Recommendations for local-regional anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many questions have come up regarding safe anesthesia management of patients with the disease. Regional anesthesia, whether peripheral nerve or neuraxial, is a safe alternative for managing patients with COVID-19, by choosing modalities that mitigate pulmonary function involvement. Adopting regional anesthesia mitigates adverse effects in the post-operative period and provides safety to patients and teams, as long as there is compliance with individual protection and interpersonal transmission care measures. Respecting contra-indications and judicial use of safety techniques and norms are essential. The present manuscript aims to review the evidence available on regional anesthesia for patients with COVID-19 and offer practical recommendations for safe and efficient performance.

Desde o início da pandemia de COVID-19, muitas questões surgiram referentes à segurança do manejo anestésico de pacientes acometidos pela doença. A anestesia regional, seja esta periférica ou neuroaxial, é alternativa segura no manejo do paciente COVID-19, desde que o emprego de modalidades que minimizam o comprometimento da função pulmonar seja escolhido. A adoção desta técnica anestésica minimiza os efeitos adversos no pós-operatório e oferece segurança para o paciente e equipe, desde que sejam respeitados os cuidados com proteção individual e de contágio interpessoal. Respeito às contraindicações e emprego criterioso das técnicas e normas de segurança são fundamentais. Este manuscrito tem por objetivo revisar as evidências disponíveis sobre anestesia regional em pacientes com COVID-19 e oferecer recomendações práticas para sua realização segura e eficiente.

[Recommendations for local-regional anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Recomendações para realização de anestesia loco­regional durante a pandemia de COVID­19.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many questions have come up regarding safe anesthesia management of patients with the disease. Regional anesthesia, whether peripheral nerve or neuraxial, is a safe alternative for managing patients with COVID-19, by choosing modalities that mitigate pulmonary function involvement. Adopting regional anesthesia mitigates adverse effects in the postoperative period and provides safety to pati ents and teams, as long as there is compliance with individual protection and interpersonal transmission care measures. Respecting contra-indications and judicial use of safety techniques and norms are essential. The present manuscript aims to review the evidence available on regional anesthesia for patients with COVID-19 and offer practical recommendations for safe and efficient performance.

Ultrasound-guided continuous block of median and ulnar nerves in horses: development of the technique.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a technique for ultrasound-guided continuous median and ulnar peripheral nerve block in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomical and prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of 16 thoracic limbs from horse cadavers and 18 adult horses. METHOD: This study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1: Dissection of median and ulnar nerves in the antebrachial region of two cadaver limbs to identify localizing landmarks. Description of sonoanatomy in 14 cadaver limbs using ultrasound-guided perineural infiltration of a combination of cellulose gel (5 mL), contrast medium (4 mL) and methylene blue (1 mL). Catheters were inserted between the perineural sheath and epineurium in six limbs, followed by computed tomography. Phase 2: Ultrasonographic images of the limbs of 18 healthy horses of different breeds were used to define an acoustic window and optimize the approach to nerves. Phase 3: Two case reports of horses with chronic pain of different etiologies. Catheters were inserted between the epineurium and paraneural sheath of the median and/or ulnar nerves guided by ultrasound, followed by continuous infusion of 0.4% ropivacaine. RESULTS: Information from phase 1 was used to direct needle insertion, solution dispersion and catheter implantation in phase 2, which resulted in 100% technique accuracy. In response to the peripheral nerve block, pain reduction was apparent in the two clinical cases by increased weight bearing in affected limbs and decreased requirement for systemic analgesic medications. No local reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ultrasound technique allowed real-time visualization of needle, catheter and drug dispersion and resulted in a high success rate for nerve blocks. The horses administered a median and ulnar nerve block exhibited no discomfort or signs of infection at the catheter insertion site. Further studies are warranted to validate the efficacy of this technique.

