The relationship between diaphragm thickness and the severity of the disease in pregnant patients with Covid-19.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between diaphragm thickness and disease severity in Covid-19 pregnant subgroups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study 100 pregnant patients were enrolled. Thickness of the diaphragm muscle at end-expiration was measured using B-Mode US. Hemoglobin,WBC, NLR, procalcitonin and LDH levels were measured. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of diaphragm thickness, and the diaphragm thickness was thinner in the severe disease group (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with mild to moderate disease severity (p = 0.708). CONCLUSION: Covid-19 patients who developed serious infection has thinner diaphragms than those who did not. Low diaphragm muscle thickness at the outset of Covid-19 disease, may predispose to poor clinical outcomes. Diaphragmatic ultrasound may be a promising tool to evaluate the risk of Covid-19 disease severity.

Experience of a tertiary pandemic centre on the labour and delivery of 337 pregnant women with COVID-19: a prospective cohort study from Turkey.

The aim of the present study is to share the experience of a tertiary reference pandemic centre on the labour and delivery of pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This prospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women with COVID-19 (n = 337). Patients were divided into two groups based on their severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity (n = 103 positive and n = 234 negative) during the delivery. Thereafter, clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Moreover, delivery characteristics and clinical features were compared between primary caesarean section (n = 117) and normal spontaneous vaginal delivery cases (n = 100). Labour induction was performed in 16% of cases with a failure rate of 35%. Caesarean rate was 70% and the most common indication was worsening in maternal condition. Significant, positive and moderate correlations were observed between COVID-19 severity at admission (r = 0.422, p<.001), radiologic findings consistent with COVID-19 (r = 0.400, p<.001), the necessity for oxygen support during the delivery (r = 0.406, p<.001) and postpartum worsening in maternal condition. A significant, positive weak correlation was found between caesarean delivery and postpartum worsening in maternal condition (r = 0.176, p<.001). COVID-19 seems to be associated with increased rates of obstetric complications and caesarean delivery.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Increased rates of foetal distress and caesarean section were reported in pregnant women with COVID-19. Appropriate management of labour and delivery in infected pregnant women is crucial to obtain favourable perinatal outcomes.What do the results of this study add? COVID-19 seems to be associated with increased rates of obstetric complications and caesarean delivery. PCR positive group had significantly higher primary and prelabor caesarean delivery rates. Severe/critic COVID-19 infection rate was significantly higher in the primary caesarean group. Significant, positive and moderate correlations were observed between COVID-19 severity at admission, radiologic findings consistent with COVID-19, the necessity for oxygen support during the delivery and postpartum worsening in maternal condition. A significant, positive weak correlation was found between caesarean delivery and postpartum worsening in maternal condition.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Management and delivery of pregnant women with COVID-19 should be individualised. The findings of the present study may lead to the establishment of future obstetric protocols in this special population.

Updated experience of a tertiary pandemic center on 533 pregnant women with COVID-19 infection: A prospective cohort study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical course and impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on pregnant women. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, and perinatal outcomes were prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 533 cases, 161 (30.2%) had co-morbidities and 165 (30.9%) were asymptomatic. Cough (n = 178, 33.4%) and myalgia (n = 168, 31.5%) were the leading symptoms. In total, 261 patients (48.9%) received COVID-19 therapy, 509 (95.5%) had mild disease, 7 (1.3%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and invasive mechanical ventilation was necessary in 2 (0.4%) patients. Maternal mortality was observed in 2 (0.4%) cases. Of the patients, 297 (55.7%) were hospitalized, 39 (7.3%) had suspicious radiologic imaging findings, 66 (12.4) had pregnancy complications (preterm delivery [n =22, 4.1%] and miscarriage [n =12, 2.2%] were the most common pregnancy complications), 131 births occurred, and the cesarean section rate was 66.4%. All neonates were negative for COVID-19. The rate of admission to the neonatal ICU was 9.9%. One specimen of breast milk was positive for the infection. CONCLUSION: The course of COVID-19 was mild in the majority of cases. However, increased rates of pregnancy complications and cesarean delivery were observed.

