Effects of dexmedetomidine, fentanyl and magnesium sulfate added to ropivacaine on sensory and motor blocks in lower abdominal surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to compare the effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine, fentanyl and magnesium sulfate added to ropivacaine on the onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks in lower abdominal surgery. This double-blind randomized clinical trial included 90 patients scheduled for lower abdominal surgery at Vali-Asr Hospital in Arak, Iran. The enrolled patients were randomly divided into three equal groups and then underwent spinal anesthesia. The first group received 10 µg of dexmedetomidine, the second group received 50 µg of fentanyl, and the third group received 200 mg of 20% magnesium sulfate intrathecally in addition to 15 mg of 0.5% ropivacaine. In the dexmedetomidine group, the mean arterial blood pressure was lower than the other two groups (P = 0.001). Moreover, the time to onset of sensory block (P = 0.001) and the mean duration of sensory block (P = 0.001) were shorter and longer, respectively, in the dexmedetomidine group than in the other two groups. In the dexmedetomidine group, the mean time to onset of motor block (P = 0.001) and the mean duration of motor block (P = 0.001) were lower and higher than in the other two groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in visual analog scale score, heart rate, administered opioid, and drug side effects among the three groups. Dexmedetomidine caused early sensory and motor blocks while prolonging the duration of sensory and motor blocks compared with the other two groups. In addition, dexmedetomidine reduced mean arterial blood pressure in patients. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that dexmedetomidine can be used in order to enhance the quality of sensory and motor block in patients.

Comparing Apotel and Remifentanil for Multimodal Patient-Controlled Analgesia in Postoperative Pain Management Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a standard surgical procedure for individuals with debilitating knee arthritis. Effective postoperative pain management is essential for successful recovery, although traditional opioid-based methods have limitations. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Apotel and remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia in managing postoperative pain after TKA. Methods: This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial took place at Amir-al-Momenin and Qods Hospitals in Arak, Iran, spanning from June 2022 to September 2023. Sixty-two eligible patients scheduled for knee joint replacement were randomly assigned to receive either Apotel (Group A) or remifentanil (Group R) as part of multimodal analgesia administered via a pain pump for postoperative pain relief in TKA. The study assessed hemodynamic parameters, pain levels (measured using the Visual Analog Scale), analgesic duration, and narcotic consumption. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.27 and Plotly. Results: Subjects exhibited no statistically significant differences in age, gender distribution, duration of surgery, or anesthesia. The hemodynamic status assessment in the recovery room showed no significant differences in SPO2, PR, or MAP between the groups. However, remifentanil demonstrated superior effectiveness in reducing pain over 24 hours post TKA surgery compared to Apotel, as evidenced by lower average Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores (P < 0.001), longer duration without the need for narcotic painkillers (P < 0.001), and lower cumulative opioid analgesic consumption in Group R (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Remifentanil demonstrates superior pain control in a multimodal pain management approach compared to Apotel, providing sustained pain reduction over 24 hours post-surgery. Moreover, remifentanil offers longer-lasting pain relief and results in lower cumulative narcotic painkiller consumption compared to Apotel.

The effect of dexmedetomidine, remifentanil and metoral in reducing patient bleeding during rhinoplasty surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgeries in the ENT department. Rhinoplasty hemorrhage is one of the complications that different strategies have been used to reduce it. Reduction of bleeding reduces the risk of complications such as hemolytic and non-hemolytic reactions, acute lung damage, viral and bacterial infections, hypothermia and coagulation disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine, remifentanil and metoral in reducing patient bleeding during rhinoplasty surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind trial was performed on rhinoplasty patients. Rhinoplasty candidates who had the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into three groups of remifentanil, metoral and dexmedetomidine according to the random number table. Then 0.5 mg/kg/h of dexmedetomidine in the first group was administered, followed by 100-150 kg/h remifentanil in the second group and 50 mg metoral in the third group. Mean blood pressure, heart rate, mean bleeding and surgeon satisfaction were recorded in designed form. Data were analyzed by Spss-22 software. RESULTS: The mean blood pressure of patients in remifentanil group was lower than the other two groups (P = 0.03). In all three times during surgery, recovery and overall time, the amount of bleeding in the remifentanil group was found to be less than the other two groups. Furthermore, the rate of bleeding in the dexmedetomidine group was found to be less than the metoral group (P = 0.03, P = 0.02). The surgeon's satisfaction score in the remifentanil group was higher than the other two groups. Satisfaction score was higher in dexmedetomidine group than metoral group (P = 0.03). The recovery time in the metoral group was shorter than the other two groups (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Remifentanil caused a good and appropriate reduction of blood pressure in rhinoplasty surgery, causing less bleeding and higher satisfaction.

