Anesthesiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Cervical epidural pressure measurement: comparison in the prone and sitting positions.
The hanging drop technique is used for identifying the cervical epidural space, using its negative pressure. However, it is doubtful whether the epidural space intrinsically exhibits a negative pressure. We designed this study to test the hypothesis that the cervical epidural pressure (CEP) is significantly higher in the prone position than in the sitting position. To evaluate this hypothesis, we measured and compared 30 CEP values in the prone and sitting positions. ⋯ CEP was found to be significantly higher in the prone position than in the sitting position. Furthermore, CEPs were not consistently negative even in the sitting position. These results suggest that the hanging drop technique is inappropriate for identifying the cervical epidural space in either the prone or sitting positions. Clinical Trials Ref: NCT01009385.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Effects of preoxygenation on desaturation time during hemorrhagic shock in pigs.
Patients in hemorrhagic shock often require emergent airway management. Clinical experience suggests that oxygen desaturation occurs rapidly in these patients; however, data are scant. The hypothesis of this study was that increasing levels of hemorrhagic shock, varying levels of fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) for preoxygenation, and fluid resuscitation significantly affect the duration until critical desaturation occurs. ⋯ Findings from this swine hemorrhagic shock model confirm that Fio2 and the level of hemorrhagic shock, but not fluid resuscitation, influence the rate of apneic desaturation. A five-fold increase in time until critical oxygen desaturation occurs can be achieved when preoxygenating with 100% oxygen compared with room air, underscoring the importance of adequate preoxygenation before emergent airway management.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Intraoperative ketamine reduces perioperative opiate consumption in opiate-dependent patients with chronic back pain undergoing back surgery.
Ketamine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist that has been shown to be useful in the reduction of acute postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in a variety of surgical interventions with variable routes of administration. Little is known regarding its efficacy in opiate-dependent patients with a history of chronic pain. We hypothesized that ketamine would reduce postoperative opiate consumption in this patient population. ⋯ Intraoperative ketamine reduces opiate consumption in the 48-h postoperative period in opiate-dependent patients with chronic pain. Ketamine may also reduce opioid consumption and pain intensity throughout the postoperative period in this patient population. This benefit is without an increase in side effects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Fentanyl-sparing effect of acetaminophen as a mixture of fentanyl in intravenous parent-/nurse-controlled analgesia after pediatric ureteroneocystostomy.
Although acetaminophen has been used widely and is well tolerated in children, its efficacy and safety have not been clarified when combined with an opioid in intravenous parent-/nurse-controlled postoperative analgesia. ⋯ Acetaminophen has significant fentanyl-sparing effects and reduces side effects when combined with fentanyl in intravenous parent-/nurse-controlled analgesia for postoperative pediatric pain management.