Improving Intraoperative Communication in Trauma: The Educational Effect of the Joint DSTC™-DATC™ Courses.

BACKGROUND: Operative management of severe trauma requires excellent communication among team members. The surgeon and anesthesiologist need to interact efficiently, exchanging vital information. The Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTC) and Definitive Anesthesia Trauma Care (DATC) courses provide an excellent opportunity for teamwork training. Our goal was to study the impact of the joint DSTC-DATC courses in candidates' self-reported assessment in communication skills and techniques in a simulated intraoperative trauma scenario. METHODS: Study population consists of 93 candidates (67 surgeons and 26 anesthesiologists) participating in four consecutive joint DSTC-DATC courses in May and June 2019 in Brazil (3) and in Portugal (1). Median age was 30 years; 53 (60%) of subjects were male (46 senior residents and 47 specialists). All participants attended joint lectures, case discussions and surgical skills session, emphasizing intraoperative communication. Post-course survey on several aspects of perioperative communication (responses on a Likert scale) was conducted with participants being asked which aspects of intraoperative communication they valued the most. RESULTS: All participants responded to the survey. Results displayed an increase in the self-assessed importance of team briefing and intraoperative communication, particularly routine periodic communication, rather than only at critical moments. Postoperative team debriefing was also valued as highly relevant. Closed-loop and direct, by-name communication were highly rated. Self-reported communication skills improved significantly during the course. CONCLUSIONS: Joint training in the DSTC-DATC courses improved candidates' perception and skills on proficient intraoperative communication. Further studies should address both the durability of these changes and the potential impact on patient care.

Adjunctive Statin Therapy in Patients with Covid-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of adjunctive statin therapy in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remains uncertain. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to late April 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing statin versus no statin use in patients hospitalized with Covid-19. We pooled risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) applying a random-effects model. R version 4.3.1 was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: We included 7 RCTs comprising 4,262 patients, of whom 2,645 (62%) were randomized to receive statin therapy. Compared with no statin, statin use significantly reduced case-fatality rate (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.98; I2 = 0%). In a time-to-event analysis, we found similar results (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.75-0.99; I2 = 0%). Statin use also significantly reduced World Health Organization (WHO) scale at 14 days (mean difference -0.27; 95% CI -0.54 to -0.01; I2 = 0%). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in length of hospital stay, elevation of liver enzymes, and C-reactive protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: In patients hospitalized with Covid-19, statins significantly reduced case-fatality rate and WHO scale score. REGISTRATION: A prospective register was recorded in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the number CRD42023479007.

Erector spinae plane block for analgesia after cesarean delivery: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a regional block that may be used for several surgeries. However, the evidence regarding obstetrical procedures is not pooled in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether ESPB improves the postoperative pain after cesarean section by a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The protocol of this review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020192760). We included randomized controlled trials from databases until August 2020. The primary outcome was pain measured on a visual analogic scale; secondary outcomes were analgesic duration, postoperative opioid dose within the 24 hours, nausea/vomiting. The risk of bias and the GRADE criteria to assess quality of evidence were analyzed. RESULTS: From 436 retrieved studies, three were selected. There was no difference in the pain scores between ESPB and controls at rest after surgery at 4 h (mean difference [MD] = 0.00; 95% CI: -0.72 to 0.72; I² = 0%; very low certainty), 12 h (MD = -1.00; 95% CI: -2.00 to -0.00; I² = 0%, low certainty) and 24 h (MD = -0.68; 95% CI: -1.56 to 0.20; I² = 50%; very low certainty). There was a smaller consumption of tramadol with ESPB compared with controls (MD = -47.66; 95% CI: -77.24 to -18.08; I² = 59%; very low certainty). The analgesic duration of ESPB was longer than the controls (MD = 6.97; 95% CI: 6.30 to 7.65; I² = 58%; very low certainty). CONCLUSION: ESPB did not decrease the postoperative pain scores when compared to other comparators. However, ESPB showed a lower consumption of tramadol and a longer blockade duration, although the quality of evidence of these outcomes were very low.

