Efficacy of benzydamine hydrochloride dripping at endotracheal tube cuff for prevention of postoperative sore throat

BACKGROUND

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent consequence following ETT intubation, which may negatively affect the postoperative course and patient satisfaction. Benzydamine hydrochloride is a topically-applied non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The authors evaluated the analgesic effect of benzydamine hydrochloride dripping on the ETT cuff on POST.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Eighty-six patients participated in this randomized controlled trial. They were assigned into either the benzydamine hydrochloride or the control group. The whole ETT cuff was dripped either with 3 ml (4.5 mg) of benzydamine hydrochloride or nothing five minutes prior to anesthesia induction. The incidence and severity of POST at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively were assessed. The potential adverse effects of benzydamine hydrochloride (throat numbness throat burning sensation, dry mouth, and thirst) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (58.14%) in each group had POST (p-value = 1). The severity of POST (calculated from affected patients) in both groups at different time points was not significantly different. Patients in the benzydamine hydrochloride group did not have a higher incidence of adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

We found that dripping benzydamine hydrochloride on the ETT cuff neither reduced the incidence of POST nor increased the incidence of adverse effects in comparison with no intervention.

Seven-year surveillance of emm types of pediatric Group A streptococcal pharyngitis isolates in Western Greece

Background

An experimental 26-valent M protein Group A streptococcal (GAS) vaccine has entered clinical studies. Pharyngeal GAS emm type surveillances in different areas and time-periods enhance the understanding of the epidemiology of GAS pharyngitis. Moreover, these surveillances, combined with the data on GAS invasive disease, can play a significant role in the formulation of multivalent type-specific vaccines.

Methods

During a 7-year period (1999–2005), 2408 GAS isolates were recovered from consecutive children with pharyngitis in Western Greece. The overall macrolide resistance rate was 22.8%. Along the study period we noted a tendency towards significantly decreased rates of resistance, with the lowest rates occurring in 2002 (15.3%), 2003 (15%) and 2004 (16.7%). A random sample of isolates from each year, 338 (61.7%) of the 548 macrolide-resistant and 205 (11%) of the macrolide-susceptible, underwent molecular analysis, including emm typing.

Results

The 543 typed isolates had 28 different emm types. A statistically significant association was found between macrolide resistance and emm4, emm22 and emm77, whereas emm1, emm3, emm6, emm12, emm87 and emm89 were associated with macrolide susceptibility. A significant yearly fluctuation was observed in emm4, emm28 and emm77. The most common macrolide-resistant GAS were emm77 isolates harboring erm(A), either alone or in combination with mef(A), emm4 carrying mef(A), emm28 possessing erm(B), emm75 carrying mef(A), emm12 harboring mef(A) and emm22 carrying erm(A). We estimated that 82.8% of the isolates belonged to emm types included in the novel 26-valent M protein vaccine. The vaccine coverage rate was determined mainly by the increased frequency of nonvaccine emm4 isolates.

Conclusions

A limited number of emm types dominated among macrolide-susceptible and macrolide-resistant GAS isolates. We observed seasonal fluctuations, which were significant for emm4, emm28 and emm77. This type of data can serve as baseline information if the novel 26-valent M protein GAS vaccine is introduced into practice.

Effect of preoperative licorice lozenges on incidence of postextubation cough and sore throat in smokers undergoing general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation

INTRODUCTION

Post-Operative Sore Throat (POST) is an undesirable side effect ofendotracheal intubation. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures have been utilized for minimizing the morbidity caused by POST. We have tested whether medicated lozenges of Licorice provides efficacy in decreasing POST in smokers presenting for surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation.

METHODS

100 patients, 20 - 65 years, American Society ofAnaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status Grade I & II, of either sex, with history of smoking, and posted for elective surgical procedure lasting more than one hour and requiring general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included and randomly divided into two groups (n = 50) to receive Licorice lozenges (Group A) and Sugar Candy (Group B). The patients were assessed for cough, sore throat and hoarseness of voice immediately after extubation and then at 30 min, 12 hrs and 24 hrs after extubation utilizing scoring system of Harding and McVey.

