Effect of Preoperative Anxiety on Depth of Anaesthesia and In Vitro Fertilization Success.

Objective: Infertility anxiety may have a harmful effect on embryo quality and fertilization during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Monitoring brain function gives real-time information about the depth of anaesthesia of a patient. This study examined the effect of preoperative anxiety on the depth of anaesthesia and IVF success. Methods: One hundred thirty-one patients who had undergone oocyte retrieval were divided into two groups according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI): the low-anxious Group L (n = 71) and high-anxious Group H (n = 60). Hemodynamic stability, intraoperative total propofol and fentanyl consumption, good quality embryo (GQE) rate, and fertilization rate were recorded. Results: Fertilization and GQE rates were not significant between groups L and H. Total propofol consumption was significantly higher in group H than in group L. Heart rate (HR) preoperatively and postoperatively and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) preoperatively and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) postoperatively were significantly increased in group H than in group L. The time for the modified Aldrete score to reach 9 (MAS 9) in group H was significantly higher than that in group L. The effect of variables that were found significantly in the univariate analysis (Propofol, HRpreop, HRpostop, SAPpreop, DAPpostop, and MAS 9) on BAI score. Conclusion: Total propofol consumption was higher in patients with high anxiety levels, but it did not have a negative effect on IVF success.

Endotracheal Intubation for Penetrating Neck Trauma.

Tracheal intubation is performed as part of daily routine in the operating room, rarely with complications. However, management of airway for cases such as a penetrating neck trauma case might constitute exceptions, in which cases the stabilization of the neck to prevent any further neural damage is a significant source of concern for the anesthesiologist. Generally, intubation techniques for penetrating neck trauma were planned according to the initial position of patients. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of alterated the position of the patient during the anesthesia induction for direct laryngoscopy. We report a case of successful airway management of a patient with penetrating neck trauma, by endotracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy (DL) technique.

Effects of polygeline and hydroxyethyl starch solutions on liver functions assessed with LIMON in hypovolemic patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypovolemia is a common clinical entity in critical patients, and adequate volume replacement therapy seems to be essential for maintaining tissue perfusion. However, it is still uncertain which solution is most appropriate for fluid resuscitation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fluid resuscitation with 3.5% polygeline versus 6% hydroxyethyl starch solutions on hemodynamic functions and liver functions assessed with a noninvasive liver function monitoring system (LIMON) in hypovolemic patients. DESIGN: This study is a prospective randomized clinical trial. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Thirty hypovolemic patients (intrathoracic blood volume index, <850 mL/m(2)) were randomized into hydroxyethyl starch (mean molecular weight, 130,000 Da) and polygeline (mean molecular weight, 30,000 Da) groups (15 patients each). Indocyanine green plasma disappearance elimination (ICG-PDR) were conducted concurrently using LIMON. A dose of 0.3 mg/kg ICG was given through a cubital fossa vein as a bolus. For fluid resuscitation, 500 mL of colloid was given to the patients. Repeated hemodynamic and ICG-PDR measurements were done at baseline, after infusion, and then at 30 minutes after infusion. RESULTS: Intrathoracic blood volume index and systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures increased significantly after infusion and remained elevated for 30 minutes after infusion, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Indocyanine green plasma disappearance elimination values were similar in both groups with no significant difference between the two. CONCLUSION: Increasing intrathoracic blood volume index and hemodynamic variables by fluid loading is not associated with a significant change in ICG-PDR.

The prognostic value of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides, troponin I and C-reactive protein in patients with sepsis.

