Analgesic Effects of Magnesium Sulphate as an Adjuvant to Fentanyl for Monitored Anaesthesia Care During Hysteroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is conventionally used in the treatment of eclampsia, refractive arrhythmias, asthma, etc. In our study, we aimed to study the analgesic effects of MgSO4 as an adjuvant to fentanyl and reduce the intraoperative opioid requirement to decrease their adverse effects. METHODS: A total of 122 patients scheduled for hysteroscopy were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the magnesium group (group A) received intravenous MgSO4 50 mg/kg in 100 ml of isotonic saline over 15 minutes before anaesthesia induction and then 15 mg/kg per hour by continuous intravenous infusion. Patients in the control group (group B) received an equal volume of isotonic saline as a placebo. All the patients were induced with fentanyl and propofol. Perioperative haemodynamic monitoring and postoperative assessment of pain were done. RESULTS: Only 18% of the patients in group A required rescue analgesics as compared to 39.3% of patients in group B. The patients receiving MgSO4 displayed lower verbal numeric rating scale scores in the postoperative period. In addition, the intraoperative requirement of fentanyl (101 (21.33) vs. 144 (28.4) µg, mean (SD)) and propofol (121 (13.3) vs. 140 (16.5) mg, mean (SD)) was significantly lower in group A as compared to that in group B. CONCLUSION: MgSO4, when administered as an adjuvant to opioids, provided effective postoperative analgesia thereby reducing the need for rescue analgesics. It also decreases intraoperative fentanyl consumption and its dose-related side effects.

Evaluation of the GCS-Pupils Score for PrOgnosis in trauMatic brAin injury- The COMA Study.

OBJECTIVES: Glasgow Coma Scale-Pupils (GCS-P) score has been found to be strongly related to in-hospital mortality in retrospective studies. We hypothesized that GCS-P would be better prognosticator than Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: In this prospective, multicentric, observational study, GCS and GCS-P scores were noted in adult TBI patients at ICU admission. Demographic variables, relevant clinical history, clinical/radiological findings and ICU complications were also noted. Extended Glasgow Outcome scale was noted at hospital discharge and at 6 months post-injury. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the odds for poor outcome adjusted for covariates. Sensitivity, specificity, area under curve (AUC) and odds ratio are reported for poor outcome at estimated cutoff point. RESULTS: A total of 573 patients were included in this study. The predictive power for mortality, shown by the AUC, was 0.81 [95% CI: 0.77-0.85] for GCS and 0.81 [95% CI: 0.77-0.86] for GCS-P score, both being comparable. Similarly, the predictive ability for outcome at discharge and 6 months, the AUC-ROC for both GCS and GCS-P were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: GCS-P is a good predictor of mortality and poor outcome. However, the predictive performance of GCS and GCS-P for in-hospital mortality and functional outcome at discharge and at 6 months remains comparable.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two-Handed Mask Ventilation Techniques (C-E versus V-E) in Obese Patients Requiring General Anesthesia in an Indian Population.

Background: Two-handed mask ventilation techniques are often used in cases of difficult mask ventilation scenarios. A comparison of two methods of two-handed techniques in terms of tidal volume was undertaken in the context of the obese population. Aims and Objectives: To determine and compare the effectiveness of mask ventilation in obese Indian adult subjects by using either the C-E technique or the V-E technique after induction of general anaesthesia. Material and Methods: This was a randomised interventional study conducted on eighty obese patients. They were randomized into Group A ventilated with C-E technique and Group B with V-E technique. Expired tidal volume (VTe), Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), SpO2, EtCO2 and vital signs were noted. Results: The BMI and hemodynamic parameters were comparable between the two groups. The expired tidal volume of 702 ± 77 mL with the V-E technique was significantly more than the C-E technique, which was 492 ± 71 mL. The ventilatory failure rate with the C-E technique was 15% and 0% with the V-E technique. There was no significant difference between the peak airway pressures for the two techniques: 20.3 ± 1.5 mm H2O for Group A and 20.5 ± 1.2 mm H2O for Group B. Conclusions: Mask ventilation with the two-handed V-E technique is associated with better tidal volumes and reduced failure rates in the obese population. So the V-E technique should be attempted first as a rescue measure in obese adult patients if the return of spontaneous breathing and tracheal intubation is impossible.