Effects of ketamine, granisetron and dexmedetomidine on postoperative shivering and hemodynamic changes after general anesthesia: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Postoperative shivering is one of the most common complications of surgeries. The current research compared the effects of ketamine, granisetron, and dexmedetomidine on reducing postoperative shivering after general anesthesia. This double-blind clinical trial enrolled 148 patients (39.08 ± 5.99 years old) who had been admitted to Vali-Asr Hospital of Arak, Iran in 2019-2021. The study drugs, including dexmedetomidine, ketamine, granisetron and normal saline, were administered in corresponding groups 30 minutes before the end of surgery. The results showed that dexmedetomidine reduced mean arterial pressure and heart rate in patients. The lowest incidence of shivering was observed in the dexmedetomidine group and it increased the duration of recovery. Overall, dexmedetomidine is recommended to reduce postoperative shivering after general anesthesia, but the increase in duration of recovery should be considered.

The Effects of Remifentanil, Dexmedetomidine, and Metoral as Adjuncts to Thiopental on Hemodynamic Status After Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Depression is a prevalent mental disorder affecting more than 300 million people of all ages globally. Despite being the first-line treatment for depression, antidepressant medications are only effective for 60% - 70% of patients. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe cases, although it can result in short-term side effects. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, and metoral as premedications for ECT in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: In this prospective double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 120 MDD patients aged 18 - 60 were included. They were randomly assigned to receive remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, or metoral in combination with thiopental before ECT. Hemodynamic responses (mean arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, arterial blood oxygen saturation), seizure duration, recovery time, agitation scores, and patient satisfaction scores (reverse coded) were measured and compared. Results: Dexmedetomidine exhibited superior hemodynamic control with lower mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.001) and pulse rate (P < 0.001) than remifentanil and metoral. Patients receiving dexmedetomidine or remifentanil showed reduced agitation (P < 0.001) and better satisfaction than the metoral group (P < 0.001). Remifentanil displayed intermediate outcomes, while metoral exhibited the least favorable results. Seizure duration was not significantly different between the dexmedetomidine and remifentanil groups (P = 0.843). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine is considered the most satisfactory group due to the better control of blood pressure, heart rate, and agitation and better patient satisfaction despite the longer recovery time.

Evaluation of the effect of favipiravir on patients with COVID-19.

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) started in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. No specific drug has been accepted for COVID-19 treatment up to now. Favipiravir as an antiviral drug affects RNA viruses like influenza and Ebola. Accordingly, the aim of this study is the evaluation of favipiravir's effect on COVID-19 outcomes. Method: This is a randomized controlled study including 97 patients with COVID-19 randomly allocated into favipiravir or control groups. The primary outcomes were improvement of clinical manifestations and atrial oxygen saturation (SpO2), and the secondary outcome was the length of hospitalization. Results: Clinical manifestations recovery of COVID-19 patients was better in the favipiravir group, and the mortality rates were less than in the control group (P = 0.0001 for both). The level of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) was significantly higher in the favipiravir group (P = 0.0001). The mean lymphocyte count was lower in the control group (P = 0.004). In addition, levels of blood urine nitrogen (BUN) were higher in the favipiravir group (P = 0.033). The length of hospitalization was similar in both groups (P = 0.586). Conclusion: Favipiravir can be effective for clinical and laboratory improvement of COVID-19 patients, and it is a promising drug for decreasing of mortality rate in these patients.

