Effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in rats / Efeitos do rocurônio, sugamadex e complexo rocurônio-sugamadex sobre a coagulação em ratos

Abstract Background and objectives: Sugammadex is an alternative pharmacological drug capable of reversing neuromuscular blockades without the limitations that are presented by anticholinesterase drugs. Coagulation disorders that are related to treatment with sugammadex were reported. The exact mechanism of the effects on coagulation are not fully understood. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and the rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in an experimental model in rats. Methods: This is an experimental randomized animal study. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: the Control Group; the Ssal Group - 0.5 mL of intravenous saline; the Sugammadex Group - intravenous sugammadex (100 mg kg−1); and the Rocuronium-Sugammadex Group - intravenous solution with rocuronium (3.75 mg kg−1) and sugammadex (100 mg kg−1). Anesthesia was performed by using isoflurane with controlled ventilation. Coagulation factors were measured 10 minutes after the end of the preoperative preparation and 30 minutes after the administration of the drugs in accordance with the chosen groups. Results: Platelet counts, prothrombin times, and activated partial thromboplastin times were similar between the groups and between the moments within each group. There were reductions in the plasma fibrinogen levels between sample times 1 and 2 in the Rocuronium-Sugammadex group (p = 0.035). Conclusions: The rocuronium-sugammadex complex promoted reductions in plasma fibrinogen counts, although the levels were still within normal limits.

Resumo Introdução e objetivos: O sugamadex é uma substância farmacológica alternativa capaz de reverter o bloqueio neuromuscular sem as limitações apresentadas pelos anticolinesterásicos. Entretanto, há relatos de transtornos de coagulação relacionados ao tratamento com sugamadex sem que mecanismos exatos de seus efeitos sobre a coagulação sejam totalmente compreendidos. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos do rocurônio, sugamadex e do complexo rocurônio-sugamadex sobre a coagulação em um modelo experimental com ratos. Métodos: Este é um estudo randomizado experimental animal. Ratos Wistar foram aleatoriamente designados aos seguintes grupos: grupo controle; Grupo Ssal - 0,5 mL de solução salina intravenosa; Grupo sugamadex - sugamadex intravenoso (100 mg.kg-1); e Grupo rocurônio-sugamadex - solução intravenosa com rocurônio (3,75 mg.kg-1) e sugamadex (100 mg.kg-1). A anestesia foi realizada utilizando-se isoflurano com ventilação controlada. Os fatores de coagulação foram medidos 10 minutos após o final do preparo pré-operatório e 30 minutos após a administração de drogas de acordo com os grupos escolhidos. Resultados: Contagem de plaquetas, tempo de protrombina e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada foram semelhantes entre os grupos e entre os momentos dentro de cada grupo. Houve redução nos níveis de fibrinogênio plasmático entre os tempos 1 e 2 no grupo rocurônio-sugamadex (p = 0,035). Conclusões: O complexo rocurônio-sugamadex promoveu reduções na contagem de fibrinogênio plasmático, apesar de os níveis continuarem dentro dos limites normais.

[Effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in rats]. / Efeitos do rocurônio, sugamadex e complexo rocurônio­sugamadex sobre a coagulação em ratos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sugammadex is an alternative pharmacological drug capable of reversing neuromuscular blockades without the limitations that are presented by anticholinesterase drugs. Coagulation disorders that are related to treatment with sugammadex were reported. The exact mechanism of the effects on coagulation are not fully understood. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and the rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in an experimental model in rats. METHODS: This is an experimental randomized animal study. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: the Control Group; the Ssal Group - 0.5 mL of intravenous saline; the Sugammadex Group - intravenous sugammadex (100 mg.kg-1); and the Rocuronium-Sugammadex Group - intravenous solution with rocuronium (3.75 mg.kg-1) and sugammadex (100 mg.kg-1). Anesthesia was performed by using isoflurane with controlled ventilation. Coagulation factors were measured 10 minutes after the end of the preoperative preparation and 30 minutes after the administration of the drugs in accordance with the chosen groups. RESULTS: Platelet counts, prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times were similar between the groups and between the moments within each group. There were reductions in the plasma fibrinogen levels between sample times 1 and 2 in the Rocuronium-Sugammadex group (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: The rocuronium-sugammadex complex promoted reductions in plasma fibrinogen counts, although the levels were still within normal limits.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial to compare body weight-adjusted and fixed doses of palonosetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in obese female patients.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common postsurgical complication. Palonosetron is effective for PONV prevention at the usual dose of 75 µg, but the ideal dose for obese patients has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to compare body weight-adjusted and fixed doses of palonosetron for preventing PONV in obese female patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial involving 80 female patients, aged 18-80 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of 2 and 3 and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg m-2 who were scheduled to undergo elective breast surgery. Patients received an intravenous body weight-adjusted dose of palonosetron (1 µg kg -1, GI = 40 patients) or a fixed dose of palonosetron (75 µg, GII = 40 patients). All patients received dexamethasone (4 mg). The incidence of PONV, complete response rate (CR), severity of nausea and need for rescue antiemetics and analgesics were assessed at: 0-1 h, 1-6 h, 6-24 h and 24-48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) BMI was 35.0 (±5.2) kg m-2 for GI and 35.7 (±3.6) kg m-2 for GII. There was no significant difference between groups in PONV incidence, CR, severity of nausea, and need for rescue antiemetics or analgesics. The incidence of PONV for GI and GII was 15% and 27.5%, respectively, during the first 48 h (P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: A body weight-adjusted dose of palonosetron was as effective as 75 µg for preventing PONV for 48 h in obese female patients who underwent breast surgery. Hence, the fixed dose may be preferable to the body weight-adjusted dose.

