Sudden developing convulsion during interscalene block: Does propofol anesthesia diminish plasma bupivacaine level?

We aim to review local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) due to suddenly developing convulsion during interscalene block in a 67-year-old patient undergoing shoulder surgery.

Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block in a Pregnant Patient in the Last Trimester.

Although regional anaesthesia is a commonly preferred anaesthesia technique for pregnant patients undergoing non-obstetric surgery, peripheral nerve blocks are relatively less administered. The use of popliteal sciatic nerve block for foot-ankle surgery has been presented for a nulliparous parturient at 32 weeks of gestation scheduled to undergo surgical exploration of an arterial pseudoaneurysm on her right plantar surface due to a penetrating stab injury. Since surgery did not require pneumatic tourniquet, the sciatic nerve was blocked via the popliteal approach with a single shot injection of 30 mL of 0.375% levobupivacaine. The operation and the anaesthesia course were uneventful. In conclusion, popliteal sciatic nerve block was successful and uneventful for a short foot surgery not requiring tourniquet application in a parturient in the last trimester.

Does hyaluronic acid decrease the apoptotic effect of bupivacaine?

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to study the anti-apoptotic effects of hyaluronic acid on the apoptotic effects of bupivacaine in cultured rat chondrocytes in a time and dose-dependent manner. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rat chondrocytes were treated with 7.69 µM, 76.9 µM, and 384.5 µM bupivacaine and 50 µg/ml hyaluronic acid concentrations for six, 24, and 48 hours. At the end of the treatment period, cells were stained with mixture of acridine orange and ethidium bromide. Apoptosis was evaluated using a fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: A significant protective effect of hyaluronic acid on chondrocytes against bupivacaine exposure at 7.69 µM and 76.9 µM concentrations, particularly was observed. There was also a significant protective effect in the exposure time at six and 24 hours for 7.69 µM and 76.9 µM bupivacaine doses. CONCLUSION: Our study results show that hyaluronic acid against chondrotoxicity of bupivacaine may have a protective effect in a time and dose-dependent manner.

Acute Phase Reaction after Femur Fracture in a Child with Griscelli Syndrome.

Griscelli syndrome (GS) is an autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by partial albinism of the skin and hair shaft. Prompt and early diagnosis is a crucial step for the follow up and management of GS, which would otherwise dramatically decrease the life expectancy of the patients. This case report presents the clinical course of a femoral fracture treated with closed reduction and pelvic-pedal cast, and progression of acute phase reaction during the follow up period.

Bupivacaine and levobupivacaine induce apoptosis in rat chondrocyte cell cultures at ultra-low doses.

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by chondrocyte apoptosis and necrosis which play a key role during the progression of OA. Intra-articular administration of bupivacaine is a practical and effective way of postoperative pain control following various joint surgeries. 0.25 % bupivacaine showed to be safe in terms of chondrocyte toxicity. Around 200 nM of bupivacaine was shown to be effective for peripheral nerve block. This study aims to observe the possible cytotoxic effects of bupivacaine and its enantiomer levobupivacaine on chondrocyte cell culture at 7.69, 76.9, and 384.5 µM or at 0.0125, 0.0025, and 0.00025 % concentrations, respectively. METHODS: Chondrocytes were isolated from rat articular cartilage after incubating with collagenase in RPMI-1640 medium. Cells were treated with bupivacaine and levobupivacaine at 7.69, 76.9, and 384.5 µM concentrations for 6, 24, and 48 h. Treated chondrocytes were stained with acridine orange and ethidium bromide and examined under a fluorescence microscope at a 490 nm excitation wavelength for apoptotic changes. RESULTS: Study results suggest that both bupivacaine and levobupivacaine have dose-dependent chondrocyte toxicity, and this is significantly lesser at 7.69 µM dose. There was no significant difference in terms of chondrocyte apoptosis, (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be skeptic for the serious long-term side effects of bupivacaine and its analogs, even at ultra-low doses.

