Effects of lidocaine and esmolol infusions on hemodynamic changes, analgesic requirement, and recovery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy operations / Efeitos das infusões de lidocaína e esmolol sobre as alterações hemodinâmicas, necessidade de analgésicos e recuperação após colecistectomia laparoscópica

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of lidocaine and esmolol infusions on intraoperative hemodynamic changes, intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements, and recovery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. METHODS: The first group (n = 30) received IV lidocaine infusions at a rate of 1.5 mg/kg/min and the second group (n = 30) received IV esmolol infusions at a rate of 1 mg/kg/min. Hemodynamic changes, intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements, and recovery characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: In the lidocaine group, systolic arterial blood pressures values were lower after the induction of anesthesia and at 20 min following surgical incision (p < 0.05). Awakening time was shorter in the esmolol group (p < 0.001); Ramsay Sedation Scale scores at 10 min after extubation were lower in the esmolol group (p < 0.05). The modified Aldrete scores at all measurement time points during the recovery period were relatively lower in the lidocaine group (p < 0.05). The time to attain a modified Aldrete score of ≥9 points was prolonged in the lidocaine group (p < 0.01). Postoperative resting and dynamic VAS scores were higher in the lidocaine group at 10 and 20 min after extubation (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Analgesic supplements were less frequently required in the lidocaine group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In laparoscopic cholecystectomies, lidocaine infusion had superiorities over esmolol infusions regarding the suppression of responses to tracheal extubation and postoperative need for additional analgesic agents in the long run, while esmolol was more advantageous with respect to rapid recovery from anesthesia, attenuation of early postoperative pain, and modified Aldrete recovery (MAR) scores and time to reach MAR score of 9 points.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos de infusões de lidocaína e esmolol sobre as alterações hemodinâmicas no período intraoperatório, a necessidade de analgésicos intra- e pós-operatoriamente e a recuperação após colecistectomia laparoscópica. MÉTODOS: O primeiro grupo (n = 30) recebeu infusões IV de lidocaína a uma taxa de 1,5 mg/kg/min e o segundo grupo (n = 30) recebeu infusões IV de esmolol a uma taxa de 1 mg kg/min. Alterações hemodinâmicas, necessidade de analgésicos no intra- e pós-operatório e características da recuperação foram avaliadas. RESULTADOS: No grupo lidocaína, os valores da pressão arterial sistólica foram menores após a indução da anestesia e 20 minutos após a incisão cirúrgica (p < 0,05). O tempo até o despertar foi menor no grupo esmolol (p < 0,001), os escores na escala de Sedação de Ramsay 10 minutos após a extubação foram menores no grupo esmolol (p < 0,05). Os escores de Aldrete modificados em todos os tempos mensurados durante o período de recuperação foram relativamente baixos no grupo lidocaína (p < 0,05). O tempo necessário para atingir um escore de Aldrete ≥ 9 pontos foi prolongado no grupo lidocaína (p < 0,01). Os escores Eva em repouso e em movimento no pós-operatório foram maiores no grupo lidocaína nos minutos 10 e 20 após a extubação (p < 0,05,p < 0,01, respectivamente). Analgésicos suplementares foram necessários com menos frequência no grupo lidocaína (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Em colecistectomia laparoscópica, a infusão de lidocaína foi superior às infusões de esmolol quanto a suprimir as respostas à extubação traqueal e necessidade de analgésicos adicionais no pós-operatório, enquanto esmolol foi mais vantajoso quanto à rápida recuperação da anestesia, à atenuação da dor no pós-operatório imediato e aos escores de recuperação de Aldrete modificado (RAM) e o tempo até atingir o escore RAM de 9 pontos.

Comparison of bolus and continuous infusion of esmolol on hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation and sternotomy in coronary artery bypass graft / Comparação de esmolol em bolus e infusão contínua na resposta hemodinâmica à laringoscopia, intubação orotraqueal e esternotomia em cirurgia de revascularização coronária / Comparación del esmolol en bolos e infusión continua en la respuesta hemodinámica a la laringoscopia, intubación orotraqueal y esternotomía en cirugía de revascularización coronaria

