Treatment of aggression and irritability after head injury.

Thirteen patients who experienced problems with irritability and aggression following closed head injury (CHI) participated in a non-blind, 8 week open trial and sertraline HCl. Significant reduction in irritability and aggressive outbursts was observed. No significant changes were observed in depressive symptomatology. Results suggest that serotonergic agents may be useful in treating aggression and irritability after head injury. Further placebo-controlled studies using serotonergic agents are indicated.

Antidepressant efficacy and cardiovascular safety of venlafaxine in young vs old patients with comorbid medical disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether venlafaxine exerts a differential effect on blood pressure in young versus old depressed patients. METHOD: We compared thirty-four consecutive patients treated with 50-250 mg/day venlafaxine for major depressive disorder or another major mood disorder at our medical college's ambulatory neuropsychiatry program. We obtained baseline and follow-up blood pressure measurements. Each patient also received a baseline and final Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) score; global improvement was determined by consensus of two clinicians. RESULTS: Sixteen nongeriatric patients (age, 13 to 56 years) were compared with eighteen elderly patients (age, 65 to 86 years). Most patients (88%) had serious medical comorbidities or histories. Despite a higher mean daily venlafaxine dosage for patients in the young group, no significant changes in systolic blood pressure were noted in either group. For the older group, we found a non-statistically significant 4.7 mm Hg mean increase in diastolic blood pressure. No patient became hypertensive. We also found a negative correlation between baseline diastolic blood pressure and change in diastolic blood pressure during treatment with venlafaxine. This inverse relationship was statistically significant in the older patients. CONCLUSIONS: Venlafaxine was not associated with significant, sustained changes in blood pressure in any patient receiving dosages of 50-250 mg/day. Minimal changes in diastolic blood pressure were no more likely to occur in older venlafaxine-treated patients than in younger ones. Higher baseline diastolic blood pressure in older patients, but not in younger ones, seemed to protect against diastolic adrenergic blood pressure effects of venlafaxine.

Hemiballismus following closed head injury.

Movement disorders are relatively rare after closed head injury (CHI), but when present they can go unrecognized if clinicians are not aware of their occurrence. We are presenting a case of hemiballismus which was not recognized over 3 years and was labelled as malingering or as psychosomatic. The symptoms have responded significantly to pharmacological interventions. The SPECT scan of the brain showed the lesions in the subthalamic areas while MRI, CT scans of brain and EEGs were reported normal. It is concluded that one should be aware of the existence of movement disorders after mild to moderate CHI, and that SPECT scan of the brain should be considered if a patient is symptomatic and other neuroimaging studies prove 'normal'.

Beta 2-adrenoceptor density of human lymphocytes after nitroprusside-induced hypotension.

The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of nitroprusside-induced hypotension on beta 2-adrenoceptor density. Twenty-four patients undergoing nose-septum corrections under general anesthesia were allocated randomly to a nitroprusside or control group. beta 2-Receptor density on lymphocytes was measured by binding studies using (-)125-iodocyanopindolol. Lymphocyte subpopulations B, T, Thelper, Tsuppressor, and natural killer cells were determined simultaneously by flow cytometry. Five of 12 nitroprusside-treated patients developed significant intraoperative increases of epinephrine levels (+69% versus preoperatively) which were not seen in the remaining seven patients. In these five patients, beta 2-receptor density of unfractionated lymphocytes was 26% lower (P < 0.05) on the first day after surgery compared with preoperative values. Since no changes in proportions of lymphocyte subpopulations were observed, these results are not caused by redistribution phenomena inducing a decrease of subsets with a high number of beta receptors. These findings suggest that beta 2-adrenergic responsiveness might be diminished after nitroprusside treatment in some patients.

