Comparison of the Effect of Preoperative Oral Tizanidine and Pregabalin on Shoulder Pain in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Under General Anesthesia.

Background: Shoulder pain is considered as the most important and relatively common postoperative cholecystectomy complications that often controls in recovery room by systemic narcotics that may have some side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of premedication with oral tizanidine on shoulder pain relief after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: In this double-blinded clinical trial, 75 adults of American Society of Anesthesiologist physiologic state 1 and 2 scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were selected and randomly divided in three groups of T, P, and control groups. Ninety minutes before the induction of anesthesia, patients received either 4 mg tizanidine (T group), 100 mg pregabalin (P group), or orally in 50cc or the same volume of plain water as a placebo (control group). Then, the vital signs, pain intensity, and the need for analgesic were measured during 24 hours and then compared in the groups. Results: There was no significant difference in patient characteristics, with respect to age, weight, gender, and duration of anesthesia and surgery between the groups (P > 0.05). The pain intensity and need for analgesic were significantly lower in tizanidine and pregabalin groups than the control group (P < 0.003) vs (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in vital signs characteristics between the groups. Conclusion: Oral administration of 4 mg tizanidine and 100 mg pregabalin 90 minutes before laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly relive postoperative shoulder pain and analgesic consumption without any complication.

Successful treatment of descending necrotizing mediastinitis with hemorrhagic complication.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a rare and fatal infection of mediastinum that begins in the neck and spreads to the mediastinum. The key points of patient salvage are early diagnosis, aggressive drainage, and meticulous handling of complications. We present a case of descending necrotizing mediastinitis with odontogenic origin and with hemorrhagic complication that successfully treated.

The effect of nitroglycerin as an adjuvant to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia.

PURPOSE: The disadvantages of intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) include slow onset, poor muscle relaxation, tourniquet pain, and rapid onset of pain after tourniquet deflation. In this randomized, double-blind study, we evaluated the effect of nitroglycerin (NTG) in quality improvement when added to lidocaine in IVRA. METHODS: Forty-six patients (20-50 yrs), were randomly allocated in two equal groups. Under identical condition, the control group received a total dose of 3 mg/kg of lidocaine 1% diluted with saline, and the study group received an additional 200 microg NTG. Vital signs and tourniquet pain, based on visual analog scale (VAS) score were measured and recorded before and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min after anesthetic solution administration. The onset times of sensory and motor block were measured and recorded in all patients. After the tourniquet deflation, at 30 min and 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h, VAS score, time to first analgesic requirement, total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h after operation, and side effects were noted. RESULTS: The sensory and motor block onset time were shortened in study group (2.61 vs. 5.09 and 4.22 vs. 7.04 min, respectively) (p < 0.05). The recovery time of sensory and motor block and onset of tourniquet pain were also prolonged (7.26 vs. 3.43, 9.70 vs. 3.74 and 25 vs. 16.65 min., respectively) (p < 0.05). Analgesia time after tourniquet deflation was prolonged and tourniquet pain intensity was lowered in study group (p < 0.05). Intraoperative fentanyl and meperedine requirement during first postoperative day and pain intensity at 4, 6, 12 and 24 hr postoperatively were lower in the study group (p < 0.05). There were no significant side effects. CONCLUSION: The NTG adding to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia shortens onset times of sensory and motor block and decreases the tourniquet and postoperative pain, without any side effect.

The Effect of Melatonin on Anxiety and Pain of Tourniquet in Intravenous Regional Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin has anxiolytic and potential analgesic effects. Several studies have indicated the sedative and anti-anxiety effects of melatonin when used as premedication before surgery. Hence, we assessed the efficacy of melatonin premedication in tourniquet-related pain and analgesia in patients receiving intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing elective hand surgery under IVRA were randomly divided into two groups (25 patients each) to receive either melatonin 6 mg (melatonin group) or placebo (control group) as oral premedication. IVRA was achieved with lidocaine, 3 mg/kg, diluted with saline to a total volume of 40 mL. Anxiety scores, sensory and motor block onset and recovery times, tourniquet pain, and 24-h analgesic requirements were recorded. RESULTS: The onset of motor and sensory block was statistically significantly shorter in Group M (P < 0.001), and recovery of motor and sensory block was statistically significantly longer in Group M (P < 0.001). The time of starting tourniquet pain was longer in Group M (P < 0.001). The mean anxiety score in the study group was 3 ± 0.81 and in the control group was 4.20 ± 1.04 (P = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the need for opioids between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin is an effective premedication before IVRA because it reduces patient anxiety, decreases tourniquet-related pain, and improves perioperative analgesia.

