Relationship between optical coherence tomography findings and clinical variables in patients with opiate use disorder / Relação entre os achados da tomografia de coerência óptica e as variáveis clínicas em pacientes com transtorno por uso de opiáceos

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to examine optical coherence tomography findings in patients with opiate use disorder by comparing them with healthy controls. Methods: The study included 30 opiate use disorder patients and 30 controls. The participants' detailed biomicroscopic examinations, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and both eye examinations were evaluated. A total of 120 eyes were evaluated using optical coherence tomography, measuring the central macular thickness, mean macular thickness, mean macular volume and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Moreover, all participants filled in the demographic data form and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Results: Upon examination of the optical coherence tomography findings, central macular thickness, mean macular thickness, and mean macular volume were thinner in both eyes in patients with opiate use disorder (p<0.01 in all measurements in both eyes). Similarly, the total values of the superior quadrant and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were statistically significant in both eyes compared to that in the control group (p=0.007, p=0.002; p=0.049, p=0.007, in the right and left eyes, respectively). Only the left eye was positively correlated with retinal nerve fiber layer superior quadrant measurement and hospitalization (r=0.380, p=0.039). Conclusion: Our results revealed that the patients' central macular thickness, mean macular thickness, and mean macular volume values were thinner. Increase in the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness superior quadrant thickness and total value was also observed. Further studies with larger sampling groups that evaluate neuroimaging findings should be conducted.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo foi investigar foi, os achados da tomografia de coerência óptica em pacientes com transtorno do uso de opiáceos, comparando-os com controles saudáveis. Métodos: O estudo incluiu 30 pacientes com transtorno do uso de opiáceos e 30 controles. Os exames biomicroscópicos detalhados de todos os participantes, acuidade visual, pressão intraocular e ambos os exames oculares foram avaliados com tomografia de coerência óptica. Um total de 120 olhos foram avaliados usando tomografia de coerência óptica, e a espessura macular central, espessura macular média, volume macular médio e a espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina dos participantes foram medidos. Além disso, todos os participantes preencheram o Formulário de Dados Demográficos e a Escala de Impulsividade Barratt (BIS-11). Resultados: Quando os achados de tomografia de coerência óptica foram examinados, espessura macular central, espessura macular média e volume macular médio eram mais finos de acordo com controles saudáveis em ambos os olhos em pacientes com transtorno do uso de opiáceos (p<0,01 em todas as medições em ambos os olhos). Da mesma forma, os valores totais do quadrante superior e espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina estavam mais em níveis estatisticamente significativos em ambos os olhos em comparação com o grupo controle (p=0,007, p=0,002; p=0,049, p=0,007, no olho direito e esquerdo, respectivamente). Estar internado em hospital e apenas a medida do quadrante superior da espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina do olho esquerdo associou-se positivamente (r=0,380, p=0,039). Conclusão: Em nossos resultados, descobrimos que os valores de espessura macular central, espessura macular média e volume macular médio dos pacientes eram mais finos. Verificamos também espessamento no quadrante superior e valor total da espessura da camada de fibra nervosa da retina. Nosso estudo deve ser apoiado por novos estudos com grupos de amostragem maiores, nos quais os achados de neuroimagem são avaliados.

Valoración del riego de adicción a tramadol en pacientes con dolor crónico no oncológico / Risk of addiction in patients with tramadol for chronic no cáncer pain

