EDITORIALS:

Marcel E. Durieux

The Evolution of Anesthetic Sensitivity and the Evolution of a Paper
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 737-738. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Neal L. Benowitz

Nicotine and Postoperative Management of Pain
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 739-741. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Paul S. Pagel

Induction of Heat Shock Protein 70 and Preconditioning by Sevoflurane: A Potent Protective Interaction Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 742-745. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Cynthia A. Wong

Introducing Focused Reviews in Obstetric Anesthesiology: A New Series
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 746-747. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Jeffrey M. Feldman

It Takes an Entrepreneur
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 748. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Marcos F. Vidal Melo and Bruce J. Leone

Introduction of New Monitors into Clinical Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 749-750. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Hiroshi Kitahata, Junpei Nozaki, Shinji Kawahito, Takehito Tomino, and Shuzo Oshita

Low-Dose Sevoflurane Inhalation Enhances Late Cardioprotection from the Anti-Ulcer Drug Geranylgeranylacetone
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 755-761. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Geranylgeranylacetone, an antiulcer drug, was shown to produce myocardial protection in rabbits in association with increased heat shock protein 70 expression. Sevoflurane enhanced geranylgeranylacetone-induced cardioprotective effects.

Paul S. Pagel, John G. Krolikowski, Phillip F. Pratt, Jr, Yon Hee Shim, Julien Amour, David C. Warltier, and Dorothee Weihrauch

The Mechanism of Helium-Induced Preconditioning: A Direct Role for Nitric Oxide in Rabbits
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 762-768. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Brief, repetitive administration of the nonanesthetic noble gas helium before prolonged coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion reduced myocardial infarct size in rabbits by a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated mechanism. Helium directly increased NO production as detected using 4,5-diaminofluroscein diacetate staining independent of ischemia and reperfusion.

Paul S. Pagel, John G. Krolikowski, Phillip F. Pratt, Jr, Yon Hee Shim, Julien Amour, David C. Warltier, and Dorothee Weihrauch

Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase or the Apoptotic Protein p53 Lowers the Threshold of Helium Cardioprotection In Vivo: The Role of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 769-775. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Glycogen synthase kinase-3{beta} and tumor suppressor apoptotic protein p53 are major regulators of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Helium reduces myocardial infarct size in vivo, and selective inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase or p53 lower the threshold of this helium-induced cardioprotection via a mitochondrial permeability transition pore-dependent mechanism.

Long T. Nguyen, Mario J. Rebecchi, Leon C. Moore, Peter S. A. Glass, Peter R. Brink, and Lixin Liu

Attenuation of Isoflurane-Induced Preconditioning and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in the Senescent Rat Heart
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 776-782. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that, in contrast to young hearts, isoflurane-induced preconditioning and enhanced reactive oxygen species production are not observed in the aged rat heart. Attenuation of reactive oxygen species may be a mechanism for the reduced anesthetic preconditioning in the senescent myocardium.

Chinnamuthu Murugesan, Sanjay Kumar Banakal, Rajnish Garg, Shankaraiah Keshavamurthy, and Kanchi Muralidhar

The Efficacy of Aprotinin in Arterial Switch Operations in Infants
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 783-787. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Aprotinin (40,000 kallikrein inhibitor units/kg) was effective in reducing the postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirement of fresh frozen plasma and platelets in infants undergoing arterial switch operations for transposition of great arteries. Our study showed that aprotinin reduced the number of total donor exposures to all allogenic blood products and re-explorations for excessive bleeding.

K. Annette Mizuguchi, Amanda A. Fox, Thomas M. Burch, Andrew Locke, Michael J. Davidson, and John A. Fox

Incidental Finding of Superior Vena Cava Mass Missed on Transesophageal Echocardiography but Seen on Epiaortic Imaging (Echo Rounds)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 788-790. [Full Text] [PDF] [Echo Rounds]  [Request Permissions]  

William J. Mauermann, Kent H. Rehfeldt, and Soon J. Park

Transesophageal Echocardiography in a Patient in Hemodynamic Compromise After Jarvik 2000 ^TM Implantation: The Suckdown Effect (Echo Rounds)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 791-792. [Full Text] [PDF] [Echo Rounds]  [Request Permissions]  

Kirkpatrick C. Santo, Alejandro Barrios, Uday Dandekar, Peter Riley, Peter Guest, and Robert S. Bonser

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: An Important Monitoring Tool During Hybrid Aortic Arch Replacement (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 793-796. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Near-infrared spectroscopy is a real-time monitor of brain perfusion. This case suggests that it may be particularly useful during supra-aortic vessel translocation for hybrid aortic arch surgery.