[Implementing a chronic pain ambulatory care: preliminary results]. / Implementação de atendimento ambulatorial para dor crônica: resultados preliminares.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain is one of the most common reason for seeking medical care. This study aimed to analyze patients with chronic pain in Maricá, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. METHODS: A transversal retrospective study with 200 patients, who were treated in ambulatory care in a public hospital from June 2014 to December 2015. The variables analyzed were: pain intensity, type of pain, anatomical location, diagnosis and treatment. The data were submitted to statistical analysis, the Fisher's exact test was applied, and the probability p was significant when ≤0.05. RESULTS: We analyzed 200 patients with chronic pain, most of them female (83%). Mean age was 58.6±13.01 years old. The patients were classified in groups by age, six groups with ten years of difference between them. Main age range was the 50-59 years old group, with 49 females (32%) and 5 males (15%). About 65.5% of the total of patients (131) had severe pain (Numeric Rating Sacale was 9.01). Mixed pain was predominant, affecting 108 patients (92 females and 16 males, what represents 55% and 47% of the total of females and males, respectively, that participate in the study). The most prevalent anatomical pain (159 patients, 131 females and 28 males) was in the lower limbs. Lower back pain was present in 113 of the 200 patients (94 females and 19 males). In the 30-39, 50-59, 60-69 years old group, the results for pain locations were significant: p=0.01, p=0.0069, p=0.0003, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of chronic pain was associated with females in 50-59 years old and severe mixed pain. It was located mainly in lower limbs and lumbar region. The most frequent diagnosis was low back pain followed by fibromyalgia. The patients were informed about their disease and treatment.

Implementing a chronic pain ambulatory care: preliminary results / Implementação de atendimento ambulatorial para dor crônica: resultados preliminares

Abstract Background and objectives: Pain is one of the most common reason for seeking medical care. This study aimed to analyze patients with chronic pain in Maricá, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Methods: A transversal retrospective study with 200 patients, who were treated in ambulatory care in a public hospital from June 2014 to December 2015. The variables considered were: pain intensity, type of pain, anatomical location, diagnosis and treatment. The data were statistically analyzed, the Fisher's exact test was applied, and the probability p was significant when ≤0.05. Results: We analyzed 200 patients with chronic pain, most of them female (83%). Mean age was 58.6 ± 13.01 years old. The patients were classified in groups by age, six groups with ten years of difference between them. Main age range was the 50-59 years old group, with 49 females (32%) and 5 males (15%). About 65.5% of the total of patients (131) had severe pain (Numeric Rating Sacale was 9.01). Mixed pain was predominant, affecting 108 patients (92 females and 16 males, what represents 55% and 47% of the total of females and males, respectively, that participate in the study). The most prevalent anatomical pain (159 patients, 131 females and 28 males) was in the lower limbs. Lower back pain was present in 113 of the 200 patients (94 females and 19 males). In the 30-39, 50-59, 60-69 years old group, the results for pain locations were significant: p = 0.01, p = 0.0069, p = 0.0003, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic pain was associated with females in 50-59 years old and severe mixed pain. Pain was located mainly in lower limbs and lumbar region. The most frequent diagnosis was low back pain followed by fibromyalgia. The patients were informed about their disease and treatment.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A dor é um dos motivos mais comuns para procurar atendimento médico. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar pacientes com dor crônica atendidos em Maricá, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal retrospectivo com 200 pacientes, atendidos em ambulatório de um hospital público no período de junho de 2014 a dezembro de 2015. As variáveis analisadas foram: intensidade da dor, tipo de dor, localização anatômica, diagnóstico e tratamento. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística, aplicou-se o teste exato de Fisher, e o valor p foi significativo quando ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Analisamos 200 pacientes com dor crônica, sendo a maioria mulheres (83%). A média de idade foi de 58,6 ± 13,01 anos. Os pacientes foram classificados em seis grupos de acordo com a faixa etária, com dez anos de diferença entre eles. O grupo principal foi entre 50-59 anos, com 49 mulheres (32%) e cinco homens (15%). Dos pacientes, 65,5% apresentaram dor intensa (Escala Visual Numérica 9,01). A dor mista foi prevalente, afetou 108 pacientes (92 mulheres e 16 homens, o que representa 55% e 47% do total de mulheres e homens, respectivamente). A dor anatômica mais prevalente (159 pacientes, 131 mulheres e 28 homens) foi nos membros inferiores. A dor na parte inferior das costas estava presente em 113 das 200 pessoas analisadas (94% mulheres e 19% homens). Nos grupos entre 30-39, 50-59 e 60-69 anos, os resultados para a localização da dor foram significativos: p = 0,01, p = 0,0069, p = 0,0003, respectivamente. Conclusão: A prevalência de dor crônica foi associada ao sexo feminino na faixa de 50-59 anos e à dor mista intensa. A dor foi localizada principalmente nos membros inferiores e na região lombar. O diagnóstico mais frequente foi de lombalgia seguida de fibromialgia. Os pacientes foram informados sobre suas doenças e tratamento.

Preoperative education reduces preoperative anxiety in cancer patients undergoing surgery: Usefulness of the self-reported Beck anxiety inventory / A informação no pré-operatório reduz a ansiedade pré-operatória em pacientes com câncer submetidos à cirurgia: utilidade do Inventário Beck de Ansiedade

Abstract Background and objectives: Preoperative instruction is known to significantly reduce patient anxiety before surgery. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative education on the level of anxiety of cancer patients undergoing surgery using the self-reported Beck anxiety inventory. Methods: This study is a short-term observational study, including 72 female patients with a diagnosis of endometrial cancer who were scheduled to undergo surgical treatment under general anesthesia. During the pre-anesthetic consultation 15 days before surgery, one group of patients (Group A, n = 36) was given comprehensive information about their scheduled anesthetic and surgical procedures, while the other group of patients (Group B, n = 36) did not receive any information pertaining to these variables. The Beck anxiety inventory, blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated before and after the preoperative education in Group A. In Group B, these parameters were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the consultation. Results: The hemodynamic values were lower in the group that received preoperative education, in comparison with the group that did not receive preoperative education. Educating the patients about the procedure resulted in a reduction in the levels of anxiety from mild to minimum, whereas there was no change in the group that did not receive the preoperative education. This latter group kept the same level of anxiety up to the end of pre-anesthetic consultation. Conclusions: Patient orientation in the preoperative setting should be the standard of care to minimize patient anxiety prior to surgery, especially for patients with cancer.