Postoperative pain management in non-traumatic emergency general surgery: WSES-GAIS-SIAARTI-AAST guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Non-traumatic emergency general surgery involves a heterogeneous population that may present with several underlying diseases. Timeous emergency surgical treatment should be supplemented with high-quality perioperative care, ideally performed by multidisciplinary teams trained to identify and handle complex postoperative courses. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled acute postoperative pain may result in significant complications. While pain management after elective surgery has been standardized in perioperative pathways, the traditional perioperative treatment of patients undergoing emergency surgery is often a haphazard practice. The present recommended pain management guidelines are for pain management after non-traumatic emergency surgical intervention. It is meant to provide clinicians a list of indications to prescribe the optimal analgesics even in the absence of a multidisciplinary pain team. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An international expert panel discussed the different issues in subsequent rounds. Four international recognized scientific societies: World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), Global Alliance for Infection in Surgery (GAIS), Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia Intensive Care (SIAARTI), and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), endorsed the project and approved the final manuscript. CONCLUSION: Dealing with acute postoperative pain in the emergency abdominal surgery setting is complex, requires special attention, and should be multidisciplinary. Several tools are available, and their combination is mandatory whenever is possible. Analgesic approach to the various situations and conditions should be patient based and tailored according to procedure, pathology, age, response, and available expertise. A better understanding of the patho-mechanisms of postoperative pain for short- and long-term outcomes is necessary to improve prophylactic and treatment strategies.

Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block for surgical treatment of endometriosis: case report.

Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a technique that is not widely applied for gynecological surgery. Endometriosis affects 10% of the female population and chronic pelvic pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms. Laparoscopic surgery for removal of endometriosis may present a long intra-operative duration and this technique might improve postoperative pain control. We described a case report of a patient submitted to general anesthesia associated to bilateral QLB for pelvic endometriosis. QLB was an adjuvant anesthetic technique for endometriosis, providing somatic and visceral analgesia. However, prospective studies are needed to identify the standard dosage and total duration of analgesia.

Spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section. Bupivacaine associated with different doses of fentanyl: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Assess patients submitted to elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, and the efficacy of different doses of fentanyl associated with bupivacaine. METHODS: The study included 124 pregnant women randomly distributed into 4 groups (n = 31) according to different doses of fentanyl (15 µg, 10 µg, 7.5 µg), Groups I, II, and III, respectively, and control group IV, associated with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (10 mg). An epidural catheter was inserted in case epidural top-up was required. We assessed the anesthetic blockage characteristics, negative maternal and neonatal outcomes, and maternal side effects. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's exact and chi-square tests. The level of significance was 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The quality of analgesia, time for the first complaint of pain and motor block recovery time were significantly better for groups that received fentanyl in comparison to controls (p < 0.001). None of the groups had negative maternal-fetal outcomes. Nausea was significantly more frequent in patients in Groups II (10 µg) and III (7.5 µg) when compared to Groups I (15 µg) and IV (no fentanyl). Vomiting was more frequent in Group III than in Group I (p = 0.006). The incidence of pruritus was significantly higher in the groups receiving fentanyl (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Among the solutions studied, the spinal anesthesia technique using 15 µg of fentanyl associated with 10 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine provided satisfactory analgesia and very low incidence of adverse effects for patients submitted to cesarean section. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UTN U1111-1199-0285. REBEC: RBR-5XWT6T.

[Influence of different local anesthetics on atracurium neuromuscular blockade on rats]. / Influência de diferentes anestésicos locais no bloqueio neuromuscular produzido pelo atracúrio em ratos.

