Impact of a Multimodal Analgesia Protocol in an Intensive Care Unit: A Pre-post Cohort Study.

Introduction  Opioids are the mainstay of pain management in critically ill patients. However, recent attention to their adverse effects in the intensive care unit (ICU) has led to the use of strategies that aim to reduce these side effects. Among these strategies, there are multimodal analgesia protocols, which prioritize pain management and employ a combination of different analgesics to spare excessive doses of opioids and sedatives in continuous infusion. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a multimodal analgesia protocol on clinical outcomes and consumption of sedatives and analgesics in two intensive care units. Methods  We conducted a single-center, quasi-experimental, retrospective, and prospective cohort study comparing clinical outcomes and consumption of sedatives and analgesics before and after the implementation of a multimodal pain management protocol in critically ill adult patients. We included 465 patients in 2017 (pre-intervention group) and 1508 between 2018 and 2020 (post-intervention group). Results In the analysis of the primary outcome, there was a significant reduction in mortality between 2017 and 2020 (27.7% - 21.7%, p=0.0134). There was no statistical difference in mechanical ventilation time or concerning the infection rate. Patients who received the multimodal analgesia protocol had a decrease of 24% regarding mean fentanyl intake and a progressive reduction in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (8.4% - 19%). There was an increasing trend in the use of adjuvant analgesics and morphine in preemptive and therapeutic analgesia. Conclusion The implementation of a multimodal pain control protocol significantly reduced morbidity and mortality and the use of opioids in the ICU.

An anesthesia suggestion for endoscopic lumbar spine surgery / Uma sugestão de anestesia para cirurgia endoscópica de coluna lombar / Una sugerencia de anestesia para la cirugía endoscópica de la columna lumbar

ABSTRACT Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy causes less damage to the paravertebral musculature, with preservation of bone structure and rapid recovery. This innovation allows the surgery to be performed on an outpatient basis, due to the faster recovery time. The anesthesia traditionally performed was general anesthesia, and then conscious sedation. The prone position has always been a major challenge for anesthesiologists. In order to avoid any type of respiratory depression, and based on our own experience with obstetric analgesia, we propose to perform an analgesic spinal anesthesia, a technique not yet found for this type of surgery in the world literature. Level of evidence I; Quality of Evidence A

RESUMO A discectomia lombar endoscópica percutânea promove menos lesão da musculatura paravertebral, preservação da estrutura óssea e rápida recuperação. Essa inovação permite que a cirurgia seja feita em ambulatório, porque a recuperação do paciente é rápida. A anestesia tradicional era anestesia geral e depois a sedação consciente. A posição de pronação sempre foi um grande desafio para os anestesiologistas. No sentido de evitar qualquer tipo de depressão respiratória e com base em experiência própria com analgesia obstétrica, propomos fazer raquianestesia analgésica, técnica ainda não encontrada para este tipo de cirurgia na literatura mundial. Nível de evidência I; Qualidade da evidência A

RESUMEN La discectomía lumbar endoscópica percutánea promueve una menor lesión de la musculatura paravertebral, la preservación de la estructura ósea y una rápida recuperación. Esta innovación permite que la cirugía sea ambulatoria, debido a la rápida recuperación del paciente. La anestesia tradicional era la anestesia general y luego la sedación consciente. La posición de decúbito prono siempre ha sido un gran desafío para los anestesiólogos. Para evitar cualquier tipo de depresión respiratoria y basándonos en nuestra propia experiencia con la analgesia obstétrica, proponemos realizar una raquianestesia analgésica, técnica aún no encontrada para este tipo de cirugía en la literatura mundial. Nivel de evidencia I; Calidad de evidencia A

Nitrous oxide as an adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled double-blind pilot trial

Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is related to glutamatergic dysfunction. Antagonists of glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), such as ketamine, have antidepressant properties. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is also a NMDAR antagonist. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of augmenting antidepressant treatment with N2O. Methods: This double blind, placebo-controlled randomized parallel pilot trial was conducted from June 2016 to June 2018 at the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Twenty-three subjects with MDD (aged 18 to 65, on antidepressants, with a score > 17 on the 17-item-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D17]) received 50% N2O (n=12; 37.17±13.59 years) or placebo (100% oxygen) (n=11; 37.18±12.77 years) for 60 minutes twice a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was changes in HAM-D17 from baseline to week 4. Results: Depressive symptoms improved significantly in the N2O group (N2O: from 22.58±3.83 to 5.92±4.08; placebo: from 22.44±3.54 to 12.89±5.39, p < 0.005). A total of 91.7% and 75% of the N2O group subjects achieved response (≥ 50% reduction in HAM-D17 score) and remission (HAM-D17 < 7), respectively. The predominant adverse effects of N2O treatment were nausea, vomiting, and headache. Conclusion: N2O treatment led to a statistically significant reduction in HAM-D17 scores compared to placebo. Clinical trial registration: Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials, RBR-5rz5ch

