Estado actual de la cefalea postpunción meníngea en un hospital colombiano / Status of post-dural puncture headache in a Colombian hospital

Introducción: La cefalea postpunción meníngea (CPPM) posterior a la anestesia raquídea es una de las complicaciones más frecuentes asociadas a factores intrínsecos del paciente y de la técnica anestésica. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia y los factores asociados con el desarrollo de la cefalea postpunción meníngea. Materiales y métodos: Serie retrospectiva de pacientes que ingresaron a un hospital de segundo nivel y se les confirmó el diagnóstico de cefalea secundaria a la anestesia raquídea. Resultados: Serie de 49 casos, 88 % de sexo femenino y 12 % de sexo masculino, con una edad media de 27,7 años. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos con desenlace de CPPM fueron: cirugías de ginecología y obstetricia (63 %), cirugías de urgencias de otras especialidades (28 %) y cirugías electivas (8 %). La técnica anestésica se realizó con agujas biseladas tipo Quincke calibre 25 gauge (G) en 14%, calibre 26 G 33 % y 27 G 53 %. El 51 % se realizó en posición de sedestación y el 49 % en decúbito lateral izquierdo. El 10% de los casos se manejó con parche hemático, en tanto que el antecedente de migraña se presentó en el 8 %. Discusión: En la actualidad, el uso de agujas con diseño de punta cónica es el estándar de oro, ya que permite obtener resultados confiables y disminuye complicaciones como la CPPM. Conclusión: La CPPM luego de una anestesia espinal se relacionó con factores como la edad (joven), el sexo (femenino) y el uso de agujas biseladas. Los otros factores de riesgo identificados fueron poco concluyentes, aunque no se pueden descartar, debido a la naturaleza de este estudio.

Introduction: Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) following spinal anesthesia is one of the most frequent complications associated with intrinsic patient and anesthetic technique factors. Objective: To describe the frequency and associated factors related to the development of PDPH. Materials and methods: Retrospective series of patients admitted to a second level hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of headache secondary to spinal anesthesia. Results: Series of 49 cases, 88 % female and 12 % male, mean age 27.7 years. The surgical procedures resulting in CPPM were gynecology and obstetrics surgeries 63 %, emergency surgeries of other specialties 28 % and elective surgeries 8 %. The anesthetic technique was performed with beveled needles Quincke type 25 gauge (G) in 14 %, 26 G gauge 33% and 27 G 53 %. In the seated position 51 % and in the left lateral decubitus position 49% were performed. A blood patch was used in 10 % of the cases and a history of migraine was present in 8 %. Discussion: The use of needles with conical tip design is currently the gold standard, they give reliable results and reduce complications such as PDPH. Conclusion: PDPH after spinal anesthesia was related to factors such as age (young), sex (female) and the use of traumatic needles. The other risk factors identified were inconclusive, although they cannot be ruled out due to the nature of this study.

Perioperative Management of Patients with Prosthetic Heart Valves?A Narrative Review

Worldwide, about 13% of the 200,000 annual recipients of prosthetic heart valves (PHV) present for various surgical procedures. Also, more and more females are opting for pregnancies after having PHV. All patients with PHV present unique challenges for the anesthesiologists, surgeons and obstetricians (in case of deliveries). They have to deal with the perioperative management of anticoagulation and a host of other issues involved. We reviewed the English language medical literature relevant to the different aspects of perioperative management of patients with PHV, particularly the guidelines of reputed societies that appeared in the last 20 years. Regression of cardiac pathophysiology following valve replacement is variable both in extent and timeline. The extent to which reverse remodeling occurs depends on the perioperative status of the heart. We discussed the perioperative assessment of patients with PHV, including focused history and relevant investigations with the inferences drawn. We examined the need for prophylaxis against infective endocarditis and management of anticoagulation in such patients in the perioperative period and the guidelines of reputed societies. We also reviewed the conduct of anesthesia, including general and regional anesthesia (neuraxial and peripheral nerve/plexus blocks) in such patients. Finally, we discussed the management of delivery in this group of high?risk patients. From the discussion of different aspects of perioperative management of patients with PHV, we hope to guide in formulating the comprehensive plan of management of safe anesthesia in such patients.

