Comparing the Efficacy of Transforaminal and Caudal Epidural Injections of Calcitonin in Treating Degenerative Spinal Canal Stenosis: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common indication for lumbar surgery in elderly patients. Epidural injections of calcitonin are effective in managing LSS. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of transforaminal and caudal injections of calcitonin in patients with LSS. Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, LSS patients were divided into two equal groups (N = 20). The first group received 50 IU (international units) of calcitonin via caudal epidural injection (CEI), and the second group received 50 IU of calcitonin via transforaminal epidural injection (TEI). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI) were used to assess the patient's pain and ability to stand, respectively. Visual Analogue Scale and ODI scores were recorded and analyzed. Results: The results showed that caudal and TEIs of calcitonin significantly improved pain and ability to stand during follow-up compared to before intervention (P < 0.05). Additionally, CEI of calcitonin after 6 months significantly reduced pain in LSS patients compared to TEI of calcitonin (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two epidural injection techniques in improving the patient's ability to stand (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that epidural injection of calcitonin in long-term follow-up (6 months) had a significant effect on improving pain intensity and mobility in patients with LSS, and its effect on pain in the TEI method was significantly greater than that in the CEI method.

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Labetalol and Remifentanil on Pain Control After Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Finding the optimal combination of anesthetics to maintain hemodynamic stability during surgery can be challenging. Traditionally, strong opioid analgesics such as fentanyl and its newer analogs have been used. However, the use of narcotics is associated with certain side effects. Objectives: This study compares the effects of labetalol and remifentanil in pain control after bariatric surgery in Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital. Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 48 laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients. The participants were randomly divided into two groups receiving remifentanil or labetalol. Postoperative pain was measured in the recovery unit using the numerical rating scale (NRS). This score was recorded upon entering recovery, and 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes after surgery for each patient. Also, the duration of anesthesia, the duration of the operation, the recovery time, the dose of the administered opioids, the volume of intravenous fluids, and the dose of administered propofol were recorded for each patient. Nausea and vomiting after the operation were also recorded as outcomes. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the mean duration of surgery and anesthesia, dose of the administered anesthetics, recovery period, nausea and vomiting, and the dose of analgesics after the operation. The mean pain intensity during the given period and also the trend of pain intensity changes between the two groups demonstrated no statistically significant differences (P = 0.112). During the operation, 9 subjects (37.5%) in the labetalol group and 16 (66.7%) in the remifentanil group needed more analgesics (rescue drug); in this regard, a significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.043). Conclusions: Based on the study's findings, there were no significant differences between labetalol and remifentanil in post and perioperative pain control. However, rescue drugs needed to maintain hemodynamic stability during laparoscopic surgery were significantly lower in patients who received labetalol than remifentanil. Postoperative complications were also comparable between labetalol and remifentanil.

Efficacy of Sumatriptan/Placebo versus Sumatriptan/Propofol Combination in Acute Migraine; a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Migraine headaches can cause severe pain for patients and lead them to multiple visits to the emergency department (ED). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of propofol + sumatriptan combination in comparison with sumatriptan alone in the management of acute migraine headaches. Methods: This triple-blind clinical trial involved patients who referred to two emergency departments with acute migraine headaches. Patients were randomly assigned to control (sumatriptan and placebo) or intervention (propofol and sumatriptan) groups for comparison of the efficacy and side effects of treatment. Results: In this study, 60 patients were included whose mean age was 31±8.8 years, and headaches were more common among women. After 30 and 60 minutes from the beginning of treatment, the mean pain score reduction in the intervention group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p=0.012, p=0.024). In addition, the rate of chest tightness in the control group was significantly higher than the intervention group. The absolute risk reduction of adverse events (Chest tightness, Bradycardia, hypotension, and etc.), in patients with acute migraine headache taking propofol and sumatriptan treatment, was 32.18% (95% CI: 8.02 - 56.35). Conclusions: This study supports the use of propofol for treatment of acute migraine headaches and shows that combining sumatriptan with propofol is more effective in relieving migraine headaches and the associated symptoms than using sumatriptan alone. However, more studies with longer follow-ups are still needed.

The Effect of Softening of Endotracheal Tubes on the Decrement of Postoperative Hoarseness and Sore Throat.

