Could Short-Term Perioperative High-Dose Atorvastatin Offer Antiarrhythmic and Cardio-Protective Effects in Rheumatic Valve Replacement Surgery?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of prophylactic high-dose atorvastatin for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), inflammatory response attenuation, and myocardial protection after valve replacement cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Assiut University Hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four adult patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The participants were equally divided into 2 groups. Group S received 80 mg of atorvastatin (oral tablets), 12 and 2 hours preoperatively, and on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th postoperative days. Control group C received placebo at the same time periods. MEASUREMENTS: The incidence of POAF, postoperative white blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and troponin I. MAIN RESULTS: Group S patients showed a lower incidence of POAF compared with the placebo group (p = 0.031). The white blood cell count showed significant reductions in group S compared with group C on the second, third, fourth, and fifth postoperative days. The C-reactive protein level showed significant reductions on the third, fourth, and fifth postoperative days in group S compared with group C (p = 0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). The serum level of interleukin 6 showed a significant reduction on the fifth postoperative day in group S compared with group C (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the troponin I level and inotropic score. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic use of high dose atorvastatin can decrease the incidence of POAF and attenuate the inflammatory process in adult patients undergoing isolated rheumatic cardiac valve replacement surgery.

Paravertebral Dexmedetomidine in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgeries for Acute and Chronic Pain Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered as one of the minimally invasive surgeries. Early postoperative pain alleviation is very important to avoid complications, at the same time, proper early pain control is an established fact to decrease the incidence of chronic pain. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) by a bupivacaine/ dexmedetomidine mixture on acute and chronic post-thoracoscopic surgery pain in patients undergoing VATS. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized prospective double-blinded trial. SETTING: Assiut University Hospitals, Orman Cardiology Hospital. METHODS: Sixty adult patients underwent elective VATS surgery under general anesthesia randomly allocated into 2 groups; Group I received thoracic PVB with isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% (0.3 mL/kg) and Group II received PVB with isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% (0.3 mL/kg) and dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg). Postoperative pain (at rest, with cough, and with movement) was assessed through a visual analog scale (VAS) every 30 minutes in the first 2 hours, then at the second, fourth, eighth, and 24th hours. Time to first analgesia request and consumption of intravenous rescue analgesia (ketorolac tromethamine 30 mg/dose) was recorded. Follow-up of the patients regarding the incidence of chronic post-thoracoscopic pain by the end of the third and sixth months after the procedure was reviewed through the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale. RESULTS: VAS score was significantly lower in Group II during the early postoperative 90 minute records. Pain with cough and with movement persisted to be significantly lower in Group II up to the second postoperative hour. Time to first analgesia requirement was significantly longer in Group II in comparison to Group (P < 0.001). There was less ketorolac consumption in Group II than in Group I (P = 0.002). At the third month, Group II showed significantly lower incidence of LANSS pain scale than Group I (P = 0.04). LIMITATIONS: There was the heterogeneity of surgical procedures in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine PVB offers better pain relief during the early postoperative hours, and it carries a favorable effect on chronic postoperative pain.Clinical trial registry number: NCT03632161. KEY WORDS: Dexmedetomidine, paravertebral block, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, postoperative pain, chronic pain.

Effect of two different doses of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of emergence agitation after strabismus surgery: a randomized clinical trial / Efeito de duas doses diferentes de dexmedetomidina na incidência de agitação ao despertar após cirurgia para correção de estrabismo: um ensaio clínico randômico

