Anesthetic Agents (anesthetic + agent)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Anesthetic Agents

  • local anesthetic agent


  • Selected Abstracts


    Effects of isoflurane, pentobarbital, and urethane on apoptosis and apoptotic signal transduction in rat kidney

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2006
    N. Aravindan
    Background:, Renal cell apoptosis contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of acute renal failure. Anesthetic agents have been shown to modulate apoptotic signal transduction in various tissues. We examined the effects of 6 h of different general anesthetic techniques on renal cell apoptosis in rat kidneys. Methods:, Twenty-one male Sprague,Dawley rats were randomly allocated into four groups: (i) control, non-anesthetized rats (n= 3) and rats anesthetized with (ii) inhaled isoflurane (n= 6), (iii) intraperitoneal pentobarbital (n= 6), and (iv) intraperitoneal urethane (n= 6). Animals were sacrificed 6 h after the induction of anesthesia. Results:, Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-fluorescein end-labeling analysis. RNA was extracted from the left kidney to probe cDNA microarrays. Gene expression was measured as a percentage of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and subsequently confirmed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Compared with the control (no anesthesia), urethane significantly (P < 0.001) induced apoptosis in both the renal cortex and medulla. Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited apoptosis in the medulla. Microarray analysis revealed that urethane up-regulated more (74) genes than pentobarbital (16) and isoflurane (10). Isoflurane down-regulated more genes (85) than pentobarbital (74) and urethane (12). These anesthetic-induced modulations were significant (P < 0.05) for 60 isoflurane-, 30 pentobarbital- and 4 urethane-modulated genes. Conclusion:, Our results suggest that general anesthetic drugs have an effect on renal cell apoptosis and apoptotic signal transduction, and thus may potentially affect the risk of subsequent acute renal failure. [source]


    The effects of ketamine and propofol on bacterial translocation in rats after burn injury

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2005
    H. Yagmurder
    Background:, Bacterial translocation (BT) occurs after thermal injury and may result from an ischemic intestinal insult. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ketamine and propofol as anesthetic agents on BT in an animal model of burn injury. Methods:, Sixty male Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups of 10 rats each. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with ketamine in groups 1, 2 and 3 and with propofol in groups 4, 5 and 6 during 6 h. Groups 2, 3, 5 and 6 received 30% total body surface area (TBSA) third-degree burns. Groups 1 and 4 had no burn injury. Then, they were allowed to recover from the anesthesia at the end of 6 h. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored continuously and maintained within 10% of baseline (before burn injury) levels in all animals. Animals in groups 3 and 6 had a laparotomy to obtain a tissue sample from the terminal ileum for determination of intestinal lipid peroxidation by-product malondialdehyde (MDA) before (baseline) and 6 and 24 h after burn injury (ABI). So these animals were not included in the BT studies. At postburn 24 h, animals in groups 1, 2 and 4, 5 were sacrified and samples were taken from the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), liver and spleen for bacteriologic cultures. Results:, The incidence of BT was found to be significantly higher in group 2 than in all the other groups. Bacterial translocation incidence of group 5 was not significantly different from that of groups 4 and 1. Group 5 was associated with a significantly reduced number of enteric organisms per gram of tissue compared to group 2. Baseline MDA contents of groups 3 and 6 were similar. Ileal MDA levels were increased in group 3, but there were no significant changes in group 6 at 6 and 24 h ABI compared to baseline. Conclusion:, Our results suggest that propofol as an anesthetic agent may prevent BT by scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting lipid peroxidation in an animal model of burn injury. [source]


    Etomidate and thiopental inhibit platelet function in patients undergoing infrainguinal vascular surgery

