EDITORIALS:

Lee A. Fleisher

Routine Laboratory Testing in the Elderly: Is It Indicated?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 249-250. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Jean-Damien Ricard and Didier Dreyfuss

Cytokines During Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury: A Word of Caution
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 251-252. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIA:

Tatsuhiro Oka, Yoshiko Ozawa, and Yoshinori Ohkubo

Thoracic Epidural Bupivacaine Attenuates Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias After Pulmonary Resection
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 253-259. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We examined whether postoperative thoracic sympathetic blockade by thoracic epidural bupivacaine after pulmonary resection might reduce the tachyarrhythmias that may result from the relative sympathotonic status produced by injury to the cardiac parasympathetic nerves. The continuous infusion of thoracic epidural bupivacaine was shown to reduce supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Nigel D. A. Scawn, Stephen H. Pennefather, Ajaib Soorae, Julian Y. Y. Wang, and Glenn N. Russell

Ipsilateral Shoulder Pain After Thoracotomy with Epidural Analgesia: The Influence of Phrenic Nerve Infiltration with Lidocaine
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 260-264. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Ipsilateral shoulder pain after thoracotomy is common and may be severe, even in the presence of a functioning thoracic epidural. We have shown that infiltration of the phrenic nerve with local anesthetic significantly and safely reduces this shoulder pain, potentially allowing the ideal goal of a pain-free thoracotomy.

Jost Müllenheim, Ralf Rulands, Thomas Wietschorke, Jan Fräßdorf, Benedikt Preckel, and Wolfgang Schlack

Late Preconditioning is Blocked by Racemic Ketamine, But Not by S(+)-Ketamine
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 265-270. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Racemic ketamine, but not S(+)-ketamine, blocks the cardioprotection induced by ischemic late preconditioning in rabbit hearts in vivo. Thus, the influence of ketamine on ischemic late preconditioning is most likely enantiomer specific, and the use of S(+)-ketamine may be preferable in patients with coronary artery disease.

Pekka O. Talke, Errol P. Lobo, Ronald Brown, and Charles A. Richardson

Clonidine-Induced Vasoconstriction in Awake Volunteers
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 271-276. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: IV clonidine, at doses that decrease blood pressure, causes arterial vasoconstriction in awake subjects. These data suggest that an {alpha}-2 agonist with a high {alpha}-2a/{alpha}-2b selectivity should provide more profound sedative and analgesic effects with less undesirable vasoconstrictive effects.

Heather E. Manspeizer, Mayuko Imai, Robert J. Frumento, Michael K. Parides, Berend Mets, and Elliott Bennett-Guerrero

Arterial and Venous Thrombelastograph^® Variables Differ During Cardiac Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 277-281. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Thrombelastograph(R) (TEG(R)) values obtained from venous blood samples differ from values obtained from arterial blood samples. When the TEG(R) coagulation analyzer is used for clinical purposes, it is important to be consistent in the blood collection site.

Hiroyuki Kinoshita, Hiroshi Iranami, Yoshiki Kimoto, Mayuko Dojo, and Yoshio Hatano

Cibenzoline Has an Inhibitory Effect on Vasorelaxation Mediated by Adenosine Triphosphate-Sensitive K⁺ Channels in the Rat Carotid Artery
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 282-286. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In isolated rat carotid artery, cibenzoline (10-6 to 10-5 M) reduced vasorelaxation to levcromakalim in a concentration-dependent fashion. These results suggest that from the clinically relevant concentrations, a novel class Ia antiarrhythmic drug, cibenzoline, impairs carotid vasodilation mediated by adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ channels.

Herman G. D. Hendriks, Joost M. A. A. van der Maaten, Joost de Wolf, Tjalling W. Waterbolk, Maarten J. H. Slooff, and Jan van der Meer

An Effective Treatment of Severe Intractable Bleeding After Valve Repair by One Single Dose of Activated Recombinant Factor VII (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 287-289. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Ayumi Shimokawa, Shingo Tateyama, Yukio Shimizu, Ikuo Muramatsu, and Mayumi Takasaki

Anterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Resuscitator with Undiagnosed Muscle Anomaly (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 290-291. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Aggeliki Bairaktari, Bogdan Raitsiou, Maria Kokolaki, Maria Mitselou, Giannis Dritsas, Gabriel Dahabre, and Maria Vafiadou

Respiratory Failure After Pneumonectomy in a Patient with Unknown Hyperlipidemia (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 292-293. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ECONOMICS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH:

Steven J. Barker

Lord or Vassal? Academic Anesthesiology Finances in 2000
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 294-300. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Implications: The history, current status, and trends of finances in academic anesthesiology departments are reviewed. Knowledge of these issues will help departments develop funds allocation methods to ensure that they receive an appropriate share of their faculty practice group's clinical income.

