Behavioral and Physiologic Effects of a Single Dose of Oral Gabapentin in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Stress in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) may influence veterinarians' ability to assess their health and can lead to complications such as gastrointestinal hypomotility and poor anesthetic outcomes. Gabapentin has been used as an anxiolytic in various species, but little information is available on its use in rabbits. To assess the effect of gabapentin on stress in rabbits, 5 female and 3 male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 8-12 months, weighing 3-4.5 kg, were administered a single dose (25 mg/kg) of oral compounded gabapentin. Effects on individual behaviors and selected physiologic parameters were assessed by a blinded observer using a human intruder test and tractability score (summed total 0-8, most to least tractable). Heart and respiratory rate, rectal temperature, body weight, and fecal output were also recorded. Baseline measurements for each rabbit were assessed immediately prior to gabapentin administration, and at 1, 2, and 4 hours post-administration. With this method rabbits acted as their own concurrent control group. Rabbits were assessed at 7 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM. Data were analyzed as continuous, binary, and continuous nonparametric (P ≤ .05). No significant differences in physiologic parameters were observed between baseline and the post-administration timepoints. Fecal output was reduced similar to baseline measurements. Behaviors pressing down decreased (at 2 and 4 hours; P = .05 and P = .013, respectively) and approaching human increased (at 2 hours; P = .022) post-gabapentin compared to baseline. Tractability scores were improved at the 2-hour timepoint compared to baseline (Friedman P = .0461; Wilcoxon P = .0413). These results suggest gabapentin 25 mg/kg orally decreased reactivity with a peak effect at 2 hours, without significant effects on measured physiologic parameters. Oral gabapentin in rabbits should be considered to reduce stress in the presence of humans and to facilitate handling.

A randomized controlled trial on the effects of different music genres on physiologic parameters and emotion.

BACKGROUND: Listening to music has psychophysiological effects on individuals' body and emotions, and it is known as one of the most influential stimuli to create emotions. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of different music genres on some physiological parameters and emotion. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. For 5 days, forty-six healthy undergraduate students were randomly assigned to several types of music (pop, rock, western classical, and Persian traditional), as well as silence. Physiologic parameters were checked five times (before, during, immediately, 15, and 30 min after the interventions). Before and after the interventions, the Self-Assessment Manikin questionnaire was completed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, temperature, silence, or other approaches between the groups. Silence and other ways did not reduce systolic blood pressure as much as listening to the pop. Peripheral oxygen saturation increased significantly only when listening to Persian traditional music, and when there was silence however, the differences were not statistically significant. In terms of valence, arousal, and dominance, none of the five treatments were shown to be more effective. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that statistically and clinically, there was no difference between silent music and other types of music, including pop, rock, western classical, and Persian traditional, in reducing physiological parameters. Different genres of music had no additional impact on emotion when compared to silence.

The effect of gentle human touch on pain, comfort and physiological parameters in preterm infants during heel lancing.

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of gentle human touch (GHT) on pain, comfort, and physiologic parameters in preterm infants during heel lancing. METHOD: This prospective, assessor-blind, randomized controlled study was performed between August 10, 2021 and September 10, 2021 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) of a tertiary hospital in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Fifty preterm infants were randomly appointed to GHT and control groups. The researcher applied GHT to the infants in the GHT group by placing one hand on the infant's head and the other hand on the lower abdomen covering the waist and hips for 15 min. Data were collected with a Questionnaire, Physiological Parameters Observation Form, Newborn Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), The Comfort Scale (COMFORT), and Pulse Oximeter. RESULTS: The NIPS and COMFORT mean scores of preterm infants in the GHT group were lower during (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively) and after heel lancing (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference between the preterm infants' peak heart rate, respiratory rate, and SPO2 values in the GHT and control groups during and after heel lancing (p > 0.05). The study found that preterm infants in the GHT group had less crying time during the heel lancing (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It could recommend using in painful procedures because GHT may positively affect preterm infants' pain, comfort, and physiologic parameters. The results of this study will contribute to NICU nurses should include non-pharmacological methods such as GHT to decrease pain of preterm infants in procedural pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05001191).

[Research Progress of Physiologic Parameters Monitoring Technology for Critical Neonates].

