Accidental intracerebral injection and seizure during scalp nerve blocks for awake craniotomy in a previously craniotomized patient: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 34-year-old man who previously underwent a craniotomy due to oligodendroglioma was admitted with a diagnosis of recurrent brain tumor. An awake craniotomy was planned. Approximately 15 minutes after completing the scalp nerve block, his upper torso suddenly moved and trembled for 10 seconds, suggesting a generalized clonic seizure. He recovered gradually and fully in 55 minutes without any neurological sequelae. The emergency computed tomography scan revealed a localized fluid collection and small intracerebral hemorrhage nearby in the temporoparietal cortex beneath the skull defect. He underwent surgery under general anesthesia at 8 hours after the seizure and was discharged from the hospital after 10 days. This report documents the first case of generalized seizure that was caused by the accidental intracerebral injection of local anesthetics. Although the patient recovered completely, the clinical implications regarding the scalp infiltration technique in a patient with skull defects are discussed.

Protocol-Based Resuscitation for Septic Shock: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials and Observational Studies

PURPOSE: Owing to the recommendations of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, protocol-based resuscitation or goal-directed therapy (GDT) is broadly advocated for the treatment of septic shock. However, the most recently published trials showed no survival benefit from protocol-based resuscitation in septic shock patients. Hence, we aimed to assess the effect of GDT on clinical outcomes in such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review that included a meta-analysis. We used electronic search engines including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database to find studies comparing protocol-based GDT to common or standard care in patients with septic shock and severe sepsis. RESULTS: A total of 13269 septic shock patients in 24 studies were included [12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 12 observational studies]. The overall mortality odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for GDT versus conventional care was 0.746 (0.631-0.883). In RCTs only, the mortality OR (95% CI) for GDT versus conventional care in the meta-analysis was 0.93 (0.75-1.16). The beneficial effect of GDT decreased as more recent studies were added in an alternative, cumulative meta-analysis. No significant publication bias was found. CONCLUSION: The result of this meta-analysis suggests that GDT reduces mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. However, our cumulative meta-analysis revealed that the reduction of mortality risk was diminished as more recent studies were added.

Comparison of Dexmedetomidine and Remifentanil on Airway Reflex and Hemodynamic Changes during Recovery after Craniotomy

PURPOSE: During emergence from anesthesia for a craniotomy, maintenance of hemodynamic stability and prompt evaluation of neurological status is mandatory. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on airway reflex and hemodynamic change in patients undergoing craniotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients undergoing clipping of unruptured cerebral aneurysm were recruited. In the dexmedetomidine group, patients were administered dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg) for 5 minutes, while the patients of the remifentanil group were administered remifentanil with an effect site concentration of 1.5 ng/mL until endotracheal extubation. The incidence and severity of cough and hemodynamic variables were measured during the recovery period. Hemodynamic variables, respiration rate, and sedation scale were measured after extubation and in the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU). RESULTS: The incidence of grade 2 and 3 cough at the point of extubation was 62.5% in the dexmedetomidine group and 53.1% in the remifentanil group (p=0.39). Mean arterial pressure (p=0.01) at admission to the PACU and heart rate (p=0.04 and 0.01, respectively) at admission and at 10 minutes in the PACU were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group. Respiration rate was significantly lower in the remifentanil group at 2 minutes (p<0.01) and 5 minutes (p<0.01) after extubation. CONCLUSION: We concluded that a single bolus of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg) and remifentanil infusion have equal effectiveness in attenuating coughing and hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm clipping; however, dexmedetomidine leads to better preservation of respiration.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after unruptured cerebral aneurysm surgery: two cases report / 대한마취과학회지

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) occurring distant to the site of original surgery, such as supratentorial or spinal surgery, is rare but potentially fatal. Because the pathophysiology of RCH is thought to be excessive cerebrospinal fluid drainage during the perioperative periods, its diagnosis usually depends on the occurrence of unexpected neurologic disturbances and/or postoperative brain computerized tomography imaging. Because of its rarity, RCH-associated neurologic disturbances such as delayed awakening or nausea and vomiting may often be misdiagnosed as the effects of residual anesthetics or the effect of postoperative analgesic agents unless radiologic images are taken. Treatment for RCH ranges from conservative treatment to decompressive craniectomy, with prognoses ranging from complete resolution to fatality. Here, we report two cases of RCH after surgical clipping of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery and review anesthetic considerations.

