Assessing the impact of aprepitant and ondansetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting in orthognathic surgeries: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common side effect associated with general anesthesia. Both ondansetron and aprepitant been effectively used to prevent PONV. However, there is a disagreement of opinions regarding the superiority of these two drugs. This study aims to compare the efficacy of aprepitant with ondansetron in preventing PONV following orthognathic surgeries. METHODS: In this double-blinded clinical trial, 80 patients scheduled for orthognathic surgery at Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were randomly assigned to two groups. A standardized anesthesia protocol was used for all patients. The first group received a placebo capsule administered one hour before the surgical procedure along with 4 mg (2 ml) of ondansetron intravenously after anesthesia induction. The second group was given 80 mg aprepitant capsules one hour before the surgery, followed by an injection of 2 ml intravenous distilled water after anesthesia induction. The occurrence and severity of PONV, the amount of rescue medication required, and the complete response of patients assessed within 24 h after the surgery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic data between the two groups. Patients in the aprepitant group had a significantly lower incidence and severity of nausea (2.5% versus 27.5%), vomiting (5% versus 25%), and required fewer rescue medications (7.5% versus 62.5%) compared to the ondansetron group. Additionally, the aprepitant group showed a higher complete response rate (90% versus 67.5%) in the 0-2 and 12-24 postoperative hours. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, aprepitant has demonstrated a greater efficacy in preventing PONV following orthognathic surgery, when compared to ondansetron. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT code: IRCT20211205053279N3), date of registration: 16/12/2022.

Comparing the Effect of Ondansetron-dexamethasone and Metoclopramide-dexamethasone on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Gynecological Laparoscopy: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial.

Background: Nausea and vomiting is a common complication after gynecological surgeries, especially laparoscopy, which can lead to discomfort and restlessness in the patients. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of ondansetron-dexamethasone and metoclopramide-dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting following gynecological laparoscopy. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, 68 females scheduled for gynecological laparoscopy and age range of 18-40 years were randomly divided into two groups. Group OD received ondansetron 4 mg plus dexamethasone 8 mg and group MD received metoclopramide 10 mg plus dexamethasone 8 mg, 15 min before the end of surgery. The incidence of nausea and vomiting and need for rescue medication was assessed during the recovery period, as well as at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. The data were analyzed using STATA software version 12 and a significance level of <0.05 was considered in this research. Results: The incidence of nausea in ondansetron and metoclopramide groups was 23.3% and 33.3%, respectively, and the frequency of vomiting was 10% and 16.6%, respectively, which showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The highest incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients belonged to the metoclopramide group inside 4-6 h after surgery. Conclusion: Our study showed that no significant difference was observed in the incidence of nausea and vomiting between ondansetron-dexamethasone and metoclopramide-dexamethasone groups following laparoscopic gynecological surgery; however, the number of patients with nausea and vomiting was lower in the ondansetron-dexamethasone group.

Comparison of Three Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine Added to Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block; A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine has been shown to prolong the analgesic effects of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. However, the optimal dose of this adjuvant drug is unclear. OBJECTIVES: Identifying optimal doses of dexmedetomidine added to bupivacaine in the TAP block. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 86 patients candidate for elective open inguinal herniorrhaphy under spinal anesthesia were divided randomly into three groups; low (L), medium (M), and high (H) dose of dexmedetomidine, that finally 80 cases ended the study and were analyzed. At the end of the surgery, the patients underwent ultrasound-guided TAP block. In all patients of the three groups, the analgesic base of the block was 20 mL bupivacaine 0.125% that was supplemented with 0.5, 1, or 1.5 µ/kg of dexmedetomidine in groups L, M, and H, respectively. RESULTS: The maximum duration of the block was 4 hours in group L and 8 hours in groups M and H. None of the patients needed to receive analgesic at 0, 2, and 24 hours after the block. The dose of analgesic required in the first 8 hours of the block in groups M and H was less than in group L (P < 0.02). Patients in groups H and M were more satisfied with the block (P < 0.01) and experienced less pain compared with group L (P < 0.01). Drowsiness and sedation were observed in patients up to 4 hours after the TAP block, which was dependent on the dexmedetomidine dose (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the optimal dose of supplemental dexmedetomidine could be 1 µ/kg in the TAP block.