Autoidentificación de la cintura-útil en la ubicación del sitio de punción en anestesia neuroaxial de paciente obstétrica con obesidad clase III / Self-identification of the waist - useful in the location of the puncture site in neuroaxial anesthesia of obstetric patient with class III obesity

Resumen: La técnica anestésica neuroaxial en la paciente embarazada obesa clase III puede representar un reto para el anestesiólogo, debido a la dificultad para reconocer las referencias anatómicas. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la dificultad y la calidad de la anestesia combinada espinal/epidural, en 14 pacientes embarazadas con índice de masa corporal ≥ 40 kg/m2, programadas para cesárea. Para la localización del sitio de punción, se utilizó la autoidentificación de cintura, metodología no reportada previamente. Las pacientes se sentaron a horcajadas en la mesa quirúrgica, señalaron el lugar de su cintura con sus manos. Se trazaron dos rectas en la espalda, una recta horizontal en la cintura señalada por la paciente, y una recta vertical correspondiente a la línea media. La intersección de las dos rectas fue la coordenada para la punción neuroaxial. La media ± DE del índice de masa corporal fue 47.5 ± 3.7 kg/m2. Se determinó una tasa de éxito del primer nivel del 92.8%, un promedio de punciones de 1.5 y 57.1% de las pacientes recibió una punción. La anestesia espinal/epidural falló en dos casos, se realizó cambio de técnica anestésica a epidural, y complementación con infiltración local, con adecuada analgesia. No fue necesario convertir a anestesia general en ningún caso. La autoidentificación de la cintura puede ser una ayuda clínica para la identificación del sitio de la punción lumbar durante la instalación de la anestesia neuroaxial, en pacientes obstétricas con obesidad clase III programadas para cesárea.

Abstract: The neuraxial anesthetic technique in the obese class III, pregnant patient, can represent a challenge for the anesthesiologist, due to the difficulty in recognizing the anatomical landmarks. The objective of the study was to determine the difficulty and quality of combined spinal/epidural anesthesia, in 14 pregnant patients with a body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2 scheduled for cesarean section. For the location of the puncture site, self-identification of the waist was used, a methodology that has not been previously reported. The patients straddled the surgical Table, pointing to her waist with both hands. Two lines were drawn on the back. A horizontal line at the waist, indicated by the patient, and a vertical line corresponding to the midline. The intersection of the two lines was the coordinate for the neuraxial puncture. The mean ± SD of the body mass index was 47.5 ± 3.7 kg/m2. A first level success rate of 92.8% was determined, 57.1% of the patients received one puncture, and the average of punctures was 1.5. Spinal/epidural anesthesia failed in two cases, a change from anesthetic technique to epidural and supplementation with infiltration was performed, with adequate analgesia. It was not necessary to convert to general anesthesia in any case. Self-identification of the waist and coordinate marking can be a clinical aid for the identification of the lumbar puncture site, during the installation of neuraxial anesthesia, in obstetric patients with class III obesity, scheduled for cesarean section.

Anesthesia for cesarean section and SARS Cov-2: Observational study in Peru / Anestesia para cesárea en gestantes y SARS-CoV-2: estudio observacional en Perú

Abstract Introduction Information regarding the clinical behavior and the anesthetic and perioperative management in pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 is starting to appear in the literature in the form of case reports or case series. However, strong evidence and recommendations are still limited. Objective To describe the clinical characteristics, the results of anesthetic and perioperative management, and complications in seroprevalent pregnant women for SARS-CoV-2 infection, delivered by cesarean section. Methodology Observational study in which 107 clinical records of pregnant women who were seroprevalent for SARS-CoV-2 infection were reviewed and analyzed between April and June, 2020. Demographic, clinical and serological data were collected, as well as data on the anesthetic technique and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results Of the 107 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 99 (92.52%) were asymptomatic and 8 (7.48%) had mild symptoms. The most frequent reasons for cesarean section were cephalo-pelvic disproportion in 20 (18.68%), previous cesarean section in 20 (18.68%) and non-reassuring fetal status in 14 (13.08%). Anesthesia technique was neuraxial in all cases, with spinal used in 100 (93.5%), combined spinal-epidural in 4 (3.7%) and epidural catheter in 3 (2.8%) patients. No deaths had occurred until the third postoperative day of follow-up. Conclusions The majority of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection are asymptomatic. In this work, spinal, combined spinal-epidural and epidural neuroxial anesthesia techniques were shown to be effective and safe for these patients and their newborn babies.

