Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome as a cause of persistent neuromuscular weakness after a mediastinoscopic biopsy: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

There are many causes of prolonged postoperative muscle weakness, including drugs, residual anesthetics, cerebrovascular events, electrolyte imbalance, hypothermia, and neuromuscular disease. Neuromuscular diseases are relatively rare, with the most common being myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). We report an unusual case in which a patient who was given a muscle relaxant during mediastinoscopy developed postoperative muscle weakness that was ultimately diagnosed as secondary to LEMS.

A patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

There are many cause of cholinesterase deficiency, including drugs, liver disease, chronic anemia, malignant states, cardiac failure, severe acute infection, surgical shock, severe burn, collagen disease and vasculitis syndromes. Vasculitis syndromes are relatively rare, and among them, Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is even rarer. We report here on a case of a patient with CSS who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia.

Inter-arm arterial pressure difference caused by prone position in the thoracic outlet syndrome patient: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Thoracic outlet syndrome has neurologic symptoms caused by compression of brachial plexus, blood vessel symptoms are caused by compression of the artery or vein. The authors report a case of sudden decrease in blood pressure of the left arm after turning the patient from supine position to prone position. They confirmed that the patient had thoracic outlet syndrome after performing computed tomography.

The effect of propofol on emergence agitation in children receiving sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The administration of a single dose of propofol is reported to be effective in decreasing the incidence and severity of emergence agitation (EA) in children following sevoflurane anesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a single dose of propofol 1 mg/kg at the end of adenotonsillectomy for reducing the incidence of EA after sevoflurane anesthesia. METHODS: Ninety children, aged 3-8 years, undergoing adenotonsillectomy were randomized into two groups: the propofol group (n = 45) and the saline group (n = 45), of which 88 children completed the study. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2-2.5 vol% and nitrous oxide/oxygen (50%/50%). At the completion of adenotonsillectomy, the propofol group patients were given 1 mg/kg of propofol and the saline group patients were given saline 0.1 ml/kg in the same volume. The incidence of EA was assessed with Aono's four point scale and the severity of EA was assessed with pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale at 5 min (T5), 15 min (T15) and 30 min (T30) after emergence. RESULTS: Of the 88 patients, the incidence of EA at T5, T15 and T30 was 61.4%, 27.3%, and 4.5% in the propofol group while in the saline group was 68.2%, 29.5%, and 9.1%, respectively. The incidence and severity of EA were not found to be significantly different between the two groups, but the scales in each group decreased significantly over time. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of propofol 1 mg/kg at the end of surgery did not have any significant effect in reducing the incidence and severity of EA in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia.

Comparison of the effects of acetaminophen to ketorolac when added to lidocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was done to evaluate the effect on pain relief when acetaminophen was added to lidocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA). METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing hand or forearm surgery received IVRA were assigned to three groups: Group C received 0.5% lidocaine diluted with 0.9% normal saline to a total volume of 40 ml (n = 20), Group P received 0.5% lidocaine diluted with intravenous acetaminophen 300 mg to a total volume of 40 ml (n = 20) and Group K received 0.5% lidocaine diluted with 0.9% normal saline plus ketorolac 10 mg made up to a total volume of 40 ml (n = 20). Sensory block onset time, tourniquet pain onset time, which was defined as the time from tourniquet application to fentanyl administration for relieving tourniquet pain and amount of analgesic consumption during surgery were recorded. Following deflation of tourniquet sensory recovery time, postoperative pain and quantity of analgesic uses in post-anesthesia care unit were assessed. RESULTS: Sensory block onset time was shorter in Group P compared to Group C (P < 0.05). Tourniquet pain onset time was delayed in Group P when compared with group C (P < 0.05). Postoperative pain and analgesic consumption were reduced in Group P and Group K compared to Group C (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of acetaminophen to lidocaine for IVRA shortens the onset time of sensory block and delays tourniquet pain onset time, but not with ketorolac. Both acetaminophen and ketorolac reduce postoperative pain and analgesic consumption.

