Repeated stellate ganglion blockade for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia storm in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy: a new therapeutic option for patients with malignant arrhythmias / 中华心血管病杂志

Objectives: This study sought to describe our institutional experience of repeated percutaneous stellate ganglion blockade (R-SGB) as a treatment option for drug-refractory electrical storm in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). Methods: This prospective observational study included 8 consecutive NICM patients who had drug-refractory electrical storm and underwent R-SGB between June 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022. Lidocaine (5 ml, 1%) was injected in the vicinity of the left stellate ganglion under the guidance of ultrasound, once per day for 7 days. Data including clinical characteristics, immediate and long-term outcomes, and procedure related complications were collected. Results: The mean age was (51.5±13.6) years. All patients were male. 5 patients were diagnosed as dilated cardiomyopathy, 2 patients as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and 1 patient as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 37.8%±6.6%. After the treatment of R-SGB, 6 (75%) patients were free of electrical storm. 24 hours Holter monitoring showed significant reduction in ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes from 43.0 (13.3, 276.3) to 1.0 (0.3, 34.0) on the first day following R-SGB (P<0.05) and 0.5 (0.0, 19.3) after whole R-SGB process (P<0.05). There were no procedure-related major complications. The mean follow-up was (4.8±1.1) months, and the median time of recurrent VT was 2 months. Conclusion: Minimally invasive R-SGB is a safe and effective method to treat electrical storm in patients with NICM.

Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block accelerates postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) on perioperative stress response, gastrointestinal hormones and postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.@*METHODS@#This study was conducted among 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class II-III patients with gastric cancer (regardless of gender, aged 35-75 years with BMI of 18.5-26 kg/m2) undergoing elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. The patients were randomized into experimental group (S group, n=30) and control group (NS group, n=30). In S group, SGB at the C6 level of the right cervical spine was performed under ultrasound guidance 15 min before induction of anesthesia by injection of 7 mL 0.5% ropivacaine; the patients in NS group received injections of normal saline in the same manner. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected before SGB (T1), after surgery (T2), and on the 2nd and 6th days after surgery (T3 and T4) for determination of the levels of motitin (MOT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), cortisol (COR), and blood glucose (GLU). Intraoperative usage of sufentanil, recovery rate of intestinal sounds at 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 h after operation and the time of first passage of flatus were recorded and compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in the total amount of sufentanil consumption between the two groups. Compared with those in NS group, the patients in S group had significant lower COR and VIP levels (P < 0.05) and higher MOT level (P < 0.05) at T2, T3 and T4. Glu level at T2 and T3 was also significantly lower in S group (P < 0.05). The recovery rates of intestinal sounds at 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 h after surgery were significantly higher (P < 0.05) and the time of the first passage of flatus was earlier in S group than in NS group (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#In patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, ultrasound-guided SGB can reduce postoperative stress level, promote the recovery of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, and accelerate postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal functions.

Goitre plongeant Particularités cliniques et thérapeutiques / Sub-sternal goitre: Clinical and therapeutic features

Etudier les caractéristiques cliniques, radiologiques et thérapeutiques des goitres plongeants et établir un arbre décisionnel de prise en charge Méthodes: Nous rapportons une étude rétrospective portant sur 67 cas de goitre plongeant colligés sur une période de 27 ans entre 1990 et 2016. Résultats: L'âge moyen des patients était de 53 ± 15,1 ans et le sex-ratio de 0,24. La tuméfaction basicervicale antérieure était le motif de consultation le plus fréquent, rapportée dans 82% des cas associée à des signes de compression dans 31% des cas. Une paralysie récurrentielle unilatérale a été objectivée dans quatre cas. Une radiographie de thorax a montré une opacité médiastinale dans 75% des cas et une déviation trachéale dans 85% des cas. Un scanner cervico-thoracique pratiquée dans 73% des cas a confirmé le diagnostic en objectivant cinq prolongements dépassant la crosse de l'aorte. Le traitement chirurgical était mené par voie cervicale dans 99% des patients et une sternotomie a été réalisée devant l'échec d'extraction par cervicotomie. Une paralysie récurrentielle postopératoire a été observée dans un cas et l'hypoparathyroïdie définitive a été rapportée chez six malades avec un recul moyen de trois ans. Conclusion: Les goitres plongeants sont devenus rares en Tunisie du fait de la prise en charge plus précoce des nodules thyroïdiens. Le scanner cervico-thoracique représente le gold standard pour l'étude et la confirmation du diagnostic du goitre plongeant ainsi que pour l'attitude thérapeutique. L'indication chirurgicale est toujours impérative devant le risque vital qu'il pose.