Resumen Introducción La información del comportamiento clínico, manejo anestésico y perioperatorio en gestantes con SARS-CoV-2 empieza a aparecer en la literatura mediante reportes de casos o serie de casos. Aún son limitadas la evidencia contundente y las recomendaciones. Objetivo Describir las características clínicas, resultados del manejo anestésico, perioperatorio y complicaciones en gestantes seroprevalentes para infección por SARS-CoV-2, cuyo parto fue por cesárea. Metodología Estudio observacional en el cual se revisaron y analizaron 107 historias clínicas de gestantes seroprevalentes para infección por SARS-CoV-2, de abril a junio del 2020. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos, serología, técnica anestésica y complicaciones intra y postoperatorias. Resultados De las 107 gestantes con infección por SARS-CoV-2, 99 (92,52 %) fueron asintomáticas y 8 (7,48 %) presentaron síntomas leves. Los motivos más frecuentes de cesárea fueron: desproporción céfalo-pélvica 20 (18,68 %), cesárea previa 20 (18,68 %) y estado fetal no tranquilizador 14 (13,08 %). La técnica anestésica fue neuro axial en su totalidad, espinal en 100 (93,5 %), combinada espinal-epidural en 4 (3,7 %) y epidural con catéter en 3 (2,8 %) pacientes. No se registraron muertes hasta el tercer día postoperatorio de seguimiento. Conclusiones Las gestantes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 presentan -en su mayoría- infecciones asintomáticas. En este trabajo, la anestesia neuro axial: espinal, combinada espinal-epidural y epidural, se presentan como técnicas efectivas y seguras para estas pacientes y sus recién nacidos.

Analgesia obstétrica en la paciente con síndrome de Stickler: un reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Obstetric analgesia in the patient with Stickler syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

Resumen: El síndrome de Stickler tiene una incidencia de uno en 7,500-9,000 recién nacidos. Es una enfermedad del tejido conectivo con patrón de herencia autosómico dominante en la mayoría de los casos, aunque también con patrón recesivo, por afección patogénica de genes procolágeno como COL2A1, COL11A1, entre otros. Cursa con manifestaciones multisistémicas craneofaciales, oculares, auditivas, esqueléticas/articulares y se ha asociado a prolapso de la válvula mitral. Se diferencian tres tipos: tipo I (el más frecuente, 75%) o síndrome de Stickler completo, tipo II o síndrome de Stickler ocular y el tipo III u oto-espóndilo-displasia megaepifisaria. El diagnóstico se realiza al probar las manifestaciones o al demostrar una variante genética patogénica. Respecto al manejo anestésico en la paciente obstétrica, se recomienda evitar la anestesia general. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 26 años con diagnóstico de síndrome de Stickler tipo I, con embarazo a término y su relación con la anestesia neuroaxial. A pesar de su incidencia, no existe literatura médica acerca del manejo de la anestesia neuroaxial en este tipo de pacientes.

Abstract: Stickler syndrome has an incidence of 1/7.500-9.000 in newborns. It is a connective tissue disease with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern in most cases, but also with a recessive pattern, due to the pathogenic involvement of procollagen genes such as COL2A1, COL11A1, among others. It is characterized by craniofacial, ocular, auditory and skeletal/joint multisystemic signs and symptoms, and has been associated with prolapse of the mitral valve. Three types are differentiated: type I (the most frequent, 75%) or complete Stickler syndrome, type II or ocular Stickler syndrome and type III or oto-espondilo-megaepiphyseal dysplasia. The diagnosis is made by confirming the signs and symptoms or by verifying the presence of a pathogenic genetic variant. With respect to the anesthetic management in the obstetric patient, it is recommended to avoid general anesthesia. The article illustrates the case of a female patient of 26 years with Stickler syndrome type I and full-term pregnancy, and associated implications for neuroaxial anesthesia. Despite its incidence, there is no medical literature on the management of neuraxial anesthesia in this type of patients.