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized, prospective and double blinded study is to investigate effects of different esmolol use on hemodynamic response of laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation and sternotomy in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: After approval of local ethics committee and patients' written informed consent, 45 patients were randomized into three groups equally. In Infusion Group; from 10 min before intubation up to 5th minute after sternotomy, 0.5 mg/kg/min esmolol infusion, in Bolus Group; 2 min before intubation and sternotomy 1.5 mg/kg esmolol IV bolus and in Control Group; %0.9 NaCl was administered. All demographic parameters were recorded. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded before infusion up to anesthesia induction in every minute, during endotracheal intubation, every minute for 10 minutes after endotracheal intubation and before, during and after sternotomy at first and fifth minutes. RESULTS: While area under curve (AUC) (SAP × time) was being found more in Group B and C than Group I, AUC (SAP × T int and T st) and AUC (SAP × T2) was found more in Group B and C than Group I (p < 0.05). Moreover AUC (HR × T st) was found less in Group B than Group C but no significant difference was found between Group B and Group I. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that esmolol infusion is more effective than esmolol bolus administration on controlling systolic arterial pressure during endotracheal intubation and sternotomy in CABG surgery. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: o objetivo deste estudo prospectivo, randômico e duplo-cego foi investigar os efeitos do uso diferente de esmolol na resposta hemodinâmica à laringoscopia, intubação orotraqueal e esternotomia em cirurgia de revascularização coronária. MÉTODOS: após obter a aprovação do Comitê de Ética local e consentimento informado assinado pelos pacientes, 45 pacientes foram randomicamente divididos em três grupos. O Grupo I (infusão) recebeu 0,5 mg/kg/min de esmolol em infusão a partir de 10 min antes da intubação até 5 minutos após a esternotomia; o Brupo B (bolus) recebeu 1,5 mg/kg de esmolol em bolus IV a partir de 2 min antes da intubação e esternotomia; o grupo C (controle) recebeu NaCl a 0,9%. Todos os parâmetros demográficos foram registados. Os valores de frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial foram registrados desde antes da infusão até a indução da anestesia a cada minuto, durante a intubação endotraqueal, a cada minuto durante 10 min após a intubação endotraqueal e antes, durante e após a esternotomia no primeiro e quinto minutos. RESULTADOS: enquanto a área sob a curva (ASC) (SAP × tempo) foi maior nos grupos B e C que no Grupo I, a ASC (SAP × T int e T st) e ASC (SAP × T2) foram maiores nos grupos B e C que no Grupo I (p < 0,05). Além disso, a ASC (FC × T st)) foi menor no Grupo B que no Grupo C, mas não houve diferença significante entre os grupos B e I. CONCLUSÃO: este estudo destaca que a administração de esmolol em infusão é mais eficaz que em bolus para controlar a pressão arterial sistólica durante a intubação endotraqueal e esternotomia em CRC. .

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVO: el objetivo de este estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado y doble ciego fue investigar los efectos del diferente uso del esmolol en la respuesta hemodinámica a la laringoscopia, intubación orotraqueal y esternotomía en cirugía de revascularización coronaria. MÉTODOS: después de obtener la aprobación del Comité de Ética local y el consentimiento informado firmado por los pacientes, 45 de ellos fueron aleatoriamente divididos en 3 grupos. El grupo I (infusión) recibió 0,5 mg/kg/min de esmolol en infusión desde 10 min antes de la intubación hasta 5 min después de la esternotomía; el grupo B (bolo), que recibió 1,5 mg/kg de esmolol en bolo iv a partir de 2 min antes de la intubación y esternotomía; el grupo C (control) recibió NaCl al 0,9%. Todos los parámetros demográficos fueron registrados. Los valores de frecuencia cardíaca y presión arterial fueron registrados ya antes de la infusión y hasta la inducción de la anestesia cada minuto durante la intubación endotraqueal, cada minuto durante 10 min después de la intubación endotraqueal, y antes, durante y después de la esternotomía en el primer y quinto minutos. RESULTADOS: mientras que el área bajo la curva (AUC) (presión arterial sistólica [PAS] × tiempo) fue mayor en los grupos B y C que en el grupo I, el AUC (PAS ×T int y T st ) y AUC (PAS × T 2 ) fueron mayores en los grupos B y C que en el grupo I (p < 0,05). Además, el AUC (frecuencia cardíaca × T st ) fue menor en el grupo B que en el grupo C, pero no hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos B e I. CONCLUSIÓN: este estudio destaca que la administración del esmolol en infusión es más eficaz que en bolos para controlar la PAS durante la intubación endotraqueal ...

