Effect of the lateral tilt position on femoral vein cross-sectional area in anesthetized adults

BACKGROUND: A lateral tilt position can affect the size of the femoral vein (FV) due to increased venous blood volume in the dependent side of the body. METHODS: Forty-two patients, aged 20–60 years, were enrolled in this study. The crosssectional area (CSA), anteroposterior, and transverse diameters of the FV were measured 1 cm below the left inguinal line using ultrasound. The value of each parameter was recorded in the following four positions: (1) supine, (2) supine + 10° left-lateral tilt (LLT), (3) 10° reverse Trendelenburg (RT), and (4) RT + LLT. RESULTS: CSAs of the left FV in the supine, supine + LLT, RT, RT + LLT positions were 0.93 ± 0.22, 1.11 ± 0.29, 1.17 ± 0.29, and 1.31 ± 0.32 cm2, respectively. Compared to the supine position, there was a significant increase in CSA and anteroposterior diameter according to the three changed positions. The transverse diameter of the left FV was significantly increased in supine + LLT, RT, RT + LLT positions compared to that in the supine position (P = 0.010, P = 0.043, P = 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the transverse diameter of the left FV between the supine + LLT and RT positions (P = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Adding LLT to the supine and RT positions increased the CSA of the unilateral FV significantly.

The effects of loading dose administration rate of dexmedetomidine on sedation and dexmedetomidine requirement in elderly patients undergoing spinal anesthesia

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of decrease in loading dose administration rate of dexmedetomidine (DMT) on sedation and DMT requirement in elderly patients. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients over 65 years old with ASA I–II who were planned to receive DMT sedation during spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to two groups. Group S (n = 29) received a 0.5 µg/kg DMT loading dose over 20 minutes, while group C (n = 29) received the DMT loading dose over 10 minutes. Then, both groups received a continuous infusion of 0.4 µg/kg/h. The sedative status was recorded before and at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after administration of DMT and at the end of the anesthesia according to the Ramsay sedation scale (RSS). Also, the time to reach RSS-3 (patients asleep, responsive to commands) and the dose of DMT until reaching RSS-3 were recorded. RESULTS: The time to reach RSS-3 was similar between the two groups (group S = 16.0 ± 4.3 minutes vs. group C = 15.5 ± 4.2 minutes, P = 0.673). However, the DMT required to reach RSS-3 in group S was significantly lower than that in group C (23.3 ± 7.1 vs. 32.5 ± 6.0 µg, P < 0.001). There was no difference in RSS between the two groups from the administration of DMT to the end of the anesthesia (P = 0.927). CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing the administration rate of the DMT loading dose did not delay the onset of RSS-3 sedation and reduced the DMT requirement in elderly patients.

Hemodynamic Effects of Co-administration of Midazolam during Anesthesia Induction with Propofol and Remifentanil in Hypertensive Patients / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: Propofol, midazolam and remifentanil are commonly used for clinical anesthesia. We compared the effects of midazolam-propofol-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil on hemodynamic responses during anesthesia induction in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Seventy-six hypertensive patients with ASA II-III were assigned to receive midazolam-propofol (group MP; n = 38) or propofol (group P; n = 38). Anesthesia was induced with midazolam 0.03 mg/kg (group MP) or saline 0.03 ml/kg (group P). After two minutes, propofol 1.0 mg/kg (group MP) or 1.5 mg/kg (group P) i.v. bolus was administered. Simultaneously, 4 ng/ml of remifentanil target controlled infusion (TCI) was administered in both groups. Anesthesia was maintained using sevoflurane and 2 ng/ml of remifentanil TCI. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure (SBP, DBP, and MBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before induction, 2 min after midazolam or normal saline, 2 min after propofol, 1 min after rocuronium, and immediately, 1 min, 2 min, and 3 min after intubation. RESULTS: SBP, DBP, and MBP decreased after propofol administration and increased immediately after intubation in both groups (P < 0.05). After intubation, SBP, DBP, and MBP decreased more than baseline values in either group. Although the overall BP of Group P was lower than that of Group MP, there were no significant differences except for SBP at 2min after intubation (P < 0.05). HR was no significant difference in either group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that midazolam-propofol-remifentanil has similar hemodynamic effect with propofol-remifentanil during anesthesia induction in hypertensive patients.

