Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis after costoclavicular approach versus other brachial plexus blocks in upper limb surgery: a meta-analysis / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CCB) is a recently established technique that uses the infraclavicular approach and is performed just below the clavicle. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether CCB can reduce the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP), which is a major adverse event related to brachial plexus block (BPB), while yielding comparable block performance as other BPB techniques. @*Methods@#We searched electronic databases to identify relevant studies that compared the incidence of HDP between CCB and other BPB techniques. The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP following CCB and other BPB techniques. The secondary outcomes were pulmonary function test results, other adverse events, and block performance parameters such as onset and performance time. @*Results@#We included six randomized controlled trials that included 414 patients. Compared with the other BPB group, the CCB group had a significantly lower incidence of HDP (relative ratio: 0.21, 95% CI [0.12, 0.36], P < 0.001) and higher peak expiratory flow rate (mean difference: 0.68 L/s, 95% CI [0.13, 1.23], P = 0.015). There were no significant between-group differences with respect to other adverse events and block performance parameters. @*Conclusions@#Compared with other BPB techniques, CCB involves a lower incidence of HDP with comparable onset and performance time.

Ultrasound assessment of residual gastric volume in older adults undergoing staged-bilateral total knee arthroplasty after consuming carbohydrate-containing fluids: a prospective observational study / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#We compared preoperative residual gastric volume (GV) between the first and second stages of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in older adults after drinking carbohydrate-containing fluid 2 h prior to surgery. @*Methods@#In this study, 36 patients, aged > 65 years, scheduled for staged bilateral TKA with one-week interval, were enrolled. The patients consumed 400 ml of carbohydrate-containing fluid 2 h prior to surgery. Before the induction of spinal anesthesia, the gastric antral cross-sectional area was measured at the first and second TKA using ultrasound, and the residual GV was calculated. The primary outcome was the residual GV. Qualitative GV (grades 0, 1, and 2) and analgesic consumption after the first TKA were assessed as secondary outcomes. @*Results@#The GV (median [Q1, Q3]) was greater in the second-stage TKA (41.1 [22.5, 62.8] ml) than in the first-stage TKA (10.3 [0.0, 27.1] ml) (P < 0.001). In the qualitative assessment, the distribution was not different between the two stages of TKA (P = 0.219) and only one patient showed grade 2 gastric content in the second TKA. When opioid consumption was converted to an equivalent dose of morphine, an average of 53.9 mg of morphine was required after the first TKA. @*Conclusions@#Residual GV after drinking carbohydrate-containing fluid differed according to the stage of TKA, showing a larger residual GV in the second TKA than in the first one. In older adults scheduled to undergo bilateral staged TKA, caution is required in preoperative fasting practice, especially in second-stage surgery.

Effects of tranexamic acid on the activity of glutamate transporter EAAT3

Background@#Tranexamic acid (TXA) is the most widely used hemostatic agent in surgical patients. However, when used in a high dose, it could cause a seizure in the postoperative period. The exact effector mechanism behind the seizure triggering remains unknown. Therefore, the authors investigated the effects of TXA on the activity of glutamate transporter type 3 (excitatory amino acid transporter 3; EAAT3), which is the main neuronal glutamate transporter type. @*Methods@#EAAT3 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes through mRNA injection. Oocytes were incubated with diluted tranexamic acid for 72 h. Two-electrode voltage clamping was used to measure membrane currents before, during, and after applying 30 M L-glutamate. Responses were quantified by integrating the current traces and reported in microcoulombs (C). Results were presented as mean  SEM. @*Results@#TXA (30 to 1,000 M) significantly decreased EAAT3 activity. Our kinetic study showed that Vmax was significantly decreased in the TXA group compared with the control group (1.1  0.1 vs. 1.4  0.1 C, n = 18–23, P = 0.043), but the Km did not significantly change (12.7  3.9 M for TXA vs. 12.8  3.8 for control, n = 18–23, P = 0.986). @*Conclusions@#Our results suggest that TXA attenuates EAAT3 activity, which may explain its proconvulsant effect.

