Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2009
Review Meta AnalysisEpidural space identification: a meta-analysis of complications after air versus liquid as the medium for loss of resistance.
The best method for identifying the epidural space for neuraxial blocks is controversial. We conducted this meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that loss of resistance with liquid reduces complications with epidural placement. ⋯ Larger studies that overcome limitations of heterogeneity across studies and a relatively infrequent occurrence of complications are required to determine the optimal medium for loss of resistance during epidural block.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialA transdermal nicotine patch is not effective for postoperative pain management in smokers: a pilot dose-ranging study.
Nicotine has an antinociceptive effect in animal models. The analgesic effect in humans has been examined, but studies have had mixed results. A proposed etiology is variability in chronic nicotine exposure because of differences in tobacco smoking rates and second-hand smoke exposure. In this study, we examined the postoperative analgesic effect of a transdermal nicotine patch in smokers in a parallel design to a previous study in nonsmokers. ⋯ Transdermal nicotine, 5-15 mg, failed to relieve postoperative pain or reduce opioid use in smokers.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2009
ReviewClinical implications of neuraxial anesthesia in the parturient with scoliosis.
Scoliosis can pose challenges to the initiation and function of neuraxial anesthetics. We reviewed the available literature exploring neuraxial techniques in parturients with uncorrected or corrected (i.e., surgically instrumented) scoliosis. The 22 articles reported 117 attempted neuraxial procedures (uncorrected n = 24 and corrected n = 93). ⋯ Procedures were typically more challenging in corrected patients; 90% of all reported difficulties in this subgroup involved epidural anesthetics. Complications were reported in 3 of 103 patients. We provide suggestions for optimizing efficacy of neuraxial techniques in these patients.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialThe early and delayed analgesic effects of ketamine after total hip arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study.
Ketamine has been shown to have a morphine-sparing effect soon after surgery. Nevertheless, whether this effect still exists after being combined with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, and whether ketamine can decrease chronic pain after nononcologic surgery remain unclear. Thus, we designed a study to assess ketamine's effect on acute and chronic postoperative pain when combined with multimodal analgesia after total hip arthroplasty (THA). ⋯ Ketamine had a morphine-sparing effect after THA, even when morphine was combined with multimodal systemic analgesia. It also facilitated rehabilitation at 1 mo and decreased postoperative chronic pain up to 6 mo after surgery.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of single-dose propofol injection on pain and quality of life in chronic daily headache: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
On the basis of a small number of case studies, IV propofol has been advocated for the treatment of chronic daily headache (CDH). There has been no randomized controlled trial of this therapy. Our objective in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to determine whether a single IV dose of propofol 2.4 mg/kg results in clinically significant reduction in disability or pain in CDH for the next 30 days. ⋯ A single IV infusion of propofol 2.4 mg/kg produces a statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful, reduction in disability from CDH 30 days after infusion and does not reduce pain intensity or analgesic use. This study does not support this regimen of IV propofol for clinical management of CDH.