Ablación y neuromodulación en tormenta arrítmica: serie de 4 casos y revisión de la literatura / Ablation and neuromodulation in arrhythmic storm: a report of 4 cases and literature review

Resumen: Se presenta una serie de 4 casos clínicos de pacientes con y sin cardiopatía estructural, que tuvieron uno o más episodios de tormenta arrítmica. Se describen los tratamientos con sus resultados y una revisión bibliográfica con los avances en el tema más allá de la ablación con catéter.

Abstract: We present 4 clinical cases of patients with and without structural heart disease, who had one or more episodes of arrhythmic storm. Treatments, results and a bibliographic review with advances beyond catheter ablation are described.

Effect of ultrasound-guided right stellate ganglion block on perioperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing lung lobectomy: a randomized controlled trial / Efeito do bloqueio do gânglio estrelado direito guiado por ultrassom na fibrilação atrial perioperatória em pacientes submetidos a lobectomia pulmonar: estudo controlado randomizado

Abstract Objective: To observe the effects of preoperative right stellate ganglion block on perioperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing lung lobectomy. Methods: Two hundred patients who underwent a scheduled lobectomy were randomly divided into the S and C groups. The S group was injected with 4 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine under ultrasound guidance, and the C group did not receive stellate ganglion block. The patients underwent continuous ECG monitoring, and the incidences of atrial fibrillation and other types of arrhythmias were recorded from the start of surgery to 24 hours after surgery. Results: The respective incidences of atrial fibrillation in the S group and the C group were 3% and 10% (p = 0.045); other atrial arrhythmias were 20% and 38% (p = 0.005); and ventricular arrhythmia were 28% and 39% (p = 0.09). Conclusions: The results of the study indicated that preoperative right stellate ganglion block can effectively reduce the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Resumo Objetivo: Observar os efeitos do bloqueio do gânglio estrelado na fibrilação atrial no período perioperatório em pacientes submetidos a lobectomia pulmonar. Método: Duzentos pacientes programados para lobectomia foram divididos aleatoriamente nos grupos S e C. O grupo S recebeu infusão de 4 mL de ropivacaína a 0,2% orientada por ultrassom e o grupo C não foi submetido a bloqueio do gânglio estrelado. Os pacientes foram submetidos à monitoração contínua de ECG, e as incidências de fibrilação atrial e outros tipos de arritmias foram registradas do início da cirurgia até 24 horas depois da cirurgia. Resultados: As incidências de fibrilação atrial no grupo S e no grupo C foram 3% e 10%, respectivamente (p = 0,045); as de outras arritmias atriais foram 20% e 38% (p = 0,005); e de arritmias ventriculares, 28% e 39% (p = 0,09). Conclusões: Os resultados do estudo indicaram que o bloqueio do gânglio estrelado no pré-operatório pode ser efetivo na redução da incidência de fibrilação atrial nos períodos intra- e pós-operatório.

El bloqueo terapéutico de ganglio estrellado en el contexto actual / The therapeutic block of the stellate ganglion in the current setting

Introducción: El bloqueo terapéutico de ganglio estrellado es un procedimiento para aliviar dolores crónicos de miembros superiores, cabeza y cuello. Actualmente se realiza con anestésicos locales más adyuvantes; pero en Cuba sólo se usan anestésicos locales para este bloqueo. Objetivo: Cotejar información reciente sobre la pertinencia del uso de anestésicos locales con adyuvantes, para estimular la actualización de su práctica nacional acorde a las rutinas y los resultados de esta pericia en el contexto internacional. Métodos: Se revisaron más de 150 informes científicos en línea, referentes a esta técnica a nivel mundial, respecto al uso de drogas y resultados terapéuticos, en bases de datos en inglés, español y portugués. Desarrollo: El bloqueo anestésico precisa conocimientos de farmacología y habilidades prácticas para efectuarlo. La necesidad de anestésicos locales y adyuvantes varía, y depende del paciente y tipo de bloqueo. Para tratar el dolor crónico se usan también opioides, solos y con anestésicos locales. Se publican además beneficios razonables con el uso de ketamina y esteroides en combinación con anestésicos locales. Conclusión: Los resultados terapéuticos más intensos y duraderos que se obtienen al aplicar anestésico local más adyuvante, sugieren actualizar estas prácticas a nivel nacional(AU)

