Annales françaises d'anesthèsie et de rèanimation
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Jan 1989
Case Reports[A mistake in the filling of a vaporizer detected by an infrared analyser of halogenated anesthetic agents].
An anaesthetic pitfall related to an incorrectly filled vaporizer, without harmful effects on the patient, is reported. A halothane specific vaporizer has been accidentally partially filled with enflurane. The incident was suspected when the Datex Normac infrared analyser, calibrated for halothane, displayed an inspired concentration of 0.83% v/v, whereas the Dräger Vapor 19 vaporizer dial was set to deliver 0.4% v/v with a fresh gas flow of 2.7 l.min-1 to a circle system. ⋯ It may therefore be possible to detect a vaporizer filling error when the values "measured" by the analyser are not in concordance with those set on the vaporizer. Filling an enflurane vaporizer with halothane is more dangerous, as it results in a high halothane output with a Normac "enflurane" inspired concentration remaining very low. The indexed pin safety system remains the best means of avoiding wrong vaporizer filling.
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Jan 1989
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial[Comparison of nalbuphine and pentazocine in the treatment of postoperative pain by self-administration].
The side-effects of two opioid agonist-antagonists, nalbuphine and pentazocine, were assessed when used for patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. Forty ASA I or II patients scheduled for upper abdominal surgery were randomly allocated to two equal groups. The anaesthetic technique was the same for all the patients: premedication with atropine and diazepam, induction with thiopentone and suxamethonium and maintenance with fentanyl, pancuronium, nitrous oxide and halothane. ⋯ The only parameters significantly different between the two groups were Pasys and PRP, being higher in the pentazocine group. There were no significant differences in the side-effects (drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headache, amnesia, logorrhoea and urine retention). All patients in both groups were satisfied with this technique.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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The discovery of opiate receptors and naturally occurring opiate-like substances in the central nervous system started a new era in pain control. Epidural and spinal opiates have been increasingly used since 1979. However, applying these analgesic techniques in obstetrics has been criticized because of possible side-effects on the mother and foetus. ⋯ The choice of a lipid-soluble opiate like fentanyl is safe. However, when considering new drugs, great care must be taken to avoid unforeseen problems. A good knowledge of the problem and a cautious approach combined with careful monitoring of the respiratory rate and adequacy of ventilation are the keys to the safe use of spinal and epidural opiates.
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Jan 1989
Review[Treatment of malignant hyperthermia crisis during anesthesia].
Malignant hyperthermia (MH), triggered by anaesthesia, is a rare and potentially fatal condition. It requires immediate and specific treatment. This review focuses on anticipation and organisation of treatment. ⋯ A rational approach to the treatment of hyperkalaemia, circulatory and renal failure is discussed. After the crisis, dantrolene should be continued for a short time. Finally, the nonspecific signs which can give the earliest diagnosis possible of MH are discussed: an early diagnosis and early treatment with dantrolene are essential in reducing the mortality of malignant hyperthermia.