Neumoencéfalo en la paciente puérpera una complicación de la anestesia peridural

Introducción: La utilidad de las técnicas de anestesia regional se ha mostrado por muchos años, estas son las de elección por los beneficios que aporta, como es el caso de la cesárea, aunque no están exentas de complicaciones, y las neurológicas que son las más temidas por la gravedad del cuadro clínico presentado y los posibles desenlaces. Objetivo: Describir la evolución clínica de la puérpera con diagnóstico de neumoencéfalo después de anestesia neuroaxial peridural. Presentación de caso: Se trata de una paciente puérpera con antecedente de cefalea migrañosa que después de ser sometida a una anestesia peridural, comienza con dolor de cabeza ligero a moderado que en un principio aliviaba con analgésicos, después hace una convulsión tónica clónico generalizada que fue necesaria intubar y trasladar a terapia intensiva. Mediante la tomografía axial computarizada se detecta neumoencéfalo de pequeñas proporciones en región parietal, además, de signos de edema cerebral, el cuadro evoluciona satisfactoriamente, la paciente a las horas es trasladad a sala donde se reencuentra con su bebe y días después es dada de alta sin secuelas. Conclusiones: El neumoencéfalo como complicación de la anestesia peridural en la paciente gestante, generalmente no tienen gran repercusión clínica y desaparece solo en un período no mayor de 72 horas, pero en ocasiones puede presentarse como complicación grave que puede acarrear daño neurológico permanente e incluso la muerte.

Introduction: Regional anesthesia techniques have been used for many years and there are surgeries where they are the ones of choice due to the proven benefits they provide, as is the case with anesthesia forces is a section, which is not free of complications, but the neurological ones are the ones. Most feared, due to the complexity of the situation and the possible outcomes they could entail. Objective: To describe the evolution of a postpartum patient who was diagnosed with Pneumocephalus after epidural anesthesia. Clinical case: Postpartum patient with a history of migraine headache, which after undergoing epidural anesthesia, began with light to moderate headache that was initially relieved with analgesics, then had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure that required intubation and transfer to the intensive therapy. Using computed axial tomography, small Pneumocephalus was detected in the parietal region in addition to signs of cerebral edema. The condition progressed satisfactorily. Within hours, the patient was transferred to the ward where she was reunited with her baby and day slater she was discharged without squeals. Conclusions: Pneumocephalus as a complication of epidural anesthesia in pregnant patients generally does not have great clinical repercussions and disappears only in a period of no more than 72 hours, but sometime sit can occur as a serious complication that can lead to permanent neurological damage and even death, death.

Eficacia de la analgesia peridural continua con bupivacaína y fentanilo en la cirugía de colon / Efficacy of continuous peridural analgesia with bupivacaine and fentanyl in colon surgery

Introducción: En la cirugía de colon se persigue lograr una recuperación acelerada y se debate el método analgésico más ventajoso. Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia analgésica de la infusión continua peridural con bupivacaína y fentanilo frente a la analgesia parenteral en este tipo de intervención. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental, prospectivo y longitudinal, en 30 pacientes operados de colon entre agosto 2018 agosto 2019 en el Hospital Militar Central Dr. Carlos J. Finlay; divididos de forma no aleatoria en grupo analgesia peridural y grupo analgesia multimodal endovenosa. Resultados: La demora en despertar y extubar en el grupo peridural fue inferior (1,6-1,8 min) a los 4,9-5,0 min en el multimodal, igual ocurrió con la estadía en Unidad Cuidados Intensivos Quirúrgicos y hospitalaria aunque con discreta diferencia. El 60 por ciento de los pacientes en el grupo peridural presentaron ruidos hidroaéreos en las primeras 24 h y el 80 por ciento expulsó gases a las 48 h o antes, con marcada diferencia del multimodal. La analgesia fue buena en ambos grupos, valores de escala visual análoga inferiores en el grupo peridural, solo el 13,3 por ciento necesitó dosis rescate frente al 26,7 por ciento en el multimodal. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron hipotensión (23,3 por ciento) y bradicardia (10 por ciento), sin diferencias entre grupos. La analgesia aceleró la recuperación en el 87,5 por ciento de los casos en el grupo peridural superior al 76 por ciento del grupo multimodal. Conclusiones: La analgesia peridural continua con bupivacaína y fentanilo es más eficaz que la analgesia multimodal endovenosa en la cirugía de colon y acelera la recuperación posoperatoria(AU)

