Amitriptyline inhibits the MAPK/ERK and CREB pathways and proinflammatory cytokines through A3AR activation in rat neuropathic pain models / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The pain-relief properties of tricyclic antidepressants can be attributed to several actions. Recent observations suggest that adenosine is involved in the antinociceptive effect of amitriptyline. The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is the only adenosine subtype overexpressed in inflammatory and cancer cells. This study was performed to investigate the role of A3AR in the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline. METHODS: Spinal nerve-ligated neuropathic pain was induced by ligating the L5 and L6 spinal nerves of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The neuropathic rats were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups (8 per group): a neuropathic pain with normal saline group, a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline group, and a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl- 2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS) group. Amitriptyline or saline was administered intraperitoneally and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS-1191), an A3AR antagonist, was injected subcutaneously immediately before amitriptyline administration. The level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase P44/42 (ERK1/2), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and proinflammatory cytokines were assessed using immunoblotting or reverse-transciption polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Amitriptyline increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the neuropathic rats. The level of phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-CREB proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines produced by spinal nerve ligation were significantly reduced by amitriptyline administration. However, the use of MRS-1191 before amitriptyline administration not only reduced the threshold of mechanical allodynia, but also increased the signaling protein and proinflammatory cytokine levels, which were reduced by amitriptyline. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline involves the suppression of ERK1/2 and CREB signaling proteins, and A3AR activation also affects the alleviation of the inflammatory response.

Amitriptyline inhibits the MAPK/ERK and CREB pathways and proinflammatory cytokines through A3AR activation in rat neuropathic pain models / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#The pain-relief properties of tricyclic antidepressants can be attributed to several actions. Recent observations suggest that adenosine is involved in the antinociceptive effect of amitriptyline. The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is the only adenosine subtype overexpressed in inflammatory and cancer cells. This study was performed to investigate the role of A3AR in the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline.@*METHODS@#Spinal nerve-ligated neuropathic pain was induced by ligating the L5 and L6 spinal nerves of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The neuropathic rats were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups (8 per group): a neuropathic pain with normal saline group, a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline group, and a neuropathic pain with amitriptyline and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl- 2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS) group. Amitriptyline or saline was administered intraperitoneally and 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS-1191), an A3AR antagonist, was injected subcutaneously immediately before amitriptyline administration. The level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase P44/42 (ERK1/2), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and proinflammatory cytokines were assessed using immunoblotting or reverse-transciption polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Amitriptyline increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the neuropathic rats. The level of phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-CREB proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines produced by spinal nerve ligation were significantly reduced by amitriptyline administration. However, the use of MRS-1191 before amitriptyline administration not only reduced the threshold of mechanical allodynia, but also increased the signaling protein and proinflammatory cytokine levels, which were reduced by amitriptyline.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of this study suggest that the anti-nociceptive effect of amitriptyline involves the suppression of ERK1/2 and CREB signaling proteins, and A3AR activation also affects the alleviation of the inflammatory response.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Low dose ketamine reduces the induction of ERK1/2 and CREB signaling protein 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 MAPK and CREB in the spinal cord, which correspond to allodynia in a model of neuropathic pain. This study was conducted to determine if low dose ketamine had an effect on the activation of ERK 1/2 and CREB in the development of neuropathic pain. METHODS: This study was conducted to evaluate ERK 1/2 and CREB protein in a sham operated (control) group, neuropathic pain and normal saline (NP + NS) group and neuropathic pain and ketamine (NP + Keta) group. To accomplish this, male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and then subjected to L5-L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL, neuropathic rats). The total amounts of ERK 1/2 and CREB protein were then assessed by western blot analysis. In addition, changes in the amounts of ERK 1/2 and CREB mRNA were evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the amount of ERK 1/2 and CREB in the NP + NS group when compared with the sham group. However, the amount of ERK 1/2 and CREB protein induced due to SNL were significantly reduced by continuous infusion with ketamine in the NP + Keta group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed a positive linkage between NMDA receptors and the ERK-CREB signaling pathway. Therefore, NMDA receptors could be the target of future therapeutic approaches. Additionally, the results of the present study provide additional evidence that low dose ketamine effectively prevents and treats central neuropathic pain following SNL.

