ABSTRACT
Background: Awareness and recall, though not common, are the major hazards of general anesthesia, especially in Cesarean section [C/S] because of the absence of benzodiazepine and opioids for a significant time during anesthesia. In this study, the Bispectral Index [BIS], end-tidal isoflurane, and hemodynamic parameters were examined to evaluate the depth of the routine general anesthetic technique in C/S
Methods: This study was carried out on 60 parturient patients undergoing elective C/S. A standardized anesthetic technique was applied: induction with Thiopental [4-5 mg/kg] and Succinylcholine [1.5-2 m g/kg] a s w ell a s m aintenance w ith O2, N2O, and isoflurane. Electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood pressure, Spo2, end-tidal isoflurane concentration, BIS, and any clinical signs of inadequate depth of anesthesia such as movement, sweating, lacrimation, coughing, and jerking were continuously monitored and recorded at 16 fixed time points during anesthesia
Results: A median BIS of less than 70 [range: 42-68] was obtained on all occasions during surgery; however, at each milestone, at least 20% of the patients had BIS values above 60. Hemodynamic parameters increased significantly in some patients, especially during laryngoscopy and intubation. No patient experienced recall or awareness
Conclusion: The currently used general anesthetic technique in our center appears inadequate in some milestones to reliably produce BIS values less than 60, which are associated with lower risk of awareness. Therefore, with respect to such desirable outcomes as good Apgar and clinical status in neonates, we would recommend the application of this method [if confirmed by further studies] through larger dosages of anesthetic agents
ABSTRACT
Different pharmacological agents may decrease the inflammatory response during cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid as an antioxidant on inflammatory markers [interleukins 6 and interleukin 8] released during cardiopulmonary bypass. Forty patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, were randomly assigned to two groups. The patients in the case group were given 3 grams ascorbic acid 12-18 hours before operation and 3 grams during CPB initiation. The patients in the control group were given the same amounts of normal saline at similar times. Blood samples were collected 6 hours preoperatively and postoperative serum interleukin 6 and 8 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. In both groups CPB caused an increase in IL6 and IL8 plasma concentrations ; compared with baseline levels, but the pattern of changes at such levels were similar in both groups after receiving ascorbic acid or placebo. Ascorbic acid did not reduce the inflammatory cytokines during CPB. Compared to the placebo, ascorbic acid had no significant effect on hemodynamic parameters such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gases, BUN, Creatinine and WBC and platelet counts. Ascorbic acid has no effect on the reduction of IL6 and IL8 during CPB. Also, it causes no improvement in hemodynamics, blood gas variables, and the outcomes of patients undergoing CABG