Tratamiento con tofacitinib en adolescentes con alopecia areata / Tofacitinib as a treatment of alopecia areata in adolescents

Resumen Introducción: Actualmente no existe un tratamiento estandarizado para la alopecia areata (AA) grave. Se han reportado numerosos casos exitosos del uso de tofacitinib; sin embargo, no existen publicaciones en México. En este trabajo se reportan cuatro casos de pacientes mexicanos con AA grave tratados con tofacitinib oral. Métodos: Serie de casos de adolescentes con alopecia grave tratados con tofacitinib oral. Para determinar la respuesta al tratamiento se utilizó la Escala de gravedad de alopecia (Severity of alopecia tool). Resultados: Se incluyeron cuatro pacientes de entre 13 y 19 años con AA. En todos los casos se observó crecimiento de cabello y disminución de la gravedad de la alopecia después del tratamiento con tofacitinib. En dos pacientes se observó una respuesta intermedia (del 51 al 90%), y en los otros, moderada (del 6 al 50%), sin efectos adversos serios. Las limitaciones del estudio fueron el tamaño reducido de la muestra y la naturaleza retrospectiva de la recolección de los datos. Conclusiones: El tofacitinib demostró ser una buena alternativa de tratamiento para la AA, total y universal, refractarias a otras terapias.

Abstract Background: Currently, no standardized treatment for severe alopecia areata (AA) exists. Numerous successful cases of the use of tofacitinib have been reported in the world literature, but not in Mexico. Four Mexican adolescents with severe AA treated with oral tofacitinib are reported in the present work. Methods: Series of cases of adolescents with severe AA treated with oral tofacitinib. The severity of alopecia tool was used to determine the response to treatment. Results: Four patients from 13 to 19 years old, were included. In all cases, hair growth was observed, and the alopecia severity decreased after the treatment with tofacitinib. In two patients, an intermediate response (from 51 to 90%) was observed; in the other, a moderate response (from 6 to 50%) was observed, without serious adverse effects. The limitations of the study were the small sample size and the retrospective nature of data collection. Conclusions: Tofacitinib showed to be a good treatment alternative for AA, total and universal, refractory to other therapies.

Opioids and immunosupression in oncological postoperative patients / Opioides e imunossupressão em pacientes oncológicos pós-cirúrgicos

Summary Introduction: Recent animal studies demonstrated immunosuppressive effects of opioid withdrawal resulting in a higher risk of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of remifentanil discontinuation on Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)-acquired infection after a schedule of sedoanalgesia of at least 6 days. Method: All patients over 18 years of age with a unit admission of more than 4 days were consecutively selected. The study population was the one affected by surgical pathology of any origin where sedation was based on any hypnotic and the opioid remifentanil was used as analgesic for at least 96 hours in continuous perfusion. Patients who died during admission to the unit and those with combined analgesia (peripheral or neuroaxial blocks) were excluded. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine risk factors for infection acquired in the unit. A comparative study between periods of 6 days before and after the cessation of remifentanil was performed. Paired samples test and McNemar test was used for quantitative and categorical variables, respectively. Results: There were 1,789 patients admitted to the PACU during the study and the population eligible was constituted for 102 patients. The incidence rate of PACU-acquired infection was 38 per 1,000 PACU days. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was the most frequently diagnosed PACU-acquired infection. Pseudomona aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated microorganism. Hospital mortality was 36.27%. No statistically significant differences were seen in the incidence of HAI in cancer patients in relation to discontinuation of remifentanil (p=0.068). Conclusion: The baseline state of immunosuppression of cancer patients does not imply a higher incidence of HAI in relation to the interruption of remifentanil. It would be of interest to carry out a multicenter PACU study that included immunological patterns.

Resumo Introdução: Recentes pesquisas utilizando animais demonstraram efeitos imunossupressores depois da suspensão de opiáceos, associados a um maior risco de infecção nosocomial. O objetivo desta investigação foi determinar o impacto da interrupção do opioide remifentanilo em uma Unidade de Reanimação Pós-cirúrgica (URP) nas infecções associadas aos cuidados da saúde depois de uma pauta de sedoanalgesia de ao menos 6 dias. Método: Foram relacionados de forma consecutiva todos os pacientes maiores de 18 anos com internação na unidade superior a 4 dias. A população investigada foi aquela afetada por patologia cirúrgica de qualquer origem, na qual a sedação esteve baseada em qualquer hipnótico e como analgésico, foi utilizado o opioide remifentanilo durante pelo menos 96 horas em perfusão contínua. Foram excluídos os pacientes que faleceram durante a internação na unidade e aqueles com analgesia combinada (bloqueios periféricos ou neuroaxiais). Foi realizada uma análise bivariante para determinar fatores de risco para a infecção adquirida na unidade. Foi realizada uma investigação comparativa entre períodos dos 6 dias anteriores e posteriores à interrupção de remifentanilo. Utilizamos o teste de amostras pareadas e a prova de McNemar para as variáveis quantitativas e categóricas, respectivamente. Resultados: O número de pacientes internados na URP durante o período de investigação foi de 1.789. Depois de aplicar os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, a população elegível ficou constituída por 102 pacientes. A densidade de incidência de infecção de forma global foi de 38 por cada 1.000 dias de internamento. A pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica foi a infecção adquirida mais frequente e Pseudomona aeruginosa, o micro-organismo mais frequentemente isolado. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 36,27%. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na incidência de IACS em pacientes oncológicos em relação à descontinuação de remifentanilo (p=0,068). Conclusão: O estado basal de imunossupressão dos pacientes oncológicos não implica uma maior incidência de IACS em relação à interrupção do remifentanilo. Seria interessante a realização de uma investigação multicêntrica de URP que incluísse padrões imunológicos.