Clinical Outcomes after Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty or Stent Insertion in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Obstructive or Stenotic Disease

PURPOSE: Percutaneous peripheral balloon angioplasty and stent insertion are used for the treatment of peripheral arterial obstructions and stenosis. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of peripheral balloon angioplasty and stent insertion in patients with peripheral arterial disease. METHOD: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent peripheral balloon angioplasty or stent insertion in obstructive or stenotic peripheral arterial lesions between July 2003 and November 2006. Follow-up study was performed using lower extremity multi-directional computed tomography (MDCT) or lower extremity angiography. Mean follow-up was 22.8 months. RESULT: A total of 30 patients (47 lesions) were treated. The mean age was 66.8 years, and the ratio of male to female patients was 29 to 1. Calf claudication was the most common chief complaint, and 19 patients had hypertension. Obstructive lesions were found in the common iliac artery (CIA) (18), external iliac artery (EIA) (11), superficial femoral artery (SFA) (15), and anterior tibial artery (ATA) (3). Peripheral balloon angioplasty was performed for 8 lesions, and stent insertion was performed for 39 lesions. Re-stenosis occurred in 9 lesions (3 in the CIA, 5 in the SFA, 1 in the ATA) during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Peripheral balloon angioplasty and stent insertion are useful modalities for the treatment of obstruction or stenosis in lower extremity peripheral arteries. Close follow-up is necessary to improve long-term outcomes.

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.

The Effect of Dilution with 0.9% Normal Saline on Reducing Withdrawal Movement Induced by Rocuronium Injection

BACKGROUND: The intravenous injection of rocuronium after loss of consciousness during induction of general anesthesia can cause a withdrawal movement of hand, arm or more than one extremity. We designed this study to examine diluted rocuronium (2 mg/ml) with 0.9% normal saline can reduce withdrawal movement. METHODS: Eighty healthy female patients (aged 19-63) scheduled for general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of two groups; Group 1 (rocuronium 10 mg/ml) and Group 2 (rocuronium diluted to 2 mg/ml with 0.9% normal saline). After loss of consciousness and eyelid reflex by intravenous injection of thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg, rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) was injected at the speed of 1 ml/sec in both groups. The incidence and severity of withdrawal movements were assessed by using four-point scales. RESULTS: The incidence and severity of withdrawal movement in response to rocuronium injection were significantly reduced in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dilution of rocuronium 10 mg/ml to 2 mg/ml with 0.9% normal saline was significantly effective for reducing withdrawal movement during induction of general anesthesia. This is a simple and effective strategy for preventing rocuronium-induced withdrawal movement.

Post-extubation Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema Complicating Partial Rib Resection: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) during anesthetic recovery is a rare, but potentially serious complication for patients who are undergoing different surgical procedures. The proposed mechanism is the generation of high negative pressure during markedly respiratory effort and upper airway obstruction from glottis closure and laryngospasm, and this all leads to pulmonary edema. We report here on a case of a healthy 26-year-old male who immediately developed NPPE and hemoptysis following extubation after partial rib resection due to benign rib tumor; the patient was treated conservatively. We also include a review of the review literatures.

Does the Stellate Ganglion Block Decrease the Postoperative Sore Throat?

BACKGROUND: Decreased circulation of the tracheal mucosa caused by high intracuff pressure of endotracheal tube is responsible for increased incidence of postoperative sore throat. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) can improve the circulation of head and neck and upper extremities and affects postoperative sore throat. METHODS: Sixty female patients were randomly assigned to get unilateral SGB with 1% lidocaine (group I) or saline (group II). Intracuff pressures of endotracheal tube of all patients were maintained at around 50 mmHg during anesthesia. The frequency of sore throat and hoarseness, the severity of sore throat were estimated at arrival of recovery room and 6, 24, 48 hours after extubation. RESULTS: The incidence of sore throat was significant lower at only 6 hours after extubation in the Group I (P <0.05) than in Group II. There were no significant differences of the incidence of hoarseness or severity of sore throat between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was statistical significance of the incidence of postoperative sore throat in the SGB patients at 6 hours after extubation. However it may not be possible to alleviate the severity of sore throat with SGB.