Introduction: In colon surgery, accelerated recovery is pursued and the most advantageous analgesic method is still under debate. Objective: To compare the analgesic efficacy of continuous epidural infusion with bupivacaine and fentanyl versus parenteral analgesia in this type of operation. Methods: A quasiexperimental, prospective and longitudinal study was carried out with thirty patients who underwent colon surgery, between August 2018 and August 2019 at Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital, nonrandomly divided into an epidural analgesia group and a multimodal intravenous analgesia group. Results: The awakening and extubation time in the epidural group was lower (1.6 -1.8 min) than the 4.9 to 5.0 min for the multimodal group. The same happened with intensive care unit and hospital stay, although with a discrete difference. 60 percent of the patients from the epidural group presented hydroaerial noise within the first 24 hours and 80 percent expelled gasses at 48 hours or earlier, with a marked difference in the multimodal group. Analgesia was good in both groups, with lower visual analog scale values in the peridural group; only 13.3 percent required rescue doses compared to 26.7 percent in the multimodal group. The most frequent complications were hypotension (23.3 percent ) and bradycardia (10 percent ), without differences between groups. Analgesia accelerated recovery for 87.5 percent of cases in the epidural group, compared to 76 percent in the multimodal group. Conclusions: Continuous epidural analgesia with bupivacaine and fentanyl is more effective than multimodal intravenous analgesia in colon surgery and accelerates postoperative recovery(AU)

Epidural morphine for chronic pain in a patient with peripheral neuropathy and DRESS syndrome. Case report / Morfina peridural para tratamento de dor crônica em paciente com polineuropatia periférica e síndrome DRESS. Relato de caso

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peripheral neuropathy is a rare condition with many etiologies. Common symptoms are numbness, paresthesia, weakness and neuropathic pain. Treatment consists in frst-line agents such as anticonvulsants and some antidepressants. Te aim of this study was to report a case of chronic pain refractory to several therapies in a patient with absolute contraindication to the use of all anticonvulsants and antidepressants drugs. CASE REPORT: Female patient, a 40-year-old treated for trigeminal neuralgia with decompression that developed chronic occipital pain refractory to radiofrequency and onset of transient and bilateral T4 sensory and motor polyneuropathy after viral meningitis. In addition, she showed a severe pharmacodermy (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms- DRESS Syndrome) after using carbamazepine and other anticonvulsants, as well as allergy to all analgesics and opioids except morphine. Epidural puncture with insertion of a catheter was performed aiming at a 5-day test through intermittent epidural morphine bolus to assess the possibility of morphine pump implantation. CONCLUSION: The test was successful and the patient referred to the neurosurgery team. At the 6-month follow-up after the insertion of the morphine intrathecal pump, the strategy has proven to be efective in controlling pain secondary to polyneuropathy.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Neuropatia periférica é uma condição rara, de etiologia multifatorial. Dormência, parestesia, redução de força muscular e dor neuropática são sintomas comuns. O tratamento consiste em uso de anticonvulsivantes e antidepressivos. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o caso de dor crônica refratária a diversas terapias de uma paciente com contraindicação absoluta para uso de todos os fármacos anticonvulsivantes e antidepressivos. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 40 anos, com história de neuralgia do trigêmeo abordada previamente com cirurgia, com cefaleia occipital crônica refratária à radiofrequência e polineuropatia bilateral T4 sensorial e motora após meningite viral. No curso do tratamento, apresentou grave farmacodermia (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms - Síndrome DRESS) após o uso de carbamazepina e outros anticonvulsivantes, além de reação alérgica a todos analgésicos e opioides, exceto morfina. Optou-se por analgesia teste por via peridural, durante 5 dias, com bolus intermitentes e diários de morfina para avaliação de possibilidade de implante de bomba de morfina. CONCLUSÃO: O teste foi considerado bem-sucedido e a paciente encaminhada para neurocirurgia. No seguimento de 6 meses após implante de bomba por via subaracnoidea, esta estratégia se mostrou eficaz no controle da dor secundária à polineuropatia.

Hipo persistente: una rara complicación de una inyección epidural transforaminal de corticoides / Persistent hiccup: a rare complication of a transforaminal epidural corticoid injection / Soluços persistentes: uma complicação rara da injeção peridural transforaminal de corticosteroide

Se describe el caso de un paciente que instaló un hipo persistente luego de recibir una inyección epidural transforaminal lumbar de corticoides. Se destaca que es una complicación raramente reportada y por ende poco conocida por quienes practican intervencionismo en dolor. Se discuten los posibles mecanismos por los que puede presentarse, se reseña la evolución observada, y se describe el tratamiento instituido. Se señala el impacto que el hipo puede tener sobre la calidad de vida.

The case of a patient who installed a persistent hiccup after receiving a lumbar transforaminal epidural injection of corticosteroids is described. It is highlighted that it is a rarely reported complication and little known by those who practice interventional pain medicine. Possible mechanisms by which it may occur are discussed, the evolution observed and the treatment instituted are reviewed. The impact that hiccups can have on quality of life is pointed out.

Descrevemos o caso de um paciente que desenvolveu soluços persistentes após receber uma injeção peridural transforaminal lombar de corticosteróides. Ressalta-se que é uma complicação pouco relatada e, portanto, pouco conhecida por quem pratica o intervencionismo na dor. Discutem-se os possíveis mecanismos pelos quais pode ocorrer, revisa-se a evolução observada e descreve-se o tratamento instituído. O impacto que os soluços podem ter na qualidade de vida é apontado.

