Background: Finding the optimal combination of anesthetics to maintain hemodynamic stability during surgery can be challenging. Traditionally, strong opioid analgesics such as fentanyl and its newer analogs have been used. However, the use of narcotics is associated with certain side effects. Objectives: This study compares the effects of labetalol and remifentanil in pain control after bariatric surgery in Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital. Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 48 laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients. The participants were randomly divided into two groups receiving remifentanil or labetalol. Postoperative pain was measured in the recovery unit using the numerical rating scale (NRS). This score was recorded upon entering recovery, and 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes after surgery for each patient. Also, the duration of anesthesia, the duration of the operation, the recovery time, the dose of the administered opioids, the volume of intravenous fluids, and the dose of administered propofol were recorded for each patient. Nausea and vomiting after the operation were also recorded as outcomes. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the mean duration of surgery and anesthesia, dose of the administered anesthetics, recovery period, nausea and vomiting, and the dose of analgesics after the operation. The mean pain intensity during the given period and also the trend of pain intensity changes between the two groups demonstrated no statistically significant differences (P = 0.112). During the operation, 9 subjects (37.5%) in the labetalol group and 16 (66.7%) in the remifentanil group needed more analgesics (rescue drug); in this regard, a significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.043). Conclusions: Based on the study's findings, there were no significant differences between labetalol and remifentanil in post and perioperative pain control. However, rescue drugs needed to maintain hemodynamic stability during laparoscopic surgery were significantly lower in patients who received labetalol than remifentanil. Postoperative complications were also comparable between labetalol and remifentanil.
PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) in the prevention of urinary retention after orthopedic surgery. DESIGN: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Eighty patients with spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into the groups of EA (40 cases) and control (40 cases). In the first group, the EA was applied to four points of SP6, SP9, ST28, and CV2; 4 Hz, retaining for 20 minutes in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). In the control group, no intervention was applied. The incidence of postoperative urinary retention, incomplete or difficult urination, and the first automatic micturition time since spinal anesthesia were compared between the two groups. FINDINGS: The incidence of urinary retention and incomplete urination in the EA group was significantly lower than that in the control group; the time to first urination was shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Electroacupuncture after spinal anesthesia improves bladder function and reduces the need for a urinary catheter and its possible complications.
Anesthesia, Spinal , Electroacupuncture , Urinary Retention , Humans , Urinary Retention/therapy , Urinary Retention/etiology , Electroacupuncture/adverse effects , Anesthesia, Spinal/adverse effects , Urination , Control Groups
Heel spur is a common medical condition that can cause substantial discomfort and reduce the quality of life of the affected patients. When seeking treatment for a heel spur, it is important to consider the differential diagnoses and underlying medical conditions that may contribute to the symptoms. This manuscript aims to explore several distinctive diagnostic possibilities, essential factors to consider, and practical strategies for managing heel spurs. This paper explains the common differential diagnoses and addresses medical conditions related to heel spurs. The importance of accurate diagnosis in planning treatment protocol is highlighted. In addition, we explain treatment strategies, including preventive measures, conservative treatments, and more advanced procedures. Physicians can help relieve pain and improve the quality of life of the affected individuals by considering the diverse aspects of managing heel spurs.
OBJECTIVE: The effect of ropivacaine on postoperative hysteroscopy has not yet been evaluated; this study investigated the effect of diluted ropivacaine in distending media during hysteroscopy on postoperative cramping pain. METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 women who underwent hysteroscopy at a tertiary hospital. Normal saline was used as the distending fluid in both groups. The intervention group received 10 mL of 2% ropivacaine in only one bottle of 1,000 mL normal saline as a distending fluid, while the control group received 10 mL of normal saline in 1,000 mL normal saline during hysteroscopy. Patients' pain scores were evaluated before hysteroscopy and at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after hysteroscopy. RESULTS: Based on the results, the pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS) score was significant at 6 and 12 hours after the intervention was significantly lower than that in the ropivacaine group (3.03±1.57 vs. 4±1.49, P=0.02 at 6 hours and 1.28±1.36 vs. 2.4±1.43, P=0.003 at 12 hours). There were no significant differences in the VAS scores at 2, 24, and 48 hours after the intervention between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine in the distending fluid during hysteroscopy is associated with a significant reduction in pain within a few hours after hysteroscopy with no remarkable adverse effects.