Randomized double-blind clinical trial comparing two anesthetic techniques for ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular puncture / Estudo clínico duplo-cego randomizado comparando duas técnicas anestésicas para punção folicular guiada por ultrassom transvaginal

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the anesthetic techniques using propofol and fentanyl versus midazolam and remifentanil associated with a paracervical block with lidocaine in performing ultrasound-guided transvaginal oocyte aspiration. Methods: A randomized double-blind clinical trial (#RBR-8kqqxh) performed in 61 women submitted to assisted reproductive treatment. The patients were divided into two groups: anesthetic induction with 1mcg/kg of fentanyl associated with 1.5mg/kg of propofol (FP Group, n=32), in comparison with anesthetic induction using 0.075mg/kg of midazolam associated with 0.25mcg/kg/min of remifentanil, and paracervical block with 3mL of 2% lidocaine (MRPB Group, n=29). Main outcome measures: human reproduction outcomes, modified Aldrete-Kroulik index, hemodynamic parameters, and salivary cortisol. Results: The results revealed a higher number of embryos formed in the FP Group (p50=2 versus 1; p=0.025), gestation rate two times higher in the FP Group (44.4% versus 22.2%; p=0.127), less time to reach AK=10 in the MRPB Group (p50=10 versus 2; p<0.001), and lower mean of hemodynamic parameters in the MRPB Group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Anesthesia with fentanyl and propofol as well as with midazolam, remifentanil, and paracervical block offered satisfactory anesthetic conditions when performing assisted reproduction procedures, providing comfort for the patient and physician.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as técnicas anestésicas utilizando propofol e fentanil contra midazolam e remifentanil associados a um bloqueio paracervical com lidocaína na aspiração de oócitos transvaginal guiada por ultrassom. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado duplocego (#RBR-8kqqxh) realizado em 61 mulheres submetidas ao tratamento de reprodução assistida. As pacientes foram divididas em dois grupos: um grupo foi submetido à indução da anestesia com 1mcg/kg de fentanil associada com 1,5mg/kg de propofol (Grupo FP, n=32), em comparação com ao grupo submetido à indução da anestesia utilizando 0,075mg/kg de midazolam associada com 0,25mcg/kg/min de remifentanil, e bloqueio paracervical com 3mL de lidocaína a 2% (Grupo MRBP, n=29). Foram avaliados os resultados reprodutivos, índice modificado de Aldrete e Kroulik, parâmetros hemodinâmicos e cortisol salivar. Resultados: Foi encontrado um número mais elevado de embriões formados no Grupo FP (p50=2 versus 1; p=0,025), taxa de gestação duas vezes mais elevada no Grupo FP (44,4% versus 22,2%; p=0,127), menos tempo para alcançar AK=10 no Grupo MRBP (p50=10 versus 2; p<0,001) e média mais baixa de parâmetros hemodinâmicos do Grupo MRBP (p<0,05). Conclusão: Ambas as anestesias (com fentanil e propofol, e com midazolam, remifentanil e bloqueio paracervical) ofereceram condições anestésicas satisfatórias na realização de procedimentos realizados em reprodução assistida, proporcionando conforto para o paciente e médico.

The Effects of Oral Atenolol or Enalapril Premedication on Blood Loss and Hypotensive Anesthesia in Orthognathic Surgery

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of premedication with oral atenolol or enalapril, in combination with remifentanil under sevoflurane anesthesia, on intraoperative blood loss by achieving adequate deliberate hypotension (DH) during orthognathic surgery. Furthermore, we investigated the impact thereof on the amount of nitroglycerin (NTG) administered as an adjuvant agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients undergoing orthognathic surgery were randomly allocated into one of three groups: an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor group (Group A, n=24) with enalapril 10 mg, a beta blocker group (Group B, n=24) with atenolol 25 mg, or a control group (Group C, n=25) with placebo. All patients were premedicated orally 1 h before the induction of anesthesia. NTG was the only adjuvant agent used to achieve DH when mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was not controlled, despite the administration of the maximum remifentanil dose (0.3 microg kg-1min-1) with sevoflurane. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients completed the study. Blood loss was significantly reduced in Group A, compared to Group C (adjusted p=0.045). Over the target range of MAP percentage during DH was significantly higher in Group C than in Groups A and B (adjusted p-values=0.007 and 0.006, respectively). The total amount of NTG administered was significantly less in Group A than Group C (adjusted p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Premedication with enalapril (10 mg) combined with remifentanil under sevoflurane anesthesia attenuated blood loss and achieved satisfactory DH during orthognathic surgery. Furthermore, the amount of NTG was reduced during the surgery.