The outcomes of dexmedetomidine and calcitriol on flap viability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate protective effects of dexmedetomidine, calcitriol and their combination. METHODS: Forty Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups; group of Sham (Group Sham); group of dexmedetomidine (Group DEX); group of calcitriol (Group CAL) and group of dexmedetomidineandcalcitriol (Group DEX-CAL). Photographic analysis was used for macroscopic analysis and perfusion analyses were evaluated by scintigraphy. Additionally, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant activity (TAS) were recorded and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Each flap was assessed by histopathology. RESULTS: Compared to Group Sham, the viable flap areas were higher in all treatment groups both by photographic image analyses and perfusion analyses (p<0.05). Group DEX-CAL had the highest viable flap percentage both in scintigraphic and photographic analyses; whereas Group Sham had the lowest viable flap percentage. Similarly, TAS and MDA levels were elevated and TOS levels were declined in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham (p<0.005). Histopathological analysis at flap demarcation zone confirmed neovascularization was significantly higher and edema, necrosis and inflammation were significantly lower in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham. CONCLUSION: The outcomes show that additional premedication with either dexmedetomidine or calcitriol or their combination reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury of flap area and show significant increase in the percentage of viable flap tissue.

The outcomes of dexmedetomidine and calcitriol on flap viability

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate protective effects of dexmedetomidine, calcitriol and their combination. Methods: Forty Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups; group of Sham (Group Sham); group of dexmedetomidine (Group DEX); group of calcitriol (Group CAL) and group of dexmedetomidineandcalcitriol (Group DEX-CAL). Photographic analysis was used for macroscopic analysis and perfusion analyses were evaluated by scintigraphy. Additionally, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant activity (TAS) were recorded and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Each flap was assessed by histopathology. Results: Compared to Group Sham, the viable flap areas were higher in all treatment groups both by photographic image analyses and perfusion analyses (p<0.05). Group DEX-CAL had the highest viable flap percentage both in scintigraphic and photographic analyses; whereas Group Sham had the lowest viable flap percentage. Similarly, TAS and MDA levels were elevated and TOS levels were declined in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham (p<0.005). Histopathological analysis at flap demarcation zone confirmed neovascularization was significantly higher and edema, necrosis and inflammation were significantly lower in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham. Conclusion: The outcomes show that additional premedication with either dexmedetomidine or calcitriol or their combination reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury of flap area and show significant increase in the percentage of viable flap tissue.

Comparison of prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in septic and non-septic intensive care patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to compare the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in septic and non-septic intensive care patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled in either the septic or non-septic group according to the criteria in the International Sepsis Definitions Conference in 2001. Demographic and clinical data, procalcitonin and lactate levels at admission, and death within 28 days were registered. Five blood samples were collected from all patients for NT-proBNP measurements. RESULTS: Septic patients had higher APACHE II (19 (16.00-24.25) vs. 16 (13.00-18.25)), and SOFA (8 (5-10) vs. 6 (4-7)) scores (p <0.05). Procalcitonin levels were also higher in septic patients (3.33 (1.06-10.96) vs. 0.46 (0.26-1.01) ng/ml) and more patients required vasopressors in this group (9 (36%) vs. 2 (8%)) (p < 0.05). In the septic group, the correlation between mortality and the level of NT-proBNP was significant for each measurement, starting from the admission. In the non-septic group the correlation between mortality and the level of NT-proBNP was significant only at the 120th h. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the level of NT-proBNP at admission is well correlated with 28-day mortality in septic ICU patients. However, single measurement of NT-proBNP levels in non-septic patients does not correlate with the 28-day mortality. Repeated measurements and an increasing trend of the NT-proBNP levels may show a correlation with mortality in non-septic intensive care patients.

The effects of enoxaparin on the liver in experimental pneumoperitoneum model.

PURPOSE:: To investigate the potential protective effects of enoxaparin against the adverse events of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum. METHODS:: Thirty four rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (sham) underwent insertion of Veress needle into the abdomen and 90 min of anesthesia with no gas insufflation. The animals in control and enoxaparin groups were subjected to 90 min of 14 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Enoxaparin (100 u/kg) was administered subcutaneously to the rats in enoxaparin group one hour before the operation. After 90 min of pneumoperitoneum, the rats were allowed for reperfusion through 60 min. Blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological examination. RESULTS:: Treatment with enoxaparin decreased the histopathological abnormalities when compared with the control group. The highest levels of oxidative stress parameters were found in control group. The use of enoxaparin decreased the levels of all oxidative stress parameters, but the difference between the control and enoxaparin groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:: Enoxaparin ameliorated the harmful effects of high pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the liver.