Undiagnosed light chain systemic amyloidosis: does it matter to anesthesiologists?: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Light chain systemic amyloidosis is rare but may accompany laryngeal or pulmonary involvement, which may increase the risk in airway management. We present a case of a patient planned for resection of cervical epidural mass. The patient had face and neck ecchymoses and purpuras with an unknown cause. Mask ventilation and intubation were successful, but the operation was cancelled to evaluate bleeding from facial skin lesions. A diagnosis of light chain systemic amyloidosis prompted evaluation of involvement of other organs and treatment. This case shows the importance of preoperative evaluation and careful airway management in patients with systemic amyloidosis.

Effects of ulinastatin treatment on myocardial and renal injury in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We determined the protective effects of a high dose of ulinastatin on myocardial and renal function in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Sixty patients were assigned randomly to either the ulinastatin group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). In the ulinastatin group, ulinastatin (300,000 U) was given after the induction of anesthesia, ulinastatin (400,000 U) was added to the CPB pump prime, and then ulinastatin (300,000 U) was administered after weaning from CPB. In the control group, the same volume of saline was administered at the same time points. Creatine kinase-MB levels were assessed 1 day before surgery, and on the first and second postoperative day (POD 1 and 2). Serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were assessed 1 day before surgery, upon intensive care unit arrival, and on POD 1 and 2. The level of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin was assessed before induction of anesthesia, upon ICU arrival, and on POD 1. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in serum levels of creatine kinase-MB and biomarkers of renal injury between the two groups at any point during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Ulinastatin showed no cardiac or renal protective effects after CPB in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.

Association between opioid receptor gene polymorphism and postoperative pain response in Koreans

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of human micro-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene and the postoperative pain response in Korean patients undergoing thyroidectomy. METHODS: Fifty two adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy were enrolled in this study. Their blood samples were genotyped for the A118G polymorphism. Pain intensity was assessed by a verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) at postanesthesia care unit, postoperative 6, 24, and 48 hours. Mechanical pain threshold was assessed using electronic von Frey preoperatively and repeated at postoperative 24 and 48 hours on the forearm and periincisional regions. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients, 23 patients were A118 homozygous (AA), 19 patients were heterozygous (AG), and 8 patients were 118G homozygous (GG). The VNRS score was higher in patients with GG genotype than other genotypes at PACU (P < 0.05). Mechanical pain thresholds on the forearm and periincisional area were decreased at postoperative 24 and 48 hours from the preoperative values in all genotypes (P < 0.05). However, the changes in pain thresholds were similar among the genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: A118G SNP of OPRM1 gene is associated with inter-individual difference in immediate postoperative pain score in Korean population.

Remifentanil-induced pronociceptive effect and its prevention with pregabalin / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Experimental and clinical studies have suggested that remifentanil probably causes acute tolerance or postinfusion hyperalgesia. This study was designed to confirm whether remifentanil given during propofol anesthesia induced postoperative pain sensitization, and we wanted to investigate whether pregabalin could prevent this pronociceptive effect. METHODS: Sixty patients who were scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy were randomly allocated to receive (1) a placebo as premedication and an intraoperative saline infusion (control group), (2) a placebo as premedication and an intraoperative infusion of remifentanil at a rate of 3-4 ng/ml (remifentanil group), or (3) pregabalin 150 mg as premedication and an intraoperative infusion of remifentanil at a rate of 3-4 ng/ml (pregabalin-remifentanil group). Postoperative pain was controlled by titration of fentanyl in the postanesthetic care unit (PACU), followed by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with fentanyl. The patients were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain scores at rest and after cough, consumption of fentanyl, sedation score and any side effects that were noted over the 48 h postoperative period. RESULTS: The fentanyl titration dose given in the PACU was significantly larger in the remifentanil group as compared with those of the other two groups. At rest, the VAS pain score in the remifentanil group at 2 h after arrival in the PACU was significantly higher than those in the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that remifentanil added to propofol anesthesia causes pain sensitization in the immediate postoperative period. Pretreatment with pregabalin prevents this pronociceptive effect and so this may be useful for the management of acute postoperative pain when remifentanil and propofol are used as anesthetics.

