Ultrasound-Guided Suprazygomatic Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for Postdural Puncture Headache Resistant to Epidural Blood Patch: A Case Report.

Even though epidural blood patch (EBP) is thought to be the definitive treatment for severe cases of postdural puncture headache (PDPH), it may be accompanied by complications like adhesion arachnoiditis, and cauda equina syndrome, especially if the injection is repeated. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is a new minimally invasive technique for the treatment of PDPH, with variable results according to the clinical situation and deployed approach. We describe a case of PDPH resistant to EBP in which we successfully managed symptoms using ultrasound-guided suprazygomatic SPG block to deliver local anesthetic directly into pterygopalatine fossa, thus avoiding a second EBP.

Evaluation of the Effect of Duration on the Efficacy of Pulsed Radiofrequency in an Animal Model of Neuropathic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is increasingly used in clinical practice, especially in neuropathic pain disorders. Although PRF is not new to clinical use, there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding its effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of duration of application of PRF on its analgesic efficacy in improvement of neuropathic pain. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized experimental trial. SETTING: An animal research facility at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mansoura University in Egypt. METHODS: Chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats was performed to induce neuropathic pain. The rats were divided into 6 groups (6 rats each) in which PRF was applied for 2, 4, 6, or 8 minutes or not at all. In one group, RF cannula was applied without performing PRF intervention. The pain was assessed through observation of resting paw posture (RPP) at 3, 10, and 21 days. Nerve damage was assessed by histopathological evaluation of the sciatic nerve. Immunohistochemical localization of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha]) was also done. RESULTS: RPP was improved in rats treated with PRF. This improvement was significant only in rats treated for 8 minutes. Increased duration for PRF application was associated with a significant decrease in IL-6 and TNF-alpha contents in all groups when compared with the control group. Histopathological evaluation of the constricted sciatic nerve revealed no statistical significance among the different study groups. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by the lack of measurement of other inflammatory markers that may help elucidate other relevant mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Increased duration of PRF application resulted in better analgesic efficacy without any increase in tissue injury in an animal model of neuropathic pain. This effect may be attributed to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. KEY WORDS: Pulsed radiofrequency, analgesic, rats, sciatic nerve, duration, neuropathic pain.

Comparison of the effects of low doses of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on the maternal hemodynamic changes during caesarean delivery in patients with severe preeclampsia: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative remifentanil administration blunts hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation in parturients with severe preeclampsia. We hypothesized that the preoperative administration of low doses of remifentanil or dexmedetomidine would lead to comparable maternal neurohormonal responses and neonatal outcomes in patients with severe preeclampsia. METHODS: Parturients diagnosed with severe preeclampsia undergoing caesarean delivery were randomLy allocated to receive remifentanil (0.1 µg/kg/min) or dexmedetomidine (0.4 µg/kg/h) at five min and 20 min before induction, respectively. Changes in maternal mean arterial BP(MAP), clinical recovery, cortisol level, and neonatal outcome, were recorded. RESULTS: Patients who received remifentanil had higher response in MAP at the induction (94 9.8 vs. 104 4.5; P<0.001) and emergence from anesthesia (94 6.3 vs. 98 5.1; P<0.001), but shorter times to extubation (5.1 1.6 vs. 13.5 2.8 min; P<0.001). Five (27.8%) patients in the remifentanil group received ephedrine versus none in the dexmedetomidine group (P=0.023). The maternal plasma cortisol levels, the neonatal Neurologic and Adaptative Capacity Scores and acid-base satuses were similar in the two groups. Newborns in the remifentanil group presented lower Apgar scores at 1 minute (5.11 0.8 vs. 5.68 0.8; P=0.034) and a higher incidence of respiratory depression (72.2% vs. 36.8% P=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with dexmedetomidine (0.4 µg/kg/h), the preoperative administration of remifentanil (0.1 µg/kg/min) produced a significantly higher effect on maternal hemodynamic responses to caesarean delivery in patients with severe preeclampsia, however maternal hypotension and neonatal respiratory depression were more common with the use of remifentanil.

