The effects of meperidine in patients undergoing deep sedation for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study

BACKGROUND: The transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PBx) is one of the most common procedures among day care center based urologic procedures. Our aim was to determine if pretreatment with meperidine could improve the quality of anesthesia in patients undergoing deep sedation for TRUS-PBx. METHODS: Sixty male patients (30–80 years; American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I or II) scheduled for TRUS-PBx were allocated randomly into two groups. After pretreatment with normal saline (Group C) or intravenous (i.v.) meperidine 0.5 mg/kg (Group M), sedation was induced with i.v. propofol 1.5 mg/kg. Additional doses of i.v. propofol 0.5 mg/kg were administered upon patient movement. During the procedure, hemodynamic variables, patient movement, and the bispectral index were measured. After the procedure, the mean modified observer's assessment of alertness/sedation score (MOASS), postprocedural pain, side effects, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: During the procedure, patient movement was not significantly different between the two groups, but Group M required a significantly lower total propofol dose compared to that of Group C (P = 0.036). After the procedure, the MOASS was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.055), but Group M patients experienced significantly less postprocedural pain (P = 0.012), lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 45 (P = 0.044 and P = 0.014) and 60 minutes (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006), and lower incidence of tenesmus than Group C (P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Meperidine can be used as a safe, effective analgesic with deep sedation for patients undergoing TRUS-PBx.

Sedation using 5% lidocaine patches, midazolam and propofol in a combative, obese adolescent with severe autistic disorder undergoing brain magnetic resonance imaging: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

We present a 17-year-old man who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory exams for uncontrolled seizure. Patients with an autistic disorder require deep sedation or, occasionally, general anesthesia even for radiologic exams or simple procedures. The anesthetic management of an obese, violent patient with a severe autistic disorder and mental retardation can be challenging to anesthesiologists and requires a more careful approach in selecting adequate anesthetics and doses. This case emphasizes the importance of having a detailed plan to ensure the smooth process of premedication, anesthetic induction, maintenance, emergence and safe discharge of incorporated patients in the event of unexpected situations. A 5% lidocaine patch to relieve the pain from the intramuscular injection and intravenous cannulation, intramuscular midazolam as premedication, and propofol for the maintenance of sedation can be a good sedation protocol in incorporated patients.

Aminophylline Partially Prevents the Decrease of Body Temperature during Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery

Aminophylline can elicit thermogenesis in rats or increase metabolic rate during cold stress in lambs. We tested the hypothesis that aminophylline would reduce the change in core body temperature during laparoscopic abdominal surgery requiring pneumoperitoneum. Fifty patients were randomly divided into an aminophylline group (n=25) and a saline control group (n=25). Esophageal temperature, index finger temperature, and hemodynamic variables, such as mean blood pressure and heart rate, were measured every 15 min during sevoflurane anesthesia. In the aminophylline group, esophageal temperatures at T45 (36.1+/-0.38 vs. 35.7+/-0.29, P=0.024), T60 (36.0+/-0.39 vs. 35.6+/-0.28, P=0.053), T75 (35.9+/-0.34 vs. 35.5+/-0.28, P=0.025), T90 (35.8+/-0.35 vs. 35.3+/-0.33, P=0.011), and T105 (35.8+/-0.36 vs. 35.1+/-0.53, P=0.017) and index finger temperatures at T15 (35.8+/-0.46 vs. 34.9+/-0.33, P<0.001), T30 (35.7+/-0.36 vs. 35.0+/-0.58, P=0.029), T45 (35.8+/-0.34 vs. 35.2+/-0.42, P=0.020), T60 (35.7+/-0.33 vs. 34.9+/-0.47, P=0.010), T75 (35.6+/-0.36 vs. 34.8+/-0.67, P=0.028), T90 (35.4+/-0.55 vs. 34.4+/-0.89, P=0.042), and T105 (34.9+/-0.53 vs. 33.9+/-0.85, P=0.024) were significantly higher than in the saline control group. Aminophylline is effective in maintaining the core temperature through a thermogenic effect, despite reduced peripheral thermoregulatory vasoconstriction.

Aminophylline Partially Prevents the Decrease of Body Temperature during Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery

Aminophylline can elicit thermogenesis in rats or increase metabolic rate during cold stress in lambs. We tested the hypothesis that aminophylline would reduce the change in core body temperature during laparoscopic abdominal surgery requiring pneumoperitoneum. Fifty patients were randomly divided into an aminophylline group (n=25) and a saline control group (n=25). Esophageal temperature, index finger temperature, and hemodynamic variables, such as mean blood pressure and heart rate, were measured every 15 min during sevoflurane anesthesia. In the aminophylline group, esophageal temperatures at T45 (36.1+/-0.38 vs. 35.7+/-0.29, P=0.024), T60 (36.0+/-0.39 vs. 35.6+/-0.28, P=0.053), T75 (35.9+/-0.34 vs. 35.5+/-0.28, P=0.025), T90 (35.8+/-0.35 vs. 35.3+/-0.33, P=0.011), and T105 (35.8+/-0.36 vs. 35.1+/-0.53, P=0.017) and index finger temperatures at T15 (35.8+/-0.46 vs. 34.9+/-0.33, P<0.001), T30 (35.7+/-0.36 vs. 35.0+/-0.58, P=0.029), T45 (35.8+/-0.34 vs. 35.2+/-0.42, P=0.020), T60 (35.7+/-0.33 vs. 34.9+/-0.47, P=0.010), T75 (35.6+/-0.36 vs. 34.8+/-0.67, P=0.028), T90 (35.4+/-0.55 vs. 34.4+/-0.89, P=0.042), and T105 (34.9+/-0.53 vs. 33.9+/-0.85, P=0.024) were significantly higher than in the saline control group. Aminophylline is effective in maintaining the core temperature through a thermogenic effect, despite reduced peripheral thermoregulatory vasoconstriction.

Hepatic Ischemic Preconditioning Provides Protection Against Distant Renal Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Mice

We previously demonstrated that there are acute and delayed phases of renal protection against renal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury with renal ischemic preconditioning (IPC). This study assessed whether hepatic IPC could also reduce distant renal IR injury through the blood stream-mediated supply of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: group I, sham operated including right nephrectomy; group II (IR), left renal ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion injury; group III (IPC-IR), hepatic ischemia for 10 min followed by 10 min of reperfusion before left renal IR injury; group IV (MPG - IPC + IR), pretreated with 100 mg/kg N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) 15 min before hepatic IPC and left renal IR injury. Renal function, histopathologic findings, proinflammatory cytokines, and cytoprotective proteins were evaluated 15 min or 24 hr after reperfusion. Hepatic IPC attenuated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and induced inducible nitric-oxide synthase, and the phosphorylation of Akt in the murine kidney. Renal function was better preserved in mice with hepatic IPC (group III) than groups II or IV. Hepatic IPC protects against distant renal IR injury through the blood stream-delivery of hepatic IPC-induced ROS, by inducing cytoprotective proteins, and by inhibiting inflammatory reactions.

Efficacy of Epidural Analgesia in Patients with Cancer Pain: A Retrospective Observational Study

PURPOSE: Pain in terminal cancer patients may be refractory to systemic analgesics or associated with adverse drug reactions to analgesics. Epidural analgesia has been effectively used in such patients for pain control. However, this method does not provide pain relief to all patients. The efficacy and complications of continuous epidural analgesia were evaluated for expanding efficacy in terminal cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of patients who received epidural analgesia for over 5 years for the control of terminal cancer pain were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients received 127 epidural catheters. The mean duration for epidural catheterization was 31.5+/-55.6 (5-509) days. The dose of epidural morphine increased by 3.5% per day. The efficacy of epidural analgesia at 2 weeks follow up revealed improved pain control (n=56), as the morphine equivalent drug dose dropped from 213.4 mg/day to 94.1 mg/day (p<0.05) at 2 weeks follow up. Accordingly, after 2 weeks institution of epidural analgesia, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with severe pain, from 78.1% to 19.6% (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Epidural analgesia was an effective pain control method in patients with terminal cancer pain, however, a systematized algorithm for the control of cancer-related pain in needed.

Severe hypotension and water intoxication developed after an accidental oxytocin overdose in a morbidly obese patient undergoing cesarean section: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We present a 32-year-old, extremely obese, pregnant woman who developed severe hypotension and water intoxication after an accidental injection of large bolus of oxytocin during cesarean section under general anesthesia. The patient was initially thought to have an amniotic fluid embolism because of the abrupt hemodynamic changes developed immediately after fetal delivery and lack of recognition of medication error. It is highly recommended that careful attention should be paid not only to the possibility of hemodynamic deterioration and water intoxication if oxytocin is given rapidly in excessive doses, but to the confirmation of the proper use of the drug before it is injected.

Rumpel-Leede phenomenon associated with noninvasive blood pressure monitoring: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We report a case of Rumpel-Leede (RL) phenomenon, - acute dermis capillary rupture, secondary to noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension. The first most likely cause is vascular fragility in microangiopathy as a result of DM and chronic steroid use. The second is the increased venous pressure during cycling of the blood pressure cuff in a hypertensive state. Anesthesiologists need to be aware that acute dermal capillary rupture, although rare, can occur in patients with long-standing DM, hypertension and chronic steroid use.

Acute compartment syndrome of the forearm and hand in a patient of spine surgery: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 38-year-old woman underwent a 4-hour operation in the prone position for a laminectomy at C4-7 and posterior cervical decompressive fusion at C7-T1 under general anesthesia. After undraping at the end of surgery, considerable swelling with many blisters of the left forearm and hand was observed. The chest roll at the left side had moved cephalad into the axilla and compressed the axillary structures. An emergency fasciotomy to decompress the compartments of the forearm and dorsal surface of the hand was performed. In the post anesthesia care unit, the radial pulse of the left hand was palpable and the level of oxygen saturation was normal. Forearm and hand edema subsided gradually over several days and the patient was discharged with full function of her left arm. This compartment syndrome suggests careful attention should be paid to the position of the chest roll when the prone position is established for a long duration.