Current clinical application of dexmedetomidine for sedation and anesthesia

Many sedatives are used clinically and include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antihistamines, propofol, and alpha-2-agonist. Benzodiazepines activate GABA neuronal receptors in the brain and present sedating, hypnotic, anxiolytic, amnestic, and anticonvulsant effects, but low analgesic effects. Propofol induce sedative, anxiolytic, and amnestic effects but no analgesic effects. However, risks such as cardiopulmonary instability and hypotension must be considered during administration. Dexmedetomidine is a high selective alpha-2 agonist and has many advantages as a sedative. Patients under dexmedetomidine sedation awaken easily and are more likely to be cooperative. Risk of respiratory depression and cardiopulmonary instability is low as well. Additionally, dexmedetomidine decreases amount of analgesic needed during and after surgery, presenting analgesic effects. Dexmedetomidine also decreases risk of delirium. However, bradycardia may occur and biphasic effects on blood pressure may be observed during beginning of administration. Because of lengthy symptom onset and offset time, physicians should carefully control administration at the beginning and end of dexmedetomidine administration. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and availability of dexmedetomidine in various clinical fields including sedation for critically ill patients, regional anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care for some invasive procedures, stabilization of heart in cardiac surgery or endoscopic procedures.

Current clinical application of dexmedetomidine for sedation and anesthesia

Many sedatives are used clinically and include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antihistamines, propofol, and alpha-2-agonist. Benzodiazepines activate GABA neuronal receptors in the brain and present sedating, hypnotic, anxiolytic, amnestic, and anticonvulsant effects, but low analgesic effects. Propofol induce sedative, anxiolytic, and amnestic effects but no analgesic effects. However, risks such as cardiopulmonary instability and hypotension must be considered during administration. Dexmedetomidine is a high selective alpha-2 agonist and has many advantages as a sedative. Patients under dexmedetomidine sedation awaken easily and are more likely to be cooperative. Risk of respiratory depression and cardiopulmonary instability is low as well. Additionally, dexmedetomidine decreases amount of analgesic needed during and after surgery, presenting analgesic effects. Dexmedetomidine also decreases risk of delirium. However, bradycardia may occur and biphasic effects on blood pressure may be observed during beginning of administration. Because of lengthy symptom onset and offset time, physicians should carefully control administration at the beginning and end of dexmedetomidine administration. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and availability of dexmedetomidine in various clinical fields including sedation for critically ill patients, regional anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care for some invasive procedures, stabilization of heart in cardiac surgery or endoscopic procedures.

Late recurarization in the post-anesthetic care unit after total thyroidectomy: A case report

Residual paralysis, recurarization is defined as a remnant effect of neuromuscular blocking after surgery that can cause postoperative complications. Clinical complications of recurarization include dyspnea, gastric content aspiration, and atelectasis. Therefore, complete recovery of muscle strength at the end of surgery is a significant factor for patient safety. We report a case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with residual paralysis after total thyroidectomy. To improve her condition, we injected sugammadex intravenously in the post-anesthetic care unit. After that, we observed her for 1 hour and her muscle strength gradually recovered. She did not have any symptoms on the next day and was discharged on the 5th post-operative day.

