Summary

Background and objective: Difficult intubation in obstetric units has been identified as a major contributory factor to anaesthesia related maternal morbidity and mortality. Availability of equipment for management of a difficult airway is associated with reduced maternal complications. The purpose of our survey was to describe the availability of difficult airway equipment in Irish Obstetric Units.

Methods: A telephone survey was conducted in which all respondents were asked whether they housed basic airway equipment, alternative ventilation and alternative intubation equipment within or close to their obstetric unit.

Results: The most important finding of this study is that all the obstetric units in Ireland hold at least one alternative device for both ventilation and intubation. The most common alternative ventilation device was the laryngeal mask airway and the most common alternative intubating device was the surgical airway device.

Conclusions: Irish Obstetric Units are well equipped according to the international guidelines for difficult intubation equipment. However, we believe that this situation could be further improved by training inexperienced anaesthetists in the use of the Intubating Laryngeal Mask and by the increased use of portable trolleys.

Summary

Background and objective: We conducted a prospective randomized study to evaluate whether the duration of action of a single bolus dose of rocuronium is influenced by maintenance of anaesthesia with sevoflurane, desflurane or propofol infusion.

Methods: Fifty-seven ASA I–II patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were enrolled in this study. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopental 3–5 mg kg−1 or propofol 2.5 mg kg−1 and fentanyl 5 μg kg−1 and tracheal intubation was facilitated with rocuronium 0.9 mg kg−1. Thereafter patients were randomly allocated to three different groups to receive sevoflurane, desflurane or propofol for maintenance of anaesthesia. Recovery of neuromuscular function was monitored by single twitch stimulation of the ulnar nerve and by recording the adductor pollicis response using accelerometry. Intergroup recovery times to 5% of control value of single twitch were analysed using analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction.

Results: The mean (95% confidence interval) recovery time to 5% of control value of single twitch during desflurane anaesthesia was 90.18 (86.11–94.25) min. Significantly shorter recovery times were observed during sevoflurane or propofol anaesthesia, 58.86 (54.73–62.99) min and 51.11 (45.47–56.74) min, respectively (P < 0.001). There were also significant differences in the recovery time between groups receiving desflurane vs. sevoflurane (P < 0.001) and desflurane vs. propofol (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Desflurane anaesthesia significantly prolongs the duration of action of rocuronium at 0.9 mg kg−1 single bolus dose, compared to sevoflurane or propofol anaesthesia maintenance regimens.

Summary

Background and objective: To evaluate the feasibility of an abbreviated focus assessed transthoracic echocardiographic protocol, consisting of four standardized acoustic views for cardiopulmonary screening and monitoring.

Methods: The protocol was applied in 210 patients in a 20-bed multidisciplinary intensive care unit in a university hospital. When inconclusive, an additional transoesophageal echocardiographic examination was performed. Diagnosis, indication, acoustic window, position and value were recorded. Significant pathology, load, dimensions and contractility were assessed.

Results: Two-hundred-and-thirty-three transthoracic and four transoesophageal echoes were performed. The protocol provided usable images of the heart in 97% of the patients, 58% subcostal, 80% apical and 69% parasternal. Images through one window were obtainable in 23%, through two windows in 41% and through three windows in 34%. In 227 patients (97.4%) the focus assessed echo protocol contributed positively. In 24.5% of cases the information was decisive, in 37.3% supplemental and in 35.6% supportive.

Conclusions: By means of an abbreviated, focus assessed transthoracic echo protocol it is feasible to visualize the haemodynamic determinants for assessment and optimization. One or more useful images are obtainable in 97% of critically ill patients.

Summary

Background and objective: Epidural blocks should provide good analgesia for the treatment of chronic low back pain without any motor block to allow active physiotherapy. Epidural ropivacaine is known to produce less motor block compared to bupivacaine at anaesthetic concentrations. This prospective, randomized double blind study compares the analgesic, motor block, and haemodynamic effects of single shot epidural injections of ropivacaine 0.2% 10 mL with bupivacaine 0.125% in outpatients suffering from chronic low back pain.

Methods: Forty patients were assigned to receive either ropivacaine 0.2% (n = 20) or bupivacaine 0.125% (n = 20) within a series of eight single shot epidural blocks.