Intraocular Pressure Changes during Laparoscopic Surgery in Trendelenburg Position in Patients Anesthetized with Propofol-based Total Intravenous Anesthesia Compared to Sevoflurane Anesthesia: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is increased during laparoscopic surgery with Trendelenburg position and may contribute to deleterious effects on optic nerve in susceptible patients. AIMS: The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with those of sevoflurane anesthesia on IOP in patients undergoing lower abdominal laparoscopic surgery in Trendelenburg position. Secondary objectives are to compare hemodynamic changes, mean arterial pressure (MAP), end-tidal CO2, and peak inspiratory pressure changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with physical status American Society of Anesthesiologists classes I and II were randomly allocated in two groups: Group A (propofol) and Group B (sevoflurane). IOP along with other parameters was measured at seven points including baseline (T0), 5 min after induction (T1), 5 min after CO2 pneumoperitoneum in supine position (T2), 30 min after CO2 pneumoperitoneum with Trendelenburg position (T3), 5 min after returning to supine position (T4), 5 min after CO2 desufflation (T5), and 5 min after extubation (T6). RESULTS: The change in IOP was different between the two groups. Maximum rise in IOP was seen at T3, and mean ± standard deviation IOP was 15.5 ± 0.9 mmHg and 19.8 ± 1.2 mmHg in Group A and Group B, respectively (P < 0.01). In Group A (propofol), IOP remained almost equal to the baseline value at T3 and the IOP difference was 0.3 ± 0.9 mmHg less than baseline (statistically insignificant, P > 0.05), while in Group B (sevoflurane), IOP increased significantly at T3 and the difference was 4.0 ± 1.2 mmHg (P < 0.001). The IOP was significantly greater (P < 0.01) from T2 to T6 in sevoflurane group than propofol group. CONCLUSION: Propofol-based TIVA is more effective than inhalational anesthesia with sevoflurane in attenuating the increase in IOP during laparoscopic surgery requiring CO2 pneumoperitoneum with Trendelenburg position.

The Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Pain in Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: The surgical procedures of spine are generally associated with intense pain in the postoperative period. Opioids are commonly used for perioperative analgesia but are associated with many side effects. Co-analgesic drugs are used to decrease these side effects. One such supplemental drug is dexamethasone. Its strong anti-inflammatory effect contributes to perioperative analgesia. AIM: This study was done to evaluate the effect of intravenous (i.v.) dexamethasone on intraoperative and early postoperative pain in lumbar spine surgery. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a hospital-based randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, done between June 2016 and December 2016 after permission of institutional ethical committee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery, and randomization was done in two groups. Group A (study) received dexamethasone 2 ml (8 mg) i.v. and Group B (control) received 2 ml normal saline. Anesthesia technique and rescue analgesia regimen were standardized. Intraoperative pain was assessed by hemodynamic variability and postoperative pain by verbal rating score. All the quantitative data were analyzed using Student's t-test and all the qualitative data using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Heart rate in the control group was significantly higher than the study group during intraoperative period. Mean pain scores in the early postoperative period were significantly higher in control group than the study group (P < 0.001). Mean time of first rescue analgesic in the postoperative period was 149.17 min and 34.33 min in the study group and control group, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hence, we conclude that administration of 8 mg of preoperative i.v dexamethasone was effective in reducing intraoperative and early postoperative pain in the lumbar spine surgery.

Awake orotracheal fibre-optic intubation: Comparison of two different doses of dexmedetomidine on intubation conditions in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Awake fibre-optic intubation (AFOI) is an integral part of anaesthetic management of difficult airways. Conscious sedation is essential to assist AFOI. This study compared two different doses of dexmedetomidine in combination with topical spray and airway blocks for awake orotracheal fibre-optic intubation in patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery with rigid cervical collar in situ. METHODS: A randomized, prospective, comparative study design was conducted in sixty patients divided into two groups: Group (L) (n = 30) patients received low dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg) along with airway blocks and Group (H) (n = 30) patients received standard dose of dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) along with airway blocks. Both the groups received dexmedetomidine infusion over 10 min followed by airway block. Quantitative data were analysed by applying Student's t-test whereas qualitative data were analysed with Chi-square test. The objectives were to compare patients' Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale (OAA/S) as primary outcome and other variables such as endoscopy, intubation condition, tolerance and haemodynamic stability among low and standard doses of dexmedetomidine. RESULTS: Group H had more favourable OAA/S score than that of Group L, but endoscopy and intubation time, patient tolerance, vocal cord and limb movement and satisfaction score did not differ significantly between the groups. There were no significant haemodynamic differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The 0.5 µg/kg dose of dexmedetomidine was found optimal and effective in combination with topical spray and airway blocks for awake orotracheal fibre-optic intubation for patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery.

