Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Jan 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of magnesium sulfate on neuromuscular function and spontaneous breathing during sevoflurane and spinal anesthesia.
The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4)) on the neuromuscular function and spontaneous breathing of patients under sevoflurane and spinal anesthesia. Twenty-two patients with a history of arrhythmia undergoing elective knee surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: group M (n = 11), administered with MgSO(4) 40 mg.kg(-1), and group S (n = 11), administered with saline. A combination of spinal anesthesia with 2% sevoflurane inhalation was applied to all patients under spontaneous breathing. ⋯ The VT: , RR, and ET(CO) (2) showed little change in either group, and there was no significant difference between, the groups. The single-twitch response showed significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.0006). The present study indicated that the MgSO(4) had a minimal effect on spontaneous breathing in patients undergoing sevoflurane and spinal anaesthesia, but that it attenuated the safety margin of neuromuscular function.
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Cerebral injury following cardiac surgery continues to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. A spectrum of injuries ranging from subtle neurocognitive dysfunction to fatal strokes are caused by a complex series of multifactorial mechanisms. Protecting the brain from these injuries has focused on intervening on each of the various etiologic factors. Although numerous studies have focused on a pharmacologic solution, more success has been found with nonpharmacologic strategies, including optimal temperature management and reducing emboli generation.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jan 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEfficacy of a heat and moisture exchanger in inhalation anesthesia at two different flow rates.
In general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, a circle system with a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) and a low total flow is often used to prevent hypothermia and to maintain inspired gas humidity. The purpose of the present study was to compare the inspired gas humidity and body temperature, in general anesthesia with or without an HME at two different total flow rates. Eighty patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] I or II) scheduled to undergo either orthopedic or head and neck surgery were studied. ⋯ Group 4L had significantly lower absolute humidity than group 2L. The pharyngeal temperature did not decrease significantly for 2 h in any of the groups. During general anesthesia with a total flow of 2 lxmin(-1) in 2 h, HME might not be necessary, while with a total flow of 4 lxmin(-1), HME could be useful to maintain inspired gas humidity.
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We report a case of pneumocephalus during continuous epidural infusion. A 52-year-old malnourished man with rectal cancer had been treated with continuous epidural block for the relief of pain in the left thigh. Eleven days after catheter insertion, a dull, persistent headache occurred in the frontal region, and it worsened gradually. ⋯ The catheter was removed and the patient maintained bed-rest. The headache disappeared 2 days later. It is speculated that the air was sucked in through the space along the epidural catheter.