Anesthetic considerations and postoperative pain management in radical penectomy: Case report / Penectomía radical, consideraciones anestésicas y manejo del dolor postoperatorio: Reporte de un caso

Abstract Radical penectomy (RP) is infrequently performed as it is reserved for specific cases of penile cancer, hence the paucity of reports regarding surgical and anesthetic considerations. Acute postoperative pain, chronic post-surgical pain, concomitant mood disorders as well as a profound impact on the patient's quality of life have been documented. This case is of a patient with diabetes and coronary heart disease, who presented with advanced, over infected penile cancer, depressive disorder and a history of pain of neuropathic characteristics. The patient underwent radical penectomy using a combined spinal-epidural technique for anesthesia. Preoperatively, the patient was treated with pregabalin and magnesium sulphate, and later received a blood transfusion due to intraoperative blood loss. Adequate intra and postoperative analgesia was achieved with L-bupivacaine given through a peridural catheter during one week. Recovery was good, pain was stabilized to preoperative levels and the patient received pharmacological support and follow-up by psychiatry and the pain team.

Resumen La penectomía radical (PR) es una cirugía infrecuente, reservada para casos específicos de cáncer de pene, por lo que hay escasos informes sobre sus consideraciones quirúrgicas y anestésicas. Se ha documentado dolor agudo postoperatorio, dolor crónico posquirúrgico y alteraciones del estado de ánimo concomitantes, así como un profundo impacto en la calidad de vida posterior del paciente. Se presenta el caso de un paciente diabético y cardiópata coronario con cáncer de pene avanzado y sobreinfectado, trastorno depresivo y dolor previo de características neuropáticas, que recibe técnica combinada espinal-peridural para cirugía de penectomía radical. Se le trata también con pregabalina preoperatoria, sulfato de magnesio y transfusión por sangrado quirúrgico. Se otorgó una adecuada analgesia intra y postoperatoria, mediante catéter peridural con L-bupivacaína hasta por una semana. El paciente tuvo una buena recuperación, estabilización del dolor a niveles preoperatorios, controles y apoyo farmacológico por psiquiatría de enlace y equipo del dolor.

Anestesia peridural caudal en neonatos: una alternativa segura para el anestesiólogo / Caudal peridural anesthesia in neonates: a safe alternative for the anesthesiologist

Introducción: Las técnicas de anestesia y analgesia regional en la población pediátrica garantizan la estabilidad hemodinámica y respiratoria. El uso de la anestesia caudal ha aumentado enormemente sobre todo para cirugías de abdomen inferior lo que ofrece ventajas sobre la anestesia general. Objetivo: Argumentar sobre la base de la mejor evidencia científica, la opinión de los autores en relación a la efectividad del uso de la anestesia caudal en los pacientes neonatos. Método: El marco inicial de búsqueda bibliográfica se constituyó por los artículos publicados acerca de la utilización de la anestesia caudal en neonatos. Las fuentes de información que se utilizaron fueron: Registro Cochrane central de ensayos clínicos controlados, Pubmed, LILACS, SciELO, Ebsco, Science, Google académico. Resultados: El bloqueo caudal es la aplicación de un anestésico local en el espacio peridural, pero a nivel sacro, lo que ocasiona un bloqueo de conducción en las raíces nerviosas que cubre la analgesia, no solo el período intraoperatorio sino también el posoperatorio, lo cual permite una adecuada estabilidad hemodinámica, reduce el sangrado, evita el uso de opioides, anestésicos generales y relajantes musculares. La necesidad de asistencia respiratoria se ve reducida. Conclusiones: Es una técnica segura y económica en ocasiones subvalorada en el recién nacido. Esto, junto a una más rápida recuperación, lleva a considerar la anestesia regional como una alternativa a la anestesia general(AU)

Introduction: Regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques in the pediatric population guarantee hemodynamic and respiratory stability. The use of caudal anesthesia has increased enormously, especially for lower abdominal surgeries, which offers advantages over general anesthesia. Objective: To argue, based upon the best scientific evidence, the opinion of the authors regarding the effectiveness of the use of caudal anesthesia in neonatal patients. Method: The initial framework for the bibliographic search consisted of the articles published about the use of caudal anesthesia in neonates. The sources of information were the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Pubmed, LILACS, SciELO, Ebsco, Science, Google Scholar. Results: Caudal block is the application of a local anesthetic into the epidural space, but at the sacral level, which causes a conduction block in the nerve roots that covers analgesia, not only in the intraoperative period but also in the postoperative one, which allows adequate hemodynamic stability, reduces bleeding, avoids the use of opioids, general anesthetics and muscle relaxants. The need for respiratory support is reduced. Conclusions: It is a safe and economical technique, sometimes undervalued in the newborn. This, together with a faster recovery, leads to considering regional anesthesia as an alternative over general anesthesia(AU)

Comparative study on epidural administration of dexmedetomidine, dexmedetomidine-lidocaine or lidocaine in conscious rabbits.