Results: Thirty-six patients received either ropivacaine 0.2% (n = 18) or bupivacaine 0.125% (n = 18) within a series of eight single shot epidural blocks. Both groups showed no significant differences either in analgesia, or in motor blockade or haemodynamic changes. Thus ropivacaine 0.2% did not reduce the incidence of motor block (9.0% of patients with motor block Bromage scores 1, 2 or 3 in ropivacaine or bupivacaine). The combination of repeated epidural analgesia and physiotherapy reduced the median pain-scores (visual analogue scale, 0–10) from 7 (SD ± 1.6) at the beginning of the study to 4.1 (SD ± 1.7) at the end of the series.

Conclusions: Both bupivacaine 0.125% and ropivacaine 0.2% appear suitable for epidural administration to outpatients with chronic low back pain attending for epidural analgesia associated with physiotherapy (physical therapy).

Summary

Background and objective: The addition of clonidine to local anaesthetics enhances pain relief after peripheral nerve block, but the site of action is unproven.

Methods: Seven healthy volunteers underwent three brachial block procedures using bupivacaine 0.25% 1 mg kg−1 + epinephrine 1 : 200 000 (=local analgesic) in a randomized, double-blind cross-over fashion: (a) control treatment: local analgesic with 0.9% sodium chloride solution for the block and an intramuscular injection of saline; (b) intramuscular treatment: local analgesic with 0.9% NaCl for block and an intramuscular injection of clonidine 2 μg kg−1 and (c) block treatment: local analgesic with clonidine 2 μg kg−1 for block and an intramuscular injection of saline.

Results: The onset and duration of complete blockade (sensory/motor/temperature) was evaluated in the four nerve regions of the hand and forearm. Additionally, sedation score, blood pressure, heart rate and plasma clonidine concentrations were determined. The median duration of complete sensory blockade was 270 min (range 0–600) for block treatment compared to 0 min (range 0–480) for intramuscular treatment (P < 0.05) and 0 min (range 0–180) for control treatment (P < 0.05). Motor and temperature blockade exhibited similar results. Administration of clonidine was associated with sedation and a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure independent of the route of administration. Plasma clonidine concentrations were lower for block compared to the intramuscular treatment.

Conclusions: The admixture of clonidine to bupivacaine plus epinephrine prolongs and enhances brachial plexus blockade. Lower clonidine plasma concentrations for block treatment strongly suggest a local effect.

Summary

Background and objective: The use of propofol compared with isoflurane is associated with improved patient comfort and decreased costs. However, as the cost saving, the quicker recovery time and patient comfort may not be evident if sevoflurane is substituted for isoflurane; these two anaesthetic agents were analysed in elderly patients.

Methods: In a prospective randomized study, 96 patients undergoing elective ophthalmic surgery received either total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol (Group P), propofol for induction and sevoflurane for maintenance (Group P/S) or sevoflurane for inhalation induction and maintenance (Group S). Analyses focussed on haemodynamics, the quality of recovery, and the costs for the anaesthetic and the entire procedure.

Results: Bradycardia or hypotension, mainly registered in Groups P and P/S, did not influence patients' recovery. In Group S, postoperative nausea and vomiting occurred frequently, and 50% of patients complained of discomfort during induction. In Group P/S, the costs for anaesthetics and total costs were lower than those in Groups P and S.

Conclusions: Propofol- and sevoflurane-based maintenance of anaesthesia were similar with regard to patient comfort and recovery in the elderly. Cost analysis revealed that it was less expensive to use propofol for induction and sevoflurane for maintenance than to use either propofol or sevoflurane as sole agents for anaesthesia.

Summary

Background and objective: Remifentanil has a short duration of action and constant elimination, which allow administration of high doses, without prolonging recovery. Remifentanil has been compared to alfentanil, as part of a total intravenous anaesthetic technique, where remifentanil provided better anaesthetic conditions than alfentanil, without adverse effect on recovery. However, these results were obtained during anaesthesia involving neuromuscular blockade, which may mask both signs of insufficient anaesthesia and side-effects such as muscle rigidity. The aim of this study was to compare remifentanil with alfentanil for anaesthesia without neuromuscular blockade.

Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, four-centre study to compare remifentanil infusion 15 μg kg−1 h−1 and alfentanil infusion 60 μg kg−1 h−1, using a total intravenous technique for non-paralysed patients, and the laryngeal mask airway for airway management. We enrolled 192 patients, 18–65 yr of age with ASA I–II, undergoing minor surgery. The primary endpoint was the number of patients having pre-defined responses to surgical stimulation. A number of secondary criteria was evaluated to assess undesirable properties of the procedures.

Results: In the alfentanil group, 85% of patients responded to surgical stimulation, vs. 35% in the remifentanil group (P < 0.0001). No difference was found in recovery data, or in any other parameter than those related to insufficient anaesthesia.

Conclusions: The remifentanil-based technique provided significantly better anaesthetic conditions than the alfentanil-based technique in the setting of this study, without causing any significant adverse effects.

Summary

Background and objectives: To evaluate the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on platelet function in children undergoing open-heart surgery.

Methods: Data from 16 consecutive children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were prospectively collected. Blood samples of 10 mL were collected via the central venous line immediately before and after CPB for CD62 measurements by flow cytometry.

Results: Ten children had acyanotic heart disease (median age 3 yr, range 1.8–14) and six had a cyanotic defect (median age 4 yr, range 2–14). The platelet count decreased significantly with CPB in both groups: from 163.5 (130–201) to 93.5 (57–186) × 103 μL−1 in acyanotic children and from 139.5 (77–212) to 75 (43–99) × 103 μL−1 in cyanotic children (P < 0.0001). The percentage of activated platelets was significantly lower in acyanotic children at baseline: 1% (0–23%) vs. 5% (3–8%) (P = 0.07). CPB increased the percentage of activated platelets significantly in both groups: post-bypass the values were 10% (range 1–17%) in acyanotic children and 7% (range 1–30%) in cyanotic children (P = 0.03). The increase in the percentage of activated platelets did not differ between the two study groups (P = 0.11).

Conclusion: CPB induces significant platelet activation in children undergoing open-heart surgery.

Summary

Background and objective: To compare the recently introduced Microcuff® endotracheal tube with conventional tubes in respect of the cuff pressures required to prevent air leakage.

Methods: The following tubes (ID 7.0 mm) were compared: Microcuff® HVLP ICU, Mallinckrodt HiLo®, Portex Profile Soft Seal®, Rüsch Super Safety Clear® and Sheridan CF®. Fifty patients undergoing endotracheal intubation with a cuffed tube of internal diameter 7.0 mm were studied. Tracheas were intubated using one of the endotracheal tubes in random order. Cuff pressure to prevent air leakage at standardized ventilator setting (peak inspiratory pressure 20 cmH2O/PEEP 5 cmH2O/respiratory rate 15 breaths min−1) was assessed by auscultation of audible sounds at the mouth. Patients characteristics and cuff pressures from each brand were compared to the Microcuff® group using the Mann-Whitney U-test (P < 0.05 was chosen as the level of statistical significance).

Results: Patients' median age (range) was 14.2 (12.0–17.1) yr, body weight 57.5 (40.0–81.9) kg and length 164.9 (146.5–190.0) cm. No significant differences in patients' characteristics were found between groups. Mean cuff pressure (all tubes) required for air sealing was 19.1 (8–42) cmH2O. The Microcuff® tube required significantly lower sealing pressures (9.5 (8–12) cmH2O) compared to the other brands of endotracheal tube (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test).

Conclusion: The Microcuff® endotracheal tube with its ultra-thin polyurethane cuff membrane required the lowest sealing pressure to prevent air leakage. These features are potentially of interest for long-term intubated patients and for cuffed endotracheal tubes in children, allowing tracheal sealing at lower cuff pressures implying less damage to the trachea.

Summary

Background and objective: Epidural analgesia is widely used for abdominal surgery due to the properties of ‘stress-free’ anaesthesia and superior pain control. Nevertheless, sympathomimetics are known to antagonize inflammation. The present study was performed to investigate if epidural local anaesthetics caused increased local oedema formation.

