Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Nov 2012
Concomitant medication among persistent opioid users with chronic non-malignant pain.
Recent guidelines for opioid treatment of chronic non-malignant pain discourage co-medication with benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related hypnotics, whereas co-medication with non-opioid analgesics and co-analgesics may offer a beneficial opioid sparing effect, and is recommended. The aim of this study was to describe 1-year periodic prevalence of co-medication with benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine-related hypnotics, non-opioid analgesics, co-analgesics and antidepressants in persistent opioid users with chronic non-malignant pain. ⋯ Approximately 60% of persistent opioid users also receive benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine-related hypnotics in amounts indicating regular use. This is in conflict with recent guidelines for the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain and may indicate that these users are at an increased risk of developing problematic opioid use.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Nov 2012
Gender differences in risk factors for airway symptoms following tracheal intubation.
A common complaint after endotracheal intubation is sore throat and hoarseness. The aim of this study was to describe gender differences and independent risk factors in the development of post-operative sore throat and hoarseness after endotracheal intubation in adults. ⋯ Post-operative sore throat and hoarseness result from several factors, and the cause of these symptoms are multifactorial and differs by gender. Identification of these factors pre-operatively may increase awareness among anaesthesia personnel and possibly reduce the incidence of these minor but distressing symptoms.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Nov 2012
Cognitive function in patients with chronic pain treated with opioids: characteristics and associated factors.
The paucity of studies regarding cognitive function in patients with chronic pain, and growing evidence regarding the cognitive effects of pain and opioids on cognitive function prompted us to assess cognition via neuropsychological measurement in patients with chronic non-cancer pain treated with opioids. ⋯ Patients with chronic pain may have cognitive dysfunction related to some reversible factors, which can be optimized by therapeutic interventions.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Nov 2012
Clinical TrialPulse transit time as a quick predictor of a successful axillary brachial plexus block.
It can take up to 30 min to determine whether or not axillary block has been successful. Pulse transit time (PTT) is the time between the R-wave on electrocardiography (ECG) and the arrival of the resulting pressure pulse wave in the fingertip measured with photoplethysmography. It provides information about arterial resistance. Axillary block affects vasomotor tone causing loss of sympathetic vasoconstriction resulting in an increased PTT. Early objective assessment of a block can improve efficacy of operating room time and minimize patient's fear of possible conversion to general anesthesia. This study explores whether PTT can objectively, reliably and quickly predict a successful axillary block. ⋯ PTT is a reliable, quick and objective method to assess whether axillary block is going to be successful or not.