Background: Hoarseness, cough, and sore throat are the most prevalent complications after removing patients' endotracheal tube and general anesthesia. Various methods have been proposed to reduce these complications after intubation. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effect of softening the endotracheal tube with normal warm saline on reducing post-intubation complications such as sore throat and hoarseness. Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed on patients undergoing general anesthesia at Rasoul Akram and Firoozgar hospitals in Tehran, Iran. In the present study, 58 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 29 patients. All patients underwent the same premedication with fentanyl and lidocaine. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and atracurium. Three to 5 minutes after atracurium injection, the laryngoscopy test was performed. Randomly, some patients were intubated with a thermally softened endotracheal tube, and some were intubated with a normal tube. At the end of the operation, when the spontaneous breathing was adequate, and the patients could carry out oral instructions, the endotracheal tube was removed immediately after suctioning. All patients were evaluated for sore throat and hoarseness before discharge from recovery and 24 hours after surgery. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software package version 25. Results: The mean incidence of sore throat in recovery in the intervention group (20.7%) decreased compared to the control group (75.8%). Moreover, the mean incidence of hoarseness in the intervention group (17.2%) decreased in comparison to the control group (41.4%, P < 0.029). Based on the data of our study, we observed that 24 hours after surgery, the mean incidence of sore throat among the patients of the intervention group was significantly lower compared to the control group, where patients in the intervention group did not feel any sore throat (P < 0.002). We also observed that 24 hours after surgery, the amount of hoarseness in the intervention group (3.4%) also decreased compared to the control group (24.1%, P < 0.022). Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that thermal softening of the endotracheal tubes with normal warm saline before intubation could be significantly effective in decrement of sore throat and hoarseness during recovery and 24 hours after surgery.

Postoperative Pain Management: Efficacy of Caudal Tramadol in Pediatric Lower Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: One of the methods of pain control after pediatric surgical procedures is regional techniques, including caudal block, despite their limitations. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the pain score and complications of caudal tramadol were evaluated in pediatrics following lower abdominal surgery. METHODS: In this study, 46 children aged 3 to 10 years were allocated into two equal groups (R and TR) for performing caudal analgesia after lower abdominal surgery. The injectate contained 0.2% ropivacaine 1 mL/kg in the R group (control group) and tramadol (2 mg/kg) and ropivacaine in the TR group. The pain score, duration of pain relief, amount of paracetamol consumption, hemodynamic alterations, and possible complications at specific times (1, 2, and 6 hours) were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: No considerable difference was observed in the pain score between the groups in the first and second hours (P > 0.05). However, in the sixth hour, the TR group had a significantly lower pain score than the R group (P < 0.05). Compared to the R group, the TR group had a longer period of analgesia and lower consumption of analgesic drugs (P < 0.05). Heart rate and blood pressure differences were not significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). Similarly, the duration of operation and recovery time were not remarkably different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Complications had no apparent differences between these two groups, as well (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the addition of tramadol to caudal ropivacaine in pediatric lower abdominal surgery promoted pain relief without complications.

Topical Sevoflurane: A Novel Treatment for Chronic Pain Caused by Venous Stasis Ulcers.

In the US, an estimated 1 - 2% of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) patients (of 6 - 7 million nationwide) develop at least one venous stasis ulcer (VSU) during their illness. Of these, approximately 40% develop subsequent ulcers, making VSU prognostically poor. Current management of VSU is costly, with poor prognosis, high recurrence rate, inadequate pain management, and significantly reduced quality of life (QoL). Topical volatile anesthetic agents, such as sevoflurane, offer improved pain relief and symptom control in patients suffering from chronic VSU. The immediate impact of topical sevoflurane in reducing pain associated with ulcer bed debridement has several implications in improving the quality of life in patients with CVI induced ulcers and in the prognosis and healing of the ulcers. This review summarizes a topical formulation of a volatile anesthetic and its implications for the management of VSUs.

Evaluation of Adding Dexmedetomidine to Ropivacaine in Pediatric Caudal Epidural Block: A Randomized, Double-blinded Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Caudal block is one of the methods of pain management performed following lower abdominal surgery, though having its own limitations. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the effects and side effects of adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in the caudal epidural block were investigated in children after lower abdominal surgery. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, 46 children aged three to six years were divided into two groups to perform a caudal block following lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. The injectable solution contained ropivacaine in the R group (1 mL/kg ropivacaine 0.2%), as the control group, and dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg) and ropivacaine 0.2% (1 mL/kg) in the DR group. The pain score (modified CHEOPS score), duration of analgesia, amount of analgesia consumed (i.v. paracetamol), hemodynamic changes, and possible adverse effects were assessed at one, two, and six hours in both groups. RESULTS: The pain score at one and two hours showed no significant difference between the two study groups (P > 0.05). In the DR group, however, the pain score at the sixth hour was significantly lower, and the duration of analgesia was longer (P = 0.001). The amount of analgesic consumption was also lower in the DR group (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure and heart rate (P < 0.05), in the case of diastolic blood pressure, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was seen (DR group lower than the R group). There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups in the duration of surgery, recovery time, and side effects (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in the caudal epidural blockade improved postoperative analgesia without significant adverse effects in pediatric patients.