Atelectasis of Dependent Lungs during Fistula Closure in a Patient with Tracheopleural Fistula: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

Atelectasis is a fairly common complication in patients undergoing general anesthesia. However, atelectasis caused secretion plugs in patients with tracheopleural fistula is less common than other airway fistulas such as trachea and bronchus. Anesthesiologists should make every effort for thorough preoperative preparation to prevent atelectasis and using appropriate and aggressive treatment, including tracheal or bronchial clearing and end expiratory positive pressure. We report a case of an intraoperative occurrence of atelectasis of the lower lobe of a dependent lung in a patient with a tracheopleural fistula during single lung ventilation for primary closure.

Lidocaine attenuates the expression of ERK1/2 and CREB in a neuropathic pain model of rats / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: In addition to causing the loss of voluntary sensory and motor function, spinal cord injury (SCI) often creates a state of central neuropathic pain. Rats given SCI display increases in the activated form of transcription factors ERK 1/2, p38 MAPK, and CREB in the spinal cord, which correspond to allodynia in a model of neuropathic pain. The current study was designed to determine if lidocaine had an effect on the development of neuropathic pain in response to SCI. METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats were anesthetized and then received a L5-L6 spinal nerve ligation (neuropathic rats). The levels of intracellular cell-signaling protein, ERK 1/2 and CREB were then assessed by western blot analysis of samples collected from a sham operated (control) group, a neuropathic pain and normal saline (NP + NS) group, and a neuropathic pain and 5% lidocaine (NP + Lido) group. RESULTS: The increased levels of ERK 1/2 and CREB protein that were observed in the neuropathic pain model were reduced by continuous infusion of 5% lidocaine. CONCLUSIONS: The current results suggest that lidocaine therapy may be an effective method of preventing and treating central neuropathic pain following SCI, and that these effects may occur via the reduced expression of ERK 1/2 and CREB in the intracellular cell-signaling pathway.

Postoperative Pain Control using Intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesia in Cesarean Section and Hysterectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain degree is variable according to the site, type, and method of operation. This study compared the pain degree and amount of analgesics required among 3 types of operation. METHODS: Ninety patients were selected that cesarean section (Group I, n = 30), open total hysterectomy (Group II, n = 30), laparoscopic total hysterectomy (Group III, n = 30) were scheduled. Patients received PCA with basal rate 2 ml/h, bolus 1 ml, lockout interval 5 min using fentanyl and ketorolac. We evaluated VAS at 30 min, 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 h postoperatively, demand of button and attempt of button, 6 hourly used amount of analgesics; side effects and degree of satisfaction after 24, 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The rest VAS decreased below 30 at 6 hr in group I & II and at 2 hr in group III. More analgesics were needed for the first 6 hr compared with remained time in 3 groups (group I vs. group II vs. group III, P < 0.05). Total amount of analgesics including loading dose were fentanyl 1,536 +/- 342microgram, ketorolac 167 +/- 34 mg for group I; 1,212 +/- 215microgram, 132 +/- 30 mg for group II; 866 +/- 125microgram, 97 +/- 27 mg for group III (group I vs. group II vs. group III, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative pain was painful as order of cesarean section, open total hysterectomy, and laparoscopic total hysterectomy. The pain was reduced 6 hr in laparotomy and 2 h in laparoscopy.

Renal Protective Effects of Opposite Renal Ischemic Preconditioning against Renal Ischemic Reperfusion Injury in Mice / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) results from renal ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury and is a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality encountered during the perioperative period. It was previously demonstrated that ischemic preconditioning (IPC) of the heart, brain, and kidney offered protection against IR injury. Therefore, this study examined whether or not distant IPC can also be effective against IR injury in other organs. METHODS: C57BL6 mice were classified into three groups, Sham group (n=7), IR group (n=7) and Cross IPC IR group (n=7). The sham group was subjected only to a right renal nephrectomy (ligation of renal pedicle with silk). The IR group was subjected to 30 min of left renal ischemia after a right nephrectomy. The cross IPC IR group was subjected to right renal IPC (two cycles of 5 min of ischemia and reperfusion) followed 15 min later by a right nephrectomy and 30 min left renal ischemia. The left kidney was harvested 24 h after surgery and the histology and blood creatinine level was analyzed. The left kidneys were isolated 15 min after right nephrectomy (sham, n=7) and right renal IPC (cross IPC, n=7), respectively, and analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS: The level of the intra-cellular signaling proteins, iNOS, Akt and ERK increased significantly as a result of the right renal IPC, and the renal functions were well preserved in the cross IPC IR group compared with the IR group. CONCLUSIONS: Cross renal IPC offers protection by elevating the iNOS, Akt and ERK levels due to the distant oxygen free radicals stream against the opposite renal IR injury in mice.