Anesthesiology
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This study tests the hypothesis that loss of spinal activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) contributes to the allodynia and hyperalgesia observed after peripheral nerve injury. ⋯ Pharmacologic inhibition of intrinsic GABA tone in normal rats resulted in tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, consistent with the hypothesis being tested. Exogenous administration of GABA agonists reversed spinal nerve ligation-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia, also consistent with this hypothesis. Isoguvacine produced specific antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects, whereas assessment of the effects of baclofen was complicated by motor dysfunction. Spinal GABAA agonists may provide a specific therapy for neuropathic pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Utility of whole blood hemostatometry using the clot signature analyzer for assessment of hemostasis in cardiac surgery.
A hemostatic monitor capable of rapid, accurate detection of clinical coagulopathy within the operating room could improve management of bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The Clot Signature Analyzer is a hemostatometer that measures global hemostasis in whole blood. The authors hypothesized that point-of-care hemostatometry could detect a clinical coagulopathic state in cardiac surgical patients. ⋯ The Clot Signature Analyzer CITF detects a clinical coagulopathic state after CPB and is independently predictive of the need for hemostatic transfusion. Hemostatometry has potential utility for monitoring hemostasis in cardiac surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effects of clonidine on postoperative nausea and vomiting in breast cancer surgery.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is still common, especially among female patients. Our hypothesis is that coinduction with clonidine reduces the incidence of PONV in adult patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. ⋯ Coinduction with clonidine significantly increased the number of PONV-free patients after breast cancer surgery with general anesthesia.