Comparison of ropivacaine alone or with dexamethasone as an adjuvant for reducing pain during positioning for neuraxial blockade with ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block

Background: Comparison of ropivacaine alone or with dexamethasone as an adjuvant for reducing pain during positioning for neuraxial blockade with ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block.Methods: In this double-blinded study, a total of 60 patients between 18 to 80 years of age, undergoing surgery for hip fracture were enrolled. Patients in Group A received 40 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine +2 ml saline and patients in Group B received 40 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine +8 mg dexamethasone. USG guided FICB and postoperative monitoring was done by the chief investigator who was unaware of group allotted and drug administered.Results: There is no significant difference in the heart rate between the two groups after 30 min of the block. The variation of systolic blood pressure of both the group for the first 30 min after giving FICB block was not significant (p>0.05). The absolute value of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly lower in Group B compared to group A just before the block, a variation of DBP with time was not significant. There was a gradual improvement of pain score from mean 6.7 in Group A and 6.6 in Group B at 0 min to score of 2 at the end of 30 min in both the group. This improvement was achieved earlier in Group B compared to Group A, although the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Vital parameters like HR, SBP, DBP, SpO2 values were similar in both the groups. No patients in either group required any interventions both pre-operatively and pos-operatively. Time of rescue analgesia was noted with the VAS score was significantly more in Group B (p≤0.004). The incidence of hematoma, accidental intravascular injection, convulsion, and paresthesia were nil in both groups.Conclusions: Although both the groups had comfortable and pain-free positioning for administering spinal anaesthesia before surgery. USG guided FICB is easy to perform block and give excellent analgesia for positioning and mobilization of hip fracture patients pre and post-operatively both, and dexamethasone as an adjuvant to 0.25%ropivavaine prolong its local anesthetic effect significantly.

Neuraxial labor analgesia: a literature review / Analgesia de parto no neuroeixo: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract The use of analgesia techniques for labor has become increasingly frequent, with neuraxial techniques being the most commonly used and most effective. Labor pain entails a number of physiological consequences that may be negative for the mother and fetus, and therefore must be treated. This literature review was performed through a search in the PubMed database, from July to November 2016, and included articles in English or Portuguese, published between 2011 and 2016 or anteriorly, if relevant to the topic. The techniques were divided into the following topics: induction (epidural, combined epidural-spinal, continuous spinal, and epidural with dural puncture) and maintenance of analgesia (continuous epidural infusion, patient-controlled epidural analgesia, and intermittent epidural bolus). Epidural analgesia does not alter the incidence of cesarean sections or fetal prognosis, and maternal request is a sufficient indication for its initiation. The combined technique has the advantage of a faster onset of analgesia; however, patients are subject to a higher incidence of pruritus resulting from the intrathecal administration of opioids. Patient-controlled analgesia seems to be an excellent technique, reducing the consumption of local anesthetics, the number of anesthesiologist interventions, and increasing maternal satisfaction.

Resumo O uso de técnicas de analgesia para o trabalho de parto tem se tornado cada vez mais frequente. As técnicas neuroaxiais são as mais comumente usadas e de maior eficácia. A dor do trabalho de parto traz uma série de consequências fisiológicas que podem ser negativas para a mãe e para o feto, e por isso deve ser tratada. Esta revisão de literatura foi feita na base de dados PubMed, de julho a novembro de 2016, e foram incluídos artigos em inglês ou portuguê publicados entre 2011 e 2016, ou mais antigos que fossem relevantes ao tema. As técnicas foram divididas nos tópicos: indução (peridural, raquiperidural combinada, raquianestesia contínua e peridural com punção dural) e manutenção da analgesia (infusão peridural contínua, analgesia peridural controlada pela paciente e bolus peridural intermitente). A analgesia peridural não altera a incidência de cesarianas nem o prognóstico fetal, e o desejo materno é indicação suficiente para seu início. A técnica combinada apresenta como vantagem um início mais rápido da analgesia, entretanto as pacientes estão sujeitas a maior incidência de prurido decorrente da administração intratecal de opioides. A analgesia controlada pela paciente parece ser uma excelente técnica, diminui o consumo de anestésicos locais e o número de intervenções do anestesiologista e aumenta a satisfação materna.

Risk prevention of neuraxial labor analgesia / 中国实用妇科与产科杂志

Labor pain threatens the health of mother and infant seriously and it accounts for the biggest part of non-medical indications of cesarean section in our country.Neuraxial labor analgesia is the most effective and commonly used therapy for pain relief during labor and delivery without increasing the rate of cesareansection.However,it can cause some side effects and complications like supine position syndrome,inadequate anesthesia and fever.To strengthen the process management of labor analgesia,clear assignment of responsibility,carring out education and training and developing complication treatment plan are important measures to prevent risks.