RESULTS

Overall incidence of postextubation cough was less in Group A (12 patients, 24%) compared to Group B (26 patients, 52%) (p = 0.002). Magnitude of sore throat (Grades 0/1/2/3) was seen in 48/2/0/0 patients (Group A) and 46/4/0/0 (Group B) at extubation (p = 0.40) and 34/16/0/0 (Group A) and 28/20/2/0 (Group B) at 30 min (p = 0.17). At 12 and 24 hours, the magnitudes of sore throats were 24/25/1/0 (Group A) & 12/38/0/0 (Group B) (p = 0.02) and 26/23/1/0 (Group A) & 15/35/0/0 (Group B) (p = 0.03) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Use of licorice lozenges is efficacious for reducing the distressing complaint of POST in postoperative period among smokers.

Prevalence and clonal distribution of pcpA, psrP and Pilus-1 among pediatric isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths globally. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution and clonal type variability of three potential vaccine antigens: Pneumococcal serine-rich repeat protein (PsrP), Pilus-1, and Pneumococcal choline binding protein A (PcpA) among pneumococcal isolates from children with invasive pneumococcal disease and healthy nasopharyngeal carriers. We studied by Real-Time PCR a total of 458 invasive pneumococcal isolates and 89 nasopharyngeal pneumococcal isolates among children (total = 547 strains) collected in Barcelona, Spain, from January 2004 to July 2010. pcpA, psrP and pilus-1 were detected in 92.8%, 51.7% and 14.4% of invasive isolates and in 92.1%, 48.3% and 18% of carrier isolates, respectively. Within individual serotypes the prevalence of psrP and pilus-1 was highly dependent on the clonal type. pcpA was highly prevalent in all strains with the exception of those belonging to serotype 3 (33.3% in serotype 3 isolates vs. 95.1% in other serotypes; P<.001). psrP was significantly more frequent in those serotypes that are less apt to be detected in carriage than in disease; 58.7% vs. 39.1% P<.001. Antibiotic resistance was associated with the presence of pilus-1 and showed a negative correlation with psrP. These results indicate that PcpA, and subsequently Psrp and Pilus-1 together might be good candidates to be used in a next-generation of multivalent pneumococcal protein vaccine.

Comparison between betamethasone gel applied over endotracheal tube and ketamine gargle for attenuating postoperative sore throat, cough and hoarseness of voice

BACKGROUND

Tracheal intubation for general anesthesia often leads to trauma of the airway mucosa resulting in postoperative sore throat, hoarseness of voice and cough. The aim of this study was to evaluate two different methods as regard their efficacy for controlling the postoperative pharyngo-laryngo-tracheal sequelae (sore throat, cough, hoarseness of voice) after general anesthesia with laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. We compared between the effects of betamethasone gel applied over the endotracheal tube and gargling with ketamine solution in reducing these complications during the first 24 postoperative hours after elective surgical procedures in a prospective randomized controlled single blind clinical trial.

METHODS

Seventy five patients ASA physical status I and II, undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia using endotracheal intubation were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups of 25 patients each: Group (K): (n: 25) Patients in this group were asked to gargle with ketamine 40 mg in 30 ml saline for 60 seconds as repeated smaller attempts, 5 minutes before induction of anesthesia. Group (B) (n: 25): Endotracheal tubes were lubricated with 0.05% betamethasone gel. Group (C) (n: 25):

CONTROL GROUP

patients did not receive ketamine gargle nor betamethasone gel. The incidence and the severity of Postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness of voice were graded at 0, 2, 4, and 24 h after operation by a blinded investigator.

RESULTS

The incidence and severity of sore throat were significantly lower in group (K) and group (B) than group (C) (p < 0.05) at all time intervals. While there was no significant difference between group (K) and group (B) (p > 0.05). The incidence and severity of cough and hoarseness of voice were significantly lower in group (B) than group (C) and group (k) (p < 0.05) at all time intervals.

CONCLUSION

Gargling with ketamine before induction of anesthesia is comparable with application of 0.05% betamethasone gel over the Endotracheal tubes in decreasing postoperative sore throat. In addition, Betmethasone application decreased the incidence and severity of postoperative cough and hoarsness of voice.