RESUMEN Objetivo El manejo del dolor crónico no oncológico con analgésicos opioides ha sido de importancia para el control de los síntomas y el restablecimiento de la actividad. Sin embargo, el riesgo de adicción asociado a estos medicamentos es ampliamente conocido y evaluado. Este estudio evalúa el riesgo de adicción que presentaban los pacientes con manejo de tramadol describiendo los factores más frecuentes en la muestra estudiada frente a lo reportado en la literatura. Métodos Una muestra de 76 pacientes de una clínica de dolor que están en manejo con tramadol se les administra un cuestionario con características demográficas y con la escala Opioid Risk Tool para el riesgo de adicción. Resultados El 57,89% de los sujetos fueron mujeres; el 55,20% se encontraba entre los 29 y 59 años. El riesgo de adicción moderado se encontró en el 9,09% de las mujeres y en el 37,05% de los hombres. La inclusión de otras enfermedades como ansiedad y trastorno de estrés postraumático aumenta el riesgo de adicción a severo en 6,06% de los hombres. Conclusiones La valoración del riesgo de adicción a opioides debe tener en cuenta los factores encontrados en la población colombiana.

ABSTRACT Objective The management of chronic non-cancer pain with opioid analgesics has been important for the control of symptoms and the restoration of activity, however, the risk of addiction associated with these drugs is widely known. This study evaluates the risk of addiction presented by patients with tramadol treatment, describing the most frequent factors in the sample studied compared to what was reported in the literature. Methods A sample of 76 patients from a pain clinic who are being managed with tramadol are administered a questionnaire with demographic characteristics and with the Opioid Risk Tool scale for the risk of addiction. Results 57.89% of the subjects were women, 55.20% were affected between 29 and 59 years. A moderate risk of addiction was found in 9.09% of women and 37.05% of men. The inclusion of other diseases such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder increases the risk of addiction to severe in 6.06% of men. Conclusions The assessment of the risk of addiction to opioids must consider the factors found in the Colombian population.

Saúde mental, transtorno por uso de substâncias e transtorno por uso de opioides: atualizações e estratégias de tratamento / Mental health, substance use disorder, and opioid uses disorder: updates and strategies for treatment / Salud mental, trastorno por uso de sustancias y trastorno por uso de opioides: actualizaciones y estrategias de tratamiento

OBJETIVO: descrever as principais estratégias para abordar lacunas na identificação, tratamento e treinamento sobre saúde mental, transtorno do uso de substâncias (TUS) e transtorno do uso de opioides (TUO). MÉTODO: trata-se de uma revisão narrativa, a partir de artigos recentes e de publicações de instituições que abordam a temática da saúde mental e da dependência química reconhecidas internacionalmente. RESULTADOS: a prevalência de uso concomitante de substâncias e transtornos psiquiátricos/de saúde mental tem sido elevada e continua crescente, compondo problemas complexos que implicam em desafios de tratamento multifacetados, incluindo condições médicas, deficiências, falta de moradia, abandono de medicamentos e altas taxas de recaída. O tratamento de TUS's e TUO's são questões individualmente complexas. A combinação dos dois transtornos requer uma abordagem de diagnóstico e tratamento dedicada e multifacetada. CONCLUSÃO: como a prevalência de TUO's, TUS's e COD's continua a aumentar, enfermeiros e profissionais de saúde devem estar preparados para diagnosticar, tratar e/ou encaminhar os usuários para garantir o cuidado adequado e a recuperação a longo prazo dos indivíduos acometidos.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the main strategies to deal with gaps in the identification, treatment and training regarding substance use disorder (SUD), and opioid uses disorder (OUD). METHOD: this is a narrative review, based on recent articles and publications on mental health and substance use recognized internationally. RESULTS: a prevalence of co-occurring substance use and mental health/psychiatric disorders continue to rise and are considered complex problems, with multifaceted treatment challenges including medical conditions, disabilities, homelessness, medication noncompliance, and high relapse rates. The treatment for SUD and OUD are complex. The co-occurrence of these two disorders require a multifaceted approach for the diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION: the prevalence of SUD, OUD and their co-occurrence continue to rise and nurses and other health professionals should be prepared to diagnose, treat and/or refer users to assure their adequate care and long term recovery.

