Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Onset of action between bupivacaine 0.5% and bupivacaine 0.5% plus fentanyl 75 mcg.
This study tested the hypothesis that the addition of fentanyl 75 mcg to bupivacaine 0.5% at the onset of epidural anesthesia for cesarean section reduces the onset time for T4 sensory blockade. The study was conducted in a randomized, double-blind fashion. The same observer performed sensory testing using pain to pinprick. ⋯ For group 1, the mean times for sensory loss at T7, T6, T5, and T4 were 13.1 +/- 3.8 minutes, 15.0 +/- 4.0 minutes, 16.9 +/- 4.3 minutes, and 19.3 +/- 4.9 minutes, respectively; for group 2, the mean times were 8.1 +/- 0.9 minutes, 9.9 +/- 1.1 minutes, 11.3 +/- 1.5 minutes, and 12.7 +/- 2.0 minutes, respectively. Two-factor analysis of variance between groups 1 and 2 showed a significant difference (p less than 0.0001), representing a 35% reduction of mean onset time. The coefficient of variation of the mean onset times for group 1 subjects was 26.6% +/- 1.7% and for group 2 subjects 12.7% +/- 2.2% (p less than 0.001), representing a 50% reduction in between-subject variation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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The modern version of the crystalloid-colloid debate has continued for more than 25 years, and a current appraisal of the debate is presented here. Although the effect of crystalloids and colloids on intravascular volume is important, their effect on interstitial fluid volume after hemorrhage and hemorrhagic shock is central to the debate. ⋯ The problems of pulmonary and peripheral edema also are presented, as is an appraisal of adverse reactions to colloids together with a cost comparison of crystalloids and colloids. The results of a survey of attitudes at the major Australian anesthetic departments are given, and a personal approach to fluids in resuscitation is outlined.
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Review Case Reports
Fetal surgery and general anesthesia: a case report and review.
Fetal surgery, in utero, is now a viable option for some congenital conditions due to recent advances in ultrasound and microsurgical technology. Previous reports of anesthesia for such procedures have focused on spinal or epidural conduction techniques. ⋯ In addition to maternal anesthesia, general anesthesia can provide fetal neuromuscular block (without direct fetal injection of blocking agents) and uterine relaxation. It may also blunt fetal response to surgical stimulation.
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This is a population-based study of the safety of obstetrical anesthesia in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts between 1954 and 1985. We used data collected by the state Committee on Maternal Mortality, which was founded in 1941. There were a total of 37 maternal deaths during the study period due to anesthetic-related complications. ⋯ During the second decade, cardiovascular collapse associated with regional anesthesia was the primary cause of death. During the last decade of this study, all deaths were associated with general endotracheal anesthesia. As a result of this study and having identified the changes in the standard of care in Massachusetts that led to the reduction in maternal mortality, we offer recommendations to further improve the safety of anesthesia for childbirth in this country.
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The influence of increasing doses of propofol (from 6 to 12 mg/kg/h by continuous infusion) on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was studied in 10 patients prior to thoracic surgery. All patients were intubated with a left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube. Initial anesthesia and muscle relaxation were accomplished by administering fentanyl, droperidol, and pancuronium. ⋯ There was no change in any respiratory or circulatory variables except systemic vascular resistance, which decreased significantly immediately after the propofol infusion commenced but returned to control values 15 min later for the rest of the observation period. After reestablishing two-lung ventilation, all variables did not differ from control values. In all patients, the hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction reflex was present after institution of one-lung ventilation and was not abolished after administration of propofol in doses from 6 to 12 mg/kg/h.