Efecto del bloqueo neuromuscular sobre la monitorización biespectral en los niños críticamente enfermos / Effect of neuromuscular blockade on the bispectral index in critically ill patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: Estudios previos sugieren que el bloqueo neuromuscular (BNM) altera la monitorización del índice biespectral (BIS) en los niños sedados. El objetivo fue analizar la repercusión del uso y suspensión del BNM en la monitorización BIS en niños críticamente enfermos. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional prospectivo. Se incluyeron los niños que recibían perfusiones intravenosas de vecuronio con monitorización BIS. Se analizaron variables clínicas, diagnósticas, hemodinámicas, sedoanalgesia y relajantes musculares y parámetros del BIS. Se compararon los valores del BIS antes del uso de relajantes neuromusculares, durante su administración, antes de su retirada y durante las 24 h siguientes a su suspensión. RESULTADOS: Treinta y cinco pacientes (edad mediana 30 meses). El diagnóstico más frecuente fue cardiopatía (85%). Las indicaciones más frecuentes para iniciar relajantes neuromusculares fueron bajo gasto cardiaco (45%) y adaptación a ventilación mecánica (20%). El BNM no produjo cambios significativos en los valores del BIS. Se observó una disminución de los valores del electromiograma a las 6 h (34,9 ± 9,4 vs. 31,2 ± 7; p = 0,008) y a las 12 h del inicio de la perfusión de vecuronio (34,9 ± 9,4 vs. 28,6 ± 4,8; p = 0,006). Tras retirar el vecuronio hubo un ligero aumento significativo del BIS (de 42,7 ± 11 a 48,4 ± 14,5, p = 0,001), así como en las siguientes 6 y 12 h (51,3 ± 16,6; p = 0,015). No hubo diferencias en las dosis de sedantes o analgésicos, excepto del fentanilo, que fue disminuido tras retirar el vecuronio. CONCLUSIÓN: El BNM continuo produce pequeños cambios en los valores del BIS sin relevancia clínica, y no altera la monitorización del nivel de conciencia del BIS en los niños críticamente enfermos

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that neuromuscular blockade (NMB) affects the capacity of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring to measure consciousness in sedated children. Our aim was to analyse the impact of NMB on BIS values in critically ill children. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of children monitored with a BIS system that received a continuous infusion of vecuronium. We analysed data on clinical, diagnostic and haemodynamic variables, sedatives, analgesics, muscle relaxants, and BIS parameters. We compared BIS parameters before the use of a muscle relaxant, during its administration, before its discontinuation and for the 24hours following the end of the infusion. RESULTS: The analysis included 35 patients (median age, 30 months). The most common diagnosis was heart disease (85%). The most frequent indication for initiation of NMB was low cardiac output (45%), followed by adaptation to mechanical ventilation (20%). Neuromuscular blockade did not produce a significant change in BIS values. We found a decrease was observed in electromyography values at 6hours (34.9 ± 9.4 vs. 31.2 ± 7; P=.008) and 12hours after initiation of NMB (34.9 ± 9.4 vs. 28.6 ± 4.8; P=.006). We observed a small significant increase in BIS after discontinuation of NMB (from 42.7 ± 11 to 48.4 ± 14.5, P=.001), and 6 and 12hours later (51.3 ± 16.6; P=.015). There were no differences in the doses of sedatives or analgesics except for fentanyl, of which the dose was lowered after discontinuation of vecuronium. CONCLUSION: Continuous NMB produces small changes on BIS values that are not clinically significant and therefore does not interfere with BIS consciousness monitoring in critically ill children

Philips Intellivue NMT module: precision and performance improvements to meet the clinical requirements of neuromuscular block management.

