ABSTRACT
Electrolyte derangements are common sequel of traumatic brain injury. Use of intravenous fluids, diuretics, syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion and cerebral salt washing are some of the factors responsible for this. Proper in time detection followed by appropriate treatment not only improves neurological status but also decrease morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to know serum derangements of different electrolytes in patients with traumatic brain injury. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan from Feb 2009 to Feb 2010. All adult patients with traumatic brain injury who presented to Neurosurgical department with severe head injury [GCS <8] and who need monitoring in high dependency unit, were included in this study. Initially twice daily serum electrolyte monitoring for one week then once daily for remaining period of hospital stay was carried out. All samples were sent to Pathology department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. Patients who need corrective measures for imbalance had repetition of sampling after giving appropriate therapy. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS-16. Total 215 patients presented with severe head injury that were managed in high dependency unit. Out of which 127 [59.1%] were male and 88 [40.9%] were females. Most of them were adults between 21-40 years of age [21.4%; 24.7%]. Sodium was the main electrolyte that underwent change and out of which hyper-natremia was major abnormality that occurred in 140 [65.1%] of patients. This is followed by hypo-kalemia that occurred in 79 [36.7%] of patients. Serum calcium and magnesium levels show little derangements. Electrolyte imbalance following traumatic head injury is an important cause to look for in patient monitoring. Sodium is the chief electrolytes of concern. Serum potassium and calcium levels also under goes notable changes
ABSTRACT
General anesthesia is most frequently used for lumbar disc surgery despite the evidence that spinal anesthesia is as safe and may offer some additional advantages. The purpose of this study was to compare the intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcome after spinal and general anesthesia in demographically well matched patients undergoing elective lumbar Decompressive surgery. Prospective randomized controlled study. This study was carried out DHQ Hospital Mirpur AJK from January 2007 and May 2010. In this randomized controlled study we analyzed the outcome obtained in 44 patients in whom either spinal or general anesthesia was induced for lumber disc surgery. The variables recorded were anesthesia related class, surgical diagnosis, disc levels operated and pre, peri and postoperative measurements of variables like BP, and heart rate. All aspects of surgery, recovery, post anesthesia care and pain management were same irrespective of anesthetic type The narcotic and antiemetic requirement and length of stay in the hospital and incidence of urinary retention were also recorded in the post operative course. Demographically both groups were well matched. Anesthesia time was longer in patients receiving GA with increased heart rate and MABP perioperatively. There was more nausea and greater requirements for antiemetic and analgesics in patients receiving. GA [p value<0.05]. Perioperative heart rate and MABP was on normal side and there was no urinary retention in patients who received spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia was a safe and effective as GA for patients undergoing lumbar Decompressive surgery. Spinal anesthesia had added advantages of short anesthesia duration, decreased antiemetic and analgesic requirements. GA general anesthesia, HR heart rate, I/V intravenous, MAP mean arterial pressure, PACU post anesthesia care unit, RCT randomized controlled trial, SA spinal anesthesia