Generalized Tetanus Treated with Intrathecal Baclofen Infusion

Tetanus is a bacterial infection by Clostridium tetani. Its neurotoxin causes spastic paralysis and autonomic dysfunction. Intrathecal infusion of baclofen has been suggested as a pertinent treatment for generalized spasm. Our case describes a patient who had a severe generalized form of tetanus, and was effectively treated with intrathecal baclofen infusion. He showed cerebral and brainstem dysfunction during baclofen infusion, which were reversed without sequelae when baclofen was discontinued.

Unexpected extrusion of the implantable pulse generator of the spinal cord stimulator - A case report -

Background@#Despite significant technological advances in the implantable pulse generator (IPG), complications can still occur. We report a case that unexpected extrusion of the IPG of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) was promptly identified and successfully removed without any complications. Case: After a car accident 4 years ago, a 55-year-old man who was diagnosed with complex local pain syndrome in his right leg. The SCS was inserted with 2 leads, with the IPG being implanted in the right lower abdomen region. Four years later, he developed extrusion of the IPG from his abdominal region. This unexpected extrusion may have been related to pressure necrosis caused by continued compression of pocket site where a belt was frequently tied. The IPG and the leads were successfully removed without infection occurring. @*Conclusions@#To prevent unexpected extrusion of IPG, it is necessary to consider in advance whether the pocket site is pressed against the belt.

Celiac Plexus Neurolysis for the Treatment of Patients with Terminal Cancer at a Tertiary University Hospital in Korea / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to investigate celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) for the treatment of cancerous upper abdominal pain in a tertiary university hospital in Korea. @*Methods@#At the tertiary university hospital in Korea, electronic medical records of cancer patients who underwent CPN and died in the hospital from November 2009 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. @*Results@#The total number of subjects was 51. The 17 patients were from the Department of Gastroenterology (33.0%), followed by 11 patients from the Department of Hemato-oncology (21.6%), 11 patients from the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (21.6%), 9 patients from the Department of General Surgery (17.6%). The diagnosis was pancreatic cancer in 15 patients (29.4%), stomach cancer in 8 patients (15.7%), hepatobiliary cancer in 20 patients (39.2%), colon cancer in 1 patient (2.0%), esophageal cancer in 2 patient (3.9%) and intra-abdominal metastasis in 5 patients (9.8%). The mean survival time after the surgery was 66.4±55.0 days. The pain intensity before and 1 week after the procedure significantly decreased, but the amounts of opioids consumed before and 1 week after the procedure were not statistically significant. Side effects occurred after the procedure including temporary localized pain in 24 patients (47.0%), hypotension in 12 (23.5%), and diarrhea in 6 (11.8%). @*Conclusion@#CPN is an effective and safe procedure for reducing upper abdominal pain caused by cancer, and it is necessary to perform CPN within the appropriate time by establishing a system of interdepartmental cooperation.

The effect of dexmedetomidine and midazolam on combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

Background@#Intravenous dexmedetomidine has been reported to potentiate the anesthetic effect of local anesthetics and improve the quality of postoperative analgesia when used as an adjuvant in neuraxial block. We compared the effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine and midazolam for sedation on combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia. @*Methods@#This study included 50 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. CSE anesthesia was given using 10 mg bupivacaine for all patients. After checking the maximum sensory and motor levels, the patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 25 each to receive intravenous continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine (Group D) or midazolam (Group M) for sedation during surgery. Regression block level, hemodynamic changes, and sedation score were compared between the groups when the patients entered the postanesthetic care unit (PACU). For patient-controlled epidural analgesia, 0.2% levobupivacaine with 650 μg of fentanyl (150 ml in total) was infused at a rate of 1 ml/h, in addition to a 3-ml bolus dose with a 30-min lockout time. The visual analogue scale scores, additional analgesic demand, patient satisfaction, and adverse events between the two groups were also compared postoperatively. @*Results@#A significant difference was observed in relation to the sensory block level in the PACU (Group D: 6.3 ± 2.1; Group M: 3.2 ± 1.9) (P = 0.002). The motor block level and other outcomes showed no significant intergroup differences. @*Conclusions@#Intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine, rather than midazolam, for procedural sedation is associated with prolonged sensory block, with comparable incidences of adverse events during CSE anesthesia.

