Impact of Stellate Ganglion Block on Tissue Blood Flow/Oxygenation and Postoperative Mandibular Nerve Hypoesthesia: A Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Although a stellate ganglion block (SGB) increases tissue blood flow in the mandibular region, the change in tissue oxygenation after SGB and therapeutic effect of SGB for postoperative mandibular nerve hypoesthesia remain to be established. The study aim was to measure the change in tissue oxygenation in the mandibular region after SGB. METHODS: To determine the variation in tissue oxygenation in the mandibular region, the tissue oxygen index (TOI; percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin in the total hemoglobin) was measured at the skin near the mental foramen bilaterally, at the primary site of unilateral SGB, achieved using 6 mL of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride, for the treatment of bilateral postoperative mandibular nerve injury. The primary outcome of this study is the temporal variation in TOI after SGB (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes after SGB), and the control group in this study is the TOI at the end of SGB injection (0 minute). All data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation and 95% confidence interval (CI). Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Dunnett's test was used to determine parametric statistical significance. A P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were enrolled in this study. On both the blocked and contralateral side, the TOI was significantly increased compared to that before SGB (ΔTOI at 15 minute after SGB, 5.87 ± 2.89%, P < .001, 95% CI: 4.122 to 7.617% in the blocked side, 1.88 ± 2.73%, P = .005, 95% CI: 1.877 to 2.725% in the contralateral side). CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral SGB using 6 mL of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride results in an increase in tissue oxygenation in the mandibular region. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that a series of SGBs may contribute to a more rapid recovery of postoperative trigeminal nerve injury.

Effects of Tablet Size and Head Posture on Drug Swallowing: A Preliminary Examination Using Endoscopy in Healthy Subjects.

Tablet size and head posture have been reported to affect swallowing of medications, but no previous studies have evaluated their effects in detail. Our aim was to investigate for the first time the effect of tablet size and head posture on drug swallowing by endoscopic evaluation in healthy subjects. Round tablets (7 , 10 , 12, and 14 mm in diameter) were swallowed by 15 healthy adults with an endoscope inserted in the neutral, head flex-ion, and head extension positions. Evaluation of swallowing difficulty using a numeric rating scale (NRS), presence or absence of pharyngeal residue and its location, and tablet oral transit time (TOTT) were recorded. In the neutral position, the NRS score was higher with the 14 mm tablets than with the 7 mm tablets. The TOTT with the 7 mm tablets was significantly shorter in the head extension than in the neutral position. Swallowing difficulty increased when the tablet diameter was more than 7 mm. Residues were found in the epi-glottis, pyriform sinus, and tongue base. These findings suggest that head extension shortens the TOTT and assists oral-pharyngeal transport.

Direct evaluation of the antioxidant properties of salivary proline-rich proteins.

Proline-rich proteins are associated with the formation of an acquired protein layer overlying the tooth enamel surface. Previous studies have described the antioxidant activity of salivary histatin against the hydroxyl radical from Fenton's reaction, acting as the critical reactive oxygen species. However, the role of proline-rich proteins in mitigating the oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species in the oral cavity remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant effects of proline-rich proteins 2 on direct reactive oxygen species using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. For the first time, we demonstrated that proline-rich proteins 2 exhibits antioxidant activity directly against the hydroxyl radical produced by hydrogen peroxide with ultraviolet. Considering that identical results were obtained when assaying 30 residues of proline-rich proteins 2, the direct antioxidant effects against the hydroxyl radical by proline-rich proteins 2 may be related to these specific 30 residues.

