The use of granisetron on bupivacaine induced sciatic nerve block in rats.

PURPOSE: The effects of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptor antagonists on regional anaesthesia are complex and unclear. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that granisetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, would decrease the duration of motor block, sensory block, and proprioception in a dose-dependent fashion in a rat model of bupivacaine-induced sciatic nerve blockade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight male Wistar Albino rats that received unilateral sciatic nerve blocks were randomly divided into five experimental groups. Group B received a perineural of 0.3 ml of bupivacaine alone; Group BG800 received perineural 0.3 ml of bupivacaine and 800 µg of granisetron 10 min later; Group BG1200 received perineural 0.3 ml of bupivacaine and 1200 µg of granisetron 10 min later; Group BG1200IP received a perineural 0.3 ml of bupivacaine and an intraperitoneal injection of 1200 µg of granisetron 10 min later; and Group S was sham operated. A blinded investigator assessed motor, sensory and proprioception function every 10 min until the return of normal function. RESULTS: The medians for recovery times in Group B, Group BG800, Group BG1200, and Group BG1200IP were 105, 64, 85, and 120 min for motor function, respectively; 80, 64, 84, and 104 min for sensory function; 80, 63, 85, and 108 min were calculated for the proprioception function. The time to the return of normal motor, sensory, and proprioception function was not statistically significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Motor block did not develop in any of the rats in Group S. CONCLUSIONS: Local and systemic application of granisetron was not significantly decrease the duration of bupivacaine induced motor, sensory, and proprioception block of sciatic nerve in rat.

Association between Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum Biomarker Levels and Diagnosis, Injury Severity, and Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is recognized as a global problem that can lead to a range of acute and secondary complications impacting morbidity and mortality. There is still a lack of reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in patients with SCI that could help guide clinical care and identify novel therapeutic targets for future drug discovery. The aim of this prospective controlled study was to determine the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and serum profiles of 10 biomarkers as indicators of SCI diagnosis, severity, and prognosis to aid in assessing appropriate treatment modalities. CSF and serum samples of 15 SCI and ten healthy participants were included in the study. The neurological assessments were scored on admission and at discharge from the hospital using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Score (AIS) grades. The CSF and serum concentrations of SBDP150, S100B, GFAP, NF-L, UCHL-1, Tau, and IL-6 were significantly higher in SCI patients when compared with the control group. The CSF GBDP 38/44K, UCHL-L1, S100B, GFAP, and Tau levels were significantly higher in the AIS A patients. This study demonstrated a strong correlation between biomarker levels in the diagnosis and injury severity of SCI but no association with short-term outcomes. Future prospective controlled studies need to be done to support the results of this study.

Estimating the Lumbar Puncture Needle Depth in Children.

Background: Lumbar puncture's (LP) success is dependent on the skill of the physician, anatomy, size, and posture of the patient. Aims: The purpose of this study was to describe a method that could be used to help estimate the correct depth of needle (Y) insertion in children based on age, weight (W), and height (H). Methods: The study consisted of 200 children American Society of Anesthesiologist class I-II aged 0-12 years who underwent spinal block for orthopedic, pediatric, and genitourinary surgery. The distance from the skin entry point to the tip of the spinal needle was measured after the LP was performed. The relationship between the Y and W, H and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Predictive statistical models were used to determine the LP needle depth. A paired sample t-test was conducted to compare the findings of the developed model with those of earlier models. Results: The patients were aged 2-144 months, with H and W of 43-154 cm and 2.5-48 kg, respectively. The BMI was 10.75-37.72 kg/m2. Before the Y was estimated, the relationship between the independent variables and the depth variable, which was the dependent variable, was examined. According to the obtained results, the model consists of strong relationships with H, W, and H + W. The formula for predicting Y based on W plus H was as follows: for all patients: Y (cm) = 0.861 + 0.012 × H (cm) + 0.035 × W (kg). Based on H, the formula for predicting the required Y was as follows: For all patients: Y (cm) = 0.393 + 0.023 × H (cm). Based on W, the formula for predicting the required Y was as follows: For all patients: Y (cm) = 1.460 + [0.067 × W (kg)]. Conclusion: The formula may provide a more reliable estimate of the required LP depth in children than that obtained using current models. However, larger studies are needed to standardize the formula.