OBJETIVO: describir las principales estrategias para abordar las brechas en la identificación, tratamiento y capacitación en salud mental, trastorno por uso de sustancias (TUS) y trastorno por uso de opioides (TUO). MÉTODO: se trata de una revisión narrativa, basada en artículos y publicaciones recientes de instituciones reconocidas internacionalmente que abordan el tema de la salud mental y la dependencia química. RESULTADOS: la prevalencia del uso concomitante de sustancias y trastornos psiquiátricos/de salud mental ha sido alta y continúa creciente, lo que agrava problemas complejos que implican desafíos de tratamiento multifacéticos, que incluyen afecciones médicas, discapacidades, falta de vivienda, abandono del uso de medicaciones y elevadas tasas de recaída. El tratamiento de los TUS y TUO son problemas individualmente complejo. Una combinación de los dos requiere un enfoque de diagnóstico y tratamiento dedicado y multifacético. CONCLUSIÓN: como la prevalencia de TUO, TUS y COD sigue aumentando, las enfermeras y los profesionales de la salud deben estar preparados para diagnosticar, tratar y / o encaminar para garantizar la atención adecuada y la recuperación a largo plazo de las personas afectadas.

Prevalence of hepatitis-C viral infection among opioid dependent injectable drug users: a study conducted at regional hospital drug de-addiction and treatment centre, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Background: There are a limited number of studies regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections among the drug addicts in Himachal Pradesh; C virus (HCV) infection in north India especially Himachal with very high rates of substance abuse. The present study was attempted to study the prevalence of hepatitis C among the injectable drug users, which is more important in a country like India where viral hepatitis is estimated to be among the top ten causes of deaths.Methods: A study was conducted in 2019-2020 (July-April). HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests in 235 drug addicts were studied. Urine samples obtained from drug addicts were analyzed for cannabis, opiate and cocaine metabolites.Results: The subjects included were 235 IDUs who were opioid dependent. All the 235 drug users were males, and their mean age was 30.69±9.494 years; 112 (47.7%) of them were in the age group ranging 20 - 29 years (p <0.05). Of 235 drug addicts, 113 (48.1%) and 115 (48.9%) were only cannabis and opiate users, respectively. The frequencies of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV among drug addicts were 2.6%, 38.3%, and 9.4%, respectively.Conclusions: The obtained results showed that HCV infection was an alarming problem among opiate users in this part of Himachal. It is suggested to rapidly diagnose the infected persons; thus preventive measures and appropriate control may limit further transmission of these infections.

A case of idiopathic edema after opioid abuse cessation: can failed aldosterone escape be implicated?

Edema is a recognized complication of ongoing heavy opioid use, regardless of the means of delivery or the specifics of the drug in question. The mechanism responsible remains incompletely understood. Hypotheses currently offered include increased Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) secretion, histamine-mediated permeability changes, independent opioid-receptor mediated fluid retention and an exacerbation of pre-existing vascular compromise. Authors report a case of a 39yr old lady in whom edema emerged 7 months after cessation of opioid abuse. All secondary causes of edema were excluded by an exhaustive battery of investigations. The edema failed to recede with loop diuretics, and resolved only on institution of spironolactone, on which she maintained improvement. This case study reinforces hypotheses of ADH likely mediating opioid associated edema and suggests that aldosterone receptor antagonists are probably a superior class of drugs in opioid-associated edema. It also suggests that the physiological changes caused by opioid use that are responsible for edema are likely stable and persist well beyond the period of actual use. Reformed opioid abusers who never received OST are a huge population whose unique physiological status is likely to yield valuable insights into not just the pathology of opioid-abuse related edema, but the pathology of opioid use as a whole.

Visual and Auditory Reaction Times of Patients with Opioid Use Disorder

OBJECTIVE: Reaction time is defined as the time from the start of a stimulus to the start of the voluntary movement. Time plays an important role in undertaking daily living activities. Reaction time is an important factor in respect of both quality of life and of capabilities demonstrated in the work environment. Alcohol and some addictive substances have effect on RT. The aim of this study was to compare the visual and auditory reaction times of patients with opioid use disorder with healthy control subjects. METHODS: The study was applied to two groups as the opioid use disorder group and the control group. A Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Form was prepared for each patient including age, gender, marital status and education level. Using a computer program the response to visual screen color change (red/blue) and to an auditory ‘beep’ sound of the computer system were recorded. The Student’s t-test was applied as a statistical method. RESULTS: The results showed longer reaction times in the patients with opioid use disorder. CONCLUSION: To add improving reaction time approaches in opioid use disorder treatment may contribute to treatment by increasing quality of life and work performance.