Increase of interleukin-6 plasma concentrations and HLA-DR positive T-lymphocytes after hypotensive anaesthesia with sodium nitroprusside.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock, and lymphocyte subpopulations were measured in blood circulation of patients receiving sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for induction of hypotension. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this procedure influences distribution of lymphocyte subsets and IL-6 response. 30 patients of ASA physical status I and II scheduled for nose-septum correction were randomly assigned to the SNP- or control group (without SNP). Patients were anaesthetized with fentanyl, etomidate and isoflurane in 66% nitrous oxide. SNP was administered continuously during 60 min and mean arterial blood pressure was reduced to 50 mmHg. Before and after induction of anaesthesia, 60 min after the beginning of the operation (end of SNP-infusion) and on the first postoperative day, IL-6 plasma concentrations were determined by ELISA. The percentages of B-, T-lymphocytes, T-helper, T-suppressor cells and HLA-DR positive (activated) T-lymphocytes were examined by direct immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies. On the first day after surgery IL-6 plasma concentrations were significantly elevated in the SNP-group compared to preoperative values. In this group the values were higher than in control patients [30.5 (10.9-47.5) pg/ml vs. 17.4 (8.5-21.5) pg/ml]. The percentage of HLA-DR positive T-cells was 25.8 +/- 4.9% in the patients with SNP on the first postoperative day; it was significantly higher than in control patients [16.5 +/- 3.7%]. We conclude that SNP-administration increases percentage of activated T-cells and IL-6 secretion.

[Increase in interleukin-6 plasma concentrations following hypotensive anesthesia with sodium nitroprusside]. / Anstieg der Interleukin-6-Plasmakonzentrationen nach hypotensiver Anästhesie mit Nitroprussidnatrium.

In animal models authors have dealt with the question of whether hypotension alone can cause an acute-phase response even in the absence of marked blood loss and trauma. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which was employed in the animal models, is also used to induce hypotension in humans. Since no data are available on human subjects plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an important mediator of the acute-phase response, were studied in patients during SNP infusion for induction of hypotension. METHODS. After approval by the local ethics committee, 20 patients scheduled for elective oto-rhino-laryngological operations participated in this randomised prospective study. Anaesthesia was induced with fentanyl, etomidate, vecuronium and succinylcholine and was maintained with isoflurane in 66% N2O and 33% O2. Ten patients received SNP to reduce mean arterial blood pressure to 50 mmHg, while another ten patients served as controls. Blood samples were taken before the induction of anaesthesia, during surgery (at the end of the SNP infusion), 60 min after surgery and on the day after surgery. IL-6 concentrations were determined by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Epinephrine and norepinephrine in plasma were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. RESULTS. The IL-6 plasma concentration increased significantly from 3.2 (0-7.5) pg/ml (median and range) to 31.8 (9-42.2) pg/ml in the SNP group and from 3.5 (0-8.3) pg/ml to 15.2 (7.4-19) pg/ml in the control group on the morning after surgery. The IL-6 values at this time were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the SNP group than in the controls. Norepinephrine increased significantly from 263 (150-920) pg/ml (median and range) preoperatively to 419 (115-897) pg/ml, and the epinephrine concentrations rose significantly from 77 (12-159) pg/ml to 115 (83-330) pg/ml at the end of SNP administration. No significant changes in the catecholamine concentrations were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS. The SNP infusion exerted an important additional stimulus for IL-6 release after relatively mild surgical trauma in both groups. This finding is probably due to the liberation of NO from the SNP molecule and an increase in the intracellular concentration of cGMP. The elevation of the plasma catecholamines immediately after SNP administration should also be taken into account, because an augmentation of the cAMP in various cell types has been proven to result in increased release of IL-6.

[Accidental anesthetic overdose caused by anesthesia respirators Servo 900 C and D]. / Unbeabsichtigte Narkosegasüberdosierung bei den Naroserespiratoren Servo 900 C und D.