Background: Hoarseness, cough, and sore throat are the most prevalent complications after removing patients' endotracheal tube and general anesthesia. Various methods have been proposed to reduce these complications after intubation. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effect of softening the endotracheal tube with normal warm saline on reducing post-intubation complications such as sore throat and hoarseness. Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed on patients undergoing general anesthesia at Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar hospitals in Tehran, Iran. In the present study, 58 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 29 patients. All patients underwent the same premedication with fentanyl and lidocaine. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and atracurium. Three to 5 minutes after atracurium injection, the laryngoscopy test was performed. Randomly, some patients were intubated with a thermally softened endotracheal tube, and some were intubated with a normal tube. At the end of the operation, when the spontaneous breathing was adequate, and the patients could carry out oral instructions, the endotracheal tube was removed immediately after suctioning. All patients were evaluated for sore throat and hoarseness before discharge from recovery and 24 hours after surgery. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software package version 25. Results: The mean incidence of sore throat in recovery in the intervention group (20.7%) decreased compared to the control group (75.8%). Moreover, the mean incidence of hoarseness in the intervention group (17.2%) decreased in comparison to the control group (41.4%, P < 0.029). Based on the data of our study, we observed that 24 hours after surgery, the mean incidence of sore throat among the patients of the intervention group was significantly lower compared to the control group, where patients in the intervention group did not feel any sore throat (P < 0.002). We also observed that 24 hours after surgery, the amount of hoarseness in the intervention group (3.4%) also decreased compared to the control group (24.1%, P < 0.022). Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that thermal softening of the endotracheal tubes with normal warm saline before intubation could be significantly effective in decrement of sore throat and hoarseness during recovery and 24 hours after surgery.
Background: Cleft lip and palate are birth defects due to a lack of proper formation of the lip or mouth. Controlling bleeding during cleft lip and palate surgeries is very important. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of phenylephrine nasal drops on bleeding during and after cleft palate repair surgery in children. Methods: This controlled, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was performed on 36 children aged 6 months to 2 years with cleft palate who were candidates for repair surgery. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 18 patients. In the intervention group, 0.25% phenylephrine drops were poured into the nostrils, and the same amount of normal saline was poured in the control group. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, bleeding during surgery based on the gauzes used, the volume of blood in the suction canister, and the amount of blood in the field, as well as the surgical field quality and surgeon satisfaction, were evaluated using analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, weight, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The mean volume of bleeding based on the total weight of gauzes used and suctioned blood during surgery showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.0016). The surgeon satisfaction in terms of the surgical field quality using a 5-point Likert scale showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.0068), as well as more satisfaction in the intervention group according to the Boezaart scale (P = 0.0043). Conclusions: It seems that the use of nasal phenylephrine drops in pediatric cleft palate surgeries can significantly reduce bleeding and increase the quality of the operation field. Therefore, nasal phenylephrine drops can be used to control bleeding in this type of surgery.
