Stress fractures of the medial malleolus--review of the literature and report of a 15-year-old elite gymnast.

Stress fracture of the medial malleolus is rare and not reported in children. We report a case of a 15-year-old elite gymnast with open physes sustaining a medial malleolar stress fracture. The patient was treated initially by rest and gradually returned to sport with full recovery. Two months later she developed a complete fracture of the medial malleolus of the same side. This was treated surgically by open reduction and internal fixation with a cancellous screw and soon after the operation she returned to full activities. Emphasis is given to the suspected mechanism which led to this unique fracture and to the hormonal aspects in the professional adolescent gymnast. We recommend surgical treatment of stress fracture of the medial malleolus especially for elite athletes, leading to early recovery and return to sports activities.

Quadriceps paresis in pediatric groin surgery.

A total of 2,624 groin operations were performed in 2,202 infants and children aged 6 months-14 years during the last 4.5 years. Preventive analgesia was used in all operations, and included ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block combined with inguinal canal infiltration. In 6 patients transient postoperative quadriceps muscle paresis (QMP) was noted. They required bed rest and monitoring for a few hours, and complete spontaneous recovery was noted in all cases. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of transient QMP following regional nerve block and to discuss models of possible prevention.

Ginseng improves pulmonary functions and exercise capacity in patients with COPD.

Ginseng is a root that has been used to treat patients with various illnesses for the last 2000 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ginseng extract (G115) on Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max) in patients with moderately-severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Ninety-two adults were randomly divided into the experimental (n = 49, G115 100 mg bid for three months) and placebo-control (n = 43) groups. PFTs, MVV and MIP were studied before treatment and every two weeks for the 3-month-study period. Exercise test and VO2max measurements were performed before the beginning and after six weeks and three months. P lower than 0.05 was considered significant. Baseline demographics and pulmonary parameters were similar between the groups. In the experimental, but not in the control group, all parameters significantly increased above baseline and compared with the placebo group. Maximum increase, compared with baseline was FVC-32.5%, FEV1.0-27.0%, PEF-27.5%, FEF50-45.4%, FEF75-56.9%, MVV-40.4%, MIP-47.0% and VO2max-37.5%. No side effects were observed. G115 100 mg bid for three months, but not placebo, improved PFTs, MVV, MIP and VO2 max in patients with moderately-severe COPD with no side effects.

Spinal anesthesia for gastrostomy in an infant with nemaline myopathy.

IMPLICATIONS: We report a case of spinal anesthesia in an infant with nemaline myopathy. Spinal anesthesia was administered to preempt the potential problems of difficult tracheal intubation and prolonged mechanical ventilation secondary to muscle weakness after the use of IV anesthetics in this patient.

Acupressure-acupuncture antiemetic prophylaxis in children undergoing tonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture or acupressure at the Nei-Guan (P.6) point on the wrist produces antiemetic effects in awake but not anesthetized patients. The authors studied whether a combined approach using preoperative acupressure and intra- and postoperative acupuncture can prevent emesis following tonsillectomy in children. METHODS: Patients 2-12 yr of age were randomly assigned to study or placebo groups. Two Acubands with (study) and two without (placebo) spherical beads were applied bilaterally on the P.6 points; non-bead- and bead-containing Acubands, respectively, were applied on the sham points. All Acubands were applied before any drug administration. After anesthetic induction, acupuncture needles were substituted for the beads and remained in situ until the next day. All points were covered with opaque tape to prevent study group identification. A uniform anesthetic technique was used; postoperative pain was managed initially with morphine and later with acetaminophen and codeine. Emesis, defined as retching or vomiting, was assessed postoperatively. Ondansetron was administered only after two emetic episodes at least 2 min apart. Droperidol was added if emesis persisted. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled in the study. There were no differences in age, weight, follow-up duration, or perioperative opioid administration between groups. Retching occurred in 26% of the study patients and in 28% of the placebo patients; 51 and 55%, respectively, vomited; and 60 and 59%, respectively, did either. There were no significant differences between the groups. Redness occurred in 8.5% of acupuncture sites. CONCLUSION: Perioperative acupressure and acupuncture did not diminish emesis in children following tonsillectomy.

Oral methadone for the treatment of severe pain in hospitalized children: a report of five cases.

OBJECTIVE: Pain relief is still inadequate in many hospitalized patients, especially children in whom suboptimal use of analgesic drugs is still common. In the past 2 years, oral methadone has been used extensively in our institution for treating children with persistent pain from cancer, burns, or trauma who were capable of oral intake and whose pain was not relieved by nonopioid medications. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: Of the 70 children treated thus far with oral methadone, five are described in the present report. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pain relief, acceptability, and side effects of oral methadone in children with pain. RESULTS: Treatment with oral methadone (0.1% in 10% glucose, dose range of 0.2-0.6 mg/kg/day) for time periods of up to 6 weeks resulted in a rapid onset and stable pain relief, with no major side effects. No adverse responses were encountered after discontinuation of treatment. In three of the children, a parent-controlled analgesia regimen was successfully employed. CONCLUSIONS: Oral methadone can be recommended for babies and children who have severe pain that is not alleviated by nonopioid medications and who are capable of oral intake.