Predicted EC50 and EC95 of Remifentanil for Smooth Removal of a Laryngeal Mask Airway Under Propofol Anesthesia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect-site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil in 50% of patients (EC50) and 95% of patients (EC95) for smooth laryngeal mask airway (LMA) removal in adults under propofol and remifentanil anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients of ASA physical status I-II and ages 18-60 years who were to undergo minor gynecological or orthopedic surgery were assessed in this study. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol and remifentanil target-controlled infusion (TCI). Remifentanil was maintained at a predetermined Ce during the emergence period. The modified Dixon's up-and-down method was used to determine the remifentanil concentration, starting from 1.0 ng/mL (step size of 0.2 ng/mL). Successful removal of the LMA was regarded as absence of coughing/gagging, clenched teeth, gross purposeful movements, breath holding, laryngospasm, or desaturation to SpO2<90%. RESULTS: The mean+/-SD Ce of remifentanil for smooth LMA removal after propofol anesthesia was 0.83+/-0.16 ng/mL. Using isotonic regression with a bootstrapping approach, the estimated EC50 and EC95 of remifentanil Ce were 0.91 ng/mL [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.77-1.07 ng/mL] and 1.35 ng/mL (95% CI, 1.16-1.38 ng/mL), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that remifentanil TCI at an established Ce is a reliable technique for achieving safe and smooth emergence without coughing, laryngospasm, or other airway reflexes.

Optimal Effect-Site Concentration of Remifentanil for Inhibiting Response to Laryngeal Mask Airway Removal during Emergence

PURPOSE: This randomized, controlled, double-blind study was designed to determine the optimal dose of remifentanil for preventing complications associated with the removal of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) without delaying emergence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study randomly assigned 128 patients to remifentanil effect-site concentrations (Ce) of 0 ng/mL (group R0), 0.5 ng/mL (group R0.5), 1.0 ng/mL (group R1.0), and 1.5 ng/mL (group R1.5) during emergence. The emergence and recovery profiles were recorded. Adverse events such as coughing, airway obstruction, breath-holding, agitation, desaturation, nausea, and vomiting were also evaluated. RESULTS: The number of patients with respiratory complications such as coughing and breath-holding was significantly lower in the R1.0 and R1.5 groups than in the R0 group (p<0.05). Emergence agitation also decreased in the R1.0 and R1.5 groups (p<0.0083). The time to LMA removal was significantly longer in the R1.5 group than in the other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Maintaining a remifentanil Ce of 1.0 ng/mL during emergence may suppress adverse events such as coughing, breath-holding, and agitation following the removal of LMA without delayed awakening.

Optimal Effect-Site Concentration of Remifentanil for Inhibiting Response to Laryngeal Mask Airway Removal during Emergence

PURPOSE: This randomized, controlled, double-blind study was designed to determine the optimal dose of remifentanil for preventing complications associated with the removal of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) without delaying emergence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study randomly assigned 128 patients to remifentanil effect-site concentrations (Ce) of 0 ng/mL (group R0), 0.5 ng/mL (group R0.5), 1.0 ng/mL (group R1.0), and 1.5 ng/mL (group R1.5) during emergence. The emergence and recovery profiles were recorded. Adverse events such as coughing, airway obstruction, breath-holding, agitation, desaturation, nausea, and vomiting were also evaluated. RESULTS: The number of patients with respiratory complications such as coughing and breath-holding was significantly lower in the R1.0 and R1.5 groups than in the R0 group (p<0.05). Emergence agitation also decreased in the R1.0 and R1.5 groups (p<0.0083). The time to LMA removal was significantly longer in the R1.5 group than in the other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Maintaining a remifentanil Ce of 1.0 ng/mL during emergence may suppress adverse events such as coughing, breath-holding, and agitation following the removal of LMA without delayed awakening.

Comparing the pain of propofol via different combinations of fentanyl, sufentanil or remifentanil in gastrointestinal endoscopy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the pain on injection of propofol via different combinations of fentanyl, sufentanil or remifentanil in gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: Total 439 patients were randomly allocated into 6 groups. Propofol & fentanil (PF) group received 1 μg/kg fentanyl, propofol & sufentanil (PS) group received 0.1 μg/kg sufentanil and propofol & remifentanyl (PR) group received 1 μg/kg remifentanyl prior to administration of 1-2 mg/kg of propofol. The propofol & half-fentanil (Pf) group, propofol & half-sufentanil (Ps) group and propofol & half-remifentanyl (Pr) group were given 0.5 μg/kg fentanyl, 0.05 μg/kg sufentanil and 0.5 μg/kg remifentanyl, respectively and later administrated 1-2 mg/kg propofol. All patients were monitored for the blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Additionally, the pain intensity was assessed using a 4-point verbal rating scale (VRS) by professional doctors. RESULTS: The incidence of pain due to propofol injection in Ps group (33.8%) was significantly lower than other 5 groups. The heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were maintained within the normal limits in all six groups and there was no hypotension or bradycardia encountered during the study period. CONCLUSION: Propofol and sufentanil group was the most suitable program for painless gastroscopy. .