The Effect of Oral Administration of Amantadine on Neurological Outcome of Patients With Diffuse Axonal Injury in ICU.

Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of death and disability in adults. This study investigated the effect of oral administration of amantadine on the neurological outcomes of patients with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). This double-blind clinical trial was conducted in the ICU of Imam Hospital in Urmia. Patients with DAI were intubated and received mechanical ventilation in the ICU. They were divided into 2 groups: patients receiving amantadine (A) and placebo (P). The acquired data were analyzed using SPSS, P < .05 significant level. Findings showed no significant difference between the 2 groups in age and sex. There was no significant difference between the mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at the time of admission and discharge, and the mean Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of the patients in 2 groups. No significant difference was observed in the duration of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization, and mortality in both groups (P > .05) in ICU. However, there was a significant difference between the mean GCS at the time of admission and discharge and death. Also, significant differences existed between the mean GOS in discharged and deceased patients (P = .001). This study showed no significant difference between the mean GCS at the time of admission and discharge and the mean GOS of the discharged patients and the mortality rate in the 2 groups. However, there were clear statistical differences between these variables in discharged and deceased patients. It is recommended that further studies are conducted with a larger sample size.

Comparison of the Success Rate of Laryngeal Mask Air Way Insertion in Classic & Rotatory Methods in Pediatric Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is frequently used as a replacement method for endotracheal intubation. Few studies have investigated placement of laryngeal mask airway in pediatric surgical patients. In the present study, we aimed at comparing the success rate of 2 techniques, classic versus rotational, in the correct placement of laryngeal mask airway in pediatric patients. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the research committee of Faculty of Medicine, and receiving clearance from the ethics board of the University, this randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) was administered on children of 2 months to 8 years with ASA class I & II undergoing lower abdominal surgical procedures in Motahari hospital in Urmia. General anesthesia using muscle relaxant was the preferred anesthesia technique for all the patients. Demographic data were recorded. Success rate, number of trials for correct placement, cuff leak pressure, and blood stain on the cuff of the laryngeal mask airway after its removal were all recorded. RESULTS: In the present study, 116 children were evaluated and placed into 2 groups. According to the results of the t test, no significant effect of age, weight, or average number of trials in mask placement was observed between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). According to the results of the Fisher's exact test, no significant difference was detected between the 2 groups in blood staining on the cuff (P > 0.05); no leak was recorded in any of the LMA placement methods (classic or rotational). CONCLUSIONS: Both insertion techniques work well in pediatric surgical patients. Success rate and complications were comparable between the 2 groups.

Comparing prophylactic effect of phenylephrine and ephedrine on hypotension during spinal anesthesia for hip fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is an accepted technique in hip fracture surgery and prevention of this complication by sympathomimetic agents is of potential clinical significance. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of prophylactic phenylephrine versus ephedrine in the prevention of hypotension during spinal anesthesia in hip fracture surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two patients undergoing hip fracture surgery with the American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II were randomized to receive prophylaxis with ephedrine or phenylephrine immediately before the spinal anesthesia. Patients in the ephedrine group received an intravenous (IV) bolus of 10 mg ephedrine, and patients in the phenylephrine group received an IV bolus of 50 µg phenylephrine. We recorded mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate every 3 min in the first 10 min and then every 5 min until 30 min after spinal anesthesia, nausea and vomiting, additional vasopressor, and atropine administration. RESULTS: The frequency of hypotension was significantly lower in MAP, systolic and diastolic pressure in group phenylephrine in 3, 6, and 9 min after spinal anesthesia (P = 0.002, P = 0.001). There were no significant differences between two groups in heart rate at different time of study. In the phenylephrine group, lower additional vasopressor was used (8.7% and 23.9%) (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences between two groups in the use of atropine (P = 0.24), nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: At the doses of ephedrine and phenylephrine administered in this trial, phenylephrine was better to prevent hypotension during hip fracture surgery with spinal anesthesia. Higher frequency of hypotension was observed in the ephedrine group.

Can Serum Glucose Level in Early Admission Predict Outcome in Patients with Severe Head Trauma?

