Comparison of antioxidant effects of isoflurane and propofol in patients undergoing donor hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The safety of healthy volunteer donors is one of the most important issues in living-donor liver transplantation. Use of the Pringle maneuver during donor hepatectomy can result in liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of isoflurane and propofol on IR injury caused by the Pringle maneuver during donor hepatectomy. METHODS: A total of 70 American Society of Anesthesiology I-II donors aged 18-65 years who underwent hepatectomy were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: propofol and isoflurane. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured before surgery (t0) and after surgery (t1). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in demographic features, anesthesia, and times of surgery between the groups (P > .05). Plasma TAC levels at t0 and t1 were significantly lower in the propofol group than in the isoflurane group (P < .05). OSI at t1 was significantly higher in the propofol group than in the isoflurane group (P < .05). MDA levels were significantly higher in the propofol group than in the isoflurane group at t0 (P < .05). MDA levels level were significantly higher in the isoflurane group than in the propofol group at t1 (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Propofol may have protective effects against IR injury caused by the Pringle maneuver during donor hepatectomy in living-donor transplantations. However, the effectiveness of propofol for clinical use needs to be investigated further.

The effects of ephedrine on maternal hypothermia in caesarean sections: a double blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of bolus and the combination of bolus and infusion of ephedrine on maternal hypothermia which are used for treating maternal hypotension under spinal anaesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 110 ASA I-II patients who developed maternal hypotension were included into the study. Spinal anaesthesia was performed with 12.5 mg heavy bupivacaine + 15 µg fentanyl. Group I: Ephedrine bolus 5 mg plus ephedrine infusion, Group B: Ephedrine bolus 5 mg plus normal saline infusion. The systolic blood pressure was allowed to range between 20% from baseline values. Ephedrine solution infusion started after hypotension occurred (0.5 mg/minute). The body temperature under 35.5°C was accepted as hypothermia. The newborns' rectal temperature was measured. Moreover, the Apgar scores, umbilical vein-arterial blood gas and acid-base status were evaluated. RESULTS: In Group I, the body core temperatures which were measured at 9, 18, 33, and 39th minutes were significantly higher than Group B (p < 0.05). The prevalence of maternal hypothermia in Group I was significantly lower than the Group B, which were as 65.5% (36/55) and 85.5% (47/55), respectively (p < 0.05). In Group I, the newborn rectal temperatures and the total dose of ephedrine were significantly higher than Group B (p < 0.05). In Group I, the systolic and mean blood pressures were higher than Group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, we found that combined bolus and infusion of ephedrine for treating maternal hypotension prevents maternal and neonatal hypothermia during caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia compared to bolus administrations alone.

Remifentanil without muscle relaxants for intubation in microlaryngoscopy: a double blind randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the effect of remifentanil without muscle relaxant with succinylcholine for intubation in microlaryngoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group R (n=40) and S (n=40) received remifentanil 4 µg/kg intravenously or 1 µg/kg respectively. Anesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg propofol in both groups. Intubation was performed after bolus administration of 10 ml saline as a placebo or 1 mg/kg of succinylcholine in Group R and S respectively. Remifentanil infusion was initiated at 0.025 µg/kg in each groups. RESULTS: Intubation conditions were similar in both groups. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) values at post-induction period were significantly lower in the Group S than in the Group R (p = 0.001). The requirement for ephedrine in Group R was found to be significantly lower than Group S (p = 0.023). Recovery times were significantly shorter (p = 0.001) and recovery scores were significantly higher (p = 0.021) in Group R. Time to patient could respond to commands was significantly longer in the Group S (p = 0.001). The surgeon's satisfaction score was significantly higher in Group R (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that remifentanil without muscle relaxants provides similar intubating conditions as that provided by succinylcholine, and remifentanil is superior to succinylcholine with regard to haemodynamic stability and recovery duration.

Effects of isoflurane and propofol on hepatic and renal functions and coagulation profile after right hepatectomy in living donors.

We compared postoperative hepatic and renal functions and coagulation profiles in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy under isoflurane (n = 40) versus propofol (n = 40) anesthesia. After induction, anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane/air-O2 (group I) or propofol/air-O2 (group P) in addition to remifentanil and atracurium infusion in both groups. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), albumin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), platelet count, and hemoglobin levels were measured in the preoperative period, after end of the operation, and on the first, third, fifth and seventh postoperative days (PODs). INR was significantly increased on POD 3 and aPTT on POD 5 in group I compared with group P (P < .05). Albumin level was significantly lower in Group I on POD 1 and 3 (P < .05). GFR was significantly lower on POD 1 in the group I compared with group P (P < .05). The postoperative coagulation, GFR, and albumin values were superior following administration of propofol than isoflurane in donors who underwent living hepatectomy; however, both approaches were clinically safe, with no significant clinical difference.