Persistent Complete Atrioventricular Block after Induction of General Anesthesia in a Healthy Patient / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

A 38-year-old female patient had bradycardia in the preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG), and she showed severe bradycardia, with the heart rate (HR) under 40 beats per minute (bpm) even after arrival in the operating room. Immediately after endotracheal intubation, ventricular tachycardia with HR over 200 bpm occurred, but it disappeared voluntarily. The surgery was postponed for additional cardiac evaluation because of the persistent severe bradycardia. On postanesthesia day 2, complete atrioventricular (AV) block appeared. We expected spontaneous recovery over 2 weeks, but the complete AV block persisted. A permanent pacemaker was eventually inserted, and the patient was discharged without other complications on day 4 after insertion of the pacemaker. We report this case because complete AV block has commonly occurred in patients with risk factors such as first AV block, secondary AV block, or bundle branch block, but complete AV block has occurred despite the absence of arrhythmia in this patient.

Remifentanil Negatively Regulates RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorption by Inhibiting c-Fos/NFATc1 Expression

Remifentanil is commonly used in operating rooms and intensive care units for the purpose of anesthesia and sedation or analgesia. Although remifentanil may significantly affect the bone regeneration process in patients, there have been few studies to date on the effects of remifentanil on bone physiology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of remifentanil on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were cultured for 4 days in remifentanil concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 ng/ml, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) alone, or in osteoclastogenic medium to induce the production of mature osteoclasts. To determine the degree of osteoclast maturity, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed. RT-PCR and western blotting analyses were used to determine the effect of remifentanil on the signaling pathways involved in osteoclast differentiation and maturation. Bone resorption and migration of BMMs were analyzed to determine the osteoclastic activity. Remifentanil reduced the number and size of osteoclasts and the formation of TRAP-positive multinuclear osteoclasts in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of c-Fos and NFATC1 was most strongly decreased in the presence of RANKL and remifentanil, and the activity of ERK was also inhibited by remifentanil. In the bone resorption assay, remifentanil reduced bone resorption and did not significantly affect cell migration. This study shows that remifentanil inhibits the differentiation and maturation of osteoclasts and reduces bone resorption.

Effects of Remifentanil Preconditioning Attenuating Oxidative Stress in Human Dermal Fibroblast

Human dermal fibroblast is essential in wound healing of the skin through the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. With respect to oxidative stress, the effects of remifentanil on human dermal fibroblast have received little attention. Therefore, we investigated the effects of remifentanil on the apoptosis and autophagic reaction of human dermal fibroblasts under oxidative stress. The subjects were divided into the following groups: Control group: cells were incubated at 37℃ in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO₂. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) group: cells were exposed to H₂O₂ for 2 h. RPC/H₂O₂ group: cells were pretreated with remifentanil for 2 h and exposed H₂O₂ for 2 h. 3-MA/RPC/H₂O₂ group: cells were pretreated with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and remifentanil for 1 h and 2 h, respectively. We measured cell viability using MTT assay. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptosis and autophagy. Quantification of apoptotic cells was performed using flow cytometer analysis, and autophagic vacuoles were observed under a fluorescence microscope. Remifentanil treatment increased the proliferation of human dermal fibroblast and decreased apoptotic cell death, enhancing autophagic activity under oxidative stress. However, 3-MA, the autophagy pathway inhibitor, inhibited the protective effect of remifentanil in oxidative stress. This study demonstrates that remifentanil activated autophagy and decreased apoptotic death of human dermal fibroblasts under oxidative stress. Our results suggest that remifentanil may help in the treatment of oxidative stress.