Effect of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl on hemodynamic changes and block profile following spinal anesthesia with ropivacaine among patients with femoral fractures undergoing lower limb surgery.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl on hemodynamic changes and block characteristics following spinal anesthesia with ropivacaine among patients with femoral fractures undergoing lower limb surgery. In this double-blind clinical trial, 64 patients who were candidates for lower limb surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on the block pattern. In the first group, dexmedetomidine was prescribed. In the second group, fentanyl with ropivacaine was prescribed. Sensory and motor blocks at or above the T8 dermatome in each group were measured. Furthermore, the sensory block was evaluated every 1 minute after anesthesia with a needle (pin prick method) and also the motor block was evaluated every 5 minutes by the bromage scale. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the time for achieving sensory block to T8 or higher dermatome (p = 0.0001). The time elapsed until the onset of motor block was shorter in the dexmedetomidine group, and dexmedetomidine had a shorter time for achieving sensory block to T8 or higher dermatome than fentanyl. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of the time elapsed until the motor block and the time for achieving sensory block to the T8 dermatome or higher (p <0.05). The time elapsed until the onset of motor block was shorter in the dexmedetomidine group, and dexmedetomidine had a shorter time for achieving sensory block to T8 or higher dermatome than fentanyl. Our findings revealed a statistically significant difference in terms of the duration of sensory block for reaching the T12 to L1 dermatome and the duration of obtaining bromide scores 0 and 1 (p = 0.0001). The time for achieving sensory block to dermatome T12 to L1 and the time of obtaining bromage scales of 0 and 1 were longer in dexmedetomidine group (p = 0.0001). Pain in dexmedetomidine group was less than fentanyl group in 2 to 8 hours after surgery (p <0.05). The duration of analgesia was longer in the dexmedetomidine group (p = 0.001). In summary, it can be suggested that adding dexmedetomidine to the anesthetic ropivacaine may be beneficial.

Efficacy of intraoperative epidural dexamethasone and bupivacaine in reduction of pain and disability following lumbar discectomy.

Background: In lumbar disc herniation, although surgery can provide relief from pain in the low back and lower extremities, many drugs can provide more relief; thus, the aim was the evaluation of epidural dexamethasone and bupivacaine efficacy in lumbar disc herniation surgery. Methods: A total of 42 cases were evaluated in a triple-blind randomized clinical trial study. Patients were divided into intervention and control groups based on permuted block randomization. The patient's condition was assessed based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. In addition, the patient's disability was assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI) at 1 and 6 months after surgery. Results: Of the 42 evaluated cases, age (44.0 ± 12.4, P = 0.4) and hospitalization duration (1.9 ± 0.3 days, P = 0.02) had statistically significant difference between two groups. The severity of low back pain before surgery was 2.9 ± 1.9 (P = 0.74), and 3 hours after surgery was 4.9 ± 1.9 in the control group and 2.8 ± 1.3 in the intervention group (P = 0.03), and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. In addition, based on the repeated measure test, there was no significant difference between the two groups. ODI value was before surgery 31.7 ± 8.3 (P = 0.77), 5.2 ± 2.4 (P = 0.9) at 1 month after surgery, and 4.5 ± 1.8 (P = 0.6) at 6 months after surgery, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Dexamethasone and bupivacaine can be effective in post-operation pain control, although this difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.

Effect of combined paracetamol and dexamethasone vs. paracetamol on postoperative nausea vomiting after cesarean section.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common symptoms after cesarean delivery (CD) that affect patients outcomes and satisfaction. The treatment of choice is still evolving, therefore, we aimed to evaluate PONV of combined paracetamol-dexamethasone vs. paracetamol alone. METHODS: This study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial on 100 patients undergoing cesarean delivery. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups of paracetamol or combined paracetamol-dexamethasone. Nausea and vomiting score, VAS score of pain, and chill were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The result of this study found that mild nausea 2nd h after surgery in the combined group was lesser than paracetamol group (0.03). However, there was no statistically significant difference in nausea and vomiting score in other periods of time between the two groups. VAS score of pain decreased 12th and 6th h after the surgery in the combined and paracetamol group, respectively. Chilling occurred in two patients of combined group and four patients of paracetamol group (p=0.432). CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone added to paracetamol might not improve pain and vomiting after cesarean delivery comparison with just paracetamol. But it can be effective for reducing the score of nausea after the surgery.

Comparative analgesic, hemodynamic, pain and duration of sensory and motor block effects of dexmedetomidine, granisetron, and nitroglycerin added to ropivacaine in intravenous anesthesia for forearm surgeries: a randomized clinical study.