Abstract Background and objective: Emergence agitation is a postoperative negative behavior that affects mainly children. We studied the effect of two different doses of dexmedetomidine on the incidence and degree of EA in children undergoing strabismus surgery. Methods: 90 patients were allocated into three equal groups; patients received 0.5 µg.kg−1 of dexmedetomidine in high Dex group, 0.25 µg.kg−1 of dexmedetomidine in low Dex group, or normal saline in the placebo group. All drugs were received with the closure of the conjunctiva before the end of the surgery. Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale was used to evaluate the agitation, and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale was used for pain assessment. Adverse effects of dexmedetomidine and recovery times were recorded. Results: The incidence of agitation was significantly lower in high Dex group compared to other groups and it was significantly lower in low Dex group compared to placebo group. The median (range) of FLACC score was significantly lower in both Dex groups compared to placebo group. Recovery times; time from removal of laryngeal mask to eye opening and time stay in post anesthesia care unit was significantly longer in high Dex group compared to other groups. No significant bradycardia or hypotension was recorded. Recovery time was significantly longer in high Dex group compared to the other two groups. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg.kg−1) before emergence from general anesthesia resulted in a reduction in the incidence of emergence agitation compared to a dexmedetomidine (0.25 µg.kg−1) but on the expense of recovery times without adverse effects.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo: A agitação ao despertar é um comportamento pós-operatório negativo que afeta principalmente as crianças. Avaliamos o efeito de duas doses diferentes de dexmedetomidina na incidência e no grau de agitação ao despertar em crianças submetidas à correção de estrabismo. Métodos: Noventa pacientes foram alocados em três grupos iguais: receberam 0,5 µg.kg−1 de dexmedetomidina (grupo Dex-alta), 0,25 µg.kg−1 de dexmedetomidina (grupo Dex-baixa) ou solução salina normal (grupo placebo). Todos os medicamentos foram administrados com o fechamento da conjuntiva antes do fim da cirurgia. A escala pediátrica de delírio ao despertar da anestesia (PAED - Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium) foi usada para avaliar a agitação e a escala dos padrões de face, pernas, atividade, choro e consolabilidade (FLACC - Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) para avaliar a dor. Os efeitos adversos de dexmedetomidina e os tempos de recuperação foram registrados. Resultados: A incidência de agitação foi significativamente menor no grupo Dex-alta em comparação com os outros grupos, foi significativamente menor no grupo Dex-baixa em comparação com o grupo placebo. A mediana (variação) do escore FLACC foi significativamente menor em ambos os grupos Dex em comparação com o grupo placebo. O tempo de recuperação, o tempo transcorrido desde a remoção da máscara laríngea até a abertura dos olhos e o tempo de permanência na sala de recuperação pós-anestesia foram significativamente maiores no grupo Dex-alta em comparação com os outros grupos. Não houve registro de bradicardia ou hipotensão significativa. O tempo de recuperação foi significativamente maior no grupo Dex-alta em comparação com os outros dois grupos. Conclusão: Dexmedetomidina (0,5 µg.kg−1) antes do despertar da anestesia geral resultou em uma redução da incidência de agitação ao despertar em comparação com dexmedetomidina (0,25 µg.kg−1), mas em detrimento dos tempos de recuperação sem efeitos adversos.

[Effect of two different doses of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of emergence agitation after strabismus surgery: a randomized clinical trial]. / Efeito de duas doses diferentes de dexmedetomidina na incidência de agitação ao despertar após cirurgia para correção de estrabismo: um ensaio clínico randômico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Emergence agitation is a postoperative negative behavior that affects mainly children. We studied the effect of two different doses of dexmedetomidine on the incidence and degree of EA in children undergoing strabismus surgery. METHODS: 90 patients were allocated into three equal groups; patients received 0.5µg.kg-1 of dexmedetomidine in high Dex group, 0.25µg.kg-1 of dexmedetomidine in low Dex group, or normal saline in the placebo group. All drugs were received with the closure of the conjunctiva before the end of the surgery. Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale was used to evaluate the agitation, and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale was used for pain assessment. Adverse effects of dexmedetomidine and recovery times were recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of agitation was significantly lower in high Dex group compared to other groups and it was significantly lower in low Dex group compared to placebo group. The median (range) of FLACC score was significantly lower in both Dex groups compared to placebo group. Recovery times; time from removal of laryngeal mask to eye opening and time stay in post anesthesia care unit was significantly longer in high Dex group compared to other groups. No significant bradycardia or hypotension was recorded. Recovery time was significantly longer in high Dex group compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine (0.5µg.kg-1) before emergence from general anesthesia resulted in a reduction in the incidence of emergence agitation compared to a dexmedetomidine (0.25µg.kg-1) but on the expense of recovery times without adverse effects.

