Safety of epidural steroids: a review

Spine disease is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases, especially in an aging society. An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a highly effective treatment that can be used to bridge the gap between physical therapy and surgery. Recently, it has been increasingly used clinically. The purpose of this article is to review the complications of corticosteroids administered epidurally. Common complications include: hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, adrenal insufficiency, iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, and immunological or infectious diseases. Other less common complications include psychiatric problems and ocular ailments. However, the incidence of complications related to epidural steroids is not high, and most of them are not serious. The use of nonparticulate steroids is recommended to minimize the complications associated with epidural steroids. The appropriate interval and dosage of ESI are disputed. We recommend that the selection of appropriate ESI protocol should be based on the suppression of HPA axis, which reflects the systemic absorption of the corticosteroid.

Patients’ perception about opioids and addiction in South Korea

Background@#Chronic pain affects approximately 22% of the world’s population. Opioids can be useful in chronic pain management. However, some patients have negative perception of opioids. The purpose of this research was to evaluate patients’ perception about opioids and investigate problems associated with prescribing and taking opioids in South Korea. @*Methods@#Patients who visited a pain clinic in 14 university hospitals of South Korea from September through October 2018 were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires about taking opioids. @*Results@#Of the 368 patients that were surveyed (female 53.3%, male 46.7%), 56.8% were prescribed opioids. In the opioid group, 92.8% patients had heard of opioids from their doctor and 72.6% of them had a positive perception about opioids. The side effects associated with opioid use were constipation (35.4%), dizziness (24.6%), nausea and vomiting (17.4%), dysuria (6.2%), and addiction (2.0%). In the no opioid group, the primary sources of information about opioids were doctors (49.2%), mass media (30.8%), and the internet (16.2%). The main reasons why 39.0% patients did not take opioids were fear of addiction (57.7%) and side effects (38.5%). There were 71.5% and 60.9% patients in the opioid and no opioid group, respectively, who wished to take opioids when their numeric rating scale pain score was ≥ 7. @*Conclusions@#Perception of opioids among patients who take them was either neutral or positive. However, 39.0% patients who have not been prescribed opioids did not want an opioid prescription, citing fear of addiction and side effects as the primary reasons.

A survey of patients’ perspectives of steroid injection (ppyeojusa) in Korea

BACKGROUND: Steroid injections are commonly used in pain clinics to relieve pain and treat inflammation. In Korea, these steroid injections are well known as ‘ppyeojusa’, which means to inject into the bone in Korean. Some patients often have a negative perception of this treatment method due to inaccurate information about the treatment and side effects of steroids. The purpose of this study is to investigate patients’ perception and knowledge of ppyeojusa. METHODS: A questionnaire about ppyeojusa was completed by patients who visited one of the pain clinics in nine university hospitals, from August 1 to September 10, 2017. RESULTS: Three-hundred seventy-four patients completed the survey. Eighty-five percent of patients had had ppyeojusa, and 74% of the respondents had heard of ppyeojusa from the mass media, friends or relatives. Only 39% of the patients answered that this injection was safe without side effects if properly spaced. Of the patients surveyed, 21% responded that ppyeojusa are “injections into the bone”; while 15% responded that ppyeojusa are “terrible injections that melted ‘the bone if used a lot’”. Half of the patients did not know what the active constituent is in ppyeojusa. If steroid injections are advised by the pain specialists, 89% of the patients would consent. CONCLUSIONS: Most pain clinic patients have heard of ppyeojusa. Most patients obtained information about ppyeojusa from mass media, rather than their physicians. Therefore, it is likely that most patients have inaccurate knowledge.

Lead fracture of peripheral nerve stimulator for brachial plexopathy: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a useful treatment for chronic pain, but it can cause damage depending on its application site. Here, we describe the case of a 54-year-old man who underwent PNS for brachial plexopathy in 2015. One lead was implanted on the left medial cord to stimulate the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, and the other was implanted on the radial nerve to stimulate the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve. Both leads were inserted near the shoulder joint but did not cross it. Before PNS, the patient did not move his shoulder and elbow because of severe pain, but the treatment greatly alleviated this pain. Twenty months after the operation, both leads were fractured, and the severe pain returned. Repetitive motion near the joint was closely related to the lead fractures. In conclusion, large joints as the insertion sites of PNS leads should be avoided to prevent lead fractures.

