[An analysis and evaluation of anesthetic consultations for patients undergoing elective surgery].

We reviewed 212 patients whom we consulted before elective surgery concerning their indications of operation and anesthetic risks for the last 18 month periods. Patients' ages were between 6 months to 89 years old, and 46% of the patients consulted were over 60 years of age. Main medical problems related to anesthetic risks included cardiovascular problems (36% of patients), respiratory problems (14%), the abnormality of metabolism or endocrine (8%), hepatic dysfunction (8%), and so on. Most of the patients with ischemic heart disease, hypertension, dysrhythmia, or dysfunction of respiratory system, were over 60 years of age. Those with diabetes mellitus, dysfunction of liver or kidney, or anemia were over 40 years of age. Those with convulsion or congenital heart disease were under 19 years of age. In attempting anesthetic evaluations, patients were assessed according to ASA physical status classification; class I (3%), class II (56%), class III (36%), class IV (5%). Although there was no patient who had intraoperative cardiac arrest or death related to anesthesia, postoperative mortality within 3 months were 19% for ASA class III patients and 60% for class IV. And all ASA IV patients who received their operation died postoperatively. In patients who were classified as ASA III or IV, we feel it is better to add more detailed classification such as Goldman's classification in addition to physical status classification of ASA for preanesthetic assessments of patients, because the majority of patients were elderly with life-threatening complications of cardiovascular and/or respiratory systems.

[Influence of four opioids on pulmonary oxygenation and naloxone's effects in mechanically ventilated dogs].

In order to examine effects of opioids on pulmonary oxygenation during constant ventilation, we investigated changes in PaO2 following four different opioids and after reversal with naloxone in mechanically ventilated, lightly anesthetized dogs. The systemic administration of morphine 1.0mg.kg-1, buprenorphine 0.03mg.kg-1, butorphanol 0.1mg.kg-1, and cyclazocine 0.05mg.kg-1, did not affect PaO2, although these opioids decreased mean arterial pressure and heart rate significantly. Naloxone 0.04mg.kg-1 after four opioids affected the hemodynamics, significantly, but it did not cause any detrimental effects on pulmonary oxygenation. Although naloxone alone did not affect mean arterial pressure and heart rate at all, subsequent morphine decreased mean arterial pressure and heart rate significantly. Neither naloxone nor subsequent morphine produced any change in PaO2. The results suggest that reversal with naloxone may not cause any significant influences on pulmonary oxygenation in mechanically ventilated and anesthetized patients.

[Anaphylactic shock with ventricular fibrillation induced by chlorhexidine].

We experienced a case in which a 66 year-old male patient developed anaphylactic shock followed by ventricular fibrillation, possibly due to intravenous aspiration of chlorhexidine used for topical application when right internal jugular vein was punctured. He was successfully resuscitated without any sequelae. Although lymphocyte transformation test failed to identify the specific allergen, IgE antibodies against chlorhexidine in the patient's serum were detected by radioallergosorbent technique. Chlorhexidine is an extensively used antiseptic, but there have been many reports regarding severe adverse reactions associated with its use. Chlorhexidine does not seem to be a safe antiseptic.

[Anesthetic management of combined kidney and pancreas transplantation].

Combined kidney and pancreas transplantation was performed for the first time in Japan in a 29-year-old diabetic male with end stage renal nephropathy. He previously required injections of 44 IU insulin daily, and the fasting plasma glucose concentration before the transplant was 722 mg/dl. Anesthesia was maintained with fentanyl, nitrous oxide (70%) and halothane (0 approximately 1.0%). A continuous infusion of intravenous regular insulin (2 approximately 8 IU/hr) was started after induction of anesthesia. After revascularization of the pancreatic graft, his plasma glucose concentration fell from 350 mg/dl to 130 mg/dl in one hour and a half. Blood glucose level was maintained between 200 to 300 mg/dl without insulin during anesthesia and thereafter. The grafted kidney and pancreas showed good function during this period. In this report, anesthetic problems in combined kidney and pancreas transplantation were discussed.

Comparison of arterial baroreflex function in humans anesthetized with enflurane or isoflurane.

