Transfusion-related acute lung injury in a parturient diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome: A case report

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is defined as a new episode of acute lung injury that occurs during or within 6 hours of a completed transfusion, which is one of the leading causes of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality. We present a case of TRALI in a 29-year-old parturient with myelodysplastic syndrome scheduled for cesarean section. The parturient developed hypoxemia and dyspnea after preoperative transfusion of platelets following apheresis to eliminate a unit of leucocyte in order to correct thrombocytopenia. She underwent emergent caesarean section for fetal distress. After surgery, the chest radiograph showed diffuse haziness of both lung fields. Direct and indirect antiglobulin tests were negative, and hemolytic transfusion reaction was ruled out. Pro-BNP 347.3 pg/ml also excluded transfusion-associated circulatory overload. The parturient completely recovered after oxygen support for 2 days. It is important to recognize TRALI as soon as possible to minimize perioperative morbidity and mortality.

A clinical retrospective study comparing thoracic epidural catheterization between awake and anesthetized patients

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcomes and safety of thoracic epidural catheterization in anesthetized adult patients has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical differences between epidural catheterization performed before and after anesthesia for postoperative pain control. METHODS: The medical records of 549 patients who received thoracic epidural catheterization before (awake group, n = 303) or after (anesthetized group, n = 246) induction of anesthesia for major abdominal surgery were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The catheter insertion time (1.6 ± 1.5 vs. 1.1 ± 1.2 min; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.3–0.8; effect size, 0.368; P < 0.001) and number of attempts required for successful epidural catheterization (1 [1, 3] vs. 1 [1, 2], P = 0.003) were increased in the awake group. The incidence rates of dural puncture, vascular injury and postoperative paresthesia were similar between the two groups. The median surgical site numerical rating scale pain score (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable) was lower in the awake group than in the anesthetized group (3 vs. 4 on postoperative day 1, P < 0.001; and 2 vs. 3 on postoperative day 3, P = 0.002). Serious complications, including meningitis, epidural abscess, epidural hematoma, spinal cord injury, and paraplegia, were not observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Successful epidural catheterization before induction of anesthesia required more attempts versus after anesthesia. Overall complication rates of thoracic epidural catheterization were similar regardless of the timing of the procedure.

Optimal propofol dosage for i-gel® insertion in healthy paralyzed patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#Propofol is used for supraglottic airway device insertion, often with the i-gel. However, the propofol requirement for i-gel insertion has not been explored in paralyzed patients. This study was performed to explore hemodynamic changes and sedation level with different propofol doses in healthy paralyzed patients when the i-gel was inserted.@*METHODS@#A total of 141 patients undergoing a urologic operation were randomly allocated to three groups depending on the propofol dose (1.5, 2, and 2.5 mg/kg; Groups P1.5, P2, and P2.5, respectively). After patients had been administered each propofol dose and rocuronium, the i-gel was inserted and changes in hemodynamic parameters and bispectral index were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Group P2 showed a lower incidence of complications (17%) such as hemodynamic instability and inadequate sedation than Group P1.5 (55.3%, P < 0.001) or Group P2.5 (40.4%, P = 0.012). The incidence and dose of additional propofol increased in Group P1.5 (51%, median [range]; 20 [0–50]) compared with those in the other groups (0%, 0 [0–0] in Group P2 and 8.5%, 0 [0–50] in Group P2.5, all P < 0.001), and the incidence and dose of additional ephedrine were significantly higher in Group P2.5 (31.9%; 0 [0–20]) than in Group P1.5 (10.6%, P = 0.012; 0 [0–5], P = 0.007, respectively).@*CONCLUSIONS@#For the stable maintenance of hemodynamic parameters and proper sedation level during i-gel insertion, 2 mg/kg propofol has an advantage over 1.5 mg/kg or 2.5 mg/kg propofol in healthy paralyzed patients.