Optimal dose of dexmedetomidine for sedation during epidural anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Sedation during epidural anesthesia can reduce patients' anxiety and discomfort. Dexmedetomidine has sedative, hypnotic, and analgesic effects, with minimal respiratory depression. However, the use of dexmedetomidine is associated with prolonged recovery. This study investigated the optimal dose of intravenous dexmedetomidine for proper sedation with minimal recovery time in epidural anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty-three patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II) were randomized into two groups. Following epidural anesthesia, a loading dose (1 µg/kg) of dexmedetomidine was administered for 10 min followed by maintenance infusion as follows: Group A (n = 32; dexmedetomidine 0.6 µg/kg/h) and Group B (n = 31; dexmedetomidine 1.0 µg/kg/h). Heart rate, blood pressure, and bispectral index score (BIS) were recorded during surgery. The length of stay and modified Aldrete score (MAS) were measured in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). RESULTS: Length of stay in the PACU was longer in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05). The MAS was higher in Group A after 30 min in the PACU (P < 0.05). The BIS did not significantly differ between the two groups from baseline to 150 min after infusion of dexmedetomidine. BIS values were significantly higher in Group A at 160 min (P < 0.05). The mean arterial pressure in Group B was significantly lower in the PACU. CONCLUSIONS: Length of stay in the PACU was longer in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05). The MAS was higher in Group A after 30 min in the PACU (P < 0.05). The BIS did not significantly differ between the two groups from baseline to 150 min after infusion of dexmedetomidine. BIS values were significantly higher in Group A at 160 min (P < 0.05). The mean arterial pressure in Group B was significantly lower in the PACU.

Oblique interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injection for management of low back pain with lumbosacral radicular pain: A case report

Epidural steroid injection (ESI), which is commonly used for treatment of low back pain with lumbosacral radicular pain, can be performed via transforaminal, interlaminar, or caudal routes. The transforaminal route is generally regarded as more effective than the interlaminar route due to its high level of drug delivery to the ventral epidural space. However, in some postoperative patients, use of the transforaminal route may be difficult. Thus, there is an urgent need for technology that can offer more effective drug delivery to the ventral epidural space with fewer complications. In this context, we describe a case about our new method where patient has undergone oblique interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injection (OIL-ESI) instead of transforaminal ESI. We treated a patient with OIL-ESI instead of transforaminal ESI. Patient was symptomatic improved at postoperative visits. Based on our findings, OIL-ESI may be a suitable alternative to transforaminal ESI.

Oblique interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injection for management of low back pain with lumbosacral radicular pain: A case report

Epidural steroid injection (ESI), which is commonly used for treatment of low back pain with lumbosacral radicular pain, can be performed via transforaminal, interlaminar, or caudal routes. The transforaminal route is generally regarded as more effective than the interlaminar route due to its high level of drug delivery to the ventral epidural space. However, in some postoperative patients, use of the transforaminal route may be difficult. Thus, there is an urgent need for technology that can offer more effective drug delivery to the ventral epidural space with fewer complications. In this context, we describe a case about our new method where patient has undergone oblique interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injection (OIL-ESI) instead of transforaminal ESI. We treated a patient with OIL-ESI instead of transforaminal ESI. Patient was symptomatic improved at postoperative visits. Based on our findings, OIL-ESI may be a suitable alternative to transforaminal ESI.

Guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in Korea

As the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain gradually increases, clinicians have more opportunities to encounter opioid prescription. However, guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic non-cancer pain have never been published in Korea. The present guidelines were prepared by reviewing various research data. In cases in which the data were insufficient, recommendations were presented following discussion among experts affiliated with the Opioids Research Group in the Korean Pain Society. The present guidelines may need to be continuously revised and amended as more clinical evidence is acquired.