Comparison of the effects of remifentanil and remifentanil plus lidocaine on intubation conditions in intellectually disabled patients / Comparação dos efeitos de remifentanil e remifentanil + lidocaína em intubação de pacientes intelectualmente deficientes / Comparación de los efectos del remifentanilo y el remifentanilo más lidocaína en intubación de pacientes intelectualmente discapacitados

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This is a prospective, randomized, single-blind study. We aimed to compare the tracheal intubation conditions and hemodynamic responses either remifentanil or a combination of remifentanil and lidocaine with sevoflurane induction in the absence of neuromuscular blocking agents. METHODS: Fifty intellectually disabled, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II patients who underwent tooth extraction under outpatient general anesthesia were included in this study. Patients were randomized to receive either 2 μg kg-1 remifentanil (Group 1, n = 25) or a combination of 2 μg kg-1 remifentanil and 1 mg kg-1 lidocaine (Group 2, n = 25). To evaluate intubation conditions, Helbo-Hansen scoring system was used. In patients who scored 2 points or less in all scorings, intubation conditions were considered acceptable, however if any of the scores was greater than 2, intubation conditions were regarded unacceptable. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded at baseline, after opioid administration, before intubation, and at 1, 3, and 5 min after intubation. RESULTS: Acceptable intubation parameters were achieved in 24 patients in Group 1 (96%) and in 23 patients in Group 2 (92%). In intra-group comparisons, the heart rate and mean arterial pressure values at all-time points in both groups showed a significant decrease compared to baseline values (p = 0.000) CONCLUSION: By the addition of 2 μg/kg remifentanil during sevoflurane induction, successful tracheal intubation can be accomplished without using muscle relaxants in intellectually disabled patients who undergo outpatient dental extraction. Also worth noting, the addition of 1 mg/kg lidocaine to 2 μg/kg remifentanil does not provide any additional improvement in the intubation parameters. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: este é um estudo prospectivo, randômico e duplo-cego. Nosso objetivo foi comparar as condições de intubação endotraqueal e as respostas hemodinâmicas com o uso de remifentanil ou combinação de remifentanil e lidocaína em indução anestésica com sevoflurano sem agentes bloqueadores neuromusculares. MÉTODOS: cinquenta pacientes intelectualmente deficientes, estado físico ASA I-II, submetidos à extração dentária sob anestesia geral em ambulatório foram incluídos neste estudo. Os pacientes foram randomizados para receber 2 μg kg-1 de remifentanil (Grupo 1, n = 25) ou uma combinação de 2 μg kg-1 de remifentanil e 1 mg kg-1 de lidocaína (Grupo 2, n = 25). Para avaliar as condições de intubação, o sistema de pontuação de Helbo-Hansen foi usado. Em pacientes com 2 ou menos pontos em todas as pontuações, as condições de intubação foram consideradas aceitáveis, porém, se qualquer uma das pontuações fosse superior a 2, as condições de intubação seriam consideradas inaceitáveis. Pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca e saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2) foram registradas no início do estudo, após a administração de opiáceos, antes da intubação e nos minutos 1, 3 e 5 após a intubação. RESULTADOS: parâmetros aceitáveis de intubação foram obtidos em 24 pacientes do Grupo 1 (96%) e em 23 pacientes do Grupo 2 (92%). Nas comparações intragrupo, os valores da frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial média em todos os momentod em ambos os grupos mostraram uma redução significativa em relação aos valores basais (p = 0.000). ...

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: este es un estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado y doble ciego. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar las condiciones de intubación endotraqueal y las respuestas hemodinámicas con el uso de remifentanilo o la combinación de remifentanilo y lidocaína en inducción anestésica con sevoflurano sin agentes bloqueantes neuromusculares. MÉTODOS: cincuenta pacientes intelectualmente discapacitados, estado físico ASA I-II, sometidos a la extracción dental bajo anestesia general en ambulatorio fueron incluidos en este estudio. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados para recibir 2 μg/kg-1 de remifentanilo (grupo 1, n = 25) o una combinación de 2 μg/kg-1 de remifentanilo y 1 mg/kg-1 de lidocaína (grupo 2, n = 25). Para evaluar las condiciones de intubación se usó el sistema de puntuación de Helbo-Hansen. En pacientes con 2 o menos puntos en todas las puntuaciones, las condiciones de intubación fueron consideradas aceptables, sin embargo, si cualquiera de las puntuaciones fuese superior a 2 las condiciones de intubación serían consideradas inaceptables. La presión arterial media, frecuencia cardíaca y la saturación periférica de oxígeno, fueron registradas al inicio del estudio, después de la administración de opiáceos, antes de la intubación y en los minutos 1, 3 y 5 después de la intubación. RESULTADOS: se obtuvieron parámetros aceptables de intubación en 24 pacientes del grupo 1 (96%) y en 23 pacientes del grupo 2 (92%).En las comparaciones intragrupo, los valores de la frecuencia cardíaca y la presión arterial media en todos los momentos en ambos grupos arrojaron una reducción significativa con relación a los valores basales (p = 0,000). CONCLUSIÓN: con la adición de 2 μg/kg de remifentanilo durante la inducción con sevoflurano ...

Remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy: comparison of adjuvant propofol and ketamine

OBJECTIVE: Laryngoscopy and stimuli inside the trachea cause an intense sympatho-adrenal response. Remifentanil seems to be the optimal opioid for rigid bronchoscopy due to its potent and short-acting properties. The purpose of this study was to compare bolus propofol and ketamine as an adjuvant to remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children under 12 years of age who had been scheduled for a rigid bronchoscopy were included in this study. After midazolam premedication, a 1 µg/kg/min remifentanil infusion was started, and patients were randomly allocated to receive either propofol (Group P) or ketamine (Group K) as well as mivacurium for muscle relaxation. Anesthesia was maintained with a 1 µg/kg/min remifentanil infusion and bolus doses of propofol or ketamine. After the rigid bronchoscopy, 0.05 µg/kg/min of remifentanil was maintained until extubation. Hemodynamic parameters, emergence characteristics, and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: The demographic variables were comparable between the two groups. The decrease in mean arterial pressure from baseline values to the lowest values during rigid bronchoscopy was greater in Group P (p = 0.049), while the reduction in the other parameters and the incidence of adverse events were comparable between the two groups. The need for assisted or controlled mask ventilation after extubation was higher in Group K. CONCLUSION: Remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia with propofol or ketamine as an adjuvant drug along with controlled ventilation is a viable technique for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy. Ketamine does not provide a definite advantage over propofol with respect to hemodynamic stability during rigid bronchoscopy, while propofol seems more suitable during the recovery period. .

