A comparison of laryngeal mask airway-supreme and endotracheal tube use with respect to airway protection in patients undergoing septoplasty: a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There are doubts among anesthesiologists on the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) in nasal surgeries because of concerns about the occurrence of blood leakages to the airway. We hypothesized that the use of LMA-Supreme (LMA-S) in nasal surgery is comparable with endotracheal tube (ETT) according to airway protection against blood leakage through the fiberoptic bronchoscopy, oropharyngeal leakage pressure (OLP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and postoperative adverse events. METHODS: The present study was conducted in a prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled manner on 80 patients, who underwent septoplasty procedures under general anesthesia, after dividing them randomly into two groups according to the device used (LMA-S or ETT). The presence of blood in the airway (glottis/trachea, distal trachea) was analyzed with the fiberoptic bronchoscope and a four-point scale. Both groups were evaluated for OLP; HR; MAP; postoperative sore throat, nausea, and vomiting; dysphagia; and dysphonia. RESULTS: In the fiberoptic evaluation of the airway postoperatively, less blood leakage was detected in both anatomic areas in the LMA-S group than in the ETT group (glottis/trachea, p = 0.004; distal trachea, p = 0.034). Sore throat was detected less frequently in the LMA-S group at a significant level in the 2nd, 6th, and 12th hours of postoperative period; however, other adverse events were similar in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The present findings demonstrate that the LMA-S provided more effective airway protection than the ETT in preventing blood leakage in the septoplasty procedures. We believe that the LMA-S can be used safely and as an alternative to the ETT in septoplasty cases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health ( ClinicalTrials.gov ) # NCT03903679 on April 5, 2019.

The effect of placement of a support under the shoulders on laryngeal visualization with a C-MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope in children younger than 2 years of age.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate glottis visualization and time to intubation in children younger than 2 years of age during laryngoscopy performed with a C-MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope in a position determined by placing a folded towel under the shoulders to align the oral-pharyngeal and laryngeal axes in the horizontal plane. METHODS: Ninety-six children younger than 2 years of age, who were classified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists as having a physical status I or II and who were scheduled for elective surgery necessitating endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia, were included in the study. All patients were intubated with a C-MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope. The children intubated by placing a folded towel under the shoulders were categorized as Group 1 (n = 48), and the children intubated without placement of a folded towel were categorized as Group 2 (n = 48). The percentage of glottis opening and Cormack-Lehane Scores, values of visual analogue scale to determine the ease of using a C-MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope, time to intubation, number of intubation attempts, optimization procedures and complications were recorded for all children. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between Group 1 (mean ± SD; 97.71 ± 4.24) and Group 2 (mean ± SD; 94.17 ± 7.09) in terms of the percentage of glottis opening scores (P = 0.004). The mean difference in the percentage of glottis opening scores (95% confidence interval) between the groups was 3.54 (1.17-5.90). CONCLUSION: We showed that a folded towel placed under the shoulders in children younger than 2 years of age improves glottis visualization provides ease of use of the C-MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope. Therefore, we think that the placement of a folded towel under the shoulders during the use of a C-MAC Miller Video Laryngoscope may be useful for airway management in children younger than 2 years of age.

Comparison of videolaryngoscope-guided versus standard digital insertion techniques of the ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: This study were designed to investigate the usefulness of the videolaryngoscope-guided insertion technique compared with the standard digital technique for the insertion success rate and insertion conditions of the Proseal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA). METHODS: Prospective, one hundred and nineteen patients (ASA I-II, aged 18-65 yr) were randomly divided for PLMA insertion using the videolaryngoscope-guided technique or the standard digital technique. The PLMA was inserted according to the manufacturer's instructions in the standard digital technique group. The videolaryngoscope-guided technique was performed a C-MAC® videolaryngoscope with D-Blade, under gentle videolaryngoscope guidance, the epiglottis was lifted, and the PLMA was advanced until the tip of the distal cuff reached the oesophagus inlet. The number of insertion attempts, insertion time, oropharyngeal leak pressure, leak volume, fiberoptic bronchoscopic view, peak inspiratory pressure, ease of gastric tube placement, hemodynamic changes, visible blood on PLMA and postoperative airway morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: The first-attempt success rate (the primary outcome) was higher in the videolaryngoscope-guided technique than in the standard digital technique (p = 0.029). The effect size values with 95% confidence interval were 0.19 (0.01-0.36) for the first and second attempts, 0.09 (- 0.08-0.27) for the first and third attempts, and not computed for the second and third attempts by the groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Videolaryngoscope-guided insertion technique can be a help in case of difficult positioning of a PLMA and can improve the PLMA performance in some conditions. We suggest that the videolaryngoscope-guided technique may be a useful technique if the digital technique fails. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03852589 date of registration: February 22th 2019.

