Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Biography Historical ArticleRegional anesthesia: advancing the practice of medicine; the 2008 Gaston Labat Award lecture.
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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
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyComplications associated with eye blocks and peripheral nerve blocks: an american society of anesthesiologists closed claims analysis.
Concern for block-related injury and liability has dissuaded many anesthesiologists from using regional anesthesia for eye and extremity surgery, despite many studies demonstrating the benefits of regional over general anesthesia. To determine injury patterns and liability associated with eye and peripheral nerve blocks, we re-examined the American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims Database as part of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine's Practice Advisory on Neurologic Complications of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. ⋯ Performance of eye blocks by anesthesiologists significantly alters their liability profile, primarily related to permanent eye damage from block needle trauma. Though most peripheral nerve block claims are associated with temporary injuries, local anesthetic toxicity is a major cause of death or brain damage in these claims.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Sep 2008
Review Practice GuidelineRegional anesthesia in anesthetized or heavily sedated patients.
The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) Practice Advisory on Neurologic Complications in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine includes an evidence- and expert opinion-based section on performing procedures on anesthetized or heavily sedated patients. This practice advisory is based on existing scientific literature, pathophysiological principles, and expert opinion. ⋯ The advisory panel also considered whether or not the ability to recognize and report symptoms could actually affect the occurrence of nerve injury or local anesthetic systemic toxicity. The advisory contains recommendations pertaining to both adult and pediatric patients.