Novel coronavirus infection in the eastern mediterranean region: time to act.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region of World Health Organization has been an emerging focus for global health after the discovery of a novel coronavirus infection in some countries in the Region. The Region has already witnessed a number of emerging zoonoses with epidemic potential. In view of this new virus, there is now an urgent need for strong public health vigilance and monitoring of the evolution of the virus in the Region. The situation will challenge and test the national health authorities' resilience and ability to respond in a timely manner. This review summarizes the evidence related to the emergence in the Region of new epidemic diseases of predominantly zoonotic origin and the challenges posed by the discovery of the novel coronavirus infection, and outlines recommendations for the countries for early detection, prevention threats from this novel coronavirus infection. and control of public health

Novel coronavirus infection in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: time to act

The Eastern Mediterranean Region of World Health Organization has been an emerging focus for global health after the discovery of a novel coronavirus infection in some countries in the Region. The Region has already witnessed a number of emerging zoonoses with epidemic potential. In view of this new virus, there is now an urgent need for strong public health vigilance and monitoring of the evolution of the virus in the Region. The situation will challenge and test the national health authorities' resilience and ability to respond in a timely manner. This review summarizes the evidence related to the emergence in the Region of new epidemic diseases of predominantly zoonotic origin and the challenges posed by the discovery of the novel coronavirus infection, and outlines recommendations for the countries for early detection, prevention and control of public health threats from this novel coronavirus infection

Effect of epidural dexmedetomidine on intraoperative awareness and post-operative pain after one-lung ventilation.

BACKGROUND: During combined general and regional anaesthesia, it is difficult to use autonomic signs to assess whether wakefulness is suppressed adequately. We compared the effects of a dexmedetomidine-bupivacaine mixture with plain bupivacaine for thoracic epidural anaesthesia on intraoperative awareness and analgesic benefits, when combined with superficial isoflurane anaesthesia (<0.05 maximum alveolar concentration) in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation (OLV). METHODS: Fifty adult male patients were randomly assigned to receive either epidural dexmedetomidine 1 microg/kg with bupivacaine 0.5% (group D) or bupivacaine 0.5% alone (group B) after induction of general anaesthesia. Gasometric, haemodynamic and bispectral index values were recorded. Post-operative verbal rating score for pain and observer's assessment of alertness/sedation scale were determined by a blinded observer. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine reduced the use of supplementary fentanyl during surgery. Patients in group B consumed more analgesics and had higher pain scores after operation than patients of group D. The level of sedation was similar between the two groups in the ICU. Two patients (8%) in group B reported possible intraoperative awareness. There was a limited decrease in PaO2 at OLV in group D compared with group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In thoracic surgery with OLV, the use of epidural dexmedetomidine decreases the anaesthetic requirements significantly, prevents awareness during anaesthesia and improves intraoperative oxygenation and post-operative analgesia.

Analgesic and antacid properties of i.m. tramadol given before Caesarean section under general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Intramuscular (i.m.) tramadol increases gastric pH during anaesthesia similar to famotidine. We investigated the antacid analgesic value of a single dose of i.m. tramadol given 1 h before elective Caesarean section performed under general anaesthesia. METHODS: Sixty ASA I parturients undergoing elective Caesarean section were included in a randomized double-blind study. The patients were randomly allocated to receive i.m. tramadol 100 mg (n=30) or famotidine 20 mg (n=30) 1 h before general anaesthesia. RESULTS: At the beginning and the end of anaesthesia, patients receiving tramadol had a median gastric fluid pH of 6.4, which was not significantly different from those treated with famotidine (median 6.3). The infant well-being, as judged by Apgar score, cord blood gas analysis, and neurobehavioural assessment showed no significant difference between the two groups. Nalbuphine consumption in the first 24 h after operation was reduced by 35% in the tramadol group. Pain intensity score on sitting and sedation were significantly greater in famotidine group up to 24 h after surgery. There was no significant difference in incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A single i.m. dose of tramadol is useful pre-treatment to minimize the risk of acid aspiration during operation, and in improving pain relief during 24 h after surgery.

