An evaluation of the effects of perioperatively administered fluids on ischemia/reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of normal saline (0.9% NaCl) and 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4(HES) solution on Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) injury in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy operations with spinal anesthesia using a tourniquet. METHODS: The study comprised 48 ASA I-II patients undergoing knee arthroscopy with spinal anesthesia using a tourniquet. The patients were randomised into two groups and after standard monitoring two venous lines were introduced to obtain blood samples and to give intravenous therapy. In the control group (Group A) (n=21) 0.9% NaCl, 10 ml/kg/hours and in the study group (Group B) (n=19) 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4, 10 ml/kg/hours infusion were administered. Spinal anesthesia was applied with 12.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine to all patients. The tourniquet was applied and the operation was started when the sensorial block level reached T10 dermatome. Blood xanthine oxidase (XO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as an indicator of ischemia and reperfusion injury were measured in samples before fluid infusion (t1), before tourniquet application (t2), 1 minute before tourniquet release (t3), and at 5 (t4) and 15 (t5) minutes after tourniquet release. RESULTS: No difference was observed between the two groups in respect of demographic parameters, the highest block level, duration before tourniquet application and tourniquet duration (p>0.05). The MDA level after tourniquet application and 15 minutes after tourniquet release was lower in Group B (p<0.05). XO levels were not different (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 solution reduced MDA level which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation. 6% Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 solution may be beneficial for Ischemia/reperfusion injuries.

Comparison of the maternal and neonatal effects of bupivacaine plus fentanyl and ropivacaine plus fentanyl during cesarean delivery.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy, and fetal and maternal effects of 7.5 mg (1 ml) intrathecal 0.75% hyperbaric ropivacaine + 25 µg (0.5 ml) fentanyl versus 5 mg (l ml) intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 µg (0.5 ml) fentanyl in elective cesarean delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 ASA I-II cases scheduled for cesarean delivery that were randomized into two groups of 20 cases each. Cases in the RF group were administered 0.75% hyperbaric ropivacaine + 25 µg (0.5 ml) fentanyl and those in the BF group were administered 5 mg (l ml) hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 µg (0.5 ml) fentanyl into the spinal space. The time until spinal anesthesia in the T4 dermatome, overall duration of analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, Apgar score of newborns at 1-5 min, fetal blood gas values (pH, PO2, PCO2, HCO3-, and BE), maternal side effects, the degree of motor block, maternal need for ephedrine, objective pain scale score, and patient satisfaction were recorded in each group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the parameters evaluated (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In elective cesarean delivery, the combinations of bupivacaine + fentanyl or ropivacaine + fentanyl exhibited similar anesthetic efficacy, and fetal and maternal effects.

Use of alkaline comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis technique) to detect DNA damages in lymphocytes of operating room personnel occupationally exposed to anaesthetic gases.

Here, we report the possible in vivo induction DNA damage by exposure to various waste anaesthetic gases such as halothane, nitrous oxide and isoflurane. The alkaline comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis technique) was carried out on 66 operating room personnel (anaesthetists [doctors]; anaesthesia nurses and anaesthesia unit technicians) currently employed at the Ankara Hospital in Turkey. A significant increase in the number of lymphocytes with DNA migration was observed in operating room personnel as compared to controls. Also, the extent of damage in exposed smokers were significantly higher than exposed nonsmokers. This study supports the existence of an association between DNA damage and occupational exposure to inhalation anaesthetics.