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Susanna Westerén-Punnonen, Heidi Yppärilä-Wolters, Juhani Partanen, Kari Nieminen, Antti Hyvärinen, and Hannu Kokki

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials by Median Nerve Stimulation in Children During Thiopental/Sevoflurane Anesthesia and the Additive Effects of Ketoprofen and Fentanyl
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 799-805. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The maintenance of anesthesia with 2% sevoflurane in children prolongs median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) latencies in a similar way that has been reported with other volatile anesthetics. Co-administration of ketoprofen and fentanyl with sevoflurane inhalation does not affect the median nerve SEPs latencies, but the co-administration may decrease cortical SEP amplitudes for older children.

Helen V. Hume-Smith, Shubhayan Sanatani, Joanne Lim, Anthony Chau, and Simon D. Whyte

The Effect of Propofol Concentration on Dispersion of Myocardial Repolarization in Children
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 806-810. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This randomized controlled trial indicates that clinically relevant propofol concentrations do not increase QTc or transmural dispersion of repolarization in healthy children.

Shu-Ming Wang, Sandra Escalera, Eric C. Lin, Inna Maranets, and Zeev N. Kain

Extra-1 Acupressure for Children Undergoing Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 811-816. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Acupressure applied at the Extra-1 point results in lower levels of preprocedural anxiety in children undergoing endoscopic procedures. This intervention, however, has no effect on intraprocedural anesthetic requirements.

AMBULATORY ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Boris Mraovic, Tatjana Simurina, Zdenko Sonicki, Neven Skitarelic, and Tong J. Gan

The Dose–Response of Nitrous Oxide in Postoperative Nausea in Patients Undergoing Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery: A Preliminary Study
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 818-823. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We demonstrate that nitrous oxide (N2O) increases the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. The preliminary findings indicate that N2O may increase PONV in a dose-dependent fashion. A high concentration of N2O in this clinical setting is not recommended.

Sung-Jin Lee, Sun-Joon Bai, Jong-Seok Lee, Won-Ok Kim, Yang-Sik Shin, and Ki-Young Lee

The Duration of Intrathecal Bupivacaine Mixed with Lidocaine
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 824-827. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The addition of 0.6 mL of 1% intrathecal lidocaine (6 mg) to 1.5 mL of 0.5% intrathecal bupivacaine (7.5 mg) produces a more rapid recovery from spinal anesthesia than obtained with the same dose of bupivacaine alone.

ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY:

Edmond I. Eger, II, Douglas E. Raines, Steven L. Shafer, Hugh C. Hemmings, Jr, and James M. Sonner

Is a New Paradigm Needed to Explain How Inhaled Anesthetics Produce Immobility? (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 832-848. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

James M. Sonner

A Hypothesis on the Origin and Evolution of the Response to Inhaled Anesthetics (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 849-854. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Margaret M. Sedensky and Philip G. Morgan

Genetics and the Evolution of the Anesthetic Response
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 855-858. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Roderic G. Eckenhoff

Why Can All of Biology Be Anesthetized?
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 859-861. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

C. Michael Crowder

Does Natural Selection Explain the Universal Response of Metazoans to Volatile Anesthetics?
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 862-863. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Carl Lynch, III

Meyer and Overton Revisited
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 864-867. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Liya Yang and James M. Sonner

Anesthetic-Like Modulation of Receptor Function by Surfactants: A Test of the Interfacial Theory of Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 868-874. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Seven surfactants with varying head group charges (anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, uncharged) and tail lengths (8 or 12 carbons) as a group increased currents through glycine and {gamma} amino butyric acid type A receptors and decreased currents through N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in response to agonist. This suggests that interfacial activity may be a sufficient condition for anesthetic-like modulation of these receptors.

Yi Zhang, Manohar Sharma, Edmond I. Eger, II, Michael J. Laster, Hugh C. Hemmings, Jr, and R. Adron Harris

Intrathecal Veratridine Administration Increases Minimum Alveolar Concentration in Rats
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 875-878. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Intrathecal administration of veratridine can increase MAC, presumably by an effect on sodium channels.

