Articles: analgesia.
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Biology of the neonate · Jan 1996
Measurement of methemoglobin after EMLA analgesia for newborn circumcision.
A statistically significant (p = 0.049) increase in methemoglobin (MetHb), which did not exceed normal values, was noted 8 h after application of 1 g of EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics) to the foreskin of 10 normal newborns to reduce pain associated with circumcision. The highest MetHb concentration observed was 3 g/l (toxic > 50 g/l). No infant showed clinical signs of methemoglobinemia. We conclude that EMLA is safe to use as a local anesthetic in term neonates.
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Cancer treatment reviews · Jan 1996
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in the domiciliary care of tumour patients.
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was administered in the domiciliary environment in 143 pre-terminally and terminally ill tumour patients suffering either from excruciating chronic pain or severe chronic/acute complex pain that could not be relieved adequately by oral analgesia. Morphine solutions were infused subcutaneously in concentrations between 1% and 3%. The intravenous route was preferred in patients with indwelling catheters or those susceptible to inflammatory skin reactions at the infusion site. ⋯ Thus, with support from an experienced mobile nursing team, PCA can be safely administered in the terminal domiciliary care of tumour patients. PCA is superior to oral analgesia, especially in the treatment of severe oscillating pain. PCA provides adequate pain control in about 96% of patients who are poorly responsive to oral opioids.
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 1996
Acute pain management: evaluation of the effectiveness of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with vascular patients.
A new technique of postoperative analgesia now widely used throughout North America is patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). With this technique, patients manage acute pain by self-administering postoperative IV narcotics. ⋯ This retrospective, descriptive study identifies the demographic characteristics, dosing patterns, and side-effects evident in vascular patients placed on IV morphine PCA following surgery. The results of this study suggest that the use of IVPCA with an older patient group, such as vascular patients, can be successful when implemented as part of a program established and monitored by an Acute Pain Service.