Comparison of Ropivacaine versus Bupivacaine in Spinal-Induced Hypotension in Preeclampsia Patients: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Spinal anesthesia is considered to be the safest method of anesthesia for cesarean sections in patients with preeclampsia. Patients with preeclampsia are at an increased risk of experiencing severe hypotension following spinal anesthesia, which could have more profound and deleterious effects on both the fetus and the mother. However, bupivacaine, the most commonly used drug, can induce severe hypotension even at low doses. The purpose of this study is to minimize post-spinal hypotension in both the mother and the fetus. Objectives: To determine and compare the reduction in hypotension following spinal anesthesia in patients with preeclampsia between the ropivacaine and bupivacaine groups. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, a total of 90 parturients with preeclampsia undergoing spinal anesthesia were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups: One receiving ropivacaine and the other receiving bupivacaine. The dose of spinal ropivacaine was 15 mg of a 0.5% solution, and the dose of bupivacaine was also 15 mg of a 0.5 % solution. Hemodynamic parameters, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, were recorded following the administration of spinal anesthesia. Pain scores and the time until the return of motor movement were also documented. Results: For statistical analysis, the t-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests were utilized to compare the groups. Demographic variables, including maternal age, gestational age, parity, and gravidity, were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The trend of mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly lower in the bupivacaine group compared to the ropivacaine group at all measured time points in the study (P < 0.05). The amount of ephedrine used after spinal anesthesia was significantly different at 2 and 4 minutes in the ropivacaine group compared to the bupivacaine group (P = 0.012, P = 0.025). Post-operative pain scores at 1 hour in recovery were not significantly different between the ropivacaine and bupivacaine groups (P = 0.015). The time to knee movement was also significantly shorter in the ropivacaine group compared to the bupivacaine group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Ropivacaine reduces the incidence of hypotension in spinal anesthesia compared to bupivacaine for cesarean section in patients with preeclampsia. This is attributed to a lower occurrence of spinal-induced hypotension, improved hemodynamic control, reduced ephedrine usage, and faster patient ambulation. A future study could focus on investigating different dosages of both drugs with a larger number of participants.

Pharmacy-based screening program to detect hepatitis C in 'baby-boomer' cohorts in western Canada.

Background: The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Canada is approximately 1.0%. However, the number of individuals living with HCV but unaware of it is estimated to be 30%-44%. Increased screening programs that are accessible, effective, and feasible are important to ensure treatment and meet WHO elimination goals. We implemented an HCV point of care test (POCT) program in community pharmacies to examine the effectiveness and feasibility in screening. Methods: Twenty two London Drugs pharmacies in British Columbia and Alberta implemented an HCV POC screening program using OraQuick rapid antibody tests. Consenting patients filled out a 10-question screening questionnaire to examine risk factors. The participants then were tested using the POCT. While waiting for the test (20 minutes), patients were educated on HCV and treatment options. Results: Three hundred seventy-one participants underwent HCV screening. The most common HCV risk factor was being born between 1945 and 1975 (baby boomer) (93% of cohort), while the second most common was having a tattoo or body piercing (22%). Seven people (2%) tested positive; four were HCV-RNA PCR-positive and were treated, whereas the PCR status of three was unknown as they were lost to follow-up or not tested. Conclusions: Pharmacy-based POCT was shown to be effective and feasible in the western Canadian context, especially for baby boomers. Sustainable funding for pharmacy screening programs may be considered nationwide to identify HCV-infected persons and help meet elimination goals.

Hepatic steatosis as measured by the computed attenuation parameter predicts fibrosis in long-term methotrexate use.

INTRODUCTION: To determine predictors of hepatic steatosis by the computed attenuation parameter (CAP) and fibrosis via transient elastography (TE) in persons on methotrexate (MTX) therapy with rheumatologic and dermatologic diseases. METHODS: A single-centred retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients on >6 months of MTX for a rheumatologic or dermatologic disease who had undergone TE from January 2015 to September 2019 were included. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of steatosis and fibrosis. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients on methotrexate were included. Psoriasis was the most frequent diagnosis (n = 55), followed by rheumatoid arthritis (n = 45) and psoriatic arthritis (n = 34). Steatosis (CAP ≥245 dB/m) was present in 69.8% of patients. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus (OR 10.47, 95% CI 1.42-75.35), hypertension (OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.75-15.38), and BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (OR 16.47, 95% CI 5.56-45.56) were predictors of steatosis (CAP ≥245 dB/m). Predictors of moderate to severe fibrosis (Metavir ≥F2 = TE ≥8.0 kPa) by multivariate regression analysis included moderate to severe steatosis (CAP ≥270 dB/m) (OR 8.36, 95% CI 1.88-37.14), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.09-7.48), hypertension (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.23-13.00), dyslipidemia (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.50-9.18), and moderate alcohol use (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.2-7.49). CONCLUSIONS: In patients on MTX for rheumatologic and dermatologic diseases, hepatic steatosis as measured by CAP was common and moderate to severe steatosis predicted moderate to severe fibrosis.

