Facemask wearing does not impact neuro-electrical brain activity.

Given the massive use of facemasks (FMs) during the covid-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised regarding the effect of FMs wearing on overall health. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of surgical FM on brain neuro-electrical activity. Electroencephalography (EEG) background frequency (BGF) and background amplitude (BGA) was performed on 30 volunteers before (baseline), during and after wearing a FM for 60 min. Measurements were done during normal ventilation, hyperventilation and post-hyperventilation (PHVR). Blood gas levels were assessed at baseline and after FM use. EEG analysis concerning baseline (without FM) (BGA), was 47.69 ± 18.60 µV, wearing FM, BGA was 48.45 ± 17.79 µV, post FM use BGA was 48.08 ± 18.30 µV. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline BGA and BGA under FM and post FM. BGF, Baseline data were 10.27 ± 0.79, FM use 10.30 ± 0.76 and post FM use was 10.33 ± 0.76. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline BGF and BGF under FM and post FM. Venous blood gases, and peripheral oxygen saturation were not significantly affected by FM use. Short-term use of FM in young healthy individuals has no significant alteration impact on brain's neuro-electrical activity.

A Co-Induction Technique Utilizing 4% Sevoflurane Followed by 0.75 mg/kg Propofol in Elderly Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Procedures: A Prospective Randomized Control Study.

Background and Objectives: Elderly patients constitute a large segment of healthcare receivers. Considering the functional deterioration of multiple organ systems with aging, achieving a safe perioperative approach is challenging. Our aim is to study the safety and effectiveness of a genuinely regimented co-induction technique in order to minimize anesthesia-related complications. Materials and Methods: One hundred and five patients were assigned to three groups according to the induction technique: propofol, sevoflurane and co-induction group. Inclusion criteria: patients with age ≥65 and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA) II-III who underwent endoscopic urological procedures. The propofol group received a dose of 1.5 mg kg-1 of propofol over two minutes for induction. The sevoflurane group received 8% of sevoflurane and 100% oxygen through a plastic facemask with the fresh gas flow set at 8 L min-1. The co-induction group received 4% sevoflurane through plastic facemask for two minutes, followed by a 0.75 mg kg-1 dose of propofol. After ensuring full range jaw relaxation, the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was inserted. Results: Overall, the co-induction technique had a favorable profile in terms of respiratory adverse events, while the sevoflurane group had a favorable profile in terms of hemodynamic stability. Furthermore, 24 (68.6%) patients receiving inhalational sevoflurane had episodes of transient apnea, which constitutes 77.4% of the 31 episodes of transient apnea in the studied sample (p < 0.001). Moreover, six (17.1%) patients in the sevoflurane group had an episode of partial laryngospasm (p = 0.034). Compared with the co-induction group, we found that the propofol group had significantly less systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the second minute, with p values of (0.018) and (0.015), respectively. Conclusions: The co-induction technique utilizing 4% sevoflurane at 8 L min-1 flow of oxygen inhaled over two minutes followed by 0.75 mg kg-1 of propofol achieved less respiratory adverse events compared with the sevoflurane group, and less hemodynamic instability compared with the propofol group.

Remifentanil consumption in septoplasty surgery under general anesthesia. Association with humane mu-opioid receptor gene variants.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of the ORM1 variants in codon 118 on the intra-operative remifentanil consumption under general anesthesia. Methods: A prospective gene association study, performed at the Jordan University Jordan, Amman, Jordan from September 2013 to August 2014. It includes patients who underwent septoplasty surgery under general anesthesia. All patients received standard intravenous anesthesia. Anesthesia maintained with fixed dose of Sevoflurane and variable dose of Remifentanil to keep the systolic blood pressure between 90-100 mm Hg. The Remifentanil dose was calculated and correlated with ORM1 genotype variance. Results: Genotype and clinical data were available for 123 cases. The A118A genotype was seen in 96 patients (78%), the A118G genotype was seen in 25 patients (20.3%), and only 2 patients had genotype G118G (1.6%). The G118G variant was removed from the statistical analysis due to small sample size. There was a significant effect of ORM1 genotype variant and the amount of remifentanil consumed. The A118A genotype received 0.173 ± 0.063 µg kg-1 min-1 and the A118G genotype received 0.316 ± 0.100 µg kg-1 min-1 (p less than 0.0001). Conclusion: The ORM1 gene has a role in intra-operative remifentanil consumption in patients who underwent septoplasty surgery under general anesthesia. The A118G gene required higher dose of remifentanil compared with the A118A genotype.

