A biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation trial to determine the optimum programmed intermittent epidural bolus time interval between 5 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 2 µg·mL-1.

PURPOSE: The optimal epidural mixtures and settings for programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) labour analgesia have yet to be determined. A previous study by our group demonstrated that 10 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.0625% with fentanyl 2 µg·mL-1 administered every 40 min provided effective analgesia during the first stage of labour for 90% of women, without breakthrough pain. We wanted to determine the effective PIEB time interval of 5 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 2 µg·mL-1 under the same study circumstances, aiming at a future comparative study. METHODS: This double-blind dose-finding study used the biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation method to determine the effective PIEB interval 90% (EI90) needed to provide effective analgesia without breakthrough pain during the first stage of labour. We used fixed 5 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 2 µg.mL-1 and studied time intervals of 60, 50, 40, and 30 min. The first patient was assigned an interval of 60 min and the remaining intervals were assigned as per the biased coin up-and-down method. RESULTS: The estimated EI90 was 36.5 min (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.0 to 39.0) by the truncated Dixon and Mood method and 34.2 min (95% CI, 30.8 to 41.5) by the isotonic regression method. We found that 20/40 women had an upper sensory block to ice above T6, 34/40 women had no motor block, and no woman required treatment for hypotension. CONCLUSION: The EI90 between 5 mL boluses of bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 2 µg·mL-1 during the first stage of labour is approximately 35 min. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT #02758405); registered 2 May, 2016.

The effect of an increased pulse width on the pattern of motor response (unilateral versus bilateral) during the Tsui test in labouring parturients: a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The typical response to the Tsui test performed via an epidural catheter placed in the lumbar area is the unilateral motor response of the lower limbs. Studies show that longer pulse widths can stimulate peripheral nerves at a lower threshold current from a farther distance. Therefore, we designed a study to test the hypothesis that epidural catheter stimulation with a 1.0-msec pulse width would increase the incidence of bilateral motor response in parturients when compared with stimulation with a 0.1-msec pulse width. METHODS: Parturients requesting epidural analgesia were recruited into this randomized crossover study. The Tsui test was performed at both pulse widths before and five minutes after an epidural test dose of 2% lidocaine 3 mL. The primary outcome was the motor response pattern (either unilateral or bilateral) to the epidural catheter stimulation at baseline. RESULTS: Twenty women were recruited for the study, which was stopped early due to futility. The rates of unilateral motor response in the 0.1-msec (18/20) and the 1-msec (18/20) group were both 90% (rate difference, 0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.3 to 0.3; P = 1.0). The mean (SD) current required to elicit a motor response at baseline was 4.2 (2.6) mA in the 0.1-msec group and 1.7 (1.1) mA in the 1-msec group (mean difference, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.3; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The motor response pattern following the stimulation of a lumbar epidural catheter with pulse widths of 0.1 msec or 1 msec is similar and typically unilateral. The threshold current is lower with the 1-msec pulse width stimulus. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02762149. Registered 2 May 2016.

Relação entre padrões de uso e ocupação do solo e qualidade da água em uma bacia hidrográfica urbana / Relationship between patterns of use and occupation of soil and water quality in an urban watershed

RESUMO O uso e a ocupação do solo alteram sensivelmente os processos físico-químicos e biológicos dos sistemas naturais. Dessa forma, os mananciais de superfície são integradores dos fenômenos ocorrentes sobre a área da bacia hidrográfica. Assim, os objetivos do trabalho foram explorar a variabilidade temporal e espacial da qualidade da água e avaliar as possíveis relações entre os padrões de uso e ocupação do solo da bacia hidrográfica do Ribeirão Vermelho. Foram coletadas amostras de água em dois períodos (verão e inverno) e em 15 seções ao longo do curso d'água. Verificou-se forte influência temporal e espacial na qualidade das águas, e foram apresentadas no período de inverno as maiores concentrações de nutrientes (Cl-, P, NO3 -), condutividade elétrica e matéria orgânica. Esses valores interferem nos valores do Índice de Qualidade da Água, que varia entre 84 e 9 no período do verão e 66 e 6 no inverno. Quanto à trofia dos mananciais, foram encontrados valores médios de Índice de Estado Trófico de 30 no período chuvoso e de 93 no inverno. No tocante aos padrões de uso do solo, observaram-se fortes relações na qualidade da água nos dois períodos avaliados; a principal fonte de contaminação são as áreas urbanas. O Ribeirão Vermelho e seus afluentes apresentam forte influência das formas de uso e ocupação do solo confirmada pela entrada de matéria orgânica e de nutrientes nos sistemas hídricos por meio do lançamento de esgoto doméstico sem tratamento e pela agropecuária na rede de drenagem da bacia.

