Analgesic efficacy of Clonidine as an adjuvant in ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block for midline incisional hernia repair - A randomized double-blind controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Clonidine as an adjuvant has not been evaluated in rectus sheath block (RSB) for postoperative pain management in incisional hernia repair. The study aims to evaluate clonidine as an adjuvant in single-shot RSB along with general anesthesia (GA). Material and Methods: This randomized, double-blind controlled study was conducted following IEC-Human approval and written informed consent from 30 patients of either sex, aged 16 to 60 years, ASA physical status I or II undergoing midline incisional hernia repair under GA. All patients received ultrasound-guided bilateral RSB following administration of GA. The subjects enrolled in the study were randomly allocated to receive either normal saline 1 mL (group B) or clonidine 1 µg/kg diluted to 1 mL with normal saline (group BC) as adjuvant along with 9 mL bupivacaine hydrochloride 0.25%. Inj. tramadol 1 mg/kg was administered for rescue analgesia. The primary outcome was the time to first request for analgesia, and secondary outcomes were total consumption of rescue analgesic over 24 h, numerical rating score (NRS), patients' satisfaction, hemodynamics, and side effects. Unpaired t-test and Chi-square test were used. Results: On intergroup analysis, the mean time to first request for analgesia (in min) was significantly higher in group BC i.e., [9.60 (± 5.23) vs 5.33 (± 3.53); (P < 0.034]; whereas, the mean rescue analgesic consumption in 24 h (in mg) was higher in group B i.e., [(88.00 ± 60.97) vs (46.00 ± 48.08)]; (P < 0.045)]. Hemodynamic parameters i.e., mean blood pressure and heart rate were comparable between the two groups, and there were no side effects. Conclusion: Clonidine as an adjuvant in single-shot ultasonography (USG)-guided RSB along with GA is efficacious for postoperative pain management following midline incisional hernia repair.

Oxytocin infusion rates for maintaining uterine tone during non-elective cesarean section in laboring patients: a randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Oxytocin infusions for uterine tone maintenance are recommended following initial low oxytocin doses during cesarean section. Very limited literature is available on the optimal infusion rates in laboring patients who have been earlier exposed to oxytocin. METHODS: 105 patients, having received oxytocin for induction/augmentation of labor, received oxytocin infusions at rates of 2.5 IU/h (Group 2.5), 5 IU/h (Group 5) or 10 IU/h (Group 10) following 3 IU slow bolus. The primary outcome measure was estimated intraoperative blood loss; secondary outcome measures included uterine tone adequacy, requirements for additional uterotonics, and any side effects. Minor postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) was defined as blood loss > 500 ml and major/severe hemorrhage as blood loss > 1000 ml. RESULTS: Group 10 had minimum blood loss (311.1 ± 44.9 ml) and uterotonic requirements compared to other groups (p < 0.001). Group 2.5 had maximum blood loss (549.4 ± 74.3 ml) and uterotonic requirements; Group 5 had intermediate values (402.0 ± 49.5 ml). Twenty-six patients in group 2.5 had minor PPH against only one in group 5 and none in group 10 (p < 0.001). No patient in either group had major PPH. The incidence of hypotension was higher in group 10 than in group 2.5 (p = 0.004). Nausea and vomiting were also more frequent in group 10 than in the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Oxytocin infusions at 5 IU/h and 10 IU/h are more effective in reducing blood loss and preventing PPH than 2.5 IU/h. The dose of 10 IU/h, although the most efficacious, is associated with a high incidence of side effects. Hence, further studies are needed to find out the optimal maintenance infusion rate of oxytocin during cesarean section in laboring patients who have received oxytocin earlier.