Sevoflurane alone and propofol with or without remifentanil for electroconvulsive therapy-a randomised, crossover study.

We compared the effectiveness of three anaesthetic regimens (propofol alone, propofol with remifentanil and sevoflurane alone), with respect to seizure duration and seizure quality in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. Thirty-nine patients underwent a total of 234 electroconvulsive therapy treatments in this prospective, observer blinded, crossover study. Each patient received either propofol 1 mg/kg alone (Group P), propofol 0.5 mg/kg and remifentanil 1 µg/kg (Group R), or sevoflurane alone 6% (Group S) for their initial electroconvulsive therapy session. The patients subsequently received an alternative regimen in their next session, such as from propofol 1 mg/kg alone to propofol 0.5 mg/kg and remifentanil 1 µg/kg, from propofol 0.5 mg/kg and remifentanil 1 µg/kg to sevoflurane alone 6%, or from sevoflurane alone 6% to a continuing alternation between drugs at each session, until their sixth session. Muscle paralysis was achieved with 1 mg/kg succinylcholine. Seizure duration, postictal suppression index, early and midictal amplitude were recorded. The mean motor and electroencephalogram seizure durations were significantly longer in Groups P and R compared to Group S (P <0.001). The postictal suppression index and early and midictal amplitude values were not significantly different among the groups. These findings indicate that the three anaesthetic regimens had similar effects on seizure quality parameters, although sevoflurane was associated with shorter seizure durations than propofol or propofol-remifentanil.

Effects of desflurane and isoflurane on hepatic and renal functions and coagulation profile during donor hepatectomy.

We compared the effect of two inhalation anesthetics desflurane and isoflurane on postoperative hepatic and renal functions as well as coagulation profiles in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy. This study was performed on 80 patients who were randomly allocated to group D (desflurane, n = 40) or group I (isoflurane, n = 40) after Faculty Ethics Committee approval. After induction, isoflurane or desflurane was used with air/oxygen for anesthetic maintenance. The isoflurane or desflurane concentration was set at one minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). Remifentanil was infused for analgesia as well as cisatracurium. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), international normalized ratio (INR), albumin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, platelet count, and hemoglobin levels were analyzed preoperatively at end of the operation, and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 30. Both AST and ALT differed significantly and continually except on POD 30. AST showed significant elevations from the end of the operation to POD 2 and ALT, from the end of the operation to POD 5 in group I compared with group D. INR was significantly higher from the end of the operation to POD 3 in group I and to POD 2 in group D. At the end of the operation as well as on POD 1 and POD 2, INR was significantly increased in group I compared with group D. Albumin level was significantly lower at the end of the operation in both groups, but it was not different. No patient developed hepatic or renal failure. Our study showed better postoperative hepatic tests and INR using desflurane than isoflurane at equivalent doses of 1 MAC in living donors undergoing right hepatectomy.

Airway management using the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in a child with Goldenhar syndrome.

Children with congenital anomalies such as Goldenhar syndrome affecting the airway can be a problem for the anaesthesiologist. We present the case of an 18 month-old child with Goldenhar syndrome, in whom the ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway was successfully used for inguinal hernia surgery.

Ketofol (mixture of ketamine and propofol) administration in electroconvulsive therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a ketamine:propofol combination ('ketofol') for electroconvulsive therapy on seizure activity, haemodynamic response and recovery parameters, and to compare with these with the effects of propofol alone. Twenty-four patients underwent a total of 144 electroconvulsive therapy sessions, allocated in this prospective, double-blind, crossover study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 mg/kg ketofol (0.5 mg/kg propofol plus 0.5 mg/kg ketamine) or 1 mg/kg propofol 1% for anaesthesia induction. Seizure duration and quality, haemodynamic data, recovery parameters and side-effects were recorded and analysed between groups. Both motor and electroencephalography seizure durations in the ketofol group (29 ± 17 and 41 ± 17 seconds, respectively) were similar to that in the propofol group (28 ± 13 and 38 ± 16 seconds, respectively). Postictal suppression index was higher in the ketofol group (89.63 ± 7.88) than in the propofol group (79.74 ± 14.6) (P <0.05). In the ketofol group, heart rate after the seizure ended and mean arterial pressures, recorded at 0 and 5 minutes after the seizure ended, were higher than in the propofol group. Time to obeying commands was longer in the ketofol group (P <0.05). There were no untoward psychological reactions following ketofol. Although no superiority to propofol in terms of seizure duration, haemodynamic or recovery parameters was found, the ketofol mixture selected in our study provided better seizure quality than propofol. We conclude that ketofol can be an alternative strategy to enhance the seizure quality and clinical efficiency of electroconvulsive therapy.