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory, arterial blood gas and antinociceptive effects of dexmedetomidine (D), dexmedetomidine-lidocaine (DL) or lidocaine (L) administered epidurally on conscious rabbits. Eight six-month-old male New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed into three treatments: D (2.5 µg/kg); DL (2.5 µg/kg; 2 mg/kg); and L (2 mg/kg). The drugs were injected epidurally via a catheter. Cardiorespiratory, arterial blood gas and antinociceptive variables were recorded before administration, 5 and 10 min after drug administration, then every 10 min until the animals presented a positive response to nociceptive stimulation of perineal dermatomes. Two animals had permanent paralysis after DL treatment due to hemorrhage and congestion with neuron necrosis in spinal cord segments. There was a reduction in mean arterial pressure in treatment L at 5 and 10 min, compared with the baseline, and in treatment DL at 10-30 min. Increases in pH were observed in treatment D at 5 and 10 min, and in DL at all the times evaluated, compared with the baseline. No alterations were observed in other blood gas or electrolyte variables. Antinociceptive effects were evaluated in the perineal, sacral and lumbar regions, and were restricted to the perineal region following D and L treatment. The antinociceptive effects following DL were greater than D and L alone in all of the regions. L and D promotes short-term antinociceptive effects for up to 15 min and, when used in combination with D, increased the duration and extent of sensory block by up to 45 min.

Infecciones piógenas de la columna vertebral / Pyogenic spinal infections

Las infecciones espinales son cuadros clínicos poco frecuentes, que exigen un alto índice de sospecha. La prevalencia de infecciones piógenas de la columna ha ido en aumento, en parte debido al envejecimiento de la población y a un mayor número de pacientes inmunocomprometidos. El estudio imagenológico se puede iniciar con radiografías simples, pero la resonancia magnética es el examen imagenológico de elección, ya que puede dar resultados positivos de forma precoz, entregando información más detallada del compromiso vertebral y tejidos blandos adyacentes. Aunque la clínica y los hallazgos imagenológicos nos pueden orientar, es importante intentar un diagnóstico microbiológico tomando cultivos y muestras para identificar al agente causal antes de iniciar los antibióticos; aunque es óptimo un tratamiento agente-específico, hasta un 25% de los casos queda sin diagnóstico del agente. El tratamiento es inicialmente médico, con antibióticos e inmovilización, pero se debe considerar la cirugía en casos de compromiso neurológico, deformidad progresiva, inestabilidad, sepsis no controlada o dolor intratable. El manejo quirúrgico actual consiste en el aseo y estabilización precoz de los segmentos vertebrales comprometidos. Descartar una endocarditis concomitante y el examen neurológico seriado son parte del manejo de estos pacientes.

Spinal infections are unusual conditions requiring a high index of suspicion for clinical diagnosis. There has been a global increase in the number of pyogenic spinal infections due to an aging population and a higher proportion of immunocompromised patients. The imaging study should start with plain radiographs, but magnetic resonance imaging (mri) is the gold standard for diagnosis. Mri can detect bone and disc changes earlier than other methods, and it provides detailed information on bone and adjacent soft tissues. Blood cultures and local samples for culture and pathology should be obtained, trying to identify the pathogen. According to the result, the most appropriate drug must be selected depending on susceptibility and penetration into spinal tissues. Treatment should start with antibiotics and immobilization; surgery should be considered in cases with neurological impairment, progressive deformity, spine instability, sepsis, or non-controlled pain. Current surgical treatment includes debridement and early stabilization. Practitioners should rule out endocarditis and perform a serial neurological examination managing these patients.

[Self-applied sphenopalatine ganglion block for postdural puncture headache: four case reports]. / Bloqueio do gânglio esfenopalatino autoaplicado para cefaleia pós­punção dural: relato de quatro casos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SGB) is an effective, low-risk treatment option for Postdural Puncture Headache (PDPH) refractory to conservative management. CASE REPORT: This report presents four complex cases of patients with headache related to low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Three of them were successfully treated with the application of local anesthetic topical drops through the nasal cavity. CONCLUSION: The novel approach described in this report has minimal risks of discomfort or injury to the nasal mucosa. It is quick to apply and can be administered by the patient himself.

Self-applied sphenopalatine ganglion block for postdural puncture headache: four case reports / Bloqueio do gânglio esfenopalatino autoaplicado para cefaleia pós-punção dural: relato de quatro casos

Abstract Background and objectives The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SGB) is an effective, low-risk treatment option for Postdural Puncture Headache (PDPH) refractory to conservative management. Case report This report presents four complex cases of patients with headache related to low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Three of them were successfully treated with the application of local anesthetic topical drops through the nasal cavity. Conclusion The novel approach described in this report has minimal risks of discomfort or injury to the nasal mucosa. It is quick to apply and can be administered by the patient himself.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O Bloqueio do Gânglio Esfenopalatino (BGEP) é opção de tratamento efetivo associado a baixo risco para Cefaleia Pós-Punção Dural (CPPD) refratária às medidas conservadoras. Relato de caso: Este relato apresenta quatro pacientes com alta complexidade que apresentaram cefaleia relacionada à baixa pressão do líquido cefaloraquidiano. Três pacientes foram tratados com sucesso pela instilação de gotas de anestésico local tópico na cavidade nasal. Conclusões: A nova abordagem descrita neste relato apresenta riscos mínimos de desconforto ou lesão à mucosa nasal. A aplicação é rápida e pode ser administrada pelo próprio paciente.