Percutaneous mechanical lumbar disc decompression using the enSpire™ interventional discectomy system: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND: The enSpire™ interventional discectomy system is a new device for treating percutaneous disc decompression (PDD). The outcomes of using the enSpire™ for lumbar disc herniation have not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of the enSpire™ interventional discectomy system for lumbar disc herniation with radiating pain. METHODS: Twelve patients with lumbar disc herniation with radiating leg pain were enrolled in the study. All patients received PDD using enSpire™. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were obtained initially and after 1 and 3 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1, in which the NRS score improved by more than 50% at 3 months after procedure, and Group 2, in which the NRS score remained the same or improved by less than 50%. RESULTS: After PDD using the enSpire™, the NRS scores decreased from 6.9 ± 1.2 to 2.8 ± 2.7; and ODI scores decreased from 25.8 ± 4.6 to 18.2 ± 5.5. No statistical differences occurred between Group 1 (n = 8) and Group 2 (n = 4) except in the duration of prior illness. CONCLUSIONS: The enSpire™ interventional discectomy system is effective and safe over the short-term, minimally invasive, and easy to use.

Implantable drug delivery systems with morphine in fibromyalgia: A case report

The fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) could be approached by various treatments modalities including education, aerobic exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, pregabalin, and so on. If other treatments fail, opioids including morphine should be considered. In this case report, we describe the case of a 44-year-old woman who was diagnosed with FMS three years ago, and suffered from severe intractable pain, side effects from other drugs, and opioid tolerance. Administration of morphine via an implantable drug delivery system resulted in significant improvement in the patient's pain intensity, fibromyalgia impact questionnaire score, and sleep disturbance. Our case demonstrates that an implantable drug delivery system with morphine can be a potential treatment option for refractory fibromyalgia patients.

Sufficient explanation of management affects patient satisfaction and the practice of post-treatment management in spinal pain, a multicenter study of 1007 patients

BACKGROUND: Spinal pain is most common symptom in pain clinic. In most cases, before the treatment of spinal pain, physician explains the patient's disease and treatment. We investigated patient's satisfaction and physician's explanation related to treatments in spinal pain patients by questionnaires. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires about physician's explanation and patient's satisfaction in each treatment and post-treatment management were asked to individuals suffering from spinal pain. Patients who have spinal pain were participated in our survey of nationwide university hospitals in Korea. The relationships between patient's satisfaction and other factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Between June 2016 and August 2016, 1007 patients in 37 university hospitals completed the questionnaire. In the statistical analysis, patient's satisfaction of treatment increased when pain severity was low or received sufficient preceding explanation about nerve block and medication (P < 0.01). Sufficient explanation increased patient's necessity of a post-treatment management and patients' performance rate of post-treatment management (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that sufficient explanation increased patients' satisfaction after nerve block and medication. Sufficient explanation also increased the practice of patients' post-treatment management.

Rhabdomyolysis after prolonged laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: A case report

Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the breakdown of skeletal muscle and the subsequent release of intracellular contents into the circulatory system. It is potentially life-threatening because it is sometimes associated with very high creatine kinase levels, myoglobinuria, and acute renal failure. We experienced a case of postoperative rhabdomyolysis after prolonged laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the semi-lateral decubitus position. It was associated with suspicious gluteal compartment syndrome. Fortunately, the patient's renal function was normal through his hospital course. Rhabdomyolysis is well worth considering at the point of intraoperative positioning and postoperative care after prolonged surgery.

