Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDistal tourniquet or leg position after injection enhances the efficacy of sciatic nerve blockade by the popliteal approach.
In this study, we hypothesized that leg positioning and distal tourniquet application, when compared with neutral positioning of the leg, alters the efficacy of sciatic nerve block performed by the double-stimulation technique. ⋯ Similar beneficial effects might be reached with the application of a distal tourniquet during injection or elevating the patient's leg turned supine immediately after sciatic nerve block with a popliteal approach by a double-injection technique. We suggest that using the leg-up position or application of a distal tourniquet for sciatic nerve block may lead to a more proximal distribution of the local anesthetic and may result in a faster onset of sensory and motor blocks as well as longer duration of blockade.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDoes the cerebral state index separate consciousness from unconsciousness?
The Cerebral State Monitor™ (CSM) is an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based monitor that is claimed to measure the depth of hypnosis during general anesthesia. We calculated the prediction probability (P(K)) for its ability to separate consciousness from unconsciousness in surgical patients with different anesthetic regimens. ⋯ The ability of CSM for separation of consciousness and unconsciousness was comparable to other commercially available EEG-based indices.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2011
Review Case ReportsApparent dexmedetomidine-induced polyuric syndrome in an achondroplastic patient undergoing posterior spinal fusion.
A 40-year-old achondroplastic patient underwent posterior spinal fusion under general endotracheal anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane, and sufentanil, dexmedetomidine, and lidocaine infusions. Urine output increased from 150 mL/hr to 950 mL/hr the fourth hour. ⋯ Within 2 hours of discontinuing the dexmedetomidine infusion urine output greatly decreased. Within 24 hours all signs of the polyuric syndrome resolved spontaneously. Alpha(2) agonists block arginine-vasopressin release and action; however, a polyuric syndrome has not been reported in the human literature.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2011
ReviewShortage of perioperative drugs: implications for anesthesia practice and patient safety.
Several medications used in clinical perioperative medicine are currently cited on the national shortage list. Medication shortages may be attributed to lack of raw materials, manufacturing issues, and discontinuation of production. Medication shortage has a substantial impact on patient care, and is responsible for creating an environment conducive to an increase in medication errors. Anesthesiologists should be taking an active role with the pharmacy and hospital management to alert caregivers and help to prevent adverse effects on patient care and safety.