AIM: To investigate the plasma levels of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as prognostic factors for survival in patients with sepsis. METHOD: Evaluation of serum levels of ANP, BNP, cTnI and CRP of patients on admission to an intensive care unit, two days later, and on the day of discharge from the intensive care unit or on the day of death. RESULTS: ANP levels were significantly higher in the nonsurviving patients (day 1: 70.00+/-49.54 pg/mL; day 2: 138.85+/-143.15 pg/mL; and died/discharged day: 375.70+/-262.66 pg/mL) than surviving patients (day 1: 23.96+/-29.93 pg/mL; day 2: 10.06+/-6.03 pg/mL; died/discharged day: 6.68+/-100.98 pg/mL, P<0.001). The BNP levels were significantly higher in the nonsurvivors (day 1: 254.78+/-308.62 pg/mL; day 2: 383.22+/-307.19 pg/mL; and died/discharged day: 696.47+/-340.33 pg/mL), than survivors (day 1: 13.72+/-12.95 pg/mL; day 2: 7.20+/-5.85 pg/mL; died/discharged day: 4.51+/-4.64 pg/mL, P<0.001). The cTnI levels were significantly higher in the nonsurviving patients (day 2: 0.16+/-0.38 mug/L; died/discharged day: 0.78+/-2.48 mug/L) than surviving patients (day 2: 0.04+/-0.07 mug/L; died/discharged day: 0.02+/-0.01 mug/L, P<0.05). The CRP levels were significantly higher in the nonsurvivors (day 2: 119.3+/-71.5 mg/L; and died/discharged day: 145.7+/-74.7 mg/L) than survivors (day 2: 57.0+/-29.7 mg/L; died/discharged day: 26.8+/-24.0 mg/L, P<0.05). There were no significant differences between nonsurvivors and survivors for cTnI and CRP on day 1. CONCLUSION: With the exception of cTnI and CRP on day 1, all of the parameters were significantly powerful to determine nonsurvivors on all days. Among these variables, BNP was the most powerful diagnostic parameter for the prediction of nonsurvivors on all days.

High C-reactive protein and low cholesterol levels are prognostic markers of survival in severe sepsis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum C-reactive protein and cholesterol as a prognostic factor for survival in patients with severe sepsis. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: The study population consisted of 96 patients (age range, 18-75 years; median, 56 years; men/women ratio, 40:56) in whom severe sepsis was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS: Patients' serum levels of C-reactive protein and cholesterol were measured upon admission to an intensive care unit, two days later, and on the day of discharge from the intensive care unit or on the day of death. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cholesterol levels were significantly lower among the nonsurviving patients (day 1, 92.2 +/- 25.1 mg/dL; day 2, 92.1 +/- 21.7 mg/dL; death/discharge day, 92.2 +/- 21.7 mg/dL) than surviving patients (day 1, 175.1 +/- 38.6 mg/dL [P < 0.001]; day 2, 173.0 +/- 39.3 mg/dL [P < 0.001]; death/discharge day, 171.8 +/- 39.6 mg/dL [P = 0.010]). Median C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher among the nonsurvivors (day 1, 32 mg/dL [range, 20.5-64.5 mg/dL]; day 2, 33 mg/dL [range, 22-74.5 mg/dL]; death/discharge day, 30 mg/dL [range, 22-57 mg/dL]) than survivors (day 1, 10 mg/dL [range, 6-14 mg/dL]; day 2, 9 mg/dL [range, 5-10 mg/dL]; death/discharge day, 6 mg/dL [range, 3-9 mg/dL]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum C-reactive protein and cholesterol are a predictor of survival in patients with severe sepsis. Low cholesterol and high C-reactive protein levels appear as a valuable tool for individual risk assessment in severe sepsis patients and for stratification of high-risk patients in future intervention trials.

Premedication with gabapentin: the effect on tourniquet pain and quality of intravenous regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin, an oral non-opioid analgesic, has been used to decrease pain after a variety of surgical procedures. We hypothesized that premedication with gabapentin would minimize tourniquet-related pain in patients receiving IV regional anesthesia (IVRA). METHODS: Patients undergoing elective hand surgery with IVRA were randomly assigned to one of two study groups using a double-blind study design. The control group (n = 20) received placebo capsules 1 h before the surgery, and the gabapentin group (n = 20) received gabapentin 1.2 g p.o. before the operation. IVRA was achieved in all patients with lidocaine, 3 mg/kg, diluted with saline to a total volume of 40 mL. Fentanyl, 0.5 microg/kg IV, was administered as a rescue analgesic during surgery. Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times, tourniquet pain, and quality of anesthesia were assessed at specific time intervals during the perioperative period. Visual analog scale pain scores (0-10) were recorded during the 24 h follow-up period, and patients received diclofenac, 75 mg IM, if their pain score was >4. RESULTS: The onset of the sensory and motor block did not differ between the two study groups. However, tourniquet pain scores at 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after cuff inflation were lower in the gabapentin group (P < 0.05). The time to intraoperative analgesic rescue was prolonged in the gabapentin group (35 +/- 10 min vs 21 +/- 13 min, P < 0.05), and less supplemental fentanyl was required (35 +/- 47 microg vs 83 +/- 73 microg, P < 0.05). The quality of anesthesia, as independently assessed by the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, was significantly better in the gabapentin (versus control) group. In the gabapentin group, the time to requesting a rescue analgesic after surgery was prolonged (135 +/- 25 min vs 85 +/- 19 min, P < 0.05), and postoperative pain scores at 60 min (3.8 +/- 0.9 vs 2.2 +/- 0.5) and 120 min (3.2 +/- 1.4 vs 1.8 +/- 0.8), as well as diclofenac consumption (30 +/- 38 mg vs 60 +/- 63 mg), were reduced after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Premedication with oral gabapentin (1.2 g) decreased tourniquet-related pain and improved the quality of anesthesia during hand surgery under IVRA. Gabapentin also reduced pain scores in the early postoperative period.