Effect of remifentanil on QT dispersion / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: QT dispersion (QT(d)) is an indirect measure of the heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization and can be used as a risk factor for complex ventricular arrhythmias. We measured the effect of remifentanil on QT(d) and heart-rate corrected QT dispersion (QT(cd)). METHODS: Sixty ASA class I and II patients, who were between 20 and 60 years old, and who were scheduled for general anesthesia, were studied. After the patient entered the operating room, a 12 lead EKG recording was taken and intravenous infusion of remifentanil was started. The infusion rate was 0.1 microg/kg/min in group 1 and 0.2 microgram/kg/min in group 2. Another EKG recording was taken 10 minutes after infusion had started. RESULTS: In both groups, QT(d) following remifentanil infusion was not significantly different than control values (76.6 +/- 23.3 ms vs 81.8 +/- 34.9 ms, P = 0.459 in group 1; 70.7 ms +/- 29.7 ms vs 73.7 ms +/- 37.1 ms, P = 0.734 in group 2). Neither was QT(cd): (83.2 ms +/- 25.2 ms vs 89.6 ms +/- 36.2 ms, P = 0.371 in group 1; 81.0 ms +/- 35.2 ms vs 83.4 ms +/- 40.9 ms, P = 0.829 in group 2). CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil infusion at a rate less than 0.2 microg/kg/min does not change QT(d) or QT(cd).

Priming technique can alleviate the withdrawal responses associated with intravenous administration of rocuronium / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Intravenous injection of rocuronium is associated with withdrawal responses which are attributable to the pain from the injection of rocuronium. Several methods have been proposed to abolish and attenuate rocuronium-induced pain. We hypothesized priming dose of rocuronium could reduce withdrawal responses associated with administering a second large dose of rocuronium for tracheal intubation. We compared the efficacy of the priming dose technique of rocuronium with intravenous lidocaine as a pre-treatment for the prevention of withdrawal responses associated with rocuronium injection. METHODS: We recruited 150 patients aged between 18 and 60 years, ASA physical status 1 or 2, who were going to undergo elective surgery requiring general anesthesia. Patients were allocated into three groups. Group C received normal saline, Group L received lidocaine 1 mg/kg, and Group P received rocuronium 0.06 mg/kg 2 minutes before administering a second large dose of rocuronium for tracheal intubation. After the loss of consciousness, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered intravenously over 10 seconds for tracheal intubation. The withdrawal responses to the injection of rocuronium were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of withdrawal responses associated with rocuronium injection for tracheal intubation was 56, 50, 24% in group C, group L, and group P, respectively. The incidence of withdrawal responses was lower in group P than group C and group L, but there was no difference between group L and group C. CONCLUSIONS: Priming dose technique is a useful clinical method to alleviate withdrawal responses associated with rocuronium injection.

Comparison of ramosetron plus dexamethasone with ramosetron alone in the prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is extremely distressing and uncomfortable, and is noted frequently in patients who have undergone gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. In this study, we compared the efficacy of a combination of ramosetron plus dexamethasone and ramosetron alone in reducing of PONV after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients who received gynecologic laparoscopic surgery were randomly divided into two groups: the R group (ramosetron 0.3 mg) and RD group (ramosetron 0.3 mg plus dexamethasone 5 mg). Dexamethasone, 5 mg, or saline, 1 ml, was administered randomly before the induction of anesthesia in each group. The two groups received intravenous ramosetron, 0.3 mg, at the end of surgery. General anesthesia was induced using thiopental and rocuronium, and maintained with sevoflurane in nitrous oxide. The incidence and severity of nausea, frequency of vomiting and rescue medication, VAS score, and adverse events were evaluated for 48 hours after the operation. RESULTS: In the first 12 hours after operation, the incidence of PONV in the RD group (33%) was significantly lower than the R group (67%; P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between two groups in PONV incidence 12-48 h postoperatively. Adverse events and VAS scores were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of ramosetron plus dexamethasone is superior to ramosetron alone for prevention of PONV during the first 12 hours after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Uncontrollable hyperthermia in acute cerebral injury: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 39 year old man arrived at the hospital with semi-comatose state as a result of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). For emergency craniectomy and hematoma removal, general anesthesia with desflurane and vecuronium was planned. Before the induction of anesthesia, the body temperature and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels were 38.3degrees C and 38 mmHg, respectively. The body temperature and ETCO2 increased during surgery. After 2 hours of anesthesia, the temperature had increased to 41degrees C, despite bladder irrigation and body cooling. After 3 hours of anesthesia, the temperature reached 43.5degrees C and cardiac arrest developed. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted, but the patient expired.