This trial-based paper strives to address the comparative efficacy of some ropivacaine adjuvant options, comprising dexmedetomidine, granisetron, and nitroglycerin, on pain and hemodynamic changes in intravenous anesthesia for forearm surgeries. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled four block-randomized eligible groups with patients (overall, n=128) undergoing orthopedic forearm surgeries in the dexmedetomidine, nitroglycerin, granisetron, and placebo groups. Intra- and post-operative vital signs (mean arterial pressure/heart rate/ oxygen saturation) were monitored at baseline and captured every 10 minutes until the end of the surgery, as well as the onset of sensory and motor block and length and duration of the block and mean opioid use within 24 hours. Lastly, pain was noted after tourniquet inflation (at 15, 30, and 45 minutes every 15 minutes until the end of surgery) and after deflation (every 30 minutes to 2 hours at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes), as well as 6, 12, and 24 hours after the tourniquet was deflated. The dexmedetomidine-sedated subjects appeared to demonstrate quicker onset and longer length and duration of sensory and motor block, plus less pain and opioid use at all scheduled times (both P = 0.0001). Dexmedetomidine is recommended as an adjuvant to regional anesthesia (Bier's block), while being coupled with the rapid onset and prolonged length and duration of sensory and motor blocks, in addition to soothed pain and diminished opioid use within postoperative 24 hours. The study was approved by Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (approval No. IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.112) on July 21, 2019, and registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number IRCT20141209020258N123) on November 2, 2019.

Prophylactic effect of Amiodarone and in combination with vitamin C in reducing atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia following cardiac surgery, leading to hemodynamic impairment and increased mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and increases hospitalization. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C as well as the antiarrhythmic effect of amiodarone in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, we decided to compare and evaluate the prophylactic effect of amiodarone alone and in combination with vitamin C in controlling this complication. In this double-blind clinical trial, patients were divided into two equal groups of amiodarone (300 mg amiodarone bolus during 20-30 minutes) and amiodarone + vitamin C (150 mg amiodarone and 2g vitamin C combination). Each group included 42 patients. All data were analyzed by SPSS 19 software and statistical tests of ANOVA, Chi-square and Repeated Measure. There was a significant difference between the two groups of amiodarone and amiodarone+vitamin C (p-value = 0.01) and the mean incidence of AF in the amiodarone +vitamin C group was significantly lower than that of amiodarone alone. Other arrhythmias were also lower in the amiodarone +vitamin C group than in the amiodarone group alone. The use offibrillation after CABG compared with prophylactic amiodarone alone, but did not have a significant effect on decreasing ICU stay(discharge) and duration of hospitalization.

Comparison of the prophylactic effect of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine and their combination in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Nausea and vomiting are some of the most common complaints of patients after any anesthesia, which is often associated with postoperative pain. The double-blind clinical trial study aimed to compare the prophylactic effect of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine and their combination in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One hundred sixty-two patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in the study. In the first group of patients, 25 mg of dexmedetomidine were administered slowly. In comparison, the patients in the second group received dexamethasone (4 ml/2 mg) with 0.1 mg/kg of normal saline solution. The third group received a combination of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone. Hemodynamic changes were recorded during surgery and after surgery, and the patients were admitted to recovery. Nausea and vomiting scores were recorded 2 and 4 hours after surgery. Blood pressure and heart rate were lower in the dexmedetomidine group at all times (P<0.05). Two hours after surgery, the dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine combination group had less vomiting (P=0.012). The incidence of nausea 2 and 4 hours after surgery was lower in the dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine combination group (P<0.05). Blood pressure and heart rate were lower in the dexmedetomidine group at all times. The dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone combination decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients. Therefore, we recommend using a dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone combination for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Age-standardized mortality rate and predictors of mortality among COVID-19 patients in Iran.