Bispectral Index Monitoring during Anesthesiologist-Directed Propofol and Remifentanil Sedation for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technically difficult and lengthy procedure requiring optimal depth of sedation. The bispectral index (BIS) monitor is a non-invasive tool that objectively evaluates the depth of sedation. The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to evaluate whether BIS guided sedation with propofol and remifentanil could reduce the number of patients requiring rescue propofol, and thus reduce the incidence of sedation- and/or procedure-related complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 patients who underwent the ESD procedure for gastric adenoma or early gastric cancer were randomized to two groups. The control group (n=90) was monitored by the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation scale and the BIS group (n=90) was monitored using BIS. The total doses of propofol and remifentanil, the need for rescue propofol, and the rates of complications were recorded. RESULTS: The number of patients who needed rescue propofol during the procedure was significantly higher in the control group than the BIS group (47.8% vs. 30.0%, p=0.014). There were no significant differences in the incidence of sedation- and/or procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: BIS-guided propofol infusion combined with remifentanil reduced the number of patients requiring rescue propofol in ESD procedures. However, this finding did not lead to clinical benefits and thus BIS monitoring is of limited use during anesthesiologist-directed sedation.

Sex Differences in Remifentanil Requirements for Preventing Cough during Anesthetic Emergence

PURPOSE: Target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil can suppress coughing during emergence from general anesthesia; nevertheless, previous studies under different clinical conditions recommend significantly different effective effect-site concentrations (effective Ce) of remifentanil for 50% of patients (EC50). The differences among these studies include type of surgery and patient sex. In recent years, study of sex differences in regards to anesthetic pharmacology has drawn greater interest. Accordingly, we attempted to determine the effective Ce of remifentanil for preventing cough for each sex under the same clinical conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty female and 25 male ASA physical status I-II grade patients between the ages of 20 and 46 years who were undergoing thyroidectomy were enrolled in this study. The effective Ce of remifentanil for preventing cough was determined for each sex using the isotonic regression method with a bootstrapping approach, following Dixon's up-and-down method. RESULTS: Isotonic regression with a bootstrapping approach revealed that the estimated EC50 of remifentanil for preventing coughing during emergence was significantly lower in females {1.30 ng/mL [83% confidence interval (CI), 1.20-1.47 ng/mL]} than in males [2.57 ng/mL (83% CI, 2.45-2.70 ng/mL)]. Mean EC50 in females was also significantly lower than in males (1.23+/-0.21 ng/mL vs. 2.43+/-0.21 ng/mL, p<0.001). Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate over time were not significantly different between the sexes. CONCLUSION: When using remifentanil TCI for cough prevention during anesthetic emergence, patient sex should be a considered for appropriate dosing.

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for active rheumatoid arthritis with an inadequate response to methotrexate or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib (5 and 10 mg twice daily) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with active RA was performed using the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases as well as manual searches. RESULTS: Five RCTs, including three phase-II and two phase-III trials involving 1,590 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The three phase-II RCTs included 452 patients with RA (144 patients randomized to 5 mg of tofacitinib twice daily, 156 patients randomized to 10 mg of tofacitinib twice daily, and 152 patients randomized to placebo) who were included in this meta-analysis. The American College of Rheumatology 20% response rate was significantly higher in the tofacitinib 5- and 10-mg groups than in the control group (relative risk [RR], 2.445; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.229 to 4.861; p = 0.011; and RR, 2.597; 95% CI, 1.514 to 4.455; p = 0.001, respectively). The safety outcomes did not differ between the tofacitinib 5- and 10-mg groups and placebo groups with the exception of infection in the tofacitinib 10-mg group (RR, 2.133; 95% CI, 1.268 to 3.590; p = 0.004). The results of two phase-III trials (1,123 patients) confirmed the findings in the phase-II studies. CONCLUSIONS: Tofacitinib at dosages of 5 and 10 mg twice daily was found to be effective in patients with active RA that inadequately responded to methotrexate or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and showed a manageable safety profile.

