EDITORIALS:

Matthew B. Weinger, Daniel B. Raemer, and Steven J. Barker

A New Anesthesia & Analgesia Section on Technology, Computing, and Simulation
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1085-1087. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

David L. Hepner and Angela M. Bader

The Perioperative Physician and Professionalism: The Two Must Go Together!
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1088-1090. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Sten GE Lindahl

Not Only Towards Enhanced Preoperative Comfort
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1091-1092. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CARDIOVASCULAR ANESTHESIA:

Peter Bergmann, Stefan Huber, Heinrich Mächler, Eva Liebl, Helmut Hinghofer-Szalkay, Peter Rehak, and Bruno Rigler

The Influence of Medical Information on the Perioperative Course of Stress in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1093-1099. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The quantity of stress during transport to the operating room and the perioperative psychoendocrinologic course of stress in combination with two different methods of preoperative medical information are described in 60 consecutive patients awaiting cardiac surgery.

Luis G. Michelsen, Nicholas H. G. Holford, Wei Lu, John F. Hoke, Carl C. Hug, and James M. Bailey

The Pharmacokinetics of Remifentanil in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1100-1105. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Remifentanil concentrations decrease with the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass because of an increase in the volume of distribution. The decrease in elimination clearance with hypothermia results in increased total remifentanil concentrations during cardiopulmonary bypass if the infusion rate is not altered. More constant blood remifentanil levels may be obtained by reducing remifentanil infusion rate by 30% for each 5{degrees}C decrease in temperature.

Vance G. Nielsen

Resuscitation with Hextend^® Decreases Endogenous Circulating Heparin Activity and Accelerates Clot Initiation After Hemorrhage in the Rabbit
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1106-1110. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Hemorrhage may result in a hypercoagulable state after resuscitation. Decreases in both endogenous heparin and antithrombin III activity after hemorrhage and Hextend(R) resuscitation in rabbits resulted in a significantly decreased time to clot coagulation analysis initiation without a significant change in the rate of clot formation or final clot strength.

Marie-Laure Cittanova, Anne Zubicki, Carmen Savu, Carlos Montalvan, Nejib Nefaa, Khaled Zaier, Bruno Riou, and Pierre Coriat

The Chronic Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Impairs Postoperative Renal Function
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1111-1115. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The aim of this study was to identify preoperative risk factors responsible for postoperative renal impairment in vascular surgery. Chronic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment was the only factor significantly associated with postoperative renal impairment. Inhibition of renal compensatory mechanisms caused by renin angiotensin system blockade might be responsible for the observed decreased renal function.

D. Andel, H. Andel, K. Hörauf, D. Felfernig, W. Millesi, and M. Zimpfer

The Influence of Deliberate Hypotension on Splanchnic Perfusion Balance with Use of Either Isoflurane or Esmolol and Nitroglycerin
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1116-1120. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Neither the isoflurane nor the esmolol/nitroglycerin method of producing deliberate hypotension compromises splanchnic tissue oxygen balance in healthy patients. Furthermore, overall organ perfusion was sufficient in both groups, because none of the patients showed an increase in blood lactate.

Mercè Agustí, J. Ignasi Elizalde, Ramon Adàlia, Graciela Martínez-Pallí, Juan C. García-Valdecasas, Josep M. Piqué, and Pilar Taurà

The Effects of Vasoactive Drugs on Hepatic Blood Flow Changes Induced by CO₂ Laparoscopy: An Animal Study
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1121-1126. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Hepatic blood flow decreases during laparoscopic surgery. A small-dose infusion of neither dobutamine nor dopamine corrects the total hepatic blood flow impairment, but the former is able to restore the hepatic arterial blood supply in an animal model mimicking this condition.

Go Nagasaki, Makoto Tanaka, and Toshiaki Nishikawa

The Recovery Profile of Baroreflex Control of Heart Rate After Isoflurane or Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Humans
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1127-1131. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Arterial baroreflex function is an important neural control system for maintaining cardiovascular stability. The authors found that 2 h was required for full recovery of baroreflex function and that recovery characteristics were similar after isoflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia in healthy volunteers not undergoing surgery.