Samir Dzankic, Darwin Pastor, Carlos Gonzalez, and Jacqueline M. Leung

The Prevalence and Predictive Value of Abnormal Preoperative Laboratory Tests in Elderly Surgical Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 301-308. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The prevalence of abnormal preoperative electrolyte values and thrombocytopenia was small and had low predictive values. Although more prevalent, abnormal hemoglobin, creatinine, and glucose values were also not predictive of postoperative adverse outcomes. Routine preoperative testing for hemoglobin, creatinine, glucose, and electrolytes on the basis of age alone may not be indicated in geriatric patients. Rather, selective laboratory testing, as indicated by history and physical examination, which will determine patient's comorbidities and surgical risk, seems to be indicated.

Amr E. Abouleish, Donald S. Prough, Mark H. Zornow, Asa Lockhart, James J. Abate, and Johnette Hughes

Designing Meaningful Industry Metrics for Clinical Productivity for Anesthesiology Departments (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 309-312. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

John R. Feiner, Ronald D. Miller, and Robert F. Hickey

Productivity Versus Availability as a Measure of Faculty Clinical Responsibility (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 313-318. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Accountability of clinical activities by faculty is crucial to the financial status of any department of anesthesia. We hypothesized that methods of availability (e.g., amount of time scheduled for clinical activities) versus productivity measure (actual amount of clinical care delivered) would be quite different between faculty and differing subspecialty groups. Even though the availability system distributed clinical time on an equal basis, there was a wide difference of clinical productivity within and between specialty groups. We conclude that a productivity measure (i.e., billable hours) is a more accurate reflection of faculty productivity than an availability system and is more in line with departmental sources of financial income.

AMBULATORY ANESTHESIA:

Bruce Ben-David, Patrick J. DeMeo, Christen Lucyk, and David Solosko

A Comparison of Minidose Lidocaine-Fentanyl Spinal Anesthesia and Local Anesthesia/Propofol Infusion for Outpatient Knee Arthroscopy
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 319-325. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Both local anesthesia supplemented by a titrated IV propofol infusion and minidose lidocaine-fentanyl spinal anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy provide high patient satisfaction with equally rapid recovery and discharge.

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA:

Andrew J. Davidson, MaryEllen McCann, Prabhakar Devavaram, Susan A. Auble, Lorna J. Sullivan, Jeannie M. Gillis, and Peter C. Laussen

The Differences in the Bispectral Index Between infants and Children During Emergence from Anesthesia After Circumcision Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 326-330. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In this study comparing the Bispectral index (BIS) in infants and children undergoing circumcision surgery by use of a standardized surgical and anesthetic technique, a significant decrease in BIS was detected in children during a stepwise decrease in end-tidal sevoflurane concentration. A similar relationship was not demonstrated in infants less than 1 yr old. In both children and infants, BIS increased significantly from pre- to postarousal. Additional studies are necessary to determine changes in BIS with maturational changes in the electroencephalogram.

Shin Nakayama, Masao Yamashita, Yoshiko Osaka, Takeshi Isobe, and Hiroyuki Izumi

Right Internal Jugular Vein Venography in Infants and Children
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 331-334. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We obtained venograms of the right internal jugular vein in children with congenital heart disease. Generally, the diameter increased with the patient's body size, but disproportionately small vessels were seen in 8% of the patients. Preoperative internal jugular venography may facilitate identifying those patients.

P. J. Kulka, M. Bressem, and M. Tryba

Clonidine Prevents Sevoflurane-Induced Agitation in Children
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 335-338. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia may be complicated by the presence of agitation in pediatric patients. Clonidine 2 {micro}g/kg IV after anesthetic induction effectively reduces the incidence of agitation without resulting in clinically relevant bradycardia and hypotension.

William M. Splinter and Lisa A. Isaac

The Pharmacoeconomics of Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs: A Perioperative Cost-Minimization Strategy in Children
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 339-344. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: For children undergoing minor ambulatory procedures of 1-2 h, and continuous intraoperative neuromuscular blockade is indicated, cisatracurium currently is the least expensive drug.