Resumo: Justificativa e objetivos: A informação transmitida no pré-operatório é conhecida por reduzir de modo significativo a ansiedade do paciente antes da cirurgia. O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar os efeitos da orientação pré-operatória sobre o nível de ansiedade de pacientes com câncer submetidos à cirurgia, utilizando o inventário Beck de ansiedade. Métodos: Estudo observacional de curto prazo, incluindo 72 pacientes do sexo feminino com diagnóstico de câncer endometrial, programadas para receber tratamento cirúrgico sob anestesia geral. Durante a consulta pré-anestésica, 15 dias antes da cirurgia, um grupo de pacientes (Grupo A, n = 36) recebeu informações abrangentes sobre seus procedimentos anestésicos e cirúrgicos, enquanto o outro grupo de pacientes (Grupo B, n = 36) não recebeu qualquer informação referente a essas variáveis. O inventário Beck de ansiedade, a pressão arterial e a frequência cardíaca foram avaliados antes e após a transmissão de informações ao Grupo A. No Grupo B, esses parâmetros foram avaliados no início e no final da consulta. Resultados: Os valores hemodinâmicos foram menores no grupo que recebeu informação pré-operatória, em comparação com o grupo que não recebeu informação pré-operatória. Informar os pacientes sobre o procedimento resultou em uma redução dos níveis de ansiedade de leve a mínimo, enquanto não houve mudança no grupo que não recebeu informação pré-operatória. Esse último grupo manteve o mesmo nível de ansiedade até o final da consulta pré-anestésica. Conclusões: A orientação do paciente no período pré-operatório deve ser o atendimento padrão para minimizar a ansiedade dos pacientes antes da cirurgia, especialmente os pacientes com câncer.

[Preoperative education reduces preoperative anxiety in cancer patients undergoing surgery: Usefulness of the self-reported Beck anxiety inventory]. / A informação no pré­operatório reduz a ansiedade pré­operatória em pacientes com câncer submetidos à cirurgia: utilidade do Inventário Beck de Ansiedade.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative instruction is known to significantly reduce patient anxiety before surgery. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative education on the level of anxiety of cancer patients undergoing surgery using the self-reported Beck anxiety inventory. METHODS: This study is a short-term observational study, including 72 female patients with a diagnosis of endometrial cancer who were scheduled to undergo surgical treatment under general anesthesia. During the pre-anesthetic consultation 15 days before surgery, one group of patients (Group A, n=36) was given comprehensive information about their scheduled anesthetic and surgical procedures, while the other group of patients (Group B, n=36) did not receive any information pertaining to these variables. The Beck anxiety inventory, blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated before and after the preoperative education in Group A. In Group B, these parameters were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the consultation. RESULTS: The hemodynamic values were lower in the group that received preoperative education, in comparison with the group that did not receive preoperative education. Educating the patients about the procedure resulted in a reduction in the levels of anxiety from mild to minimum, whereas there was no change in the group that did not receive the preoperative education. This latter group kept the same level of anxiety up to the end of pre-anesthetic consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Patient orientation in the preoperative setting should be the standard of care to minimize patient anxiety prior to surgery, especially for patients with cancer.

A 50-50% mixture of nitrous oxide-oxygen in transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A randomized and prospective clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TUSPB) is the standard method of diagnosis for prostate cancer, and although it is well tolerated by some patients, it presents a discomfort rate of 65 to 90%, which may be associated with pain. For convenience, it is agreed that a method of analgesia and sedation is necessary. For this purpose, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of inhalation of a 50-50% N2O-O2 gas mixture on pain intensity in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, conducted at Antônio Pedro University Hospital (Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro), Niterói, RJ, Brazil, containing two groups of 42 patients: a control (C) group, which received 100% oxygen inhalation, and a nitrous oxide (NO) group, which received inhalation of the 50-50% N2O-O2 mixture, self-administered during TUSPB. The pain intensity and degree of satisfaction were evaluated through a visual analogue scale (VAS), as was the frequency of adverse events. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were included in the study, with 42 in each group. The mean pain intensity was lower in the NO group than in the C group [2.52 (0-10) vs 5.95 (0-10), p < 0.001], and the degree of satisfaction was higher in the NO group than in the C group (8.14 vs. 4.69, p < 0.001). The adverse effects were somnolence, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, discomfort and euphoria without differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: The 50-50% N2O-O2 mixture was effective in reducing pain intensity and increasing the degree of satisfaction in TUSPB, with tolerable side effects.

A Randomized Blinded Study of the Left Ventricular Myocardial Performance Index Comparing Epinephrine to Levosimendan following Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the effect of epinephrine and levosimendan on the left ventricle myocardial performance index in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG). METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 81 patients (age: 45-65 years) of both genders were randomly divided to receive either epinephrine at a dosage of 0.06 mcg.kg(1).min(-1) (epinephrine group, 39 patients) or levosimendan at 0.2 mcg.kg(1).min(-1) (levosimendan group, 42 patients) during the rewarming of cardiopulmonary by-pass (CPB). Hemodynamic data were collected 30 minutes after tracheal intubation, before chest open (pre-CPB) and 10 minutes after termination of protamine (post-CPB). As the primary outcome, we evaluated the left ventricle myocardial performance index by the Doppler echocardiography. The myocardial performance index is the sum of the isovolumetric contraction time and the isovolumetric relaxation time, divided by the ejection time. Secondary outcomes were systolic and diastolic evaluations of the left ventricle and postoperative troponin I and MB-CK levels. RESULTS: Of the 81 patients allocated to the research, we excluded 2 patients in the epinephrine group and 6 patients in the levosimendan group because they didn't wean from CPB in the first attempt. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of patient characteristics, risk factors, or CPB time. The epinephrine group had a lower left ventricle myocardial performance index (p = 0.0013), higher cardiac index (p = 0.03), lower systemic vascular resistance index (p = 0.01), and higher heart rate (p = 0.04) than the levosimendan group at the post-CPB period. There were no differences between the groups in diastolic dysfunction. The epinephrine group showed higher incidence of weaning from CPB in the first attempt (95% vs 85%, p = 0.0001) when compared to the levosimendan group and the norepinephrine requirement was higher in the levosimenandan group than epinephrine group (16% vs. 47%; p = 0.005) in post-CPB period. Twenty-four hours after surgery, the plasma levels of troponin I (epinephrine group: 4.5 ± 5.7 vs. levosimendan group: 2.5 ± 3.2 g/dl; p = 0.09) and MB-CK (epinephrine group: 50.7 ± 31 vs. levosimendan group: 37 ± 17.6 g/dl; p = 0.08) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: When compared to levosimendan, patients treated with epinephrine had a lower left ventricle myocardial performance index in the immediate post-CPB period, encouraging an efficient weaning from CPB in patients undergoing on-pump CABG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01616069.