Recommendations for local-regional anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic / Recomendações para realização de anestesia loco-regional durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many questions have come up regarding safe anesthesia management of patients with the disease. Regional anesthesia, whether peripheral nerve or neuraxial, is a safe alternative for managing patients with COVID-19, by choosing modalities that mitigate pulmonary function involvement. Adopting regional anesthesia mitigates adverse effects in the post-operative period and provides safety to patients and teams, as long as there is compliance with individual protection and interpersonal transmission care measures. Respecting contra-indications and judicial use of safety techniques and norms are essential. The present manuscript aims to review the evidence available on regional anesthesia for patients with COVID-19 and offer practical recommendations for safe and efficient performance.

Resumo Desde o início da pandemia de COVID-19, muitas questões surgiram referentes à segurança do manejo anestésico de pacientes acometidos pela doença. A anestesia regional, seja esta periférica ou neuroaxial, é alternativa segura no manejo do paciente COVID-19, desde que o emprego de modalidades que minimizam o comprometimento da função pulmonar seja escolhido. A adoção dessa técnica anestésica minimiza os efeitos adversos no pós-operatório e oferece segurança para o paciente e equipe, desde que sejam respeitados os cuidados com proteção individual e de contágio interpessoal. Respeito às contraindicações e emprego criterioso das técnicas e normas de segurança são fundamentais. Este manuscrito tem por objetivo revisar as evidências disponíveis sobre anestesia regional em pacientes com COVID-19 e oferecer recomendações práticas para sua realização segura e eficiente.

Continuous femoral nerve blockade and single-shot sciatic nerve block promotes better analgesia and lower bleeding for total knee arthroplasty compared to intrathecal morphine: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Knee arthroplasty leads to postoperative pain. This study compares analgesia and postoperative bleeding achieved by intrathecal morphine with a continuous femoral plus single-shot sciatic nerve block. METHODS: A randomized non-blinded clinical trial enrolled patients aged over 18 years old, ASA I to III who underwent total knee arthroplasty. All patients underwent spinal anesthesia with isobaric bupivacaine, 20 mg. One group received 100 mcg of intrathecal morphine (M group), and the other received a femoral nerve block by continuous infusion plus a "single shot" block of the sciatic nerve at the end of the surgery (FI group). Pain score from verbal numeric rating scale (VNRS) and morphine consumption during the first 72 h, as well as motor blockade, adverse effects, and postoperative bleeding were recorded. Analysis of variance of repeated measures with Bonferroni post-test, t-test and Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirty nine patients completed the study (M = 20; FI = 19 patients) and were similar except for higher age in the FI group. Motor blockade as well as movement pain during postanesthesia care unit (PACU) staying were not different between the groups, but movement pain was significantly lower in FI group after 24 h. Postoperative bleeding (ml) was lower in FI group. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous femoral nerve block combined with sciatic nerve block provides effective for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, with lower pain scores after 24 h and a lower incidence of adverse effects and bleeding compared to intrathecal morphine. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ under identifier NCT02882152 , 23rd December, 2016.

Comparative study related to cardiovascular safety between bupivacaine (S75-R25) and ropivacaine in brachial plexus block.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bupivacaine is a fi rst choice for regional anesthesia considering its effectiveness, long duration and less motor blockade. Bupivacaine (S75-R25) is a mixture of optical isomers containing 75% levobupivacaine (S-) and 25% dextrobupivacaine (R+) created by a Brazilian pharmaceutical company. This investigation compared cardiac safety and efficacy of bupivacaine S75-R25 with vasoconstrictor and ropivacaine for brachial plexus blockade. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive brachial plexus anesthesia with either bupivacaine S75-R25 with epinephrine 1:200,000 (bupi) or ropivacaine (ropi), both at 0.50%, in 30 mL solution.We registered a continuous Holter ECG throughout the procedure, as well as the Lovett scale of force in addition to monitoring (heart rate, pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure). The incidence of adverse events was compared with the chi-square or Fisher test. RESULTS: We allocated forty-four patients into two groups. They did not show any difference related to age, weight or height, gender, as well as for surgical duration. Supraventricular arrhythmias were not different before or after the plexus blockade, independent of the local anestheticchosen. Loss of sensitivity was faster for the bupivacaine group (23.1 ± 11.7 min) compared to the ropivacaine one (26.8 ± 11.5 min), though not significant (p = 0.205, Student t). There was a reduction in the cardiac rate, observed during the twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed similar efficacy between bupivacaine S75-R25 for brachial plexus blockade and ropivacaine, with similar incidences of supraventricular arrhythmias.

