Prophylactic administration of diphenhydramine/paracetamol reduced emergence agitation and postoperative pain following maxillofacial surgeries: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Emergence agitation after maxillofacial surgeries is an anxious and problematic complication for the surgeon and anesthesiologist that may lead to self-extubation, haemorrhage, and surgical destruction. In this study, we investigated the effects of preemptive administration of diphenhydramine on emergence agitation and quality of recovery after maxillofacial surgery in adult patients. METHODS: Eighty-five patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery were randomized into two groups. The diphenhydramine group (Group D, n = 40) received diphenhydramine premedication 0.5 mg/kg before anesthesia induction, while the control group (Group C, n = 40) received volume-matched normal saline as a placebo. Before incision, all patients receive 0.1 mg/kg morphine sulfate slowly intravenously within 5 min. Continuous infusion of remifentanil 0.2 µg/kg/h and inhalation of isoflurane was maintained during the anesthesia period. Paracetamol 1 g was infused 15 min before extubation. We evaluated the incidence of agitation during the extubation period after general anesthesia, hemodynamic parameters, and recovery characteristics during the postoperative period. RESULTS: During extubation time, the incidence of emergence agitation was lower in Group D than in Group C (16% vs. 49%, P = 0.041). The time from isoflurane discontinuation to extubation (7.7 min in Group D vs. 6.8 min in Group C, P = 0.082) was not different. Grade of cough during emergence, the severity of pain, analgesic requirements, and hemodynamic changes were lower in group D compared with Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive administration of diphenhydramine provided smooth emergence from anesthesia. It also improved the quality of recovery after maxillofacial surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This study was registered at http://irct.ir (registration number IRCT20130304012695N3).

Association of clinical characteristics, antidiabetic and cardiovascular agents with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19: a 7-month follow-up cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic factors of long-term outcomes in hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 are lacking. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated patients aged ≥ 18-years-old with the COVID-19 diagnosis who were hospitalized between Feb 20 and Oct 29, 2020, in the Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran. 1323 patients with COVID-19 entered in the final analysis, of whom 393 (29.7%) patients had diabetes. We followed up patients for incurring in-hospital death, severe COVID-19, in-hospital complications, and 7-month all-cause mortality. By doing univariate analysis, variables with unadjusted P-value < 0.1 in univariate analyses were regarded as the confounders to include in the logistic regression models. We made adjustments for possible clinical (model 1) and both clinical and laboratory (model 2) confounders. RESULTS: After multivariable regression, it was revealed that preadmission use of sulfonylureas was associated with a borderline increased risk of severity in both models [model 1, OR (95% CI):1.83 (0.91-3.71), P-value: 0.092; model 2, 2.05 (0.87-4.79), P-value: 0.099] and major adverse events (MAE: each of the severe COVID-19, multi-organ damage, or in-hospital mortality) in model 1 [OR (95% CI): 1.86 (0.90-3.87), P-value: 0.094]. Preadmission use of ACEIs/ARBs was associated with borderline increased risk of MAE in the only model 1 [OR (95% CI):1.83 (0.96-3.48), P-value: 0.066]. CONCLUSIONS: Preadmission use of sulfonylureas and ACEIs/ARBs were associated with borderline increased risk of in-hospital adverse outcomes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-021-00901-4.