ABSTRACT Land use significantly alters the physicochemical and biological processes of natural systems. Thus, surface water sources are integrators of phenomena occurring on the catchment area. In this way, the study aimed to explore the spatial and temporal variability of water quality, and to assess the possible relationships between patterns of land use of the Ribeirão Vermelho basin. Water samples were collected in two periods (summer and winter) and in 15 sections along the watercourse. There has been strong temporal and spatial influence on water quality, and winter period showed the highest nutrient concentrations (Cl-, P, NO3 -), electrical conductivity and organic matter. These values influence the values of the Water Quality Index, ranging from 84 to 9 in the summer period and 66 to 6 in the winter. With respect to trophic conditions of water sources, average values of Trophic State Index of 30 were verified during the rainy season and 93 in winter. Regarding land use patterns, strong relationships in water quality in both periods were observed, the main source of contamination are urban areas. Ribeirão Vermelho and its effluent have shown strong influence of the forms of land use and occupation evidenced by the input organic matter and nutrients in water systems through domestic sewage release untreated and by agriculture in the drainage system of the basin.

Consciously transfusion of blood products. Systematic review of indicative factors for blood components infusion's trigger.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the surgical and anesthetic technology advance the indications for intervention are expanding, as well as the need for blood transfusions. Because of its great scientific value, the content to be exposed is subject for endless discussions that provide different guidelines in various clinical and laboratory aspects. The objective of this review is to determine the clinical, laboratorial, and monitoring signs that should guide blood transfusion initiation, avoiding any risk and unnecessary use of resources, as well as the delay on starting therapy, determining tissue hypoxia and its corollaries. CONTENT: Scientific articles of clinical trials and reviews were used to range various subjects approached in the present content. These subjects were divided according to clinical and laboratorial aspects. Once the described search finished, 2,608 papers were identified, but only 17 original references were selected by inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Literature is unclear about clinical criteria on the ideal moment to begin the transfusion therapy in order to optimize the relations risk/ and cost/benefit. Studies show that there is no significant difference of oxygen supply (O(2)) in a comparison of hemoglobin (Hb) levels between 6 and 10g.dL(-1), mainly by reduced blood viscosity, facilitating the vascular flow to tissues. However, there is a tendency to recommend the transfusion trigger (TT) when it reaches low values as 6-7g.dL(-1). This same tendency indicates that red blood cells should never be administered with Hb levels > 10g.dL(-1), except in special situations.

Transfusão consciente de hemoderivados. Revisão sistemática dos fatores indicativos do gatilho para a infusão dos componentes sanguíneos / Consciously transfusion of blood products. Systematic review of indicative factors for blood components infusion's trigger / Transfusión consciente de hemoderivados. Revisión sistemática del los factores indicativos del gatillo para la infusión de los componentes sanguíneos