Modulation of mRNA Expression of IL-6 and mTORC1 and Efficacy and Feasibility of an Integrated Approach Encompassing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Along with Pregabalin for Management of Neuropathic Pain in Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the efficacy and feasibility of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with pregabalin and compare it with pregabalin monotherapy for the management of neuropathic pain in post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) patients and to explore the modulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and mammalian target of rapamycin-1 (mTORC1) genes in these patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled pilot study. METHODS: The patients aged >18 years of age with an established diagnosis of PHN with evident allodynia and hyperalgesia who had pain for at least 3 months after healing of rash with pain intensity ≥4/10 on NRS-Pain Scale were enrolled. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2019/03/018014). A detailed baseline assessment regarding type and duration of pain and disability using pain-relevant self-report questionnaires was done. Two mL venous blood samples were collected for gene expression studies at base line and at end of 12 weeks of treatment. Patients were randomized into one of the two groups. Group PR received pregabalin and Group CP received CBT along with pregabalin. The pain intensity was measured using numeric rating scale (NRS)-Pain scale, neuropathic component of the pain by using Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) and Pain Detect Questionnaire (PDQ), sleep interference by NRS-Sleep, pain-related catastrophic thoughts by using Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), depression and quality of life using Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Short Form-12 (SF-12), respectively. The research funding was supported by the intramural grant from the institution. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with 20 in each group were included. Following integrated approach encompassing CBT and Pregabalin, group CP had significant downregulation of mRNA expression of IL-6; however, no such correlation was observed with mTOR expression. A significant decline in the intensity of pain, NPSI scoring for burning, allodynia, and pain-related catastrophizing were observed; also a significant improvement in depressive symptoms and quality of life were observed with the use of CBT. CONCLUSIONS: A significant downregulation of mRNA expression of IL-6 was observed; however, no significant correlation was observed between NRS pain score and ΔCt values of mRNA expression of both mTORC1 gene and IL-6 gene at baseline and at the end of 12th week. In addition, we note a significant decrease in pain intensity, depressive symptoms, and pain-related catastrophizing while improving QOL was observed with the use of CBT as a clinical adjunct along with pregabalin in PHN patients.

A randomised double-blind comparison of phenylephrine and norepinephrine for the management of postspinal hypotension in pre-eclamptic patients undergoing caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Studies comparing phenylephrine and norepinephrine for the treatment of postspinal hypotension in pre-eclamptic patients are limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare bolus doses of phenylephrine and norepinephrine for treating hypotension in pre-eclamptic mothers undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. It was hypothesised that norepinephrine and phenylephrine use would be associated with similar neonatal outcome. DESIGN: Randomised controlled study. SETTING: Single centre, tertiary care, university teaching hospital, from December 2018 to March 2020. PATIENTS: A total of 86 women with pre-eclampsia and a singleton pregnancy who developed postspinal hypotension during caesarean section. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received intravenous phenylephrine (50 µg) or norepinephrine (4 µg) for treatment of hypotension, defined as a fall in baseline systolic BP by ≥ 20% or an absolute value < 100 mmHg. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was umbilical artery pH. Secondary outcomes included Apgar scores, the number of hypotensive episodes, vasopressor requirements, the incidence of tachycardia/bradycardia/arrhythmias/hypertension and maternal complications. RESULTS: Umbilical artery pH was not different between the phenylephrine and norepinephrine groups (7.26 ±â€Š0.06 and 7.27 ±â€Š0.06, respectively; P = 0.903). The median [IQR] number of hypotensive episodes was higher in the norepinephrine than the phenylephrine group: 2 [1 to 3] vs 1 [1 to 2], respectively; P = 0.014. Apgar scores, total number of vasopressor boluses required, systolic BP trends and the incidence of maternal complications were comparable in the two groups. Heart rate (HR) values were lower in phenylephrine group (P = 0.026), and one patient in phenylephrine group and none in the norepinephrine group developed bradycardia (HR < 50 bpm), P = 1.000. CONCLUSIONS: In women with pre-eclampsia undergoing caesarean section, bolus doses of phenylephrine (50 µg) and norepinephrine (4 µg) used to treat hypotension after spinal anaesthesia are equally effective with similar neonatal and maternal outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2018/11/016478.