Successful Treatment with Transdermal Buprenorphine Patch in Opioid-Dependent Cancer Patients: Case Series / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

Opioid aberrant behavior is an emerging problem as strong opioid is increasingly used to alleviate cancer pain in patients with cancer. Although the treatment of opioid addiction and physical dependence for non-cancer pain is well known, few studies have been conducted with cancer patients, particularly in the Korean population. Presented here are ten cases of cancer patients who were physically dependent on strong opioid and successfully treated with a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist, buprenorphine. This is the first report showing the efficacy of transdermal buprenorphine as a treatment for physical dependence on opioid medication in cancer patients.

Changes in expression of c-fos protein in spinal cord in a rat model of oxycodone dependence or withdrawal response / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the changes in the expression of c-fos protein in the spinal cord in a rat model of oxycodone dependence or withdrawal response.Methods Thirty SPF adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 180-220 g,were divided into 3 groups (n=10 each) using a random number table method:normal saline group (group NS),oxycodone dependence group (group OD),and oxycodone withdrawal group (group OW).In OD and OW groups,oxycodone was injected subcutaneously in back,5 days in total,with the dose of 2,3,4,5 and 6 mg/kg in turn,3 times a day (8:00/15:00/22:00).The equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group NS.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold was measured at 3 days before administration and 30 min after the last administration every day.The oxycodone withdrawal was induced by intraperitoneal injection of naloxone 4 mg/kg at 8 h after the last administration of oxycodone on 5th day in group OW.The withdrawal response scores and range of weight changes were recorded within 15 min after giving naloxone or normal saline in NS and OW groups.Spinal cord tissues were collected at 1 h after the last administration on 5th day in group OD and at 1 h after giving normal saline or naloxone on 5th day in NS and OW groups for determination of the expression of c-fos protein by Western blot.Results Compared with group NS,the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold was significantly increased on 1 and 2 days after administration,and the expression of c-fos protein in the spinal cord was up-regulated in OD and OW groups,and withdrawal response scores were significantly increased,and the range of weight change was increased in group OW (P＜0.05).The expression of c-fos protein was significantly down-regulated in group OW as compared with group OD (P＜0.05).Conclusion Oxycodone dependence or withdrawal response may be related to the expression of c-fos protein in the spinal cord of rats,and the expression is up-regulated during oxycodone dependence,while down-regulated during oxycodone withdrawal.

Usos terapeuticos potenciales de los antagonistas opioides: Fisiopatologia y evidencia preclinica / Potential therapeutic uses of opioid antagonists: Pathophysiology and preclinical evidence

El sistema opioide, del cual forman parte los peptidos opioides endogenos y sus receptores (Miu, Kappa, delta y ORL), tiene un papel importante en la fisiologia de diferentes sistemas. Existe una creciente evidencia de su participacion en la fisiopatologia de multiples trastornos del sistema nervioso central, endocrino e inmunologico. La modulacion del sistema opioide mediante el uso de antagonistas especificos o inespecificos de sus receptores puede tener un papel terapeutico en el manejo sintomatico de diferentes contextos, incluyendo la intoxicacion aguda por opiaceos, la dependencia a opioides, y la reduccion de reacciones adversas de agonistas opioides utilizados en el manejo del dolor cronico. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo revisar la farmacologia de los antagonistas opioides especificos e inespecificos, y realizar una actualizacion de sus posibles nuevas indicaciones y usos terapeuticos.