José A. Sastre, María A. Prieto, José C. Garzón, and Clemente Muriel

Left-Sided Cardiac Gas Embolism Produced by Hydrogen Peroxide: Intraoperative Diagnosis Using Transesophageal Echocardiography (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1132-1134. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

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

Systemic Air Embolism During Wedge Resection of the Lung (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1135-1136. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Mikhail R. Sukernik, Berend Mets, and Elliott Bennett-Guerrero

Patent Foramen Ovale and its Significance in the Perioperative Period (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1137-1146. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA:

Shinichi Inomata, Einosuke Tanaka, Masayuki Miyabe, Yoshihiro Kakiuchi, Atsushi Nagashima, Yuichiro Yamasaki, Shin Nakayama, Yasuyuki Baba, Hidenori Toyooka, Kazuhiko Okuyama, and Yukinao Kohda

Plasma Lidocaine Concentrations During Continuous Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia After Clonidine Premedication in Children
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1147-1151. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Oral clonidine decreases the plasma lidocaine concentration in children. Our finding may have clinical implications in patients receiving continuous epidural anesthesia. Additionally, perhaps an additional margin of safety regarding lidocaine toxicity is gained through the use of oral clonidine in children who will receive epidural lidocaine.

Ban C. H. Tsui, Robert Seal, John Koller, Lucy Entwistle, Richard Haugen, and Ramona Kearney

Thoracic Epidural Analgesia Via the Caudal Approach in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Fundoplication Using Nerve Stimulation Guidance (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1152-1155. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Joseph D. Tobias

Caudal Epidural Block: A Review of Test Dosing and Recognition of Systemic Injection in Children (Review Article)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1156-1161. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Ulrike M. Stamer, Stephan Buderus, Silke Wetegrove, Michael J. Lentze, and Frank Stüber

Prolonged Awakening and Pulmonary Edema After General Anesthesia and Naphazoline Application in an Infant (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1162-1164. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

AMBULATORY ANESTHESIA:

Kaisa A. Nelskylä, Arvi M. Yli-Hankala, P. Helena Puro, and Kari T. Korttila

Sevoflurane Titration Using Bispectral Index Decreases Postoperative Vomiting in Phase II Recovery After Ambulatory Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1165-1169. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In patients undergoing outpatient gynecologic laparoscopy, the monitoring of bispectral index decreases vomiting in Phase II recovery room, but it has no effect on the time to achieve home readiness.

Dae Woo Kim, Ho Yeong Kil, and Paul F. White

The Effect of Noise on the Bispectral Index During Propofol Sedation
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1170-1173. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Experimental noise levels can increase the Bispectral index (BIS) values during propofol sedation in the operating room. However, the magnitude of the BIS response is influenced by the depth of sedation.

Xiao-Ming Deng, Wen-Jing Xiao, Mao-Ping Luo, Geng-Zhi Tang, and Kun-Ling Xu

The Use of Midazolam and Small-Dose Ketamine for Sedation and Analgesia During Local Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1174-1177. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Sedation and analgesia are often provided during local anesthesia. This study demonstrates that a small-dose ketamine infusion in combination with midazolam provided satisfactory intraoperative sedation, analgesia, and amnesia in healthy plastic-surgery patients when it was used to supplement local anesthesia.

Shu-Ming Wang, Carol Peloquin, and Zeev N. Kain

The Use of Auricular Acupuncture to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1178-1180. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Vincent W. S. Chan, Philip W. H. Peng, Zsuzsanna Kaszas, William J. Middleton, Rajeev Muni, Dimitri G. Anastakis, and Brent A. Graham

A Comparative Study of General Anesthesia, Intravenous Regional Anesthesia, and Axillary Block for Outpatient Hand Surgery: Clinical Outcome and Cost Analysis (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1181-1184. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

David A. Kirkbride, John L. Parker, Gareth D. Williams, and Donal J. Buggy

Induction of Anesthesia in the Elderly Ambulatory Patient: A Double-Blinded Comparison of Propofol and Sevoflurane (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1185-1187. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTING, AND SIMULATION:

Hiroshi Sasano, Alex E. Vesely, Steve Iscoe, Janet C. Tesler, and Joseph A. Fisher

A Simple Apparatus for Accelerating Recovery from Inhaled Volatile Anesthetics
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1188-1191. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: A simple modification to a standard resuscitation bag allows one to increase ventilation without decreasing blood carbon dioxide levels. In dogs, we confirmed that this circuit can be used to accelerate the elimination of and recovery from volatile anesthetics.

Akiyoshi Kuji, Yu Satoh, Kazuko Kikuchi, Ken-ichi Satoh, and Shigeharu Joh

The Anesthetic Management of a Patient with Hemoglobin M_Iwate (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1192-1193. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY:

Yoshitaka Fujii, Aki Uemura, and Hidenori Toyooka

The Dose-Range Effects of Propofol on the Contractility of Fatigued Diaphragm in Dogs
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1194-1198. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Propofol is a widely used IV anesthetic for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia and sedation. It decreases, in a dose-related fashion, the contractility of fatigued diaphragm in dogs.