Physiological parameter monitoring is essential to medical staff to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Monitoring in NICU includes basic vital signal monitoring and functional monitoring. Basic vital signal monitoring (including ECG, respiration, SpO2, blood pressure, temperature) is advanced and focus on study of usability, continuity and anti-interference. Functional monitoring (including respiratory function, circulatory function, cerebral function) still focus on study of monitoring precision and reliability. Meanwhile, video monitoring and artifact intelligence have presented well performance on improving monitoring precision and anti-interference. In this article, the main parameters and relevant measurement technology for monitoring critical neonates were described.

Effect of Two Bathing Methods on Physiologic Parameters in Pediatric Intensive Care.

To determine the effect of traditional and disposable bed baths performed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) on the physiologic parameters of children. This research was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with children who were monitored in the PICU. It was found that the pulse and blood pressure immediately after the bath were higher for both bath applications and was the lowest 30 minutes after the bath (p < .05). Children who used traditional baths had a lower body temperature than those who used the disposable bed bath after bathing for the second day. Oxygen saturation averages were found that within the group to be the highest 30 minutes after bathing methods (p < .05). Both bathing methods applied in the PICU had a positive effect on physiologic parameters. It may be recommended to regularly perform the most appropriate bathing for patients with stable hemodynamics in PICUs.

Research Progress of Physiologic Parameters Monitoring Technology for Critical Neonates / 中国医疗器械杂志

Physiological parameter monitoring is essential to medical staff to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Monitoring in NICU includes basic vital signal monitoring and functional monitoring. Basic vital signal monitoring (including ECG, respiration, SpO2, blood pressure, temperature) is advanced and focus on study of usability, continuity and anti-interference. Functional monitoring (including respiratory function, circulatory function, cerebral function) still focus on study of monitoring precision and reliability. Meanwhile, video monitoring and artifact intelligence have presented well performance on improving monitoring precision and anti-interference. In this article, the main parameters and relevant measurement technology for monitoring critical neonates were described.

Effect of different anesthetic mixtures-ketamine-xylazine, ketamine-acepromazine and tiletamine-zolazepam-on the physiological and blood biochemistry parameters of male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) at different ages.

BACKGROUND: Anesthetic agents are commonly utilized in the handling of non-human primates for prevent the stress caused in physical exploration or physical restrain. For this reason, the objective of this work was to describe the effect of age and dissociative anesthetics (ketamine and tiletamine), and their combinations with acepromazine, xylazine and zolazepam, on the physiological and blood biochemical parameters in Macaca mulatta. METHODS: Eighty male Macaca mulatta were divided into four experimental groups depending on the anesthetic mixture applied. Each group of 20 males was divided into five sub-groups according to age. Physiological parameters were recorded every 5 minutes during a 30-minute period. A blood sample was drawn to analyze blood biochemistry. RESULTS: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the physiological parameters between the ketamine-acepromazine and ketamine-xylazine groups compared to the control group. The analysis of blood biochemistry found significant differences by age and by anesthetic mixture among all groups. CONCLUSION: These findings contribute to standardizing this animal model in biological research.

Physiologic effects of voice stimuli in conscious and unconscious palliative patients-a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Sounds and acoustic stimuli can have an effect on human beings. In medical care, sounds are often used as parts of therapies, e. g., in different types of music therapies. Also, human speech greatly affects the mental status. Although calming sounds and music are widely established in the medical field, clear evidence for the effect of sounds in palliative care is scare, and data about effects of the human voice in general are still missing. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different voice stimuli on palliative patients. METHODS: Two different voice stimuli (one calm, the other turbulent) were presented in a randomized sequence, and physiological parameters (blood pressure, heart frequency, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate) were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty patients (14 conscious and 6 unconscious) participated in this study. There was a decrease of heart frequency as well as an increase of oxygen saturation in the group of conscious patients, whereas no significant change of blood pressure or respiratory rate were detected in either group, conscious and unconscious patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although our dataset is heterogeneous, it can be concluded that voice stimuli can influence conscious patients. However, in this setting, no effect on unconscious patients was demonstrated. More clinical research on this topic with larger groups and a broader spectrum of parameters is needed.