BACKGROUND: Post-arthroscopic shoulder surgery pain is severe enough to interfere with initial recovery and rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects of postoperative ultrasound-guided suprascapular plus axillary nerve blocks superficial subepidermal axon bundles (SSAB) with interscalene block (ISB) in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: In this single-blind randomized, open-label clinical trial, 80 candidates of elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomly allocated to receive either SSAB or ISB at a postoperative care unit. The severity of resting and changing position pain was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 4h, 8h, 12h, 16h, and 24h, postoperatively. Timing of first opioid request, 24h dose requirement, patients' satisfaction rate, and side effects were also recorded. All registered data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Resting and changing position pain scores were comparable between SSAB and ISB groups in the most time intervals. At 12h, moving and resting pain was significantly lower in ISB than SSAB group, while moving pain was more severe in ISB group at 24h assessment. Patient satisfaction scores were comparable between the two groups except for 12h assessment. Time to first analgesic requirement and total dose of 24h opioid requirement were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Suprascapular plus axillary nerve block could be an effective and safe alternative for interscalene block for pain management after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Making a dry surgical field during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a challenge for anesthetists. This study was conducted to evaluate the pre-emptive hemostatic effects of a single dose of an intranasal spray of desmopressin (DDAVP) in sinus surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty consecutive patient's as first-time candidates for FESS due to chronic sinusitis were enrolled. They were randomly allocated to receive either a nasal spray of DDAVP 20 µg or sterile water before induction of anesthesia. Management of anesthesia was achieved with propofol and remifentanil infusions. Blood loss, quality of the surgical field, and surgeon's satisfaction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Blood loss in the DDAVP group was 147 ± 43 mL and in the placebo group 212 ± 64 mL (mean ± SD, P < 0.01). The quality of the surgical field in the DDAVP group was better than the placebo group. (median score, 1 (1-2) vs. 2 (1-3), P = 0.017). Surgeons were more satisfied with the surgical field in the DDAVP group than in the control group (median score, 4 (2.8-5) vs. 3 (2-3), P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Premedication with nasal spray DDAVP 20 µg effectively reduces bleeding and improves the surgical field during FESS.
The number of children with congenital heart requiring anesthetic care is increasing. We describe the anesthetic management of a child with single ventricle candidate for laryngotracheal reconstruction. The patient suffered from severe subglottic stenosis due to prolonged intubation following Glenn shunt procedure. Anesthetic considerations in the care of patients with single ventricle for non-cardiac surgeries are reviewed. Particular concerns in the airway management of children with severe subglottic stenosis and during the tracheal surgery are also reviewed.
Anesthesia , Laryngostenosis , Plastic Surgery Procedures , Vascular Diseases , Child , Humans , Laryngostenosis/surgery , Retrospective Studies
BACKGROUND: Systemic vitamin C supplementation after wrist fracture has been suggested to reduce the incidence of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of regional vitamin C in Bier block in the early phase of fracture on CRPS occurrence following surgery for distal radius fractures. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with isolated extra-articular distal radius fracture with the plan of fixation under Bier block were enrolled. Patients were assigned randomly into two groups: receiving either 500 mg vitamin C or sterile water as a Bier block adjuvant. Both groups received 500 mg of oral vitamin C for six weeks. The patients were evaluated for CRPS signs and symptoms at 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks post-surgery. RESULTS: The overall incidence of CRPS 12 weeks after surgery in the vitamin C group was significantly less than the controls (22.9% vs 45.5%, p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed that the only significant contribution in predicting the incidence of CRPS came from the intervention variable (OR 0.26, CI95% 0.08-0.85; P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that adding vitamin C 500 mg to the local anesthetic in Bier block significantly reduces the incidence of CRPS following distal radius fractures.
Complex Regional Pain Syndromes , Radius Fractures , Ascorbic Acid , Complex Regional Pain Syndromes/epidemiology , Complex Regional Pain Syndromes/etiology , Complex Regional Pain Syndromes/prevention & control , Humans , Incidence , Radius Fractures/surgery , Risk Factors
PURPOSE: Earlier studies suggest that carbohydrate loading is effective in reducing preoperative nausea. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of preoperative oral versus parenteral carbohydrate loading on the postoperative pain, nausea, and quality of recovery (QoR). DESIGN: Three-arm randomized, single-blind clinical trial. METHODS: In this study, 95 adult patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned into three groups of preoperative intravenous dextrose 10% infusion, oral carbohydrate (OCH)-rich drink, and control. The pain and nausea severity scores were measured during recovery, 6 hours, and 24 hours thereafter. The 40-item QoR score was evaluated the day after surgery. FINDINGS: In recovery, nausea severity was comparable among three groups, whereas pain score in the OCH group was significantly less than the controls (P = .009). Pain score in patients who received intravenous dextrose was mediocre and not statistically different from two other groups. Six and 24 hours after surgery, nausea and pain scores in OCH and dextrose infusion groups were significantly lower than the control group (P < .05). The 40-item QoR score was significantly higher in intervention groups than control participants (P < .05). Blood glucose levels were comparable in three groups before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative carbohydrate loading significantly improves the QoR after laparoscopic cholecystectomy without significant effect on blood glucose levels. Oral route more effectively controls nausea and pain than parenteral dextrose administration.
Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic , Adult , Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic/adverse effects , Dietary Supplements , Double-Blind Method , Glucose , Humans , Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy , Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting/epidemiology , Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting/prevention & control , Single-Blind Method
Coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and became a pandemic on Mar 11, according to the World Health Organization report. In the epidemic of COVID-19, many patients admitted to hospitals for other reasons may be silent carriers of COVID-19 and have the risk of infecting medical personnel. Thus, meticulous personal protection measures should be considered in suspicious patients, especially when close contact with the patient's airway is anticipated. We introduce two airway trauma patients suspected of COVID-19 who required emergency tracheostomy. Patient one was a 29-year-old man who suffered facial trauma following a car accident. A chest CT scan showed peripheral ground-glass opacities suggestive for COVID-19. The second patient was a young elevator mechanic who experienced maxillofacial trauma after an elevator crash. The methods of anesthesia and airway protection and safety precautions are described.
Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD). Earlier studies suggest that ketamine has antidepressive effects and prolongs seizure duration in favor of therapeutic efficacy of ECT. A great concern with the use of ketamine is its possible adverse hemodynamic effects during ECT. This study was conducted to compare the hemodynamic effect and seizure duration between ketamine and sodium thiopental, a common anesthetic in ECT. Methods: In a cross-over clinical trial, 26 patients of either sex with MDD who were candidates for ECT therapy in a university hospital were enrolled. A total of 13 patients received induction with ketamine in the first session and thiopental for the second. The sequence of treatments was vice versa in the other group. The followings were measured in all patients: blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation before induction, immediately after induction, at 1, 2, 4, and 10 minutes postinduction, and after recovery from anesthesia. Also, seizure duration, recovery time, and complications of treatments were measured. Chi square test and student t test were used for categorical data and numerical data, respectively. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Analyses were performed with SPSS software version 21.0. Results: Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and recovery time were comparable between groups. Mean duration of convulsion in patients who received ketamine was significantly more than those who received STP (36±11 vs 28±9 s, p=0.001). Myalgia was less common in patients who received ketamine rather than sodium thiopental (11.5 vs 46.2%, p=0.014). Conclusion: Ketamine prolongs seizure duration with no deleterious effects on hemodynamic parameters. Considering the antidepressant effects of ketamine, it may be a better choice, compared to thiopental sodium, for MDD patients.
INTRODUCTION: Congenital hearing loss is associated with cardiac rhythm disturbances namely long Q-T syndrome. This study was designed to investigate the effect of anti-emetic doses of ondansetron and dexamethasone on ECG recordings in children undergoing cochlear implant surgery. METHODS: Sixty-three pediatric patients scheduled for elective cochlear implantation were enrolled in the study. Two patients were excluded as their baseline ECG showed long QT syndrome. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl, propofol and atracurium and maintained with propofol. Dexamethasone 0.1 mg.kg-1or ondansetron 0.2 mg.kg-1was randomly administered for the participants approximately 30 min before the end of surgery. ECG recording was performed 15 min after induction of anesthesia and 15 min after dexamethasone/ondansetron administration. RR interval, QRS duration, QT interval, and Tp-e interval were measured by a blinded cardiologist. RESULTS: Ondansetron resulted in no significant changes in RR, JTc and QTc intervals; while prolongedTp-e interval. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that use of ondansetron was an independent predictor of QTc prolongation after adjustment for age, gender and baseline QTc (OR = 17.94, CI 95% 1.97-168.70, p = 0.011). The incidence of postoperative retching/vomiting in ondansetron group was significantly lower than dexamethasone group. (3.2% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The risk of arrhythmias with the use of ondansetron in otherwise healthy candidates of cochlear implant is very low. However, the drug may induce significant changes in ECG parameters. The clinical significance of these changes in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities should be investigated in further studies.