Comparison of caudal bupivacaine alone with bupivacaine plus two doses of dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing infra-umbilical surgery: a randomized controlled double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Data are still insufficient about the effects of different concentrations of caudal dexmedetomidine when used to prolong postoperative analgesia in children. The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy and side effects of two doses of caudal dexmedetomidine (1 and 2 µg·kg(-1)) co-administered with bupivacaine in terms of postoperative pain scores and requirement of postoperative analgesia over 24 h in children undergoing infra-umbilical surgery. METHODS: Ninety-one children, aged 1-6 years, undergoing infra-umbilical surgery were included and randomly allocated into three groups of caudal block. Group B received 0.25% bupivacaine 2 mg·kg(-1) (0.8 ml·kg(-1)). Groups BD1 and BD2 received dexmedetomidine 1 and 2 µg·kg(-1), respectively along with bupivacaine 2 mg·kg(-1) in a total volume of 0.8 ml·kg(-1). Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen. Hemodynamic and other routine intraoperative monitoring was carried out in addition to endtidal sevoflurane concentration. Time to spontaneous eye opening and postoperative pain and sedation scores were recorded in addition to time to first analgesia, paracetamol analgesic requirements, and any side effects during the first 24 postoperative hours. RESULTS: Time to first analgesia requirement was significantly longer in BD1 and BD2 groups compared to B group with mean values (95% CI) of 809 min (652-965), 880 (733-1026), and 396 (343-448), respectively, P < 0.001. Postoperative paracetamol analgesic requirements over 24 h were higher in group B compared to BD1 and BD2 groups (Mean (95% CI): 3.2 (2.9-3.5) doses, 1.9 (1.5-2.3), and 1.6 (1.3-1.9), respectively), P < 0.001. The dexmedetomidine groups had significantly higher postoperative sedation scores compared to plain bupivacaine group that were dose dependent and for longer time in BD2 group. Two patients in BD2 group developed bradycardia and hypotension, and one developed urine retention compared to none in other groups. CONCLUSION: A 1 µg·kg(-1) dose of caudal dexmedetomidine achieved comparable prolongation of postoperative analgesia to 2 µg·kg(-1) dose, with shorter duration of postoperative sedation and lower incidence of other side effects.

Short thyromental distance is a surrogate for inadequate head extension, rather than small submandibular space, when indicating possible difficult direct laryngoscopy.

CONTEXT: Airway research in anaesthesia shows that the thyromental distance (TMD) as a predictor of difficult intubation is subject to variable sensitivity and specificity. Recently, its value in this regard has been questioned with calls for a redefinition of its role. OBJECTIVE(S): To define the role of TMD as a predictor of possible difficult laryngoscopy. DESIGN: A prospective observational study. SETTING: A tertiary university teaching hospital. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and thirty-five consecutive patients (137 men), planned for endotracheal intubation anaesthesia, were enrolled in the study. Those who were edentulous, or had facial asymmetry, teeth protrusion, limited mouth opening, history of head and/or neck radiation therapy or any disorder, were excluded. Nobody was excluded once enrolled. INTERVENTION(S): Preoperative straight-line morphometric measurements of the mandible and submandibular space (SMS) were taken by a measuring device and used to form a three-dimensional model of SMS. Sagittal dimensions of the SMS that determine the TMD were derived using trigonometric laws. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Direct laryngoscopic view, assessed by a senior anaesthetist and classified according to Cormack/Lehane classification. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were reported to have 'limited laryngoscopic view'. The TMD had a sensitivity of 19% and a specificity of 97% as a predictor of laryngoscopic view. Among the factors that determine the magnitude of TMD, only the degree of head extension was significantly different between the two laryngoscopy groups. The other two factors (sagittal angulomental distance, representing mandibular growth, and sagittal angulothyroid distance, representing laryngeal descent in the neck) did not differ between the two groups. Also, the SMS volume did not differ between the two laryngoscopy groups. CONCLUSION: The role of the TMD in prediction of difficult laryngoscopy should be redefined from a variable representing the SMS volume to one acting as a surrogate for inadequate head extension.