The variability or inaccuracy of acceleromyographic measurements could interfere with the interpretation of the train-of-four (TOF) ratio during neuromuscular block (NMB) recovery. This study evaluated the precision and performance of the Philips Intellivue NMT module (NMT) before (part 1) and after (part 2) several technical upgrades (i.e., firmware upgrade, new cable, and hand adapter) that were recently available. Two cohorts of 30 patients who were scheduled to undergo rhino/septoplasty under general anesthesia were included in the study. TOF ratios were recorded simultaneously every 15 s on both hands with the NMT and a TOF-Watch SX installed inside a SL TOF-Tube (TWX). Before rocuronium was administered and once final responses were stabilized, the average of the four successive measurements that determined the baselines and repeatability coefficients were compared using a z test. Simultaneous measurements were recorded at different NMB stages: onset, depth of NMB after intubation, when TWX recovered TOF count 2, TOF ratios 0.5 and 0.9, and when NMT recovered TOF ratio 0.9. The results were compared using a Student t test; p < 0.05 was considered significant. The NMT repeatability coefficients obtained in part 1 were significantly higher than with the TWX, they were significantly lower in part 2. Initially, the NMT significantly overestimated NMB recovery at every stage. Conversely, in the second part of the study, no difference reached statistical significance. With the recent upgrades and the new hand adapter, the NMT provided similar results compared with the TWX, Their implementation should be recommended in clinical practice.

Cirugía mayor ambulatoria en discapacitados psíquicos: manejo intraoperatorio / No disponible

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Recomendaciones sobre el uso de bloqueo neuromuscular profundo por parte de anestesiólogos y cirujanos. Consenso AQUILES (Anestesia QUIrúrgica para Lograr Eficiencia y Seguridad) / Recommendations on the use of deep neuromuscular blockade by anaesthesiologists and surgeons. AQUILES (Anestesia QUIrúrgica para Lograr Eficiencia y Seguridad) Consensus

Introducción. El bloqueo neuromuscular facilita la manipulación de la vía aérea, la ventilación y procedimientos quirúrgicos, pero no hay un consenso a nivel nacional que facilite la práctica clínica habitual. El objetivo fue conocer el grado de acuerdo entre anestesiólogos y cirujanos sobre el uso clínico del bloqueo neuromuscular, para establecer recomendaciones de mejora de su empleo durante un procedimiento anestésico-quirúrgico. Métodos. Estudio de consenso multidisciplinar en España, que incluyó anestesiólogos expertos en bloqueo neuromuscular (n=65) y cirujanos generales (n=36). Se utilizó metodología Delphi. Cuestionario con 17 preguntas consensuado por un comité científico, al que respondieron los expertos en dos olas. El cuestionario incluyó preguntas sobre: tipo de cirugía, tipo de paciente, beneficios/perjuicios durante y después de la cirugía, repercusión de la monitorización objetiva y del uso de fármacos reversores, la viabilidad de abordaje multidisciplinar y eficiente del procedimiento quirúrgico, enfocado en el grado de bloqueo neuromuscular. Resultados. Se establecieron cinco recomendaciones: 1) el bloqueo neuromuscular profundo es muy adecuado en cirugía abdominal (grado de acuerdo 94,1%), y 2) en pacientes con obesidad (76,2%); 3) el mantenimiento del bloqueo neuromuscular profundo hasta el final de la cirugía puede ser beneficioso en aspectos clínicos, como inmovilidad del paciente o mejor acceso quirúrgico (86,1 y 72,3%); 4) la monitorización cuantitativa y la disponibilidad de reversores del bloqueo neuromuscular es recomendable (89,1%); 5) se recomiendan protocolos de actuación conjuntos entre anestesiólogos y cirujanos. Conclusiones. La colaboración entre anestesiólogos y cirujanos generales, ha permitido establecer una serie de recomendaciones genéricas sobre el uso de bloqueo neuromuscular profundo en cirugía abdominal (AU)

Introduction. Neuromuscular blockade enables airway management, ventilation and surgical procedures. However there is no national consensus on its routine clinical use. The objective was to establish the degree of agreement among anaesthesiologists and general surgeons on the clinical use of neuromuscular blockade in order to make recommendations to improve its use during surgical procedures. Methods. Multidisciplinary consensus study in Spain. Anaesthesiologists experts in neuromuscular blockade management (n=65) and general surgeons (n=36) were included. Delphi methodology was selected. A survey with 17 final questions developed by a dedicated scientific committee was designed. The experts answered the successive questions in two waves. The survey included questions on: type of surgery, type of patient, benefits/harm during and after surgery, impact of objective neuromuscular monitoring and use of reversal drugs, viability of a multidisciplinary and efficient approach to the whole surgical procedure, focussing on the level of neuromuscular blockade. Results. Five recommendations were agreed: 1) deep neuromuscular blockade is very appropriate for abdominal surgery (degree of agreement 94.1%), 2) and in obese patients (76.2%); 3) deep neuromuscular blockade maintenance until end of surgery might be beneficial in terms of clinical aspects, such as as immobility or better surgical access (86.1 to 72.3%); 4) quantitative monitoring and reversal drugs availability is recommended (89.1%); finally 5) anaesthesiologists/surgeons joint protocols are recommended. Conclusions. Collaboration among anaesthesiologists and surgeons has enabled some general recommendations to be established on deep neuromuscular blockade use during abdominal surgery (AU)

Comparison of the TOF-Scan™ acceleromyograph to TOF-Watch SX™: Influence of calibration.