Effect of Propofol on microRNA Expression Profile in Adipocyte-Derived Adult Stem Cells / 전남의대학술지

MicroRNA (miRNA) pathways have been implicated in stem cell regulation. This study investigated the molecular effects of propofol on adipocyte stem cells (ASCs) by analyzing RNA expression arrays. Human ASCs were isolated by use of a liposuction procedure. ASCs were treated with saline, 50 microM propofol, or 100 microM propofol in culture media for 3 hours. After the isolation of total RNA, the expression of 76 miRNAs was evaluated with peptide nucleic acid-miRNA array analysis through denaturation and hybridization processes. Treatment with 50 microM propofol resulted in significant down-regulation of expression of 18 miRNAs and upregulation of expression of 25 miRNAs; 100 microM propofol resulted in significant downregulation of expression of 14 miRNAs and upregulation of expression of 29 miRNAs. The lowest expression was seen for miR-204, which was 0.07-fold with 50 microM propofol and 0.18-fold with 100 microM propofol. The highest expression was seen for miR-208b, which was 11.23-fold with 50 microM propofol and 11.20-fold with 100 microM propofol. Expression patterns of miRNAs were not significantly different between 50 microM and 100 microM propofol treatment. The results of this study suggest that propofol is involved in altering the miRNA expression level in human ASCs. Additional research is necessary to establish the functional effect of miRNA alteration by propofol.

Paradoxical carbon dioxide embolism during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a cause of cardiac arrest and neurologic sequelae: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

An 81-year-old male patient was scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis. About 50 minutes into the operation, the arterial blood pressure suddenly decreased and ventricular fibrillation appeared on the electrocardiography. The patient received cardiopulmonary resuscitation and recovered a normal vital sign. We suspected a carbon dioxide embolism as the middle hepatic vein had been injured during the surgery. We performed a transesophageal echocardiography and were able to confirm the presence of multiple gas bubbles in all of the cardiac chambers. After the operation, the patient presented a stable hemodynamic state, but showed weaknesses in the left arm and leg. There were no acute lesions except for a chronic cerebral cortical atrophy and chronic microvascular encephalopathy on the postoperative brain-computed tomography, 3D angiography and magnetic resonance image. Fortunately, three days after the operation, the patient's hemiparesis had entirely subsided and he was discharged without any neurologic sequelae.

Effect of Propofol on microRNA Expression Profile in Adipocyte-Derived Adult Stem Cells / 전남의대학술지

MicroRNA (miRNA) pathways have been implicated in stem cell regulation. This study investigated the molecular effects of propofol on adipocyte stem cells (ASCs) by analyzing RNA expression arrays. Human ASCs were isolated by use of a liposuction procedure. ASCs were treated with saline, 50 microM propofol, or 100 microM propofol in culture media for 3 hours. After the isolation of total RNA, the expression of 76 miRNAs was evaluated with peptide nucleic acid-miRNA array analysis through denaturation and hybridization processes. Treatment with 50 microM propofol resulted in significant down-regulation of expression of 18 miRNAs and upregulation of expression of 25 miRNAs; 100 microM propofol resulted in significant downregulation of expression of 14 miRNAs and upregulation of expression of 29 miRNAs. The lowest expression was seen for miR-204, which was 0.07-fold with 50 microM propofol and 0.18-fold with 100 microM propofol. The highest expression was seen for miR-208b, which was 11.23-fold with 50 microM propofol and 11.20-fold with 100 microM propofol. Expression patterns of miRNAs were not significantly different between 50 microM and 100 microM propofol treatment. The results of this study suggest that propofol is involved in altering the miRNA expression level in human ASCs. Additional research is necessary to establish the functional effect of miRNA alteration by propofol.