Effects of magnesium sulphate on the pharmacodynamics of rocuronium in patients aged 60 years and older: A randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: There is little information on the interaction between magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) and rocuronium in elderly patients. With a growing number of older patients who need surgical procedures, it is increasingly important to study this age group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of MgSO4 administration on the pharmacodynamics of rocuronium in patients aged 60 years or older. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-four patients, aged 60 years or older, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classes I to III, scheduled for elective oncological head and neck surgery. Exclusion criteria were severe renal insufficiency (calculated creatinine clearance <30 ml min(-1)), preoperatorive serum magnesium concentration of more than 1.25 mmol l(-1) and patients receiving drugs known to affect neuromuscular function. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: in the magnesium group, patients received MgSO4 30 mg kg(-1) intravenously, for 10 min, and then a continuous intravenous infusion at a rate of 1 g h(-1). The control group received the same volume of physiological saline. Neuromuscular function was evaluated continuously in both groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total recovery time was the primary outcome. Onset time, clinical duration, recovery index and recovery time were considered as secondary endpoints. Values are given as mean [SD]. RESULTS: Total recovery time from neuromuscular block (NMB) was 113 [36] min in the magnesium group and 101 [39] min in the control group. Clinical duration was 69 [23] min in the magnesium group and 59 [28] min in the control group. Recovery index was 19 [36] min in the magnesium group and 17 [6] min in the control group. Recovery time was 44 [22] min in the magnesium group and 42 [18] min in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in any of the recovery indices. In the magnesium group, the mean onset time was 144 [58] s, significantly shorter than the onset time in the group that received physiological saline, which was 187 [90] s (P = 0.03). Group variances were compared using an F test: onset time varied significantly less in the magnesium group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In oncology patients of 60 or more years of age, preadministration of MgSO4, with the doses used in this study, significantly reduced the onset time of NMB induced by rocuronium. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01804205.

Ablação curativa da fibrilação atrial: comparação entre sedação profunda e anestesia geral / Curative ablation of atrial fibrillation: comparison between deep sedation and general anesthesia

OBJETIVO: Comparar sedação profunda com anestesia geral para ablação curativa de fibrilação atrial. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, aleatório, com 32 pacientes, idades entre 18 e 65 anos, ASA 2 e 3, IMC d" 30kg/m², distribuídos em dois grupos: sedação profunda (G1) e anestesia geral (G2). Todos receberam midazolan (0,5mg/kg) venoso. O G1 recebeu propofol (1mg/kg) e máscara facial de O2, seguido da infusão contínua de propofol (25-50mg/kg/min) e remifentanil (0,01-0,05µg/kg/min). O G2 recebeu propofol (2mg/kg) e máscara laríngea com tubo de drenagem, seguido da infusão contínua de propofol (60-100mg/kg/min) e remifentanil (0,06-0,1µg/kg/min). Foram comparados: frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial invasiva, complicações, recidiva (desfecho) em três meses e gasometrias. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes do G1 apresentaram gasometrias arteriais com níveis de PaCO2 maiores e pH menores (p=0,001) e maior incidência de tosse. Ocorreu diminuição da PAM e FC no G2. Exceto a tosse, as complicações e recidivas foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Ambas as técnicas podem ser utilizadas para a ablação curativa da fibrilação atrial. A anestesia geral proporcionou menores alterações respiratórias e maior imobilidade do paciente.

OBJECTIVE: To compare deep sedation with general anesthesia for curative ablation of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized study with 32 patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, ASA 2 and 3, BMI d" 30kg/m2, divided into two groups: deep sedation (G1) and general anesthesia (G2). All patients received intravenous midazolam (0.5 mg / kg). G1 received propofol (1mg/kg) and O2 by facemask, followed by continuous infusion of propofol (25-50mg/kg/min) and remifentanil (0.01-0.05 mg / kg / min). G2 received propofol (2mg/kg) and laryngeal mask with built-in drain tube, followed by continuous infusion of propofol (60-100mg/kg/min) and remifentanil (0.06 to 0.1g/kg/min). We compared heart rate, invasive blood pressure, arterial blood gases, complications and recurrence (outcome) in three months. RESULTS: G1 patients had arterial blood gas with higher PaCO2 levels and lower pH (p = 0.001) and higher incidence of cough. There was a decrease in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Heart Rate (HR) in G2. Except cough, complications and recurrence were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both techniques can be used for the curative ablation of atrial fibrillation. General anesthesia provided smaller respiratory changes and greater immobility of the patient.