Dispersão da lidocaína administrada por via epidural em cães posicionados em decúbito lateral ou esternal / [Dispersion of lidocaine epidurally administered to dogs positioned on lateral or external decubitus]

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar clinicamente a dispersão da lidocaína no espaço epidural de cães posicionados em diferentes decúbitos. Foram utilizados 16 cães, com peso médio de 17,5 quilogramas. Esses foram tranquilizados com acepromazina, anestesiados com propofol e alocados em dois grupos, conforme o decúbito de posicionamento: decúbito esternal (GE) e decúbito lateral direito (GLD). Ambos os grupos receberam lidocaína a 2%, no volume de 0,25mL/kg, e permaneceram no mesmo decúbito por 20 minutos. Em seguida, avaliou-se o bloqueio dos membros pélvicos e a extensão do bloqueio, a partir da sétima vértebra lombar, por meio de pinçamento interdigital e do panículo paravertebral. Foi, então, realizada cirurgia de orquiectomia. Após tal procedimento, avaliou-se o tempo total de bloqueio dos membros pélvicos. Todos os cães apresentaram bloqueio bilateral, sem diferenças quanto à extensão cranial entre os grupos, sendo a mediana de 7,5 (1-14) vértebras para GE e de 4 (1-14) para GLD. O tempo de bloqueio dos membros direito e esquerdo foi de 123 ± 26 e 130 ± 20 minutos, para GE, e de 120 ± 21 e 121 ± 20 minutos, para GLD, sem diferenças entre os grupos ou entre os membros. Conclui-se que o decúbito não interfere na distribuição da lidocaína administrada por via epidural.(AU)

The aim of this study was to clinically verify the dispersion of lidocaine in the epidural space of dogs placed in different positions. Sixteen dogs with an average weight of 17.5 kilograms were used. These were tranquilized with acepromazine, anesthetized with propofol and allocated to two groups: sternal decubitus (GE) and right lateral decubitus (GLD). Both groups received 2% of lidocaine in the volume of 0.25mL/kg and remained in the same position for 20 minutes. The blocking of the pelvic limbs and the extension of it from the seventh lumbar vertebra were evaluated by means of interdigital and paravertebral panniculus clamping. Orchiectomy surgery was then performed. Afterwards, the total blocking time of the pelvic limbs was evaluated. All dogs presented bilateral blocking, with no differences in cranial extension between groups, with a median of 7.5 (1-14) vertebrae for GE and 4 (1-14) for GLD. The blocking time of the right and left limbs were 123 ± 26 and 130 ± 20 minutes for GE, and 120 ± 21 and 121 ± 20 minutes for GLD with no difference between groups or between limbs. It is concluded that the decubitus does not interfere with the epidural lidocaine distribution.(AU)

[Correlation of the epidural space measured intraoperatively and estimated by MRI or US: an observational study]. / Correlação entre a profundidade do espaço peridural medida no intraoperatório e a estimada por RM ou US: estudo observacional.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the agreement between the epidural depth measured from the surgical site with the epidural depths estimated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound scanning. METHODS: Fifty patients of either sex, scheduled for L4-5 lumbar disc surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective observational study, and the results of 49 patients were analyzed. The actual epidural depth was measured from the surgical site with a sterile surgical scale. The MRI-derived epidural depth was measured from the MRI scan. The ultrasound estimated epidural depth was measured from the ultrasound image obtained just before surgery. RESULTS: The mean epidural depth measured from the surgical site was 53.80 ± 7.67mm, the mean MRI-derived epidural depth was 54.06 ± 7.36mm, and the ultrasound-estimated epidural depth was 53.77 ± 7.94mm. The correlation between the epidural depth measured from the surgical site and MRI-derived epidural depth was 0.989 (r2 = 0.979, p < 0.001), and the corresponding correlation with the ultrasound-estimated epidural depth was 0.990 (r2 = 0.980, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both ultrasound-estimated epidural depth and MRI-derived epidural depth have a strong correlation with the epidural depth measured from the surgical site. Preprocedural MRI-derived estimates of epidural depth are slightly deeper than the epidural depth measured from the surgical site, and the ultrasound estimated epidural depths are somewhat shallower. Although both radiologic imaging techniques provided reliable preprocedural estimates of the actual epidural depth, the loss of resistance technique cannot be discarded while inserting epidural needles.

[Recommendations for local-regional anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Recomendações para realização de anestesia loco­regional durante a pandemia de COVID­19.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many questions have come up regarding safe anesthesia management of patients with the disease. Regional anesthesia, whether peripheral nerve or neuraxial, is a safe alternative for managing patients with COVID-19, by choosing modalities that mitigate pulmonary function involvement. Adopting regional anesthesia mitigates adverse effects in the postoperative period and provides safety to pati ents and teams, as long as there is compliance with individual protection and interpersonal transmission care measures. Respecting contra-indications and judicial use of safety techniques and norms are essential. The present manuscript aims to review the evidence available on regional anesthesia for patients with COVID-19 and offer practical recommendations for safe and efficient performance.