Effect of Trendelenburg position on right and left internal jugular vein cross-sectional area / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Unlike the right internal jugular vein (RIJV), there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of the Trendelenburg position on the left internal jugular vein (LIJV). The purpose of this study is to investigate the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the LIJV and RIJV and their response to the Trendelenburg position using two-dimensional ultrasound in adult subjects. METHODS: This study enrolled fifty-eight patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I-II who were undergoing general anesthesia. CSAs of both the RIJV and LIJV were measured with a two-dimensional ultrasound in the supine position and then in a 10degrees Trendelenburg position. RESULTS: In the supine position, the transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and CSA of the RIJV were significantly larger than those of the LIJV (P < 0.001). Of 58 patients, the RIJV CSA was larger than the LIJV CSA in 43 patients (74.1%), and the LIJV CSA was larger than the RIJV CSA in 15 patients (25.9%). In the Trendelenburg position, CSAs of the RIJV and LIJV increased 39.4 and 25.5%, respectively, compared with the supine position. However, RIJV changed at a rate that was significantly greater than that of the LIJV (P < 0.05). Of 58 patients, the RIJV CSA was larger than the LIJV CSA in 48 patients (82.8%), and the LIJV CSA was larger than the RIJV CSA in 10 patients (17.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In supine position, the RIJV CSA was larger than the LIJV CSA. The increased CSA in the Trendelenburg position was greater in the RIJV than the LIJV.

A comparison of fentanyl and morphine for patient controlled analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Intravenous patient controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) is a most common used delivery system for intravenous administration of opioids during acute post operative pain management. The objective of this study is to compare the rate of opioid induced adverse reactions and effectiveness among two IV-PCA opioids, morphine, fentanyl, in laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain management. METHODS: Sixty patients in ASA physical status 1 and 2 scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were allocated randomly to either morphine IV-PCA used (n = 30, Group M) group or fentanyl IV-PCA used (n = 30, Group F) group. In each group, numerical rating scale (NRS) score, sedation score and incidence of side effect were checked. RESULTS: NRS score of Group F showed lower than that of Group M during PACU and 3 hrs after the recovery room (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in sedation score among two groups. The incidences of adverse reactions were similar in the two groups, though the incidence of nausea and pruritus were higher in the Group M. CONCLUSIONS: Fentanyl IV-PCA is more advantageous than morphine IV-PCA for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in view of early pain control and adverse reaction incidences.

A Comparison of the Recovery Characteristics between Propofol-remifentil and Sevoflurane-remifentail Anesthesia for Total Thyroidectomy / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: This study was investigated the recovery characteristics of propofol-remifentanil and sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia for total thyroidectomy. METHODS: Eighty patients in ASA physical status 1 and 2 scheduled for total thyroidectomy were allocated randomly to either group P (n = 40) or group S (n = 40). Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil effect site concentration (Ce) 1-3 ng/mL and propofol Ce 2-4 microg/mL in the group P, and was maintained with remifentanil Ce 1-3 ng/mL and sevoflurane 1.5-2% in the group S. Blood pressure, heart rate, and bispectral (BIS) index were measured during perioperative period. The times from discontinuance of anesthetic agent to eye opening, to extubation, and to stating name were measured. Postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between group P and S on the blood pressure, heart rate, and recovery time. BIS index of group P showed lower than that of group S during operation (P < 0.05). The incidences of side effects were similar in the two groups, though the incidence of nausea was higher in the group S (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Propofol-remifentanil anesthesia was more advantageous than sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia for thyroidectomy in view of side effect incidences.

The cardiovascular effects of midazolam co-induction to propofol for induction in aged patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a small dose of midazolam and lessening the propofol dosage could prevent cardiovascular change at tracheal intubation for induction in aged patients. METHODS: Eighty patients over 65 years (ASA physical status 1, 2) scheduled for elective surgery received general anesthesia with remifentanil and propofol or midazolam. Patients in group P (n = 40) were induced with 0.9% NaCl 0.03 ml/kg, propofol 1. 2 mg/kg and remifentanil. Patients in group MP (n = 40) were induced with midazolam 0.03 mg/kg, propofol 0.8 mg/kg and remifentanil. The time taken to reach loss of consciousness (LOC) and the value of bispectral index score (BIS) at LOC were recorded. After LOC, 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium was given and tracheal intubation was performed. The mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before induction as the base value, before intubation, immediately post-intubation and 3 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: Compared with the base values, MBP at before intubation and 3 minutes after intubation was significantly decreased in group P and group MP (P < 0.05). Compared with group P, the decrease of MBP was significantly less at before intubation, immediately after intubation and 3 minutes after intubation in group MP (P < 0.05). The time taken to reach LOC was significantly decreased in group MP compared with that in group P (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of HR at any time between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Co-induction with midazolam and propofol could prevent a marked BP decrease at tracheal intubation for induction in aged patients.