Post-operative intravenous patient-controlled analgesic efficacy of morphine with ketorolac versus nefopam after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a randomized non-inferiority trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Nefopam is a non-opioid non-steroidal centrally acting analgesic. This study was conducted to assess the analgesic efficacy of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) using nefopam alone, compared with a combination of morphine and ketorolac, after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery received IV-PCA. Group A (n = 30) received IV-PCA with a combination of morphine 60 mg and ketorolac 180 mg, while group B (n = 30) received nefopam 200 mg (basal rate 1 ml/h, bolus 1 ml, and lockout time 15 min for both). The primary outcome evaluated was analgesic efficacy using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Other evaluated outcomes included the incidence rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patient satisfaction of pain control, percentage of patients requiring additional opioids, and incidence rate of postoperative adverse effects. RESULTS: Group B was not inferior to group A in relation to the VAS in the post-anesthesia care unit, and at 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery (mean difference [95% confidence interval], 0.50 [-0.43 to 1.43], -0.30 [-1.25 to 0.65], -0.05 [-0.65 to 0.55], and 0.10 [-0.55 to 0.75], respectively). The incidence rate of nausea was lower in group B than in group A at 12 and 24 h after surgery (P = 0.004 and P = 0.017, respectively). There were no significant differences in the other outcomes between groups. CONCLUSIONS: IV-PCA using nefopam alone has a non-inferior analgesic efficacy and produces a lower incidence of PONV in comparison with IV-PCA using a combination of morphine and ketorolac after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Mechanical Antiallodynic Effect of Intrathecal Nefopam in a Rat Neuropathic Pain Model

Nefopam has a pharmacologic profile distinct from that of opioids or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Several recent studies demonstrate that nefopam has a mechanism of action similar to those of anti-depressants and anticonvulsants for treating neuropathic pain. The present study investigates the mechanical antiallodynic effect of nefopam using immunohistochemical study and western blot analysis in a rat neuropathic pain model. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to left fifth lumbar (L5) spinal nerve ligation and intrathecal catheter implantation, procedures which were not performed on the 7 male Sprague-Dawley rats in the sham surgery group (group S). Nefopam, either 10 or 100 microg/kg (group N10 or N100, respectively), and normal saline (group C) were intrathecally administered into the catheter every day for 14 days. The mechanical allodynic threshold of intrathecal nefopam was measured using a dynamic plantar aesthesiometer. Immunohistochemistry targeting cluster of differentiation molecule 11b (CD11b) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was performed on the harvested spinal cord at the level of L5. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) were measured using western blot analysis. The N10 and N100 groups showed improved mechanical allodynic threshold, reduced CD11b and GFAP expression, and attenuated ERK 1/2 and CREB in the affected L5 spinal cord. In conclusion, intrathecal nefopam reduced mechanical allodynia in a rat neuropathic pain model. Its mechanical antiallodynic effect is associated with inhibition of glial activation and suppression of the transcription factors' mitogen-activated protein kinases in the spinal cord.

Acute mediastinitis secondary to delayed vascular injury by a central venous catheter and total parenteral nutrition

Vascular injury caused by a central venous catheter (CVC) has been reported to be a rare complication, especially delayed vascular injury due to CVC has a few cases and it can be fatal because of delayed recognition and more serious complications. A 59-year-old woman with no available medical history was admitted for treatment of ovarian cancer. For the surgery, a triple-lumen CVC was placed through the left subclavian vein. Parenteral nutrition through the CVC was used for postoperative nutritional management in the first postoperative day. On the sixth postoperative day (POD), the patient suddenly complained of dyspnea. The CT revealed bilateral pleural effusion and irregular soft tissue density and air bubble in anterior mediastinum suggesting migration of the distal portion of the CVC into the anterior mediastium. In the intensive care unit (ICU) bilateral thoracentesis and percutaneous drainage were performed. She was discharged from the ICU in 3 days later and transferred to the general ward. This case emphasizes the possibility of the delayed vascular injury related to CVC and some strategies for prevention of vascular injury.