When working with the anaesthetics vaporizers/respirators of the type Siemens Servo 900 C/D we found differences between the values adjusted at the instrument and those measured by the anaesthetic gas monitor (Sirecust 734 G). Control measurements yielded differences of inspiratory concentrations of halothane and isoflurane that were in excess by up to 80%. We found that the reason for this was the absence of reducing valves at the respirator that would reduce the static pressure of central gas supply from 5.3-5.5 bar to the values of not more than 4.0 bar that are permissible for the vaporizer. It is pointed out that the operation of respirators of this type is safe only provided the prescribed gas supply pressures are observed, if necessary with the help of the appropriate reducing valves, to ensure accurate dosage of volatile anaesthetics.

Function of the adrenal cortex during therapy with fluconazole in intensive care patients.

An impairment of cortisol synthesis can be assumed for the new antimycotic fluconazole based on its chemical structure (triazole derivative) and mechanism of action (inhibition of ergosterol synthesis). In healthy volunteers, however, no influence on steroid hormone production could be found. The present study was undertaken to clarify whether this is also true for critically ill, long-term patients in an intensive care unit. The basal cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were determined by means of radioimmunoassay in 11 patients being treated with antimycotics at fixed times. Antimycotic treatment was carried out using either fluconazole (n = 6) or a combination of amphotericin B and flucytosine (n = 5) for 14 days. Seven days after cessation of the treatment the above-mentioned hormones were again determined. Patients with the same baseline criteria who did not require antimycotic treatment (n = 8) served as controls. During the entire study period adequate cortisol synthesis was found after ACTH stimulation in all three patient groups. They all presented with relatively raised basal cortisol levels (range 16.4-31.0 micrograms dl-1) and an increase in ACTH-stimulated cortisol synthesis from 31% (group ampho B/flucytosine) to 78% (group fluconazole). The basal ACTH values were always within the normal range (9.2-16.4 pg ml-1). Neither the basal ACTH levels nor the basal cortisol levels as well as the cortisol levels determined after the ACTH test showed adrenocortical suppression in the patients of all three groups. Thus, according to the present results clinically relevant impairment of cortisol synthesis after treatment with fluconazole can be excluded.

[Cardiorespiratory and microcirculatory effects following volume replacement using a new hydroxyethyl starch preparation]. / Kardiorespiratorische und mikrozirkulatorische Effekte nach Volumenersatz mit einer neuen Hydroxyethylstärke-Präparation.

Volume therapy is often necessary in cardiac surgery to maintain stable haemodynamics. Various different hydroxyethyl starch (HAES) solutions with different concentrations, mean molecular weights, and degrees of substitution are available for this purpose. In determining the ideal type of volume therapy, not only changes in macrohaemodynamics, but also the influence on microcirculatory blood flow have to be taken into account. The efficacy of a new 10% HAES 130/0.5 solution was studied in cardiac surgery patients in comparison to a standard 10% HAES 200/0.5 preparation. METHODS. In patients scheduled for elective aortocoronary bypass grafting who had a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of less than 4 mm Hg after induction of anaesthesia, either a new 10% HAES 130/0.5 (n = 15) or a standard 10% HAES 200/0.5 solution (n = 15) was infused to double the reduced PCWP; 15 patients without volume therapy served as controls (n = 15). A two-channel laser Doppler skin blood-flux monitor was used to evaluate microcirculatory alterations. Measurements of laser Doppler flux (LDF) was simultaneously performed at the patient's forehead and forearm before and after volume infusion as well as during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In addition, changes in gross haemodynamics were documented using a pulmonary artery catheter. Plasma viscosity and various laboratory parameters, including calculation of intrapulmonary right-to-left shunting (Qs/Qt), were also measured. RESULTS. Cardiac index (CI) increased in both volume groups (HAES 130: max. +38%; HAES 200: +55%). The increases in PCWP and CI were maintained at 40 min after volume infusion only in the HAES 200 patients. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased most markedly after infusion of HAES 200 (-34%; HAES 130: -18%). No further differences in gross haemodynamics could be seen after CPB. Plasma viscosity and colloid osmotic pressure increased in both HAES groups without significant differences. During the entire investigation period, pulmonary gas exchange (paO2) and Qs/Qt did not differ between the groups. Infusion of both HAES solutions resulted in an increase in LDF that was most pronounced after infusion of HAES 200 (forehead LDF: +81%; HAES 130: +18%) and was evident in the post-bypass period only in these patients (LDF: HAES 200: +82%; HAES 130: -20%; control: -43%). No correlation between LDF values and the other haemodynamic and laboratory parameters could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION. The improvement in macrohaemodynamics was of shorter duration after infusion of the new HAES 130 solution than after standard HAES 200. Volume replacement with HAES 200 resulted in an increase in microcirculatory blood flow that was more pronounced and of longer duration than in the HAES 130 patients. Thus, HAES 130 seems to be less effective than HAES 200 for volume replacement; HAES 200 should be preferred in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