INTRODUCTION: Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring is now widely recommended during anesthesia using neuromuscular blocking agents to prevent postoperative residual paralysis and its related complications. We compared the TOF-Watch SX™ accelerometer requiring initial calibration to the TOF-Scan™, a new accelerometer with a preset stimulation intensity of 50mA not necessitating calibration. STUDY DESIGN: This pilot, prospective, observational study included adults undergoing general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation and muscle relaxation, having both arms free during surgery. Accelerometers were set up randomly on each arm. Anesthesia was started with remifentanil and propofol before an intubation dose of atracurium or rocuronium. Train of four stimulation was performed every 15s. Differences between measures were tested using Student's t-test and agreement assessed by Bland and Altman analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included. During onset, a mean bias of -26seconds with a limit of agreement from -172 to +119seconds was observed between TOF-Watch SX™ and TOF-Scan™ to obtain 0 response to TOF. During recovery, TOF-Scan™ showed a significantly later recovery from 1 response to T4/T1>10%, but a bias of 0minute and limits of agreement from -4 to +4minutes for T4/T1>90% (NS). CONCLUSION: These results suggest a poor agreement between the calibrated TOF-Watch SX™ and the fix intensity TOF-Scan™ for onset and early recovery of relaxation (i.e. deep neuromuscular blockade) but a good agreement for recovery to TOF 90%. Data are not interchangeable between the devices, but both can be useful to detect residual paralysis.

Closed-loop anesthesia.

Automated anesthesia which may offer to the physician time to control hemodynamic and to supervise neurological outcome and which may offer to the patient safety and quality was until recently consider as a holy grail. But this field of research is now increasing in every component of general anesthesia (hypnosis, nociception, neuromuscular blockade) and literature describes some successful algorithms - single or multi closed-loop controller. The aim of these devices is to control a predefined target and to continuously titrate anesthetics whatever the patients' co morbidities and surgical events to reach this target. Literature contains many randomized trials comparing manual and automated anesthesia and shows feasibility and safety of this system. Automation could quickly concern other aspects of anesthesia as fluid management and this review proposes an overview of closed-loop systems in anesthesia.

Cuff pressure of endotracheal tubes after changes in body position in critically ill patients treated with mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: In order to avoid microaspiration and tracheal injury, the target for endotracheal tube cuff pressure is 20 to 30 cm H2O. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of changes in body position on cuff pressure in adult patients. METHODS: Twelve orally intubated and sedated patients received neuromuscular blockers and were positioned in a neutral starting position (backrest, head-of-bed elevation 30º, head in neutral position) with cuff pressure at 25 cm H2O. Then, 16 changes in position were performed: anteflexion head, hyperextension head, left and right lateral flexion of head, left and right rotation of the head, semirecumbent position (head-of-bed elevation 45°), recumbent position (head-of-bed elevation 10°), horizontal backrest, Trendelenburg position (10°), and left and right lateral positioning over 30°, 45°, and 90°. Once a patient was correctly positioned, cuff pressure was recorded during an end-expiratory ventilatory hold. The pressure observed was compared with the cuff pressure at the starting position. Values outside the target range (20-30 cm H2O) were considered clinically relevant. RESULTS: A total of 192 measurements were performed (12 subjects × 16 positions). A significant deviation in cuff pressure occurred with all 16 changes (P < .05). No pressures were less than the lower limit (20 cm H2O). Pressures were greater than the upper limit (30 cm H2O) in 40.6% of the measurements. In each position, the upper target limit was exceeded at least once. Within-patient variability was substantial (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Simple changes in patients' positioning can result in potentially harmful cuff pressures.

A technical description of a novel pharmacological anesthesia robot.

