Dexmedetomidine versus sufentanil as adjuvants to bupivacaine for brachial plexus block during upper extremity surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background: Brachial plexus block (BPB) has been accepted as a reliable alternative for general anesthesia in upper limb surgeries. Adding adjuvant drugs like dexmedetomidine and sufentanil has been shown to have clinical and pharmacologic advantages. In this randomized parallel clinical trial, we aim to compare the effects of these two adjuvants for bupivacaine in BPB. Methods: In this double-blinded study, by using computer-assisted block randomization, 40 patients ranged from 20 to 65 years old and scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries were assigned to two equal study groups (n = 20), receiving 1 mL of 5 μg.mL-1 sufentanil (group S) or 1 mL of 100 μg.mL-1 dexmedetomidine (group D) in adjunction to 30 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine for supraclavicular BPB under the guidance of ultrasonography. Characteristics of local anesthesia and postoperative analgesia were evaluated (n = 40). Results: The duration of blocks significantly improved in group S (sensory: estimated median difference (EMD) [95%CI] = 100.0 [70.0~130.0], p < 0.001; motor: EMD [95%CI] = 120.0 [100.0~130.0], p < 0.001). Group S also had significantly longer postoperative analgesia and lower opioid consumption within 24 hours after the surgery (EMD [95%CI] = 4.0 [3.0~7.0], p < 0.001; EMD [95%CI] = -5.0 [-5.0~-5.0], p < 0.001; respectively). None of the patients showed adverse effects concerning vital signs, nausea, or vomiting. Conclusion: Our study showed that during ultrasound-guided supraclavicular BPB, sufentanil is a fairly better choice than dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for bupivacaine and can provide preferable sensory and motor blocks. No significant side effects were seen in either of the study groups.

Perineural low dexamethasone dose as adjuvant in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for arteriovenous fistula creation in end stage renal disease: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background and aims: Dexamethasone as adjunct to local anesthetic solution improves the quality of brachial plexus block (BPB). However, evidence for its efficacy at low doses (< 4 mg) is lacking. This study was designed to evaluate the duration of analgesia attained with low dose dexamethasone as adjuvant to local anesthetic for creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) under BPB. Methods: Sixty-six patients scheduled for AVF creation were randomly allocated to receive either saline (control) or 2 mg dexamethasone, together with 0.5% ropivacaine and 0.2% lignocaine. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia, defined as time from performing the block to the first analgesic request. The secondary outcomes were time from injection to complete sensory block, time from injection to complete motor block, duration of motor block, postoperative analgesic consumption, and fistula patency at three months. Results: All the blocks were effective. In the group that received dexamethasone, the time to first analgesic request was significantly delayed (432 ± 43.8 minutes vs. 386.4 ± 40.2 minutes; p < 0.01). The onset of sensory and motor blockade occurred faster in dexamethasone group and overall analgesic consumption was also reduced. However, dexamethasone addition did not prolong the duration of motor block. There was no statistically significant difference in the patency of fistulas between the two groups at three months. (p = 0.34). Conclusion: Addition of low-dose perineural dexamethasone to local anesthetic solution significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia. Further trials are warranted to compare the adverse effects between dexamethasone doses of 4 mg and lower.

Quadratus Lumborum block as primary anesthetic technique for colostomy procedure: a case report

Abstract An elderly patient was admitted to the hospital due to an enterovesical fistula and a terminal colostomy was proposed. The patient had a high anesthetic risk and thus a quadratus lumborum block was chosen as the sole anesthetic technique. This block has been described to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia to the abdomen. In fact, it yielded good anesthetic conditions to perform the procedure and allowed the patient to be hemodynamically stable and comfortable throughout the case. The postoperative period was uneventful.