BACKGROUND: To have a thorough understanding of epidemic surveillance, it is essential to broaden our knowledge of death tolls worldwide. This study aimed to determine the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and predictors of mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional design, all COVID-19 patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction test in the population covered by Arak University of Medical Sciences (AUMS) were entered to the study. Data collection was conducted by phone interview. The study variables comprised age, sex, coronary heart diseases, diabetes, and some symptoms at admission. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by logistic regression. The direct method was applied to calculate ASMR (per 100,000) of COVID-19. The analysis was applied by STATA software 12.0. RESULTS: A total of 208 cases of COVID-19 (out of 3050 total infected cases) were dead and 2500 cases were recovered. The mean age of dead patients was 70 years. The COVID-19 fatality rate in the population equaled 6.8%; in those patients who were 70 years old or more, however, the case fatality rate was 16.4%. The ASMR of COVID-19 was 12.9 (CI 95%: 11.2, 14.8). The odds of COVID-19-related death in the age over 60 were 10.87 (CI 95%: 6.30, 18.75) times than lower 45 years old. Moreover, it was observed that COVID-19 significantly increased the odds of COVID-19-related death in diabetes patients (OR = 1.45, CI 95%: 1.02, 2.06, P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The ASMR of COVID-19 was relatively higher in males than females. In general, the COVID-19 fatality rate was relatively high. We found that older age and diabetes can have impact on the death of COVID-19, but the headache was found to have a negative association with the COVID-19-related death.

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine and ketamine addition to bupivacaine 0.25% by epidural method in reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing femur fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: One of the most complex medical problems is pain, that due to inappropriate management of patients after surgery could cause various side effects on the psychological, physiological, and metabolic state of the patients. The natural duration of analgesia can be increased by adding new efficient adjuvant. The present study is mainly aimed to investigate the differences between the epidural dexmedetomidine and ketamine effectiveness when administered as an adjuvant to epidural 0.25% bupivacaine for improving the postoperative analgesia duration. METHODS: In the present double-blind clinical study, 105 patients of the age range of 40-85 years were selected for elective femoral surgery and then was divided into three of ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and control randomly. The scores of postoperative pain were evaluated in accordance with the visual Analogue Scale (VAS) criteria and the duration of analgesia and the amount of analgesics consumption were recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain VAS score during the first day after the surgery and recovery of patients in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower in comparison with two other groups (p = 0.01). However, no significant difference was found in the mean VAS score of Paine during 12 and 24 hours after the operation (P ≥ 0.05). Comparisons among these groups demonstrated that the mean on opioid administration during the operation and 24 hours after that was significantly higher in both groups of ketamine and control in comparison with the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01). Besides, analgesia duration among patients belonged to the dexmedetomidine group was notably lower in comparison with two other groups (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In epidural anesthesia cases adding ketamine and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to the solution of bupivacaine 0.25%, could increase the duration of analgesia and reduce the consumption of analgesics, which is more in the dexmedetomidine group when compared with ketamine.

Comparison of the Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Remifentanil on Controlled Hypotension During Rhinoplasty: A Clinical Trial Study.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important problems during cosmetic nose surgery is excessive bleeding. Controlled hypotension is an appropriate technique for reducing intraoperative bleeding as well as satisfactory and non-bloody surgical field. Different drugs, such as dexmedetomidine and remifentanil, are used to control hypotension. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on the creation of control hypotension during rhinoplasty. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial which was performed on 60 patients randomly divided into two groups D (Dexmedetomidine) and R (Remifentanil). In group D (0.5 mg / kg / h) Dexmedetomidine infusion and in group R (50-100 µg / kg / h) Remifentanil infusion. The study groups were compared in terms of hemodynamics and intraoperative bleeding. The data obtained from completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS software, T-test and ANOVA statistical tests and were presented in tables and statistical charts. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the mean MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) was significantly lower in remifentanil group patients than in dexmedetomidine group, while the intraoperative bradycardia rate was different at various time. CONCLUSION: During rhinoplasty surgery, both dexmedetomidine and remifentanil were effective in controlling hypotension and reducing intraoperative bleeding, but the effect of remifentanil was more pronounced than dexmedetomidine.

Change in saturation oxygen and hemodynamic responses by adding intrathecal dexmedetomidine vs. sufentanil to bupivacaine in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw operation: a randomized clinical trial.

