Effect of preoperative oral rehydration before cesarean section on ultrasound assessment of gastric volume and intraoperative hemodynamic changes: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean section often requires an urgent transfusion load due to decreased blood pressure after spinal anesthesia. This prospective randomized study aimed to investigate whether a preoperative oral rehydration solution (ORS) stabilized perioperative circulatory dynamics. METHODS: Sixty-three parturients scheduled for cesarean section under combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA) were randomly allocated to one of three groups: Group O received 500 mL ORS before bedtime and 500 mL 2 h before CSEA; Group M received mineral water instead of ORS; and Group C had no fluid intake (controls). After entering the operating room, stomach size was measured using ultrasound. Blood samples were obtained, and CSEA was induced. Vasopressors were administered when systolic blood pressure was < 90 mmHg or decreased by > 20%. As a vasopressor, phenylephrine (0.1 mg) was administered at ≥ 60 beats/min heart rate or ephedrine (5 mg) at < 60 beats/min heart rate. The primary outcome was the total number of vasopressor boluses administered. Secondary outcomes were the cross-sectional area of the stomach antrum, maternal plasma glucose levels, serum sodium levels, total intravenous fluid, bleeding volume, urine volume, operative time, and cord blood gas values after delivery. RESULTS: The total number of vasopressor boluses was lower in Group O than in Group C (P < 0.05). Group O had lower total dose of phenylephrine than Group C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between Group M and other groups. No differences were detected regarding secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In women scheduled for cesarean section, preoperative ORS stabilized perioperative circulatory dynamics. Neither ORS nor mineral water consumption increased the stomach content volume. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000019825: Date of registration 17/11/2015).

Comparison of a new EMG module, AF-201P, with acceleromyography using the post-tetanic counts during rocuronium-induced deep neuromuscular block: a prospective, multicenter study.

Recent advances in neuromuscular monitors have facilitated the development of a new electromyographic module, AF-201P™. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between post-tetanic counts (PTCs) assessed using the AF-201P™ and the acceleromyographic TOF Watch SX™ during rocuronium-induced deep neuromuscular block. Forty adult patients consented to participate in this study. The integrated AF-201P™ stimulating and sensing electrode was placed over the ulnar nerve on the distal volar forearm and the belly of the abductor digiti minimi muscle of one arm. The TOF Watch SX™ was applied with the provided hand adaptor on the opposite arm, to observe twitch responses of the adductor pollicis muscle. After stabilization of train-of-four (TOF) responses, rocuronium 0.9 mg kg-1 was administered intravenously. Then, PTCs were observed every 3 min using both monitors. Whenever the TOF count was detected with the TOF Watch SX™, rocuronium 0.2 mg kg-1 was administered, and successive PTC measurements were continued. A total of 1732 paired PTC data points were obtained and analyzed. Regression analysis showed no significant difference in PTCs between the two monitors (PTCs measured by the TOF Watch SX™ = 0.78·PTCs measured by AF-201P™ + 0.21, R = 0.56). Bland-Altman analysis also showed acceptable ranges of bias [95% CI] and limits of agreement (0.3 [0.2 to 0.5] and - 4.6 to 5.3) for the PTCs. The new EMG module, AF-201P™, showed reliable PTCs during deep neuromuscular block, as well as the TOF Watch SX™.

Ultrasound-guided internal jugular venipuncture using pocket-sized versus standard ultrasound devices: a prospective non-inferiority trial.

PURPOSE: Pocket-sized ultrasound devices (PUDs) are commonly adopted for bedside use despite their inferior performance compared with standard ultrasound devices (SUDs). We investigated the non-inferiority of PUDs versus SUDs for ultrasound-guided internal jugular venipuncture. METHODS: All patients undergoing scheduled surgery with general anesthesia and internal jugular vein catheter placement were prospectively included in this randomized non-inferiority trial to compare the qualities of the internal jugular venipuncture between the PUD group (Group P) and SUD group (Group S). The primary endpoint was puncture time, and the secondary endpoints included number of punctures, needle and guidewire visibility, and anatomic visibility. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were randomized to one of the two groups (26 per group). The mean (SEM) puncture time was 56.4 (10.9) s in Group P and 45.5 (4.0) s in Group S. The mean difference of 10.9 s was within the prespecified non-inferiority margin of 100% (two-sided 95% CI: - 12.9-34.6, upper limit of the 95% CI: 45.5) for puncture time. The mean (SEM) number of punctures was 1.15 (0.12) times in Group P and 1.12 (0.06) times in Group S. The difference of 0.04 punctures was within the prespecified non-inferiority margin of 100% (two-sided 95% CI: - 0.24-0.31, upper limit of the 95% CI: 1.12) for number of punctures. Non-inferiority was not shown for needle and guidewire visibility and anatomic visibility. CONCLUSION: PUDs for internal jugular venipuncture are not inferior to SUDs with regard to puncture time and number of punctures, despite differences in visibility and device performance.

