Cardiac output and the pharmacology of general anesthetics: a narrative review

The relationship between cardiac output and anesthetic drugs is important to anesthesiologists, since cardiac output determines the speed with which a drug infused into the bloodstream reaches its target and the intensity of the drug's effect. But rather than focus on how anesthetic drugs affect cardiac output, this narrative review focuses on how changes in cardiac output affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of general anesthetics during the three phases of anesthesia. At induction, an increase in cardiac output shortens both the onset time of propofol for hypnosis and the neuromuscular blocking effect of rapid-acting neuromuscular blockers, favoring the conditions for rapid sequence intubation. During maintenance, changes in cardiac output are followed by opposite changes in the drug plasma concentration of anesthetic drugs. Thus, an increase in cardiac output followed by a decrease in the plasma concentration of the anesthetic could expose the patient to a real risk of intraoperative awakening, which can be avoided by increasing the dose of hypnotic drugs. At emergence, an increase in cardiac output secondary to an increase in pC02 allows for a more rapid recovery from anesthesia. The pC02 can be increased by adding CO2 to the respiratory circuit, lowering the ventilatory rate, or placing the patient on partial rebreathing. Finally, the reversal action of sugammadex for rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block can be shortened by increasing the cardiac output.

La relación entre el gasto cardíaco y los fármacos anestésicos es importante para los anestesiólogos puesto que el gasto cardíaco determina la velocidad con la cual un medicamento que se infunde al torrente sanguíneo llega a su diana y la intensidad del efecto del agente. Pero en lugar de concentrarnos en cómo los fármacos anestésicos afectan el gasto cardíaco, esta revisión narrativa se enfoca en cómo los cambios en el gasto cardíaco afectan la farmacocinética y la farmacodinámica de los agentes anestésicos generales durante las tres fases de la anestesia. En el momento de la inducción, un incremento en el gasto cardíaco acorta tanto el tiempo de inicio del efecto del propofol para la hipnosis como el efecto del bloqueo neuromuscular causado por los bloqueadores neuromusculares de acción rápida, favoreciendo las condiciones para la intubación de secuencia rápida. Durante la fase de mantenimiento, los cambios en el gasto cardíaco vienen seguidos de cambios opuestos en la concentración plasmática del medicamento de los agentes anestésicos. Por lo tanto, un aumento del gasto cardíaco, seguido de una reducción en la concentración plasmática del anestésico, podría exponer al paciente a un riesgo real de despertar intraoperatorio, lo cual puede evitarse aumentando la dosis de los fármacos hipnóticos. En la educción, un aumento en el gasto cardíaco secundario al incremento en el pCO2 permite una recuperación más rápida de la anestesia. El pCO2 puede aumentar agregando CO2 al circuito de la respiración, reduciendo la tasa ventilatoria, o colocando al paciente en re-inhalación parcial. Finalmente, la acción de reversión de sugammadex en caso de bloqueo neuromuscular inducido por rocuronio, puede acortarse aumentando el gasto cardíaco.

Intranasally Administered Adjunctive Dexmedetomidine Reduces Perioperative Anesthetic Requirements in General Anesthesia

PURPOSE: Intranasal dexmedetomidine is an effective sedative for premedication and is regularly used to reduce preoperative tension and anxiety in children. This study aimed to assess the effect of intranasally adjunctive dexmedetomidine on perioperative sedative and analgesic requirements in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into four groups to receive preoperative administration of saline, intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg and 2 µg/kg, and intravenous dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg, respectively. Propofol and remifentanil were target-controlled infused to maintain intraoperative bispectral index at 45-55 and blood pressure at baseline value±20%. Sufentanil was administered to maintain postoperative visual analogue scale ≤3. Perioperative anesthetics requirements were compared using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Intranasal dexmedetomidine significantly attenuated propofol requirements for anesthesia induction and maintenance in a dose-dependent manner. Patients given intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 µg/kg required less remifentanil for anesthesia maintenance. The first postoperative request for sufentanil analgesia was delayed in patients given intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 µg/kg. The anesthetics-sparing effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine was significantly weaker than intravenous dexmedetomidine at the same dose of 1 µg/kg. The incidences of adverse events, including hemodynamic instability and delayed recovery, were comparable with and without intranasal dexmedetomidine. CONCLUSION: Intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine can reduce perioperative anesthetic requirements, and a dose of dexmedetomidine 2 µg/kg produces a better effect in adults. The anesthetics-sparing effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg is less than that with the same intravenous dose of dexmedetomidine.