Qualitative Histologic Assessment vs. Geomorphometric Analysis of Nerve Fiber Shape after the Intraneural Application of Liposomal Bupivacaine / Evaluación Histológica Cualitativa Versus Análisis Geomorfométrico de la Forma de la Fibra Nerviosa Después de la Aplicación Intraneural de Bupivacaína Liposomal

SUMMARY: The preserved form of all components of the nerve fiber is a prerequisite for the proper conduction of the nerve impulse. various factors can change the shape of nerve fibers. In everyday practice, qualitative histological analysis is the gold standard for detecting changes in shape. Geometric morphometry is an innovative method that objectively enables the assessment of changes in nerve fibers' shape after local anesthetics action. A total of sixty sciatic nerves were used as material, which was intraneural injected with saline solution in the control group (n=30), and a solution of 1.33 % liposomal bupivacaine (n=30) in the test group. After the animals were sacrificed, nerve samples were taken and histological preparations were made. The preparations were first described and examined using a qualitative histological method, after which digital images were made. The images were entered into the MorphoJ program and processed using the method of geometric morphometry. Qualitative histological examination revealed no differences in nerve fibers after intraneurally applied physiological solution and liposomal bupivacaine. Using the method of geometric morphometry, a statistically significant change in the shape of axons was found after intraneurally applied saline solution and liposomal bupivacaine (p=0.0059). No significant differences in histological changes were found after the qualitative histological analysis of nerve fiber cross-section preparations. A statistically significant change in the shape of nerve fiber axons was observed after geometric morphometric analysis of digital images after intraneural application of saline and liposomal bupivacaine.

La forma conservada de todos los componentes de la fibra nerviosa es un requisito previo para la conducción correcta del impulso nervioso. Varios factores pueden cambiar la forma de las fibras nerviosas. En la práctica diaria, el análisis histológico cualitativo es el estándar de oro para detectar cambios de forma. La morfometría geométrica es un método innovador que permite evaluar objetivamente los cambios en la forma de las fibras nerviosas después de la acción de los anestésicos locales. Se utilizó como material un total de sesenta nervios ciáticos, que se inyectaron intraneuralmente con solución salina en el grupo control (n=30), y una solución de bupivacaína liposomal al 1,33 % (n=30) en el grupo de prueba. Después de sacrificados los animales, se tomaron muestras de nervios y se realizaron preparaciones histológicas. Primero se describieron y examinaron las preparaciones utilizando un método histológico cualitativo, después de lo cual se tomaron imágenes digitales. Las imágenes fueron ingresadas al programa MorphoJ y procesadas mediante el método de morfometría geométrica. El examen histológico cualitativo no reveló diferencias en las fibras nerviosas después de la aplicación intraneural de solución fisiológica y bupivacaína liposomal. Usando el método de morfometría geométrica, se encontró un cambio estadísticamente significativo en la forma de los axones después de la aplicación intraneural de solución salina y bupivacaína liposomal (p = 0,0059). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los cambios histológicos después del análisis histológico cualitativo de las preparaciones de secciones transversales de fibras nerviosas. Se observó un cambio estadísticamente significativo en la forma de los axones de las fibras nerviosas después del análisis de morfometría geométrica de imágenes digitales después de la aplicación intraneural de solución salina y bupivacaína liposomal.

Cambios Hemodinámicos Asociados a Exodoncias de Terceros Molares Inferiores con el Uso de Articaína 4 % y/o Lidocaína 2 %: Una revisión sistemática / Hemodynamic Changes Associated with Lower Third Molar Extractions with the Use of Articaine 4 % and/or Lidocaine 2 %: A systematic Review