Use of intraoperative neuromuscular monitor reduces the reversal dose of sugammadex: a single-center retrospective study.

PURPOSE: We compared the reversal doses of sugammadex in surgical cases in which intraoperative neuromuscular monitor were used, to cases in which intraoperative neuromuscular monitoring was not used, retrospectively. METHODS: Data were collected by reviewing the electronic medical records of patients who received rocuronium and sugammadex during general anesthesia at Asahikawa Medical University Hospital between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. The primary outcome was the reversal dose of sugammadex per patient actual body weight (mg/kg) between the group in which intraoperative neuromuscular monitoring was used (NM+ group) and the group in which intraoperative neuromuscular monitoring was not used (NM- group). RESULTS: A total of 3496 patients were evaluated, with 2544 patients (73%) included in NM+ group and 952 patients (27%) in NM- group. The reversal doses of sugammadex per actual body weight were significantly higher in NM- group compared to NM+ group. In the NM+ group, 521 patients (20%) received < 2 mg/kg sugammadex, 1377 patients (54%) received 2 ~ 2.5 mg/kg sugammadex, and 646 patients (25%) received > 2.5 mg/kg sugammadex. In contrast, 128 patients (13%) received < 2 mg/kg sugammadex, 362 patients (38%) received 2 ~ 2.5 mg/kg sugammadex and 462 patients (49%) received > 2.5 mg/kg sugammadex in NM- group. CONCLUSION: This single-center retrospective study demonstrated that the use of intraoperative neuromuscular monitor reduced the reversal dose of sugammadex.

Effectiveness and Safety of Ultrasound Guided Lower Extremity Nerve Blockade in Infragenicular Bypass Grafting for High Risk Patients With Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical revascularisation to accomplish limb salvage remains preferable in some patients with chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound guided lower extremity nerve blockade (UGNB) in infragenicular bypass surgery (IGBS). METHODS: This was a single centre, retrospective clinical study. Fifty-nine patients with CLTI (67 limbs) who underwent IGBS under UGNB (femoral and sciatic nerve blockade) at Asahikawa Medical University between January 2012 and December 2017 were compared with patients with CLTI (137 limbs) who underwent IGBS under general anaesthesia (GA) over the same period. Propensity score matching based on pre-operative comorbidities was used to minimise background differences of the two groups. RESULTS: Fifty-six pairs of CLTIs were matched and analysed (55% dialysis dependent). Procedure duration was similar between the two groups, but intraoperative catecholamine index and intravenous fluid volume were lower with UGNB compared with GA (2.9 ± 4.6 vs. 5.9 ± 6.5; p < .01 and 1831 ± 990 vs. 2335 ± 931 mL; p < .01, respectively). The mean arterial blood pressure during induction of anaesthesia was significantly decreased with GA. Post-operatively, the time period to resume a clear liquid and solid food diet was significantly shorter with UGNB (P<0.01 for both outcome measures). Intravenous fluid volume was significanlty lower, while cardiac complications and delirium, based on the NEECHAM confusion scale, occurred significantly less often with UGNB than GA. These significant differences show advantages of UGNB compared to GA. No mortality or major amputations were observed in either group. Early graft thrombosis was observed in five limbs (8.9%) with UGNB and in four limbs with GA (7.1%) (p = .73). CONCLUSIONS: UGNB has advantages for intra- and post-operative management and could be a useful method to prevent peri-operative complications for high risk patients with CLTI. To ensure the effectiveness of UGNB for IGBS for future indications, a randomised study is required.

Ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block using three different techniques: a comparison of ultrasound image quality.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the ultrasound image quality at three different transducer positions for ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block (LPB). METHODS: This prospective comparative study included 30 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty under general anesthesia in combination with LPB. Using the same ultrasound machine settings for each patient, a transverse view of the lumbar plexus (LP) at the L3-4 vertebral level was obtained with a convex transducer placed at three different positions: immediately lateral to the dorsal midline (medial position), almost 5 cm lateral to the dorsal midline (paravertebral position), and at the abdominal transverse flank (shamrock position). Ultrasound-guided LPB with catheter insertion was performed via in-plane needle insertion with the transducer randomly assigned to one of the three positions. The echo intensity (EI) ratio of the LP to psoas major muscle (PMM), the EI of the LP and PMM, and the ultrasound visibility score of the needle, local anesthetic, and catheter were recorded. RESULTS: The LP/PMM EI ratio was significantly higher at paravertebral position (1.4 ± 0.2) than at medial position (1.2 ± 0.2; p = 0.003) and shamrock position (1.3 ± 0.2; p = 0.040). The EI of the LP and PMM was highest at shamrock position (p < 0.001). During the block procedure, the ultrasound visibility score of the needle and local anesthetic was significantly higher at paravertebral position than at medial position. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, the contrast between LP and PMM is significantly higher at paravertebral position than at medial position and at the abdominal transverse flank (shamrock position). LP and PMM at the shamrock position appear significantly brighter among the three probe positions in sonograms.

GTS-21 attenuates loss of body mass, muscle mass, and function in rats having systemic inflammation with and without disuse atrophy.

Muscle changes of critical illness are attributed to systemic inflammatory responses and disuse atrophy. GTS-21 (3-(2,4-dimethoxy-benzylidene)anabaseine), also known as DMBX-A) is a synthetic derivative of the natural product anabaseine that acts as an agonist at α7-acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs). Hypothesis tested was that modulation of inflammation by agonist GTS-21 (10 mg/kg b.i.d. intraperitoneally) will attenuate body weight (BW) and muscle changes. Systemic sham inflammation was produced in 125 rats by Cornyebacterium parvum (C.p.) or saline injection on days 0/4/8. Seventy-four rats had one immobilized-limb producing disuse atrophy. GTS-21 effects on BW, tibialis muscle mass (TMM), and function were assessed on day 12. Systemically, methemoglobin levels increased 26-fold with C.p. (p < 0.001) and decreased significantly (p < 0.033) with GTS-21. Control BW increased (+ 30 ± 9 g, mean ± SD) at day 12, but decreased with C.p. and superimposed disuse (p = 0.005). GTS-21 attenuated BW loss in C.p. (p = 0.005). Compared to controls, TMM decreased with C.p. (0.43 ± 0.06 g to 0.26 ± 0.03 g) and with superimposed disuse (0.18 ± 0.04 g); GTS-21 ameliorated TMM loss to 0.32 ± 0.04 (no disuse, p = 0.028) and to 0.22 ± 0.03 (with disuse, p = 0.004). Tetanic tensions decreased with C.p. or disuse and GTS-21 attenuated tension decrease in animals with disuse (p = 0.006) and in animals with C.p. and disuse (p = 0.029). C.p.-induced 11-fold increased muscle α7nAChR expression was decreased by > 60% with GTS-21 treatment. In conclusion, GTS-21 modulates systemic inflammation, evidenced by both decreased methemoglobin levels and decrease of α7nAChR expression, and mitigates inflammation-mediated loss of BW, TMM, fiber size, and function.

Duration of the action of rocuronium in patients with BMI of less than 25: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: The duration of rocuronium in patients with BMI more than 30 kg m is prolonged. Whether the reverse is true when BMI is less than 18.5 kg m is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether a BMI less than 25 kg m affects the duration of rocuronium in doses adjusted for actual body weight. DESIGN: A prospective, observational, single-centre study. SETTING: The operating room of a teaching hospital from 1 June 2008 to 30 June 2015. PATIENTS: Thirty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery (BMI < 25 kg m, aged 23 to 74 years) maintained by 0.7 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane and remifentanil. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Repetitive train-of-four stimulation was applied and contractions of the adductor pollicis muscle were recorded. Duration of the initial dose of rocuronium (D1) was defined as the time from injection of rocuronium 0.6 mg kg to return of first twitch height to 25% of the control. Duration of additional doses (D2) was the time from a supplement of 0.15 mg kg rocuronium to return of first twitch height to 25% of the control. The relationship between D1 or D2 and BMI was examined using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between duration of initial dose and BMI (R = 0.246; P = 0.00531). A significant correlation between the duration of the additional dose and BMI was also found (R = 0.316; P = 0.00122). CONCLUSION: The lower the BMI, the shorter the duration of rocuronium at initial and additional doses determined by the actual body weight in adult patients with a BMI less than 25 kg m. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index/htm with registry number UMIN 00009337 and UMIN 000015407.

