Regional anesthesia
-
Regional anesthesia · May 1996
Comparative StudyPsychological characteristics of reflex sympathetic dystrophy versus myofascial pain syndromes.
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) has sometimes been hypothesized to derive from a unique psychological predisposition because of its enigmatic features, as well as the profound behavioral and emotional characteristics manifested by some patients. This study compares the psychological characteristics of RSD and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) patients to discern the extent of any aspects unique to RSD. ⋯ With only a few exceptions, RSD and MPS patients appear comparable with respect to a wide range of demographic, clinical, and psychological functioning indices. A specific psychological profile, uniquely neurotic or otherwise, has yet to be demonstrated in terms of any etiologic or maintenance factors in RSD.
-
Regional anesthesia · May 1996
Nitric oxide synthesis inhibition enhances bupivacaine cardiotoxicity.
There is evidence that local anesthetic-induced seizures may be mediated by receptors for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) which activate production of nitric oxide (NO). The objective of this study was to determine the effects, if any, of inhibition of NO synthesis on the responses of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems to bupivacaine. ⋯ These results suggest that NO synthase inhibition by L-NAME enhances the cardiac toxicity of bupivacaine, probably by a pharmacokinetic action, and reduces its central nervous system toxicity, probably by a pharmacodynamic action.
-
Regional anesthesia · May 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of morphine with and without fentanyl for epidural analgesia after major abdominal surgery.
The study compared bolus injection of fentanyl versus morphine to supplement epidural infusion of morphine for pain relief after major abdominal surgery. ⋯ When fentanyl is added continuously to epidural morphine, the resulting higher total serum levels of opioids during prolonged treatment may increase the risk of respiratory depression. Combining the two opioids for the loading dose, however, may be valuable to shorten the onset time of analgesia.