Awake Prone Positioning in the Management of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Systematic Review.

Background: The aim was to investigate the efficacy of prone positioning (PP) in the management of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in various setups, with various modes of oxygen therapy and its optimal duration. Materials and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted from inception until May 15, 2021. Patients with a validated diagnosis of COVID-19 and receiving PP were included. Various factors, including intensive care unit (ICU) or non-ICU setup, mode of oxygen therapy, outcome, duration of proning, and limitations, were noted. Results: We retrieved 36 articles with a total of 1,385 patients for qualitative analysis. Out of 36 articles, there were 17 original articles, 09 case series, and 10 case reports. Out of 1,385 participants, 78.9% (n = 1,093) and 21.0% (n = 292) of patients were managed in ICU and non-ICU setup, respectively. Awake PP with high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) was found to be a promising technique; however, the result was inconclusive with helmet continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). No study has evaluated the optimal duration of awake PP and the associated long-term outcomes. Conclusion: We encourage the use of early awake self-proning in the management of COVID19 disease. However, the evidence in terms of its use in non-ICU setup, the optimal duration of PP, and various oxygenation devices are insufficient, thereby mandating further well-designed multicentric studies to evaluate its efficacy as an adjunct in the management of COVID-19 pneumonia in context to the aforementioned factor. How to cite this article: Chilkoti GT, Mohta M, Saxena AK, Ahmad Z, Sharma CS. Awake Prone Positioning in the Management of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Systematic Review. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(8):896-905.

Validation of Complete Hindi Version of Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire for Assessment of Neuropathic Pain.

OBJECTIVES: The Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire is a widely used tool for the diagnosis of neuropathic pain (NP). The aim was to validate the Complete Hindi version of DN4 (CH-DN4) questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic translation process was used to translate the original English DN4 into Hindi. The Hindi version was validated among patients appearing in the pain clinic of a tertiary hospital in the capital of Delhi by two different raters. We assessed the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater agreement, validity, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 285 participants, out of which 153 had NP and 132 had non NP (NNP) were included in the study. The results showed our CH-DN4 to have good diagnostic accuracy, a score of ≥ 3.5 was found to be the best cut-off for the diagnosis of NP, with a sensitivity of 0.78, specificity of 0.76, a positive predictive value of 78.5%, and a negative predictive value of 74.5%. Cronbach's α was 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.80-0.84), and interclass correlation coefficients was 0.95. The AUC was >0.8 indicating excellent discrimination between NP and NNP. CONCLUSION: The CH-DN4 questionnaire has been found to be a reliable and valid screening tool with an excellent power to discriminate between NP and NNP.

Modulation of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Protein Kinase and Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteases-1 Gene in Chronic Neuropathic Pain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to study the modulation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases 1 (TIMP 1) gene in patients with neuropathic pain (NP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present, cross-sectional, observational study, 2 ml of venous baseline sample was withdrawn from all the patients with neuropathic (NP) or non NP (NNP) soon after their diagnosis or on their first visit to the pain clinic. A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiment was conducted to measure the mRNA expression of TIMP1 and ERK genes in blood samples. The Delta Ct, Delta Ct, and fold change analysis of both the genes were conducted between patients with NP and NNP. RESULTS: A total of 285 patients with chronic pain were assessed, out of which, 153 patients had NP and 132 had NNP. The average duration of chronic pain was 11 months for 285 patients. The mRNA expression of TIMP1 gene is significantly down regulated (2.65-fold) (P (-f. 01), and the mRNA expression level of ERK is significantly up regulated (2.03-fold) (P (-f. 01) in NP patients when compared with NNP. CONCLUSION: The mRNA expression of TIMP1 gene is significantly down regulated, and ERK is significantly up regulated in patients with NP. Further, multicentric trials with larger sample size are recommended to confirm this finding.