Efficacy and Safety of a Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhaler in Older Asthmatics: Comparison to a Dry Powder Inhaler in a 12-Week Randomized Trial

PURPOSE: Asthma control in older asthmatics is often less effective, which may be attributed to small airway dysfunction and poor inhalation technique. We compared the efficacy of 2 inhalers (fluticasone propionate/formoterol treatment using a pressurized metered-dose inhaler [p-MDI group] vs. fluticasone propionate/salmeterol treatment using a dry powder inhaler [DPI group]) in older asthmatics.METHODS: We conducted a 12-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-designed trial in older patients (over 55 years old) with moderate-to-severe asthma, and compared the efficacy and safety for asthma control between the 2 groups. Subgroup analyses on disease duration and air trapping were performed. Clinical parameters, including changes in lung function parameters, inhaler technique and adherence, were compared with monitoring adverse reactions between the 2 groups.RESULTS: A total of 68 patients underwent randomization, and 63 (30 in the p-MDI group and 33 in the DPI group) completed this study. The p-MDI group was non-inferior to the DPI group with regard to the rate of well-controlled asthma (53.3% vs. 45.5%, P < 0.001; a predefined non-inferiority limit of 17%). In subgroup analyses, the proportion of patients who did not reach well-controlled asthma in the p-MDI group was non-inferior to that in the DPI group; the difference was 12.7% among those with a longer disease duration (≥ 15 years) and 17.5% among those with higher air-trapping (RV/TLC ≥ 45%), respectively (a predefined non-inferiority limit of 17%, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in lung function parameters, inhalation techniques, adherence and adverse reactions between the 2 groups.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the p-MDI group may be comparable to the DPI group in the management of older asthmatics in aspects of efficacy and safety.

The effect of a mixture of 2.7% sorbitol-0.54% mannitol solution on blood coagulation: an in-vitro, observational healthy-volunteer study using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#We investigated the effect of irrigation fluid on coagulation according to the hemodilution level using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).@*METHODS@#Venous blood was taken from 12 healthy volunteers and divided into four specimen tubes that were diluted to various levels (0%, 10%, 20%, and 40%) using an irrigation fluid composed of 2.7% sorbitol and 0.54% mannitol.@*RESULTS@#Significant prolongation of clotting time was observed in the 40% diluted sample using both INTEM (P = 0.009) and EXTEM (P = 0.001) assays. However, the clot formation time was prolonged significantly in the 10%, 20%, and 40% diluted samples using both INTEM (P < 0.001) and EXTEM (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) assays. A significant decrease of α-angle of INTEM and EXTEM were observed in the 10% (P < 0.001), 20% (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), and 40% (P < 0.001) groups compared with the 0% dilution group. The maximum clot firmness (MCF) of INTEM decreased significantly in the 20% (P < 0.001) and 40% (P < 0.001) diluted samples. In the MCF of EXTEM and FIBTEM assays, 10% (P = 0.009 and P = 0.015, respectively), 20% (P = 0.001), and 40% (P < 0.001) samples showed a significant decrease compared with the 0% sample. Nevertheless, most of the ROTEM values were within the reference range, except the 40% sample.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Blood became hypocoagulable when it was diluted in vitro with a fluid composed of 2.7% sorbitol and 0.54% mannitol.

Association of preoperative pain in knee and external to knee with postoperative pain outcome after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Preoperative pain in the symptomatic knee may predict postoperative pain severity in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the effect of preoperative pain external to the knee on postoperative pain is unclear. This study evaluated postoperative pain outcomes in TKA patients according to the presence of preoperative pain in the knee only or in the knee and external to the knee.METHODS: We retrospectively assessed medical records of patients who underwent unilateral TKA. The relationship between reported preoperative pain characteristics and morphine equivalent consumption or numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores on postoperative day (POD) 0–3 was assessed using a multivariable generalized linear model.RESULTS: In total, 3,429 adult patients who underwent their first TKA were included; 2,864 (83.5%) patients preoperatively experienced only knee pain and 565 (16.5%) knee pain with external to knee pain. Preoperative pain in the knee and external to the knee was associated with 5% higher morphine equivalent consumption on POD 0–3 compared to preoperative knee pain only (exponentiated regression coefficient: 1.05; 95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.09; P = 0.004). However, the NRS pain scores on POD 0, 1, 2, and 3 and adjuvant analgesics consumption (acetaminophen and ketorolac) on POD 0–3 were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that there was an increase of morphine equivalent consumption during POD 0–3 in patients with preoperative knee pain with external to knee pain than in patients with preoperative only knee pain.