Complications in Pediatric Regional Anesthesia: An Analysis of More than 100,000 Blocks from the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network.

WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Complications in pediatric regional anesthesia are rare, so a large sample size is necessary to quantify risk. The Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network contains data on more than 100,000 blocks administered at more than 20 children's hospitals. This study analyzed the risk of major complications associated with regional anesthesia in children. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study of routine clinical practice. Data were collected on every regional block placed by an anesthesiologist at participating institutions and were uploaded to a secure database. The data were audited at multiple points for accuracy. RESULTS: There were no permanent neurologic deficits reported (95% CI, 0 to 0.4:10,000). The risk of transient neurologic deficit was 2.4:10,000 (95% CI, 1.6 to 3.6:10,000) and was not different between peripheral and neuraxial blocks. The risk of severe local anesthetic systemic toxicity was 0.76:10,000 (95% CI, 0.3 to 1.6:10,000); the majority of cases occurred in infants. There was one epidural abscess reported (0.76:10,000, 95% CI, 0 to 4.8:10,000). The incidence of cutaneous infections was 0.5% (53:10,000, 95% CI, 43 to 64:10,000). There were no hematomas associated with neuraxial catheters (95% CI, 0 to 3.5:10,000), but one epidural hematoma occurred with a paravertebral catheter. No additional risk was observed with placing blocks under general anesthesia. The most common adverse events were benign catheter-related failures (4%). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study demonstrate a level of safety in pediatric regional anesthesia that is comparable to adult practice and confirms the safety of placing blocks under general anesthesia in children.

Efficacy of Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy to Dorsal Root Ganglion Adding to TENS and Exercise for Persistent Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The majority of patients achieve substantial pain relief and improved function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but a proportion continues to experience life-disturbing persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) in the months and years after surgery. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), exercise, and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment on pain severity, neuropathic pain, knee flexion range of motion (ROM), functional status, and patient satisfaction in patients with PPSP after TKA. This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Patients who were identified retrospectively from hospital charts were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 17) received TENS and exercise treatment and group 2 (n = 22) received TENS, exercise, and PRF application to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The following procedure-related parameters were collected from the special registry form: visual analog scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire, knee flexion ROM, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and patient satisfaction scale scores. The mean follow-up was 253.8 ± 109 days. When the two groups were compared, a significant difference of at least 50% improvement in the VAS (activity) and a significant reduction in the DN4 scores following the last control examination were found in group 2. There was a significant reduction in total WOMAC scores in group 1 compared with group 2 for the four study periods. Higher scores for the patient satisfaction scale were found in group 1 compared with group 2 following the last control examination. Adding PRF to TENS and exercise therapy is useful in reducing the degree of pain and the neuropathic component of PPSP in patients with PPSP.

Transient Sensory Recovery in Stroke Patients After Pulsed Radiofrequency Electrical Stimulation on Dorsal Root Ganglia: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: The integrity of the somatosensory system is important for motor recovery and neuroplasticity after strokes. Peripheral stimulation or central stimulation in patients with central nervous system lesions can be an effective modality in improving function and in facilitating neuroplasticity. CASE REPORT: We present 2 hemiplegic cases with sensory motor deficit and the result of the pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) electrical stimulation to the dorsal root ganglia. After PRF electrical stimulation, significant improvement was achieved in the examination of patients with superficial and deep sensation. However, during the follow-up visits were observed that the effect of PRF electrical stimulation disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that these preliminary results could be used in the development of future prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that focus on the effect of PRF electrical stimulation on dorsal root ganglia to treat sensory deficits in poststroke patients.