Performance of size 1 I-gel compared with size 1 ProSeal laryngeal mask in anesthetized infants and neonates.

PURPOSE: The size 1 I-gel, recommended for small infants and neonates weighing 2-5 kg, has recently been released. There are no prospective studies available that assess the insertion conditions, sealing pressures, or ventilation quality of it. This study was designed to compare the performance of recently released size 1 I-gel with size 1 ProSeal LMA. METHODS: Fifty infants and neonates, ASA I-II were included in this prospective, randomized, and controlled study. Patients were divided into two groups for placing I-gel or ProSeal LMA. The primary outcome was airway leak pressure, and secondary outcomes included insertion time, insertion success and conditions, initial airway quality, fiberoptic view of the larynx, and complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in terms of airway leak pressure between the I-gel (27.44 ± 5.67) and ProSeal LMA (23.52 ± 8.15) (P = 0.054). The insertion time for the I-gel was shorter (12.6 ± 2.19 s) than for the ProSeal LMA (24.2 ± 6.059 s) (P = 0.0001). Insertion success and conditions were similar in groups. We encountered few complications. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the size 1 I-gel provided an effective and satisfactory airway as the size 1 ProSeal LMA. It may be a good alternative supraglottic airway device for use in small infants and neonates. This trial is registered with: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01704118.

Effects of sevoflurane or ketamine on the QTc interval during electroconvulsive therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of sevoflurane or ketamine on the corrected QT (QTc) interval and the interval from the peak to the end of the T wave (Tp-e) during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with major depression. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study included 24 patients that were randomly allocated to receive sevoflurane (group S) or ketamine (group K) for ECT session. Group S patients received 8 % sevoflurane for anesthesia induction, which was maintained at 2-4 % until delivery of the electrical stimulus. Group K patients received a bolus of ketamine (1 mg/kg). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) and the electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded before (T1) and after induction of anesthesia (T2) and 0, 1, 3, and 10 min after the electrical stimuli ended (T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively). RESULTS: In both groups, the QTc interval was significantly longer at T2, T4, T5, and T6 than at baseline. The QTc interval was longer at T4, T5, and T6 in group S compared to that in group K, the Tp-e interval was significantly longer at T4 in group K both baseline and group S. The HR in group S was increased at T4 compared with group K. MAP was significantly higher after induction of anesthesia in group K compared to those in group S at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Although group S showed a prolonged QTc interval after ECT compared to group K, the Tp-e interval in both groups was not significantly affected clinically. Sevoflurane blunted MAP and peak HR.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in living liver transplant donors.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a serious complication that may be associated with increased mortality. Living-donor liver transplant includes major surgery for the donor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate preoperative and postoperative cognitive function of liver donors in living-donor liver transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 102 patients who had hepatectomy for liver transplant donation, preoperative and postoperative (1 week) neuropsychologic tests were performed including the Trail Making Test, the Stroop effect, score on the Beck Depression Inventory, and the mini-mental state examination. RESULTS: Liver transplant donors had significantly lower mean Trail Making A Test duration and greater mean Trail Making B Test error number after than before surgery. The mean Stroop effect reading durations (black and white reading; reading colored words) were significantly greater after than before surgery; the mean time difference between naming the colors of colored words minus reading colored words, and the error number, were smaller after than before surgery. The mean score on the Beck Depression Inventory and mini-mental state examination score were similar before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Mild frontal lobe dysfunction may be present in liver donors at 1 week after surgery, and postoperative attention problems may be experienced by these patients.

