Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEffects of local anesthetic concentration and dose on continuous interscalene nerve blocks: a dual-center, randomized, observer-masked, controlled study.
It is currently unknown if the primary determinant of continuous peripheral nerve block effects is simply total drug dose, or whether local anesthetic concentration and/or volume have an influence. We therefore tested the null hypothesis that providing ropivacaine at different concentrations and rates--but at an equal total basal dose--produces similar effects when used in a continuous interscalene nerve block. ⋯ For continuous interscalene nerve blocks, given the statistically inconclusive primary endpoint results and design limitations of the current study, further research on this topic is warranted. In contrast, providing a lower concentration of local anesthetic at a higher basal rate provided superior analgesia.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Review Meta AnalysisPregabalin as a treatment for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a meta-analysis.
Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is an increasingly prevalent disorder that is best managed through a multimodal approach. We examined the effects of pregabalin on pain control, sleep disturbance, and the patient's global impression of change (PGIC) for the treatment of this disorder. ⋯ Pregabalin has significant effects on the pain associated with DPN as well as secondary endpoints that affect patients' quality of life.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Biography Historical ArticleCentennial of intravenous regional anesthesia. Bier's Block (1908-2008).
The surgeon August Gustav Bier significantly influenced surgery, general medicine, and especially anesthesia. He was the father of spinal anesthesia (1898) and intravenous regional anesthesia (1908). ⋯ On the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the first use of intravenous regional anesthesia it is appropriate to recall Bier's contribution to the repertoire of anesthesiologists. The evolutionary history of both the injected drugs and the refinements of the technique are elaborated upon.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Comment Letter Case ReportsEight ball, corner pocket ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block: avoiding a scratch.