The impact of caudally administrated tramadol on immune response and analgesic efficacy for pediatric patients: a comparative randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Immune responses appear to be affected by anesthetics and analgesics. We investigated the effects of caudal tramadol on the postoperative immune response and pain management in pediatric patients. METHODS: Sixty ASA-I pediatric patients aged 3-10 years undergoing lower abdominal surgery. Patients were randomly assigned either to a caudal bupivacaine (0.25%) group (group B), or a group that received caudal tramadol (1 mg/kg) added to the bupivacaine (0.25%) (group T). Both were diluted in a 0.9% NaCl solution to a total volume of 1ml/kg. The systemic immune response was measured by collecting blood samples preoperatively, at the end of anesthesia, and at 24 and 72 hours postoperatively, and studied for interleukin IL-6, C-reactive proteins (CRP) cortisol levels, and leucocytes with its differential count. Postoperative pain was assessed along with sedation scales. RESULTS: Postoperative production of IL-6 was significantly higher in group B at the end of anesthesia, than at the 24th hour, and at the 72nd hour in group B and group T, respectively. The immune response showed leukocytosis with increased percentages of neutrophil and monocytes, and a decreased lymphocyte response rate within both groups with no significant differences between the groups. Cortisol and CRP were significantly higher in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Adding tramadol to a caudal bupivacaine block can attenuate the pro-inflammatory cytokine response, Cortisol, and CRP in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery.

Pain alleviation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery; presternal local anesthetic and magnesium infiltration versus conventional intravenous analgesia: a randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium is one of the effective, safe local anesthetic adjuvants that can exert an analgesic effect in conditions presenting acute and chronic post-sternotomy pain. We studied the efficacy of continuous infusion of presternal magnesium sulfate with bupivacaine for pain relief following cardiac surgery. METHODS: Ninety adult patients undergoing valve replacement cardiac surgery randomly allocated into three groups. In all patients; a presternal catheter was placed for continuous infusion of either 0.125% bupivacaine and 5% magnesium sulfate (3 ml/h for 48 hours) in group 1, or 0.125% bupivacaine only in the same rate in group 2, versus conventional intravenous paracetamol and ketorolac in group 3. Rescue analgesia was iv 25 µg fentanyl. Postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and fentanyl consumption during the early two postoperative days were assessed. All patients were followed up over two months for occurrence of chronic post-sternotomy pain. RESULTS: VAS values showed high significant differences during the first 48 hours with the least pain scale in group 1 and significantly least fentanyl consumption (30.8 ± 7 µg in group 1 vs. 69 ± 18 µg in group 2, and 162 ± 3 in group 3 respectively). The incidence of chronic pain has not differed between the three groups although it was more pronounced in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous presternal bupivacaine and magnesium infusion resulted in better postoperative analgesia than both presternal bupivacaine alone or conventional analgesic groups.

Dexamethasone alone versus in combination with intra-operative super-hydration for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis in female patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone has a prophylactic effect on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and perioperative hydration is believed to play a role in PONV prophylaxis. This study was performed to examine the combined effects of pre-induction dexamethasone plus super-hydration on PONV and pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: A total of 100 female patients undergoing LC were enrolled and randomized equally into two groups. Group DF received 5 mg dexamethasone (pre-induction) plus 30 ml/kg Ringer's lactate (intraoperative) and group D received 5 mg dexamethasone (pre-induction) alone. Anesthetic and surgical managements were standardized for all patients. The incidence and severity of PONV, and intra and post-operative analgesic and postoperative antiemetic consumption, were assessed during the first 24 h postoperatively. Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay and aggregated 24 h pain scores were calculated. RESULTS: Group DF had significantly lower PONV than group D (P = 0.03). The number of patients with the lowest PONV score was significantly increased in group DF (P = 0.03). Ondansetron consumption was significantly lower in group DF (P < 0.0001). The mean accumulated 24 h pain scores were significantly lower in group DF compared to group D (P < 0.0001). The time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in group DF than group D (P < 0.0001). In addition, total meperidine consumption during the first postoperative 24 h was significantly lower in group DF than group D (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In female patients undergoing LC, pre-induction with 5 mg dexamethasone plus intraoperative 30 ml/kg Ringer's lactate solution decreased PONV and pain during the first 24 h postoperatively compared to 5 mg dexamethasone alone.

