RESUMEN
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic and sedative effects of a single oral dose of 5 mg/kg pregabalin in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery. It also assessed potential adverse effects and its impact on bispectral index (BIS) responses. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial enrolled 60 pediatric patients undergoing minor elective surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either oral pregabalin (5 mg/kg) or a placebo one hour before induction of anesthesia. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A), and sedation levels were evaluated using the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS). Results: Pregabalin premedication significantly reduced preoperative anxiety, as indicated by lower VAS-A scores compared to the control group. Sedation levels, measured using the RSS, were significantly higher in the pregabalin group at various time points post-dose. During intubation, skin incision, and recovery, BIS responses were significantly lower in the pregabalin group. Conclusion: The use of single-dose pregabalin preoperatively in children recorded a significant decrease in anxiety and achieved a state of sedation without an increase in adverse effects.
RESUMEN
Background and Objectives: Numerous therapeutic and dietary interventions have been examined in the last thirty years for pediatric patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our interventional study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet in a cohort of Egyptian children with ASD. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial was conducted as a prospective 12-month, open-label, case-controlled interventional study. Thirty-six ASD children who were newly diagnosed and had not taken any prior psychiatric or rehabilitation therapy were included in this study. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: group A, which received the GFCF diet, and group B, which served as the control group and was not restricted to food containing gluten and casein for 12 months. All patients were followed up for 1 year. Results: Following the implementation of the GFCF diet in group A, significant improvements in CARS scores were observed compared to group B after 6-month and 1-year follow-up periods. Conclusions: The introduction of the GFCF diet could be helpful and promising for autistic children. Conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of the GFCF diet remains a subject of controversy. Nonetheless, our study contributes some evidence supporting its potential benefits for children with ASD. It is recommended that future research on the GFCF diet employ a more sophisticated research design, incorporating a consistent baseline measure that can effectively assess the therapeutic effects of these interventions for individuals with ASD.
