Comparison of dexmedetomidine and epinephrine as an adjuvant to 1% mepivacaine in brachial plexus block.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine extends the duration of nerve block when administered perineurally together with local anesthetics by central and/or peripheral action. In this study, we compared the duration of nerve block between dexmedetomidine and epinephrine as an adjuvant to 1% mepivacaine in infraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS: Thirty patients, scheduled for upper limb surgery were assigned randomly to 3 groups of 10 patients each. We performed brachial plexus block using a nerve stimulator. In the control group (group C), patients received 40 ml of 1% mepivacaine. In group E, patients received 40 ml of 1% mepivacaine containing 200 µg of epinephrine as an adjuvant. In group D, patients received 40 ml of 1% mepivacaine containing 1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant. Sensory block duration, motor block duration, time to sense pain, and onset time were assessed. We also monitored blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and bispectral index. RESULTS: In group D and group E, sensory block duration, motor block duration and time to sense first pain were prolonged significantly compared to group C. However, there was no significant difference between group D and group E. CONCLUSIONS: Perineural 1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine similarly prolonged nerve block duration compared to 200 µg of epinephrine, but slowed heart rate. Thus, dexmedetomidine is expected to be a good alternative as an adjuvant to local anesthesia in patients who are cautioned against epinephrine.

Comparison of the preventive effects of pretreatment of lidocaine with a tourniquet and a premixed injection of lidocaine on propofol-LCT/MCT injection pain.

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine has been used widely to prevent propofol injection pain. Various methods of administration exist, such as lidocaine premixed with propofol or lidocaine pretreatment using a tourniquet, but it is unclear which method of lidocaine administration is more effective for the prevention of injection pain of propofol LCT/MCT. The purpose of this study was to compare pretreatment of lidocaine with a tourniquet and a premixed injection of lidocaine to prevent injection pain of propofol-LCT/MCT. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated into the pretreatment group (n = 117) or the premixed group (n = 117). The pretreatment group was pretreated with 2 ml of lidocaine 2%, held with a tourniquet, before propofol-LCT/MCT injection. The premixed group was injected with a premixed solution of propofol-LCT/MCT and 2 ml of lidocaine 2%. To evaluate the incidence and severity of pain, spontaneous verbal expressions of pain, movement of hand, frowning, and moaning were recorded, and the patients were asked to recall their pain with the visual analogue score (VAS) 30 minutes after awakening from anesthesia. RESULTS: Overall, injection pain occurred in 13.7% of the pretreatment group and 15.4% of the premixed group, without any statistical difference (P = 0.71). There was no difference in spontaneous verbal expressions of pain, movement of hand, frowning, and moaning between the two groups. The pain intensity (VAS) also showed no difference between the two groups (P = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment of lidocaine with a tourniquet showed no more benefit to prevent injection pain of propofol LCT/MCT compared to a premixed injection with lidocaine.

Pyomyositis of the iliacus muscle and pyogenic sacroiliitis after sacroiliac joint block -A case report-.

Sacroiliac joint block can be performed for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Although sacroiliac joint block is a common procedure, complications have not been reported in detail. We report a case of iliacus pyomyositis and sacroiliac joint infection following a sacroiliac joint block. A 70-year-old female patient received sacroiliac joint blocks to relieve pelvic pain. The patient was admitted to the emergency room two days after the final sacroiliac joint block (SIJB) with the chief complaints of left pelvic pain corresponding to a visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 9 and fever. A pelvic MRI indicated a diagnosis of myositis. After 1 month of continuous antibiotic therapy, the patient's erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level remained elevated. A (67)Ga SPECT/CT was done. Abnormal uptake was seen at the left sacroiliac joint (SIJ), and septic sacroiliitis was suspected. The CRP normalized to 0.29 mg/dl and the ESR decreased to 60 mm/hr, and the patient had no fever after 57 days of antibiotic therapy. She was directed for follow up at an outpatient clinic.

Survey on the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia in Korea; multicenter study of 1,414 patients.

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a serious complication resulting from herpes zoster infections, and it can impair the quality of life. In order to relieve pain from PHN, various treatments, including pharmacological and interventional methods have been used. However, little information on the recommendations for the interventional treatment of PHN, along with a lack of nation-wide surveys on the current status of PHN treatment exists. This multicenter study is the first survey on the treatment status of PHN in Korea. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted on the entire patients who visited the pain clinics of 11 teaching hospitals from January to December of 2011. Co-morbid disease, affected site of PHN, routes to pain clinic visits, parenteral/topical medications for treatment, drugs used for nerve block, types and frequency of nerve blocks were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 1,414 patients' medical records were reviewed. The most commonly affected site was the thoracic area. The anticonvulsants and interlaminar epidural blocks were the most frequently used pharmacological and interventional methods for PHN treatment. For the interval of epidural block, intervals of 5 or more-weeks were the most popular. The proportion of PHN patients who get information from the mass media or the internet was only 0.8%.The incidence of suspected zoster sine herpete was only 0.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment methods for PHN vary among hospitals. The establishment of treatment recommendation for PHN treatment is necessary. In addition, public relations activities are required in order to inform the patients of PHN treatments by pain clinicians.