Ketamine reduces swallowing-evoked pain after paediatric tonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: Ketamine efficacy as an analgesic adjuvant has been studied in several clinical settings with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ketamine on spontaneous and swallowing-evoked pain after tonsillectomy. METHODS: Fifty children were randomized to receive premedication with either ketamine 0.1 mg kg(-1) i.m. or placebo given 20 min before induction of a standard general anaesthesia. All children received rectal diclofenac 2 mg kg(-1) and fentanyl 1 micro g kg(-1) i.v. before surgery. RESULTS: The ketamine group showed significantly lower pain scores both at rest and on swallowing, with less total paracetamol consumption (P < 0.05) during the 24 h after surgery. Significantly more patients required postoperative morphine titration in the control group (P < 0.05). The time to the first oral intake, and duration of i.v. hydration, were significantly shorter and the quality of oral intake was significantly better in the ketamine group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the incidence of vomiting or dreaming between the groups. CONCLUSION: Premedication with a small dose of ketamine reduces swallowing-evoked pain after tonsillectomy in children who received an analgesic regimen combining an opioid and a NSAID.

Effects of intraperitoneal lidocaine combined with intravenous or intraperitoneal tenoxicam on pain relief and bowel recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Previous work has demonstrated that intraperitoneal (i.p.) lidocaine may provide analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to compare pain relief, recovery variables, and side effects after i.p. instillation of lidocaine plus tenoxicam given either i.v. or i.p. after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Ninety patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups to receive either 200 ml normal saline i.p. and 2 ml of normal saline i.v. (saline group), 200 ml lidocaine 0.1% i.p. and 2 ml tenoxicam 20 mg i.v. (tenoxicam i.v. group), or 200 ml lidocaine 0.1% with 20 mg tenoxicam i.p. and 2 ml of normal saline i.v. (tenoxicam i.p. group). The i.p. instillation was made under the right diaphragm and on the gall bladder bed. VAS pain scores at rest, on movement and during coughing, were measured 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after operation. The time to first demand of analgesia, total analgesic requirement, recovery variables, and side effects were investigated. RESULTS: In the tenoxicam i.p. group, pain scores were significantly lower both at rest and on movement and analgesic consumption was reduced compared with the saline group (P<0.05). In the tenoxicam i.v. group, pain scores at rest were significantly lower compared with the saline group. Although recovery of bowel function was significantly faster in the tenoxicam i.p. group (P<0.05), there were no differences in any other recovery characteristics or incidence of nausea between the groups. CONCLUSION: Combination of intraperitoneal lidocaine and tenoxicam provided better analgesia on movement, and faster return of bowel function compared with i.p. lidocaine and i.v. tenoxicam during the 24 h period after surgery.

Topical tenoxicam from pharyngeal pack reduces postoperative sore throat.

BACKGROUND: One puff of beclomethasone inhaler has been shown to reduce the incidence of sore throat following endotracheal intubation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a pharyngeal pack on the incidence of sore throat and whether tenoxicam-impregnated gauze pack significantly influenced the frequency of sore throat. METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing general anaesthesia for elective surgery of the nasal septum were evaluated. The anaesthetist sprayed the upper airway towards the trachea with one puff of beclomethasone inhaler (50 microg) before orotracheal intubation. Patients were randomly assigned to have either a 0.2% tenoxicam- or a 0.9% saline-impregnated gauze pack in the oropharynx during operation. They were evaluated for occurrence and severity of postoperative sore throat by direct questions 12-24 h after surgery. RESULTS: Four patients who experienced any symptoms in the tenoxicam group scored mild sore throat compared to 16 patients in the control group scoring mild, gradually developing moderate or severe sore throat (P<0.01). No drug-related side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative use of a tenoxicam-impregnated gauze pack is effective in reducing moderate or severe postoperative sore throat following the use of throat pack.