Dimitry Shnayderman, Michael J. Laster, Edmond I. Eger, II, Irene Oh, Yi Zhang, Steven L. Jinks, Joseph F. Antognini, and Douglas E. Raines

Increases in Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Potassium Concentration Do Not Increase Isoflurane Minimum Alveolar Concentration in Rats
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 879-884. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Potassium channels may not mediate the capacity of isoflurane to produce immobility in the presence of noxious stimulation.

Thomas J. Rowley and Pamela Flood

Isoflurane Prevents Nicotine-Evoked Norepinephrine Release from the Mouse Spinal Cord at Low Clinical Concentrations
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 885-889. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Isoflurane inhibits nicotinic facilitation of norepinephrine release in spinal cord slices at concentrations that enhance pain transmission.

TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTING, AND SIMULATION:

Michael B. Jaffe

Infrared Measurement of Carbon Dioxide in the Human Breath: "Breathe-Through" Devices from Tyndall to the Present Day (Special Article)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 890-904. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: A historical description of mainstream capnography development highlights the many developments that have occurred to provide the sophisticated, cost-effective technology we enjoy today.

Panayiotis A. Kyriacou, Deric P. Jones, Richard M. Langford, and Andy J. Petros

A Pilot Study of Neonatal and Pediatric Esophageal Pulse Oximetry (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 905-908. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This preliminary study suggests that the esophagus can be used as an alternative site for monitoring arterial blood oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry in children and neonates.

PATIENT SAFETY:

Frank Schuster, Thomas Metterlein, Sabrina Negele, Peter Kranke, Ralf M. Muellenbach, Ulrich Schwemmer, Norbert Roewer, and Martin Anetseder

An In-Vivo Metabolic Test for Detecting Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility in Humans: A Pilot Study
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 909-914. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Local metabolic monitoring of lactate after intramuscular caffeine and halothane injection allows the differentiation between malignant hyperthermia susceptible and non-susceptible individuals and may prove to be a less expensive and invasive test.

Frances Chung, Balaji Yegneswaran, Francisco Herrera, Alex Shenderey, and Colin M. Shapiro

Patients with Difficult Intubation May Need Referral to Sleep Clinics
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 915-920. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Among 33 patients with difficult intubation who underwent sleep studies, 66% were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with difficult intubations are at high risk of OSA and may need referral to a sleep clinic for polysomnography.

Patrick Schober, Eric J.H. Meuleman, Christa Boer, Stephan A. Loer, and Lothar A. Schwarte

Transurethral Resection Syndrome Detected and Managed Using Transesophageal Doppler (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 921-925. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Transurethral resection of the prostate syndrome results from excessive absorption of irrigation fluids. A case of transurethral resection of the prostate syndrome is presented, demonstrating that transesophageal Doppler monitoring may allow early detection of acute hypervolemia and facilitate subsequent management.

Ulrike M. Stamer, Frank Stüber, Thomas Muders, and Frank Musshoff

Respiratory Depression with Tramadol in a Patient with Renal Impairment and CYP2D6 Gene Duplication (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 926-929. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Predisposing factors for opioid-related respiratory depression in patients receiving tramadol include renal impairment and the genetic CYP2D6 variant that results in its ultra-rapid metabolism and accumulation of its active metabolite.

CRITICAL CARE AND TRAUMA:

Dave A. Dongelmans, Denise P. Veelo, Alexander Bindels, Jan M. Binnekade, Kees Koppenol, Matty Koopmans, Joke C. Korevaar, Michael A. Kuiper, and Marcus J. Schultz

Determinants of Tidal Volumes with Adaptive Support Ventilation: A Multicenter Observational Study
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 932-937. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Our data show the importance of setting the correct weight with adaptive support ventilation. With adaptive support ventilation, tidal volume is >8 mL/kg ideal body weight in a substantial number of patients. The only determinant of tidal volume that can be influenced by the operator is set body weight.

Denise P. Veelo, Dave A. Dongelmans, Pauline Middelhoek, Johanna C. Korevaar, and Marcus J. Schultz

Adaptive Support Ventilation with Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheotomy: A Clinical Study (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 938-940. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Adaptive support ventilation does not adequately maintain minute ventilation during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy under endoscopic guidance without adjustment of the maximum airway pressure limits to higher levels. Adaptive support ventilation maintains minute ventilations after percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy when the patient is recovering.

Hermann Heinze, Beate Sedemund-Adib, Matthias Heringlake, Ulrich W. Gosch, and Wolfgang Eichler

Functional Residual Capacity Changes After Different Endotracheal Suctioning Methods (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 941-944. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Endotracheal suctioning decreases functional residual capacity in ventilated postcardiac surgery patients, regardless of whether open suctioning, closed suctioning with pressure-controlled ventilation, or closed suctioning with volume-controlled ventilation is used.