Anesthesia for esophageal endoscopic mucosal resection / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To observe efficacy and safety of 2 ways of intravenous anesthesia in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early esophageal cancer and its precancerous lesion.Methods A total of 140 patients with early esophageal cancer and its precancerous lesion undergoing EMR were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups, with 70 patients in each.Midazolam and propofol were used for group Ⅰ, while midazolam and etomidate were used for group Ⅱ.Vital signs, anesthetic effect, recovery time during the therapy, intra-operative and post-operative adverse reactions were compared.Results Anesthesia with both methods could reach the need for safe EMR.The blood pressure and heart rate of patients in group Ⅰ significantly decreased during the therapy, while no significant difference was found in those of group Ⅱ, but which was significantly different from those of group Ⅰ at some parts of the observation point (P＜0.05).Pulse oxygen saturation of all patients during the procedure was within normal range.No significant difference was found between 2 groups in recovery time.The incidence of muscle tremor or myoclonus in group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that of group Ⅰ, but the incidence of bradycardia and hypotension in group Ⅱ was lower than that of group Ⅰ (P＜0.05).Several patients complained pain, nausea and dizziness after therapy, but there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion Anesthesia with propofol and etomidate can both be applied to digestive endoscopy.Etomidate shows advantages in more stable hemodynamics.

Efeitos do propofol sobre o sistema de condução cardíaca: [revisão] / Efectos del propofol sobre el sistema de conducción cardíaco: [revision] / Effects of propofol on the cardiac conduction system: [review]

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Alguns estudos têm demonstrado que o uso do propofol é, algumas vezes, associado a bradiarritmias ou reversão de arritmias para ritmo sinusal. Essa propriedade do propofol sugere interferência no Sistema de Condução Cardíaco (SCC). CONTEÚDO: Realizou-se revisão com base nos principais artigos contemporâneos que englobam o uso do propofol na presença de arritmias cardía cas. Os autores discorrem sobre os mecanismos fisiopatológicos das taquiarritmias supraventriculares (TSV) e as eventuais interferências causadas pelo propofol sobre o SCC. CONCLUSÕES: Os estudos realizados até então parecem indicar que, provavelmente, o propofol interfere nas TSV automáticas (pelo menos em crianças), mas não nas taquiarritmias em que o mecanismo seja de reentrada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Some studies have demonstrated that the use of propofol is occasionally associated with bradyarrhythmias or reversion of arrhythmias to sinus rhythm. This property of propofol suggests interference with the Cardiac Conduction System (CCS). CONTENTS: A review of the main contemporary articles on the use of propofol in the presence of cardiac arrhythmias was undertaken. The authors describe pathophysiological mechanisms of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT) and occasional interferences caused by propofol on the CCS. CONCLUSIONS: The studies undertaken so far seem to indicate that propofol probably interferes in automatic SVT (at least in children), but not in reentrant tachyarrhythmias.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Algunos estudios han demostrado que el uso del propofol es algunas veces, asociado a bradiarritmias o a reversión de arritmias para ritmo sinusal. Esa propiedad del propofol nos sugiere una interferencia en el Sistema de Conducción Cardíaco (SCC). CONTENIDO: Se realizó una revisión en base a los principales artículos contemporáneos que engloban el uso del propofol cuando ocurren arritmias cardíacas. Los autores nos hablan sobre los mecanismos fisiopatológicos de las taquiarritmias supraventriculares y las eventuales interferencias causadas por el propofol sobre el SCC. CONCLUSIÓN: Los estudios realizados hasta ahora parecen indicar que probablemente, el propofol interfiere en las TSV automáticas (por lo menos en niños), pero no en las taquiarritmias en que el mecanismo sea de reentrada.

Evaluation of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with remifentanil for labor / 中华全科医师杂志

The study intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with remifentanil for labor. Three hundred and two parturients at 37 -42 week of gestation received remifentanil (0. 1μg · kg-1 ·min-1 ) as patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for labor (analgesia group) and their clinical results were compared with those of 221 parturients in labor without intravenous analgesia (control group). Maternal monitoring, including pain scores(VAS), delivery mode, side effects, laboring time was performed for both groups. There was a significant decrease (P ＜0. 01) of pain scores in analgesia group compared with those in control group. Parturients in analgesia group experienced a significantly shorter first stage, than those in the control group ( P ＜ 0. 01). There were no differences between two groups in the rate of cesarean section and instrumental delivery. And there were no significant differences for newborns with Apgar scores less than 7 at the point of one minute. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with remifentanil for labor is an effective and safe procedure, which can significantly relieve pain, shorten first stage of labor and has no effect on the delivery mode and Apgar scores of neonates.