Nitrous oxide as an adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled double-blind pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is related to glutamatergic dysfunction. Antagonists of glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), such as ketamine, have antidepressant properties. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is also a NMDAR antagonist. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of augmenting antidepressant treatment with N2O. METHODS: This double blind, placebo-controlled randomized parallel pilot trial was conducted from June 2016 to June 2018 at the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Twenty-three subjects with MDD (aged 18 to 65, on antidepressants, with a score > 17 on the 17-item-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D17]) received 50% N2O (n=12; 37.17±13.59 years) or placebo (100% oxygen) (n=11; 37.18±12.77 years) for 60 minutes twice a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was changes in HAM-D17 from baseline to week 4. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms improved significantly in the N2O group (N2O: from 22.58±3.83 to 5.92±4.08; placebo: from 22.44±3.54 to 12.89±5.39, p < 0.005). A total of 91.7% and 75% of the N2O group subjects achieved response (≥ 50% reduction in HAM-D17 score) and remission (HAM-D17 < 7), respectively. The predominant adverse effects of N2O treatment were nausea, vomiting, and headache. CONCLUSION: N2O treatment led to a statistically significant reduction in HAM-D17 scores compared to placebo. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials, RBR-5rz5ch.

Pain during pars plana vitrectomy following sub-Tenon versus peribulbar anesthesia: A randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To compare pain during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) following topical lidocaine jelly and sub-Tenon anesthesia versus peribulbar anesthesia. METHODS: Prospective, single-center, randomized study. Patients scheduled for PPV for macular hole (MH) or epiretinal membrane (ERM) at the Retina and Vitreous Section of the Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo were randomly assigned to one of two groups in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients assigned to Group ST received topical anesthesia with 2% lidocaine jelly followed by sub-Tenon anesthesia with 2-4 ml of 1% ropivacaine. Patients assigned to PB received peribulbar anesthesia with 4-6 ml of 1% ropivacaine. After PPV, patients in both groups were asked to rate the level of pain they felt during the entire procedure (including anesthesia administration and PPV) by pointing at a 0-100 Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS). Data regarding demographics, patient characteristics and surgical features were also collected. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were enrolled in the study (26 in Group ST and 28 in Group PB). Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, and presence of comorbidities, were similar in both groups. The surgery performed was PPV alone in 10 and 14 patients in the ST and PB groups, respectively, and combined phacoemulsification and PPV in 16 and 14 patients in the ST and PB groups, respectively (p = 0.39, Pearson). Surgery duration (mean ± SD minutes) was similar in the two groups (62 ± 12 for ST and 70 ± 20 for PB, p = 0.09, t-Test). No patients needed supplemental topical or intravenous anesthesia during surgery. No sight- or life-threatening complication was observed in either group. VAS score was significantly lower in the ST compared to the PB group (median (interquartile range) was 1 (2.25-0) in the ST group compared to 11.5 (29.75-5) in the PB group, p< 0.0001, Wilcoxon). CONCLUSION: In this study of patients who underwent PPV for MH or ERM, topical followed by sub-Tenon anesthesia was more effective in controlling pain during the whole vitrectomy procedure than peribulbar anesthesia. Compared to peribulbar anesthesia which is administered with a sharp needle, sub-Tenon anesthesia administered with a blunt cannula may be associated with a reduced risk of such adverse events as globe perforation, retrobulbar hemorrhage, and inadvertent injection of anesthesia into the optic nerve sheath.

Neuroprotective Anesthesia Regimen and Intensive Management for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass: a Review and Initial Experience.

This article describes our proposal for routine anesthesia, intraoperative medical management, cerebral and physiological monitoring during pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass that intend to provide appropriate anesthesia (analgesia, hypnosis), neuroprotection, adequate cerebral and systemic oxygen supply, and preventing against drugs neurotoxicity. A concise retrospective data is presented.

Neuroprotective anesthesia regimen and intensive management for pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a review and initial experience

Abstract This article describes our proposal for routine anesthesia, intraoperative medical management, cerebral and physiological monitoring during pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass that intend to provide appropriate anesthesia (analgesia, hypnosis), neuroprotection, adequate cerebral and systemic oxygen supply, and preventing against drugs neurotoxicity. A concise retrospective data is presented.