Methods: Thirty Dansk Landrace pigs were randomized into three groups: epidural bupivacaine, epidural morphine or intravenous (i.v.) fentanyl. All animals were anaesthetized with isoflurane and i.v. midazolam and received an identical fluid regimen. Six small bowel resections were performed over a 3-h period and during the following 3 h the anastomoses were resected. Primary end-points were water content in small bowel and mesentery samples before and after gut anastomosis, lymph flow and urine production.

Results: The water content in the small bowel samples was not changed by surgery or by the different anaesthetic protocols. In the mesenteric tissue, there was a highly significant increase in water content of the post-anastomotic samples compared to pre-anastomotic samples (P < 0.001) and a significant time treatment interaction was revealed (P < 0.05) suggesting an increase in oedema formation in the epidural local anaesthetic group. Lymph flow did not change during the experiments and there were no significant differences between the groups (P = 0.80). The mean total urine output was 44% higher in the epidural morphine group compared to the local anaesthetic group (P = 0.17).

Conclusions: Surgery did not increase gut wall water content, but acute oedema formation resulted in the peri-resectional mesenterial tissue, more prominently so in the bupivacaine group.

Summary

Background and objective: Outcome prediction and evaluation of intensive care unit (ICU) performance using severity of illness scoring is a tool for the estimation of effectiveness and quality of intensive care. We used the simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II system to evaluate ICU performance.

Methods: The present study is a prospective observational study in an ICU at Vilnius University Emergency Hospital, Lithuania. The observed death rate was compared with the predicted death rate calculated using SAPS II system. The ability of the SAPS II prognostic system to predict the probability of hospital mortality was assessed with discrimination and calibration measures.

Results: Two-thousand-and-sixty-seven patients consecutively admitted to the ICU were studied. The median SAPS II score on the first ICU day was 29. The SAPS II system showed a good ability to separate those patients predicted to live from those predicted to die (an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.883). The calibration curve demonstrated under-prediction of the actual death rate (Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, χ2 = 56.98; df = 8; P < 0.001). The observed mortality was higher than predicted by the SAPS II equation (observed to predicted ratio is 1.28).

Conclusions: The SAPS II system is a useful tool for the assessment of ICU performance. This system demonstrated a good ability of discrimination, but an under-prediction of the actual mortality rate, in Lithuanian ICUs.

Summary

Background and objective: In children, emergence agitation frequently complicates sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia. The effect of intravenous fentanyl 2.5 μg kg−1 was examined on the incidence of emergence agitation in children who received desflurane or sevoflurane after midazolam premedication and intravenous thiopental induction.

Methods: One hundred and twenty children (2–7 yr) undergoing adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, or both, were studied. All children were premedicated orally with midazolam 0.5 mg kg−1. After intravenous induction with thiopental and atracurium to facilitate endotracheal intubation, patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Patients in Groups 1 and 3 received physiological saline solution, whereas patients in Groups 2 and 4 received intravenous fentanyl 2.5 μg kg−1 during induction. Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in Groups 1 and 2 and with desflurane in Groups 3 and 4. After discontinuation of the volatile anaesthetic, the times to tracheal extubation and response to verbal stimuli (emergence time), and emergence behaviours were recorded.

Results: The time to tracheal extubation was significantly shorter in Groups 3 (5.2 ± 1.7 min) and 4 (6.4 ± 2.1 min) than in Groups 1 (8.1 ± 2.1 min) (P = 0.0001 and 0.006, respectively) and 2 (8.8 ± 1.9 min) (P = 0.0001). The emergence time was significantly shorter in Group 3 (10.0 ± 3.9 min) than in Groups 1 (13.8 ± 4.9 min) (P = 0.017) and 2 (14.9 ± 4.1 min) (P = 0.003). The incidence rate of severe agitation was 13% in Groups 1 and 3, and 7 and 10% in Groups 2 and 4, respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: After midazolam premedication and intravenous induction of anaesthesia with thiopental, administration of intravenous fentanyl 2.5 μg kg−1 did not provide any clinically significant benefit on emergence agitation in children who receive sevoflurane or desflurane anaesthesia.

