Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 25
Filter
1.
Anaesthesist ; 69(10): 765-778, 2020 10.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32975587

ABSTRACT

During surgical repair of aortic pathologies (e.g. dissection, aneurysms), cross-clamping of the aorta or overstenting of critical segmental arteries can lead to ischemia- and edema-related spinal cord damage with subsequent paraplegia. By regulating cerebrospinal fluid pressure, the spinal catheter is an effective method for prophylaxis and treatment of spinal cord ischemia. Due to the high complication rate of the spinal catheter a detailed risk-benefit assessment is obligatory: besides cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postpuncture headaches and local infections, feared complications, such as intracranial bleeding, meningitis and neuraxial hematomas can also occur, sometimes with a significant latent period after termination of the procedure. Adequate training of personnel in the perioperative handling of spinal catheters and meticulous adherence to drainage parameters are important components for increasing procedural safety. This is particularly true since the clinical aspects of catheter-associated complications only slightly differ from that of ischemic spinal cord injury.


Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic , Spinal Cord Ischemia , Catheters , Drainage , Humans , Paraplegia , Spinal Cord Ischemia/etiology , Spinal Cord Ischemia/prevention & control
2.
Anaesthesist ; 69(8): 599-608, 2020 08.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32405690

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the social media, the press and the internet have reported more about the topic of "legal highs" and new psychoactive substances (NPS). The use of these drugs is accompanied by a serious risk of undesired side effects, intoxication and even death. The often unknown chemical composition, unspecific clinical presentations and lack of quickly available routine diagnostic tests are aggravating factors in this situation. For anesthesiologists, knowledge of this dangerous substance class plays an important role in the field of preclinical treatment, perioperative management and intensive medical care.


Subject(s)
Anesthesiologists , Illicit Drugs/adverse effects , Illicit Drugs/classification , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Adolescent , Animals , Female , Humans , Male , Substance-Related Disorders/diagnosis , Young Adult
3.
Schmerz ; 34(5): 410-420, 2020 Oct.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32333201

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In previous years numerous acute pain models to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain and to validate treatment procedures have been described. Due to the specific questions addressed by different trials standardized protocols are often missing. Therefore, the research results obtained are only comparable or reproducible to a limited extent. The transferability of acquired knowledge to clinical pain is limited by the mostly short test duration of already established models. METHOD: The aim of this study was to establish a standardized protocol for an acute pain model that induces nociceptive thermal stimuli of defined intensity and variable duration using a device for quantitative sensory testing (QST). The greatest possible exclusion of factors influencing pain perception was achieved. In order to reduce the risk of thermal tissue damage a capsaicin cream was applied to the test area, which led to a significant increase in the perceived pain intensity of heat stimuli. RESULTS: From previously performed experiments on thermal pain thresholds and temporal aspects of pain adaptation, the parameters for stimulus lengths and thermode temperatures for a cold and heat pain model could be derived. The acute pain model established here was able to induce significant heat and cold pain stimuli over variable periods of time. An average pain intensity of NRS ≥ 6 was reported by the test participants. Among the 30 subjects no tests were terminated due to intolerance. CONCLUSION: The established acute pain model in this study is characterized by the induction of thermal pain stimuli of defined intensity and variable duration. There is no danger of significant thermal tissue damage and the pain was tolerated by all study participants. The pain model can easily be established using a device for quantitative sensory testing.


Subject(s)
Acute Pain , Pain Measurement , Cold Temperature , Hot Temperature , Humans , Models, Theoretical , Pain Perception , Pain Threshold
4.
Schmerz ; 33(6): 539-548, 2019 Dec.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31346772

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients with chronic pain should be carried out in interdisciplinary multimodal pain programs of which relaxation methods represent an integral part. The German disease management guidelines (NDGM) on nonspecific low back pain currently do not recommend biofeedback as a relaxation technique for chronic low back pain due to inadequate data. Furthermore, health insurances do not cover the costs of this treatment. METHODS: The efficacy of a 2-week biofeedback treatment was evaluated in a study of 10 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain and 10 healthy, age and gender-matched subjects. The parameters "well-being", "depressive mood" and "pain-related disability" were assessed based on three psychometric tests (KAB, ADS and PDI). The pain intensity was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS) and biofeedback measurement parameters themselves as well as stress markers in blood (noradrenaline, cortisol and MMP-2) were also measured. RESULTS: The relaxation response was demonstrated by the biofeedback-parameters. The treatment led to an improvement in well-being, depressive mood and pain-related disability. These results correlated with a reduction of noradrenaline and MMP-2 blood levels, whereas cortisol concentrations showed no change. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback relaxation is a suitable method in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain. Its use in interdisciplinary multimodal pain programs should be encouraged.