Once weekly azithromycin in secondary prevention of rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are still important problems in developing countries. Secondary prophylaxis which is the most cost-effective method in preventing recurrences of rheumatic fever is fraught with problems of drug compliance. The utility of 500 mg once weekly azithromycin (AZT), an orally effective long-acting antibiotic was evaluated against oral penicillin (phenoxy methyl penicillin 250 mg twice daily) in this study. Forty-eight consecutive patients (44% males, mean age 29.4 years) with established RHD were randomised into two groups-26 patients received AZT and 22 received oral penicillin. Patients were evaluated at randomisation, at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, clinically, serologically and by throat swab culture. End points were absence of streptococcal colonisation, infection or fever at the end of 6 months. During the study, 4 patients (15.4%) in the AZT group developed sore throat and fever, had positive throat culture and positive serology indicating streptococcal infection. None satisfied the criteria for rheumatic fever reactivation. None in the oral penicillin group developed streptococcal infection. In conclusion, weekly 500 mg of AZT is not effective in the prevention of streptococcal throat infection compared to oral penicillin therapy in adult patients with established RHD.

Comparison between LMA-Classic and AMBU AuraOnce laryngeal mask airway in patients undergoing elective general anaesthesia with positive pressure ventilation

BACKGROUND

The LMA-Classic laryngeal mask airway (Classic LMA) is an autoclavable and reusable laryngeal mask airway with strong evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. Due to the concern of infection risk particularly of prion disease, various single-use laryngeal mask devices were developed. The Ambu AuraOnce LMA (Ambu LMA) is a single use disposable laryngeal mask airway with special design that conforms better to the anatomy of the airway.

OBJECTIVES

The Ambu LMA was compared to the LMA-Classic Classic LMA in respect to ease of insertion, adequacy of seal intraoperatively and postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective general anaesthesia with positive pressure ventilation.

METHODS

One hundred and eighteen ASA I and II patients undergoing elective general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into receiving either the Ambu LMA or the Classic LMA. The time taken and number of attempts taken to insert the laryngeal mask was recorded. Intra-operative adequacy of seal was assessed via the amount of nitrous oxide leak using a nitrous oxide analyser. Readings were charted at 0, 20, 40 and 60 minutes of operation. Complications postoperatively (blood stains on the device and occurrence of sore throat) were also recorded.

RESULTS

The success of first attempt insertion was comparable between the two groups (Classic LMA 87% versus Ambu LMA 83%). However the time of insertion was significantly shorter in the Ambu LMA group (p = 0.008). Nitrous oxide level was comparable between the two groups up to 20 minutes of operation. At 40 and 60 minutes, the Ambu LMA showed a significant lower nitrous oxide leak compared to the Classic LMA. Postoperatively, incidence of blood stains was comparable between the two groups, however the incidence of sore throat was lower in the Ambu LMA group (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the Ambu LMA was comparable to the Classic LMA in terms of the ease of insertion, but provided better seal during positive pressure ventilation with less postoperative sore throat.

Application of mometasone spray to reduce sore throat after tracheal intubation

BACKGROUND

Many factors in tracheal intubation lead to postoperative sore throat from mucosal injury. Mometasone furoate spray is a moderate potency corticosteroid that prevents influx of inflammatory cells into the mucosa. The present study assessed the efficacy of this drug for reducing postoperative sore throat.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A prospective, randomized, double blind, controlled study was completed Forty-two patients undergoing general surgery with general anesthesia were randomized into two groups, momethasone and NSS group sprayed at the endotracheal tube cuff vocal cords, epiglottis and pharynx at the time of tracheal intubation. All the patients were evaluated on the incidence and severity of the sore throat at first, sixth, and 24 hour after surgery.

RESULTS

The sore throat after tracheal intubation was significantly less severe after momethasone spray was used than after NSS was used at first, sixth and 24 hours after surgery. The incidences of sore throat in the momethasone group were also significantly fewer than in the SS group at sixth and 24 hour post operation (20% vs. 50% and 10% vs. 40%, respectively) but at the first hour that the incidence was not significantly different (40% vs. 75%). Number needed to treat at the first hour was 2.86, sixth hour was 3.33 and 24 hour was 3.33.

CONCLUSION

Application of mometasone spray reduces postoperative sore throat after tracheal intubation.