Optimal propofol dosage for i-gel® insertion in healthy paralyzed patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Propofol is used for supraglottic airway device insertion, often with the i-gel. However, the propofol requirement for i-gel insertion has not been explored in paralyzed patients. This study was performed to explore hemodynamic changes and sedation level with different propofol doses in healthy paralyzed patients when the i-gel was inserted. METHODS: A total of 141 patients undergoing a urologic operation were randomly allocated to three groups depending on the propofol dose (1.5, 2, and 2.5 mg/kg; Groups P1.5, P2, and P2.5, respectively). After patients had been administered each propofol dose and rocuronium, the i-gel was inserted and changes in hemodynamic parameters and bispectral index were evaluated. RESULTS: Group P2 showed a lower incidence of complications (17%) such as hemodynamic instability and inadequate sedation than Group P1.5 (55.3%, P < 0.001) or Group P2.5 (40.4%, P = 0.012). The incidence and dose of additional propofol increased in Group P1.5 (51%, median [range]; 20 [0–50]) compared with those in the other groups (0%, 0 [0–0] in Group P2 and 8.5%, 0 [0–50] in Group P2.5, all P < 0.001), and the incidence and dose of additional ephedrine were significantly higher in Group P2.5 (31.9%; 0 [0–20]) than in Group P1.5 (10.6%, P = 0.012; 0 [0–5], P = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For the stable maintenance of hemodynamic parameters and proper sedation level during i-gel insertion, 2 mg/kg propofol has an advantage over 1.5 mg/kg or 2.5 mg/kg propofol in healthy paralyzed patients.

Transient visual loss after lung surgery in a healthy patient: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report

Postoperative visual loss is a rare complication of general anesthesia in patients undergoing lung surgery. If the visual complication is permanent, it can greatly affect the patient's quality of life. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) leads to visual disturbances and may be associated with hypertension, renal disease, eclampsia, and chemotherapy. Although PRES is usually reversible, delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in permanent damage. We herein report a case of PRES in a patient with no medical history. The patient's symptoms included somnolence, visual loss, and headache. He was treated with conservative therapy, and his vision abruptly recovered three days after surgery. He was discharged from the hospital without neurologic complications 13 days after surgery.

Experience with reversal of a neuromuscular block with sugammadex in a child with Prader-Willi syndrome: A case report

We treated a 4-year-old patient with a genetic disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome, that was accompanied by pulmonary hypertension due to upper airway obstruction. Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition characterized by hypotonia, feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. Hypotonia was the main concern in the anesthetic management of this patient, including the choice of a neuromuscular blocking agent. We report successful induction of anesthesia in this patient with sevoflurane inhalation, remifentanil infusion, and a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant, rocuronium, while following up the status of the neuromuscular block by train-of-four monitoring and reversing the neuromuscular block with sugammadex.

Experience with reversal of a neuromuscular block with sugammadex in a child with Prader-Willi syndrome: A case report

We treated a 4-year-old patient with a genetic disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome, that was accompanied by pulmonary hypertension due to upper airway obstruction. Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition characterized by hypotonia, feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. Hypotonia was the main concern in the anesthetic management of this patient, including the choice of a neuromuscular blocking agent. We report successful induction of anesthesia in this patient with sevoflurane inhalation, remifentanil infusion, and a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant, rocuronium, while following up the status of the neuromuscular block by train-of-four monitoring and reversing the neuromuscular block with sugammadex.

The effect of combining lidocaine with dexamethasone for attenuating postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness

BACKGROUND: Despite the established efficacy of dexamethasone and lidocaine for preventing postoperative airway symptoms, no study has investigated the effects of dexamethasone plus lidocaine for attenuating postoperative airway symptoms. The purpose of this study was to explore whether combined dexamethasone and lidocaine are superior to dexamethasone alone in reducing postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness for 24 h after tracheal extubation. METHODS: In total, 70 female patients undergoing breast mass excision were randomized in a prospective, double-blinded manner into two groups: Group DL received intravenous dexamethasone (8 mg) plus lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) 5 min before induction of anesthesia, and lidocaine was injected once more at the end of surgery. Group D received dexamethasone (8 mg) plus normal saline instead of lidocaine in the same manner as Group DL. We assessed the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness 1 and 24 h after extubation. RESULTS: The incidence of sore throat for 24 h after tracheal extubation was significantly lower in Group DL than in Group D (62.9% vs. 85.7%, respectively; P = 0.029). The severity of sore throat and hoarseness for 24 h after extubation was lower in Group DL than in Group D (P < 0.05). The incidence and severity of cough did not differ between the two groups for 24 h after extubation. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine combined with dexamethasone is more effectively reduces the incidence and severity of sore throat and severity of hoarseness for 24 h after extubation in patients who have undergone breast mass excision surgery.