Summary

Background and objective: The use of midazolam for conscious sedation is an accepted method of anxiety control in restorative dentistry. A lack of predictability in its effects requires the dose of midazolam to be adjusted to individual patient's requirements. We determined whether patient-controlled sedation was a suitable alternative to operator-controlled sedation in restorative dentistry.

Methods: A randomized crossover clinical trial involving 35 consecutive patients undergoing similar dental procedures. Patients were randomly given midazolam, administered either by the patient or by the operator at the first visit and the alternative option on the second visit. All patients were ASA I–II and their ages ranged between 20 and 48 yr. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and patient satisfaction were recorded.

Results: The onset time and initial dose for sedation were similar with the two methods of administration and the sedation scores and vital signs were satisfactory. In the patient-controlled group the mean total dose of midazolam was 7.9 (±4.2 SD) mg cf. 4.2 (±1.8 SD) mg in the operator-controlled group (P < 0.05). The time to fitness for discharge (15.4 (± 11.9 SD) min) was greater in the patient-controlled group cf. the operator-controlled group (8.5 (±9.5 SD) min), P < 0.05.

Conclusion: This study shows that patient-controlled sedation is a suitable alternative to operator-controlled sedation in the management of anxious dental patients.

Summary

Background and objective: Arterial catheters are routinely used to sample blood for clotting studies in most cardiothoracic intensive care units. The clotting profile in surgical bleeding after cardiac surgery influences further management. Aspiration and discard of a certain amount of blood from the line, prior to sampling, are assumed to clear heparin contamination. We have investigated this assumption through analysis of the clotting profile by simultaneous arterial line and peripheral venous samples.

Methods: The morning following cardiac surgery, simultaneous arterial line and peripheral venous blood samples were taken for activated plasma thromboplastin time (APTT) ratio and international normalized ratio (INR) in 49 randomly selected patients. Also, a thromboelastogram analysis (TEG) (n = 7) was made. A survey of 22 UK cardiothoracic intensive care units was carried out to determine the practice for the withdrawal of blood for clotting studies.

Results: The median arterial APTT ratio value was 1.32 ± 0.52 as compared to the median peripheral APTT ratio value which was 1.1 ± 0.24 (P < 0.001). INR values were statistically similar by both routes. Heparin contamination was confirmed by TEG which revealed that the R-value for arterial catheter blood samples without heparinase in the cup was higher (406.00 ± 64.44 s) compared with the value for arterial samples with heparinase in the cup (318.28 ± 47.26 s, P < 0.05). The survey of 22 UK cardiothoracic intensive care units showed that heparinized arterial lines were by far the commonest ports used for blood withdrawal for the measurement of APTT ratio results.

Conclusions: Samples withdrawn from heparinized arterial lines cannot be relied upon for APTT ratio results.

Summary

Background and objective: The expression of P-selectin on the surface of platelets and platelet–leucocyte conjugate formation are considered to be an indicator of platelet activation in thrombotic and inflammatory disease. Midazolam is a widely used sedative and anaesthetic induction agent. It may inhibit platelet aggregation and suppress interleukin-6 and -8 response in human leucocytes, but any effect on the adhesion of activated platelets to leucocytes remains obscure. We have examined the influence of midazolam on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet surface P-selectin expression and platelet–leucocyte aggregation in whole blood.

Methods: Human whole blood was stimulated with 2 × 10−5M ADP in the presence of midazolam (3 × 10−4 to 3 × 10−6M). Samples were stained with a fluorochrome-conjugated CD62P and CD41a antibody for detecting human platelet P-selectin antigens. The leucocyte subpopulations were separately gated and platelet–leucocyte aggregates were defined as cells found positive for CD45 and CD62P. All samples were analysed and were electronically separated into specific cell types (platelets, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes) according to their typical forward/side scattering by flow cytometry.

Results: Midazolam significantly inhibited ADP-induced platelet P-selectin expression and attenuated platelet–leucocyte aggregation (mainly in neutrophils and monocytes) in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum inhibitory effect at 3 × 10−4M (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that midazolam decreases the ADP-induced expression of platelet surface P-selectin and platelet–leucocyte aggregation.

Summary

Background and objective: Clonidine has cardiac and systemic effects that can modify the potentially lethal cardiovascular effects of local anaesthetics. We evaluated the effects of clonidine pre-treatment on cardiotoxicity induced by an infusion of bupivacaine or ropivacaine and the success rate of resuscitation in anaesthetized rats.