Effects of sodium nitroprusside in the prevention of schizophrenia-like symptoms induced by ketamine - A translational double-blind study

Abstract Background: Recent evidence has shown improvements in schizophrenia symptoms after the infusion of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor. In the rat model of schizophrenia using ketamine injection, pretreatment with SNP seems to prevent behavioral changes associated with positive symptoms for up to one week. Objective: We investigated whether SNP would have preventative effects on psychogenic symptoms induced by ketamine in healthy subjects. Methods: Healthy subjects (N = 38) were assigned to distinct groups that received SNP in different doses (0.15, 0.25, and 0.5 mcg/kg/min). First, participants received an infusion of SNP or placebo over 75 minutes. After 10 minutes, they were injected for 1 minute with a bolus of 0.26 mg/kg of ketamine and a maintenance dose was started 5 minutes later, with 0.25 mg/kg/h of ketamine for 50 minutes. Results: Ketamine-induced psychopathological alterations induced were reduced by SNP, as assessed with the Brief Psychological Rating Scale. Scores in the objective subscale of the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale were also lower in SNP sessions compared to placebo. SNP had protective effects against deterioration in facial emotion and identity recognition tasks induced by ketamine. Discussion: Our findings support the view that SNP has preventative properties against psychotic manifestations.

Effects of nitric oxide-related compounds in the acute ketamine animal model of schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Better treatments for schizophrenia are urgently needed. The therapeutic use of the nitric oxide (NO)-donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in patients with schizophrenia has shown promising results. The role of NO in schizophrenia is still unclear, and NO modulation is unexplored in ketamine (KET) animal models to date. In the present study, we compared the behavioral effects of pre- and post-treatment with SNP, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), and methylene blue (MB) in the acute KET animal model of schizophrenia. The present study was designed to test whether acute SNP, GTN, and MB treatment taken after (therapeutic effect) or before (preventive effect) a single KET injection would influence the behavior of rats in the sucrose preference test, object recognition task and open field. RESULTS: The results showed that KET induced cognitive deficits and hyperlocomotion. Long- term memory improvement was seen with the therapeutic GTN and SNP treatment, but not with the preventive one. MB pretreatment resulted in long-term memory recovery. GTN pre-, but not post-treatment, tended to increase vertical and horizontal activity in the KET model. Therapeutic and preventive SNP treatment consistently decreased KET-induced hyperlocomotion. CONCLUSION: NO donors - especially SNP - are promising new pharmacological candidates in the treatment of schizophrenia. In addition, we showed that the potential impact of NO-related compounds on KET-induced behavioral changes may depend on the temporal window of drug administration.

Effect of local anaesthetic infiltration with bupivacaine and ropivacaine on wound healing: a placebo-controlled study.

Infiltration of surgical wounds with long-acting local anaesthetics (LA) is used to reduce postoperative incisional pain. We hypothesised that infiltration with LA interferes with wound healing in rats. Seventy-two rats were allocated into nine groups. After intraperitoneal anaesthesia, the interscapular dorsal region was infiltrated with equivolumes of saline, 0·5% bupivacaine or ropivacaine, in a randomised double-blind fashion. A standardised incision was performed in the infiltrated area and sutured closed. The rats were euthanised on the 3rd or 14th day after the operation and tissue from the incision site was subjected to histochemical analyses and mechanical testing (MT). Compared with the control group, bupivacaine displayed a significant increase in the macrophage number on day 3 (+63% versus +27% for ropivacaine). The transforming growth factor ß-1 expression had a significant increase in the LA (versus saline) groups, +63% in ropivacaine group and +115% in bupivacaine group on day 3 (P < 0·05). The collagen fibres as measured by dyed area were significantly higher in the bupivacaine group on day 3 (+56%, P < 0·01 versus +15% for ropivacaine). CD34 was reduced in bupivacaine group (-51%, P < 0·05 versus +3% for ropivacaine). On day 14, no statistical differences were observed in either LA group (versus saline) with respect to histopathologic or inflammatory mediators. MT on day 14 showed no differences between the LA and saline groups. The LA-induced increases in histological markers did not extend beyond the third day, suggesting that wound infiltration with long-acting LA does not impair the wound healing process in rats.