The effects of enoxaparin on the liver in experimental pneumoperitoneum model

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the potential protective effects of enoxaparin against the adverse events of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum. METHODS: Thirty four rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (sham) underwent insertion of Veress needle into the abdomen and 90 min of anesthesia with no gas insufflation. The animals in control and enoxaparin groups were subjected to 90 min of 14 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Enoxaparin (100 u/kg) was administered subcutaneously to the rats in enoxaparin group one hour before the operation. After 90 min of pneumoperitoneum, the rats were allowed for reperfusion through 60 min. Blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological examination. RESULTS: Treatment with enoxaparin decreased the histopathological abnormalities when compared with the control group. The highest levels of oxidative stress parameters were found in control group. The use of enoxaparin decreased the levels of all oxidative stress parameters, but the difference between the control and enoxaparin groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin ameliorated the harmful effects of high pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the liver.

Correlation of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and clinical outcome in acute carbon monoxide poisoning / Correlação de tomografia computadorizada, ressonância magnética e resultados clínicos em intoxicação aguda por monóxido de carbono

Abstract Background and objectives: Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas for humans and is still a silent killer in both developed and developing countries. The aim of this case series was to evaluate early radiological images as a predictor of subsequent neuropsychological sequelae, following carbon monoxide poisoning. Case 1: After carbon monoxide exposure, early computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging findings of a 52-year-old woman showed bilateral lesions in the globus pallidus. This patient was discharged and followed for 90 days. The patient recovered without any neurological sequela. Case 2: In a 58-year-old woman exposed to carbon monoxide, computed tomography showed lesions in bilateral globus pallidus and periventricular white matter. Early magnetic resonance imaging revealed changes similar to that like in early tomography images. The patient recovered and was discharged from hospital. On the 27th day of exposure, the patient developed disorientation and memory impairment. Late magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse hyperintensity in the cerebral white matter. Conclusion: White matter lesions which progress to demyelination and end up in neuropsychological sequelae cannot always be diagnosed by early computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Monóxido de carbono é um gás tóxico para os seres humanos, além de ser um assassino silencioso tanto em países desenvolvidos quanto em desenvolvimento. O objetivo desta série de casos foi avaliar as imagens radiológicas iniciais como um preditivo de sequelas neuropsicológicas decorrentes de intoxicação por monóxido de carbono. Caso 1: Após exposição ao monóxido de carbono, os achados iniciais em tomografias computadorizadas e ressonâncias magnéticas de uma mulher de 52 anos mostraram lesões em globo pálido bilateralmente. A paciente recebeu alta e foi acompanhada por 90 dias. Recuperou-se sem sequelas neurológicas. Caso 2: Paciente do sexo feminino, 58 anos, exposta ao monóxido de carbono. A tomografia computadorizada mostrou lesões em globo pálido, bilateralmente, e substância branca periventricular. A ressonância magnética inicial revelou alterações semelhantes àquelas em tomografias precoces. A paciente se recuperou e recebeu alta. No 27° dia de exposição, evoluiu com desorientação e perda de memória. Ressonância magnética posterior mostrou hiperintensidade difusa da substância branca cerebral. Conclusão: As lesões da substância branca que progridem para desmielinização e resultam em sequelas neuropsicológicas nem sempre podem ser diagnosticadas em tomografias e ressonâncias iniciais em casos de intoxicação por monóxido de carbono.

Correlation of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and clinical outcome in acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas for humans and is still a silent killer in both developed and developing countries. The aim of this case series was to evaluate early radiological images as a predictor of subsequent neuropsychological sequelae, following carbon monoxide poisoning. CASE 1: After carbon monoxide exposure, early computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging findings of a 52-year-old woman showed bilateral lesions in the globus pallidus. This patient was discharged and followed for 90 days. The patient recovered without any neurological sequela. CASE 2: In a 58-year-old woman exposed to carbon monoxide, computed tomography showed lesions in bilateral globus pallidus and periventricular white matter. Early magnetic resonance imaging revealed changes similar to that like in early tomography images. The patient recovered and was discharged from hospital. On the 27th day of exposure, the patient developed disorientation and memory impairment. Late magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse hyperintensity in the cerebral white matter. CONCLUSION: White matter lesions which progress to demyelination and end up in neuropsychological sequelae cannot always be diagnosed by early computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in carbon monoxide poisoning.