Effect of table tilt and spine flexion-rotation on the acoustic window of the lumbar spine in pregnant women / Efeito da inclinação da mesa e flexão da coluna sobre a janela acústica da coluna lombar em mulheres grávidas

Abstract Study objective: The purpose of this study was to assess whether application of dorsal table tilt and body rotation to a parturient seated for neuraxial anesthesia increased the size of the paramedian target area for neuraxial needle insertion. Setting: Labor and Delivery Room. Patients: Thirty term pregnant women, ASA I-II, scheduled for an elective C-section delivery. Interventions: Lumbar ultrasonography was performed in four seated positions: (F) lumbar flexion; (FR) as in position F with right shoulder rotation; (FT) as in position F with dorsal table-tilt; (FTR) as in position F with dorsal table-tilt combined with right shoulder rotation. Measurements: For each position, the size of the 'target area', defined as the visible length of the posterior longitudinal ligament was measured at the L3-L4 interspace. Main results: The mean posterior longitudinal ligament was 18.4 ± 4 mm in position F, 18.9 ± 5.5 mm in FR, 19 ± 5.3 mm in FT, and 18 ± 5.2 mm in FTR. Mean posterior longitudinal ligament length was not significantly different in the four positions. Conclusions: These data show that the positions studied did not increase the target area as defined by the length of the posterior longitudinal ligament for the purpose of neuraxial needle insertion in obstetric patients. The maneuvers studied will have limited use in improving spinal needle access in pregnant women.

Resumo Objetivo do estudo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se a inclinação lateral da mesa cirúrgica e a rotação do corpo de uma parturiente sentada para anestesia neuraxial aumentou o tamanho da área-alvo paramediana para a inserção da agulha neuraxial. Ambiente: Sala de parto. Pacientes: Trinta grávidas a termo, ASA I-II, agendadas para cesárea eletiva. Intervenções: Ultrassonografia lombar foi feita em quatro posições sentadas: (F) flexão lombar; (FR) como na posição F com rotação do ombro direito; (FT) como na posição F com inclinação lateral da mesa cirúrgica; (FTR) como na posição F com inclinação lateral da mesa cirúrgica combinada com a rotação do ombro direito. Mensurações: Para cada posição, o tamanho da "área-alvo", definido como o comprimento visível do ligamento longitudinal posterior, foi medido no interespaço de L3-L4. Principais resultados: As médias do ligamento longitudinal posterior foram: 18,4 ± 4 mm na posição F; 18,9 ± 5,5 mm na posição FR; 19 ± 5,3 mm na posição FT e 18 ± 5,2 mm na posição FTR. O comprimento médio do ligamento longitudinal posterior não foi significativamente diferente nas quatro posições. Conclusões: Esses dados mostram que as posições avaliadas não aumentaram a área-alvo, conforme definido pelo comprimento do ligamento longitudinal posterior com o objetivo de inserção da agulha neuraxial em pacientes obstétricas. As manobras avaliadas terão um uso limitado na melhoria do acesso à agulha espinhal em mulheres grávidas.

Modern techniques to optimize neuraxial labor analgesia

Neuraxial analgesia is the gold standard method for pain relief in labor. Several techniques can optimize both the initiation and maintenance of neuraxial labor analgesia. Initiation techniques such as combined spinal-epidural or dural puncture epidural may offer some advantages over standard epidural insertion. The use of ultrasound to assist with landmarking and optimizing block placement improves neuraxial success, and is particularly useful in certain patient populations. Maintaining labor analgesia with a regimen that includes background programmed intermittent boluses with a patient-controlled epidural analgesia component affords the best combination of pain relief and avoidance of undesired effects. These techniques are most effective when dilute local anesthetics with lipophilic opioids are utilized.

Neuraxial anesthesia after local anesthesia for management of percutaneous vertebroplasty complication during vertebroplasty / Bloqueio neuroaxial após anestesia local para manejo de complicação de vertebroplastia percutânea durante vertebroplastia

Abstract Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a relatively safe, simple and commonly performed interventional procedure for the management of vertebral compression fractures. However, serious complications are rarely reported in the procedure. Those are pulmonary embolism, severe infection, paraplegia and an occurrence of a new fracture in an adjacent vertebra after vertebroplasty. Acute complications are generally associated with the procedure. We present the case of neuraxial anesthesia, developed after local anesthesia with 8 mL of 2% prilocaine, in a 68-year-old woman who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty after an osteoporotic collapsed fracture in the L1 vertebra due to trauma. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature.