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2001
    A. Gries
    Background: Postoperative platelet hyperaggregability following general anesthesia has been reported in patients undergoing major vascular surgery. In contrast, since anesthetic agents inhibited platelet function both in vitro and in vivo, an increased risk for postoperative bleedings due to prolonged platelet dysfunction has been discussed. Nevertheless, data describing platelet-affecting properties of induction agents such as etomidate and thiopental in patients undergoing major vascular surgery are lacking. Methods: Platelet function was determined at 0, 2, 20, and 200 ,g/ml thiopental and at 0, 0.2, 2, 20 ,g/ml etomidate in vitro in blood samples drawn from 16 patients suffering from severe occlusive arterial disease. In addition, 30 patients undergoing vascular surgery were investigated before (PRE) and after anesthesia induction (T0) either with etomidate (ETO group, n=16) or thiopental (THIO group, n=14), and 2 h after the beginning of surgery (T2). Platelet function was determined according to platelet aggregation, in vitro bleeding time, and flow cytometric measurements. Results:In vitro, P-selectin expression was inhibited by etomidate at 2 and 20 ,g/ml (,28% and ,38%, respectively) and also by thiopental at 200 ,g/ml (,27%). In patients undergoing vascular surgery, anesthesia induction in the ETO group resulted in a 31% prolongation of the in vitro bleeding time and an inhibition of ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation (,30% and ,17%, respectively) and of P-selectin expression (,25%) at T0. In the THIO group, only ADP-induced platelet aggregation was affected (,16%). At T2, all parameters had reached PRE level again in both groups. Furthermore, in comparison with the THIO group, operation time was significantly prolonged and transfusion volume was significantly increased in the ETO group. In addition, platelet count and hematocrit significantly decreased at T2, whereas levels of tPA, PAI-1, fibrinogen and antithrombin III and partial thromboplastin time remained unchanged in both groups during the study period. Conclusions: In the present study, etomidate and, to a minor extent, thiopental offered significant platelet inhibitory properties. Anesthetic-induced platelet inhibition may lead to higher transfusion rates and prolonged operation times. Therefore, anesthetic-related platelet inhibitory properties should be considered when searching for the anesthetic agent of choice, especially in patients with compromised hemostasis and co-existing bleeding disorders. [source]


    Review article: Intravenous vs intramuscular ketamine for pediatric procedural sedation by emergency medicine specialists: a review

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 9 2010
    CONOR DEASY MB, FCEM, MRCS A & E ED
    Summary Ketamine is a general anesthetic agent widely used for pediatric procedural sedation outside the operating theater by nonanesthesiologists. In a setting where efficacy and safety of the agent are paramount, there are conflicting recommendations in terms of optimal mode of parenteral administration, as well as optimal dosage and need for the coadministration of adjunctive agents to decrease side effects. We investigated existing evidence to determine whether ketamine should be best administered intravenously or intramuscularly. This analysis was made difficult by limited direct comparisons of both modes of parenteral administration and a lack of consistent definitions for key outcomes such as ,effectiveness,',adverse events,',hypoxia,',ease of completion of the procedure,' and ,satisfaction' across studies that have evaluated ketamine. Based on large data sets, the safety and efficacy of both modes of administration are broadly similar. Although data on head to head comparisons of intravenous and intramuscular ketamine is limited, based on our analysis, we conclude that the trends indicate ketamine is ideally administered intravenously. [source]


    Prolonged apnea with intramuscular ketamine: a case report

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 4 2008
    NIRMALA JONNAVITHULA MD
    Summary We report a rare case of prolonged apnea following administration of ketamine. A healthy 11-month-old female child was administered intramuscular ketamine as a sole anesthetic agent for a short surgical procedure. Child developed respiratory depression and prolonged apnea requiring intubation and ventilation. She recovered completely after 90 min. This case report illustrates the potential hazard of ketamine, emphasizes the importance of being able to provide emergency airway management and monitored anesthesia care. [source]


