Journal of clinical anesthesia
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The efficacy of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been demonstrated in several meta-analyses and it is increasingly being used in clinical practice. However, its mechanism of action is still not fully elucidated. Although initial anatomical studies have suggested the spread of the injectate into the paravertebral space as the main mechanism of action, more recent studies have not consistently demonstrated this. This systematic review was conducted to determine the overall proportion and extent of injectate spread following a thoracic ESPB. ⋯ Based on this study, the thoracic ESPB consistently led to injectate spread into the ESP compartment but less reliable spread into the PVS, ES and ICS compartments. There is also preliminary evidence that an increased time to assessment may be associated with an increased spread of injectate into the PVS.
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage and lavage are reported to reduce drug exposure after inadvertant intrathecal drug administration errors. This reviews aims to provide recommendations for this salvage technique, with regard to methodology, effectiveness and adverse events. ⋯ This review shows that CSF drainage or lavage leads to intrathecal drug removal, but it is unsure if this intervention leads to improved overall patient outcome. Based on aggregated data from case reports, we provide recommendations that may guide clinicians. The risk-benefit ratio should be weighed on a case-to-case basis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Hypotension duration and vasopressor requirements following intrathecal oxytocin for Total hip arthroplasty: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
A recent publication investigating intrathecal oxytocin, 100 μg, administered immediately prior to a spinal anesthetic in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty surgery demonstrated a reduction in disability for 3-weeks, increased walking distance at 8-weeks, and earlier opioid cessation. This secondary analysis study was undertaken to assess the acute cardiovascular safety and analgesic efficacy of intrathecal oxytocin in this study population. ⋯ Compared to saline control, intrathecal oxytocin, 100 μg did not increase the duration of hypotension or vasopressor requirements in patients during total hip arthroplasty. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy: Lack of hypotension from intrathecal oxytocin in this study supports future investigations to further explore its potential benefits, in terms of both analgesia and functional recovery following surgery.
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We sought to determine changes in continuous mean and systolic blood pressure and heart rate in a cohort of non-cardiac surgical patients recovering on the postoperative ward. Furthermore, we estimated the proportion of vital signs changes that would remain undetected with intermittent vital signs checks. ⋯ Substantial hemodynamic disturbances persisted despite implementing continuous portable ward monitoring coupled with nursing alarms and interventions. A significant proportion of these changes would have gone undetected using traditional intermittent monitoring. Better understanding of effective responses to alarms and appropriate interventions on hospital wards remains necessary.