Resumo Vertebroplastia percutânea é um procedimento intervencionista relativamente seguro, simples e comumente feito para tratar fraturas por compressão vertebral. No entanto, as complicações graves relacionadas ao procedimento são raramente relatadas, incluindo embolia pulmonar, infecção grave, paraplegia e a ocorrência de uma nova fratura em vértebra adjacente após a vertebroplastia. Complicações agudas são geralmente associadas ao procedimento. Apresentamos o caso de bloqueio neuroaxial, feito após anestesia local com 8 mL de prilocaína a 2%, em uma mulher de 68 anos, submetida à vertebroplastia percutânea após fratura osteoporótica na vértebra L1 devido a trauma. De acordo com nossa pesquisa, este é o primeiro caso na literatura.

Effects of neuraxial and general anaesthesia for total joint arthroplasty:a meta-analysis / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of neuraxial and general anaesthesia for total joint arthroplasty by meta-analysis.Methods We searched online Pubmed,Web of science,Cochrane li-brary,CNKI,CBM and searched the literature of the Chinese series journals.All randomized controlled trials (RCT)that met their standards of neuraxial and general anaesthesia for total joint ar-throplasty were collected.The quality of trials was strictly assessed.RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis.Results Twenty-one RCTs involving 1 874 cases were included.Compared with general anaesthesia,the pooled data showed that the neuraxial anaesthesia significantly reduced blood loss (WMD=-97.52,95% CI = - 1 73.60-- 21.44,P = 0.01 ),associated with lower risk of deep vein thrombosis (RR=0.68,95%CI=0.48-0.95,P =0.02)and pulmonary embolism (RR=0.58, 95%CI=0.35-0.91,P =0.03),decreased the number of postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR=0.74,95%CI=0.60-0.92,P =0.008).Subgroup analysis showed that compared with general anaes-thesia,the neuraxial anaesthesia associated with lower risk of deep vein thrombosis (RR=0.5 1,95%CI=0.38-0.69,P < 0.000 01 )and pulmonary embolism (RR = 0.34,95% CI = 0.18-0.65,P =0.001)in patients who did not receive chemical antithrombotic prophylaxis.Conclusion Neuraxial anaesthesia seems to improve the outcome of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty and reduce postoperative complications.

Pain after major elective orthopedic surgery of the lower limb and type of anesthesia: does it matter? / Dor após cirurgia eletiva ortopédica de grande porte em membro inferior e o tipo de anestesia: isso importa?

Abstract Background and objectives: Total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty are associated with chronic pain development. Of the studies focusing on perioperative factors for chronic pain, few have focused on the differences that might arise from the anesthesia type performed during surgery. Methods: This was a prospective observational study performed between July 2014 and March 2015 with patients undergoing unilateral elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis. Data collection and pain evaluation questionnaires were performed in three different moments: preoperatively, 24 hours postoperatively and at 6 months after surgery. To characterize pain, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was used and SF-12v2 Health survey was used to further evaluate the sample's health status. Results: Forty and three patients were enrolled: 25.6% men and 74.4% women, 51,2% for total knee arthroplasty and48.8% for total hip arthroplasty, with a mean age of 68 years. Surgeries were performed in 25.6% of patients under general anesthesia, 55.8% under neuraxial anesthesia and 18.6% under combined anesthesia. Postoperatively, neuraxial anesthesia had a better pain control. Comparing pain evolution between anesthesia groups, neuraxial anesthesia was associated with a decrease in “worst”, “medium” and “now” pain at six months. Combined anesthesia was associated with a decrease of “medium” pain scores at six months. Of the three groups, only those in neuraxial group showed a decrease in level of pain interference in “walking ability”. TKA, “worst” pain preoperatively and general were predictors of pain development at six months. Conclusions: Patients with gonarthrosis and severe pain preoperatively may benefit from individualized pre- and intraoperative care, particularly preoperative analgesia and neuraxial anesthesia.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A artroplastia total de joelho e a artroplastia total de quadril estão associadas ao desenvolvimento de dor crônica. Dentre os estudos que avaliam os fatores perioperatórios para a dor crônica, poucos abordam as diferenças que podem surgir do tipo de anestesia feita durante a cirurgia. Métodos: Estudo observacional, prospectivo, feito entre julho de 2014 e março 2015 com pacientes submetidos à ATJ unilateral eletiva ou ATQ para a osteoartrite. A coleta de dados e a avaliação da dor por meio de questionários foram feitas em três momentos distintos: no pré-operatório, em 24 horas de pós-operatório e aos seis meses após a cirurgia. O Inventário Breve da Dor (IBD) foi usado para caracterizar a dor o e o Questionário SF-12v2 foi usado para avaliar melhor o estado de saúde da amostra. Resultados: Foram inscritos 43 pacientes: 25,6% homens e 74,4% mulheres, 51,2% para ATJ e 48,8% ATQ, com média de 68 anos. A cirurgia foi feita em 25,6% dos pacientes sob anestesia geral, em 55,8% sob anestesia neuroaxial e em 18,6% sob anestesia combinada. No pós-operatório, a anestesia neuraxial apresentou melhor controle da dor. Na comparação da evolução da dor entre os grupos, a anestesia neuraxial foi associada a uma diminuição de “pior”, “médio” e “sem” dor em seis meses. A anestesia combinada foi associada a uma diminuição do escore “médio” de dor em seis meses. Dos três grupos, apenas aqueles no grupo neuraxial apresentaram uma diminuição do nível de interferência da dor na “capacidade de caminhar”. ATJ, “pior” dor no pré-operatório e anestesia geral foram preditivos de desenvolvimento de dor aos seis meses. Conclusões: Os pacientes com gonartrose e dor intensa no pré-operatório podem obter benefício de cuidados individualizados no pré e intraoperatório, particularmente de analgesia no pré-operatório e anestesia neuraxial.