Comparison of lidocaine-dexmedetomidine and lidocaine-saline on the characteristics of the modified forearm bier block: A clinical trial.

Background and Aims: Forearm Modified Bier Block (FMBB) reduces local anesthetic systemic toxicity risks compared to the traditional method. This study was designed and implemented to compare the effects of lidocaine-dexmedetomidine (LD) and lidocaine-saline (LS) on the characteristics of the MFBB in distal forearm and hand surgery. Material and Methods: In this randomized double-blind trial, which was conducted after obtaining institutional ethical committee approval, 60 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. In both groups, the analgesic base of the block was 20 mL lidocaine 0.5% that was supplemented by 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine in the LD group or 1 mL of 0.9% saline in the LS group. Patients were evaluated for the onset and duration of sensory block, time of the first request for postoperative analgesic, and analgesic request frequency during the first 24 h after surgery. Results: Sensory block onset in the LD group (7.1 ± 1.4 min) compared to the LS group (8.4 ± 1.4) was faster (P = 0.008). Duration of the sensory block in LD group (49.7 ± 7.2 min) was longer than LS group (33.3 ± 2.6) (P < 0.001). Compared to LS group, time of the first request for postoperative analgesic in LD group was later (P = 0.6), and had lesser analgesic requests during the first 24 h after surgery (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on our study's finding, adding dexmedetomidine to lidocaine in the MFBB increases the duration of sensory block.

Diarrhea as a Presenting Symptom of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children.

Gastroenteritis is common among children and is usually caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic gastrointestinal infections. The occurrence of gastroenteritis as the only symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an uncommon condition. We present a 16-month-old girl that has recently been admitted to our hospital with vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, who was ultimately diagnosed with COVID-19. This case shows that the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 can be misleading in children.

Postpartum Headache due to Cerebellar Infarct Initially Misdiagnosed as Postdural Puncture Headache: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with postpartum cerebellar infarction (CI) following spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. The patient experienced mild headache after postoperative day 1 and returned on postoperative day 6 with a severe headache. For the subsequent 3 days, she underwent conservative treatment for presumed postdural puncture headache (PDPH) before neurologic decline and diagnosis of CI on postoperative day 9. She subsequently underwent craniotomy and debridement of necrotic tissues. Prolonged or position-independent postpartum headache should prompt broadening of the differential diagnosis beyond PDPH to include other more rare but serious causes of postpartum headache.

[Comparison of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for unilateral spinal anesthesia in lower limb surgery: a randomized trial]. / Comparação de fentanil e dexmedetomidina como adjuvante à bupivacaína para raquianestesia unilateral em cirurgia de membros inferiores: estudo randômico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the disadvantages of unilateral spinal anesthesia is the short duration of post-operative analgesia, which can be addressed by adding adjuvants to local anesthetics. The aim of current study was to compare the effects of adding dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, or saline to bupivacaine on the properties of unilateral spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing calf surgery. METHODS: In this double-blind clinical trial, 90 patients who underwent elective calf surgery were randomly divided into three groups. The spinal anesthetic rate in each of the three groups was 1mL bupivacaine 0.5% (5mg). In groups BD, BF and BS, 5µg of dexmedetomidine, 25µg of fentanyl and 0.5mL saline were added, respectively. The duration of the motor and sensory blocks in both limbs and the rate of pain during 24h after surgery were calculated. Hemodynamic changes were also measured during anesthesia for up to 90min. RESULTS: The duration of both of motor and sensory block was significantly longer in dependent limb in the BF (96 and 169min) and BD (92 and 166min) groups than the BS (84 and 157min) group. Visual Analog Scale was significantly lower in the two groups of BF (1.4) and BD (1.3), within 24h after surgery, than the BS (1.6) group. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in unilateral spinal anesthesia can increase the duration of the motor and sensory block in dependent limb and prolong the duration of postoperative pain. However, fentanyl is more effective than dexmedetomidine.

