Journal of clinical anesthesia
-
The prevalence of obesity has increased 15% up to 20% and represents an important challenge for the anesthesiologist in drug-dosing management. The aim of this work is to provide an overview on physiological changes and pharmacokinetic implications of obesity for the anesthesiologist. Obesity increases both fat and lean masses; however, the percentage of fat tissue increases more than does the lean mass, affecting the apparent volume of distribution of anesthetic drugs according to their lipid solubility. ⋯ Inhalation anesthetics with very low lipid solubility, such as sevoflurane and desflurane, allow for quick modification of the anesthetic plan during surgery and rapid emergence at the end of surgery, hence representing very flexible anesthetic drugs for use in this patient population. Drug dosing is generally based on the volume of distribution for the loading dose and on the clearance for maintenance. In the obese patient, the volume of distribution is increased if the drug is distributed both in lean and fat tissues whereas the anesthetic drug clearance is usually normal or increased.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Bupivacaine versus L-bupivacaine for labor analgesia via combined spinal-epidural: a randomized, double-blinded study.
To compare the intensity and duration of motor block and the duration of sensory block with racemic bupivacaine and l-bupivacaine for combined spinal-epidural analgesia, as previous studies have shown contradictory results. ⋯ Contrary to earlier studies, we did not find any difference in the intensity and duration of sensory or motor blocks between racemic bupivacaine and l-bupivacaine. Based on our findings in the parturient population studied, we conclude that l-bupivacaine does not offer any advantages over racemic bupivacaine when used for combined spinal-epidural for labor analgesia.