Introduction: The therapeutic block of the stellate ganglion is a procedure for relieving chronic pain of the upper limbs, head, and neck. It is currently performed with more adjuvant local anesthetics, but in Cuba only local anesthetics are used for this block. Objective: To compare recent information about the relevance of using local anesthetics with adjuvants to stimulate the updating of their practice nationally, according to the routines and the outcomes of this expertise in the international setting. Methods: More than 150 scientific reports were reviewed online, referring to this technique worldwide, regarding drug use and therapeutic outcomes, in databases in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Development: The anesthetic block requires knowledge about pharmacology and practical skills to perform it. The need for local anesthetics and adjuvants varies, and depends on the patient and type of block. Opioids are also used to treat chronic pain, alone or with local anesthetics. Reasonable benefits are also published regarding the use of ketamine and steroids in combination with local anesthetics. Conclusion: The most intense and lasting therapeutic outcomes obtained by applying more adjuvant local anesthetic suggest updating these practices nationally(AU)

Reporte de caso: bloqueo del ganglio estrellado para manejo de la tormenta eléctrica / Case report: stellate ganglion blockade for electric storm management

The electric storm is an emergency whose handling is very demanding. Our case report describes a patient with multiple episodes of ventricular tachycardia, refractory to conventional therapy (antiarrhythmics, beta blockers and sedoanalgesia) where the sympathetic activity of the heart seems to play a crucial role. We decided to try as additional therapeutic strategy, the performing of a transient and bilateral blockade of the stellate ganglion under ultrasound guidance, this procedure was carried out at the patient's bed, without complications during the same. The sympathetic modulation allowed us to optimize conventional antiarrhythmic therapy, thus reducing the appearance of malignant arrhythmias.

La tormenta eléctrica es una emergencia cuyo manejo es muy exigente. Nuestro reporte de caso describe a un paciente con múltiples episodios de taquicardia ventricular refractarios a terapia convencional (antiarrítmicos, betabloqueadores y sedoanalgesia) donde la actividad simpática del corazón parece jugar un rol crucial. Decidimos plantear como estrategia terapéutica adicional la realización de un bloqueo transitorio y bilateral del ganglio estrellado bajo guía ecográfica, este procedimiento se realizó en la cama del paciente, sin complicaciones durante el mismo. La modulación simpática nos permitió optimizar la terapia antiarrítmica convencional, logrando así reducir la aparición de arritmias malignas.

Alternative approach to autonomic instability of very severe tetanus: stellate ganglion block / Abordagem alternativa para instabilidade autonômica no tétano muito grave: bloqueio do gânglio estrelado

Abstract Tetanus is an acute and deadly disease caused by Clostridium tetani. A 60-year-old male came to hospital after he injured his thumb with a knife. Ten days later, he returned to hospital with abdominal spasms. He was vaccinated against tetanus and referred to intensive care unit. As he had sudden difficulty in respiration, he was entubated. Midazolam, magnesium and esmolol infusion were started. Next day, muscle spasms progressed all over his body. Midazolam infusion was replaced with propofol and vecuronium. At the third day, morphine infusion was added. At the 16th day, dexmedetomidine infusion was started. At the 20th day, ultrasound guided stellate ganglion block was performed to denervate sympathetic activity. The block was performed three times in a 10 days period. At the 30th, the patient recovered from very severe tetanus. The mainstay of tetanus treatment is adequate sedation. Neuroaxial blocks were proved to be effective for the control of sympathetic overactivity in recent years. Circulatory collapse remains to be the major cause of death. The mechanism is unclear but altered myocardial function is thought to be related to changeable catecholamine levels. The effect of stellate ganglion block on sympathetic and parasympathetic control of heart has been studied since the beginning of 1980s. Recently Scanlon et al. reported they treated a patient with medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias by ultrasound guided bilateral stellate ganglion block. In conclusion, stellate ganglion block can be an alternative method when the autonomic storm cannot be controlled with medical agents.