Ropivacaine, articaine or combination of ropivacaine and articaine for epidural anesthesia in cesarean section: a randomized, prospective, double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Initiation of epidural anesthesia with long-lasting local anesthetics consumes a significant amount of time, which could be problematic in busy obstetric anesthesia suites. We have hypothesized that a combination of articaine and ropivacaine provides faster onset and even an early recovery of sensory-motor block characteristics. METHODS: Sixty term parturients scheduled to have elective cesarean section were randomly allocated into three groups to receive either 20 mL 2% articaine (Group A), 10 mL 2% articaine + 10 mL 0.75% ropivacaine (Group AR) or 20 mL 0.75% ropivacaine (Group R) via lumbar epidural catheter. The onset time of sensory block to T10, T6 and maximum sensory block level, time to two segments regression from maximum sensory block level, onset time and duration of motor block were all recorded. Intraoperative and postoperative additional analgesic requirements were also recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar. The onset times of sensorial block to T10 and T6 were significantly shorter in Groups A and AR in comparison with Group R (p<0.05). The onset times of motor block were similar in all groups, but a more intense motor block was observed in Group R (p<0.05). Two segments regression time and motor block durations were significantly shorter in Groups A and AR in comparison with Group R (p<0.05). Intraoperative supplementary analgesic requirements were higher in Group A than in the other two groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A combination of 2% articaine and 0.75% ropivacaine for epidural anesthesia in a cesarean section should be preferred over epidural 0.75% ropivacaine alone.

Ropivacaína, articaína ou combinação de ropivacaína e articaína em anestesia peridural para cesariana: estudo randomizado, prospectivo e duplo-cego / Ropivacaine, articaine or combination of ropivacaine and articaine for epidural anesthesia in cesarean section: a randomized, prospective, double-blinded study / Ropivacaína, articaína o la combinación de ropivacaína y articaína en la anestesia epidural para cesárea: estudio aleatorio, prospectivo y doble ciego

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Iniciar a anestesia peridural com anestésicos locais de longa duração consome uma quantidade significativa de tempo, o que pode ser problemático em centros de anestesia obstétrica muito movimentados. Aventamos a hipótese de que uma combinação de articaína e ropivacaína proporcionaria início mais rápido e mesmo uma recuperação precoce das características do bloqueio sensório-motor. MÉTODOS: Sessenta parturientes a termo agendadas para cesariana eletiva foram randomicamente alocadas em três grupos para receber 20 mL de articaína a 2% (Grupo A), 10 mL de articaína a 2% + 10 mL de ropivacaína a 0,75% (Grupo AR) ou 20 mL de ropivacaína a 0,75% (Grupo R) via cateter peridural. O tempo de início do bloqueio sensorial até T10-T6 e o nível máximo de bloqueio, o tempo para a regressão de dois segmentos do nível máximo de bloqueio sensorial e o tempo de início e duração do bloqueio motor foram todos registrados. A necessidade de analgésicos adicionais, intra- e pós-operatoriamente, também foi registrada. RESULTADOS: Os dados demográficos foram semelhantes. Os tempos de início do bloqueio sensorial até os níveis T10 e T6 foram significativamente menores nos grupos A e AR, em comparação com o Grupo R (p < 0,05). Os tempos de início do bloqueio motor foram semelhantes em todos os grupos, mas um bloqueio motor mais profundo foi observado no Grupo R (p < 0,05). O tempo para a regressão de dois segmentos e a duração do bloqueio motor foram significativamente menores nos grupos A e AR, em comparação com o Grupo R (p < 0,05). A necessidade de analgésico adicional no período intraoperatório foi maior no Grupo A do que nos outros dois grupos (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A combinação de 2% articaína e 0,75% ropivacaína para anestesia peridural em cesariana deve ser preferida à administração peridural de ropivacaína a 0,75% sozinha.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Initiation of epidural anesthesia with long-lasting local anesthetics consumes a significant amount of time, which could be problematic in busy obstetric anesthesia suites. We have hypothesized that a combination of articaine and ropivacaine provides faster onset and even an early recovery of sensory-motor block characteristics. METHODS: Sixty term parturients scheduled to have elective cesarean section were randomly allocated into three groups to receive either 20 mL 2% articaine (Group A), 10 mL 2% articaine + 10 mL 0.75% ropivacaine (Group AR) or 20 mL 0.75% ropivacaine (Group R) via lumbar epidural catheter. The onset time of sensory block to T10, T6 and maximum sensory block level, time to two segments regression from maximum sensory block level, onset time and duration of motor block were all recorded. Intraoperative and postoperative additional analgesic requirements were also recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar. The onset times of sensorial block to T10 and T6 were significantly shorter in Groups A and AR in comparison with Group R (p < 0.05). The onset times of motor block were similar in all groups, but a more intense motor block was observed in Group R (p < 0.05). Two segments regression time and motor block durations were significantly shorter in Groups A and AR in comparison with Group R (p < 0.05). Intraoperative supplementary analgesic requirements were higher in Group A than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A combination of 2% articaine and 0.75% ropivacaine for epidural anesthesia in a cesarean section should be preferred over epidural 0.75% ropivacaine alone.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Iniciar la anestesia epidural con anestésicos locales de larga duración consume una cantidad significativa de tiempo, siendo un problema en los centros de anestesia obstétrica que tienen mucho movimiento. Barajamos la hipótesis de que una combinación de articaína y ropivacaína proporcionaría un inicio más rápido e incluso una rápida recuperación de las características del bloqueo sensitivo motor. MÉTODOS: Sesenta parturientes a término que tenían cita para la cesárea electiva se ubicaron aleatoriamente en tres grupos para recibir 20 mL de articaína al 2% (Grupo A), 10 mL de articaína al 2% + 10 mL de ropivacaína al 0,75% (Grupo AR) o 20 mL de ropivacaína al 0,75% (Grupo R) vía catéter epidural. Se registraron el tiempo de inicio del bloqueo sensorial hasta T10-T6 y el nivel máximo de bloqueo; el tiempo para la regresión de los segmentos del nivel máximo de bloqueo sensorial y el tiempo de inicio y duración del bloqueo motor. La necesidad de analgésicos adicionales en el intra y en el postoperatorio, también se registró. RESULTADOS: Los datos demográficos fueron parecidos. Los tiempos de inicio del bloqueo sensorial hasta los niveles T10 y T6 fueron significativamente menores en los grupos A y AR, en comparación con el Grupo R (p < 0,05). Los tiempos de inicio del bloqueo motor fueron similares en todos los grupos, pero un bloqueo motor más profundo se observó en el Grupo R (p < 0,05). El tiempo para la regresión de los segmentos y la duración del bloqueo motor fueron significativamente menores en los grupos A y AR, en comparación con el Grupo R (p < 0,05). La necesidad de analgésico adicional en el período intraoperatorio fue mayor en el Grupo A que en los otros dos grupos (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÓN: La combinación de ropivacaína al 2% y de articaína al 0,75% para la anestesia epidural en cesárea debe ser el método de preferencia en vez de la administración epidural de ropivacaína sola al 0,75%.