The Aspiration of Injected Air via an Epidural Catheter as an Indicator for Appropriate Placement of the Catheter in the Epidural Space

BACKGROUND: The "gold standard" for proper epidural catheter positioning is a clinical response, as assessed by a pinprick test. Yet it may take time or it may be difficult to perform this test after epidural catheter placement in sedated or uncooperative patients or during general anesthesia. We assessed the usefulness of aspirating injected air via an epidural catheter as an indicator of correct epidural catheter placement. METHODS: We surveyed 200 patients who underwent surgery under general or epidural anesthesia. A Tuohy needle was inserted into the epidural space with using the hanging drop technique. After placement of the epidural catheter, 3 ml of air was injected via the catheter, and then the volume of aspirated air was measured. RESULTS: The mean volume of aspirated air was 2.3 +/- 0.7 ml (75% of the injected air volume) and this ranged from 0 to 3 ml. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration of injected air is a simple alternative method for identifying the appropriate placement of epidural catheters in the epidural space.

A comparison of the suppression of cough reflex by intravenous lidocaine and remifentanil prior to extubation of the endotracheal tube / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Cough reflex in response to extubation of the endotracheal tube is common; however, the effect of remifentanil on cough reflex is uncertain. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of lidocaine and remifentanil on cough reflex following extubation. METHODS: Forty adult patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery in two hours were enrolled in this study. All patients received a standard anesthetic protocol. Following surgery, the patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group L (n = 20), which received 1.5 mg/kg of 2% lidocaine intravenously, and Group R (n = 20), which received 0.5 microgram/kg remifentanil intravenously. Treatment was administered immediately after the patients opened their eyes, after which extubation was performed. We then evaluated breath holding and recorded the number of coughs at 5 minutes, 15 minutes and 30 minutes after extubation. In addition, we checked for sore throat 30 minutes after extubation. RESULTS: The number of coughs was significantly lower in Group R than in Group L at 5 minutes after extubation. However, there was no significant difference in the number of coughs in Group R and Group L at any other times evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: There are no significant differences in suppression of the cough reflex in response to treatment with lidocaine and remifentanil.

The EC50 of Propofol for Loss of Response to Command during Remifentanil/Propofol Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Propofol sedation using target-controlled infusion (TCI) system can be used in MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care).Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid that is advantageous in combination with propofol due to its rapid onset and offset times and analgesic effect.The present study sought to identify the EC50 of propofol for 'loss of response to command' when administered alone or with 2 or 3 ng/ml remifentanil using TCI. METHODS: Seventy patients were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups:Group 1 = propofol only (n = 20), Group 2 = propofol plus 2 ng/ml remifentanil (n = 25) and Group 3 = propofol plus 3 ng/ml remifentanil (n = 25).The EC50 was determined by calculating the mean of the midpoint dose of all independent pairs of patients who manifested crossover from 'response to command' to 'loss of response to command'. RESULTS: The EC50 of propofol was found to be 3.41 +/- 0.25microgram/ml in Group 1, 2.04 +/- 0.22microgram/ml in Group 2, and 1.98 +/- 0.15microgram/ml in Group 3.Statistical analysis showed the EC50 for Group 1 was higher than those for Groups 2 and 3, and that the EC50 of latter groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Using the modified Dixon's up and down method, the present study estimated the EC50 of propofol for 'loss of response to command' when remifentanil was infused in analgesic doses using TCI.Those concentrations can safely and effectively generate sedation and analgesia without clinically significant side effects in MAC.