Estudo comparativo entre bupivacaína (S75-R25) e ropivacaína para avaliar a segurança cardiovascular em bloqueio do plexo braquial / Comparative study related to cardiovascular safety between bupivacaine (S75-R25) and ropivacaine in brachial plexus block / Estudio comparativo entre la bupivacaína (S75-R25) y la ropivacaína para evaluar la seguridad cardiovascular en el bloqueo del plexo braquial

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Bupivacaína é o fármaco de escolha para anestesia regional por causa da eficácia, longa duração e do bloqueio motor menos intenso. Bupivacaína (S75-R25) é uma mistura de isômeros ópticos que contém 75% de levobupivacaína (S-) e 25% de dextrobupivacaína (R+) e foi criada por uma companhia farmacêutica brasileira. Este estudo comparou a eficácia e segurança de bupivacaína S75-R25 com vasoconstritor e ropivacaína para o sistema cardiovascular em bloqueio do plexo braquial. MÉTODOS: Pacientes foram randomizados para receber bloqueio do plexo braquial com bupivacaína S75-R25 (Grupo B) com epinefrina 1:200.000 ou ropivacaína (Grupo R), ambos os fármacos a 0,50%, em 30 mL ECG contínuo (Holter) foi registrado durante todo o procedimento, bem como a escala de força de Lovett, além de monitoramento (frequência cardíaca, oximetria de pulso e pressão arterial não invasiva). A incidência de eventos adversos foi comparada com os testes do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e quatro pacientes foram estudados. Não houve diferença significativa em relação à idade, peso, altura, gênero e tempo cirúrgico. Não houve diferença entre arritmias supraventriculares antes ou depois do bloqueio do plexo braquial, independentemente do anestésico local escolhido. A perda de sensibilidade foi mais rápida no Grupo B (23,1 ± 11,7 min) em comparação com o Grupo R (26,8 ± 11,5 min), embora não significativa (p = 0,205, teste t de Student). Houve uma redução da frequência cardíaca, observada durante a monitoração contínua de 24 horas (Holter). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou eficácia semelhante entre bupivacaína S75-R25 e ropivacaína para bloqueio do plexo braquial, com incidências semelhantes de arritmias supraventriculares.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bupivacaine is a first choice for regional anesthesia considering its effectiveness, long duration and less motor blockade. Bupivacaine (S75-R25) is a mixture of optical isomers containing 75% levobupivacaine (S-) and 25% dextrobupivacaine (R+) created by a Brazilian pharmaceutical company. This investigation compared cardiac safety and efficacy of bupivacaine S75-R25 with vasoconstrictor and ropivacaine for brachial plexus blockade. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive brachial plexus anesthesia with either bupivacaine S75-R25 with epinephrine 1:200,000 (bupi) or ropivacaine (ropi), both at 0.50%, in 30 mL solution. We registered a continuous Holter ECG throughout the procedure, as well as the Lovett scale of force in addition to monitoring (heart rate, pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure). The incidence of adverse events was compared with the chi-square or Fisher test. RESULTS: We allocated forty-four patients into two groups. They did not show any difference related to age, weight or height, gender, as well as for surgical duration. Supraventricular arrhythmias were not different before or after the plexus blockade, independent of the local anesthetic chosen. Loss of sensitivity was faster for the bupivacaine group (23.1 ± 11.7 min) compared to the ropivacaine one (26.8 ± 11.5 min), though not significant (p = 0.205, Student t). There was a reduction in the cardiac rate, observed during the twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed similar efficacy between bupivacaine S75-R25 for brachial plexus blockade and ropivacaine, with similar incidences of supraventricular arrhythmias.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La Bupivacaína es el fármaco por elección para la anestesia regional por poseer una eficacia, una larga duración y un bloqueo motor menos intenso. La Bupivacaína (S75-R25) consiste en una mezcla de isómeros ópticos que contienen un 75% de levobupivacaína (S-) y un 25% de dextrobupivacaína (R+), y fue creada por una compañía farmacéutica brasileña. Este estudio comparó la eficacia y la seguridad de la bupivacaína S75-R25 con el vasoconstrictor y la ropivacaína para el sistema cardiovascular en el bloqueo del plexo braquial. MÉTODOS: El equipo de investigación colocó de forma aleatoria a los pacientes que recibirían el bloqueo del plexo braquial con la bupivacaína S75-R25 (Grupo B) o la ropivacaína (Grupo R), ambos fármacos al 0,50%, y 30 mL de epinefrina 1:200.000. El ECG continuo (Holter) se registró durante todo el procedimiento, como también la escala de fuerza de Lovett, además de la monitorización (frecuencia cardíaca, oximetría de pulso y presión arterial no invasiva). La incidencia de eventos adversos fue comparada con los test del Xi-Cuadrado (Xi²) o exacto de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Fueron divididos en dos grupos 44 pacientes. No hubo diferencia significativa con relación a la edad, peso, altura, sexo y tiempo de operación. No hubo diferencia entre las arritmias supraventriculares antes o después del bloqueo del plexo braquial, independientemente del anestésico local elegido. La pérdida de sensibilidad fue más rápida en el Grupo B (23,1 ± 11,7 min) en comparación con el Grupo R (26,8 ± 11,5 min), aunque no fuere significativa (p = 0,205, test t de Student). Hubo una reducción de la frecuencia cardíaca, observada durante la monitorización continua de 24 horas (Holter). CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio demostró una eficacia parecida entre la bupivacaína S75-R25 y la ropivacaína para el bloqueo del plexo braquial, con incidencias parecidas de arritmias supraventriculares.