Remifentanil versus Sufentanil em infusão contínua em intervenções cirúrgicas videolaparoscópicas: estudo comparativo / Continuous infusion of remifentanil versus sufentanil in videolaparoscopic surgeries: a comparative study

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A infusão contínua (IC) de remifentanil na técnica de anestesia venosa total é prática comum. Já o sufentanil em IC para cirurgias de curta/média duração tem sido pouco utilizado. O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar duas técnicas de anestesia venosa total, utilizando remifentanil ou sufentanil em IC, quanto ao comportamento anestésico no intra-operatório e às características da recuperação anestésica em pacientes submetidos à videolaparoscopia. MÉTODO: Participaram desse estudo 60 pacientes divididos em 2 grupos iguais (GR e GS). O GR foi induzido com remifentanil IC e o GS com sufentanil em bolus associado à IC. A IC de remifentanil era desligada ao fim da cirurgia, enquanto a IC de sufentanil, 20 minutos antes. Os pacientes receberam no intra-operatório cetoprofeno e dipirona. Como analgésico de resgate na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA) foi utilizado tramadol. Foram analisados as variações da pressão arterial média (PAM) e freqüência cardíaca (FC), o tempo de despertar, o consumo de propofol, as intercorrências na SRPA e o tempo de permanência na SRPA. RESULTADOS: A média da PAM foi maior no GS em relação ao GR (91,9 × 77,6, p < 0,0001). A incidência de dor foi significativamente maior no GR em relação ao GS (22 × 1 paciente, p < 0,0001). A incidência de NVPO foi maior no GR em relação ao GS (10 × 2 pacientes, p = 0,0098). A média do tempo de permanência na SRPA foi maior no GR em relação ao GS (76 × 49 min, p < 0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: O controle hemodinâmico foi satisfatório nos grupos. A IC de sufentanil promoveu melhor controle da dor no pós-operatório com menor consumo de analgésico de resgate; conseqüentemente, houve menor incidência de NVPO e menor tempo de permanência na SRPA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Continuous infusion (CI) of remifentanil is common in total intravenous anesthesia. On the other hand, CI of sufentanil for short/medium-term surgeries has not been widely used. The objective of this study was to compare two techniques of total intravenous anesthesia, using CI of remifentanil or sufentanil, regarding their intraoperative behavior and characteristics of recovery of patients undergoing videolaparoscopic surgeries. METHODS: Sixty patients, equally divided in 2 groups (RG and SG), participated in this study. Continuous infusion of remifentanil was used for anesthetic induction in RG, while a bolus of sufentanil associated with CI of this drug was used in SG. The CI of remifentanil was discontinued at the end of the surgery, while the CI of sufentanil was discontinued 20 minutes before the end of the surgery. Patients received ketoprofen and dypirone intraoperatively. Tramadol was used for rescue analgesia in the recovery room. Variations of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and hard reate (HR), time for awakening, propofol consumption, intercurrences in the recovery room, and time of stay in the recovery room were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean MAP was greater in SG than in RG (91.9 × 77.6, p < 0.0001). The incidence of pain was significantly greater in RG than on SG (22 × 1 patient, p < 0.0001). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was greater in RG than in SG (10 × 2 patients, p < 0.0098). The mean time of stay in the recovery room was greater in RG than in SG (76 × 49 min, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic control was satisfactory in both groups. Continuous infusion of sufentanil promoted better postoperative pain control with decreased consumption of rescue analgesic and, consequently, reduced incidence of PONV and reduced time of stay in the recovery room.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La infusión continua (IC) de remifentanil en la técnica de anestesia venosa total es una práctica común. Ya el sufentanil en IC para cirugías de corta/media duración ha sido poco utilizado. El objetivo de este estudio fue el de comparar dos técnicas de anestesia venosa total, utilizando remifentanil o sufentanil en IC, en cuanto al comportamiento anestésico en el intraoperatorio y en cuanto a las características de la recuperación anestésica en pacientes sometidos a la videolaparoscopía. MÉTODO: Participaron en el estudio 60 pacientes divididos en 2 grupos iguales (GR y GS). El GR fue inducido con remifentanil IC y el GS con sufentanil en bolus asociado a IC. La IC de remifentanil se desconectaba al final de la cirugía, mientras que la IC de sufentanil 20 minutos antes. Los pacientes recibieron en el intraoperatorio cetoprofeno y dipirona. Como analgésico de rescate en la sala de recuperación pos anestésica (SRPA) se usó el tramadol. Fueron analizadas las variaciones de la PAM y FC, tiempo de despertar, consumo de propofol, intercurrencias en la SRPA y tiempo de permanencia en la SRPA. RESULTADOS: El promedio de la PAM fue mayor en el GS con relación al GR (91,9 × 77,6, p < 0,0001). La incidencia de dolor fue significativamente mayor en el GR con relación al GS (22 × 1 paciente, p < 0,0001). La incidencia de NVPO fue mayor en el GR con relación al GS (10 × 2 pacientes, p = 0,0098). El promedio del tiempo de permanencia en la SRPA fue mayor en el GR en con relación al GS (76 × 49 min, p < 0,0001). CONCLUSIONES: El control hemodinámico fue satisfactorio en los grupos. La IC de sufentanil generó un mejor control del dolor en el pos operatorio con menor consumo de analgésico de rescate, por lo tanto, se registró una menos incidencia de NVPO y un menor tiempo de permanencia en la SRPA.