INTRODUCTION: The association between Local Anesthetics (LAs) and Neuromuscular Blocking (NMB) drugs in clinical practice, and the possibility of interaction between these drugs has been investigated. LAs act on neuromuscular transmission in a dose-dependent manner and may potentiate the effects of NMB drugs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in an experimental model, the effect of lidocaine and racemic bupivacaine on neuromuscular transmission and the influence on neuromuscular blockade produced by atracurium. METHODS: Male Wistar rats, weighing from 250 g to 300g were used. The preparation was set up based on a technique proposed by Bülbring. Groups were formed (n = 5) according to the drug studied: lidocaine 20 µg.mL-1 (Group I); racemic bupivacaine 5 µg.mL-1 (Group II); atracurium 20 µg.mL-1 (Group III); atracurium 20 µg.mL-1 in a preparation previously exposed to lidocaine 20 µg.mL-1 and racemic bupivacaine 5 µg.mL-1, Groups IV and V, respectively. The following parameters were assessed: 1) Amplitude of hemi diaphragmatic response to indirect stimulation before and 60 minutes after addition of the drugs; 2) Membrane Potentials (MP) and Miniature Endplate Potentials (MEPPs). RESULTS: Lidocaine and racemic bupivacaine alone did not alter the amplitude of muscle response. With previous use of lidocaine and racemic bupivacaine, the neuromuscular blockade (%) induced by atracurium was 86.66 ± 12.48 and 100, respectively, with a significant difference (p = 0.003), in comparison to the blockade produced by atracurium alone (55.7 ± 11.22). These drugs did not alter membrane potential. Lidocaine initially increased the frequency of MEPPs, followed by blockade. With the use of bupivacaine, the blockade was progressive. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine and racemic bupivacaine had a presynaptic effect expressed by alterations in MEPPs, which may explain the interaction and potentiation of NMB produced by atracurium.

Epidural administration of ropivacaine and its effects on the pharmacodynamics of rocuronium: Randomized controlled trial. Interaction between ropivacaine and rocuronium.

BACKGROUND: Potentiation of neuromuscular blocking agents by local anesthetics has been described in various clinical and experimental studies. This study assessed the influence of epidural ropivacaine on pharmacodynamic characteristics of rocuronium. DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized clinical trial at the women's hospital, an university tertiary hospital in Brazil. Sixty-two patients underwent elective abdominal surgeries requiring general anesthesia. INTERVENTION: Patients were distributed into two groups: Group 1 (general anesthesia and epidural anesthesia) and Group 2 (general anesthesia). In Group 1, 0.2% ropivacaine at a dose of 40 mg (20 ml) was associated with 2 mg (2 ml) of morphine in a single epidural injection. The following parameters were assessed: clinical duration (DC25) and time for recovery of the train-of-four (TOF) 0.9 ratio (T4/T1 = 90%) after an initial 0.6 mg/kg dose of rocuronium. The primary outcomes were DC25 and TOF 0.9 ratio (T4/T1 = 90%). Secondary outcomes were total propofol and remifentanil consumption. RESULTS: Values were presented as median and interquartile range. The results for DC25 and TOF 0.9 of rocuronium were, respectively, 41.5 35.0-55.0 (25.0-63.0) in Group 1 and 44.0 37.0-51.0 (20.0-67.0) in Group 2 (P = 0.88); 88.0 67.0-99.0 (43.0-137.0) in Group 1; and 80.0 71.0-86.0 (38.0-155.0) in Group 2 (P = 0.83). There was no significant difference between the groups, in terms of pharmacodynamic characteristics of rocuronium. Propofol consumption did not show any difference between the groups. However, remifentanil consumption was significantly lower in Group 1 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Epidural ropivacaine, in the dose studied, did not prolong the duration of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: ReBEC (ref: RBR-7cyp6t).

