Anaesthesia
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Hysteria as a cause of failure to recover consciousness following general anaesthesia is a rare event. This case report describes such an instance in a young, healthy 22-year-old female suffering severe dental phobia who was undergoing dental conservation. The literature is reviewed and a summary of the possible physiological mechanisms involved is given.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Analgesic efficacy of controlled-release dihydrocodeine. A comparison of 60, 90 and 120 mg tablets in cold-induced pain.
A prospective, double-blind, single-dose placebo-controlled four-part crossover study of 12 healthy volunteers was carried out to compare the analgesic efficacy of controlled-release dihydrocodeine tablets 60, 90 and 120 mg (DHC Continus tablets, Napp Laboratories) in cold-induced pain. Subjects received each of the four treatments in a random order using a latin square design. On each of the four study days, the volunteers performed cold pressor tests, before dose and again at 4, 8 and 12 hours after dose. ⋯ At 4 hours there was a significant reduction in pain in subjects who received 120 mg or 90 mg tablets compared with placebo, and in subjects who received 120 mg tablets compared with those who received 60 mg tablets. At 8 hours, 120 mg and 90 mg dihydrocodeine were still better than placebo. There was no significant difference in side effects between treatments.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Acid aspiration prophylaxis in morbidly obese patients: famotidine vs. ranitidine.
Famotidine and ranitidine were compared as agents for the prevention of acid aspiration syndrome in 32 morbidly obese patients undergoing vertical banded gastroplasty. Single-dose oral famotidine or double-dose oral ranitidine were administered on a random basis before surgery. Gastric contents were aspirated through a gastric tube, manually aided by the surgeon with the abdomen open. ⋯ Mean (SD) gastric pH values were 6.2 (1.5) and 6.8 (1.5), respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups and no patient was considered 'at risk' (pH less than 2.5 and gastric volume greater than 25 ml). We conclude that single-dose oral famotidine and double-dose oral ranitidine are equally effective for preventing acid aspiration syndrome in morbidly obese patients.