The impact of magnesium sulfate as adjuvant to intrathecal bupivacaine on intra-operative surgeon satisfaction and postoperative analgesia during laparoscopic gynecological surgery: randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Surgeon satisfaction and patient analgesia during the procedure of laparoscopic surgery are important issues. The aim of this work was to study if an intrathecal (IT) Bupivacaine combined with Magnesium sulfate may or may not provide good surgeon satisfaction in addition to improvement of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Sixty female patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial study. All patients were operated for gynecological laparoscopic surgery under spinal anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups (Bupivacaine and Magnesium). Group Bupivacaine (30 patients) received intrathecal Bupivacaine 0.5% only (15 mg), while 30 patients in group Magnesium received intrathecal Bupivacaine (15 mg) in addition to intrathecal Magnesium sulfate (50 mg). The sensory block level, the intensity of motor block, the surgeon satisfaction, the intraoperative visual analog scale (VAS) for pain assessment, the postoperative VAS, and side effects were recorded during the intraoperative period and within the first 24 hours after surgery in the post-anesthesia care unit. RESULTS: Surgeon satisfaction, intraoperative shoulder pain, postoperative pain after 2 h, and perioperative analgesic consumption (ketorolac) were significant better in group Magnesium than in group Bupivacaine. (P < 0.05). The onset of motor and sensory blocks was significant longer in group Magnesium than the other one. The incidence of PONV, pruritus and urinary retention was insignificant statistically between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium sulfate if used intrathecally as an adjuvant to Bupivacaine would provide a better surgeon satisfaction and would improve the analgesic effect of spinal anesthesia used for gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

Analgesic Effect of Nalbuphine When Added to Intravenous Regional Anesthesia: A Randomized Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: Different adjuvant drugs are currently added to lidocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) to decrease tourniquet and postoperative pain. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of nalbuphine when added toIVRA. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Assiut University Hospitals. METHODS: One hundred-six adult patients scheduled for unilateral hand surgery under IVRA were randomized into 2 equal groups. The lidocaine-nalbuphine (LN) group received nalbuphine plus lidocaine and the lidocaine (L) group received lidocaine. A tourniquet and postoperative pain were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The following parameters were measured: onset and recovery time for both sensory and motor blocks, intra- and postoperative analgesic consumption, time to first analgesic request, postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV), hemodynamics, and cortisol levels. RESULTS: Early tourniquet and postoperative pain were significantly lower in the LN group. The onset time for both sensory and motor blocks was significantly shorter in the LN group. In addition, the recovery time for both sensory and motor blocks was longer in the LN group. Intra- and postoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the LN group with no significance in postoperative diclofenac consumption. The patient first analgesic request was significantly delayed in the LN group (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in PONV, hemodynamic parameters abnormalities, medications adverse events or cortisol levels. LIMITATIONS: The inclusion of a study group in which the nalbuphine administered systemically could determine whether its beneficial effects were due to its local or systemic action. CONCLUSIONS: Nalbuphine decreases early tourniquet and postoperative pain after IVRA and delays the need for analgesic rescue. In addition, nalbuphine accelerates the onset and prolongs the recovery time for both sensory and motor blocks with no significant adverse events. However, it has no effect on postoperative cortisol levels.Key words: Intravenous, regional anesthesia, lidocaine, nalbuphine, pain, postoperative.