Infiltration with ropivacaine plus lornoxicam reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption.

PURPOSE: To compare efficacy and patient outcome of wound infiltration with ropivacaine, lornoxicam, or their combination for control of pain following thyroid surgery. METHODS: Eighty patients underwent thyroid surgery were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Before skin closure, local tissues were infiltrated with 12 mL saline in Group S, with 10 mL of ropivacaine 0.75% plus 2 mL saline in Group R, with 2 mL of lornoxicam (8 mg) plus 10 mL saline in Group L, and with 10 mL ropivacaine 0.75% plus 2 mL lornoxicam (8 mg) in Group RL. Pain scores, total and incremental meperidine con-eight, 12, 18, and 24 hr postoperatively. Time to first analgesic requirement, patient satisfaction, and duration of hospital stay were also compared after surgery. RESULTS: The pain scores in Group RL were significantly lower in the first 12 hr than in Group S, and in the first four hours than in Groups R and L (P < 0.01). The time to first analgesic requirement was significantly longer (14.8 +/- 8.4 hr vs 5.9 +/- 5.2 hr; P < 0.01), the total pethidine consumption was significantly less than Group S (34.0 +/- 33.0 mg vs 78.0 +/- 29.8 mg; P<0.001), return of gastrointestinal function, ambulation time, length of hospital stay (P < 0.05) were significantly shorter, and patient satisfaction (P < 0.01) was significantly better in Group RL than in Group S (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Wound infiltration with ropivacaine 0.75% plus lornoxicam 8 mg combination improved postoperative pain control and patient comfort, and decreased the need for opioids than the use of either drug alone.

Preemptive oral rofecoxib plus postoperative intraarticular bupivacaine for pain relief after arthroscopic knee surgery.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis whether preemptive administration of rofecoxib, a novel selective COX-2 inhibitor, can prolong intraarticular bupivacaine analgesia after arthroscopic knee surgery. Sixty-two patients were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Group 1 (n=21) was administered oral rofecoxib 50 mg 1 h before surgery plus intraarticular 0.5 % bupivacaine 20 ml postoperatively. Group 2 (n=21) was administered the same dose of bupivacaine. Group 3 (n=20) was administered saline 20 ml intraarticularly after surgery. Pain scores (VAS) were assessed at 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. Analgesia duration, analgesic (tramadol and tenoxicam) requirements, and adverse effects were recorded postoperatively for 24 h. Pain scores were significantly lower in the Group 1 at all time points (p<0.05, p<0.001) and were significantly lower in the Group 2 at 30 min (p<0.001), 1 and 4 h (p<0.05) compared to the Group 3. Pain scores were significantly lower in the Group 1 compared to the Group 2 during the first 4 h after surgery (p<0.05, p<0.001). Analgesia duration was longer in Group 1 than Group 2 or 3 (743.0 +/- 480.5 min versus 262.4 +/- 292.2 min and 17.0 +/- 12.1 min; p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively), and in Group 2 than Group 3 (p<0.05). Tramadol requirements were significantly less in Group 1 than Group 2 and 3 (4.8 +/- 15.0 mg versus 40.5 +/- 43.6 mg and 67.5 +/- 24.5 mg; p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively), and in Group 2 than Group 3 (p<0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups regarding the tenoxicam requirements and adverse effects. In conclusion, the combination of oral rofecoxib administered preemptively and intraarticular bupivacaine administered postoperatively provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the opioid requirements after arthroscopic knee surgery, when compared to bupivacaine alone or saline.