Horner's syndrome after lumbar epidural analgesia during labor.

Horner's syndrome is rarely reported after epidural analgesia during labor. The use of Top-Up local anesthetic for controlling labor pain in the first stage of labor, or to dense the block in caesarean deliveries can result in this complication. We reported a cases of Horner's syndrome during epidural analgesia in labor in spite of not giving any Top-Up dose. The case was clinically evident and was successfully managed by stopping the epidural infusion, and reassuring the parturient as well as the family; until the disappearance of the signs and symptoms. The infusion was then restarted, delivery was uneventful and no consequent neurological or psychological problems were noticed after a one-month follow-up.

Intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine reduces the analgesic requirements for children undergoing hypospadius surgery.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to assess whether an intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine would decrease the intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements for paediatric patients undergoing hypospadius surgery. METHODS: Forty-eight children (American Society of Anesthesiologists-1) aged 1-12 years undergoing hypospadius repair under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned into dexmedetomidine or placebo groups, D and P, respectively. Group D received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1 microg kg(-1) after induction of anaesthesia, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.7 microg kg(-1) h(-1). Group P received a volume-matched 0.9% saline. Both groups received fentanyl for intraoperative analgesia and intravenous morphine and oral paracetamol for postoperative analgesia. For both groups, heart rate, blood pressure and fentanyl requirements were recorded intraoperatively. During their stay for 2 h in the recovery room, heart rate, blood pressure, pain scores, behaviour scores and total morphine requirements were recorded. After discharge from postanaesthesia care unit, paracetamol requirements over 24 h were also recorded. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, the dexmedetomidine-treated group had significantly fewer fentanyl requirements, slower heart rate and lower mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.001). In the postanaesthesia care unit, this group also consumed significantly less morphine, had lower pain scores, lower behaviour score in the immediate postoperative period, lower heart rates and mean arterial blood pressures when compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). Group D consumed significantly less paracetamol than group P in the ward over 24 h. CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine intraoperatively during hypospadius repair in children reduces intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements and lowers heart rate and blood pressure.

Effects of sevoflurane on postoperative liver functions in morbidly obese as compared to the non-obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of sevoflurane anesthesia on hepatic function in morbidly obese versus non-obese patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the levels of the serum concentration of liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TBil), in 42 morbidly obese and 40 non obese patients who were scheduled for elective abdominal surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia at the Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. Measurement of liver enzymes was done in the recovery room, and on the first, 3 and 7 days after sevoflurane anesthesia, and the results were compared between the morbidly obese and non obese patients. RESULTS: ALT, AST, GGT and LDH increased significantly in the morbidly obese than they did in non obese patients. In morbidly obese patients TBil increased gradually peaking 7 days after anesthesia, LDH increased in the recovery room, AST and ALT increased in the recovery room and first day, while GGT increased 7th day after anesthesia. In non obese patients, AST, LDH increased in the recovery. ALP did not change in both groups. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane induces elevation of the serum liver enzymes in morbidly obese patients with variable onsets.

Intravenous dexmedetomidine prolongs bupivacaine spinal analgesia.