Budesonide facilitates weaning from mechanical ventilation in difficult-to-wean very severe COPD patients: Association with inflammatory mediators and cells.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical ventilatory support is life-saving therapy for patients with respiratory failure in intensive care units (ICU) but is linked to ventilator-associated pneumonia and other nosocomial infections. Interventions that improve the efficiency of weaning from mechanical ventilation may improve patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether inhaled budesonide decreases time-to-weaning in COPD stage 4 difficult-to-wean patients and reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in ICU patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 55 difficult-to-wean COPD patients (Stage 4) within the ICU of the Masih Daneshvari Hospital. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive inhaled budesonide (0.5mg/day) or placebo (normal saline). Dynamic compliance and BAL cytokines were measured. RESULTS: Budesonide significantly reduced the number of days on MV (days-to-weaning=4.6±1.6days) compared to that seen in the control group (7.2±2.7days, p=0.014). Dynamic compliance was significantly improved in the budesonide group on days 3 (p=0.018) and 5 (p=0.011) The levels of CXCL-8 and IL-6 diminished on days 3-5 after start of budesonide (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In COPD patients on MV, nebulized budesonide was associated with reduced BAL CXCL8 and IL-6 levels and neutrophil numbers as well as an improvement in ventilatory mechanics and facilitated weaning.

Carbamazepine effects on pain management and serum IL-6, IL-10 evaluation in addicted patients undergoing surgery.

Postoperative pain control remains an important issue in the field of surgery. Assessing and managing patients with acute pain who are addicted to opioids are often challenging. It has been shown that, addicted patients are less tolerant to pain. There is limited evidence to guide the management of acute pain in these patients. Here we studied the effect of preemptive use of carbamazepine on pain behavior and serum IL-6, IL-10 levels in the addicted patients. 90 male patients (25-45 years, BMI 20-27), were divided into 3 group of 30 patients: 1- control, 2- addicted, 3- addicted patients receiving carbamazepine 400mg before surgery. The visual analog pain scale and serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated at time 0 (before surgery), 1 and 12h postoperatively. Compared with control and carbamazepine groups, addicted patients exhibited exaggerated pain behavior before and after surgery, however, postoperatively, a significant increase in pain behavior was seen in control compared to carbamazepine group. A decrease in serum IL-10 and an increase in IL-6 concentrations were observed in addicted patients. In the morphine abuser, a decrease in pain threshold, an increase in IL-6 and a decrease in IL-10 levels were evident compared with non-abuser subjects. Addition of carbamazepine improved pain sensation and serum IL-6 levels and a reduction in serum IL-10 level in control patients was paralleled to their recovery. It seems that, preemptive use of low dose of carbamazepine can improve postoperative pain and cytokine activities in the addicted patients.

Periarticular dextrose prolotherapy instead of intra-articular injection for pain and functional improvement in knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that can lead to painful and dysfunctional joints. Prolotherapy involves using injections to produce functional restoration of the soft tissues of the joint. Intra-articular injections are controversial because of the introduction of needles into the articular capsule. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of periarticular versus intra-articular prolotherapy on pain and disability in patients with knee OA. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Single center, university hospital (Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran). METHODS: A total of 104 patients with chronic knee OA were enrolled. In the intra-articular group, 8 mL of 10% dextrose and 2 mL of 2% lidocaine were injected. Injections were repeated at 1 and 2 weeks after the first injection. In the periarticular group, 5 mL of 20% dextrose and 5 mL of 1% lidocaine were injected subcutaneously at 4 points in the periarticular area. Pain and disability, as assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), were recorded at each follow-up visit at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months post-injection. RESULTS: The visual analog scale score was significantly lower in the periarticular compared with the intra-articular group at the 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-month visits but not at 1 month. Morning stiffness and difficulty in rising from sitting were improved in both groups and were not signifi-cantly different in the peri- and intra-articular groups. Pain, joint locking, and limitation scores were all improved in both groups. Difficulty in walking on flat surfaces or climbing stairs, and sitting and standing pain, were all improved in both groups from 1 to 5 months after treatment. LIMITATIONS: WOMAC scores are subjective and could be a limitation of the study. CONCLUSION: Periarticular prolotherapy has comparable effects on pain and disability due to knee OA to intra-articular injections, while avoiding risks of complications.