[Continuous peridural application of sufentanil for postoperative analgesia]. / Kontinuierliche peridurale Sufentanil-Applikation zur postoperativen Analgesie.

Efficacy and side effects of a continuous infusion of sufentanil following epidural administration of a single dose of 30 micrograms of the opioid were studied in 28 patients undergoing laparotomy. Patients were divided into two groups treated with either 10 micrograms/h (n = 13) or 15 micrograms/h (n = 15) and compared with regard to sufentanil plasma levels, side effects and changes in blood gases. The analgesic effect of 15 micrograms/h was slightly better than that of 10 micrograms/h. There were few side effects during continuous administration of the high- or low-dose sufentanil: in some cases nausea (4/13 and 1/15) and vomiting (3/13 and 1/15) occurred. After the injection of a bolus of 30 micrograms sufentanil, a dose chosen according to current recommendations, a quick onset of analgesia was noted, but also sedation and respiratory depression with apneic intervals lasting up to 30 s, demonstrating both the efficacy and the possibility of unwanted and even harmful side effects associated with this kind of administration. During long-term infusion, after about 20 h PaCO2 and respiratory rate were significantly different between the two groups, which could be explained by differences in sufentanil plasma levels and a somewhat higher level of postoperative pain in the group receiving 10 micrograms/h.

[Microbiological care of ventilated intensive care patients. Feasibility of diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary infection]. / Mikrobiologische Betreuung von beatmeten Intensivpatienten. Möglichkeiten für Diagnostik und Therapie von pulmonalen Infektionen.

Pulmonary infections are the most life-threatening infections in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods to avoid these infections by prophylactic systemic or local administration of antibiotics may promote resistance and selection of distinct groups of pathogens. In mechanically ventilated patients we studied the impact of early diagnosis and specific therapy on the prevention of pulmonary infections. Due to the very short interval between colonization and infection, daily microscopic and microbiologic examinations of tracheobronchial secretions proved to be essential for early and successful therapy and even prevention of pulmonary infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS. The present study comprised a total of 190 patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit who required mechanical ventilation for a period of at least 48 h: 56 were admitted for multiple trauma; 38 had peritonitis; and the remainder had postoperative complications such as renal failure, cardiac problems, septicemia or pneumonia. Multitraumatized patients (16.5 days) and those with peritonitis (13.8 days) needed the most extensive ventilatory support. After admission antibiotic therapy was started with a second-generation cephalosporin or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Further antibiotic treatment was directed strictly against the isolated pathogens. Tracheobronchial secretions were monitored daily by microscopy and cultures. Microscopic evaluation was essential to discriminate between colonization and inflammation, and often indicated the infective agent. If infections were suspected provisional antibiograms were performed on the material. This procedure allowed a specific antibiotic treatment to be initiated 8-12 h later. In patients with pulmonary infections, additional bronchoscopic material was taken in order to correlate these findings with those gained from the tracheobronchial secretions. RESULTS. In 85% of cases massive colonization of the trachea with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enterobacteria, Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae resulted in pulmonary infections 24-48 h later. The reduced virulence of Pseudomonas species (non-aeruginosa) and Acinetobacter species is reflected by an infection rate of 50% and an extended period of time to establish an infection (2-4 days). Only 30% of patients highly contaminated with Candida developed pulmonary infections after 3-6 days. A fair correlation (86%) was found between pathogens isolated in tracheobronchial secretions and bronchoscopic material. In the population studied, 68 patients (35.7%) developed pulmonary infections, 32 of them pneumonia (16.8%), and the others purulent tracheobronchitis with fever. Both groups were treated with antibiotics. Patients with multiple trauma, often accompanied by lung contusion, were most frequently affected. In 59 patients (87%) pulmonary infections were treated successfully by specific antibiotic therapy; 9 patients died so rapidly, that the pulmonary complication could not account for the fatal outcome. In 38 patients with massive contamination of the tracheobronchial system by enterobacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staph. aureus, progression from colonization to infection was prevented by early administration of specific therapy. CONCLUSIONS. Because pulmonary infections in most cases arise very soon after pathogens have gained access to the tracheobronchial system daily monitoring of tracheobronchial secretions is required for early initiation of specific therapy.

