Superoxide and Nitric Oxide Involvement in Enhancing of N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor-Mediated Central Sensitization in the Chronic Post-ischemia Pain Model

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in persistent pain, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Since the data suggest that ROS are involved in central sensitization, the present study examines the levels of activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the dorsal horn after an exogenous supply of three antioxidants in rats with chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP). This serves as an animal model of complex regional pain syndrome type-I induced by hindpaw ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: The application of tight-fitting O-rings for a period of three hours produced CPIP in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Allopurinol 4 mg/kg, allopurinol 40 mg/kg, superoxide dismutase (SOD) 4,000 U/kg, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 10 mg/kg and SOD 4,000 U/kg plus L-NAME 10 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally just after O-ring application and on the first and second days after reperfusion. Mechanical allodynia was measured, and activation of the NMDA receptor subunit 1 (pNR1) of the lumbar spinal cord (L4-L6) was analyzed by the Western blot three days after reperfusion. RESULTS: Allopurinol reduced mechanical allodynia and attenuated the enhancement of spinal pNR1 expression in CPIP rats. SOD and L-NAME also blocked spinal pNR1 in accordance with the reduced mechanical allodynia in rats with CPIP. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest the contribution of superoxide, produced via xanthine oxidase, and the participation of superoxide and nitric oxide as a precursor of peroxynitrite in NMDA mediated central sensitization. Finally, the findings support a therapeutic potential for the manipulation of superoxide and nitric oxide in ischemia/reperfusion related pain conditions.

Radial nerve injury due to automatic blood pressure monitoring: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We experienced an unusual complication of acute radial nerve palsy presenting as wrist drop after application of automated cycled blood pressure monitoring for 3 hours. A 19-year-old ASA physical status 1 female was scheduled to undergo nail removal, had been operated internal transport over the nail lengthening for fibular hemimelia. Blood pressure cuff was affixed to her right upper arm and worked automatically every 5 minute during surgery. One day after operation she complained of pain over the lower lateral aspect of the right upper arm and examination revealed zero power of the wrist and finger extensor muscles. Electromyelography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) revealed right radial neuropathy. She was discharged 20 days after operation with improvement of the right upper arm pain. After three months of physical therapy, the muscle power of wrist extensors reverted to completely normal and the muscle power of the finger extensors improved to fair.

Zoster Paresis Misconceived as a Radiculopathy due to Herniated Intervertebral Disc

Herpes zoster is a viral disease of the posterior root ganglion and sensory nerve fiber, which presents clinically with vesicular eruption of the skin, radicular pain and sensory changes in the distribution of the affected ganglion. However, involvement of the motor neurons can be seen as well. If classic cutaneous lesions are present, herpes zoster-related motor paresis is easily diagnosed. Otherwise, the diagnosis may be more difficult and suspicious, especially if weakness occurs as a symptom before cutaneous lesions appear, or abnormal findings on the MRI are consistent with the signs. There have been few reports of sciatica with motor loss preceding skin lesions. Here, we report a patient with herpes zoster-related motor paresis preceding skin lesions. In the preliminary diagnosis, the herpes zoster-related motor paresis was confused for some structural disorder.

Contralateral allodynia and central change in the chronic post-ischemic pain model rats / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Mirror-image allodynia is a mysterious phenomenon that occurs in association with many clinical pain syndromes including complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS). Underlying mechanisms for the development of such pain are still a matter of investigation. Several studies suggest that activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is essential for central sensitization as a base for persistent pain. The aim is to assess whether alteration of NMDA receptor expression correlates with the contralateral allodynia in the chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP) model rats representing CRPS-Type I. METHODS: Application of a tight-fitting tourniquet for a period of 3 hours before reperfusion produced CPIP in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds to von Frey stimuli (using a dynamic plantar aesthesiometer) were measured as pain indicators in ipsilateral and contralateral hindpaws. Phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor 1 subunit (pNR1), assessed with Western blot, was measured in the contralateral L4-6 spinal cord. RESULTS: Ipsilateral and contralateral mechanical allodynia is present at 4 hours after reperfusion, peaked at 3 days, and continued for 7 days after reperfusion. The relative density of pNR1 of CPIP rats significantly decreased in the contralateral L4-6 spinal cord compared to baseline value (P < 0.05). There was significant correlation between paw withdrawal threshold and the relative density of pNR1 (ipsilateral; R2 = 0.75, P < 0.01, contralateral; R2 = 0.60, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that pNR1 is correlated to the contralateral mechanical allodynia in CPIP rats.