Ingrid Haller, Agnes Kofler, Wolfgang Lederer, Andreas Chemelli, and Franz J. Wiedermann

Acute Pulmonary Artery Embolism During Transcatheter Embolization: Successful Resuscitation with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 945-947. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may offer an effective option to support acute right ventricular failure and circulatory arrest due to massive pulmonary embolism after transarterial microcatheter embolization.

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Patricia M. Lavand’homme, Fabienne Roelants, Hilde Waterloos, Valerie Collet, and Marc F. De Kock

An Evaluation of the Postoperative Antihyperalgesic and Analgesic Effects of Intrathecal Clonidine Administered During Elective Cesarean Delivery
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 948-955. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Intrathecal clonidine 150 {micro}g administered during elective cesarean delivery reduces both the extent and the incidence of periincisional punctate mechanical hyperalgesia at 48 h after delivery.

Brendan Carvalho

Respiratory Depression After Neuraxial Opioids in the Obstetric Setting (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 956-961. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Nimesh P. Nagarsheth, Sean Pinney, Adel Bassily-Marcus, Anelechi Anyanwu, Lynn Friedman, and Yaakov Beilin

Successful Placement of a Right Ventricular Assist Device for Treatment of a Presumed Amniotic Fluid Embolism (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 962-964. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We report the successful multidisciplinary management of a woman who developed a coagulopathy from a presumed amniotic fluid embolism after forceps-assisted vaginal delivery requiring recombinant factor VIIa, and pulmonary arterial hypertension requiring a right ventricular assist device.

ECONOMICS, EDUCATION, AND POLICY:

Richard H. Epstein, Franklin Dexter, and Elizabeth Piotrowski

Automated Correction of Room Location Errors in Anesthesia Information Management Systems
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 965-971. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Incorrect reported locations of ongoing cases can reduce trust in managerial decision-support recommendations. Location errors in both operating room and anesthesia information management systems are ubiquitous, and likely cannot be improved through educational processes to a level of accuracy required for such decisions on the day of surgery. However, the actual location of an ongoing case can be inferred automatically by the identifier of the anesthesia information management system workstation transmitting vital sign data.

Elisabeth H. Sandberg, Ritu Sharma, Richard Wiklund, and Warren S. Sandberg

Clinicians Consistently Exceed a Typical Person’s Short-Term Memory During Preoperative Teaching
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 972-978. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Patient education is a fundamental component of outpatient preoperative screening. We studied the volume of information given during patient education and discovered that anesthesiologists and nurse practitioners typically exceed the limits of short-term memory by an order of magnitude, indicating a disconnect between current practice and basic understanding of human memory.

NEUROSURGICAL ANESTHESIOLOGY:

Hayden White and Bala Venkatesh

Cerebral Perfusion Pressure in Neurotrauma: A Review (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 979-988. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

GENERAL ARTICLES:

David T. Wong, Hao Weng, Eunice Lam, Hai-Bao Song, and Jin Liu

Lengthening of the Trachea During Neck Extension: Which Part of the Trachea Is Stretched?
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 989-993. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Upper incisor-vocal cords-sternal notch-carina distances were measured with a bronchoscope with the patient's neck in flexion, neutral, and extension positions. Upper incisor-vocal cords and vocal cords-sternal notch distances increased by 0.36 and 1.74 cm whereas the sternal notch-carina distance was unchanged.

Ghassan E. Kanazi, Mohammed El-Khatib, Viviane G. Nasr, Romeo Kaddoum, Achir Al-Alami, Anis S. Baraka, and Chakib M. Ayoub

A Comparison of a Silicone Wire-Reinforced Tube with the Parker and Polyvinyl Chloride Tubes for Tracheal Intubation Through an Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway in Patients with Normal Airways Undergoing General Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 994-997. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The blind intubation success rates through an intubating laryngeal mask airway using a Parker tube or a PVC tube were 54% and 48%, respectively. However, manipulation improved the intubation success rate in the Parker tube to 86%, which is comparable to the success rate of 90% achieved with the silicone wire-reinforced tube.

ANALGESIA:

Ashraf S. Habib, William D. White, Magdi A. El Gasim, Gamal Saleh, Thomas J. Polascik, Judd W. Moul, and Tong J. Gan

Transdermal Nicotine for Analgesia After Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 999-1004. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The preoperative application of a nicotine patch provides a significant reduction in postoperative morphine consumption in men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy under general anesthesia. However, despite this reduction in opioid use, there was no decrease in pain scores or postoperative nausea and vomiting with the use of transdermal nicotine.