Enteral fluid therapy administered in continuous flow by naso-ruminal route using three maintenance electrolyte solutions: effects on physiological biomarkers and the hemogram of bovines / Hidratação enteral via nasorruminal em fluxo continuo utilizando três soluções eletrolíticas de manutenção: efeitos sobre os biomarcadores fisiológicos e o hemograma de bovinos

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three enteral electrolyte solutions, each with different energy sources, administrated as continuous flow on the physiological parameters and blood count of healthy Holstein heifers. Six Holstein heifers were used in a crossover design. All animals received all three treatments: solution with calcium propionate, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, and 10g of calcium propionate diluted in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 299mOsm/L); solution with glycerol, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, 1g of calcium acetate, and 10mL of glycerol in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 287mOsm/L); solution with propylene glycol, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, 1g of calcium acetate, and 15mL of propylene glycol in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 378mOsm/L). Physical evaluations and blood samples were collected immediately before the initiation of fluid therapy, at 3-hour intervals over the 12-hour period of fluid therapy, and 12 hours after the end of fluid therapy. Animals presented no signs of stress or discomfort. All solutions resulted in a significant decrease in erythrocyte concentration, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit, without affecting the leukogram. Enteral fluid therapy administered as continuous flow via the naso-ruminal route was well-tolerated by animals with minimal effects on animal welfare, even when administered for 12 hours. This technique is indicated as an alternative route for parenteral maintenance fluid therapy. Electrolyte solutions proposed here were able to significantly expand blood volume.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de três soluções eletrolíticas enterais de manutenção com diferentes fontes de energia administradas em bovinos adultos por via nasorruminal em fluxo contínuo sobre parâmetros fisiológicos e hematológicos. Foram utilizadas seis novilhas holandesas em um delineamento crossover. Os animais foram submetidos a três tratamentos: Solução contendo Propionato de cálcio - 4g de NaCl, 0,5g de KCl, 0,3g de MgCl2 e 10g de propionato de cálcio para cada 1000mL (Osmolaridade mensurada: 299mOsm/L); Solução contendo Glicerol - 4g de NaCl, 0,5g de KCl, 0,3g de MgCl2, 1g de acetato de cálcio e 10mL de glicerol para cada 1000mL (Osmolaridade mensurada: 287mOsm/L); Solução contendo Propilenoglicol - 4g de NaCl, 0,5g de KCl, 0,3g de MgCl2, 1g de acetato de cálcio e 15mL de propilenoglicol para cada 1.000mL (Osmolaridade mensurada: 378mOsm/L). Foi realizado exame físico e colheita de sangue para os hemogramas imediatamente antes do início da hidratação e a cada três horas durante 12h de tratamento e mais uma colheita 12h após o final do período experimental, perfazendo seis colheitas ao total. Todas soluções promoveram ao longo das 12 horas de tratamento hemodiluição com redução nos valores de hemácias, concentração de hemoglobina e volume globular, sem, contudo, alterar o leucograma. A hidratação enteral em fluxo contínuo via nasorruminal, mostrou-se uma técnica bem tolerada pelos animais, como mínimos efeitos sobre o bem-estar, mesmo quando administrada por 12 horas, sendo, portanto, uma técnica indicada como uma opção à hidratação parenteral na terapia de manutenção de fluidos. As três soluções eletrolíticas aqui propostas são capazes de expandir significativamente a volemia.

Effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with the acute coronary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 older women with acute coronary syndrome. The participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups (n = 45). The intervention group received reflexology with lavender essential oil, but the control group only received routine care. Physiologic parameters, the levels of anxiety and depression in the hospital were evaluated using a checklist and the Hospital's Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively, before and immediately after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant differences in the levels of anxiety and depression were reported between the groups after the intervention. The analysis of physiological parameters revealed a statistically significant reduction (P < .05) in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate. However, no significant difference was observed in the respiratory rate. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy massage can be considered by clinical nurses an efficient therapy for alleviating psychological and physiological responses among older women suffering from acute coronary syndrome.