La exodoncia de los terceros molares inferiores es uno de los procedimientos clínicos más comunes en el cual el control del dolor mediante el bloqueo anestésico del nervio alveolar inferior, bucal y lingual resulta ser fundament al y la manera más común de hacerlo es mediante la infiltración de soluciones de anestesia local. Entre ellos la lidocaína y articaína son algunos de los más comunes y pueden estar asociado a vasoconstrictores como la epinefrina que puede provocar aumento de la presión arterial y frecuencia cardíaca razón por la cual se hace necesario la monitorización de cambios hemodinámicos durante la cirugía. Describir los cambios hemodinámicos asociados al uso de lidocaína al 2 % y/ o articaína al 4 % en la presión sistólica y diastólica, frecuencia cardiaca y saturación parcial de oxígeno en relación a distintos tiempos operatorios. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases de datos de PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science y Sciencedirect. Se analizaron 7 ensayos clínicos controlados en los que utilizaron articaína al 4 % y/o lidocaína al 2 % con epinefrina al 1:100,000 y/o 1:200,000 en volúmenes de 1,8 a 5,4 mL, en los cuales evaluaron la presión sistólica y diastólica, frecuencia cardiaca y saturación parcial de oxígeno en distintos tiempos de la cirugía. Si bien hubo cambios en PAS, PAD, FC y SPO2, todas se mantuvieron dentro de rangos normales bajo el uso de articaína al 4 % y lidocaína al 2 % con epinefrina 1:100,000 y/o 1:200,000 a volúmenes de 1,8 a 5,4mL medidas a distintos tiempos operatorios.

The extraction of lower third molars is one of the most common clinical procedures in which pain control through anesthetic blockade of the lower alveolar, buccal and lingual nerves turns out to be essential and the most common way to do it is through the infiltration of solutions of local anesthesia. Among them, lidocaine and articaine are some of the most common and may be associated with vasoconstrictors such as epinephrine, which can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which is why it is necessary to monitor hemodynamic changes during surgery. To describe the hemodynamic changes associated with the use of 2 % lidocaine and/or 4 % articaine in systolic and diastolic pressure, heart rate and partial oxygen saturation in relation to different operative times. A systematic review was carried out in the PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Sciencedirect databases. Seven controlled clinical trials were analyzed in which 4 % articaine and/or 2 % lidocaine were used with epinephrine at 1:100,000 and/or 1:200,000 in volumes of 1,8 to 5,4 mL, in which systolic pressure was evaluated. and diastolic, heart rate and partial oxygen saturation at different times of surgery. Although there were changes in SBP, DBP, HR and SPO2, all remained within normal ranges under the use of 4 % articaine and 2 % lidocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000 and/or 1:200,000 at volumes of 1,8 to 5 .4mL measured at different operative times.

Local Anaesthetics Combined with Vasoconstrictors in Controlled Hypertensive Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / Uso de Anestésicos Locales con Vasoconstrictor en Pacientes con Hipertensión Controlada Durante la Atención Odontológica: Una Revisión Sistemática y Metaanálisis

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the safety of local anaesthetics (LA) combined with vasoconstrictors (VC) for patients with controlled hypertension undergoing dental procedures. A comprehensive search strategy were used to identify all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of LA combined with VC. All searches covered the period from 1990 to February 2021. We performed a meta-analysis using random-effect models and assessed overall certainty in evidence using GRADE approach. Our search strategy yielded 1262 references. Finally, seven randomised trials were included, but only three were included in the meta-analysis. The use of LA with VC may result in little to no difference in the heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), but the certainty of the evidence was assessed as low. Death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, need for hospitalization, pain and bleeding were not reported by the included studies. The hemodynamic changes using VC do not imply an increased risk of occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events. The use of VC could even be recommendable considering their multiple advantages.