Uso da lidocaína tópica a 4% para terapia ocupacional em pacientes com síndrome dolorosa complexa regional: relato de casos / Topic 4% lidocaine for occupational therapy of patients with complex regional pain syndrome: case reports

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome dolorosa complexa regional (SDCR) é uma desordem do sistema nervoso central com disfunção simpática. Sua fisiopatologia não está esclarecida. Perifericamente há inflamação e hipóxia. A dor traz angústia para o paciente. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar e avaliar o uso da lidocaína tópica a 4% durante a terapia ocupacional em pacientes ambulatoriais com SDCR. RELATO DOS CASOS: Foram estudados 5 pacientes, com idades acima de 18 anos, com SDCR tipo I e II de membro superior, avaliados em 6 consultas, com intervalos de 7 dias entre elas. Na primeira eram medicados com gabapentina e nas 5 posteriores a dose era aumentada. A partir da segunda consulta era utilizada a lidocaína a 4% tópica cerca de 30 minutos antes da realização dos exercícios de reabilitação do membro. Em 4 pacientes a SDCR era do tipo I. Em ordem decrescente os sintomas referidos foram: fisgada, queimação, alodínia, choque e parestesia. Todos os pacientes apresentavam edema e disfunção motora. Com a lidocaína tópica a 4% foi possível a realização dos exercícios orientados pelo terapeuta ocupacional, em regime ambulatorial, ocorrendo redução significativa da intensidade da dor. CONCLUSÃO: A lidocaína tópica a 4% permitiu a realização da reabilitação ocorrendo redução significativa da intensidade da dor.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a central nervous system disorder with sympathetic dysfunction. Its pathophysiology is not clear. There is peripheral inflammation and hypoxia. Pain distresses patients. These case reports aimed at evaluating topic 4% lidocaine during occupational therapy of outpatients with CRPS. CASE REPORTS: Participated in this study five patients aged above 18 years, with upper limb CRPS types I and II, who were evaluated in six visits with an interval of seven days. In the first, they were medicated with gabapentin and in the other five the dose was increased. As from the second visit, topic 4% lidocaine was applied approximately 30 minutes before rehabilitation exercises. Four patients had CRPS type I. In decreasing order, referred symptoms were: sting, burning, allodynia, shock and paresthesia. All patients had edema and motor dysfunction. Topic 4% lidocaine allowed patients to perform the exercises proposed by the occupational therapist, in outpatient regimen, with significant pain intensity improvement. CONCLUSION: Topic 4% lidocaine allowed rehabilitation with significant pain intensity improvement.

Curative ablation of atrial fibrillation: comparison between deep sedation and general anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare deep sedation with general anesthesia for curative ablation of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized study with 32 patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, ASA 2 and 3, BMI d" 30 kg/m2, divided into two groups: deep sedation (G1) and general anesthesia (G2). All patients received intravenous midazolam (0.5 mg / kg). G1 received propofol (1mg/kg) and O2 by facemask, followed by continuous infusion of propofol (25-50mg/kg/min) and remifentanil (0.01-0.05 mg / kg / min). G2 received propofol (2mg/kg) and laryngeal mask with built-in drain tube, followed by continuous infusion of propofol (60-100mg/kg/min) and remifentanil (0.06 to 0.1g/kg/min). We compared heart rate, invasive blood pressure, arterial blood gases, complications and recurrence (outcome) in three months. RESULTS: G1 patients had arterial blood gas with higher PaCO2 levels and lower pH (p = 0.001) and higher incidence of cough. There was a decrease in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Heart Rate (HR) in G2. Except cough, complications and recurrence were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both techniques can be used for the curative ablation of atrial fibrillation. General anesthesia provided smaller respiratory changes and greater immobility of the patient.

A study on electrocardiographic changes secondary to the use of tricyclic antidepressants in patients with chronic pain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are widely used as analgesics in chronic lumbar pain and neuropathic pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic changes in patients with chronic pain treated with amitriptyline or imipramine. METHODS: Forty patients, ages 26 to 81 years (57.27 +/- 13.65 years) of both genders (female 19, male 21), with neuropathic syndromes (lumbosciatalgia, postlaminectomy syndromes, and postherpetic neuritis, among others) participated in this study; 60% had cardiovascular diseases; 30% had changes in the ECG (RBBB, LBBB, first-degree AVB, LAHB, or PVCs). Three ECGs were done in each patient: one ECG was done before beginning treatment, and 30 and 60 days after beginning treatment evaluating PR, QRS, QT QTc, DQT DQTc, and HR. Thirty-two patients were on amitriptyline and eight on imipramine. The mean dose at the end of the study was 54.29 mg of amitriptyline and 46.87 mg of imipramine. RESULTS: Analysis of electrocardiographic parameters after the use of TCAs showed that amitriptyline caused a transitory increase in heart rate in females (p = 0.049), and the duration of the QRS in patients 60 years or older and patients with cardiopathies (p = 0.01). In patients who received 75 mg of amitriptyline, the QTc interval was greater when compared to that of patients who received 25 mg of the drug (p = 0.0044). The increase in those parameters demonstrated the effects of amitriptyline on cardiac conduction; however, clinical compromise was not seen, since they remained within normal limits (QRS < 110 msec and QTc < 470 msec). CONCLUSIONS: The chronic use of TACs proved to be safe and effective, and it did not show changes in cardiac conduction with clinical repercussion.

Estudo das alterações eletrocardiográficas com o uso de antidepressivos tricíclicos em pacientes com dor crônica / Estudio de las alteraciones electrocardiográficas con el uso de antidepresivos tricíclicos en pacientes con dolor crónico / A study on electrocardiographic changes secondary to the use of tricyclic antidepressants in patients with chronic pain