Volume replacement therapy during hip arthroplasty using hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) compared to lactated Ringer decreases allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 is considered an effective plasma expander when compared to crystalloids. There is controversy around its superiority regarding hemodynamic optimization and about possible detrimental effects on coagulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HES 130/0.4 to lactated Ringer solution during hip arthroplasty in adult patients under spinal anesthesia regarding intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profile, transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, 48 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: 24 patients were allocated to receive a preload of 15 mL.kg(-1) of HES 130/0.4 and 24 patients received a preload of 30 mL.kg(-1) lactated Ringer solution before surgery. Hemodynamic measurements, hemoglobin concentrations, biochemical parameters and coagulation tests were evaluated in three periods during surgical procedure. Patients received medical follow-up during their hospital stay and up to postoperative 30 days. Primary outcome was the requirement of red blood cell transfusion between groups during hospital stay. Secondary outcome were hemodynamic parameters, length of hospital stay, mortality and occurrence of clinical postoperative complications. RESULTS: Red blood cell transfusion was required in 17% of patients in the HES group and in 46% in the Ringer group (p = .029). Postoperative infections were more frequently observed in the Ringer group (17%) compared to the HES group (0), p = .037. There were no significant differences between groups in mortality, hospital length of stay and clinical complications other than infection. CONCLUSIONS: During hip arthroplasty, patients treated with hypervolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 required less transfusion and presented lower infection rate compared to patients who received lactated Ringer.

Terapia de reposição volêmica durante artroplastia de quadril usando hidroxietilamido (130/0, 4) comparado com Ringer lactato diminui transfusão de sangue alogênico e infecção pós-operatória / Volume replacement therapy during hip arthroplasty using hydroxyethyl starch (130/0. 4) compared to lactated Ringer decreases allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection / Terapia de reposición volémica durante la artroplastia de cadera usando hidroxietilalmidón (130/0, 4): comparado con lactato de Ringer reduce la transfusión de sangre alogénica y la infección posoperatoria