Comparative Efficacy of Newer Antidepressants in Combination with Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Controlled, Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: This controlled, randomized study investigated the hypothesis that the combined use of pregabalin plus paroxetine for fibromyalgia management would be associated with comparable Somatic Symptoms Scale-8 (SSS-8) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESDS) scores, but higher tolerability than the combined use of pregabalin plus either amitriptyline or venlafaxine. METHODS: After institutional ethics committee approval, 75 female subjects diagnosed with fibromyalgia and in receipt of pregabalin (75 mg/day) were randomly allocated to concurrently receive amitriptyline (25 mg/day; n = 24), venlafaxine (75 mg/day; n = 25), or paroxetine (25 mg/day; n = 26). All patients were assessed bimonthly for 6 consecutive months for changes in SSS-8 and CESDS scores, life satisfaction, mood, sleep quality, fatigue, medication tolerability, and adverse events. RESULTS: Compared with pregabalin plus amitriptyline or venlafaxine, the combined use of pregabalin plus paroxetine in fibromyalgia patients resulted in significantly lower SSS-8 and CESDS scores from 18 (P < 0.05) and 10 weeks (P < 0.001) after the initiation of study medications, respectively; higher medication tolerability (P < 0.001); improved life satisfaction, mood, and sleep quality at most observation times (P < 0.05); and fewer instances of dry mouth and elevated blood pressure (P < 0.02). Medication termination due to poor tolerability was observed most frequently in the venlafaxine group (P < 0.05), while drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, abnormal taste, hunger, hallucination, urination problems, and sexual dysfunction were observed most frequently in the amitriptyline group (P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: The combined use of pregabalin plus paroxetine offers an effective method with increased tolerability to reduce the somatic and depressive symptoms of fibromyalgia and to enhance the quality of life in affected individuals.

Efeitos de misoprostol sublingual pré-operatório no tônus uterino durante anestesia com isoflurano para cesariana / Effects of preoperative sublingual misoprostol on uterine tone during isoflurane anesthesia for cesarean section / Efectos del misoprostol sublingual preoperatorio en el tono uterino durante la anestesia con isoflurano para cesárea