The Effect of the Valsalva Maneuver on the External Jugular Vein / 대한중환자의학회지

BACKGROUND: The external jugular vein (EJV) is a useful intravenous (IV) cannulation site for anesthesiologists, although it has a relatively high failure rate. Unlike other central veins, visualization of the EJV is important during IV cannulation, and the Valsalva maneuver distends the jugular venous system. However, the relationship between the maneuver and EJV visibility remains unknown. This study compared EJV visibility before and after the Valsalva maneuver. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study that included 200 participants. After the induction of anesthesia, EJV visibility grade, depth from the skin to the EJV superficial surface (EJV depth), and EJV cross-sectional area (CSA) before the Valsalva maneuver were measured. The same parameters were measured after the Valsalva maneuver was performed. The EJV visibility grade was defined as grade A: good appearance and good palpation, grade B: poor appearance and good palpation, and grade C: poor appearance and poor palpation. RESULTS: Patient body mass index and EJV depth affected the EJV visibility grade before the Valsalva maneuver (p < 0.05), although EJV CSA did not. The Valsalva maneuver distended EJV CSA and reduced EJV depth, although these changes were not correlated with EJV visibility grade. With regard to EJV visibility, 34.0% of grade B cases and 20.0% of grade C cases were improved by the Valsalva maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: Although the Valsalva maneuver improved EJV CSA and EJV depth, it did not greatly affect EJV visibility grade.

The Effect of the Valsalva Maneuver on the External Jugular Vein / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: The external jugular vein (EJV) is a useful intravenous (IV) cannulation site for anesthesiologists, although it has a relatively high failure rate. Unlike other central veins, visualization of the EJV is important during IV cannulation, and the Valsalva maneuver distends the jugular venous system. However, the relationship between the maneuver and EJV visibility remains unknown. This study compared EJV visibility before and after the Valsalva maneuver. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study that included 200 participants. After the induction of anesthesia, EJV visibility grade, depth from the skin to the EJV superficial surface (EJV depth), and EJV cross-sectional area (CSA) before the Valsalva maneuver were measured. The same parameters were measured after the Valsalva maneuver was performed. The EJV visibility grade was defined as grade A: good appearance and good palpation, grade B: poor appearance and good palpation, and grade C: poor appearance and poor palpation. RESULTS: Patient body mass index and EJV depth affected the EJV visibility grade before the Valsalva maneuver (p < 0.05), although EJV CSA did not. The Valsalva maneuver distended EJV CSA and reduced EJV depth, although these changes were not correlated with EJV visibility grade. With regard to EJV visibility, 34.0% of grade B cases and 20.0% of grade C cases were improved by the Valsalva maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: Although the Valsalva maneuver improved EJV CSA and EJV depth, it did not greatly affect EJV visibility grade.

Air-Q(R)sp-assisted awake fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation in a patient with Ludwig's angina / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Airway Obstruction and Flattening of Arterial Pressure Wave during Whole Lung Lavage: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

Whole lung lavage (WLL) is a challenging procedure; because lavage fluid may perturb the respiratory and hemodynamic systems. We observed severe airway obstruction and flattening arterial pressure wave during WLL for treatment of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The aim of this case report is to discuss the anesthetic requirement in order to prevent bronchospasm during WLL. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of lavage fluid to cause airway obstruction and decrease cardiac outflow through the mass effect.

Awake Glidescope(R) intubation in patients with severe arytenoid swelling after laryngeal surgery with radiation therapy / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Long-term Results of Stellate Ganglion Block in Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction, including anosmia and hyposmia is difficult to treat. Although the mechanism is not well known, stellate ganglion block (SGB) is used to treat olfactory dysfunction. There are no prior studies on the long-term effects of SGB on olfactory dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the continuity of therapeutic effects and patient satisfaction with SGB treatment. METHODS: This was a follow-up study carried out via a telephonic survey. The olfactory function of the patient was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). We checked VAS three times: VAS-I (pre-treatment VAS), VAS-A (post-treatment VAS), and VAS-C (VAS at follow up telephone survey). We divided the subjects into 2 groups according to their responsiveness to SGB: the responsive (R group) and the unresponsive groups (UR group). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a Likert scale. RESULTS: Out of the 40 subjects, 37 responded to the telephone survey. In the UR group, there was difference in the olfactory function. However, in the R group, there were significant VAS differences; VAS-I was 9.6 +/- 0.7, VAS-A was 5.1 +/- 4.2, and VAS-C was 2.7 +/- 2.7 (P < 0.05). On the Likert scale, patient satisfaction was as follows: grade 1, 17 patients (45.9%); grade 2, 6 patients (16.2%); grade 3, 6 patients (16.2%); and grade 4, 8 patients (21.6%). CONCLUSIONS: SGB is a safe, long-lasting, and effective therapeutic modality for olfactory dysfunction treatment.