Prophylactic Administration of Diphenhydramine/Acetaminophen and Ondansetron Reduced Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting and Pain Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain following bariatric surgery are problematic and affect the outcome of patients. Intraoperative multimodal antiemetic prophylaxis is essential to improve postoperative outcomes. This study investigated the effect of adding diphenhydramine to acetaminophen and ondansetron in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting and pain following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients scheduled for LSG were assigned to receive a single preinduction dose of diphenhydramine 0.4 mg/kg VI (D group) in addition to acetaminophen 1g and ondansetron 4 mg IV at the end of surgery and just acetaminophen 1 g and ondansetron 4 mg IV (C group) in a randomized, double-blind trial. PONV was assessed in recovery and 24 hours after surgery in the ward. Postoperative pain, analgesic requirements, and patients' level of sedation were also assessed. RESULTS: The PONV rates in the recovery of the D group and the C group were 30% and 56% (P = .001). It also had a more significant reduction in the D group than in the C group in the first 24 h after surgery (40% vs. 66%). The severity of pain score and level of sedation and analgesic requirements was significantly reduced in this period in the D group. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic diphenhydramine 0.4 mg/kg at the induction of general anesthesia in combination with acetaminophen 1 g and ondansetron 4 mg at the end of surgery reduced the incidence of PONV and postoperative severity of pain in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Nasogastric tube insertion in intubated patients with the guide of wire rope: A prospective randomised controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion is sometimes required in intubated patients. NGTs are prone to kink and coil during blind insertion. We hypothesised that wire rope guide-assisted NGT insertion with chin lift can significantly improve the first-attempt success rate over the conventional technique during its insertion in intubated patients. OBJECTIVE: Mean time to successful insertion of NGT, the failure rate of NGT insertion in the first attempt, the failure rate of NGT insertion in the second attempt and overall failure rate were assessed along with the incidence of any complications. METHOD: This prospective clinical trial conducted 100 adult patients presenting for abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia. These patients were randomised to an experimental technique of Wire rope guide with chin lift (wire group) or a control technique of head flexion (control group) for insertion of the NGT. RESULTS: The first-attempt success rate was 98% in wire group compared with 74% in the control group (P = .001). Thus, the first-attempt failure rate was 2% in wire group compared with 26% in the control group (P = .001). The median time required to insert the NGT was significantly shorter in wire group (35.3 ± 4.8 vs 61.5 ± 6.2 seconds, P = .001). The incidences of kinking/coiling, bleeding, and moderate injuries were significantly lower in wire group. CONCLUSION: The use of rope wire guide for correct positioning of the NGT in intubated patients is less time-consuming with the high first-attempt success rate and lower incidence of procedure-related injuries compared to the conventional method.

Comparison of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy using LiDCOrapid System with Regular Fluid Therapy in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery as a Randomised Clinical Trial.

Background: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is a new concept to describe the cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume variation to guide intravenous fluid administration during surgery. LiDCOrapid (LiDCO, Cardiac Sensor System, UK Company Regd 2736561, VAT Regd 672475708) is a minimally invasive monitor that estimates the responsiveness of CO versus fluid infusion. We intend to find whether GDFT using the LiDCOrapid system can decrease the volume of intraoperative fluid therapy and facilitate recovery in patients undergoing posterior fusion spine surgeries in comparison to regular fluid therapy. Methods: This study is a randomised clinical trial, and the design was parallel. Inclusion criteria for participants in this study were patients with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease undergoing spine surgery; exclusion criteria were patients with irregular heart rhythm or severe valvular heart disease. Forty patients with a previous history of medical comorbidities undergoing spine surgery were randomly and evenly assigned to receive either LiDCOrapid guided fluid therapy or regular fluid therapy. The volume of infused fluid was the primary outcome. The amount of bleeding, number of patients who needed packed red blood cell transfusion, base deficit, urine output, days of hospital length of stay and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and time needed to start eating solids were monitored as secondary outcomes. Results: The volume of infused crystalloid and urinary output in the LiDCO group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p = .001). Base deficit at the end of surgery was significantly better in the LiDCO group (p < .001). The duration of hospital length of stay in the LiDCO group was significantly shorter (p = .027), but the duration of ICU admission was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Goal-directed fluid therapy using the LiDCOrapid system reduced the volume of intraoperative fluid therapy.

Half Saline-Bicarbonate Solution as Intraoperative Fluid Replacement Therapy Leads to Less Acidosis and Better Early Renal Function During Deceased-Donor Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Normal saline is the most common crystalloid solution that is used in renal transplant surgery. In this study, our aim was to determine the effects of a combination of half saline and bicarbonate versus normal saline as a routine solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this double-blind random-ized clinical trial, we enrolled 100 adult patients undergoing kidney transplant. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received normal saline and those who received half saline and bicarbonate infusion as fluid replacement therapy during renal transplant. All patients received about 40 mL/kg of crystalloids during surgery. Serial creatinine con-centrations (primary outcomes) were compared between groups at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after surgery. Urine output (secondary outcome) was compared between groups at recovery and at 6 and 24 hours after surgery. In addition, base excess, chloride, and sodium levels were measured before and 6 hours after surgery. Each liter of half saline-bircarbonate, which is relatively isoosmotic to human plasma, was composed of 70 mEq bicarbonate, 77 mEq chloride, and 147 mEq sodium. RESULTS: Patients who received half saline-bicarbonate had significantly lower postoperative creatinine levels at all time points than patients who received normal saline (P = .019). Serum chloride and sodium levels (P = .001) were significantly higher and base excess (P = .007) was significantly lower in the normal saline group at 6 hours after transplant. At all time points, urine output levels were significantly higher in the half saline-bicarbonate group (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of half saline-bicarbonate was associated with better early graft function compared with normal saline in the first 7 days after transplant.