Ketamine gargling and postoperative sore throat

INTRODUCTION

Tracheal intubation is a foremost cause of trauma to the airway mucosa, resulting in postoperative sorethroat (POST). The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of ketamine gargle with placebo in preventing POST after endotracheal intubation.

METHODS

Forty patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, control trial. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 20 patients each: Group C, gargling with drinking water 30 ml; Group K, gargling with ketamine 50 mg in drinking water 30 ml for 30 s, 5 min before induction of anaesthesia. POST was graded at 4, 8, and 24 hours respectively after operation on a four- point scale (0-3).

RESULTS

POST occurred more frequently in Group C, when compared with Group K at 4, 8, and 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine gargle reduces the incidence of POST after endotracheal intubation.

Total knee arthroplasty in a patient with diastrophic dwarfism

Diastrophic dwarfism is an autosomal recessive disease that predominantly occurs in the Finnish population (1 in 33,000) but has been known to occur worldwide. Affected patients present with multiple cartilaginous anomalies and early degeneration of weight-bearing joints. Once past infancy, life expectancy is favorable and patients may undergo multiple surgical procedures throughout their lifetime to repair .or replace affected joints. The characteristic short trunk of these patients in addition to scoliosis, cervical kyphosis, and involvement of articular cartilages can create unique ventilation and airway challenges for anesthesia providers involved in their care.

Preferences for health outcomes associated with Group A Streptococcal disease and vaccination

BACKGROUND

A 26-valent Group A Streptococcus (GAS) vaccine candidate has been developed that may provide protection against pharyngitis, invasive disease and rheumatic fever. However, recommendations for the use of a new vaccine must be informed by a range of considerations, including parents' preferences for different relevant health outcomes. Our objectives were to: (1) describe parent preferences for GAS disease and vaccination using willingness-to-pay (WTP) and time trade-off (TTO) methods; and (2) understand how parents' implied WTP for a quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained might vary depending on the particular health outcome considered (e.g. averted GAS disease vs. vaccine adverse events).

METHODS

Telephone interviews were conducted with parents of children diagnosed with GAS pharyngitis at 2 pediatric practice sites in the Boston metropolitan area. WTP and TTO (trading parental longevity for child's health) questions for 2 vaccine and 4 disease-associated health states were asked using a randomly selected opening bid, followed by a 2nd bid and a final open-ended question about the amount willing to pay or trade. Descriptive analyses included medians and interquartile ranges for WTP and TTO estimates. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess differences in WTP/QALY values for vaccine adverse events vs. disease states.

RESULTS

Of 119 respondents, 100 (84%) and 96 (81%) provided a complete set of responses for WTP and TTO questions, respectively. The median WTP and discounted (at 3% per year) TTO values to avoid each health state were as follows: local reaction, $30, 0.12 days; systemic reaction, $50, 0.22 days; impetigo, $75, 1.25 days; strep throat, $75, 2.5 days; septic arthritis, $1,000, 6.6 days; and toxic shock syndrome, $3,000, 31.0 days. The median WTP/QALY was significantly higher for vaccine adverse events (approximately $60,000/QALY) compared to disease states ($18,000 to $36,000/QALY).

CONCLUSIONS

Parents strongly prefer to prevent GAS disease in children compared to vaccine adverse events. However, implied WTP/QALY ratios were higher for the prevention of vaccine adverse events. Regret for errors of commission vs. omission may differ and should be considered by vaccine policymakers.

Profile Soft-Seal Cuff for general anesthesia under ambulatory gynecologic laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the severity of throat discomfort in terms of sore throat, dysphagia, and dysphonia caused by LMA-ProSeal (PLMA) and Profile Soft-Seal Cuff (PSSC) in early (2 hour) and late (24 hour) postoperative period after ambulatory gynecologic laparoscopy.

DESIGN

Randomized double-blind controlled trial.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

One hundred and thirty eight patients undergoing ambulatory gynecologic laparoscopy in Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were randomly allocated into two groups. One group was intubated with Profile-Soft-Seal Cuff (PSSC), while the other with ProSeal LMA (PLMA). Four-leveled score of sore throat, dysphagia, dysphonia, nausea, or vomiting symptoms at 2 and 24 hours and 5-leveled satisfaction score to both techniques at 24 hours postoperatively were evaluated.