Comparison of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for unilateral spinal anesthesia in lower limb surgery: a randomized trial / Comparação de fentanil e dexmedetomidina como adjuvante à bupivacaína para raquianestesia unilateral em cirurgia de membros inferiores: estudo randômico

Abstract Background and objectives One of the disadvantages of unilateral spinal anesthesia is the short duration of post-operative analgesia, which can be addressed by adding adjuvants to local anesthetics. The aim of current study was to compare the effects of adding dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, or saline to bupivacaine on the properties of unilateral spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing calf surgery. Methods In this double-blind clinical trial, 90 patients who underwent elective calf surgery were randomly divided into three groups. The spinal anesthetic rate in each of the three groups was 1 mL bupivacaine 0.5% (5 mg). In groups BD, BF and BS, 5 µg of dexmedetomidine, 25 µg of fentanyl and 0.5 mL saline were added, respectively. The duration of the motor and sensory blocks in both limbs and the rate of pain during 24 h after surgery were calculated. Hemodynamic changes were also measured during anesthesia for up to 90 min. Results The duration of both of motor and sensory block was significantly longer in dependent limb in the BF (96 and 169 min) and BD (92 and 166 min) groups than the BS (84 and 157 min) group. Visual Analog Scale was significantly lower in the two groups of BF (1.4) and BD (1.3), within 24 h after surgery, than the BS (1.6) group. Conclusions The addition of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in unilateral spinal anesthesia can increase the duration of the motor and sensory block in dependent limb and prolong the duration of postoperative pain. However, fentanyl is more effective than dexmedetomidine.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Uma das desvantagens da raquianestesia unilateral é a curta duração da analgesia pós-operatória, que pode ser abordada pela adição de adjuvantes aos anestésicos locais. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos da adição de dexmedetomidina, fentanil ou solução salina à bupivacaína sobre as propriedades da raquianestesia unilateral em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de panturrilha. Métodos Neste ensaio clínico duplo-cego, 90 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia eletiva de panturrilha foram randomicamente divididos em três grupos. A quantidade de anestésico para a raquianestesia nos três grupos foi de 1 mL de bupivacaína a 0,5% (5 mg). Nos grupos BD, BF e BS, 5 µg de dexmedetomidina, 25 µg de fentanil e 0,5 mL de solução salina foram adicionados, respectivamente. Foram calculados a duração dos bloqueios motor e sensorial em ambos os membros e o escore de dor durante 24 horas após a cirurgia. As alterações hemodinâmicas também foram medidas durante a anestesia por até 90 minutos. Resultados A duração de ambos os bloqueios, motor e sensorial, foi significativamente maior no membro dependente nos grupos BF (96 e 169 min) e BD (92 e 166 min) do que no grupo BS (84 e 157 min). Os escores da escala visual analógica foram significativamente menores nos grupos BF (1,4) e BD (1,3) do que no grupo BS (1,6) nas 24 horas após a cirurgia. Conclusões A adição de fentanil e dexmedetomidina à bupivacaína em raquianestesia unilateral pode aumentar a duração dos bloqueios sensorial e motor no membro dependente e prolongar a duração da dor pós-operatória. Contudo, fentanil é mais eficaz do que dexmedetomidina.