Comparison of Morphine and Fentanyl IV-PCA in Gastrectomy Patient

BACKGROUND: Morphine and fentanyl have potent analgesic effects and these agents are widely used for intravenous patient controlled analgesia (IV-PCA); however, these drugs have some side effects. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic effects and side effects of morphine and fentanyl, employing IV-PCA after gastrectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing gastrectomy were randomized to receive either morphine (M goup, n = 25) or fentanyl (F group, n = 25) via an IV-PCA pump for 48 hours after the end of surgery. The loading dose was administered when a patient first complained of pain, followed by a bolus dose of 2 mg morphine for the M group and 20microg fentanyl for the F group, with a lockout interval of 10 minutes between doses. The VAS pain score, PCA opioid consumption, rescue analgesic requirement, and side effects were assessed at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after the end of surgery. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the VAS pain score, satisfaction score and total and hourly dose for 48 hours. The side effects were similar in both groups except that pruritus and urinary retention were significantly lower in the F group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that both morphine and fentanyl have good analgesic effects with few side effects in gastrectomy patients, but the fentanyl group of patients experienced less pruritus and urinary retention than the morphine group of patients.

Comparision of Total Intravenous Anesthesia and Sevoflurane-N2O-Alfentanil Anesthesia for Laryngeal Microscopic Surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical properties of sevoflurane-N2O-alfentanil with propofol- remifentanil anesthesia for patients undergoing laryngeal microscopic surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective ambulatory surgery received either total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA group) with remifentanil and propofol or balanced anesthesia with sevoflurane-N2O-alfentanil (sevoflurane-N2O-alfentanil group). The TIVA group patients were induced with an effective-site concentration of 4microgram/ml propofol and a bolus dose of 0.5microgram/ml remifentanil. The anesthesia was maintained with a continuous infusions with an effective-site concentration of 2-5microgram/kg propofol and 0.05-0.5microgram/kg/min remifentanil, according to the hemodynamic response. The sevoflurane-N2O-alfentanil group patients were induced with 5 mg/kg thiopental and 20microgram/kg IV alfentanil. Maintenance was obtained with 1.5-3.0 vol% sevoflurane and a bolus dose of 10microgram/kg IV alfentanil if needed. The anesthetic depth was controlled under bispectral index (BIS) monitoring: propofol and sevoflurane concentrations were adjusted to achieve target BIS values, and were between levels of 40-60 during surgery. RESULTS: Both anesthetic methods provided acceptable hemodynamic responses during surgery. The late recovery times (postanesthetic discharge scoring system), patient satisfaction and postoperative side effects were similar between patients in the two groups. Early recovery times (eye opening and the aldrete score) were shorter in the TIVA group patients, but this difference was not associated with a shorter hospital length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Total intravenous anesthesia with remifentanil-propofol and balanced anesthesia with sevoflurane-N2O-alfentanil both provided satisfactory anesthesia for laryngeal microscopic surgeryd

Effect of N-acetyl-cysteine on Allodynia in a Chronic Post-ischemia Pain Model of Rat