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O hidroxietilamido 130/0,4 (HES 130/0,4) é considerado um expansor plasmático efetivo quando comparado com cristaloides. Há controvérsia sobre sua superioridade em relação à otimização hemodinâmica e sobre possíveis efeitos prejudiciais na coagulação. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos do HES 130/0,4 com os da solução de Ringer lactato durante artroplastia de quadril em pacientes adultos sob raquianestesia e levou em consideração sangramento intraoperatório, parâmetros hemodinâmicos, coagulograma, necessidade de transfusão e desfechos clínicos. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo randômico e controlado, 48 pacientes agendados para artroplastia de quadril com raquianestesia foram alocados em dois grupos: 24 receberam uma pré-carga de HES 130/0,4 (15 mL.kg-1) e 24 receberam uma pré-carga de solução de Ringer lactato (30 mL. kg-1) antes da cirurgia. Mensurações hemodinâmicas, concentração de hemoglobina, parâmetros bioquímicos e testes de coagulação foram avaliados em três períodos durante o procedimento cirúrgico. Os pacientes receberam acompanhamento médico durante a internação e até 30 dias no período pós-operatório. O principal fator foi a necessidade de transfusão de hemácias entre os grupos durante a internação. Os fatores secundários foram parâmetros hemodinâmicos, tempo de internação, mortalidade e ocorrência de complicações clínicas. no período pós-operatório. O principal fator foi a necessidade de transfusão de hemácias entre os grupos durante a internação. Os fatores secundários foram parâmetros hemodinâmicos, tempo de internação, mortalidade e ocorrência de complicações clínicas. RESULTADOS: A transfusão de hemácias foi necessária em 17% dos pacientes do grupo HES e em 46% dos pacientes do grupo Ringer lactato (p = 0,029). Infecções pós-operatórias foram observadas com mais frequência no grupo de Ringer lactato (17%) em comparação com o grupo HES (0), p = 0,037. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação à mortalidade, ao tempo de internação e às complicações clínicas, exceto infecção. CONCLUSÕES: Durante a artroplastia de quadril, os pacientes tratados com hemodiluição hipervolêmica normal com hidroxietilamido 130/0,4 precisaram de menos transfusão e apresentaram índice menor de infecção em comparação com os pacientes que receberam Ringer lactato.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 is considered an effective plasma expander when compared to crystalloids. There is controversy around its superiority regarding hemodynamic optimization and about possible detrimental effects on coagulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HES 130/0.4 to lactated Ringer solution during hip arthroplasty in adult patients under spinal anesthesia regarding intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profile, transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, 48 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: 24 patients were allocated to receive a preload of 15 mL.kg-1 of HES 130/0.4 and 24 patients received a preload of 30 mL.kg-1 lactated Ringer solution before surgery. Hemodynamic measurements, hemoglobin concentrations, biochemical parameters and coagulation tests were evaluated in three periods during surgical procedure. Patients received medical follow-up during their hospital stay and up to postoperative 30 days. Primary outcome was the requirement of red blood cell transfusion between groups during hospital stay. Secondary outcome were hemodynamic parameters, length of hospital stay, mortality and occurrence of clinical postoperative complications. RESULTS: Red blood cell transfusion was required in 17% of patients in the HES group and in 46% in the Ringer group (p = .029). Postoperative infections were more frequently observed in the Ringer group (17%) compared to the HES group (0), p = .037. There were no significant differences between groups in mortality, hospital length of stay and clinical complications other than infection. Conclusions: During hip arthroplasty, patients treated with hypervolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 required less transfusion and presented lower infection rate compared to patients who received lactated Ringer.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El hidroxietilalmidón 130/0,4 (HES 130/0,4) está considerado como un expansivo plasmático efectivo cuando se le compara con los cristaloides. Existen controversias sobre su superioridad con relación a la optimización hemodinámica y sobre posibles efectos perjudiciales en la coagulación. El objetivo de este estudio, fue comparar los efectos del HES 130/0,4 con los de la solución de lactato de Ringer durante la artroplastia de cadera en pacientes adultos bajo raquianestesia, considerando el sangramiento intraoperatorio, los parámetros hemodinámicos, el coagulograma, la necesidad de transfusión y los resultados clínicos. MÉTODOS: En este estudio aleatorio y controlado, 48 pacientes citados para la artroplastia de cadera con raquianestesia fueron aleatoriamente divididos en dos grupos: 24 pacientes fueron ubicados para recibir una pre-carga de HES 130/0,4 (15 mL.kg-1) y 24 pacientes recibieron una pre-carga de solución de lactato de Ringer (30 mL.kg-1) antes de la cirugía. Las medidas hemodinámicas, concentración de hemoglobina, parámetros bioquímicos y los test de coagulación fueron evaluados en tres períodos durante el procedimiento quirúrgico. Los pacientes recibieron un acompañamiento médico durante el ingreso y de 30 días en el período del postoperatorio. El principal factor fue la necesidad de transfusión de hematíes entre los grupos durante el ingreso. Los factores secundarios fueron los parámetros hemodinámicos, tiempo de ingreso, mortalidad y aparecimiento de complicaciones clínicas. RESULTADOS: La transfusión de hematíes fue necesaria en un 17% de los pacientes del grupo HES y en un 46% de los pacientes del grupo lactato de Ringer (p = 0,029). Las infecciones postoperatorias fueron observadas con más frecuencia en el grupo lactato de Ringer (17%) en comparación con el grupo HES (0), p = 0,037. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos con relación a la mortalidad, tiempo de ingreso y complicaciones clínicas, excepto en la infección. Conclusiones: Durante la artroplastia de cadera, los pacientes tratados con hemodilución hipervolémica normal con hidroxietilalmidón 130/0.4 necesitaron menos transfusión y presentaron un índice menor de infección en comparación con los pacientes que recibieron lactato de Ringer.

