British journal of anaesthesia
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The effect of tubocurarine and pancuronium on the initiation or prevention of porcine malignant hyperthermia (MH) was investigated in Pietrain pigs. Tubocurarine 0.6 mg/kg body weight inhibited a suxamethonium-induced response in three pigs, but failed to prevent a fatal halothane-induced response in a further four pigs. ⋯ Three animals developed MH and died; the remainder succembed only after reversal of the neuromuscular blockade. The partial protection afforded by large doses of pancuronium is discussed in relation to the ability of previous muscle activity to influence the sensitivity to halothane.
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Comparative Study
A comparison of some cardiorespiratory effects of althesin and ketamine when used for induction of anaesthesia in patients with cardiac disease.
Cardiorespiratory effects of ketamine and Althesin were measured in two groups of premedicated patients with cardiac disease. The drugs were given in clinically equivalent doses with a second dose administered about 10 min after induction. The first dose of ketamine caused a marked increase in systemic and pulmonary arterial pressure, heart rate, and central venous and wedge pressures and cardiac index. ⋯ The second dose of induction agent was administered before the cardiorespiratory effects of the initial dose had resolved. The second dose of Althesin caused changes similar to those following the first dose, but less marked. The changes following the second dose of ketamine were opposite to those following the first dose.
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This paper gives an account of a book of lecture notes taken by a medical student who attended Simpson's course during 1848-9. The notes include an early account of the use of chloroform in midwifery, and describe the obstetric practice of the period as taught by Simpson.