Efeito do propofol associado à efedrina no tempo de latência do cisatracúrio / Effect of propofol in combination with ephedrine upon the onset time of cisatracurium

OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a eficácia da efedrina na prevenção dos efeitos hemodinâmicos induzidos pela associação do propofol e do remifentanil, assim como os efeitos sobre o tempo de latência do cisatracúrio. MÉTODOS: Sessenta pacientes com idade entre 18 e 52 anos, estado físico ASA I ou II, foram divididos em três grupos, aleatoriamente: G I - propofol 1 por cento; G II - propofol 1 por cento + efedrina 0,5 mg.ml-1 e G III - propofol 1 por cento + efedrina 1,0 mg.ml-1 (velocidade de infusão igual a 180 ml.h-1), até a perda da consciência. Administrou-se remifentanil (0,5 mg.kg-1.min-1) e cisatracúrio na dose de 0,15 mg.kg-1. Foram registrados os dados demográficos, os sinais vitais (PAS, PAM, PAD, FC e SpO2) e o tempo de latência do cisatracúrio. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram homogêneos com relação aos dados demográficos. Houve diminuição estatisticamente significativa dos valores de PAS, PAM, PAD e FC, um e três minutos após a administração do propofol, porém sem significado clínico importante e sem diferença entre os grupos. As medianas para os tempos de latência do cisatracúrio foram: 178 s (G2 e G3) e 183 s (G1), mas sem diferença significante entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diminuição clinicamente importante dos parâmetros hemodinâmicos avaliados nos grupos que receberam ou não a efedrina e o tempo de latência do cisatracúrio foi o mesmo para os diferentes grupos.

OBJECTIVE: The onset time of neuromuscular blocking drugs is partially determined by circulatory factors, including muscle blood flow and cardiac output. The aim of the present paper was to: 1) compare the haemodynamic effects of adding different doses of ephedrine to an induction dose of propofol and remifentanil. 2) onset time of cisatracurium. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly allocated into three groups: G1 - 1 percent propofol; G2 - 1 percent propofol + 0.5 mg.ml-1 ephedrine and G3 - 1 percent propofol + 1.0 mg.ml-1 ephedrine. All patients received continuous infusion of remifentanil (0.5 mg.kg-1.min-1). The rate of propofol infusion was 180 ml.h-1 until loss of consciousness and a loading dose of cisatracurium (0.15 mg.kg-1) was then given. After induction of anesthesia, the ulnar nerve was stimulated supramaximally every 10s, and the evoked twitch response of the adductor pollicis was recorded by accelerometry. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between groups with respect to age, weight, dose of propofol administered and onset time of cisatracurium (tables 1, 2). Heart rate, SpO2, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures were compared at 1 and 3 min post-induction. There were statistical differences in HR, SAP, DAP and MAP, without significant adverse clinical effects. CONCLUSIONS: There were no clinically important decreases in the hemodynamic parameters evaluated in the groups receiving ephedrine or not, and the onset time of cisatracurium was the same for all groups.

