Prospective evaluation of remifentanil-propofol mixture for total intravenous anesthesia: A randomized controlled study.

Application of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) may be considered as unpractical when compared with inhalational anesthesia. Although it is mostly not recommended, mixing intravenous agents is popular in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to investigate the suitability of using remifentanil-propofol mixture (MIXTIVA) for TIVA. Adult patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of I-II scheduled for elective thyroidectomy were randomly allocated to 3 groups (n=32 for each) to receive TIVA with remifentanil and propofol infusions separately (control group, Group I) or with MIXTIVA infusion that contained remifentanil/propofol at a proportion of 2/1,000 or 3/1,000 (remifentanil concentration, 20 or 30 µg/ml in 1% propofol in Group II or Group III, respectively). The extubation time (the primary outcome of the study), the orientation time and number of patients in whom intraoperative hypotension, hypertension or bradycardia episodes were encountered during anesthesia were comparable among the groups. The mean remifentanil infusion rate in Group III was significantly higher than that in the other groups. The mean propofol infusion rates and mean bispectral index (BIS) scores during anesthesia were comparable among groups. Hypotension accompanied with a high BIS was encountered in one patient in Group III. In conclusion, compared to the standard TIVA technique using separate drug infusions, MIXTIVA infusion used for thyroidectomies did not result in any statistically significant difference in recovery and clinical outcomes. This technique may be considered as a practical implementation for busy ambulatory centers performing general anesthesia. The present study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (trial registration no. NCT04394897).

Does smoking increase the anesthetic requirement?

Background/aim: To examine the effects of active and passive smoking on perioperative anesthetic and analgesic consumption. Materials and methods: Patients were divided into three groups: group S, smokers; group PS, passive smokers; and group NS, individuals who did not have a history of smoking and were not exposed to smoke. All patients underwent the standard total intravenous anesthesia method. The primary endpoint of this study was determination of the total amount of propofol and remifentanil consumed. Results: The amount of propofol used in induction of anesthesia was significantly higher in group S compared to groups PS and NS. Moreover, the total consumption of propofol was significantly higher in group S compared to groups PS and NS. The total propofol consumption of group PS was significantly higher than that of group NS (P = 0.00). Analysis of total remifentanil consumption showed that remifentanil use was significantly higher in group S compared to group NS (P = 0.00). Conclusion: The amount of the anesthetic required to ensure equal anesthetic depth in similar surgeries was higher in active smokers and passive smokers compared to nonsmokers.

Comparison of EtView™ tracheoscopic ventilation tube and video-assisted fiberoptic bronchoscopy during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) via endotracheal tube (ETT) is the most frequent utilized technique for monitoring of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) procedure while maintaining mechanical ventilation. Endoscopic guidance has increased the safety of this procedure; nevertheless, the use of a bronchoscope via ETT potentially may deteriorate ventilation and lead to hypercarbia and/or hypoxia. EtView tracheoscopic ventilation tube (EtView TVT) is a standard endotracheal tube with a camera and light source embedded at the tip. The objectives of this study are to introduce EtView TVT as a monitoring tool during PDT and to compare it with video assisted FOB via ETT. We hypothesized that using EtView TVT during PDT may obtain similar visualization; also may have advantages regarding better mechanical ventilation conditions when compared with video-assisted FOB via ETT. Patients, 18-75 years of age requiring mechanical ventilation scheduled for PDT were randomly allocated into two groups for airway monitorization to guide PDT procedure either with FOB via ETT (Group FOB, n = 12) or EtView TVT (Group EtView, n = 12). After standard anesthesia protocol, alveolar recruitment maneuver was applied and all patients were mechanically ventilated at pressure-controlled ventilation mode with same pressure levels. The primary outcome variable was the reduction in arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) values during the procedure. Other respiratory variables and the effectiveness (the visualization and identification of relevant airway structures) of two techniques were the secondary outcome variables. Patients in both groups were comparable with respect to demographic characteristics and initial respiratory variables. Visualization and identification of relevant airway structures in any steps of the PDT procedure were also comparable. The decrease in minute ventilation in Group FOB was higher when compared with Group EtView (51 ± 4 % vs. 12 ± 7.3 %, p < 0.05). The decrease in PaO2 from initial levels during (34 ± 21 % vs. 5 ± 7 % decrease) and after (26 ± 27 % vs. 2.8 ± 16 % decrease) the procedure was higher in Group FOB when compared with Group EtView (p < 0.05). Considering comparable features in monitorization and advantageous features over mechanical ventilation when compared with video bronchoscopy; EtView TVT would be a good alternative for airway monitorization during PDT especially for patients with poor pulmonary reserve.