Anesthesia in a child with adrenoleukodystrophy / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Laparoscopic appendectomy under spinal anesthesia with dexmedetomidine infusion / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is rarely performed under regional anesthesia because of pneumoperitoneum-related problems. We expected that dexmedetomidine would compensate for the problems arising from spinal anesthesia alone. Thus, we performed a feasibility study of spinal anesthesia with intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion. METHODS: Twenty-six patients undergoing LA received spinal anesthesia with intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion. During surgery, the patient's pain or discomfort was controlled by supplemental fentanyl or ketamine injection, and all adverse effects were evaluated. RESULTS: No patient required conversion to general anesthesia, and all operations were completed laparoscopically without conversion to open surgery. Seventeen (65.4%) patients required supplemental injection of fentanyl or ketamine. Bradycardia occurred in seven (26.9%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia with dexmedetomidine infusion may be feasible for LA. However, additional analgesia, sedation, and careful attention to the potential development of bradycardia are needed for a successful anesthetic outcome.

Laparoscopic appendectomy under spinal anesthesia with dexmedetomidine infusion / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is rarely performed under regional anesthesia because of pneumoperitoneum-related problems. We expected that dexmedetomidine would compensate for the problems arising from spinal anesthesia alone. Thus, we performed a feasibility study of spinal anesthesia with intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion. METHODS: Twenty-six patients undergoing LA received spinal anesthesia with intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion. During surgery, the patient's pain or discomfort was controlled by supplemental fentanyl or ketamine injection, and all adverse effects were evaluated. RESULTS: No patient required conversion to general anesthesia, and all operations were completed laparoscopically without conversion to open surgery. Seventeen (65.4%) patients required supplemental injection of fentanyl or ketamine. Bradycardia occurred in seven (26.9%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia with dexmedetomidine infusion may be feasible for LA. However, additional analgesia, sedation, and careful attention to the potential development of bradycardia are needed for a successful anesthetic outcome.

Endotracheal intubation-related vocal cord ulcer following general anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Cardiac arrest due to coronary spasms in a patient in a lateral decubitus position and contralateral thoracotomy state during Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy: A case report

A coronary artery spasm (CAS) during noncardiac surgery is rare, but it can lead to catastrophic consequences. Furthermore, cardiac arrest caused by CAS, while a patient is in a lateral decubitus position and under contralateral thoracotomy conditions, represents a major challenge to both the anesthesiologist and the surgeon. We present a case of cardiac arrest due to CAS in a 69-year-old man undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy surgery for esophageal cancer in the left lateral decubitus position and the right thoracotomy state. The patient was successfully resuscitated with conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation after repositioning him to a supine position.

Cardiac arrest due to coronary spasms in a patient in a lateral decubitus position and contralateral thoracotomy state during Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy: A case report

A coronary artery spasm (CAS) during noncardiac surgery is rare, but it can lead to catastrophic consequences. Furthermore, cardiac arrest caused by CAS, while a patient is in a lateral decubitus position and under contralateral thoracotomy conditions, represents a major challenge to both the anesthesiologist and the surgeon. We present a case of cardiac arrest due to CAS in a 69-year-old man undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy surgery for esophageal cancer in the left lateral decubitus position and the right thoracotomy state. The patient was successfully resuscitated with conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation after repositioning him to a supine position.

High dose ropivacaine-induced toxicity after infraclavicular block / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Midazolam protects B35 neuroblastoma cells through Akt-phosphorylation in reactive oxygen species derived cellular injury / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Soman, a potent irreversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, induces delayed neuronal injury by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Midazolam is used in patients with pathologic effects of oxidative stresses such as infection, hemodynamic instability and hypoxia. We investigated whether midazolam protects the Central Nervous System (CNS) from soman intoxication. The present study was performed to determine whether midazolam protects B35 cells from ROS stress for the purpose of exploring an application of midazolam to soman intoxication. METHODS: Glucose oxidase (GOX) induced ROS stress was used in a B35 neuroblastoma cell model of ROS induced neuronal injury. To investigate the effect of midazolam on cell viability, LDH assays and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis was performed. Western blotting was used for evaluating whether Akt-phosphorylation is involved in cell-protective effects of midazolam. RESULTS: GOX derived ROS injury decreased cell viability about 1.6-2 times compared to control; midazolam treatment (5 and 10 microg/ml) dose-dependently increased cell viability during ROS injury. On western blots, Akt-phosphorylation was induced during pretreatment with midazolam; it was diminished during co-treatment with LY-294002, an inhibitor of Akt-phosphorylation. FACS analysis confirmed that the cell protective effect of midazolam is mediated by an anti-apoptotic effect. GOX-induced apoptosis was inhibited by midazolam and the finding was diminished by LY-294002. CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam protects neuronal cells from GOX-induced ROS injury; this effect is mediated by an anti-apoptotic effect through Akt-phosphorylation. This shows that midazolam may be useful in soman intoxication.

