Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Review Meta AnalysisPregabalin as a treatment for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a meta-analysis.
Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is an increasingly prevalent disorder that is best managed through a multimodal approach. We examined the effects of pregabalin on pain control, sleep disturbance, and the patient's global impression of change (PGIC) for the treatment of this disorder. ⋯ Pregabalin has significant effects on the pain associated with DPN as well as secondary endpoints that affect patients' quality of life.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Biography Historical ArticleCentennial of intravenous regional anesthesia. Bier's Block (1908-2008).
The surgeon August Gustav Bier significantly influenced surgery, general medicine, and especially anesthesia. He was the father of spinal anesthesia (1898) and intravenous regional anesthesia (1908). ⋯ On the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the first use of intravenous regional anesthesia it is appropriate to recall Bier's contribution to the repertoire of anesthesiologists. The evolutionary history of both the injected drugs and the refinements of the technique are elaborated upon.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Comment Letter Case ReportsEight ball, corner pocket ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block: avoiding a scratch.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
ReviewPathophysiology of peripheral nerve injury during regional anesthesia.
Despite attention to technical details in performance of regional anesthetics, damage to nerves continues to be a concern. Understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms may aid in decreasing the incidence and severity of such injuries. ⋯ The relative importance of these pathogenic factors in cases of nerve injury after regional anesthesia is not resolved.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Case ReportsLong-axis ultrasound imaging of the nerves and advancement of perineural catheters under direct vision: a preliminary report of four cases.
Ultrasound allows visualization of in plane needle insertion toward a nerve and the perineural spread of local anesthetic (LA) solution. However, advancement and final positioning of perineural catheters is difficult to visualize. We assessed the feasibility of long axis nerve scans for controlling perineural catheter placement. ⋯ This short case series suggests that long axis imaging of the nerve, the needle, and the catheter allows visualization of a catheter's advancement. Using to-and-fro movements, and slight rotation the needle's bevel, the catheter may be maneuvered under the ultrasound beam, which facilitates correct positioning.