The effect of a mixture of 2.7% sorbitol-0.54% mannitol solution on blood coagulation: an in-vitro, observational healthy-volunteer study using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effect of irrigation fluid on coagulation according to the hemodilution level using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). METHODS: Venous blood was taken from 12 healthy volunteers and divided into four specimen tubes that were diluted to various levels (0%, 10%, 20%, and 40%) using an irrigation fluid composed of 2.7% sorbitol and 0.54% mannitol. RESULTS: Significant prolongation of clotting time was observed in the 40% diluted sample using both INTEM (P = 0.009) and EXTEM (P = 0.001) assays. However, the clot formation time was prolonged significantly in the 10%, 20%, and 40% diluted samples using both INTEM (P < 0.001) and EXTEM (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) assays. A significant decrease of α-angle of INTEM and EXTEM were observed in the 10% (P < 0.001), 20% (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), and 40% (P < 0.001) groups compared with the 0% dilution group. The maximum clot firmness (MCF) of INTEM decreased significantly in the 20% (P < 0.001) and 40% (P < 0.001) diluted samples. In the MCF of EXTEM and FIBTEM assays, 10% (P = 0.009 and P = 0.015, respectively), 20% (P = 0.001), and 40% (P < 0.001) samples showed a significant decrease compared with the 0% sample. Nevertheless, most of the ROTEM values were within the reference range, except the 40% sample. CONCLUSIONS: Blood became hypocoagulable when it was diluted in vitro with a fluid composed of 2.7% sorbitol and 0.54% mannitol.

Studies on the Chemical Constituents from the Seeds of Zizyphus jujuba var. inermis

This study analyzed the seeds of Zizyphus jujuba var. inermis commonly used as a remedy in traditional Chinese medicine, in order to determine its various biologically active compounds. Through process 3-pentadecylcatechol, ρ-menth-8-ene, and γ-bisabolene were isolated and identified for the first time which are urushiol, monoterpenoidal, and sesquiterpenoidal compounds, respectively. Also, found were another sesquiterpenoidal compounds, vomifoliol, and four steroidal compounds, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, stigmasta-5,23-dien-3β-ol, and stigmast-4-en-3-one. In addition, fourteen triterpenoidal compounds were isolated and identified. These were lupeol, betulinic acid, betulinaldehyde, alphitolic acid, 3-O-cis-ρ-coumaroyl-alphitolic acid, 3-O-trans-ρ-coumaroylalphitolic acid, 2-O-cis-ρ-coumaroyl-alphitolic acid, 2-O-trans-ρ-coumaroyl-alphitolic acid, zizyberanalic acid, ceanothic acid, oleanolic acid, maslinic acid, 3-O-cis-ρ-coumaroyl-maslinic acid, and 3-O-trans-ρ-coumaroylmaslinic acid. The structures were identified by comparing of the spectroscopic experiments, NMR and MS, and then compared that reported data, respectively. Three extracts of water, methanol, and chloroform from the seeds showed a weak anti-proliferative effect, anti-microbial activity, and anti-oxidant effect, respectively.

Surgical site infection after colorectal surgery according to the main anesthetic agent: a retrospective comparison between volatile anesthetics and propofol / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Anesthetic agents used for general anesthesia are emerging possible influential factors for surgical site infection (SSI). In this retrospective study, we evaluated the incidence of SSI after colorectal surgery according to the main anesthetic agents: volatile anesthetics vs. propofol. METHODS: A total 1,934 adult patients, who underwent elective colorectal surgery under general anesthesia between January 2011 and December 2013, were surveyed to evaluate the incidence of SSI: 1,519 using volatile anesthetics and 415 using propofol for main anesthetic agents. Patient, surgery, and anesthesia-related factors were investigated from all patients. Propensity-score matching was performed to reduce the risk of confounding and produced 390 patients in each group. RESULTS: Within the propensity-score matched groups, the incidence of SSI was higher in the volatile group compared with the propofol group (10 [2.6%] vs. 2 [0.5%], OR = 5.0 [95% CI = 1.1-2.8]). C-reactive protein was higher in the volatile group than in the propofol group (8.4 ± 5.6 vs. 7.1 ± 5.3 mg/dl, P = 0.001), and postoperative white blood cells count was higher in the volatile group than in the propofol group (9.2 ± 3.2 × 10³/µl vs. 8.6 ± 3.4 × 10³/µl, P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that intravenous anesthesia may have beneficial effects for reducing SSI in colorectal surgery compared to volatile anesthesia.