Vitreoretinal Surgery Under Sub-Tenon's Block and Conscious Sedation in a Patient with Brugada Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Brugada syndrome (BrS), a type of sudden arrhythmic unexpected death syndrome (SADS), is characterized by specific electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, a structurally normal heart, and susceptibility to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. General anesthesia (GA) is usually used for major surgery in patients with BrS due to concerns that some local anesthetic agents may precipitate critical arrhythmias. The majority of ophthalmic surgeries are successfully carried out under regional anesthesia (RA). The literature does not address the use of ophthalmic RA in patients with BrS except one report of peribulbar block for glaucoma surgery. This clinical case report and the liertature review suggests that for BrS patients presenting for vitreoretinal surgery, a sub-tenon block, with or without sedation may safely be used as a primary anaethestic technique.

Intravenous magnesium sulfate vs. morphine sulfate in relieving renal colic: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Renal colic emerging from renal stone is virtually the most severe pain which is experienced. Intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate is known as a usual treatment for the disease. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of magnesium sulfate vs morphine sulfate in renal colic relief as for analgesic effect as well as lack of morphine sulfate side effects when using magnesium sulfate. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial in renal colic patients who had referred to the emergency department of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd, Iran. A total of 80 eligible patients were selected and randomly assigned into two groups; patients in the case group received 50 mg/kg intravenous magnesium sulfate, and those in the control group 0.1 mg/kg intravenous morphine. The primary outcome was the pain score measured on a numerical rating scale at 0, 10 and 20 minutes after infusion. Data were analyzed using SPSS16. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of demographic features and pain intensity at the time of referral (P <.0001). Ten minutes after drug administration, the pain mean score in the morphine group leveled at 4.88, and in the magnesium group 5.70, which proved to be greater in the morphine group (P- = 0.06). However, the pain mean score turned out to be 3.65 in the morphine group and 3.20 in the magnesium group thus significantly indifferent (P = .48). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we concluded that administration of intravenous 50 mg/kg magnesium sulfate could be as effective as morphine in reducing renal colic without any further complications.

Emergency Tracheostomy in Two Airway Trauma Patients Suspected of COVID-19: A Case Report.

Coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and became a pandemic on Mar 11, according to the World Health Organization report. In the epidemic of COVID-19, many patients admitted to hospitals for other reasons may be silent carriers of COVID-19 and have the risk of infecting medical personnel. Thus, meticulous personal protection measures should be considered in suspicious patients, especially when close contact with the patient's airway is anticipated. We introduce two airway trauma patients suspected of COVID-19 who required emergency tracheostomy. Patient one was a 29-year-old man who suffered facial trauma following a car accident. A chest CT scan showed peripheral ground-glass opacities suggestive for COVID-19. The second patient was a young elevator mechanic who experienced maxillofacial trauma after an elevator crash. The methods of anesthesia and airway protection and safety precautions are described.

Serological Survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii Co-Infection in Rodents in Northwestern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Our knowledge of the epidemiology of rodents' parasitic agents in Iran is scarce, although some of these pathogens play an important role in human and veterinary medicine, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in rodents of northwestern Iran between Mar and Dec 2015. METHODS: Overall, 157 serum samples from rodents (101 Meriones persicus, 41 Mus musculus, and 15 Cricetulus migratorius) were assayed by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum. RESULTS: We found a prevalence of 20.38% (32/157) for N. caninum, 35% (55/157) for T. gondii. Co-presence of antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii was found in 10 (6.36%) rodents. A significant association was found between the rodents species and seropositivity to N. caninum (P<0.05) but there was no association with rodents species for T. gondii. The overall prevalence of the aforementioned parasites was higher in male versus female rodents. CONCLUSION: The high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in rodents in the study area has implications for translocation of these infections across wider geographical regions since these rodents are mostly preyed on by cats or dogs; hence, which can transfer the parasite to other hosts.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for a Patient with Suicide by Drinking Bleach During Treatment of COVID-19: A Case Report.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was first experienced in 1938 and had been conducting without anesthesia for 30 years. In this study, the most common indication for ECT was mood disorder (major depressive disorder and bipolar I disorder). We introduce a patient with a history of COVID-19 and suicide who required emergency ECT. Electroconvulsive therapy can be life-saving in patients with suicide history or catatonic schizophrenia. Health workers are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak control and must follow health instructions. Aerosol-producing procedures such as suction in anesthesia for ECT may facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. When performing aerosol-producing procedures during the pandemic of novel coronavirus, every patient should be considered suspicious.

Residents' Experiences of Abuse and Harassment in Emergency Departments.

