Annales françaises d'anesthèsie et de rèanimation
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Jan 1994
[In vitro effects of the alkalinization of 0.25% bupivacaine and 2% lidocaine].
Recent clinical studies have suggested that alkalinization of local anaesthetic agents may shorten the onset time and lengthen their duration of action. In clinical practice, sodium bicarbonate 1.4 and 4.2% are often added to local anaesthetic agents to obtain these effects. We evaluated pH changes of 4 local anaesthetic solutions commonly used for obstetrical epidural anaesthesia, in order to develop titration curves with sodium bicarbonate 1.4 and 4.2%. ⋯ Increasing volumes of sodium bicarbonate, buffered the acidic effect of sodium bisulfite present in solutions containing epinephrine, and increased the percentage of the free form of local anaesthetic to the level of epinephrine free solutions. From this pH point upwards, the gain is poor and precipitates are generated. This study suggests that 1 mL of 4.2% sodium bicarbonate for 10 mL of local anaesthetic solution is the best theorical choice for alkalinization of a local anaesthetic associated with epinephrine.
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Jan 1994
[Lack of sensitivity to per-anesthetic malignant hyperthermia in 32 patients who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome].
The aim of this study was to verify whether a relationship exists between neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and anaesthetic-induced malignant hyperthermia (MH) or not. The in vitro halothane-caffeine tests were performed on muscle tissue obtained from 32 patients with documented NMS episodes. The diagnosis of NMS relied on Levenson's criteria. ⋯ Three patients were classified as MH equivocal. These findings demonstrate the lack of any link between NMS and MH. Therefore, patients with a history of NMS are not likely to be at risk of developing MH and special measures against MH are not required for anaesthesia in these patients.
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Ann Fr Anesth Reanim · Jan 1994
Case Reports[Difficult intubation: nasotracheal tube cuff inflation as an aid to difficult intubation].
A case is reported of an unexpected difficult nasotracheal intubation for respiratory distress syndrome in a 72-yr-old obese woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After positioning the tip of the tracheal tube in the oropharynx, direct laryngoscopy did not allow exposure neither of the glottis nor of the corniculate cartilages. Fibreoptic tracheal intubation was decided. ⋯ A recent prospective and randomized study has shown that tracheal tube cuff inflation in the oropharynx is effective in improving the success rate of blind nasotracheal intubation in paralysed patients with normal pharyngeal anatomy. Only case reports have shown the efficacy of tracheal tube cuff inflation in the pharynx as an aid to difficult blind nasotracheal intubation in emergency. Further controlled studies in this area would be valuable.
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Interpleural analgesia, a recently devised method for postoperative analgesia, consists of the injection of a local anaesthetic into the pleural space. The technique of the catheter insertion is simple and derived from the threadening of an epidural catheter, using the same equipment. An unilateral analgesia is obtained with a rapid onset but not efficient enough for a surgical procedure. ⋯ Lidocaine may also be administered at the dose of 2 mg.kg-1 of a 2% solution. Main indications of interpleural analgesia are cholecystectomies and thorax trauma patients. Adverse effects and hazards are uncommon and include mainly pneumothorax and toxic effects of a local anaesthetic overdose.
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Total intravenous anaesthesia using propofol is indicated in the following cases: patients with a previous history of postoperative nausea or vomiting; surgery of the middle ear; gynaecological procedures involving laparotomy; ENT and squint surgery in children. Up to now, the relationship between the clinical benefit (less incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting) and intrinsec anti-emetic properties of propofol is not included in the regulatory labelling.