Low-dose preoperative pregabalin improves postoperative pain management in septorhinoplasty surgery: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of single low dose (75 mg) preoperative pregabalin in reducing post-operative pain of septorhinoplasty. METHODS: A double blind single center Randomized controlled trial based on block randomization. In the pregabalin group (PG) 34 participants received 75 mg pregabalin orally one hour before anesthesia induction while in control group (CG) 34 participants received a placebo. Pain and sedation were repeatedly measured with Visual Analouge Scale (VAS) and Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (RSAS) respectively, 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 24 hours postextubation. Cumulative doses of fentanyl and ibuprofen received in both groups were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-two of the participants in PG and 33 of the participants in CG completed the study. The Mean VAS pain score was less in PG versus CG 30 min postoperatively (2.30 ± 1.30 vs. 4.85 ± 1.17), one hour (2.28 ± 0.92 vs. 4.27 ± 0.78), two hours (2.11 ± 0.88 vs. 3.60 ± 0.61) and six hours (1.47 0.62 vs. 2.76 ± 0.91) but not 24-hours postoperatively (0.84 ± 0.62 vs. 1.09 ± 0.92). Participants in the PG were less agitated during early post-extubation period (at 10 min: RSAS 3.93 ± 0.43 vs. 4.42 ± 0.50) and more alert during the first hour post-extubation (at 60 min: RSAS 3.90 ± 0.29 vs. 3.36 ± 0.69). The total dose of rescue fentanyl and ibuprofen was lower in the PG compared to the CG. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of 75 mg pregabalin is very effective for pain control after septorhinoplasty procedure when administered one hour before anesthesia induction. Side effects are rare and opioid sparing was noted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number: IRCT2017043033706N1.

The Efficacy of Intraoperative Ketamine-Haloperidol for Prevention of Catheter-related Bladder Discomfort After Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Catheterization of urinary bladder during surgery frequently leads to agitation of the patient in the recovery room, especially in those patients who remain catheterized after gaining consciousness. We hypothesized that administration of a combination of ketamine-haloperidol (KH) before urinary catheterization would reduce the incidence of catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) while reducing some adverse effects of ketamine in the postoperative period. METHODS: A total of 119 male patients who underwent lumbar spinal stenosis surgery were randomized into three groups. The KH group consisted of 39 patients who received KH just before urinary catheterization. The second arm of the study including 40 patients who received pethidine-haloperidol (PH). The control (C) group consisted of 40 patients who received normal saline as a placebo. We sought to determine the incidence and severity of CRBD at arrival in recovery and one, six, and 24 hours after. RESULTS: The incidence of CRBD upon arrival in the recovery room was 17.9% in the KH group, and 52.5% and 55% in the PH and C groups, respectively. The incidence of CRBD was significantly lower in the KH group at arrival in the recovery room. The severity of CRBD was lower in the KH group at one and six hours of surgery (p < 0.007). There was no significant difference 24 hours after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous administration of KH before urinary catheterization effectively decreases the incidence and severity of postoperative CRBD while reducing adverse effects attributed to ketamine.