Subject(s)
Biofeedback, Psychology , Chronic Pain , Low Back Pain , Stress, Psychological , Biomarkers/blood , Case-Control Studies , Humans , Low Back Pain/therapy , Relaxation Therapy , Stress, Psychological/therapy , Treatment Outcome
5.
Anaesthesist ; 66(11): 829-839, 2017 Nov.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28971215

ABSTRACT

Due to their strong analgesic potency opioids are highly effective in the therapy of acute and particularly cancer-induced chronic pain; however, the individual opioids differ considerably with respect to their pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties and may therefore not be equally applicable for every patient. Caution should be taken especially in patients with impaired organ function. Furthermore, the metabolism of opioids leads to active or inactive metabolites. This process can be substantially influenced by genetic polymorphisms or drug interactions. Knowledge of all these factors for individual opioids, which influence the efficacy and side effects, is therefore crucial. In this review the pharmacology, clinical applications, metabolism and genetic factors of the most important opioids used for pain management are discussed.


Subject(s)
Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use , Pain Management , Pain/drug therapy , Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacokinetics , Cancer Pain/drug therapy , Chronic Pain/drug therapy , Humans
7.
Schmerz ; 29(5): 550-6, 2015 Oct.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26271912

ABSTRACT

A multidisciplinary approach for the management of patients with chronic pain is now well-established in many countries, especially in situations involving a complex disease process in the sense of a biopsychosocial model. Both the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary pain treatment programs and their superiority compared to unimodal therapy has been documented in a number of studies, reviews and meta-analyses, in particular for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. Nevertheless, there are still major shortcomings concerning the definition of multimodal and multidisciplinary treatment and the quality of structures and processes, compared for example to the standards defined by the German Pain Society (Deutsche Schmerzgesellschaft). Furthermore, there is still no consensus on specific therapeutic approaches, the differentiation between responders and non-responders as well as on the tools required for measurement. All these questions will have to be answered by concerted efforts in a multicenter setting.


Subject(s)
Pain Management/methods , Chronic Pain/psychology , Chronic Pain/therapy , Combined Modality Therapy/methods , Humans , Interdisciplinary Communication , Intersectoral Collaboration , Translational Research, Biomedical
8.
Brain Res ; 1527: 47-56, 2013 Aug 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23791919

ABSTRACT

Both the serotonergic and the endocannabinoid system play a major role in mediating fear and anxiety. In the basolateral amygdala (BLA) it has been shown that the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is highly co-expressed with 5-HT3 receptors on GABAergic interneurons suggesting that 5-HT3 receptor activity modulates CB1-mediated effects on inhibitory synaptic transmission. In the present study, we investigated the possible interactions of CB1 and 5-HT3-mediated neuronal processes in the BLA using electrophysiological and behavioural approaches. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed in coronal brain slices of mice. Electric stimuli were delivered to the lateral amygdala to evoke GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (GABAA-eIPSCs) in the BLA. The induction of LTDi, a CB1-mediated depression of inhibitory synaptic transmission, was neither affected by the 5-HT3 antagonists ondansetron (OND; 20 µM) and tropisetron (Trop; 50 nM) nor by the 5-HT3 agonists SR57227A (10 µM). In auditory fear conditioning tests, mice treated with SR57227A (3.0mg/kg i.p.) showed sustained freezing, whereas treatment with Trop (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) decreased the expression of conditioned fear. These effects were overruled by the CB1 antagonist rimonabant (RIM; 3.0 mg/kg), which caused increased freezing with or without co-treatment with Trop. In summary, these experiments do not support a functional interaction between CB1 and 5-HT3 receptors at the level of GABA neurotransmission in the BLA nor in terms of fear regulation.