A Clinical Review of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

PURPOSE: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is difficult to diagnose and has a high rate of complications as well as a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to define the risk factors and mortality rate of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients with acute mesenteric ischemia at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from June 1995 to May 2006. RESULT: The mean age was 51.1 (age range, 27 to 78 years) and the gender ratio was 2:1 (male, 18, female, 6). The most common underlying diseases were hypertension (50%, n=9), diabetes mellitus (44.4%, n=8), artrial fibrillation (22%, n=4), and congestive heart failure (11%, n=2). Abdominal pain was the most frequent presenting symptom; other symptoms included nausea, vomiting and hematochezia. To confirm the diagnosis, a CT was performed in 10 cases, a CT and angiography was performed in four cases, and exploratory surgery in four cases. The causes of the acute mesenteric ischemia were SMA embolism in eight cases (44%), SMA thrombosis in 5 cases (27%), SMA with IMA thrombosis in 1 case (5%), IMA thrombosis in 1 case (5%), SMV thrombosis in 2 cases (11%), and SMV with IMV thrombosis in 1 case (5%). All of the patients underwent abdominal exploration, 16 cases had bowel resection performed, one case had a thromboembolectomy performed, and one case was opened and closed. Complications occurred in nine (50%) patients. Sepsis in three, wound infection in three, short bowel syndrome, toxic hepatitis, pulmonary embolism, and ischemic heart disease also occurred. The overall mortality rate was 33.3% (6 cases). The mortality rate with a SMA embolism was 5% (1 case), with SMA thrombosis was 40% (2 cases), with SMA+IMA thrombosis was 100% (1 case), in IMA thrombosis 100% (1 case), in SMV thrombosis was 0%, and 100% in SMV+IMV thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Despite the low incidence of acute mesenteric ischemia, it is still a life-threatening condition. Thus, when mesenteric ischemia is suspected, early diagnosis, with CT or angiography is required, and thrombolytics and surgery should be considered to improve the prognosis.

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.

The Insertion of a Nasogastric Tube with a Nasopharyngeal Airway / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The insertion of a nasogastric tube can be difficult in an anesthetized patient who has a cuffed endotracheal tube in place. The placement of a silastic nasogastric (NG) tube can lead to nasal bleeding or a submucosal dissection in the posterior pharynx. The aim of this study was to determine if the insertion of a nasogastric tube with a nasophryngeal airway can be made easy. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups; Group 1 and Group 2. For Group 1, a nasogastric tube was inserted first. If this method was not successful with two consecutive attempts, then a nasogastric tube with a nasopharyngeal airway was inserted and if unsuccessful again with two attempts, then Magill forceps were used under laryngoscopy. For Group 2, a nasogastric tube with a nasopharyngeal airway was inserted first. If this method was not successful with two consecutive attempts, then a nasogastric tube was inserted and if unsuccessful again with two attempts, then Magill forceps were used under laryngoscopy. RESULTS: The success rate of the 1st pass in Group 2 was significantly higher than in Group 1 (P < 0.05). The success rate with the 1st intended method in Group 2 was significantly higher than in Group 1 (P < 0.05). The rate of using Magill forceps was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of a nasogastric tube with a nasopharyngeal airway in anesthetized and intubated patients is effective in increasing success rate of insertion. Nasopharyngeal airway traverses the nasopharynx atraumatically and serves as a conduit for the smaller nasogastric tube.

The Comparison of Sedation Quality, Side Effects, and Recovery Profiles of Propofol Alone, Propofol-Fentanyl and Porpofol-Ketamine PCS for MAC / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Propofol has been the most widely used IV adjuvant during Monitored anesthesia care (MAC), even though it lacksanalgesic properties. This study was designed to compare sedation quality, side effects, and recovery profiles of propofol alone (group P), propofol-fentanyl (group PF) and propofol-ketamine (group PK) using PCS for breast biopsy procedures using local anesthesia. METHODS: Anxiety VAS, pain VAS and digit symbol substitution test (DSST) were measured in 60 excision breast biopsy patients with local anesthesia. Vital signs, respiratory (SpO2, RR, and ETCO2) variables, BIS, and OAA/S scores were recorded. Perioperative side effects (e. g., pain on injection, excessive sedation [OAA/S < 4], hypoventilation [ventilatory frequency 8 bpm], hypotension, dizziness, unpleasant feeling, Nausea) were also noted. RESULTS: There were no differences among the three PCS groups with respect to demographic data (Table 1). A/D ratio in PK group had a significant increase over P group. The incidence of excessive sedation and dizziness were significantly more frequent in the PK group patients (P < 0.05)(Table 1, 2). OAA/S scores were significantly decreased in the PK group during near the end of surgery, whereas BIS scores were only at the end of surgery (P < 0.05)(Fig. 1, 2). During 15 min after arrival at recovery room, significantly less patients in the PK group gave correct responses on the DSST than other groups (P < 0.05)(Fig. 2, 3). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to past studies of ketamine as an alternative to opioid adjuncts during propofol PCS, it has no more advantage than supplemental fentanyl in terms of sedation level and side effects.