RESULTS

The patients in the PLMA group had less severe symptoms of sore throat (p = 0.016) and dysphonia (p = 0.003) than those in the PSSC group at 2 hour. No difference was detected for dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, and satisfaction scores at 24 hour postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

PLMA caused less sore throat and dysphonia in the early postoperative period than PSSC did PLMA can be used as an alternative airway device for anesthesia in ambulatory gynecologic laparoscopy.

Lidocaine for preventing postoperative sore throat

BACKGROUND

Sore throat is a common side effect of general anaesthesia and is reported by between 30% and 70% of patients after tracheal intubation. The likelihood of a sore throat varies with the type, diameter, and cuff pressure of the endotracheal tube used. If intubation is essential, it may be helpful to give drugs prophylactically to alleviate postoperative sore throat. Local anaesthetics and steroids have been used for this purpose.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness and any harms of topical and systematic lidocaine for the prevention of postoperative sore throat in adults undergoing endotracheal intubation as part of general anaesthesia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 3), MEDLINE (January 1966 to June 2007), and EMBASE (1980 to June 2007). We also contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials of topical and systemic prophylactic lidocaine therapy versus control (using air or saline) that reported on the risk and severity of postoperative sore throat as an outcome.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information, such as the risk of adverse effects.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 1232 patients from 15 studies; 672 patients received topical or systemic lidocaine therapy and 560 patients were allocated to the control group. Both the topical and systemic lidocaine therapy significantly reduced the risk of postoperative sore throat (risk ratio (RR) 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41 to 0.82). To evaluate the severity of sore throat on a visual analogue scale (VAS), 219 patients received topical or systemic lidocaine therapy and 152 patients were allocated to the control groups. The severity of sore throat was reduced (mean difference (MD) -11.9; 95% CI -16.44 to -7.32), an effect that neared statistical significance. The adverse effects of lidocaine were not reported in these studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review establishes the effectiveness of topical and systemic lidocaine for the prevention of postoperative sore throat resulting from intubation. The risk and severity of postoperative sore throat tended to be reduced. The effect size of lidocaine appeared to be affected by drug concentration and route of administration; management of cuff pressure during anaesthesia; the included population; and the type of outcome measured.

[Influence of endotracheal tube cuff lubrication on postoperative sore throat and hoarseness]

BACKGROUND

Sore throat and hoarseness are common postoperative complications in patients who undergo tracheal intubation. In this study, we evaluated the severity of postoperative sore throat and the incidence of hoarseness in 60 patients after tracheal intubation.

METHODS

60 patients (ASA PS 1 or 2, 29 males and 31 females) scheduled for general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were enrolled in this study. They were divided into three groups. Lidocaine 4% was sprayed into the trachea in the sprayed group (n=20). The distal end of the endotracheal tube was lubricated with 2% lidocaine jelly in the lubricated group (n=20). No intervention to the endotracheal tube was carried out in the no-intervention group (n=20). We evaluated the visual analogue scale (VAS) of sore throat and the incidence of hoarseness in each group at the end of general anesthesia and the next day.

RESULTS

VAS scores of sore throat at the end of anesthesia were 9.2 +/- 3.4 mm in the sprayed group, 27.8 +/- 5.7 mm in the lubricated group, and 11.8 +/- 4.4 mm in the no-intervention group. VAS scores on the next day were 2.5 +/- 1.4 mm in the sprayed group, 14.0 +/- 4.3 mm in the lubricated group, and 2.2 +/- 1.7 mm in the no-intervention group. Both VAS scores at the end of anesthesia and the day after anesthesia were significantly higher in the lubricated group than others (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in hoarseness among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, VAS scores at the end of anesthesia and the next day were both significantly higher in the lubricated group than in others. Furthermore, there is no significant difference in VAS between the sprayed group and the no-intervention group. These data suggest that lidocaine jelly lubrication to the endotracheal tube reinforces the severity of sore throat. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in VAS between the sprayed group and the no-intervention group. This suggests that lidocaine sprayed to the trachea does not reduce postoperative sore throat.