Anaesthetic Management in Electroconvulsive Therapy During Early Pregnancy.

The management of major psychiatric conditions during pregnancy is exceptionally difficult. Pharmacoresistant, life-threatening and severe symptoms such as catatonia and suicidal behavior affect the health and safety of both mother and child. In such cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered as an alternative to pharmacologic treatment. In this report, we aimed to present anaesthetic management of a patient, who was 13 weeks pregnant and needed ECT due to major depression.

Efeitos antimicrobianos de cetamina em combinação com propofol: um estudo in vitro / The antimicrobial effects of ketamine combined with propofol: an in vitro study / Efectos antimicrobianos de la cetamina en combinación con el propofol: un estudio in vitro

EXPERIÊNCIA E OBJETIVOS: Cetamina e propofol são os anestésicos gerais que também exibem efeitos antimicrobianos e promotores do crescimento microbiano, respectivamente. Embora esses agentes sejam frequentemente aplicados em combinação durante o uso clínico, não há dados sobre seu efeito total no crescimento microbiano na administração combinada. Nesse estudo, investigamos o crescimento de alguns microrganismos em uma mistura de cetamina e propofol. MÉTODO: Nesse estudo, utilizamos cepas padronizadas: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Candida albicans. Realizamos uma análise de tempo-crescimento para avaliar as taxas de crescimento microbiano em propofol 1%. A atividade antimicrobiana de cetamina, isoladamente e em propofol, foi estudada pelo método de microdiluição. RESULTADOS: Em propofol, as cepas estudadas cresceram de concentrações de 10³-10(4) ufc/mL para > 10(5) ufc/mL, dentro de 8-16 horas, dependendo do tipo de microrganismo. Foram determinadas a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e a concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) (para Candida, concentração fungicida mínima) de cetamina, como se segue (CIM, CBM): E. coli 312,5, 312,5 µg/mL; S.aureus 19,5, 156 µg/mL; P. aeruginosa 312,5, 625 µg/mL; e C. albicans 156, 156 µg/mL. Na mistura cetamina + propofol, cetamina exibiu atividade antimicrobiana para E. coli, P. aeruginosa e C. albicans em CBMs a 1250, 625 e 625 µg/mL, respectivamente. O crescimento de S. aureus não foi inibido nessa mistura (concentração de cetamina = 1250 µg/mL). CONCLUSÃO: Cetamina preservou sua atividade antimicrobiana de maneira dose-dependente contra alguns microrganismos em propofol, que é robusta solução promotora de crescimento microbiano. O uso combinado de cetamina e propofol na aplicação clínica de rotina pode diminuir o risco de infecção causada por contaminação acidental. Entretanto, deve-se ter em mente que cetamina não pode reduzir todas as ameaças patogênicas na mistura com propofol.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ketamine and propofol are the general anesthetics that also have antimicrobial and microbial growth-promoting effects, respectively. Although these agents are frequently applied together during clinical use, there is no data about their total effect on microbial growth when combined. In this study, we investigated some organisms' growth in a ketamine and propofol mixture. METHOD: We used standard strains including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in this study. Time-growth analysis was performed to assess microbial growth rates in 1% propofol. Antimicrobial activity of ketamine, alone and in propofol was studied with microdilution method. RESULTS: In propofol, studied strains grew from 10³-10(4) cfu/mL to >10(5) cfu/mL concentrations within 8-16 hours depending on the type of organism. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (for candida, minimal fungicidal concentration) of ketamine were determined as follows (MIC, MBC): E.coli 312.5, 312.5 µg/mL; S.aureus 19.5, 156 µg/mL; P.aeruginosa 312.5, 625 µg/mL; and C.albicans 156, 156 µg/ml. In ketamine+propofol mixture, ketamine exhibited antimicrobial activity to E.coli, P.aeruginosa and C.albicans as MBCs at 1250, 625 and 625 µg/mL, respectively. Growth of S. aureus was not inhibited in this mixture (ketamine concentration=1250 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: Ketamine has sustained its antimicrobial activity in a dose-dependent manner against some organisms in propofol, which is a strong microbial growth-promoting solution. Combined use of ketamine and propofol in routine clinical application may reduce the risk of infection caused by accidental contamination. However, one must keep in mind that ketamine cannot reduce all pathogenic threats in propofol mixture.

