Seroprevalence of Plasmodium vivax Circumsporozoite Protein Antibody in High-Risk Malaria Areas in Korea

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium spp. is a diagnostic antigen and useful biomarker for monitoring short-term/seasonal changes to malaria transmission. Using P. vivax CSP antibody ELISA, epidemiological characteristics were analyzed in the residents of Ganghwa, Cheorwon, Paju, and Goseong from 2017 to 2018. In Ganghwa and Cheorwon, 1.6% and 1.2% of residents, respectively, were PvCSP-antibody-positive in 2018, which indicates a decrease of 0.4% in the positive rate compared to 2017. The annual parasite incidence (API) in Ganghwa and Cheorwon was 24.9 and 10.5 in 2017 and 20.3 and 10.7 in 2018, respectively. Although the changes were not significant, the API in Ganghwa decreased slightly by 4.5 in 2018 compared to the previous year. In Paju and Goseong, 3.9% and 2.0% of residents were positive for the PvCSP antibody. The API in Paju was 13.1 in 2017 and 16.0 in 2018, although no malaria patients were reported for the 2 years. Therefore, the results suggest that PvCSP is a useful antigen for confirming initial malaria infection. Additionally, considering that the antibody is relatively transient, it can be employed for sero-epidemiological studies to determine the extent of malaria transmission in the current year.

Awareness and Opinions of Inhabitants on Vivax Malaria in Two Endemic Areas, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

The incidence of vivax malaria in Korea was reduced to a low plateau. For successful elimination of vivax malaria, socio-behavioral changes in the communities are essential. This study aimed to figure out awareness of the inhabitants on the vivax malaria endemicity. The 407 participants including vivax malaria patients and uninfected inhabitants in Gimpo- and Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, known as high-risk areas in Korea. We used a community-based study design and non-probability sampling method using primary data. Except for the perception about the public health facilities’ capability to cope with anti-malaria programs, the 2 groups of participants shared the same level of awareness about public promotional and educational measures and opinions for malaria elimination from the community. Thus, our future goals for malaria prevention and elimination are to develop more active and well-organized community-based education and evaluation programs collaborating with the community healthcare authorities and local governments.

Seroprevalence of Plasmodium vivax Circumsporozoite Protein Antibody in High-Risk Malaria Areas in Korea

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium spp. is a diagnostic antigen and useful biomarker for monitoring short-term/seasonal changes to malaria transmission. Using P. vivax CSP antibody ELISA, epidemiological characteristics were analyzed in the residents of Ganghwa, Cheorwon, Paju, and Goseong from 2017 to 2018. In Ganghwa and Cheorwon, 1.6% and 1.2% of residents, respectively, were PvCSP-antibody-positive in 2018, which indicates a decrease of 0.4% in the positive rate compared to 2017. The annual parasite incidence (API) in Ganghwa and Cheorwon was 24.9 and 10.5 in 2017 and 20.3 and 10.7 in 2018, respectively. Although the changes were not significant, the API in Ganghwa decreased slightly by 4.5 in 2018 compared to the previous year. In Paju and Goseong, 3.9% and 2.0% of residents were positive for the PvCSP antibody. The API in Paju was 13.1 in 2017 and 16.0 in 2018, although no malaria patients were reported for the 2 years. Therefore, the results suggest that PvCSP is a useful antigen for confirming initial malaria infection. Additionally, considering that the antibody is relatively transient, it can be employed for sero-epidemiological studies to determine the extent of malaria transmission in the current year.