Involvement of β3-adrenergic receptors in the control of food intake in rats

This study examined the food intake changes evoked by intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of a selective agonist (BRL37344, 2 and 20 nmol) or antagonist (SR59230A, 10 and 50 nmol) of β3-adrenergic receptors in 24-h fasted rats (adult male Wistar rats, 200-350 g, N = 6/treatment). The animals were also pretreated with saline icv (SAL) or SR59230A (50 nmol) followed by BRL37344 (20 nmol) or SAL in order to determine the selectivity of the effects evoked by BRL37344 on food intake or the selectivity of the effects evoked by SR59230A on risk assessment (RA) behavior. The highest dose of BRL37344 (N = 7) decreased food intake 1 h after the treatment (6.4 ± 0.5 g in SAL-treated vs 4.2 ± 0.8 g in drug-treated rats). While both doses of SR59230A failed to affect food intake (5.1 ± 1.1 g for 10 nmol and 6.0 ± 1.8 g for 50 nmol), this treatment reduced the RA frequency (number/30 min) (4 ± 2 for SAL-treated vs 1 ± 1 for 10 nmol and 0.5 ± 1 for 50 nmol SR59230A-treated rats), an ethological parameter related to anxiety. While pretreatment with SR59230A (7.0 ± 0.5 g) abolished the hypophagia induced by BRL37344 (3.6 ± 0.9 g), BRL37344 suppressed the reduction in RA frequency caused by SR59230A. These results show that the hypophagia caused by BRL37344 is selectively mediated by β3-adrenergic receptors within the central nervous system. Moreover, they suggest the involvement of these receptors in the control of anxiety.

Two-Year Clinical Outcome after Carvedilol-Loaded Stent Implantation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Carvedilol is an antioxidant that inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of carvedilol-loaded stents on 2-year clinical outcomes after stent implantation in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: We performed a prospective trial with male subjects to compare the safety and effects of carvedilol-loaded BiodivYsio(R) stents implanted into 20 patients with those of bare-metal BiodivYsio(R) stents implanted into 21 patients for de novo coronary lesions. The primary end point was the degree of neointimal hyperplasia, which was measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) 6 months after the procedure; the secondary end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 2 years after implantation. All carvedilol and control stents were deployed successfully. RESULTS: A 2-year follow-up was completed for 19 patients (95%) in the carvedilol stent group and 20 patients (95%) in the control stent group. IVUS showed a trend toward a larger luminal area (6.86 +/- 2.59 vs. 5.47 +/- 1.52 mm2, p = 0.267), smaller neointimal area (1.34 +/- 0.70 vs. 2.40 +/- 1.73 mm2, p = 0.18), and reduced net decrease in luminal area (-0.78 +/- 0.97 vs. -1.89 +/- 1.78 mm2, p = 0.106) in the carvedilol stent group compared with the control stent group, respectively. There were no significant differences in the incidence of MACE (10.5 vs. 30.0%, respectively, p = 0.132) between the groups at 2 years after stent implantation. Stent thrombosis did not occur in either group after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: The carvedilol-loaded stents tended to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia without the occurrence of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or stent thrombosis at 2-year follow-up.

Efficacy of esmolol administration at different time intervals in attenuating hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation.

Background: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation are known to cause increase in both arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Several strategies have been evolved to blunt the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation but each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Esmolol, a cardio selective Beta -1 blocking drug, can alleviate some of these problems. Esmolol, when administered parenterally, exhibits rapid onset and a short duration of action due to its rapid clearance by red blood cell esterases. Hence we conducted the present study to evaluate the efficacy and optimum time of single bolus esmolol administration in attenuating hypertensive- tachycardiac response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: The randomized double blind prospective study was conducted in 60 patients, in the age group of 20-40 years, of both sexes, belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class I or II and scheduled for elective surgery requiring endotracheal intubation and general anaesthesia. The efficacy and optimum time of single bolus esmolol administration in attenuating hypertensive - tachycardiac response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was evaluated. Patients in group I (n=20) received bolus administration of injection esmolol 1.5 mg/kg intravenously (iv) 90 seconds before intubation; in group II (n=20) three minutes before intubation and in group III (n=20) six minutes before intubation. Results: There was no clinical and statistically significant variation in heart rate in group I and II at different time intervals of the study period but in group III heart rate increased significantly one minute after tracheal intubation. (P<0.05) One minute after intubation, the increase in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure and rate pressure product was statistically significant in group I (P<0.01) and group III. (P<0.05) However, in group II increase in systolic blood pressure and rate pressure product was statistically not significant. (P>0.05) Conclusion: To conclude, single intravenous bolus dose of esmolol (1.5 mg/kg) is safe and more effective in attenuating haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation when administered three minutes prior to intubation.