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Misoprostol reduz o sangramento uterino após o parto cesáreo sem efeitos prejudiciais para a mãe ou o bebê. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de misoprostol pré-operatório no sangramento materno e no tônus uterino e a necessidade de ocitocina após cesariana sob anestesia com isoflurano. MÉTODOS: Depois da aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética, 366 pacientes programadas para cesariana eletiva foram randomicamente designadas para receber 400 µg de misoprostol sublingual (n = 179) ou um comprimido de placebo (n = 187) após intubação. A anestesia foi mantida com CAM de isoflurano a 0,5-0,7 e óxido nitroso. Todas as pacientes receberam infusão de ocitocina (10 UI) após expulsão da placenta. A estimativa de perda sanguínea, do tônus uterino, da necessidade de ocitocina complementar, da contagem de hematócrito, dos escores de Apgar no 1º e aos 5 minutos e os efeitos adversos foram registrados. RESULTADOS: Após a indução, as pacientes que receberam misoprostol sublingual tiveram perda sanguínea perioperatória (202 ± 383,1 vs 708 ± 204,3 mL, p < 0,001), necessidade de ocitocina (p < 0,001), níveis mais elevados de hematócrito (p < 0,001) e tônus uterino (p < 0,02) menos significativos. A incidência de tremores foi maior no grupo misoprostol (p = 0,04). Não houve diferenças entre os dois grupos quanto aos índices de Apgar, náusea e vômito, distúrbios gastrointestinais e febre. CONCLUSÃO: A administração pré-operatória de misoprostol sublingual (400 µg) é segura e eficaz para atenuar o sangramento materno e o efeito no tônus uterino da anestesia com isoflurano em parto cesário.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Misoprostol would reduce the uterine bleeding after cesarean delivery without harmful effects on either mother or baby. We aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative misoprostol on maternal blood loss, uterine tone, and the need for additional oxytocin after cesarean delivery under isoflurane anesthesia. METHODS: After ethical approval, 366 patients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were randomly allocated to receive either sublingual misoprostol 400 µg (n = 179) or placebo tablet (n = 187) after intubation. Anesthesia was maintained with 0.5-0.7 MAC isoflurane with nitrous oxide. All patients received intravenous infusion of 10 IU of oxytocin after placental delivery. Perioperative estimated blood loss, uterine tone, need for supplementary oxytocin, hematocrit, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: After induction, patients receiving sublingual misoprostol had significant less perioperative estimated blood loss (202 ± 383.1 vs. 708 ± 204.3 mL, p < 0.001), need for oxytocin (p < 0.001), higher hematocrit levels (p < 0.001) and uterine tone (p < 0.02). The incidence of shivering was higher in the misoprostol group (p = 0.04). There were no differences between the two groups as regarding Apgar scores, nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal disturbances and pyrexia. CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of sublingual misoprostol 400 µg is safe and effective in attenuating the maternal bleeding and uterine atony from isoflurane anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El Misoprostol reduce el sangramiento uterino después del parto por cesárea sin efectos perjudiciales para la madre o el bebé. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar los efectos del misoprostol preoperatorio en el sangramiento materno y en el tono uterino, y la necesidad de ocitocina después de la cesárea bajo anestesia con isoflurano. MÉTODOS: Después de la aprobación por el Comité de Ética, 366 pacientes programadas para la cesárea electiva, fueron randómicamente designadas para recibir 400 µg de misoprostol sublingual (n = 179) o un comprimido de placebo (n = 187) después de la intubación. La anestesia se mantuvo con CAM de isoflurano a 0,5-0,7 y óxido nitroso. Todas las pacientes recibieron una infusión de ocitocina (10 UI) después de la expulsión de la placenta. La estimación de la pérdida sanguínea, del tono uterino, de la necesidad de ocitocina complementaria, del conteo de hematocrito, de los puntajes de Apgar en el 1º y a los 5 minutos y los efectos adversos fueron todos registrados. RESULTADOS: Después de la inducción, las pacientes que recibieron misoprostol sublingual tuvieron una pérdida sanguínea perioperatoria (202 ± 383,1 vs 708 ± 204,3 mL, p < 0,001), necesidad de ocitocina (p < 0,001), niveles más elevados de hematocrito (p < 0,001) y tonouterino (p < 0,02) menos significativos. La incidencia de temblores fue mayor en el grupo misoprostol (p = 0,04). No se registraron diferencias entre los dos grupos en cuanto a los índices de Apgar, náusea y vómito, trastornos gastrointestinales y fiebre. CONCLUSIONES: La administración preoperatoria de misoprostol sublingual (400 µg) es segura y eficaz para atenuar el sangramiento materno y el efecto en el tono uterino de la anestesia con isoflurano en el parto por cesárea.

Effects of preoperative sublingual misoprostol on uterine tone during isoflurane anesthesia for cesarean section.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Misoprostol would reduce the uterine bleeding after cesarean delivery without harmful effects on either mother or baby. We aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative misoprostol on maternal blood loss, uterine tone, and the need for additional oxytocin after cesarean delivery under isoflurane anesthesia. METHODS: After ethical approval, 366 patients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were randomly allocated to receive either sublingual misoprostol 400µg (n=179) or placebo tablet (n=187) after intubation. Anesthesia was maintained with 0.5-0.7 MAC isoflurane with nitrous oxide. All patients received intravenous infusion of 10IU of oxytocin after placental delivery. Perioperative estimated blood loss, uterine tone, need for supplementary oxytocin, hematocrit, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: After induction, patients receiving sublingual misoprostol had significant less perioperative estimated blood loss (202±383.1 vs. 708±204.3mL, p<0.001), need for oxytocin (p<0.001), higher hematocrit levels (p<0.001) and uterine tone (p<0.02). The incidence of shivering was higher in the misoprostol group (p=0.04). There were no differences between the two groups as regarding Apgar scores, nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal disturbances and pyrexia. CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of sublingual misoprostol 400µg is safe and effective in attenuating the maternal bleeding and uterine atony from isoflurane anesthesia for cesarean delivery.