British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of different doses of remifentanil on the cardiovascular response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
We have compared three bolus and infusion regimens of remifentanil on the cardiovascular response to laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation in three groups of 20 ASA I-II female patients, in a randomized, double-blind study. Patients in group 1 received glycopyrolate 200 micrograms i.v. followed by a bolus dose of remifentanil 1 microgram kg-1 over 30 s and an infusion of remifentanil at a rate of 0.5 microgram kg-1 min-1. The other patients received remifentanil 0.5 microgram kg-1 over 30 s and an infusion of 0.25 microgram kg-1 min-1 with (group 2) or without (group 3) pretreatment with glycopyrrolate 200 micrograms. ⋯ Baseline heart rate was similar in all groups, but decreased in group 3 (no glycopyrrolate) after induction and remained significantly lower after intubation compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Heart rate and arterial pressure increased slightly after intubation in each group but there were no significant differences in mean arterial pressure between groups at any time. The incidence of bradycardia (one patient in group 2) and hypotension (two patients in groups 1 and 2 and three patients in group 3) was low.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Wound infiltration with bupivacaine after surgery to the cervical spine using a posterior approach.
We have compared pain scores, morphine consumption and duration of stay for 50 adults who underwent elective cervical spine surgery via a posterior incision in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. During wound closure, the paravertebral muscles and subcutaneous tissues were infiltrated with 40 ml of saline (control) or 0.25% bupivacaine. There were no significant differences in pain scores, morphine consumption or duration of stay between groups. In view of the potential risks of wound infiltration in the cervical region, we consider that this practice should be abandoned.
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We describe three histaminoid reactions occurring on induction of anaesthesia. The patients were all resuscitated successfully and subsequent skin testing suggested sensitivity to rocuronium. ⋯ This may be coincidental but suggests that there should be close monitoring of the incidence of reactions to rocuronium. Review of the cases suggests that current guidelines on management are not always followed.
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Tension pneumocephalus has been reported most frequently after posterior fossa surgery performed in the sitting position. We present a paediatric patient who developed tension pneumocephalus in the postoperative period after decompression of a craniopharyngioma performed with the patient in the supine position.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Pain on injection of rocuronium: influence of two doses of lidocaine pretreatment.
We have assessed the incidence of pain on injection of rocuronium and evaluated if pretreatment with lidocaine i.v. reduced it, in a randomized, controlled study in 90 patients. We found that 37% of patients who received lidocaine 10 mg pretreatment had pain on injection of rocuronium compared with 77% of patients who received saline pretreatment and 7% of patients who were pretreated with lidocaine 30 mg (P < 0.05 in each instance compared with control). In addition, patients pretreated with lidocaine were less likely to suffer moderate or severe pain. Both lidocaine 10 mg and 30 mg i.v. given before administration of rocuronium significantly reduced the incidence and severity of pain on injection of rocuronium, and the higher dose was more effective.