Single intrathecal fentanyl for combined spinal epidural anesthesia confers no advantage over hemodynamic effects in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Neuroaxial blockade for ambulatory transurethral resection of the prostate is a well established technique. Patients in this group are often at high risk for perioperative complications from concurrent diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare the elderly patients who received intrathecal fentanyl alone or intrathecal fentanyl plus bupivacaine or epidural anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients were prospectively randomized to receive fentanyl 25 microg (Group F), fentanyl 25 microg plus hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5 mg (Group BF), or epidural anesthesia adding fentanyl 50 microg (Group E) by combined spinal epidural anesthesia technique. RESULTS: The amount of local anesthetics used until when the sensorial block reached the level of T10 was significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p < 0.001). Maximum level of sensory block was significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p = 0.01). The time elapsed until the sensory block reached T10, the regression of sensory block to L5 level were significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to the basal values, mean arterial pressures were significantly lower in the Group BF than in the Group E and the Group F (p < 0.05). The occurrence of hypotension was significantly lower in the Group BF (9.4%) than in the Group E (18.2%) and the Group F (24.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5 mg plus fentanyl 25 microg administration provides shorter motor block onset time, less local anesthetic usage and adequate hemodynamic stability in elderly patients.

Bispectral index monitoring to guide end-tidal isoflurane concentration at three phases of operation in patients with end-stage liver disease undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation.

It has been shown that anesthetic requirements during liver transplantation are inversely proportional to the degree of hepatic dysfunction. We investigate alterations during the three phases of requirements for intraoperative isoflurane within the target of 40 to 55 Bispectral Index (BIS) values concerning patients with end-stage liver disease who are undergoing liver transplantation. After faculty ethics committee approval, we studied 50 patients of (age range, 18 to 65 years) who were undergoing liver transplantation. After induction, we used isoflurane with air/oxygen (FiO(2) = 0.5%) for anesthetic maintenance. The isoflurane concentration was set within the range of 40 to 55 BIS values. Remifentanil (0.15 µg/kg/min) was infused for analgesia and cisatracurium was administered via continuous infusion. After anesthetic induction, we inserted arterial, pulmonary artery, and central venous catheters. The heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), body temperature, BIS values, end-tidal isoflurane concentration (ETiso) and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (ETCO(2)) were recorded at 30-minute intervals during the dissection and neohepatic phases, at 15-minute intervals during the anhepatic phase. In addition, we calculated the cardiac index during the three phases. There was no difference in heart rates among the operative phases. In contrast, there were significant changes in MAP, MPAP, BIS, ETCO(2) and body temperature values. However, all of these parameters were in physiological ranges and clinically acceptable. The ETiso values were lowest in the anhepatic phase compared to other phases, but the differences were not clinically important. The ETiso values in the dissection and neohepatic phases were compared with the anhepatic phase higher 5% and 8.6% respectively. During liver transplantation, ETiso requirement for the anhepatic phase was lower compared with the other two phases within the range of 40 to 55 BIS values.

The effects of intrathecal levobupivacaine and bupivacaine in the elderly.

The objective of this study was to compare the block durations and haemodynamic effects associated with intrathecal levobupivacaine or bupivacaine in elderly patients undergoing transurethral prostate surgery. Eighty patients were prospectively randomised to receive plain 1.5 ml levobupivacaine 0.5% (group levobupivacaine) or 1.5 ml plain bupivacaine 0.5% (group bupivacaine) in combination with fentanyl 0.3 ml (15 microg) for spinal anaesthesia. The time to reach T10 and peak sensory block level, and to maximum motor block were significantly shorter in group bupivacaine compared to group levobupivacaine (p < 0.05). Peak sensory block level was also significantly higher in group bupivacaine. In group bupivacaine, mean arterial pressure was significantly lower than group levobupivacaine, starting from 10 min until 30 min after injection (p < 0.05). Hypotension and nausea were less common in group levobupivacaine than group bupivacaine (p < 0.05). Because of the better haemodynamic stability and fewer side-effects associated with levobupivacaine, it may be preferred for spinal anaesthesia in elderly patients.