[Combined spinal-epidural block for labor analgesia. Comparative study with continuous epidural block]. / Bloqueio combinado raquiperidural para analgesia de parto. Estudo comparativo com bloqueio peridural contínuo.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar epidural block is an effective and routinely used technique for labor pain relief, and the combined spinal-epidural block has the benefit of using lower doses of local anesthetics and rapid onset of analgesia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two anesthetic techniques: combined spinal-epidural block and continuous epidural block in pregnant women for labor analgesia. METHODS: Eighty patients, ASA II and III, with cephalic presentation and cervical dilation between 5 and 6 centimeters, undergoing labor analgesia, allocated in two groups according to the anesthetic technique: combined spinal-epidural (GI) and continuous epidural (GII). Pain severity before the blockade, time to complete analgesia, degree of motor blockade, time to full cervical dilation, duration of the second stage of labor, pain severity during the 1st and 2nd stage of labor, type of delivery, use of oxytocin during labor, maternal cardiocirculatory and respiratory parameters and adverse events, and neonatal repercussions were recorded. RESULTS: At the time of anesthesia, pain severity was similar in both groups. Pain relief was faster in GI (4.5±1.5min) when compared to GII (11.6±4.6min) p=0.01; pain scores in the first and second stages of delivery were lower in GI (0.9±0.3 and 1.8±0.7, respectively) when compared to GII (1.9±0.6 and 2.2±0.5, respectively), with p=0.01 only in the first stage of labor; there was need for local anesthetics supplementation in GII; there were more frequent spontaneous deliveries in GI (80% of patients) than in GII (50%) (p=0.045) and more frequent use of instrumental (p=0.03) in GII (12 patients) compared to GI (4 patients); the frequency of cesarean deliveries was significantly higher (p=0.02) in Group II than in Group I, with 4 cases in GI and 8 cases in GII; absence of maternal cardiocirculatory and respiratory changes and neonatal repercussions; more frequent pruritus in GI (10 patients) and (0 patients in GII) (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: The combined blockade proved to be effective with better quality of analgesia and greater comfort for pregnant women, constituting a good option for the practice of obstetric analgesia.

[Anesthesia for cesarean delivery in a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome]. / Anestesia para parto cesáreo em paciente portadora de síndrome de Klippel­Trenaunay.

INTRODUCTION: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare congenital vascular disease characterized by cutaneous hemangiomas, varicosities, and limb asymmetry, which may evolve with coagulation disorders and hemorrhage as those more frequent complications in pregnant patients. Pregnancy is not advised in women with this syndrome due to increased obstetrical risk. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 29 years old, 99kg, 167cm, BMI 35.4kg.m-2, physical status ASA III, with 27 weeks of gestational age and diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. She was admitted to attempt inhibition of preterm labor. As manifestations of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, the patient presented with cerebral and cutaneous hemangioma mainly in the trunk and lumbar region, paresis in the left upper and lower limbs, and limb asymmetry requiring the use of a walking stick. Physical examination revealed absence of airway vascular malformations and Mallampati class 3. Laboratory tests were normal and abdominal angiotomography showed irregular uterus, with multiple varices and vessels of arterial origin and bilateral periadnexal varices. She evolved with failure in preterm labor inhibition, and cesarean section under total intravenous anesthesia was indicated. Monitoring, central and peripheral venous access, radial artery catheterization, and diuresis were secured. Cesarean section was performed with median incision and longitudinal uterine body section for fetal extraction. Two episodes of arterial hypotension were seen intraoperatively. The postoperative evolution was uneventful. The choice of anesthesia was dependent on the clinical manifestations and the lack of imaging tests proving the absence of neuraxial hemangiomas.

[Use of protocol and evaluation of postoperative residual curarization incidence in the absence of intraoperative acceleromyography - Randomized clinical trial]. / Aplicação de protocolo e avaliação da incidência de curarização residual pós­operatória na ausência de aceleromiografia intraoperatória ­ Ensaio clínico randomizado.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the incidence of postoperative residual curarization (PORC) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after the use of protocol and absence of intraoperative acceleromyography (AMG). METHODS: Randomized clinical trial with 122 patients allocated into two groups (protocol and control). Protocol group received initial and additional doses of rocuronium (0.6mg.kg-1 and 10mg, respectively); the use of rocuronium was avoided in the final 45minutes; blockade reversal with neostigmine (50µg.kg-1); time ≥ 15minutes between reversion and extubation. CONTROL: initial and additional doses of rocuronium, blockade reversal, neostigmine dose, and extubation time, all at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. AMG was used in the PACU and PORC considered at T4/T1 ratio<1.0. RESULTS: The incidence of PORC was lower in protocol group than in control group (25% vs. 45.2%, p=0.02). In control group, total dose of rocuronium was higher in patients with PORC than without PORC (0.43 vs. 0.35mg.kg-1.h-1, p=0.03) and the time interval between the last administration of rocuronium and neostigmine was lower (75.0 vs. 101.0min, p<0.01). In protocol group, there was no difference regarding the analyzed parameters (with PORC vs. without PORC). Considering the entire study population and the presence or absence of PORC, total dose of rocuronium was higher in patients with PORC (0.42 vs. 0.31mg.kg-1.h-1, p=0.01), while the time interval between the last administration of rocuronium and neostigmine was lower (72.5 vs. 99.0min, p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: The proposed systematization reduced PORC incidence in PACU in the absence of intraoperative AMG.

