The efficacy of addition of dexmedetomidine to intrathecal bupivacaine in lower abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is the common choice for anesthesia in lower abdomen surgery and intrathecal adjutants have gained popularity with the aim of prolonging the duration of block, quality of block and post operation pain control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding dexmedetomidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine in lower abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia. The main outcomes were considered pain score, duration of analgesia, hemodynamic changes and adverse side effects like nausea and vomiting. METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on one hundred patients between 18 to 65 years old scheduled for lower abdominal surgery. Fifty patients were randomly allocated to receive either 12.5mg hyperbaric bupivacaine (2.5cc) plus 5µgr dexmedetomidine (0.5cc) intrathecally while fifty patients received either 12.5mg hyperbaric bupivacaine (2.5cc) and 0.5cc Saline 0.9% intrathecally. RESULTS: Vital sign parameters like heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels were registered in the normal range in both groups. The average duration of the onset of pain (230±86 min) in bupivacaine group was significantly (p≤0.000) less than dexmedetomidine group (495±138 minutes). The severity of pain at all times in dexmedetomidine group was significantly (p<0.05) less than bupivacaine group. The severity of shivering and the number of patients who needed treatment for nausea and vomiting in dexmedetomedine group has been less in comparison to bupivacaine. CONCLUSION: We concluded that intrathecal dexmedetomidine increases the duration of analgesia and reduces postoperative pain without changes in the hemodynamic parameters and adverse side effects. It can be considered as an appropriate adjuvant to intrathecal local anesthetics for lower limb surgeries.

Comparison of the Effect of Dexamethasone and Tranexamic Acid, Separately or in Combination on Post-Rhinoplasty Edema and Ecchymosis.

BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone and tranexamic acid are used to decrease post-rhinoplasty periorbital edema and ecchymosis. We compared the impact of each medication separately or in combination in this regard. METHODS: A prospective, randomized triple-blinded study was undertaken on 60 patients who underwent primary open rhinoplasty. They were divided into four groups: Group D (n = 15) received 8 mg dexamethasone, group T (n = 15) received 10 mg/kg tranexamic acid, group DT (n = 15) received both 8 mg dexamethasone and 10 mg/kg tranexamic acid, and group P (n = 15) received neither medication and served as the placebo control group. The medications were given intravenously (IV) 1 h before and three doses every 8 h postoperatively. Digital photographs were taken on the first, third and seventh postoperative days. One expert examiner blinded to the study evaluated the periorbital edema and ecchymosis on a scale of 0-4. Periorbital edema and ecchymosis were examined in all groups. RESULTS: In group D, group T and group DT, periorbital edema and ecchymosis ratings were significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was seen in preventing or decreasing both periorbital edema and ecchymosis among group D, group T and group DT. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid and dexamethasone, separately or in combination, had similar effects in reducing periorbital edema and ecchymosis in open rhinoplasty. Combined application did not show a significantly higher beneficial effect in this regard. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Post spinal puncture headache, an old problem and new concepts: review of articles about predisposing factors.

Post spinal puncture headache (PSPH) is a well known complication of spinal anesthesia. It occurs after spinal anesthesia induction due to dural and arachnoid puncture and has a significant effect on the patient's postoperative well being. This manuscript is based on an observational study that runs on Babol University of Medical Sciences and review of literatures about current concepts about the incidence, risk factors and predisposing factors of post spinal puncture headache. The overall incidence of post-dural puncture headache after intentional dural puncture varies form 0.1-36%, while it is about 3.1% by atraumatic spinal needle 25G Whitacre. 25G Quincke needle with a medium bevel cutting is popular with widespread use and the incidence of PSPH is about 25%, but its incidence obtained 17.3% by spinal needle 25G Quincke in our observation. The association of predisposing factors like female, young age, pregnancy, low body mass index, multiple dural puncture, inexpert operators and past medical history of chronic headache, expose the patient to PSPH. The identification of factors that predict the likelihood of PSPH is important so that measures can be taken to minimize this painful complication resulting from spinal anesthesia.