Successful use of sugammadex for caesarean section in a patient with myasthenia gravis / O uso bem-sucedido de sugamadex para cesariana em paciente com miastenia grave

Abstract Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by muscle weakness that fluctuates, worsening with exertion, and improving with rest. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is made following clinical and physical examination and is confirmed by serum immunoassays to measure autoantibody levels. Myasthenia gravis especially when associated with pregnancy is a high-risk disease, and its course is unpredictable. We described the second report about use of sugammadex after rocuronium for a caesarean delivery with myasthenia gravis, but, unlike our case that formerly was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, the patient was extubated on postoperative successfully and we did not encounter any respiratory problems.

Resumo Miastenia grave (MG) é uma doença autoimune caracterizada por fraqueza muscular que flutua, piora com o esforço físico e melhora com o repouso. O diagnóstico de MG é feito após exame clínico e físico e confirmado por imunoensaios séricos para medir os níveis de autoanticorpos. MG, especialmente quando associada à gravidez, é uma doença de alto risco e de curso imprevisível. Descrevemos o segundo relato sobre o uso de sugamadex após rocurônio para uma cesariana com miastenia grave, mas, ao contrário de nosso caso, que foi previamente diagnosticado com miastenia grave, a paciente foi extubada com sucesso no pós-operatório sem qualquer problema respiratório.

Successful use of sugammadex for caesarean section in a patient with myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by muscle weakness that fluctuates, worsening with exertion, and improving with rest. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is made following clinical and physical examination and is confirmed by serum immunoassays to measure autoantibody levels. Myasthenia gravis especially when associated with pregnancy is a high-risk disease, and its course is unpredictable. We described the second report about use of sugammadex after rocuronium for a caesarean delivery with myasthenia gravis, but, unlike our case that formerly was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, the patient was extubated on postoperative successfully and we did not encounter any respiratory problems.

[Successful use of sugammadex for caesarean section in a patient with myasthenia gravis]. / O uso bem­sucedido de sugamadex para cesariana em paciente com miastenia grave.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by muscle weakness that fluctuates, worsening with exertion, and improving with rest. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is made following clinical and physical examination and is confirmed by serum immunoassays to measure autoantibody levels. Myasthenia gravis especially when associated with pregnancy is a high-risk disease, and its course is unpredictable. We described the second report about use of sugammadex after rocuronium for a caesarean delivery with myasthenia gravis, but, unlike our case that formerly was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, the patient was extubated on postoperative successfully and we did not encounter any respiratory problems.

Cytomegalovirus pneumonia and pulmonary haemorrhage in a patient with polyarteritis nodosa.

Cytomegaloviruses are opportunistic pathogens that cause lung infection in immunocompromised individuals. A 24-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with complaints of cough, fever and dyspnoea. He was receiving immunosuppressive therapy for polyarteritis nodosa. A chest X-ray showed heterogeneous right-sided opacity in the middle and lower lung zones. The diagnosis of cytomegalovirus pneumonia was confirmed by positive testfor serum cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies.Oneday after admission, haemoptysis developed and patient with hemoptysis who had shortness of breath was intubated. Computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral alveolar opacity.

Effects of Theophylline with Methylprednisolone Combination Therapy on Biomechanics and Histopathology in Diaphragm Muscles of Rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of theophylline and methylprednisolone on the mechanical response and histopathology of hemidiaphragm muscle in rats. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of theophylline and methylprednisolone, which are frequently used in clinics and which have different effects on the respiratory system and on the biomechanics and histopathology of the diaphragm muscle. The study included four groups of rats. Group T received 1 mg/kg of intraperitoneal theophylline, group M received 2 mg/kg of intraperitoneal methylprednisolone, group TM received 1 mg/kg of intraperitoneal theophylline plus 2 mg/kg of intraperitoneal methylprednisolone, and group K received of 1 mL intraperitoneal isotonic solution (of 0.9 % NaCl). The medications were continued for 7 days in each group. The rats underwent cervical dislocation under anesthesia on the eighth day, and their diaphragm samples were extracted. The left hemidiaphragm was used for the investigation of biomechanical parameters, and the right hemidiaphragm was used for the histopathological evaluation. It was observed that the medication administered in group T increased the contraction strength and duration compared with that in group M. Additionally, the duration of semi-relaxation was prolonged in group T compared with group M. The highest contraction strength and the longest contraction period among all of the groups were observed in group TM. It was concluded that the combined use of theophylline and methylprednisolone had positive effects on the contraction strength and the durations of contraction and semi-relaxation of the diaphragm muscle. In addition, both drugs had synergistic effects on each other.

Serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, oxidative and antioxidative parameters in operating room personnel.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases on myeloperoxidase activity, oxidative and antioxidative parameters in operating room personnel. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, in May 2011, and comprised equal number of operating room and non-operating room personnel. Serum myeloperoxidase activity, sulfhydryl group levels, lipid hydroperoxide levels and catalase activity were determined. SPSS 11 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There were 64 subjects; 32(50%) each in the two groups. Myeloperoxidase activity and lipid hydroperoxide levels were significantly higher in operating room personnel than in the non-operating room personnel (p<0.001; p<0.001), while catalase activity and sulfhydryl group levels were significantly lower (p<0.009; p<0.003). Catalase activity negatively correlated with lipid hydroperoxide levels in operating room personnel (r=-0.293; p=0.018). Myeloperoxidase activity negatively correlated with sulfhydryl group levels in operating room personnel (r=-0.267; p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Operating room personnel exhibited higher oxidative stress, which may be due to the oxidative effect of anaesthetic gases.

Effects of Sugammadex and Neostigmine on Renal Biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Neostigmine, the currently commonly used agent for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Sugammadex is a novel and unique compound designed as an antagonist of steroidal neuromuscular blockers. In this study, we evaluated the effects of sugammadex or neostigmine on kidney functions in patients scheduled for elective surgery. MATERIAL/METHODS: Patients scheduled for a surgical procedure under desflurane/opioid anesthesia received an intubating dose rocuronium. Patients were divided into 2 groups receiving either sugammadex or neostigmine atropine to reverse neuromuscular blockade. Cystatin C, creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, and calcium levels in the blood and α1microglobulin, ß2microglobulin, and microalbumin levels in the urine were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the demographic data. In the Neostigmine Group, although ß2microglobulin and microalbumin were similar, a significant increase was found in the postoperative α1microglobulin and cystatin C values. In the Sugammadex Group, although ß2-microglobulin and cystatin C were similar, a significant increase was found in the postoperative α1-microglobulin and microalbumin values. The only significant difference was cystatin C value variation in the Neostigmine Group compared to the Sugammadex Group. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the use of more specific and sensitive new-generation markers like cystatin C to evaluate kidney function will provide a better understanding and interpretation of our results. Sugammadex has more tolerable effects on kidney function in patients than does neostigmine. However, when compared to preoperative values, there is a negative alteration of postoperative values. Neostigmine and sugammadex do not cause renal failure but they may affect kidney function.

Comparing effects of low and high-flow anesthesia on hemorheology and coagulation factors.

OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we compared the effects of low- and high-flow anesthesia techniques on hemorheology and coagulation parameters in patients who received sevofluran. METHODS: Forty patients classified as Risk Group I-II according to American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) guidelines who were scheduled to undergo general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Low-flow anesthesia was administered to the first group, and high-flow anesthesia was used in the second group. Blood samples were obtained in the preoperative and peroperative periods (at 60 and 120 min) for determination of blood and plasma viscosity, plasma oncotic pressure, international normalized ratio (INR), phorotrombin time (PT), activated partial phorotrombin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen. Blood was also drawn for analysis of factor VIII (FVIII) activity, which was measured in the preoperative period and at postoperative six hour. RESULTS: The peroperative plasma viscosity was significantly low in Group 1 relative to Group 2. aPTT was significantly elevated at 60 minutes in Group 1 relative to Group 2, but the increase at 120 minutes was not significant. CONCLUSION: The effects of low-flow anesthesia on hemorheology were greater than those of high-flow anesthesia.

Effectivity of one session charcoal hemoperfusion treatment in severe carbamazepine poisoning.

A carbamazepine intoxication with suicide attempt is a relatively common clinical problem that presenting with coma, respiratory depression, arrhythmia, hemodynamic instability and even death. We report a case of severe carbamazepine poisoning that was successfully treated with one session charcoal hemoperfusion. On admission, the patient was comatose and required ventilator support. Hemoperfusion with coated activated charcoal successfully decreased the serum carbamazepine concentration from 45 µg mL(-1) to 21 µg mL(-1) within 2 h, with subsequent clinical improvement.

Is the coexistence of intraoral synechia and cleft palate anomaly a sequence?

Intraoral synechia is a rarely seen intraoral anomaly. As a result of intraoral synechiae, fusion of the palatal shelves may be prevented because of the abnormal interposition of the tongue. Hence, cleft palate anomaly accompanies intraoral synechiae in many patients. The main problem for these patients is the inadequate oral opening for feeding. Flexible nasopharyngeal examination before intubation may help the anesthetist for simple excision of synechiae in the newborn period. In this article, a newborn who had a congenital synechia between the mandible and the maxilla has been presented, and the etiopathogenesis of intraoral synechia and the importance of flexible nasal endoscopy before endotracheal intubation are discussed.

The effect of magnesium sulfate on uncontrollable contractions in a tetanus case.

Tetanus is a rare disease caused by the exotoxins of Clostridium tetani. Higher mortality rates have been reported among the elderly and in the newborn. In this report of a tetanus case, the treatment and prognosis of contractions resistant to diazepam, midazolam, and atracurium infusion has been evaluated.

Clinical outcomes of suture delay in forehead flap.