Volume replacement therapy during hip arthroplasty using hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) compared to lactated Ringer decreases allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 is considered an effective plasma expander when compared to crystalloids. There is controversy around its superiority regarding hemodynamic optimization and about possible detrimental effects on coagulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HES 130/0.4 to lactated Ringer solution during hip arthroplasty in adult patients under spinal anesthesia regarding intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profile, transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, 48 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: 24 patients were allocated to receive a preload of 15 mL.kg(-1) of HES 130/0.4 and 24 patients received a preload of 30 mL.kg(-1) lactated Ringer solution before surgery. Hemodynamic measurements, hemoglobin concentrations, biochemical parameters and coagulation tests were evaluated in three periods during surgical procedure. Patients received medical follow-up during their hospital stay and up to postoperative 30 days. Primary outcome was the requirement of red blood cell transfusion between groups during hospital stay. Secondary outcome were hemodynamic parameters, length of hospital stay, mortality and occurrence of clinical postoperative complications. RESULTS: Red blood cell transfusion was required in 17% of patients in the HES group and in 46% in the Ringer group (p = .029). Postoperative infections were more frequently observed in the Ringer group (17%) compared to the HES group (0), p = .037. There were no significant differences between groups in mortality, hospital length of stay and clinical complications other than infection. CONCLUSIONS: During hip arthroplasty, patients treated with hypervolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 required less transfusion and presented lower infection rate compared to patients who received lactated Ringer.

Comparative study related to cardiovascular safety between bupivacaine (S75-R25) and ropivacaine in brachial plexus block.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bupivacaine is a first choice for regional anesthesia considering its effectiveness, long duration and less motor blockade. Bupivacaine (S75-R25) is a mixture of optical isomers containing 75% levobupivacaine (S-) and 25% dextrobupivacaine (R+) created by a Brazilian pharmaceutical company. This investigation compared cardiac safety and efficacy of bupivacaine S75-R25 with vasoconstrictor and ropivacaine for brachial plexus blockade. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive brachial plexus anesthesia with either bupivacaine S75-R25 with epinephrine 1:200,000 (bupi) or ropivacaine (ropi), both at 0.50%, in 30 mL solution. We registered a continuous Holter ECG throughout the procedure, as well as the Lovett scale of force in addition to monitoring (heart rate, pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure). The incidence of adverse events was compared with the chi-square or Fisher test. RESULTS: We allocated forty-four patients into two groups. They did not show any difference related to age, weight or height, gender, as well as for surgical duration. Supraventricular arrhythmias were not different before or after the plexus blockade, independent of the local anesthetic chosen. Loss of sensitivity was faster for the bupivacaine group (23.1 ± 11.7 min) compared to the ropivacaine one (26.8 ± 11.5 min), though not significant (p = 0.205, Student t). There was a reduction in the cardiac rate, observed during the twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed similar efficacy between bupivacaine S75-R25 for brachial plexus blockade and ropivacaine, with similar incidences of supraventricular arrhythmias.

