British journal of anaesthesia
-
Reversal of neuromuscular block can be accomplished by chemical encapsulation of rocuronium by sugammadex (Org 25969), a synthetic gamma-cyclodextrin derivative. The present study determined the time course of the reversal action of sugammadex on rocuronium-induced block in the anaesthetized Rhesus monkey using train-of-four stimulation. ⋯ The half-life of sugammadex (Org 25969), a new fast and efficient reversal agent for rocuronium-induced block, is relatively short in the Rhesus monkey, implying the possibility to perform neuromuscular block by rocuronium shortly after reversal of a prior block. In translation to the human situation differences in rocuronium sensitivity and kinetics should be taken into account.
-
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is a rare inherited disease in which progressive ossification of striated muscles leads to severe disability and respiratory impairment early in life and there are associated characteristic congenital skeletal malformations. Although this condition may prove demanding for the anaesthetist, few reports are available regarding anaesthesia in paediatric patients. We review the clinical features of the disease relevant to anaesthesia and describe the perioperative care of an 18-month-old boy with FOP who underwent endoscopic third-ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus associated with a brainstem mass. We emphasize the importance of an appropriate anaesthetic management of these patients, as inadequate care may lead to exacerbation of the disease with permanent sequelae.
-
Commonly, cocaine abusing patient are scheduled for elective surgery with a positive urine test for cocaine metabolites. As many of these patients were clinically non-toxic [normal arterial pressure and heart rate, normothermic, and a normal (or unchanged from previous) ECG, including a QTc interval <500 ms], we have recently proceeded with elective surgery requiring general anaesthesia in this patient group. ⋯ These results demonstrate that the non-toxic cocaine abusing patient can be administered general anaesthesia with no greater risk than comparable age and ASA matched drug-free patients.