Effect of i.v. tenoxicam during caesarean delivery on platelet activity.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time in healthy subjects. We have studied the effect of i.v. tenoxicam during caesarean delivery on skin bleeding time, operative, and postoperative blood loss, and beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 as specific molecular markers for platelet activity. METHODS: Fifty women were studied. Twenty-five were given tenoxicam 20 mg i.v. 10 min before induction of general anaesthesia, and 25 formed a control group. Skin bleeding time and platelet markers were determined the day before and 1 h after induction of anaesthesia. RESULTS: In the tenoxicam group, there was an slight increase in skin bleeding time with no statistically significant changes in platelet marker levels. In the control group, platelet markers increased 1 h after surgery. The surgeon's assessment of uterine relaxation, using a visual analogue score, operating theatre blood loss, and the frequency of bleeding over 24 h after operation, showed no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: During caesarean delivery i.v. tenoxicam causes a slight increase in bleeding time with no significant changes in platelet marker levels.

Intraperitoneal lidocaine for postoperative pain after laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: A controversy exists over the effectiveness and clinical value of intraperitoneal local anaesthetics for treating pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The use of intraperitoneal lidocaine was evaluated in this study. METHODS: At the end of surgery, 200 ml saline containing 200 mg lidocaine, or the same volume of saline, were randomly splashed under the right diaphragmatic surface in 50 patients in a double-blind manner. Postoperative shoulder and abdominal pain intensity were recorded on a numeric grading scale and a visual analogue scale, respectively. Analgesic consumption was also recorded. Respiratory function tests were compared before and after surgery. Side effects and recovery variables were assessed by the nurses at 2-h intervals. RESULTS: The incidence, severity and duration of shoulder pain were reduced from 40% of patients scoring 3.9+/-0.2 for duration of 17.9+/-0.2 h in the control group to 12% scoring 2.5+/-0.5 for duration of 1.6+/-0.01 h in the lidocaine group. Lidocaine treated patients had significantly less abdominal postoperative pain immediately on return to the ward and during the first postoperative day (P<0.05). "No pain on deep inspiration" was reported by 72% of patients in the lidocaine group immediately on return to the ward compared to 8% of those in the control group. Analgesic consumption for 24 h after surgery was significantly less in the lidocaine group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in respiratory function tests, recovery variables or incidence of side effects between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal lidocaine is simple to use and results in a long-lasting reduction of pain after a single administration.

Combination of intra-articular tenoxicam, lidocaine, and pethidine for outpatient knee arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Studies of intra-articular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have revealed an analgesic effect equivalent to that of intra-articular local anaesthetic agents and morphine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of intra-articular lidocaine, pethidine and tenoxicam compared with that of lidocaine and pethidine on postoperative pain after arthroscopy. METHODS: After day-case knee arthroscopy, 60 patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups to receive 20 ml of a solution containing 0.9% saline (group S), 2% lidocaine and 10 mg preservative-free pethidine (group LP) and 2% lidocaine, 10 mg preservative-free pethidine and 20 mg tenoxicam (group LPT). Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and measuring analgesic requirements. RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly lower in the LP group than in the S group at 1 and 2 h after surgery. From 4 h until the end of the first postoperative day, pain scores were significantly lower in the LPT group of patients at rest and on knee flexion than in the other two groups; these patients also used less oral analgesics (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of 20 ml lidocaine 2%, 10 mg pethidine and 20 mg tenoxicam given intra-articularly provided superior analgesia and reduced oral analgesic requirement during the first day after arthroscopy compared with lidocaine and pethidine alone.

Intravenous fluid and postoperative nausea and vomiting after day-case termination of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Deprivation of oral fluid before minor surgery has been alleged to cause postoperative nausea. We examined the effect of intraoperative fluid load on postoperative nausea and vomiting over 3 d after day-case termination of pregnancy. METHODS: In a randomized study, 100 patients were allocated into one of two groups; receiving 1000 ml of compound sodium lactate solution during surgery or no intraoperative fluid. Propofol and alfentanil was used to induce and maintain anaesthesia with nitrous oxide (67%) and oxygen (33%). Visual analogue scores for nausea and pain, the time and frequency of emetic episodes, analgesic and antiemetic consumption were recorded for 3 d postoperatively. RESULTS: The scores of nausea were significantly lower in the fluid group (P < 0.05) compared with the control group at 1, 2, 4 h and during 24-48 h following surgery. The incidence of emesis was lower (P < 0.01) after discharge, and the time to first oral fluid was shorter (P < 0.05) in the fluid group. There was no difference in pain score or analgesic consumption between the groups. Five patients (10%) in the control group requested antiemetic medication compared with none in the fluid group. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative fluid administration may offer some benefit in decreasing the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting following day-case surgery.