Monitoring Insecticide Resistance and Target Site Mutations of L1014 Kdr And G119 Ace Alleles in Five Mosquito Populations in Korea

Mosquitoes are globally distributed and important vectors for the transmission of many human diseases. Mosquito control is a difficult task and the cost of preventing mosquito-borne diseases is much lower than that for curing the associated diseases. Thus, chemical control remains the most effective tool for mosquito. Due to the long-term intensive use of insecticides to control mosquito vectors, resistance to most chemical insecticides has been reported. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between insecticide resistance and target site mutation of L1014 kdr and G119 ace alleles in 5 species/species group of mosquitoes (Aedes vexans, Ae. albopictus, Anopheles spp., Culex pipiens complex, and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus) obtained from 6 collection sites. For Anopheles spp., the proportion of mosquitoes with mutated alleles in L1014 was 88.4%, homozygous resistant genotypes were observed in 46.7%, and heterozygous resistant genotypes were observed in 41.8%. For the Cx. pipiens complex and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus species, homozygous resistant genotypes were found in 25.9% and 9.8%, respectively. However, target site mutation of L1014 in the Ae. vexans nipponii and Ae. albopictus species was not observed. Anopheles spp., Cx. pipiens complex, and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes were resistant to deltamethrin and chlorpyriphos, whereas Ae. vexans nipponii and Ae. albopictus were clearly susceptible. We also found a correlation between the resistance phenotype and the presence of the L1014 kdr and G119 ace mutations only in the Anopheles spp. population. In this study, we suggest that insecticide resistance poses a growing threat and resistance management must be integrated into all mosquito control programs.

Seroprevalence of Plasmodium vivax in the Republic of Korea (2003-2005) using Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test

Plasmodium vivax reemerged in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 1993, and is likely to continue to affect public health. The purpose of this study was to measure levels of anti-P. vivax antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in border areas of ROK, to determine the seroprevalence of malaria (2003-2005) and to plan effective control strategies. Blood samples of the inhabitants in Gimpo-si, Paju-si, and Yeoncheon-gun (Gyeonggi-do), and Cheorwon-gun (Gangwon-do) were collected and kept in Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Out of a total of 1,774 serum samples tested, the overall seropositivity was 0.94% (n=17). The seropositivity was the highest in Paju-si (1.9%, 7/372), followed by Gimpo-si (1.4%, 6/425), Yeoncheon-gun (0.67%, 3/451), and Cheorwon-gun (0.19%, 1/526). The annual parasite incidence (API) in these areas gradually decreased from 2003 to 2005 (1.69, 1.09, and 0.80 in 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively). The highest API was found in Yeoncheon-gun, followed by Cheorwon-gun, Paju-si, and Gimpo-si. The API ranking in these areas did not change over the 3 years. The seropositivity of Gimpo-si showed a strong linear relationship with the API of 2005 (r=0.9983, P=0.036). Seropositivity data obtained using IFAT may be useful for understanding malaria prevalence of relevant years, predicting future transmission of malaria, and for establishing and evaluating malaria control programs in affected areas.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of the EasyTest(TM) Malaria Pf/Pan Ag, a Rapid Diagnostic Test, in Uganda

In recent years, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been widely used for malaria detection, primarily because of their simple operation, fast results, and straightforward interpretation. The Asan EasyTest(TM) Malaria Pf/Pan Ag is one of the most commonly used malaria RDTs in several countries, including Korea and India. In this study, we tested the diagnostic performance of this RDT in Uganda to evaluate its usefulness for field diagnosis of malaria in this country. Microscopic and PCR analyses, and the Asan EasyTest(TM) Malaria Pf/Pan Ag rapid diagnostic test, were performed on blood samples from 185 individuals with suspected malaria in several villages in Uganda. Compared to the microscopic analysis, the sensitivity of the RDT to detect malaria infection was 95.8% and 83.3% for Plasmodium falciparum and non-P. falciparum, respectively. Although the diagnostic sensitivity of the RDT decreased when parasitemia was or =100 parasites/microl. The specificity of the RDT was 97.3% for P. falciparum and 97.3% for non-P. falciparum. These results collectively suggest that the accuracy of the Asan EasyTest(TM) Malaria Pf/Pan Ag makes it an effective point-of-care diagnostic tool for malaria in Uganda.

