Effects of carbetocin infusion on hemodynamics during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Carbetocin is a long-acting synthetic analogue of oxytocin that is used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Cardiovascular effects of oxytocin include tachycardia and hypotension. We investigated hemodynamic changes induced by carbetocin during spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Carbetocin 100 microg was infused over 5 min in 40 women undergoing cesarean delivery. Hemodynamic parameters were measured noninvasively using the Finometer(R) device. The hemodynamic values were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Statistically significant hemodynamic effects were seen with a maximal effect at about 75 seconds after infusion start compared with those of baseline: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased 21.6 +/- 8.8 mmHg, systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased 28.6 +/- 11.1% and heart rate (HR) increased 15.3 +/- 7.9 beats/min. Following the maximal effect, MAP and SVR remained almost constant at this decreased level until the end of study period. However, HR was slowly recovered after the peak, approaching the baseline value. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that the maximal hemodynamic changes were occurred at about 75 seconds after administration of carbetocin. Therefore, careful observation is required during this early period.

Hypocapnia Attenuates, and Nitrous Oxide Disturbs the Cerebral Oximetric Response to the Rapid Introduction of Desflurane

The aim of this study was to develop a nonlinear mixed-effects model for the increase in cerebral oximetry (rSO2) during the rapid introduction of desflurane, and to determine the effect of hypocapnia and N2O on the model. Twelve American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status class 1 and 2 subjects were allocated randomly into an Air and N2O group. After inducing anesthesia, desflurane was then increased abruptly from 4.0 to 12.0%. The PET(CO2), PET(DESF) and rSO2 were recorded at 12 predetermined periods for the following 10 min. The maximum increase in rSO2 reached +24-25% during normocapnia. The increase in rSO2 could be fitted to a four parameter logistic equation as a function of the logarithm of PET(DESF). Hypocapnia reduced the maximum response of rSO2, shifted the EC50 to the right, and increased the slope in the Air group. N2O shifted the EC50 to the right, and reduced the slope leaving the maximum rSO2 unchanged. The N2O-effects disappeared during hypocapnia. The cerebrovascular reactivity of rSO2 to CO2 is still preserved during the rapid introduction of desflurane. N2O slows the response of rSO2. Hypocapnia overwhelms all the effects of N2O.

Pulmonary edema during hysteroscopic surgery: Three cases report / 대한마취과학회지

Hysteroscopic surgery has become a routine gynecologic procedure. The advantages are associated with more accurate removal of lesion, its short operating time, rapid post-operative recovery and low morbidity. However, there are potentially serious complications which can be occured during and following hysteroscopic surgery. The complications are uterine perforation, fluid overload and electrolyte disturbance due to intravasation and absorption of uterine distention media, hemorrhage and, rarely, gas or air embolism. We experienced pulmonary edema during hysteroscopic surgery in three consecutive patients. Therefore, we report these cases of fluid overload with uterine distention media resulting acute pulmonary edema during hysteroscopic surgery.

Difficult endotracheal intubation due to an undiagnosed epiglottic cyst :A case report / 대한마취과학회지

An epiglottic cyst is a common form of laryngeal cysts which are rare causes of upper airway obstruction. A congenital laryngeal cyst always causes neonatal respiratory distress, but an acquired cyst shows very wide spectrum of symptoms such as no specific complaints, dysphagia, respiratory difficulty, or even death according to its size, location, or age. From anesthesiologists' point of view, an asymptomatic undiagnosed laryngeal cyst is a major concern. Unexpectedly, it can cause difficult airway such as 'cannnot intubate' or 'cannot intubate and cannot ventilate' situation during anesthesia. Recently we discovered an undiagnosed epiglottic cyst obscuring laryngeal inlet, leading to difficult intubation during general anesthesia for decompression and fusion of lumbar vertebrae. Fortunately, mask ventilation was possible, and after failed attempts of direct laryngoscopy, we could perform oral fiberoptic bronchoscope-aided intubation. He was discharged 10 days later with no harmful events.