A Case of Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia Mistaken as Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) is a relatively well-known disorder with characteristic brief attacks of shooting pain in the facial regions. Atypical signs like constant pain and/or sensory abnormalities can develop as the disease progresses. Some cases begin with atypical signs and later develop all the hallmarks of TGN. The atypical forms of TGN can be misdiagnosed as other pain disorders. We present a patient with facial pain who demonstrated a transformation in signs of glossopharyngeal neuralgia into typical trigeminal neuralgia. A 71 year-old man was referred for sharp episodic pain in his right side of the face and neck. The pain was mainly in the neck, which was worsened especially by swallowing. The condition was initially diagnosed as a glossopharyngenl neuralgia. While controlling the pain conservatively with a sympathetic blockade, the neck pain disappeared suddenly and lower jaw pain triggered by speaking and chewing became prominent, which are the characteristic signs of trigeminal neuralgia.

Report of Nation-wide Questionnaire Survey for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment in Korea

While endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is prevailing for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in modern vascular practice, PURPOSE: we conducted nationwide questionnaire survey to investigate the current status of AAA treatment and their results in Korea. METHOD: We reviewed the replies from 28 hospitals (33 departments) to the questionnaire inquiring annual number, clinical features, mode of treatment and results of AAA patients during the period from Jan. 2000 to Jul. 2004. Results: 980 AAA patients were reported including 292 ruptured AAA (29.8%) and 688 non-ruptured AAA (70.2%). For treatment of AAA, 834 (85.1%) surgical repairs (SRs) and 111 (11.3%) endovascualr aneurysm repairs (EVARs) were performed while 35 patients (3.6%) died of AAA rupture before operation. The locations of AAA were infrarenal in 889 (90.7%), juxtarenal in 62 (6.3%), and suprarenal in 29 patients (3.0%). Among 834 patients undergoing SR, 577 patients (69.2%) had non-ruptured AAAs and 257 patients (30.8%) had ruptured AAAs. Mean operative mortality rate was 4.1% after elective SRs, 30.7% after SR for ruptured AAAs, and 2.3% after EVARs. The reported brand name of stent graft devices were various including domestic custom-made in 56 (50.5%), imported brand in 18 (16.2%) while 37 (33.3%) stent grafts were not reported their brand name. The frequencies of type I and III endoleaks after EVAR were reported 5.8% and 5.8% respectively in 86 patients with an available data. CONCLUSION: SR has been used as a major treatment option in Korea for the treatment of AAA patients while EVAR is increasing. The mortality rate of SR of AAA was comparable to western multi-center trial reports but mortality or morbidity rates of EVAR were unable to know in this questionnaire survey.

Dose-Related Prolongation of Ropivacaine Epidural Anesthesia by Epidural Ketamine / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Besides its general anesthetic effect, ketamine interacts with sodium channels in a local anesthetic-like fashion, including the sharing of binding sites with those commonly used by clinical local anesthetics. This study evaluated the dose related effects of ketamine during epidural anesthesia with 0.5% ropivacaine. METHODS: Sixty ASA physical status I-II patients, scheduled for minor elective surgery under epidural anesthesia using 0.5% ropivacaine, were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20 each). The patients initially received either 0.5% ropivacaine (group 1), ketamine (0.1 mg/kg) in addition to the epidural 0.5% ropivacaine (group 2) or ketamine (0.2 mg/kg) in addition to the epidural 0.5% ropivacaine (group 3). The regression of sensory block was assessed by transcutaneous electric stimulation (TES), equivalent to a surgical incision. Motor block was assessed using the Modified Bromage's scale. Episodes of bradycardia, hypotension and sedation were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the three groups in the maximal levels of sensory block or the times taken for these levels to be reached. The mean times for the block to regress to two and four segments below the maximal level were significantly prolonged by epidural ketamine. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural ketamine prolongs the duration of ropivacaine epidural anesthesia. These results suggest that ketamine has local anesthetic-like actions.