The influence of airway supporting maneuvers on glottis view in pediatric fiberoptic bronchoscopy / A influência das manobras de suporte das vias aéreas sobre a visibilidade da glote em fibrobroncoscopia pediátrica

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Flexible fiber optic bronchoscopy is a valuable intervention for evaluation and management of respiratory diseases in both infants, pediatric and adult patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the airway supporting maneuvers on glottis view during pediatric flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this randomized, controlled, crossover study; patients aged between 0 and 15 years who underwent flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedure having American Society of Anesthesiologists I---II risk score were included. Patients having risk of difficult intubation, intubated or patients with tracheostomy, and patients with reduced neck mobility or having cautions for neck mobility were excluded from this study. After obtaining best glottic view at the neutral position, patients were positioned jaw trust with open mouth, jaw trust with teeth prottution, head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers and best glottis scores were recorded.RESULTS:Total of 121 pediatric patients, 57 girls and 64 boys, were included in this study. Both jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers improved the glottis view compared with neutral position (p < 0.05), but we did not observe any difference between jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers (p > 0.05). Head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers improved glottis view when compared with both jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers and neutral position (p < 0.05); however we found no differences between head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers (p > 0.05).

RESUMOINTRODUÇÃO: A broncofibroscopia flexível (BF) é uma valiosa intervenção para o manejo eavaliação de doenças respiratórias em pacientes tanto pediátricos quanto adultos. O obje-tivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência das manobras de apoio das vias aéreas sobre avisibilidade da glote durante a BF pediátrica.MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo cruzado, randômico e controlado, incluindo pacientes com idadesentre 0-15 anos, ASA I-II, que foram submetidos à BF. Pacientes com risco de intubação difí-cil, entubados ou com traqueostomia e aqueles com mobilidade reduzida do pescoço ou queexigissem cuidados para a mobilidade do pescoço foram excluídos do estudo. Depois de obter amelhor visibilidade da glote na posição neutra, os pacientes foram posicionados com elevaçãoda mandíbula e abertura da aberta (EMBA), com elevação da mandíbula e protrusão dos dentes(EMPD), com inclinação da cabeça elevação do queixo (ICEQ) e com a tripla manobra das viasaéreas (TMVA). Os melhores escores da glote foram registrados.RESULTADOS: No total, 121 pacientes pediátricos foram incluídos no estudo: 57 pacientes do sexofeminino e 64 do sexo masculino. Ambos as manobras EMBA e EMPD melhoraram a visibilidadeda glote em comparação com a posição neutra (p < 0,05), mas não observamos diferença entreas manobras EMBA e EMPD (p > 0,05). As manobras ICEQ e TMVA melhoraram a visibilidade daglote em comparação com as manobras EMBA e EMPD e a posição neutra (p < 0,05); porém, nãoencontramos diferenças entre a ICEQ e a TMVA (p > 0,05).CONCLUSÃO: Todas as manobras de acesso às vias aéreas melhoraram a visibilidade da glotedurante a BF pediátrica; porém, a inclinação da cabeça e elevação do queixo e a tripla manobradas vias aéreas foram consideradas as manobras mais eficazes.

The influence of airway supporting maneuvers on glottis view in pediatric fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible fiber optic bronchoscopy is a valuable intervention for evaluation and management of respiratory diseases in both infants, pediatric and adult patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the airway supporting maneuvers on glottis view during pediatric flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, crossover study; patients aged between 0 and 15 years who underwent flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedure having American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II risk score were included. Patients having risk of difficult intubation, intubated or patients with tracheostomy, and patients with reduced neck mobility or having cautions for neck mobility were excluded from this study. After obtaining best glottic view at the neutral position, patients were positioned jaw trust with open mouth, jaw trust with teeth prottution, head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers and best glottis scores were recorded. RESULTS: Total of 121 pediatric patients, 57 girls and 64 boys, were included in this study. Both jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers improved the glottis view compared with neutral position (p<0.05), but we did not observe any difference between jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers (p>0.05). Head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers improved glottis view when compared with both jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers and neutral position (p<0.05); however we found no differences between head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: All airway supporting maneuvers improved glottic view during pediatric flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy; however head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers were found to be the most effective maneuvers.