Impact of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic changes during and after coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on hemodynamic changes during cardiopulmonary pump and postoperative period in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS AND DESIGN: This study is designed as a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: University hospital and single center. PARTICIPANTS: patients candidate for elective CABG. INTERVENTION: Dex 0.5 µg/kg/h or placebo was infused from the initiation of anesthesia up to extubation in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). MEASUREMENTS: Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), pain score, and total morphine dose requirement were monitored and compared during cardiac pump up to 12 h postoperative in ICU. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in Dex group in postoperation period at 1 (P = 0.010) and 2 h (P = 0.002) compared to control group. HR was significantly lower in Dex group in postcardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time at 0 h (P = 0.001), 1 h (P = 0.0016), and 2 h (P = 0.001), and then in postoperative period in ICU at 1 h (P = 0.025), 2 h (P = 0.0012), and 4 h (P = 0.0025) compared to control group. Postoperative pain score was significantly lower during 12 h after surgery. CONCLUSION: Dex could effectively blunt hemodynamic response to surgical stress, particularly during CPB pump and afterward. Infusion of Dex maintains BP at higher range and HR at lower range compared to placebo.

Long term outcome of cystic fibrosis patients with multisystem evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease with multiple organ involvement and chiefly results in chronic respiratory infections, pancreatic insufficiency and associated complications. The age at diagnosis, clinical presentation, rate of disease progression and prognosis is variable among patients. This study is designed to evaluate the behavior of disease to provide epidemiologic data for early recognition and proper management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as an active surveillance of 192 patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in a tertiary lung disease centre between 2008 and 2015. The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was established in all patients accordingly to conventional criteria, including two positive sweat chloride tests and clinical signs and symptoms. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained from these patients in each hospitalization and also every follow-up visit and carefully evaluated for complications of this chronic disease. RESULTS: The majority of patients showed positive culture for Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Bronchiectasis was the most prevalent finding in chest CT scan. 44.3% of patients had been treated for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and all had sinus disease. Increased pulmonary artery pressure was observed in 40% of patients with cystic fibrosis. 33 patients died which consisted 17.1% of all the patients.The mean age of mortaliy was 18.15 year. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcome of cystic fibrosis is variable in different countries which may reflect environmental influences and the role of early diagnosis on long term outcomes. However, the role of early diagnosis in long-term outcomes of the disease can not be ignored.

Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury in Critical Care Unit, Based on AKI Network.

BACKGROUND: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is an unsolved clinical problem in critical care patients with a high mortality rate, increasing incidence, and no definitive therapy. We studied the incidence, risk factors, and mortality associated with AKI in ICU patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, patient demographics, reason for hospitalization, reason for ICU admission, Length of ICU stay, laboratory data, and Vital signs were recorded in prepared forms during the ICU stay. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) of ≥ 0.3mg/dl from the baseline. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients who were enrolled in our study; 134 (67%) did not develop AKI during their ICU stay while 66 (33%) developed AKI (SCr ≥ 0.3) according to the AKIN definition. Patients with AKI had higher APACHE II scores (12.3±5.6 vs. 6.9±3.6; P< 0.001), longer ICU stays (7.6±7.6 vs. 3.7±2.8 days respectively; P< 0.001), and higher mortality (19.7% vs. 0.7%; P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The AKIN criteria are clinically valid and can be a good predictor of mortality and patient outcome in addition to APACHE II score in ICU patients.

Preemptive Oral Clonidine Provides Better Sedation Than Intravenous Midazolam in Brachial Plexus Nerve Blocks.