To compare the depressive effects of isoflurane and enflurane on the arterial baroreflex function, we examined baroreflex control of heart rate during the entire course of clinical anesthesia. Isoflurane and enflurane were found to have similar depressive effects on the baroreflex control of heart rate when used in combination with N2O and O2. Suppression in the baroreflex sensitivity, defined by the slopes of regression line (change in msec of RR interval per mm Hg increase or decrease in systolic blood pressure) was from 7.1 +/- 3.9 to 1.8 +/- 0.7 msec/mm Hg in patients given isoflurane and from 7.8 +/- 4.3 to 3.0 +/- 1.9 msec/mm Hg in those given enflurane when evaluated by a pressor test (bolus IV phenylephrine). The slope of the depressor test (bolus IV nitroglycerin) also decreased from 4.7 +/- 2.8 to 1.9 +/- 1.5 msec/mm Hg with isoflurane and from 5.6 +/- 3.2 to 2.3 +/- 1.2 msec/mm Hg with enflurane. During surgery in which anesthetic concentration invariably needed to be increased, the suppression of the baroreflex sensitivity remained unchanged in both groups of patients. During recovery, the arterial baroreflex function in patients given isoflurane recovered more rapidly than that in patients given enflurane. This difference may be related to a more minor degree of suppression of isoflurane on the autonomic nervous system compared to enflurane.

Circulatory responses to baroreflexes, Valsalva maneuver, coughing, swallowing, and nasal stimulation during acute cardiac sympathectomy by epidural blockade in awake humans.

Reflex circulatory responses are chiefly governed by the integrated functions of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems at any moment. To examine how sympathetic denervation of the important effector organ, the heart, modifies such reflex responses, the authors compared circulatory responses to arterial baroreflexes, the Valsalva maneuver (VM), coughing (C), swallowing (S), and nasal stimulation (NS) before and after cervical epidural blockade using 10 ml of 1.5% lidocaine in awake, healthy humans. The cervico-thoracic sympathetic denervation (sensory block of C4-T7) caused a slight suppression of the baroreflex sensitivity assessed by increases in RR intervals to increased systolic blood pressure with a pressor test (phenylephrine) in all eight subjects studied; the mean slopes of the regression lines were 29.1 +/- 9.8 ms X mmHg-1 before the blockade and 17.2 +/- 6.3 ms X mmHg-1 after the blockade (P less than 0.05). However, the baroreflex sensitivity to a depressor test (nitroglycerin) remained unchanged following the blockade. Furthermore, the responses in heart rate and blood pressure to VM (Phases II and IV) and the responses in heart rate to C, S, and NS were partially suppressed after the blockade (P less than 0.05). Despite these suppressions, the overall responses to VM, C, S, and NS remained unchanged after the blockade. No predominant parasympathetic responses such as profound hypotension and bradycardia were observed during any maneuver after the blockade.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Spinal cord blood flow during spinal anesthesia in dogs: the effects of tetracaine, epinephrine, acute blood loss, and hypercapnia.

To examine the effects of subarachnoid tetracaine and epinephrine on spinal cord blood flow (SCBF), lumbar SCBF and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured simultaneously by the hydrogen clearance technique in dogs (n = 45) anesthetized with halothane. The lumbar subarachnoid administration of tetracaine, 5 mg dissolved in 1 ml of a 7.5% dextrose solution had no significant effect on either SCBF or CBF for 4 hr even though arterial blood pressure and heart rate decreased significantly. After subarachnoid epinephrine alone (100, 300, and 500 micrograms), SCBF varied widely but did not change significantly with any of the injections, nor did CBF. Responses of SCBF to hypercapnia and to acute blood loss during spinal anesthesia with tetracaine were also examined. Increased PaCO2 (from 35 to 57 mm Hg) increased both SCBF and CBF similarly before and after subarachnoid tetracaine; SCBF increased from 26.8 +/- 9.0 ml X 100 g-1 X min-1 (mean +/- SD) before to 34.2 +/- 13.6 ml X 100 g-1 X min-1 during hypercapnia during spinal anesthesia, which was almost identical to the increase (from 31.5 +/- 8.1 ml X 100 g-1 X min-1 to 39.9 +/- 6.0 ml X 100 g-1 X min-1) before spinal anesthesia. Whereas acute blood loss (approximately 20% of estimated blood volume) during spinal anesthesia with tetracaine caused a 23% reduction of SCBF (P less than 0.05), in the absence of tetracaine SCBF remained unchanged during hemorrhagic hypovolemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Carbon dioxide elimination during circulatory arrest.

To learn modes of CO2 elimination during cardiac arrest, we continuously measured end-tidal CO2 concentration (ETCO2) in acutely arrested dogs with constant ventilation. A decrease in peak ETCO2 during cardiac arrest in each dog showed a washout biexponential function when graphed on semilog paper. The average half-times of each compartment were 19.2 +/- 3.1 (SD) sec for the fast compartment and 108.1 +/- 23.8 sec for the slow compartment; the fast compartment of the CO2 elimination curve suggested that CO2 was eliminated from the functional residual capacity, while the slow compartment indicated CO2 elimination from the pulmonary capillary blood and tissue stores. Neither pretreatment with sodium bicarbonate (1 mEq/kg iv) nor a 5-min cardiorespiratory arrest altered the mode of CO2 elimination. The ETCO2 also reflected the potential effects of external cardiac compressions on pulmonary blood flow, as previously reported. Besides mixed venous blood CO2 flowing back to the lungs by cardiac compressions, it should be noted that both alveoli and pulmonary capillary blood CO2 are also reflected in the ETCO2 during the first minute of CPR.