Opioid system, which involved endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors (Miu, Kappa, delta and ORL), has a main role in the physiology of several systems. At the same time, there is cumulating evidence in the role of the opioid system in the physiopathology of several disorders in the central nervous, endocrine and immunological system. The modulation of the opioid system using nonspecific antagonists may have a therapeutic role in the symptomatic management of several diseases, as well as, in the emergency management of opioid analgesic overdose, opioid dependence and to reduce the drug side effects of the opioid agonists used in chronic pain. This paper aims to review the pharmacology of specific and nonspecific opioid antagonists, and update on possible new indications and therapeutic uses of such antagonists.

Perfil clínico e demográfico de anestesiologistas usuários de álcool e outras drogas atendidos em um serviço pioneiro no Brasil / Clinical and demographic profile of anesthesiologists using alcohol and other drugs under treatment in a pioneering program in Brazil / Perfil clínico y demográfico de los anestesiólogos usuarios de alcohol y otras drogas atendidos en un servicio pionero en Brasil

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Anestesiologistas são os mais representados em serviços de atendimento a médicos com transtornos por uso de substâncias psicoativas. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um estudo descritivo sobre o perfil clínico e sociodemográfico de uma amostra de anestesiologistas dependentes químicos atendidos em um serviço de referência, bem como elencar comorbidades psiquiátricas, drogas frequentemente utilizadas e repercussões psicossociais e profissionais do consumo. MÉTODO: Realizou-se estudo transversal, prospectivo, tendo sido aplicadas entrevistas estruturadas para diagnóstico de transtornos mentais e transtornos por uso de substâncias psicoativas, com base na Classificação Internacional de Doenças - Versão 10 - e questionário sócio-ocupacional, aplicados por dois pesquisadores treinados. RESULTADOS: Cinquenta e sete anestesiologistas foram entrevistados, em sua maioria do sexo masculino (77,2%), idade média de 36,1 anos (DP = 8,5). Observou-se uma alta prevalência de uso de opioides (59,6%), benzodiazepínicos (35,1%) e álcool (35,1%). Usuários de opioides procuraram tratamento mais precocemente comparado aos não usuários desta substância e, geralmente, sob influência da pressão de colegas ou do conselho regional de medicina. O uso de drogas como automedicação foi elevado dentro deste subgrupo. CONCLUSÕES: Anestesiologistas podem apresentar um perfil distinto de risco de uso de opioides. O padrão de início de consumo, associado aos anos de residência médica ou aos primeiros anos da prática médica, reforça a hipótese de dependência de opioides como problema ocupacional entre anestesiologistas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anesthesiologists are the majority in impaired-physician programs that assist physicians who abuse psychoactive substances. The aim of this paper is to show a descriptive study about the clinical and sociodemographic profile of a sample of chemically dependent anesthesiologists treated in a reference program. In addition, the objective is to cite the psychiatric comorbities, the most frequently used drugs and the psychosocial and professional repercussions of substance abuse. METHOD: A cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted, and a socio-occupational questionnaire and a structured interview were carried out to diagnose mental and psychoactive substance use disorders, according to the International Classification of Diseases (the ICD-10). The questionnaire and the structured interview were carried out by two skilled researchers. RESULTS: Fifty-seven anesthesiologists were interviewed. Most of them were male (77.2%), and the mean age was 36.1 years (SD = 8.5%). A high prevalence of abuse of opioid (59.6%), benzodiazepine (3.1%) and alcohol (35.1%) was observed. Opioid users sought treatment earlier than other substance users and usually they were under pressure from their colleagues and the Regional Council of Medicine. The incidence of drug abuse for self-medication was high in this subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesiologists may present a different profile concerning the risks of opioid use. Opioid abuse usually begins during medical residency or during the first years of clinical practice, which supports the hypothesis that addiction to opioids is an occupational issue among anesthesiologists.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Los anestesiólogos son los más representados en los servicios de atención a médicos con trastornos por el uso de sustancias psicoactivas. El objetivo de este trabajo, es presentar un estudio descriptivo sobre el perfil clínico y socio-demográfico de una muestra de anestesiólogos dependientes químicos, atendidos en un servicio de referencia, como también discriminar las comorbilidades psiquiátricas, las drogas a menudo utilizadas y las repercusiones psicosociales y profesionales del consumo. MÉTODO: Se hizo un estudio transversal, prospectivo, y se aplicaron entrevistas estructuradas para el diagnóstico de los trastornos mentales y de los trastornos por el uso de sustancias psicoactivas, con base en la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (Versión 10) y cuestionario socio-ocupacional, aplicados por dos investigadores entrenados para tal función. RESULTADOS: Cincuenta y siete anestesiólogos fueron entrevistados, en su mayoría del sexo masculino (77,2%), edad promedio de 36,1 años (DE = 8,5). Se observó una alta prevalencia del uso de opioides (59,6%), benzodiazepínicos (35,1%) y alcohol (35,1%). Los usuarios de opioides buscaron tratamiento más rápidamente si los comparamos con los no usuarios de esa sustancia y generalmente, bajo la influencia de la presión de colegas o del Órgano Regional de Medicina. El uso de drogas como automedicación fue elevado dentro de este subgrupo. CONCLUSIONES: Los anestesiólogos pueden presentar un perfil distinto de riesgo de uso de opioides. El estándar de inicio de consumo, asociado a los años de residencia o a los primeros años de la práctica médica, refuerza la hipótesis de dependencia de opioides como el problema ocupacional entre los anestesiólogos.