Resumo O tétano é uma doença aguda e fatal causada por Clostridium tetani. Um homem de 60 anos deu entrada em nosso hospital depois de ferir o polegar com uma faca. Após dez dias, deu entrada no hospital com espasmos abdominais; foi vacinado contra tétano e enviado para a unidade de terapia intensiva. Como apresentava dificuldade súbita na respiração, foi intubado. Foi iniciada uma infusão de midazolam, magnésio e esmolol. No dia seguinte, os espasmos musculares progrediram para o corpo todo. A infusão de midazolam foi substituída por propofol e vecurônio. No terceiro dia, foi adicionada morfina à infusão. No 16º dia, foi iniciada uma infusão de dexmedetomidina. No 20º dia, o bloqueio do gânglio estrelado guiado por ultrassom foi realizado para dessensibilizar a atividade simpática. O bloqueio foi feito três vezes em dez dias. No 30º dia, o paciente recuperou-se de um tétano muito grave. A base do tratamento de tétano é a sedação adequada. Nos últimos anos, os bloqueios neuraxiais provaram ser eficazes para o controle da hiperatividade simpática. O colapso circulatório continua a ser a principal causa de morte. O mecanismo não está claro, mas se acredita que a função alterada do miocárdio esteja relacionada com os níveis de catecolaminas mutáveis. O efeito do bloqueio do gânglio estrelado sobre o controle simpático e parassimpático do coração tem sido estudado desde o início da década de 1980. Recentemente, Scanlon et al. relataram o tratamento de um paciente com arritmia ventricular refratária a medicamentos com bloqueio bilateral do gânglio estrelado guiado por ultrassom. Em conclusão, o bloqueio do gânglio estrelado pode ser um método opcional quando a tempestade autonômica não pode ser controlada com agentes medicamentosos.

The Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on Breast Cancer-Related Infectious Lymphedema / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most intractable complications after surgery. Patients suffer from physical impairment, as well as psychological depression. Moreover, a recent study revealed that cellulitis significantly increased the risk of BCRL, and cellulitis has been suggested as a risk factor of BCRL development. We describe a patient treated with stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs) without steroid for relief of symptoms and reduction of the arm circumference of breast cancer-related infectious lymphedema in a month. We measured the arm circumference at four locations; 10 cm and 5 cm above and below the elbow crease, numeric rating scale (NRS) score, lymphedema and breast cancer questionnaire (LBCQ) score on every visit to the pain clinic. A serial decrease of the arm circumference and pain score were observed after second injection. In the middle of the process, cellulitis recurred, we performed successive SGBs to treat infectious lymphedema. The patient was satisfied with the relieved pain and swelling, especially with improved shoulder range of motion as it contributes to better quality of life. This case describes the effects of SGB for infectious BCRL patients. SGB could be an alternative or ancillary treatment for infectious BCRL patients.

Changes in blood flow at the mandibular angle and Horner syndrome in a rat model of superior cervical ganglion block

BACKGROUND: A stellate ganglion block (SGB) causes increased blood flow in the maxillofacial region, exhibiting the potential for regenerative effects in damaged tissue. The focus of this study was to understand the efficacy of SGB for regenerative effects against nerve damage. A rat model of the superior cervical ganglion block (SCGB) was created instead of SGB, and facial blood flow, as well as sympathetic nervous system function, were measured. METHODS: A vertical incision was made on the left side of the neck of a Wistar rat, and a 5-mm resection of the superior cervical ganglion was performed at the back of the bifurcation of the internal and external branches of the left common carotid artery. Blood flow in the skin at the mandibular angle and mean facial temperature were measured using a laser-Doppler blood flow meter and a thermographic camera, respectively, over a 5-week period after the block. In addition, the degree of ptosis and miosis were assessed over a period of 6 months. RESULTS: The SCGB rat showed significantly higher blood flow at the mandibular angle on the block side (P < 0.05) for 3 weeks, and significantly higher skin temperature (P < 0.05) for 1 week after the block. In the SCGB rat, ptosis and miosis occurred immediately after the block, and persisted even 6 months later. CONCLUSIONS: SCGB in rats can cause an increase in the blood flow that persists over 3 weeks.