Caplan's Syndrome Presenting as Multiple Pulmonary Nodules / 결핵및호흡기질환

We report a case of Caplan's Syndrome, which presented as multiple pulmonary nodules. A 58-year-old male was admitted to hospital due to multiple pulmonary nodules. In addition, the patient presented with multiple arthritis, and dyspnea on exertion. Rheumatoid arthritis had been diagnosed 35 years ago. The patient had worked as a stonemason for 20 years. Computed Tomography (CT) revealed numerous well-defined tiny nodules scattered in both lungs, which was suspicious of miliary tuberculosis or malignancy. The patient was started on antituberculous medications and referred to our hospital. First, a transbronchial lung biopsy was performed, which showed no evidence of granuloma. It was our opinion that the biopsy was insufficient, and a follow-up video-associated thoracoscopy was performed. The pathological report determined necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and silicosis on background. According to imaging studies, pathologic reports, and clinical symptoms, we concluded that the patient had Caplan's syndrome. We controlled his rheumatic medications, and instructed him to avoid exposure to hazardous dust.

Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics and Treatment of Patients with Thyrotropin-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Thyrotropin (TSH)-secreting pituitary adenoma (TSHoma) is rare and represents 1~2% of all pituitary adenomas. TSHoma should be distinguished from the thyroid hormone resistance syndrome. Patients with TSHoma may be misdiagnosed with primary hyperthyroidism and often receive inappropriate thyroid gland treatment. METHODS: We assessed the clinical characteristics of patients with TSHoma who presented to Severance Hospital at the Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea between 2005 and 2009. RESULTS: Of 484 patients who underwent pituitary tumor resection, eight (1.65%; five women and three men) were found to have TSHoma. The mean age was 40.6+/-8.9 years at diagnosis (range, 28~55 years). The median duration from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 17 months (range, 4~60 months). Four patients had overt symptoms of hyperthyroidism and two had visual field defect. Six patients had elevated free thyroxine (FT4) levels with elevated or inappropriately normal TSH levels, and two patients had symptoms associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The serum levels of free alpha-subunit measured in two patients were elevated. Six of the tumors were macroadenomas (>10 mm) and two were microadenomas. Complete tumor removal was achieved in all patients. Five patients had preoperative anterior pituitary dysfunction; three patients recovered from this after surgery. Three patients were lost to follow up and five patients showed no evidence of recurrence or hyperthyroidism in the follow-up period (mean, 30.8 months, range, 3~57). CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and complete removal of the tumor mass may improve the neurological and endocrine deficits.

A comparison of the recovery characteristics of propofol-remifentanil and desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia under bispectral index (BIS) monitoring following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective, double-blind randomized study was to compare the recovery characteristics of desflurane-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil anesthesia in patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy under BIS monitoring. METHODS: Eight patients (ASA I-II, 20-65 yr) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to receive propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia or desflurane-remifentanil. The BIS was monitored and maintained between 45-55. At the end of surgery all anesthetics were discontinued. Time to eye opening and time to extubation was recorded. Subsequently, the patients were transported to the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) and the modified aldrete score, visual analogue scale (VAS), blood pressure, heart rate, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were recorded upon arrival at the PACU, as well as at 15 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, and 24 hr. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the incidence of PONV between the two groups. Modified aldrete scores were significantly higher in the propofol group at 15 min postoperative period (P = 0.013, Propofol = 9.87, Desflurane = 9.62). Further, VAS scores were significantly higher in the desflurane group at 30 min (P = 0.037, Propofol = 4.26, Desflurane = 5.0), and the number of antiemetic injections were significantly higher in the desflurane group at arrival to the PACU (P = 0.035, Propofol = 0, Desflurane = 0.11 +/- 0.052) and at 24 hr (P = 0.03, Propofol = 0.41 +/- 0.562, Desfluarane = 0.62 +/- 0.157). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with BIS monitoring, there is no significant differences in the incidence of PONV. The use of propofol is associated with less postoperative pain.