The delay phenomenon is a surgical procedure performed to raise a wider skin flap and to improve the survival of skin flaps. Surgery, chemicals, sutures, and lasers can be used for the delay procedure. In this study, delayed forehead flaps created by suturing were used for coverage of nasal skin defects in eleven patients. In 7 patients, the cross-paramedian forehead flap was used to increase the extent of flap lengthening. In the first session, suture delay was performed on both sides of the forehead flap margin. In the second session, the flap was elevated and sutured to its new position, 7 to 10 days after the initial surgery. All flaps were completely viable, and patient satisfaction was optimal in all cases. The positive effect of surgical delay on flap survival has been shown in experimental and clinical studies. However, experimentally, suture delay or chemical delay procedures have been shown to be beneficial in flap survival only. Suture delay seems to be an inexpensive, effective, easily performed, atraumatic, and safe technique, especially among patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, smoking patients who may lose the flap, or patients who need very wide and long flaps.

Reconstruction of lower lip with myomucosal advancement flap.

BACKGROUND: In this article, a new surgical procedure that can be used for reconstruction of lower lip defects of any size is described. METHODS: In this prospective study, the surgical procedure was applied in 16 patients. In this procedure, the mucosa and the orbicularis oris muscle of the lower lip are repaired with a composite flap, and the skin defect is closed using local skin flaps. The patients were assessed in terms of complications, mouth opening, sphincter function of the mouth, and sensation in the lower lip. RESULTS: The aesthetic results obtained in all patients were satisfactory. Sufficient oral sphincter function was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of lower lip defects using the procedure described here can be performed in patients with lower lip defects of any size as long as the mucosal and skin repair lines are not superimposed. This procedure yielded good sphincter function and aesthetic results.

Effects of lidocaine infiltration on cost of rhinoplasty made under general anesthesia.

This study aimed to compare the effects of combined and noncombined lidocaine with adrenaline infiltration in general anesthesia (GA) procedures, in which the standard anesthesia depth is monitored by Bispectral Index monitoring, on minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) levels and the costs. Following approval by the local ethics committee, an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I­II group of 40 adult patients for whom elective rhinoplasties under GA were planned was divided into 2 double-blind randomized groups. In group 1, GA and lidocaine + adrenaline were administered, whereas in group 2, only GA and adrenaline were administered. All the patients who had been taken to the operation room underwent electrocardiography and measurements of the peripheral oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, heart rate, mean blood pressure, and Bispectral Index monitoring. Using the operation time and the MAC% values, the total consumed inhalation agent amounts were calculated, and the cost difference was determined. The mean blood pressure values were lower in group 1 (P < 0.05). In group 1, the MAC% was 20.83% lower than that of group 2; the consumed desflurane amount was 20.29%, and the cost was 20.29% lower than that of group 2 (P < 0.05). In rhinoplasties under GA, the lidocaine + adrenaline combination infiltration not only decreased inhaled anesthetic requirement and cost but also supported the hemodynamic stability. In addition, surgical satisfaction increased in the lidocaine + adrenaline group because of small number of agitated patients during the recovery period.

Primary repair of the alveolar cleft.

Nasoalveolar fistula and oropharyngeal fistula of the anterior palatal region are very commonly seen in cases when there are concomitant clefts of the lip and the palate. Absence of adequate tissue in that region complicates the treatment and necessitates new tissue transfers from near or distant tissues. Today, the techniques used for correcting cleft lip cannot successfully solve these 2 problems. In this study, we describe a technique that depends on the principle of using the lip mucosal tissues that remains during the Tennison cleft lip correction technique, with a flap designation, to correct the tissue defect of the cleft between the foramen incisivum and lip and the alveolar region. Twenty-two patients (13 boys and 9 girls), with ages ranging from 3 to 53 months (mean, 24 mo), with unilateral cleft lip and palate underwent surgery with this new technique. In all these patients, clefts in the anterior palatal and alveolar regions were successfully corrected. Fistula was observed in none of these patients in these regions. Through this method, clefts in the anterior palatal and alveolar regions can be corrected during repair of cleft lips.

A case report of a patient with cleft palate carrying the risk of tetraplegia.

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) is an inherited disorder of bone growth that results in short-trunk dwarfism, skeletal abnormalities, disorders in vision and hearing, atlanto-axial instability, and cleft palate. This important anomaly of the cervical vertebrae carries the risk of tetraplegia during cleft palate operations. In this case report, we discuss a case of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, the perioperative and postoperative measures, and the risk of tetraplegia.

Management of a severe carbamazepine overdose with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration.

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a commonly used antiepileptic agent. Common toxic effects include neurological abnormalities; ataxia, seizures, coma, cardiorespiratory problems; dysrhythmias; conduction disorders; respiratory depression; and eye abnormalities, such as nystagmus and ophthalmoplegia. Carbamazepine is highly protein bound. There is no antidote for the medication. Carbamazepine is not removed effectively through conventional hemodialysis. Supportive measures and charcoal hemoperfusion have been regarded as efficient treatment methods. We herein report a 17-year old girl to whom continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration lacking the albumin-enhance after suicidal overdose of CBZ was performed. We suggest continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration lacking the albumin-enhance as an alternative emergency treatment modality for cases who had ingested CBZ in toxic levels.