Effectiveness of combined regional-general anesthesia for reducing mortality in coronary artery bypass: meta-analysis / Efetividade da associação da anestesia regional à anestesia geral na redução da mortalidade em revascularização miocárdica: metanálise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuraxial anesthesia (NA) has been used in association with general anesthesia (GA) for coronary artery bypass; however, anticoagulation during surgery makes us question the viability of benefits by the risk of epidural hematoma. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analyzes examining the efficacy of NA associated with GA compared to GA alone for coronary artery bypass on mortality reduction. METHODS: Mortality, arrhythmias, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarction (MI), length of hospital stay (LHS), length of ICU stay (ICUS), reoperations, blood transfusion (BT), quality of life, satisfaction degree, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction were analyzed. The weighted mean difference (MD) was estimated for continuous variables, and relative risk (RR) and risk difference (RD) for categorical variables. RESULTS: 17 original articles analyzed. Meta-analysis of mortality (RD = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.01), CVA (RR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.32-1.95), MI (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.52-1.79) and LHS (MD = -1.94, 95% CI = -3.99 to 0.12) were not statistically significant. Arrhythmia was less frequent with NA (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50-0.93). ICUS was lower in NA (MD = -2.09, 95% CI = -2.92 to -1.26). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in mortality. Combined NA and GA showed lower incidence of arrhythmias and lower ICUS.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: A anestesia neuroaxial (AN) vem sendo utilizada em associação com a anestesia geral (AG) para revascularização miocárdica, entretanto a anticoagulação durante a cirurgia torna questionável a viabilidade dos benefícios mediante o risco de hematoma de espaço peridural. O objetivo deste estudo foi executar metanálises analisando a efetividade da AN associada à AG comparada à AG isolada para a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica relativa à redução da mortalidade. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados mortalidade, arritmias, acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), infarto miocárdico (IM), tempo de internação hospitalar (TIH), tempo de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (TUTI), reoperações, transfusão sanguínea (TS), qualidade de vida, grau de satisfação e disfunção cognitiva pós-opertória. A diferença média (DM) ponderada foi estimada para as variáveis contínuas e risco relativo (RR) e a diferença de risco (DR) para variáveis categóricas. RESULTADOS: Analisados 17 artigos originais. Metanálise da mortalidade (DR = -0,01; IC 95% = -0,03 a 0,01), AVC (RR = 0,79; IC 95% = 0,32 a 1,95), IM (RR = 0,96; IC 95% = 0,52 a 1,79) e TIH (DM = -1,94; IC 95% = -3,99 a 0,12) não demonstraram significância estatística. Arritmia foi menos frequente com AN (RR = 0,68; IC 95% = 0,50 a 0,93). O TUTI foi menor no com AN (DM = -2,09; IC 95% = -2,92 a -1,26). CONCLUSÃO: Não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes quanto a mortalidade. A combinação de AN e AG mostrou menor incidência de arritmias e menor TUTI.