Changes in blood coagulation after colloid administration in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty: comparison between pentastarch and tetrastarches, a randomized trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are used as plasma expanders for correcting hypovolemia, but can lead to impaired coagulation. We evaluated the changes in hematological and hemostatic profiles with three types of HES. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive volume replacement with 10% pentastarch 260/0.45 in 0.9% saline (Group-PEN, n = 25), 6% tetrastarch 130/0.4 in 0.9% saline (Group-TET(S), n = 25), or 6% tetrastarch 130/0.4 in a balanced electrolyte solution (Group-TET(B), n = 25). Coagulation was assessed using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM(R)) and other laboratory tests were performed, including measurements of hematological and hemostatic parameters and electrolytes. RESULTS: Post-operative ROTEM(R) parameters changed toward hypocoagulable states in all groups. The post-operative parameters of EXTEM and FIBTEM were more impaired in Group-PEN than in Group-TET(B). The percentage change in INTEM clot formation time (P = 0.004) and alpha-angle (P = 0.003) were smaller in Group-TET(S) and Group-TET(B) than in Group-PEN. The percentage change in the FIBTEM maximum clot firmness was greatest in Group-PEN (P = 0.011). The international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (P < 0.001) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (P < 0.001) were significantly prolonged in Group-PEN compared to those of Group-TET(B). CONCLUSIONS: The 6% HES 130/0.4 in a balanced electrolyte solution seemed to have less of an impact on blood coagulation than the 10% HES 260/0.45. No differences in hemostatic profile were observed between the balanced electrolyte and saline-based 6% HES 130/0.4.

Effects of magnesium sulfate on the labor duration and neonatal outcome in parturients with preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is a drug of choice for women with preeclampsia, with evidence that it reduces progression to eclampsia and maternal mortality. However, no previous studies have been conducted on the effect of magnesium sulfate on labor. This retrospective study investigated the effect of magnesium sulfate on the labor duration and the neonatal outcomes in parturients with preeclampsia. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 209 women who delivered vaginally with the diagnosis of preeclampsia from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2013. They were divided into two groups, primipara (Primi group) and multipara (Multi group). Then, each group was subclassified as MgSO4-treated (Mg group) and MgSO4-untreated group (Cont group) again. Collected data included the duration of each stage of labor and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The duration of the 1st stage of labor was significantly longer in the Multi-Mg group, compared with the Multi-Cont group (138 +/- 149 min vs. 88 +/- 92 min, P = 0.025). However, the total labor durations were comparable between the two groups. Primi group had no difference in durations of any stage of labor and the total duration. Neonates showed worse outcomes (lower birth weight, lower Apgar, higher NICU admission rate) in the Primi-Mg group than the Primi-Cont group. CONCLUSIONS: Although preeclamptic multiparous parturients treated with MgSO4 showed longer 1st stage of labor than those untreated with MgSO4, the total labor durations were comparable between the groups.

An Infant with Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Anaplastic Astrocytoma Who Remains Disease-Free after Proton Therapy

The authors present a rare of prenatally diagnosed congenital anaplastic astrocytoma. A 9-month-old boy had three recurrences despite two surgical resections and various chemotherapeutic regimens. He underwent the 3rd gross tumor removal at 11 months of age, followed by proton therapy, and now he remains disease-free for 3 yr without a significant neurocognitive dysfunction. This is the 1st case of a pediatric tumor treated by proton therapy in Korea, and proton therapy may be a treatment of choice for a congenital anaplastic astrocytoma in infants and young children, considering limitation of radiation therapy.

Optimal Timing of Topical Lidocaine Spray on the Hemodynamic Change of Tracheal Intubation / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Tracheal intubation stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in hypertension, tachycardia and sometimes critical complications, especially in patients with underlying hypertension, cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease. In this study, we sprayed 4% lidocaine into the trachea before intubation, and observed the hemodynamic changes after tracheal intubation. METHODS: We randomly allocated 87 patients, whose ASA physical status was I or II, into three groups. The 4% topical lidocaine was sprayed before intubation at the following specific times: just before intubation (group 0), or 1 minute (group 1) and 2 minutes before intubation (group 2). For maintenance of anesthesia, TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia; propofol-remifentanil infusion with orchestra(R)) was used. We observed hemodynamic changes between the groups just after the intubation, as well as 1, 3 and 5 minutes after the intubation. Hemodynamic changes were also monitored in the same group. RESULTS: When the patients arrived at the operating room, we found no significant difference in heart rate and arterial pressure between the groups. However, heart rate after intubation in group 1 was significantly lower than group 0. The diastolic and mean arterial pressure just after intubation were lower in group 1 and 2 than in group 0. CONCLUSIONS: Spraying lidocaine 1 or 2 minutes before intubation was more effective than spraying it just before intubation for reducing hypertensive responses after intubation.