El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es evaluar la seguridad del uso de anestésicos locales (AL) combinados con vasoconstrictor (VC) en pacientes con hipertensión controlada durante procedimientos dentales. Se realizó una estrategia de búsqueda para identificar todos los estudios clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) relevantes que evaluaban el efecto del AL combinado con VC. Todos los estudios fueron del periodo entre 1990 a febrero del 2021. Se realizó un meta-análisis usando modelos de efecto aleatorizado y una revisión de la certeza de la evidencia usando el método GRADE. Nuestra estrategia de búsqueda arrojó 1262 referencias. Finalmente, siete estudios clínicos aleatorizados fueron incluidos, de los cuales tres fueron incluidos en el meta-análisis. El uso de AL con VC produce una pequeña a ninguna diferencia en el pulso cardiaco, presión sistólica y diastólica, pero la certeza de la evidencia fue baja. Muerte, infarto agudo al miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, necesidad de hospitalización, dolor y hemorragia no fueron reportados en los estudios incluidos. Los cambios hemodinámicos en el uso de VC no implican un aumento de riesgo de ocurrencia de efectos adversos cardiovasculares. El uso de VC puede ser recomendable considerando sus múltiples ventajas.

Ultrasound-guided continuous costoclavicular block through retrograde stimulating catheter technique for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery: a case series

Abstract In five patient undergoing surgery for proximal humerus fracture we investigated into postoperative analgesia provided by continuous costoclavicular block using continuous stimulating catheter. The postoperative pain scores were less than 4 in all patients except in two patients who required intravenous tramadol 50 mg as a rescue analgesic. The radiocontrast dye study executed in two patients revealed contiguous contrast spread through the brachial plexus sheath with the catheter tip in the interscalene space. We propose that a continuous costoclavicular block with a retrograde stimulating catheter is a feasible alternative regional anesthesia technique for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery.

Safety and effectiveness of adding fentanyl or sufentanil to spinal anesthesia: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Introduction Spinal infusions of either fentanyl or sufentanil have been reported in international reports, articles, and scientific events worldwide. This study aimed to determine whether intrathecal fentanyl or sufentanil offers safety in mortality and perioperative adverse events. Methods MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, CENTRAL (Cochrane library databases), gray literature, hand-searching, and clinicaltrials.gov were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials with no language, data, or status restrictions were included, comparing the effectiveness and safety of adding spinal lipophilic opioid to local anesthetics (LAs). Data were pooled using the random-effects models or fixed-effect models based on heterogeneity. Results The initial search retrieved 4469 records; 3241 records were eligible, and 3152 articles were excluded after reading titles and abstracts, with a high agreement rate (98.6%). After reading the full texts, 76 articles remained. Spinal fentanyl and sufentanil significantly reduced postoperative pain and opioid consumption, increased analgesia and pruritus. Fentanyl, but not sufentanil, significantly reduced both postoperative nausea and vomiting, and postoperative shivering; compared to LAs alone. The analyzed studies did not report any case of in-hospital mortality related to spinal lipophilic opioids. The rate of respiratory depression was 0.7% and 0.8% when spinal fentanyl or sufentanil was added and when it was not, respectively. Episodes of respiratory depression were rare, uneventful, occurred intraoperatively, and were easily manageable. Conclusion There is moderate to high quality certainty that there is evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of adding lipophilic opioids to LAs in spinal anesthesia.

Transient median nerve palsy following ultrasound-guided subscapularis plane block: a case report

Abstract The subscapularis plane block is an effective approach to anesthetize axillary and upper subscapular nerves. There have been no reports regarding brachial plexus paralysis as a potential complication to date. Described here is a case of median nerve palsy following ultrasound-guided subscapularis plane block for awake frozen shoulder manipulation that was performed on a 52-year-old female diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. The patient could not flex digits two and three, and ipsilateral inner palm numbness occurred shortly after the block commenced, with complete resolution in the next two hours. The local anesthetics spillage towards brachial plexus with possible partial paralysis should always be expected after subscapularis plane block.