The cardiovascular effects of midazolam co-induction to propofol for induction in aged patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a small dose of midazolam and lessening the propofol dosage could prevent cardiovascular change at tracheal intubation for induction in aged patients. METHODS: Eighty patients over 65 years (ASA physical status 1, 2) scheduled for elective surgery received general anesthesia with remifentanil and propofol or midazolam. Patients in group P (n = 40) were induced with 0.9% NaCl 0.03 ml/kg, propofol 1. 2 mg/kg and remifentanil. Patients in group MP (n = 40) were induced with midazolam 0.03 mg/kg, propofol 0.8 mg/kg and remifentanil. The time taken to reach loss of consciousness (LOC) and the value of bispectral index score (BIS) at LOC were recorded. After LOC, 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium was given and tracheal intubation was performed. The mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before induction as the base value, before intubation, immediately post-intubation and 3 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: Compared with the base values, MBP at before intubation and 3 minutes after intubation was significantly decreased in group P and group MP (P < 0.05). Compared with group P, the decrease of MBP was significantly less at before intubation, immediately after intubation and 3 minutes after intubation in group MP (P < 0.05). The time taken to reach LOC was significantly decreased in group MP compared with that in group P (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of HR at any time between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Co-induction with midazolam and propofol could prevent a marked BP decrease at tracheal intubation for induction in aged patients.

Interpleural Displacement of Subclavian Catheter During Thoracotomy: A Case Report / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Central venous catheterization is well used to provide a large mount of fluid and monitor central venous pressure. However, the procedure accompany various complication including pneumothorax, vascular injury, nerve injury and arrhythmia. To verify correct position of catheter, we checked free regurgitation of blood during catheterization. We experienced a case report of right hemothorax that occurred after right central venous catheterization nevertheless checking correct position by free regurgitation.

Predictors of difficult intubation defined by the intubation difficulty scale (IDS): predictive value of 7 airway assessment factors / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The intubation difficulty scale (IDS) has been used as a validated difficulty score to define difficult intubation (DI). The purpose of this study is to identify airway assessment factors and total airway score (TAS) for predicting DI defined by the IDS. METHODS: There were 305 ASA physical status 1-2 patients, aged 19-70 years, who underwent elective surgery with endotracheal intubation. During the pre-anesthetic visit, we evaluated patients by 7 preoperative airway assessment factors, including the following: Mallampati classification, thyromental distance, head & neck movement, body mass index (BMI), buck teeth, inter-incisor gap, and upper lip bite test (ULBT). After endotracheal intubation, patients were divided into 2 groups based on their IDS score estimated with 7 variables: normal (IDS or = 5) groups. The incidence of TAS (> 6) and high score of each airway assessment factor was compared in two groups: odds ratio, confidence interval (CI) of 95%, with a significant P value 6), ULBT (class III), head & neck movement ( or = 25 kg/m2) and Mallampati classification (> or = class III) were respectively 13.57 (95% CI = 2.99-61.54, P 6) and ULBT (class III) are the most useful factors predicting DI.

