Anesthesiology
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Back pain after childbirth is a frequent complaint. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of back pain 1-2 months post partum and to identify the factors, including epidural anesthesia for labor and delivery, that may predispose to it. ⋯ The overall incidence of back pain 1-2 months post partum in this population was 44%. Predisposing factors were a history of back pain, younger age, and greater weight. Predisposing factors for new-onset post partum back pain were greater weight and shorter stature. Epidural anesthesia for labor and delivery did not appear to be associated with back pain 1-2 months post partum.
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Comparative Study
Left ventricular mechanical consequences of dihydropyridine calcium channel modulation in conscious and anesthetized chronically instrumented dogs.
Volatile anesthetics depress left ventricular contractile function by altering voltage-dependent slow calcium (Ca2+) channel activity in the sarcolemmal membrane. This investigation examined the left ventricular systolic and diastolic mechanical effects of the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine and agonist Bay k 8644 (Bay k) in dogs in the conscious state and during anesthesia. ⋯ Nifedipine caused direct negative inotropic actions in conscious and anesthetized dogs and worsened volatile anesthetic-induced negative lusitropic effects. Bay k improved left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in the conscious state. Bay k also improved contractility during anesthesia; however, Bay k only partially reversed volatile anesthetic-induced abnormalities in indexes of left ventricular diastolic function in dogs during autonomic nervous system blockade.
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Comment Letter Case Reports
Sympathetically maintained pain after surgery may be prevented by regional anesthesia.