[The influence of airway supporting maneuvers on glottis view in pediatric fiberoptic bronchoscopy]. / A influência das manobras de suporte das vias aéreas sobre a visibilidade da glote em fibrobroncoscopia pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible fiber optic bronchoscopy is a valuable intervention for evaluation and management of respiratory diseases in both infants, pediatric and adult patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the airway supporting maneuvers on glottis view during pediatric flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, crossover study; patients aged between 0 and 15 years who underwent flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedure having American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II risk score were included. Patients having risk of difficult intubation, intubated or patients with tracheostomy, and patients with reduced neck mobility or having cautions for neck mobility were excluded from this study. After obtaining best glottic view at the neutral position, patients were positioned jaw trust with open mouth, jaw trust with teeth prottution, head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers and best glottis scores were recorded. RESULTS: Total of 121 pediatric patients, 57 girls and 64 boys, were included in this study. Both jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers improved the glottis view compared with neutral position (p<0.05), but we did not observe any difference between jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers (p>0.05). Head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers improved glottis view when compared with both jaw trust with open mouth and jaw trust with teeth prottution maneuvers and neutral position (p<0.05); however we found no differences between head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: All airway supporting maneuvers improved glottic view during pediatric flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy; however head tilt chin lift and triple airway maneuvers were found to be the most effective maneuvers.

Total spinal block after lumbar plexus block: a case report.

Lumbar plexus block (LPB) is a suitable method for elder patients for lower extremity surgery. Many complications could be seen during LPB, but not as many as central block. In this case report, we aimed to report a total spinal block, an unusual complication. LPB with sciatic block was planned for a male patient, 76 years old, scheduled for total knee replacement due to gonarthrosis. The patient became unconscious after psoas compartment block with Chayen technique for LPB. The operation ended at 145th minute. The patient was admitted to intensive care unit until postoperative second day and discharged to home on fifth day of surgery. Main concern of patient monitorization should be an anesthesiologist. In this manner, we conclude that contacting to the patient should be ensured during these procedures.

Raquianestesia total após bloqueio do plexo lombar: relato de caso / Total spinal block after lumbar plexus block: a case report / Raquianestesia total posterior al bloqueo del plexo lumbar: relato de caso

O bloqueio do plexo lombar (BPL) é um método adequado para uso em pacientes idosos e cirurgias na extremidade inferior. Muitas complicações podem ser observadas durante o BPL, mas não tanto quanto no bloqueio central. Neste relato de caso, nosso objetivo foi relatar uma raquianestesia total, uma complicação incomum. BPL com bloqueio ciático foi planejado para um paciente do sexo masculino, 76 anos, programado para artroplastia total do joelho por causa de gonartrose. O paciente ficou inconsciente após o bloqueio do compartimento do psoas com a técnica de Chayen para BPL. A operação terminou em 145 minutos. O paciente foi internado em unidade de terapia intensiva até o segundo dia pós-operatório e recebeu alta hospitalar no quinto dia pós-cirúrgico. A principal preocupação da monitoração do paciente deve ser a presença do anestesiologista. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o contato com o paciente deve ser garantido durante esses procedimentos.

Lumbar plexus block (LPB) is a suitable method for elder patients for lower extremity surgery. Many complications could be seen during LPB, but not as many as central block. In this case report, we aimed to report a total spinal block, an unusual complication. LPB with sciatic block was planned for a male patient, 76 years old, scheduled for total knee replacement due to gonarthrosis. The patient became unconscious after psoas compartment block with Chayen technique for LPB. The operation ended at 145th minute. The patient was admitted to intensive care unit until postoperative second day and discharged to home on fifth day of surgery. Main concern of patient monitorization should be an anesthesiologist. In this manner, we conclude that contacting to the patient should be ensured during these procedures.

El bloqueo del plexo lumbar (BPL) es un método adecuado para usarlo en pacientes ancianos sometidos a cirugía de la extremidad inferior. Durante el BPL pueden observarse muchas complicaciones, pero no tantas como en el bloqueo central. En este relato de caso, nuestro objetivo fue exponer una raquianestesia total, una complicación no común. Se planificó un BPL con bloqueo ciático para un paciente del sexo masculino, de 76 años de edad, programado para artroplastia total de la rodilla debida a gonartrosis. El paciente quedó inconsciente después del bloqueo del compartimento del psoas con la técnica de Chayen para BPL. La operación terminó en 145 min. El paciente fue ingresado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos hasta el segundo día del postoperatorio y tuvo alta hospitalaria al quinto día poscirugía. La principal preocupación de la monitorización del paciente debe ser la presencia del anestesiólogo. Así se concluye que el contacto con el paciente debe estar garantizado durante esos procedimientos.