Rina Daskalopoulos, Jasminka Korcok, Parviz Farhangkhgoee, Morris Karmazyn, Adrian W. Gelb, and John X. Wilson

Propofol Protection of Sodium-Hydrogen Exchange Activity Sustains Glutamate Uptake During Oxidative Stress
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1199-1204. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Anesthetic concentrations of propofol maintain the capacity of brain cells to extrude protons during oxidative stress. However, if intracellular acidification occurs nonetheless, then propofol's protection of glutamate clearance mechanisms from oxidative damage becomes attenuated, and extracellular glutamate concentration may increase to neurotoxic levels.

Andre M. De Wolf, Robert J. Fragen, Michael J. Avram, Paul C. Fitzgerald, and Farhad Rahimi-Danesh

The Pharmacokinetics of Dexmedetomidine in Volunteers with Severe Renal Impairment
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1205-1209. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine in volunteers with severe renal impairment differed little from those in volunteers with normal renal function. In addition, there were no clinically significant differences in the hemodynamic responses to dexmedetomidine. However, dexmedetomidine resulted in more prolonged sedation in subjects with renal disease.

Merja Laisalmi, Anna-Maija Teppo, Anna-Maria Koivusalo, Eero Honkanen, Päivi Valta, and Leena Lindgren

The Effect of Ketorolac and Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Renal Glomerular and Tubular Function
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1210-1213. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Ketorolac 90 mg IM, given in divided doses over approximately 10 h to patients anesthetized with sevoflurane with a fresh gas flow rate of 4-6 L/min, did not result in clinically significant changes in renal glomerular or tubular function.

Tsutomu Oshima, Yoshiko Kasuya, Etsuji Terazawa, Kiyoshi Nagase, Yuhji Saitoh, and Shuji Dohi

The Anxiolytic Effects of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine-1A Agonist Tandospirone Before Otolaryngologic Surgery
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1214-1216. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Oral tandospirone reduces preoperative anxiety to a similar extent as oral diazepam in patients undergoing elective otolaryngologic surgery. This finding implies that tandospirone can be used as an oral premedicant drug for relieving anxiety before surgery.

Roberto Soares de Moura, Anna Amélia S. Rios, Luiz F. de Oliveira, Ângela C. Resende, Miguel de Lemos Neto, Edmar J. A. Santos, Marcelo L. G. Correia, and Tania Tano

The Effects of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors on the Sedative Effect of Clonidine
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1217-1221. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Clonidine, an antihypertensive drug, is also a sedative. This sedative effect, although an adverse event in the treatment of hypertensive patients, can be helpful for sedation of surgical patients. The mechanism of this effect, however, is unknown. In this study, we show that the sedative effect of clonidine is mediated by nitric oxide, because it could be prevented by pretreatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors.

Oreste Ortolani, Anna Conti, Bineta Sall/Ka, Jean Pierre Salleras, Elisabeth Diouf, Ohmar Kane, Stephen J. Roberts, and Gian Paolo Novelli

The Recovery of Senegalese African Blacks from Intravenous Anesthesia with Propofol and Remifentanil Is Slower Than That of Caucasians
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1222-1226. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates statistically significant differences between Caucasians and African blacks in the arousal time from IV anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. The authors conclude that the recovery from general anesthesia was slower in African blacks compared with Caucasian patients.

Hwan S. Joo, William J. Perks, Mark T. Kataoka, Lee Errett, Kenneth Pace, and R. John Honey

A Comparison of Patient-Controlled Sedation Using Either Remifentanil or Remifentanil-Propofol for Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1227-1232. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The addition of propofol to remifentanil improves patient satisfaction and decreases postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, it causes more respiratory depression than remifentanil alone. When remifentanil-propofol is used with patient-controlled sedation, appropriate monitoring and a minimum 1-2 min lockout interval is required.

Masoud Mokhtarani, Adel N. Mahgoub, Nobutada Morioka, Anthony G. Doufas, Michael Dae, Thomas E. Shaughnessy, Andrew R. Bjorksten, and Daniel I. Sessler

Buspirone and Meperidine Synergistically Reduce the Shivering Threshold
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1233-1239. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Mild hypothermia may be an effective treatment for acute stroke, but it usually triggers shivering, which could be harmful. Our results indicate that the combination of small-dose buspirone and small-dose meperidine acts synergistically to reduce the shivering threshold while causing little sedation or respiratory toxicity. This combination may facilitate the induction of therapeutic hypothermia in stroke victims.