Rapid improvement of acute schizophrenia symptoms after intravenous sodium nitroprusside: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

IMPORTANCE: The treatment of schizophrenia remains a challenge, and the currently available antipsychotic drugs are slow acting and produce a number of adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness and safety of a single intravenous administration of sodium nitroprusside (0.5 µg/kg/min for 4 hours) on the positive, negative, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. DESIGN: Single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed from March 9, 2007, to March 12, 2009. SETTING: University teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty inpatients aged 19 to 40 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who were in the first 5 years of the disease who are taking antipsychotics. INTERVENTION: Sodium nitroprusside administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the negative subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. RESULTS: After the infusion of sodium nitroprusside, a rapid (within 4 hours) improvement of symptoms was observed. The placebo and experimental groups had significant differences in the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale total score and subscale scores, which persisted for 4 weeks after infusion. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly show a therapeutic effect of sodium nitroprusside. If this drug is approved for routine clinical use in patients with schizophrenia, this discovery will be an important advance in the pharmacologic treatment of this devastating disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01548612.

Epileptologists probe vagus nerve stimulation in children with refractory epilepsy: a promise against sudden unexpected death in epilepsy / Epileptologistas indicam a estimulação do nervo vago em crianças com epilepsia refratária: uma promessa contra a morte súbita em epilepsia

It is clear that sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is mainly a problem for people with refractory epilepsy, but our understanding of the best way to its prevention is still incomplete. Although the pharmacological treatments available for epilepsies have expanded, some antiepileptic drugs are still limited in clinical efficacy. In the present paper, we described an experience with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment by opening space and providing the opportunity to implement effective preventative maps to reduce the incidence of SUDEP in children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy.

Está claro que a morte súbita e inesperada em epilepsias (SUDEP) é principalmente um problema para as pessoas com epilepsia refratária, mas o entendimento para estabelecer medidas preventivas ainda está incompleto. Embora os tratamentos farmacológicos disponíveis para epilepsias tenham sido expandidos, algumas drogas antiepilépticas ainda são limitadas em termos de eficácia clínica. No presente trabalho, foi descrita uma experiência com a estimulação do nervo vago (VNS), abrindo espaço e fornecendo a oportunidade de implementar eficazes mapas preventivoss para reduzir a incidência da SUDEP em crianças e adolescentes com epilepsia refratária.

Influência da posição do dreno pleural na função pulmonar de pacientes submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio / Influence of pleural drain insertion in lung function of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting / Influencia de la posición del drenaje pleural en la función pulmonar de pacientes sometidos a la revascularización del miocardio

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Estudo longitudinal, prospectivo, aleatório e encoberto para avaliar a influência do local de inserção do dreno pleural, de PVC atóxico, na função pulmonar e na dor pós-operatória dos pacientes submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio nos três primeiros dias pós-cirúrgicos e logo após a retirada do dreno. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis pacientes escalados para cirurgia eletiva de revascularização do miocárdio, com uso de circulação extracorpórea (CEC), em dois grupos: grupo SX (dreno subxifoide) e grupo IC (dreno intercostal). Feitos registros espirométricos, da gasometria arterial e da dor. RESULTADOS: Trinta e um pacientes analisados, 16 no grupo SX e 15 no grupo IC. O grupo SX apresentou valores espirométricos maiores do que o grupo IC (p < 0,05) no pós-operatório (PO), denotando menor influência do local do dreno na respiração. A PaO2 arterial no segundo PO aumentou significantemente no grupo SX quando comparada com o grupo IC (p < 0,0188). A intensidade da dor no grupo SX, antes e após a espirometria, era menor do que no grupo IC (p < 0,005). Houve aumento significativo dos valores espirométricos em ambos os grupos após a retirada do dreno pleural. CONCLUSÃO: A inserção do dreno na região subxifoide altera menos a função pulmonar, provoca menos desconforto e possibilita uma melhor recuperação dos parâmetros respiratórios.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Longitudinal, prospective, randomized, blinded Trial to assess the influence of pleural drain (non-toxic PVC) site of insertion on lung function and postoperative pain of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the first three days post-surgery and immediately after chest tube removal. METHOD: Thirty six patients scheduled for elective myocardial revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were randomly allocated into two groups: SX group (subxiphoid) and IC group (intercostal drain). Spirometry, arterial blood gases, and pain tests were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty one patients were selected, 16 in SX group and 15 in IC group. Postoperative (PO) spirometric values were higher in SX than in IC group (p < 0.05), showing less influence of pleural drain location on breathing. PaO2 on the second PO increased significantly in SX group compared with IC group (p < 0.0188). The intensity of pain before and after spirometry was lower in SX group than in IC group (p < 0.005). Spirometric values were significantly increased in both groups after chest tube removal. CONCLUSION: Drain with insertion in the subxiphoid region causes less change in lung function and discomfort, allowing better recovery of respiratory parameters.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Estudio longitudinal, prospectivo, randomizado y encubierto para evaluar la influencia del local de inserción del drenaje pleural, de PVC atóxico, en la función pulmonar y en el dolor postoperatorio de los pacientes sometidos a la revascularización del miocardio en los tres primeros días postquirúrgicos e inmediatamente después de la retirada del drenaje. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Treinta y seis pacientes seleccionados para la cirugía electiva de revascularización del miocardio, con el uso de circulación extracorpórea (CEC), en dos grupos: grupo SX (drenaje subxifoide) y grupo IC (drenaje intercostal). Se realizaron los registros espirométricos de la gasometría arterial y del dolor. RESULTADOS: Treinta y un pacientes analizados, 16 en el grupo SX y 15 en el grupo IC. El grupo SX presentó valores espirométricos mayores que el grupo IC (p < 0,05) en el postoperatorio (PO), denotando una menor influencia de la región del drenaje en la respiración. La PaO2 arterial en el segundo PO aumentó significantemente en el grupo SX cuando se comparó con el grupo IC (p < 0,0188). La intensidad del dolor en el grupo SX, antes y después de la espirometría, era menor que en el grupo IC (p < 0,005). Se registró el aumento significativo de los valores espirométricos en ambos grupos después de la retirada del drenaje pleural. CONCLUSIONES: La inserción del drenaje en la región subxifoide altera menos la función pulmonar, provoca menos incomodidad y facilita una mejor recuperación de los parámetros respiratorios.