Control of emergence hypertension after craniotomy for brain tumor surgery

To compare the anti-hypertensive effects of both remifentanil and esmolol infusion. This prospective comparative study was conducted on 20 patients [10 patients in each group], in the Neurosurgical Theater of Kasr Elaini Hospital, Cairo, Egypt from 2006 to 2008. The patients were divided into 2 equal groups. In group one, remifentanil was used as a bolus of one ug/kg intravenous [iv] in 30-60 seconds, followed by infusion at a rate of 0.25-0.5 ug/kg/min until the systolic blood pressure was <140 mm Hg. In group 2, esmolol was given as a 500 ug/kg iv bolus in 30 seconds followed by continued infusion of 100-300 ug/kg/min until systolic blood pressure was < 140 mm Hg. Infusion was continued until the patients left the post anesthesia care unit [PACU]. The onset time of decreasing blood pressure was shorter in group 2 [40 +/- 0.01 seconds] than group one [52.5 +/- 4.47 seconds]. The PACU and hospital stay were comparable between both groups. Remifentanil can be used to control blood pressure during emergence of anesthesia after craniotomy for brain tumors. It has higher rapid recovery score than esmolol and other narcotics. In addition, it can be used when esmolol is contraindicated such as in cardiac patients, asthmatics, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or during pregnancy. Also, it decreases the need for postoperative analgesia and allows sedation if the infusion is continued as surgical patients are admitted to the ICU

The relationship between heart rate reserve and oxygen uptake reserve in heart failure patients on optimized and non-optimized beta-blocker therapy

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the percentage of oxygen consumption reserve and percentage of heart rate reserve in heart failure patients either on non-optimized or off beta-blocker therapy is known to be unreliable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the percentage of oxygen consumption reserve and percentage of heart rate reserve in heart failure patients receiving optimized and non-optimized beta-blocker treatment during a treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test. METHODS: A total of 27 sedentary heart failure patients (86 percent male, 50±12 years) on optimized beta-blocker therapy with a left ventricle ejection fraction of 33±8 percent and 35 sedentary non-optimized heart failure patients (75 percent male, 47±10 years) with a left ventricle ejection fraction of 30±10 percent underwent the treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test (Naughton protocol). Resting and peak effort values of both the percentage of oxygen consumption reserve and percentage of heart rate reserve were, by definition, 0 and 100, respectively. RESULTS: The heart rate slope for the non-optimized group was derived from the points 0.949±0.088 (0 intercept) and 1.055±0.128 (1 intercept), p<0.0001. The heart rate slope for the optimized group was derived from the points 1.026±0.108 (0 intercept) and 1.012±0.108 (1 intercept), p=0.47. Regression linear plots for the heart rate slope for each patient in the non-optimized and optimized groups revealed a slope of 0.986 (almost perfect) for the optimized group, but the regression analysis for the non-optimized group was 0.030 (far from perfect, which occurs at 1). CONCLUSION: The relationship between the percentage of oxygen consumption reserve and percentage of heart rate reserve in patients on optimized beta-blocker therapy was reliable, but this relationship was unreliable in non-optimized heart failure patients.

effect of intraoperative use of esmolol and nicardipine on splanchnic perfusion in functional endoscopic sinus surgery