Gavin F. Fine, Barbara W. Brandom, and Robert F. Yellon

Unmasked Residual Neuromuscular Block After Administration of Vecuronium for Days (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 345-347. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Sreekrishna Raghavendran, Rishi Diwan, Tejal Shah, and Lakshmi Vas

Continuous Caudal Epidural Analgesia for Congenital Lobar Emphysema: A Report Of Three Cases (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 348-350. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Monica S. Vavilala, Joan S. Roberts, Anne E. Moore, David W. Newell, and Arthur M. Lam

The Influence of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism in a Child with Traumatic Brain Injury (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 351-353. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY:

Richard F. Cox and Mark A. Collins

The Effects of Benzodiazepines on Human Opioid Receptor Binding and Function
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 354-358. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Several human and animal studies have shown analgesic effects of benzodiazepines after spinal injection. Our results show that large concentrations of midazolam, chlordiazepoxide, and diazepam displace the binding of [3H]-diprenorphine—an opiate radioligand from {kappa} receptors. In an in vitrofunctional assay, midazolam is a weak agonist at the {delta}-opioid receptor, whereas all three benzodiazepines are {kappa}-opioid agonists. These findings may partially explain the mechanism of benzodiazepine-induced spinal analgesia.

Monica P. L. Lee, Jeffrey S. W. Kua, and Wallace K. Y. Chiu

The Use of Remifentanil to Facilitate the Insertion of the Laryngeal Mask Airway
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 359-362. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Small-dose remifentanil can provide excellent conditions for laryngeal mask airway insertion with minimal hemodynamic disturbances.

Nader D. Nader, Tracey A. Ignatowski, Carlos J. Kurek, Paul R. Knight, and Robert N. Spengler

Clonidine Suppresses Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations of TNF- During the Perioperative Period
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 363-369. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Preoperative administration of clonidine decreases both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in perioperative analgesia and decreased sympathetic tone.

Ghassem E. Larijani, Francois Donati, George Bikhazi, Richard Bartkowski, Charbel A. Kenaan, Benoit Plaud, and Michael E. Goldberg

A Multicenter Evaluation of the Time-Course of Action of Two Doses of Rapacuronium After Early and Late Reversal with Neostigmine
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 370-374. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: "Rescue reversal," which includes the administration of neostigmine shortly after the administration of rapacuronium, may accelerate the return of spontaneous breathing (early recovery), but does not shorten the time to complete recovery of upper airway function.

Sang-Hwan Do, Ganesan L. Kamatchi, and Marcel E. Durieux

The Effects of Isoflurane on Native and Chimeric Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors: The Role of Protein Kinase C
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 375-381. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: By use of the Xenopus oocyte expression system, we investigated the effects of isoflurane on muscarinic signaling and the role of protein kinase C in these effects. Our findings suggest that isoflurane inhibits muscarinic receptors through activation of protein kinase C and that the relevant phosphorylation sites are located outside the third intracellular loop.

Jens Rau, Michael F. Roizen, Alfred W. Doenicke, Michael F. O’Connor, and Ursula Strohschneider

Propofol in an Emulsion of Long- and Medium-Chain Triglycerides: The Effect on Pain (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 382-384. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTING, AND SIMULATION:

Alan F. Merry, Craig S. Webster, and Daniel J. Mathew

A New, Safety-Oriented, Integrated Drug Administration and Automated Anesthesia Record System
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 385-390. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Traditional methods of drug administration and record keeping in anesthesia are relatively error prone. By using sound principles of systems design and human factors psychology, we have designed and deployed a system with the aim of improving patient safety by facilitating correct drug administration and accurate anesthesia record making.

Jan F. A. Hendrickx, Sofie De Cooman, Thierry Deloof, Dirk Vandeput, José Coddens, and Andre M. De Wolf

The ADU Vaporizing Unit: A New Vaporizer
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 391-395. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The ADU vaporizer performs well under most clinical conditions. Despite a different design and the use of complex algorithms to improve accuracy, the same physical factors affecting the performance of conventional vaporizers also affect the ADU vaporizer.

Thomas M. Hemmerling, Joachim Schmidt, Christian Bosert, Klaus E. Jacobi, and Peter Klein

Intraoperative Monitoring of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in 151 Consecutive Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 396-399. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CRITICAL CARE AND TRAUMA:

Gilles Dhonneur, Charles Cerf, Franck Lagneau, Jean Mantz, Catherine Gillotin, and Philippe Duvaldestin

The Pharmacokinetics of Cisatracurium in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 400-404. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We studied the pharmacokinetics of cisatracurium in six patients treated for respiratory distress syndrome by continuous muscle relaxation. A deep degree of neuromuscular blockade corresponding to abolition of two responses at the orbicularis oculi to train-of-four stimulation was obtained in all patients. The pharmacokinetic variables observed in these severely ill patients were similar to those of anesthetized patients. No accumulation of laudanosine was seen. Cisatracurium appears to be suitable when continuous muscle relaxation is required in critically ill patients.