Risk of Delayed Healing of Tooth Extraction Wounds and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw among Patients Treated with Potential Immunosuppressive Drugs: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Bone-modifying or antiresorptive agents that target osteoclasts, such as bisphosphonates, are known to cause delayed wound healing and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) following tooth extraction. However, there are no data on whether such adverse events are also caused by drugs that may suppress the immune system, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biological agents, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the incidence of delayed post-extraction wound healing and identify risk factors among patients treated with potential immunosuppressive drugs undergoing tooth extraction. We performed a retrospective cohort study involving 101 patients by reviewing their medical records. The underlying diseases of the enrolled patients included dilated cardiomyopathy, hematological malignancy, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The sample comprised 131 cases of tooth extraction among the 101 patients; delayed post-extraction wound healing occurred in 10 patients (12 cases, 9.2%), including ONJ in three patients (3 cases, 2.3%). The surgical tooth extraction performed for impacted teeth or a residual root (P = 0.009), the number of surgical tooth extraction (P = 0.012), decreased lymphocyte counts (P = 0.008), and decreased eosinophil counts (P = 0.009) were significantly related to delayed wound healing. Thus, among patients taking corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biological agents, and/or DMARDs, there is a risk of delayed wound healing and ONJ. Moreover, the significant risk factors are low lymphocyte counts, low eosinophil counts, and surgical extraction. It is of particular importance to prevent surgical site infection, when the high-risk patients undergo tooth extraction.

Frequency characteristics of pressure transducer kits with inserted pressure-resistant extension tubes.

The accurate monitoring of arterial blood pressure is important for cardiovascular management. However, the frequency characteristics of pressure transducer kits are influenced by the length of the pressure-resistant tube. To date, there have been few studies addressing the frequency characteristics of pressure transducer kits with inserted pressure-resistant extension tubes (pressure-resistant extension tube (ET) circuits). In this study, we examine ET circuits from the viewpoint of the frequency characteristics of pressure transducer kits. DT4812J transducer kits (length 150 cm; Argon Medical Devices, TX, USA) were used. Three original ET circuits were prepared, with the pressure-resistant tube of the DT4812J being extended with a 30-cm length of pressure-resistant tube (180ET circuit), a 60-cm length of pressure-resistant tube (210ET circuit), and a 90-cm length of pressure-resistant tube (240ET circuit). Each of these circuits was evaluated as part of this study. The natural frequency of the original DT4812J circuit was 45.90 Hz while the damping coefficient was 0.160. For the 180 ET circuit, the natural frequency and damping coefficient were 36.4 Hz and 0.162, respectively. For the ET210 circuit, the natural frequency and damping coefficient were 30.3 Hz and 0.175, respectively. For the ET210 circuit, the natural frequency and damping coefficient were 25.3 Hz and 0.180, respectively. As a result of extending the circuit, it was found that the natural frequency decreased drastically, while the damping coefficient increased slightly. When the extension of a pressure transducer kit is required, we should pay careful attention to the major decrease in the natural frequency, which may influence the pressure monitoring.

Effect of using a Planecta™ port with a three-way stopcock on the natural frequency of blood pressure transducer kits.

Blood pressure transducer kits are equipped with two types of Planecta™ ports-the flat-type Planecta™ port (FTP) and the Planecta™ port with a three-way stopcock (PTS). We reported that FTP application decreased the natural frequency of the kits. However, Planecta™ is an invaluable tool as it prevents infection, ensures technical simplicity, and excludes air. Hence, an ideal Planecta™ port that does not decrease the frequency characteristics is required. As a first step in this direction, we aimed to assess the influence of PTSs on the natural frequency of blood transducer kits. A DTXplus transducer kit (DT4812J; Argon Medical Devices, TX, USA) was used along with ≥1 PTSs (JMS, Hiroshima, Japan), and the frequency characteristics were assessed. The natural frequency and damping coefficient of each kit were obtained by using frequency characteristics analysis software, and these parameters were evaluated by plotting them on Gardner's chart. Regardless of whether one or two PTSs were inserted, the natural frequency of the kits only slightly decreased (from 42.5 to 41.1 Hz, when 2 PTSs were used). Thus, the frequency characteristics of the kits with PTSs were adequate for pressure monitoring. The insertion of ≥2 FTPs in pressure transducer kits should be avoided, as they markedly decrease the natural frequency and lead to underdamping. However, the effect of PTS insertion in pressure transducer kits on the frequency characteristics is minimal. Thus, we found that the use of PTS markedly improved the frequency characteristics as compared to the use of FTP.