The effects of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl on emergence characteristics after adenoidectomy in children.

This randomised controlled study evaluated the effects of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine on emergence characteristics of children having adenoidectomy and anaesthetised with sevoflurane. Ninety children, two to seven years of age and ASA physical status I, were studied. Children were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 30 children, with the study intervention injection given intravenously after intubation. Children in Group F received fentanyl 2.5 microg x kg(-1), children in Group D received dexmedetomidine 0.5 microG x kg(-1) and children in Group C received saline solution. Anaesthesia was induced with 50% N2O and 8% sevoflurane in O2 by mask and atracurium 0.6 mg x kg(-1) was administered for tracheal intubation. All children received paracetamol 40 mg/kg rectally one hour preoperatively and dexamethasone 0.5 mg x kg(-1) intravenously. The time to extubation was shorter in Group D than Group F. The eye-opening time was longer in Group F (16.1 +/- 5.3 minutes) than in Groups C (12.0 +/- 4.2 minutes) and D (12.7 +/- 3.2 minutes). The proportion of pain-free children in early recovery was significantly higher in Groups D (47%) and F (43%) than Group C (13%) (P < 0.05). The proportion of children with agitation scores > 3 was lower in Groups D 17% (5/30) and F 13% (4/30) than in Group C 47% (14/30) (P < 0.05). Fentanyl 2.5 microg x kg(-1) and dexmedetomidine 0.5 microg x kg(-1) had similar haemodynamic effects and emergence characteristics. Fentanyl has been safely used in children for many years. Further studies of dexmedetomidine safety and its interaction with other anaesthetic agents are required before recommending its routine use during general anaesthesia in children.

Dexmedetomidine blunts acute hyperdynamic responses to electroconvulsive therapy without altering seizure duration.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the acute hyperdynamic response, duration of seizure activity and recovery times in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent a total of 84 ECT sessions as a crossover design. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either dexmedetomidine (1 mug/kg IV over a period of 10 min) or saline (control). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 1 mg/kg, and then succinylcholine 0.5 mg/kg IV was administered. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were recorded during the study period. RESULTS: HR in the dexmedetomidine group was lower than that in the control group at 5 and 10 min after the start of study drug infusion, and at 1, 3 and 10 min after the seizure ended (P<0.05). Peak HR was lower in the dexmedetomidine group compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) values in the dexmedetomidine group were lower at 0, 1, 3 and 10 min after the seizure ended compared with the control group (P<0.05). Both motor and electroencephalography (EEG) seizure duration in the control group (35.65 +/- 14.89 and 49.07 +/- 9.94 s, respectively) were similar to that in the dexmedetomidine group (33.30 +/- 12.01 and 45.15 +/- 17.79 s, respectively) (P>0.05). Time to spontaneous breathing, eye opening and obeying commands were not different between the groups. CONCLUSION: A dexmedetomidine dose of 1 mug/kg IV administered over 10 min before the induction of anaesthesia with propofol may be useful in preventing the acute hyperdynamic responses to ECT without altering the duration of seizure activity and recovery time.

The effects of single-dose tramadol on post-operative pain and morphine requirements after coronary artery bypass surgery.