Katrin Lang, Joachim Boldt, Stefan Suttner, and Günther Haisch

Colloids Versus Crystalloids and Tissue Oxygen Tension in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 405-409. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, a colloid-based (with hydroxyethyl starch [HES] 130/0.4) and a crystalloid-based (with lactated Ringer's solution [RL]) volume replacement regimen was compared regarding tissue oxygen tension (ptiO2) measured continuously by microsensoric implantable catheters. The ptiO2 increased in the HES-treated (+59%) but decreased in the RL-treated (-23%) patients. Improved microcirculation may be the mechanism for the better ptiO2 in the HES group.

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA:

David J. Birnbach, Jay Matut, Deborah J. Stein, Joanne Campagnuolo, Calin Drimbarean, Amos Grunebaum, Maxine M. Kuroda, and Daniel M. Thys

The Effect of Intrathecal Analgesia on the Success of External Cephalic Version
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 410-413. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The success of external cephalic version (ECV) was compared in women who received spinal analgesia and those who did not. Successful ECV occurred more frequently in those women who received spinal analgesia. Because term singleton pregnancies associated with breech position usually require cesarean delivery, an increase in success of ECV may decrease the number of cesarean deliveries performed.

Philip E. Hess, Stephen D. Pratt, Tanya P. Lucas, Carolyn G. Miller, Tanya Corbett, Nancy Oriol, and Mukesh C. Sarna

Predictors of Breakthrough Pain During Labor Epidural Analgesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 414-418. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Nulliparity, heavier fetal weight, and epidural catheter placement at an early cervical dilation are predictors of breakthrough pain during epidural labor analgesia. The combined spinal/epidural technique may be associated with a decreased incidence of breakthrough pain.

PAIN MEDICINE:

Toshiaki Minami, Shiho Bakoshi, Hiroyuki Nakano, Onori Mine, Tadatoshi Muratani, Hidemaro Mori, and Seiji Ito

The Effects of Capsaicin Cream on Prostaglandin-Induced Allodynia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 419-423. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Topical application of capsaicin cream alleviates touch-evoked pain induced by the intrathecal administration of prostaglandin E2. This study may provide a rationale for the use of capsaicin cream as a therapeutic drug for pain relief.

Taeko Fukuda, Chikako Nishimoto, Masayuki Miyabe, and Hidenori Toyooka

The Residual Effects of Hemorrhagic Shock on Pain Reaction and C-Fos Expression in Rats
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 424-429. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Formalin tests were performed after hemorrhage and reinfusion in rats. A stress-induced analgesia was observed under normotensive conditions after hemorrhagic shock. The mechanisms remain unclear.

Hugo F. Miranda, Fernando Sierralta, and Gianni Pinardi

An Isobolographic Analysis of the Adrenergic Modulation of Diclofenac Antinociception
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 430-435. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Diclofenac analgesia in mice can be modulated by interaction with adrenergic drugs. The systemic but not the intrathecal administration of phenylephrine and clonidine produced supraadditive interactions. For desipramine, prazosin, and yohimbine, supraadditive interactions were not statistically demonstrated. The coadministration of drugs inducing supraadditive effects could be clinically relevant for the treatment of chronic pain because of reduction of doses and side effects.

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA:

Alain Borgeat, Georgios Ekatodramis, and Charles Dumont

An Evaluation of the Infraclavicular Block via a Modified Approach of the Raj Technique
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 436-441. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We describe a modified approach of the Raj technique for the infraclavicular brachial plexus. The elicitation of a distal nerve stimulator response is associated with a high success rate, a low incidence of complications and a high degree of patient satisfaction.

Øivind Klaastad and Örjan Smedby

The Supraclavicular Lateral Paravascular Approach for Brachial Plexus Regional Anesthesia: A Simulation Study Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 442-446. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We studied an established method for brachial plexus block with needle advancement in the chest region in volunteers using magnetic resonance imaging. Our results suggest a simplification of the method and more guidelines for the needle angle to the skin, with a minimal risk for lung injury.

Jean-Pierre Estebe, Pascal Le Corre, Laure Du Plessis, François Chevanne, Guy Cathelineau, Roger Le Verge, and Claude Ecoffey

The Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Bupivacaine-Loaded Microspheres on a Brachial Plexus Block Model in Sheep
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 447-455. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Administration of 750 mg of bupivacaine as loaded-microspheres resulted in prolongation of brachial plexus block in sheep. The peak plasma concentration was not significantly larger than that obtained with 75 mg of plain bupivacaine. The motor blockade was increased more than six times compared with 75 mg plain bupivacaine.