Inclusion of pethidine in lidocaine for infiltration improves analgesia following tonsillectomy in children.

BACKGROUND: Previous work has demonstrated that pethidine exerts local anaesthetic effects on peripheral nerves in vivo. We examined the effects of infiltration anaesthesia by a combination of pethidine and lidocaine on post-tonsillectomy pain and restlessness in children. METHODS: Eighty children were randomly allocated to receive peritonsillar infiltration postoperatively with 3 ml of lidocaine 2% (1.5 ml on each side) combined with either 0.1 ml pethidine, 10 mg.ml-1, (pethidine group) or 0.1 ml normal saline (control group). Pain and behaviour were assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 h postoperatively and on the following morning by the patients and by a nurse blinded to previous treatment. RESULTS: Patients in the pethidine group had lower pain scores than those in the control group at rest as well as swallowing during the whole observation period (P < 0.05). Paracetamol was given to 34/40 children in the control group and to 6/40 children in the pethidine group. The corresponding figures for pethidine administration were 6/40 and 0/40, respectively. Patients in the pethidine group displayed a more rapid return to calm wakefulness than those in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Inclusion of a low dose of pethidine in lidocaine for tonsillar infiltration improves pain relief after tonsillectomy in children.

Intra-articular tenoxicam relieves post-arthroscopy pain.

BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been documented to be effective in the treatment of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of local intra-articular injection of tenoxicam compared with intravenous injection on postoperative pain after arthroscopy. METHODS: After day-case arthroscopy, 60 patients were randomized to receive either tenoxicam 20 mg in 20 ml of normal saline intra-articularly and 2 ml of normal saline i.v., or 20 ml of normal saline intra-articularly and 2 ml tenoxicam 20 mg i.v. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and measuring analgesic requirements. RESULTS: Pain scores were significantly lower in the intra-articular group at rest and during active flexion of the knee at 1, 2 and 4 hours postoperatively and during walking at 6 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). Significantly more patients in the intravenous group required supplemental opioid analgesia within the first 4 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intra-articular tenoxicam 20 mg provided better analgesia and decreased the requirements for postoperative analgesic compared with i.v. tenoxicam 20 mg.

Comparison of preoperative with postoperative topical lidocaine spray on pain after tonsillectomy.

Seventy-five children aged 4-6 years scheduled for tonsillectomy were randomly allocated to receive either topical tonsillar spray with 10% lidocaine 4 mg kg-1 3 minutes before surgical incision; identical tonsillar spray after both tonsils had been removed; or no topical spray (control group). There were significant differences in postoperative pain between the lidocaine groups and the control group at 0.5 and one hour after awaking (P < 0.05). Also in the lidocaine groups, consumption of paracetamol on the day of operation was less, and additional postoperative pethidine was not required. There were no significant differences between pre- and postoperative lidocaine groups in pain scores during the observation period but the use of pre-operative lidocaine tended to be associated with a more rapid return to calm wakefulness. Topical lidocaine seemed to have short-acting analgesic activity. The results of this study do not support the theory of pre-emptive analgesia.

I.v. tenoxicam for analgesia during caesarean section.

We have studied the analgesic efficacy of a single i.v. dose of tenoxicam 20 mg, given 10 min before induction of anaesthesia in 25 patients undergoing elective Caesarean section. Another group of 25 similar patients served as controls. Nalbuphine consumption in the first 24 h after operation was reduced by 50% when tenoxicam was given. The median time to first request for analgesia was increased from 25 to 110 min in the tenoxicam group. Subjective experiences of pain and sedation were significantly greater in the control group up to 24 h after operation. The haemodynamic variability after intubation was of shorter duration in the tenoxicam group. There was no significant difference in incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups. The surgeon's assessment of uterine relaxation and bleeding, using a visual analogue score, and infant well-being, as judged by Apgar score and cord blood-gas analysis, showed no significant difference between the two groups. There was no evidence of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus or pulmonary hypertension. We conclude that a single i.v. dose of tenoxicam is a useful pretreatment to minimize the haemodynamic variability of light general anaesthesia at induction-delivery and in reducing 24 h postoperative opioid consumption.