To control the three components of general anesthesia (hypnosis, analgesia, and neuromuscular blockade), an automated closed-loop, anesthesia-drug delivery system (McSleepy) was developed. Bispectral index was used as the control variable for hypnosis, the analgoscore for analgesia, and phonomyography for neuromuscular blockade. McSleepy can be used to control the induction, maintenance and emergence from general anesthesia. To do so, a large touch screen is used to provide a user friendly interface, permitting bidirectional communication: the user giving information about the different stages of anesthesia, and the system prompting the anesthesiologist to perform certain actions such as mask ventilation, intubation or waking-up the patient using audio clips with voice commands. Several safety features were implemented to provide a secure and reliable anesthesia. Preliminary results of 15 patients are presented in this paper. Evaluation of McSleepy was done through an assessment of its clinical performance and using Varvel's performance indices. The system was found to be clinically useful by providing good precision in drug administration and reliable results for the duration of a general anesthesia.

Monitorización del nervio laríngeo recurrente mediante tubo orotraqueal electromiográfico en cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides. Consideraciones anestésicas / Monitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury using an electromyographic endotracheal tube in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Anesthetic aspects

La lesión del nervio laríngeo recurrente es una de las principales complicaciones de la cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides. Cuando esta lesión es bilateral, se produce una obstrucción aguda de la vía aérea con compromiso vital para el paciente. Con la identificación visual intraoperatoria se consigue preservar la integridad nerviosa más frecuentemente que si no se identifica el nervio. Para ayudar a identificarlo, se puede monitorizar el nervio laríngeo recurrente utilizando un tubo endotraqueal electromiográfico. En estos casos resulta fundamental el papel del anestesiólogo, colocando correctamente el tubo endotraqueal electromiográfico, de manera que los electrodos hagan contacto con las cuerdas vocales durante toda la intervención. Además, los resultados de la electromiografía se ven afectados por los bloqueantes neuromusculares, por lo que debemos adecuar la elección y dosis garantizando una profundidad anestésica adecuada. La realización de un protocolo conjunto con el resto de especialistas resulta muy útil (AU)

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury remains one of the main complications in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. When this injury is bilateral, an acute upper airway obstruction may occur, leading to a potentially life-threatening situation for the patient. The visual identification of the nerve during surgery is the best way to preserve its integrity. However identification of the nerves by means of electromyographic stimuli through electrodes attached to endotracheal tubes could help in decreasing nerve injury. In these cases the experience and role of the anesthetist is essential to correctly place the electromyographic endotracheal tube and ensure that the electrodes are in touch with the vocal cords during the surgery. Moreover, the results of the electromyography can be affected by the neuromuscular blocking agents. Therefore, the choice and dose must be adapted, in order to ensure a suitable anesthetic depth, and adequate response (AU)

Reversal of moderate and intense neuromuscular block induced by rocuronium with low doses of sugammadex for intraoperative facial nerve monitoring

We report two cases in which moderate and intense rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block was reversed intraoperatively with low sugammadex doses in order to facilitate electromyographic evaluation of facial nerve function during surgery of the parotid gland and the middle ear. Acceleromyography was used to assess reversal of neuromuscular block before starting electromyography monitoring. Rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block was reversed with sugammadex 0.22mgkg−1 when the TOF ratio was 0.14 in the first patient, and with sugammadex 2mgkg−1 during intense block (PTC 0) in the second patient. In each case, appropriate neuromuscular function (TOF ratio ≥ 0.9) was established soon after sugammadex administration, and electromyographic evaluation of facial nerve was successfully conducted. The use of rocuronium and sugammadex, coupled with objective neuromuscular monitoring with acceleromyography, assured complete restoration of neuromuscular function and created the optimal conditions for the surgical team