EXPERIENCIA Y OBJETIVOS: La Cetamina y el propofol son los anestésicos generales que también tienen efectos antimicrobianos y son los promotores del crecimiento microbiano, respectivamente. Aunque esos agentes sean frecuentemente aplicados en combinación durante el uso clínico, no hay datos sobre su efecto total en el crecimiento microbiano en la administración combinada. En ese estudio, investigamos el crecimiento de algunos microrganismos en una mezcla de cetamina y propofol. MÉTODO: En este estudio, utilizamos cepas estandarizadas: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Candida albicans. Realizamos un análisis de tiempo-crecimiento para evaluar las tasas de crecimiento microbiano en el propofol al 1%. La actividad antimicrobiana de cetamina, aisladamente y en propofol, fue estudiada por el método de microdilución. RESULTADOS: En el propofol, las cepas estudiadas crecieron de concentraciones de 10³-10(4) ufc/mL para #> 10(5) ufc/mL, dentro de 8-16 horas, dependiendo del tipo de microrganismo. Fueron determinadas la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) y la concentración bactericida mínima (CBM) (para Candida, concentración fungicida mínima) de cetamina, como vemos (CIM, CBM): E. coli 312,5, 312,5 µg/mL; S.aureus 19,5, 156 µg/mL; P. aeruginosa 312,5, 625 µg/mL; y C. albicans 156, 156 µg/ml. En la mezcla cetamina + propofol, la cetamina mostró una actividad antimicrobiana para E. coli, P. aeruginosa y C. albicans en CBMs a 1250, 625 y 625 µg/mL, respectivamente. El crecimiento de S. aureus no se inhibió en esa mezcla (concentración de cetamina = 1250 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONES: La cetamina preservó su actividad antimicrobiana de manera dosis-dependiente contra algunos microrganismos en propofol, que es una robusta solución que promueve el crecimiento microbiano. El uso combinado de cetamina y propofol en la aplicación clínica de rutina puede disminuir el riesgo de infección causada por la contaminación accidental. Sin embargo, debemos tener presente que la cetamina no puede reducir todas las amenazas patógenas en la mezcla con el propofol.

The hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine and esmolol in electroconvulsive therapy: a retrospective comparison.

AIM: Acute hemodynamic responses, including transient hypertension and tachycardia, to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) predispose vulnerable patients to significant cardiovascular complications. Many drugs have been used in an attempt to attenuate these responses. To date, no comparative study of the acute hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine and esmolol in ECT has been published. Hence, this retrospective study aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and esmolol on acute hemodynamic responses in patients undergoing ECT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anesthesia records for 66 patients who underwent a total of 198 ECT treatments performed between July 2009 and January 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. For each case, 1 seizure with 1-mg/kg propofol as control (group C), 1 seizure with 1-µg/kg dexmedetomidine combined with propofol (group D; total volume, 30 mL for 10 minutes), and 1 seizure with 1-mg/kg esmolol combined with propofol were compared (group E; total volume, 30 mL for 10 minutes). Anesthesia was induced with 1-mg/kg propofol, and then intravenous succinylcholine, 0.5-mg/kg, was administered. Heart rates and systolic and mean blood pressures were recorded at baseline (T0) and 1, 3, and 10 minutes after the seizure (T1, T2, and T3, respectively). The electroencephalographic (EEG) tracing motor seizure duration, and recovery times (spontaneous breathing, eye opening, and obeying commands) were recorded. RESULTS: The baseline hemodynamic measurements were similar between the groups. Heart rates at T1, T2, and T3 were lower in group D than those in groups E and C (P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressures at T1, T2, and T3 were lower in group D than those in groups C (P < 0.05). In addition, systolic blood pressure at T3 was lower in group D than that in group E (P < 0.05). The mean blood pressure at T3 was significantly lower in group D than those in groups E and C (P <0.05). The electroencephalographic tracing, motor seizure durations, and recovery times were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine administration before anesthesia induction reduced the acute hemodynamic response compared with esmolol administration in the early period of ECT. Therefore, dexmedetomidine may be effective in preventing acute hemodynamic responses to ECT.

