British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Onset/offset characteristics and intubating conditions of rapacuronium: a comparison with rocuronium.
We compared onset and offset of action and tracheal intubating conditions after rapacuronium and rocuronium in 60 patients in a randomized, assessor-blinded study. Following induction of anaesthesia with propofol 2.5 mg kg-1, either rapacuronium 1.5 mg kg-1 (n = 30) or rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1 (n = 30) was administered to facilitate tracheal intubation. Anaesthesia was maintained with either a propofol infusion (100 micrograms kg-1 min-1) or sevoflurane (1% end-tidal) with 66% nitrous oxide (N2O), n = 15 in each subgroup. ⋯ The onset time of rapacuronium was shorter than rocuronium (87 (20) vs 141 (65) s, P < 0.001), and the degree of block at 60 s was greater (69 (26) vs 50 (27)%, P < 0.05). Twenty-five per cent recovery was shorter with rapacuronium than rocuronium during propofol (15.0 (3.2) vs 39.1 (14.2) min, P < 0.001) and sevoflurane (15.1 (4.2) vs 47.8 (19.0) min, P < 0.001) anaesthesia. We conclude that rapacuronium 1.5 mg kg-1 had a more rapid onset, similar intubating conditions, and shorter recovery times than rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Korean hand acupressure reduces postoperative vomiting in children after strabismus surgery.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Korean hand acupuncture in preventing postoperative vomiting in children scheduled for strabismus surgery. In one group, acupressure was performed 30 min before induction of anaesthesia by applying an acupressure disc onto the Korean hand acupuncture point K-K9; the disc remained in situ for at least 24 h. ⋯ In the acupressure group, the incidence of vomiting was significantly lower (20%) than in the placebo group (68%). We conclude that Korean hand acupressure of the acupuncture point K-K9 is an effective method for reducing postoperative vomiting in children after strabismus repair.
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The identification of a serum marker to assist in the diagnosis of cerebral injury after cardiac surgery is potentially useful. S100 protein is an early marker of cerebral damage. It is released after cardiac surgery performed under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). ⋯ Patients undergoing intracardiac operations combined with coronary artery bypass surgery are more susceptible to brain injury and have higher levels of S100 after CPB. Furthermore, adults and children undergoing deep circulatory arrest are more susceptible to brain injury, in terms of higher S100 protein release after CPB. Serum S100 protein levels are reduced after using arterial line filtration and covalent-bonded heparin to coat the inner surface of the CPB circuit.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Which is most pungent: isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane?
We compared the pungency and tolerability of three inhaled anaesthetics in a randomized, double-blind study. Eighty-one unpremedicated patients (n = 27, each group) inhaled 2 MAC of isoflurane (2.3%), desflurane (12%) or sevoflurane (4%) for 60 s from an anaesthetic breathing circuit via a mask. Two blinded observers recorded coughing, complaints of burning and irritation, and how long the inhalation was tolerated. ⋯ All sevoflurane, 20 isoflurane and seven desflurane patients completed the study period (average 60, 49 and 33 s, respectively, P < 0.05). The irritability grading was: desflurane > isoflurane > sevoflurane (P < 0.05). Sevoflurane is the least irritating agent for inhalation at 2 MAC concentration.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Rapacuronium recovery characteristics and infusion requirements during inhalation versus propofol-based anaesthesia.
We examined the effect of four maintenance anaesthetics on the neuromuscular blocking activity and spontaneous recovery characteristics after a short-term infusion of rapacuronium. Eighty ASA I-III adult patients undergoing elective surgery were studied at four centres. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 1.5-2.5 mg kg-1 and fentanyl 1-2 micrograms kg-1, followed by a bolus of rapacuronium 1.5 mg kg-1. ⋯ The duration of infusion lasted between 45 and 60 min, and the average infusion rates of rapacuronium were similar in all groups, ranging from 1.6 to 2.5 mg kg-1 h-1. There were no significant differences among the groups in the times for T1/T0 to return to 25%, 75% or 90%, or for T4/T1 to return to 70% and 80% upon discontinuation of the infusion. When potent inhalation anaesthetics are used in clinically relevant concentrations for maintenance of anaesthesia, the neuromuscular recovery profile of rapacuronium administered as a variable-rate infusion for up to 1 h is similar to that found with a propofol-based anaesthetic technique.