Antiemetics/adverse effects , Cochlear Implantation , Deafness/rehabilitation , Dexamethasone/adverse effects , Electrocardiography , Long QT Syndrome/chemically induced , Ondansetron/adverse effects , Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting/prevention & control , Child , Cochlear Implants , Deafness/complications , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Long QT Syndrome/complications , Long QT Syndrome/diagnosis , Male
BACKGROUND: Earlier studies have suggested the liberal administration of fluids in favor of reducing the risk of rhabdomyolysis in obese patients, but the results are conflicting. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed at comparing the effects of liberal and restrictive fluid therapy on renal indices in laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. METHODS: In a double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 72 candidates of bariatric surgery were randomly assigned into two groups of restrictive and liberal fluid therapy. Indices, including BUN, creatinine, creatine kinase, GFR, and urine output were measured before and 24 hours after the surgery. The clinical trial was registered at IRCT.ir under code IRCT20170109031852N3. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in BUN, creatinine, creatinine kinase, and GFR indices between the two groups of liberal and restrictive fluid therapy both before and 24 hours after surgery (P > 0.05). Intragroup comparisons before and after surgery revealed that BUN decreased in both groups after the surgery (P < 0.05). Also, creatinine and GFR values improved in patients who received a liberal fluid regimen, whereas these indices remained statistically unchanged in the restrictive group before and 24 hours after the surgery (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Two methods of liberal and restrictive fluid therapy have comparable effects on traditional renal functional indices in laparoscopic bariatric surgery. The clinical significance of observed differences in outcomes should be investigated in further studies. The use of early biomarkers of acute kidney injury is warranted.
BACKGROUND: Children with sensorineural hearing loss are at risk of cardiac electrophysiologic abnormalities. Inhalational Sevoflurane induction in these children can cause QT prolongation. OBJECTIVES: In order to evaluate the safety of inhalational induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane in children with sensorineural hearing loss, who are candidates for cochlear implant, its electrophysiologic effects was compared with intravenous induction of anesthesia with propofol. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 61 children aged between one and eighteen years old, who were candidates for cochlear implantation, were randomly allocated to groups receiving anesthesia with sevoflurane (n = 32) or propofol (n = 29) for induction of anesthesia. Two 12-leads ECG were taken from all of patients before and after induction and QTc, Tp-e interval, and JTc were measured and compared. RESULTS: Two cases, who had pre-induction QTc longer than 500 ms were excluded from the study. Patients had similar age (102.58 ± 87 versus 101.46 ± 67 months, P = 0.95) and gender (males: 48.3% versus 56.3%, P = 0.53) distribution. The researchers observed significant post induction difference in QTc values between these groups (propofol 422.5 ± 40, sevoflurane 445.0 ± 29, P = 0.016). There was no significant difference in the percent QTc and Tp-e changes in propofol and sevoflurane groups. Greater percentage of patients with increased Tp-e interval (> 100 ms) in the sevoflurane group than the propofol group was also seen. There was no significant long QTc difference (QTc > 500 ms or more than 60 ms increase from baseline) after induction of anesthesia in the sevoflurane group compared to the propofol group (15.6% versus 13.8%, P = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: After electrophysiological evaluations in children with sensorineural hearing loss, in patients whose pre-induction QTc is not longer than 500 ms, propofol seems safer than inhalational sevoflurane for induction of anesthesia.