[Bronchial rupture. Diagnosis and therapy of a rare complication of the use of double-lumen tubes]. / Die Bronchialruptur. Diagnose und Therapie einer seltenen Komplikation bei der Anwendung von Doppellumentuben.

For anesthesia during thoracic surgery, it is common to use a double-lumen endotracheal tube for one-lung ventilation. Double-lumen tubes protect the bronchial system of the healthy lung from being occluded by blood or pus coming from the operated lung. Therefore, in cases of lung abscess, bronchial hemorrhage, lung cyst, or localized lung infection the use of a double-lumen tube is advisable. Facilitating operation and reduced operating time are further advantages of intubation with a double-lumen tube for independent ventilation of both lungs. Due to the rigidity of these tubes, however, there are disadvantages such as injuries to the trachea and bronchial system. We report a case of rupture of the left main bronchus after insertion of a Carlens tube. The intraoperative symptoms of airway leakage are demonstrated, the process of locating and repairing the injury is described. In our case the postoperative course was not complicated; the patient left the hospital 10 days after operation. Causes of bronchial rupture, its therapy, and prophylactic measures are also discussed.

Transcranial Doppler sonography and somatosensory evoked potential monitoring in carotid surgery.

Ninety-seven patients undergoing 103 carotid operations were studied intraoperatively using somatosensory evoked potentials after median nerve stimulation (SEP) and transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). SEP were recorded from the scalp (C3'-Fz or C4'-Fz) and from the second cervical vertebra. The amplitude of the primary cortical response (N20P25) was measured peak-to-peak. Central conduction time (CCT) resulted from the difference between the first negative cortical (N20) and cervical (N14) response. TCD was performed using a pulsed 2-MHz-Doppler device to record the mean blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery (Vm-MCA) transtemporally. TCD and SEP variables were registered prior to and after carotid clamping, at short intervals during the clamping period, and after declamping. Critical SEP alterations (N20P25 less than 50% and/or CCT greater than 20% compared to the preceding values) were regarded as significant indicators of cerebral ischaemia, and selective intraluminal shunting was generally based on SEP criteria. The incidence of critical SEP changes was compared to Vm-MCA reductions greater than 60% using the Chi2-test. With SEP always recordable, additional TCD monitoring was possible in only 78 patients in our series for technical or anatomical reasons. Vm-MCA reductions greater than 60% were associated with critical SEP alterations in six cases. In five patients, Vm-MCA was reduced greater than 60% without relevant SEP changes, whereas one patient with critical SEP findings had only a minor Vm-MCA reduction (33%). In the remaining 66 cases, carotid clamping was tolerated without critical SEP changes associated with Vm-MCA reductions not exceeding 60%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Colonic varices. Report of an unusual case diagnosed by radionuclide scanning, with review of the literature.

We report a patient who developed recurrent massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding after successful obliteration of esophageal varices by sclerotherapy. A radionuclide study was very helpful in establishing diagnosis of the lesion responsible, a varix in the cecal area. Bleeding subsided after creation of a portacaval anastomosis. The literature pertaining to colonic varices is reviewed.