BACKGROUND: Preemptive analgesia is the blocking of pain perception afferent pathways before noxious painful stimuli. Clonidine is an alpha agonist drug that is partially selective for α-2 adrenoreceptors. Clonidine is used as anti-anxiety medication and an, analgesic, and it prolongs the duration of the block in the brachial plexus block. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of preemptive clonidine with midazolam on intraoperative sedation, duration of block, and postoperative pain scores. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, 80 patients with orthopedic fractures of an upper extremity who underwent supraclavicular nerve block were randomly assigned to receive 0.2 mg oral clonidine or 2 mg oral midazolam. Intraoperative sedation was measured at one hour after the start of urgery and again in the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) using the Ramsay scale. The duration of sensory blockade was measured. Postoperative pain scores were measured using the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) after entrance to recovery up to 2 hours. RESULTS: The percentages of patients in the calm and sedated scale were significantly higher in clonidine group (35 and 42.5%, respectively), compared to the midazolam group (17.5 and 17.5%, respectively) (P = 0.042, 0.029; respectively). Those administered fentanyl in the clonidine group 105 ± 30.8 was significantly lower than that for the midazolam group 165 ± 34.5 (P = 0.0018). The percentages of patients in the calm scale were significantly higher in the clonidine group (52.5), compared to the midazolam group (17.5) (P = 0.001) in the post-operative period. VAS scores were significantly lower at one (P = 0.01) and two hours (P = 0.001) after operation in the clonidine group, compared to the midazolam group. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive clonidine has many marvelous advantages over midazolam, including better sedation inside the operating room and then in the post-operative care unit, lower fentanyl doses are required during surgery, more stable heart rate and blood pressure are observed during the procedure, and patients report lower post-operative pain scores.

Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl as Adjuvant to Bupivacaine on Duration of Spinal Block in Addicted Patients.

BACKGROUND: Addicted patients have innate tolerance to local anesthetics in both neuraxial and peripheral blocks. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a highly selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist used as additive to increase quality and duration of peripheral nerve blocks. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl additives on bupivacaine to prolong the duration of block and minimizing side effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were candidates for elective surgery less than three hours of lower abdomen or lower extremities surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated to receive dexmedetomidine 5 µg added to 12.5 mg (2.5 mL) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (DEX group), or 25 µg (0.5 mL) fentanyl added to 12.5 mg (2.5 mL) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (F group) or only 12.5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Data were recorded based on sensory block. Motor block was tested using modified Bromage scale every 30 minutes until the end of block. Time to return of sensory block to 4 dermatomes below and time to return of Bromage scale to 0 were recorded. All vital measurements (oxygen saturation, heart rate, electrocardiogram, and non-invasive blood pressure) were performed at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes in all three groups of the study. Group DEX received dexmedetomidine additive and group F received fentanyl additive and group C (control) received normal saline. RESULTS: Totally, 84 patients were randomly divided into three groups of 28 patients. Onset of sensory block in DEX group was significantly lower than those of fentanyl (P = 0.012) and control groups (P = 0.001). Duration of sensory block was significantly longer in DEX group compared to Fentanyl (P = 0.043) and control (P = 0.016) groups. Duration of motor block in the DEX group was significantly longer than those of the fentanyl (P = 0.014) and control groups. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly higher in the DEX group at 30, 60, 90,120, and 180 minutes compared to those of the other two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine added to bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia is more effective to increase duration of block, providing more appropriate sedation and less postoperative pain scale and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) compared to fentanyl additive.

Magnesium Versus Bupivacaine Infiltration in Controlling Postoperative Pain in Inguinal Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is one of the most common problems after hernia repair. Decrease in postoperative pain accelerates functional recovery, decreases duration of hospital stay and postoperative morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative analgesic effect of infiltration of magnesium versus bupivacaine into incision of inguinal hernia repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a double blind clinical trial, 80 patients' candidates for elective inguinal hernia repair were enrolled. Right before closure of incision, in Bupivacaine group 5 mL Bupivacaine 0.5% added to 5 mL normal saline and in Magnesium group, 10 mL Magnesium sulfate 20% was infused subcutaneously. Pain score was measured using numeric rating score (NRS) at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively. If NRS was above 3, 1 mg morphine was administered as rescue analgesic until patient felt comfortable or NRS < 3. RESULTS: Postoperative pain scores at 1 and 3 hours were not significantly different between bupivacaine and magnesium groups (P = 0.21, 0.224; respectively). However, at 6 (P = 0.003), 12 (P = 0.028) and 24 (P = 0.022) hours postoperative, pain score (NRS) was significantly lower in bupivacaine group. Number of patients needed at least 1 dose of rescue morphine (P = 0.001), mean number of episodes asked for morphine during next 24 hours (P = 0.001) and total dose of morphine requirement (P = 0.01) were significantly lower in bupivacaine group. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium infiltration did not decrease total dose and number of episodes needed for morphine rescue analgesic. Bupivacaine infiltration into surgical site was more effective than magnesium sulfate infiltration in postoperative pain control.