Ropivacaine, articaine or combination of ropivacaine and articaine for epidural anesthesia in cesarean section: a randomized, prospective, double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Initiation of epidural anesthesia with long-lasting local anesthetics consumes a significant amount of time, which could be problematic in busy obstetric anesthesia suites. We have hypothesized that a combination of articaine and ropivacaine provides faster onset and even an early recovery of sensory-motor block characteristics. METHODS: Sixty term parturients scheduled to have elective cesarean section were randomly allocated into three groups to receive either 20 mL 2% articaine (Group A), 10 mL 2% articaine + 10 mL 0.75% ropivacaine (Group AR) or 20 mL 0.75% ropivacaine (Group R) via lumbar epidural catheter. The onset time of sensory block to T10, T6 and maximum sensory block level, time to two segments regression from maximum sensory block level, onset time and duration of motor block were all recorded. Intraoperative and postoperative additional analgesic requirements were also recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar. The onset times of sensorial block to T10 and T6 were significantly shorter in Groups A and AR in comparison with Group R (p < 0.05). The onset times of motor block were similar in all groups, but a more intense motor block was observed in Group R (p < 0.05). Two segments regression time and motor block durations were significantly shorter in Groups A and AR in comparison with Group R (p < 0.05). Intraoperative supplementary analgesic requirements were higher in Group A than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A combination of 2% articaine and 0.75% ropivacaine for epidural anesthesia in a cesarean section should be preferred over epidural 0.75% ropivacaine alone.