Influence of pleural drain insertion in lung function of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Longitudinal, prospective, randomized, blinded Trial to assess the influence of pleural drain (non-toxic PVC) site of insertion on lung function and postoperative pain of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the first three days post-surgery and immediately after chest tube removal. METHOD: Thirty six patients scheduled for elective myocardial revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were randomly allocated into two groups: SX group (subxiphoid) and IC group (intercostal drain). Spirometry, arterial blood gases, and pain tests were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty one patients were selected, 16 in SX group and 15 in IC group. Postoperative (PO) spirometric values were higher in SX than in IC group (p<0.05), showing less influence of pleural drain location on breathing. PaO(2) on the second PO increased significantly in SX group compared with IC group (p<0.0188). The intensity of pain before and after spirometry was lower in SX group than in IC group (p<0.005). Spirometric values were significantly increased in both groups after chest tube removal. CONCLUSION: Drain with insertion in the subxiphoid region causes less change in lung function and discomfort, allowing better recovery of respiratory parameters.

Epileptologists probe vagus nerve stimulation in children with refractory epilepsy: a promise against sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

It is clear that sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is mainly a problem for people with refractory epilepsy, but our understanding of the best way to its prevention is still incomplete. Although the pharmacological treatments available for epilepsies have expanded, some antiepileptic drugs are still limited in clinical efficacy. In the present paper, we described an experience with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment by opening space and providing the opportunity to implement effective preventative maps to reduce the incidence of SUDEP in children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy.

Mioclonia espinhal após anestesia subaracnoidea com bupivacaína / Spinal myoclonus after subarachnoid anesthesia with bupivacaine