Methods: Thirty-two Sprague–Dawley rats (250–300 g) were anaesthetized with thiopental and ketamine. Lung ventilation was maintained mechanically, and the electrocardiograph and invasive blood pressure were recorded continuously. Two separate groups of rats were treated with intravenous clonidine 5 μg kg−1 (n = 16) or saline (n = 16) in a randomized fashion. Fifteen minutes later, each group was randomly subdivided into two equal groups and an infusion of bupivacaine or ropivacaine, 3 mg kg−1 min−1, was given until cardiac arrest (asystole) occurred. The times when the cardiotoxic events (25%, 50% and 75% reduction of arterial pressure and heart rate, first dysrhythmia and asystole, respectively), induced by the local anaesthetic, occurred and the resuscitation outcome scores were recorded.

Results: Clonidine reduced heart rate and arterial pressure (P < 0.01). Clonidine did not alter cardiotoxicity or the success rate of resuscitation in bupivacaine-treated rats. In the ropivacaine group, clonidine increased the 25%, 50% and 75% reduction times of arterial pressure and the 50% and 75% reduction times of heart rate, times to first dysrhythmia and asystole (P < 0.05). Clonidine also increased the success rate of resuscitation in ropivacaine-treated rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Although pre-treatment with clonidine protects the effects of ropivacaine cardiotoxicity and increases the success rate of resuscitation, it does not affect bupivacaine toxicity.

Summary

Background and objective: To compare two techniques to achieve induction of anaesthesia for laparoscopic surgery. A single-breath vital capacity rapid inhalation induction with sevoflurane was compared to intravenous propofol. Their effects on haemodynamics and the QT interval of the electrocardiogram were assessed.

Methods: Forty-four ASA I–II patients scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic gynaecological surgery were divided into two groups. In the sevoflurane group (Group S, n = 22), general anaesthesia was induced with a single-breath vital capacity rapid inhalation of sevoflurane 5% with nitrous oxide (N2O) 65% in O2 and then anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 1–1.5% with N2O 65% in O2. In the propofol group (Group P, n = 22), general anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg kg−1 intravenously and maintained with propofol 6 mg kg−1 h−1 . Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, heart rate and end-tidal CO2 values were recorded before anaesthesia (basic value), during the induction period (time X), at 10 min (time Y) and at 30 min (time Z) of CO2 insufflation in all patients. QT intervals were calculated using Bazett's equation.

Results: Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure values during the induction period (time X) were lower than the basic value in both groups (P < 0.05). In Group S, QTc intervals were significantly longer during the induction period (time X) and at the tenth min of CO2 insufflation (time Y) than Group P (P < 0.05). Five patients at time X and two patients at time Y developed ventricular dysrhythmias, which improved spontaneously in Group S. In Group P, there was no significant difference in QTc intervals and only one patient developed a ventricular dysrhythmia at time Y.

Conclusions: Single-breath vital capacity rapid inhalation induction technique with sevoflurane can cause prolongation of the QT interval and dysrhythmias, compared with induction and maintenance of anaesthesia with propofol in laparoscopic surgery.

Summary

Background and objective: The use of opioids with sevoflurane for induction of anaesthesia is associated with fewer reactions to laryngoscopy but increases the risk of apnoea. Thus it is important to search for the optimal opioid dose. The aim of this study was to compare two sufentanil doses during induction with sevoflurane in young adults.

Methods: Sixty-three young patients (18–26 yr) undergoing wisdom-tooth extraction were randomly allocated to one of the two sufentanil dose groups: 0.15 μg kg−1 (n = 33) or 0.30 μg kg−1 (n = 30). Sufentanil was injected 1 min before sevoflurane inhalation. Sevoflurane was inhaled using the three-breath vital-capacity technique with 8% sevoflurane and 100% oxygen. The anaesthesiologist decided when to intubate the trachea. The length of time for intubation was measured. In addition, any apnoea, patient movement, adequacy of the laryngoscopic view, coughing and haemodynamic responses were recorded.