Appropriate sevoflurane concentration to stabilize autonomic activity during intubation with rocuronium in infants: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In infants, sevoflurane is commonly used for induction of anesthesia, following which a muscle relaxant is administered to facilitate tracheal intubation. When rocuronium is used as the muscle relaxant, intubation may be performed before reaching an adequate depth of anesthesia because of its rapid onset. The purpose of this study was to investigate the optimal sevoflurane concentration that would minimize the impact of intubation on hemodynamics and autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in infants. METHODS: Sixty-one infants aged 1-6 months, undergoing cleft lip repair, were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to three end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (E'Sevo) groups, 3%, 4% and 5%. Anesthesia was induced with 5% sevoflurane with 100% oxygen, and rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) was administered. The concentration of sevoflurane was adjusted to the predetermined concentration in each group. Mechanical pressure control ventilation via a face mask was commenced. Five minutes after E'Sevo became stable at the predetermined concentration, tracheal intubation was performed. Immediately after tracheal intubation, ventilation was restarted at the same ventilator settings and continued for 150 seconds. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured 5 times in the 150 seconds after intubation. Normalized units (nu) of high frequency (HF: 0.04-0.15 Hz) and the ratio of low frequency (LF: 0.15-0.4 Hz) to HF components (LF/HF) of HR variability were calculated by MemCalc/Tonam2C™. Normalized units of HF (HFnu) and LF/HF reflect cardiac parasympathetic and sympathetic activity, respectively. RESULTS: After intubation, HR increased slightly in all groups and MAP increased by 9.2% in the E'Sevo-3% group. LF/HF increased (p < 0.01) and HFnu decreased (p < 0.01) in all groups 30 seconds after intubation. HFnu was lower (p < 0.001) and LF/HF was higher (p = 0.007) in the E'Sevo-3% group than in E'Sevo-5% group. ANS responses to intubation were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Sympathomimetic and parasympatholytic responses to intubation in the E'Sevo-3% group were much greater than those in the E'Sevo-5% group. During tracheal intubation in infants, 4% or 5% sevoflurane is appropriate for prevention of sympathetic hyperactivation and maintenance of ANS balance as compared to 3% sevoflurane, when a muscle relaxant is co-administered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at UMIN-CTR ( UMIN000009933).

A prospective, randomized controlled trial of conscious sedation using propofol combined with inhaled nitrous oxide for dental treatment.

PURPOSE: Adverse reactions during propofol sedation include a decrease in arterial blood pressure, propofol-induced pain on injection, and airway complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether combined use of intravenous propofol and inhaled nitrous oxide could decrease the hypotensive and other adverse effects of propofol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We designed and implemented a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing dental procedures requiring intravenous sedation were randomly allocated to 2 groups: group P comprised those receiving sedation with propofol alone, and group N+P comprised those receiving sedation with 40% nitrous oxide inhalation and propofol. During the dental procedures, the sedation level was maintained at an Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale score of 4 by adjusting propofol's target plasma concentration. Nitrous oxide inhalation was the predictor variable, whereas the hemodynamic changes, amount and concentration of propofol, and adverse events were the outcome variables. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were successfully analyzed without any complications. The total amount of propofol was significantly less in group N+P (249.8 ± 121.7 mg) than in group P (310.3 ± 122.4 mg) (P = .022), and the mean concentration of propofol was significantly less in group N+P (1.81 ± 0.34 µg/mL) than in group P (2.05 ± 0.44 µg/mL) (P = .006). The mean blood pressure reduction in group N+P (11.0 ± 8.0 mm Hg) was significantly smaller than that in group P (15.8 ± 10.2 mm Hg) (P = .034). Pain associated with the propofol injection and memory of the procedure were less in group N+P (P = .011 and P = .048, respectively). Nitrous oxide did not affect respiratory conditions or recovery characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that nitrous oxide inhalation combined with propofol sedation attenuates the hypotensive effect and pain associated with propofol injections, along with potentiating the amnesic effect.

Considerations during intravenous sedation in geriatric dental patients with dementia.

OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively assessed the usability and precautions required during intravenous sedation (IVS) for dental treatment in geriatric outpatients with dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the intraoperative complications in 65 cases (25 geriatric dental patients with dementia) under IVS, from the standpoint of local anesthesia usage, water usage during treatment, and content of treatment. RESULTS: Circulatory complications occurred in 46.2 % and respiratory complications in 52.3 % of all cases (n = 65). Bradycardia occurred in 13.8 % and hypotension in 12.3 % of cases in the former, while coughing spells occurred in 41.5 % and snoring in 16.9 % of cases in the latter. Many of the local anesthesia usage cases did not require water usage, such as during tooth extraction (p < 0.0001). Water usage cases, such as for caries treatment, needed longer sedation and treatment times, resulting in more propofol usage (p < 0.001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.01, respectively). Many coughing spells developed in the water usage cases (p < 0.05). 81.8 % of snoring and 63.3 % of circulatory complications, such as hypotension and bradycardia, developed in the tooth extraction cases (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All the scheduled dental treatments in dementia patients were smoothly performed under IVS. However, stringent attention should be paid to the prevention of aspiration of fluids retained in the pharynx, airway obstruction due to therapeutic maneuvers, respiratory inhibition by sedatives, and hemodynamic fluctuations caused by invasive procedures under local anesthesia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the future, with the growing need for dental procedures in dementia patients, dentists will require training in the general management of such patients.

[Anesthetic management of a patient with adrenoleukodystrophy].

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a genetic disorder with demyelination of the central nervous system and adrenal insufficiency. A 24-year-old man with ALD was scheduled for dental treatment under general anesthesia. He was diagnosted as having ALD at the age of 5. Past medical history included recurrent cervical cellulitis, adrenal insufficiency, mental retardation, muscle weakness and seizure disorder. General anesthesia was induced using betamethasone as a steroid cover, sevoflurane and nitrous oxide-oxygen and maintained with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide-oxygen. Nasal intubation was performed without using a muscle relaxant. Patients with ALD cannot metabolize very long chain fatty acid, so we did not use propofol containing long chain fatty acid. Operation and anesthesia were uneventful. There were no complications during and after anesthesia.

Management for the patients with severe Parkinson's disease during dental treatments and tooth extractions: A retrospective observational study.

Background/purpose: When Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses, oral and swallowing functions decline, and special care is necessary when performing dental treatments. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the records of patients with PD and analyze dental and general problems to establish countermeasures during dental treatments. Materials and methods: We retrospectively examined the medical records of patients with PD to obtain data on dental treatments and management methods. Results: Of the 27 patients, 40% had severe grade IV or higher Hoehn-Yale (HY) scores, and the wearing-off phenomenon was observed in those with grade III or higher. Additionally, 19% of the patients were receiving levodopa 500 mg/day or more. Intravenous sedation was administered 21 times (three patients) and general anesthesia eight times (three patients). Discontinuation of tooth extraction was observed in four patients: two with difficulty in opening the mouth, one with respiratory failure caused by the wearing-off phenomenon, and one with excessively elevated blood pressure due to the interaction between adrenaline in local anesthesia and the catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor. Tooth extraction was performed by adjusting the time of levodopa administration in two patients, under general anesthesia in one patient, and using adrenaline-free local anesthetics under intravenous sedation in one patient. Conclusion: When PD progresses, oral and swallowing functions decline and body motor function deteriorates. Thus, the respiratory and circulatory conditions and the wearing-off phenomenon during dental treatments should be properly managed in patients with severe PD.

Cough reflex under intravenous sedation during dental implant surgery is more frequent during procedures in the maxillary anterior region.