Comparison of Parasacral and Posterior Sciatic Nerve Blocks Combined with Lumbar Plexus Block.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of parasacral and posterior Winnie approaches when combined with the inguinal paravascular approach for lumbar plexus block. METHODS: After the approval of the Ethics Committee, 40 patients scheduled to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups in a double-blind manner to perform sciatic nerve block either by the parasacral technique (Group I) or by the posterior approach (Group II). RESULTS: The obturator nerve motor block success rate was found to be 80% (16/20) in Group I, whereas it was 10% (2/20) in Group II (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Inguinal paravascular block with parasacral sciatic nerve block led to a much higher incidence of obturator nerve motor block when compared to the inguinal paravascular block with posterior sciatic nerve block during knee arthroscopies.

A comparison of three different target-controlled remifentanil infusion rates during target-controlled propofol infusion for oocyte retrieval.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of three different target-controlled remifentanil infusion rates during target-controlled propofol infusion on hemodynamic parameters, pain, sedation, and recovery score during oocyte retrieval. METHODS: Sixty-nine women were scheduled for oocyte retrieval. Target-controlled propofol infusion at an effect-site concentration of 1.5 µg/mL was instituted. The patients were randomly allocated to receive remifentanil at an effect-site concentration of either 1.5 (group I, n = 23), 2 (group II, n = 23) or 2.5 ng/mL (group III, n = 23). Hemodynamic variables, sedation, pain, the Aldrete recovery score, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Hemodynamic variables, sedation and pain scores and the number of patients with the maximum Aldrete recovery score 10 min after the procedure were comparable among the groups. The number of patients in group III with the maximum Aldrete recovery score 5 min after the procedure was significantly lower than that in groups I and II. One patient in group II and one patient in group III suffered from nausea. CONCLUSION: Similar pain-free conscious sedation conditions without significant changes in hemodynamic parameters were provided by all three protocols. However, target controlled infusion of remifentanil at 1.5 or 2 ng/mL proved superior at providing early recovery compared to 2.5 ng/mL.

Effects of perineural tramadol on nerve conduction of sural nerve.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether tramadol had a dose-dependent blocking effect on nerve conduction when administered perineurally to the sural nerve of healthy volunteers. METHODS: Twenty-four informed healthy subjects were randomized into four equal groups [Saline (placebo), 0.5% tramadol, 1% tramadol and 1.5% tramadol]. The study was designed to be double-blinded. Sensory nerve action potentials were recorded electroneurographically. Two milliliters of study solution was administered to the sural nerve perineurally at the level of the ankle with the guidance of a nerve stimulator. A sensory block was assumed to have developed when the amplitude of the averaged sensory nerve action potentials diminished below 80% of the baseline value in the subsequent recordings. RESULTS: According to the electroneurographical recordings, none of the volunteers in the saline group had block. However, the block rates with 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% tramadol were 1/6, 4/6 and 6/6, respectively (p<0.05). The maximum decrement in the sensory action potential amplitudes with respect to baseline amplitudes (given as median values) were as follows: 7.8% with saline; 12.5% with 0.5% tramadol; 38.5% with 1% tramadol; and 77.5% with 1.5% tramadol (p<0.05). While the median duration of sensory block with 0.5% tramadol was 5 minutes, it was 15 minutes with 1% tramadol and 35 minutes with 1.5% tramadol. CONCLUSION: Perineurally administered tramadol blocks sensory nerve conduction of the sural nerve in a dose-dependent manner.

A comparison of three different target-controlled remifentanil infusion rates during target-controlled propofol infusion for oocyte retrieval

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of three different target-controlled remifentanil infusion rates during target-controlled propofol infusion on hemodynamic parameters, pain, sedation, and recovery score during oocyte retrieval. METHODS: Sixty-nine women were scheduled for oocyte retrieval. Target-controlled propofol infusion at an effectsite concentration of 1.5 μg/mL was instituted. The patients were randomly allocated to receive remifentanil at an effect-site concentration of either 1.5 (group I, n = 23), 2 (group II, n = 23) or 2.5 ng/mL (group III, n = 23). Hemodynamic variables, sedation, pain, the Aldrete recovery score, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Hemodynamic variables, sedation and pain scores and the number of patients with the maximum Aldrete recovery score 10 min after the procedure were comparable among the groups. The number of patients in group III with the maximum Aldrete recovery score 5 min after the procedure was significantly lower than that in groups I and II. One patient in group II and one patient in group III suffered from nausea. CONCLUSION: Similar pain-free conscious sedation conditions without significant changes in hemodynamic parameters were provided by all three protocols. However, target controlled infusion of remifentanil at 1.5 or 2 ng/mL proved superior at providing early recovery compared to 2.5 ng/mL.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during surgery for tethered cord syndrome.

