Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2012
Case ReportsA neonate with long QT syndrome, refractory ventricular arrhythmias, and lidocaine toxicity.
Long QT syndrome is characterized by electrocardiographic appearance of long QT intervals and propensity to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Aggressive anticipatory clinical management is required for a good outcome, especially in the symptomatic neonate. ⋯ Despite normal serum lidocaine levels, complex pharmacokinetic interactions resulted in presumed neurotoxicity due to lidocaine. This report discusses the implications and challenges of management of a neonate with compound long mutations.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2012
Comparative StudyThe effects of anesthetic technique on cancer recurrence in percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of small hepatocellular carcinoma.
Retrospective studies report that the benefit of regional anesthesia on cancer recurrence may depend on the specific tumor type. We compared the association between anesthetic technique and cancer recurrence in patients undergoing percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ⋯ This retrospective analysis suggests that treatment of small HCC by RFA under general anesthesia is associated with reduced risk of cancer recurrence. No effect of anesthetic technique on overall survival is detected. Prospective, randomized trials to evaluate this association are warranted.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyCerebrospinal fluid neurotransmitter changes during the perioperative period in patients undergoing total knee replacement: a randomized trial.
Total knee replacement (TKR) is of enormous benefit to patients with osteoarthritis of the knee; however, the acute postoperative pain can be severe and difficult to manage. The role of major spinal cord neurotransmitters in this acute postoperative period is not clear, although there are a few studies in humans. We performed the first prospective clinical study undertaken to delineate the changes in the spinal neurotransmitters after a surgery such as TKR. Furthermore, we also determined whether antihyperalgesic drugs at clinically acceptable doses modulate spinal neurotransmitter concentrations in patients during the perioperative period. ⋯ In the perioperative period, the concentration changes of the 4 spinal neurotransmitters have a distinct time course. CSF substance P seems to increase very rapidly with surgical intervention, whereas the CSF norepinephrine concentration tends to decrease. At clinical doses, pregabalin does not seem to modulate these spinal neurotransmitter concentrations.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2012
Comparative StudyThe reliability and accuracy of a noncontact electrocardiograph system for screening purposes.
Electrocardiography (ECG) requires the application of electrodes to the skin and often necessitates undressing. Capacitively coupled electrodes embedded in a normal chair would be a rational alternative for ECG screening. We evaluated the reliability and accuracy of ECG electrodes imbedded in a chair cushion. ⋯ Heart rate was accurately measured, and some cardiac arrhythmias were correctly diagnosed using capacitive ECG electrodes. Capacitive electrodes embedded into an examination chair are a promising tool for preoperative screening. Improved artifact reduction algorithms are needed before capacitive electrodes will replace skin electrodes.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2012
Review Historical ArticleEvolution of the extraglottic airway: a review of its history, applications, and practical tips for success.
The development of the laryngeal mask airway in 1981 was an important first step toward widespread use and acceptance of the extraglottic airway (EGA). The term extraglottic is used in this review to encompass those airways that do not violate the larynx, in addition to those with a supraglottic position. Although the term extraglottic may be broad and include airways such as tracheostomy tubes, the term supraglottic does not describe a large number of devices with subglottic components and is too narrow for a discussion of modern devices. ⋯ The association between excessive EGA cuff pressure and potential morbidity is becoming increasingly recognized. The widespread success and adoption of the EGA into clinical practice has revolutionized airway management and anesthetic care. Although the role of EGAs is well established, the user must know each device's particular strengths and limitations and understand that limited data are available for guidance until a new device has been well studied.