Articles: nerve-block.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Jul 2019
Clinical TrialPerfusion index and ultrasonography in the evaluation of infraclavicular block.
It has been reported that noninvasive, objective tests are needed for determining the success of peripheral nerve blocks because conventional methods necessitate the cooperation of the patient. It is also known that the brachial plexus block causes vasodilatation and an increase in blood flow due to its sympathectomy effect. Our study aimed to determine whether Perfusion Index (PI) and measured regional hemodynamic changes using ultrasound were reliable parameters in evaluating the early success of an infraclavicular block. ⋯ Changes in EDV, especially RI and PI, provide more effective and objective results for the assessment of early regional block success.
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The rate of chronic migraine (CM) has been shown to be 20% or greater in the post 9/11 combat veteran population with a history of traumatic brain injury, while the rate is much lower at 3-5% in the general population. Studies have shown that medications such as oral topiramate or intramuscular injections of onabotulinum toxin A (Botox) have been used for CM prevention, and occipital blocks have been shown to be helpful in treating occipital neuralgia and short-term relief of CM. However, there are no known studies that have specifically evaluated the use of Botox and occipital blocks for reducing headache frequency in the US veteran population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using occipital blocks and Botox as dual therapy for reducing headache frequency in post 9/11 combat veterans with CM, occipital neuralgia, and a history of TBI or neck trauma. ⋯ This study evaluated the effectiveness of using occipital blocks and Botox as dual therapy for reducing headache frequency for post 9/11 combat veterans with CM, occipital neuralgia, and a history of TBI or neck trauma. Results revealed a statistically significant reduction in the number of headache days per month after the dual therapy. There were multiple limitations to the study to include a small sample size, lack of a control group, self-reported headaches for only 1 month pre-and post-treatment, and no control for other interventions or events which may have influenced the outcome. There is a strong need for randomized, double blinded, placebo- controlled studies involving dual therapy in this population. This study, though small, may be helpful in stimulating additional studies and treatments in this veteran population.
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Case Reports
Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia in a pediatric patient.
The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a newly described block providing successful, safe, and long-lasting analgesia with the guidance of ultrasound. The QLB allows local anesthetic to spread posterior to the quadratus lumborum muscle and expand beyond the middle layer of the thoracolumbar fascia and paravertebral space. We present our experience with the use of an unilateral QLB to provide postoperative analgesia in a 3-year-old pediatric patient weighing 14 kg who underwent a unilateral inguinal hernia repair. His family was satisfied with the general status and pain cessation in the patient.
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Postoperative pain remains a major challenge following immediate breast reconstruction with 40% of patients experiencing acute pain and up to 60% developing chronic pain. Paravertebral blocks (PVB's) have emerged as a promising adjunct to standard analgesic protocols. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of PVB's in immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy. ⋯ The present study offers one of the largest retrospective cohort studies to date evaluating the utility of PVB's in immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy. We demonstrate that, PVB's in immediate breast reconstruction are associated with reductions in postoperative pain, narcotic usage and length of stay in PACU, but are associated with delays to the start time of the case. Anesthesiologists, plastic surgeons and hospital administrators must continue to work together to ensure this important and necessary service is administered in an efficient and cost effective manner.