[Cardiovascular effects of a combination of vecuronium and low-dose fentanyl in atropinized and non-atropinized subjects]. / Effetti cardiovascolari dell'associazione tra vecuronio e basse dosi di fentanyl in soggetti atropinizzati e non-atropinizzati.

The cardiovascular effects of the pharmacologic association of low-dose fentanyl (2 micrograms/kg) and vecuronium (120 micrograms/kg) have been studied in 38 ASA I and II atropinized and non-atropinized patients scheduled for abdominal surgery during induction of anaesthesia with thiopentone or propofol. Whatever the induction agent used, heart rate was consistently reduced in patients not receiving an anticholinergic drug, while it was unchanged in patients treated with atropine intravenously. In non-atropinized patients impressively lower minimum heart rates were observed during induction of anaesthesia with thiopentone. In this last group one patient suffered from a cardiac arrest resolved without sequelae. In patients treated with the association between vecuronium and low doses of fentanyl a pretreatment with atropine is always indicated. Propofol seems to be a better induction agent than thiopentone.

[Comparison of 2 exchangers of heat and humidity in anesthesia (Hygrobac vs Ultipor BB50)]. / Confronto tra due scambiatori di calore ed umidità in anestesia (Hygrobac vs Ultipor BB50).

Comparison between Hygrobac and Ultipor BB50, two commercially available heat and moisture exchangers, shows that the former is more efficient: temperature (T degrees C) and water content (absolute humidity, AH) of the inspired gas is greater with Hygrobac than Ultipor BB50. However, both HMEs work at the low limit of the normally accepted range of T degrees C and AH for intubated patients.