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) is a clinical syndrome that is poorly understood and difficult to treat. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory responses may contribute to the development of CRPS-I. This study evaluated the effect of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) on both mechanical and cold allodynia in a rat CRPS-I model. METHODS: Male adult SD rats were used for the CRPS-I model that was produced following prolonged hindpaw ischemia/reperfusion. The rats were divided into 3 groups, Group O (-) (n = 8): rats without a tourniquet; Group O (+) (n = 8): rats received ischemic injury with a tourniquet on the hindpaw and they were reperfused 3 hours after the tourniquet application; and Group ON (+) (n = 8): rats received ischemic injury with a tourniquet ring on the hindpaw and they were reperfused 3 hours after the tourniquet application and they received intraperitoneal N-cetyl-ysteine (500 mg/kg) injection just after the tourniquet application and at 1 day and 2 days after the reperfusion. RESULTS: In the Group O (+), mechanical (von Frey hair) and cold (acetone exposure) allodynia were evident in the affected hindpaw as early as 1 day after reperfusion; this was extended for 2 weeks and it spread to the uninjured contralateral hindpaw. In the Group ON (+), the mechanical and cold allodynia were attenuated compared to those rats of Group O (+). CONCLUSIONS: NAC, a free radical scavenger, was able to reduce mechanical and cold allodynia in this model, and the generation of ROS is partly responsible for CRPS-I.

Damage to an Endotracheal Tube during Lefort I Osteotomy: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

In maxillofacial surgery endotracheal tube provides patent airway and prevents patient from aspirating the blood. But serious complications such as tube obstruction or injury have been reported. In this case, endotracheal tube injury by surgical saw during Lefort I osteotomy occurred. We could not exchange the defective tube for a good one using laryngoscope or fiberoptic bronchoscope due to edema and blood in nostril and oral cavity. We didn't have any tube exchanger available too. Therefore, to provide patent and safe airway, we packed gauze around the lacerated part of tube, provided positive end expiratory pressure ventilation and increased oxygen flow. After anesthesia, the damaged tube was safely removed and there were no respiratory complications.

Treatment of Postoperative Intractable Hiccup Patient with Unilateral Phrenic Nerve Block: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Hiccup is caused by synchronous contractions of the diaphragmatic and intercostal muscles followed by the closure of the glottis. Intractable hiccup is defined as hiccup bouts lasting more than 48 hours or recurring despite various treatments. Recently we have experienced a case of postoperative intractable hiccup. We failed to stop intractable hiccup by pharmacological treatment, but succeeded by unilateral phrenic nerve block.

Intrathecal Alcohol Neurolysis for Intractable Thoracic Postherpetic Neuralgia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a sequela of acute herpes zoster infection and is defined as pain persisting more than 1 month. The patients with PHN suffer from a persistent neuropathic pain. There are many treatments for PHN but some people occasionally do not respond to the conventional therapies. Neurodestruction using neurolytic agents are beneficial to patients with severe intractable pain because of it's prolonged pain-relief and simplicity, inexpensiveness. We report a case that we managed successfully a patient with intractable thoracic PHN using intrathecal alcohol neurolysis.

Transient Neurological Syndrome after Bupivacaine Spinal Anesthesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Transient neurological syndrome often occurs after spinal anesthesia with lidocaine, but relatively infrequently with bupivacaine. We describe a case of transient neurological syndrome, which occurred after spinal anesthesia with 15 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine. Transurethral resection of the bladder was performed in the lithotomy position. There were no problems during the spinal anesthesia and surgery. However, the first day after surgery, the patient complained of paresthesia and pain over the L4-5 dermatomes in both legs, but without decrease of muscular strength. The senses in this area returned to normal over the following 2 weeks. Even though this one case of a patient with transient neurological syndrome after bupivacaine spinal anesthesia is reported, the authors still consider bupivacaine relatively safe for spinal anesthesia.

Effect of Intrathecal Midazolam Added to Bupivacaine on Spinal Anesthesia and Peri-operative Sedation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: There have been recent reports on the effects of the addition of intrathecal midazolam to bupivacaine on spinal anesthesia. Therefore, the effects of the addition of intrathecal midazolam to bupivacaine on spinal anesthesia and peri-operative sedation were investigated. METHODS: Thirty one ASA class 1 and 2 patients, scheduled for transurethral resection of the bladder or prostate (TURB or TURP), were randomly divided into two groups. Group B (n = 15) received bupivacaine 12 mg, and normal saline 0.6 ml, whereas group BM (n = 16) received bupivacaine 12 mg, midazolam 2 mg, and normal saline 0.2 ml. The blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), bispectral index (BIS) and Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (OAA/S scale) scores were recorded every 5 minutes, both before and during the spinal anesthesia. The sensory blockade was measured using a pin-prick test, and motor blockade evaluated using the Bromage motor scale. In addition, the side effects, including pruritus, nausea, vomiting, and headache, and so on, were observed for a period of 24 hours. RESULTS: There were no differences in the motor and sensory block and recovery between the two groups. However, a difference was found in the time to first recognition of pain and the BIS scores between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal midazolam did not, itself, affect the spinal anesthesia, but was found to have a statistically prolonged postoperative analgesic and more sedative effects.