The effects of dexmedetomidine on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury of the liver may cause various types of damage to hepatic tissues. It can affect the prognosis of patients and the success of an operation. Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2 receptor agonist. We investigated whether dexmedetomidine provides protection against IR-induced liver injury in rats. METHODS: Forty rats were divided equally into four groups. In group 1, the liver was manipulated after the laparotomy, and no occlusion of the vessels of the liver was performed. In group 2, once the abdomen was opened, 60 min of ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion were applied according to the segmental hepatic ischemia model. In group 3, 10 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine was injected into the peritoneal cavity 30 min before ischemia. In group 4, 100 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine was injected into the peritoneal cavity 30 min before ischemia. Further procedures in groups 3 and 4 were the same as those of group 2. After the experiment was completed, the rats were killed. Liver tissues were removed and stored until biochemical and histologic assessments were performed. RESULTS: The malondialdehyde level in group 2 was higher than that of groups 1, 3, and 4 (P = 0.001, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively). Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels in group 2 were lower than those in group 1 (P = 0.001, P = 0.027, and P = 0.014, respectively). Superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in group 4 were higher than those in group 2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.000, respectively). GSH levels in groups 3 and 4 were higher than those in group 2 (P = 0.049 and P = 0.006, respectively). A lower glutathione peroxidase level was detected in groups 2 and 3 than that in group 1 (P = 000). Group 4 demonstrated an increase in glutathione peroxidase levels compared with group 3 (P = 0.014). The histologic injury scores in groups 2-4 were higher than those in group 1 (P = 0.003, P = 0.002, and P = 0.001, respectively). However, the histologic injury scores were lower in groups 3 and 4 than those in group 2 (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that dexmedetomidine may protect the liver against IR injury in rats.

Comparison of effects of propofol and ketamine-propofol mixture (ketofol) on laryngeal mask airway insertion conditions and hemodynamics in elderly patients: a randomized, prospective, double-blind trial.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of ketamine-propofol mixture (ketofol) and propofol on ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) insertion conditions and hemodynamics in elderly patients. METHODS: Eighty elderly patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, were randomly divided into two groups to receive either propofol 0.15 ml/kg (n = 40), or ketofol (using a 1:1 single-syringe mixture of 5 mg/ml ketamine and 5 mg/ml propofol) (n = 40) before induction of anesthesia. Sixty seconds after induction, the PLMA was inserted. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure (systolic [S] BP) were recorded prior to the induction of anesthesia, immediately following induction, immediately after PLMA insertion, and 5 and 10 min after PLMA insertion. PLMA insertion conditions were scored according to mouth opening, swallowing, coughing, head and body motion, laryngospasm, and ease of PLMA insertion by the same experienced anesthesiologist, who did not know which agents were used. RESULTS: There were no differences in PLMA insertion conditions between the groups. The number of patients in need of ephedrine (P = 0.043) and the total dose of ephedrine (P = 0.022) were significantly lower, and apnea duration (P < 0.001) was significantly higher in the ketofol group compared with the propofol group. SBP was significantly higher in the ketofol group than in the propofol group immediately after PLMA insertion and 5 min after PLMA insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The same PLMA insertion conditions were found with ketofol and propofol. The number of patients in need of ephedrine and the total ephedrine dose were lower and apnea duration was increased in the ketofol group.