    Postoperative behavioral changes following anesthesia with sevoflurane

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 10 2004
    Aideen Keaney MB FRCA
    Summary Background :,Behavioral disturbance following hospitalization is a relatively frequent event, some children still having negative behavioral changes (NBC) 1 month following their operation. Sevoflurane has a propensity to induce ,excitement' during induction of anaesthesia, and delirium in the immediate postoperative phase. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this translates into prolonged behavioral change. Methods :,A total of 120 children presenting for daycase surgical procedures under anesthesia were included in the study. Children were randomized to induction and maintenance of anesthesia with sevoflurane or halothane. No additional sedative drugs were administered. Postoperative behavioral change was assessed using the Post-Hospital Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ) on postoperative days 1, 7 and 30. Results :,The Sevoflurane group (n = 63) were more distressed on emergence of anesthesia than the Halothane group (n = 57) (P < 0.05). About 58.3, 46.8 and 38.3% of all children exhibited NBC on postoperative days 1, 7 and 30, respectively. There was no association between anesthetic agent and behavior. There was a significant relationship between decreasing age and NBC (P < 0.005). Conclusions :,Children anesthetized with sevoflurane exhibit more immediate postoperative distress than those anesthetized with halothane. This difference is not carried over into the longer posthospital period. Negative behavioral changes occur more frequently with decreasing age. [source]


    Patterns of Use of Topical Skin Adhesives in the Emergency Department

    ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010
    Adam J. Singer MD
    Abstract Objectives:, The objective was to determine patterns of use of topical skin adhesives (TSA) for laceration repair. The authors hypothesized that TSA use would be more common in children and facial lacerations. Methods:, This was a structured retrospective chart review. The setting was a suburban, university-based emergency department (ED) with an emergency medicine (EM) residency; the annual census is 85,000 visits. Charts from consecutive patients presenting with lacerations in the summer of 2008 (June 2008 through August 2008) were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and wound characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records by trained investigators using structured data collection forms. Characteristics of lacerations repaired with TSA or other closure devices were compared with bivariate and multivariate analyses using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results:, A total of 755 patients presented to the ED with lacerations over the study period, of whom primary closure was used in 667; nine were excluded because the method of closure was unknown. The most common methods of laceration closure were sutures (485), adhesives (88), and staples (86). Adhesives were used to close 27% of facial lacerations, compared to 4% of all other body locations (difference = 23%, 95% CI = 18% to 29%), and in 20% of pediatric versus 8% of adult lacerations (difference = 13%, 95% CI = 7% to 18%). Adjustment for other potential patient and wound characteristics showed that adhesives were more likely to be used to close facial lacerations (OR = 10.0 CI, 95% CI = 5.5 to 18.0) and lacerations in children (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 to 3.0) and less likely to be used as laceration length increased (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4 to 0.8). Adhesive use was not statistically associated with patient sex or race, laceration edges or shape, or the need for deep sutures. Forty-three percent of adhesive wounds were closed with no anesthetic, and a topical agent was used in another 48%. In contrast, a local anesthetic agent was injected in 87% of sutured wounds (p < 0.001) and 73% of stapled wounds (p < 0.001). Conclusions:, Topical skin adhesives are used more often for children, facial lacerations, and short lacerations. Use of adhesives may improve patient comfort as need for injecting a local anesthetic is reduced. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:670,672 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source]


    The Efficacy of EMLA versus ELA-Max for Pain Relief in Medium-Depth Chemical Peeling: A Clinical and Histopathologic Evaluation

    DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2000
    Robert A. Koppel MD
    Background. Medium-depth chemical peels are an effective and popular treatment for actinic damage, fine wrinkles, and pigmentary dyschromias. However, they are also uncomfortable. A previous attempt to study the effectiveness of a topical anesthetic gel in 35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling found a reduction in discomfort but an increased depth of penetration and delayed healing. Objective. To evaluate both the efficacy of two topical anesthetic agents in medium-depth combination peeling as well as the histologic result from chemical peeling combined with topical anesthesia. Method. Seventy percent glycolic acid (GA) was applied to the entire face of 10 patients and diluted with water after 2 minutes. This was followed by the sequential application of EMLA cream (lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%), ELA-Max cream (lidocaine 4%), and placebo to selected areas on the face for 30 minutes without occlusion. These agents were then removed and 35% TCA was applied to the entire face. The level of discomfort felt by the patients during the TCA peel was recorded, clinical photographs were taken, and bilateral preauricular biopsies were performed at baseline, 48 hours, and 90 days postoperatively. Results. Clinically there was a statistically significant decrease in pain felt during the 70% GA-35% TCA peel with topical anesthesia when compared to the control. There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between EMLA and ELA-Max. There was also no difference in either the clinical or the histopathologic appearance between the medium-depth peel combined with topical anesthesia and the medium-depth peel with control. Conclusion. Both EMLA and ELA-Max decrease the discomfort felt during medium-depth combination chemical peeling without influencing either the clinical or the histopathologic result. [source]


    A QSAR analysis of toxicity of Aconitum alkaloids

    FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 6 2004
    Angélica M. Bello-Ramírez
    Abstract Biological activity of Aconitum alkaloids may be related to their toxicity rather than to a specific pharmacological action. A Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) analysis was performed on the following two groups of alkaloids: compounds with an aroyl/aroyloxy group at R14 position (yunaconitine, bulleyaconitine, aconitine, beiwutine, nagarine, 3-acetyl aconitine, and penduline), and compounds with the aroyloxy group at R4 position (N -deacetyllappaconitine, lappaconitine, ranaconitine, N -deacetylfinaconitine, N -deacetylranaconitine). The LD50 (,mol/kg) of the 12 alkaloids were obtained from the literature. LD50 was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. The steric and core,core repulsion energies were significantly higher in group 1. The total energy and heat of formation and electronic energies were significantly lower in group 1. The reactivity index of N, C1,, C4, and C6, were similar between groups. The reactivity index of C2, was significantly higher and the reactivity index of C3, and C5, were significantly lower in group 1. Log P and pKa were similar between groups. Molecular weight was significantly higher in group 1. A significant linear relationship was observed between log LD50 and either analgesic log ED50 or local anesthetic log ED50. The LD50/analgesic ED50 obtained from average values was 5.9 for group 1 and 5.0 for group 2. However, the LD50/local anesthetic ED50 was 40.4 and 318, respectively. The study supports that the analgesic effects of these alkaloids are secondary to their toxic effects whereas alkaloids from group 2 are susceptible to be further studied as local anesthetic agents. [source]


    Back to Basics: The evidence for reducing the pain of administration of local anesthesia and cosmetic injectables

    JOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
    Kajal Babamiri MD
    Summary Administration of injections, whether local anesthetic or cosmetic injectable, can result in significant distress and discomfort to patients. This review explores factors that can alleviate anxiety and pain associated with injections including cosmetic injectables. We highlight that many techniques used to reduce pain have only been reported based on anecdotal evidence and small series. The techniques that have been reported to reduce pain, by randomized controlled trials, include pretreatment with topical local anesthetic agents and combined cosmetic injectables with local anesthetics. [source]


    Effect of anesthetic structure on inhalation anesthesia: Implications for the mechanism

    JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2008
    Michael H. Abraham
    Abstract Many previous attempts (e.g., the Meyer,Overton hypothesis) to provide a single set of physical or chemical characteristics that accurately predict anesthetic potency have failed. A finding of a general predictive correlation would support the notion of a unitary theory of narcosis. Using the Abraham solvation parameter model, the minimum alveolar concentration, MAC, of 148 varied anesthetic agents can be fitted to a linear equation in log (1/MAC) with R2,=,0.985 and a standard deviation, SD,=,0.192 log units. Division of the 148 compounds into a training set and a test set shows that log (1/MAC) values can be predicted with no bias and with SD,=,0.20 log units. The two main factors that determine MAC values are compound size and compound hydrogen bond acidity, both of which increase anesthetic activity. Shape has little or no effect on anesthetic activity. Our observations support a unitary theory of narcosis by inhalation anesthetics. A two-stage mechanism for inhalation anesthesia accounts for the observed structural effects of anesthetics. In this mechanism, the first main step is transfer of the anesthetic to the site of action, and the second step is interaction of the anesthetic with a receptor(s). © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 97:2373,2384, 2008 [source]