Pregnancy suppresses neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury in rats through the inhibition of TNF-α.

PURPOSE: Pregnancy-induced analgesia develops during late pregnancy, but it is unclear whether this analgesia is effective against neuropathic pain. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying pregnancy-induced analgesia have not been investigated. We examined the antinociceptive effect of pregnancy-induced analgesia in a neuropathic pain model and the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Iba-1, and c-Fos in the spinal dorsal horn just before parturition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Sprague Dawley rats (200-250 g) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (pregnant + chronic constriction injury [CCI]; pregnant + sham injury; not pregnant + CCI; and not pregnant + sham injury). Separate groups were used for the behavioral and tissue analyses. CCI of the left sciatic nerve was surgically induced 3 days after confirming pregnancy in the pregnancy group or on day 3 in the not pregnant group. The spinal cord was extracted 18 days after CCI. TNF-α, GFAP, Iba-1, and c-Fos expression levels in the spinal dorsal horn were measured by Western blot analysis. Mechanical threshold was tested using von Frey filaments. RESULTS: The lowered mechanical threshold induced by CCI was significantly attenuated within 1 day before parturition and decreased after delivery. TNF-α expression in CCI rats was decreased within 1 day before parturition. Further, GFAP, Iba-1, and c-Fos expression in the spinal dorsal horn was reduced in the pregnant rats. Serum TNF-α in all groups was below measurable limits. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that pregnancy-induced analgesia suppresses neuropathic pain through reducing spinal levels of TNF-α, GFAP, Iba-1, and c-Fos in a rat model of CCI.

Comparison of caudal ropivacaine-morphine and paravertebral catheter for major upper abdominal surgery in infants.

BACKGROUND: The caudal epidural block is one of the most commonly used regional anesthetic techniques in children. Administration of morphine via caudal injection enables analgesia, even for upper abdominal surgery. The thoracic paravertebral block has also been successfully used to treat perioperative pain during upper abdominal procedures in pediatric patients. AIM: In the current study, we compared the two regional techniques for upper abdominal surgery in infants to determine whether one of them was preferable to the other. METHODS: Consecutive patients under 12 months of age who underwent upper abdominal surgery were retrospectively divided according to the chosen postoperative analgesia: Group C, caudal ropivacaine-morphine; Group P, paravertebral catheter. We analyzed the following outcomes: requirement for additional analgesics, pain scores, need for mechanical ventilation and oxygen dosage, postoperative blood pressure and heart rate, time to pass first stool, time until first full meal, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-one consecutive patients were included: 10 in Group C and 11 in Group P. Median age at surgery was 80 (47.5-270.0) and 84.5 (34.3-287.5) days, respectively. No difference was found between the two groups in requirement for additional analgesics at 24 h after surgery (median 1 in Group C vs 1 in Group P, P = 0.288, 95% CI: -2 to 1). BOPS pain scores were only lower in Group P when compared to Group C at 24 h after surgery (median 1 vs 2, P = 0.041, 95% CI: -2 to 0). None of the patients had perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: In this small series, there was no significant difference between caudal ropivacaine-morphine and paravertebral catheter for postoperative care in infants undergoing upper abdominal surgery. Further prospective studies are needed to compare the efficacy and incidence of complications of caudal block and paravertebral catheter for postoperative analgesia.