The Effect of Cervical Stellate Ganglion Block Using Botulinum Toxin Type A in Intractable Cancer-related Pain: Case Report

OBJECTIVE: For patients who do not relieve with pharmacological intervention, interventional treatment including neurolytic blocks may have a specific role in palliative cancer management.METHOD: We performed cervical stellate ganglion block for the second time with Botulinum toxin type A mixed with 4 ml of normal saline, total 75 IU of Botulinum toxin type A, minimal effective dosage was measured to minimize the possible side effects.RESULTS: About 3 days later, the patient reported that her continuous pain intensity had decreased from 8/10 to 4/10 on the visual analogue scale score. The frequency of the pain attack that required additional morphine injections was also decreased. As a result, her maximum morphine requirement dose per day was significantly reduced.CONCLUSION: In this case, cervical stellate ganglion block with Botulinum toxin hadlonger lasting effect in the continuous pain intensity and resulted in less frequent pain attack. Botulinum toxin can be a possibleintervention material in intractable neuropathic pain related to cancer.

Successful Treatment of Burn-Induced Digital Ischemic Ulcer with Stellate Ganglion Block: Case Report

The Stellate ganglion block (SGB) could be used to treat sympathetic dependent circulatory insufficiency. We report a 36-year-old female patient with burn-induced refractory ischemic ulcer in distal phalanges. The patient admitted in department of plastic surgery for second degree burn wound in the right second through fifth fingertips. Continuous dressing treatment was conducted. However digital burn wounds were not healed but seems to be refractory. The upper extremity angiography revealed decreased perfusion and the fingertip wounds were diagnosed as ischemic ulcer. Despite of botulinum toxin injection into the perineural tissue and aspirin prescription, burn wounds showed ulcerative necrotic change. The SGBs were performed twice a week for 3 weeks to restore vasoconstriction of the upper extremity arteries. The follow-up angiography showed significant improvement of fingertip perfusion. Consequently, wounds were completely healed. In conclusion, SGB could be a rational option to overcome burn-induced digital ischemia refractory to other medical therapy.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block at 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae using the lateral paracarotid out-of-plane approach for sympathetic blockade in the upper extremity / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: The authors have performed ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) in our clinic using a lateral paracarotid approach at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6). Although SGB at C6 is a convenient and safe method, there are ongoing concerns about the weak effect of sympathetic blockade in the ipsilateral upper extremity. Therefore, ultrasound-guided SGB was attempted using a lateral paracarotid approach at the level of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7). This prospective study aimed to compare changes in skin temperature after SGB was performed at C6 and C7, and to introduce a lateral paracarotid approach for SGB.METHODS: Thirty patients underwent SGB twice: once at C6 and once at C7. For every SGB, the skin temperature of the patient's hypothenar area was measured for 15 min at 1-min intervals. Skin temperatures before and after SGB and side effects were compared between C6 and C7 groups.RESULTS: The temperature of the upper extremity increased after SGB was performed at C6 and C7. There were significant differences between mean pre-SGB and the largest increases in post-SGB temperatures (0.50±0.38℃ and 1.41±0.68℃ at C6 and C7, respectively; p < 0.05). Significantly increased post-SGB temperatures (difference >1℃) were found in 5/30 (16.7%) and 24/30 (80%) cases for C6 and C7, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in side effects between SGB performed at C6 or C7 (p>0.05).CONCLUSION: The lateral paracarotid approach using out-of-plane needle insertion for ultrasound-guided SGB performed at C7 was feasible and more effective at elevating skin temperature in the upper extremity than SGB at C6.

Use of stellate ganglion block for treatment of recurrent syncope followed by chest pain / 영남의대학술지

Syncope is defined as a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone, characterized by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a nerve block method that is used for treatment of neuropathic pain in the head, neck and upper extremities, especially trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia and complex regional pain syndrome. SGB can modulate and stabilize the sympathetic nervous system, which prevents it from overexcitation and improves symptoms of syncope. The authors report a patient who was treated for pain and edema of both upper extremities with SGB, then showed improvement in recurrent syncope followed by chest pain and overall quality of life.

Stellate ganglion block for the treatment of intractable hiccups: A case report

Hiccups are an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm that may repeat several times per minute. In general, hiccups are very common, transient, and self-limited. However, if the condition persists longer than days or months, it impacts a patient's quality of life. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods are used for the treatment of persistent or intractable hiccups. Nerve block and stimulation have been shown to be effective through neural pathway interruption or stimulation of the hiccup reflex arc. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an injection of local anesthetic adjacent to a group of nerves in the neck known as the stellate ganglion. The authors report a case of SGB as an effective treatment for a patient with intractable hiccups resulting from right lateral medullary syndrome.