The correlation between actual blood concentration of propofol and the difference of estimated lean body mass with actual lean body mass in target controlled infusion / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the correlation between the difference of estimated lean body mass (LBM(E)) with actual lean body mass (LBM(A)) and actual blood concentration of propofol, hemodynamic variables and Bispectral index (BIS) during target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol in Korean female patients who would take total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using propofol-remifentanil combination. METHODS: Eighty Korean women participated in this trial. Demographic data were collected and LBM(A) was measured using body mass analyzer. Target concentration of propofol was set at 6microgram/ml during induction and 3microgram/ml during maintenance. Hemodynamic variables and BIS were measured at 60 minutes after anesthetic induction. Peripheral blood sample was collected from a large forearm vein on the contralateral side of infusion for measurement of whole blood concentration of propofol at 60 minutes after anesthetic induction. Delta lean body mass (delta LBM) was obtained by subtracting LBM(A) from LBM(E). Correlation analyses were done between delta LBM and plasma propofol concentration, blood pressure, and BIS, respectively. RESULTS: Blood concentrations of propofol were 1.9-6.9microgram/ml. Mean plasma concentration of propofol was higher than target concentration. delta LBM had a positive correlation with actual plasma propofol concentration. delta LBM was not correlated with hemodynamic variables and BIS. CONCLUSIONS: TCI of propofol resulted in large variation in measured plasma concentration. We thought delta LBM was one of interpatient variation factors of propofol plasma concentration during TCI. We found that TCI of propofol using Schnider model would result in higher blood concentration than target concentration in Korean women.

Left subclavian artery stenosis found by the interarm blood pressure difference during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia of patient with peripheral vascular disease: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

In spite of the American Heart Association recommendations for blood pressure measurement, many physicians measure blood pressure in only one arm that is easy to access at the time of measurement. This practice can lead to incorrect management with significant interarm blood pressure difference. We report a case of a 51 years old man who was scheduled to undergo vascular bypass graft under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. In 60 minutes after anesthesia, the blood pressure of left arm dropped from 110/65 mmHg to 74/45 mmHg. The blood pressure was still 80/50 mmHg after two injections of ephedrine. After checking radial pulse tone strength, we found significant interarm blood pressure difference. The blood pressure of right arm was 150/70 mmHg. Postoperative CT angiogram revealed significant stenotic portion in the left subclavian artery. This case emphasizes the importance of bilateral blood pressure measurement, especially in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Aspiration pneumonitis after a 10-hour fast in a patient who had undergone subtotal gastrectomy: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A patient who had previously undergone a subtotal gastrectomy was scheduled for removal of a brain tumor under general anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with lidocaine and propofol with rocuronium for neuromuscular blockade. She had fasted for 10 hours, but after mask ventilation, she aspirated gastric juice and materials. The oral cavity was suctioned promptly and the trachea was intubated. Intraoperative high FiO2 and dopamine were administrated to maintain the oxygen saturation and blood pressure. She received postoperative ventilatory care in the intensive care unit for 2 weeks. An upper gastrointestinal series and fiber endoscopy were performed but she had no obstruction and reflux esophagitis except delayed passage of the contrast media. She had no risk factors for pulmonary aspiration. As in this case, patients with previous gastrointestinal surgery should be considered preoperative workup for GI motility or pathology, and adequate premedication.

The Effect of Ondansetron on the Emergence Agitation after Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Emergence agitation is a common problem after sevoflurane anesthesia in children. Tropisetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, significantly reduces the incidence of emergence agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia. This study evaluated the effect of ondansetron on emergence agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia in children undergoing a tonsillectomy. METHODS: Eighty children, aged 3-9 years (ASA physical status I) undergoing tonsillectomy, were randomly enrolled in this study. Group O received 0.1 mg/kg of ondansetron, and group S received 0.1 ml/kg of saline during the operation. Anesthesia was induced with 5 vol% sevoflurane and maintained with 2-2.5 vol% sevoflurane. The agitation score was recorded when they arrived at the postanesthesia care unit, and 10 minutes after that. RESULTS: The incidence of emergence agitation was 30% in group O and 27.5% in group S at arrival (P = 1.00). Ten minutes after arrival, the incidence was 12.5% in group O and 25% in group S (P = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg does not reduce the incidence of emergence agitation after sevoflurane in children.

