Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Multicenter StudyDiabetes: A Risk Factor for Catheter-Associated Infections.
The incidence of infectious complications associated with continuous regional anesthesia techniques is a matter of concern. Our objective was to determine whether patients suffering from diabetes are at an increased risk of catheter-related infectious complications. ⋯ The presence of diabetes is associated with an increased risk for catheter-related infections in lower limb and lumbar epidural. Specific care should be taken to avoid and detect infections in this population.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Plexus Block Using a Transverse Scan Through the Lumbar Intertransverse Space: A Prospective Case Series.
A paramedian transverse scan (PMTS) can be used to delineate the anatomy relevant for ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block (LPB) through the lumbar intertransverse space. This case series evaluated the feasibility of using the PMTS to guide LPBs for anesthesia. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided LPBs can be reliably accomplished using the PMTS.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Observational StudyFibromyalgia Is Associated With Coronary Heart Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study.
We examined whether patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia have an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), compared with age- and sex-matched control patients. We hypothesized that patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia are at increased risk of adverse coronary events. ⋯ An association between fibromyalgia and CHD appears to exist.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
Comparative StudyEffects of Sodium Bisulfite With or Without Procaine Derivatives on Axons of Cultured Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons.
Sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) was clinically used as a preservative agent for local anesthetics but was later suspected to be neurotoxic. However, recent studies reported that NaHSO3 reduces the neurotoxicity of local anesthetics. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of NaHSO3 with and without procaine on axonal transport in cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. ⋯ NaHSO3 resulted in a dose-dependent damage to the cell membrane and axonal transport, especially when used in combination with procaine or chloroprocaine.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2015
A Wearable Epidural Catheter Infusion System for Patients With Intractable Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is an important cause of secondary headaches, and most patients respond well to epidural blood patching or direct repair of the underlying spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak. However, options are limited for those patients who have exhausted these traditional treatments, especially when spinal imaging is normal. We describe a wearable epidural catheter infusion system for patients with intractable spontaneous intracranial hypotension. ⋯ This wearable epidural catheter infusion system showed promising efficacy results but the high rate of complications limits its use to a very select group of patients.