Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of epidural methylprednisolone acetate injection on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
To evaluate the effect of an epidural corticosteroid injection of 80 mg and 40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and on back pain. ⋯ Epidural corticosteroid injection of methylprednisolone acetate in both groups was associated with very high rates of secondary adrenal insufficiency, but significantly more so in Group 1 at week one. This suppression was transient, with recovery of the gland in most patients noted over the ensuing weeks. An epidural corticosteroid injection of 80 mg had higher rates of favorable clinical response than a 40 mg injection, but significantly more so at week 4 only. This favorable response waned over a few weeks in both groups.
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Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is a rare disorder characterized by cartilaginous or ossified submucosal nodules that project into the tracheobronchial lumen. It is typically discovered in the evaluation of chronic upper respiratory symptoms. A case of a completely asymptomatic man diagnosed with extensive disease throughout his upper airway after unanticipated difficult endotracheal intubation for elective surgery, is presented.
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Clinical Trial
Effects of aging and propofol on the cardiovascular component of the autonomic nervous system.
To determine the combined effects of aging and propofol on autonomic nervous system activity using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. ⋯ Propofol and aging act in synergy to depress the activity of the cardiovascular component of the autonomic nervous system. However, a compensatory increase in sympathetic outflow was seen in young patients. Such counterbalance was not observed in the older group.
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Case Reports
Refractory hypotension during spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery due to undiagnosed pheochromocytoma.
Profound hypotension and resistance to conventional vasopressor therapy following administration of spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery occurred in a multiparous parturient. Postpartum evaluation for secondary hypertension showed a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytoma was mistaken for preeclampsia with significant vasopressor requirement to treat hypotension from spinal anesthesia. If pheochromocytoma is diagnosed during pregnancy and Cesarean delivery is required, spinal anesthesia may not be the optimal choice of anesthesia.