Anesthesia, essays and researches
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We evaluated the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to lidocaine and bupivacaine for peribulbar block in two different doses. The primary endpoints were the onset and duration of corneal anesthesia, globe akinesia, and duration of analgesia. ⋯ Addition of dexmedetomidine to lidocaine and bupivacaine in peribulbar block shortens the onset time and prolongs the duration of the block and postoperative analgesia. It also provides sedation which enables full cooperation and potentially better operating conditions.
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Morbid obesity magnifies the importance of the fat-blood solubility coefficient of the anesthetic in its relation to emergence and recovery. Using bispectral index (BIS) monitoring for the titration of the administration of inhaled anesthetics such as desflurane may permit a less consumption and more rapid recovery from desflurane anesthesia in morbidly obese patients, which enables earlier maintenance of a patent airway, better protection against aspiration, and better oxygenation. ⋯ The use of BIS monitoring was effective in reducing intraoperative desflurane requirement (cost) and in shortening early recovery times after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients without compromising the hemodynamic stability, adequacy of anesthesia, or patient outcome.
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During induction of general anesthesia hypertension and tachycardia caused by tracheal intubation may lead to cardiac ischemia and arrhythmias. Dexmedetomidine attenuates the hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation and reduces anesthetic requirement. ⋯ Preoperative administration of a single dose of dexmedetomidine blunted the hemodynamic responses during laryngoscopy, and reduced anesthetic requirements.
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A 17-year-old girl was posted for spinal surgery for traumatic spinal injury. The patient was a well-controlled epileptic with history of seizure since 8 years of her age. She was induced with thiopentone sodium and muscle relaxant atracurium was administered. ⋯ Next 24 hours, she was kept on mechanical ventilation. Within 24 hours, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) improved and patient was conscious and extubated. We suggest that the neuromuscular blocking drug contributed to an anaphylactic reaction which might be the cause of cardiac arrest and highlight the importance of prolonged resuscitation and successful outcome in this scenario.
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Review
Improving neurological outcome after cardiac arrest: Therapeutic hypothermia the best treatment.
Cardiac arrest, irrespective of its etiology, has a high mortality. This event is often associated with brain anoxia which frequently causes severe neurological damage and persistent vegetative state. Only one out of every six patients survives to discharge following in-hospital cardiac arrest, whereas only 2-9% of patients who experience out of hospital cardiac arrest survive to go home. ⋯ It has been shown to reduce mortality and has improved neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, hypothermia is underused in critical care units. This manuscript aims to review the mechanism of hypothermia in cardiac arrest survivors and to propose a simple protocol, feasible to be implemented in any critical care unit.