Evaluation of postoperative analgesic efficacy and perioperative hemodynamic changes with low dose intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy - A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dexmedetomidine is a α2-agonist with sedative, sympatholytic and analgesic properties and hence, it can be a very useful adjuvant in anesthesia as stress response buster, sedative and analgesic. We aimed to evaluate the effects of low dose dexmedetomidine infusion (0.5 mcg/kg/h) on postoperative analgesic efficacy along with the perioperative hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical grades I and II undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into two groups of 40 patients each. Group I (Normal Saline group) patients received normal saline and group II (Dexmedetomidine group) patients received dexmedetomidine infusion at 0.5 mcg/kg/h respectively, starting 15 min before induction and continued till the end of surgery. Parameters noted were heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, post-operative pain was evaluated using VAS and analgesic requirement. Statistical tests such as ANOVA test for continuous variables, post-hoc test for intergroup comparison, and Chi-square test for discrete values were applied. RESULTS: Post-operative efficacy was found to be limited in the dexmedetomidine group in terms of VAS score. The analgesic requirement in 24-hour was observed to be reduced in dexmedetomidine group when compared to the NS group; however, not statistically significant. In group NS, significant hemodynamic stress response was seen following laryngoscopy, tracheal intubation, creation of pneumoperitoneum and extubation. On intergroup comparison, the hemodynamic response was significantly attenuated in the dexmedetomidine group when compared to the NS group. No significant side effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine IV in an infusion dose of 0.5 µg/kg/hr is effective in providing postoperative analgesia in terms of significant reduction in analgesic consumption in 24 hours and in addition to the effective obtundation of the pneumoperitoneum-induced hemodynamic changes.

Perioperative "stress dose" of corticosteroid: Pharmacological and clinical perspective.

Various exogenous steroid preparations have been in use for a wide range of indications. We, as an anesthesiologist often encounters a surgical patient receiving chronic steroid therapy. Perioperative use of steroid is associated with major complications such as full-blown adrenal crisis in the perioperative period due to the secondary adrenal insufficiency. Henceforth, comes the role of the perioperative "stress-dose" of steroids to mitigate this rare but potentially fatal complication. There have been opposing views regarding the need and the appropriate dosage of the perioperative steroids. The present review discusses the changing concept of perioperative "stress dose" of corticosteroids, its pharmacokinetics, clinical relevance, and the related controversies such as the need and the appropriate dose.

Laryngospasm as a Cause of Unsuccessful Placement of Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal: A Case Report.

Laryngospasm is a potential complication encountered during anesthesia using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). We report a case in which laryngospasm resulted in unsuccessful placement of an LMA ProSeal Airway (Teleflex Inc), and we discuss the various causes of unsuccessful placement of this type of airway device. Laryngospasm causes increased resistance to gas flow by inducing closure of vocal cords, aryepiglottic fold, and periglottic tissue. In this case report, the laryngospasm-induced increased resistance to gas flow was manifested by exaggerated outward movement of the LMA ProSeal following its connection to gas flows and thus resulted in failed airway placement. The possibility of laryngospasm as a cause of failed placement of an LMA ProSeal must be considered in clinical practice.

PPARγ and AKt gene modulation following pregabalin and duloxetine combination for painful diabetic polyneuropathy.

Aim: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) induces chronic neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. Current treatments like pregabalin and duloxetine offer limited efficacy. This study evaluates combining pregabalin and duloxetine versus pregabalin alone for DPN pain relief, and explores gene modulation (PPARγ and Akt) to understand neuropathic pain's molecular basis.Materials & methods: Diabetic patients with DPN were randomized into groups receiving combination therapy or pregabalin alone for 4 weeks. Pain intensity, gene expression and quality of life were assessed.Results: Combination therapy significantly reduced pain, improved quality of life and upregulated PPARγ and Akt genes compared with monotherapy.Conclusion: Pregabalin and duloxetine combination therapy in DPN led to PPARγ mRNA upregulation and negative correlation of Akt gene expression with pain scores. This combination therapy effectively reduced pain and improved quality of life.Clinical Trial Registration: CTRI/2021/02/031068.