Infusion Methods for Continuous Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block for Postoperative Pain Control after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

BACKGROUND: Infusion methods during regional analgesia using perineural catheters may influence the quality of postoperative analgesia. This study was conducted to compare the effects of combined or bolus-only infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine on the postoperative analgesia in interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) with perineural catheterization. METHODS: Patients scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were divided into two groups, one that would receive a combined infusion (group C, n = 32), and one that would receive intermittent infusion (group I, n = 32). A perineural catheter was inserted into the interscalene brachial plexus (ISBP) using ultrasound (US) and nerve stimulation, and 10 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine was administered. After the operation, group C received a continuous infusion of 4 ml/h, and a 4 ml bolus with a lockout interval of 60 min. Group I received only a 4 ml bolus, and the lockout interval was 30 min. Postoperative pain by the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the forearm muscle tone by the manual muscle test (MMT) were checked and evaluated at the following timepoints: preoperative, and postoperative 1, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Supplemental opioid requirements, total consumed dose of local anesthetic, and adverse effects were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients completed the study and the postoperative values such as operation time, time to discharge, and operation site were comparable. There were no differences in NRS scores and supplemental opioid requirements between the two groups. The MMT scores of group I at 4 and 12 h after surgery were significantly higher than those of group C (P < 0.05). The total consumed dose of local anesthetic was significantly lower in group I than in group C (P < 0.05). The adverse effects were not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The bolus-only administration of 0.2% ropivacaine provided a similar analgesic effect with a lower total volume of local anesthetic and decreased motor weakness compared to combined infusion. Therefore, bolus-only administration is an effective postoperative analgesic method in ISBPB with perineural catheterization after rotator cuff repair.

Inadvertent intrathecal dobutamine administration and barbiturate induced nystagmus: A case report

Medication errors remain an unsolved problem in medicine. Some factors have been found to contribute to drug errors, and among them, the incorrect administration of drugs is a major factor. In this case report, 2 ml of dobutamine was inadvertently injected intrathecally instead of bupivacaine owing to ampoule confusion during spinal anesthesia, followed by the induction of general anesthesia with sodium thiopental-sevoflurane. It was uneventful during perioperative period, however, nystagmus was observed in post anesthesia care unit (PACU), about 1 h after induction of general anesthesia. There were no other neurologic abnormalities except nystagmus and vital sign were stable during PACU stay. Nystagmus subsided spontaneously and it was confirmed there was no evidence of any central nervous system lesion on imaging study. The patient was discharged 5 days later without any complications.

The median effective effect-site concentration of remifentanil for minimizing the cardiovascular changes to endotracheal intubation during desflurane anesthesia in pediatric patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Desflurane has the most rapid onset and offset of action among the volatile anesthetic agents used for general anesthesia, but it can cause airway reactivity, tachycardia, and hypertension during induction, especially in pediatric patients. This study was designed to determine a median effective effect-site concentration (EC50) of remifentanil to prevent the cardiovascular changes due to tracheal intubation during the 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) desflurane inhalation, which was required to prevent movement in response to a noxious stimulus in 50% of subjects, in pediatric patients. METHODS: Twenty-four pediatric patients between the ages 5-15 years were enrolled in this study. We injected thiopental intravenously, at the same time remifentanil was infused by Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) device. When the target effect-site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil reached a preset level, desflurane was administrated through the facial mask. Then, we assessed the signs of desflurane related airway reactivity and cardiovascular changes for 2 min. The up-and-down criteria was a 20% change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a heart rate (HR) between just prior to intubation and 1 min after intubation. The EC50 of remifentanil was calculated from 8 independent pairs using Dixon's up-and-down method. RESULTS: We studied 24 pediatric patients in range of 1-5 ng/ml of the Ce of remifentanil. No patient showed airway reactivity during the study. The EC50 of remifentanil to suppress the hemodynamic changes after tracheal intubation during desflurane anesthesia was calculated as 3.4 +/- 0.9 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric anesthesia, the EC50 of remifentanil to minimize the cardiovascular changes due to tracheal intubation during 1 MAC desflurane anesthesia was 3.4 +/- 0.9 ng/ml.