Bilateral versus unilateral erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled study

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the common surgical intervention for benign biliary diseases. Postoperative pain after LC remains as an important problem, with two components: somatic and visceral. Trocar entry incisions lead to somatic pain, while peritoneal distension with diaphragm irritation leads to visceral pain. Following its description by Forero et al., the erector spinae plane (ESP) block acquired considerable popularity among clinicians. This led to the use of ESP block for postoperative pain management for various operations. Materials and methods This study was conducted between January and June 2019. Patients aged between 18 and 65 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. All the patients received bilateral or unilateral ESP block at the T8 level preoperatively according to their groups. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms NRS scores either at rest or while coughing at any time interval except for postoperative 6th hour (p = 0.023). Morphine consumption was similar between the groups but was significantly lower in group B at 12 and 24 hours (p = 0.044 and p = 0.022, respectively). Twelve patients in group A and three patients in group B had shoulder pain and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.011). Discussion In conclusion, bilateral ESP block provided more effective analgesia than unilateral ESP block in patients undergoing elective LC. Bilateral ESP block reduced the amount of opioid consumption and the incidence of postoperative shoulder pain.

Impact of topical airway anesthesia on immediate postoperative cough/bucking: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Postoperative cough may occur after tracheal intubation, but it is indistinct which drug is best at diminishing these events. Additionally, airway reflexes are commonly accompanied by severe hemodynamics responses during emergence. Objectives To evaluate the role of topical airway anesthesia on immediate post-extubation cough/bucking and extubation time. Methods Randomized clinical trials from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and LILACS published until December 23, 2020 were included. Our primary outcome was postoperative cough/bucking incidence which was compared between local anesthetics and controls. Extubation times were likewise considered. Predisposition appraisal and subgroup, affectability investigations were likewise performed. Results The pooled analysis found a 45% reduction in cough incidence after treatment with topical airway local anesthetic (RR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.72; p< 0.001). The number needed to treat (NNT) was 4.61. The intervention showed no differences in reduction of the extubation time (mean difference = -0.07; 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.28; p= 0.49). Conclusion Topical airway anesthesia demonstrated better than placebo or no medication in reducing immediate post-extubation cough/bucking. Further studies could have this objective to combine the different ways to perform better outcomes for patients.

Debridement of axillary necrotizing fasciitis under anesthetic blocks of the serratus plane and supraclavicular brachial plexus: a case report

Abstract The regional techniques for axillary analgesia are well established. However, few studies have investigated surgical anesthesia. In this report, extensive debridement of axillary necrotizing fasciitis, including the posteromedial region of the right arm, performed under exclusive regional anesthesia in a patient with probable difficult airway is described. The procedure was accomplished under a Serratus Plane Block (SPB) and supraclavicular brachial plexus block, guided by ultrasound, and with venous sedation. We observed satisfactory anesthesia 15 minutes after the intervention, efficient intraoperative pain control and within the following 24 hours. Surgical axilla anesthesia is feasible with the described blocks.

Dual epidural catheters for labor analgesia in a spinal cord injury patient: a case report

Abstract Impediment to local anesthetic solution in the epidural space results in unsatisfactory pain relief during labor epidural. Patients with a history of back trauma and spinal instrumentation have increased rates of epidural failure due to patchy spread of local anesthetic with obliterated epidural space. Dual Epidural Catheters (DEC) can be used in such clinical scenarios with complete labor analgesia and improved patient satisfaction. We present the successful management of a parturient with vertebral fracture at risk for epidural failure and neurologic injury due to bone fragments and inserted cranial and caudal to the fractured vertebra using ultrasound to avoid neurologic sequelae.

The effects of magnesium sulfate added to epidurally administered local anesthetic on postoperative pain: a systematic review