Preoperative Anxiety and Propofol Requirement in Conscious Sedation for Ovum Retrieval

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the correlation among the trial number of in vitro fertilization (IVF), preoperative anxiety, and propofol requirement for conscious sedation. One hundred and twenty six Korean women undergoing oocyte retrieval were enrolled. The target-controlled infusion by the anesthesiologist was conducted with initial target propofol concentration of 2.5 microgram/mL, which was manipulated until the sedation score 3 and desired clinical end point were achieved. A weak correlation was observed between visual analogue scale (VAS) anxiety and the dose of propofol required for the induction of conscious sedation (r=0.22, p=0.0192). A weak correlation was also found between VAS anxiety and the sedation time needed to reach the proper conscious sedation level for the procedure (r=0.181, p=0.0484). Multiple regression analysis showed that VAS anxiety, preoperative baseline prolactin level, and cortisol level had statistically significant effects on the propofol induction dose for target controlled conscious sedation. We concluded that the induction dose and time requirements for propofol in anesthesiologist- controlled conscious sedation be modified based on the preoperative anxiety level and the baseline blood concentration of stress hormone, cortisol and prolactin.

Anestesia en la ventana aorto-pulmonar

Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de 9 niños menores de 2 años operados de ventana aorto-pulmonar en el Cardiocentro del Hospital Pediátrico Docente "William Soler", durante el período de 1986 a 1994. El fentanyl fue el agente más utilizado en la inducción de la anestesia (8 pacientes, 89 %) y se empleó en todos los pacientes durante el mantenimiento, lo que aportó gran estabilidad hemodinámica. Las complicaciones encontradas fueron el síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco, broncoespasmo, hipertensión pulmonar y arritmias cardíacas. En todos los pacientes se utilizó el protocolo para el manejo de la hipertensión pulmonar. No hubo fallecidos durante el transoperatorio ni en el posoperatorio inmediato.

A retrospective study of 9 children under 2 operated on of aorto-pulmonary window at the Heart Center of "William Soler" Pediatric Teaching Hospital from 1986 to 1994 was conducted. Fentanyl was the most used agent in the induction of anesthesia (8 patients, 89 %) and it was administered to all patients during maintenance, which made possible a great hemodynamic stability. The complications found were the syndrome of low cardiac output, bronchospasm, pulmonary hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias. The protocol for the management of pulmonary hypertension was used with all patients. Deaths were not reported either during the transoperative or in the immediate postoperative.

Patient-controlled Sedation and Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Patient-controlled sedation with propofol has been shown to provide safe and effective sedation for patients undergoing surgery under local anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of patient-controlled sedation and analgesia with propofol and fentanyl in 17 patients undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: An admixture of 400 mg of propofol with 100microgram of fentanyl (42 ml) was loaded into a patient-controlled analgesia pump and administered at a rate of 10 ml/hr. The lock-out time was 1 minute and the bolus dose was 1 ml. At the end of surgery, pain relief, anxiety relief and the satisfaction score were recorded on a patient questionnaire with a 1 to 10 scale. RESULTS: The sedation level varied from patient to patient and there was no incidence of oversedation. Most patients were satisfied with this anxiety and pain relieving technique (more than a score of 8). Blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation showed minimal changes and remained within normal ranges. There were no complications except complaints of pain at infusion sites from 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-controlled sedation and analgesia is a safe and satisfactory method for most patients undergoing cataract surgery for relieving pain and anxiety.

The Clinical Experience of Propofol-Alfentanil Anesthesia Using Computer Assisted Continuous Infusion / 대한마취과학회지

The short duration and fast onset of action of alfentanil underpins its suitability for use in anesthetic techniques. In these case studies, we have assessed the efficacy, safety and feasibility of alfentanil as an analgesic adjuvant of propofol based general anesthesia. Propofol was titrated to Keep the bispectral index in the 40 50 range. Alfentanil was infused at the effect site concentration of 80 or 160 ng/ml using a computer assisted continuous infusion. Two patients in this pilot study showed stable hemodynamics, smooth emergence and satisfactory postoperative pain control with additional analgesics in PACU.