Subject(s)
Amygdala/metabolism , Fear/physiology , Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism , Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3/metabolism , Synaptic Transmission/physiology , Animals , Conditioning, Classical , Electric Stimulation , Endocannabinoids/metabolism , Immunohistochemistry , Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials/physiology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Microscopy, Confocal , Neural Inhibition/physiology , Neural Pathways/metabolism , Patch-Clamp Techniques , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism
9.
Anaesthesist ; 62(6): 453-9, 2013 Jun.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23670580

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite well-designed concepts of perioperative pain management, recent studies have revealed that a large number of patients still suffer from unacceptable pain after surgery. The purpose of this prospective evaluation was to critically analyze postoperative pain treatment provided by a routinely established, DIN certified acute pain service (APS) at the University Hospital Großhadern in Munich. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,000 consecutive patients received one of the following analgesic procedures: continuous epidural analgesia (EA, n = 401), continuous and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA, n = 305), intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with opioids (PCA, n = 169) or continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB, n = 125). For EA and PCEA, ropivacaine 0.2 % and sufentanil 0.24 µg/ml were administered while peripheral regional analgesia was performed with infusion of ropivacaine 0.2 % only. Patients with PCEA were allowed a 3 mg bolus once per hour on demand. Standardized intravenous PCA was performed with piritramide 2.5 mg/ml, a bolus of 2.5 mg, a lock-out time of 15 min, a maximum of 25 mg/4 h and no background infusion. During the daily visits the APS assessed pain intensity at rest and during movement on a numerical rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain), acceptance of pain, satisfaction with the analgesic procedure, demand of additional non-opioid analgesics, the need for optimization including bolus applications and changes of the infusion rate or retraction of the epidural catheter. The duration of the procedures, side effects and complications were documented. The catheter insertion sites were inspected daily for redness and tenderness on palpation. RESULTS: In general, epidural and peripheral regional analgesic techniques were superior in terms of postoperative analgesia to intravenous opioid PCA and were associated with fewer side effects, such as sedation, nausea, vomiting, obstipation and sensorimotor deficits. A subgroup analysis revealed that in major upper abdominal surgery, EA provided significantly better analgesia at rest and during movement than PCA. In lower abdominal surgery PCEA induced significantly better analgesia than both PCA and EA, especially during movement. Patient satisfaction was generally high and was best with PCEA (95 %) followed by CPNB (94 %), EA (91 %) and PCA (88 %). On the first postoperative day analgesic procedures had to be optimized (e.g. by bolus administration, retraction of catheters or changes to standardized PCA) in 23 % of EA patients, 10 % of PCEA patients, 6 % of PCA patients and 12 % of CPNB patients. Major complications, such as neuraxial hematoma, infections or respiratory depression were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: As described in many prospective studies, this evaluation revealed that for postoperative pain control, regional anesthesia is superior to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with strong opioids in terms of analgesia and side effects. In the setting of a well-organized acute pain service with frequent education and training of all members involved, postoperative pain management is safe and effective. However, regular re-evaluation of the defined and certified procedures is necessary.


Subject(s)
Pain Clinics/standards , Pain, Postoperative/therapy , Adult , Aged , Analgesia, Epidural , Analgesia, Patient-Controlled , Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage , Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use , Anesthesia, Conduction , Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage , Anesthetics, Local/therapeutic use , Catheterization/adverse effects , Catheterization/methods , Female , Germany , Hospitals, University , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nerve Block , Pain Measurement , Patient Satisfaction , Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting/epidemiology , Quality Assurance, Health Care
11.
Schmerz ; 24(5): 459-67, 2010 Sep.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20821234

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The study was performed to reveal the effect of an individualized personal outpatient therapy program, based on a multidisciplinary assessment, on pain and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic pain. METHODS: Fifty patients were prospectively evaluated before and 3 months after establishment of an individualized outpatient therapy program. Health-related quality of life, pain and pain-related disability, depression and motivation to adopt self-management of chronic pain were assessed. Therapy adherence was tested with a structured interview. RESULTS: Only marginal improvements were observed in terms of pain and health-related quality of life. Therapy adherence varied between the different therapies. CONCLUSIONS: An individualized personal outpatient therapy program has only marginal effects on pain and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic pain.


Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care , Pain/psychology , Pain/rehabilitation , Psychotherapy, Group , Quality of Life/psychology , Adult , Aged , Chronic Disease , Combined Modality Therapy , Cooperative Behavior , Depressive Disorder/psychology , Depressive Disorder/rehabilitation , Disability Evaluation , Female , Humans , Interdisciplinary Communication , Interview, Psychological , Male , Middle Aged , Motivation , Pain Measurement , Patient Compliance/psychology , Physical Therapy Modalities , Prospective Studies , Self Care/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires
13.
Schmerz ; 19(6): 521-7, 2005 Nov.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16328555

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in controlling neuroplasticity. METHODS: The pain threshold for electrical stimuli was determined in transgenic mice lacking the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1(-/-)) and in the corresponding respective wild-type animals. Electrophysiological experiments were performed in prepared brain slices to test the effect of endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids on synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the amygdala. RESULTS: The pain threshold was nearly identical in both groups for the first pain induction; however, with repeated pain induction it decreased to a significantly greater extent in the CB1(-/-) mice than in the wild-type animals. Synoptic transmission and the inducibility of LTP were not influenced by the acute pharmacological blockade of CB1 receptors, but inhibited by the CB1 agonist WIN55,212-2. CONCLUSION: The endogenous cannabinoid system is involved in the control of neuroplasticity as part of pain processing . Cannabinoids prevent the formation of LTP in the amygdala via activation of CB1 receptors. Synoptic transmission and the inducibility of LTP were not influenced by the acute pharmacological blockade of CB1 receptors, but inhibited by the CB1 agonist Win55,212-2.


Subject(s)
Endorphins/physiology , Neuronal Plasticity/physiology , Pain/psychology , Receptors, Cannabinoid/physiology , Cannabinoids/metabolism , Electric Stimulation , Humans , Memory
14.
Schmerz ; 17(6): 441-4, 2003 Dec.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-14648318

ABSTRACT

Chronic pain syndromes are characterized by altered neuronal excitability in the pain matrix. The ability to rapidly acquire and store memory of aversive events is one of the basic principles of nervous systems throughout the animal kingdom. These neuroplastic changes take place e. g. in the spinal cord, in thalamic nuclei and cortical and subcortical (limbic) areas integrating pain threshold, intensity and affective components. Chronic inflammation or injury of peripheral nerves evokes the reorganisation of cortical sensory maps. Neurons conveying nociceptive information are controlled by various sets of inhibitory interneurons. The discharge activity of these interneurons counteracts long-term changes in the pain matrix following nociceptor activation, i. e. it prevents the transition of acute pain signaling to chronic pain states. Our most recent research suggests that pain states may be sensitive to novel families of agents and therapeutic measures not predicted by traditional preclinical pain models as well as human pain states. The endogenous cannabinoid system plays a central role in the extinction of aversive memories. We propose that endocannabinoids facilitate extinction of aversive memories via their selective inhibitory effects on GABAergic networks in the amygdala.


Subject(s)
Pain/physiopathology , Acute Disease , Chronic Disease , Complex Regional Pain Syndromes/physiopathology , Humans
15.
Eur J Neurosci ; 17(7): 1411-24, 2003 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12713644

ABSTRACT

Activation of adrenoreceptors modulates synaptic transmission in the basolateral amygdala. Here, we investigated the effects of alpha2-adrenoreceptor activation on long-term depression and long-term potentiation in an in vitro slice preparation of the mouse basolateral amygdala. Field potentials and excitatory postsynaptic currents were evoked in the basolateral amygdala by stimulating the lateral amygdala. Norepinephrine (20 micro m) reduced synaptic transmission and completely blocked the induction of long-term potentiation and long-term depression. The alpha2-adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine (2 micro m) reversed this effect. The alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine (10 micro m) mimicked the effects of norepinephrine. The Gi/o-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin (5 micro g/mL) reversed the effect of clonidine. Long-term depression was blocked in the presence of omega-conotoxin GVIA, but not omega-agatoxin IVA. Clonidine inhibited voltage-activated Ca2+ currents mediated via N- or P/Q-type Ca2+-channels. The inhibitory action of clonidine on long-term depression was reversed when inwardly rectifying K+-channels were blocked by Ba2+ (300 micro m). The present data suggest that alpha2-adrenoreceptor activation impairs the induction of long-term depression in the basolateral amygdala by a Gi/o-protein-mediated inhibition of presynaptic N-type Ca2+-channels and activation of inwardly-rectifying K+-channels.