Presentamos 2 casos con bloqueo neuromuscular superficial e intenso inducidos por rocuronio y revertidos intraoperatoriamente con dosis bajas de sugammadex para facilitar la evaluación de la función del nervio facial mediante electromiografía durante la cirugía de la glándula parótida y oído. La aceleromiografía se utilizó para poder valorar el grado de bloqueo neuromuscular antes del comienzo de la electromiografía y para titular la dosis baja apropiada del antagonista. El bloqueo neuromuscular se revirtió con sugammadex 0,22 mgkg−1 para un ratio del tren de 4 (TOFr) de 0,14 en el primer paciente y con sugammadex 2 mgkg−1 durante un bloqueo intenso (PTC 0) en el segundo paciente. La recuperación completa de la función neuromuscular (TOFr ≥ 0,9) se alcanzó después de la administración de sugammadex en ambos casos. La evaluación mediante electromiografía del nervio facial se realizó con éxito después de la reversión con sugammadex. El uso de rocuronio y de sugammadex a dosis bajas, asociado con monitorización objetiva por medio de aceleromiografía, aseguró el restablecimiento completo de la función neuromuscular y permitió condiciones óptimas de trabajo para el equipo quirúrgico

El bloqueo neuromuscular residual como factor de riesgo para eventos críticos respiratorios en la Unidad de Recuperación Postanestésica / Residual neuromuscular block as a risk factor for critical respiratory events in the post anesthesia care unit

Objetivo. El bloqueo neuromuscular residual es una importante complicación postoperatoria asociada al uso de fármacos bloqueantes neuromusculares. El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar la incidencia de bloqueo neuromuscular residual en una unidad de recuperación postanestésica (URPA) y evaluar su asociación con eventos respiratorios críticos. Material y métodos. Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo realizado en una URPA durante un período de 3 semanas. Se incluyó a doscientos dos pacientes adultos sometidos a cirugía programada no cardiaca no-intracraneal. La variable de resultado principal fue la presencia de bloqueo neuromuscular residual después del ingreso en unidad de recuperación postanestésica definido como un cociente del tren de cuatro estímulos-TOFr<0,9 y objetivamente cuantificado usando aceleromiografía. Se registraron datos demográficos, variables perioperatorias, tiempo de permanencia en la unidad, tiempo de estancia hospitalaria y complicaciones respiratorias. La recuperación inadecuada se clasificó de acuerdo con la escala de agitación y sedación de Richmond 10 minutos después del ingreso en la unidad. Resultados. La incidencia de bloqueo neuromuscular residual en la URPA fue de 29,7% (Intervalo de Confianza 95%: 23,4 - 36,1). Los pacientes con bloqueo residual tuvieron eventos respiratorios críticos, considerados de forma global con mayor frecuencia (51% frente 16%, p<0,001), obstrucción de vía aérea (10% frente 2%, p=0,029), hipoxemia leve-moderada (23% frente 4%, p<0,001), hipoxemia grave (7% frente 1%, p=0,033), insuficiencia respiratoria(8% frente 1%, p=0,031), incapacidad para respirar profundamente (38% frente 12%, p<0,01) y debilidad muscular (16% frente 1%, p<0,001). El bloqueo neuromuscular residual fue más frecuente después de cirugía de alto riesgo (53% frente 33%, p=0,011) y se asociaba más a menudo con recuperación anestésica hipoactiva según lo definido por la escala de agitación y sedación de Richmond (21% frente 6%, p=0,001). Conclusiones. Este estudio sugiere que el bloqueo neuromuscular residual es común en la URPA y se asocia a mayor frecuencia de incidentes respiratorios críticos(AU)

Objective. Residual neuromuscular block is an important postoperative complication associated to the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs. The purpose of this study was to access the incidence of residual neuromuscular block in a post-anesthesia care unit and to evaluate its association with critical respiratory events. Material and methods. Prospective cohort study was conducted in a Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) for a period of 3 weeks. Two hundred two adult patients who submitted to scheduled non-cardiac and non-intracranial surgery were eligible to the study. The primary outcome variable was residual neuromuscular block after arrival to PACU that was defined as train-of-four ratio <0.9 and objectively quantified using acceleromyography. Demographic data, perioperative variables, lengths of hospital and recovery room stay and critical respiratory events were recorded. Inadequate emergence was classified in its different forms according to the Richmond agitation and sedation scale 10min after admission to the recovery room. Results. Residual neuromuscular block incidence in the post-anesthesia care unit was 29.7% (95% confidence interval: 23.4, 36.1). Patients with residual neuromuscular block had more frequently overall critical respiratory events (51% versus 16%, P<0.001), airway obstruction (10% versus 2%, P=0.029), mild-moderate hypoxemia (23% versus 4%, P<0.001), severe hypoxemia (7% versus 1%, P=0.033), respiratory failure (8% versus 1%, P=0.031), inability to breathe deeply (38% versus 12%, P<0.001) and muscular weakness (16% versus 1%, P<0.001). Residual neuromuscular block was more common after high-risk surgery (53% versus 33%, P=0.011) and was more often associated with post-operative hypoactive emergence as defined by the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (21% versus 6%, P=0.001). Conclusions. This study suggests that residual neuromuscular block is common in the PACU and is associated with more frequent critical respiratory events(AU)

Sugammadex, ¿la última bala frente al shock anafiláctico por rocuronio? / Sugammadex: the last shot for anaphylactic shock due to rocuronium?