Comparison of Propofol and Ketamine-Propofol Mixture (Ketofol) on Laryngeal Tube-Suction II Conditions and Hemodynamics: A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blind Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to compare the effect of ketamine-propofol mixture (ketofol) and propofol on the laryngeal tube-Suction II (LTS II) insertion conditions and hemodynamics. METHODS: Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 and 2 patients were divided into 2 random groups to receive either 1 µg/kg remifentanil and propofol 2 mg/kg in Group P (n = 40), or 1 µg/kg remifentanil and ketofol (using a 1:1 single syringe mixture of 5 mg/mL ketamine and 5 mg/mL propofol) in Group K (n = 40) before induction of anesthesia. After induction, LTS II was inserted. Heart rate and noninvasive blood pressure were recorded before induction of anesthesia (t0); immediately following induction (t1); immediately after LTS II insertion (t2); and 3 minutes (t3), 5 minutes (t4), and 10 (t5) minutes after LTS II insertion. Conditions of insertion of LTS II were assessed and scored 1 to 3 using 6 variables as follows: mouth opening, swallowing, coughing, head and body movements, laryngospasm, and ease of LTS II insertion by the same experienced anesthesiologist who did not know the agents. LTS II insertion summed score was prepared depending upon these variables. RESULTS: In regard to LTS II insertion summed score, Group K was more favorable than Group P (P < 0.05). Apnea duration was longer in Group P (385.0 seconds [range = 195.0-840.0 seconds]) compared with Group K (325.50 seconds [range = 60.0-840.0 seconds]) but this was not statically significant. The heart rate values were significantly lower at all measurement intervals in both groups compared with the baseline values (P < 0.05). There was no difference in heart rate between Group P and Group K. The mean arterial pressure values were significantly lower at all measurement intervals in Group P compared with baseline values (P < 0.05). In Group K, the mean arterial pressure values were significantly lower at all measurement intervals compared with the baseline values, except t2 (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between Group P and Group K in terms of mean arterial pressure at t3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that ketofol provided better insertion summed score for LTS II than propofol, with minimal hemodynamic changes.

The antimicrobial effects of ketamine combined with propofol: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ketamine and propofol are the general anesthetics that also have antimicrobial and microbial growth-promoting effects, respectively. Although these agents are frequently applied together during clinical use, there is no data about their total effect on microbial growth when combined. In this study, we investigated some organisms' growth in a ketamine and propofol mixture. METHOD: We used standard strains including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in this study. Time-growth analysis was performed to assess microbial growth rates in 1% propofol. Antimicrobial activity of ketamine, alone and in propofol was studied with microdilution method. RESULTS: In propofol, studied strains grew from 10(3)-10(4) cfu/mL to ≥10(5) cfu/mL concentrations within 8-16 hours depending on the type of organism. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (for candida, minimal fungicidal concentration) of ketamine were determined as follows (MIC, MBC): E.coli 312.5, 312.5 µg/mL; S.aureus 19.5, 156 µg/mL; P.aeruginosa 312.5, 625 µg/mL; and C.albicans 156, 156 µg/ml. In ketamine+propofol mixture, ketamine exhibited antimicrobial activity to E.coli, P.aeruginosa and C.albicans as MBCs at 1250, 625 and 625 µg/mL, respectively. Growth of S. aureus was not inhibited in this mixture (ketamine concentration=1250 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: Ketamine has sustained its antimicrobial activity in a dose-dependent manner against some organisms in propofol, which is a strong microbial growth-promoting solution. Combined use of ketamine and propofol in routine clinical application may reduce the risk of infection caused by accidental contamination. However, one must keep in mind that ketamine cannot reduce all pathogenic threats in propofol mixture.

Effects of propofol or etomidate on QT interval during electroconvulsive therapy.

