Concealed congenital long QT syndrome during velopharyngeal dysfunction correction: a case report

The congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited cardiac disorder characterized by increased QT intervals and a tendency to experience ventricular tachycardia, which can cause fainting, heart failure, or sudden death. A 4-year-old female patient undergoing velopharyngeal correction surgery under general anesthesia suddenly developed Torsades de pointes. Although the patient spontaneously resolved to sinus rhythm without treatment, subsequent QT prolongation persisted. Here, we report a case of concealed LQTS with a literature review.

The effect of tulobuterol patches on the respiratory system after endotracheal intubation

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation during anesthesia induction may increase airway resistance (R(aw)) and decrease dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn). We hypothesized that prophylactic treatment with a transdermal β2-agonist tulobuterol patch (TP) would help to reduce the risk of bronchospasm after placement of the endotracheal tube. METHODS: Eighty-two American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) category I or II adult patients showing obstructive patterns were divided randomly into a control and a TP group (n = 41 each). The night before surgery, a 2-mg TP was applied to patients in the TP group. Standard monitors were recorded, and target controlled infusion (TCI) with propofol and remifentanil was used for anesthesia induction and maintenance. Simultaneously, end-tidal carbon dioxide, R(aw), and Cdyn were determined at 5, 10, and 15 min intervals after endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic data between the two groups. The TP group was associated with a lower R(aw) and a higher Cdyn, as compared to the control group. R(aw) was significantly lower at 10 min (P < 0.05) and 15 min (P < 0.01), and Cdyn was significantly higher at 5 min (P < 0.05) and 15 min (P < 0.01) in the TP group. A trend towards a lower R(aw) was observed showing a statistically significant difference 5 min after endotracheal intubation (P < 0.01) in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic treatment with TP showed a bronchodilatory effect through suppressing an increase in R(aw) and a decrease in C(dyn) after anesthesia induction without severe adverse effects.

Anesthetic experience of frontotemporal dementia patient with severe autonomic dysfunction: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Anesthetic experience in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with severe hypotension associated autonomic dysfunction has not yet been reported. Here in case, we report on the case of treatment with vasopressin to refractory hypotension in FTD patient. A 54-year-old male presented with a ten-year history of FTD with frequent syncope. The patient was scheduled to undergo subtotal gastrectomy for resection of stomach cancer. During the operation, sudden hypotension occurred and it was refractory to fluid and 1 unit of blood resuscitation and did not respond to catecholamine. Transesophageal echocardiography showed normal heart with adequate volume state. After intravenous administration of arginine vasopressin, the patient's vital signs returned to baseline values. Arginine vasopressin might be considered as a valuable alternative for treatment of severe refractory hypotension in autonomic dysfunction patients with FTD.

Trichostatin A Protects Liver against Septic Injury through Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor Signaling

Sepsis, a serious clinical problem, is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection and leads to organ failure. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is intimately implicated in hyper-inflammatory responses and tissue injury during sepsis. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanisms of trichostatin A (TSA), a HDAC inhibitor, associated with TLR signaling pathway during sepsis. The anti-inflammatory properties of TSA were assayed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced in mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a clinically relevant model of sepsis. The mice were intraperitoneally received TSA (1, 2 or 5 mg/kg) 30 min before CLP. The serum and liver samples were collected 6 and 24-h after CLP. TSA inhibited the increased production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. TSA improved sepsis-induced mortality, attenuated liver injury and decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels. CLP increased the levels of TLR4, TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) protein expression and association of MyD88 with TLR4 and TLR2, which were attenuated by TSA. CLP increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B and decreased cytosolic inhibitor of kappa B (IκB) protein expression, which were attenuated by TSA. Moreover, CLP decreased acetylation of IκB kinase (IKK) and increased association of IKK with IκB and TSA attenuated these alterations. Our findings suggest that TSA attenuates liver injury by inhibiting TLR-mediated inflammatory response during sepsis.