Pulse oximetry-derived pleth variability index can predict dexmedetomidine-induced changes in blood pressure in spontaneously breathing patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Hypertension or hypotension in patients receiving continuous infusions of dexmedetomidine (DEX) is often due to changes in vascular resistance caused by α2 receptor stimulation. We investigated whether baseline perfusion index (PI) and pleth variability index (PVI), derived from pulse oximetry readings, could predict DEX-induced changes in the hemodynamic status in spontaneously breathing patients. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Operating room. PATIENTS: Patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists performance status 1 or 2) scheduled to undergo lower extremity or abdominal procedures under regional anesthesia were approached. INTERVENTIONS: The PI and PVI were set as baseline upon arrival in theater and were then measured at 2.5-minute intervals. Upon attaining stable hemodynamic status under spontaneous breathing, intravenous administration of DEX was initiated at 6 µg kg(-1) h(-1) for 10minutes, followed by continuous infusion at 0.6 µg kg(-1) h(-1). MEASUREMENTS: Blood pressure, heart rate, PI, and PVI were measured. Hypertension was defined as an increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) >15% and hypotension as a decrease in SBP <15% from baseline. MAIN RESULTS: Baseline PI and PVI correlated with the degree of change in SBP. The maximum percentage increase as well as the maximum percentage of decrease in SBP from baseline correlated with baseline PI (r=0.418 [P=.005] and r=0.507 [P<.001], respectively) and PVI (r=-0.658 [P<.001] and r=-0.438 [P=.003], respectively). PVI <15 identified DEX-induced hypertension (sensitivity 94%, specificity 85%) and PVI >16 identified DEX-induced hypotension (sensitivity 83%, specificity 64%). CONCLUSIONS: PVI may predict DEX-induced changes in blood pressure in spontaneously breathing patients.

[Evaluation of the Effects of Remifentanil Doses on Hemodynamics and Perfusion Index at the Onset of Pneumoperitoneum during Laparoscopic Surgery].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in perfusion index (PI) correlate with non-invasive haemodynamic parameters (HR, BP) following the onset of pneumoperitoneum under two doses (moderate-dose (MD) and high-dose (HD)) of remifentanil and to compare its reliability. METHODS: We divided 33 patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia into two groups according to the dose of continuously infused remifentanil: moderate dose 0.5 µg x kg(-1) x min(1) (MD group, n = 16) and high dose 1.0 µg x kg(-1) x min(-1) (HD group, n = 17). Non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), HR, and PI were measured before the start of surgery (time 1), after the start of surgery (time 2), before the start of pneumoperitoneum (time 3), and 1 min after the stable state of pneumoperitoneum (time 4). RESULTS: PI decreased from the baseline after pneumoperitoneum in MD group, on the other hand PI did not change in HD group. Between the two groups, the magnitude of the PI changes was statistically different although MBP and HR were not statistically different CONCLUSIONS: PI may be a reliable and easier alternative to conventional haemodynamic parameters for detection of stress response to pneumoperitoneum during remifentanil anaesthesia in adult patients.

Effects of remifentanil on the sphincter of Oddi in a 3-year-old child: a case report.

Opioids cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Remifentanil is metabolized enzymatically throughout the body. Its context-sensitive half-time is 3 to 4minutes. The effect of remifentanil on the sphincter of Oddi is unknown, especially in children. We recently encountered a patient in whom the administration of remifentanil caused spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which resolved rapidly after discontinuation of remifentanil. A 3-year-old girl weighing 11.3kg was scheduled to undergo common bile duct excision with ductoplasty. Her diagnosis was congenital biliary dilatation. In the operating room, after achieving the initial induction through sevoflurane (5%) and intravenous rocuronium (10mg), she was intubated and administered a continuous paravertebral block by levobupivacaine (25mg/10mL +2.5mg/h). General anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (2%), remifentanil (0.5 µg kg(-1) min(-1)), and oxygen (fractional inspired oxygen tension, 0.33). The first intraoperative cholangiogram obtained via the cystic duct tube showed obstruction at the terminal end of the common bile duct. We injected scopolamine butylbromide (5mg, intravenous) to relax the sphincter of Oddi. However, the next cholangiogram obtained 3minutes later still showed an obstruction. We speculated that the obstruction may have been caused by remifentanil-induced spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Therefore, we stopped administering remifentanil; 2minutes later, we achieved satisfactory passage of the contrast material to the duodenum. The predicted plasma concentrations of remifentanil at the time of stopping its administration and at the time of disobliteration were 6.38and 2.55ng/mL, respectively. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. In patients who have spasms of the sphincter of Oddi during the administration of remifentanil, the resultant obstruction can be treated effectively by reducing the infusion rate of remifentanil.