BACKGROUND: Because patients with major depression have an altered autonomic nervous system activity, the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death may be increased. In addition, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may cause an acute rise in QT dispersion, which may predispose to arrhythmias. In this study, we investigated the effects of propofol or etomidate on the corrected QT (QTc) interval during ECT in patients with major depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen unpremedicated American Society of Anesthesiologists I patients, each scheduled for 6 ECT sessions for major depression, were included in a prospective, randomized crossover study. The patients randomly received either 1-mg/kg propofol (propofol group) or 0.2-mg/kg etomidate (etomidate group). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and electrocardiogram were recorded before anesthetic induction, 0 and 1 minute after the seizure ended, and 3 and 10 minutes after the seizure ended (T3 and T4, respectively). RESULTS: In the propofol group, the QTc interval was shorter than the baseline at 0 minute after the seizure ended. The QTc interval increased from the baseline at T3 and T4 in the etomidate group. In the etomidate group, the QTc interval was longer at T3 and T4 than that in the propofol group (P < 0.05). In the etomidate group, the HR increased at T3 and T4, but the MAP increased at all measurement times from the baseline value. The HR and the MAP were lower at T3 and T4 in the propofol group than in the etomidate group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Propofol did not induce prolongation of the QT interval and controlled the hemodynamic response better than etomidate during ECT. Therefore, propofol may be more suitable than etomidate for ECT treatments.

Remifentanil and propofol for tracheal intubation without muscle relaxant in children: the effects of ketamine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Remifentanil and propofol have been proposed for intubation without muscle relaxant to avoid the adverse effects of muscle relaxants in children. We hypothesized that the addition of ketamine to remifentanil and propofol would improve intubating conditions and provide haemodynamic stability. METHODS: We studied 88 children (3-12 years) undergoing elective surgery. Group K received ketamine 0.5mgkg(-1), remifentanil 3microgkg(-1) and propofol 3mgkg(-1). Group C received isotonic saline instead of ketamine, all other study drugs were same as in group K. Sixty seconds after administration of propofol, laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation were performed. Intubating conditions were graded. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and SpO(2) were recorded. RESULTS: The intubating conditions were regarded as clinically acceptable in 39 out of 44 (89%) children in group K and in 36 out of 44 (82%) children in group C. Although there was no failed intubation in group K, the intubation failed in six children in group C (P<0.05). Tracheal intubation failed in 4/6 children because of severe coughing and/or limb movement, and in 2/6 children because of closed vocal cords. Scores for limb movement were significantly lower in group K than in group C. When compared with baseline, HR and MAP significantly decreased in both groups during the study (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of ketamine to remifentanil and propofol prevented failed intubation and slightly increased the percentage of acceptable intubating conditions. Ketamine had no influence on haemodynamic changes following remifentanil and propofol administration in given doses.

Does leflunomide attenuate the sepsis-induced acute lung injury?

The organ that is affected first and most severely in intraabdominal sepsis is the lung. Oxygen radicals and active neutrophils in the lung are important sources for severe pulmonary inflammation leading to acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of leflunomide, an immunomodulatory agent, on oxidant/antioxidant status with nitric oxide (NO) level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in rats with sepsis-induced ALI. Fifty male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: control, sham, sepsis, leflunomide (10 mg/kg, intragastrically for two doses with an 8 h interval prior to the experiment) and sepsis + leflunomide. After the animals were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine, the abdominal cavity was opened and ligated just below the ileocaecal valve with 3-0 silk. The antimesentric surface of the cecum was perforated and the cecum was gently compressed until fecal matter was extruded to induce sepsis. None of the rats received antibiotics during the experimental procedures. The experiment was ended 24 h after cecal ligation puncture (CLP) with the cervical dislocation under anesthesia. The lung tissues were removed for analysis of biochemical parameters and light microscopic investigation. The lung superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in the sepsis group as compared to the group control, sham, leflunomide and sepsis + leflunomide (P < 0.05), and SOD activity were significantly higher in group sepsis + leflunomide than sham, control, leflunomide and sepsis group (P < 0.05). The lung MPO, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and NO levels were higher in the sepsis group when compared to group control, sham, leflunomide and sepsis + leflunomide (P < 0.05), and MPO, MDA and NO levels were higher in the sepsis + leflunomide group than in the sham, control and leflunomide group (P < 0.05). The light microscopic evaluation showed that pulmonary architecture was preserved, and infiltration of neutrophil and edema decreased in sepsis + leflunomide group. The grade of alveolar damage was significantly decreased in sepsis + leflunomide group in comparison with sepsis group (P < 0.05). Our findings suggested that leflunomide attenuated the lung injury after CLP-induced sepsis by inhibition of neutrophils accumulation and increasing endogenous antioxidant capacity.