Intravenous regional anesthesia using lidocaine and magnesium.

We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of magnesium, when added to lidocaine for IV regional anesthesia (IVRA), on tourniquet pain. Thirty patients undergoing elective hand surgery during IVRA were randomly assigned to two groups. IVRA was achieved with 10 mL of saline plus 3 mg/kg lidocaine 0.5% diluted with saline to a total of 40 mL in group C or with 10 mL of 15% magnesium sulfate (12.4 mmol) plus 3 mg/kg lidocaine 0.5% diluted with saline to a total of 40 mL in group M. Injection pain, sensory and motor block onset and recovery time, tourniquet pain, and anesthesia quality were noted. Patients were instructed to receive 75 mg of IM diclofenac when the visual analog scale (VAS) score was >4, and analgesic requirements were recorded. Sensory and motor block onset times were shorter and recovery times were prolonged in group M (P < 0.05). VAS scores of tourniquet pain were lower in group M at 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min (P < 0.001). Anesthesia quality, as determined by the anesthesiologist and surgeon, was better in group M (P < 0.05). Time to the first postoperative analgesic request in group C was 95 +/- 29 min and in group M was 155 +/- 38 min (P < 0.05). Postoperative VAS scores were higher for the first postoperative 6 h in group C (P < 0.05). Diclofenac consumption was significantly less in group M (50 +/- 35 mg) when compared with group C (130 + 55 mg) (P < 0.05). We conclude that magnesium as an adjunct to lidocaine improves the quality of anesthesia and analgesia in IVRA.

The effect of tramadol or clonidine added to intraperitoneal bupivacaine on postoperative pain in total abdominal hysterectomy.

Recent studies suggest that intraperitoneal application of local anesthetics is useful in abdominal surgery. Tramadol and clonidine have specific effects on peripheral nerves when used alone. We aimed to evaluate the effects of intraperitoneal application of bupivacaine and the combinations of bupivacaine plus tramadol and bupivacaine plus clonidine on postoperative pain in total abdominal hysterectomy. After standard anesthetic procedure during closure of the abdomen, Group 1 (n = 20) was given 20 mL bupivacaine 0.5 percent, Group 2 (n = 20) was given 20 mL bupivacaine 0.5 percent plus 100 mg tramadol, and Group 3 (n = 20) was given 20 mL bupivacaine 0.5 percent plus 1 microg per kg clonidine, all into the peritoneal cavity. Postoperative pain was evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS) at 30 minutes, and two, four, six, 12, and 24 hours after extubation. While patients were supine and seated, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) values were noted. When VAS scores were 4 to 7, 0.5 mg per kg of meperidine was given intramuscularly (IM); above 7, 1 mg per kg of meperidine was given IM; and when VAS scores were 2 to 4, 500 mg acetaminophen was given orally. For evaluating quality of analgesia, rescue analgesic dose, analgesia time, and side effects were noted. The groups were similar in respect to SpO2; however, when Group 1 was compared to Groups 2 and 3 at 30 minutes, and two, four, and six hours, MAP and HR measurements were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05). VAS values in sitting and supine positions at 30 minutes and two hours were significantly lower in Group 2 (p < 0.05) when compared to Group 1. VAS values for Group 3 at 30 minutes, and two and four hours in the supine position, and at 30 minutes and two hours in the sitting position, were found to be significantly lower than those in Group 1 (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between Groups 2 and 3. The mean dosage of meperidine used was 76.7+/-10.5 mg in Group 1, 63.9+/-8.4 mg in Group 2, and 70 +/-5.2 mg in Group 3. When Group 1 was compared to Group 2, there were significant differences found (p < 0.05). First analgesic requirement time was found to be 30 (range, 30 to 30) minutes in Group 1, 120 (range, 30 to 240) minutes in Group 2, and 110 (range, 30 to 240) minutes in Group 3. There were significant differences found when Groups 2 and 3 were compared to Group 1 (p < 0.05). We concluded that the combinations of bupivacaine plus tramadol and bupivacaine plus clonidine administered intraperitoneally in total abdominal hysterectomy operations provide more effective analgesia than bupivacaine alone during the early postoperative period.