Pretreatmet with 5% lidocaine patch reduces cannula-induced and propofol-induced pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of 5% lidocaine patch in reducing propofol-induced pain and cannula-induced pain. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind study, 126 patients were divided into one of three groups: pretreatment with a 5% lidocaine patch (Lidotop®) and premixed 2 ml of normal saline with 1.5 mg/kg of 1% propofol (Group A); pretreatment with a placebo patch and premixed 2 ml of normal saline with 1.5 mg/kg of 1% propofol (Group B); or pretreatment with a placebo patch and premixed 2 ml of 2% lidocaine (40 mg) with 1.5 mg/kg of 1% propofol (Group C) for induction of anesthesia. Pain severity was evaluated on a four-point verbal rating scale during intravenous cannulation, propofol injection, and 24 h after the operation (recall). RESULTS: Eighteen patients (47.4%) in Group A complained of cannula-induced pain compared with 35 (94.6%) in Group B and 36 (94.7%) in Group C (P < 0.001). Group A patients showed significantly lower incidence of propofol-induced pain and recall of propofol-induced pain compared with Group B (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01), whereas there was no difference compared with Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative transdermal administration of 5% lidocaine patch is an effective and simple method in reducing propofol-induced pain as well as cannula-induced pain.

The change of sevoflurane to desflurane after anesthesia induction induces rapid emergence without increased cardiovascular responses and emergence delirium in pediatric strabismus surgery patients

BACKGROUND: Desflurane has lower solubility and shows a more rapid induction and recovery than sevoflurane, although it often induces increased cardiovascular response, emergence delirium, and respiratory complications. The change of anesthetic agent from sevoflurane to desflurane after induction may provide a smooth induction and rapid emergence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of changing sevoflurane to desflurane after induction on the cardiovascular response, emergence delirium, and recovery characteristics during pediatric strabismus surgery. METHODS: For the study, 135 children scheduled for strabismus surgery were randomly divided into three groups: the S group (n = 45) and D group (n = 45) received sevoflurane or desflurane, respectively, for induction and maintenance, while the C group (n = 45) received sevoflurane for induction and desflurane for maintenance. Cardiovascular responses, pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale scores, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay, and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: The blood pressure of the D group was significantly different from that of the S and C groups (P < 0.05). The time to extubation and first crying were significantly longer in the S group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in PAED score, PACU length of stay, and the incidence of postoperative complications, except for cough, among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The change of desflurane after sevoflurane induction in pediatric strabismus surgery provided rapid emergence compared with sevoflurane, and attenuated cardiovascular responses and lesser respiratory complications as compared to desflurane. The emergence delirium was not influenced by either inhalational anesthetic.

A Case of Hemoperitoneum due to Spontaneous Rupture of Visceral Artery Aneurysm after Ingestion of Puffer Fish / 대한구급학회지

Ingestion of puffer fish can cause intoxication, which produces a wide range of symptoms due to the presence of neurotoxins, such as tetrodotoxin, in puffer fish. Abdominal pain is just one of the symptoms that should be treated with symptomatic and supportive therapy. This study reports a case of a 56-year-old male patient with abdominal pain, who was admitted to the emergency room with a diagnosis of puffer fish poisoning. In this case, the abdominal pain did not improve, but rather, the symptoms worsened. Finally, the cause of the abdominal pain was found to be hemoperitoneum due to active bleeding at the greater omentum, as observed on abdominal computed tomography; the source of bleeding was the right colic artery branch. Embolization was performed successfully, and the post-intervention course was uneventful. The patient was discharged without any complications within 13 days after admission.

Ultrasound Guided Bronchoscopic Balloon Dilatation in the Management of Tracheal Stenosis: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

We performed a balloon dilatation without a fluoroscopy monitoring by ultrasound. A 44 year old female patient was presented with subglottic stenosis, due to prolonged intubation. Although she had undergone tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis, the tracheal stenosis had recurred. She was scheduled for balloon dilatation. However, fluoroscopic guidance was not available, and thus, we used ultrasonographic monitoring as an alternative method. We performed a transverse scan, just cranial to the suprasternal notch, and we obtained a real time image of the trachea dilated by the balloon. We suggest that ultrasonographic monitoring is a useful adjunct to balloon dilatation in patients with tracheal stenosis.