[Effects of ketamine and midazolam on emergence agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia in children receiving caudal block: a randomized trial]. / Efeitos de cetamina e midazolam sobre a incidência de agitação pós-anestesia com sevoflurano em crianças submetidas ao bloqueio caudal: estudo randomizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Emergence agitation is a common postanaesthetic problem in children after sevoflurane anaesthesia. We aimed to compare the effects of ketamine and midazolam administered intravenously, before the end of surgery, for prevention of emergence agitation in children who received caudal block for pain relief under sevoflurane anaesthesia. METHODS: 62 American Society of Anesthesiologists patient classification status I children, aged 2-7 years, scheduled for inguinal hernia repair, circumcision or orchidopexy were enrolled to the study. Anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane 8% in a mixture of 50% oxygen and nitrous oxide. After achieving adequate depth of anaesthesia, a laryngeal mask was placed and then caudal block was performed with 0.75mLkg(-1), 0.25% bupivacaine. At the end of the surgery, ketamine 0.25mgkg(-1), midazolam 0.03mgkg(-1) and saline were given to ketamine, midazolam and control groups, respectively. Agitation was assessed using Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scale and postoperative pain was evaluated with modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores were found higher in control group than in ketamine and midazolam groups. Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scores were similar between groups. Modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale and Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scores showed a significant decrease by time in all groups during follow-up in postanaesthesia care unit. The present study resulted in satisfactory Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scores which are below 10 in all groups. As a conclusion, neither ketamine nor midazolam added to caudal block under sevoflurane anaesthesia did show further effect on emergence agitation. In addition, pain relief still seems to be the major factor in preventing emergence agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Effects of ketamine and midazolam on emergence agitation after sevoflurane anaesthesia in children receiving caudal block: a randomized trial / Efeitos de cetamina e midazolam sobre a incidência de agitação pós-anestesia com sevoflurano em crianças submetidas ao bloqueio caudal: estudo randomizado / Efectos de la ketamina y el midazolam sobre la incidencia de agitación postanestesia con sevoflurano en niños sometidos al bloqueo caudal: estudio aleatorizado

Background and objectives: Emergence agitation is a common postanaesthetic problem in children after sevoflurane anaesthesia. We aimed to compare the effects of ketamine and midazolam administered intravenously, before the end of surgery, for prevention of emergence agitation in children who received caudal block for pain relief under sevoflurane anaesthesia. Methods: 62 American Society of Anesthesiologists patient classification status I children, aged 2–7 years, scheduled for inguinal hernia repair, circumcision or orchidopexy were enrolled to the study. Anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane 8% in a mixture of 50% oxygen and nitrous oxide. After achieving adequate depth of anaesthesia, a laryngeal mask was placed and then caudal block was performed with 0.75 mL kg−1, 0.25% bupivacaine. At the end of the surgery, ketamine 0.25 mg kg−1, midazolam 0.03 mg kg−1 and saline were given to ketamine, midazolam and control groups, respectively. Agitation was assessed using Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scale and postoperative pain was evaluated with modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale. Results and conclusions: Modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores were found higher in control group than in ketamine and midazolam groups. Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scores were similar between groups. Modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale and Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scores showed a significant decrease by time in all groups during follow-up in postanaesthesia care unit. The present study resulted in satisfactory Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scores which are below 10 in all groups. As a conclusion, neither ketamine nor midazolam added to caudal block under sevoflurane anaesthesia did show further effect on emergence agitation. In addition, pain relief still seems to be the major factor in preventing emergence ...

