Survey on the adequacy of depth of anaesthesia with bispectral index and isolated forearm technique in elective Caesarean section under general anaesthesia with sevoflurane.

BACKGROUND: Awareness during general anaesthesia for Caesarean section (C/S), although uncommon, remains a concern for anaesthesiologists. We examined the relationship between the bispectral index (BIS) and responses to the isolated forearm technique (IFT) to evaluate the adequacy of general anaesthesia in C/S and determine a suitable cut-off point for BIS values based on IFT results. METHODS: In 61 parturients, a standardized anaesthetic technique was applied. It included sodium thiopental and succinylcholine for induction, and O2, N2O, and sevoflurane for maintenance of anaesthesia. BIS values and IFT response were recorded at 16 predetermined events during anaesthesia. RESULTS: Positive IFT responses were seen in 41%, 46%, and 23% of the parturients at laryngoscopy, intubation, and skin incision, respectively. BIS could not reliably differentiate between IFT responders and non-responders during these three stages. The receiver operating characteristic curve cut-off points for BIS to predict IFT responders with 100% sensitivity were 34, 37, and 27, respectively, for these stages. In all stages of the operation after skin incision, more than 90% of parturients had no IFT test response, and BIS values between 40 and 63 were associated with negative IFT results. During a structured interview within 12-24 h after the operation, no patient had evidence of explicit recall of intraoperative events. CONCLUSIONS: The BIS is not reliable for monitoring anaesthesia depth in C/S. Lower than previously recommended values are needed to avoid IFT test responses during laryngoscopy, intubation, and skin incision.

Sustained-release fampridine in Multiple Sclerosis.

Sustained-release fampridine, a slow release formulation of 4-aminopryridine, is a voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker licensed for the treatment of walking difficulties in multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have demonstrated that approximately one-third of MS patients respond with a clear benefit to their walking speed. Sustained-release Fampridine is not currently available on the National Health Service (NHS), although it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA and European Medicine Agency (EMA). It appears to have an acceptable adverse event profile, with data from open-label extension studies now becoming available. Concerns have been raised that the use of fampridine may increase the risk of seizures, which were seen at higher rates in patients treated with high doses of sustained-release fampridine. The rate of seizures in those patients on lower doses has not been found to be significantly increased. There are significant barriers at present to the widespread use of fampridine in the UK, which have limited its use in clinical practice to date. Patients with MS are in need of interventions to improve walking and many clinicians feel that this drug may have a role in the symptomatic management of MS.

Infliximab for autoimmune inner ear disease: case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed (1) to report the long-term effects of infliximab, a murine monoclonal antibody directed against tumour necrosis factor-α, on autoimmune inner ear disease, and (2) to discuss dilemmas surrounding the long-term management of autoimmune inner ear disease. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old man presented with sudden-onset, left-sided, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. He was prescribed oral prednisolone, with benefit. Over several subsequent months, he experienced frequent relapses and progressive deterioration of high-frequency hearing bilaterally. Multiple agents failed to stabilise his condition. Following infliximab treatment, there was a documented and sustained improvement in his hearing and tinnitus. He stopped the treatment after 46 weeks, with rapid relapse of his condition. His hearing recovered quickly again after recommencing infliximab. CONCLUSION: The benefits of prolonged infliximab use and potential side effects must be balanced against allowing the disease to take its course, with progressive deafness. Randomised controlled trials are required to assess infliximab's optimal duration of use, long-term efficacy and safety in the treatment of autoimmune inner ear disease.