Anestesia para craniotomia em paciente acordado: relato de caso / Anesthesia for awake craniotomy: case report / Anestesia para craneotomía en paciente despierto: relato de caso

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Alguns procedimentos intracranianos são possíveis com pacientes acordados e os desafios vão da cooperação do paciente até a homeostasia. O objetivo é apresentar um caso de cirurgia intracraniana para exérese de tumor em lobo parietal esquerdo com o paciente em estado vígil. RELATO DE CASO: Após seleção do paciente e preparo psicológico, foi esclarecida e aceita a proposta de exérese de lesão parietal esquerda em estado vígil. Administraram-se propofol e remifentanil em perfusão contínua para manter o escore de Ramsay entre 2-3. Foi feito um bloqueio bilateral do escalpo com ropivacaína. Foi instalado o fixador de Mayfield e os campos cirúrgicos foram ajustados para manter vias aéreas e olhos acessíveis para o mapeamento com eletroestimulação e exérese da lesão. Para incisão da dura-máter foi aplicada uma compressa com lidocaína 2% por três minutos. A cirurgia transcorreu sem intercorrências. O paciente recebeu alta hospitalar no sétimo dia de internação sem apresentar complicação. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de ser um desafio manter analgesia e estabilidade hemodinâmica com o paciente acordado, a infusão alvo-controlada do propofol estabeleceu o nível de consciência desejado; a do remifentanil titulou a analgesia e a sedação sem o acúmulo da droga e o bloqueio com a ropivacaína, uma analgesia satisfatória. Concluímos que a técnica anestésica foi satisfatória para nosso paciente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Some intracranial procedures are achievable with patients awake, however, there are challenges ranging from patient compliance to homeostasis. The aim of this study is to present a case of intracranial surgery for removal of a tumor in the left parietal lobe with the patient awake during the procedure. CASE REPORT: After patient selection and psychological preparation, the proposed excision of the left parietal lobe lesion in the waking state was clarified and accepted. Continuous infusion of propofol and remifentanil was administered to maintain a Ramsay score of 2-3. The bilateral scalp blockade was performed with ropivacaine. The Mayfield head fixation device was installed and drapes adjusted to maintain the airway and eyes accessible for mapping with electrical stimulation and tumor excision. For dura mater incision, a pad with 2% lidocaine was applied for 3 minutes. The surgery was uneventful. The patient was discharged on the seventh day of hospitalization without presenting complication. CONCLUSION: Although the maintenance of analgesia and hemodynamic stability was a challenge with the patient awake, the target-controlled infusion of propofol provided the desired level of consciousness, remifentanil titrated analgesia and sedation without drug accumulation, and the blockade with ropivacaine provided satisfactory analgesia. We conclude that the anesthetic technique was satisfactory for our patient.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Algunos procedimientos intracraneales se pueden hacer con pacientes despiertos y los retos van desde la cooperación del paciente hasta la homeostasia. El objetivo aquí, es presentar un caso de cirugía intracraneal para la exéresis de tumor en el lobo parietal izquierdo con el paciente en estado de vigilia. RELATO DE CASO: Después de la selección del paciente y dela preparación psicológica, se aclaró y aceptó la propuesta de exéresis de lesión parietal izquierda en estado de vigilia. Se administraron propofol y remifentanilo en perfusión continua para mantener la puntuación de Ramsay entre 2-3. Se hizo un bloqueo bilateral del escalpo con ropivacaína. Se instaló el fijador de Mayfield y los campos quirúrgicos se ajustaron para mantener las vías aéreas y los ojos accesibles para el mapeo con la electroestimulación y la exéresis de la lesión. Para la incisión de la dura madre se aplicó una compresa con lidocaína al 2% durante tres minutos. La cirugía transcurrió sin intercurrencias. El paciente recibió alta hospitalaria al séptimo día del ingreso sin presentar complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de ser un reto mantener la analgesia y la estabilidad hemodinámica con el paciente despierto, la infusión objeto controlada del propofol estableció el nivel de consciencia deseado; la del remifentanilo tituló la analgesia y la sedación sin la acumulación de la droga y el bloqueo con la ropivacaína, una analgesia satisfactoria. Concluimos por tanto, que la técnica anestésica fue satisfactoria para nuestro paciente.

Avaliação do efeito da cetamina associada à remifentanila na dor pós-operatória / Assessment of the effect of ketamine in combination with remifentanil on postoperative pain / Evaluación del Efecto de la Cetamina Asociada con el Remifentanilo en el Dolor Postoperatorio

