European journal of anaesthesiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A double-blind study of axillary brachial plexus block by 0.75% ropivacaine or 2% mepivacaine.
Axillary brachial plexus block using 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine or 2% mepivacaine was compared in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study of two groups of 15 patients. The times to onset of sensory and motor block and to resolution of motor block, as well as the time to onset and degree of post-operative pain were recorded by an observer blinded to the identity of drug. ⋯ Nine patients who received ropivacaine and two patients who received mepivacaine did not require further post-operative analgesia (P < 0.05). Ropivacaine is less toxic than other long-acting local anaesthetics, and 0.75% ropivacaine may be better for brachial plexus block when fast onset is required and prolonged pain relief is useful.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Cardiovascular responses, arterial oxygen saturation and plasma catecholamine concentration during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using conscious sedation with midazolam or propofol.
Hypoventilation as a consequence of deep intravenous sedation is the most frequently reported cause of cardiac arrest during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE). Haemodynamic stress can contribute to myocardial ischaemia; therefore, this study was designed to observe prospectively the cardiorespiratory changes during UGIE using either midazolam or propofol for conscious sedation. Thirty-four patients, aged 50 years and older, ASA physical status I-III, scheduled for elective UGIE with sedation, were studied. ⋯ In addition, plasma catecholamine concentrations were determined. The results of this study are consistent with previous reports that cardiopulmonary events may occur during endoscopy, with or without sedation. Both midazolam and propofol sedation may provide some protection against haemodynamic stress in response to insertion and manipulation of the endoscope, but sedation can also contribute to the occurrence of hypoxaemia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Cardiovascular effects of Org 9487 under isoflurane anaesthesia in man.
The cardiovascular effects of Org 9487 during isoflurane anaesthesia have been evaluated using three doses around its ED90 for neuromuscular blockade, i.e. 1 mg kg-1, 2 mg kg-1 and 3 mg kg-1. Heart rate increased to 110%, 115% and 118% in patients receiving 1 mg kg-1, 2 mg kg-1 and 3 mg kg-1 respectively. There were no significant effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressures for the two lower dose groups. ⋯ Six patients experienced a transient increase in airway pressure after administration of Org 9487, which was accompanied by a decrease in oxygen saturation in two out of six subjects, but there was no audible wheezing. These episodes were self-limiting and required no treatment. There were no other adverse reactions to this drug during this study.
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Fifty-five consecutive patients undergoing a short-stay ophthalmic operation (orbital hydroxyapatite implantation) were recruited over 1 year to assess the frequency and duration of post-operative nausea and vomiting over 7 days. The incidence of nausea and vomiting in hospital was recorded. Patients scored their nausea and vomiting four times daily at home. ⋯ However, there was a statistically significant correlation between nausea and pain. The high incidence of nausea and vomiting observed in this study appears to provide additional evidence of an oculo-emetic reflex. The timing of discharge and appropriate patient education are discussed.
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An audit of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was undertaken in 935 female patients who used morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain relief after major gynaecological operations in a district general hospital. We investigated retrospectively five different antiemetic policies and a reference group without policy from January 1993 to July 1995. The department's computerized audit system was used to analyse the observations. ⋯ This emphasizes the importance of corporate involvement in the development, formulation and evaluation of departmental protocols if compliance is to be high. We conclude that audit as a corporate effort improves the acceptance of departmental protocols. This reduces PONV significantly irrespective of the type of antiemetic drug used.