Protective effect of leflunomide against oxidative intestinal injury in a rodent model of sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is defined as an uncontrolled inflammatory response in a host. The process may lead to severe sepsis, multisystem organ failure and even death. Leflunomide has important immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which may mitigate host response to bacterial translocation. The goal of our study was to measure the effects leflunomide administration had on a variety of biochemical markers upregulated in systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and multiple organ failure syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar albino type rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, sham, leflunomide, sepsis, and sepsis + leflunomide. Sepsis was achieved by means of the cecal ligation and puncture method. Leflunomide 2 × 10 mg/kg/d was administered before the experiment. At the end of 24 h, the tissue levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase activity, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and protein carbonyl were measured. RESULTS: The level of the bowel superoxide dismutase and catalase levels of the sepsis group is significantly lower than those of the control, sham, and leflunomide groups (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and protein carbonyl levels are significantly higher in sepsis compared with other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Leflunomide's prevention of protein and lipid peroxidation was observed in septic bowel tissue. Use of leflunomide could have protective effects against both the onset and the progressive stages of sepsis.

Inadvertent venous air embolism during cesarean section: collapsible intravenous fluid bags without self-sealing outlet have risks. Case report.

The anesthesiologist must be aware of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of venous air embolism and adopt the practice patterns to prevent its occurrence. Although venous air embolism is a known complication of cesarean section, we describe an unusual inattention that causes iatrogenic near fatal venous air embolism during a cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. One of the reasons for using self-collapsible intravenous (IV) infusion bags instead of conventional glass or plastic bottles is to take precaution against air embolism. We also demonstrated the risk of air embolism for two kinds of plastic collapsible intravenous fluid bags: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene-based. Fluid bags without self-sealing outlets pose a risk for air embolism if the closed system is broken down, while the flexibility of the bag limits the amount of air entry. PVC-based bags, which have more flexibility, have significantly less risk of air entry when IV administration set is disconnected from the outlet. Using a pressure bag for rapid infusion can be dangerous without checking and emptying all air from the IV bag.

Embolia gasosa venosa inadvertida durante cesariana: bolsas retráteis ​​para líquidos intravenosos sem saídas autovedantes oferecem riscos. Relato de caso / Inadvertent venous air embolism during cesarean section: collapsible intravenous fluid bags without self-sealing outlet have risks. Case report / Embolia gaseosa venosa inadvertida durante cesárea: bolsas retráctiles para líquidos intravenosos sin salida de autosellado ofrecen riesgos. Relato de caso

O anestesiologista deve estar ciente das causas, do diagnóstico e do tratamento de embolia venosa e adotar padrões de prática para prevenir sua ocorrência. Embora a embolia gasosa seja uma complicação conhecida da cesariana, descrevemos um caso raro de desatenção que causou embolia gasosa iatrogênica quase fatal durante uma cesariana sob raquianestesia. uma das razões para o uso de bolsas autorretráteis para infusão em vez dos frascos convencionais de vidro ou plástico é a precaução contra embolia gasosa. Também demonstramos o risco de embolia venosa com o uso de dois tipos de bolsas plásticas retráteis (à base de cloreto de polivinil [PVC] e de polipropileno) para líquidos intravenosos. As bolsas para líquidos sem saídas autovedantes apresentam risco de embolia gasosa se o sistema de fechamento estiver quebrado, enquanto a flexibilidade da bolsa limita a quantidade de entrada de ar. bolsas à base de pvc, que têm mais flexibilidade, apresentam risco significativamente menor de entrada de ar quando o equipo de administração intravenosa (IV) é desconectado da saída. usar uma bolsa pressurizada para infusão rápida sem verificar e esvaziar todo o ar da bolsa IV pode ser perigoso.