Mashallah Goodarzi and Rajalaxmi R. Narasimhan

The Effect of Large-Dose Intrathecal Opioids on the Autonomic Nervous System
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 456-459. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The sympatholytic effects of neuraxial opioids were compared with those of local anesthetics. Two groups of patients were assigned to receive a neuraxial opioid or bupivacaine. Our results demonstrate that opioids cause hypotension and peripheral vasodilatation similar to bupivacaine. This finding suggests that neuraxial opioids have a sympatholytic effect comparable to that of local anesthetic drugs.

Marcia A. Procopio, Athos J. Rassias, Joyce A. DeLeo, Janice Pahl, Laurie Hildebrandt, and Mark P. Yeager

The In Vivo Effects of General and Epidural Anesthesia on Human Immune Function
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 460-465. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: General or epidural anesthesia alone, in the absence of surgery, seems to have only transient and minor effects on human immune function.

Jun-Ming Zhang, Yuko Homma, William E. Ackerman, and Sorin J. Brull

Topical Application of Acidic Bupivacaine to the Lumbar Ganglion Induces Mechanical Hyperalgesia in the Rat
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 466-471. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Acidic bupivacaine administered at the L5 lumbar ganglion causes pain and hypersensitivity of the hind paw in the rat. These findings may explain the limited therapeutic effects of some acidic local anesthetics used for treatment of cancer-related and chronic back pain.

Christophe Menigaux, Bruno Guignard, Dominique Fletcher, Daniel I. Sessler, Jean-Claude Levron, and Marcel Chauvin

More Epidural than Intravenous Sufentanil is Required to Provide Comparable Postoperative Pain Relief
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 472-476. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: More epidural than IV sufentanil was required to provide comparable postoperative pain relief and similar plasma sufentanil concentrations. These data suggest that when sufentanil is administered in small-dose boluses, much of the drug is absorbed into the epidural fat and that the primary mechanism by which epidurally administered sufentanil produces analgesia is via systemic absorption.

Lukas Kirchmair, Tanja Entner, Jörg Wissel, Bernhard Moriggl, Stephan Kapral, and Gottfried Mitterschiffthaler

A Study of the Paravertebral Anatomy for Ultrasound-Guided Posterior Lumbar Plexus Block (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 477-481. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Edna Zohar, Brian Fredman, Alex Phillipov, Robert Jedeikin, and Arie Shapiro

The Analgesic Efficacy of Patient-Controlled Bupivacaine Wound Instillation After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (Technical Communication)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 482-487. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Bupivacaine instillation via an electronic patient-controlled analgesia device provides effective analgesia after total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

GENERAL ARTICLES:

Erich Knolle, Georg Heinze, and Hermann Gilly

Carbon Monoxide Formation in Dry Soda Lime is Prolonged at Low Gas Flow
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 488-493. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: CO formation from isoflurane degradation in dry soda lime was determined at different rates of test gas flow. The duration and, in the presence of CO2, the total amount of CO formation were inversely related to the flow rate.

Alexander Ng and Graham Smith

Gastroesophageal Reflux and Aspiration of Gastric Contents in Anesthetic Practice (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 494-513. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Stephan K.W. Schwarz, Brian Fredman, Edna Zohar, and Robert Jedeikin

A Randomized Controlled Trial on Local Anesthetics in the Wound: What do the Numbers Mean?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 514. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Robert M. Knapp, T. J. Gan, and D. A. Lubarsky

Whose Value is it Anyway?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 514-515. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Andrew T. Gray, Admir Hadzic, and Jerry D. Vloka

Excessive Voltage Output?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 515-516. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Antonia Dalmau, Antoni Sabaté, Maylin Koo, Antoni Rafecas, Juan Figueras, and Eduard Jaurrieta

Prophylactic use of Tranexamic Acid and Incidence of Arterial Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 516. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Harvey J. Woehlck and Chang-Chuan Chan

Carbon Monoxide Rebreathing during Low Flow Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 516-517. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Evan G. Pivalizza, David C. Abramson, and Charles-Marc Samama

Thromboelastography: Another Point of View
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 517-518. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Narendra Dhingra, Yaacov Gozal, Benjamin Drenger, and Lucio Glantz

Myocardial Ischemia in Cataract Surgery Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 518. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Dominic Harmon, James Gardiner, Ozan Akça, and Daniel I. Sessler

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Female Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 518-519. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS:

Norig Ellison, Mark A. Helfaer, and Koh Shingu

Careers in Anesthesiology, Autobiographical Memoirs, Volume 4 • Advanced Pediatric Life Support, the Practical Approach, 3rd Edition • Clinical Monitoring: Practical Applications for Anesthesia and Critical Care • Books and Multimedia Received
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 520-522. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

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