Abuso de fármacos anestésicos pelos anestesiologistas / Anesthetic drug abuse by anesthesiologists / Abuso de fármacos anestésicos por parte de los anestesiólogos

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O uso de substâncias psicoativas é um pouco mais alto na classe médica comparado à população geral. Dentre as especialidades médicas, a Anestesiologia é uma das mais atingidas, principalmente por excesso de trabalho e maior acesso aos fármacos. O objetivo deste artigo é revisar a literatura sobre o assunto. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa com as palavras-chaves relacionadas ao assunto no MEDLINE, com artigos dos últimos 30 anos. CONTEÚDO: Apesar da droga de maior abuso entre os anestesiologistas ser o álcool, o abuso de agentes anestésicos é o mais preocupante, devido ao alto potencial de dependência, bem como às suas consequências, muitas vezes letais. Os mais usados são os opioides (fentanil e sufentanil), o propofol e os anestésicos inalatórios. Os profissionais mais jovens são os mais afetados. As consequências do uso vão desde afastamento do local de trabalho até morte. A volta à sala de cirurgia parece levar a alto risco de recaída. Programas de tratamento especializado para a classe médica são propostos nos EUA e na Europa, bem como medidas preventivas, como rigidez no controle de fármacos e identificação dos profissionais sob maior risco de abuso. No Brasil, os anestesiologistas são a segunda especialidade que mais consomem substâncias, porém o assunto é pouco estudado e há uma carência de programas especializados na área. CONCLUSÕES: O abuso de substâncias entre os anestesiologistas é um assunto que necessita maior atenção, principalmente devido às consequências graves que este consumo pode acarretar tanto para o profissional como para os pacientes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Physicians has a slightly higher rate of psychoactive substance use when compared to the population in general. Anesthesiology is one of the most affected medicine specialties, especially due to overwork and easier access to drugs. This paper aims to carry out a literature review on the topic. Therefore, research was conducted by searching topic-related keywords on papers from the last 30 years available on MEDLINE. CONTENT: Despite the fact that alcohol abuse is the most common among anesthesiologists, the abuse of anesthetic agents causes more concern, due to its high dependence potential and consequences, which are often fatal. The most widely used drugs are opioids (fentanyl and sufentanil), propofol and inhalational anesthetics. Young professionals are the most affected. Among the consequences of drug abuse are workplace absence and even death. The return to operating rooms seems to increase the risk of relapse. In Europe and in the USA there are specialized treatment programs for the middle class, as well as preventive measures, such as strict control of drugs and identification of professionals at high risk of abuse. In Brazil, Anesthesiology is the second medicine specialty with most drug addicts, but the topic has not been much studied and there are few specialized programs in the field. CONCLUSIONS: Substance abuse by anesthesiologists is an issue that needs to be discussed further, especially due to the possibility of severe consequences for professionals and patients.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El uso de sustancias psicoactivas es un poco más alto en la clase médica si lo comparamos con la población en general. Entre las especialidades médicas, la Anestesiología es una de las más afectadas, principalmente por el exceso de trabajo y la mayor facilidad en el acceso a los fármacos. El objetivo de este artículo, es revisar la literatura sobre el asunto. Para eso, se realizó una investigación con las palabras clave relacionadas con el asunto en el MEDLINE, con los artículos de los últimos 30 años. CONTENIDO: A pesar de que la droga de la que más se abusa entre los anestesiólogos sea el alcohol, el abuso de los agentes anestésicos es lo más preocupante, debido al alto potencial de dependencia como también a sus consecuencias, muchas veces letales. Los más usados son los opioides (fentanil y sulfentanil), el propofol y los anestésicos inhalatorios. Los profesionales más jóvenes son los más afectados. Las consecuencias del uso van desde el alejamiento del local de trabajo hasta la muerte. El regreso al quirófano parece llevar a un alto riesgo de recaída. Programas de tratamiento especializado para la clase médica han sido propuestos en USA y en Europa, como también algunas medidas preventivas, como la rigidez en el control de los fármacos y la identificación de los profesionales que tienen un mayor riesgo de abusar de las sustancias. En Brasil, los anestesiólogos son la segunda especialidad que más consume sustancias, sin embargo, el asunto es poco estudiado y hay una falta de programas especializados en esa área. CONCLUSIONES: El abuso de sustancias entre los anestesiólogos es un asunto que necesita más atención, principalmente debido a las graves consecuencias que ése consumo puede acarrear, tanto para el profesional, como para los pacientes.

