Neuromuscular Blocking Action of Neostigmine Methylsulfate / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although the neuromuscular blocking properties of neostigmine have been known for many years, few assessment of this effect has been described in man. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of neostigmine on neuromuscular transmission in the absence of muscle relaxants. METHODS: ASA I, twenty unpremedicated patients who had given their informed consent were administered neostigmine 2.0 mg and atropine 0.5 mg under propofol, fentanyl, and O2-N2O(67%) anesthesia. Train-of-four responses were measured electromyographically using 0.2 msec, 2 Hz of supramaximal ulnar nerve stimulation every 20 sec. RESULTS: There was no alteration in the train-of-four ratio, but the first twitch height decreased significantly after administration of neostigmine(P<0.05). Fasciculations were noted in the face and arms. Heart rate was decreased significantly to compare with preinjection value(P<0.05) while mean arterial pressure was not changed. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that even in clinical doses neostigmine may produce a depolarizing neuromuscular blockade, probably from the consequence of excessive accumulation of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block for the Pain Management of Diabetic Neuropathy: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Involvement of the peripheral nerveous system by diabetes is referred to as diabetic neuropathy. The frequency of diabetic neuropathy ranges from 5% to 60% and the pain management is one of the greatest problem. The patient was a 57-year-old man who has been treated with diabetes(DM type IIa) for about 12 years. The symmetrical pain, swelling and sensory loss on feet were started 3 months before admission and the burning pain was intensified at night with resultant insomnia. The systoms were aggravated 1 month ago and they were not relieved by any medication and physical therapy. We attempted lumbar epidural block to the patient and the result was good. So we performed a permanent lumbar sympathetic ganglion block with neurolytics(99.9% alcohol) for the long term relief of pain. The patient was satisfied with the result of the block and discharged.