Pneumothorax occurring during laparoscopic anterior resection of sigmoid colon cancer: A case report

Pneumothorax during laparoscopic surgery is a potentially fatal complication.We present a case of left-sided pneumothorax complicating laparoscopic anterior resection of the sigmoid colon cancer.After signs suggestive of pneumothorax were recognized during carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, chest X-ray confirmed the diagnosis.Oxygen saturation and vital signs were maintained by increasing the inspired oxygen fraction and deflating the pneumoperitoneum.The pneumothorax resolved spontaneously after surgery and there were no complications.This case shows the importance of vigilance on the part of the anesthesiologist during laparoscopic surgery.

Correlation between Pituitary Insufficiency and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding in Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenomas

BACKGROUND: Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are characterized by the absence of clinical and biochemical evidence of pituitary hormone hypersecretion, and these tumors constitute approximately one third of all the tumors of the anterior pituitary. Recently, hormonal deficiencies have gradually evolved to become the leading presenting signs and symptoms in patients with NFPAs. We investigated pituitary hormonal insufficiencies according to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with NFPA. METHODS: We evaluated the patients who were newly diagnosed with NFPA from 1997 through 2009. Among them, we analyzed 387 patients who were tested for their combined pituitary function and who underwent MRI. The severity of the hypopituitarism was determined by the number of deficient axes of the pituitary hormones. On the MRI study, the maximal diameter of the tumor, Hardy's classification, the thickness of the pituitary gland and the presence of stalk compression were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.85 +/- 12.93 years (range: 15-86) and 186 patients (48.1%) were male. As assessed on MRI, the tumor diameter was 27.87 +/- 9.93 mm, the thickness of the normal pituitary gland was 1.42 +/- 2.07 mm and stalk compression was observed in 201 patients (51.9%). Hypopituitarism was observed in 333 patients (86.0%). Deficiency for each pituitary hormone was most severe in the patients with Hardy type IIIA. Hypopituitarism was severe in the older age patients (P = 0.001) and the patients with a bigger tumor size (P < 0.001) and the presence of stalk compression (P < 0.001). However, the patients who had a thicker pituitary gland showed less severe hypopituitarism (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age, tumor diameter and the thickness of pituitary gland were important determinants for pituitary deficiency (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.022, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the hormonal deficiencies in patient with NFPA were correlated with the MRI findings, and especially the tumor diameter and preservation of the pituitary gland.

The effect of milrinone infusion on right ventricular function during coronary anastomosis and early outcomes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: During coronary anastomosis in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB), hemodynamic alternations can be induced by impaired diastolic function of the right ventricle. This study was designed to examine the effect of milrinone on right ventricular function and early outcomes in patients undergoing OPCAB. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing OPCAB were randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to receive either milrinone (milrinone group, n = 20) or normal saline (control group, n = 20). Hemodynamic variables were measured after pericardiotomy (T1), 5 min after stabilizer application for anastomosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD, T2), the obtuse marginalis branch (OM, T3), the right coronary artery (RCA, T4), 5 min after sternal closure (T5), and after ICU arrival. The right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and right ventricular volumetric parameters were also measured using the thermodilution technique. For evaluation of early outcomes, the 30-day operative mortality and morbidity risk models were used. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in hemodynamic variables, including mean arterial pressure, between the 2 groups, except for the cardiac index and RVEF. The cardiac index and RVEF were significantly greater at T3 in the milrinone group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous infusion of milrinone demonstrated a beneficial effect on cardiac output and right ventricular function in patients undergoing OPCAB, especially during anastomosis of the graft to the OM artery, and it had no adverse effect on early outcomes.