Effects of lornoxicam on the physiology of severe sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of intravenous lornoxicam on haemodynamic and biochemical parameters, serum cytokine levels and patient outcomes in severe sepsis. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with severe sepsis were included, and were randomly assigned (20 per group) to receive either lornoxicam (8 mg administered intravenously every 12 hours for six doses) or placebo. For both groups the following were recorded: haemodynamic parameters (heart rate, mean arterial pressure), nasopharyngeal body temperature, arterial blood gas changes (pH, partial oxygen tension, partial carbon dioxide tension), plasma cytokine levels (IL-1beta, IL-2 receptor, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha), biochemical parameters (lactate, leucocytes, trombocytes, creatinine, total bilirubin, serum glutamate oxalate transaminase), length of stay in the intensive care unit, duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality. All measurements were obtained at baseline (before the start of the study) and at 24, 48 and 72 hours from the start of lornoxicam/placebo administration. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the intravenous lornoxicam and placebo groups in major cytokines, duration of ventilation and length of intensive care unit stay, and inspired fractional oxygen/arterial oxygen tension ratio (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In these patients with severe sepsis, we found intravenous lornoxicam to exert no effect on haemodynamic and biochemical parameters, cytokine levels, or patient outcomes. Because of the small number of patients included in the study and the short period of observation, these findings require confirmation by larger clinical trials of intravenous lornoxicam, administered in a dose titrated manner.

The analgesic effects of gabapentin in monitored anesthesia care for ear-nose-throat surgery.

We investigated the efficacy and safety of gabapentin in rhinoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery patients. Patients received either oral placebo or gabapentin 1200 mg 1 h before surgery. After standard premedication, 25 patients in each group received propofol, fentanyl, and local anesthesia at the operative site. Sedation was maintained by a continuous infusion of propofol adjusted according to the Ramsay scale. Sedation and pain scores were obtained at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min during surgery and 30 min and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h after the procedure. Diclofenac 75 mg IM was administered as a rescue analgesic. Postoperative pain scores and intraoperative pain scores at 45 and 60 min were significantly lower in the gabapentin group. Fentanyl (122 +/- 40 microg versus 148 +/- 42 microg; P < 0.05) and diclofenac (33 +/- 53 mg versus 111 +/- 92 mg; P < 0.001) consumption was smaller and the time to first analgesic request (18 +/- 9 h versus 9 +/- 7 h; P < 0.001) was longer in the gabapentin group. A more frequent incidence of dizziness was found in the gabapentin (versus placebo) group (24% versus 4%, respectively). We conclude that gabapentin provided a significant analgesic benefit for intraoperative and postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing ambulatory rhinoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery; however, dizziness may be a handicap for ambulatory use.

Analgesic effects of gabapentin after spinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: A combination of opioid and nonopioid analgesic drugs may improve the quality of postoperative analgesia as well as reduce opioid requirements and their associated side effects. Studies have shown synergism between gabapentin and morphine in animal and human experiments and in the treatment of incisional pain. Therefore, the authors investigated, in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, the effects of gabapentin on acute postoperative pain and morphine consumption in patients undergoing spinal surgery. METHODS: After standard premedication, 25 patients in the control group received oral placebo, and 25 patients in the gabapentin group received 1,200 mg of gabapentin, 1 h before surgery in a randomized fashion. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and cisatracurium and was maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil. The total intraoperative remifentanil consumption by each patient was noted. All patients postoperatively received patient-controlled analgesia with morphine (1 mg/ml) with an incremental dose of 2 mg, a lockout interval of 10 min, and a 4-h limit of 40 mg. The incremental dose was increased to 3 mg, and the 4-h limit to 50 mg, if analgesia was inadequate after 1 h. Patients were questioned for the first 1 h in the PACU and were later evaluated in the ward at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h. Pain scores, heart rate, oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry, mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, sedation, morphine use, and total dose of morphine were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, pain scores at 1, 2, and 4 h were significantly lower in the gabapentin group when compared with the placebo group. Total morphine consumption in the gabapentin group was 16.3 +/- 8.9 mg (mean +/- SD) versus 42.8 +/- 10.9 mg in the placebo patients. The incidence of vomiting and urinary retention was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the placebo group, but there was no difference in incidence of other adverse effects between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative oral gabapentin decreased pain scores in the early postoperative period and postoperative morphine consumption in spinal surgery patients while decreasing some morphine-associated side effects.