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury is a major general health concern. This study aims to evaluate a possible relationship between the serum level of glucose during admission and the outcome of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. METHODS: In this prospective study, 80 patients with severe traumatic brain injury were recruited from the emergency department of Urmia Imam Khomeini Hospital. Serum level of glucose was measured at the time of admission and its correlation was investigated with the Glasgow Coma Scale score (on admission, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week later, and at discharge) and Glasgow Outcome Score. In addition, the value of admission serum glucose was compared between deceased and discharged patients. RESULTS: Eighty patients with severe head trauma, 71 men (88%) and 9 women (11.2%) with a mean age of 31.71 ± 15.66 years, were enrolled into the study. The in-hospital mortality rate was 25% (n = 20). There was no significant correlation between serum glucose level and Glasgow Coma Scale score (at different intervals) or Glasgow Outcome Score. The mean serum level of glucose was comparable between deceased and discharged patients (186.10 ± 51.36 vs. 187.98 ± 76.03 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Admission serum glucose is not a significant indicator of outcome in patients with severe head trauma.

Comparing the effect of intravenous dexamethasone, intravenous ondansetron, and their combination on nausea and vomiting in cesarean section with spinal anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Nausea and vomiting are frequently seen in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) under regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron and dexamethasone combination with that of the use of each agent alone to decrease the incidence of postdelivery intra- and post-operative nausea and vomiting during CS under spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, prospective, double-blind study was performed on 90 patients undergoing planned CS under spinal anesthesia. The patients received 4 mg ondansetron in Group O, 8 mg dexamethasone in Group D, and 4 mg ondansetron +8 mg dexamethasone in Group OD intravenously within 1-2 min after the umbilical cord was clamped. Frequency of postdelivery intra- and post-operative nausea and vomiting episodes was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 90 eligible patients were included in the study. There were 30 patients in Group O, 30 patients in Group D, and 30 patients in Group OD. Intraoperative nausea in Group D was more than the other two groups. Postoperative nausea in group OD was lesser than the other two groups. Intraoperative vomiting in Group OD was lesser than the other two groups. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in postoperative vomiting (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined use of dexamethasone and ondansetron for the same indication seems to increase the antiemetic efficacy.

Vertical infraclavicular block with local anesthetic injections at different currents.

Injecting local anesthetic at the seeking current would be appealing.It would save time and avoid potentially dangerous manipulations of the needle. This study aimed to test the hypotheses that in vertical infraclavicular block, injecting local anesthetic at a seeking current of 0.8 mA would produce the same quality of block as injecting at ≤0.5mA. A total of sixty ASA I -III adult patients scheduled for elective surgery on the hand, wrist and forearm in two equal groups of 30 patients, were enrolled in this study. The technique described by Kilka & Geiger used in both groups. After eliciting a clear and visible motor response of all fingers in either extension or flexion, injection was performed at a current of 0.8 mA and ≤0.5 mA in study and control groups respectively. Duration of time to analgesia and to anesthesia was evaluated. The mean duration of onset of analgesia in radial, median and ulnar nerves in both groups, were similar. The onset of anesthesia took a mean of 13.5 minutes in the control group and 15.6 minutes in study group (P=0.064).  The onset of analgesia was 4.2 minutes in the control group and 4.3 minutes in study group. (P=0.508). The success rate in both groups was 100%. We had patients in both groups who developed complete anesthesia of the hand within 25 minutes. We conclude that the injection at 0.8 mA would result in a similar quality of block to one injected at ≤0.5 mA. The difference between two groups was not statistically significant.

The effects of propofol-midazolam-ketamine co-induction on hemodynamic changes and catecholamine response.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of co-induction with propofol-midazolam-ketamine with etomidate as the sole induction agent. DESIGN: Prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Operating room of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 60 ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients scheduled for limited elective surgery requiring general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to two groups to receive etomidate 0.3 mg/kg (single-drug group) or propofol 0.6 mg/kg + ketamine 0.8 mg/kg + midazolam 0.06 mg/kg (three-drug group). MEASUREMENTS: Hemodynamic responses (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure) were examined at baseline and at one, three, and 5 minutes after tracheal intubation. Plasma catecholamine levels were measured at baseline, one, and 5 minutes after tracheal intubation. MAIN RESULTS: Heart rate (HR) changes differed significantly between the two groups at three minutes (P = 0.01) and 5 minutes (P = 0.00) after tracheal intubation. However, the HR increase in the three-drug group was in the acceptable range. Percentage changes of epinephrine level differed between the two groups at 5 minutes after tracheal intubation (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The higher norepinephrine/epinephrine ratio noted in the single-drug group may be implicated in lower adrenal sympathetic activity. Propofol-midazolam-ketamine co-induction may be used instead of etomidate for anesthesia induction in patients with hemodynamic instability.