Evaluation of the effects of bupivacaine combined with sugammadex on the duration of the nociceptive blockade in sciatic nerve blocks: a controlled, double-blind animal study

BACKGROUND

Animal and other experimental studies have demonstrated increased block time and quality when α- and β-cyclodextrin drugs are combined with local anesthetics. However, to our knowledge, no study has utilized γ-cyclodextrins in such a combination. In the present study, we used an animal model to evaluate the effects of different doses of the combined administration of γ-cyclodextrin (sugammadex) and bupivacaine on the duration of sciatic nerve blocks in rats.

METHODS

Sciatic nerve blocks were performed with a 0.20 ml mixture in all groups. For the non-experimental groups, this mixture consisted of 0.2 ml saline (Sham group), 0.2 ml sugammadex (Group S), or 0.16 ml bupivacaine 0.5% and 0.04 ml saline (Group B). For the experimental groups, 0.16 ml bupivacaine 0.5% was administered along with 0.01 ml sugammadex and 0.03 ml saline (Group BS1), 0.02 ml sugammadex and 0.02 ml saline (Group BS2), or 0.04 ml sugammadex (Group BS4). Proprioception, nociception, and motor function were evaluated until the sciatic block was completely reversed.

RESULTS

Motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive blockades occurred within 5 min in all experimental groups. In Group BS4, the duration of the motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive blockades was significantly increased compared with the other experimental groups. However, in Groups BS1 and BS2, only the duration of the nociceptive blockade was significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined administration of sugammadex and bupivacaine for sciatic nerve blocks in rats led to a significant increase in the duration of motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive blockades.

Factors related to prehospital time in caring for patients with stroke

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors that affect prehospital time (PHT) for patients with stroke.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic review. We searched 6 databases to select descriptive studies of factors influencing PHT in stroke. The studies selected were published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish between 1995 and 2019.

RESULTS

One hundred one articles were analyzed. Sociodemographic, clinical, contextual, cognitive, and behavioral data related to PHT in patients with stroke were identified. Calling the emergency medical services (EMS) immediately after onset of stroke symptoms was the main factor associated with a shorter PHT. Referral from another hospital was associated with a longer PHT.

CONCLUSION

PHT is affected by factors inherent to patients and the setting for the event. Educational strategies should be developed to address relevant factors, especially regarding the importance of recognizing the onset of a stroke and calling the EMS immediately.