    Depth of anesthesia with desflurane does not influence the endocrine-metabolic response to pelvic surgery

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2008
    G. BALDINI
    Background: It has been reported that, with deep levels of anesthesia achieved with general anesthetic agents and opioids, post-operative consumption of morphine and pain intensity can be reduced. It is not clear whether the depth of anesthesia modifies pain intensity by influencing the endocrine-metabolic stress response. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a high concentration of desflurane on peri-operative plasma cortisol. Methods: The study was prospective and observer blinded, and included 20 women scheduled for elective total abdominal hysterectomy. They were randomly divided in to two groups: a deep group (D) (n=10) and a light group (L) (n=10). Anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl and rocuronium: desflurane was administered at two different concentrations according to Bispectral Index monitoring (deep, 25 and light, 50). Post-operative pain relief was achieved with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with intravenous morphine. Blood samples were taken before, during and after surgery for the measurement of plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate. Post-operative pain visual analog scale (VAS) and morphine consumption were recorded at regular intervals for the first 24 h. Results: The Concentrations of plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate increased with surgery in both groups, and remained elevated, with no difference between the two groups. VAS and morphine consumptions were similar in both groups. Conclusion: The results show that there is no relationship between the intra-operative level of anesthesia depth achieved with desflurane and the extent of endocrine-metabolic stress response. [source]


    Anti-inflammatory properties of local anesthetics and their present and potential clinical implications

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2006
    J. Cassuto
    Development of new local anesthetic agents has been focused on the potency of their nerve-blocking effects, duration of action and safety and has resulted in a substantial number of agents in clinical use. It is well established and well documented that the nerve blocking effects of local anesthetics are secondary to their interaction with the Na+ channels thereby blocking nerve membrane excitability and the generation of action potentials. Accumulating data suggest however that local anesthetics also posses a wide range of anti-inflammatory actions through their effects on cells of the immune system, as well as on other cells, e.g. microorganisms, thrombocytes and erythrocytes. The potent anti-inflammatory properties of local anesthetics, superior in several aspects to traditional anti-inflammatory agents of the NSAID and steroid groups and with fewer side-effects, has prompted clinicians to introduce them in the treatment of various inflammation-related conditions and diseases. They have proved successful in the treatment of burn injuries, interstitial cystitis, ulcerative proctitis, arthritis and herpes simplex infections. The detailed mechanisms of action are not fully understood but seem to involve a reversible interaction with membrane proteins and lipids thus regulating cell metabolic activity, migration, exocytosis and phagocytosis. [source]


    The effects of ketamine and propofol on bacterial translocation in rats after burn injury

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2005
    H. Yagmurder
    Background:, Bacterial translocation (BT) occurs after thermal injury and may result from an ischemic intestinal insult. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ketamine and propofol as anesthetic agents on BT in an animal model of burn injury. Methods:, Sixty male Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups of 10 rats each. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with ketamine in groups 1, 2 and 3 and with propofol in groups 4, 5 and 6 during 6 h. Groups 2, 3, 5 and 6 received 30% total body surface area (TBSA) third-degree burns. Groups 1 and 4 had no burn injury. Then, they were allowed to recover from the anesthesia at the end of 6 h. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored continuously and maintained within 10% of baseline (before burn injury) levels in all animals. Animals in groups 3 and 6 had a laparotomy to obtain a tissue sample from the terminal ileum for determination of intestinal lipid peroxidation by-product malondialdehyde (MDA) before (baseline) and 6 and 24 h after burn injury (ABI). So these animals were not included in the BT studies. At postburn 24 h, animals in groups 1, 2 and 4, 5 were sacrified and samples were taken from the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), liver and spleen for bacteriologic cultures. Results:, The incidence of BT was found to be significantly higher in group 2 than in all the other groups. Bacterial translocation incidence of group 5 was not significantly different from that of groups 4 and 1. Group 5 was associated with a significantly reduced number of enteric organisms per gram of tissue compared to group 2. Baseline MDA contents of groups 3 and 6 were similar. Ileal MDA levels were increased in group 3, but there were no significant changes in group 6 at 6 and 24 h ABI compared to baseline. Conclusion:, Our results suggest that propofol as an anesthetic agent may prevent BT by scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting lipid peroxidation in an animal model of burn injury. [source]