Preemptive Effect of Intraurethral Instillation of Ketamine-lidocaine Gel on Postoperative Catheter-related Bladder Discomfort after Lumbar Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is one of the main reasons of agitation after surgery, leading to urgency and frequency during recovery. Ketamine has been used as an effective drug for reducing the signs and severity of this problem. We hypothesized that intraurethral instillation of ketamine-lidocaine gel before urinary catheterization can reduce the incidence of CRBD in the postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 136 male patients, who underwent two-level laminectomy/discectomy were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized into the two groups before urinary catheterization. The ketamine group received urethral lubrication with 5 mL xylocaine jelly (2%) in conjunction with 2 mL (100 mg) ketamine. Patients in control group received urethral lubrication with 5 mL xylocaine jelly (2%) in conjunction with 2 mL distilled water. The primary outcome was the incidence of CRBD. CRBD was assessed using four-stage criteria when arriving in the recovery room and at 1, 2, and 6 h after surgery. Postsurgical pain and the number of sedatives given and opioid requirement were also the secondary outcomes in this study. RESULTS: Intraurethral instillation of ketamine-lidocaine gel reduced the incidence of CRBD at recovery (P < 0.001) along with a reduction in the severity of CRBD (P < 0.05) during the 1st and 2nd visit compared with control group. The mean pain intensity score (visual analog scale) and opioid requirement to relieve postsurgical pain were lower in the ketamine group during all the study timepoints from recovery and after transfer to the ward (P < 0.008). A higher rate of sedation (72% vs. 11%) also was seen at recovery period in the ketamine group (P < 0.008). CONCLUSION: Intraurethral instillation of ketamine-lidocaine gel before bladder catheterization is an effective technique for reducing the incidence and severity of postoperative CRBD.

Prognostic Value of Hemoglobin Concentration and Graft Vein Blood Oxygenation on Renal Transplant Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate vein blood gas levels in the transplanted kidney during surgery as a predictive factor for delayed graft function after renal transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with renal transplant were enrolled in our study from January 2015 to January 2016. After vessels were declamped posttransplant, blood samples from the transplanted kidney veins were taken and acidosis and oxygenation in these samples were measured. Patients were classified based on acidosis and oxygenation of grafted vein and also hemoglobin concentration. We compared delayed graft function in recipients with acidosis versus normal pH, hypoxia versus normal oxygenation, and hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL versus more than 10 g/dL. RESULTS: Of 60 patients, 6 (10%) experienced delayed graft function and needed hemodialysis. All patients needing hemodialysis were in the acidotic and hypoxic patient groups. Five of six recipients with delayed graft function had hemoglobin concentration < 10 g/dL. Hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with hypoxia, acidosis, and anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Vein blood gas measurements of the grafted renal vein during surgery can be easily obtained and applied as a prognostic factor for delayed graft function.

Comparison Effect of Promethazine/Dexamethasone and Metoclopramide /Dexamethasone on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparascopic Gastric Placation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric plication (LGP) is a technique in the restrictive category of bariatric procedures that reduces the gastric volume and increases intragastric pressure. Nausea and vomiting are the most common complications after this procedure. The goal of this research is to compare the combined effect of promethazine/dexamethasone versus Metoclopramide/ dexamethasone on the prevention of nausea and vomiting after LGP. METHODS: In recovery, the patients were divided into two groups, the Metoclopramide group which was given Metoclopramide 10 mg plus dexamethasone 4 mg/8 hours intravenous for 48 hours, and the promethazine group which was given promethazine 50 mg /12 hours, intramuscular for the first 24 hours and then promethazine 25 mg/12 hours for the next 24 hours plus dexamethasone 4 mg/8 hours intravenous for 48 hours. The frequency of nausea and vomiting, number of reflux episodes, frequency of epigastric fullness, and the duration of walking around q12 hours were recorded in the first 48 hours post-operation. RESULTS: Eighty patients were enrolled into the study. Promethazine group were found to significantly reduce the incidence of PONV in the first 24 hours compared with the other group (41% vs. 97.5%), relative risk = 0.042 [95% CI = 0.006, 0.299]. The mean numbers of epigastric fullness and severity of epigastria pain were lower in the promethazine group (P = 0.01) and the total opioid requirement was also reduced in promethazine group (32.1 ± 2.6 VS .68.5 ± 4.6 mg). However, the patients in the promethazine group were more sedated, which caused the duration of walking q12 hours in this group to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: In morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric plication, promethazine/dexametasone was more effective than Metoclopramide/dexametasone in preventing and reducing the incidence of nausea, epigastric fullness, and reflux. That combination was also more effective than Metoclopramide in reducing the severity of epigastric pain.