The Effect of Lidocaine on Withdrawal Movement Due to Rocuronium Injection in Pediatric Patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND:Rocuronium is a non depolarizing muscle relaxant of rapid onset and of intermediate duration. It is useful for short operations and for rapid control of the airway in pediatric patients. However the intravenous injection of rocuronium cause pain and a withdrawal movement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lidocaine pretreatment in pediatric patients receiving rocuronium (10 mg/ml) and diluted rocuronium (1 mg/ml) on withdrawal movement METHODS: The study was approved by our institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all parents. One hundred and twenty five patients, aged from 4 months to 10 years, ASA physical status 1-2 undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery were randomly enrolled in the study. Allergy history to a trial drug, pediatric patients on analgesics, difficult vein access and severely crying pediatric patients on arrival were excluded. All patients were non-premedicated and had a 22 G i.v. catheter inserted into the dorsum of hand before operation. On arrival in the operation room, routine non invasive monitors were placed and a free flow of i.v. fluid without edema, redness, hardness or pain was confirmed. After the administration of glycopyrrolate 0.004 mg/kg, inhalational induction was performed with 4-8 vol% sevoflurane by face mask fitting. One group received rocuronium 0.3 mg/kg (RS group) or vecuronium 0.05 mg/kg (VS group) was administered after 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. A second group received rocuronium 0.3 mg/kg (RL group) or vecuronium 0.5 mg/kg (VL group) after lidocaine 1 mg/kg. A third group received rocuronium 1 mg/ml diluted with 0.9% NaCl (1:9) (RD group). Muscle relaxant-induced withdrawal movements were assessed by using a 4-grade scales (0-3). We also observed pulse rate alterations. Vein redness was evaluated just after administration and vein hardness five minutes after intubation by using a 4-grade scale (0-3). RESULTS: Withdrawal movements were more intense in the rocuronium group (R group, 3.8 times, P < 0.01) than in the vecuronium group (V group). Lidocaine pretreatment (L group, 1.8 times, P < 0.01) or diluted rocuronium (RD group, 1.9 times, P < 0.01) decreased withdrawal movement incidence. Withdrawal movement incidence was positive correlated with a change in pulse rate (Spearman's rho = 0.36, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine pretreatment in patients receiving rocuronium (10 mg/ml) or diluted rocuronium (1 mg/ml) effectively reduces withdrawal movement during the administration of rocuronium.

Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability Following Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathicotomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: In general, we know that a thoracic sympathicotomy may have influence an cardiac autonomic nervous activity to change vital signs. The purpose of this study was to analyse preoperative and postoperative heart rate variability to evaluate the influence of a sympathicotomy on cardiac autonomic activity. METHODS: We studied 14 healthy patients, ASA physical status I and II, undergoing an endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy. A laryngeal airway mask was performed on all patients for tracheal intubation. Intravenous anesthesia was induced by administration of propofol 10 mg/kg, and fentanyl 2ng/kg and was maintained with propofol 10ng/kg/hr and N2O-O2 (2 L/min-2 L/min). An electrocardiogram was checked in the supine position with Biopac Student Lab. at an hour before anesthetic induction, after a left and right sympathicotomy and at 3 - 4 hours after emergence. A spike 2 version 3.0 was used for analyzing heart rate variability and a Fast Fourier Transform was used to yield a power spectrum. Frequency bands were divided to low frequency (0.02 - 0.09 Hz), middle frequency (0.1 - 0.15 Hz), and high frequency (0.16 - 1.0 Hz) components. RESULTS: There were no significant changes of heart rate, high frequency component, low frequency component and ratio of low to high frequency component. CONCLUSIONS: Influence of a thoracic sympathicotomy on cardiac autonomic activity was less in the supine position at rest. However, we think that the response of the cardiac autonomic activity to sympathetic stimulation like position change and exercise after a sympathicotomy may yield different results and studies about this must be done.