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os antidepressivos tricíclicos (ADT) são amplamente utilizados como analgésicos para lombalgias crônicas e dores neuropáticas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações eletrocardiográficas dos pacientes com dor crônica em uso de amitriptilina ou imipramina. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 40 pacientes com idade entre 26 e 81 anos (57,27 ± 13,65 anos), de ambos os gêneros (feminino 19, masculino 21), com síndromes neuropáticas (lombociatalgias, síndromes pós-laminectomia, neurites pós-herpética, entre outras); 60 por cento com doenças cardiovasculares; 30 por cento tinham ECG alterado (BRD, BRE, BAV 1º grau, HBAE ou extra-sístoles). Foram realizados e analisados três ECGs: antes do início dos ADT, 30 e 60 dias após o início do tratamento, avaliando os parâmetros PR, QRS, QT, QTc, DQT, DQTc e FC. Trinta e dois pacientes fizeram uso de amitriptilina e oito de imipramina. A dose média ao final do estudo foi de 54,29 mg de amitriptilina e de 46,87 mg de imipramina. RESULTADOS: A análise das variáveis eletrocardiográficas após o uso dos ADT apresentou a amitriptilina com aumento na frequência cardíaca transitoriamente no gênero feminino (p = 0,049) e a duração do QRS nos pacientes com idade igual ou maior que 60 anos e nos cardiopatas na segunda avaliação (p = 0,01). Nos pacientes que receberam amitriptilina, doses de 75 mg, o intervalo QTc foi maior quando comparado com doses de 25 mg (p = 0,0044). O aumento desses parâmetros evidenciou o efeito da amitriptilina sobre a condução cardíaca; no entanto, não houve comprometimento clínico, pois os valores permaneceram dentro dos limites de normalidade (QRS < 110ms e QTc < 470ms). CONCLUSÕES: O uso clínico dos ADT em dores crônicas mostrou-se seguro e eficaz, não apresentando distúrbio da condução cardíaca com repercussão clínica.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Los antidepresivos tricíclicos (ADT) son muy utilizados como analgésicos para lumbalgias crónicas y dolores neuropáticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las alteraciones electrocardiográficas de los pacientes con dolor crónico que usan amitriptilina o imipramina. MÉTODO: Se estudiaron 40 pacientes con edad entre 26 y 81 años (m = 57,27 ± 13,65 años), de los dos sexos (mujeres 19, hombres 21), con síndromes neuropáticos (lumbociatalgias, síndromes pos-laminectomía, neuritis pos-herpética, entre otras); un 60 por ciento con enfermedades cardiovasculares; 30 por ciento tenían ECG alterado (BRD, BRE, BAV 1ºG, HBAE o extra-sístoles). Se realizaron y se analizaron tres ECGs: antes del inicio de los ADT, 30 y 60 días después del inicio del tratamiento, evaluando los parámetros PR, QRS, QT, QTc, DQT, DQTc y FC. Treinta y dos pacientes usaron amitriptilina y ocho imipramina. La dosis promedio al final del estudio fue de 54,29 mg de amitriptilina y de 46,87 mg de imipramina. RESULTADOS: El análisis de las variables electrocardiográficas después del uso de los ADT arrojó lo siguiente: la amitriptilina aumentó la frecuencia cardíaca transitoriamente en el sexo femenino (p = 0,049) y la duración del QRS en los pacientes con edad igual o superior a los 60 años y en los cardiópatas en la segunda evaluación (p = 0,01). En los pacientes que recibieron amitriptilina, dosis de 75 mg, el intervalo QTc fue mayor cuando se le comparó a las dosis de 25 mg (p = 0,0044). El aumento de esos parámetros mostró el efecto de la amitriptilina sobre la conducción cardíaca, sin embargo, no se registró comprometimiento clínico, pues los valores permanecieron dentro de los límites de la normalidad (QRS < 110ms y QTc < 470ms). CONCLUSIONES: El uso clínico de los ADT en dolores crónicos, arrojó resultados seguros y eficaces, y no presentó disturbio de la conducción cardíaca con repercusión clínica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are widely used as analgesics in chronic lumbar pain and neuropathic pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic changes in patients with chronic pain treated with amitriptyline or imipramine. METHODS: Forty patients, ages 26 to 81 years (57.27 ± 13.65 years) of both genders (female 19, male 21), with neuropathic syndromes (lumbosciatalgia, postlaminectomy syndromes, and post-herpetic neuritis, among others) participated in this study; 60 percent had cardiovascular diseases; 30 percent had changes in the ECG (RBBB, LBBB, first-degree AVB, LAHB, or PVCs). Three ECGs were done in each patient: one ECG was done before beginning treatment, and 30 and 60 days after beginning treatment evaluating PR, QRS, QT, QTc, DQT, DQTc, and HR. Thirty-two patients were on amitriptyline and eight on imipramine. The mean dose at the end of the study was 54.29 mg of amitriptyline and 46.87 mg of imipramine. RESULTS: Analysis of electrocardiographic parameters after the use of TCAs showed that amitriptyline caused a transitory increase in heart rate in females (p = 0.049), and the duration of the QRS in patients 60 years or older and patients with cardiopathies (p = 0.01). In patients who received 75 mg of amitriptyline, the QTc interval was greater when compared to that of patients who received 25 mg of the drug (p = 0.0044). The increase in those parameters demonstrated the effects of amitriptyline on cardiac conduction; however, clinical compromise was not seen, since they remained within normal limits (QRS < 110 msec and QTc < 470 msec). CONCLUSIONS: The chronic use of TACs proved to be safe and effective, and it did not show changes in cardiac conduction with clinical repercussion.

Per-operative changes and related factors during simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: first experience at a Brazilian university hospital.

BACKGROUND: Several factors influence ischemic/reperfusion injury in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT). Per-operative period is full of intense changes in systemic parameters related to pancreatic reperfusion (PR). This work aims to study these changes evaluating fluid reposition, need of vasopressors and other related factors. MATERIAL/METHODS: Sixteen SPKT enduring patients mean age 32.4+/-4.76 had metabolic, electrolyte and hemodynamic data evaluated and compared at three times. Arterial blood gases, glucose, hematocrit; Na, K; MAP, HR and PAP were monitored after skin incision (T1), before and after PR (T2-T3). Fluid reposition, vasopressors, endocrine graft recovery and other related factors as donors, grafts, surgery team and receptors were also considered. RESULTS: Glucose, PaO2, PaCO2 and electrolytes didn't vary along the times. From T1v.T2 there was significant metabolic acidosis; T2v.T3 identified tachycardia and pulmonary hypertension; T1v.T3 confirmed metabolic acidosis, hemodilution and arterial hypotension. Use of crystalloids (8500+/-2909.75 mL), colloids (647.05+/-492.59 mL), human albumin (8.57+/-2.44 U), fresh frozen plasma (1.06+/-1.91 U), platelets (1.86+/-4.16 U) and red packed cells (5.75+/-3.25 U), needs of noradrenalin and dobutamin: 37,5% and 6,25%. Endocrine graft recovery median was 4.15 h. Related factors to donor's: 25.43+/-8.14 years, BMI 23.24+/-1.66, serum creatinine 1.1+/-0.47mg/dl, hemodynamically stable and trauma as cause of 50% donors brain death; graft storage: cold ischemia time (CIT) median of 12.5 h; surgery team: warm ischemia time (WIT) median of 60min; receptors: ASA4, type 1 diabetes mellitus and end stage renal disease medias of 18.87+/-5.64 and 2+/-1.3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience confirmed the intense instability related in literature caused by PR in SPKT.