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A associação de cetamina com remifentanila parece estar relacionada à analgesia de melhor qualidade e duração. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se a cetamina associada à remifentanila promove melhora da analgesia pós-operatória. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, aleatório, duplo encoberto em 40 pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia videolaparoscópica. A anestesia foi feita com remifentanila, propofol, atracúrio, 50% de oxigênio. Os pacientes do G1 receberam remifentanila (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) e cetamina (5 mcg.kg-1.min-1); os do G2, remifentanila (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) e solução salina. Foi administrado 0,1 mg.kg-1 de morfina no final da operação e a dor pós-operatória foi tratada com morfina, através de analgesia controlada pelo paciente (PCA). A intensidade da dor pós-operatória foi avaliada pela escala numérica de 0 a 10, durante 24 horas. Foram anotados o tempo para primeira complementação analgésica, a quantidade de morfina usada durante 24 horas e os efeitos adversos. RESULTADOS: Ocorreu diminuição da intensidade da dor entre a desintubação e os outros momentos avaliados no G1 e no G2. Não foi observada diferença significante na intensidade da dor entre os grupos. Não houve diferença entre G1 (22 ± 24,9 min) e G2 (21,5 ± 28,1 min) no tempo para a primeira dose de morfina e dose complementar de morfina consumida no G1 (29 ± 18,4 mg) e no G2 (25,1 ± 13,3 mg). CONCLUSÕES: A associação de cetamina (5 mcg.kg-1.min-1) a remifentanila (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) para colecistectomia não alterou a intensidade da dor pós-operatória, o tempo para primeira complementação ou a dose de morfina em 24 horas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The combination of ketamine and remifentanil seems to be associated with better analgesia and duration. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a ketamineremifentanil combination promotes improved postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, double blind study of 40 patients undergoing video laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Anesthesia was performed with remifentanil, propofol, atracurium, and 50% oxygen. Group 1 (GI) patients received remifentanil (0.4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) and ketamine (5 mcg.kg-1.min-1) and Group 2 (G2) received remifentanil (0.4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) and saline solution. Morphine 0.1 mg.kg-1 was administered at the end of the procedure, and postoperative pain was treated with morphine via PCA. We evaluated the severity of postoperative pain by a numerical scale from zero to 10 during 24 hours. We registered the time to the first analgesic supplementation, amount of morphine used in the first 24 hours, and adverse effects. RESULTS: There was a decrease in pain severity between extubation and other times evaluated in G1 and G2. There was no significant difference in pain intensity between the groups. There was no difference between G1 (22 ± 24.9 min) and G2 (21.5 ± 28.1 min) regarding time to first dose of morphine and dose supplement of morphine consumed in G1 (29 ± 18.4 mg) and G2 (25.1 ± 13.3 mg). CONCLUSION: The combination of ketamine (5 mcg.kg-1.min-1) and remifentanil (0.4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) for cholecystectomy did not alter the severity of postoperative pain, time to first analgesic supplementation or dose of morphine in 24 hours.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La asociación de la cetamina con el Remifentanilo parece estar asociada con una analgesia de mejor calidad y duración. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si la cetamina asociada al Remifentanilo genera una mejoría de la analgesia postoperatoria. MÉTODO: Se hizo un estudio prospectivo, aleatorio y doble ciego en 40 pacientes sometidos a la colecistectomía videolaparoscópica. La anestesia se realizó con de Remifentanilo, propofol, atracurio y 50% de oxígeno. Los pacientes del G1 recibieron Remifentanilo (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) y cetamina (5 mcg.kg-1.min-1); los del G2, Remifentanilo (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) y solución salina. Fue administrado 0,1 mg.kg-1 de morfina al final de la operación y el dolor postoperatorio se trató con morfina por medio de analgesia controlada por el paciente (PCA). La intensidad del dolor postoperatorio fue mensurada por la escala numérica de 0 a 10, durante 24h. Se anotó el tiempo para la primera complementación analgésica, la cantidad de morfina utilizada durante 24 h y los efectos adversos. RESULTADOS: Ocurrió una reducción de la intensidad del dolor entre el momento de la desentubación y los otros momentos calculados en el G1 y en el G2. No fue observada ninguna diferencia significativa en la intensidad del dolor entre los grupos. No hubo diferencia entre G1 (22 ± 24,9 min.) y G2 (21,5 ± 28,1 min.) en el tiempo para la primera dosis de morfina y dosis complementaria de morfina consumida en el G1 (29 ± 18,4 mg) y en el G2 (25,1 ± 13,3 mg). CONCLUSIONES: La asociación de la cetamina (5 mcg.kg-1.min-1) con el Remifentanilo (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) para la colecistectomía no alteró la intensidad del dolor postoperatorio, el tiempo para la primera complementación o la dosis de morfina en 24h.

Perfusión intravenosa de remifentanilo controlada por ordenador: efectos, consumo, concentración efectiva / Intravenous infusion of remifentanil computer controlled: effects, consumption, effective concentration

Introducción: El objetivo fue comprobar si los sistemas de perfusión guiados por ordenador TCI (Target Control Infusion) estimando concentraciones plasmáticas (Cp), modulan condiciones hemodinámicas, consumo de remifentanil y concentraciones sitio efecto (Ce), en colecistectomía videolaparoscópica (CVL). Material y Métodos: Estudio clínico prospectivo, aleatorizado en pacientes ASA I, dos grupos: GRUPO PC (n = 12) remifentanil 0.5 mcg x kg-1 x min-1 y GRUPO TCI (n = 12) TCI remifentanil Cp 4 ng x ml-1 (Modelo Minto, Ke sub 0 0,595/min). Ambas perfusiones disminuidas 50% posintubación. Se registraron Tensión Arterial Sistólica (TAS), Tensión Arterial Diastólica (TAD) y Frecuencia Cardíaca (FC), remifentanil consumido y Ce, basal, posintubación, posincisión y finalización cirugía. Resultados: Sin diferencias entre grupos variables antropométricas, tiempos quirúrgico y de anestesia. Se halló diferencia G PC vs G TCI en FC (X ± de) posintubación 63,2 ± 12,2 vs 76,6 ± 13 (p = 0,014). Dentro grupos, G PC posintubación TAS 96,9 ± 18,5 (p = 0,0009), TAD 57,7 ± 15,2 (p = 0,0006) y FC 63,2 ± 12,2 (p = 0,010). Consumo de remifentanil G PC vs G TCI posintubación 216,2 ± 91,6 vs 102,4 ± 14,8 (p < 0,0001), posincisión 381,4 ± 185,4 vs 184,1 ± 39,6 (p = 0,0002) y fin de cirugía 2310 ± 912,8 vs 1642,4 ± 607,8 (p = ,028). Ce remifentanil posintubación 7,4 ± 1,6 vs 3,6 ± 0,2 (p < 0,0001), posincisión 6,1 ± 1,7 vs 2,2 ± 0,3 (p < 0,0001). Hipotensión G PC posintubación (50% p < 0,007), posincisión (33,3% p < 0,047), necesidad de efedrina dos pacientes G PC. Conclusión: La perfusión de remifentanil controlada por ordenador Cp de 4 ng/ml produjo en nuestro grupo de pacientes mejores condiciones hemodinámicas durante el intraoperatorio, comparada con perfusión continua de 0.5 mcg x kg-1 x min-1, en CVL. La mejoría se atribuiría a la adecuada concentración de remifentanil en sitio de efecto, permitiendo además disminuir el consumo de la droga.