BACKGROUND: The prolongation of spinal anesthesia by using clonidine through the oral, intravenous and spinal route has been known. The new alpha 2 agonist, dexmedetomidine has been proved to prolong the spinal anesthesia through the intrathecal route. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine when administered intravenously following spinal block, also prolongs spinal analgesia. METHODS: 48 patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups following receiving spinal isobaric bupivacaine 12.5 mg. Patients in group D received intravenously a loading dose of 1 microg/kg dexmedetomidine over 10 min and a maintenance dose of 0.5 microg/kg/hr. Patients in group C (the control group) received normal saline. The regression times to reach S1 sensory level and Bromage 0 motor scale, hemodynamic changes and the level of sedation were recorded. RESULTS: The duration of sensory block was longer in intravenous dexmedetomidine group compared with control group (261.5 +/- 34.8 min versus 165.2 +/- 31.5 min, P < 0.05). The duration of motor block was longer in dexmedetomidine group than control group (199 +/- 42.8 min versus 138.4 +/- 31.3 min, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intravenous dexmedetomidine administration prolonged the sensory and motor blocks of bupivacaine spinal analgesia with good sedation effect and hemodynamic stability.

Anesthesia and electrocorticography for epilepsy surgery: a Jordanian experience.

OBJECTIVE: Electrocorticography (ECoG) may be used to guide epilepsy surgery. However, anesthetics can suppress epileptiform activity or induce confounding burst-suppression patterns and the relationship between ECoG results and seizure outcome is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the ECoG activity under several different anesthetics and examined the relationship between ECoG and outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 44 patients who had ECoG during epilepsy surgery. Anesthesia was with fentanyl and isoflurane (n = 19), fentanyl and sevoflurane (n = 9), remifentanil and sevoflurane (n = 5), remifentanil and propofol (n = 9), and fentanyl with propofol sedation during local anesthesia (n = 2). Pre-resection ECoG was considered satisfactory if epileptiform activity was present and there was no burst-suppression. Post-resection ECoG was graded according to residual epileptiform activity: A (none), B (mild), C (moderate). Seizure outcome was graded: I (seizure free without medication), II (seizure free with medication), III (> 50% seizure reduction) or IV (< 50% seizure reduction). Grades I-III were considered beneficial. RESULTS: ECoG was satisfactory in 43 of the 44 surgeries, but one of the 11 recordings during propofol showed no epileptiform activity. Thirty-six of 37 patients (97%) with ECoG grade A or B and five of seven patients (71%) with ECoG grade C benefited from epilepsy surgery. Chi-squared, p > 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory ECoG is possible using isoflurane or sevoflurane with nitrous oxide and fentanyl or remifentanil or using propofol and remifentanil. However, one of eleven ECoGs under propofol was negative for epileptiform activity. The amount of post-resection ECoG epileptiform activity does not significantly correlate with seizure outcome.

Duration of venous occlusion with lidocaine for preventing propofol induced pain.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the venous occlusion duration using lidocaine on the incidence and severity of propofol induced pain. METHODS: A prospective double-blind randomized study was designed at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan between October 2007 and November 2007. One hundred and fifty patients aged 14-70 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) clinical status I and II who underwent elective surgeries under general anesthesia, were divided into 3 groups. All 3 groups had propofol 1% infusion at a constant rate after applying venous occlusion with lidocaine. The occlusion was applied for 15 seconds (group I, n=50), 30 seconds (group II, n=50) and 60 seconds (group III, n=50). Pain was assessed during injection according to a verbal pain score. RESULTS: Fourteen patients 28% had pain in group I, compared to 16 patients 32% in group II, and 9 patients 18% in group III. This difference did not reach statistical significance p>0.05 for the incidence and severity of pain. CONCLUSION: While venous occlusion with lidocaine is an effective method in relieving propofol induced pain, we found no difference when the duration of venous occlusion was 15, 30, or 60 seconds.