Acute Bacterial Meningitis after Percutaneous Radiofrequency Trigeminal Rhinzotomy of the Maxillary Cancer Patient : A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Since 1920, when Harvey Cushing first used radiofrequency in electrosurgery, the procedural technique has developed rapidly. Even though this procedure is minimally invasive and safer than other neurodestructive procedures, it is still not free of complications. A 72-year-old female patient had constant facial pain, despite several operations and radiotherapies for her maxillary cancer. The region innervated ophthalmic branch and maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve was involved, with radiofrequency procedure of the gasserian ganglion for pain control also performed at the area. After the procedure, her blood pressure became elevated and she complained of a headache, and six hours later, she became irritable and distracted. Bacterial meningitis was diagnosed by a spinal tap, with third-generation cephalosporin administered as the treatment. The following day, her symptoms had improved and the pain was also reduced. She was discharged from hospital after 14 days, without any sequelae.

A Broken J-Guide Wire during Central Venous Catheterization : A case report

J-guide wires have been widely used for central venous catheterization with the popularity of the Seldinger technique. However, many adverse sequelae of central venous catheterization have been reported. We report two cases of J-guide wire breakage during central venous catheterization. Venipuncture by a steel needle was easily achieved in each case. However, insertion of a J-guide wire was difficult to perform, and pulling out the guide wire from the steel needle was more difficult, which caused breakage of the core and the uncoiling of the spring coil of the guide wire. The tip of the guide wire was not cut off, and there were no complications. With the removal of the guide wire, weak resistance was felt that which was not supposed to be sufficient to cut off the guide wire. It was assumed that an inherent fault in the manufacturing process of the guide wire could lead to this type of breakage.

The Effect of Continuous Remifentanil Infusion on the Airway Reactivity during Desflurane Inhalation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Because desflurane can cause airway reactivity, the use of opioids are aimed at its reduction. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of continuous remifentanil infusion on the airway reactivity during desflurane inhalation. METHODS: 108 adult ASA physical status class I patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into four groups.The breathing circuit was primed with 8 vol% desflurane in 3 L/min each of N2O and O2. Anesthesia was induced with 0.2 mg/kg of intravenous etomidate. After 2 minutes, either 20 ml/hr saline, or 0.15, 0.25 or 0.35g/kg/min remifentanil, groups S, R1, R2 and R3, respectively, was infused. Each patient inhaled the gas mixture through a tight fitting facemask. During this period, the coughing, secretions, breathing hold, laryngospasms, excitatory movements and hemodynamics were measured. RESULTS: The coughing, spasms, secretions and excitatory movements were significantly lower in the remifentanil than the saline infusion group (P 0.05). However, the breathing hold was significantly higher in group R3 (P 0.001). The mean arterial pressure and heart rate were more stable in groups R1 and R2. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that groups R1 and R2 had significantly reduced airway reactivity, with stabilize hemodynamics, during desflurane inhalation.

Measurement of Hemodynamic Variables using Impedance Cardiography on Remifentanil-Propofol Infusion during Anesthetic Induction / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Remifentanil-propofol combination is used to minimize the cardiovascular responses during anesthetic induction; however, it may generate side effects such as hypotension or bradycardia. The authors investigated the changes of stroke volume and cardiac output using impedance cardiography (ICG) when hypotension or bradycardia is generated during propofol-remifentanil anesthetic induction. METHODS: Ninety ASA physical status class I patients who were scheduled to undergo elective ambulatory surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 30 each). Normal saline (Group S), remifentanil 0.25microgram/kg/min (Group R0.25), or remifentanil 0.5microgram/kg/min (Group R0.5) was infused intravenously. Propofol was slowly administered two minutes after the administration of remifentanil or normal saline. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output and stroke volume were measured at preinduction (baseline), preintubation and postintubation. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure in Group R0.5 at preintubation decreased compared to that of the baseline, however, the stroke volume index was sustained. The stroke volume index at postintubation decreased proportionally as heart rate increased in heart rate in all groups, and then cardiac index was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: Hypotension was generated during induction of anesthesia when remifentanil 0.5microgram/kg/min and propofol 1.0 mg/kg were used, however, the stroke volume index was sustained.