British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Concentration of rocuronium in cerebrospinal fluid of patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm clipping.
This study assessed the concentration of rocuronium in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm clipping, and investigated whether the mode of administration (single bolus vs continuous infusion) influenced the CSF concentration. ⋯ This study demonstrated that rocuronium, normally not considered to cross the blood-brain barrier, is regularly found in the CSF of patients undergoing cerebral clipping; continuous infusion of the drug led to higher plasma and CSF concentrations than after a single bolus dose.
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Comparative Study
Spinal cord stimulation in complex regional pain syndrome: cervical and lumbar devices are comparably effective.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used since 1967 for the treatment of patients with chronic pain. However, long-term effects of this treatment have not been reported. The present study investigated the long-term effects of cervical and lumbar SCS in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I. ⋯ SCS reduced the pain intensity and improves health status in the majority of the CRPS I patients in this study. There was no difference in pain relief and complications between cervical and lumbar SCS.
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Case Reports
Fatal streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of axillary brachial plexus block.
A 74-yr-old diabetic woman developed necrotizing fasciitis of the right upper limb after axillary brachial plexus block for carpal tunnel decompression. Clinical signs included oedema, diffuse swelling and bullae; rapidly followed by toxic shock syndrome and multiorgan failure. ⋯ Delay in antibiotic and surgical treatment probably affected the outcome. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve the outcome of streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis.