British journal of anaesthesia
-
We have examined the effects of sedation with midazolam 0.1 mg kg-1 and reversal with flumazenil 0.5 mg on beat-to-beat heart rate (HR) variability (HRV), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), finger photoplethysmograph amplitude (PLA) and impedence pneumography in eight volunteers. With the onset of sedation there was a small decrease in SAP and increase in HR (ns). ⋯ These were thought to be secondary to activity of coupled cardiorespiratory neurones within the brain stem and the ventilatory periodicity appeared similar to that observed during the early stages of sleep. The diminished high frequency and increased low frequency oscillations induced by midazolam sedation were reversed by administration of flumazenil.
-
Editorial Review
Rocuronium: the newest aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking drug.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Rocuronium pretreatment reduces suxamethonium-induced myalgia: comparison with vecuronium.
We have studied, in 150 patients undergoing elective oral surgery, the effectiveness and sequelae of pretreatment with rocuronium for reducing myalgia after suxamethonium. Patients were allocated randomly to one of three groups: anaesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl, and group V received vecuronium 1 mg, group R rocuronium 6 mg and group P placebo pretreatment. Suxamethonium 1.5 mg kg-1 was given 60 s after the pretreatment agent. ⋯ The incidence of postoperative myalgia on day 1 after rocuronium (20%) was significantly less than after vecuronium (42%) (P < 0.05) or placebo (70%) (P < 0.01). By day 4 the incidence of myalgia was 28.6% in the rocuronium group, 46.3% in the vecuronium group and 95% in the placebo group. Intubating conditions were not affected adversely by any pretreatment regimen.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Single-dose i.v. granisetron in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
In this randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study, we have compared three doses (0.1 mg, 1.0 mg and 3.0 mg) of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, granisetron (Kytril), as prophylactic therapy for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The aims were to determine the optimal dose of granisetron and to evaluate its safety profile. We studied 527 adult patients, undergoing elective open abdominal surgery or vaginal hysterectomy during general anaesthesia. ⋯ The two higher doses of granisetron (1.0 mg and 3.0 mg) provided effective prophylaxis against vomiting, with 78% and 77% of patients, respectively, being free from vomiting in the first 6 h after surgery, and 63% and 62% in the first 24 h. This compares with 50% and 34% at 0-6 h and 0-24 h, respectively, in the placebo group. Granisetron was well tolerated and the optimum dose was 1.0 mg.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Dose requirements, efficacy and side effects of morphine and pethidine delivered by patient-controlled analgesia after gynaecological surgery.
We have compared the dose requirements and side effects of morphine with those of pethidine when administered by patient-controlled analgesia in 40 patients (ASA I-II, 20-65 yr) after elective total abdominal hysterectomy. Patients were allocated randomly, in a double-blind manner, to receive either morphine (bolus dose 2 mg, lockout time 10 min) or pethidine (bolus dose 20 mg, lockout time 10 min) for postoperative pain relief. ⋯ Four patients receiving pethidine were withdrawn because of postoperative confusion and one receiving morphine because of intractable nausea and vomiting. The 95% confidence interval for this difference between the groups for VAS scores of sedation, nausea and pain were approximately 30 mm.