Bernard Lo, Christian W. Hönemann, Rainer Kohrs, Markus W. Hollmann, Renate K. Polanowska-Grabowska, Adrian R. L. Gear, and Marcel E. Durieux

Local Anesthetic Actions on Thromboxane-Induced Platelet Aggregation
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1240-1245. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Local anesthetic effects on thromboxane A2-induced early platelet aggregation (1-5 s) are unlikely to play a major role in the clinically observed antithrombotic effects of local anesthetics. Thus, other potential targets need to be explored.

Yi Zhang, Caroline R. Stabernack, Robert Dutton, James Sonner, James R. Trudell, S. John Mihic, Tomohiro Yamakura, R. Adron Harris, Diane Gong, and Edmond I Eger, II

Luciferase as a Model for the Site of Inhaled Anesthetic Action
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1246-1252. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: In proportion to their potencies, anesthetics inhibit luciferin's action on luciferase, and luciferin structurally resembles the anesthetic etomidate. However, in contrast to etomidate, luciferin given intrathecally or into the third cerebral ventricle does not have anesthetic actions, and it does not affect +-aminobutyric acid or acetylcholine receptors in vitro. Luciferase may not provide a good surrogate for the site at which anesthetics act.

Aaron F. Kopman, Nabeel A. Khan, and George G. Neuman

Precurarization and Priming: A Theoretical Analysis of Safety and Timing
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1253-1236. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: When using the priming principle to accelerate the onset of neuromuscular block, the initial dose should not exceed 10% the drug's ED95. For drugs other than rocuronium, the optimal priming interval is not <5 min.

Jens Krombach, Nicolas Hunzelmann, Friedrich Köster, Albrecht Bischoff, Helmut Hoffmann-Menzel, and Walter Buzello

Anaphylactoid Reactions After Cisatracurium Administration in Six Patients (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1257-1259. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Michael K. Loushin, Ian K. Hasinoff, and Kumar G. Belani

A Delayed Cardiopulmonary Reaction to an Intravenous Immunosuppressant Thymoglobulin After Pancreas Transplant (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1260-1261. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

ECONOMICS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH:

Hans-Christian Jeske, Wolfgang Lederer, Ingo Lorenz, Christian Kolbitsch, Josef Margreiter, Johannes Kinzl, and Arnulf Benzer

The Impact of Business Cards on Physician Recognition After General Anesthesia
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1262-1264. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Anesthesiologists often remain anonymous in everyday clinical practice. Handing a business card to the patient during the preoperative visit increased the postoperative recall of the anesthesiolgist's name from 11% to 51%.

CRITICAL CARE AND TRAUMA:

Angelika Stallinger, Volker Wenzel, Stephan Oroszy, Viktoria D. Mayr, Ahamed H. Idris, Karl H. Lindner, and Christoph Hörmann

The Effects of Different Mouth-to-Mouth Ventilation Tidal Volumes on Gas Exchange During Simulated Rescue Breathing
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1265-1269. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: To provide efficient mouth-to-mouth ventilation, it is important to administer tidal volumes of 1000 mL; tidal volumes of 500 mL were not adequate.

Elliott H. Chen, Zhanna M. Logman, Peter S. A. Glass, and Thomas V. Bilfinger

A Case of Tracheal Injury After Emergent Endotracheal Intubation: A Review of the Literature and Causalities (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1270-1271. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

NEUROSURGICAL ANESTHESIA:

Anh Nguyen, François Girard, Daniel Boudreault, François Fugère, Monique Ruel, Robert Moumdjian, Alain Bouthilier, Jean-Luc Caron, Michel W. Bojanowski, and Dominic C. Girard

Scalp Nerve Blocks Decrease the Severity of Pain After Craniotomy
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1272-1276. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Up to 80% of patients report moderate to severe pain after craniotomy. This randomized double-blinded study demonstrated that ropivacaine scalp block decreases the severity of pain after supratentorial craniotomy.

André Choinière, François Girard, Daniel Boudreault, Monique Ruel, and Dominique C. Girard

Voluntary Hyperventilation Before a Rapid-Sequence Induction of Anesthesia Does Not Decrease Postintubation PaCO₂
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1277-1280. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Voluntary hyperventilation before anesthesia induction is recommended for patients with increased intracranial pressure to prevent hypercapnia. This randomized, prospective study demonstrated that this maneuver does not result in a lower postintubation PaCO2 than standard preoxygenation.