Abstract Background This study evaluated the efficacy of epidurally administered magnesium associated with local anesthetics on postoperative pain control. Methods The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42021231910. Literature searches were conducted on Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials comparing epidural administration of magnesium added to local anesthetics for postoperative pain in elective surgical adult patients. Primary outcomes were the time to the first Postoperative (PO) Analgesic Request (TFAR), 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at the first six and 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes included Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV), pruritus, and shivering. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria. Results Seventeen studies comparing epidural were included. Effect estimates are described as weighted Mean Differences (MD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) for the main outcomes: TFAR (MD = 72.4 min; 95% CI = 10.22-134.58 min; p < 0.001; I2= 99.8%; GRADE: very low); opioid consumption (MD = -7.2 mg (95% CI = -9.30 - -5.09; p < 0.001; I2= 98%; GRADE: very low). VAS pain scores within the first six PO hours (VAS) (MD = -1.01 cm; 95% CI = -1.40-0.64 cm; p < 0.001; I2= 88%; GRADE: very low), at 24 hours (MD = -0.56 cm; 95% CI = -1.14-0.01 cm; p= 0.05; I2= 97%; GRADE: very low). Conclusions Magnesium sulfate delayed TFAR and decreased 24-hour opioid consumption and early postoperative pain intensity. However, imprecision and inconsistency pervaded meta-analyses, causing very low certainty of effect estimates.

Scorpion venom component: AGAP exhibits local anaesthetic effects and attenuates nociceptive pain

The incidences of systemic toxicity and other complications associated with existing local anaesthetics can occur at clinical concentration level and vary with the anaesthetic techniques, types of surgery and patient factors. This evidence suggests the need for therapeutic interventions in peripheral and regional anaesthesia. Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) scorpion venom is a compound that contains mixtures of peptides that have analgesic properties. This study aimed to investigate the local anaesthetic activity of scorpion venom peptide, AGAP (analgesic-antitumor peptide) in mechanical hyperalgesia or acute inflammatory pain. Method: Formalin was injected into the left hind paw after 20 minutes of infiltration of drugs. The time of licking or flinching of the injected hind paw was recorded as indicative of nociceptive or acute inflammatory pain. Paw flinching or quick withdrawal was considered a positive response to pain in the partial sciatic nerve ligation. The paw-withdrawal threshold (PWT) was determined by consecutively increasing and decreasing the magnitude of the stimulus. Results: The results indicated that AGAP exhibited a 67.9% inhibition in licking or flinching time and an 88.1% inhibition in paw withdrawal in mechanical hyperalgesia. The addition of AGAP to lidocaine showed an 89.5% inhibition in paw withdrawal. Conclusion: The data presented in this study suggest that local infiltration of AGAP significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and acute inflammatory pain

An alternative approach for blocking the superior trunk of the brachial plexus evaluated by a single arm clinical trial

Abstract Background Interscalene brachial plexus block is associated with phrenic nerve paralysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative approach to interscalene brachial plexus blocks in terms of efficacy, grade of motor and sensory blockade, and phrenic nerve blockade. Methods The study was prospective and interventional. The ten living patients studied were 18 to 65 years old, ASA physical status I or II, and submitted to correction of rotator cuff injury. A superior trunk blockade was performed at the superior trunk below the omohyoid muscle, without blocking the phrenic nerve. The needle was advanced below the prevertebral layer until contacting the superior trunk. In order to guarantee the correct positioning of the needle tip, an intracluster pattern of the spread was visualized. The block was performed with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in ten patients. In the six cadavers, 5 mL of methylene blue was injected. Diaphragmatic excursion was assessed by ultrasonography of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. In three patients, pulmonary ventilation was evaluated with impedance tomography. Pain scores and analgesic consumption were assessed in the recovery room for 6 hours after the blockade. Results In the six cadavers, methylene blue didn't reach the phrenic nerve. Ten patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and no clinically phrenic nerve paralysis was observed. No patient reported pain during the first 6 hours. Conclusions This study suggests that this new superior trunk approach to block the superior trunk may be an alternative technique to promote analgesia for shoulder surgery in patients with impaired respiratory function.