Use of neuromuscular blockers and neostigmine for general anesthesia and its association with neuraxial blockade: A retrospective study.

This research aimed to assess the use of neuromuscular blockers (NMB) and its reversal, associated or not with neuraxial blockade, after general anesthesia.This retrospective study analyzed 1295 patients that underwent surgery with general anesthesia at Prof. Dr. José Aristodemo Pinotti Hospital in 2013. The study included patients aged >1 year, with complete, readable medical charts and anesthetic records.Rocuronium (ROC) was the most used NMB (96.7%), with an initial dose of 0.60 (0.52-0.74) mg/kg and total dose of 0.38 (0.27-0.53) mg/kg/h. In 24.3% of the cases, neuraxial blockade was associated with a significantly longer anesthesia (P < .001) than in cases without neuraxial block, regardless of technique (total intravenous (TIV) vs intravenous and inhalational (IV+IN)). In 71.9% of the cases, a single dose of NMB was used. Patients under TIV general anesthesia associated with neuraxial blockade had a lower total dose of ROC (mg/kg/h) in comparison with TIV GA alone (0.30 (0.23-0.39) and 0.42 (0.30-0.56) mg/kg/h, respectively, P < .001). The same was observed for patients under IV+IN GA (0.32 (0.23-0.41) and 0.43 (0.31-0.56) mg/kg/h, respectively, P < .001). The duration of anesthesia was longer according to increasing number of additional NMB doses (P < .001). Dose of neostigmine was 2.00 (2.00-2.00) mg or 29.41 (25.31-33.89) µg/kg. The interval between neostigmine and extubation was >30 minutes in 10.9% of cases.The most widely used NMB was ROC. Neuroaxial blockade (spinal or epidural) was significantly associated with reduced total dose of ROC (mg/kg/h) during general anesthesia, even in the absence of neuromuscular monitoring and regardless of general anesthetic technique chosen. In most cases, neostigmine was used to reverse neuromuscular block. The prolonged interval between neostigmine and extubation (>30 minutes) was neither associated with total doses of ROC or neostigmine, nor with the time of NMB administration. This study corroborates the important role of quantitative neuromuscular monitors and demonstrates that neuraxial blockade is associated with reduced total ROC dose. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible role of neuraxial blockade in reducing the incidence of postoperative residual curarization.

Association between levobupivacaine and pancuronium. Interference in neuromuscular transmission and blockade in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of levobupivacaine on neuromuscular transmission and neuromuscular blockade produced by pancuronium in vitro. METHODS: Thirty rats were distributed into groups (n = 5) according to the drug used alone or in combination: Group I - levobupivacaine (5 µg.mL-1); Group II - pancuronium (2 µg.mL-1); Group III - pancuronium (2 µg.mL-1) + levobupivacaine (5µg.mL-1). The following parameters were evaluated: 1) amplitude of diaphragmatic response to indirect stimulation, before and 60 minutes after the addition of levobupivacaine and pancuronium alone, and after the addition of levobupivacaine combined with pancuronium; 2) membrane potentials (MP) and miniature endplate potentials (MEPP). RESULTS: Levobupivacaine alone did not alter the amplitude of muscle response and MP. In preparations previoulsy exposed to levobupivacaine, the block with pancuronium was significantly denser (90.2 ± 15.2%), showing a significant difference (p=0.031) in comparison to the block produced by pancuronium alone (48.9% ± 9.8%). There was a decrease in the frequency and amplitude of MEPPs. CONCLUSION: Levobupivacaine potentiated the neuromuscular blockade produced by pancuronium, confirming a presynaptic action by a decrease in miniature endplate potentials.