Characteristics of Emergency Patients Transported by Helicopter on Jeju Island

PURPOSE: The study investigated the present state of helicopter patient transport system on Jeju Island with the aim of improving the helicopter emergency medical service system. METHODS: Electrical medical records of patients transported to Jeju National University Hospital by coast guard helicopter from March 2009 to November 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The followings were analyzed in terms of patient demography, pre-hospital treatment and monitoring during transport, emergency severity index (ESI) score, outcomes and appropriateness of transportation. RESULTS: During the 19 months of the study, 35 patients were helicopter-transported. There were 18 illness patients (51%) and 17 trauma patients (49%). There were 11 ESI level I patients (31.4%) and 8 ESI level II patients (11.4%). Treatment and monitoring during transportation were rare. 15 patients (43%) were hospitalized and 10(28%) died. 16 (45.7%) patients were indicated to the helicopter transportation. CONCLUSION: The near-absence of treatment and monitoring during helicopter transportation is thought to be associated with the absence of firefighting helicopter and trained medical staff. Appropriate emergency patient transportation protocols are needed.

The evaluation of rotational movements of maxillary posterior teeth using three dimensional images in cases of extraction of maxillary first premolar / 대한치과교정학회지

Cephalometric superimposition is unable to evaluate tooth movement along the occlusal plane and the errors of photographing and superimposition of the occlusogram is also inevitable. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the rotational movements of the maxillary posterior teeth following space closure after extraction of maxillary first premolars, using 3D dental images. In 19 adult females, analysis of rotational movements of the maxillary posterior teeth was performed between the initial and final 3D dental images superimposed on the maxillary hard palate. The results showed a diversity of rotational movements of posterior teeth. The causes of various rotational movements may be different rotation of molars in each case at the beginning of treatment, individual characters of the dental arch and tooth morphology. The results of the study indicate that accurate evaluation of rotational movements of posterior teeth following space closure after extraction of premolars using 3D dental images can be obtained through the subdivision of tooth movement during the initial aligning, space closure and finishing stages.

Postoperative positional change of condyle after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy associated with mandibular asymmetry

Purpose: After the surgical correction with sagittal split ramus osteotomy, the position of the mandibular condyle in the glenoid fossa and the proximal segment of the mandible change because of bony gap between proximal and distal segment, especially in case of mandibular setback asymmetrically. In this study, positional changes in the condyle and proximal segment after BSSRO were estimated in the mandibular asymmetry patient by analyzing the in submentovertex view and P-A cephalogram for identification of ideal condylar position during surgery. Patients and Methods: The 20 patients were selected randomly who visit Dankook Dental Hospital for mandibular asymmetry. Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy with rigid fixation was performed and P-A cephalogram and submentovertex view was taken at the time of preoperative, immediate postoperative, 3 month postoperative period. Results: Intercondylar length and transverse condylar angle was increased due to inward rotation of proximal segment and anteromedial rotation of lateral pole of condyle head. The condylar position had a tendency to return to the reoperative state and after 3 months return up to about half of the immediate post-operative changes, and all the results showed more changes in asymmetry patient and deviated part of the mandible. Conclusion: Based on all these results above, surgeon should make efforts to have a precise preoperative analysis and to have a ideal condylar position during rigid fixation after BSSRO.

The Effect of Tissue pH Values of a Wound on Pain Behaviors in an Acute Pain Model of the Rat / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: There is a suggestion that tissue acidosis may contribute to the induction of pain in inflammation and ischemia. High local proton concentrations have been found in painful inflammatory and ischemic conditions. We assessed tissue pH and pain behavior in a rat model for postoperative pain. METHODS: An incision of skin, fascia, and muscle was performed in the right foot. Pain behaviors to von Frey, blunt probe stimulation, and resting pain were evaluated on the incised feet. Then tissue pH was measured in each of the five rats at 4 hours, 1, 2, 4, and 7 days after incision. RESULTS: The withdrawal threshold to von Frey was decreased, the response frequency to blunt probe and pain scores were elevated from 4 hours to 1 - 2 days after the incision. The deep tissue pH decreased from pH 7.16 in sham to pH 6.95, 6.90, 6.89, and 6.95 at 4 h and 1, 2, and 4 days after incision respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the tissue pH of the wound decreased after surgery. However, the change of tissue pH was not always consistent with pain behaviors. Our results suggest that tissue acidosis may relate partially to the induction of pain after tissue injury.