Ventilatory and circulatory responses to carbon dioxide and high level sympathectomy induced by epidural blockade in awake humans.

In order to examine the effects of cervico-thoracic epidural block with 1.5% lidocaine on ventilatory and circulatory responses to carbon dioxide, the authors studied the CO2-ventilatory response curves and the changes in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (AP) to rebreathing of exhaled gas before and after the block in healthy volunteers. Neither resting ventilation nor ventilatory response to CO2 was affected by the epidural block (mean analgesic level extended from C4 to T7); the slope of the CO2-ventilatory response curve averaged 2.38 +/- 0.81 L X min-1 X mm Hg-1 (mean +/- SD) before and 2.32 +/- 0.82 L X min-1 X mm Hg-1 after the block. Resting HR and AP decreased significantly (P less than 0.01) after the block, but responses in HR and AP to CO2 rebreathing were not significantly changed by the block. Plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine were similar before and after the block both with and without CO2 rebreathing. These results indicate that high levels of sympathetic denervation induced by epidural block do not impair circulatory and ventilatory responses to carbon dioxide in awake, healthy humans.

The effects of subarachnoid lidocaine and phenylephrine on spinal cord and cerebral blood flow in dogs.

To investigate the central nervous system circulation during spinal anesthesia, local spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured simultaneously by the hydrogen clearance technique following subarachnoid lidocaine, phenylephrine, or a combination of both. The mean control values of SCBF and CBF were 22.4 +/- 7.9 ml X 100 g-1 X min-1 and 53.1 +/- 12.0 ml X 100 g-1 X min-1, respectively, in dogs lightly anesthetized with halothane. The subarachnoid administration of lidocaine solutions (1, 2, 3, and 5%), 1 ml, failed to produce statistically significant changes in SCBF (P greater than 0.05). Whereas, when phenylephrine (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5%), 1 ml, was injected into the spinal subarachnoid space, SCBF decreased significantly with concentrations greater than 0.2% (P less than 0.05). When a mixture of lidocaine (24 mg) and phenylephrine (1 mg) was administered into the subarachnoid space, SCBF decreased significantly and returned to control within 60-90 min. CBF did not change significantly with any of the injections, remaining within less than +/- 12% of control. Dextrose solutions in water (5 and 7.5%), which were used for dilution of the drugs, did not affect either SCBF or CBF. These results indicate that local spinal cord blood flow can be affected significantly during spinal anesthesia when phenylephrine is added to the local anesthetic solution. However, the circulatory effects of drugs injected into the spinal subarachnoid space appear to be restricted to the local spinal cord per se and do not involve other parts of the CNS.

Monoclonal leukocyte antibody does not decrease the injury of transient focal cerebral ischemia in cats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of leukocyte function by administration of monoclonal antibody 60.3 (MoAb 60.3) improves electrophysiological recovery and decreases injury volume following transient focal cerebral ischemia in cats. METHODS: Halothane-anesthetized cats underwent 90 minutes of left middle cerebral artery and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by 180 minutes of reperfusion. Cats were assigned to receive either 2 mg/kg MoAb 60.3 (n = 8) directed at the CDw18 leukocyte antigen complex or an equal volume of diluent (sterile saline; n = 10) at 45 minutes of ischemia in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: Blood flow to the left temporoparietal cortex decreased to less than 5 ml/min/100 g with ischemia, but was minimally affected on the right side. Postischemic hyperemia occurred in the left caudate nucleus, whereas blood flow in other brain regions returned to control. No region demonstrated delayed hypoperfusion, and there were no differences between groups. Somatosensory evoked potential recorded over the left cortex was ablated during ischemia and recovered to less than 10% of baseline amplitude at 180 minutes of reperfusion in both groups. Left hemispheric injury volume, as assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, was not affected by drug treatment (mean +/- SE values: MoAb 60.3, 37 +/- 5%; placebo, 38 +/- 7% of hemisphere). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of leukocyte function with MoAb 60.3 does not afford protection from severe focal ischemia and reperfusion in cats.

Determination of the distance between the laryngoscope blade and the upper incisors during direct laryngoscopy: comparisons of a curved, an angulated straight, and two straight blades.