Total Knee Arthroplasty due to Knee Osteoarthritis: Risk Factors for Persistent Postsurgical Pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify whether different patient characteristics and clinical factors can be risk factors in patients with persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Patients who underwent TKA due to knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups: those who experienced no or mild PPSP (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS] ≤ 3) (group 1, n = 91) and those who experienced moderate to severe PPSP (NRS > 3) (group 2, n = 183). Information on the characteristics of patients, comorbid diseases and pre-surgical NRS scores were obtained retrospectively from hospital charts. The follow-up time; pre-surgical and last control time walking distance; and ratings on the NRS, Pain DETECT Questionnaire (PDQ) and patient satisfaction scales were recorded from the standard questionnaire presented to patients during the telephone interview. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 22.8 ± 12.3 months. The rate of moderate to severe PPSP among patients amounted to 66.7% after TKA. No neuropathic pain was found in Group 1. In Group 2, 22.9% of patients experienced neuropathic pain, the results for 18% of patients were uncertain, and 59% of patients did not experience neuropathic pain. Group 2 had worse scores on the patient satisfaction scale following the last control time compared with Group 1. Being widowed, having a low education level, being a housewife, having employment that requires physical effort, pre-surgical pain intensity at rest and pre-surgical restricted walking distance are risk factors for Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: PPSP and the neuropathic component in PPSP after TKA are not underestimated for pain management and patient satisfaction. Subgroups of patients, particularly widowers, having a primary school education level or under, housewives, people with jobs that require physical effort, individuals with intense pre-surgical pain during rest and those suffering from pre-surgical restricted walking distance, are at higher risk of developing PPSP following TKA.

Pulsed radiofrequency applied to the dorsal root ganglia for treatment of post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome: A case series.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Complex regional pain syndrome is a painful and disabling syndrome where the patient presents with neuropathic pain, edema, or vasomotor or pseudomotor abnormalities that are often refractory to treatment. Complex regional pain syndrome type 1 may occurs in stroke patients. Radiofrequency is a therapeutic modality that has been used for years for diseases associated with neuropathic pain. DESIGN: Case series report. SETTING: Selcuk University Hospital. PATIENTS: A 69-year-old woman and a 48-year-old women who suffered post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome type 1. INTERVENTIONS: Pulsed radiofrequency current application to the cervical dorsal root ganglia. MEASUREMENTS: Pain reduction. MAIN RESULTS: The patients had complete resolution of their symptoms, which was maintained at 10 and 5 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These cases illustrates that pulsed radiofrequency applied to cervical dorsal root ganglia might play a significant role in multi-modal approach of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 management after stroke. Further randomized, controlled studies are needed to support this argument.

The effects of spinal anesthesia on auditory function in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent or transient hearing loss (HL) is a less-recognized complication of spinal anesthesia (SA) in the pediatric population, although it has been previously reported in adults. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SA on auditory function in the pediatric population. METHODS: After gaining institutional approval and parental consent, 30 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II children between 4 and 15 years undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Spinal blocks were performed in the midline with a 25G Quincke needle using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) tests were administered before surgery and one-day postoperative. Children with detected HL were retested on postoperative day seven. Preoperative and postoperative results were compared. A Wilcoxin Signed-Ranks test (with Bonferroni correction) was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant HL in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period. In 29 of 30 patients, no difference was detected at any frequency tested. In one patient, TEOAE and DPOAE tests were found to be decreased on postoperative day one. In this patient, control tests were found to be improved on postoperative day seven. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of SA may results in a low probability of transient hearing loss with no clinical significance in children 4-15 years of age.

Effect of menstrual cycle on orthodontic pain perception : A controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective, single-center, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on orthodontic pain perception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 women between 16 and 20 years old with regular menstrual periods who were scheduled to undergo extraction of two upper first premolars for orthodontic treatment were enrolled in this study. Laceback ligatures were used to move canines distally. After activating the laceback ligatures, each patient completed a questionnaire in order to assess pain and quality of life. Pain perception was recorded by patients on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a verbal rating scale-4 (VRS) immediately after activation (T1) and 24 h after activation (T2). During the appointment, each patient's menstrual-cycle phase (follicular or luteal) was determined by asking some questions about her cycle. For statistical analysis of data, the Mann-Whitney U, independent t test, and Wilcoxon tests were applied. RESULTS: Mean orthodontic pain score was 1.96 ± 0.80 and 47.08 ± 21.68 in the follicular phase, 1.92 ± 0.82 and 46.25 ± 18.92 in the luteal phase at T1 using the VRS and VAS, respectively. Orthodontic pain scores were worse in those patients in the luteal phase than those in the follicular phase (p < 0.05) in terms of both VRS (p = 0.025) and VAS (p = 0.046). No significant difference between pain scores at T1 and those at T2 in both luteal and follicular phases (p > 0.05) were observed. CONCLUSION: The menstrual phase has an influence on the perception of orthodontic pain which is higher in the luteal phase following the activation of laceback ligatures. In clinical practice, the phases of the menstrual cycle may have a significant role in how women perceive orthodontic pain.