Effects of Capsaicin Application to Peripheral Nerves in a Rat Model for Human Postoperative Pain / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The interest in management of postoperative pain has increased with the development of medicine. The mechanism of postoperative pain should be understood first. Capsaicin has been proven to be a powerful agent acting selectively on nociceptive afferent fibers. This study was focused on how the perineural treatment of capsaicin affects pain after an incision in the rat model. METHODS: Capsaicin was applied directly to sciatic nerve branches, on the are tibial, sural, and saphenous nerves. Pain behaviors to von Frey filaments, blunt probe stimulation, resting pain, and heat were evaluated on the incised feet. The grade of wound healing was assessed according to clinical findings of the wound 3 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Capsaicin applied directly onto nerves elevated withdrawal latency to heat during the study. There were statistically significant increases of withdrawal latencies in the capsaicin group compared with the vehicle group. Capsaicin produced agreater increase of the withdrawal threshold to von Frey than the vehicle 2 days after the incision. Resting pain scores were lower in capsaicin - treated rats than in the vehicle group for 2 days. The grade of wound healing was poor in capsaicin - treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: The perineural application of capsaicin appears to affect the pathway of transmission of postoperative pain. Current results suggest that capsaicin has a strong analgesic effect on thermal hyperalgesia and attenuates mechanical hyperalgesia by an incision. Capsaicin sensitive nerves could be involved in wound healing.

The Effect of a Stellate Ganglion Block on Acne Vulgaris: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A stellate ganglion block is frequently used in the pain clinic. It has been known that a stellate ganglion block maintains the homeostasis of hormones by improvement of blood supply to the brain. Therefore it has a systemic effect as well as a regional effect. Androgen, the sebaceous gland, hair follicle and bacteria are involved in pathogenesis of acne. The background for the treatment of acne with a stellate ganglion block can be related to the increase of blood supply to the face and the effect on the pineal gland. We administered a stellate ganglion block for the treatment of acne and had good results. From our experience, we consider a stellate ganglion block as the one of the effective treatment of acne.

Effect of Intraoperative Fentanyl and Ketorolac Administration on Postoperative Emergence and Analgesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: One of the goals of anesthesia is a complete, comfortable, and rapid recovery without sequelae from anesthesia. Perioperative intravenous fentanyl treatment, due to its rapid onset and brief duration of action, is the one of the most commonly used narcotics. However, the dosage of fentanyl used varies a great deal depending on the purpose and plan of postoperative pain management. When a large dose of fentanyl is used, delayed emergence may occur. This study is designed to evaluate the effective dose of fentanyl and ketorolac for postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Sixty ASA physical status 1 or 2 patients were divided into three groups: fentanyl group (fentanyl 2micro gram/kg, n = 20), mixed group (fentanyl 1micro gram/kg and ketorolac 0.5 mg/kg, n = 20) or ketorolac group (ketolorac 1 mg/kg, n = 20). Each group received a drug ten minutes before the expected termination of the surgical procedure. At the operating room, durations for return of spontaneous breathing, spontaneous eye opening, and extubation were evaluated. At the recovery room, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and K-MMSE (Korean Minimental Status Exam) were measured. RESULTS: When compared to the ketolorac group, return times of the spontaneous breathing, spontaneous eye opening, and extubation were prolonged in the fentanyl group (P < 0.05). In the mixed group, the duration of these parameters was intermediate. Postoperative pain scores were also significantly lower in the fentanyl group and mixed group than in the ketorolac group (P < 0.05). The K-MMSE scores for emergence from anesthesia were not significantly different between the three experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we suggest that intravenous administration of reduced doses of fentanyl and ketorolac could effectively reduce the pain score without delay from emergence.