Subject(s)
Amygdala/physiology , Calcium Channels/metabolism , Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Long-Term Potentiation/physiology , Long-Term Synaptic Depression/physiology , Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying/metabolism , Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2/metabolism , Sulfonamides , 3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases/pharmacology , Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors , Adrenergic alpha-Agonists/pharmacology , Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists/pharmacology , Animals , Barium/pharmacology , Cadmium/pharmacology , Calcium Channel Blockers/pharmacology , Clonidine/pharmacology , Colforsin/pharmacology , Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 4 , Electric Stimulation , Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials/drug effects , Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins/classification , Imines/pharmacology , In Vitro Techniques , Isoquinolines/pharmacology , Membrane Potentials/drug effects , Mice , Norepinephrine/pharmacology , Patch-Clamp Techniques/methods , Pertussis Toxin/pharmacology , Piperazines/pharmacology , Potassium Channel Blockers/pharmacology , Pyridines/pharmacology , Serotonin Antagonists/pharmacology , Yohimbine/pharmacology , omega-Agatoxin IVA/pharmacology , omega-Conotoxins/pharmacology
16.
Eur J Neurosci ; 13(3): 561-8, 2001 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11168564

ABSTRACT

This study investigated whether the nitric oxide pathway was involved in the central effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC), the major psychoactive constituent of cannabis sativa. Body temperature, nociception and locomotion were measured in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) knock-out (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) controls after intraperitoneal application of Delta(9)-THC. These Delta(9)-THC-induced effects are known to be mediated through the brain-type cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). Therefore, in situ hybridization (ISH) experiments were performed in the adult murine brain to determine possible changes in CB1 mRNA levels in nNOS-KO, compared with WT mice, and to reveal brain areas where CB1 and nNOS were coexpressed in the same neurons. We found that an intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg Delta(9)-THC led to the same increase in the hot plate latencies in both genotypes, suggesting that Delta(9)-THC-mediated antinociception does not involve nNOS. In contrast, a significant Delta(9)-THC-induced decrease of body temperature and locomotor activity was only observed in WT, but not in nNOS-KO mice. ISH revealed significantly lower levels of CB1 mRNA in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and the caudate putamen (Cpu) of the nNOS-KO animals, compared with WT mice. Both areas are known to be among the regions involved in cannabinoid-induced thermoregulation and decrease of locomotion. A numerical evaluation of nNOS/CB1 coexpression showed that approximately half of the nNOS-positive cells in the dorsolateral Cpu also express low levels of CB1. ISH of adjacent serial sections with CB1 and nNOS, revealed expression of both transcripts in VMH, suggesting that numerous nNOS-positive cells of VMH coexpress CB1. Our findings indicate that the nitric oxide pathway is involved in some, but not all of the central effects of Delta(9)-THC.


Subject(s)
Brain/metabolism , Dronabinol/analogs & derivatives , Dronabinol/pharmacology , Nitric Oxide Synthase/genetics , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Nociceptors/metabolism , Receptors, Drug/genetics , Animals , Brain/cytology , Brain/drug effects , Gene Expression/physiology , In Situ Hybridization , Injections, Intraperitoneal , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Neurons, Afferent/drug effects , Neurons, Afferent/enzymology , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I , Nociceptors/drug effects , Pain Threshold/drug effects , Pain Threshold/physiology , RNA, Messenger/analysis , Receptors, Cannabinoid
17.
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol ; 14(1): 87-91, 2001 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17016389

ABSTRACT

Adequate perioperative pain management has become an important part of thoracic anaesthesia. In the past few years, many trials have been performed to evaluate the efficacy of various analgesic regimens. This review summarizes the most frequently used analgesic techniques, with a particular emphasis on the results of studies and innovative ideas published between August 1999 and August 2000.