PURPOSE: The present study was performed to evaluate the incidence of cough episodes and the association between cough episodes and patient-related and site-specific parameters during implant surgery when performed under intravenous sedation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-seven patients scheduled for dental implant surgeries under intravenous sedation were enrolled in this study. Heart rate, blood pressure, percutaneous oxygen saturation, and bispectral index were monitored. Sedation was induced intravenously by a bolus administration of midazolam and maintained by a continuous administration of propofol. Sedation level was adjusted to achieve scores of 3 to 4 on the Ramsay Sedation Scale. Surgical procedures were divided into 11 stages. Implant sites were labeled as right maxillary molar, maxillary anterior, left maxillary molar, right mandibular molar, mandibular anterior, and left mandibular molar sites. When coughing occurred, heart rate, blood pressure, percutaneous oxygen saturation, bispectral index, procedure being performed, and surgical site being stimulated were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-two cough episodes were observed in 97 patients (66%). Cough episodes occurred during all stages of surgery but were substantially more frequent during preparation of the implant site. The incidence of cough episodes was significantly higher at the maxillary anterior site and lowest at the right mandibular molar areas. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that difficulties in swallowing and in the suction of intraoral fluids have variable effects at different surgical sites. Careful suction of intraoral water and an appropriate sedation level are required, especially in procedures in the maxillary anterior region.

Comparison of Lidocaine and Mepivacaine for Variation in Regional Tissue Oxygenation in Stellate Ganglion Block: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Trial.

Introduction This prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial aimed to investigate the effect of different types of local anesthetics on regional tissue blood oxygenation on the stellate ganglion block (SGB). Methods Twenty eligible patients were recruited for this study; 16 of whom were allocated to the study protocol. Participants were randomized into one of the two crossover sequences: 1% lidocaine hydrochloride or 1% mepivacaine hydrochloride, and received SGBs with 6 mL of any one of the local anesthetics, followed by a washout period of more than 24 hours, and then received SGBs by substituting the two local anesthetics. The tissue oxygenation index (TOI) in the skin near the mental foramen on the blocked side was recorded using near-infrared spectroscopy at 15 minutes after the local anesthetic injection. Results One participant did not complete the study. As such, variation in regional tissue oxygenation was compared between the 15 participants. There was no difference in the increase in regional tissue blood flow or tissue oxygenation after SGB between the patients who were given lidocaine and the ones who were given mepivacaine; however, the kinetics of the increase in regional tissue oxygenation were significantly faster with mepivacaine than with lidocaine. Conclusions Different types of local anesthetics do not affect the intensity of the increase in regional tissue oxygenation after SGB, but they do affect the kinetics of the increase. These differences in local anesthetics may affect how patients feel after receiving SGB, the duration of SGB effects, and the frequency of adverse events associated with SGB.

Risk factors affecting hemorrhage after tooth extraction in patients undergoing continuous infusion with unfractionated heparin.

PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors affecting the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage (POH) associated with tooth extraction in patients undergoing continuous infusion with unfractionated heparin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present retrospective study, the medical records of patients who had undergone tooth extraction during continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin were reviewed. The primary predictor variables were demographics (age, gender), heparin dose and degree of anticoagulant effect (activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT]), total number of extracted teeth and number of extracted teeth per occasion, and type of tooth extraction (simple extraction or surgical extraction). The primary outcome variable was the incidence of POH. The incidence of POH in each APTT category was also evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U test, χ(2) test, or Fisher exact test were used for comparison between the non-POH and POH groups and the incidence of POH stratified by the categorized APTT values. Logistic regression analysis was then used to detect the factors affecting POH. The level of statistical significance was P < .05. RESULTS: Tooth extraction was performed on 35 occasions in 31 patients. POH occurred 10 times (28.6%). The comparison of the POH group (10 occasions) and non-POH group (25 occasions) showed that the median APTT value in the POH group (62 seconds) was significantly prolonged compared with that in the non-POH group (42 seconds). The incidence of POH was significantly greater in the group with an APTT of 57 seconds or greater. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the APTT was the only factor related to the occurrence of POH. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that POH in tooth extraction occurs often in patients with an APTT of 57 seconds or greater when the continuous heparin infusion cannot be stopped.