Effect of continuous intra-incisional bupivacaine on postoperative pain in non-traumatic spinal fixation surgeries: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Continuous injection of local anesthetics by using surgical wound catheters for postoperative pain relief has gained acceptance in recent years. However, whether this method can be alternatively used instead of systemic opioids in different surgical procedures has not yet been elucidated. Objectives The aim was to investigate the effect of continuous injection of bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound on reducing the postoperative pain of lumbar spine fusion surgeries. Methods In this clinical trial, 31 patients undergoing non-traumatic lumbar spine stabilization surgery were randomly assigned to receive (n = 15) or do not receive (n = 16) bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound, postoperatively. Pain intensity (NRS), dose of required morphine, and drug-related complications within 24 hours of intervention were assessed and compared by the Mann-Whitney and independent t-test. Results Mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the case group over the first postoperative hour in the recovery room (p < 0.001), which continued for the first 2 hours after entering the ward. The mean morphine intake was lower in the bupivacaine group during the first postoperative 24 hours (16 ± 0.88 vs. 7.33 ± 0.93 mg, p < 0.001). The two groups were not significantly different regarding drug-related complications. Conclusion Continuous intra-incisional infusion of bupivacaine helped better pain reduction during the early postoperative hours while sparing morphine consumption in the first postoperative day.

Avaliação dos padrões cardiovasculares e da concentração sérica de catecolaminas em pacientes submetidos à exodontias por via alveolar, sob anestesia local com epinefrina: um ensaio clínico controlado, cego e randomizado / Assessment of cardiovascular patterns and serum catecholamine concentration in patients undergoing alveolar extraction under local anesthesia with epinephrine: a controlled, blind and randomized clinical trial

Objetivos: Um ensaio clínico controlado, cego e randomizado foi desenvolvido para avaliar os efeitos cardiovasculares em pacientes saudáveis e com hipertensão submetidos à exodontia por via alveolar utilizando lidocaína com epinefrina 1:100.000. Materiais e métodos: Vinte pacientes foram divididos em grupos experimental (GE ­ pacientes hipertensos) e controle (GC ­ pacientes normotensos). As variáveis analisadas foram a frequência cardíaca (FC), saturação de oxigênio (SO2), pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica (PAsis e PAdias), concentração sérica de catecolaminas (dopamina, epinefrina e norepinefrina), extrassístoles ventriculares e supraventriculares (ESV e ESSV respectivamente) e depressão do segmento do ST. Os dados foram colhidos em três momentos distintos: inicial, transoperatório (trans) e final. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para a mensuração das catecolaminas, e um aparelho de Holter foi utilizado para coleta de dados do eletrocardiograma incluindo um período de avaliação de 24 horas pós-operatório. Foram utilizados o teste de Mann-Whitney para identificar diferenças entre os grupos e o teste de Friedman com o pós-teste de Wilcoxon ajustado para a avaliação intragrupos das amostras repetidas. Resultados: O GE apresentou menor SO2 no momento inicial (p = 0,001) enquanto a PAsis apresentou diferença estatística para os três momentos de avaliação com o GE apresentando os maiores valores. As ESV foram maiores para o GE no período de avaliação pós-operatória de 24 horas (p = 0,041). As ESSV e as catecolaminas séricas foram similares nos dois grupos. A análise intragrupo revelou diferença significativa na avaliação da PAsis para o GE com o período trans operatório apresentando os maiores valores. Já avaliação das extrassístoles demonstrou que o período pós-operatório de 24 horas teve a maioria dos eventos sendo que apenas o GC não apresentou diferença significativa para a variável ESV durante esse período (p = 0,112). Não houve depressão do segmento ST para nenhum dos grupos, ou seja, a isquemia do miocárdio não foi observada durante o estudo. Conclusões: As exodontias por via alveolar, com o uso de ALVC com epinefrina podem ser realizadas de forma segura em pacientes hipertensos. A pressão arterial sistêmica deve ser monitorada durante todo o procedimento, sobretudo nos pacientes hipertensos, devido à tendência de aumento da pressão arterial nesses pacientes. Já o nível sérico de catecolaminas não sofre alteração nas condições estudadas assim como o uso de ALVC parecem não influenciar os padrões cardiovasculares nesse tipo de cirurgia (AU).