We compared visibility and dental complications from a variety of blades during tracheal intubation. Ninety-eight patients who received tracheal intubation were enrolled. They were divided into two groups: Study 1 (n = 50) and Study 2 (n = 48). Four laryngoscopic evaluations were planned for each patient using Miller and Wisconsin straight blades with different heel heights, a Macintosh curved blade, and a Belscope angulated straight blade (Study 1: Miller No. 3, Wisconsin No. 3, Macintosh No. 4, and Belscope medium; and Study 2: Miller No. 2, Wisconsin No. 2, Macintosh No. 3, and Belscope medium, respectively). All laryngoscopies were performed by the same anesthesiologist. The distance between the blade and the upper central incisors was measured when the optimum visibility of the glottis was obtained. The visibility was determined according to the Cormack and Lehane grading. Analysis of the distance between the blade and upper incisors was performed using the results of the 44 patients (166 distances) in Study 1 and the 48 patients (181 distances) in Study 2 who had a visibility of two or better. The Belscope blade provided a significantly greater visual field than the other types of blade. Two patients sustained a fracture of the central incisor and subluxation of the central incisor, respectively, during laryngoscopy in which a Wisconsin blade was used. The average incidence of dental injury was 1/191. The Belscope blade may contribute to a reduced likelihood of upper dental injuries during laryngoscopy.

The effect of age on retrieval of local anesthetic solution from the epidural space.

UNLABELLED: We conducted this prospective study to determine whether advancing age is correlated with retrieval of local anesthetic solution from the epidural space. Three hundred forty-six patients (ASA physical status I or II, 20-93 yrs of age, 177 female and 169 male patients) undergoing epidural anesthesia were enrolled. The epidural space was identified by a loss of resistance technique using air, and a catheter was introduced 3 cm. Three milliliters of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine was injected as a study dose by hand at a rate of 1 mL/s with the patient in the supine position. The syringe was immediately aspirated to retrieve the local anesthetic solution. A retrieved volume of 0.5 mL or more with a glucose concentration less than 6 mg/dL was defined as retrieval positive, and a volume of less than 0.5 mL was defined as retrieval negative. There was a significant correlation between age and retrieval volume among all the patients (Y = 0.008X-0.222, P < 0.0001) with a significant increase in the positive retrieval incidence and volume from the patients in their 50s (11%, 0.6 +/- 0.3 mL) to the patients in their 60s (26%, 1.0 +/- 0.6 mL) (P < 0.05 for both). The incidence of positive retrieval and the retrieval volume were greater in the patients in their 60s and older (30%, 1.1 +/- 0.63 mL) than in the younger than 60 (10%, 0.6 +/- 0.3 mL) (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001). The glucose concentration was 2.3 +/- 1.2 mg/dL in the positive cases. We conclude that there is a weak positive correlation between age and the local anesthetic solution retrieved from the epidural space. IMPLICATIONS: We conducted a study in 346 patients to determine whether advancing age could be correlated with retrieval of local anesthetic solution from the epidural space. We found a weak positive correlation between advanced age and the amount of solution retrievable from the epidural space. Further studies are required to determine whether this phenomenon may call for dose adjustments in patients aged more than 60 yrs.

Tirilazad treatment does not decrease early brain injury after transient focal ischemia in cats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that administration of the antioxidant tirilazad mesylate improves electrophysiological recovery and decreases infarct volume after transient focal cerebral ischemia in cats. METHODS: Halothane-anesthetized cats underwent 90 minutes of left middle cerebral artery and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by 180 minutes of reperfusion. Cats were assigned to receive tirilazad (1.5 mg/kg plus 0.2 mg/kg per hour IV infusion) either at the beginning (n = 9) or conclusion (n = 9) of ischemia. Control cats received an equal volume of diluent (citrate buffer, pH 3.0; n = 7) at the beginning and conclusion of ischemia in a blinded fashion. Infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. RESULTS: Blood flow to the left temporoparietal cortex decreased to less than 10 mL/min per 100 g with ischemia but was minimally affected on the right side. Blood flow distribution during ischemia or reperfusion was not different in the tirilazad-treated groups. No group demonstrated postischemic hyperemia or delayed hypoperfusion. Somatosensory evoked potential recorded over the left cortex was ablated during ischemia and recovered to less than 15% of baseline amplitude at 180 minutes of reperfusion in all groups. There were no differences among groups in infarct volume of left hemisphere (pretreatment, 25 +/- 6% [mean +/- SE]; posttreatment, 33 +/- 5%; control, 28 +/- 8% of hemisphere) or caudate nucleus (pretreatment, 46 +/- 7%; posttreatment, 41 +/- 10%; control, 55 +/- 13% of hemisphere). CONCLUSIONS: In an experimental model of focal ischemia involving severe reductions of blood flow followed by reperfusion in cats, administration of tirilazad at the onset of either ischemia or reperfusion does not ameliorate infarct volume assessed during early reperfusion. Our study does not address potential efficacy of tirilazad in the setting of a different dosing strategy or duration of reperfusion.