The analgesic effects of gabapentin after total abdominal hysterectomy.

UNLABELLED: We investigated, in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, the efficacy and safety of gabapentin on pain after abdominal hysterectomy and on tramadol consumption in patients. The 50 patients were randomized to receive either oral placebo or gabapentin 1200 mg 1 h before surgery. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane in 50% N(2)O/O(2) with a fresh gas flow of 2 L/min (50% N(2)O in O(2)) and fentanyl (2 microg/kg). All patients received patient-controlled analgesia with tramadol with a 50 mg initial loading dose, 20 mg incremental dose, 10-min lockout interval, and 4-h limit of 300 mg. The incremental dose was increased to 30 mg if analgesia was inadequate after 1 h. Patients were studied at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h for visual analog (VAS) pain scores, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, mean arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, sedation, and tramadol consumption. The VAS scores in the sitting and supine position at 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 h were significantly lower in the gabapentin group when compared with the placebo group up to 20 h after surgery. The tramadol consumption at 12, 16, 20, and 24 h and total tramadol consumption were significantly less in the gabapentin group when compared with placebo group. Sedation scores were similar at all the measured times. There were no differences between groups in adverse effects. Preoperative oral gabapentin decreased pain scores and postoperative tramadol consumption in patients after abdominal hysterectomy. IMPLICATIONS: This randomized, controlled trial examined the effects of preoperative oral gabapentin 1200 mg on postoperative pain and tramadol consumptions. We conclude that preoperative oral gabapentin is effective in reducing postoperative pain scores and tramadol consumption in patients after abdominal hysterectomy.

Adding dexmedetomidine to lidocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia.

UNLABELLED: Dexmedetomidine is approximately 8 times more selective toward the alpha-2-adrenoceptors than clonidine. It decreases anesthetic requirements by up to 90% and induces analgesia in patients. We designed this study to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine when added to lidocaine in IV regional anesthesia (IVRA). We investigated onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks, the quality of the anesthesia, intraoperative-postoperative hemodynamic variables, and intraoperative-postoperative pain and sedation. Thirty patients undergoing hand surgery were randomly assigned to 2 groups to receive IVRA. They received 40 mL of 0.5% lidocaine and either 1 mL of isotonic saline (group L, n = 15) or 0.5 microg/kg dexmedetomidine (group LD, n = 15). Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times and anesthesia quality were noted. Before and after the tourniquet application at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 min, hemodynamic variables, tourniquet pain and sedation, and analgesic use were recorded. After the tourniquet deflation, at 30 min, and 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h, hemodynamic variables, pain and sedation values, time to first analgesic requirement, analgesic use, and side effects were noted. Shortened sensory and motor block onset times, prolonged sensory and motor block recovery times, prolonged tolerance for the tourniquet, and improved quality of anesthesia were found in group LD. Visual analog scale scores were significantly less in group LD in the intraoperative period and 30 min, and 2, 4, and 6 h after tourniquet release. Intra-postoperative analgesic requirements were significantly less in group LD. Time to first analgesic requirements was significantly longer in group LD in the postoperative period. We conclude that the addition of 0.5 microg/kg dexmedetomidine to lidocaine for IVRA improves quality of anesthesia and perioperative analgesia without causing side effects. IMPLICATIONS: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine when added to lidocaine for IV regional anesthesia. This is the first clinical study demonstrating that the addition of 0.5 microg/kg dexmedetomidine to lidocaine for IV regional anesthesia improves quality of anesthesia and intraoperative-postoperative analgesia without causing side effects.

The effect of intravenous pantoprazole and ranitidine for improving preoperative gastric fluid properties in adults undergoing elective surgery.