Effects of Lidocaine on the Dose-Response Curve of Cisatracurium / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine is useful as a local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic agent perioperatively. It may augment a neuromuscular block from both nondepolarizing and depolarizing muscle relaxants. Cisatracurium is a new muscle relaxant as an isomer of atracurium. We investigated the interaction of cisatracurium and lidocaine on the dose-response curve in vitro. METHODS: Institutional approvement was obtained. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (150 - 200 gm) were divided into four groups (control, lidocaine 0.01, 0.1, or 1ng/ml). The animals were anesthetized with 40 mg/kg pentobarbital. The hemidiaphragm with the phrenic nerve was dissected and mounted within 5 minutes in a bath containing 100 ml Kreb's solution at 32degreesC. The phrenic nerve was stimulated at supramaximal intensity by a Grass(R) S88 stimulator through an SIU5 isolation unit. A twitch height was measured by a precalibrated Grass FT88 force displacement transducer and recorded with a Grass 79 polygraph. After stabilization of the twitch response, cisatracurium was added to the solution to obtain an initial concentration of 50ng/ml with saline 1 ml or lidocaine 0.01, 0.1 or 1ng/ml. When a stable 3 - 5 twitch inhibition was obtained after the first dose, additional cisatracurium was added to the Kreb's solution in increments of 25ng/ml to more than a 90% neuromuscular block. The data was analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the effective dose of cisatracurium needed to depress the twitch response in lidocaine 0.1ng/ml and 1ng/ml groups compared with the control group and with the lidocaine 0.01ng/ml group. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that lidocaine will increase the sensitivity to cisatracurium in the hemidiaphragm preparation of rats.

Effects of Vasodilators on Coronary Vasospasm Induced by Endothelin in the Isolated Perfused Rat Heart / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: An endothelium derived vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin, has been shown to be a potent coronary vascular constrictor. In the clinical settings of angina or myocardial ischemia, the endothelial injury of coronary artery can stimulate the endothelin production. In this study, the authors assessed the response to endothelin of the coronary artery in isolated rat heart and compared the relative effects of three vasodilators (nifedipine, adenosine, nitroprusside) on coronary vasospasm which was induced by endothelin. METHODS: The isolated rat heart preparations (Langendorff model) were obtained from fourty male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-400 gm). Preparations were perfusated with Krebs-Hanseleit solution of (mM): NaCl 115, NaHCO3 25, KCl 4.7, CaCl2 2H2O 2.5, MgCl2 6H2O 1.2, KH2PO4 1.2, glucose 10. The perfusate was maintained at 37oC and aerated with carbogen (oxygen 95% and carbon dioxide 5%). The coronary perfusion was maintained at 80 cmH20 pressure and Latex balloon was positioned in left ventricle. After the preparations were stabilized, endothelin (10(-9) M) was added to perfusate for 5 minutes and followed the perfusion without vasodilators (control, n = 10) or with vasodilators (nifedipine, adenosine and nitroprusside 10(-7) M to 10(-6) M, n = 10 each) for 45 minutes. The left ventricular developed pressure (LDP) and heart rate (HR) was recorded and the coronary effluent (VOL) was collected to measure the unit volume and the CPK isoenzyme (CK-MB). Effects of the interventions were assessed using analysis of variance. All values are presented as means +/- SE. RESULTS: VOL, HR and VDP were significantly reduced after infusion of 10(-9) M endothelin in 3 and 5 minutes. VOL was recovered efficiently after infusion of three vasodilators. Adenosine and nitroprusside groups showed superior recovery in the changes of rate pressure product (RPP) than in nifedipine group, which was significant reduced in VDP. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in the situation of endothelin induced severe coronary vasospasm, adenosine and nitroprusside effectively reversed the coronary vasospasm without severe myocardial depression.