Influence of replacement with Ringer's lactate for preoperative NPO deficits on blood glucose concentration in children undergoing strabismus surgery

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effect that replacement with Ringer's lactate (RL) for preoperative NPO deficits might have on blood glucose concentration in children undergoing strabismus surgery. METHODS: Sixty children scheduled for strabismus surgery were enrolled in this study and RL was administered to all subjects for replacement of preoperative NPO deficits.Patients were randomly assigned to three groups according to the types of maintenance fluid employed during anesthesia.RL, 5% dextrose in one-fourth strength normal saline (D51/4NS), and an equal volume of D(5)1/4NS and RL each were used as maintenance fluids for Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively.After glycopyrrolate 0.004 mg/kg IV, anesthesia was induced with propofol 3 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg.After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with 2-3 vol% sevoflurane in 50% air with oxygen.Blood glucose concentrations were checked from blood samples through a 22 gauge catheter inserted into a saphenous vein at the time of induction, 30 and 60 min after induction of anesthesia. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline blood glucose levels at the time of induction of anesthesia among three groups.And the mean blood glucose concentrations remained unchanged throughout the study period in all groups.None of the patients were found to be hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the replacement of preoperative NPO deficits with RL maintains the blood glucose concentration within physiological range throughout the operation and anesthetic recovery phase, regardless of the types of maintenance fluid.

The effects of lidocaine and fentanyl on airway irritability during inhalation induction with desflurane / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Inhalation induction with desflurane can cause airway irritability and sympathetic stimulation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether lidocaine and fentanyl could reduce these unwanted reactions. METHODS: Seventy-five patients who had premedication with midazolam were randomly allocated to one of three groups to receive intravenous saline (S group), lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg (L group), fentanyl 1 microgram/kg (F group), respectively, before tidal volume induction with desflurane in oxygen and nitrous oxide. We recorded airway irritability such as cough, apnea, laryngospasm and excitatory movement and hemodynamic changes. RESULTS: Airway irritability was not significantly different between the groups. In F group, mean blood pressure at LOC ver and LOC BIS and heart rate at LOC ver, LOC BIS and just before intubation were lower than those of S group (P < 0.05). Other results were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that intravenous fentanyl and lidocaine had no beneficial effects to reduce airway irritability, but intravenous fentanyl could significantly reduce hemodynamic stimulation during inhalation induction with desflurane in the patients who were premedicated with midazolam.

Parent-Controlled Analgesia in Children Undergoing Cleft Palate Repair

The aims of this study were to find an optimal basal infusion dose of fentanyl for parent-controlled analgesia (PrCA) in children undergoing cleft palate repair and the degree of parents' satisfaction with PrCA. Thirty consecutive children between 6 months and 2 yr of age were enrolled. At the end of surgery, a PrCA device with a basal infusion rate of 2 mL/hr and bolus of 0.5 mL with lockout time of 15 min was applied. Parents were educated in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices, the Wong Baker face pain scoring system, and monitoring of adverse effects of fentanyl. Fentanyl was infused 0.3 microgram/kg/hr at first, and we obtained a predetermined fentanyl regimen by the response of the previous patient to a larger or smaller dose of fentanyl (0.1 microgram/kg/hr as the step size), using an up-and-down method. ED50 and ED95 by probit analysis were 0.63 microgram/kg/hr (95% confidence limits, 0.55-0.73 microgram/kg/hr) and 0.83 microgram/kg/hr (95% confidence limits, 0.73-1.47 microgram/kg/hr), respectively. Eighty seven percent of the parents were satisfied with participating in the PrCA modality. PrCA using fentanyl with a basal infusion rate of 0.63 microgram/kg/hr can be applied effectively for postoperative pain management in children undergoing cleft palate repair with a high level of parents' satisfaction.