Combining medicines to reduce nerve pain in diabetic patientsWhat is this article about? People with diabetes often have nerve pain called diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Some medicines like pregabalin and duloxetine help, but are not enough. This study tested if using both medicines together works better than using just pregabalin. The study also looked at how these medicines affect certain genes.What were the results? Patients with DPN took either both medicines or just pregabalin for 4 weeks. The combined treatment reduced pain, improved life quality and affected certain genes.What do the results of the study mean? Using pregabalin and duloxetine together can reduce DPN pain more effectively. This offers hope for better treatment options.

Modulation of mTORC1 and IL-6 following mirror therapy and pregabalin in complex regional pain syndrome type 1.

Aim: The study was designed to evaluate the modulation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and IL-6 genes following the use of mirror therapy (MT) and pregabalin in complex regional pain syndrome type-1 patients. Materials & methods: Two groups of 20 patients: MT group received MT and pregabalin, control therapy group received pregabalin. Neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI), numeric rating scale - pain, modified motor activity log, SF-12 questionnaire for quality of life and IL-6 and mTORC1 expression were evaluated. Results: Group MT demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in NPSI burning, NPSI allodynia and numeric rating scale pain scores, modified motor activity log and SF-12 scores. Significant downregulation of mTORC1 and IL-6 observed in both. Conclusion: MT is a significant adjunct to pregabalin in improving motor function, quality of life and alleviating pain in complex regional pain syndrome type 1. Clinical Trial Registration: CTRI/2019/01/017272 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Complex regional pain syndrome is a form of long-term pain that involves an arm or a leg. It can develop after an injury, a surgery or a stroke. Although many drugs have been used for its treatment, the limited relief that these drugs produce along with their side effects have shifted focus to other physical and psychological modes of therapy. Mirror therapy is one such modality where the image of normal functioning limb seen in a mirror placed over the affected limb leads to pain relief in the affected limb. We have provided evidence that mirror therapy can reduce the pain of this syndrome and also decrease the levels of pain related genes in the body. This will help us to devise better treatment strategies for complex regional pain syndrome.

Ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia plane block versus wound infiltration for both acute and chronic post-caesarean pain management - A randomised controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia plane block (USG-guided TFPB) has recently been evaluated for post-caesarean acute pain management. We compared it with standard wound infiltration for both acute and chronic post-caesarean pain management. Methods: All patients undergoing caesarean section (CS) under subarachnoid block were included and randomised. Patients in group C received standard wound infiltration (20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine) and group-T received bilateral USG-guided TFPB (20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine) at the end of the surgery. Acute pain assessed using numeric rating scale (NRS), time to first request of analgesia and total rescue analgesic consumption in 24 hours. The incidence of chronic persistent post-surgical pain (CPSP), neuropathic pain component and quality of life (QoL) were assessed. Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test, unpaired Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used. Results: Sixty patients were included with 30 in each group. NRS score on rest at 6th and 24th hour and on active movement at 1st hour was significantly decreased in group T. The "time to first request of analgesia" was statistically higher in group T, that is, 10.77 ± 1.39 h versus 6.30 ± 1.60 h. Five (16.6%) and two (6.6%) patients in groups C and T, respectively, required rescue analgesia in first 24 hours. 30% (n = 6) and 10% (n = 2) patients in groups C and T, respectively, developed CPSP. The neuropathic pain component was significantly reduced and QoL was significantly improved in group T. Conclusion: TFPB is efficacious for management of both acute and chronic post-caesarean pain management.

Predictors of Postoperative ICU Admission in Patients With COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis.