Risk factors for hyperketonemia in cleft lip and palate infants during general anesthesia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the risk factors for hyperketonemia with respect to patient age, the starting time of anesthesia (morning or afternoon), and the preoperative liquid intake when glucose was administered to infants before and during general anesthesia to avoid the hyperketonemia resulting from lipid catabolism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were 147 healthy infants, including 55 infants 2 to 6 months old (cleft lip group) and 92 who were 10 to 24 months old (cleft palate [CP] group). For preoperative liquid intake, the infants were allowed to drink formula or breast milk for ≤ 5 hours before entering the operating room and 6.7% glucose solution for ≤ 2 hours before entering the operating room. As an intraoperative infusion, 195 mg/kg/hour of glucose was constantly administered. The levels of blood ketone bodies and glucose were measured at anesthesia induction and 2 hours after induction. Blood ketone body (ß-hydroxybutyrate) concentrations of ≥ 1.0 mmol/L were considered abnormally high. RESULTS: The ketone body concentrations were abnormally high in 34 infants and normal in 113 infants. Significant differences were present in relation to age (P = .001) and age group (CP group, P < .001), and starting time of anesthesia (afternoon cases, P = .003). However, no difference in preoperative liquid intake was seen between groups. Logistic regression analysis suggested age group (CP group) and starting time of anesthesia (afternoon cases) as factors associated with elevated blood ketone body concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for abnormally high ketone body concentrations were age group (CP group) and starting time of anesthesia (afternoon cases).

Small bolus of esmolol effectively prevents sodium nitroprusside-induced reflex tachycardia without adversely affecting blood pressure.

PURPOSE: Hypotensive anesthesia with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) often is associated with reflex tachycardia. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a small bolus of esmolol could counteract SNP-induced reflex tachycardia and sympathetic activation without affecting blood pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a time-series study design, 27 healthy young patients scheduled for mandibular osteotomy were enrolled in this study. General anesthesia was maintained with 2% sevoflurane and 67% nitrous oxide in oxygen. SNP was administered to decrease the mean arterial pressure to 55 to 65 mm Hg. When heart rate (HR) increased reflexively to higher than 95 beats/min from SNP-induced hypotension, esmolol 0.5 mg/kg was given. Blood pressure and HR were measured, and the low-frequency component (0.04 to 0.15 Hz) of systolic blood pressure variability and high-frequency component (0.15 to 0.4 Hz) of HR variability were calculated to evaluate the autonomic condition. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance after multiple comparisons or t test. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 27 patients analyzed, 19 patients (70%) required esmolol. In these patients, SNP caused an increase in the low-frequency component of systolic blood pressure variability and a decrease in the high-frequency component of HR variability, leading to tachycardia (HR range, 95.9 ± 7.3 to 106.7 ± 7.4 beats/min; P < .001). Esmolol suppressed the effects of SNP on the low-frequency component of systolic blood pressure variability and high-frequency component of HR variability, resulting in an immediate decrease in HR to 86.9 ± 6.2 beats/min (P < .001), whereas mean arterial pressure remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: A small bolus of esmolol can suppress reflex tachycardia without significantly changing mean arterial pressure. Thus, esmolol restores the autonomic imbalance induced by SNP during hypotensive anesthesia.

Comparison of intravenous sedation using midazolam versus dexmedetomidine in elderly patients with dementia: a randomized cross-over trial.

Differences between the effects of intravenous sedation with midazolam (MID) and dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the cerebral function of elderly patients with severe dementia are unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous sedation with MID or DEX on parameters such as brain waves and cerebral blood flow (CBF). This cross-over study analyzed 12 patients with severe dementia, with each patient receiving both drug treatments. Each drug was administered until a Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) score of 2 was reached. Bispectral index (BIS) and normalized tissue hemoglobin index (nTHI), which reflects CBF using near-infrared spectroscopy, were measured. Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Friedman tests, and multiple regression analysis were performed. While a similar decline in BIS values was observed in both groups (P < 0.030), there was a significant decrease in nTHI up to 11% in the MID group (P = 0.005). In the DEX group, nTHI values did not differ from baseline. When an OAA/S score of 2 was just achieved, CBF in the MID group (- 5%) was significantly lower than in the DEX group (± 0%). In dementia patients, sedation with MID resulted in a decrease in CBF, while the CBF value was maintained during sedation with DEX.