    Lipid solubility- and concentration-dependent attenuation of in vitro natural killer cell cytotoxicity by local anesthetics

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2002
    J. Krog
    Background: Natural killer (NK) cells constitute an essential component of the innate immune system in the defence against infected and malignant cells. In this study the in vitro effect on NK cell activity of three different local anesthetics with different lipid solubility was investigated. Methods: Venous blood from seven healthy volunteers was incubated with three amide local anesthetics with three different concentrations of lipid solubility: lidocaine 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 mg/ml, ropivacaine 0.375, 0.75 and 1.50 mg/ml, and bupivacaine 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mg/ml. After 1 h of incubation, mononuclear cells were isolated and cryopreserved until tested for NK cell cytotoxicity in a 4-h 51Cr-release assay against K-562 target cells. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity of mononuclear cells incubated with isotonic saline was used as the control. Results: A significant suppression in NK cell cytotoxicity was demonstrated for all three local anesthetic agents when the NK cell cytotoxicity was compared with the cytotoxicity estimated after incubation with the isotonic saline (P<0.004). Moreover a significant lipid solubility-dependent effect (P=0.0001) as well as an overall concentration-dependent effect (P<0.0001) on the NK cell cytotoxicity was found. Conclusion: The results of the present in vitro study suggest a negative association between the estimated NK cell cytotoxicity and the lipid solubility as well as the concentrations of the three local anesthetic agents tested. [source]


    Etomidate and thiopental inhibit platelet function in patients undergoing infrainguinal vascular surgery

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2001
    A. Gries
    Background: Postoperative platelet hyperaggregability following general anesthesia has been reported in patients undergoing major vascular surgery. In contrast, since anesthetic agents inhibited platelet function both in vitro and in vivo, an increased risk for postoperative bleedings due to prolonged platelet dysfunction has been discussed. Nevertheless, data describing platelet-affecting properties of induction agents such as etomidate and thiopental in patients undergoing major vascular surgery are lacking. Methods: Platelet function was determined at 0, 2, 20, and 200 ,g/ml thiopental and at 0, 0.2, 2, 20 ,g/ml etomidate in vitro in blood samples drawn from 16 patients suffering from severe occlusive arterial disease. In addition, 30 patients undergoing vascular surgery were investigated before (PRE) and after anesthesia induction (T0) either with etomidate (ETO group, n=16) or thiopental (THIO group, n=14), and 2 h after the beginning of surgery (T2). Platelet function was determined according to platelet aggregation, in vitro bleeding time, and flow cytometric measurements. Results:In vitro, P-selectin expression was inhibited by etomidate at 2 and 20 ,g/ml (,28% and ,38%, respectively) and also by thiopental at 200 ,g/ml (,27%). In patients undergoing vascular surgery, anesthesia induction in the ETO group resulted in a 31% prolongation of the in vitro bleeding time and an inhibition of ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation (,30% and ,17%, respectively) and of P-selectin expression (,25%) at T0. In the THIO group, only ADP-induced platelet aggregation was affected (,16%). At T2, all parameters had reached PRE level again in both groups. Furthermore, in comparison with the THIO group, operation time was significantly prolonged and transfusion volume was significantly increased in the ETO group. In addition, platelet count and hematocrit significantly decreased at T2, whereas levels of tPA, PAI-1, fibrinogen and antithrombin III and partial thromboplastin time remained unchanged in both groups during the study period. Conclusions: In the present study, etomidate and, to a minor extent, thiopental offered significant platelet inhibitory properties. Anesthetic-induced platelet inhibition may lead to higher transfusion rates and prolonged operation times. Therefore, anesthetic-related platelet inhibitory properties should be considered when searching for the anesthetic agent of choice, especially in patients with compromised hemostasis and co-existing bleeding disorders. [source]