The anesthesiologist must be aware of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of venous air embolism and adopt the practice patterns to prevent its occurrence. Although venous air embolism is a known complication of cesarean section, we describe an unusual inattention that causes iatrogenic near fatal venous air embolism during a cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. One of the reasons for using self-collapsible intravenous (IV) infusion bags instead of conventional glass or plastic bottles is to take precaution against air embolism. We also demonstrated the risk of air embolism for two kinds of plastic collapsible intravenous fluid bags: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene-based. Fluid bags without self-sealing outlets pose a risk for air embolism if the closed system is broken down, while the flexibility of the bag limits the amount of air entry. PVC-based bags, which have more flexibility, have signifi cantly less risk of air entry when IV administration set is disconnected from the outlet. Using a pressure bag for rapid infusion can be dangerous without checking and emptying all air from the IV bag.

El anestesiólogo debe de estar consciente de las causas, del diagnóstico y del tratamiento de la embolia venosa, y adoptar los estándares de práctica para prevenir su aparecimiento. Aunque la embolia gaseosa sea una complicación conocida de la cesárea, describimos aquí un caso raro de falta de atención que causó embolia gaseosa iatrogénica casi fatal durante una cesárea bajo raquianestesia. Una de las razones para el uso de bolsas autoretráctiles para infusión en vez de los frascos convencionales de vidrio o plástico, es la precaución contra la embolia gaseosa. También demostramos riesgo de embolia venosa con el uso de dos tipos de bolsas plásticas retráctiles (a base de cloruro de polivinil [PVC] y de polipropileno) para líquidos intravenosos. Las bolsas para líquidos sin salidas de autosellado, tienen un riesgo de embolia gaseosa si el sistema de cierre está roto, mientras la flexibilidad de la bolsa limita la cantidad de entrada de aire. Bolsas hechas a base de PVC, y que tienen más flexibilidad, también tienen un riesgo signifi cativamente menor de entrada de aire cuando el equipo de administración intravenosa (IV) se apaga en la salida. Usar una bolsa de presión para la infusión rápida sin verifi car y vaciar todo el aire de la bolsa IV puede ser peligroso.

The effects of secondhand smoke on postoperative pain and fentanyl consumption.

BACKGROUND: Although the need for increased postoperative analgesia in smokers has been described, the effect of secondhand smoke on postoperative analgesia requirements has not been studied. We examined the effects of secondhand smoke on fentanyl consumption and postoperative pain. METHODS: In this study, 101 patients (American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I and II) who underwent abdominal hysterectomy were divided into 3 groups according to history of exposure to cigarette smoke as per medical records which was retrospectively confirmed by measurement of serum cotinine: smokers (n = 28), nonsmokers (n = 31), and secondhand smokers (n = 32). All patients received propofol-remifentanil total intravenous anesthesia and used fentanyl patient controlled analgesia for postoperative pain. The fentanyl consumption visual analogue scale-pain intensity (VAS-PI) score and side effects were recorded in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: Fentanyl consumption at all the evaluation time points was significantly higher in secondhand smokers than in nonsmokers (P < 0.05). However, fentanyl consumption in secondhand smokers was lower than that in smokers in the PACU and at 24 h (P < 0.05). VAS-PI scores during movement and at rest in the PACU and at 4, 6, and 24 h after surgery were higher in secondhand smokers than in nonsmokers (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Secondhand smoking was associated with increased postoperative fentanyl consumption, and increased VAS-PI scores. These findings may be beneficial for managing postoperative pain in secondhand smokers.

Anesthetic management of the SRS™ Endoscopic Stapling System for gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

The SRS(TM) Endoscopic Stapling System (Medigus, Tel Aviv, Israel) is a new tool capable of creating a totally endoscopic fundoplication, combined with an endoscope, endoscopic ultrasound and a surgical stapler. SRS(TM) endoscopic stapling for gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, which requires general anesthesia with positive-pressure ventilation. Keeping the patient on positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may minimize the pressure gradient between the esophagus and the mediastinum, as well as help to prevent air from leaking around the screws and causing pneumomediastinum. In addition, in patients with hiatal hernia, higher PEEP levels may be required to increase intra-thoracic pressure and to force the stomach to slide into the abdomen for ease of endoscopy. We advise smoother emergence from anesthesia, taking precautions for retching, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), while coughing and gagging during extubation and PONV may affect the success of the procedure. Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil seems to be a good choice for these reasons.

Inadvertent venous air embolism during cesarean section: Collapsible intravenous fluid bags without self-sealing outlet have risks. Case report.