Postoperative Analgesia After Wound Infiltration With Tramadol and Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Ropivacaine for Lumbar Discectomies: A Randomized-controlled Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Crippling postoperative pain linked with lumbar discectomies not only shackles patient's normal daily activities but also lengthens their hospital stay. So, allaying postoperative pain in these patients has become a substantive component in neuroanesthesia to expedite neurological recovery. Wound infiltration with local anesthetics is widely used to optimize postoperative pain. Different adjuvants like dexmedetomidine and tramadol when added to local anesthetics prolongs postoperative analgesia. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of tramadol and dexmedetomidine when added to ropivacaine for wound infiltration in lumbar discectomies. METHODOLOGY: This study was prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled in nature conducted among 45 adult patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status 1 and 2, of either sex aged between 30 and 70 years undergoing elective lumbar discectomies. They were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups: group R received 100 mg of 0.5% ropivacaine (20 mL) and 2 mL normal saline, group RT received 100 mg of 0.5% ropivacaine (20 mL) and 2 mg/kg tramadol (2 mL), and group RD received 100 mg of 0.5% ropivacaine (20 mL) and 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (2 mL) (total volume, 22 mL). Visual analog scale at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours; time to first rescue analgesia, total supplemental analgesic consumption and side effects (if any) were assessed during first 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The median time to first rescue analgesia (median; 95% confidence interval [CI]) in group RD was 930 (854.3 to 1005.7) minutes. This was significantly longer (P=0.000) than group RT (420 [366.3 to 473.7] min) or group R (270 [243.2 to 296.8] min). Postoperative diclofenac consumed (median [interquartile range]) was 150 (150 to 200) mg in group R, 150 (75 to 150) mg in group RT and 75 (75 to 150) mg in group RD (P=0.008). Significant differences in mean visual analog scale scores were observed among the 3 groups at hours 0 (P=0.033), 2 (P=0.001), 4 (P=0.000), 6 (P=0.001), and 24 (P=0.013). No statistical significant side effects could be discerned among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that wound infiltration with combined ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine found to be significantly superior for postoperative analgesia compared with either combined ropivacaine and tramadol or ropivacaine alone for lumbar discectomies.

Comparison of hemodynamic responses to intubation: Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope versus McCoy laryngoscope in presence of rigid cervical collar simulating cervical immobilization for traumatic cervical spine.

BACKGROUND: Intubation is known to cause an exaggerated hemodynamic response in the form of tachycardia, hypertension, and dysrhythmias. In cervical spine instability, intubation has to be performed using cervical immobilization to prevent exacerbation of spinal cord injuries. Application of rigid cervical collar may reduce cervical spine movements, but it hinders tracheal intubation with a standard laryngoscope. The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic responses to fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) and McCoy laryngoscope in patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with rigid cervical collar simulating cervical spine immobilization in the situation of cervical trauma. METHODS: Thirty-two patients in the age range 20-50 years, of American Society of Anaesthesiologist I-II, and of either sex undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into each group. There were two groups according to the technique used for intubation: Group A (flexible FOB) and Group B (McCoy laryngoscope). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were recorded at baseline, intraoperatively, immediately before and after induction, and immediately after intubation. Thereafter, every min for next 5 min. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Intergroup comparison of categorical data was done by Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Intergroup comparison of quantitative data was done by the parametric test (unpaired t-test), and probability was considered to be significant if <0.05. RESULTS: Due to intubation response, HR and blood pressure increased significantly (P < 0.05) above preoperative values in McCoy group as compared to the fiberoptic group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the flexible FOB is an effective and better method of intubation in a situation like traumatic cervical spine injury and provides stable hemodynamics.

A comparative study of effect of sevoflurane on intubating conditions with rocuronium in neurosurgical patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rocuronium may not always be the preferred relaxant for rapid sequence intubation. When 2% sevoflurane is used in conjunction with rocuronium, it may reduce the time required for achieving complete skeletal muscle relaxation with the intubating dose of rocuronium. METHODS: This study was prospective, randomised, double-blind in nature and compared the effect of sevoflurane on intubation time and intubating conditions when used along with rocuronium. Thirty adult patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Grades 1 and 2, of either gender aged between 30 and 65 years undergoing neurosurgical operations were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group R received 0.8 mg/kg rocuronium, and Group RS received 0.8 mg/kg of rocuronium with 2% sevoflurane. Onset time of intubation was assessed using train-of-four stimuli. The intubating conditions were compared using the Cooper scoring system and the haemodynamic responses were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The onset time of intubation was 101.73 ± 10.28 s in Group R and 60.4 ± 4.1 s in Group RS (P < 0.001), with excellent intubating conditions in both groups and without any adverse effects. Significant differences in heart rate and mean arterial pressure were seen immediately after intubation, at 1 and 3 min (P < 0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg along with 2% sevoflurane provides excellent intubating conditions within 60-66 s from its administration.