Lisa Wise-Faberowski, Mohan K. Raizada, and Colin Sumners

Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis is Attenuated by Halothane and Isoflurane
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1281-1287. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This is the first investigation to evaluate the effect of volatile anesthetics on oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced neuronal apoptosis. Oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced neuronal apoptosis can be decreased by prior and continued administration of halothane or isoflurane.

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA:

Yu-Chuan Tsai and Koung-Shing Chu

A Comparison of Tramadol, Amitriptyline, and Meperidine for Postepidural Anesthetic Shivering in Parturients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1288-1292. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study was performed to compare the antishivering and side effects among tramadol, amitriptyline, and meperidine for the treatment of postepidural anesthetic shivering in parturients. Both tramadol and meperidine show a significantly faster response rate in the treatment of shivering when compared with amitriptyline. Tramadol had a less frequent incidence of somnolence than meperidine.

Ming-Man Hsu, Yen-Yen Chou, Yi-Chen Chang, Tz-Chong Chou, and Chih-Shung Wong

An Analysis of Excitatory Amino Acids, Nitric Oxide, and Prostaglandin E₂ in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Pregnant Women: The Effect on Labor Pain
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1293-1296. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: The excitatory amino acids, aspartate and glutamate, play a role in labor pain. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists may be useful for labor pain and postlabor uterine contraction pain relief.

PAIN MEDICINE:

Jai-Hyun Hwang, Kyu-Sam Hwang, Jong-Uk Kim, In-Cheol Choi, Pyung-Hwan Park, and Sung-Min Han

The Interaction Between Intrathecal Neostigmine and GABA Receptor Agonists in Rats with Nerve Ligation Injury
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1297-1303. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study indicates that drug interaction is synergistic for the neostigmine-muscimol combination, whereas the effect of the neostigmine-baclofen combination is additive. In a rat model of nerve ligation injury, neostigmine, muscimol, baclofen, and their combinations provide an antagonism on touch-evoked allodynia at the spinal level.

Joy E. Schabel

Subarachnoid Block for a Patient with Progressive Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (Case Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1304-1306. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA:

Allen H. Hord, Donald D. Denson, and M. Isabel Azevedo

Systemic Tizanidine Hydrochloride (Zanaflex^TM) Partially Decreases Experimental Postoperative Pain in Rats (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1307-1309. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Allen H. Hord, Amale G. Chalfoun, Donald D. Denson, and M. Isabel Azevedo

Systemic Tizanidine Hydrochloride (Zanaflex^TM) Relieves Thermal Hyperalgesia in Rats with an Experimental Mononeuropathy (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1310-1315. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: This study was conducted to determine whether tizanidine could attenuate the thermal hyperalgesia that occurs in rats with surgically induced chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve. Tizanidine was effective in reducing sensitivity to heat, as measured by paw withdrawal latency, and did not cause sedation at smaller doses.

María Angeles Gálvez-Múgica, María Angeles Santos-Ampuero, Jesus Novalbos, Sonia Gallego Sandín, Alvaro Galiano, Fernando Gilsanz, Antonio García García, and Francisco Abad-Santos

Ulnar Nerve Block Induced by the New Local Anesthetic IQB-9302 in Healthy Volunteers: A Comparison with Bupivacaine (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1316-1320. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: IQB-9302 is a new local anesthetic that has shown a long duration of action and low cardiovascular toxicity in preclinical studies. We report the results of a phase I clinical trial to compare this new drug with bupivacaine for ulnar nerve block.

Balachundhar Subramaniam, Kathirvel Subramaniam, Dilip K. Pawar, and B. Sennaraj

Preoperative Epidural Ketamine in Combination with Morphine Does Not Have a Clinically Relevant Intra- and Postoperative Opioid-Sparing Effect (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1321-1326. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Ketamine added to epidural morphine given before surgery can decrease postoperative pain by its preemptive effect, opioid potentiation, and prevention of acute opioid tolerance. A single epidural bolus of 1 mg/kg of ketamine with morphine given before major upper-abdominal surgery did not result in a clinically relevant reduction in postoperative pain relief.