Correlation of the epidural space measured intraoperatively and estimated by MRI or US: an observational study / Correlação entre a profundidade do espaço peridural medida no intraoperatório e a estimada por RM ou US: estudo observacional

Abstract Background and objectives: To assess the agreement between the epidural depth measured from the surgical site with the epidural depths estimated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound scanning. Methods: Fifty patients of either sex, scheduled for L4‒5 lumbar disc surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective observational study, and the results of 49 patients were analyzed. The actual epidural depth was measured from the surgical site with a sterile surgical scale. The MRI-derived epidural depth was measured from the MRI scan. The ultrasound estimated epidural depth was measured from the ultrasound image obtained just before surgery. Results: The mean epidural depth measured from the surgical site was 53.80 ± 7.67 mm, the mean MRI-derived epidural depth was 54.06 ± 7.36 mm, and the ultrasound-estimated epidural depth was 53.77 ± 7.94 mm. The correlation between the epidural depth measured from the surgical site and MRI-derived epidural depth was 0.989 (r2 = 0.979, p < 0.001), and the corresponding correlation with the ultrasound-estimated epidural depth was 0.990 (r2 = 0.980, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both ultrasound-estimated epidural depth and MRI-derived epidural depth have a strong correlation with the epidural depth measured from the surgical site. Preprocedural MRI-derived estimates of epidural depth are slightly deeper than the epidural depth measured from the surgical site, and the ultrasound estimated epidural depths are somewhat shallower. Although both radiologic imaging techniques provided reliable preprocedural estimates of the actual epidural depth, the loss of resistance technique cannot be discarded while inserting epidural needles.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Avaliar a concordância entre a profundidade peridural medida no campo cirúrgico com a profundidade peridural estimada pela Ressonância Magnética (RM) e ultrassonografia. Métodos: Cinquenta pacientes de ambos os sexos agendados para cirurgia de disco lombar L4-5 sob anestesia geral foram incluídos neste estudo observacional prospectivo, e os resultados de 49 pacientes foram analisados. A profundidade peridural real foi medida no campo cirúrgico com uma régua cirúrgica estéril. A profundidade peridural obtida pela Ressonância Magnética (RM) foi medida a partir das imagens do exame de RM. A profundidade peridural estimada pelo ultrassom foi medida a partir da imagem do ultrassom obtida imediatamente antes da cirurgia. Resultados: A profundidade peridural média medida no campo cirúrgico foi de 53,80 ± 7,67 mm; a profundidade peridural média da RM foi de 54,06 ± 7,36 mm; e a profundidade peridural estimada por ultrassom foi de 53,77 ± 7,94 mm. A correlação entre a profundidade peridural medida no campo cirúrgico e a profundidade peridural derivada da RM foi de 0,989 (r2 = 0,979; p < 0,001); e a correlação correspondente com a profundidade peridural estimada por ultrassom foi de 0,990 (r2 = 0,980; p < 0,001). Conclusões: Tanto a profundidade peridural estimada por ultrassom quanto a profundidade peridural derivada da RM mostram forte correlação com a profundidade peridural medida no campo cirúrgico. As estimativas pré-operatórias da profundidade peridural derivadas da RM são um pouco mais profundas do que a profundidade peridural medida no campo cirúrgico, e as profundidades peridurais estimadas por ultrassom são um pouco mais rasas. Embora ambas as técnicas de imagem radiológica tenham fornecido estimativas pré-operatórias confiáveis da profundidade peridural real, a técnica de perda de resistência não pode ser descartada durante a inserção da agulha peridural.

Recommendations for local-regional anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic / Recomendações para realização de anestesia loco-regional durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many questions have come up regarding safe anesthesia management of patients with the disease. Regional anesthesia, whether peripheral nerve or neuraxial, is a safe alternative for managing patients with COVID-19, by choosing modalities that mitigate pulmonary function involvement. Adopting regional anesthesia mitigates adverse effects in the post-operative period and provides safety to patients and teams, as long as there is compliance with individual protection and interpersonal transmission care measures. Respecting contra-indications and judicial use of safety techniques and norms are essential. The present manuscript aims to review the evidence available on regional anesthesia for patients with COVID-19 and offer practical recommendations for safe and efficient performance.

Resumo Desde o início da pandemia de COVID-19, muitas questões surgiram referentes à segurança do manejo anestésico de pacientes acometidos pela doença. A anestesia regional, seja esta periférica ou neuroaxial, é alternativa segura no manejo do paciente COVID-19, desde que o emprego de modalidades que minimizam o comprometimento da função pulmonar seja escolhido. A adoção dessa técnica anestésica minimiza os efeitos adversos no pós-operatório e oferece segurança para o paciente e equipe, desde que sejam respeitados os cuidados com proteção individual e de contágio interpessoal. Respeito às contraindicações e emprego criterioso das técnicas e normas de segurança são fundamentais. Este manuscrito tem por objetivo revisar as evidências disponíveis sobre anestesia regional em pacientes com COVID-19 e oferecer recomendações práticas para sua realização segura e eficiente.