Effects of combined prokinetic administration on gastric emptying in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Combination of prokinetic drugs with different mechanisms of action is frequently used when feeding intolerance is not improved with a single agent. In this study, we evaluated the effect of combined infusion of neostigmine and metoclopramide on gastric passage in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a randomized double-blind controlled trial in 90 patients between 20 and 60years of age who were under mechanical ventilation and had gastric residual volumes (GRVs) >120mL 3h after the last lavage. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: intravenous neostigmine 2.5mg, intravenous metoclopramide 20mg, and combination of both agents at the mentioned doses. Gastric volume aspiration was first performed before starting the study and then at 3, 6, 9, and 12h after the infusion of study drugs was finished. Increase in gastric lavage was defined as an aspiration volume of >120mL. RESULTS: In total, 86 cases in the three groups completed the treatment (all 90 patients included in the study were analysed according to an intention-to-treat approach). There was no significant difference detected at baseline in age, intubation duration, albumin, haemoglobin, haematocrit, total leucocytic count (WBC), Na, K, Mg, and sequential organ failure assessment score between the study groups. In the combination group, 96.7% of patients showed GRV improvement (GRV<120cc), whereas in the metoclopramide and neostigmine groups, 50% and 43.3% of the patients, respectively, showed improvement (p<0.001). The frequency of overall adverse effects in the metoclopramide, neostigmine, and combination groups were 3.3%, 16.7%, and 10%, respectively (p=0.28). CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggested that combination therapy with metoclopramide and neostigmine decreases GRV in critically ill patients with a higher efficacy than monotherapies.

The effect of nephrostomy tract infiltration of ketamine on postoperative pain and peak expiratory flow rate in patients undergoing tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Ketamine, as a systemic and local analgesic, has been used to reduce postoperative pain in many studies. The present study was designed to assess the analgesic efficacy of nephrostomy tract infiltration of ketamine in postoperative pain after tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Sixty-six patients with renal stone who were candidates for PCNL were randomized to two groups with 33 patients in each group. In group K, 20 mL saline solution containing 1.5 mg/kg ketamine was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract and in group C, 20 mL saline solution was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract at the end of surgery. The postoperative pain scores, sedation scores, time to first rescue analgesia, rescue analgesic requirement, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), and hemodynamic parameters were compared between two groups. Sixty-six patients with a mean age of 45.29 ± 15 years and an age range of 18-60 years participated in this study. There was no significant difference in the demographic data and duration of surgery between the two groups. The mean VAS scores were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group at the recovery, and 4 and 6 h postoperatively (p = 0.001). The mean time to first rescue analgesia in the postoperative period was significantly lower in the control group (64.5 ± 8.1 min) compared with the intervention group (122 ± 18.4 min). The trend of first opioid administration was significantly lower in the ketamine group p < 0.009. There was no significant differences in PEF between the two groups in the postoperative period (p = 0.622). In conclusion infiltration of ketamine into the nephrostomy tract provides superior analgesic and sedative effects in PCNL surgery without significant changes in PEF.

Comparison of Arterial Oxygenation Following Head-Down and Head-Up Laparoscopic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the role of gas entry in abdomen and cardiorespiratory effects, the ability of anesthesiologists would be challenged in laparoscopic surgeries. Considering few studies in this area and the relevance of the subject, this study was performed to compare the arterial oxygen alterations before operation in comparison with after surgery between laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ovarian cystectomy. METHODS: In this prospective cohort, 70 consecutive women aged from 20 to 60 years who were candidate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n = 35) and ovarian cystectomy (n = 35) with reverse (20 degrees) and direct (30 degrees) Trendelenburg positions, respectively, with ASA class I or II were enrolled. After intubation and before operation, for the first time, the arterial blood gas from radial artery in supine position was obtained for laboratory assessment. Then, the second blood sample was collected from radial artery in supine position and sent to the lab to be assessed with the same device after 30 minutes from surgery termination. The measured variables from arterial blood gas were arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and Oxygen saturation (SpO2) alterations. RESULTS: Total PaO2 was higher in the first measurement. The higher values of PaO2 in cholecystectomy (upward) than in ovarian cystectomy (downward) were not significant in univariate (P = 0.060) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.654). Furthermore, higher values of SpO2 in cholecystectomy (upward) than in ovarian cystectomy (downward) were not significant in univariate (P = 0.412) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.984). CONCLUSIONS: In general, based on the results of this study, the values of PaO2 in cholecystectomy (upward) were not significantly higher than the values in cystectomy (downward) in laparoscopic surgeries when measured 30 minutes after surgery.