    Supplementing desflurane with intravenous anesthesia reduces fetal cardiac dysfunction during open fetal surgery

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 8 2010
    ANNE BOAT MD
    Summary Objective:, To lower the incidence and severity of fetal cardiovascular depression during maternal fetal surgery under general anesthesia. Aim:, We hypothesized that supplemental intravenous anesthesia (SIVA) with propofol and remifentanil would lower the need for high-dose inhalational anesthesia and provide adequate maternal depth of anesthesia and uterine relaxation. SIVA technique would minimize prolonged fetal exposure to deep inhalational anesthetics and significant intraoperative fetal cardiovascular depression. Background:, Fetal hypoxia and significant fetal hemodynamic changes occur during open fetal surgery because of the challenges such as surgical manipulation, hysterotomy, uterine contractions, and effects of anesthetic drugs. Tocolysis, a vital component of fetal surgery, is usually achieved using volatile anesthetic agents. High concentrations of volatile agents required to provide an appropriate degree of uterine relaxation may cause maternal hypotension and placental hypoperfusion, as well as direct fetal cardiovascular depression. Methods:, We reviewed medical records of 39 patients who presented for ex utero intrapartum treatment and mid-gestation open fetal surgery between April 2004 and March 2009. Out of 39 patients, three were excluded because of the lack of echocardiographic data; 18 patients received high-concentration desflurane anesthesia and 18 patients had SIVA with desflurane for uterine relaxation. We analyzed the following data: demographics, fetal medical condition, anesthetic drugs, concentration and duration of desflurane, maternal arterial blood pressure, intraoperative fetal echocardiogram, presence of fetal bradycardia, and need for intraoperative fetal resuscitation. Results:, Adequate uterine relaxation was achieved with about 1.5 MAC of desflurane in the SIVA group compared to about 2.5 MAC in the desflurane only anesthesia group (P = 0.0001). More fetuses in the high-dose desflurane group compared to the SIVA group developed moderate-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction over time intraoperatively (P = 0.02). 61% of fetuses in the high-dose desflurane group received fetal resuscitative interventions compared to 26% of fetuses in the SIVA group (P = 0.0489). Conclusion:, SIVA as described provides adequate maternal anesthesia and uterine relaxation, and it allows for decreased use of desflurane during open fetal surgery. Decreased use of desflurane may better preserve fetal cardiac function. [source]


    Fundamentals of neuronal apoptosis relevant to pediatric anesthesia

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 5 2010
    MORGAN BLAYLOCK PhD
    Summary The programmed cell death or apoptosis is a complex biochemical process that has risen to prominence in pediatric anesthesia. Preclinical studies report a dose-dependant neuronal apoptosis during synaptogenesis following exposure to intravenous and volatile anesthetic agents. Although emerging clinical data do not universally indicate an increased neurodegenerative risk of general anesthesia in early human life, a great deal of uncertainty was created within the pediatric anesthesia community. This was at least partially caused by the demand of understanding of basic science concepts and knowledge of apoptosis frequently out of reach to the clinician. It is, however, important for the pediatric anesthesiologist to be familiar with the basic science concepts of neuronal apoptosis to be able to critically evaluate current and future preclinical data in this area and future clinical studies. This current review describes the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways involved in the cell death process and discusses techniques commonly employed to determine apoptosis. In addition, potential mechanisms of anesthesia-induced neuronal apoptosis are illustrated in this review. [source]


    Are peripheral and neuraxial blocks with ultrasound guidance more effective and safe in children?