The widespread epidemic of emerging abuse in Emergency Departments (ED) toward residents generates negative effects on the residents' health and welfare. The purpose of this study was to determine and highlight the high prevalence of abuse and harassment toward Emergency residents. In 2011, a multi-institutional, cross-sectional study was conducted at seven Emergency Residencies of central hospitals in Iran. Residents were asked about their age, marital status, postgraduate year (PGY) levels, and work experiences before residency. Prevalence of abuse in four categories was evaluated: verbal abuse; verbal and physical threat; physical assault and sexual harassment; and by whom. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Two hundred fifteen of the 296 residents (73%) completed the survey. The prevalence of any type of abuse experienced was 89%; 43% of residents experienced verbal and physical threats, 10% physical assault, and 31% sexual harassment. Verbal abuse and verbal and physical threats without the use of weapons were higher in men in comparison with women ( p< .04). Women were more likely than men to encounter sexual harassment (31% vs. 7%, p< .01). Among the sexual harassment categories, sexual jokes (51%) were the most prevalent between residents. Junior residents (PGY-1) were more likely to experience abuse than senior residents (PGY-2 and PGY-3; p< .01). Patients and their companions were the main agents of abusive behaviors. Abuse and harassment during residency in ED are highly prevalent. Educational programs and effective preventive measures against this mistreatment are urgently required.

Comparison of Ephedrine vs. Norepinephrine in Treating Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension in Hypertensive Patients: Randomized Double-Blinded Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypotension is a common problem in general anesthesia. Maintaining the mean arterial pressure by choosing a vasopressor with minimal complications is still discussed in various surgeries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is comparison of ephedrine versus norepinephrine in treating anesthesia-induced hypotension in hypertensive patients in spinal surgery in a randomized double-blinded study. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded study was approved by Iran University of Medical Sciences, operating room of medical center. Data collection was completed between Jan to Dec 2017. Inclusion criteria included age between 20 and 75 years, history of high blood pressure (a patient who has been treated for maximum 5 years with a anti hypertensive medication), and patients under general anesthesia in spinal surgery. The exclusion criteria were based on American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of 3 or higher, history of arrhythmia, heart valve disease, cerebrovascular disease, kidney failure, beta-blocker use and diabetes, as well as intra operative massive blood loss. After initiation of anesthesia, when the pressure reaches less than 60, the patient entered the protocol and simultaneously administration of 5 mL/kg serum crystalloid and vasopressor. Patients were randomized to the ephedrine group (n = 28) who received 5 mg ephedrine intravenous (i.v.) or norepinephrine Group (n = 28) who received 10 µg (i.v.) bolus norepinephrine at anesthesia-induced hypotension. The administration of 5 mL/kg serum crystalloid and vasopressor was simultaneous. If the mean arterial pressure (MAP) had not reached 60 mmHg, the same dose should be repeated at a maximum of three or more times at five-minute intervals in the ephedrine group and at two minutes intervals in the norepinephrine group. All parameters were collected before and at the end of administration anesthesia drug and during episodes of hypotension. Hemodynamic variables, frequency of hypotension, and total number of vasopressors doses during anesthesia were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean number of hypotension times, the number of vasopressors doses in the first hypotension, the total number of doses consumed during the anesthesia, and heart rate at the end of anesthesia were lower in the norepinephrine group (P) respectively. MAP, 5 minutes after the first episode of hypotension and MAP at the end of anesthesia were higher in norepinephrine group. CONCLUSIONS: Norepinephrine is more effective than ephedrine in maintenance of MAP in hypertensive patients undergoing spinal surgery under general anesthesia.

Residents' experiences in dealing with abuse in emergency department: a survey in Iran hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Abuse in Emergency Department (ED) as a widespread phenomenon, has negative effects on ED residents. This issue pertains to Western as well as Asian countries. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess how Iranian ED residents deal with abuse. Awareness, educational programmes, reports, causes of abuse and ways to reduce this were considered in this survey. METHOD: In 2011, a cross-section survey was conducted at seven ED residencies of central hospitals in Tehran, Mashhad, Ahwaz and Tabriz. ED residents were asked about their age, sex, abuse time, awareness of abuse, educational programmes, reporting abuse, causes of reluctance to report, and how to reduce abuse. The data were analysed by SPSS V.20. RESULTS: A total of 215 questionnaires were completed. Abuse was reported to have occurred most frequently during night shifts (n=89, 41.4%),  and most of the residents were abused by men rather than women (n=132, 61% vs n=22, 10%, p<0.05). About half the residents (n=107, 49.8%) were not aware of any abuse. Only 22% (n=46) had formal or informal education in abuse, and 74% (n=158) of them had not gone through any learning programmes. Most residents (n=175, 81%) did not know how to report abuse, and among respondents, most of the residents did not report the abuse (n=86, 40%), and the cause was mostly the uncertainty towards officials being able to solve the problem of abuse (n=67, 38%). Residents most often reported not to admit patients more than the hospital's capacity as the main solution to reduce abuse (n=61, 32%). CONCLUSIONS: Being abused during residency is a universal problem, and there is a lack of awareness and the knowledge of how to deal with abuse, and reporting it among ED residents in Iranian hospitals.