Daewha Hong, Jessamyn Conell-Price, Sean Cheng, and Pamela Flood

Transdermal Nicotine Patch for Postoperative Pain Management: A Pilot Dose-Ranging Study
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1005-1010. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In this preliminary dose-finding study, we found that a nicotine patch delivering 7-21 mg/d applied for 16 h resulted in a reduction in a patient's numerical rating scale score for up to 5 days, but without any reduction in opiate delivery or side effects compared with placebo. This information warrants a much larger study to establish the optimal dose, safety, and efficacy of a nicotine patch in postoperative pain management.

Alparslan Turan, Paul F. White, Onur Koyuncu, Beyhan Karamanliodlu, Gaye Kaya, and Christian C. Apfel

Transdermal Nicotine Patch Failed to Improve Postoperative Pain Management
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1011-1017. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: A single intranasal dose of nicotine (3 mg) at the end of surgery has been reported to have analgesic-like properties. In the current investigation, perioperative administration of a higher dose of nicotine delivered over 3 days via a transdermal patch failed to improve postoperative pain control or decrease opioid consumption after lower abdominal surgery.

Ok Yung Chung and Stephen Bruehl

The Impact of Blood Pressure and Baroreflex Sensitivity on Wind-Up
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1018-1025. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Elevated resting blood pressure and greater spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity inhibit wind-up (an index of central pain sensitization) in healthy individuals, but not in individuals with chronic pain. Systems modulating cardiovascular function and pain overlap and chronic pain-associated dysfunction in these modulatory systems may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Girish P. Joshi, Francis Bonnet, Rajesh Shah, Roseanne C. Wilkinson, Frederic Camu, Barrie Fischer, Edmund A. M. Neugebauer, Narinder Rawal, Stephan A. Schug, Christian Simanski, and Henrik Kehlet

A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials Evaluating Regional Techniques for Postthoracotomy Analgesia
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1026-1040. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Data Supplement]  [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Evidence from a systematic review evaluating different regional analgesic techniques for management of post-thoracotomy pain shows that paravertebral block is as effective as thoracic epidural local anesthetic for analgesia, and is associated with fewer side effects, whereas other techniques provide inferior analgesia or require further study. Based on current evidence, thoracic epidural analgesia and paravertebral block are recommended as first choice treatments; intrathecal or intercostal analgesia are recommended if those techniques are not possible; interpleural analgesia is not recommended.

Masanori Yamauchi, Makoto Asano, Masanori Watanabe, Soushi Iwasaki, Shingo Furuse, and Akiyoshi Namiki

Continuous Low-Dose Ketamine Improves the Analgesic Effects of Fentanyl Patient-Controlled Analgesia After Cervical Spine Surgery (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1041-1044. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Small-dose ketamine (2 mg {middle dot} kg-1 {middle dot} 24 h-1) improved analgesia of fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia after cervical but not lumbar spine surgery.

Quinn Hogan, Philipp Lirk, Mark Poroli, Marcel Rigaud, Andreas Fuchs, Patrick Fillip, Marko Ljubkovic, Geza Gemes, and Damir Sapunar

Restoration of Calcium Influx Corrects Membrane Hyperexcitability in Injured Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1045-1051. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Restoring ICa in injured dorsal root ganglion neurons leads to decreased neuronal excitability. Increasing inward Ca2+ flux may be therapeutic for painful peripheral neuropathy.

Thomas J. Rowley, James Payappilly, Jeffery Lu, and Pamela Flood

The Antinociceptive Response to Nicotinic Agonists in a Mouse Model of Postoperative Pain
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1052-1057. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Nicotine is antinociceptive in mice after surgery and reduces activation of primary nociceptive neurons in the spinal cord. The antinociceptive effect is recapitulated by activation of both {alpha}4{beta}2 and {alpha}7 type nicotinic receptors.

Satoshi Hagiwara, Hideo Iwasaka, Akira Hasegawa, and Takayuki Noguchi

Pre-Irradiation of Blood by Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (830 nm) Low-Level Laser Enhances Peripheral Endogenous Opioid Analgesia in Rats
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1058-1063. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrated that low-level laser produces analgesia in peripherally inflamed tissues in rats via enhancement of peripheral endogenous opioids.

