International journal of clinical practice
-
The study was designed to investigate the effects of simultaneously combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia in elderly patients and to evaluate the problems encountered during and after performing spinal block following epidural blockade. Nineteen ASA grade III elderly patients (mean age 75.8 years) were included in the study. The first 10 patients (group 1) were given 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 2 ml (10 mg) and fentanyl 0.25 ml (12.5 microg) intrathecally. ⋯ The highest sensory block was achieved at T6 and T9 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. None of the patients experienced respiratory depression, sedation, vomiting, shivering or headache. In conclusion, simultaneous combination of subarachnoid and epidural blockade may provide sufficient anaesthesia with fewer complications.
-
Intermittent claudication, the most common symptomatology of peripheral arterial disease, is characterised by lower-extremity discomfort induced by exercise and relieved by rest. The most serious potential outcome of the condition is increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, with which it is often associated, thus prompt diagnosis and management are crucial. Therapy consists of structured exercise and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, followed by or together with pharmacological interventions with anticlaudicants (cilostazol or pentoxifylline) and specific antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel). Revascularisation procedures are indicated in those with limb-threatening or lifestyle disabling disease.
-
A case of a child with acute cerebellar ataxia associated with chickenpox virus infection is described. Acute cerebellar ataxia associated with chickenpox is a well-recognised complication and the pertinent features of this condition are discussed.