BACKGROUND: Studies exploring factors predicting postoperative ICU requirement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) were not found in the literature. The aim was to evaluate the demographic profile, comorbidities, pattern of steroid received, airway assessment, and intraoperative hemodynamic perturbations associated with ICU requirement amongst patients scheduled for sinonasal debridement. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. All CAM patients of ≥18 years were included. The patients' characteristics, comorbidities, pattern of steroid received, airway assessment, intraoperative hemodynamic perturbations, and outcome data were retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included. Thirty got admitted to ICU, out of which 26 expired. Amongst the various comorbidities, diabetes was the most common (93.85%) and was associated with higher chances of ICU requirement. Of patients with a history of steroid intake, 71% had a significantly higher risk of ICU admission. Out of 30 patients admitted to ICU, 87% (n=26) received invasive ventilation, and the rest were admitted for observation only. CONCLUSION: Middle age, uncontrolled diabetes, history of steroid intake, increased levels of serum creatinine with low potassium, and increased total leucocyte count are the independent risk factors predicting postoperative ICU admission amongst patients with CAM scheduled for sinonasal debridement.

Modulation of signal transduction gene expression following pulsed radiofrequency in dorsal root ganglia and pregabalin therapy.

Introduction: A randomized controlled study was conducted to assess modulation of signal transduction genes (PKA, PKC and ERK) following integrated multimodal approach encompassing pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) of dorsal root ganglion and pregabalin in thoracic postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Clinical variables such as pain intensity and quality of life were also explored. Material & methods: A total of 40 Patients of PHN were recruited. 20 patients randomly assigned to each of the two groups, group PP administered PRF with pregabalin and group SP administered pregabalin alone. Results: Significant downregulation of PKA and ERK observed in group PP at end of 10th week (p < 0.05). A significantly positive correlation demonstrated between Visual analog scale scores and signal transduction genes expression in PHN patients. Conclusion: Downregulation of all three signal transduction genes was observed following the integrated multimodal approach; however, significant downregulation was observed with PKA and ERK only. A positive correlation observed between signal transduction gene expression and visual analog scale scores signify their role in the pathogenesis of PHN.

People who had nerve pain after recovering from a herpes attack (postherpetic neuralgia) were treated with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the dorsal root ganglion, which involves stimulating a nerve cluster at the base of the spine with radio waves, along with oral pregabalin therapy, or with pregabalin alone. Certain pain genes such PKA, PKC and ERK were found to be suppressed after the combined treatment with PRF and pregabalin. The suppression of these genes was also associated with the self-reported pain scores of the participants in the study.

A randomised preliminary study to compare the performance of fibreoptic bronchoscope and laryngeal mask airway CTrach (LMA CTrach) for visualisation of laryngeal structures at the end of thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Various methods have been used to check vocal cord movements as a routine before awakening the patient at the end of thyroidectomy to rule out recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy; out of which, fibreoptic-assisted visualisation via laryngeal mask airway (LMA) being the most desirable. METHODS: Thirty patients of either sex, aged 18-65 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I/II, scheduled for thyroidectomy under general anaesthesia (GA) were included and were randomised to receive either fibreoptic assisted (FB) or LMA CTrach-assisted (CT) visualisation of laryngeal structures at the end of thyroidectomy. The primary outcome was grade of view of laryngeal structures and secondary outcomes were time taken to achieve optimal view of laryngeal structures, ease of visualisation, hemodynamic parameters, and complications. RESULTS: In the fibreoptic group, we obtained comparable optimal laryngeal view i.e., grade 1 and 2 in all (100%) patients in comparison to 14 (93.33%) in LMA CTrach group. The "time taken to achieve the optimal view" was significantly lower in the CTrach group when compared to Fibreoptic group (220.67 ± 95.98 vis-a-vis 136.67 ± 68.98). The ease of visualisation of laryngeal structures was comparable (P = 0.713) and the baseline haemodynamic parameters were comparable between the 2 groups and at various designated intervals. In total, 6.66% and 26.66% patients in group FB and CT group, respectively, required manoeuvres. However, difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both Fibreoptic-assisted and LMA CTrach-assisted visualization of laryngeal structures in thyroidectomy are equally efficacious in terms of the optimal laryngeal view obtained and ease of visualisation. However, the time taken to achieve optimal laryngeal view was lesser with LMA CTrach.