[Inadvertent epidural ampicillin administration during labor: case report]. / Administração peridural inadvertida de ampicilina durante trabalho de parto: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND: Inadvertent epidural drug administration is associated with morbidity and mortality. Several drugs have been administered accidentally through the epidural catheter and most of our knowledge is based on case reports. CASE REPORT: A 33 year-old woman presented for delivery. Placement of epidural catheter was requested for labor analgesia and priming dose was administered. Five minutes later, ampicillin 1g was given through the catheter inadvertently without hemodynamic or neurological changes. Ropivacaine administration was repeated, always with symptomatic relief until delivery. At hospital discharge, she remained without neurological or hemodynamic alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of errors are due to syringe and drug exchanges, and inadvertent route administration. Erroneous administration into the epidural space can have immediate and late effects and there is no definitive and effective treatment. There are several preventive measures to reduce the potential complications; some opt for watchful waiting, others opt for administering other drugs as a dilution attempted.

Inadvertent epidural ampicillin administration during labor: case report / Administração peridural inadvertida de ampicilina durante trabalho de parto: relato de caso

Abstract Background: Inadvertent epidural drug administration is associated with morbidity and mortality. Several drugs have been administered accidentally through the epidural catheter and most of our knowledge is based on case reports. Case report: A 33 year-old woman presented for delivery. Placement of epidural catheter was requested for labor analgesia and priming dose was administered. Five minutes later, ampicillin 1 g was given through the catheter inadvertently without hemodynamic or neurological changes. Ropivacaine administration was repeated, always with symptomatic relief until delivery. At hospital discharge, she remained without neurological or hemodynamic alterations. Conclusions: The majority of errors are due to syringe and drug exchanges and inadvertent route administration. Erroneous administration into the epidural space can have immediate and late effects and there is no definitive and effective treatment. There are several preventive measures to reduce the potential complications; some opt for watchful waiting, others opt for administering other drugs as a dilution attempted.

Resumo Justificativa: A administração inadvertida peridural de drogas está associada à morbidade e mortalidade. Várias drogas foram administradas acidentalmente pelo cateter peridural e a maior parte do que sabemos se baseia em relatos de caso. Relato de caso: Uma gestante de 33 anos chegou em trabalho de parto. Foi solicitada colocação de cateter peridural para analgesia de parto e a dose inicial foi administrada. Cinco minutos depois, 1 g de ampicilina foi dado através do cateter inadvertidamente, sem alterações hemodinâmicas ou neurológicas. A administração de ropivacaína foi repetida, sempre com alívio dos sintomas até o parto. Na alta hospitalar, a paciente continuava sem alterações neurológicas ou hemodinâmicas. Conclusões: A maioria dos erros é por troca de seringa ou drogas, ou administração de rota inadvertida. A administração errônea no espaço peridural pode apresentar efeitos imediatos e tardios e não há tratamento definitivo ou efetivo. Existem várias medidas preventivas para reduzir complicações potenciais; alguns escolhem observação cuidadosa, outros a administração de outras drogas para tentar a diluição.

Sonographic evaluation of the lumbosacral region for neuroaxial anaesthesia in domestic felines / Avaliação ultrassonográfica da região lombossacra para anestesia neuroaxial em felinos domésticos

The objective of this study was to describe the lumbosacral region of domestic felines using ultrasonography. The limits and dimensions of the epidural and subarachnoid spaces were identified and their correlation with sex and body score condition (BSC) were evaluated. Fourteen mongrel cat cadavers, nine males and five females, weighing between 2.0 and 4.5 kg and with BCS ranging from 2 to 5 (1–5) were used. The cadavers were put in sternal recumbency and ultrasonographic images of the lumbosacral region were obtained in the sagittal and transverse planes. There was no statistical difference in the measurements between males and females. The BCS was positively correlated with the distance between the skin and dorsal epidural space, the distance between the skin and dural sac, and the distance between the skin and the ventral floor. No correlations were identified between the BCS and the distance between epidural space and dural sac, BCS and the sagittal dural sac height, or BCS and transverse dural sac height. The study showed that animals with a higher body condition score present larger distances between structures, regardless of their sex. In addition, the sonographic study verified the close proximity of the epidural and subarachnoid spaces, highlighting the risk of inadvertent spinal puncture in felines.

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a região lombossacra de felinos domésticos por meio da ultrassonografia, identificando os limites e dimensionando os espaços peridural e subaracnoide, relacionando essas medidas com o sexo e o escore corporal dos animais. Foram utilizados 14 cadáveres de gatos, sem raça definida, nove machos e cinco fêmeas, pesando entre 2,0 e 4,5 kg e com escore corporal variando de 2 a 5 (1-5). Para a avaliação da região lombossacra, os animais foram posicionados em decúbito esternal e imagens ultrassonográficas desta região foram adquiridas nos planos sagital e transversal. Não houve diferença estatística entre machos e fêmeas com relação às medidas. Houve correlação positiva entre o escore corporal e a distância entre a pele e o espaço peridural dorsal; escore corporal e a distância entre a pele e o saco dural; e escore corporal e a distância entre a pele e o assoalho ventral. Não foram identificadas correlações entre o escore corporal e a distância entre o espaço peridural e saco dural; escore corporal e altura do saco dural sagital; e escore corporal e altura saco dural transversal. Conclui-se que animais com maior escore corporal apresentam distâncias maiores, e não há diferença nas mensurações com relação ao sexo. Além disso, o estudo ultrassonográfico constatou a proximidade do espaço peridural e raquidiano, implicando no risco de punção inadvertida em felinos.