Estudo comparativo entre uma e duas doses efetivas (DE95) de rocurônio para a intubação traqueal / A comparative study between one and two effective doses (ED95) of rocuronium for tracheal intubation

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os bloqueadores neuromusculares (BNM) são fármacos utilizados para produzir relaxamento da musculatura esquelética e facilitar a intubação traqueal (IT). A literatura descreve como sendo necessárias duas doses efetivas (DE95) o ideal para a IT. O rocurônio é um BNM não-despolarizante do tipo esteróide, sintético e de duração intermediária. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar e comparar as condições de intubação traqueal (IT), utilizando uma e duas doses efetivas (DE95) do rocurônio, seguindo os critérios da Conferência de Consenso de Copenhague. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 60 pacientes divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de 30, de ambos os sexos, idades entre 20 e 60 anos, estado físico ASA I e II, Mallampati 1 e 2, índice de massa corporal (IMC) < 35, submetidos a anestesia geral. No Grupo 1 (G1) foi administrado 0,3 mg.kg-1 (1 DE95) e no Grupo 2 (G2), 0,6 mg.kg-1 DE95 (2 DE95) de rocurônio. Os parâmetros para a avaliação da IT foram baseados nos critérios da Conferência de Consenso de Copenhague (Good Clinical Research Practice): laringoscopia, cordas vocais (posição e movimentação), reação à inserção do tubo e/ou a insuflação do balonete (movimento dos membros e tosse). RESULTADOS: Todas as intubações foram consideradas excelentes ou boas (aceitáveis), não havendo, portanto, nenhum caso em que não se logrou êxito ou que tenha sido classificado como ruim (inaceitável). Os resultados da análise estatística não foram significativos. Portanto, não houve diferença clínica significativa em nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados. CONCLUSÕES: O rocurônio tanto na dose de 0,3 mg.kg-1 quanto na de 0,6 mg.kg-1 DE95 proporcionou condições clinicamente aceitáveis de IT nos procedimentos eletivos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuromuscular blockers (NMB) are used to induce relaxation of skeletal muscles and facilitate tracheal intubation (TI). According to the literature, two effective doses (ED95) of NMB are ideal for TI. Rocuronium is a steroid-type, synthetic, non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker of medium duration. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the conditions of tracheal intubation with one and two effective doses (ED95) of rocuronium, following the criteria of the Copenhagen Consensus Conference. METHODS: Sixty patients of both genders, ages 20 to 60 years, physical status ASA I and II, Mallampati 1 and 2, body mass index (BMI) < 35, who underwent general anesthesia, randomly divided in two groups of 30 patients, were evaluated. Group 1 (G1) received 0.3 mg.kg-1 of rocuronium (1 ED95), and Group 2 (G2) received 0.6 mg.kg-1 (2 DE95). Parameters used to evaluate TI were based on the criteria of the Copenhagen Consensus Conference (Good Clinical Research Practice): laryngoscopy, vocal cords (position and movements), reaction to the insertion of the tube and/or filling of the cuff (movements of limbs and cough). RESULTS: All intubations were considered excellent or good (acceptable); therefore, there were no cases of failure or any intubation considered bad (unacceptable). The results of the statistical analysis were not significant. Consequently, we did not observe any clinically significant differences in the parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Both doses of rocuronium, 0.3 mg.kg-1 and 0.6 mg.kg-1 ED95, provided clinically satisfactory parameters of TI in elective procedures.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Los bloqueadores neuromusculares (BNM) son fármacos utilizados para producir el relajamiento de la musculatura esquelética y facilitar la intubación traqueal (IT). La literatura describe que son necesarias de los dosis efectivas (DE95) lo ideal para la IT. El rocuronio es un BNM no despolarizador del tipo esteroide, sintético y de duración intermedia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y comparar las condiciones de intubación traqueal (IT), utilizando una y de los dosis efectivas (DE95) del rocuronio, secundando los criterios de la Conferencia de Consenso de Copenhague. MÉTODO: Se estudiaron 60 pacientes divididos aleatoriamente en 2 grupos de 30, de ambos sexos, edades entre 20 y 60 años, estado físico ASA I y II, Mallampati 1 y 2, índice de masa corporal (IMC) < 35, sometidos a anestesia general. En el Grupo 1 (G1) se administró 0,3 mg.kg-1 (1 DE95) y en el Grupo 2 (G2) 0,6 mg.kg-1 DE95 (2 DE95) de rocuronio. Los parámetros para la evaluación de la IT fueron en base a los criterios de la Conferencia de Consenso de Copenhague (Good Clinical Research Practice): Laringoscopia, cuerdas vocales (posición y movimiento), reacción a la inserción del tubo y/o a la insuflación del globo (movimiento de los miembros y tos). RESULTADOS: Todas las intubaciones se consideraron excelentes o buenas boas (aceptables), y no hubo ningún caso en que no se logró el éxito o que no haya sido clasificado como malo (inaceptable). Los resultados del análisis estadístico no arrojaron nada de importante. Por tanto, no hubo diferencia clínica significativa en ninguno de los parámetros evaluados. CONCLUSIONES: El rocuronio tanto en la dosis de 0,3 mg.kg-1 como en la de 0,6 mg.kg-1 DE95 proporcionó condiciones clínicamente aceptables de IT en los procedimientos de elección.