Propofol and erythropoietin antioxidant properties in rat brain injured tissue.

So far, several treatment modalities have been attempted to brain protection in cases such as brain trauma, stroke or brain hemorrhage. However, a treatment method that the effect begins immediately and definitely helpful has not been discovered yet. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of propofol and erythropoietin (Epo) on brain injury caused by oxidative stress and antioxidant properties of these agents after closed head injury (CHI) in rats. For this study, female Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups: non-traumatic control group, trauma performed group CHI, trauma with propofol (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.), trauma with Epo (5000 U/kg) i.p. and trauma with propofol and Epo performed study groups. Twenty-four hours after CHI, rats were sacrificed and the brains were removed. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), xanthine oxidase (XO), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in brain tissue. MDA and NO levels were decreased significantly in Groups Epo, Propofol and Epo+Propofol than Group CHI (p<0.01). XO activity was significantly lower in Group Epo than Group CHI (p<0.05). Epo and propofol decreased oxidative stress by decreasing MDA and NO level in brain tissue after CHI. However, combination of Epo and propofol has no significant beneficial advantage than Epo or propofol alone.

Lornoxicam and ondansetron for the prevention of intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus.

PURPOSE: In this randomized, double-blind study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of lornoxicam and ondansetron for the prevention of intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus in patients undergoing cesarean section. METHODS: One hundred and eight parturients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] I-II status) requesting neuraxial analgesia by a combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique were recruited for this study. A CSE technique was performed and anesthesia was achieved with fentanyl 25 microg and hyperbaric bupivacaine 12 mg. Patients were randomly allocated to three groups, each with 36 participants. Immediately following delivery, patients received either lornoxicam 8 mg IV (group L; n = 36), ondansetron 8 mg IV (group O; n = 36), or normal saline 2 ml IV (group P; n = 36). Pruritus, pain, and nausea and vomiting scores were recorded during the initial 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The incidence of pruritus was significantly lower in group O from 4 to 12 h postoperatively when compared to that in group L and group P. According to the pruritus grading system we used, the number of patients without pruritus was significantly higher in group O when compared to that in group L and group P. The number of patients experiencing moderate pruritus was significantly lower in group O when compared to that in group P. CONCLUSION: We observed that the administration of 8 mg IV lornoxicam failed to prevent intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus in parturients. Also, our data confirmed that ondansetron is likely to attenuate intrathecal fentanyl-induced pruritus.

Comparison of the antibacterial activity of lidocaine 1% versus alkalinized lidocaine in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Infections after epidural and spinal blocks are rare. The topical anesthetic liclocaine used in these procedures has been found to have antibacterial effects on various microorganisms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial effects of alkalinized liclocaine on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: Lidocaine 2%, alkalinized lidocaine, and physiologic saline (as a control solution) were added to standard bacterial preparations. The final concentration of the lidocaine was 10 mg/mL (1%). At baseline and 3 and 6 hours after incubation at 37°C, 3-mL aliquots were vortexed and pipetted into sterile polystyrene spectrophotometer cuvettes. Baseline referred to the end of the period of preparation of the solution (≤20 minutes). Growth was measured as the optical density at a wavelength of 540 nm. RESULTS: Compared with the control, lidocaine significantly inhibited the growth of S aureus, E coli, and P aeruginosa at baseline and 3 and 6 hours after incubation (all, P < 0.05). Alkalinized lidocaine significantly inhibited the growth of S aureus at baseline and 3 and 6 hours (all, P < 0.05), while it significantly inhibited the growth of E coli and P aeruginosa only at 6 hours (both, P < 0.05). The growth of E coli was significantly less in lidocaine than in alkalinized lidocaine at 0 and 3 hours (both, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The antibacterial effect of lidocaine 1% on S aureus was not changed after alkalinization. The effect of alkalinized lidocaine on E coli and P aeruginosa was significant only at 6 hours. Lidocaine significantly inhibited the growth of these 3 microorganisms at all study periods.