British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Efficacy of intravenous magnesium in neuropathic pain.
Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of acute herpes zoster characterized by severe pain and paraesthesia in the skin area affected by the initial infection. There is evidence that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor is involved in the development of hypersensitivity states and it is known that magnesium blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. ⋯ The present study supports the concept that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor is involved in the control of postherpetic neuralgia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effects of a new modified, balanced hydroxyethyl starch preparation (Hextend) on measures of coagulation.
Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) may affect blood coagulation. We studied the effects of a modified, balanced, high-molecular weight [mean molecular weight (MW) 550 kDa], high-substituted [degree of substitution (DS) 0.7] HES preparation (Hextend) on coagulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. ⋯ A modified, balanced high-molecular weight HES with a high degree of substitution (Hextend) adversely affected measures of coagulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, whereas a preparation with a low MW and low DS affected these measures of haemostasis less. Large amounts of RL decreased the coagulation time.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Spinal anaesthesia: comparison of plain ropivacaine 5 mg ml(-1) with bupivacaine 5 mg ml(-1) for major orthopaedic surgery.
Ropivacaine provides effective spinal anaesthesia for total hip arthroplasty. This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of plain ropivacaine with plain bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. ⋯ Intrathecal administration of either 17.5 mg plain ropivacaine or 17.5 mg plain bupivacaine was well tolerated and an adequate block for total hip arthroplasty was achieved in all patients. A more rapid postoperative recovery of sensory and motor function was seen in Group R compared with Group B.
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There is little advice on the posture to be used when intubating the trachea. Does the stance used depend on experience? ⋯ Novice anaesthetists should be given explicit instructions on correct trolley height and should be taught to intubate with a straight back.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The laryngeal tube compared with the laryngeal mask: insertion, gas leak pressure and gastric insufflation.
We have compared the laryngeal tube and laryngeal mask in 22 patients for the success rate of insertion, gas leak pressure and the incidence of gastric insufflation. ⋯ The laryngeal tube provides a better seal in the oropharynx than the laryngeal mask.