Catgut implantation at stellate ganglion for postmenopausal osteoporosis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy differences between catgut implantation at stellate ganglion combined with oral administration of alendronate sodium and oral administration of alendronate sodium alone on postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients of PO were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of alendronate sodium. Based on the treatment of control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with catgut implantation at stellate ganglion. The treatment was given once a week in the two groups; the consecution treatment of four weeks constituted one session, and totally six sessions were given. The changes of total syndrome score, bone mineral density of lumbar vertebra (L to L) and femeral neck (FN) and estradiol were observed before and after treatment; the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared before treatment, the total syndrome score, bone mineral density of lumbar vertebra (L to L) and FN and estradiol were significantly improved after treatment (all <0.05); which were more significant in the observation group (all <0.05). Compared before treatment, the level of estradiol in the control group was not significantly changed after treatment (>0.05), while that in the observation group was significantly changed after treatment (<0.05). After treatment, the level of estradiol in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was significantly higher than 83.3% (25/30) in the control group (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Catgut implantation at stellate ganglion combined with oral administration of alendronate sodium are superior to oral administration of alendronate sodium alone for postmenopausal osteoporosis, which improve the clinical symptoms, regulate the hormone level and increase bone mineral density.</p>

State of education regarding ultrasound-guided interventions during pain fellowships in Korea: a survey of recent fellows

BACKGROUND: Recently, the use of ultrasound (US) techniques in regional anesthesia and pain medicine has increased significantly. However, the current extent of training in the use of US-guided pain management procedures in Korea remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to assess the current state of US training provided during Korean Pain Society (KPS) pain fellowship programs through the comparative analysis between training hospitals. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous survey of 51 pain physicians who had completed KPS fellowships in 2017. Items pertained to current US practices and education, as well as the types of techniques and amount of experience with US-guided pain management procedures. Responses were compared based on the tier of the training hospital. RESULTS: Among the 51 respondents, 14 received training at first- and second-tier hospitals (Group A), while 37 received training at third-tier hospitals (Group B). The mean total duration of pain training during the 1-year fellowship was 7.4 months in Group A and 8.4 months in Group B. Our analysis revealed that 36% and 40% of respondents in Groups A and B received dedicated US training, respectively. Most respondents underwent US training in patient-care settings under the supervision of attending physicians. Cervical root, stellate ganglion, piriformis, and lumbar plexus blocks were more commonly performed by Group B than by Group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Instruction regarding US-guided pain management interventions varied among fellowship training hospitals, highlighting the need for the development of educational standards that mandate a minimum number of US-guided nerve blocks or injections during fellowships in interventional pain management.

A Fast Recovery of Muscle Weakness after Zoster-Induced Brachial Plexitis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Varicella zoster virus (VZV)-induced brachioplexitis is a rare disease, characterized by exacerbating ipsilateral upper extremity pain, muscular weakness, and delay in recovery. We report a 54-year-old female patient who made an early recovery from VZV-induced brachioplexitis via the treatment with stellate ganglion blocks, which may have prevented pain sensation, vasoconstriction, and nerve scarring during the early treatment period.

Effects of applying nerve blocks to prevent postherpetic neuralgia in patients with acute herpes zoster: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common and painful complication of acute herpes zoster. In some cases, it is refractory to medical treatment. Preventing its occurrence is an important issue. We hypothesized that applying nerve blocks during the acute phase of herpes zoster could reduce PHN incidence by attenuating central sensitization and minimizing nerve damage and the anti-inflammatory effects of local anesthetics and steroids. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of using nerve blocks to prevent PHN. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and KoreaMed databases without language restrictions on April, 30 2014. We included all randomized controlled trials performed within 3 weeks after the onset of herpes zoster in order to compare nerve blocks vs active placebo and standard therapy. RESULTS: Nine trials were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Nerve blocks reduced the duration of herpes zoster-related pain and PHN incidence of at 3, 6, and 12 months after final intervention. Stellate ganglion block and single epidural injection did not achieve positive outcomes, but administering paravertebral blockage and continuous/repeated epidural blocks reduced PHN incidence at 3 months. None of the included trials reported clinically meaningful serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Applying nerve blocks during the acute phase of the herpes zoster shortens the duration of zoster-related pain, and somatic blocks (including paravertebral and repeated/continuous epidural blocks) are recommended to prevent PHN. In future studies, consensus-based PHN definitions, clinical cutoff points that define successful treatment outcomes and standardized outcome-assessment tools will be needed.