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Comentarios al artículo editorial «Managing perioperative neuromuscular block. Facial muscle monitoring may lead to faulty clinical decisions» / Comments on the editorial article "Managing perioperative neuromuscular block. Facial muscle monitoring may lead to faulty clinical decisions"

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Bloqueo de ganglio estrellado / No disponible

El bloqueo de ganglio estrellado es una de las técnicas intervencionistas más frecuentemente empleadas en medicina del dolor. Sus indicaciones incluyen patologías dolorosas y no-dolorosas. Aunque las descripciones originales se fundamentan en límites anatómicos, el uso de guia fluoroscópica o el empleo de el ultrasonido, deben ser considerados el enfoque estándar. En el presente manuscrito se realiza una descripción detallada de las indicaciones y de las técnicas (fluoroscópica y ultrasonido) guiadas por imagen. Se destaca que el empleo del ultrasonido tiene la ventaja específica de visualizar las estructuras viscerales relacionadas (esófago), las vasculares (vasos tiroideos inferiores, carótida) y finalmente evalúa la dispersión del inyectado en tiempo real en el músculo longus colli (AU)

Stellate ganglion block is a frequent interventional technique on the field of pain medicine. The indications included painful and non-painful pathologies. The original descriptions were based on anatomical landmarks, but the use of fluoroscopy or ultrasound as a guidance, should be the standard approach. In the present article there is a detailed description of the indications and the image guided techniques (fluoroscopy and ultrasound). The manuscript highlight the advantage of the ultrasound visualizing the visceral structures (esophagus), the vascular bed (inferior thyroid vessels, carotid artery) and finally on real time detect the dispersion of the injectate (AU)

The efficacy of several neuromuscular monitoring modes at the P6 acupuncture point in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we tested the efficacy of several neuromuscular monitoring modes at the P6 acupuncture point for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 264 women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy were evaluated for PONV. Neuromuscular blockade was monitored by acceleromyography with 1-Hz single twitch (ST) over the ulnar nerve (n = 54, control), and ST (n = 52), train-of-four (n = 53), double-burst stimulation (n = 53), or tetanus (n = 52) over the median nerve stimulating at the P6 acupuncture point. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV (P = 0.022), the number of requests for patient-controlled analgesia (P = 0.009), and total patient-controlled analgesia volume (P = 0.042) 6 hours after tetanic stimulation were significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with the control group. Overall, patients in the tetanus group were more satisfied with the management of PONV compared with patients in the control group. CONCLUSION: Tetanic stimulation applied to the P6 acupuncture point can reduce PONV after laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with ST stimulation of the ulnar nerve, resulting in a greater degree of patient satisfaction. None of the stimulations, ST, train-of-four, or double-burst, applied to the P6 acupuncture point significantly affected PONV.

