Anesthesia and analgesia
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2007
Comparative StudyPerineural resiniferatoxin prevents the development of hyperalgesia produced by loose ligation of the sciatic nerve in rats.
The vanilloid receptors (TRPV1) are found in peripheral nerve fibers; their stimulation by capsaicin leads to release of calcitonin gene-related peptide and other neuropeptides participating in neuroinflammation. On the other hand, various inflammatory mediators, released after nerve damage, can activate or sensitize the TRPV1 receptors. These findings together suggest a protective effect of TRPV1 receptor blockade in neuropathy. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that perineural resiniferatoxin (RTX) can prevent the development of hyperalgesia caused by placing loosely constrictive ligatures around the sciatic nerve. ⋯ Perineural RTX prevents the development of neuropathy caused by placing loosely constrictive ligatures on the sciatic nerve. Perioperative use of drugs acting via the TRPV1 receptors may hold the promise for preventing neuropathic pain after surgery on peripheral nerves.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2007
Case ReportsIntrathecal local anesthetic infusion as a treatment for complex regional pain syndrome in a child.
Diagnosis and treatment of complex regional pain syndrome in children is one of the most challenging clinical pain problems encountered in the chronic pain setting. Despite the intense and debilitating nature of the pain, referral to appropriate specialists often comes too late, thereby prolonging an already arduous (and controversial) course of treatment and risking long-term disability. On the contrary, full recovery can be expected with early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The following case study describes a novel and successful use of intrathecal catheter administration of ropivacaine in a child with early, rapidly progressing, and debilitating complex regional pain syndrome.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2007
Comparative StudyTime course and prognostic value of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide concentration in neonates undergoing the arterial switch operation.
Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) can predict postoperative complications after cardiac surgery in adults. Our aim was to investigate BNP kinetics and prognostic value in neonates undergoing the arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). ⋯ In neonates, BNP concentrations can predict adverse outcome in the postoperative period after ASO for TGA. This marker has potential clinical applications.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2007
Comparative StudyLack in effects of therapeutic concentrations of dexmedetomidine and clonidine on the neuromuscular blocking action of rocuronium in isolated rat diaphragms.
We investigated the effects of the alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists clonidine and dexmedetomidine on the neuromuscular blocking effect of rocuronium in vitro. ⋯ These results indicate that very high, but not therapeutic, concentrations of clonidine and dexmedetomidine enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of rocuronium, but this is not mediated by an agonist action on alpha-2 adrenoceptors.