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Com o avanço da tecnologia cirúrgica e anestésica, expandem-se as indicações de intervenção, assim como, em muitos casos, a necessidade de transfusão de hemoderivados. Com grande valor científico, o tema a ser exposto é alvo de infindáveis discussões que fornecem diferentes diretrizes nos diversos aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais. O objetivo dessa revisão é determinar os sinais clínicos, laboratoriais e de monitoração que devem guiar o início da hemotransfusão, evitando-se qualquer risco e o uso desnecessário de recursos, além da demora no início da terapia, determinando hipóxia tecidual e suas consequências. CONTEÚDO: Foram utilizados artigos científicos de ensaios clínicos e revisões sobre vários assuntos abordados no presente conteúdo. Estes foram divididos em orientações segundo aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais. Após a aplicação da estratégia de busca acima relatada, foram identificados 2.608 artigos científicos do gênero, porém somente 17 referências originais foram selecionadas pelos critérios de inclusão. CONCLUSÕES: A literatura é incerta sobre os critérios clínicos que devem guiar o ponto ideal de início da terapia transfusional, de maneira a se otimizar as relações risco/custo/benefício. Estudos revelam que não existe diferença significativa da oferta de oxigênio (O2) quando se comparam níveis de hemoglobina (Hb) entre 6 e 10 g.dL-1, principalmente pela redução da viscosidade sanguínea, facilitando o fluxo vascular aos tecidos. Existe, no entanto, uma tendência de se recomendar o gatilho da transfusão (GT) sempre que ela atinja valores tão baixos quanto 6-7 g.dL-1. Essa mesma tendência indica que hemácias nunca devem ser administradas com Hb em níveis maiores do que 10 g.dL-1, exceto em situações especiais.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the surgical and anesthetic technology advance the indications for intervention are expanding, as well as the need for blood transfusions. Because of its great scientific value, the content to be exposed is subject for endless discussions that provide different guidelines in various clinical and laboratory aspects. The objective of this review is to determine the clinical, laboratorial, and monitoring signs that should guide blood transfusion initiation, avoiding any risk and unnecessary use of resources, as well as the delay on starting therapy, determining tissue hypoxia and its corollaries. CONTENT: Scientific articles of clinical trials and reviews were used to range various subjects approached in the present content. These subjects were divided according to clinical and laboratorial aspects. Once the described search finished, 2,608 papers were identified, but only 17 original references were selected by inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Literature is unclear about clinical criteria on the ideal moment to begin the transfusion therapy in order to optimize the relations risk/ and cost/benefit. Studies show that there is no significant difference of oxygen supply (O2) in a comparison of hemoglobin (Hb) levels between 6 and 10 g.dL-1, mainly by reduced blood viscosity, facilitating the vascular flow to tissues. However, there is a tendency to recommend the transfusion trigger (TT) when it reaches low values as 6-7 g.dL-1. This same tendency indicates that red blood cells should never be administered with Hb levels > 10 g.dL-1, except in special situations.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Con el avance de la tecnología quirúrgica y anestésica se han extendido las indicaciones de intervención y en muchos casos, la necesidad de transfusión de hemoderivados. Con un gran valor científico, el tema que se expone es objeto de infinitas discusiones que acaban suministrando diferentes directrices en los diversos aspectos clínicos y laboratoriales. El objetivo de esta revisión, es determinar los signos clínicos, laboratoriales y de monitorización que deben guiar el inicio de la hemotransfusión, evitando el riesgo y el uso innecesario de recursos y la demora en el inicio de la terapia, determinando la hipoxia tisular y sus consecuencias. CONTENIDO: Se usaron artículos científicos de ensayos clínicos y revisiones sobre varios asuntos abordados en el texto que se presentará a continuación, dividido en orientaciones según los aspectos clínicos y laboratoriales. Después de la aplicación de la estrategia de búsqueda anteriormente relatada, se identificaron 2.608 artículos científicos del género, pero solamente 17 referencias originales se seleccionaron por los criterios de inclusión. CONCLUSIONES: La literatura no es muy exacta sobre los criterios clínicos que deben guiar el punto ideal de inicio de la terapia transfusional, optimizando las relaciones riesgo/ y coste/beneficio. Los estudios arrojan que no hay diferencia significativa de la oferta de oxígeno (O2) cuando se compara con los niveles de hemoglobina (Hb) entre 6 y 10 g.dL-1, principalmente por la reducción de la viscosidad sanguínea, facilitando el flujo vascular a los tejidos. Existe, sin embargo, una tendencia de recomendar el gatillo de la transfusión (GT) siempre que esa tendencia alcance valores tan bajos como 6 a 7 g.dL-1, y los hematíes nunca deben ser administradas con Hb en niveles mayores que 10 g.dL-1, con excepción de las situaciones especiales.