Bloqueo paravertebral torácico con punción múltiple en cirugía reconstructiva de la mama / Multiple-injection thoracic paravertebral block for reconstructive breast surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: Estudio descriptivo con pacientessometidas a cirugía reconstructiva de la mama con bloqueoparavertebral torácico como única técnica anestésica,asociado a sedación endovenosa.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo y prospectivoen 100 pacientes para cirugía mayor reconstructivade la mama. Se realizó el bloqueo paravertebral mediantetriple punción en el extremo inferior de las apófisistransversas T3-4-5. Se midieron: tiempo de realización dela técnica, periodo de latencia hasta la instauración delbloqueo, dermatomas bloqueados, grado de eficacia delbloqueo, reconversión en anestesia general. Tambiéncomplicaciones perioperatorias, el control del dolor postoperatorioy el grado de satisfacción de la paciente.RESULTADOS: En el 99% de las pacientes se bloquearonlos dermatomas T3-4-5. El tiempo de realización de latécnica fue de 7,39 min y el periodo de latencia 7,37 min.El control analgésico postoperatorio con antiinflamatoriosfue adecuado en la mayoría de los pacientes. Hubo3 casos de difusión epidural, 10 casos de hipotensiónarterial, 12 pacientes con náuseas o vómitos en el postoperatorioy 3 casos con clínica de bloqueo epidural.Hubo 3 punciones intravasculares sin repercusión. Noobservamos ningún caso de neumotórax ni de inyecciónintratecal. El 91% de los pacientes declararon sentirsesatisfechos o muy satisfechos con la técnica anestésica.CONCLUSIONES: El bloqueo paravertebral con triplepunción dividiendo en tres fracciones la dosis total deanestésico local, consiguiendo bloquear los dermatomasT3-4-5 es una técnica efectiva, sencilla y con baja incidenciade complicaciones. Además aportó un alto grado desatisfacción de la mayoría de los pacientes(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of multiple-injectionthoracic paravertebral blockade, with intravenous sedation,for anesthesia during reconstructive breast surgery.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, prospectivestudy in 100 scheduled operations for majorreconstructive breast surgery. The paravertebral blockwas performed by means of 3 injections at the loweredges of the vertebral apophyses at T3-5. We recordedtime performing the procedure, latency (time until blockonset), dermatomes blocked, degree of effectiveness,conversion to general anesthesia, postoperativecomplications and pain, and patient satisfaction.RESULTS: Dermatomes T3, T4, and T5 were blocked in99% of the patients. The block took 7.39 minutes toperform and latency was 7.37 minutes. Postoperativeanalgesia with anti-inflammatory drugs was adequatefor most patients. There were 3 cases of epiduraldiffusion, 10 patients with hypotension, 12 withpostoperative nausea or vomiting, and 3 with symptomsof epidural blockade. Intravascular puncture occurred,without complications, in 3 cases. There were no cases ofpneumothorax or intrathecal injection. Ninety-onepercent of the patients declared they were satisfied orvery satisfied with the technique.CONCLUSIONS: Triple-injection paravertebral blocks,in which 3 fractions of the total anesthetic dose aredelivered to block dermatomes T3-5 is an effectivetechnique that is easy to perform and leads to fewcomplications. Most patients express a high degree ofsatisfaction with this anesthetic technique(AU)

Bloqueo fase II después de una dosis subclínica de succinilcolina. Importancia de la monitorización neuromuscular / Phase II blockade after a subclinical dose of succinylcholine: importance of neuromuscular monitoring

La monitorización neuromuscular es una práctica clínicapoco habitual en todo el mundo. Existe poco interésfundamentado en la falta de información y documentación.Aún así la enorme literatura publicada y los expertosestán de acuerdo en que la monitorización rutinariadisminuye la morbilidad relacionada con el uso de losbloqueantes neuromusculares. Describimos un caso debloqueo neuromuscular por succinilcolina a dosis subclínicas,más prolongado de lo esperable en un pacientecon actividad colinesterásica plasmática reducida, quedesarrolló un bloqueo en fase II, fenómeno poco habitual.Queremos hacer énfasis en la ayuda que aportó lamonitorización de la función neuromuscular como diagnósticoy observación del bloqueo neuromuscular en elcontexto de la cirugía de urgencias(AU)

Neuromuscular monitoring is not a routine practice inclinical settings worldwide. The little interest expressedis mainly because clinicians lack information anddocumentation, even though the literature on the subjectis vast and experts agree that routine monitoringreduces morbidity related to the use of neuromuscularblockers. We report a case of an unusual phase IIneuromuscular block from a subclinical dose ofsuccinylcholine. The blockade lasted longer thanexpected in a patient with diminished plasmacholinesterase activity. We emphasize that monitoringneuromuscular function aided diagnosis and observationof the block during emergency surgery(AU)

