesia general, atenuando la respuesta presórica a la intubación traqueal y disminuyendo la necesidad del uso de anestésicos.