Novel influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infection in the pediatric patients with hematologic and oncologic diseases in the Yeungnam region / 소아과

PURPOSE: Natural history and consequences of the novel 2009 influenza A H1N1 (2009 H1N1) infection in immunocompromised pediatric patients are not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the clinical features and outcomes of the 2009 H1N1 infection in pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 528 patients who had hematological and oncological diseases and who were treated at 7 referral centers located in the Yeungnam region. Among the 528 patients, 27 with definite diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 infection were the subjects of this study. All patients were divided into the following 3 groups: patients who were receiving chemotherapy (group 1), patients who were immunosuppressed due to a non-malignant hematological disease (group 2), and patients who were off chemotherapy and had undergone their last chemotherapy course within 2 years from the influenza A pandemic (group 3). RESULTS: All 28 episodes of 2009 H1N1 infection were treated with the antiviral agent oseltamivir (Tamiflu(R)), and 20 episodes were treated after hospitalization. Group 1 patients had higher frequencies of lower respiratory tract infection and longer durations of fever and hospitalization as compared to those in group 2. Ultimately, all episodes resolved completely with no complications. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that early antiviral therapy did not influence the morbidity or mortality of pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases in the Yeungnam region of Korea after the 2009 H1N1 infection. However, no definite conclusions can be drawn because of the small sample size.

Anti-obesity effects of Lysimachia foenum-graecum characterized by decreased adipogenesis and regulated lipid metabolism

Lysimachia foenum-graecum has been used as an oriental medicine with anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-obesity effect of L. foenum-graecum extract (LFE) was first discovered in our screening of natural product extract library against adipogenesis. To characterize its anti-obesity effects and to evaluate its potential as an anti-obesity drug, we performed various obesity-related experiments in vitro and in vivo. In adipogenesis assay, LFE blocked the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 2.5 microg/ml. In addition, LFE suppressed the expression of lipogenic genes, while increasing the expression of lipolytic genes in vitro at 10 microg/ml and in vivo at 100 mg/kg/day. The anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic effect of LFE seems to be mediated by the inhibition of PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha expression as shown in in vitro and in vivo, and the suppression of PPARgamma activity in vitro. Moreover, LFE stimulated fatty acid oxidation in an AMPK-dependent manner. In high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice (n = 8/group), oral administration of LFE at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg/day decreased total body weight gain significantly in all doses tested. No difference in food intake was observed between vehicle- and LFE-treated HFD mice. The weight of white adipose tissues including abdominal subcutaneous, epididymal, and perirenal adipose tissue was reduced markedly in LFE-treated HFD mice in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of LFE also greatly improved serum levels of obesity-related biomarkers such as glucose, triglycerides, and adipocytokines leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. All together, these results showed anti-obesity effects of LFE on adipogenesis and lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo and raised a possibility of developing LFE as anti-obesity therapeutics.

Preemptive analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery via a transverse lower abdominal skin incision / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The transversus abdominis plane block is recently described peripheral block to providing analgesia to the anterior abdominal wall. The goal of this study is to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of the ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (US-TAP block) in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery via a transverse lower abdominal skin incision. METHODS: Thirty-two patients undergoing gynecologic surgery were randomized to undergo standard care such as PCA, or to receive additional US-TAP block with standard care. After general anesthesia induction, a bilateral US-TAP block was performed using 0.375% ropivacaine 20 ml on each side. Postoperative demand of rescue analgesics in PACU and ward were recorded. Each patient was assessed postoperatively by a blinded investigator in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 2, 6, 10, 24, 48 hr postoperatively to investigate pain, drowsiness, nausea and itch. RESULTS: The US-TAP block reduced pain intensity compared to standard care in the PACU (5.2 +/- 3.1 vs 8.4 +/- 1.3) and at 2, 24 postoperative hours (3.0 +/- 2.4 vs 5.2 +/- 2.4, 0.9 +/- 1.5 vs 2.2 +/- 1.9). Fentanyl requirements in PACU was reduced (20.3 +/- 20.9 vs 62.5 +/- 35.4 microg, P < 0.05). In ward, pethidine requirements was reduced (21.9 +/- 28.7 vs 56.3 +/- 34.8 mg, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The US-TAP block with standard care provide more effective analgesia after gynecologic surgery via a transverse lower abdominal skin incision.