A Successful Tracheostomy under General Anesthesia with Blind Intubation via ILMA in a Sitting Position / 대한마취과학회지

The intubating laryngeal masK airway is a newly available device designed to allow for blind endotracheal intubation and treatment of patients with difficult airways. Emergency tracheostomies are required for oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal tumors acutely obstructing the airway. Patients with an airway obstructive tumor maintain their airway by a very active inspiratory effort in a sitting position. In these patients, it may be impossible to position them for a tracheostomy with shoulder extension. We report a case where a patient was tracheostomized successfully under general anesthesia with blind intubation via ILMA insertion in a sitting position.

The Effects of Small Intravenous Doses of Midazolam on Explicit Recall and the Bispectral Index after Fetal Expulsion in a Cesarean Section under General Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Explicit recall in a cesarean section under general anaesthesia can be a terrifying experience and may cause psychological sequelae. Administering low doses of midazolam, we investigated the changes of the bispectral index (BIS) and the occurrence of explicit recall of specific events after fetal expulsion in a cesarean section under general anesthesia. METHODS: The investigation was carried out on 30 ASA 1 or 2 parturients who underwent a cesarean section under general anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with 50% N2O in oxygen and 0.75% of isflurane. We randomly allocated parturients into a control group (n = 10), group A (n = 10), and B (n = 10). Neither midazolam nor any other drugs except oxytocin were administered in the control group. In the group A and B, midazolam 0.02 and 0.03 mg/kg respectively, were injected immediately after umbilical cord clamping. An isolated forearm test were done to all the parturients at 5, 10, and 20 minutes after fetal expulsion. We assessed the changes of the BIS at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes after fetal expulsion, at discontinuance of isoflurane administration and extubation. The wav file, "clench your left or right hand" was binaurally played, simultaneously with the isolated forearm test. The wav file, "one, two, three, four, five" was also binaurally played 15 minutes after fetal expulsion. We interviewed all the parturients the next day and assessed the occurrence of explicit recall. RESULTS: The BIS values after fetal expulsion in the control group and group A was maintanied above 60 and group B, below 60 (P < 0.05). The lowest median BIS value was 54.5 in the group A, 36.4 in the group B (P < 0.05). There were two parturients in the control group and in the group A, respectively, who showed explicit recall. The results of the isolated forearm test were negative for all groups. The extubation times and PAR scores failed to show significant differences among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The authors confirmed the occurrence of explicit recall for specific events after fetal expulsion. The BIS values after fetal expulsion could be maintained below 60 until the end of surgery,and explicit recall could be prevented when we injected midazolam 0.03 mg/kg immediately after fetal expulsion.

Conscious Sedation Using a Patient-Controlled Sedation Technique / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Patient-controlled sedation (PCS) involves the patient self administering the sedative agent to the point at which he or she is satisfied with the level of sedation with the advantage to overcome the pharmacodynamic differences between individual patients. We compared three different bolus dosages of propofol for providing effective and safe sedation during PCS. METHODS: Sixty patients underwent spinal anesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 12-18 mg or a brachial plexus block with 1% mepivacaine 40 ml. These patients were allowed to self-administer a propofol bolus dose of either 4 mg (P4 group), 10 mg (P10 group), or 20 mg (P20 group) at a time to the point of the patient's satisfaction with the level of sedation. Infusion rate, BIS (bispectral index), SpO2, duration of induction and recovery, recall of operative procedure and patient's satisfaction were checked. RESULTS: The mean (range) infusion rate (ug/kg/min) was not significantly different among the groups: P4 group, 24.2 (14.3 - 69.7); P10 group, 26.4 (19.4 - 72.1); and P20 group, 30.4 (21.4 - 89.1). Duration of induction was significantly extended in the P4 (14.1 min) and P10 group (12.9 min) as compared with the P20 group (6.0 min). The mean value of the OAA/S (observer's assessment of alertness/sedation) scale and BIS and the numbers of recall were significantly lower in the P20 group than the other groups (p < 0.05). Inadequate sedation and involuntary movement occurred more frequently in the P4 and P10 group than the P20 group, and the numbers of satisfaction were higher in the P20 group than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: 20 mg of propofol as a PCS bolus dose provided more effective sedation than 4 mg or 10 mg. When we use 4 mg or 10 mg of propofol as a bolus dose, we may want to consider combining if with other sedatives or analgesics (midazolam, ketamine, fentanyl).