Effect of Intraoperative Fentanyl and Ketorolac Administration on Postoperative Emergence and Analgesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: One of the goals of anesthesia is a complete, comfortable, and rapid recovery without sequelae from anesthesia. Perioperative intravenous fentanyl treatment, due to its rapid onset and brief duration of action, is the one of the most commonly used narcotics. However, the dosage of fentanyl used varies a great deal depending on the purpose and plan of postoperative pain management. When a large dose of fentanyl is used, delayed emergence may occur. This study is designed to evaluate the effective dose of fentanyl and ketorolac for postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Sixty ASA physical status 1 or 2 patients were divided into three groups: fentanyl group (fentanyl 2micro gram/kg, n = 20), mixed group (fentanyl 1micro gram/kg and ketorolac 0.5 mg/kg, n = 20) or ketorolac group (ketolorac 1 mg/kg, n = 20). Each group received a drug ten minutes before the expected termination of the surgical procedure. At the operating room, durations for return of spontaneous breathing, spontaneous eye opening, and extubation were evaluated. At the recovery room, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and K-MMSE (Korean Minimental Status Exam) were measured. RESULTS: When compared to the ketolorac group, return times of the spontaneous breathing, spontaneous eye opening, and extubation were prolonged in the fentanyl group (P < 0.05). In the mixed group, the duration of these parameters was intermediate. Postoperative pain scores were also significantly lower in the fentanyl group and mixed group than in the ketorolac group (P < 0.05). The K-MMSE scores for emergence from anesthesia were not significantly different between the three experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we suggest that intravenous administration of reduced doses of fentanyl and ketorolac could effectively reduce the pain score without delay from emergence.

Walk-Up flap for Reconstruction of Oral and Maxillofacial defects

Can Neck Crease be Used as an Indicator of C6 Level in Stellate Ganglion Block? / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a procedure performed frequently in pain clinics. However the palpation of cervical transverse processes is difficult in patients with short and thick necks. In these cases the neck crease is used as an indicator of cervical level in my department. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of neck creases as an indicator of C6 level. METHODS: We observed fifty patients that experienced nerve blockade due to chronic pain or cancer-related pain. Patients laid down in supine position. They slightly elevated their chins and opened their mouths to relax neck muscles. A) The radiopaque line was laid in accordance with neck crease below the thyroid cartilage. B) Simultaneously, the radiopaque indicator was laid on the skin above the most prominent tubercle by palpation. We took an x-ray picture of the neck. RESULTS: The probability that the lines crossed over C5, C6 and C7 were 16%, 71%, and 12% respectively. The probability that the most prominent tubercle accorded with C5, C6 and C7 were 16%, 69% and 14% respectively. There was no significant difference between method A) and B). CONCLUSIONS: The most prominent palpable tubercle of the cervical spine can be used as an indicator of C6, but we can use the neck crease as a good indicator of C6 in cases where the neck can't be palpated well.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction before Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients with Chronic Mitral Regurgitation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is considered to be an index of LV function. However, LVEF in chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) is overestimated due to a "systolic unloading effect" into the left atrium and leads to underestimation of the degree of LV dysfunction preoperatively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the exact degree of preoperative LV dysfunction by LVEF, according to the MR grade. METHODS: Transesophageal echocardiography (on transgastric short axis view) was performed to compare LVEF at the Pre- and Post-MVR periods, in 39 patients with chronic MR: group I, MR grade III (n = 16) and group II, MR grade IV (n = 23). RESULTS: LVEF at Pre- and Post-MVR were 63.8 +/- 6.1% and 54.8 +/- 6.0%, respectively, and the LVEF difference between Pre- and Post-MVR was 9.0 +/- 3.5 by number (14.1 +/- 5.3% by ratio) in group I. LVEF at Pre- and Post-MVR were 68.1 +/- 7.2% and 51.7 +/- 6.0%, respectively, and the LVEF difference between Pre- and Post-MVR was 16.4 +/- 4.2 by number (24.0 +/- 5.2% by ratio) in group II. CONCLUSIONS: For the exact evaluation of preoperative LV function in patients with chronic MR, we have to subtract 9.0 by number (14.1% by ratio) from the preoperative LVEF in MR grade III and 16.4 by number (24.0% by ratio) from the preoperative LVEF in MR grade IV.