Ryohei Okazaki, Hiroyoshi Namba, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Hisashi Okai, Tomoshi Miura, and Minoru Kawamura

The Antiallodynic Effect of Neurotropin® Is Mediated via Activation of Descending Pain Inhibitory Systems in Rats with Spinal Nerve Ligation
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1064-1069. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We investigated the mechanism of the antiallodynic effect of Neurotropin in rats with fifth lumbar nerve ligation. The antiallodynic effect of Neurotropin is mediated via activation of the noradrenergic, serotonergic and GABAergic systems.

RETRACTION:

NOTICE OF RETRACTION
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1040. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA:

Irene Ng, Himat Vaghadia, Peter T. Choi, and Naeder Helmy

Ultrasound Imaging Accurately Identifies the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1070-1074. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study compared the efficacy of ultrasound with anatomical landmarks in identifying the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in cadavers and volunteers. We found identification of the nerve with ultrasound is feasible and more accurate than anatomic landmarks.

De Q. H. Tran, Antonio Clemente, Don Q. Tran, and Roderick J. Finlayson

A Comparison Between Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Block Using the "Double Bubble" Sign and Neurostimulation-Guided Axillary Block (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1075-1078. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Data Supplement]  [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Compared to triple-stimulation axillary block, single-injection ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block using the "double bubble" sign (consisting of the axillary artery viewed in short axis superimposed on an inferior bubble created by local anesthetic injection) yielded a similar success rate. However, ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block was associated with a decrease in performance time and block-related pain.

Allison J. Fegley, Jerrold Lerman, and Richard Wissler

Epidural Multiorifice Catheters Function as Single-Orifice Catheters: An In Vitro Study (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1079-1081. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We determined the flow rates required to use all three orifices of multiorifice catheters. Continuous infusion rates up to 80 mL/h used a single orifice; rates between 100 and 280 mL/h used two orifices; rates in excess of 300 mL/h used all three orifices. We conclude that 20-gauge multiorifice catheters function as single-orifice catheters at clinically relevant epidural infusion rates.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

David Amar, Paul M. Heerdt, Dawn P. Desiderio, and Anne C. Kolker

In Response:
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1082. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Markus F. Stevens, MD, DEAA,

Frequency-Dependent Block in Humans?
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1082-1083. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Kenneth D. Candido, Kenneth D. Langen, Michael King, Guido Marra, and Alon P. Winnie

Frequency-Dependent Block in Humans?
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1083. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Chitra Rajeswari Thangaswamy

Pharyngeal Morbidity and the High Intracuff Pressure of Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1083-1084. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Shih-wei Lee and Yuan-yi Chia

Pharyngeal Morbidity and the High Intracuff Pressure of Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1084. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Yushi U. Adachi, Katsumi Suzuki, Taiga Itagaki, Yukako Obata, Matsuyuki Doi, and Shigehito Sato

A Recommended Solution for Avoiding Coring of a Rubber Stopper
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1084. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Matthias L. Riess

A Recommended Solution for Avoiding Coring of a Rubber Stopper
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1084-1085. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Khaleeq-Ur Rehman, Andrew M. Monaghan, and Jeffrey L. Tong

Air Penetration into the Tissues During Oral Surgery
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1085. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Giuseppina Magni, Carmela Imperiale, Giovanni Rosa, and Roberto Favaro

Air Penetration into the Tissues During Oral Surgery
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1085. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Bruno Chiron, Thibaud Mariaux de Serres, Jacques Fusciardi, and Marc Laffon

Difficult Removal of an Arrow Flextip Plus^TM Epidural Catheter
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1085-1086. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Shashi Kiran, Rakesh Gupta, Monika Gupta, and Dinesh Kumar Singla

Another Use of an Orthopedic Tourniquet
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1086-1087. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Masao Yamashita

The Drain Tube of Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway Can Be Used As a Basic Monitor
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1087. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS:

Eric J. Heyer and Jonathan Hastie

Hooked: Ethics, the Medical Profession, and the Pharmaceutical Industry
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1088. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Michael A. Rie

Enduring Contributions of Henry K. Beecher to Medicine Science, and Society
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1089-1090. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Jennifer A. Sposito and Stuart A. Grant

Atlas of Peripheral Nerve Blocks and Anatomy for Orthopaedic Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1090-1091. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Raymond C. Roy

Geriatric Anesthesiology, 2nd ed.
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1091-1092. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ERRATA:

Erratum
Anesth Analg 2008 107: 1087. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

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