Effect of gabapentin in comparison with hydrocortisone on postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy pain control.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy causes less pain than open cholecystectomy, it is still not completely painless. Several methods have been used to relieve the pain of laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this research was to compare the effect of gabapentin and hydrocortisone on pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind clinical trial, a total of 60 adult patients aged 18-70 years from both sexes American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification (ASA Classification 1 and 2) who were selected for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into two groups of 30 subjects to be studied. 150 mg gabapentin and 100 mg hydrocortisone were administered to the first and second groups before the operation, respectively. Pain score and vital signs (systolic blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded. Data were fed into SPSS 23 software and analyzed using Fisher-test, independent t-test, and repeated measurement. P < 0.05 was considered as significance level. RESULTS: Patients were similar in terms of age and sex. Mean score of visual analog scale (VAS) in the first 4 h after operation was 5.84 ± 2.33 and 5.20 ± 1.74 in the gabapentin group and was 7.03 ± 1.23 and 6.50 ± 1.30 in the hydrocortisone group (P < 0.05), respectively. Although mean VAS scores at 6, 12, and 18 h after operation showed no significant differences between gabapentin and hydrocortisone groups (P > 0.05), VAS score 24 hours after operation was 2.87 ± 1.57 and 3.92 ± 1.28 in gabapentin and hydrocortisone groups, respectively (P < 0.05), indicating a significant difference in VAS score between the two groups 2 and 24 h postoperation. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that gabapentin was more effective than hydrocortisone within the first 4 h of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In addition, gabapentin was shown to be a better pain controller 24 h postoperation.

A randomized-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy of caudal midazolam, ketamine and neostigmine as adjuvants to bupivacaine on postoperative analgesic in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery.

• Background: Caudal epidural is the most commonly used technique for the management of postoperative pain in children. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the efficacy of caudal bupivacaine as a postoperative analgesic alone or combined with midazolam, ketamine, and neostigmine in pediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery. METHODS: Eighty pediatric patients categorized under the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I and II Classification System, who have been scheduled to undergo lower abdominal surgery were randomly designated into four groups to receive caudal block with either 1 ml/kg of 0.25% caudal bupivacaine for group B, 1 ml/kg of 0.25% caudal bupivacaine mixed with 2 µg/kg neostigmine for group BN, 1 ml/kg of 0.25% caudal bupivacaine mixed with 0.5 mg/kg ketamine for group BK or 1 ml/kg of 0.25% caudal bupivacaine mixed with 50 mcg/kg midazolam for group BM. Postoperative analgesia was examined by a blinded anesthetist utilizing a Revised Faces Pain Scale.Consumption of the total amount of rescue analgesic each 24 h, postoperative time to requirement of the first dose and any adverse effects were noted. RESULTS: The four groups were comparable as regards age, sex, weight, duration of surgery, heart rate, blood pressure and the time from induction of anesthesia to response to voice. The Revised Faces Pain Scale was 2.6±1.5 in group BN, 3.1±1.8 in group BM, 4.4±2.4 in group BK, and 5.6±1.3 in group B (p=0.005). Postoperative duration of analgesia was 433±68 min, 769±118 min, 1097±126 min and 1254±176 min in groups B, BK, BM and BN respectively (P=0.001). The dose of rescue analgesic within 24 h in group B was significantly higher than those of the other three groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Addition of either neostigmine, midazolam, or ketamine to caudal bupivacaine extended analgesia time and decreased rescue analgesic compared to bupivacaine alone in children who underwent lower abdominal surgery.

The Effect of Remifentanil on Succinylcholine Induced Changes in Serum Potassium and Creatine Kinase: A Prospective Randomized Double blind Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Succinylcholine is still included as drugs favored by anesthetists because of its rapid onset and short duration of action. However, it can bring about complications such as hyperkalemia and increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK). This study aims at evaluating the effects of remifentanil on succinylcholine-induced postoperative changes in serum potassium and CPK. METHODS: In this study, 59 patients with short term lower abdominal surgery were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group (control group), 2 ml normal saline was used before injecting anesthetic drugs while in the second group (study group), 1 mcg/kg of remifentanil was injected. The patients were anesthetized with a combination of fentanyl (1 mg/kg) and propofol (2 mg/kg). Besides, succinylcholine (1.5 mg/kg) was used for muscle relaxation and tracheal intubation. Serum potassium (before and  5 min after tracheal intubation), CPK (before anesthetic injection and  24 h after surgery) and hemodynamic parameters (including systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded. RESULTS: Serum levels of potassium and CPK before and after induction of anesthesia showed no significant difference in both groups. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in both groups after induction significantly changed. Compared to saline, remifentanil significantly stabilized hemodynamic changes after intubation. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that remifentanil has no prophylactic effect on succinylcholine-induced CPK and potassium levels. However, it improves stability of hemodynamic variables.