There are many techniques for reduction of mean arterial blood pressure [MAP] and heart rate [HR] during anesthesia. We designed this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study to test the effect of this technique for maintaining hemodynamic stability during general anesthesia and their influences on splanchnic perfusion. Sixty healthy consenting patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery [FESS] were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: Group I [control n = 20] received normal saline 5 mL and 1 mL, followed by a saline infusion at a rate of 0.005 mL kg[-1] min[1]; Group 2 [n = 20] received esmolol 50 mg and saline 1.mL, followed by an esmolol infusion 5 micro g kg[-1] min[-1]; and Group 3 [n = 20] received esmolol 50 mg and nicardipine 1 mg, followed by an esmolol infusion 5 micro g kg[-1] min[-1]. The study drugs were administered after the induction of anesthesia with fentanyl 1.5 micro g/kg, and propofol 2 mg/kg IV. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with vecuronium 0.12 mg/kg IV. Anesthesia was initially maintained with sevoflurane 2% end-tidal and N[2]O 50% In oxygen in all 3 groups. After induction of anesthesia a gastric tonometer [TRIP] NGS Catheter and a radial catheter were inserted. Baseline values of gastric intramucosal pH [pHi] were determined before induction of hypotension. The [pHi] values were calculated every 30 min until hypotension was discontinued .The CO2 -gap [i.e., the difference between arterial and gastric Pco2] was registered. Arterial blood lactate levels also were measured. During surgery, the mean arterial blood pressure [MAP] was maintained within +/- 15% of the baseline value by varying the study drug infusion rate and the inspired concentration of sevoflurane. In addition to MAP and heart-rate values, were recorded throughout the perioperative period. Recovery times and postoperative side effects were assessed. None of the [pHi] values calculated was less than 7.35 in the three studied groups. Arterial blood lactate levels did not increase in any of the patients. Compared with the control group, adjunctive use of esmolol and nicardipine attenuated the increase in heart rate [in Group 2] and MAP [in Group 3]. after tracheal intubation. Furthermore, the use of an esmolol infusion as an adjunct to sevoflurane to control the acute autonomic responses during the maintenance period significantly decreased emergence times [4 +/- 2 versus 7 +/- 4 min], decreased the need for postoperative opioid analgesics [35% versus 60%], and reduced the time before discharge [209 +/- 89 versus 269 +/- 100 min]. We conclude that the adjunctive use of esmolol alone or in combination with nicardipine during the induction of anesthesia reduced the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. It did not compromise splanchnic tissue oxygen balance in healthy patients nor increased blood lactate. Furthermore, use of an esmolol infusion as an adjuvant to sevoflurane- N[2] O anesthesia for controlling the acute hemodynamic responses during the maintenance period improved the recovery profile after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Comparative study of esmolol and labetalol to attenuate haemodynamic responses after electroconvulsive therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of Esmolol and labetalol in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy treatment were studied according to randomized, double blind placebo controlled protocol. Ninety patients were divided into three groups with thirty patients in each group. Patients received either Esmolol (1 mg/kg), Labetalol (0.25 mg/kg) or Normal Saline (placebo) intravenously just after induction with propofol. The baseline heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. Hemodynamic parameters before and after drug therapy and after the ECT current application, were recorded at different time intervals. RESULTS: It was found that Esmolol significantly attenuated the degree of tachycardia and hypertension after ECT in comparison with placebo in the first three minutes (p<0.05), whereas the rise in HR and blood pressure was significantly blunted in the labetalol group in comparison to placebo, from three minutes onward till ten minutes. (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Esmolol is effective in blunting the hemodynamic response after ECT stimulus in the first three minutes after application of the electrical current, whereas Labetalol is effective after five minutes onwards till ten minutes.

Perfil do tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca na era dos betabloqueadores / Heart failure treatment profile at the beta blockers era

OBJETIVOS: A inibição dos sistemas renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) e sistema nervoso autônomo simpático aumentou a perspectiva de sobrevida desses pacientes, além de permitir substancial melhora na qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a realidade do tratamento aplicado e seu impacto sobre a doença em pacientes acompanhados em um ambulatório especializado em insuficiência cardíaca(IC). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 96 pacientes acompanhados no ambulatório de Insuficiência Cardíaca e Transplante do Instituto do Coração, do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP). Os dados foram coletados durante a consulta ambulatorial a partir de prontuário médico e exame clínico. A escolha dos pacientes foi aleatória. RESULTADOS: A maior parte dos pacientes encontrava-se em classe funcional II (42,3 por cento) e em estágio C de evolução (94,9 por cento). A prescrição médica para os pacientes foi bastante próxima do preconizado pelas diretrizes. Aproximadamente 95 por cento recebem inibidores do SRAA (inibidor de ECA - enalapril e captopril - ou antagonista dos receptores de angiotensina-losartan), enquanto 85 por cento dos pacientes recebem, além desses, agentes betabloqueadores (carvedilol). A dose média prescrita também se aproxima das utilizadas nos grandes estudos, e atinge mais de 60 por cento da dose máxima de cada medicação. Os dados hemodinâmicos encontrados mostram pacientes estáveis, apesar da intensidade da disfunção e do remodelamento ventricular destes. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes portadores de IC acompanhados por equipe médica especializada têm prescrição médica mais próxima do preconizado. Esses pacientes, embora com características marcadas de gravidade da doença, conseguem estabilidade hemodinâmica e clínica com a otimização terapêutica adequada.