INTRODUCTION: One of the major concerns in laryngeal laser surgery is the risk of airway fire. The introduction ofwrapped tubes and metal tubes has reduced the fire hazards. However, these tubes are expensive and do not provide convenient access to the surgical field. There are few laboratory studies addressing the resistance of polyvinylchloride tubes against ignition in the given circumstances. Nevertheless, its safety should be approved in clinical practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective studyevaluated the airway management on 1024 patients undergoing laryngeal laser surgery. The data collection included the information about the type of endotracheal tube (ETT), mode of ventilation, and airway hazards (e.g., tube ignition). RESULTS: Polyvinylchloride tubes and conventional positive pressure ventilation was applied for most of the patients (84.1%). The tube cuff was pierced with laser beam in 22 cases (2.5%). However, there was no case of ETT ignition or airway fire. CONCLUSION: Polyvinylchloride tubes can be safely used in this subset of surgeries pending meticulous attention to the safety recommendations.
BACKGROUND: Decreasing side effects and improving the quality of block in caesarean sections by appropriate dosage of local anesthetics and adjuvants could play an important role in the safe management of cesarean section. The present study aimed at comparing the effects of 3 different doses of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine injected with a fixed dose of sufentanil in cesarean sections. METHODS: In a double- blind randomized clinical trial, 105 candidates of elective cesarean section were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 8, 9, and 10 mg of intrathecal bupivacaine plus sufentanil 2.5 µg. The maximum level of sensory block, the intensity of motor block, and vital signs were measured at regular intervals. The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were also recorded. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the maximum level of sensory block and the intensity of motor block in 3 groups. The incidences of hypotension and bradycardia as well as administration of atropine and ephedrine were comparable among the 3 groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to similar effects of different doses of bupivacaine, administration of lower doses of bupivacaine (8mg) is more reasonable for spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.
BACKGROUND: Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure (ETCP) should be kept in the range of 20 - 30 cm H2O. Earlier studies suggested that ETCP assessment by palpation of pilot balloon results in overinflation or underinflation and subsequent complications such as tracheal wall damage and aspiration. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of an in vitro educational program on the ability of anesthesia personnel to inflate Endotracheal Tube Cuffs (ETT) within safe pressure limits. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The survey included two series of blinded ETCP measurements in intubated patients before and two weeks after an in vitro educational intervention. The in vitro educational program included two separate trials. The anesthesia personnel were asked to inflate an ETT cuff inserted in a tracheal model using their usual inflation technique. In the same session, six ETTs at different pressure levels were examined by the participants and their estimation of ETCP was recorded. After the in vitro assessment, the participants were informed about the actual pressure of the in vitro ETCPs and were allowed to train their fingers by in vitro pilot balloon palpation with validated manometer measurements. RESULTS: The mean ETCP after the in vitro survey was significantly lower than the mean ETCP before the intervention (45 ± 13 vs. 51 ± 15 cm H2O, P = 0.002). The rate of measurements within the safe pressure limits significantly improved after the in vitro education (24.2% vs. 39.7%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing educational programs with the introduction of estimation techniques besides the use of manometer as a standard intraoperative monitoring will improve the safety of the practice.
BACKGROUND: Paradoxical reactions to benzodiazepines including restlessness, anxiety and sometimes violent behavior sometimes occur. Most of the known predicting factors of disinhibitory reactions such as age, gender, genetic or the psychological background are not modifiable. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of rate of midazolam administration, as a controllable factor, on the occurrence of paradoxical reaction to midazolam (PRM) in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial 98 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I, II, aged from 6 months to 6 years, and undergoing elective surgery, were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive midazolam 0.1 mg/kg as a 0.1% solution at an injection rate of 0.2 ml/s or 1 ml/s. The occurrence of PRM was compared between the two groups with Chi-square test. RESULTS: The occurrence of PRM in the rapid injection group was significantly higher than the slow injection group (20.4% vs. 4.1%, P < 0.05, relative risk CI: 95% 6.03 (1.24-29.4)). CONCLUSION: Slow intravenous administration of midazolam significantly reduces the occurrence of paradoxical reactions and should be respected in premedication of pediatric patients.