Comparison of 2 laryngeal tracheal anesthesia techniques in reducing emergence phenomena

Endotracheal intubation (ETT) can cause emergence phenomena (EP) including coughing, sore throat, and dysphonia. Two methods used to prevent EP are the administration of local anesthetics directly onto airway structures using a specialized laryngotracheal instillation of topical anesthesia (LITA) tube (Sheridan Catheter Corporation, Argyle, New York) or the placement of a local anesthetic into the ETT cuff. The purpose of this study was to determine which method was better at preventing ERl In this prospective, randomized, comparative analysis, a sample of 160 ASA class I through III patients were randomly assigned to receive their EP prophylaxes either by placement of alkalinized lidocaine directly into the ETT cuff at intubation or by injection into a specialized port on the LITA tube approximately 30 minutes before extubation. Variables measured included the incidence and severity of sore throat, coughing, and dysphonia for the first 24 hours following surgery. The incidence of cough and sore throat was higher in the LITA group, achieving significance in the postanesthesia care unit and after discharge to home. No difference in any of the other variables was noted between groups. Our study demonstrated greater efficacy in decreasing the incidence and severity of EP by placing an alkalinized solution of lidocaine into the ETT cuff on intubation.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis with dry-powdered fluticasone propionate: 500 microg/day versus 200 microg/day

We aimed to determine the frequency of oropharyngeal candidiasis and its clinical correlates in the asthmatic patients who use fluticasone propionate (FP) as a dry powdered inhaler. We selected four groups of patients: 62 asthmatic patients who were taking 200 microg/d FP, 122 asthmatics who were taking 500 microg/d FP, 50 asthmatic patients who had not been on inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment and 40 normal non-asthmatic subjects. The frequency of positive swabs for Candida colonization was higher in 500 microg/d FP group than asthmatics without ICS use (chi2 = 6.8, p < 0.05) and normal controls (chi2 = 4.9, p < 0.05), whereas it wasn't different in the 200 microg/day FP group when compared to controls. When we considered patients who used ICS, the most effective variables affecting the occurrence of Candida colonization were washing of the throat by the patients (OR = 9.4, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] = 3.9-22.7, p < 0.0001) and duration of ICS use more than 12 months (OR = 2.5, 95 % CI = 1.1-2.6, p < 0.05). The present study showed that in the patients who use ICS, the most important determinants on colonization were not washing the throat regularly and duration of ICS use for more than 12 months.

Effectiveness and safety of endotracheal tube cuffs filled with air versus filled with alkalinized lidocaine: a randomized clinical trial

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

High intracuff pressure in endotracheal tubes (ETs) may cause tracheal lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endotracheal tube cuffs filled with air or with alkalinized lidocaine.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a prospective clinical study at the Department of Anesthesiology, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista.

METHODS

Among 50 patients, ET cuff pressures were recorded before, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after starting and upon ending nitrous oxide anesthesia. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups: Air, with ET cuff inflated with air to attain a cuff pressure of 20 cmH2O; and Lido, with ET cuff filled with 2% lidocaine plus 8.4% sodium bicarbonate to attain the same pressure. ET discomfort before tracheal extubation, and sore throat, hoarseness and coughing incidence were studied at the time of discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit, and sore throat and hoarseness were studied 24 hours after anesthesia.

RESULTS

Pressures in Lido cuffs were significantly lower than in Air cuffs (p < 0.05). Tracheal complaints were similar for the two groups, except for lower ET discomfort and sore throat incidence after 24 hours and lower systolic arterial pressure at the time of extubation in the Lido group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ET cuffs filled with alkalinized lidocaine prevented the occurrence of high cuff pressures during N2O anesthesia and reduced ET discomfort and postoperative sore throat incidence. Thus, alkalinized lidocaine-filled ET cuffs seem to be safer than conventional air-filled ET cuffs.

[Clinical and therapeutic management of respiratory tract infections. Consensus document of the Andalusian Infectious Diseases Society and the Andalusian Family and Community Medicine Society]

Respiratory tract infections are frequent and they are one of the commonest causes of antibiotic prescription. However, there are few clinical guidelines that consider this group of infections. This document has been written by the Andalusian Infectious Diseases Society and the Andalusian Family and Community Medicine Society. The primary objective has been to define the recommendations for the diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of respiratory tract infections apart from pneumonia. The clinical syndromes evaluated have been: a) pharyngitis; b) sinusitis; c) acute otitis media and otitis externa; d) acute bronchitis, laryngitis, epiglottitis; e) acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis; and f) respiratory infectious in patients with bronchiectasis. This document has focused on immunocompetent patients.

Dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray for the prevention of post-operative sore throat

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray on the prevention of a sore throat.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty patients undergoing general anaesthesia, who were ASA I-II and with their ages ranging between 15 and 70 years, were randomly allocated to three groups, each consisting of 60 patients. For group B, four puffs of benzydamine hydrochloride were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation and repeatedly 5 min before anaesthesia induction. For group D, two pastilles of dexpanthenol were administered orally to be sucked 30 min before the operation. For group P, four puffs of distilled water were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation. Post-operatively, patients were evaluated for a sore throat for the duration of 24 h.

RESULTS

The incidence of a sore throat was significantly lower for group D when compared with group B and group P. The incidence of a sore throat was similar for group B and group P. According to the sore throat grading system, the number of patients experiencing no complaints was significantly higher for group D when compared with group B and group P. The number of patients achieving moderate scores was significantly higher for group B when compared with group D.

CONCLUSION

The administration of 200 mg of dexpanthenol prophylactically before endotracheal intubation is effective in the prevention of post-operative sore throat.

Ribosomal therapy in the prophylaxis of recurrent pharyngotonsillitis in children

OBJECTIVE

Although much has been written on how to manage recurrent pharyngotonsillitis, it remains a controversial topic. The composition of normal commensal oropharynx bacteria may be disrupted by frequently using antimicrobials, by inhibiting sensitive organisms and by allowing resistant organisms to overgrowth. This may cause the recurrence of acute episodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ribosomal immunotherapy in the prophylaxis of recurrent pharyngotonsillitis.

METHODS

A total of 160 children aged between 5 and 14 years with recurrent pharyngotonsillitis were ramdomized to receive either ribosomal immunotherapy (group A one tablet a day, 8 days a month for 3 months) or a placebo (group B same dosage for the same period).

RESULTS

At the end of the study, each patient treated with Immucytal presented a subjective decrease of symptoms. Compared with group B, group A experienced a significant improvement of some clinical parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that ribosomal immunotherapy causes a significant improvement of both specific and non-specific immunity and may be effective in the prophylaxis of recurrent pharyngotonsillitis and in preventing recurrences without entailing side effects or bacterial resistance.

A heated humidifier does not reduce laryngopharyngeal complaints after brief laryngeal mask anesthesia

PURPOSE

Warming and humidification of inspired gases is standard care for intubated patients whose lungs are ventilated mechanically for prolonged periods. We examined whether active humidification of inspired gases might reduce laryngo-pharyngeal discomfort in patients undergoing brief laryngeal mask airway (LMA) anesthesia.

METHODS

In a prospective trial, 200 adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive ventilation without airway warming and exogenous humidification (Group C-control), or active warming and humidification of inspired gases (Group HUM-humidified), using a humidifier with a heated wire circuit. Inhalational anesthesia was maintained via a circle system. The temperatures and relative humidities of inspired gases were monitored continuously throughout surgery. Postoperative sore throat, dysphonia, and dysphagia were assessed one and 24 hr after anesthesia. Whenever symptoms were present, their severities were graded using a 101-point numerical rating scale.

RESULTS

The mean temperature and relative humidity of the inspired gases in Group HUM were greater compared to Group C (36.1+/-0.4 degrees C and 99.5+/-0.5% vs 26.9+/-0.8 degrees C and 76.4+/-10.9%, respectively). Postoperatively, the overall frequencies of laryngeal and pharyngeal discomfort were similar in the two groups (53.8% and 54.9% in Group C vs 51.6% and 41.9% in Group HUM at one and 24 hr respectively, P>0.05). The groups were also similar with respect to the severity scores of laryngo-pharyngeal discomfort.

CONCLUSION

Active warming and humidification of inspired gases has no clinically appreciable effect in reducing the incidence and severity of laryngo-pharyngeal complaints after brief (<two hours) LMA anesthesia.