OBJECTIVES: The inhibition of the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and sympathetic autonomous nervous system has increased the perspective of survival in these patients, as well as allowing the improvement of the quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reality of the treatment employed and its impact on the disease in patients followed at a specialized heart failure (HF) outpatient clinic. METHODS: A sample of 96 patients followed at the HF and Transplant Outpatient Clinic of Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine (InCor -HCFMUSP) were evaluated. The data were collected during the ambulatory consultation from the medical files and through physical examination. Patients were randomly selected for the study. RESULTS: Most of the patients were Functional Class II (42.3 percent) and evolution stage C (94.9 percent). The medical prescription given to the patients was quite similar to the one recommended by the directives. Approximately 95 percent of them received RAAS inhibitors (ACE inhibitor - enalapril and captopril - or angiotensin receptor antagonist - losartan), whereas 85 percent of the patients additionally received beta blockers (carvedilol). The mean dose prescribed was also similar to the one used in large studies and reached more than 60 percent of the maximum dose for each medication. The hemodynamic data show that patients were stable, despite the intensity of the dysfunction and ventricular remodeling observed in these patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with HF followed by a specialized medical team receive a medical prescription that is closer to the recommended one. These patients, despite the marked characteristics of disease severity, achieve hemodynamic and clinical stability with an adequate therapeutic optimization.

Hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension: effect of intravenous esmolol with or without lidocaine

The pressor response is known to be exaggerated in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can result in increased morbidity and mortality in both mother and newborn. Various pharmacological agents have been used before induction in an attempt to attenuate the adrenergic response but with varying degree of success. Esmolol, an ultra short-acting cardioselective beta-blocker with rapid onset and short elimination half-life, is an attractive choice for attenuating the adrenergic response in pregnant patients. In a prospective, randomized double blind study the efficacy of two bolus doses of esmolol with or without lidocaine, in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension was evaluated. Eighty such patients undergoing lower segmental caesarean section were randomly divided into four groups and received the following study drugs before intubation: group I received esmolol 1.0 mg/kg; group II received esmolol 2.0 mg/kg; group III received esmolol 1.0 mg/kg and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg; and group IV received esmolol 2.0 mg/kg and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg. In groups II, III and IV, the changes in maternal heart rate, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in response to laryngoscopy and intubation were attenuated to a comparable degree [P > 0.05]. No adverse effects were noticed in mother or baby. It was concluded that esmolol 1.0 mg/kg with lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg is effective in attenuating the adrenergic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension

Comparison of efficacy of intravenous diltiazem and esmolol in terminating supraventricular tachycardia.

OBJECTIVE: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) can be effectively terminated by the intravenous administration of adenosine or verapamil. However adenosine is expensive and injectable verapamil currently is scarcely available. While intravenous diltiazem has been shown to be useful for terminating PSVT, the efficacy of esmolol in this regard has not been evaluated previously. Hence these latter two drugs were studied for their efficacy in terminating PSVT. METHODS: A prospective, randomised, crossover study was undertaken in patients presenting with hemodynamically tolerated PSVT to the ICCU. While 50 patients had been planned for the trial, the study had to be prematurely terminated after 32 patients had been enrolled due to the marked superiority of diltiazem. Two sequential doses with a 5 minute interval of either drug were administered before crossover. Diltiazem was given in a dose of 0.25 mg/kg while the esmolol dose was 0.5 mg/kg. RESULTS: Diltiazem terminated PSVT in all the 16 patients in whom it was given as the first drug. The 12 patients who did not respond to esmolol were also effectively treated with diltiazem. Thus totally 28/28 patients responded to diltiazem while only 4/16 patients responded to esmolol (p < 0.001). Of the 28 patients who responded to diltiazem, in 13 patients the second bolus of diltiazem worked after the first one had failed. No significant adverse effects were seen. CONCLUSION: Intravenous diltiazem is highly effective and safe for terminating PSVT. When the first bolus is ineffective, the second bolus given after 5 minutes usually succeeds. Esmolol in the dose of 0.5 mg/kg has poor efficacy for terminating PSVT, even when 2 boluses are administered.