One-lung ventilation with pediatric Arndt endobronchial blocker in an adult patient with tracheal stenosis: A case report

In thoracic surgery, functional isolation of the lungs can be accomplished by several methods. However, for patients with tracheal stenosis, only limited choices are available to achieve one-lung ventilation (OLV) because of the difficulties posed by the stenotic trachea. In our patient, the narrowest site in the trachea was as small as 9.3 mm in diameter, and therefore a 28 Fr double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) or a Univent tube (inner diameter [ID] 6.0 mm) could not be inserted into the trachea. Recently, 7 and 9 Fr Arndt endobronchial blockers (AEB) used in adults could not even be used in our patient. Here we report a case of successful OLV that was performed using a pediatric wire-guided AEB and a small diameter single lumen endotracheal tube (SLT). We believe that this pediatric AEB is a safer and more effective option for achieving OLV in adult patients with tracheal stenosis.

The Effect of Remifentanil with Sevoflurane in Subtotal Gastrectomy Patients with Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Remifentanil is an ultra-short acting opioid, and its use has been known to be related to acute opioid withdrawal or tolerance. This study was performed to compare the hemodynamic response, recovery characteristics, and postoperative pain response after sevoflurane-remifentanil or sevoflurane anesthesia in subtotal gastrectomy patients. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for gastrectomy were randomly allocated into two groups. Thoracic epidural catheterization was performed before anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane-remifentanil (SR group) or sevoflurane (SN group). We compared hemodynamic variables during surgery and recovery, the pain and sedation score during recovery, and the pain score and analgesic requirements during the postoperative period. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood pressure and heart rates in the SR group were lower than in the SN group. There was no significant difference in extubation time and recovery time between patients in the two groups. The patients in the SN group showed more prompt recovery at 15 minutes after extubation. The VAS scores and analgesic demand of the SR group were greater than in the SN group. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative use of remifentanil with sevoflurane may be related to increased postoperative pain.

The Effect of Target Controlled Infusion of Remifentanil during Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery under Epidural Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) can be performed under epidural anesthesia. However, epidural anesthesia dose not provide complete analgesia during VATS. In that case, remifentanil may provide adjuvant analgesia. The aim of this study was to find safe and effective target concentration of remifentanil during VATS under epidural anesthesia. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to target concentration of remifentanil 1 or 2 microgram/ml (Group N1 or N2). Thoracic epidural catheter was inserted at T(6-7) or T(7-8) and 0.75% ropivacaine 6 ml was administered. Patients were positioned in lateral position and remifentanil infusion was started. If patients complained of pain, target concentration of remifentanil was elevated by 0.5 microgram/ml. Hemodynamic and respiratory variables were checked during anesthesia. The degree of sedation was evaluated with Ramsey sedation scale and modified Steward recovery scale was used to evaluate recovery. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between 2 groups in hemodynamic and respiratory variables. N2 group showed more sedation on skin incision (P < 0.05). The incidence of pain complaint in N1 group was higher than those of N2 group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects and ephedrine administration. CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil target concentration of 2 ng/ml is more effective than 1 ng/ml to reduce pain without significant side effects during VATS under thoracic epidural anesthesia.

The Effects of Anesthetic Preconditioning on Neurologic Injury and Bcl-2 Family Protein mRNA Expression after Transient Spinal Ischemia in the Rat / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord ischemic injury occurring after surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic disease leaves a devastating complication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of anesthetic preconditioning on neurologic outcome and Bcl-2 family protein gene expression in transient spinal ischemia. METHODS: In first experiment rats were divided by 4 groups and anesthetized with intraperitoneal propofol, enflurane, sevoflurane, or isoflurane. In second experiment, all rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal propofol and enflurane, sevoflurane, isoflurane were given during 30 minutes and 14 minutes of spinal ischemia was induced 30 minutes later. Spinal ischemia was produced by both induced hypotension and thoracic aortic cross clamping. Neurologic scores were assessed 1, 3, 24, 48 hours after transient spinal ischemia. After 48 hours, rats were killed under anesthesia and spinal cords were removed for the assay of Bcl-2 family protein mRNA expression. RESULTS: The neurologic injury of S and I group were significantly lesser than P group. 30 minutes of anesthetic preconditioning with enflurane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane showed significantly better neurologic outcome compared to propofol, enflurane, sevoflurane, or isoflurane anesthetized rats. Bcl-2 family protein mRNA expression of I group and IP group were lesser than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthetic preconditioning with volatile anesthetics for 30 minutes could reduce ischemic injury during transient spinal ischemia. The degree of neurologic injury may not be related to the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Isoflurane may have different influence on apoptosis after spinal ischemia compared to enflurane or sevoflurane.