Intrauterine fetal bradycardia after accidental administration of the anesthetic agent in the subdural space during epidural labor analgesia: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Subdural injection of epidural anesthesia is rare and is usually undiagnosed during epidural anesthesia causing severely delayed maternal hypotension, hypoxia, and fetal distress. A 38-year-old primiparous woman was administered epidural labor analgesia at 40(+6) weeks' gestation, and developed progressive maternal respiratory depression, bradycardia, and hypotension after accidental subdural administration of the anesthetic agent. Furthermore, fetal distress occurred soon after administration. The patient was managed with oxygen, position changes, fluid resuscitation, and ephedrine. Intrauterine fetal resuscitation was successfully performed with atropine before cesarean section, and a healthy baby was delivered. Although subdural injection is uncommon, this case emphasizes the importance of anesthesiologists monitoring patients for a sufficient period after epidural labor analgesia, and being prepared to perform maternal or fetal resuscitation.

Anesthetic management of a neonate with congenital laryngeal cyst / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Amnesia and Pain Relief after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Cancer Pain Patient: A Case Report

The mechanism of chronic pain is very complicated. Memory, pain, and opioid dependence appear to share common mechanism, including synaptic plasticity, and anatomical structures. A 48-yr-old woman with severe pain caused by bone metastasis of breast cancer received epidural block. After local anesthetics were injected, she had a seizure and then went into cardiac arrest. Following cardiopulmonary resuscitation, her cardiac rhythm returned to normal, but her memory had disappeared. Also, her excruciating pain and opioid dependence had disappeared. This complication, although uncommon, gives us a lot to think about a role of memory for chronic pain and opioid dependence.

Post-traumatic Back Pain Revealed as Tuberculous Spondylitis: A Case Report

Tuberculous spondylitis is a very rare disease, but it can result in bone destruction, kyphotic deformity, spinal instability, and neurologic complications unless early diagnosis and proper management are done. Because the most common symptom of tuberculous spondylitis is back pain, it can often be misdiagnosed. Atypical tuberculous spondylitis can be presented as a metastatic cancer or a primary vertebral tumor. We must make a differential diagnosis through adequate biopsy. A 30-year-old man visited our clinic due to back and chest pain after a recent traffic accident. About 1 year ago, he had successfully recovered from tuberculous pleurisy after taking anti-tuberculosis medication. We performed epidural and intercostal blocks but the pain was not relieved. For the further evaluation, several imaging and laboratory tests were done. Finally, we confirmed tuberculous spondylitis diagnosis with the biopsy results.

Post-radiation Piriformis Syndrome in a Cervical Cancer Patient: A Case Report

The piriformis syndrome is a condition allegedly attributable to compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Recently, magnetic resonance neurography and electrophysiologic study have helped to diagnose piriformis syndrome. High dose radiotherapy could induce acute and delayed muscle damage. We had experienced piriformis syndrome with fatty atrophy of piriformis muscle after radiotherapy for recurrent cervical cancer.

The effect of ulinastatin on hemostasis in major orthopedic surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, is widely used to treat acute systemic inflammatory disorders. However, the effects of ulinastatin, especially on the potential for hemostasis, have not been fully elucidated. This study examined whether ulinastatin had any beneficial effects on blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. METHODS: Eighty patients, aged 18 to 75 years, scheduled for major orthopedic surgery were enrolled in this study and were divided into the ulinastatin (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. Following the induction of general anesthesia, and immediately before the surgical incision, the patients in the ulinastatin group were given 5,000 units/kg of ulinastatin, which were mixed in 100 ml normal saline intravenously over 30 min, while those in the control group received the same volume of normal saline. The amounts of blood loss, infused fluid, and transfused blood products were measured throughout the study period. Blood samples for coagulation parameters were obtained before inducing anesthesia (T1), at the end of surgery (T2), and 12 h after surgery (T3). RESULTS: The amounts of blood loss and infused fluid during surgery were not significantly different between the two groups. However, 12 h postoperative blood loss was significantly less in the ulinastatin group than in the control group (255.0 +/- 133.2 ml VS. 395.4 +/- 338.4 ml, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a single infusion of ulinastatin in major orthopedic surgery is associated with decreased blood loss in the early postoperative period.