AIM: To investigate the effects of a single dose of tramadol administered prior to extubation on post-operative pain and morphine consumption after coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomized post-operatively into two groups (group T, n= 30; group P, n= 30). The technique of anaesthesia was standardized for all patients. The patients in group T received intravenous tramadol, 1 mg/kg, and the patients in group P received 2 ml of saline 0.9%, both approximately 1 h before extubation. After extubation, all patients were allowed to use the morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device for 24 h post-operatively. Post-operative data were recorded in the cardiac intensive care unit at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 12 h and 24 h after extubation by the same anaesthesiologist, who had no knowledge of the groups, and the side-effects were also evaluated. RESULTS: In group P, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were found to be higher 30 min (P < 0.01), 1 h (P < 0.01), 2 h (P < 0.01) and 4 h (P < 0.05) after extubation. The patient comfort scores were higher in group T 30 min (P < 0.01), 1 h (P < 0.05), 2 h (P < 0.01) and 4 h (P < 0.01) after extubation. The total morphine consumption was higher in group P at all evaluation times (P < 0.01), and the numbers of PCA demands and boluses were also higher in group P (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that a single dose of tramadol administered prior to extubation following coronary artery bypass surgery is associated with a decrease of up to 25% in morphine consumption, a decrease in the VAS scores and an improvement in patient comfort within the first 4 h post-operatively.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on bleeding during tympanoplasty or septorhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine, an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, on intraoperative bleeding, anaesthetic drug requirement and postoperative pain. METHODS: Forty patients scheduled for elective tympanoplasty and septorhinoplasty operations under general anaesthesia were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either a dexmedetomidine 1 microg kg(-1) bolus 10 min before induction of anaesthesia plus 0.5 microg kg(-1) h(-1) infusions during maintenance or placebo. Mean arterial pressure was maintained between 60 and 80 mmHg. Perioperative mean arterial pressure, heart rate, time to extubation and time to awakening were recorded. Bleeding during surgery was assessed by the surgeon, blinded to the study drugs, both intraoperatively and postoperatively as a final personal opinion about the whole surgical process. RESULTS: The heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly lower during induction, operation and extubation in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). Blood losses were lower in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). Propofol dose required for induction, and fentanyl and isoflurane consumption were significantly reduced in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). The total amounts of nitroglycerin and meperidine used were higher in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine decreased bleeding, postoperative analgesic requirements and intraoperative anaesthetic requirements and was associated with more stable haemodynamic responses to anaesthesia. We conclude that dexmedetomidine is a useful adjuvant to decrease bleeding when a bloodless surgical field is requested.

The effects of pre-operative dexmedetomidine infusion on hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-operative dexmedetomidine infusion on hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into placebo (group P, n= 16) and dexmedetomidine (group D, n= 16) groups. In group D, a 1 microg/kg bolus dose of dexmedetomidine was administered 10 min before the induction of anesthesia, followed by a 0.4 microg/kg/h infusion until the surgical incision. Anesthesia was induced with lidocaine (1 mg/kg), midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) and fentanyl (5 microg/kg) in both groups. Anesthesia was maintained with 0.5% isoflurane and fentanyl depending on the hemodynamic situation. The hemodynamic values during the investigation were obtained. RESULTS: In group D, the mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were decreased effectively in comparison with the values in the placebo group (P < 0.05), and there was an attenuation in the increase in the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) at the post-sternotomy period. CONCLUSIONS: The pre-operative administration of the alpha(2)-agonist dexmedetomidine decreases the fentanyl requirement and attenuates the increase in SVRI and PVRI at the post-sternotomy period relative to the baseline levels, and decreases effectively MAP, MPAP and PCWP in comparison with the values in the placebo group, in patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery.

The effects of methylene blue on lung injury in septic rats.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effects of methylene blue (MB) on NO production, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in lung injury during different stages of sepsis in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20): group C, sham operated; group CMB, sham operated and receiving MB (25 mg/kg, i.p.); group S, sepsis; group SMB, sepsis and receiving MB (25 mg/kg, i.p.). Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The MB dose was administered after CLP. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n = 10) which were sacrificed at 9 or 18 h after the surgical procedure. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and MPO activity, total nitrite/nitrate and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the lung tissue were measured. Lung injury was graded from 1 (injury to 25% of the field) to 4 (diffuse injury) by the pathologist. RESULTS: In group SMB, while SOD and CAT increased in both early and late sepsis periods, GSH-PX increased significantly only in the early sepsis period when compared with group S. Increase in lung MPO activity after CLP-induced sepsis was prevented by MB administration. MB significantly decreased to nitrite/nitrate and MDA levels both in early and late sepsis periods when compared with group S (p < 0.05). Group S showed a marked increase in neutrophil infiltration into the interstitial space and thickening of the alveolar septa, whereas the alveolar damage score was lower in the SMB group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MB reduced the MPO activity and lipid peroxidation by both decreasing oxidative stress and NO overproduction in the lungs, which resulted in the attenuation of lung injury after CLP-induced sepsis in rats.

