Anesthesiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Relative analgesic potencies of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine for epidural analgesia in labor.
The minimum local analgesic concentration has been defined as the median effective local analgesic concentration (EC50) in a 20-ml volume for epidural analgesia in the first stage of labor. The aim of this study was to assess the relative analgesic potencies of epidural levobupivacaine and ropivacaine by determination of their respective minimum local analgesic concentrations. ⋯ This study demonstrated that levobupivacaine and ropivacaine are of similar potency for epidural analgesia in the first stage of labor.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Epsilon-aminocaproic acid in coronary artery bypass graft surgery: preincision or postheparin?
Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (epsilon-ACA), an antifibrinolytic agent, is used in cardiac surgery to decrease postoperative bleeding. Theoretical concerns exist about the potential for epsilon-ACA to contribute to thrombotic complications. For this reason epsilon-ACA administration is sometimes delayed until after heparinization. This study investigated the impact of the timing of epsilon-ACA administration on its efficacy. ⋯ Epsilon-ACA produces a reduction in chest tube drainage in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This effect is similar whether the drug is given prior to incision or following anticoagulation. Given the similar hemostatic efficacy and the theoretical potential for thrombotic complications, it may be prudent to administer epsilon-ACA following anticoagulation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A randomized sequential allocation study to determine the minimum effective analgesic concentration of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine in patients receiving epidural analgesia for labor.
This study was designed to determine and compare the minimum local analgesic concentrations of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine when used in epidural obstetric analgesia. ⋯ Levobupivacaine was 19% more potent than ropivacaine and provided similar safety results.