UNLABELLED: We studied pantoprazole, a new potent and fast-acting proton pump inhibitor. Its effects on preoperative gastric fluid volume and pH have not yet been determined. In this randomized, controlled trial, we examined the effects of preoperative IV pantoprazole or ranitidine on gastric pH and volume. Ninety patients (ASA status I and II, scheduled for elective surgery) were studied. One hour before surgery, patients in Group I (n = 30) were given IV saline 5 mL, those in Group II (n = 30) were given 40 mg of pantoprazole IV, and those in Group III (n = 30) were given 50 mg of ranitidine IV. A nasogastric tube was inserted immediately after anesthesia induction. Gastric contents were aspirated, and volume and pH were recorded. The pH values determined in Group I were 3.73 +/- 0.82; in Group II, they were 5.30 +/- 1.84; and in Group III, they were 4.80 +/- 1.40. There was no statistical difference between Groups 2 and 3, but there was a significant difference between Group I and Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.0005). The volume of the gastric contents was 28.67 +/- 10.98 mL in Group I, 15.20 +/- 15.52 mL in Group II, and 7.77 +/- 11.17 mL in Group III. There was no statistical difference between Groups 2 and 3, but there was a statistically significant difference between Group I and Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.0005). The proportion of patients considered "at risk" of significant lung injury should aspiration occur was 20% of Group I, 10% of Group II, and 3.3% of Group III. When statistically evaluated, there was no difference among groups. We concluded that the administration of IV pantoprazole and ranitidine 1 h before surgery is effective in reducing gastric pH and volume. IMPLICATIONS: This randomized, controlled trial examined the effects of preoperative IV pantoprazole or ranitidine on gastric pH and volume. We concluded that IV pantoprazole and ranitidine, given 1 h before surgery, are effective in reducing gastric pH and volume.

Comparison of sufentanil with sufentanil plus magnesium sulphate for sedation in the intensive care unit using bispectral index.

INTRODUCTION: In intensive care unit patients we assessed, using bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, whether the addition of magnesium sulphate infusion could decrease the sufentanil infusion required to maintain sedation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 30 adult patients who were expected to require mechanical ventilation for 6 hours in the intensive care unit were randomly assigned to receive either sufentanil infusion or sufentanil plus magnesium infusion. We monitored BIS levels continuously. BIS levels in the range 61-88 are required to maintain a state of sedation, and in both groups BIS levels were kept within this range by increasing or decreasing the sufentanil infusion. Hourly consumption of sufentanil was monitored. Cardiovascular, respiratory and biochemical data were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to cardiovascular, respiratory and biochemical parameters. Magnesium infusion, when added to sufentanil infusion, decreased the consumption of sufentanil at all times accept during the first hour (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in BIS values between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first clinical study to demonstrate that magnesium sulphate infusion decreases sufentanil requirements. Because of the limited number of patients included and the short period of observation, our findings must be confirmed by larger clinical trials of magnesium infusion titrated to achieve prespecified levels of sedation. Furthermore, randomized clinical studies are needed to determine the effects of magnesium infusion on opioids.

Caudal neostigmine for postoperative analgesia in paediatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate analgesia and side-effects of caudal neostigmine coadministered with bupivacaine in paediatric surgery. METHODS: We studied children, aged 1-5 years, undergoing elective surgery (inguinal hernia and hypospadias). After standard induction of anaesthesia, caudal anaesthesia was performed. Group 1 received 0.25% bupivacaine 0.5 ml.kg-1 and Group 2 received 0.25% bupivacaine 0.5 ml x kg-1 with 1 microg x kg-1 neostigmine via the caudal route. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded before induction, after induction but before caudal anaesthesia, and then every 5 min after caudal anaesthesia. Haemodynamic, Toddler, Preschooler, Postoperative Pain Scale (TPPPS) pain score and sedation score values were recorded 30 min after extubation and at hours 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24. A pain score >3/10 resulted in administration of rectal paracetamol. The duration of postoperative analgesia was defined as the time between caudal drug injection and the first rectal paracetamol administration. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups in demographic and haemodynamic date, duration of surgery and anaesthesia, time to extubation or sedation scores. The duration of postoperative pain relief did not differ between the two groups; 15.40 +/- 10.97 h for group 1 vs. 15.45 +/- 10.99 h for group 2 (P > 0.05). The incidence of nausea (three patients in group 2 and one patient in group 1) was not statistically significant. No other side-effects were seen. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a single caudal injection of 1 microg x kg-1 neostigmine mixed with bupivacaine offers no significant advantage over bupivacaine alone for postoperative pain relief in children undergoing genitourinary surgery.