The predictive ability of six pharmacokinetic models of rocuronium developed using a single bolus: evaluation with bolus and continuous infusion regimen.

PURPOSE: Rocuronium concentration prediction using pharmacokinetic (PK) models would be useful for controlling rocuronium effects because neuromuscular monitoring throughout anesthesia can be difficult. This study assessed whether six different compartmental PK models developed from data obtained after bolus administration only could predict the measured plasma concentration (Cp) values of rocuronium delivered by bolus followed by continuous infusion. METHODS: Rocuronium Cp values from 19 healthy subjects who received a bolus dose followed by continuous infusion in a phase III multicenter trial in Japan were used retrospectively as evaluation datasets. Six different compartmental PK models of rocuronium were used to simulate rocuronium Cp time course values, which were compared with measured Cp values. Prediction error (PE) derivatives of median absolute PE (MDAPE), median PE (MDPE), wobble, divergence absolute PE, and divergence PE were used to assess inaccuracy, bias, intra-individual variability, and time-related trends in APE and PE values. RESULTS: MDAPE and MDPE values were acceptable only for the Magorian and Kleijn models. The divergence PE value for the Kleijn model was lower than -10 %/h, indicating unstable prediction over time. The Szenohradszky model had the lowest divergence PE (-2.7 %/h) and wobble (5.4 %) values with negative bias (MDPE = -25.9 %). These three models were developed using the mixed-effects modeling approach. The Magorian model showed the best PE derivatives among the models assessed. CONCLUSIONS: A PK model developed from data obtained after single-bolus dosing can predict Cp values during bolus and continuous infusion. Thus, a mixed-effects modeling approach may be preferable in extrapolating such data.

A case series of re-establishment of neuromuscular block with rocuronium after sugammadex reversal.

We report the use of rocuronium to re-establish neuromuscular block after reversal with sugammadex. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the dose of rocuronium needed to re-establish neuromuscular block and the time interval between sugammadex administration and re-administration of rocuronium. Patients who required re-establishment of neuromuscular block within 12 h after the reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block with sugammadex were included. After inducing general anesthesia and placing the neuromuscular monitor, the protocol to re-establish neuromuscular block was as follows. An initial rocuronium dose of 0.6 mg/kg was followed by additional 0.3 mg/kg doses every 2 min until train-of-four responses were abolished. A total of 11 patients were enrolled in this study. Intervals between sugammadex and second rocuronium were 12-465 min. Total dose of rocuronium needed to re-establish neuromuscular block was 0.6-1.2 mg/kg. 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium re-established neuromuscular block in all patients who received initial sugammadex more than 3 h previously. However, when the interval between sugammadex and second rocuronium was less than 2 h, more than 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium was necessary to re-establish neuromuscular block.

[The Distance between the Sciatic Nerve Bifurcation and Popliteal Fossa in Japanese].

BACKGROUND: The bifurcation into tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve is generally targeted for sciatic nerve block at popliteal approach. However, it is sometimes difficult to determine the exact bifurcation point in clinical situation. The mean distance between the popliteal fossa and division of sciatic nerve (DPDSN) was reported approximately 6 cm ± 2.5 cm in Caucasian cadaver study. We also studied DPDSN in Japanese cadaver to find ethnic difference. METHODS: We dissected and recorded DPDSN and distance from gluteal fold to heel (foot length : FL) in 15 cadavers. RESULTS: Mean DPDSN was 2.46 ± 2.00 cm (range: 0 to 8.8 cm). The DPDSN and FL were not correlated. CONCLUSIONS: DPDSN of Japanese cadaver is shorter than the previously reported data in Caucasian cadaver. Since the DPDSN has inter-individual and intra-individual differences, we should estimate the DPDSN carefully in each leg using ultrasonography and nerve stimulator.