Justificativa e objetivos: A incidência de agitação é um problema pós-anestésico comum em crianças após a anestesia com sevoflurano. Nosso objetivo foi comparar os efeitos de cetamina e midazolam administrados por via intravenosa, antes do término da cirurgia, para prevenir a incidência de agitação em crianças submetidas ao bloqueio caudal para alívio da dor sob anestesia com sevoflurano. Métodos: Foram inscritos no estudo 62 pacientes pediátricos, entre 2-7 anos, estado físico classificado de acordo com a Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologistas (ASA: I), programados para correção de hérnia inguinal, circuncisão ou orquidopexia. A anestesia foi induzida com sevoflurano a 8% em uma mistura de oxigênio (50%) e óxido nitroso (50%). Depois de atingir a profundidade adequada da anestesia, uma máscara laríngea foi colocada e, em seguida, o bloqueio caudal foi feito com bupivacaína a 0,25% (0,75 mL kg−1). No fim da cirurgia, cetamina (0,25 mg kg−1), midazolam (0,03 mg kg−1) e solução salina foram administrados aos grupos cetamina, midazolam e controle, respectivamente. A incidência de agitaçio foi avaliada com a escala Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) e a dor no período pós-operatório avaliada com a escala modificada Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (mCHEOPS). Resultados e conclusões: Os escores de dor da escala modificada mCHEOPS foram maiores no grupo controle do que nos grupos cetamina e midazolam. Os escores PAED foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Os escores dessas duas escalas mostraram uma diminuição significativa do tempo em todos os grupos durante o acompanhamento em sala de recuperação pós-anestesia. O presente estudo resultou em escores satisfatórios da escala PAED, que ficaram abaixo ...

Introducción y objetivos La incidencia de agitación es un problema postanestésico frecuente en niños después de la anestesia con sevoflurano. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar los efectos de la ketamina y del midazolam administrados por vía intravenosa antes del término de la cirugía para prevenir la incidencia de agitación en niños sometidos al bloqueo caudal para alivio del dolor bajo anestesia con sevoflurano. Métodos 62 pacientes pediátricos, con edades entre 2 y 7 años, estado físico clasificado de acuerdo con la Sociedad Norteamericana de Anestesiólogos (ASA I), programados para la corrección de hernia inguinal, circuncisión o orquidopexia fueron inscritos en el estudio. La anestesia se indujo con sevoflurano al 8% en una mezcla de oxígeno al 50% y óxido nitroso al 50%. Después de alcanzar la profundidad adecuada de la anestesia, una mascarilla laríngea se colocó y enseguida el bloqueo caudal se realizó con bupivacaína al 0,25% (0,75 ml kg−1). Al final de la cirugía, la ketamina (0,25 mg kg−1), el midazolam (0,03 mg kg−1) y la solución salina fueron administrados a los grupos ketamina, midazolam y control, respectivamente. La incidencia de agitación se evaluó usando la escala Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium y el dolor en el período postoperatorio se calculó con la escala modificada Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale. Resultados y conclusiones Las puntuaciones de dolor de la escala modificada Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale fueron más elevadas en el grupo control que en los grupos ketamina y midazolam. Las puntuaciones de la Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium fueron parecidas entre los grupos. Las puntuaciones de esas 2 escalas arrojaron una reducción significativa del tiempo en todos los grupos durante el ...

Comparison of the effects of fentanyl, remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine on neuromuscular blockade.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to compare the effects of fentanyl, remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine on neuromuscular blockade under sevoflurane anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty-four patients were randomized to fentanyl, remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine groups. In the fentanyl group, fentanyl 1.5 µg/kg was given before induction of anesthesia, and additional 50-µg boluses were administered. In the remifentanil group, the initial dose of remifentanil 1 µg/kg was infused in 10 min before induction and 0.1 µg/kg/min infusion was continued during anesthesia. In the dexmedetomidine group, the initial dose of dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg was infused in 10 min before induction and 1 µg/kg/h infusion was continued during anesthesia. Heart rate, blood pressure, SpO(2), EtCO(2), and TOF (train-of-four) values of all patients were monitored during anesthesia. Times to reach TOF 0 and TOF 25% and intubation quality were recorded. RESULTS: T (0) times and quality of intubation were found to be similar among the groups. T (25) time was found to be significantly longer in the dexmedetomidine group than in the fentanyl and remifentanil groups. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine infusion increased the duration of neuromuscular blockade with vecuronium during general anesthesia. In addition to analgesic and sedative effects, dexmedetomidine may enhance the duration of neuromuscular blockade and may be used as an adjuvant anesthetic during general anesthesia.