Combined Ketamine-Tramadol Subcutaneous Wound Infiltration for Multimodal Postoperative Analgesia: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial after Renal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pain is an important consideration after renal surgery. A multimodal approach to postoperative pain management could enhance analgesia by risking fewer side effects after surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the subcutaneous infiltration of ketamine and tramadol at the incision site to reduce postoperative pain. METHODS: Sixty-four patients between 18 and 80 years old who were scheduled for elective renal surgery were enrolled in a double-blind randomized controlled study. At the end of the surgery, patients were divided into four groups with 16 patients in each group: the saline group, who were treated with 10 mL of saline solution; the K group, who were treated with 1 mg/kg etamine in 10 mL of saline solution; the T group, who were treated with 1 mg/kg tramadol in 10 mL of saline solution; and the K/T group, who were treated with 0.5 mg/kg ketamine with 0.5 mg/kg tramadol in 10 mL of saline solution. In each group, the solution was infiltrated subcutaneously at the incision site. The postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic consumption of the patients in each group were recorded for 24 hours and compared. The primary goal of the study was to compare the results of patients treated with a combined ketamine and tramadol subcutaneous wound infiltration, patients treated with a tramadol subcutaneous wound infiltration, and patients treated with a ketamine subcutaneous wound infiltration. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were enrolled in the study. Pain intensity and cumulative meperidine consumption were significantly lower in the K/T group (27 mg; 95% confidence interval, 25.2 - 53.2) in comparison with the group that received a saline infusion during the first 24 hours after surgery (P < 0.001). The sedation score of the K, T, and K/T groups were significantly higher than the saline group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combined subcutaneous infiltration of ketamine and tramadol at the incision site produces better analgesia and an opioid-sparing effect during the first 24 hours when compared with the control group and the groups that received a subcutaneous infiltration of only ketamine or tramadol.

Multimodal Analgesia With Ketamine or Tramadol in Combination With Intravenous Paracetamol After Renal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Opioids are generally the preferred analgesic agents during the early postoperative period. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to assess and compare the multimodal analgesic effects of ketamine and tramadol in combination with intravenous acetaminophen after renal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial was conducted on 80 consecutive patients undergoing various types of kidney surgeries in Sina hospital in Tehran in 2014 - 2016. After extubation, the patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous paracetamol (1 gr) plus tramadol (0.7 mg/kg) (PT group) or paracetamol (1 gr) plus ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) (PK group) within ten minutes. Pain severity was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), and the level of agitation was assessed by the Ramsey sedation scale (RSS). Morphine consumption was assessed within the first six hours after drug injection, and hemodynamic parameters were assessed at 5, 10, and 20 minutes after infusion, at the time of transfer from recovery to the ward, and also at one and six hours after transfer to the ward. RESULTS: Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the PK group than in the PT group during all study time points. The mean dose of morphine needed at recovery in the PK group was lower compared with the PT group (0.47 ± 0.94 mg versus 1.50 ± 1.35 mg/P = 0.001). The level of agitation based on the RSS score was significantly lower in the PK group than in the PT group at 10 and 20 minutes after drug administration. The total postoperative complication rate in the PK group was lower than in the PT group (20% versus 53.3%, P = 0.007). In this regard, catheter bladder discomfort was more frequent in the PT group than in the PK group (43.3% versus 3.3%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of intravenous paracetamol 1 gr and ketamine 0.5 mg/kg resulted in an overall reduction in pain scores, decreased postoperative analgesic requirements, and lower agitation score compared with intravenous paracetamol 1 gr and tramadol 0.7 mg/kg for patients undergoing renal surgery.

Analgesic Efficacy of Nephrostomy Tract inFiltration of Bupivacaine and Ketamine after Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the use of ketamine as a systemic and local analgesic drug in reducing post-operative pain is studied more frequently. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the analgesic efficacy of IV ketamine injection inaddition to nephrostomy tract infiltration of ketamine-bupivacaine on postoperative pain relief after tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 100), with renal stone who were candidates for PCNL were randomized to five groups with 20 cases in each: Group C, 10 mL of saline solution was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract; Group B, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract; Group BK1, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine plus 0.5 mg/kg ketamine was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract; Group BK2, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine plus 1.5 mg/kg ketamine was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract; Group K, 10 mL of saline solution containing 0.5 mg/kg ketamine was intravenously administered. Post-operative pain scores were compared between groups as the primary objective. Comparison of Sedation Scores, rescue analgesic consumption, time to the first rescue analgesics administration, hemodynamic and SpO2 values were regarded as the secondary objective. RESULTS: Mean VAS scores in the first 30 min and total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h of post-operative period were significantly lower in groups BK1 and BK2 in comparison with the other groups (P < 0.05). Also, time to first rescue analgesics administration was longer in the same groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Infiltration of ketamine plus bupivacaine provides superior analgesic effects in PCNL surgery compared with other methods.