Comparison of Transforaminal and Parasagittal Epidural Steroid Injections in Patients With Radicular Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: Epidural steroid injection (ESI), including transforaminal (TF) epidural injections and interlaminar (IL) epidural steroid injections are commonly performed procedures for the management of lumbosacral radicular pain. Parasagittal interlaminar (PIL) approach could enable higher ventral epidural spread, with fewer complications than TF. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of PIL and TF ESI in relieving the pain and disability of patients with lumbosacral pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 64 patients, aged between 18 to 75 years, with a diagnosis of low back pain and unilateral lumbosacral radicular pain. The patients were randomized to receive fluoroscopically guided epidural injection, through either the PIL or TF approach. Patients were evaluated for effective pain relief [numerical rating scale (NRS) < 3] by 0 - 10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional improvement by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: Effective pain relief [numeric rating scale (NRS) < 3] was observed in 77.3% (95% CI: 67‒90.5%) of patients in PIL group and 74.2% (95% CI: 62.4 - 89.4%) of patients in the TF group (P = 0.34), at 4 weeks. Mean NRS score was not significantly different between the PIL group compared to the TF group, at 4 weeks (P = 0.19). Number of patients with improved disability (measured by ODI < 20%) was not significantly different in PIL group (78% of cases) compared to the TF group (76% of cases), at 4 weeks (P = 0.21). There were no adverse effects observed in any of our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The PIL epidural injection is as effective as TF epidural injection in improving pain and functional status, in patients with chronic lumbosacral low back pain, due to disc degeneration.

Effect of Ondansetron on Postoperative Shivering After Craniotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative shivering (POS) is an early complication after craniotomy. Preventive pharmacologic drugs are the mainstay of treatment. Meperidine is the drug of choice but with increased risk of apnea, nausea, and increased intracranial pressure. Some reports have suggested that ondansetron and meperidine have similar anti-shivering effects. OBJECTIVES: To assess the preventive effect of ondansetron on POS after craniotomy. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I to II between 20 and 60 years of age scheduled for elective craniotomy were enrolled in the study. Patients received either intravenous ondansetron 4 mg (n = 40) or saline (n = 40) 10 minutes before the end of surgery. RESULTS: POS was observed in 3 patients (7.5%) in the ondansetron group, significantly lower than in the control group (6 patients [15%]; P =0.048). Ondansetron decreased the relative risk of occurrence of POS after craniotomy from 4.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-8.5; P = 0.0021) in the control group to 1.05 (95% CI, 0.76-2.20; P = 0.074). In the ondansetron group, the mean (± standard deviation) core temperature in the preoperative phase (36.6°C ± 0.66°C) was significantly higher than in the postoperative phase (34.2°C ± 0.56°C) (P = 0.001). In addition, the mean (± standard deviation) peripheral temperature in the preoperative phase (36.5°C ± 0.72°C) was significantly higher than in the postoperative phase (34.4°C ± 0.51°C) (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron can effectively decrease POS after craniotomy. This effect is not mediated through maintenance of the core or peripheral temperature. Ondansetron probably acts by a central inhibitory mechanism on POS through 5-hydroxytryptaminergic pathways, not by changing thermoregulatory set points.

Ultra fast-track extubation in heart transplant surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplant surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) typically requires mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICU) in post-operation period. Ultra fast-track extubation (UFE) have been described in patients undergoing various cardiac surgeries. AIM: To determine the possibility of ultra-fast-track extubation instead of late extubation in post heart transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients randomly assigned into two groups; Ultra fast-track extubation (UFE) group was defined by extubation inside operating room right after surgery. Late extubation group was defined by patients who were not extubated in operating room and transferred to post operation cardiac care unit (CCU) to extubate. RESULTS: The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 136.8 ± 25.7 minutes in ultra-fast extubation and 145.3 ± 29.8 minutes in late extubation patients (P > 0.05). Mechanical ventilation duration (days) was 0 days in ultra-fast and 2.31 ± 1.8 days in late extubation. Length of ICU stay was significantly higher in late extubation group (4.2 ± 1.2 days) than the UFE group (1.72 ± 1.5 days) (P = 0.02). In survival analysis there was no significant difference between ultra-fast and late extubation groups (Log-rank test, P = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing cardiac transplant could be managed with "ultra-fast-track extubation", without increased morbidity and mortality.