Anesthetic Management during Interventional Neuroradiologic Embolization of a Vein of Galen Malformation: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

The vein of Galen malformation is a midline intracranial arteriovenous fistula with aneurysmal dilatation of the vein of Galen. This abnormality, though rare, is associated with a bleak prognosis and significant mortality. However, significant advancements have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of this abnormality, and improvements in both interventional neuroradiologic embolization and microneurosurgical techniques have contributed to a better outcome. In neuroradiologic embolization, children are likely to become agitated and confused and thereby jeopardize the entire procedure. For this reason, this procedure is performed with the children under general anesthesia. We experienced a case of neuroradiologic embolization under general anesthesia with propofol. The patient was a 9- year-old boy who weighed 29 kg. He was healthy and had no other abnormalities in our preoperative evaluation. Throughout the entire procedure, especially before and after closure of the fistula, hemodynamic changes and unexpected events did not appear.

Effects of Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor, Ochnaflavone, on the TNF-alpha and NO Production in Macrophages / 대한면역학회지

No abstract available.

Comparison of the Effect of Epinephrine Concentration during Caudal Epidural Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The advantages of addition of epinephrine to local anesthetics during caudal epidural anesthesia are core intense block, prolonged duration of anesthesia and reduction of systemic toxic effect of local anesthetics. The currently recommended concentration of epinephrine is 1 : 200,000, but absorbed epinephrines cause unwanted hemodynamic changes, so we attempted to ascertain the minimum effective concentrations of epinephrine during caudal epidural anesthesia. METHODS: Ninty patients classified ASA physical status I or II scheduled for perianal surgery were studied. These patients were divided into four groups who received 20 ml of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine concentrations of 1 : 100,000, 1 : 200,000, 1 : 400,000 or 1 : 800,000 respectively. Before and during anesthesia, patients' mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. Caudal anesthesia was performed with patients in the jack-knife position. A 3 ml test dose was administered initially and then the remaining local anesthetics were injected slowly. The onset of analgesia, duration of analgesia, and other complications were observed. RESULTS: The onset of analgesia was slowest in the 1 : 800,000 group. The duration of analgesia was longest in the 1 : 100,000 group. There were no significant difference in MAP changes, but HR increased significantly in the 1 : 100,000 group compared to the 1 : 200,00 group. There were no systemic toxic symptoms for local anesthetics except that 1 patient, who was in the 1 : 100,000 group, had symptoms of palpitation and headache, considered to be the unwanted pharmacologic effects of epinephrine. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the 1 : 400,000 epinephrine concentration can be used during caudal epidural anesthesia.

Comparison of the Effect of Isoflurane and Propofol on Postoperative Liver Function Test after Hepatic Resection with Portal Triad Clamping / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia and surgery may exacerbate liver function in patients with pre-existing liver disease so it is important to choose less hepatotoxic anesthetics in patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS: This study was designed to examine the postoperative liver function test in 150 patients after hepatectomy with portal triad clamping through retrospective chart review. Patients were divided into an isoflurane group (group I, n = 56) and a propofol group (group P, n = 57) by used anesthetics for maintaining anesthesia. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time were checked at preoperation, and postoperatively at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days in the two groups. Indocyanine retention rate (ICG-R15) was measured at preoperation, and postoperatively at 1 and 7 days. RESULTS: AST values increased postoperatively at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days compared with preoperation. ALT values increased postoperatively at 1, 3 and 7 days compared with preoperation and there was difference between group I (443.8 +/- 52.1 U/L) and group P (202.7 +/- 24.7 U/L) at postoperative 1 day. Other values had no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Though it might need a well controlled study to find the differences in effect between isoflurane and propofol on the postoperative liver function test, we concluded that total intravenous anesthesia using propofol is also one of the safest anesthetic methods for hepatic resection with minimal hepatotoxicity.