The Influence of the Severity of Chronic Virus-Related Liver Disease on Propofol Requirements during Propofol-Remifentanil Anesthesia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of chronic virus-related liver disease severity on propofol requirements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 48 male patients with chronic hepatitis B infection were divided into three groups according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification of liver function (groups A, B, and C with mild, moderate and severe liver disease, respectively). After intubation, propofol concentration was adjusted by +/-0.3 microg/mL increments to maintain bispectral index in the range of 40-60. Target propofol concentrations at anesthesia initiation, pre-intubation and pre-incision were recorded. RESULTS: The initial concentration used in group C was significantly lower than that used in group A or B (p<0.05), whereas no difference was observed between groups A and B. At pre-intubation, the actual required concentration of propofol increased significantly (3.2 microg/mL) in group A (p<0.05), which lead to significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). At pre-incision, the requirements for propofol decreased significantly in both groups A and B (3.0 microg/mL and 2.7 microg/mL, respectively) compared with those at pre-intubation (p<0.05), and were significantly different for all three groups (p<0.05), with group C demonstrating the lowest requirement (2.2 microg/mL). The required concentrations of propofol at pre-incision were similar to those at induction. CONCLUSION: In this study, propofol requirements administered by target-controlled infusion to maintain similar depths of hypnosis were shown to depend on the severity of chronic virus-related liver dysfunction. In other words, patients with the most severe liver dysfunction required the least amount of propofol.

Surgeon satisfaction during endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: a comparison between propofol-remifentanil and isoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia

Surgeon's depend to a large degree on the amount of blood loss and a clear view of the surgical field, when conducting endoscopic procedures in order to achieve satisfactory outcomes. The anesthesiologist's choice of method for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia plays a major role in achieving this goal. This study was performed in order to compare the two most well-known methods in this regard; total intravenous anesthesia [TIVA] and venous inhalational mixed anesthesia [VIMA]. This study included the endoscopic management of 89 patients with cerebrospinal leakage [CSF leakage] covering a period of nine years [1999-2008] for whom a subarachnoid injection of fluorescein was first administered, and afterwards they were maintained under general anesthesia using two distinct methods; propofol-remifentanil versus isoflurane-remifentanil [inhalational or intravenous]. During the operation, hemodynamic indices, blood loss, and surgeon's satisfaction, were assessed and compared between the two groups. Endoscopic management and autografts were successful in repairing anterior skull defects in 90% of cases. Regarding the surgeon's satisfaction level, and hemodynamic stability no significant difference between the two groups was observed [P > 0.01]. Both isoflurane and propofol in combination with remifentanil afford optimal surgical conditions with regard to hemodynamic parameters and the satisfaction of the surgeon with the surgical field

A comparison of three different target-controlled remifentanil infusion rates during target-controlled propofol infusion for oocyte retrieval

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of three different target-controlled remifentanil infusion rates during target-controlled propofol infusion on hemodynamic parameters, pain, sedation, and recovery score during oocyte retrieval. METHODS: Sixty-nine women were scheduled for oocyte retrieval. Target-controlled propofol infusion at an effectsite concentration of 1.5 μg/mL was instituted. The patients were randomly allocated to receive remifentanil at an effect-site concentration of either 1.5 (group I, n = 23), 2 (group II, n = 23) or 2.5 ng/mL (group III, n = 23). Hemodynamic variables, sedation, pain, the Aldrete recovery score, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Hemodynamic variables, sedation and pain scores and the number of patients with the maximum Aldrete recovery score 10 min after the procedure were comparable among the groups. The number of patients in group III with the maximum Aldrete recovery score 5 min after the procedure was significantly lower than that in groups I and II. One patient in group II and one patient in group III suffered from nausea. CONCLUSION: Similar pain-free conscious sedation conditions without significant changes in hemodynamic parameters were provided by all three protocols. However, target controlled infusion of remifentanil at 1.5 or 2 ng/mL proved superior at providing early recovery compared to 2.5 ng/mL.

Vortex Keratopathy in a Patient Receiving Vandetanib for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

We report a case of vortex keratopathy in a patient treated with vandetanib for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A 44-year-old female who underwent two cycles of chemotherapy for NSCLC complained of visual blurring in both eyes after the initiation of vandetanib, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor. On ophthalmic examination, visual acuities were 20 / 20 OU and, with the exception of diffuse vortex keratopathy in both eyes, other findings were unremarkable. Vandetanib is believed to have caused vortex keratopathy in this patient. Anti-EGFR properties affecting normal corneal epithelial cell migration and wound healing or drug associated metabolite deposition, which is the case in numerous drug-associated vortex keratopathies, may be possible underlying mechanisms in the formation of this corneal complication.