Estudo prospectivo randomizado comparando duas técnicas de expansão volêmica em cirurgia de artroplastia total de quadril: hidroxietilamido (130/0.4) e Ringer lactato / Comparison between two techniques of volemic expansion during surgery to total hip arthroplasty: hydroxyethyl starch (130/0,4) and lactateds Ringer solutions: study prospective, randomized

Introdução: Os hidroxietilamidos (HES) são considerados expansores plasmáticos efetivos em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos de grande porte. Entretanto, seu uso clínico é limitado principalmente por sua interferência na hemostasia, representada por alterações da função plaquetária e na coagulação. A extensão dessas alterações está relacionada ao seu peso molecular ou à sua substituição molar. Este estudo clínico, foi realizado durante cirurgia de artroplastia de quadril em pacientes adultos para comparar os efeitos do HES (130/0,4) e a solução de Ringer lactato em relação ao sangramento intra-operatório, parâmetros hemodinâmicos, alterações na coagulação, necessidade de transfusões e resultados clínicos. Métodos: Quarenta e oito pacientes candidatos à cirurgia de artroplastia total de quadril sob anestesia subaracnoidea foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos 24 pacientes foram selecionados para receber HES (30 ml/kg após anestesia) e 24 pacientes para receber solução de Ringer lactato (30ml/kg). O período de observação teve início após a indução da anestesia e terminou 5 horas após o termino do procedimento cirúrgico. Durante esse período o critério para a infusão de doses adicionais de fluido (10ml/kg de Solução de Ringer lactato para ambos os grupos) foi pressão arterial sistólica inferior a 90 mmHg e/ou um decréscimo de 20% da pressão arterial inicial, frequência cardíaca acima de 100 bpm, e/ou débito urinário menor de 0,4ml/kg/h. Vasopressor foi utilizado nos casos em que a hipotensão persistiu, após a reposição de volume. Transfusão de concentrado de hemácias foi administrada nos pacientes que se mantiveram instáveis hemodinamicamente após bolus adicionais de Ringer lactato ou vasopressor, Parâmetros hemodinâmicos foram mensurados em três períodos da cirurgia; dados bioquímicos foram coletados e testes da coagulação realizados e comparados. Os pacientes foram acompanhados durante sua internação hospitalar...

Introduction: Hydroxyethyl starches (HES) are considered effective plasma expanders in patients undergoing major surgeries. However, the clinical use of HES is limited mainly by their affection of hemostasis, detectable by impaired platelet function and altered coagulation. The extent of such alteration has classically been related to the molecular weight or molar substitution of the used HES solution. This prospective, randomized study was performed during hip arthroplasty in adult patients under spinal anesthesia to compare the effects of HES 130/0.4 with lactateds Ringer solution regarding intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profile, transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. Methods: Forty eight patients scheduled to hip arthroplasty after spinal anesthesia were randomized in two groups 24 patients were allocated to receive HES 130/0.4 (30 ml/Kg just after anesthesia) and 24 patients were signaled to receive lactateds Ringer solution (30 ml/Kg). The observational period started after the induction of anesthesia and finished 5 hours after the end of the surgery. During this period, the triggers for infusion of additional boluses of fluids (10 ml/Kg of lactateds Ringer for both groups) were a systolic blood pressure lower than 90 mmHg and/or a decrease of 20% from baseline, a heart rate higher than 100 bpm, and/or a urine output lower than 0.4 ml.Kg-1.h-1. Vasopressors were used if there was persistent hypotension despite of fluid reposition. Red blood cell transfusion was administered if patient remained unstable despite of additional boluses of Ringer or vasopressors, according to the preestablished triggers. Hemodynamic measurements were done in three periods of the surgery, biochemical parameters were analyzed and coagulation tests were performed and compared between groups. After surgery, patients were followed during the hospital stay. Results: The groups were well matched regarding demographic data, type of surgery...