Association of Cobb angle progression and neuraxial abnormality on MRI in asymptomatic Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background: Detection of neuraxial abnormality in neurologically asymptomatic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is crucial prior to surgery. It can only be detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which was not routinely done in this group of patient. On the other hand, whole spine radiographs for measurement of Cobb angle have been routinely included during clinic follow-up. This study aimed to determine the correlation between Cobb angle progression and neuraxial abnormality finding on MRI in asymptomatic AIS. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Orthopaedic department of a tertiary hospital. Patients with asymptomatic AIS aged 10-20 years who attended scoliosis clinic from year 2007 to 2010 was reviewed. Patients who had whole spine MRI and two vertebral radiographs at least one year apart were further selected. Statistical analysis was done to see the association between Cobb angle progression and neuraxial abnormality on MRI. Results: The mean age at first presentation was 14.4 years old. Female (n=249) to male (n=50) ratio was 5:1. Only 19 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. There were 5 patients (26.3%) who had neuraxial abnormalities. The mean curve progression was 7.05° (range from -5° to 28°). Patients with and without neuroaxial abnormality showed mean curve progression of 0.6º and 9.36° respectively. There was no significant association between Cobb angle progression and neuroaxial abnormality (p=1.000). Conclusion: Cobb angle progression is not a reliable indicator for predicting neuroaxial abnormality in patients with asymptomatic AIS. However, this study stressed the need to perform MRI prior to operation to document any associated neuraxial abnormality in clinically asymptomatic AIS patients.

Application of Ultrasonography in Central Neuraxial Blockage / 中国微创外科杂志

[Summary] In recent years , ultrasound guidance has been widely used in local anesthesia , particularly in peripheral nerve blockage .Ultrasound guided neuraxial blockage is also making progress .Previous studies have shown that pre-puncture ultrasound scanning could provide useful information on the correct intervertebral interspace , the midline of the spine , the optimal puncture point , the appropriate angle for needle insertion , and the distance from skin to the spinal canal .In this review, the ultrasonographic techniques and image analysis , as well as its clinical use , including pre-puncture scanning and real-time guidance for spinal and epidural anesthesia , were summarized .

Interventional treatments for cancer pain due to bone metastasis

More than 30% of patients with cancer do not receive adequate pain-control treatment. Metastatic bone lesion-induced pain is one of the most common causes of cancer pain. Although cancer pain is reasonably well controlled using the World Health Organization analgesic ladder in most cases, metastatic bone lesion-induced pain generally does not respond well to traditional treatments. Interventional treatments are considered only when traditional treatments are ineffective or increasing the opioids dosage is impossible because of severe complications. In these cases, interventional treatments, such as peripheral nerve block, neuraxial block, vertebral augmentation, percutaneous cementoplasty, radiofrequency ablation, and cryoablation, can be considered. Fortunately, nerve block techniques show significant effects in many cases. The recent development of the intrathecal pump makes drug delivery safer and continuous for patients, without the need for replacement, until the end. Vertebral augmentation is a very useful pain-relieving method for metastatic spinal lesion pain. Vertebral augmentation and percutaneous cementoplasty provide stability and reinforcement to the weight-bearing bones and spine, thereby improving the quality of life of patients. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation are applicable to painful metastatic spinal and bone lesions; when performed together with vertebral augmentation or percutaneous cementoplasty, the results are even better. If interventional treatments are appropriately performed at the proper time, they can have a synergistic effect and lower the rate of side effects compared to traditional treatments; thus, increasing the quality of life of patients with cancer and restoring their dignity until the end.

Neuraxial analgesia: a review of its effects on the outcome and duration of labor / 대한마취과학회지

Labor pain is one of the most challenging experiences encountered by females during their lives. Neuraxial analgesia is the mainstay analgesic for intrapartum pain relief. However, despite the increasing use and undeniable advantages of neuraxial analgesia for labor, there have been concerns regarding undesirable effects on the progression of labor and outcomes. Recent evidence indicates that neuraxial analgesia does not increase the rate of Cesarean sections, although it may be associated with a prolonged second stage of labor and an increased rate of instrumental vaginal delivery. Even when neuraxial analgesia is administered early in the course of labor, it is not associated with an increased rate of Cesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery, nor does it prolong the labor duration. These data may help physicians correct misconceptions regarding the adverse effects of neuraxial analgesia on labor outcome, as well as encourage the administration of neuraxial analgesia in response to requests for pain relief.