The anesthesiologist must be aware of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of venous air embolism and adopt the practice patterns to prevent its occurrence. Although venous air embolism is a known complication of cesarean section, we describe an unusual inattention that causes iatrogenic near fatal venous air embolism during a cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. One of the reasons for using self-collapsible intravenous (IV) infusion bags instead of conventional glass or plastic bottles is to take precaution against air embolism. We also demonstrated the risk of air embolism for two kinds of plastic collapsible intravenous fluid bags: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene-based. Fluid bags without self-sealing outlets pose a risk for air embolism if the closed system is broken down, while the flexibility of the bag limits the amount of air entry. PVC-based bags, which have more flexibility, have significantly less risk of air entry when IV administration set is disconnected from the outlet. Using a pressure bag for rapid infusion can be dangerous without checking and emptying all air from the IV bag.

The effects of cognitive impairment on anaesthetic requirement in the elderly.

CONTEXT: Patients with dementia have a lower bispectral index score (BIS) when awake than age-matched healthy controls. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to compare the BIS and the dose of propofol required for induction in patients suffering from cognitive impairment with that in those who had normal cognitive function. This study also evaluated the effects of cognitive impairment in the elderly on anaesthetic agent consumption during surgery and on emergence from anaesthesia. DESIGN AND SETTING: This randomised controlled study was carried out in a university hospital. Patients over 65 years of age, ASA I-II and scheduled for elective orthopaedic procedures were allocated to one of two groups. INTERVENTIONS: Patients (n = 92) were allocated according to their Mini Mental State Examination score: 25 or higher (group 1) or 21 or less (group 2). All patients received propofol 0.5 mg kg(-1) following the commencement of a remifentanil infusion at 0.5 µg kg(-1) min(-1). After incremental doses of propofol up to loss of consciousness, a propofol infusion was started at 75 µg kg(-1) min(-1). Propofol and remifentanil infusion doses were adjusted to keep the BIS value between 45 and 60 during surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: MMSE score was evaluated 24 h before and after surgery. The anaesthetic consumption, mean arterial pressure, HR and BIS values of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: Before surgery, mean Mini Mental State Examination scores were 26.8 ± 1.6 and 16.6 ± 4.2 in group 1 and 2, respectively. These returned to baseline value 24 h after surgery in group 1 (26.6 ± 1.5) and group 2 (15.6 ± 4.3). Before induction, four of 45 patients (8.9%) in group 1 had a BIS value less than 93 compared with 13 of 47 (27.7%) in group 2 (P = 0.02). The mean BIS value was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 before induction, during loss of consciousness, 3 and 5 min after discontinuation of the anaesthetic agents and before extubation (P < 0.05). The induction dose of propofol was lower in group 2 than in group 1 (P = 0.02). The eye opening time was significantly longer in group 2 than in group 1 (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The baseline BIS value was lower in patients with cognitive impairment than in those with normal cognitive function. The former received less propofol during induction and eye opening time was longer. On the basis of our findings from the recovery period, we suggest that the recommended target BIS value for adequate anaesthesia in the general population is inappropriate for patients with cognitive impairment.

Effects of 2 different doses of pregabalin on morphine consumption and pain after abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pregabalin has a similar pharmacologic profile to that of its developmental predecessor gabapentin but has shown greater analgesic activity in rodent models of neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the effects of 2 different doses of pregabalin and placebo on postoperative pain and morphine consumption. METHODS: Ninety patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy were included in the study and randomly divided into 3 groups in a doubled-blinded manner. They were given 150 mg of pregabalin (group P300, n = 30), 300 mg of pregabalin (group P600, n = 30), or placebo capsules (group C, n = 30) 4 hours before the induction of anesthesia; they received a second dose of the drug 12 hours postoperatively. Morphine consumption, nausea, and vomiting, visual analogue scale-pain intensity (VAS-PI), sedation scores, and dissatisfaction scores were recorded in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after operation. RESULTS: Morphine consumption at 24 hours was 40.80 (3.42) mg, 33.79 (5.77) mg, and 46.97 (6.67) mg in groups P300, P600, and C, respectively (P < 0.001). VAS-PI scores at movement and at rest in the PACU and at 2, 4, and 6 hours decreased in group P600 (P < 0.01). In the PACU and at 2, 4, and 6 hours, the sedation scores were increased in group P600 compared with the scores in group C (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.01, P = 0.006, respectively). Patient satisfaction was higher in group P600 than in group C for all time points (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness (P = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin at a total dose of 600 mg, administered before operation and at 12 hours postoperatively after abdominal hysterectomy, reduced morphine consumption and pain intensity and increased patient satisfaction. No significant differences in side effects were observed between the study groups.