Difference of the hemodynamic changes induced by tracheal intubation using remifentanil between smokers and nonsmokers / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: It was well-known that smoking affects the cardiovascular system, and remifentanil can suppress the sympathetic stimulations induced by tracheal intubation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there was any difference in the hemodynamic changes induced by tracheal intubation with using remifentanil between smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS: Eighty patients were enrolled: male smokers (MS), male nonsmokers (MN), female smokers (FS) and female nonsmokers (FN). Anesthesia was induced with diluted remifentanil (20 microgram/ml) at a rate of 10 microgram/kg/hr using an infusion pump, and 2 min later, midazolam 0.05 mg/kg and propofol 0.8 mg/kg were injected for achieving unconsciousness. Rocuronium 1 mg/kg was used for muscle relaxation, and tracheal intubation was performed 2 min after rocuronium injection. After tracheal intubation, the remifentanil was decreased to 2 microgram/kg/hr. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were checked before induction, on unconsciousness, just before intubation, just after intubation and 1, 2 and 3 minutes after intubation, and these values were compared between the groups. RESULTS: In men, the MAP and HR just after intubation and at 1, 2 and 3 minutes after intubation in Group MS were significantly higher than those of Group MN (P < 0.05). For the women, the HR in both groups (the FS and FN groups) were increased just after intubation and 1, 2 and 3 minutes after intubation compared with that at the baseline, respectively, but there was no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was a difference of the hemodynamic changes induced by tracheal intubation with using remifentanil between the male smokers and nonsmokers, but not in women.

Terminal Sedation / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

No abstract available.

The expression of survivin and its related genes in adipocyte-derived stem cell by demethylation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Survivin is thought to contribute to stem cell maintenance partly by a hypomethylation mechanism. This study attempted to elucidate the signal transduction pathway of adipocyte-derived stem cells (ASCs) by using a demethylating agent, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (ADC), to analyze the survivin, MEK/ERK, c-Myc and p53 gene expression. METHODS: Demethylation in the ASCs was induced by 1 micrometer ADC treatment. RT-PCR for survivin mRNA was preformed, before and 24, 48 and 72 hours (hr) after ADC treatment. Western blotting analysis was performed for p53, survivin, unphosphorylated and phosphorylated (p)-MEK, and p-ERK. Immunohistochemistry for ERK and survivin was done to evaluate the localization of the proteins. RESULTS: ADC inhibited the population growth of the ASCs and it increased the number of apoptotic cells 24, 48, and 72 hr after treatment. ADC treatment slightly decreased the expression of survivin mRNA after 48 hr and its level was restored after 72 hr of treatment. Otherwise, the level of survivin protein gradually increased up to 48 hr and it was decreased at 72 hr. The levels of p-MEK and p53 were increased time-dependently. c-Myc and p-ERK were elevated after ADC treatment and their highest levels were seen 48 hr after treatment. The ADC treatment increased the nuclear expression of ERK and survivin in the ASCs. CONCLUSIONS: The overexpression of p-MEK/ERK, p53, and c-Myc increased the survivin protein expression of the demethylated ASCs. These results suggest that demethylation could alter the expression of survivin, and p53, c-Myc and the MAPK (MEK/ERK) pathway might play a role in survivin's regulation in ASCs.

Cerebral air embolism after removal of internal jugular venous catheter: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Air embolism can occur during central venous catheter removal. We encountered a patient diagnosed with cerebral air embolism associated with the removal of an internal jugular venous catheter. The patient was 65 years old and was admitted to the intensive care unit due to pneumonia. He had a catheter placed in the right internal jugular vein. Five days thereafter, the catheter was removed in semi-Fowler's position using the Valsalva maneuver. Immediately after the catheter removal, the patient became pale, felt dyspneic, lost consciousness and exhibited seizure activity. A neurological examination, revealed left upper arm (grade I) and lower leg paralysis (grade II) as well as left facial palsy. A brain computed tomogram showed that, air was trapped in the cavernous sinus. In diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging, signal changes were reported in the right frontal cortex, indicating acute cerebral infarction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ventilatory support with synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode was applied. Twenty days thereafter, consciousness and motor functions were recovered completely except for mild weakness of the upper arm (grade IV).