Continuous spinal anaesthesia using a standard epidural set for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.

PURPOSE: Continuous spinal anaesthesia (CSA) offers considerable advantages over "single shot" spinal or epidural anaesthesia since it allows titration of anaesthesia using small doses of local anaesthetics (LA). We evaluated the feasibility of CSA using a standard epidural set for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). METHODS: Charts of 100 consecutive CSAs for ESWL were retrospectively reviewed. Lumbar CSA was performed using a 20G epidural catheter through an 18G Tuohy needle. The CSA was preplanned, or followed inadvertent dural puncture. Small LA boluses were injected to achieve the desired sensory level of anaesthesia. Demographic data, anaesthetic duration, LA doses, the most cephalad sensory level to pinprick, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, use of systemic sympathomimetics and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age was 66.2 +/- 9.9 (SD). The ASA status was III-IV in 54.1% and 5.5% of the preplanned and inadvertent patients, respectively. In 85 anaesthetics, hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.1% (9.7 +/- 7.5 mg) was used as the sole anaesthetic. Sensory level was T4-T8. Maximal decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate was 19.0 +/- 9.8%, 13.4 +/- 13.3%, and 7.2 +/- 11.7 respectively. Intravenous sympathomimetics were used in nine of 82 (11.0%) preplanned, and in six of 18 (33.3%) inadvertent anaesthetics. Post dural puncture headache appeared following two of 82 (2.5%) preplanned, and four of 18 (22.2%) inadvertent anaesthetics. No postanaesthetic neurological deficit was detected. CONCLUSION: Continuous spinal anaesthesia, using a standard epidural set and hyperbaric bupivacaine is feasible for ESWL in high risk patients. Inadvertent dural puncture does not preclude CSA under these circumstances.

Anaesthetic management of a patient with Leigh's syndrome.

PURPOSE: Leigh's syndrome, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of infancy and childhood, is clinically characterized mainly by developmental delay, nervous system dysfunction and respiratory abnormalities such as aspiration, wheezing, breathing difficulties, gasping, hypoventilation and apnoea. Acute exacerbation and respiratory failure may follow surgery, general anaesthesia or intercurrent illnesses. Hyperlecithinemia is variably present. Histopathological findings include necrosis, vascular proliferation, astrocytosis and demyelination of several brain areas. We present a 30-month-old patient with Leigh's syndrome anaesthetized for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, and describe the anaesthetic considerations. CLINICAL FEATURES: Leigh's syndrome was diagnosed at five months of age based on failure to thrive, lethargy, hypotonicity, choreo-athetosis and lactic acidaemia, with basal ganglia hypodense areas demonstrated by brain computerized tomographic scan. Muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and NADH coenzyme Q oxidoreductase activity were 25% and 13% of control. No preoperative respiratory symptoms or signs were present. Preoperative fasting lasted two hours and gastric aspiration was negative. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine and midazolam im, and N2O in oxygen, and maintained with propotol and N2O. No volatile anaesthetics were used. Intravenous fluids given were 1/2 normal saline and glucose 5% administered. Besides laryngospasm during anaesthetic induction, relieved by sublingual succinylcholine injection, the perianaesthetic course was uneventful. The lungs were mechanically ventilated and lithotripsy was performed. No adverse sequelae have occurred, and the patient was discharged one day later. CONCLUSION: Perioperative management of patients with Leigh's syndrome requires cautious attention to the metabolic, neurological and respiratory aspects of the disease, and appropriate selection of anaesthetic drugs.

Cerebral protection using retrograde cerebral perfusion during hypothermic circulatory arrest.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde cerebral perfusion through the superior vena cava (SVC) has been proposed to protect the brain from ischaemic injury during profound hypothermic circulatory arrest (PHCA). Its contribution to cerebral protection is unclear. Furthermore, the addition of anaesthetic or vasodilating agents to the SVC perfusate to enhance brain protection, has never been described. METHODS: In three patients undergoing repair of the ascending aorta utilizing PHCA, the upper body was retrogradely perfused with cold (16 degrees C) blood through the SVC by the cardiopulmonary bypass pump. Electroencephalographic activity was monitored using a computerized electroencephalographic monitor (Cerebro Trac 2500, SRD). Perfusion pressure was measured at a port in the cannula connector. Etomidate or thiopentone was injected into the SVC perfusate to arrest reappearing electroencephalographic activity. Nitroglycerin or nitroprusside was injected into the perfusate to increase retrograde flow and maintain a constant perfusion pressure. RESULTS: During PHCA periods of up to 61 min, recurrent electroencephalographic activity was abolished by the retrograde administration of small boluses of etomidate (total 50 mg) or thiopentone (total 500 mg). Nitroprusside (100 micrograms) and nitroglycerin (2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) increased retrograde flow from 220 to 550 and 660 ml.min-1, respectively, while maintaining perfusion pressure (25-26 mmHg). Recovery from anaesthesia and surgery was uneventful, with no adverse neurological sequelae. CONCLUSION: Injection of anaesthetic agents into the retrograde SVC perfusate during PHCA, can suppress reoccurring electroencephalographic activity and retrograde injection of vasodilators can facilitate an increase in perfusion. It is suggested that both may augment brain protection.