Sufentanil (SUF) and dexmedetomidine (DEX) are used as bupivacaine in the spinal technique that providing stable hemodynamic conditions with least side effects. This study aimed to compare the change in saturation oxygen and hemodynamic responses after intrathecal DEX and SUF as adjuvants to bupivacaine in patients undergoing dynamic hip screw. This clinical trial was conducted with 80 patients referring to Valiasr Hospital, Arak, Iran, who were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 40): DEX group (8 mg bupivacaine with 5 µg DEX) and SUF group (8 mg bupivacaine with 2.5 µg SUF). The pain severity was lower in DEX group at different hours and the systolic pressure and diastolic blood pressure were lower in DEX group than in SUF group after surgery. Saturation oxygen was generally lower and more stable in DEX group but there was no significant difference between two groups. The incidence of sensory and motor block was lower in DEX group than in SUF group, but the duration of assessment of sensory block was lower in SUF group than in DEX group. DEX relieves pain up to 24 hours postoperatively. Nevertheless, Care should be taken to avoid the DEX induced shivering in patients. The study was approved by Ethical Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences by IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.32 code on April 25, 2016 and was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials by code number: IRCT2017050220258N45 on August 4, 2017.

Effect of adding dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental in patients with mood disorder candidate for electroconvulsive therapy.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the appropriate treatments for many neuropsychiatric patients, especially those with mood disorders. Short-term complications of ECT include agitation and postictal. In this study, we compared the addition of dexmedetomidine or remifentanil to thiopental as the main anaesthetic used in ECT. In this double-blind randomised clinical trial, 90 patients with mood disorders (candidates for ECT) were divided into two groups based on their therapy: dexmedetomidine or remifentanil. In the first group (DG), patients were slowly injected intravenously with 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine before induction of anesthesia. In the second group (GR), 100 µg of remifentanil was slowly injected intravenously.In addition, we collected demographic information such as respiratory rate, heart pulse rate, seizure time, mean of arterial blood pressure, recovery duration and the oxygen arterial saturation recorded after recovery. Data obtained were analysed by use of statistical software, SPSS-23. The mean age of both groups was approximately 37 years with the majority being men. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and sex, blood pressure, heart rate, duration of seizures and arterial oxygen saturation before ECT. The mean blood pressure and heart rate in the recovery group were lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the remifentanil group and the hemodynamics in the dexmedetomidine group were more stable. The recovery time in the dexmedetomidine group was longer than that of the remifentanil group (p = 0.001). Both groups had approximately the same satisfaction and the rate of agitation after ECT was the same. Both remifentanil and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants lead to a decrease in patients' post-ECT hyperdynamic responses. In our study, we demonstrated that the effect of dexmedetomidine is greater than remifentanil. On the other hand, neither dexmedetomidine nor remifentanil had a negative effect on seizure duration, but dexmedetomidine significantly prolonged recovery time, when compared to remifentanil.

Spatial-temporal analysis of net primary production (NPP) and its relationship with climatic factors in Iran.

Fluctuations of the climate variables have increased in the recent years. These fluctuations are different in each climatic region. Net primary production (NPP) indicating the plant growth and carbon stabilization over period of time is influenced by these fluctuations. Investigation of the variations in the NPP and analysis of its relationship with the climatic and environmental variables can play a key role in determining the effects of fluctuations of climatic variables on the NPP. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in the NPP and its correlation with precipitation rate and temperature during 2000-2014 based on the annual NPP estimates determined by the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor and precipitation and temperature data of the synoptic stations in eight climate regions in Iran. The slope of variations in the NPP was calculated in these climatic regions, and then, the changes in the NPP trend at two confidence levels of 95 and 99% were investigated based on the pixel-based method using the Mann-Kendall test. The sensitivity of NPP to climatic variables of temperature and precipitation was also estimated by calculating the correlation. The results showed the significant spatial distribution of NPP in the whole region under study indicating a declining trend from north to south and from west to east directions. The results also indicated the nonlinear variations in the temporal distribution of NPP. The annual mean NPP was found to follow the climatic boundaries in the climatic regions except for climate region 2, and region with the higher annual mean precipitation had higher annual mean NPP. Analysis of the trend by the Mann-Kendall method revealed that 3.2% of the pixels in the whole region followed a certain trend. Among the pixels, 70% of them followed a negative trend and the remaining 30% followed a positive trend. The greatest number of pixels with a certain trend was found in the Gulf of Oman coast climate region so that 93% of the pixels had a positive trend. The lowest number of pixels with a certain trend was observed in eastern Alborz foothills so that 87% of the pixels showed a negative trend. Slope variations of the NPP in the whole region varied from - 35 to 46 gC m2 year-1. The eastern plateau had the highest negative slope variations among the climate regions, and the highest positive slope variation of 42% was observed in the highlands climate region. In general, the precipitation rate and temperature showed a mean partial coefficient of 0.22 and 0.02, respectively, and the correlation between the NPP and temperature and precipitation was different in each climatic region. The temperature was negatively correlated with the NPP in four climatic regions with higher annual mean temperatures and in other climatic regions; it had a weak positive correlation. Therefore, the sensitivity of NPP to precipitation and temperature was different in each climatic region.