Effect of 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture combined with pancuronium on neuromuscular transmission in rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation; a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Local anaesthetics are drugs that are widely used in clinical practice. However, the effects of these drugs on the neuromuscular junction and their influence on the blockade produced by non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs are still under investigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the influence of a 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture on neuromuscular transmission and neuromuscular block produced by pancuronium. METHODS: Rats were distributed into three groups (n = 5) according to the drug studied namely, 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture (5 µg/mL); pancuronium (2 µg/mL); 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture + pancuronium. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) Effects of a 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture on membrane potential (MP) and miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs); (2) amplitude of diaphragmatic response before and 60 min after the addition of a 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture; the degree of neuromuscular block with pancuronium and pancuronium combined with a 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture. RESULTS: A 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture did not alter the amplitude of muscle response (MP) but decreased the frequency and amplitude of MEPP. The block produced by pancuronium was potentiated by a 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture. CONCLUSION: A 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine mixture used alone did not affect neuromuscular transmission, but potentiated the neuromuscular block produced by pancuronium. No action was shown on the muscle fibre, and alterations on MEPPs demonstrated a presynaptic action.

[Effect of ropivacaine combined with pancuronium on neuromuscular transmission and effectiveness of neostigmine and 4-aminopyridine for blockade reversal: experimental study]. / Efeito da associação ropivacaina-pancurônio na transmissão neuromuscular e eficácia da neostigmine e 4-aminopiridina na reversão do bloqueio: estudo experimental.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The local anesthetic effects on neuromuscular junction and its influence on blockade produced by nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers are still under-investigated; however, this interaction has been described in experimental studies and in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the interaction between ropivacaine and pancuronium, the influence on transmission and neuromuscular blockade, and the effectiveness of neostigmine and 4-aminopyridine to reverse the blockade. METHODS: Rats were divided into groups (n=5) according to the study drug: ropivacaine (5µgmL(-1)); pancuronium (2µg.mL(-1)); ropivacaine+pancuronium. Neostigmine and 4-aminopyridine were used at concentrations of 2µgmL(-1) and 20µgmL(-1), respectively. The effects of ropivacaine on membrane potential and miniature end-plate potential, the amplitude of diaphragm responses before and 60minutes after the addition of ropivacaine (degree of neuromuscular blockade with pancuronium and with the association of pancuronium-ropivacaine), and the effectiveness of neostigmine and 4-aminopyridine on neuromuscular block reversal were evaluated. RESULTS: Ropivacaine did not alter the amplitude of muscle response (the membrane potential), but decreased the frequency and amplitude of the miniature end-plate potential. Pancuronium blockade was potentiated by ropivacaine, and partially and fully reversed by neostigmine and 4-aminopyridine, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ropivacaine increased the neuromuscular block produced by pancuronium. The complete antagonism with 4-aminopyridine suggests presynaptic action of ropivacaine.

Combined spinal-epidural block for labor analgesia. Comparative study with continuous epidural block / Bloqueio combinado raquiperidural para analgesia de parto. Estudo comparativo com bloqueio peridural contínuo

