[Effect of naloxone on seizure duration after electroshock therapy [ECT]]

ECT is a process in which a generalized seizure is induced by passing electrical current for 25 to 150 seconds through the brain under general anesthesia. It is a highly effective treatment for major depression, mania and schizophrenia. Seizure is terminated by active inhibitory processes. The inhibition of seizure is due to the production of endogenous opioids. Naloxone, as an opioid antagonist, may lessen the effect of endogenous opioids. This clinical trial study was conducted to determine the effect of naloxone on length of the seizure. Sixty patients [30 male and 30 female], who met the diagnostic criteria were included in this study. The control group comprised of 30 patients, received ECT without naloxone, and the experimental group comprised of 30 patients, received ECT and 2 mg naloxone [i.v.]. Duration of seizure was compared between two groups by t-test. The mean of seizure length was 21.3s in the control and 27.8s in the experimental group. Therefore naloxone can be used for lengthening of seizure and consequently for improving its treatment benefit

[Effect of lidocaine jelly on the post tonsillectomy complications]

Background and aim: laryngospasm, laryngitis and bleeding are the most serious complications after tonsillectomy. In this study, the frequency of these complications and their correlation with age, sex and application of lidocaine jelly has been assessed

Method: the sample consisted of 100 patients aged from 5 to15 years undergoing tonsillectomy in Resalat hospital of Shahrekord, during 6 months. The subjects were divided randomly into two groups. Case group intubated with 2% lidocaine gel via the endotracheal tube, and control group intubated without lidocaine gel. Laryngospasm, laryngitis and bleeding were recorded during the first postoperative day

Results: the incidence of laryngospasm and laryngitis was 8% and 17% respectively. There were no correlations between these problems and age or sex. The incidence of bleeding was 16% that was higher in older and female patients. The endotracheal tube lubrication with 2% lidocaine gel attenuated laryngospasm during recovery after tonsillectomy in children but it was not effective on laryngitis and bleeding

Conclusion: the application of lidocaine gelly after tonsilectomy for prevention of laryngospasm is recomended

[Analysis of the etiology and mortality in the ICU of Kashani General Hospital of Shahrekord between 1998 until 2001]

Background and aim: the rate of mortality in an intensive care unit [ICU] is one of the most important criteria for evaluation of a hospital. In this article the moralities of the ICU of Kashani General Hospital of Shahrekord from 23 Sept 1998, until 23 Sep 2001 have been analyzed

Method: a cross-sectional survey was performed on all the patients admitted to the ICU during this period

Results: in this period 296 patients were admitted and 79 patients [27.9%] died. 35.8% of the patients were females, 60.5% were males and 3.7% were neonates. The main reasons of mortality were respiratory failure [37.9%] and brain trauma [27.8%].There was no difference between the times of death during 24 hours. Most of the patients were expired or discharged from the ICU during the first four days. Mortality was more prevalent in the patients older than 55 years and in neonates

Conclusion: more attention during the first four days of the admission to the ICU is necessary