Utilización de óxido nitroso en Uruguay / Use of nitrous oxide in Uruguay

INTRODUCCIÓN: El óxido nitroso (N2O) es un gas medicinal que ha sido utilizado en la práctica anestésica por más de un siglo y medio. La acumulación de evidencia de sus efectos adversos en comparación con el buen perfil de seguridad de los nuevos agentes anestésicos, ha determinado una reducción de su uso a nivel mundial. OBJETIVO: Describir la utilización y analizar la prescripción del N2O en la técnica anestésica en la República Oriental del Uruguay. Describir la utilización del resto de los fármacos de la anestesia general. MÉTODOS: El estudio se dividió en dos partes. La primera parte registró la utilización de N2O y de los otros fármacos en la anestesia general, mediante el análisis de las historias clínicas de una muestra de pacientes que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico entre noviembre de 2007 y noviembre de 2008, en diversos centros asistenciales relevantes a nivel nacional. La segunda parte analizó la prescripción del N2O en anestesia general, mediante una encuesta voluntaria a 80 médicos anestesiólogos que se encontraban trabajando en el primer semestre del 2008 a nivel nacional. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 104 pacientes y 80 anestesiólogos en el estudio. El 29,8% (n = 31) de los pacientes recibieron N2O durante la anestesia. El 77,5% de los anestesiólogos (n = 62) respondieron que lo habían utilizado en el último semestre. El 50% de los anestesiólogos (n = 9) señalaron no utilizar N2O por falta de disponibilidad del gas y el otro 50% (n = 9) señalaron el riesgo de producir náuseas y/o vómitos postoperatorios (n = 6) y/o el disponer de mejores opciones terapéuticas (n=9). CONCLUSIÓN: El presente estudio muestra que el N2O es un fármaco poco utilizado en la práctica anestésica habitual y que presenta una tendencia a continuar reduciendo su consumo en el Uruguay(AU)

BACKGROUND: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a medicinal gas that has been used for anesthesia for over a century and a half. As evidence of the adverse effects of N2O have been contrasted with the good safety profiles of new anesthetic agents, use of the older gas has declined. OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the use of N2O for anesthesia in the Eastern Republic of Uruguay. To describe the use of other drugs for general anesthesia. METHODS: The study had 2 phases. In the first phase, information on the use of N2O and other drugs for general anesthesia was obtained from the medical records of a sample of patients who underwent surgery between November 2007 and November 2008 at nationally important hospitals. In the second phase 80 physician anesthesiologists were surveyed to obtain information on their reported use of N2O for general anesthesia. The respondents were found working during the first half of 2008. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients' records were read and 80 anesthesiologists were surveyed. We found that 31 (29.8%) patients received N2O during anesthesia. The survey showed that 62 (77.5%) of the anesthesiologists had used N2O in the last 6 months. Nine (50%) of the anesthesiologists who had not used N2O said their reason was that it was unavailable. The other 9 referred either to the risk of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (n=6) or the fact of having better alternatives (n=9). CONCLUSION: This study shows that N2O is little used in current anesthesia practice. The tendency in Uruguay continues to be toward declining use(AU)

Infusion requirements and reversibility of rocuronium at the corrugator supercilii and adductor pollicis muscles.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the infusion rates required to maintain a constant neuromuscular block and the reversibility of rocuronium at the corrugator supercilii muscle (CSM) and the adductor pollicis muscle (APM). METHODS: We randomly allocated 30 female patients into two groups of 15 patients each to monitor neuromuscular block at either the CSM or the APM. After induction of anaesthesia and laryngeal mask insertion, contraction of the CSM to the facial nerve stimulation or that of the APM to the ulnar nerve stimulation was quantified using an acceleromyograph during 1.0-1.5% end-tidal sevoflurane anaesthesia. All the patients received a bolus of 1 mg/kg rocuronium. When the first twitch (T1) of train-of-four (TOF) recovered to 10% of the control, rocuronium infusion was commenced and maintained at T1 of 10% of the control at the CSM or APM for 120 min. Immediately after rocuronium infusion was discontinued, the time required for 0.04 mg/kg neostigmine-facilitated recovery to a TOF ratio of 0.9 was recorded. RESULTS: Rocuronium infusion dose after a lapse of 120 min was significantly larger in the CSM than in the APM [7.1 (2.3) vs. 4.7 (2.6) microg/kg/min; P=0.001]. The time for facilitated recovery was shorter in the CSM than in the APM [11.4 (3.8) vs. 16.2 (6.0) min; P=0.016]. CONCLUSION: A larger rocuronium infusion dose was required to maintain a constant neuromuscular block at the CSM. Neostigmine-mediated reversal was faster at the CSM.