The Effects of 10% Lidocaine Spray on the Pharyngolarynx during the Endotracheal Intubation without Muscle Relaxants? / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Tracheal intubation is usually carried out under a combination of general anesthesia and muscle relaxation. Recent sutdies have found satisfactory conditions for intubation of the trachea without using muscle relaxants. However, these studies have used large amounts of propofol or expensive opioids like alfentanil and remifentanil. In this study, we evaluated intubation conditions and success rate with midazolam, fentanyl, propofol and either 10% lidocaine applied topically into the larynx and trachea or not. METHODS: Forty patients of ASA class I or II were randomly allocated to one of two groups. All patients received glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg, midazolam 0.03 mg/kg and fentanyl 2 mcg/kg IV before induction of anesthesia and propofol 2 mg/kg IV for induction of anesthesia. Group I patients (n = 20) received 10% lidocaine into the larynx and trachea topically, and group II patients (n = 20) did not. After loss of the eyelid reflex, laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation were attempted and airway conditions were graded. The success rate of intubation was evaluated. RESULTS: Intubation without a muscle relaxant was possible in 19 of 20 (95%) patients in group I and 8 of 20 (40%) patients in group II. There were no significant differences in scoring criteria for various airway conditions such as jaw tone, vocal cord exposure and cord position. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of anesthesia with midazolam 0.03 mg/kg, fentanyl 2 mcg/kg and propofol 2 mg/kg combined with 2 ml of 10% lidocaine spray into the larynx and trachea offered a satisfactory success rate of intubation without muscle relaxants.

Persistent Myoclonus after Propofol Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

There are a few case reports describing prolonged myoclonus following propofol. A previously fit 26 year old woman presented for a left knee lateral impingement under general anesthesia as a day case. She had no personal or family history of epilepsy. Induction was smooth and anesthesia was maintained with propofol TCI, nitrous oxide 65% and oxygen 35%. 30 minutes after stopping of the propofol infusion, the patient developed involuntary movement and shivering that recurred intermittently. After drug therapy and psychotic therapy the patient was progressively stabilized. However 4 hours later the patient developed involuntary movement and myoclonus. She was admitted to the department of neurology under the diagnosis of propriospinal myoclonus. Forty days later she was discharged without long term sequelae.

Research on Etomidate Complications Observed during Induction / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The properties of etomidate include hemodynamic stability, minimal respiratory depression, cerebral protection, and rapid recovery. However, its drawbacks include temporary inhibition of steroid synthesis, pain on injection, thrombophlebitis, myoclonus, nausea and vomiting. This study was done to discover the incidence of complications which could be observed during induction and the relationship between these complications and the age, sex and weight of Koreans. METHODS: Induction was done by etomidate 0.3 mg/kg and vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg. Pain on injection and hiccup were checked as present or absent. Myoclonus was checked as absent, mild, or severe. RESULTS: The incidence of pain on injection, hiccup and myoclonus were 4%, 10%, and 40% (mild 28%, severe 12%) respectively. There was no association between pain on injection and hiccup or myoclonus. Hiccup and myoclonus had some association (Gamma 0.774). Logistic regression revealed that there was no association between pain on injection or hiccup, and sex, age or weight. Myoclonus had some association with age and weight. The occurrence of myoclonus could be estimated by the following equation. log[ Fj(x) / { 1 Fj(x) } ] = aj 0.061 age 0.019 weight j = 1, 2 As age or weight increased, the myoclonus was more likely to fall at the low end (i.e., absence). CONCLUSIONS: The incidences of the pain on injection, hiccup and myoclonus were 4%, 10% and 40% respectively. The hiccup and the myoclonus had some positive association. The occurrence of myoclonus decreased as age or weight increased.

