Esmolol: a unique Beta-blocker in maintaining cardiovascular stability following neurosurgical procedures

Effect of ketofol versus propofol as an induction agent on ease of laryngeal mask airway insertion conditions and hemodynamic stability in pediatrics: an observational prospective cohort study

Background

Laryngeal mask airway is a supraglottic airway device which has led to a fundamental change in the management of modern general anesthesia. In the present study; we evaluated the laryngeal mask airway insertion conditions and hemodynamic changes comparing ketamine-propofol mixture (ketofol) with propofol. The study was to compare the ketamine–propofol mixture (ketofol) with propofolon the ease of laryngeal mask airway insertion conditions and hemodynamic effects for induction of general anesthesia.

Methods

One hundred twenty pediatric patients were recruited and assigned to two groups (60 each). Group KP = ketofol, group P = propofol. Insertion conditions were compared using a Chi-square test while hemodynamic variables were compared using the independentt-test. Statistical significance was stated at p-value< 0.05.

Results

Laryngeal mask airway insertion summed score was nearly similar between the two groups. Mean blood pressure and heart rate were maintained higher in ketofol group while a significant drop was observed in the propofol group. The time from the Laryngeal mask airway placement to the return of spontaneous ventilation was significantly longer in propofol group (240 s [range = 60–360 s]) compared with ketofol group (180 s [range = 30–320 s]) (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Laryngeal mask airway insertion condition summed score was comparable in both ketofol and propofol group. Ketofol provided equivalent laryngeal mask airway insertion conditions while maximizing hemodynamics and minimizing apnea time. Ketofol can be used as an alternative to propofol for laryngeal mask airway insertion in pediatrics.

Comparative Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine and Magnesium Sulphate on Propofol Consumption, Haemodynamics and Postoperative Recovery in Spine Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double-blind Study

PURPOSE

Dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate have been used in anesthesia as adjuvant to provide hemodynamic stability and anesthetic agents sparing effect. We compared these effects of dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate in spine surgeries.

METHODS

Ninety patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Group D received dexmedetomidine loading dose 1 µg/kg over a period of 15 minutes and maintenance 0.5 µg/kg/h throughout the surgery. Group M received magnesium sulfate loading dose 50 mg/kg over a period of 15 minutes and maintenance 15 mg/kg/h throughout the surgery. Group C received same volume of normal saline. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure values were recorded at various intervals. The induction and maintenance doses of anesthetics and recovery parameters were also recorded.

RESULTS

Heart rate in group D and group M were significantly decreased (p<0.05) during the whole intraoperative period compared to preoperative values. There was a significant difference in HR values between group C, D and M, during the whole intraoperaive period (p<0.05). Blood pressure values were statistically significantly lower in the group D and group M compared to group C after intubation and all time observations of surgery (p<0.05). Both drugs reduced the anesthetic agent's requirement during surgery. However, the recovery parameters were statistically significant increase with magnesium sulphate compared to dexmedetomidine and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Dexmedetomidine is more effective than magnesium sulfate for maintaining the hemodynamic stability in spine surgeries. Both these drugs also reduce the requirements of anesthetic agents. Recovery from dexmedetomidine is as rapid as control group compared to magnesium sulfate.

Laryngeal ultrasonography versus cuff leak test in predicting postextubation stridor

Introduction: Although cuff leak test has been proposed as a simple method of predicting the occurrence of postextubation stridor, cut-off point of cuff-leak volume substantially differs between previous studies. In addition, laryngeal ultrasonography including measurement of air column width could predict postextubation stridor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of laryngeal ultrasonography versus cuff leak test in predicting postextubation stridor.

Methods: In a prospective study, all patients intubated for a minimum of 24 h for acute respiratory failure, airway protection and other causes were included. Patients were evaluated for postextubation stridor and need for reintubation after extubation. The cuff leak volume was defined as a difference between expiratory tidal volumes with the cuff inflated and deflated. Laryngeal air column width was defined as the width of air passed through the vocal cords as determined by laryngeal ultrasonography. The air-column width difference was the width difference between balloon-cuff inflation and deflation.

Results: Forty one intubated patients with the mean age of 57.16±20.07 years were included. Postextubation stridor was observed in 4 patients (9.75%). Cuff leak test (cut off point: 249 mL) showed sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 59%, respectively. In addition, laryngeal ultrasonography (cut off point for air column width: 10.95 mm) resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 54%, respectively. Positive predictive value of both methods were <20%.

Conclusion: Both cuff leak test and laryngeal ultrasonography have low positive predictive value and sensitivity in predicting postextubation stridor and should be used with caution in this regard.

Efficacy of Combination Therapy of Statin and Vitamin C in Comparison with Statin in the Prevention of Post-CABG Atrial Fibrillation

PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia that follows coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Patients developing postoperative AF (POAF) have significantly higher mortality rates. The consistent prophylactic effectiveness of statins and vitamin C are well-accepted; however, no evaluation on combined therapy has been performed. We aimed at assessing the efficacy of combination therapy with statin and vitamin C in comparison with statin alone in the prevention of post CABG-AF.

METHODS

In a randomized double blind clinical trial, 120 candidates of CABG were recruited in Tabriz Madani Educational Center in a 15-month period of time. Patients were randomized into two groups of 60 receiving oral atorvastatin (40mg) plus oral vitamin C (2g/d operation day and 1g/d for five consequent days) for intervention group and oral atorvastatin (40mg) for control group. Occurrence of post CABG AF was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were 60 patients, 43 males and 17 females with a mean age of 61.0±11.5 (29-78) years, in the intervention group and sixty patients, 39 males and 21 females with a mean age of 60.5±11.3 (39-81) years, in the control group. The post CABG AF occurred in 6 cases (10%) in the interventional group and 15 patients (25%) in the controls (P=0.03, odds ratio=0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.93).

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, combination prophylaxis against post CABG AF with oral atorvastatin plus vitamin C is significantly more effective than single oral atorvastatin.

Hemodynamic Changes following Anesthesia Induction and LMA Insertion with Propofol, Etomidate, and Propofol + Etomidate

INTRODUCTION

LMA is a simple supra-laryngeal device which is used to establish and maintain airway. Despite the common use of the LMA, there are no optimal methods for induction of anesthesia that can guarantee a proper insertion. The purpose of this study is comparing three methods of induction of anesthesia (Propofol, Etomidate, Propofol+Etomidate) in the hemodynamic stability after LMA insertion in elective surgeries.

METHODS

A total of 90 patients with ASA classes I and II undergoing elective surgeries were randomly allocated into one of the following three groups. Before anesthesia induction, all patients were premedicated. Anesthesia induction methods included: Group P (propofol 2.5 mg/kg), Group E (etomidate 0.3 mg/kg) and Group P+E (propofol 1 mg/kg plus etomidate 0.2 mg/kg). Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were measured before induction and 30 seconds after induction. Apnea time is recorded in all patients. Number of attempts to laryngeal mask insertion, ease of placement, were compared in three groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between demographic data and BIS, SaO2, Etco2 associated diseases, in three group (P>0.5).There is significant difference in hemodynamic (Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures) changes between group 1 in comparison with group 2 and group 3. HR was significantly lower in group 1 than group 2 (P=0.16). There was significant difference in the number of attempts and ease of LMA insertion between group 2 in comparison with group 3 and group 1. The duration of apnea in group 2 was a (8.67± 6) min, where as it was (18.10±6.25) min in group 1 and (12.03±6.4) min group 3.

CONCLUSION

Etomidate plus propofol is an effective and alternative to propofol and etomidate for facilitating LMA insertion with the added advantage of lack of cardio-vascular depression.