18.
Eur J Anaesthesiol ; 17(3): 185-8, 2000 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10758469

ABSTRACT

In this prospective pilot study, nine patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome of the arm were treated with morphine 0.16 mg h-1 (3.84 mg day-1) applied continuously through an axillary brachial plexus catheter. In all of them an oral analgesic medication including the less potent opioid tramadol had not provided sufficient pain relief. During regional treatment, patients were kept in hospital and physiotherapy was carried out frequently in order to improve strength and function of the affected arm. Pain at rest and during movement as well as grip strength were assessed at first visit, during morphine infusion and at a long-term follow-up visit. All assessments improved significantly during plexus analgesia. There were no major opioid related side-effects. The results from this pilot study indicate that continuous axillary brachial plexus analgesia with low dose morphine might be beneficial in patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome of the arm.


Subject(s)
Analgesia , Analgesics, Opioid/therapeutic use , Brachial Plexus , Morphine/therapeutic use , Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/drug therapy , Adult , Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage , Analgesics, Opioid/blood , Arm , Female , Hand Strength/physiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Morphine/administration & dosage , Morphine/blood , Morphine Derivatives/blood , Movement/physiology , Pain Measurement , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies
19.
Anaesthesist ; 49(1): 9-17, 2000 Jan.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10662983

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Continuous epidural analgesia (EA) and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCA) are widely used for postoperative pain control. Studies indicate that both analgesic regimens provide good analgesia after major surgery. However, because of the following reasons it is still unclear whether one of the two modes of application is superior. First, there are conflicting data regarding the differences in pain relief and drug use between epidural and intravenous administration of opioids. Second, in many studies epidural analgesia is performed by a combination of local anaesthetics and opioids. Third, reduced morbidity was observed only in some of the studies, in which epidural analgesia provided better pain relief than systemic opioid supply. Despite these conflicting results, EA with local anaesthetics and fentanyl as well as PCA with piritramid, a highly potent mu-agonist, are routinely used in Germany. The purpose of this study was to compare these two treatments for analgesic efficacy, pulmonary function, incidence of side effects and complications in patients undergoing thoracotomy. METHODS: In this prospective randomized trial 50 patients were included. For postoperative pain control 25 patients (EA group) received thoracic epidural infusion of local anaesthetics (bupivacaine 0.125% or ropivacaine 0,2%) and fentanyl 4,5 microg/ml with a flow rate of 4-10 ml/h. 25 patients received intravenous PCA with piritramid (bolus 2, 5 mg, lock out 15 minutes, maximum of 25 mg/4 h, no background infusion). RESULTS: Analgesia at rest and while coughing, as evaluated by visual analogue scale, was significantly better in the EA group. EA also resulted in superior values of pulmonary function tests, general condition and a lower incidence of sedation and nausea. In contrast, patients with EA reported distinctly more pruritus than patients with PCA. Duration of hospital stay was shorter in the EA group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was one atelectasis in the EA group. No major complications related to EA or PCA were observed. CONCLUSION: In this study EA with local anaesthetics and fentanyl provided superior postoperative pain control and a lower incidence of sedation and nausea compared to intravenous PCA with piritramid, but there was no superiority as to pulmonary complications and duration of hospital stay.


Subject(s)
Analgesia, Patient-Controlled , Anesthesia, Epidural , Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy , Thoracotomy , Analgesia, Patient-Controlled/adverse effects , Anesthesia, Epidural/adverse effects , Humans
20.
Schmerz ; 14(3): 160-74, 2000 Jun.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12800038

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Pain and functional disorders of the neck are widely diagnosed as "cervical spine syndrome". As this diagnosis is not able to sufficiently specify the different symptoms, a new classification with five pain syndromes, created empirically, was developed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive values of the diagnostic criteria respectively clinical findings of patients diagnosed with cervical spine syndrome. METHODS: Within the two year time frame of the study all patients diagnosed with "cervical spine syndrome", which presented themselves at the clinic, were included. The statistic analysis was performed in multiple steps: univariate analyses, bivariate variable screening and the use of the logistic regression model. RESULTS: Within two years 653 patients previously diagnosed as suffering from cervical spine syndrome presented at the clinic; 332 of them were included in the study. According to the diagnostic criteria they were attached to one of the five pain syndromes. The statistical analysis showed in 17 of 35 evaluated diagnostic criteria a significant association to one of the five subgroups of the cervical spine syndrome. CONCLUSION: The statistical analyses revealed significant associations between diagnostic criteria which were assessed by clinical examination and the five subgroups of the cervical spine syndrome. The identified predictors represent the typical syndrome-associated diagnostic criteria of a certain syndrome-subgroup.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...