A New Look on Adding Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant to Caudal Bupivacaine; Efficacy on Postoperative Pain and Vomiting in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Controlling postoperative pain and vomiting in children remains a great challenge. OBJECTIVE: Study the efficacy of adding dexamethasone to caudal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia and vomiting. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized double blind controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Assiut University Hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety children ASA I-II, undergoing lower orthopedic surgeries. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups. All received caudal block after induction of anesthesia with 0.5 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine in addition to 5 mL intravenous (IV) normal saline in the control group, IV 0.5 mg/kg dexamethasone in IV dexamethasone group and lastly 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone in the caudal dexamethasone group. Postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic consumption were recorded. Blood glucose, postoperative vomiting, and other side effects were evaluated up to 24 hours after extubation. RESULTS: The time of first analgesia and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics were significantly decreased with intravenous or caudal dexamethasone. No significant increase in postoperative blood glucose levels were observed. A significant increase in B- Endorphin level at 3 and 24 hours postoperative was found in both dexamethasone groups when compared with the preoperative baseline value. The incidence of postoperative vomiting was significantly decreased in both dexamethasone groups in comparison with the control group. No other side effects were detected. LIMITATIONS: Measurement of serum cortisol. CONCLUSION: Analgesic and antiemetic effects of dexamethasone as an adjunct to caudal block with bupivacaine (0.25%) 0.5 mL/kg is similar whether administered intravenously 0.5 mg/kg or caudally 0.1 mg/kg.

Not All Sounds Have Negative Effects on Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the role of music therapy on the level of stress in children undergoing repair of congenital heart disease. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Children's university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty children aged 4 to 12 years undergoing repair of congenital heart disease. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized into 2 equal groups (control group and music group); in the control group, patients listened to a blank CD, and in the music group, patients listened to a recorded CD of music and songs preferred by the child. Demographic data, clinical data, and preoperative vital signs were recorded. Baseline stress markers (blood glucose and cortisol levels) were sampled. Patients were assessed intraoperatively until extubation for vital signs and stress markers and after extubation for pain and sedation scales. An interview was conducted within the first postoperative week with the patients and their parents for assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder and negative postoperative behavior changes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, clinical data, vital signs, preoperative and at-extubation blood glucose levels, and preoperative blood cortisol levels between groups. Significant differences were found between groups in blood glucose levels and cortisol levels at all intraoperative times, but only in cortisol blood levels at extubation. Significant differences were found in pain score, sedation score, occurrence of child post-traumatic stress disorder, and occurrence of negative postoperative behavior. CONCLUSION: Listening to favorable music by children undergoing repair for congenital heart disease resulted in less stress and more relaxation.

Effect of slow versus rapid rewarming on jugular bulb oxygen saturation in adult patients undergoing open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: A debate has appeared in the recent literature about the optimum rewarming strategy (slow vs. rapid) for the best brain function. This study was designed to compare the effect of slow versus rapid rewarming on jugular bulb oxygen saturation (SjO2) in adult patients undergoing open heart surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients undergoing valve and adult congenital heart surgery were randomly allocated equally to rapid rewarming group 0.5 (0.136)°C/min and slow rewarming group 0.219 (0.055)°C/min in jugular bulb sampling was taken before, during and after surgery. Surgery was done at cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) temperature of 28-30°C and rewarming was performed at the end of the surgical procedure. RESULTS: CPB time, rewarming period were significantly longer in the slow rewarming group. Significant difference was observed in the number of the desaturated patients (SjO2 ≤ 50%) between the two groups; 14 (35%) in rapid rewarming versus 6 (15%) in the slow rewarming group; P = 0.035 by Fisher's exact test. CONCLUSIONS: Slow rewarming could reduce the incidence of SjO2 desaturation during rewarming in adult patients undergoing open heart surgery.