Sonographic evaluation of the lumbosacral region for neuroaxial anaesthesia in domestic felines / Avaliação ultrassonográfica da região lombossacra para anestesia neuroaxial em felinos domésticos

The objective of this study was to describe the lumbosacral region of domestic felines using ultrasonography. The limits and dimensions of the epidural and subarachnoid spaces were identified and their correlation with sex and body score condition (BSC) were evaluated. Fourteen mongrel cat cadavers, nine males and five females, weighing between 2.0 and 4.5 kg and with BCS ranging from 2 to 5 (1–5) were used. The cadavers were put in sternal recumbency and ultrasonographic images of the lumbosacral region were obtained in the sagittal and transverse planes. There was no statistical difference in the measurements between males and females. The BCS was positively correlated with the distance between the skin and dorsal epidural space, the distance between the skin and dural sac, and the distance between the skin and the ventral floor. No correlations were identified between the BCS and the distance between epidural space and dural sac, BCS and the sagittal dural sac height, or BCS and transverse dural sac height. The study showed that animals with a higher body condition score present larger distances between structures, regardless of their sex. In addition, the sonographic study verified the close proximity of the epidural and subarachnoid spaces, highlighting the risk of inadvertent spinal puncture in felines.(AU)

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a região lombossacra de felinos domésticos por meio da ultrassonografia, identificando os limites e dimensionando os espaços peridural e subaracnoide, relacionando essas medidas com o sexo e o escore corporal dos animais. Foram utilizados 14 cadáveres de gatos, sem raça definida, nove machos e cinco fêmeas, pesando entre 2,0 e 4,5 kg e com escore corporal variando de 2 a 5 (1-5). Para a avaliação da região lombossacra, os animais foram posicionados em decúbito esternal e imagens ultrassonográficas desta região foram adquiridas nos planos sagital e transversal. Não houve diferença estatística entre machos e fêmeas com relação às medidas. Houve correlação positiva entre o escore corporal e a distância entre a pele e o espaço peridural dorsal; escore corporal e a distância entre a pele e o saco dural; e escore corporal e a distância entre a pele e o assoalho ventral. Não foram identificadas correlações entre o escore corporal e a distância entre o espaço peridural e saco dural; escore corporal e altura do saco dural sagital; e escore corporal e altura saco dural transversal. Conclui-se que animais com maior escore corporal apresentam distâncias maiores, e não há diferença nas mensurações com relação ao sexo. Além disso, o estudo ultrassonográfico constatou a proximidade do espaço peridural e raquidiano, implicando no risco de punção inadvertida em felinos.(AU)

El ABC de la analgesia controlada por el paciente / The ABCs of patient-controlled analgesia

Resumen La analgesia controlada por el paciente (PCA, por sus siglas en inglés: patient controlled analgesia) es la administración continua y/o intermitente de analgésicos opioides y no opioides a través de un dispositivo con dosis a demanda y control del paciente. Su mecanismo de acción antinociceptivo tiene efecto en la percepción del control del dolor por el propio paciente, en sinergia, con la acción de los medicamentos. Bajo el concepto de concentración mínima efectiva analgésica, las bombas PCA permiten mantener las concentraciones plasmáticas estables de los fármacos, particularmente de los opioides, disminuyendo la carga de atención al personal de enfermería y la administración de medicamentos «por razón necesaria¼. Las bombas de PCA cuentan con un intervalo de seguridad que impide la sobredosificación por intentos repetitivos de activación por el paciente de las dosis en bolos, y se ha demostrado que brindan mejores resultados en la analgesia durante las primeras 24 horas (nivel de evidencia moderada). Las rutas más utilizadas son la vía intravenosa y la vía epidural. En esta revisión se presentan los pasos básicos para el uso de estos dispositivos, preparación y programación de bolos o infusiones analgésicas, así como los pasos seguros que deben considerarse durante su empleo (visite http://www.painoutmexico.com para obtener el artículo completo y videos).

Abstract Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is the continuous and/or intermittent administration of opioid and non-opioid analgesics through a device with on-demand doses and patient control. Its mechanism anti-nociceptive has an effect on the perception of pain controlled by the patient himself, in synergy, with the action of the medications. Under the concept of minimum effective analgesic concentration, PCA pumps allow the stable plasma concentrations of the drugs, particularly opioids, to be maintained, reducing the nursing staff attention and the administration of drugs «for necessary reason¼. PCA pumps have a safety interval that prevents overdosing due to repetitive attempts by the patient to activate bolus and has been shown to provide better analgesia during the first 24 hours (moderate level of evidence). The most commonly routes are the intravenous and the epidural. In this review we present the basic steps for the use of these devices, preparation and programming of boluses or analgesic infusions, as well as safety steps during their use (visit http://www.painoutmexico.com to see the full article and videos).