The effects of magnesium sulphate on sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentrations and haemodynamic responses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Magnesium administered before anaesthesia induction results in a significant reduction in intravenous anaesthetic consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the dose of intravenous magnesium sulphate reduces the minimum alveolar anaesthetic concentration of sevoflurane for endotracheal intubation (MACEI) and skin incision (MAC), and attenuates haemodynamic responses. METHODS: We studied 60 patients who were scheduled for elective surgery. Patients were not premedicated before induction of anaesthesia and were randomly assigned to receive intravenous saline 0.9% (Group I, n = 20) or magnesium sulphate 30 mg kg(-1) bolus + 10 mg kg(-1) h(-1) continuous infusion (Group II, n = 20) or 50 mg kg(-1) bolus + 10 mg kg(-1) h(-1) continuous infusion (Group III, n = 20). RESULTS: Median and 95% confidence limits for sevoflurane MACEI were 2.68 (2.48-2.85), 2.88 (2.70-3.06) and 2.96 (2.70-3.16), and for sevoflurane MAC were 2.08 (1.76-2.40), 2.26 (2.08-2.47) and 2.40 (2.19-2.68) in Groups I, II and III, respectively. The differences in MACEI and MAC among groups were not statistically significant, except Group III in MAC study (P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressures and heart rate did not increase in Groups II and III after endotracheal intubation and skin incision. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium sulphate administered before induction of anaesthesia increases MAC of sevoflurane and reduces cardiovascular responses to intubation.

Hyperbaric bupivacaine affects the doses of midazolam required for sedation after spinal anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients having spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine may become sensitive to sedative drugs but no data exists about any dose-related effect of the local anaesthetic on the sedative requirement. We aimed to investigate whether hyperbaric bupivacaine dose in spinal anaesthesia has any effect on midazolam requirements. METHODS: Sixty unpremedicated patients were allocated to three equal groups. Patients in Groups I and II received hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% 10 and 17.5 mg respectively for spinal anaesthesia and Group III was a control group without spinal anaesthesia. In Groups I and II, after the evaluation of sensory block, patients received intravenous midazolam 1 mg per 30 s until the Ramsay sedation score reached 3 (drowsy but responsive to command). In Group III, general anaesthesia was induced after sedation score had reached 3 using midazolam. The total dose of midazolam (mg kg(-1)) given to each patient, the level of sensory block and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The level of sensory block was higher in Group II (T7) than Group I (T9) (P < 0.01). The doses of midazolam were 0.063 mg kg(-1) in Group I, 0.065 mg kg(-1) in Group II and 0.101 mg kg(-1) in Group III (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between level of sensory block and dose of midazolam in Group I (r = -0.293, P = 0.21) and Group II (r = 0.204, P = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: Different doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia do not affect the midazolam requirements for sedation. However, spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine with a maximum spread in the middle thoracic dermatomes may be associated with sedative effects and thus a reduced need for further sedation with midazolam.

Comparison of propofol-alfentanil and propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is used for the fragmentation and removal of stones from the renal pelvis and renal calyceal systems. We compared the effects of propofol-alfentanil or propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia on haemodynamics, recovery characteristics and postoperative analgesic requirements during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. METHODS: Thirty non-premedicated patients were randomly allocated to receive either propofol-alfentanil (Group A) or propofol-remifentanil (Group R). The loading dose of the study drug was administered over 60 s (alfentanil 10 microg kg(-1) or remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1)) followed by a continuous infusion (alfentanil 15 microg kg(-1) h(-1) or remifentanil 0.15 microg kg(-1) min(-1)). Propofol was administered until loss of consciousness and maintained with a continuous infusion of 75 microg kg(-1) min(-1) in both groups. Atracurium was given for endotracheal intubation at a dose of 0.5 mg kg(-1) and maintained with a continuous infusion of 0.4 mg kg(-1) h(-1). Mean arterial pressure heart rate, the total amount of propofol, time of recovery of spontaneous ventilation, extubation and eye opening in response to verbal stimulus and analgesic requirement were recorded. RESULTS: In Group A, mean arterial pressure was higher at the first minute in the prone position, and during skin incision and lithotripsy, and heart rate was higher during skin incision and lithotripsy when compared with Group R (P < 0.05). The total amount of propofol did not differ between groups. Time of recovery of spontaneous ventilation, extubation and eye opening were significantly shorter in Group R than Group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both propofol-remifentanil and propofol-alfentanil anaesthesia provided stable haemodynamics during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, whereas propofol-remifentanil allowed earlier extubation.