Aroma oil therapy in palliative care: a pilot study with physiological parameters in conscious as well as unconscious patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study is to analyze the reactions of healthy test persons and conscious as well as unconscious palliative patients to aroma stimuli. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized controlled study, healthy probands, conscious and unconscious palliative patients were exposed to two essential oils (lemon, lavender). Water was used as the control stimulus. Physiological parameters (breathing rate and heart rate, oxygen saturation, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure) were measured. RESULTS: 10 test persons (control group), 15 conscious patients and 5 unconscious palliative patients were exposed to the stimuli. Healthy test persons reacted to lemon oil with a significant increase in respiration rate, heart rate and diastolic blood pressure, whereas to lavender oil with a significant decrease in respiration rate was measured. There were no significant reactions concerning the other parameters. Conscious and unconscious patients reacted with a significant increase in all measured parameters to lemon oil and with a significant decrease in all parameters except for oxygen saturation to lavender oil. No significant differences in the reactions were measured between the conscious and unconscious patients and no significant reactions to control stimuli were detected. All physiological reactions were very short and only detectable during stimulus presentation. CONCLUSION: Significant physiological reactions were measured after simulation with aroma oils in all three groups in this study. Healthy probands showed different reactions than palliative patients irrespective to their conscious state.

The impact of listening to pleasant natural sounds on anxiety and physiologic parameters in patients undergoing coronary angiography: A pragmatic quasi-randomized-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of listening to pleasant natural sounds on anxiety and physiological parameters in patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: The present pragmatic quasi-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 130 patients undergone elective angiography. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, including a pleasant natural sounds group, and a control group (n1/2 65 per group). Spielberger's state/trait anxiety inventory was used to assess levels of anxiety. The patients' anxiety level and physiological parameters were measured at baseline, before, during, immediately after, and 20 min after coronary angiography. RESULTS: The mean level of anxiety was similar in both arms at baseline (t = 1.317, df = 128, p = 0.190). The intervention arm displayed significantly lower anxiety levels than the control arm during the intervention (Wilks' lambda 0.11, Pillai's trace 0.89, P 0.001, F 2.05). The physiological parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) of both groups showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) over time and in group-by time interactions. CONCLUSION: As an effective nursing intervention presenting no side-effects, listening to pleasant natural sounds can be helpful in the management of anxiety.

Influence of Music on Preoperative Anxiety and Physiologic Parameters in Women Undergoing Gynecologic Surgery.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of music on anxiety levels and physiologic parameters in women undergoing gynecologic surgery. This study employed a pre- and posttest experimental design with nonrandom assignment. Ninety-seven women undergoing gynecologic surgery were included in the study, where 49 were allocated to the control group (nonmusic group) and 48 were assigned to the experimental group (music group). Preoperative anxiety was measured using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) while noninvasive instruments were used in measuring the patients' physiologic parameters (blood pressure [BP], pulse [P], and respiration [R]) at two time periods. Women allocated in the experimental group had lower STAI scores (t = 17.41, p < .05), systolic (t = 6.45, p < .05) and diastolic (t = 2.80, p < .006) BP, and P rate (PR; t = 7.32, p < .05) than in the control group. This study provides empirical evidence to support the use of music during the preoperative period in reducing anxiety and unpleasant symptoms in women undergoing gynecologic surgery.

Blood Pressure Guideline Adherence in Patients with Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke in the Neurointensive Care Unit Setting.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with acute brain injuries require strict physiologic control to minimize morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess in-hospital compliance to strict physiologic parameters (BP, HR, ICP, SpO2) in these populations. METHODS: Patients with severe cerebrovascular events were admitted to the neurointensive care unit (NSICU) and were continuously monitored using the BedMasterEX (Excel Medical Electronics Inc, FL) system, which recorded hemodynamic data via an arterial catheter continuously in 5-s intervals. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of healthcare provider shift changes (6-8 a.m./p.m) and of day (6 a.m.-6 p.m.) versus night (6 p.m-6 a.m) shifts in hemodynamic control. RESULTS: Fifty patients admitted to the NSICU, 50 % male, mean age 59.7 ± 13.9 years with subarachnoid hemorrhage (23), ischemic stroke (8), subdural hematoma (4), intracerebral hemorrhage (3), intraventricular hemorrhage (2), and miscellaneous injuries (10) were enrolled. Data represented 2,337 total hours of continuous monitoring. Systolic BPs (SBP) were on average outside of recommended ranges 32.26 ± 30.46 % of the monitoring period. We subdivided adherence to ideal SBP range: optimal (≥99 % of time spent in NSICU within range) was achieved in 12 %, adequate (90 %) in 16 %, suboptimal (80 %) in 20 %, inadequate I (70 %) in 12 %, and inadequate II (<70 %) in 40 % of patients. Comparison of shift change %time and day versus night %time out of parameter yielded no statistically significant differences across SAH patients. CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic management of patients with cerebrovascular injuries, based on targeted thresholds in the NSICU, yielded optimal control of SBP in only 28 % of our patients (within parameters ≥90 % of time).

Diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in rectal temperature, respiration and heart rate of pack donkeys in a tropical savannah zone.

The study was designed to determine diurnal and seasonal changes in basic physiologic responses of donkeys adapted to the tropical Savannah. The rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) of six male Nubian pack donkeys, and the dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity and heat index of the experimental site were concurrently recorded hourly, from 06:00 h to 18:00 h (GMT +1), for three days, spread 1 week apart, during the cold-dry (harmattan), hot-dry and humid (rainy) seasons, in an open grazing field. Values of the physiologic parameters recorded during the morning (06:00 h-11:00 h) were lower (P<0.001) than those obtained in the afternoon (12:00 h-15:00 h) and evening (16:00 h-18:00 h) hours in all seasons, but the robustness of the diurnal rhythm differed (P<0.05) between seasons. Many diurnal hourly DBT mean values recorded during the harmattan and hot-dry seasons fell outside the established thermoneutral zone for tropically-adapted donkeys, while those obtained during the rainy season were within the zone, indicating that the dry seasons were more thermally stressful to the donkeys than the humid season. Overall mean RT dropped (P<0.05) during the harmattan season. The RR rose, while HR dropped (P<0.001) during the hot-dry season. In conclusion, daytime and season had profound influence on RT, RR and HR of the donkeys, therefore, diurnal and seasonal variations should be taken into account during clinical evaluation before reaching conclusion on health status and fitness for work in donkeys.

Factores pronósticos del éxito de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva en la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda / Predictive factors for the success of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory failure i: en

Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y analítico, de casos y controles, de 41 afectados con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, tratados con ventilación mecánica no invasiva y egresados de las unidades de atención a pacientes en estado grave en el Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico "Saturnino Lora Torres" de Santiago de Cuba, del 2012 al 2013, con vistas a describir la variabilidad de los parámetros fisiológicos y hemogasométricos, así como estimar la capacidad de pronóstico de estos en el desenlace exitoso del procedimiento. En la serie la media de edad fue de 60 años, predominó el sexo masculino (61,0 %), la técnica fue exitosa en 80,5 % y se constataron resultados significativos de éxito en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, asma bronquial e insuficiencia respiratoria aguda posextubación (76,9; 87,5 y 100,0 %, respectivamente). El éxito de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva trajo aparejada una mejoría considerable en los integrantes de la casuística al final de la evaluación de todos los parámetros fisiológicos y hemogasométricos, a excepción, en este último caso, de la presión arterial de dióxido de carbono y el bicarbonato sódico. Finalmente se concluyó que solo la escala de coma de Glasgow y la presión arterial de oxígeno presentaron importancia significativa para el pronóstico de éxito.

An observational, descriptive and analytic case-control study was conducted in 41 patients with acute respiratory failure, treated with noninvasive mechanical ventilation and discharged from the care units for acutely ill patients at "Saturnino Lora Torres" Provincial Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital of Santiago de Cuba, from 2012 to 2013, to describe the variability of hemogasometric and physiologic parameters and to estimate their predictive power in the successful outcome of the procedure. In the series the mean age was 60 years, with a predominance of males (61.0%), the technique was successful in 80.5% and significant results of success were observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma and postextubation acute respiratory failure (76.9; 87.5 and 100.0%, respectively). The success of noninvasive mechanical ventilation led to a significant improvement in patients of the case material at the end of the evaluation of all physiologic and hemogasometric parameters, except for carbon dioxide blood pressure and sodium bicarbonate. Finally, it was concluded that only the Glasgow Coma Scale and oxygen blood pressure had a significant importance for the success prognosis.