A comparative study between one and two effective doses (ED95) of rocuronium for tracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuromuscular blockers (NMB) are used to induce relaxation of skeletal muscles and facilitate tracheal intubation (TI). According to the literature, two effective doses (ED95) of NMB are ideal for TI. Rocuronium is a steroid-type, synthetic, non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker of medium duration. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the conditions of tracheal intubation with one and two effective doses (ED95) of rocuronium, following the criteria of the Copenhagen Consensus Conference. METHODS: Sixty patients of both genders, ages 20 to 60 years, physical status ASA I and II, Mallampati 1 and 2, body mass index (BMI) < 35, who underwent general anesthesia, randomly divided in two groups of 30 patients, were evaluated. Group 1 (G1) received 0.3 mg kg(-1) of rocuronium (1 ED95, and Group 2 (G2) received 0.6 mg kg(-1) (2 DE95). Parameters used to evaluate TI were based on the criteria of the Copenhagen Consensus Conference (Good Clinical Research Practice): laryngoscopy, vocal cords (position and movements), reaction to the insertion of the tube and/or filling of the cuff (movements of limbs and cough). RESULTS: All intubations were considered excellent or good (acceptable); therefore, there were no cases of failure or any intubation considered bad (unacceptable). The results of the statistical analysis were not significant. Consequently, we did not observe any clinically significant differences in the parameters evaluated CONCLUSIONS: Both doses of rocuronium, 0.3 mg kg(-1) and 0.6 mg kg(-1) ED95, provided clinically satisfactory parameters of TI in elective procedures.

Controle da dor pós-operatória da artroplastia total do joelho: é necessário associar o bloqueio do nervo isquiático ao bloqueio do nervo femoral? / Control of postoperative pain following total knee arthroplasty: is it necessary to associate sciatic nerve block to femoral nerve block?

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ) promove grande trauma tecidual, produzindo intensa dor no pós-operatório. A analgesia pós-operatória de boa qualidade é fundamental, devendo-se considerar que a mobilização articular precoce é um importante aspecto para obtenção de bons resultados. Há controvérsias na literatura sobre a eficácia do bloqueio isolado do nervo femoral. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a analgesia pós-operatória com a associação do bloqueio dos nervos isquiático e femoral. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 17 pacientes submetidos à ATJ sob raquianestesia, divididos em dois grupos: A e B. No Grupo A (n = 9) foi realizado bloqueio do nervo femoral e no Grupo B (n = 8), bloqueio dos nervos femoral e isquiático. Os bloqueios foram realizados no pós-operatório imediato utilizando-se 20 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5 por cento em cada um. A dor foi aferida nas primeiras 24 horas pela Escala Analógica Visual e escala verbal. Foi observado o tempo decorrido entre os bloqueios e a primeira queixa de dor (M1). RESULTADOS: A mediana do tempo de analgesia (M1) no Grupo A foi de 110 min. e no Grupo B de 1.285 min. (p = 0,0001). Não foram observadas complicações atribuíveis às técnicas utilizadas. CONCLUSÃO: O bloqueio do nervo isquiático, quando associado ao bloqueio do nervo femoral, nas condições deste estudo, melhorou de maneira significativa a qualidade da analgesia pós-operatória da ATJ.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) causes severe tissue trauma, leading to severe postoperative pain. Good postoperative analgesia is fundamental and one should consider that early mobilization of the joint is an important aspect to obtain good results. There is a controversy in the literature on the efficacy of isolated femoral nerve block. The objective of this study was to evaluate postoperative analgesia with the association of sciatic and femoral nerve block. METHODS: Seventeen patients undergoing TKA under spinal anesthesia were divided in two groups: A and B. In Group A (n = 9), femoral nerve block was performed, while in Group B (n = 8), femoral and sciatic nerve block were done. The blockades were done in the immediate postoperative period with 20 mL of 0.5 percent of ropivacaine. Pain was evaluated in the first 24 hours using the Visual Analog Scale and the verbal scale. The length of time between the nerve block and the first complaint of pain (M1) was also evaluated. RESULTS: The median of the duration of analgesia (M1) in Group A was 110 min, while in Group B it was 1285 min (p = 0.0001). There were no complications related to the technique used. CONCLUSIONS: Sciatic nerve block, when associated with femoral nerve block, under the conditions of the present study, improved significantly the quality of postoperative analgesia in TKA.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La artroplastia total de la rodilla (ATR) promueve gran trauma del tejido produciendo un intenso dolor en el postoperatorio. La analgesia de postoperatorio de buena calidad es fundamental, debiendo considerar que la movilización articular precoz es un importante aspecto para la obtención de buenos resultados. Existen controversias en la literatura sobre la eficacia del bloqueo aislado del nervio femoral. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la analgesia en postoperatorio con la asociación del bloqueo de los nervios isquiático y femoral. MÉTODO: Fueron estudiados 17 pacientes sometidos a ATR bajo raquianestesia, divididos en dos grupos: A y B. En el Grupo A (n = 9) fue realizado bloqueo del nervio femoral y en el Grupo B (n = 8) bloqueo de los nervios femoral e isquiático. Los bloqueos fueron realizados en el postoperatorio inmediato utilizando 20 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5 por ciento en cada uno. El dolor se comprobó en las primeras 24 horas a través de la Escala Analógica Visual y escala verbal. Fue observado el tiempo transcurrido entre los bloqueos y el primer quejido de dolor (M1). RESULTADOS: La mediana del tiempo de analgesia (M1) en el Grupo A fue de 110 min y en el Grupo B de 1.285 min (p = 0,0001). No fueron observadas complicaciones atribuibles a las técnicas utilizadas. CONCLUSIONES: El bloqueo del nervio isquiático, cuando se asocia al bloqueo del nervio femoral, e las condiciones de este estudio, mejoró de manera significativa la calidad de la analgesia en postoperatorio de la ATR.