Computed tomography findings of complications resulting from cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate injuries related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and their associated factors using postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and whole body CT after successful resuscitation. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were adult, non-traumatic, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who were transported to our emergency room between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2013. Following CPR, PMCT was performed in patients who died without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Similarly, CT scans were performed in patients who were successfully resuscitated within 72h after ROSC. The injuries associated with CPR were analysed retrospectively on CT images. RESULTS: During the study period, 309 patients who suffered out-of hospital cardiac arrest were transported to our emergency room and received CPR; 223 were enrolled in the study. The CT images showed that 156 patients (70.0%) had rib fractures, and 18 patients (8.1%) had sternal fractures. Rib fractures were associated with older age (78.0 years vs. 66.0 years, p<0.01), longer duration of CPR (41min vs. 33min, p<0.01), and lower rate of ROSC (26.3% vs. 55.3%, p<0.01). All sternal fractures occurred with rib fractures and were associated with a greater number of rib fractures, higher age, and a lower rate of ROSC than rib fractures only cases. Bilateral pneumothorax was observed in two patients with rib fractures. CONCLUSIONS: PMCT is useful for evaluating complications related to chest compression. Further investigations with PMCT are needed to reduce complications and improve the quality of CPR.

Unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy after use of the laryngeal mask airway supreme.

Purpose. Hypoglossal nerve palsy after use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is an exceptionally rare complication. We present the first case of unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy after use of the LMA Supreme. Clinical Features. A healthy 67-year-old female was scheduled for a hallux valgus correction under general anesthesia combined with femoral and sciatic nerve blocks. A size 4 LMA Supreme was inserted successfully at the first attempt and the cuff was inflated with air at an intracuff pressure of 60 cmH2O using cuff pressure gauge. Anesthesia was maintained with oxygen, nitrous oxide (67%), and sevoflurane under spontaneous breathing. The surgery was uneventful and the duration of anesthesia was two hours. The LMA was removed as the patient woke and there were no immediate postoperative complications. The next morning, the patient complained of dysarthria and dysphasia. These symptoms were considered to be caused by the LMA compressing the nerve against the hyoid bone. Conservative treatment was chosen and the paralysis recovered completely after 5 months. Conclusion. Hypoglossal nerve injury may occur despite correct positioning of the LMA under the appropriate intracuff pressure. A follow-up period of at least 6 months should be taken into account for the recovery.

Prediction of optimal reversal dose of sugammadex after rocuronium administration in adult surgical patients.

The objective of this study was to determine the point after sugammadex administration at which sufficient or insufficient dose could be determined, using first twitch height of train-of-four (T1 height) or train-of-four ratio (TOFR) as indicators. Groups A and B received 1 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg of sugammadex, respectively, as a first dose when the second twitch reappeared in train-of-four stimulation, and Groups C and D received 1 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg of sugammadex, respectively, as the first dose at posttetanic counts 1-3. Five minutes after the first dose, an additional 1 mg/kg of sugammadex was administered and changes in T1 height and TOFR were observed. Patients were divided into a recovered group and a partly recovered group, based on percentage changes in T1 height after additional dosing. T1 height and TOFR during the 5 min after first dose were then compared. In the recovered group, TOFR exceeded 90% in all patients at 3 min after sugammadex administration. In the partly recovered group, none of the patients had a TOFR above 90% at 3 min after sugammadex administration. An additional dose of sugammadex can be considered unnecessary if the train-of-four ratio is ≥90% at 3 min after sugammadex administration. This trial is registered with UMIN000007245.

Nonsurgically induced disuse muscle atrophy and neuromuscular dysfunction upregulates alpha7 acetylcholine receptors.

Previous models of muscle disuse have invariably used surgical methods that require the repetitive application of plaster casts. A method of disuse atrophy that does not require such repetitive applications is described herein. Modified plastic pipette tubing was applied to a single hindlimb (mouse), from thigh to foot, resulting in immobilization of the knee in the extension position, and the ankle in the plantar flexion position. This method resulted in the loss of soleus muscle to 11%, 22%, 39%, and 45% of its original mass at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively, in association with a significant decrease of tibialis twitch (25%) and tetanic tensions (26%) at 21 days, compared with the contralateral side and (or) sham-immobilized controls. Immunohistochemical analysis of the soleus using fluorescent α-bungarotoxin revealed a significant increase in the number of synapses per unit area (818 + 31 compared with 433 + 16/mm(2)) and an increase in muscle fibers per unit area (117 compared with 83/mm(2)), most likely related to the atrophy of muscle fibers bringing synapses closer. A 3-fold increase in alpha7 acetylcholine receptor (α7AChR) protein expression, along with increased expression of α1AChR subunit in the immobilized side compared with the contralateral side was observed. The physiology and pharmacology of the novel finding of upregulation of α7AChRs with disuse requires further study.