Effect of masticatory training using confectioneries on oral function in elderly patients - A randomized controlled trial.

Background/purpose: The number of patients with oral hypofunction is increasing with the aging of the population, and such hypofunction increases their risk for dysphagia and malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to measure the hardness of commercially available confectioneries, select a confectionery with a hardness suitable for masticatory training for elderly patients, and evaluate the effects of 1-week masticatory training on oral function (occlusal force, masticatory ability, and tongue pressure). Materials and methods: The average hardness values of 25 confectioneries were determined. Among them, one of the softest confectioneries that the patients felt as "chewable but difficult to chew" was selected as the training confectionery for each patient. The patients in the training group continued training, which involved eating of approximately 5 g of one selected confectionery daily for 7 days. The patients in the control group did not undergo any training. Oral function (occlusal force, masticatory ability, and tongue pressure) on the first day and after 7 days was evaluated and compared between the groups. Results: The occlusal force of the patients in the training group increased significantly. However, their masticatory ability and tongue pressure did not change significantly. Conclusion: Patients aged 65 years and older underwent masticatory training, which involved eating of a confectionery with its hardness adjusted individually for a week. A significant increase in the occlusal force was observed, suggesting that masticatory training using confectioneries with a hardness suitable for each patient is effective.

Risk factors affecting postoperative hemorrhage after tooth extraction in patients receiving oral antithrombotic therapy.

PURPOSE: We investigated risk factors affecting the onset of postoperative hemorrhage after tooth extraction in patients receiving oral antithrombotic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 443 tooth extractions were performed in 382 patients. All extractions were performed while continuing conventional antithrombotic therapy, and local hemostatic measures were performed. RESULTS: Among the 17 patients with postoperative hemorrhage, 9 received warfarin monotherapy, 6 received warfarin and antiplatelet combination therapy, and 2 received antiplatelet monotherapy. Postoperative hemorrhage occurred within 6 days in 16 patients (94.1%), with a median of 3 days. The international normalized ratio at the time of extraction was less than 3.0 for all 15 patients receiving warfarin therapy but was prolonged, at 3.0 or greater, in 7 of 12 patients in whom this value was measured at the time of postoperative hemorrhage. As for local hemostatic measures at the time of postoperative hemorrhage, thorough local hemostatic measures were required in 12 (80.0%) of the 15 patients receiving warfarin therapy. Conversely, in the 2 patients receiving antiplatelet therapy, hemostasis was achieved by use of compression alone. Concerning factors affecting postoperative hemorrhage, significant differences were seen in relation to surgical tooth extraction (P = .008) and acute inflammation findings (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: In patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, surgical tooth extraction and acute inflammatory findings were associated with a significantly increased incidence of postoperative hemorrhage. In more than 90% of cases, postoperative hemorrhage occurred within 6 days of extraction. Thorough local hemostatic measures are therefore required in patients receiving warfarin therapy.

A new modification for safer submental orotracheal intubation.

In patients in whom a tracheal tube cannot be inserted through the nostrils due to multiple facial trauma or hypoplasty of the nose, submental orotracheal intubation (SOI) is performed to avoid tracheostomy. We report a new modification for SOI to minimize the risk of apnea. A 20-year-old man was scheduled for sagittal split ramus osteotomy. As the patient had severe hypoplasia of the nose, SOI was planned. Following orotracheal intubation with a spiral tube (first tube), a submental tunnel was surgically created. A second tube that had been confirmed, in advance, to snugly fit into the proximal end of the first tube was passed into the submental tunnel via a polypropylene cylinder and connected between the first tube and the breathing circuit. After careful withdrawal of the second tube through the submental tunnel, the first tube was directly connected to the breathing circuit after removal of the second tube. Although this technique requires additional time, apnea time is minimal even in patients in whom withdrawal of the tracheal tube through the submental tunnel takes time, because the second tube forms a link between the first tube and the breathing circuit, making it possible to ventilate the patient throughout the procedure.