A Comparison of Remifentanil versus Fentanyl as an Adjuvant to Propofol Anesthesia for Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Remifentanil is a new member of fentanyl family and a short-acting, esterase-metabolized opioid.This study compared the perioperative characteristics of a remifentanil infusion with those of fentanyl bolus administration as an adjuvant to propofol infusion for the anesthetic management of patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy. METHODS: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to receive either remifentanil target controlled infusion (R group, effect-site concentration of 4.0 ng/ml for induction followed by 2.0 ng/ml) or fentanyl bolus (F group, 2.0microgram/kg before induction).All patients received propofol infusion as the part of the induction and maintenance.We investigated recovery profiles, adverse events and the ease of insertion of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) between the two groups.Heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were also compared at baseline (T0), loss of consciousness (T1), insertion of LMA (T2), beginning and end of operation (T3, T4) and removal of LMA (T5). RESULTS: The time from the end of anesthesia to spontaneous respiration, eye opening and LMA removal were significantly shorter for patients receiving remifentanil than for those receiving fentanyl.HR at T3 and T4 were lower in the R group than in the F group.Aldrete recovery score, time to discharge from recovery ward, the ease of insertion of the LMA, MAP and adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Target controlled infusion of remifentanil combined with propofol can significantly shorten the early recovery time than fentanyl bolus administration without increasing adverse events in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Efficacy of Remifentanil-induced Controlled Hypotension for Orthognathic Two Jaw Surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Controlled hypotension is used to reduce bleeding and improve surgical conditions during surgery. Remifentanil is an ultrashort-acting opioid with potent analgesic effect and is useful for rapid emergence. This study was performed to investigate the clinical usefulness of remifentanil for induced hypotension during orthognathic surgery. METHODS: Fifty adult patients scheduled for orthognathic two jaw surgery were randomly allocated to nitroglycerin (group N) and remifentanil group (group R). After induction of anesthesia, group N (n = 25) was infused with nitroglycerin to induce hypotension, and group R (n = 25) was infused with remifentanil. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min after drug administration. Surgical field rating and blood loss were measured after surgery. RESULTS: Heart rates at 10, 20, 30 minutes after continuous infusion of drug were lower in group R than in group N (P < 0.05). The time for the MAP to return to the baseline after discontinuation of drug infusion was shorter in group R than in group N (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the surgical field rating and blood loss between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil enabled controlled hypotension and provided good surgical conditions for orthognathic surgery with no need for additional use of a hypotensive agent.

Tracheal Intubation using Remifentanil and No Muscle Relaxants: the Effect of Thiopental, Propofol, or Etomidate on Tracheal Intubating Conditions and Hemodynamic Changes / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Many studies have suggested that propofol in combination with remifentanil may provide adequate conditions for tracheal intubation without the use of muscle relaxants. Other hypnotic drugs have not been thoroughly investigated in this regard. The goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of thiopental, propofol or etomidate on tracheal intubating conditions and hemodynamic changes using remifentanil in the absence of muscle relaxants. METHODS: A total of 45 healthy adults were divided randomly into three groups. After iv lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg, thiopental 5 mg/kg (thiopental group) or propofol 2.5 mg/kg (propofol group), or etomidate 0.4 mg/kg (etomidate group) were injected. After the injection of study drugs, remifentanil 2 mcg/kg was administered. Ninety seconds after the administration of remifentanil, laryngoscopy and intubation were attempted. Intubating conditions were assessed and the mean arterial pressure and the heart rate was measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in intubating conditions between patients in the three groups. The heart rate was significantly lower in the propofol and etomidate group patients when compared to the thiopental group patients after anesthetic induction. The mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in the propofol group patients when compared to the thiopental and etomidate group patients. Both heart rate and mean arterial pressure after tracheal intubation were significantly elevated in etomidate group patinets when compared to their preintubation value. CONCLUSIONS: The use of thiopental 5 mg/kg, propofol 2.5 mg/kg, and etomidate 0.4 mg/kg did not differ in effect under intubating conditions for tracheal intubation using remifentanil in the absence of muscle relaxants. Thiopental provided the best hemodynamic conditions.