Results: Mean time to intubate the trachea, full laryngoscopy view and open-cord position were similar in both groups. The incidence of apnoea was higher in Group 0.30 (P < 0.05). The incidence of patient movement (P < 0.05) and coughing (P < 0.001) was lower in Group 0.30 than in Group 0.15. Sufentanil 0.30 μg kg−1 attenuated the change in heart rate more effectively than sufentanil 0.15 μg kg−1. Mean arterial pressure was similar and stable in both groups during induction of anaesthesia.

Conclusions: In current clinical practice during sevoflurane induction, sufentanil 0.30 μg kg−1 provided a better quality of induction than sufentanil 0.15 μg kg−1, without significant cardiovascular depression, although the risk of apnoea is increased.

Summary

Background and objective: A randomized, blind study to evaluate the effects on β-endorphin and substance P release after washing acid burns with 0.9% saline, calcium gluconate or diphoterine in a model of chemical burn in rats.

Methods: Twenty Sprague–Dawley rats (approximate weight 250 g) were anaesthetized with ketamine (30 mg kg−1 intramuscularly) and then given an acid injury on the back skin with 0.5 mL of hydrochloric acid 52%. The rats were then randomly allocated to receive no washing (control group, n = 5), washing with normal saline (0.9% NaCl) (n = 5), 10% calcium gluconate (n = 5) or diphoterine (n = 5). Blood concentrations of substance P and β-endorphin were measured 6 h, 48 h and 7 days after the chemical burn. An independent blinded observer evaluated wound healing at the 7th day.

Results: Seven days after burn wound healing was almost complete only in rats treated with diphoterine. Plasma concentrations of substance P were lower in rats receiving skin flushing with diphoterine compared to the other groups at 6 and 48 h after acid burn (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively); this was also associated with higher concentrations of β-endorphin at day 7 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Skin flushing with diphoterine reduced substance P release during the first 48 h after burn, and was associated with better wound healing and higher concentrations of β-endorphin 7 days later when compared with normal saline or 10% calcium gluconate.

Summary

Background and objective: Epidural anaesthesia is the preferred technique of anaesthesia for Caesarean section in pre-eclampsia. Spinal anaesthesia is considered by some as a safe and effective alternative, which is especially useful in emergency situations. Combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia, using low doses of local anaesthetics with opioids, is effective and reduces the incidence of hypotension in normal pregnancy. We performed a retrospective chart analysis to evaluate the effects of combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia on maternal haemodynamics and fetal outcome compared to conventional epidural anaesthesia.

Methods: A retrospective anaesthesia chart analysis of all pre-eclamptic patients who underwent Caesarean section over a 4 yr period was performed. Patient characteristic, obstetric, haemodynamic, fetal and neonatal data were gathered and analysed according to the anaesthetic technique used.

Results: Seventy-seven pre-eclamptic parturients undergoing Caesarean section were identified (26 women were severely pre-eclamptic and 51 demonstrated mild pre-eclampsia). Epidural anaesthesia was performed in 62 patients and combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia was performed in 15. No differences in patient characteristic and obstetric data were noted. Highest mean arterial pressure prior to anaesthesia was comparable between the groups (epidural: 106 ± 12 vs. combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia: 109 ± 18 mmHg) as well as the lowest recorded mean arterial pressure following anaesthesia (epidural: 93 ± 13 vs. combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia: 98 ± 17 mmHg). In the combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia group more ephedrine was used compared to the epidural group (14.6 ± 4.4 vs. 3.6 ± 4.6 mg, P<0.05). However, more lactated Ringer's was used in the epidural group. Umbilical artery pH was lower in the epidural group (7.26 ± 0.01 vs. 7.29 ± 0.02, P<0.05). Similar results were noted in 26 severely pre-eclamptic patients. Seven women underwent combined spinal– epidural anaesthesia and 19 underwent epidural anaesthesia in the severely pre-eclamptic group. Also more ephedrine was used in the combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia group. A tendency towards a lower umbilical artery pH was observed in the epidural group but this difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions: Combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia appears to be safe as anaesthetic technique for pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia. However, it is important to consider the retrospective design of the study and the large number of epidural anaesthetics performed.