Optimal Dosage of Propofol for Prevention of Increase in IOP during Rapid Sequence Induction with Endotracheal Intubation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Operations for patients with eye injuries frequently require rapid sequence induction of general anesthesia with succinylcholine (Sch), but Sch as well as endotracheal intubation produce increases in intraocular pressure (IOP). The purpose of this study was to examine whether the increase in dosage of propofol from a usual dosage would prevent the increase in IOP due to endotracheal intubation with Sch during a rapid sequence induction of general anesthesia. METHODS: Changes in IOP were measured in three groups of 15 patients each. The patients randomly received thiopental 5 mg/kg (group 1, n = 15), propofol 2.5 mg/kg (group 2, n = 15) or propofol 3.0 mg/kg (group 3, n = 15), followed by Sch 1.0 mg/kg and endotracheal intubation. IOP, systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before induction (baseline), just after intubation, 3 minutes and 10 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: IOP and SAP just after intubaton in groups 1 and 2 increased significantly from baseline, but did not increase significantly from baseline in group 3. IOP and SAP at 3 minutes after intubation in group 1 did not decrease significantly from baseline, but decreased significantly from baseline in groups 2 and 3. IOP and SAP at 10 minutes after intubaton in all groups decreased significantly from baseline. HR just after intubaton in groups 1 and 2 increased significantly from baseline, but did not increase significantly from baseline in group 3. HR at 3 minutes and 10 minutes after intubation in all groups did not change significantly from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The authors concluded that propofol 3.0 mg/kg could prevent the increase in IOP, systolic arterial pressure and heart rate just after intubation during a rapid sequence induction of general anesthesia.

The Effects of Intravenous Thiopental Injection on Jugular Venous Oxygen Saturation (SjVO2) during Cerebral Aneurysm Surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Thiopental has a profound impact on the cardiovascular system. The effects of hemody namics after intravenous thiopental on the balance of cerebral metabolism with cerebral blood flow is unknown. The purpose of this study was to monitor hemodynamic change, cerebral arterial-jugular venous oxygen content difference (AVDO2) and jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjVO2) after a thiopental injection for brain protection during cerebral aneurysm surgery. METHODS: Twenty patients received a standard anesthetic consisting of isoflurane, vecuronium and fentanyl with a PaCO2 of 30 35 mmHg. Hemodynamics, arterial and jugular venous blood gases were measured at 3 time points:I; Just before thiopental injection; II; Electroencephalographic (EEG) burst suppression after a 4 5 mg/kg intravenous thiopental injection; and III; EEG recovery. RESULTS: Intravenous thiopental (4 5 mg/kg) induced an EEG burst suppression for 6.5 +/- 1.7 minutes. Hemodynamics and arterial blood gas analysis were not significantly different among the different time points, but mean arterial pressure (68.4 +/- 7.2 mmHg) and systemic vascular resistance (1027.0 +/- 300.9 dynes sec/cm5) in II were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased compared with I (84.3 +/- 9.6, 1169.1 +/- 304.5) and III (89.1 +/- 10.6, 1288.6 +/- 426.1). SjVO2 (71.6 +/- 11.8%) was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased within the normal value compared with I (75.1 +/- 5.6) and III (76.1 +/- 10.1), but AVDO2 was not significantly different among the 3 time points. There was no evidence of cerebral ischemia or infarction in computed tomographic (CT) findings of the 20 patients after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamics after 4 5 mg/kg intravenous thiopental do not modify the balance ofcerebral oxygen metabolism with cerebral blood flow in patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm surgery.

Valuability of Propofol as Anesthetics and Effect of Hypercarbia on Awakening after Propofol TCI during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: It used to induce hypercarbia that carbon dioxide insufflated into the peritoneum in laparoscopic surgery. It might stimulate sympathetic nervous system, and decrease splanchnic circulation, hepatic function, and metabolism of anesthetics. The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of hypercarbia on concentrations of propofol at the time of eye opening and recovery of orientation after propofol target controlled infusion (TCI) during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients were divided randomly into a laparoscopic group (group 1, n = 25) and an exploratory group (group 2, n = 25). A propofol infusion was started at a propofol target concentration of 6microgram/ml, and anesthesia was maintained at 4microgram/ml by using a Diprifusor (TM) turing the operation, intraabdominal pressure was maintained automatically at 12 14 mmHg by a CO2 insufflator and controlled ventilation settings were adjusted about 50 mmHg of PaCO2 after peritoneal insufflation. This ventilatory setting was not changed throughout the operation. We evaluated the estimated plasma concentrations of propofol at the time of eye opening and recovery of orientation in each group using user interface of a Diprifusor (TM). RESULTS: In the laparoscopic group, PaCO2, and PetCO2 increased significantly at 5, 15, 30 minutes after carbon dioxide insufflation, but there was no significant difference in concentrations of propofol at eye opening and orientation after propofol TCI between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hypercarbia induced by insufflation of carbon dioxide into peritoneum didn't give rise to an influence on awakening concentrations after propofol TCI during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.