Comparison of aPTT and CT Parameter of the ROTEM Test to Monitor Heparin Anti-Coagulation Effect in ICU Patients: an Observational Study.

Heparin is frequently used in different clinical settings to reduce the coagulating ability of the blood. Because of probable adverse effects owing to heparin therapy and regarding variability of patients' responses to heparin, which make it very unreliable, it seems prudent to monitor meticulously its effects on the human body. There are a lot of laboratory tests to watch its effects on the body for example; aPTT and ROTEM are the most widely used tests that are performed today. We aimed to compare the aPTT test results against changes of CT parameter of the ROTEM test due to heparin administration. This study was conducted on 45 critically ill patients who needed to receive heparin according to their clinical status. All patients received 550 to 1500 unit heparin per hour (on average 17.5 unit heparin per kilogram weight). While the patients were under infusion of heparin, two blood samples (5 ml) were taken from a newly established cubital vein, just five hours after commencement of heparin therapy. One sample was used for aPTT and the other one for ROTEM. The correlation between aPTT and the changes of CT parameter of the ROTEM with heparin dosage and infusion was the primary outcome. The correlation between heparin therapy and the changes of other parameters like MCF, CFT, and a number of platelets were the secondary outcome of the study. The only significant correlation was between changes of CT and aPTT (P=0.000). The other variables were not correlated. Changes of CT parameter of ROTEM test can be used for monitoring of reduced coagulability during heparin infusion instead of aPTT test.

The Comparison of Procalcitonin Guidance Administer Antibiotics with Empiric Antibiotic Therapy in Critically Ill Patients Admitted in Intensive Care Unit.

The empiric antibiotic therapy can result in antibiotic overuse, development of bacterial resistance and increasing costs in critically ill patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of procalcitonin (PCT) guide treatment on antibiotic use and clinical outcomes of patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). A total of 60 patients were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into two groups, cases that underwent antibiotic treatment based on serum level of PCT as PCT group (n=30) and patients who undergoing antibiotic empiric therapy as control group (n=30). Our primary endpoint was the use of antibiotic treatment. Additional endpoints were changed in clinical status and early mortality. Antibiotics use was lower in PCT group compared to control group (P=0.03). Current data showed that difference in SOFA score from the first day to the second day after admitting patients in ICU did not significantly differ (P=0.88). Patients in PCT group had a significantly shorter median ICU stay, four days versus six days (P=0.01). However, hospital stay was not statistically significant different between two groups, 20 days versus 22 days (P=0.23). Early mortality was similar between two groups. PCT guidance administers antibiotics reduce antibiotics exposure and length of ICU stay, and we found no differences in clinical outcomes and early mortality rates between the two studied groups.

Effects of laparoscopic gastric plication (LGP) in patients with type 2 diabetes, one year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Surgery is one of the most effective treatments for morbid obesity. In a prospective cohort study, we examined the effects of Laparoscopic Gastric Plication (LGP) as a new restrictive technique on remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: During six years of study from June 2007 through December 2013, 62 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were recruited for our study to determine the effects of weight loss. Sixty patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 were selected for a one year follow up period. The amount of weight loss, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), changes in the lipid profile, HbA1c and blood pressure were assessed during this period. The primary outcomes were safety and the percentage of patients experiencing diabetes remission. RESULTS: Sixty patients with the mean age of 39.7 ± 12.8 years, ranging from 18 to 62 years, were enrolled in the study for an average 12 months of follow up. The maximal weight loss of 57 kg was achieved at average after six months. FBS significantly decreased during this period, and after one year, remission of diabetes was achieved in 92 % of patients. In five patients, diabetes was controlled with decrease in taking oral medications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Gastric Plication (LGP) resulted in significant and sustained weight loss with minimal physiologic changes in gastrointestinal tract and ameliorated blood glucose control of type 2 diabetes in morbid obese patients.