Anne Weber, Roxane Fournier, Elisabeth Van Gessel, Nicolas Riand, and Zdravko Gamulin

Epinephrine Does Not Prolong the Analgesia of 20 mL Ropivacaine 0.5% or 0.2% in a Femoral Three-In-One Block (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1327-1331. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: We evaluated the effect of epinephrine on the duration of analgesia of 20 mL ropivacaine 0.5% or 0.2% injected in femoral three-in-one block for pain relief after total knee replacement. Our results show that epinephrine does not alter the duration of analgesia of the two solutions investigated.

Makoto Tanaka and Toshiaki Nishikawa

T-Wave Amplitude as an Indicator for Detecting Intravascular Injection of Epinephrine Test Dose in Awake and Anesthetized Elderly Patients (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1332-1337. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: To determine whether an epidural catheter is in a blood vessel, an epidural test dose containing 15 {micro}g epinephrine is often used. We found that an increase in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in T-wave amplitude, but not an increase in heart rate, seem to be reliable indicators for detecting accidental intravascular injection in both awake and sevoflurane-anesthetized patients >=65 yr old.

Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle, Patricio Salonia-Ruzo, Margaret G. E. Peterson, Eduardo A. Salvati, and Nigel E. Sharrock

Inflatable Pillows as Axillary Support Devices During Surgery Performed in the Lateral Decubitus Position Under Epidural Anesthesia (Brief Report)
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1338-1343. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: When patients lie on their side, this results in pressure beneath the shoulder and tilting of the head and neck to one side. These problems were effectively corrected with an inflatable pillow (Shoulder-FloatTM).

GENERAL ARTICLES:

Jonatan Hausel, Jonas Nygren, Michael Lagerkranser, Per M. Hellström, Folke Hammarqvist, Caisa Almström, Annika Lindh, Anders Thorell, and Olle Ljungqvist

A Carbohydrate-Rich Drink Reduces Preoperative Discomfort in Elective Surgery Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1344-1350. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

IMPLICATIONS: Discomfort during the period of waiting before elective surgery can be reduced if patients are prepared with a carbohydrate-rich drink, compared with preoperative oral intake of water or overnight fasting. Visual analog scales can provide useful information about preoperative discomfort in elective surgery patients.

BRIEF REPORTS:

Joseph Brimacombe, Christian Keller, Michael Boehler, and Friedrich Pühringer

Positive Pressure Ventilation with the ProSeal Versus Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway: A Randomized, Crossover Study of Healthy Female Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1351-1353. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

CASE REPORTS:

Michael S. Stix, Fritz E. Rodriguez-Sallaberry, Ewan M. Cameron, Paul D. Teague, and Cornelius J. O’Connor, Jr.

Esophageal Aspiration of Air Through the Drain Tube of the ProSeal^TM Laryngeal Mask
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1354-1357. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Federico Bilotta, Paolo Pietropaoli, and Giovanni Rosa

Nefopam for Refractory Postoperative Hiccups
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1358-1360. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Edward J. Norris and Ngai Liu

Double-Blinded, Single-Blinded, or Just Blind? • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1361. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

Dan L. Robinson, Timothy W. Martin, Michael L. Schmitz, and James F. Mayhew

Is Fast-Tracking for Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery Really Beneficial?
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1361. [Full Text] [Request Permissions]  

Serge M. Broka, Philippe E. Dubois, Kurt L. Joucken, and Gregory B. Hammer

Pediatric Thoracic Anesthesia and High-Frequency Jet Ventilation • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1361-1362. [Full Text] [Request Permissions]  

Makoto Yamamuro, Toshimichi Nakaho, Yasuhisa Okuda, and Toshimitsu Kitajima

Regional Anesthesia With the Patient and Anesthesiologist in the Supine Position
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1362. [Full Text] [Request Permissions]  

Garry Johnson and Joseph D. Tobias

Central Venous Access in Morbidly Obese Patients
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1363. [Full Text] [Request Permissions]  

Makoto Tanaka, Toshiaki Nishikawa, and Peter Marhofer

Rectal S(+)-Ketamine for Pediatric Premedication • Response
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1363-1364. [Full Text] [Request Permissions]  

Bhavani-Shankar Kodali

www.capnography.com: An animated website
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1364. [Full Text] [Request Permissions]  

Sushil P. Ambesh, Dinesh K. Singh, and Nita Bose

Use of a Bougie to Prevent Accidental Dislodgment of Endotracheal Tube during Bedside Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1364. [Full Text] [Request Permissions]  

BOOK AND MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS:

Anesthesia Review: A Study Guide to Anesthesia, 5th Edition and Basics of Anesthesia, 4th Edition • Books and Multimedia Received
Anesth Analg 2001 93: 1365. [Full Text] [PDF] [Request Permissions]  

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