Effect of Low-dose Atracurium on Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion Conditions: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The amount of sedation and muscle relaxation of the jaw may have an impact on complications caused by laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of low-dose Atracurium on conditions of insertion, complications, and hemodynamic responses to LMA insertion following induction of anesthesia with propofol, in patients undergoing cataract surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 60 patients were randomly divided into two groups. Initially, the patients in the study group received 0.15 mg/kg intravenous injection of atracurium, and the patients in the control group received 2 ml of intravenous injection of normal saline, after which anesthesia in both groups were induced with midazolam, fentanyl, lidocaine, and propofol. The amount of jaw relaxation, ease of insertion, and the time needed for insertion, hemodynamic responses and complications of LMA insertion were evaluated. RESULTS: Jaw relaxation and ease of LMA insertion in the study group was significantly better than that of the control group (P = 0.02). Average time needed for LMA placement in the study group (5/06 ± 0.52 second) was significantly lower than the control group (5/76 ± 0.67 second) (P = 0.001). Hemodynamic response to LMA insertion was similar in both groups. Sore throat at recovery and 24 h after surgery in the control group was significantly higher than that of the study group (3/30 vs. 10/30) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Using low doses of atracurium decreases the time needed for LMA insertion and sore throat after the operation. Atracurium also increases jaw relaxation and facilitates the placement of LMA.

Effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine on shivering after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Shivering is among the common troublesome complications of spinal anesthesia (SA), and causes discomfort and discontentment in parturients undergoing cesarean sections (CSs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine in the prevention of shivering in those who underwent CS under SA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty parturients planned for elective CSs under SA were enrolled in this prospective, double-blinded, controlled study and randomly divided into two equal groups. Spinal block was achieved with 12.5 mg 0.5% heavy bupivacaine plus 5 µg dexmedetomidine (BD group) or 0.5 mL 0.9% normal saline (BN group). The incidence and intensity of shivering, peripheral and core body temperature, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse events was recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of shivering was significantly higher in the BN group (52%) than the BD group (24%) (P=0.04). Likewise, the intensity of shivering was significantly higher in the BN group than the BD group (P=0.04). The incidence of adverse events, such as hypotension, nausea/vomiting, and bradycardia, was not significantly different between the two groups, although the grade of sedation was higher in the BD group than the BN group (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: We conclude that intrathecal dexmedetomidine is effective in lowering the incidence and intensity of shivering in parturients undergoing CSs under SA without major adverse effects.

Effect of low dose of intrathecal pethidine on the incidence and intensity of shivering during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Shivering is among the unpleasant and potentially harmful side effects of spinal anesthesia. The aim of this randomized double-blind clinical trial was to compare the antishivering effect of two different doses of intrathecal pethidine on the incidence and intensity of shivering and other side effects in patients who underwent cesarean section. METHODS: In this study, 150 parturient females scheduled for nonemergent cesarean section were randomly allocated to three groups. Spinal anesthesia was performed with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (12.5 mg), plus 0.5 mL of 0.9% saline in the standard group (S group), and the same dose of bupivacaine with 5 mg (P5 group) or 10 mg of pethidine (P10 group). Demographic and surgical data, incidence and intensity of shivering (primary outcome), hemodynamic indices, forehead and core temperatures, maximum sensory level, Apgar scores, and adverse events were evaluated by a blinded observer. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the three study groups regarding the demographic and surgical data, hemodynamic indices, core temperatures, and maximum sensory level (P>0.05). The incidence and intensity of shivering were significantly less in the P5 and P10 groups (P<0.001) when compared with the S group. There were no significant differences between groups for secondary outcomes, except pruritus, which was more common in the P5 and P10 groups when compared with the S group (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Low dose of intrathecal pethidine is safe, and can decrease the incidence and intensity of shivering during cesarean section, without having major side effects.