Objectives: A blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was developed to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of local anesthetics with vasoconstrictors (LAVC) containing epinephrine in healthy and hypertensive patients undergoing teeth extraction with lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100.000. Materials and methods: 20 patients were divided into control (CG ­ normotensive patients) and experimental groups (EG ­ hypertensive patients). The variables analyzed were heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (O2S), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (sysBP and diasBP), serum catecholamines concentration (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), ventricular and supraventricular extrasystoles (VES and SVES respectively), and ST segment depression. Data was obtained in three different moments (initial, trans and final). Blood samples were taken to measure the catecholamines and a Holter device was used to measure data from the electrocardiogram including a 24-hour postoperative evaluation period. The Mann-Whitney test was used to identify differences between the two groups and the Friedman test with the adjusted Wilcoxon post-test were used for intragroup evaluation for repeated measures. Results: The EG presented a lower O2S in the initial period (p = 0,001) while the sysBP showed a statistical difference for the three evaluation periods with the EG presenting the highest values. The VES where higher for the EG during the 24-hour postoperative evaluation period (p = 0,041). The SVES and the serum catecholamines showed were similar between the groups. The intragroup analysis revealed significant statistical difference for the sysBP in the EG with the trans period presenting the highest measurements. The extrasystoles evaluation showed that the 24- hour postoperative period presented most events with only the CG not presenting statistical difference for the variable VES during this period (p = 0,112). No ST segment depression was noticed for both groups, ie, Myocardial ischemia was not observed. Conclusions: Teeth extraction with LAVC containing epinephrine can be safely executed in hypertensive patients. Blood pressure should be monitored during the entire procedure, especially in hypertensive patients due to a tendency to high blood pressure within these patients. Serum catecholamines concentration levels are not altered in the conditions seen in this study and the use of LAVC seem not to influence cardiovascular changes in this type of surgery (AU).

Atualização em reações de hipersensibilidade aos anestésicos locais / Update on local anesthetics hypersensitivity reactions

Os anestésicos locais são essenciais em diversos procedimentos médicos e odontológicos. Funcionam estabilizando as membranas neuronais e inibindo a transmissão de impulsos neurais, o que permite a realização desses procedimentos com mais segurança e sem dor. As reações adversas a drogas são definidas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde como todos os efeitos nocivos, não intencionais e indesejáveis de uma medicação, que ocorrem em doses usadas para prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento. As reações de hipersensibilidade são reações adversas do tipo B, imprevisíveis, que clinicamente se assemelham a reações alérgicas e podem ou não envolver um mecanismo imune. As reações de hipersensibilidade verdadeiras aos anestésicos locais são raras, apesar de superestimadas. Nesta revisão destacamos a necessidade de uma avaliação completa dos pacientes com suspeita de reação alérgica aos anestésicos locais, incluindo a investigação de outros possíveis alérgenos que tenham sido utilizados no procedimento, como analgésicos, antibióticos e látex. A estratégia de investigação e seleção de pacientes para testes deve se basear na história clínica. Dessa forma, poderemos fornecer orientações mais assertivas e seguras aos pacientes.

Local anesthetics are essential in many medical and dental procedures. They work by stabilizing neuronal membranes and inhibiting the transmission of neural impulses, which allows these procedures to be performed more safely and without pain. Adverse drug reactions are defined by the World Health Organization as all harmful, unintended and undesirable effects of a medication, which occur at doses used for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Hypersensitivity reactions are unpredictable type B adverse reactions that clinically resemble allergic reactions and may or may not involve an immune mechanism. True hypersensitivity reactions to local anesthetics are rare, although overestimated. In this review, we highlight the need for a thorough evaluation of patients with suspected allergic reaction to local anesthetics, including investigation of other possible allergens that may have been used in the procedure, such as analgesics, antibiotics and latex. The investigation strategy and patient selection for testing should be based on clinical history. In this way, we will be able to provide more assertive and safe guidelines to patients.