Journal of neurosurgical anesthesiology
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Jul 2001
Clinical TrialMonitored anesthesia care using remifentanil and propofol for awake craniotomy.
Adequate analgesia and sedation with adequate respiratory and hemodynamic control are needed during brain surgery in awake patients. In this study, a protocol using clonidine premedication, intraoperative propofol, remifentanil, and labetalol was evaluated prospectively in 25 patients (aged 50 +/- 16). In all but one patient, no significant problems regarding cooperation, brain swelling, or loss of control were noticed, and it was not necessary to prematurely discontinue any of the procedures. ⋯ Nausea and vomiting were not recorded in any of the patients. Although these findings attest to the safety of awake craniotomy, they demonstrate the difficulty of achieving adequate sedation without compromising ventilation and oxygenation. The learning curve of using a new protocol and a new potent anesthetic drug is emphasized.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Jul 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffect of prophylactic ondansetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting after elective craniotomy.
This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after elective craniotomy in adult patients. The authors also tried to discover certain predictors for postcraniotomy nausea and vomiting. We studied 170 ASA physical status I and II patients, aged 15 to 70 years, undergoing elective craniotomy for resecting various intracranial tumors and vascular lesions. ⋯ Prophylactic ondansetron had a favorable influence on PONV outcome measures such as patient satisfaction and number needed to prevent emesis (3.5). Side effects were similar in both groups. We conclude that ondansetron 4 mg given at the time of dural closure is safe and effective in preventing emetic episodes after elective craniotomy in adult patients.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Jul 2001
Comparative StudyCould heart rate variability predict outcome in patients with severe head injury? A pilot study.
Despite major improvements in the resuscitation of patients with head injury, the outcome of patients with head trauma often remains poor and difficult to establish. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a noninvasive tool used to measure autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether HRV analysis might be a useful adjunct for predicting outcome in patients with severe head injury. ⋯ Referring to the area under the rMSSD ROC curve, HRV might provide useful information in predicting early evolution of patients with severe head trauma. During the awakening period, global HRV and the parasympathetic tone were significantly lower in the worsened neurologic state group. In conclusion, HRV could be helpful as a predictor of imminent brain death and a useful adjunct for predicting the outcome of patients with severe head injury.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Jul 2001
Case ReportsOropharyngeal swelling and macroglossia after cervical spine surgery in the prone position.
An unusual case of massive oropharyngeal swelling and macroglossia occurring after cervical spine surgery performed on a patient in the prone position is described. Possible etiological factors are reviewed, and measures to prevent these complications are suggested.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Jul 2001
Effects of alterations in arterial CO2 tension on cerebral blood flow during acute intracranial hypertension in rats.
Cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 in clinical and experimental studies has been found to be impaired during increased intracranial pressure (ICP). However, from previous study results it has not been possible to estimate whether the impairment was caused by elevated ICP, or caused by decreased cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). The current study was carried out in a group of unmanipulated control rats and in six investigation groups of six rats each: two groups with elevated ICP (30 and 50 mm Hg) and spontaneous arterial blood pressure (MABP), two groups with spontaneous ICP and arterial hypotension (77 and 64 mm Hg), and two groups with elevated ICP (30 and 50 mm Hg) and arterial hypertension (124 mm Hg). ⋯ By plotting each individual value of CO2 reactivity against the corresponding CPP value from the seven investigation groups, CPP was significantly and directly related to CO2 reactivity of CBF (P < .001). No correlation was found by plotting CO2 reactivity values against the corresponding MABP values or the corresponding ICP values. Thus, the results show that CO2 reactivity is at least partially determined by CPP and that the impaired CO2 reactivity observed at intracranial hypertension and arterial hypotension may be caused by reduced CPP.