Minerva anestesiologica
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The techniques of continuous peripheral blockades have shown to be efficient in postoperative pain control, in the various orthopaedic procedures of the limbs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the existing data about the use of a continuous blockade of the lumbar plexus or femoral nerve, together with the indications for technique and therapy. ⋯ The use of continuous blockades of the lumbar plexus or femoral nerve shows to be an important and effective instrument not only in terms of positive effects on postoperative pain control, but also in terms of relevant advantages concerning final outcome after surgery. Nevertheless these techniques should not be considered as the only approach to postoperative pain in the orthopaedic patient, but have to be included in a global, multidisciplinary and multimodal approach.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Sep 2001
Review[Complications related to epidural catheter in caesarean delivery].
A review of complications related to epidural catheters in caesarean delivery is presented. Catheters for prolongation of nerve blocks were first used in 1940s. Thereafter, there has been steady development in the design and plastic material technology of the different catheters. ⋯ Broken parts of the catheters should be left as a rule within the spinal space. Test dose should be always done for continuous epidural anaesthesia. Early diagnosis and prompt appropriate treatment will usually lead to complete resolution of the neurological deficit even in cases of epidural haematoma or abscess.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Sep 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialHypertonic saline solution: a safe alternative to mannitol 18% in neurosurgery.
To evaluate the usefulness of hypertonic saline solutions (HTS) as an alternative to mannitol in neurosurgery. ⋯ HTS can safely be used in humans they obtain a reduction of ICP without reducing CVP, serum osmolality and Na+ serum values. Our data underline the possibility of their use as an alternative to mannitol in the treatment of patients scheduled for intracranial surgery, especially when multiple doses are needed.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Sep 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffects of sevoflurane versus propofol on QT interval.
Prolongation of the QT interval is an alteration of the electrocardiogram (ECG) that may result in a potentially dangerous polymorphic ventricular tachycardia known as torsade de pointes. Michaloudis et al. investigated the effect of isoflurane and halothane on the QT interval in premedicated and non premedicated children, and in premedicated adults. Isoflurane significantly prolonged the QTc interval, in contrast to halothane, which shortened the QTc interval. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sevoflurane on the QT interval in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. ⋯ The amount the sevoflurane-associated QT prolongation may possibly be of clinical significance in some patients presenting long QT syndrome, hypokalemia, or in presence of other agents or factors that lengthen QT.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Sep 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial[Levobupivacaine for peripheral blocks of the lower limb: a clinical comparison with bupivacaine and ropivacaine].
The aim of this study was the comparison of clinical profile of sciatic nerve block performed with either 0,5% levobupivacaine, 0,5% bupivacaine, or 0,5% ropivacaine. ⋯ Using 0,5% levobupivacaine for sciatic nerve block results in similar clinical effects as those produced by using the same volume and concentration of either bupivacaine or ropivacaine.