Newly developed urinary retention and motor weakness of lower extremities in a postherpetic neuralgia patient.

During the early stage of postherpetic neuralgia, an epidural block on the affected segment is helpful in controlling pain and preventing progression to a chronic state. The main neurologic complication following an epidural block is cord compression symptom due to an epidural hematoma. When neurologic complications arise from an epidural block for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, it is important to determine whether the complications are due to the procedure or due to the herpes zoster itself. We report a case of a patient who was diagnosed with herpes zoster myelitis during treatment for postherpetic neuralgia. The patient complained of motor weakness in the lower extremities after receiving a thoracic epidural block six times. Although initially, we believed that the complications were due to the epidural block, it was ultimately determined to be from the herpes zoster myelitis.

Minimal volume of local anesthetic required for an ultrasound-guided SGB.

BACKGROUND: Compared with the blind technique, ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) reduces the amount of local anesthetic needed for a successful block. The purpose of this study is to determine the minimal, optimal volume of local anesthetic required for successful ultrasound-guided SGB and to reduce its adverse effects. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with postherpetic neuralgia and complex regional pain syndrome of the upper extremity and the facial area were selected. For ultrasound-guided SGB by subfacial method, each patient was injected with 0.5% mepivacaine mixed with contrast media in 2 mL, 3 mL, and 4 mL doses at 2-week intervals. After the procedure, the spread of contrast media in the spine was checked by fluoroscopy. Ptosis and conjunctival flushing were rated and recorded. Adverse effects, such as hoarseness, foreign body sensation, swallowing difficulty, and upper arm weakness, were also recorded. RESULTS: Out of the 35 initial patients, the results for 33 patients who received all three SGBs were included in this study. The contrast media spread to 4.80 ± 0.82, 4.94 ± 0.86, and 5.09 ± 0.97 total spinal segments in the 2 mL, 3 mL, and 4 mL groups, respectively. The cephalad spread of contrast media was 2.16 ± 0.74, 2.23 ± 0.85, and 2.30 ± 0.78 spinal segments for the 2 mL, 3 mL, and 4 mL groups, respectively, and the caudad spread of contrast media was 2.64 ± 0.51, 2.70 ± 0.61, and 2.89 ± 0.64 segments in the 2 mL, 3 mL, and 4 mL groups, respectively. There were no significant statistical differences in any segments for the three groups (P > 0.05). Review of the fluoroscopic images showed spread of the contrast media below the C7-T1 junction in all three groups. Ptosis developed in all three groups after the procedure. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, when performing an ultrasound-guided SGB, 2 mL dosage was sufficient for a successful block as the previous, conventional volume. Therefore, when performing an ultrasound-guided SGB, we recommend the 2 mL dosage of local anesthetics for a successful block.

Remifentanil alleviates transient cerebral ischemia-induced memory impairment through suppression of apoptotic neuronal cell death in gerbils.

BACKGROUND: During neurosurgical procedures, patients are often exposed to hypoxic and ischemic brain damage. Cerebral ischemia leads to neuronal cell death and eventually causes neurological impairments. Remifentanil is a new ultra-short acting phenylpiperidine opioid analgesic. In this study, we evaluated remifentanil to determine if it exerts an anti-apoptotic effect in the hippocampal dentate gyrus following transient global ischemia in gerbils. METHODS: Step-down avoidance task, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 were performed. RESULTS: The numbers of TUNEL-positive cells and caspase-3-positive cells in the dentate gyrus were increased by ransient global ischemia. Latency in the step-down avoidance task was increased by transient global ischemia. Results revealed that apoptotic cell death in the dentate gyrus was increased significantly following transient global ischemia, resulting in memory impairment. However, treatment with remifentanil suppressed ischemia-induced apoptosis in the dentate gyrus, thereby alleviating the memory impairment that was induced by ischemic cerebral injury. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that remifentanil may exert a neuroprotective effect on ischemic brain damage during surgery.

Cerebellar hemorrhage after spine fixation misdiagnosed as a complication of narcotics use -A case report-.

Cerebellar hemorrhage occurs mainly due to hypertension. Postoperative cerebellar hemorrhage is known to be associated frequently with frontotemporal craniotomy, but quite rare with spine operation. A 56-year-old female received spinal fixation due to continuous leg tingling sensation for since two years ago. Twenty-one hours after operation, she was disoriented and unresponsive to voice. Performed computed tomography showed both cerebellar hemorrhage. An emergency decompressive craniotomy was carried out to remove the hematoma. On the basis of this case, we reported this complications and reviewed related literature.

Efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin using a flexible, optimized dose schedule in Korean patients with peripheral neuropathic pain: a 10-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials from various countries have reported the efficacy of pregabalin for reducing peripheral neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin in Korean patients with neuropathic pain. METHODS: This was a Phase III, 10-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with neuropathic pain (diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, or posttraumatic neuropathic pain) were enrolled and randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to pregabalin (150-600 mg/d) or matching placebo. Randomization was performed using a proprietary telerandomization system. The primary end point was the difference in week 8 least squares (LS) mean Daily Pain Rating Scale (DPRS) score (rated once daily from 0 ["no pain"] to 10 ["worst possible pain"]) between pregabalin and placebo, calculated using the average of the last 7 available DPRS scores. Secondary efficacy measures included the following: the proportion of responders whose DPRS scores were reduced by ≥ 30% or ≥ 50% versus baseline, the Daily Sleep Interference Scale (DSIS; 11-point scale, scored daily), the Euro Quality of Life assessment (EQ-5D; 2 items scored separately), the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Sleep Scale (12 items each scored separately), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; 2 items scored from 0 to 21), the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC; each scored on a 7-point scale), and tolerability assessments. Adverse events and vital signs were monitored throughout the study with laboratory measurements, physical examinations, neurologic examinations, and 12-lead ECG tests. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA or Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The treatment groups (n = 162 pregabalin; n = 78 placebo) were well matched at baseline (pregabalin: 51.2% [83/162] female; mean [SD] age, 59.7 [10.8] years; weight, 63.6 [9.3] kg; placebo: 59.0% [46/78] female; mean age, 61.3 [12.9] years; weight, 62.0 [9.5] kg). All patients were Korean. The mean doses at end point were 480 mg/d for pregabalin and 513 mg/d for the placebo equivalent. Most patients received concomitant drug treatments during the study: 79.6% (129/162) in the pregabalin group and 92.3% (72/78) in the placebo group. The mean DPRS score at end point was significantly lower in the pregabalin group than in the placebo group (LS mean difference, -0.50; 95% CI, -1.00 to 0.00; P = 0.049). In total, 26.1% (42/161) of pregabalin-treated patients reported ≥ 50% improvement in mean DPRS scores from baseline, compared with 14.3% (11/77) for placebo (P = 0.041 between groups). The LS mean change in the DSIS from baseline to end point favored pregabalin (-0.51; 95% CI, -0.96 to -0.07; P = 0.024). Significant improvements were also recorded for overall MOS sleep interference score (difference in LS means, -0.65; P = 0.018) and HADS anxiety subscale score (-0.85; P = 0.038). Other secondary assessments (eg, EQ-5D, HADS depression subscale, PGIC, and CGIC) did not reach significance. A higher proportion of patients reported treatment-related adverse events with pregabalin (43.8% [71/162]) than with placebo (29.5% [23/78]). Dizziness (21.0% [34/162]), somnolence (13.6% [22/162]), face edema (6.2% [10/162]), peripheral edema (6.2% [10/162]), and weight gain (5.6% [9/162]) were the most commonly reported adverse events in the pregabalin group. CONCLUSION: Flexible-dose pregabalin (150-600 mg/d for 8 weeks) was associated with a significant, although modest, reduction in mean DPRS score; an improvement in anxiety and subjective sleep; and generally good tolerability compared with placebo in these Korean patients with neuropathic pain due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, or posttraumatic neuropathic pain.

Rhabdomyolysis following posterior lumbar interbody fusion in prone position: report 2 cases: Two cases report.

The spine surgery performed in the prone position could cause severe complications such as visual acuity impairment, spinal infarct and rhabdomyolysis. When treating rhabdomyolysis, it is important to prevent acute renal failure from accompanying rhabdomyolysis due to the poor prognosis. We have experienced two cases of rhabdomyolysis after spine surgery where dark urine was present during spine surgery under general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists should pay attention for early diagnosis and treatment of the rhabdomyolysis developing during the spine surgery.

Anti-inflammatory effect of bee venom on type II collagen-induced arthritis.

Bee venom (BV) has been used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in traditional Oriental medicine, especially in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously reported that the BV injection into a traditional acupuncture point (Zusanli) reduced arthritis-associated edema and nociceptive responses in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats (Kwon et al., 2001). This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine effect of BV on a murine type-II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Male mice were immunized by spontaneous injection of 100 microg of an emulsion of bovine type-II collagen and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), with a booster injection after 2 weeks. In the experimental group, 0.1 ml BV was injected at acupuncture point (Zusanli) near both knees twice a week for a total of 5 times. In the control group, normal saline was injected at the same frequencies. These injections began 5 weeks after the first collagen injection. Starting the 3rd week after the first collagen injection, we examined limb swelling and severity of arthritis twice a week. At 8 weeks, mice were sacrificed and synovial tissue was examined with the light microscope and serum cytokines (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) were measured by ELISA. The incidence of arthritis, the mean arthritis index and the number of arthritic limbs were significantly lower in the treatment compared to the control group (63% versus 75%, 3.4% versus 8.5%, 23% versus 75%, respectively). Among the serum proinflammatory cytokines, the production of TNF-alpha in the BV group was suppressed compared to the control group (59 +/- 4.5 versus 99.5 +/- 6.5, p < 0.05), but IL-1beta was not suppressed. The examination of the histopathology of the joints of murine CIA showed decreased inflammation signs and less lymphocyte infiltration after BV acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture therapy with BV suppressed the development of arthritis and caused inhibition of the immune responses in type-II collagen-induced arthritis.