Profile of acute carbon monoxide poisoning in the west province of Iran

To document the epidemiology and risk factors of acute carbon monoxide [CO] poisoning in the west of Iran and specify potentially presentable characteristics. Observational study. Imam Khomeini Hospital of Kermanshah, Iran, from July 2006 to March 2008. This study was conducted using the records of 143 cases of CO poisoning referred to the only centre for the reference of poisoning cases. Intent, age groups, source of poisoning and clinical presentation were noted and described as frequency. One-hundred forty two cases [99.3%], were accidental and only one case [0.7%] was suicidal. Mortality was [21.7%, n=31]. The highest mortality was found in the age groups of 20-30 years and below 10 years. The greatest frequency happened in autumn and winter. The clinical symptoms and manifestations of CO poisoning included headache [35.3%], nausea [25.4%], vomiting [21%], dyspnea [10.3%], and decrease in level of consciousness [8%]. Gas water heaters [35%], room heaters [32%], stoves [24%] and other items [9%] were the principal sources of the individuals' exposure to CO. CO poisoning is a serious public health problem in west of Iran [Kermanshah]. The number of CO poisoning cases was highest in the colder seasons of the year, whereas the majority of the poisoning cases could be prevented

Target-controlled infusion anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil compared with manually controlled infusion anesthesia in mastoidectomy surgeries

Target-controlled infusion [TCI] system is increasingly used in anesthesia to control the concentration of selected drugs in the plasma or at the site of drug effect [effect-site]. The performance of propofol TCI delivery when combined with remifentanil in patients undergoing elective surgeries has been investigated. Our aim in this study was to assess the anesthesia profile of the propofol and remifentanil target controlled infusion [TCI] anesthesia as compared to the manually controlled infusion [MCI], in mastoidectomy surgery, where a bloodless field is of utmost importance to the surgeon. Sixty patients, aged 18-60 years ASA I-II enrolled in the study, were divided into two equal groups. Group MCI received propofol and remifentanil by conventionaldose-weight infusion method, and Group TCI received propofol 4 micro g/ml and remifentanil 4 ng/ml as effect-site target concentration. The hemodynamic variability, recovery profile, postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV], surgeons satisfaction were assessed. Results were analyzed by SPSS version 11.5. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, ASA class, sex, weight, basal vital signs, operation time. The blood pressure and pulse were above desired levels in some data points in the MCI Group [P