The effects of cardiac surgery on early and late pulmonary functions.

BACKGROUND: Impaired pulmonary functions are common in cardiac patients. Early and late effects of cardiac surgery on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are presented. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG, 74%], valve replacement or valvuloplasty [20%] and combined procedures [6%]) were studied. Anginal and cardiac failure symptoms severity, and smoking history, were evaluated preoperatively. PFTs were studied and compared pre-, and 3 weeks and 3.5 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Pre- and postoperative PFTs were inversely related to severity of preoperative symptoms. Forced vital capacity (FVC) dropped from 98% of predicted preoperatively, to 63% (P < 0.00001) and 75% (P < 0.00001) 3 weeks and 3.5 months postoperatively, respectively. Expiratory volume in the first 1 s of forced expiration (FEV1.0) decreased from 95% to 61% (P < 0.00001) and 70% (P < 0.00001), respectively. Forced expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity (FEF50) decreased from 85% to 56% (P < 0.00001) and 59% (P < 0.00001). Forced expiratory flow at 75% of vital capacity (FEF75) decreased from 77% to 47% and 47% (P < 0.00001). Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) declined from 101% to 66% (P < 0.00001) and 86% (P < 0.003). Maximal voluntary ventilation declined from 103% to 68% (P < 0.00001) and 77% (P < 0.00001). Only FVC (P < 0.0003), FEV1.0 (P < 0.02) and PEFR (P < 0.0001) partially recovered postoperatively. Smoking history did not affect perioperative PFTs. Pre-, but not postoperative FVC, FEV1.0, FEF50 and FEF75 were worse in valve than in CABG patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary functions deteriorate significantly for at least 3.5 months after cardiac surgery. Preoperative cardiac ischaemic and failure symptoms are inversely related to perioperative PFTs.

Permanent neurologic deficit after inferior alveolar nerve block: a case report.

Permanent neurologic damage after an inferior dental nerve block is reported. Clinical manifestations included hemisensory syndrome, facial nerve palsy, hearing impairment, and ataxia. Possible mechanisms and preventive measures are discussed.

Anaesthetic management of a patient with glycogen storage disease type 1b.

PURPOSE: A rare case of a ten-year old patient with type 1b glycogen storage disease (GSD), scheduled for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), is described. CLINICAL FEATURES: Patients with type 1b GSD manifest a range of clinical symptoms, including mental retardation, hepatosplenomegaly, renal enlargement, stomatitis, hypoglycaemic convulsions, bleeding diathesis, lactic acidosis and leukopaenia, thus creating a challenge for the anaesthetist. Following preanaesthetic administration of glucose-containing fluids, general anaesthesia was induced and the patient was mechanically ventilated. Except for mild hypoglycaemia after induction of anaesthesia, and moderate intraoperative metabolic acidosis which was attributed to the underlying disorder, anaesthesia was uneventful. No postoperative complications occurred and the patient was discharged home three days after lithotripsy. Clinical features of this rare inborn error of metabolism are reviewed and the approach for the anaesthetic management is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: A skillful perioperative management of patients with type 1b GSD can be achieved by cautious attention to the metabolic and homeostatic derangements that occur with the disease.

Continuous epidural methadone treatment for cancer pain.

Seventy cancer patients suffering from visceral or somatic pain received continuous epidural methadone (EM) analgesia. Initially, 4 mg of 0.1% methadone was given three times daily. If this dose proved ineffective, it was gradually increased to 8 mg four times daily. With this regimen good pain control was obtained in 56 patients (80%). Patients continued the EM therapy for periods up to 140 days, with an average duration of 27 days. Morphine was substituted for methadone in 14 patients (20%). Four of these patients responded well and continued treatment for an average of 18 days. No serious side effects have been observed with EM. With a proper selection of patients and following strict therapy guidelines, epidural methadone is efficacious in treating cancer pain.

[Patient-controlled i.v. morphine for acute postoperative pain].

The use of patient-controlled i.v. analgesia for postoperative pain relief in 60 cases is described. 0.1% morphine was given by Bard or Graseby microprocessor. After a loading dose of 2-6 mg, the pump delivered a bolus of 0.8-1.5 mg of morphine every 8-12 min. The dosages necessary to provide good analgesia varied from 30-85 mg (mean 48). Good pain scores of 0-2 (on a scale of 5) were obtained in 92%. The method was also found satisfactory by the families and health care providers, and is highly recommended for control of postoperative pain.