Comparison of the Effects of Haloperidol, Metoclopramide, Dexmedetomidine and Ginger on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Nausea is a mental sensation of unease and discomfort before vomiting. Vomiting refers to the return of the contents of the upper gastrointestinal tract to the mouth caused by contractions of chest and abdomen muscles. Postoperative nausea and vomiting is an unpleasant experience with high treatment costs. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of haloperidol, metoclopramide, dexmedetomidine, and ginger on postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopy. This double-blind clinical trial was performed on all laparoscopy candidates at Valiasr hospital, Arak, Iran. The patients were randomly divided into four groups (haloperidol, metoclopramide, dexmedetomidine and ginger), and all patients underwent general anesthesia using fentanyl, midazolam, atracurium, and propofol. After intubation, tube fixation, and stable hemodynamic conditions, the patients received four ginger capsules with a hint of lemon. A group of patients received 25 µg of dexmedetomidine. In the Plasil group, 10 mg of metoclopramide was given 30 minutes before the completion of surgery. In addition, 0.5 cc of haloperidol (5 mg) was administered to a group of patients. Heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were recorded from the beginning of surgery, every 15 minutes until the end of the surgery. Furthermore, the occurrence of nausea and vomiting was recorded during recovery, 2 and 4 hours after surgery. Data were then analyzed using the SPSS software v.23. Eighty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. The youngest and the oldest were 30 years and 70 years old, respectively, and the mean age was 48.02 ± 9.31 years. Moreover, the number of women in the four groups was higher than that of men. Blood pressure in the dexmedetomidine group was lower than the other four groups (P <0.05). The lowest heart rate was observed in the haloperidol group, while the highest heart rate was seen in the plasil group (P <0.05). The occurrence of vomiting and nausea was not significantly different between the four groups (P <0.05). Our results showed no significant difference in postoperative nausea and vomiting between the four drugs. Due to the hemodynamic changes induced by each drug, it is best to use these drugs based on the patient's condition. Ginger is also a herbal remedy that has fewer side effects, and this drug can be a good option for patients when there is no contraindication.

Clinical Comparison of Adding Sulfate Magnesium and Dexmedetomidine in Axillary Plexus Block for Prolonging the Duration of Sensory and Motor Block: Study Protocol for a Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of magnesium sulfate adjunct to dexmedetomidine on increasing the duration of sensory and motor block in axillary block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a double-blind clinical trial. Ninety-nine patients were included in the study. They were undergoing forearm and hand surgery and were referred to Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Arak. The patients were divided into three groups. The first group received lidocaine (1.5%) and dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg). The second group patients were given lidocaine (1.5%) plus magnesium. In the control group, lidocaine (1.5%) was adjusted to 35 cc with normal saline. The final volume was 35 cc in the three groups. Sensory and motor block and pain were measured and data were analyzed using SPSS v. 20. The final volume was 35 cc in the three groups. RESULTS: The sensory and motor block onset time and the stabilization time of the sensory and motor block in the magnesium sulfate group were lower (p<0/001). Pain in recovery, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery was lower in the magnesium sulfate group when compared with the dexmedetomidine group (p<0.001). The lowest dose of opioid was used in the dexmedetomidine group 24 hours after surgery (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that dexmedetomidine decreases pain. Magnesium sulfate increased the sensory and motor block onset time, and the sensory and motor block stabilization time, but dexmedetomidine increases the motor block duration.