Antinociceptive effect of phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone, a free radical scavenger, on the rat formalin test / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and nitroperoxide, cause oxidative stress which interferes with normal cell functioning, resulting in cell damage. It is reported to be associated with chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain. ROS is also closely related to central sensitization. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the effects of Phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN), an ROS scavenger, in acute, continuous, and increasing pain caused by central sensitization. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups, an intraperitoneal group (IP) and an intrathecal group (IT), and once again divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was injected with Phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN), a free radical scavenger, either intraperitoneally or intrathecally. After inducing pain by injecting formalin into the hind paw, pain behaviors were measured. Lumbar enlargement immmunohistochemistry was performed to assess nitrotyrosine, an oxidative stress marker, to identify the degree of protein nitration. RESULTS: Both experimental groups of IP and IT showed statistically significant decreases in the number of flinches compared to the control group in phase 1 and 2. Immunohistochemical evaluation in the control group revealed an increase in nitrated proteins in the gray matter of the lumbar spinal cord, but a significant decrease in nitrated proteins in the gray matter of lumbar spinal cord of the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal and intrathecal administration of PBN decreases analgesic behaviors, allowing us to believe that ROS is mainly responsible for acute pain and central sensitization.

Antinociceptive effect of phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone, a free radical scavenger, on the rat formalin test / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and nitroperoxide, cause oxidative stress which interferes with normal cell functioning, resulting in cell damage. It is reported to be associated with chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain. ROS is also closely related to central sensitization. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the effects of Phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN), an ROS scavenger, in acute, continuous, and increasing pain caused by central sensitization. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups, an intraperitoneal group (IP) and an intrathecal group (IT), and once again divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was injected with Phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN), a free radical scavenger, either intraperitoneally or intrathecally. After inducing pain by injecting formalin into the hind paw, pain behaviors were measured. Lumbar enlargement immmunohistochemistry was performed to assess nitrotyrosine, an oxidative stress marker, to identify the degree of protein nitration. RESULTS: Both experimental groups of IP and IT showed statistically significant decreases in the number of flinches compared to the control group in phase 1 and 2. Immunohistochemical evaluation in the control group revealed an increase in nitrated proteins in the gray matter of the lumbar spinal cord, but a significant decrease in nitrated proteins in the gray matter of lumbar spinal cord of the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal and intrathecal administration of PBN decreases analgesic behaviors, allowing us to believe that ROS is mainly responsible for acute pain and central sensitization.

Effects of increasing the dose of ropivacaine on vertical infraclavicular block using neurostimulation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Use of an infraclavicular block is appropriate for surgery of the upper limb. However, it does not consistently block the entire brachial plexus. The aim of this study was to investigate whether increasing the dose of ropivacaine could enhance the success rate, onset time, and efficacy of the sensory and motor block during the use of a vertical infraclavicular block using neurostimulation in upper limb surgery. METHODS: Two hundreds and ten patients were prospectively randomized into three groups: Group 1 (30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine; n = 70), Group 2 (40 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine; n = 70), and Group 3 (40 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine; n = 70). Patients in each group received a vertical infraclavicular block using neurostimulation and obtained a distal motor response of the ulnar or median nerve. Recorded outcome measures included block success rate, onset time, sensory and motor blocks, and adverse events. RESULTS: No differences were found in the block success rate among the three groups (92.8%, 97.1%, and 94.2% for Groups 1, 2, and, 3, respectively; P = 0.346). There were no significant differences in onset time (P = 0.225) among groups, nor was there enhancement in the sensory block, but the motor block was enhanced. Local anesthetic toxicity was observed in five female patients from group 3 (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Although the efficacy of the motor block was significantly improved, success rate, onset time, and efficacy of sensory block were not enhanced significantly among groups despite differences in volume and volume/concentration of the local anesthetic.

Extensive Visceral Vein Thrombosis Associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis

Extensive visceral vein thrombosis, including the femoral vein, iliac vein, superior mesenteric vein, splenic vein and portal vein, is an uncommon type of thrombosis that is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Making an early diagnosis and adequate management are very important. We present here the case of a 39-year-old woman with extensive visceral vein thrombosis and complicated small bowel necrosis and perforation. She had no known prothrombotic conditions, but the laboratory findings showed an elevated level of factor VIII. The patient's condition improved without complication after resection of the infarcted and perforated small bowel along with immediate postoperative anticoagulant therapy. On the follow up, the size of the thrombosis was decreased and there was no complication.