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Apresenta-se neste relato de caso uma complicação muito rara após a anestesia espinhal, com o objetivo de oferecer algum subsídio ao manuseio e à conduta terapêutica. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente de 63 anos, negro, ASA I, programado para a ressecção transuretral da próstata (RTU), foi submetido a uma anestesia subaracnoidea com bupivacaína (15 mg) sem adrenalina. A punção não apresentou intercorrências e o paciente foi posicionado para cirurgia. Logo após o posicionamento cirúrgico, o paciente reclamou de dor intensa na região perineal, acompanhada de movimentos involuntários, tipo contrações tônico-clônicas, nos membros inferiores. O paciente recebeu benzodiazepínico para controle das mioclonias, sem resultado. Em seguida, o paciente apresentou agitação importante e, submetido à intubação orotraqueal, foi mantido em ventilação controlada e encaminhado para a Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos. Apesar da realização de todos os exames bioquímicos e de imagem, nenhuma causa aparente foi detectada. Não houve troca de medicação e o mesmo lote de anestésico havia sido usado em outros pacientes naquele dia, sem intercorrências. CONCLUSÕES: Com o afastamento de todas as causas possíveis, foi aceito, por exclusão, o diagnóstico de mioclonia espinhal pós-raquianestesia com bupivacaína.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is presented in this case report a very rare complication after spinal anesthesia to provide subsidies to the management and therapeutic conduct. CASE REPORT: This is a 63-year old African-Brazilian patient, ASA I, scheduled for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). He underwent subarachnoid anesthesia with bupivacaine (15 mg) without adrenaline. Intercurrences were not observed during puncture, and the patient was positioned for surgery. Soon after positioning the patient, he complained of severe pain in the perineum region followed by involuntary tonic-clonic movements of the lower limbs. The patient was treated with a benzodiazepine to control the myoclonus without response. This episode was followed by significant agitation and the patient was intubated. He was maintained in controlled ventilation and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite all biochemical and imaging tests performed, an apparent cause was not detected. The medication was not changed and the same batch of anesthetic had been used in other patients that same day without intercurrences. CONCLUSIONS: After ruling out all possible causes, the diagnosis of spinal myoclonus after spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine was made by exclusion.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: En este relato de caso, presentamos una complicación muy rara después de la anestesia espinal, con el objetivo de ofrecer algún subsidio para el manejo y la conducta terapéutica. RELATO DEL CASO: Paciente de 63 años, negro, ASA I, programado para la resección transuretral de la próstata (RTU), que fue sometido a una anestesia subaracnoidea con bupivacaína (15 mg), sin adrenalina. La punción no presentó intercurrencias y el paciente fue posicionado para la cirugía. Inmediatamente después del posicionamiento quirúrgico, el paciente se quejó de un intenso dolor en la región perineal, seguido de movimientos involuntarios, como contracciones tónico-clónicas en los miembros inferiores. El paciente recibió benzodiazepínico para el control de las mioclonías, sin resultados. Enseguida, debutó con una agitación importante y fue sometido a la intubación orotraqueal y mantenido bajo ventilación controlada. Posteriormente fue derivado a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. A pesar de la realización de todos los exámenes bioquímicos y de imagen, no se detectó ninguna causa aparente. No hubo cambio de medicación y se usó el mismo lote de anestésico que había sido usado en otros pacientes aquel día, sin intercurrencias. CONCLUSIONES: Al descartar todas las posibles causas, se aceptó, por exclusión, el diagnóstico de la mioclonía espinal postraquianestesia con bupivacaína.

Spinal myoclonus after subarachnoid anesthesia with bupivacaine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is presented in this case report a very rare complication after spinal anesthesia to provide subsidies to the management and therapeutic conduct. CASE REPORT: This is a 63-year old African-Brazilian patient, ASA I, scheduled for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). He underwent subarachnoid anesthesia with bupivacaine (15 mg) without adrenaline. Intercurrences were not observed during puncture, and the patient was positioned for surgery. Soon after positioning the patient, he complained of severe pain in the perineum region followed by involuntary tonic-clonic movements of the lower limbs. The patient was treated with a benzodiazepine to control the myoclonus without response. This episode was followed by significant agitation and the patient was intubated. He was maintained in controlled ventilation and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite all biochemical and imaging tests performed, an apparent cause was not detected. The medication was not changed and the same batch of anesthetic had been used in other patients that same day without intercurrences. CONCLUSIONS: After ruling out all possible causes, the diagnosis of spinal myoclonus after spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine was made by exclusion.

The interplay of cannabinoid and NMDA glutamate receptor systems in humans: preliminary evidence of interactive effects of cannabidiol and ketamine in healthy human subjects.

BACKGROUND: Interactions between glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems may contribute to schizophrenia, dissociative states, and other psychiatric conditions. Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid-1/2 (CB1/2) receptor weak partial agonist or antagonist, may play a role in the treatment of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that CBD would attenuate the behavioral effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine, in healthy human subjects. METHODS: Ten male healthy volunteers were evaluated twice in a randomized order. In both sessions they received ketamine (bolus of 0.26 mg/kg/1 min followed by IV infusion of 0.25mg/kg over 30 min) preceded by either CBD (600 mg) or placebo. Psychopathology was assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the CADSS (Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale) at regular intervals from 30 min before to 90 min after ketamine administration. RESULTS: CBD significantly augmented the activating effects of ketamine, as measured by the activation subscales of the BPRS. However, CBD also showed a non-significant trend to reduce ketamine-induced depersonalization, as measured by the CADSS. CONCLUSION: These data describe a complex pattern of psychopharmacologic interactions between CBD and ketamine at the doses of each agent studied in this experiment.