Anatomical Flow Pattern of Contrast in Lumbar Epidural Space: A Human Study with a Midline vs. Parasagittal Interlaminar Approach under Fluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Epidural injections for managing chronic back pain are one of the most commonly performed interventions; however, controversy continues regarding the most effective method of epidural injections. A ventral distribution of epidural injected drug plays a significant role in its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of a drug in the epidural space after parasagital and midline epidural injection. SETTING: Academic hospital. STUDY DESIGN: In randomized double-blind clinical trial, patients with a diagnosis of low back pain (LBP) and unilateral lumbosacral radicular pains were randomized to receive drug through either parasagital or midline approach. METHODS: Patients were assessed for anterior epidural spread of contrast under fluoroscopy in anteroposterior and lateral views. After epidural space confirmation, triamcinolone (80 mg) plus bupivacain was injected and patients were followed up for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients enrolled in the study. Successful infiltration of the drug into the ventral epidural space was successfully achieved in 75% of cases in the parasagital group but in only 25% of the cases in using a midline approach. Effective pain relief (numeric rating scale [NRS] < 3) was observed in 76.5% of patients in the parasagital group and 24.5% of patients in the midline group (P = 0.001) at 2 weeks. Number of patients with improved disability (measured by Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] < 20%) was significantly higher in the parasagital group (78%) compared to the midline group (26%) at 2 weeks (P = 0.002). LIMITATIONS: The results of the current study should be interpreted in relation to the study design and future studies should include larger patient numbers and longer follow-up time. However, the results are consistent with previous studies. CONCLUSION: Parasagital epidural injection showed higher infiltration of the drug to the ventral epidural space compared to the midline approach. The higher infiltration of the ventral epidural space provides better improvement of clinical disability and pain in the parasagital group.

Magnesium and Ketamine Gargle and Postoperative Sore Throat.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat is one of the most common complications after endotracheal intubation. Both Ketamine and magnesium can block N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors and provide central and local analgesia. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of magnesium sulfate and ketamine gargle on the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients candidate for emergency acute appendicitis surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients in ketamine group received ketamine gargle (0.5 mg/kg) and magnesium group received magnesium sulfate gargle (20 mg/kg up to 30 mL dextrose water 20%) 15 minutes before the operation. Patient complaint of postoperative sore throat, and its severity measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded at baseline in recovery room, and then 2, 4, and 24 hours after operation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) between two groups of patients. Hemodynamics of patients, including blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation %, and conscious state were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Number of patients with sore throat were significantly lower in magnesium group compared to ketamine group at 2 (P = 0.032), 4 (P = 0.02), and 24 hours (P = 0.01) after the operation. Sore throat pain score (VAS) was significantly lower in magnesium group compared to ketamine group at 2 (P = 0.019), 4 (P = 0.028), and 24 hours (P = 0.014) after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium at low dose decreases sore throat and pain severity more effectively compared to ketamine gargle.

Subclavian Vein Cannulation Success Rate in Neonates and Children.

BACKGROUND: Central vein cannulation allows the administration of large volumes of fluids in short times and at high osmolarities for rehydration, volume replacement, chemotherapy, and parenteral nutrition. Percutaneous central venous line insertion has replaced peripheral venous cut-down as the primary mode of short-term venous access in children. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to delineate some aspects of this procedure as well as its success rate and relative risk in pediatrics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Totally, 3264 subclavian vein cannulations in neonates and children were analyzed regarding successful catheterization attempts and early complication rates after the procedure retrospectively in Mofid Hospital (Tehran, Iran). RESULTS: There were 1340 newborn patients (first 28 days of life) in our study population. In these newborns, only 55 cannulations failed; one patient was complicated with pneumothorax; guide wires malfunctioned in 21 cases; and first- attempt cannulation success was reported in only 981 cases. In the remaining 1924 patients, between one month and 8 years old, only 14 attempts at the cannulation of the subclavian vein failed and 1655 cases had first-attempt cannulation success. CONCLUSIONS: The cannulation of the central vein in neonates and children in a skilled hand would be performed with great success rate and low complications.