The effect of sevoflurane and desflurane on markers of oxidative status in erythrocyte.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the markers of oxidative status of erythrocyte during general anesthesia and compare the markers of oxidative status of erythrocyte in both sevoflurane and desflurane. Venous blood samples of patients were collected the following time intervals; initial time (IT) and first hour (1st h), first (1st day) and third days (3rd day) after anesthesia (sevoflurane and Desflurane). The levels of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) as a cofactor of these enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were also determined. No significant changes were observed in these measurements when the patients were exposed to desflurane anesthesia. On the other hand, the levels of Zn on erythrocytes were significantly increased at 1st hour and 1st and 3rd days compared to initial time in sevoflurane group (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). The activity of GSH-Px was significantly increased (p = 0.05) while the activity of SOD was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) at 1st hour after administration of sevoflurane compared to the initial time. There were no changes on the levels of Mg and MDA. Our results showed that sevoflurane has more impacts on the antioxidant status of erythrocytes than desflurane.

Scapular manipulation technique for reduction of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations: experiences of an academic emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder dislocations account for almost 50% of all joint dislocations, which are most commonly anterior (90-98%) and occur due to trauma. This prospective study was conducted to report our experiences of using the scapular manipulation technique (SMT) to reduce traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. METHODS: Between March 2002 and March 2003, SMT was applied to 41 patients who presented with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation to the Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Turkey, which is a level 1 trauma centre with an annual attendance of 85,000 patients. The technique was applied to patients in the prone position by a single operator. Where necessary, a procedural sedation/analgesia (PSA) protocol was followed. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 26 (63.4%) male patients aged between 17 and 76 years (SD 15.6). History of recurrent shoulder dislocations at the same site were taken from seven (17.1%) of the patients. Mean (SD) trauma to reduction time was approximately 61.5 (72) minutes (range 10-480). Five patients (12%) had a greater tuberosity fracture. SMT was attempted twice to only four (9.8%) patients by a standard PSA protocol. We experienced a success rate of 90.2% at the first attempt and 100% overall. None of the patients encountered any complication. CONCLUSIONS: We report the successful use of SMT in the prone position for the reduction of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations, mainly without requirement of any sedatives or opiate analgesics. We believe that SMT may also be applied by inexperienced physicians, as it is simple, applicable, and easily understood. As no single method has a 100% success rate, SMT is a useful one to know.

Effects of hydroxyethyl starch on blood coagulation profile.

The effects of hydroxyethyl starch on blood coagulation were investigated in 20 patients undergoing surgery to determine whether its use places recipients at risk of haemorrhage or thrombosis. The partial thromboplastin times are significantly prolonged; factor VIII activities and fibrinogen levels are decreased. After infusion of hydroxyethyl starch, no significant differences were detected in platelet count or prothrombin time. A decreased platelet aggregation was also found after the infusion of hydroxyethyl starch. According to our results, hydroxyethyl starch can cause haemorrhagic problems in patients when administered as a colloidal volume-expanding agent.

Propofol does not affect platelet aggregation.

Abnormalities of platelet haemostasis pose increased risk to patients undergoing anaesthesia and surgery. We have investigated the effect of propofol on platelet aggregation in 12 patients undergoing upper and lower abdominal surgery. Propofol 2.5 mg kg-1 was administered via a cannula in the antecubital vein. Venous blood samples were obtained before induction and 10 min after administration of propofol. Platelet aggregation measurements were made for adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen and adrenaline. The results show that propofol does not affect platelet aggregation in the concentrations used.