Abstract Introduction: Lumbar epidural block is an effective and routinely used technique for labor pain relief, and the combined spinal-epidural block has the benefit of using lower doses of local anesthetics and rapid onset of analgesia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two anesthetic techniques: combined spinal-epidural block and continuous epidural block in pregnant women for labor analgesia. Methods: Eighty patients, ASA II and III, with cephalic presentation and cervical dilation between 5 and 6 cm, undergoing labor analgesia, allocated in two groups according to the anesthetic technique: combined spinal-epidural (GI) and continuous epidural (GII). Pain severity before the blockade, time to complete analgesia, degree of motor blockade, time to full cervical dilation, duration of the second stage of labor, pain severity during the 1st and 2nd stage of labor, type of delivery, use of oxytocin during labor, maternal cardiocirculatory and respiratory parameters and adverse events, and neonatal repercussions were recorded. Results: At the time of anesthesia, pain severity was similar in both groups. Pain relief was faster in GI (4.5 ± 1.5 min) when compared to GII (11.6 ± 4.6 min) p = 0.01; pain scores in the first and second stages of delivery were lower in GI (0.9 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.7, respectively) when compared to GII (1.9 ± 0.6 and 2.2 ± 0.5, respectively), with p = 0.01 only in the first stage of labor; there was need for local anesthetics supplementation in GII; there were more frequent spontaneous deliveries in GI (80% of patients) than in GII (50%) (p = 0.045) and more frequent use of instrumental (p = 0.03) in GII (12 patients) compared to GI (4 patients); the frequency of cesarean deliveries was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in Group II than in Group I, with 4 cases in GI and 8 cases in GII; absence of maternal cardiocirculatory and respiratory changes and neonatal repercussions; more frequent pruritus in GI (10 patients) and (0 patients in GII) (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The combined blockade proved to be effective with better quality of analgesia and greater comfort for pregnant women, constituting a good option for the practice of obstetric analgesia.

Resumo Introdução: O bloqueio peridural lombar constitui técnica eficaz e rotineiramente empregada para alívio da dor do parto e o bloqueio combinado raquiperidural tem como benefícios o emprego de doses menores de anestésicos locais e rápido início de analgesia. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar comparativamente a eficácia e a segurança de duas técnicas anestésicas: bloqueio combinado raquiperidural e peridural contínua em grávidas submetidas à analgesia de parto. Método: Oitenta gestantes, ASA 2 e 3, apresentação cefálica e dilatação cervical entre cinco e seis centímetros, submetidas à analgesia de parto, distribuídas em dois grupos de acordo com a técnica anestésica: técnica combinada raquiperidural (GI) e peridural contínua (GII). Avaliaram-se: intensidade de dor antes do bloqueio; tempo para completa analgesia; grau do bloqueio motor; tempo para dilatação cervical total; duração do 2° estágio do trabalho de parto; intensidade de dor durante o 1° e o 2° estágio do trabalho de parto; tipo de parto; uso de ocitocina durante trabalho de parto; parâmetros cardiocirculatórios, respiratórios e eventos adversos maternos; repercussões neonatais. Resultados: No momento da anestesia a intensidade de dor era semelhante em ambos os grupos. O alívio da dor foi mais rápido no GI (4,5 ± 1,5 min) quando comparado com o GII (11,6 ± 4,6 min) p = 0,01; os escores de dor no primeiro e segundo estágios de parto foram menores no GI (0,9 ± 0,3) e (1,8 ± 0,7) quando comparados com o GII (1,9 ± 0,6) e (2,2 ± 0,5) com p = 0,01 somente no primeiro estágio de trabalho de parto; houve necessidade de complementação com anestésicos locais no GII; partos espontâneos mais frequentes em GI (80% das pacientes) do que em GII (50%) p = 0,045 e instrumentais mais frequentes (p = 0,03) em GII (12 pacientes) quando comparadas com o GI (quatro pacientes); a frequência de partos cesáreos foi significativamente maior (p = 0,02) no Grupo II do que no Grupo I, quatro casos no GI e oito no GII; ausência de alterações cardiocirculatórias e respiratórias maternas e repercussões neonatais; prurido mais frequente no GI (10 pacientes) e (0 paciente no GII) p = 0,02. Conclusão: O bloqueio combinado mostrou-se eficaz com melhor qualidade de analgesia e maior conforto às gestantes, constitui boa opção para a prática de analgesia obstétrica.