Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialClinical application of acoustic reflectometry in predicting the difficult airway.
Acoustic reflectometry, a noninvasive test that produces a length versus cross-sectional area map of the airway, has been used to identify difficult-to-tracheally intubate patients in a small retrospective case-control study. A critical airway volume of 40.2 mL separated those patients whose tracheas were impossible to intubate from those who were easily intubated. To determine if this technology was applicable for prospectively predicting difficult intubation and difficult ventilation in routine clinical practice, we performed a double-blinded, prospective cohort study. Our a priori hypothesis was that small airway volumes in adults (<40.2 mL) would predict absolute inability to intubate. We conclude that by use of acoustic reflectometry, there was no relationship between inability to intubate, poor glottic visualization, and multiple laryngoscopies with airway volume. ⋯ Acoustic reflectometry, a noninvasive test that uses sound to produce a length versus cross-sectional area map of the airway, was not able to predict inability to intubate, poor glottic visualization, and multiple laryngoscopies.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe influence of parecoxib, a parenteral cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics and clinical effects of midazolam.
Parecoxib, a parenteral cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, is undergoing clinical development as an analgesic/antiinflammatory drug for perioperative use. Parecoxib, an inactive prodrug, is hydrolyzed in vivo to valdecoxib, a substrate for hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. Thus, potential exists for interactions with other CYP3A4 substrates. In this investigation, we determined the influence of parecoxib on the pharmacokinetics and clinical effects of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate, in volunteers. This was a randomized, balanced crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical investigation. Twelve healthy subjects aged 23-41 yr were studied after providing IRB-approved informed consent. Midazolam 0.07 mg/kg IV infusion was administered 1 h after placebo (control) or parecoxib 40 mg IV. Venous midazolam concentrations were determined by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry assay. Pharmacokinetic variables were determined by noncompartmental analysis. Pharmacodynamic measurements included clinical end-points, cognitive function (memory; digit symbol substitution tests), subjective self-assessment of recovery (visual analog scales), and bispectral index. Midazolam plasma concentrations were similar between placebo and parecoxib-treated subjects. No differences were found in midazolam pharmacokinetics (maximal observed plasma concentration, clearance, elimination half-life, volume of distribution) or pharmacodynamics (clinical end-points, digit symbol substitution tests, memory, visual analog scales, bispectral index). Single-bolus parecoxib does not alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of midazolam infusion. Parecoxib did not affect CYP3A4 activity as assessed using midazolam clearance as the in vivo probe. ⋯ Parecoxib, a parenteral cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor intended for perioperative use as an analgesic/antiinflammatory drug, is a substrate for hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4. The potential for a drug interaction with midazolam, an in vivo CYP3A4 probe, was tested in healthy volunteers. Single-bolus parecoxib does not alter the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of midazolam.
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We report a previously undescribed complication of peripheral nerve catheter placement. The catheter was sheared when its stylet was removed with the placement needle still in the tissues. The lost distal fragment was identified with computed tomography scanning.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 2002
Case ReportsUnsolicited paresthesias with nerve stimulator: case reports of four patients.
Unsolicited paresthesias may occur when a nerve stimulator is used and may indicate valid proximity to the nerve. This phenomenon suggests that nerve stimulator use does not protect against unplanned direct contact with peripheral nerves during performance of a nerve block on an obtunded patient.