A case of epiphrenic diverticulum with solitary mediastinal tumor / 대한내과학회지

Epiphrenic diverticulum(traction type) is such a rare disease. The case of this disease which is due to mediastinal tumor, not because of inflammatory adhesion or of motor disorder is especially hard to find. The patient was a 50-year-old male and admitted with the intermittent postprandial chest discomfort. The chest CT and esophagography showed epiphrenic diverticulum(traction type). The tumor was located at the left anterolateral of thoracic spine, adhered to the right wall of esophagus. We performed the diverticulectomy and extirpation of mediastinal tumor under left posterolateral thoracotomy. The tumor and the esophagus were well seperated without invasion to the esophagus. In the pathology of resected tissues, solitary neurofibroma was diagnosed. There was no complication or recurrence after surgical resection.

Comparison of Train-of-four Response between Adductor Pollicis and Orbicularis Oculi to Determine the Optimal Time for Endotracheal Intubation after Vecuronium Administration / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Ideal condition of endotracheal intubation after administration of non-depolarizing muscle relaxants like vecuronium is the time when the diaphragm and upper airway muscles are completely relaxed. But these muscles are difficult to determine the degree of relaxation. Neuromuscular response of these muscles are similar to that of orbicularis oculi (OO), but adductor pollicis (AP) is different. However, it is sometimes difficult to monitor OO response. The purpose of this study was to monitor the upper airway muscle relaxation using AP other than OO. METHODS: Fourty-four adult patients of ASA class 1 schaduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were examined. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl 2 mcg/kg, and 2 minutes later followed by thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg. After supramaximal stimulation for control twitch height, vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg was intravenously injected and applied continuous train-of-four (TOF) facial nerve stimuli. The TOF response of OO was closely observed with examiner's naked eyes. When complete relaxation of OO achieved, TOF ratio of AP and the time after vecuronium injection were recorded. Thereafter, tracheal intubation was performed and the intubating condition scores was recorded. Ulnar nerve stimuli were continuously applied until complete relaxation of AP was achieved. The time of complete relaxation of AP after vecuronium injection was also recorded. RESULTS: The onset time of complete relaxation was significantly faster in OO (181.3+/- 47.4 secs) as compared with that of AP (265.0+/-67.8 secs). The average TOF ratio of AP was 47.3+/-17.2% and the condition of intubation performed after complete relaxation of OO was satisfied. CONCLUSION: The optimal time for endotracheal intubation was about 3 min after vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg injection, when TOF ratio of AP was about 50%.

Effective Low Dose of Buprenorphine in Continuous Epidural Administration for Postoperative Pain Control / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Buprenorphine is more potent and has less side effects than morphine. Therefore it can be used instead of morphine in cancer or postoperative pain contol. The aim of this study was to find an effective low dose of buprenorphine in epidural administration for pain control after obstetric-gynecologic surgery. METHODS: Epidural catheters were placed at L2-3 or L3-4 epidural space in all groups. Sixty nine patients were randomized to three epidural infusion group M, B1 and B2. Each group was 23. Group M: 3 mg morphine with 0.5% bupivacaine 10 ml as bolus, morphine 7 mg in 0.125% bupivacaine 100 ml in infusor; group B1: 0.068 mg buprenorphine with 0.5% bupivacaine 10 ml as bolus, buprenorphine 0.17 mg in 0.125% bupivacaine 100 ml in infusor; group B2: 0.11 mg buprenorphine with 0.5% bupivacaine 10ml as bolus, buprenorphine 0.24 mg in 0.125% bupivacaine 100 ml in infusor. Pain score, side effects and frequency of adjuvant analgesics were recorded at postoperative 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference of pain score at postoperative 1, 2 and 12 hrs in group B1 (p<0.05). Frequency of adjuvant analgesic was significantly increased in group B1. But there was no significant difference between group M and B2 in pain score. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that buprenorphine 0.11 mg as bolus and 0.24 mg for 2 days are the optimal dose in continuous epidural administration for postoperative pain contol.