Pregnancy-induced Low Back Pain in Indian Women: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Correlation with Serum Calcium Levels.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-induced low back pain (LBP) is a common problem during the pregnancy which usually begins between the 20th and the 28th weeks of gestation, and the exact duration varies. AIMS: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of LBP including pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and its various aspects such as nature, intensity, character, radiation, circadian pattern, and its correlation with serum calcium levels. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in a tertiary care hospital in the capital of Delhi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 200 pregnant women completed a questionnaire and also underwent clinical examinations if PGP is suspected. The clinical examination included various pain provocation tests including active straight leg raise test. Venous blood samples were drawn to evaluate the serum calcium levels in pregnant women complaining of back pain. Possible associating factors were studied by nonparametric tests and logistic regression analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Bivariant correlation of serum calcium levels, total duration of pain, and Visual Analog Scale score was done with various factors such as parity, socioeconomic status, and nature of pain. RESULTS: The point prevalence of LBP was found to be 80% with a significantly lower prevalence of PGP, i.e., 2%, when compared to the international figures. Majority of women graded their pain as dull aching type (47.5%) and moderate to severe in intensity. The circadian rhythm of back pain was observed in 56% of the patients, and out of that, insomnia was complained by 33% of the patients. Limitation of physical activity was observed in 62.5% of the patients. CONCLUSION: A negative correlation was observed between the serum calcium levels and parity; however, a positive correlation between the intensity of pain and parity was observed.

Comparison of Epidural Butorphanol with Neostigmine and Epidural Sufentanyl with Neostigmine for First Stage of Labor Analgesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Epidural administration of neostigmine appears to be safe in the obstetric population. Recently, few studies have concluded 10 µg sufentanil to be an effective adjuvant with epidural neostigmine in providing labor analgesia. However, no study has evaluated the analgesic effect of epidural butorphanol with neostigmine for the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The parturients were randomly allocated to one of the three study groups - Group A (n = 30) received butorphanol 1 mg and neostigmine 7 µg/kg. Group B (n = 30) received sufentanil 10 µg and neostigmine 7 µg/kg. Group C (n = 30) received neostigmine 7 µg/kg and 0.9% normal saline. Maternal hemodynamic parameters and fetal heart rate (FHR) were continuously monitored. The level of sensory and motor block, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were recorded at designated time points. In addition, the total duration of analgesia, duration of labor, mode of delivery, and any maternal or fetal adverse effects were also recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey's test was used to compare mean value among the three groups for age, height, weight, gestational age, and cervical dilatation. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare mean difference among the time points and also the trend among the various time points for hemodynamic parameters, VAS pain score, and FHR. For inter-group comparison among the groups, post hoc Tukey test was used. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant longer effect of analgesic drug in Group B with respect to Group A and C (P < 0.001); however, the parturient in Group C had minimum duration of analgesia. Epidural neostigmine combined with sufentanil produces effective analgesia in early labor (VAS <30 within 10 min in 63.3% of parturient and within 15 min in 83.3% parturient) with average duration of 111.67 ± 24.51 min without motor block or other side effect in mother and fetus. No significant effect was observed in the duration of labor and mode of delivery in-between the two groups, and none of the patients in any group had any maternal or fetal side effects. CONCLUSION: Epidural combination of sufentanil with neostigmine provided better pain relief in terms of the total duration of analgesia and the reduction in VAS pain scores at various time points in the initial 30 min of epidural administration of drugs during the first stage of labor in parturient when compared to the epidural combination of butorphanol with neostigmine.