The effectiveness of trendelenburg positioning on the cross-sectional area of the right internal jugular vein in obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: Trendelenburg positioning is a common approach used during internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation. No evidence indicates that Trendelenburg positioning significantly increases the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the IJV in obese patients. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Trendelenburg positioning on the CSA of the right internal jugular vein assessed with ultrasound measurement in obese patients. METHODS: Forty American Society of Anesthesiologists II patients with body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) undergoing various elective surgeries under general endotracheal anesthesia were enrolled. Ultrasound images of the right IJV were obtained in a transverse orientation at the cricoid level. We measured the CSA of the right IJV two different conditions in a sealed envelope were applied in random order: State 0, table flat (no tilt), with the patients in the supine position, and State T, in which the operating table was tilted 20° to the Trendelenburg position. RESULTS: The change in the CSA of the IJV from the supine to the Trendelenburg position (1.80 cm(2) vs 2.08cm(2)) was not significantly different. The CSA was paradoxically decreased in 10 of 36 patients when the position changed from State 0 to State T. CONCLUSIONS: Trendelenburg positioning does not significantly increase the mean CSA of the right IJV in obese patients. In fact, in some patients, this position decreases the CSA. The use of the Trendelenburg position for IJV cannulation in obese patients can no longer be supported.

Ultrasound validation of Trendelenburg positioning to increase internal jugular vein cross-sectional area in chronic dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Trendelenburg positioning (TP) is a common approach used during internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation. No evidence indicates that TP significantly increases the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the IJV or decreases the overlap between the carotid artery (CA) and the IJV in dialysis patients. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the TP on the CSA of the right IJV and on its relationship to the CA. METHODS: Thirty-seven consecutive hemodialysis patients older than 18 years of age were enrolled. We measured the CSA of the right IJV and overlap rate (at end-expiration at the level of the cricoid cartilage) between the CA and the IJV in two positions: State 0, table flat (no tilt), with the patient in the supine position; State T, in which the operating table was tilted to 15° of TP. RESULTS: Data were collected for all of the 37 patients enrolled in the study. The change in CSA and overlap between the CA and the IJV from the supine to the TP was not significantly different. The CSA was paradoxically decreased in 11 of 37 patients when changed from State 0 to State T. CONCLUSIONS: TP does not significantly increase the CSA of the right IJV or decrease the overlap between the CA and the IJV in dialysis patients. In fact, in some patients, it reduces the CSA. Therefore, the use of the TP for IJV cannulation in dialysis patients can no longer be supported.

Selective Low-Dose Spinal Anesthesia for Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Prospective and Randomized Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of spinal anesthesia by reducing anesthetic agent dose to provide better analgesia with minimal side effects without sacrificing the outpatient setting for prostate biopsy. In this study, efficacy and tolerability of selective low-dose spinal anesthesia versus intrarectal local anesthesia (IRLA) plus periprostatic nerve blockade (PPNB) were compared. METHODS: Between September 2012 and April 2013, 100 patients, aged 40 to 80 years, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≥4 ng/mL, abnormal digital rectal examinations, and enrolled for biopsy were included in the present study. Ensuring double blindness, pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Anal sphincter relaxation, patient satisfaction with the anesthesia technique, and motor response were evaluated. RESULTS: Differences between the two groups, considering age, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, total PSA, prostate volume, anesthesia duration, and cancer presence, were not statistically significant. Pain experienced during probe insertion, biopsy, and 30 minutes after biopsy was significantly lower in the low-dose spinal anesthesia group (P < 0.0001). Anal sphincter relaxation degree was significantly higher in the spinal group (P < 0.001). Patient procedure-related overall satisfaction level was significantly higher in the spinal anesthesia group (P < 0.001). In the spinal anesthesia group, no motor blockade was observed. Between the two groups, no statistically significant difference was seen with regard to complications (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Selective low-dose spinal anesthesia provides better pain relief than PPNB plus IRLA without sacrificing the day case setting in ambulatory practice. It is also associated with high patient satisfaction and willingness for a repeated biopsy without differences in procedure duration, tolerance, and complications.