Piriformis Syndrome in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients after Wearing Rocker Bottom Shoes

BACKGROUND: Rocker bottom shoes (RBS) are popular among patients with different foot, leg, or back problems in Korea. Patients with knee osteoarthritis concurrent weakness in the quadriceps femoris muscle, who wear these shoes, are often assumed to develop piriformis syndrome (PS). This study was performed to improve the understanding about the effect of wearing such shoes on duration of the syndrome in knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: We randomly assigned 150 patients with PS, who had used RBS daily for at least 6 months, to 2 groups, the S (stopped wearing) and K (kept wearing) groups. Both the groups were subdivided into the O and N groups, comprising patients with and without knee osteoarthritis, respectively. The effects of the treatment, including piriformis muscle injections and a home exercise program, were compared between the 2 groups by using a flexion-adduction-internal rotation (FAIR) test, a numeric rating scale (NRS), and the revised Oswestry disability index (ODI) during the 12-week follow-up. RESULTS: The positive FAIR test ratios, mean NRS scores, and revised ODIs were higher in the KO group than the SN group from 4?12 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: RBS may extend duration of the PS in osteoarthritis patients.

The proper effect site concentration of remifentanil for prevention of myoclonus after etomidate injection / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Etomidate frequently induces myoclonus when administered intravenously with bolus injection during anesthetic induction. This can be bothersome for the anesthesiologist. The dose of remifentanil appropriate for preventing myoclonus without side effects was investigated. METHODS: All patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III were divided into three groups (n = 33 per group) according to the pretreatment effect site concentration of remifentanil (Ultiva, Glaxo-Wellcome, Munchen, Germany) of 0, 2 or 4 ng/ml (Group N: 0 ng/ml, Group R: 2 ng/ml, Group Q: 4 ng/ml) by a target controlled infusion (TCI) system. After a 0.3 mg/kg dose of etomidate was injected intravenously for over 1 minute for anesthetic induction, myoclonus was observed. Before the etomidate injection, the patients were pretreated with remifentanil and their side effects were monitored. RESULTS: The number of patients showing myoclonus was significantly different among the groups. The incidence of myoclonus was 81%, 12% and 0% (groups N, R, and Q, respectively, P < 0.01). Side effects including bradycardia and hypotension did not occur in either Group R or Q. Chest wall rigidity occured in 45% of patients in Group Q. CONCLUSIONS: Administration with a 2 ng/ml effect site concentration of remifentanil could reduce the incidence of myoclonus caused by etomidate bolus injection without chest wall rigidity.

The effect of repetition of simulation-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on the satisfaction of the trainee

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training is becoming more wide-spread in clinical education because of the increased technology of patient simulators in conjunction with their increased use by many medical centers. Simulation-based training enhances the learning, clinical skills and judgment of the trainees. However, the effect of repetition of simulation-based training has not yet been evaluated. The purpose of this presentation will be to examine whether the number of experiences could have an influence on the interest of the trainee. METHODS: Simulation-based training was designed as an introductory course for new interns and residents. The training course was divided into three sessions: Airway management training, cardiac massage training and advance cardiac life support mega code training. All the trainees were divided into the new interns and residents group. The two group's performances during conducting the three sessions were monitored by video equipment. All the trainees were debriefed and given a post intervention survey to assess their satisfaction with the simulation-based training. RESULTS: A total of 110 trainees completed the survey. On a four point scale, the students rated their stimulation of interest, the usefulness of the knowledge that they learned and if they enjoyed the simulation. There were no significant differences in the effectiveness of the three sessions of simulation-based training among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation is a powerful tool to get trainees excited about applying the skills they learned in the classroom. Most trainees in both groups agreed that the exercises were a great experience helpful and exciting. We postulate that the repetition of simulation-based training will not decrease the effectiveness of the training.