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 2 2009
    KASIA RUBIN MD
    Summary Background and aims:, The efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided (USG) pediatric peripheral nerve and neuraxial blocks in children have not been evaluated. In this review, we have looked at the success rate, efficacy and complications with USG peripheral nerve blocks and compared with nerve stimulation or anatomical landmark based techniques in children. Methods:, All suitable studies in MEDLINE, EMBASE Drugs and Cochrane Evidence Based Medicine Reviews: Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews databases were identified. In addition, citation review and hand search of recent pediatric anesthesia and surgical journals were done. All three authors read all selected articles independently and a consensus was achieved. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing USG peripheral and neuraxial blocks with other techniques in children were included. Results:, Ultrasound guidance has been demonstrated to improve block characteristics in children including shorter block performance time, higher success rates, shorter onset time, longer block duration, less volume of local anesthetic agents and visibility of neuraxial structures. Conclusion:, Clinical studies in children suggest that US guidance has some advantages over more traditional nerve stimulation,based techniques for regional block. However, the advantage of US guidance on safety over traditional has not been adequately demonstrated in children except ilio-inguinal blocks. [source]


    Influence of anesthesia on immune responses and its effect on vaccination in children: review of evidence

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 5 2007
    J.N. SIEBERT MD
    Summary Anesthesia and surgery exert immunomodulatory effects and some authors argue that they may exert additive or synergistic influences on vaccine efficacy and safety. Alternatively, inflammatory responses and fever elicited by vaccines may interfere with the postoperative course. There is a lack of consensus approach among anesthesiologists to the theoretical risk of anesthesia and vaccination. Few studies have assessed the influence of anesthesia and surgery on pediatric vaccine responses. We have undertaken an extensive review of articles published in English between 1970 and 2006 meeting the criteria: measurement of immune parameters following general anesthesia in children. By searching the major medical databases (OVID Medline, PubMed, ISI Web of Science) and references cited in the articles themselves, among 277 articles obtained none examined directly the influence of anesthesia/surgery on vaccine responses. Only 16 original reports assessed the influence of several anesthetic agents on various markers of immunity including lymphocyte numbers and functions. These results are reinterpreted here in view of our current understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying vaccine efficacy and adverse events. We conclude that the immunomodulatory influence of anesthesia during elective surgery is both minor and transient (around 48 h) and that the current evidence does not provide any contraindication to the immunization of healthy children scheduled for elective surgery. However, respecting a minimal delay of 2 days (inactivated vaccines) or 14,21 days (live attenuated viral vaccines) between immunization and anesthesia may be useful to avoid the risk of misinterpretation of vaccine-driven adverse events as postoperative complications. [source]


    Occupational risk in health care and research,

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2003
    Daniela Vecchio MS
    Abstract Background Working in the health care and research sectors has been linked to various hazards. Methods Studies published in the peer-reviewed literature that are pertinent to the exposures or diseases relevant to these fields were reviewed. Results The most important exposures include infectious agents, formaldehyde, anesthetic agents, antineoplastic drugs, and ethylene oxide. The best-documented evidence is that of infectious risk primarily among clinical personnel. Monitoring studies of persons occupationally exposed to anesthetics clearly demonstrate behavioral effects, possible risk of reproductive problems, as well as cytogenetic effects of unknown significance. The latter two impairments are also observed among those exposed to antineoplastic drugs and ethylene oxide. Exposure to formaldehyde appears to be associated with nasopharyngeal tumors. Whereas increased risk of cancer of certain sites, particularly the brain and lymphohematopoietic system, is found among research and health care personnel, no specific exposure has been linked to these neoplasms. Conclusions Although some results are inconsistent, continued environmental and biological monitoring will allow better assessment of exposures and of implemented protection measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:369,397, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]