Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Is magnesium sulfate effective for pain in chronic postherpetic neuralgia patients comparing with ketamine infusion therapy?
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a frequent debilitating complication and one of the most intractable pain disorders, particularly in elderly patients. Although tricyclic antidepressants, topical capsaicin, gabapentin, and oxycodone are effective for alleviating PHN, many patients remain refractory to current therapies. Here, the analgesic effects of ketamine or magnesium for PHN were assessed in an open prospective study. ⋯ Ketamine and magnesium showed significant analgesic effects in patients with PHN.
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Remifentanil could induce opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance, which would increase pain intensity after the operation. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists have been used to prevent these adverse effects while the efficacy is still controversial. We evaluated the effectiveness of NMDA receptor antagonists in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic consumption after remifentanil-based anesthesia. ⋯ N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists can prevent the increase of analgesic consumption and pain intensity induced by remifentanil, and it can improve the postoperative satisfaction of patients.
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Review Case Reports
Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy presenting as a rare cause of impaired vision after a general anesthetic-a case report and review of the literature.
Postoperative visual loss from any cause is potentially catastrophic. We present a case of Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy (VHR) as a rare cause of impaired vision after an apparently uneventful general anesthetic. ⋯ Although VHR is considered to be rare, the events and activities with which it is associated are relatively common, both in everyday life and in the operating room. We suggest that the occurrence of VHR after anesthesia and surgery may be more frequent than previously appreciated and make recommendations for further investigations.
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Clinical Trial
Identification of location of nerve catheters using pumping maneuver and M-Mode-a novel technique.
Optimum positioning of the nerve catheter is crucial for a successful nerve block. We present a novel technique for confirmation of catheter position. ⋯ Pumping maneuver and M-Mode can be additional tools in the array of modalities applied to verify proper positioning of a nerve catheter.
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The computer-integrated patient-controlled epidural analgesia (CIPCEA) system can automatically adjust the background infusion rate during combined spinal-epidural analgesia based on the parturient's need, as labor progresses. ⋯ Low successful to total patient demand bolus ratio was the factor with the strongest association with breakthrough pain. Breakthrough pain was also associated with dysfunctional labor and poorer maternal satisfaction.