The effect of tracheal intubation with the McCoy or Macintosh laryngoscope on the blood pressure and heart rate during propofol-remifentanil induction / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to compare the hemodynamic changes in response to direct laryngoscopy with using the McCoy or Macintosh blade. METHODS: Seventy seven patients were randomly allocated into two groups. The induction of anesthesia was done with target controlled infusion of propofol (5 microgram/ml) and remifentanil (3 ng/ml) and vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg was also given. The vocal cords were visualized with either the McCoy or the Macintosh laryngoscope blade, and then tracheal intubation was performed. The heart rate and blood pressure were measured just before induction, at intubation and at 1, 3 and 5 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the blood pressure and heart rate responses to tracheal intubation with using the McCoy or Macintosh blade. But, in the Macintosh groups, the blood pressure at 1 and 3 minutes and the heart rate at 1 minute after intubation were increased significantly compared with the preintubation values. Also, in the McCoy groups, the blood pressure and heart rate at 1 minute after intubation were significantly higher than the preintubation values. CONCLUSIONS: The McCoy and the Macintosh blade show similar changes in heart rate and blood pressure after tracheal intuba tion.

What is the optimal effect-site concentration of remifentanil for minimizing the cardiovascular changes to endotracheal intubation during induction with propofol in elderly patients? / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The addition of remifentanil during propofol TCI (target controlled infusion) attenuates the hemodynamic changes induced by endotracheal intubation. This study examined the optimal effect-site concentration of remifentanil to minimize the cardiovascular changes to endotracheal intubation in elderly patients. METHODS: Fifty ASA 1 or 2 elderly patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were assigned randomly to one of two groups according to the effect-site concentration of remifentanil. Each group was administered 4 microgram/ml of propofol TCI with 1 ng/ml (group R1) or 3 ng/ml (group R3) of remifentanil. The heart rate (HR), systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) were measured at pre-induction, before and after endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: After intubation, the HR, SAP, MAP and DAP increased significantly in the two groups compared with the pre-intubation values. However, the HR, SAP, MAP and DAP for group R3 were lower than group R1 for 5 min after intubation. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients administered 4 microg/ml of propofol TCI, we suggest that the optimal effect-site concentration of remifentanil to minimize the cardiovascular changes to endotracheal intubation is 3 ng/ml rather than 1 ng/ml.

Status of Alternative Therapies Used by the Children Visiting the 'Growth Clinic' / 대한소아내분비학회지

PURPOSE: Although growth hormone treatment is now widely used to treat some group of children with short stature, it is still expensive and many parents are seeking alternative therapies. We report the current status of alternative therapies for children visiting the 'growth clinic' in a single tertiary center. METHODS: Questionnaire about the usage of alternative therapy was used. Parents were asked whether they used alternative therapies and where they achieved the information. Also, they were asked whether the treatment was effective, and whether they would continue to use the alternative therapy. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty nine children (127 boys, 102 girls) visiting the growth clinic in Dongsan Medical Center from February 2005 to January 2006 were analyzed. Their ages were between 6.1 years to 15.4 years (mean 10.4 years). Height Standard Deviation Score (SDS) were between -3.2 to 1.0 (mean -1.1). Twelve boys (9.4%) and 7 girls (6.9%) were more than zero in height SDS value. Among 145 children (63.3%) who used the alternative therapy, supplemental foods and oriental herbs were most widely used (43.3% each) followed by over-the-counter drugs. They attained the information most frequently from their neighbors followed by television, newspaper, and internet. More than half (57.9%) of the parents answered that the alternative therapies were not effective. However, 46.9% of the parents answered they would continuously use the therapy though it is ineffective. CONCLUSION: Many patients visiting the 'growth clinic' for short stature had experiences on the alternative therapies. Although these therapies seemed not quite effective, many parents answered that they would continue alternative therapy.

A Case of Meningococcal Infection necessitating Amputation of Both Legs in a Child

Meningococcal sepsis-associated purpura fulminans is a rapidly progressing condition with high morbidity and mortality. There are several reports of amputation of extremities due to gangrenous change in this condition. However, in Korean literature, we found only one case report associated with amputation of one leg due to meningococcal infection. We report a case of meningococcal infection necessitating the amputation of both legs in a previously healthy seven-year-old girl with a review of literatures.