A target-controlled infusion regimen for reducing remifentanil-induced coughs / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil through stepwise increases in the effect-site concentration (Ceff) in preventing coughs. METHODS: In a preliminary study, we randomly selected 140 patients to receive remifentanil through two-step increases in Ceff (1.0 ng/ml to 4.0 ng/ml: Group R1-4; 2.0 ng/ml to 4.0 ng/ml: Group R2-4). Based on the results of the preliminary study, we employed another sample of 140 patients and implemented a three-step increase in TCI (1.0 ng/ml to 2.0 ng/ml to 4.0 ng/ml: Group R1-2-4). We then compared this treatment with direct targeting based on 4.0 ng/ml TCI (Group R4). We recorded the episodes of coughs, rating them as mild (1-2), moderate (3-4), or severe (5 or more). RESULTS: In Group R1-4, one patient (1.5%) coughed during the first step, and five (7.3%) coughed during the second step. In Group R2-4, nine (13.2%) coughed during the first step, but none coughed during the next step. Only one patient had a mild cough during the three-step increase in TCI, that is, patients in Group R1-2-4 were significantly less likely to cough than those in Group R4 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Stepwise increases in the TCI of remifentanil reduced the incidence of remifentanil-induced coughing, and the three-step increase in TCI nearly eliminated remifentanil-induced coughing.

La historia médica de Edgar Alian Poe / The medical history of Edgar Alian Poe

Edgar Allan Poe, one of the best American storytellers and poets, suffered an episodic behaviour disorder partially triggered by alcohol and opiate use. Much confusion still exists about the last days of his turbulent life and the cause of his death at an early age. Different etiologies have been proposed to explain his main medical problem, however, complex partial seizures triggered by alcohol, poorly recognized at the time when Poe lived, seems to be one of the most acceptable hypothesis, among others discussed.