The Effects of Anesthetic Preconditioning on Neurologic Injury and Bcl-2 Family Protein mRNA Expression after Transient Spinal Ischemia in the Rat / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord ischemic injury occurring after surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic disease leaves a devastating complication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of anesthetic preconditioning on neurologic outcome and Bcl-2 family protein gene expression in transient spinal ischemia. METHODS: In first experiment rats were divided by 4 groups and anesthetized with intraperitoneal propofol, enflurane, sevoflurane, or isoflurane. In second experiment, all rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal propofol and enflurane, sevoflurane, isoflurane were given during 30 minutes and 14 minutes of spinal ischemia was induced 30 minutes later. Spinal ischemia was produced by both induced hypotension and thoracic aortic cross clamping. Neurologic scores were assessed 1, 3, 24, 48 hours after transient spinal ischemia. After 48 hours, rats were killed under anesthesia and spinal cords were removed for the assay of Bcl-2 family protein mRNA expression. RESULTS: The neurologic injury of S and I group were significantly lesser than P group. 30 minutes of anesthetic preconditioning with enflurane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane showed significantly better neurologic outcome compared to propofol, enflurane, sevoflurane, or isoflurane anesthetized rats. Bcl-2 family protein mRNA expression of I group and IP group were lesser than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthetic preconditioning with volatile anesthetics for 30 minutes could reduce ischemic injury during transient spinal ischemia. The degree of neurologic injury may not be related to the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Isoflurane may have different influence on apoptosis after spinal ischemia compared to enflurane or sevoflurane.

Family Practise Residents' Diagnostic and Therapeutic Behaviors to Acute Diarrheal Patients

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to compare one hospital family practise residents' diagnostic and therapeutic behavior with a Dupont et al described Guidelines on acute infectious diarrhea in adults and HARRISON'S PRINCIPLES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 15th edition's algorithm for the management of acute diarrheal patients. METHODS: From March 1, 2003 to April 30, 2003, we reviewed 82 acute diarrheal patients (3.19% of the total patients) who had visited one hospital's emergency room which was located in Jeonju district. Doctor's diagnostic and therapeutic approaches were reviewed on the basis of history and physical exam. Then we compared with the standard algorithm referred above. RESULTS: Inpatients were 36.6% (30 patients) among the total of 82 and 63.4% (52 patients) returned home after symptomatic treatment. Among the 52 return home patients, doctors did not entirely conduct stool exam. Among the 30 hospitalized patients, doctors conducted stool exam in 25% among 4 of 16 high fever patients, in 25% among 2 of 8 moderately dehydrated who had diarrhea more than 10 times per day, and in 60% among 6 of 10 patients whose symptom duration was more than 48 hours. Doctors did not use antibiotics in 76.9% (40 patients) of 52 return home patients. Quinolone and Augmentin tablets were administered to each 6 patients of 12 return home patients. Among the 30 inpatients, Augmentin injection were given to 80% (24 patients) and second-generation cephalosporin with aminoglycoside combination injection to 13.3% (4 patients) and quinolone injection to 6.7% (2 patients). CONCLUSION: Compared with standard algorithm, doctors neglected testing stool examination that may be the most important way to diagnose the specific etiology of acute diarrhea. If we actively utilize the stool exam, it may help in providing the correct diagnosis and suitable treatment.