Addition of atracurium to lidocaine for intravenous regional anaesthesia.

This study was undertaken to examine the possible clinical advantages of using muscle relaxant with intravenous regional anaesthesia, (IVRA). Forty unpremedicated adult patients undergoing hand surgery were randomly allocated to receive either 40 ml 0.5% lidocaine or 40 ml 0.5% lidocaine with 2 mg of atracurium. The atracurium group of patients had a significantly greater degree of muscle relaxation, easier reduction of fractures, and better operative conditions (P < 0.01). Less pain was also reported during surgery (P < 0.025), and 5 and 15 min after release of the tourniquet (P < 0.01). Clinically, there was no difference in the speed of onset of block between the two groups. It is concluded that the addition of atracurium to lidocaine improves the operating condition during IVRA with less pain during and after surgery.

Painless dental extraction in children.

A controlled investigation was undertaken to compare topical lignocaine and rectal paracetamol in the prevention of pain after day case dental extraction in children under general anaesthesia. Sixty patients were allocated randomly to receive intraoperatively either topical lignocaine 4 mg/kg (group A), rectal paracetamol 10 mg/kg (group B) or no analgesia (group C) immediately after completion of surgery. Pain, appearance and side-effects were assessed 15, 30 and 60 minutes postoperatively. The patients who received topical lignocaine (group A) had significantly lower pain scores at 15 minutes (p < 0.001) and 30 minutes (p < 0.01) with no need for postoperative analgesia. The use of topical lignocaine was associated with a significantly (p < 0.01) more rapid return to a calm awake appearance at 15 and 30 minutes postoperatively. Patients in group C who received no analgesia at the end of the operation received 10 mg/kg acetyl salicylic acid intramuscularly after their return to the ward. No significant differences in the incidence of nausea, vomiting, or any other toxic reaction were found between the three groups. The improved analgesia and shorter recovery period topical lignocaine render it more satisfactory for the prevention of pain after day dental extraction in children than the more commonly used rectal paracetamol.

A comparison of intravenous ketoprofen with pethidine for postoperative pain relief following nasal surgery.

A controlled investigation was conducted to compare the efficacy of ketoprofen and pethidine in relief of postoperative pain after nasal surgery. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to receive intravenous ketoprofen 1.5 mg.ml-1 or pethidine 1 mg.kg-1 during induction of anaesthesia. Appearance, pain and headache were assessed 1, 2, and 4 h postoperatively, and the following morning. The use of ketoprofen was associated with a significantly faster recovery from anaesthesia (P less than 0.001), and a more rapid return to calm awakening (P less than 0.05). Patients who received ketoprofen had significantly lower pain and headache scores (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.001, respectively), and required significantly (P less than 0.05) less postoperative analgesia. No significant difference in incidence and severity of postoperative nausea or vomiting was found between the two groups at any time. A single intravenous dose of ketoprofen during anaesthesia may offer an advantage compared to pethidine in reducing postoperative pain following nasal surgery.

Cardiac dysrhythmias during nasal surgery--a comparison with lignocaine-adrenaline and prilocaine-octapressin during halothane anaesthesia.

The incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias and adequacy of haemostasis during nasal surgery under deep halothane anaesthesia were studied following nasal infiltration with 10 ml of either 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline 1:200,000 or prilocaine 1.5% with octapressin 0.03 IU per ml. There was a significant difference in the incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias between patients given octapressin 2% and patients given adrenaline infiltration (18%) p greater than 0.01. Adequate haemostasis was observed in 84% of patients who received octapressin with no adverse effects compared to 94% of the group which received adrenaline (p greater than 0.01). We suggest for the use of lignocaine-adrenaline during halothane anaesthesia that adequate ventilation is assured, deep halothane anaesthesia given, the infiltration delayed 10 minutes after tracheal intubation, the rate of injection adjusted to 10 ml in a 10-minute period and a total dose of adrenaline does not exceed 0.6 microgram/kg.