Effects of low-dose ketamine on succinylcholine-induced postoperative myalgia in outpatient surgeries: a randomized, double-blind study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the many complications of succinylcholine, it is still widely used as a superior muscle relaxant for rapid sequence induction. One of these complications is postoperative myalgia (POM). The aim of this study was to investigate the prophylactic effect of low-dose ketamine on the incidence and severity of POM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind clinical study, a total of 148 patients scheduled for general anesthesia were randomly divided into two equal groups. Initially, in Group K, 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine was injected intravenously, whereas in Group N, the same volume (5 mL) of normal saline was injected. Thereafter, anesthesia was induced in all patients, by injecting 1.5 mg/kg of fentanyl and 2 mg/kg of propofol intravenously. Following the loss of eyelid reflex, 1.5 mg/kg of succinylcholine was injected intravenously as a muscle relaxant and then the patients were intubated. POM was defined as a pain with no surgical interferences, and its intensity was graded based on a four-point scale. The incidence and severity of myalgia were assessed by a blinded observer 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: In terms of demographic data, the results of this study showed that there is no significant difference between patients in both groups (P>0.05). Overall, the incidence of POM in Group K was significantly less, when compared with Group N (P<0.05), but both groups were comparable based on the grade 2 of POM. After the induction of anesthesia, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were found to reduce in both groups (P<0.05). However, the changes were somehow similar, and repeated measures of variance analysis showed no significant difference in the two study groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine to propofol for the induction of anesthesia can be effective in reducing the incidence of low-grade POM.

Antidepressant Effect of Combined Ketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy on Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the shortcomings of the available treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) is the time delay between starting the treatment and achieving an antidepressant response. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the effect of Ketamine as a synergistic antidepressant and anesthetic agent on MDD in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with MDD received Ketamine and Propofol as anesthetic agents compared with 20 patients as the control group who received Propofol in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The Hamilton rating scale for depression was used to determine the changes in symptoms severity during ECT and a 2-week follow-up. RESULTS: Both groups showed a reduction in depression severity, but there was no significant difference between the groups in the recovery process (P = 0.92). However, the cognitive performance recovery time in the Ketamine group was lower than that in the control group (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: This study could not show the effect of Ketamine on depression recovery in a 2-week follow-up period. Nevertheless, Ketamine may provide a better cognitive performance in patients under ECT.

Propofol-remifentanil combination for management of electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Electroconvulsive therapy can be effective in severe or treatment resistant neuroleptic malignant syndrome patients. Anesthesia and use of muscle relaxant agents for electroconvulsive therapy in such patients may encounter anesthesiologists with specific challenges. This case report describes successful management of anesthesia in 28-year-old male patient undergoing eight electroconvulsive therapy sessions for treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Remifentanil added to propofol for induction of anesthesia can reduce reorientation time after electroconvulsive therapy in patients with severe mania.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of adding remifentanil to propofol used in the induction of anesthesia in efficacy, and to investigate the cognitive adverse effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of patients with severe mania. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients' condition was diagnosed as manic episode by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria and were prescribed ECT by their physicians were included in a double-blind study and were randomly allocated to receive premedication with either remifentanil-atropine (study) or saline-atropine (control). Induction of anesthesia was done with propofol (1 mg/kg) and succinylcholine (0.5 mg/kg) in all patients. Assessments included seizure duration, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and immediate cognitive adverse effects. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients with 98 ECT sessions completed treatment. There were no differences between the 2 groups in relation to age, sex, duration of disease, weight, marital status, seizure duration, YMRS, and MMSE. However, immediate cognitive adverse effects were significantly lower in remifentanil group.