AIM: The tethered cord syndrome refers to a variety of lesions that can cause the conus medullaris to be low-lying or incapable of movement within the spinal canal. Permanent or temporary neurological complications were reported following surgical release. In this report, peri- and postoperative results in cases with tethered cord syndrome that were followed by multimodal intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (MIONM) methods are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An IONM system (Nicolet CR Endeavor) was used for monitoring during tethered cord surgery. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), direct nerve root/rootlet stimulation, free-run electromyography (EMG) and F-waves were used during tethered cord surgery of 10 cases to prevent possible nerve injuries. RESULTS: MEP and SEP recordings did not change in any of the cases during surgery. The nervous tissue was identified and differentiated from connective tissue in three cases when motor responses were elicited with direct stimulation of nerve roots. None of the cases had neurological deficits following the operation. CONCLUSION: Direct nerve root/rootlet stimulation should be one of the components of MIONM during surgery for tethered cord syndrome to prevent postoperative neurological deficits.

Effects of perineural tramadol on sensory and motor conduction of ulnar nerve.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study the effects of perineural tramadol on both sensory and motor conduction of ulnar nerve by electroneurography (ENG). DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Electrophysiology Laboratory. PATIENTS: Eight healthy volunteers. INTERVENTION: Either 3-mL of saline or 50 mg of tramadol in 3-mL saline was initially administered perineurally to ulnar nerve of nondominant extremity. After two weeks, volunteers who received tramadol were given saline, whereas the ones who received saline were given tramadol. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline sensory and motor responses of ulnar nerve were recorded by ENG prior to injection of study solutions. Perineural injections were realized by means of a teflon-coated needle and a nerve stimulator. Following injections, sensory and motor responses were monitored every five minutes in the first hour and then every 10 minutes until the sensory and motor amplitudes reached at least 80 percent of the baseline value. MAIN RESULTS: Perineural tramadol administration showed a significant decrease from baseline measurement in the sensory response amplitude with respect to saline administration (65.9 percent vs 12. 7 percent, p < 0.05). Decrease in the motor response amplitudes from baseline versus saline was insignificant (32.9 percent vs 15.2 percent). Sensory block was observed in all of the subjects after tramadol injection when compared with saline administration and lasted 25 minutes (p < 0.05). The duration of motor block lasted 12.5 minutes, and motor block developed in four out of eight subjects when compared with saline administration (p < 0.05). Time to reach maximum sensory and motor block were 15 and 10 minutes, respectively, after tramadol injection. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol has a brief local anesthetic-like action when administered to ulnar nerve perineurally.

Remifentanil versus remifentanil with paracervical block on plasma remifentanil concentrations and pulmonary function tests for transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare plasma remifentanil concentrations and pulmonary function tests in subjects receiving remifentanil infusion (RI) versus RI with paracervical block (PCB) during transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (TUGOR). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized. SETTING: Assisted Conception Unit. PATIENTS: Forty American Society ofAnesthesiologists I subjects requiring TUGOR. INTERVENTION: After ovarian hyperstimulation, subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either RI (Group RI, n = 20) or RI with PCB (Group RI + PCB, n = 20). MEASUREMENTS: Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) tension, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), and amount of remifentanil used were collected. Plasma remifentanil concentrations were calculated with STANPUMP software. MAIN RESULTS: HR, MAP, ETCO2, SpO2, FEV1, and FVC did not differ between the groups. Total amount of remifentanil used were 486 +/- 1.81 microg and 321 +/- 0.87 microg in groups RI and RI + PCB, respectively, (p < 0.05). In Group RI, plasma remifentanil concentrations were 4.7 ng mL(-1) and 4.2 ng mL(-1) during the second transvaginal puncture, and at the end of TUGOR, respectively, whereas corresponding plasma remifentanil concentrations were 3.1 ng mL(-1) and 2.6 ng mL(-1) in Group RI + PCB (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both anesthesia regimens provided satisfactory analgesia without affecting FEV1 and FVC, but significantly higher plasma remifentanil concentrations were calculated when only RI was used as an anesthetic technique.