European journal of anaesthesiology
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Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disorder of skeletal muscle characterized by muscle contracture and hypermetabolic crisis following exposure to halogenated anaesthetics and depolarizing muscle relaxants. We planned this follow-up to get more information about the safety of non-triggering anaesthesia in susceptible patients; the safety of the use of trigger agents in non-susceptible patients and any minor sequelae following the biopsy. ⋯ It is safe to use trigger-free anaesthesia in susceptible patients. The difficulties encountered by patients to be anaesthetized and the management of the majority of non-susceptible patients during general anaesthesia show the need of more accurate educational programmes and methods for promoting patient-centred care.
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We recently demonstrated that intrathecal bupivacaine before or after acute photochemical spinal injury improved functional outcome in rats. However, the closest model to spinal trauma is the contusive weight-drop method. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional, electrophysiological and anatomical consequences of a contusive spinal-cord lesion in rats with or without an intrathecal injection of bupivacaine. ⋯ Intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine provide a neuroprotective effect by decreasing functional, electrophysiological and anatomical consequences after a contusive spinal cord injury.
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We have investigated the accuracy of the Colin tonometry module, a non-invasive alternative to intra-arterial blood pressure (BP) measurement. The claims of previous publications range between good agreement to significant discrepancies between the Colin tonometry and intra-arterial methods. The Colin method relies on calibration of the tonometry module using an oscillometric method. Our aim was to look at the effect of this calibration on the accuracy. ⋯ The Colin Tonometry method is not accurate enough to be used with confidence in clinical practice. The main reason for this is its reliance on an oscillometric method for calibration of the tonometry module. Single BP measurements, using either manual or semiautomatic instruments may vary considerably from the 'true' BP due to short-term perturbations of BP.
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Although an epidural autologous blood patch is considered the most effective treatment for post dural puncture headache, which sometimes occurs following spinal or inadvertent spinal anaesthesia, there remains a need for alternative materials for epidural patches. We investigated the potential neurotoxicity of Dextran 40 (Rheomacrodex) and Polygeline (Haemaccel) used for this purpose in a rat model. ⋯ No deleterious effects, clinical or cellular, were evident in this rat model when Dextran 40 or Polygeline were injected intrathecally. Thus, both substances can be considered as possible alternative materials for epidural patches.