Enoxaparin effect on malondialdehyde levels in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: This study was established to assess the effects of low dose enoxaparin on plasma malondialdehyde levels during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a model of ischemia-reperfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients, scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were randomized into two groups of 25 patients in each. In enoxaparin group, patients had 20 mg/0.2 ml subcutaneous (sc) enoxaparin 2 hr before surgery. Blood samples were obtained for malondialdehyde, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, measurements before the insufflation, 1 min before deflation, and 20 min after deflation. RESULTS: Plasma malondialdehyde concentrations were insignificant between enoxaparin and control groups before insufflation (1.64 ± 2.66 vs. 2.45 ± 4.42 µmol l(-1); p = 0.44) and 1 min before deflation (1.55 ± 2.61 vs. 3.66 ± 5.68 µmol l(-1); p = 0.38). Malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in control group 20 min after deflation in respect to enoxaparin group (1.52 ± 2.67 vs. 6.04 ± 7.85 µmol l(-1)), (p = 0.049). In control group, plasma malondialdehyde concentrations increased significantly compared with initial level throughout the study (p = 0.001). Within enoxaparin group, no statistically significant change was observed (p = 0.28). Plasma alanine transferase and aspartate transferase levels increased similarly in both groups during the study (p > 0.05). Alanine transferase and aspartate transferase increases within each group were statistically significant for all times (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: As a conclusion, mini dose of enoxaparin used sc'ly 2 hr before the operation, prevented the malondialdehyde increase during reperfusion period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy without causing any bleeding disorder while having no effect on serum alanine transferase, aspartate transferase increase.

Dexmedetomidine reduces the ischemia-reperfusion injury markers during upper extremity surgery with tourniquet.

PURPOSE: We examined the effect of dexmedetomidine on ischemia-reperfusion injury due to tourniquet application during upper-extremity surgery by determining blood malondialdehyde and hypoxanthine levels. Alterations in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, uric acid, and creatinine levels were also assessed. METHODS: Forty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to II having hand and forearm surgery with tourniquet were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Brachial plexus anesthesia via axillary approach was performed for upper-limb block in all patients. In the dexmedetomidine group, a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine (1 microg/kg for 10 minutes, followed by 0.5 microg kg(-1) h(-1)) was used until the end of surgery, whereas the control group received an equivalent volume of saline. Venous blood samples were obtained before brachial plexus anesthesia, at 1 minute before tourniquet release, and 15 minutes after tourniquet release for biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine significantly attenuated plasma hypoxanthine production in the ischemia and plasma malondialdehyde production in the reperfusion periods. Blood creatine phosphokinase and uric acid levels were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group compared with those in the control group after reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that dexmedetomidine may offer advantages by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the case of anticipated ischemia-reperfusion injury, such as would occur in upper-extremity surgery requiring tourniquet application. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Efficacy of lornoxicam in postoperative analgesia after total knee replacement surgery.

In total knee replacement operation, patients have a severe pain in the postoperative period. Because of side effects of opioids, multiple postoperative pain treatment regimens are more suitable in these elderly patients. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study, the effect of lornoxicam administration (32 mg/48 hour) on morphine consumption and drug-related side effects were investigated in elderly patients undergoing total knee replacement. Group M (n=23) and Group L (n=23) received morphine with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) device postoperatively. Additionally Group L received lornoxicam 16 mg intravenously 15 minutes before surgery and 8 mg at postoperative 12th and 24th hours. Morphine consumption in Group L were significantly lower than in Group M at 2, 3, 6, 8, 24, 36 and 48th postoperative hours (p<0.05). At the end of 48th hour mean total morphine consumptions (mean+/-SD) for Group M and Group L were 63.70+/-15.70 mg and 34.60+/-16.32 mg, respectively. AUC (area under the curve) Morphine 0-48h in Group M was 59+/-13 and in Group L it was 30+/-13 (p<0.001). Incidence of side effects in Group M were 60% and 25% in Group L (p<0.05). In Group M, 8 patients (40%) experienced nausea and 3 (15%) patients experienced itching where as in Group L, 3 patients (15%) experienced nausea, 1 patient (5%) itching, 1 patient (5%) dry mouth. Lornoxicam administration in total knee replacement is associated with decreased morphine consumption for postoperative analgesia and fewer side effects.