Physiological changes in jeju crossbred riding horses by swim training.

The changes in physiologic parameters by swim exercise duration were examined in five female well-trained Jeju crossbred riding horses that had riding experience of more than three years without swim training experience. The horses were performed with swim exercise for 10 min (60.0 m/min) once a day for 14 days. Physiologic characteristics and haematic parameters were measured before swimming, immediately after swimming, and after a 10 min rest at first day (D0), 7 days (D7), and 14 days (D14) of training. After 14 days of swim training, heart rate (p<0.05), blood glucose (p<0.05), lactate concentration (p<0.001), packed cell volume (p<0.01), and hemoglobin (p<0.01) measured immediately after swim and after 10 min rest showed significant lower values than those of D0. The results illustrate the benefits of swim training for riding horses and the need for the establishment of swimming routines of appropriate duration and intensity to maximize the advantages of swim training.

Evaluating the effectiveness of local dexamethasone injection in pregnant women with carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Most of the medical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have focused on suppressing the inflammatory process. An injection of dexamethasone acetate might provide the necessary cellular and humoral mediators to induce a healing cascade. Dexamethasone is a water-soluble steroid which is safe to be used in the third trimester, especially as a local treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 4 mg dexamethasone acetate injection to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy period. METHODS: Twenty pregnant women with CTS were recruited using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the patients had been injected with 4 mg of dexamethasone acetate and 0.5 ml lidocaine 1% under the carpal tunnel. Pain intensity (based on visual analog scale or VAS) and electro physiologic parameters of median nerve (transcarpal median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), distal motor latency (DML) and distal sensory latency (DSL) were recorded before and 3 weeks after the injection. RESULTS: The average pain scores before and 3 weeks after the dexamethasone acetate injection was 8.70 ± 0.92 and 4.30 ± 0.76 respectively (p < 0.005). In addition, transcarpal SNCV of median nerve was 33.7 ± 6.3 m/s and 24.5 ± 6.8 m/s (p = 0.001); DML of median nerve was 5.16 ± 1.04 ms and 4.70 ± 0.53 ms (p = 0.001) and DSL of median nerve was 4.84 ± 0.77 ms and 4.2 ± 0.6 ms (p = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After dexamethasone acetate injection, pain intensity and electrophysiological parameters were significantly improved. This study offered encouraging results for an alternative minimally invasive treatment for CTS in pregnant women.

A Preliminary Study on the Effect of "Low-dose" Glucocorticoid Therapy for Patients with Persistent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: The role of glucocorticoids for treating persistent acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is matter of debate. In the previous studies, the side effects of moderate doses of glucocorticoids might have negated positive effects of glucocorticoids. This study aimed at determining the feasibility of administering "low-dose" glucocorticoid to treat the patients who suffer with persistent ARDS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of twelve patients with ARDS of at least seven days' duration and who were treated with "low-dose" glucocorticoid (starting dose of 1 mg/kg) between June 2007 to December 2008. The patients were divided by whether or not they were successfully weaned from the ventilator after glucocorticoid therapy. The baseline characteristics and physiologic parameters were recorded for up to 7 days after starting glucocorticoid therapy. RESULTS: Five patients (42%) were included in the weaned group. There was no significant difference in the clinical characteristics and the physiologic parameters between the two groups on the day of ARDS. Yet the weaned group had a significantly lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, as compared to that of the failed group [3 (3-6) vs 8 (5-12), p = 0.009)] at start of glucocorticoid treatment. After 3 days of glucocorticoid therapy, there was significant improvement in the PEEP, the PaO2/FIO2 ratio, the PCO2, the SOFA score and the Murray Lung Injury Score of the weaned group, as compared to that of the failed group. There were no major neuromuscular side effects from the therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the "low-dose" glucocorticoid therapy is feasible and that the SOFA score and the physiologic parameters may assist in determining whether or not to initiate and to continue glucocorticoid therapy for the patients who are suffering with persistent ARDS.