Aruna Jain

The effect of addition of intrathecal clonidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine on postoperative pain after lower segment caesarean section: A randomized control trial

Background: Intrathecal clonidine prolongs spinal anesthesia but the optimum dose to be used in cesarean delivery is not yet known. We evaluated the effect of addition of intrathecal clonidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine on postoperative pain after lower segment caesarean section. Methods: A total of 105 parturients carrying a singleton fetus at term, scheduled to undergo elective LSCS under spinal anesthesia were randomized in a double blind fashion to one of the three groups. Group BF (n=35) received 2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine+25 μg fentanyl, Group BC50 (n=35) received 2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine+50 μg clonidine, Group BC75 (n=35) received 2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine+75 μg clonidine. Results: The duration of postoperative analgesia was 184.73±68.64 min in group BF, 360.71±86.51 min in group BC50 and 760.50±284.03 min in group BC75, P<0.001. The incidence of hypotension was comparable, P=0.932, whereas the incidence of nausea and pruritis was significantly lower in groups BC50 and BC75 as compared to group BF, P<0.001. No other side effects of intrathecal clonidine were detected. Neonatal outcome was similar in all the three groups. Conclusions: Addition of 75 μg clonidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for LSCS significantly prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia without any increase in maternal side effects. There was no difference in neonatal outcome.

Mandibular nerve block for peri-operative pain relief using a peripheral nerve stimulator.

with its synergistic effect with tramadol, may have also contributed to our case. Tramadol can cause mydriasis through stimulation of adrenergic receptors, or miosis through stimulation of opioid receptors, and previous reports concerning the net effect on pupillary size are conflicting [6]. Miosis is more likely to occur in extensive tramadol metabolisers, while mydriasis might develop in intermediate and poor metabolisers because of a delay in conversion of tramadol (which causes pupillary dilatation) to the active metabolite, O-desmethyltramadol (which causes pupillary constriction). Our patient may have been an intermediate metaboliser. One other possible diagnosis would be central anticholinergic syndrome. Athough tramadol is a relatively safe opioid, we believe it should be administered cautiously in the immediate postoperative period.

A comparison of dexmedetomidine plus ketamine combination with dexmedetomidine alone for awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation: A randomized controlled study.

Background and Aims: We designed a study to compare the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine plus ketamine combination with dexmedetomidine alone in search of an ideal sedation regime, which would achieve better intubating conditions, hemodynamic stability, and sedation for awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 adult patients of age group 18-60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each in this prospective randomized controlled double-blinded study. Groups I and II patients received a bolus dose of dexmedetomidine at 1 mcg/kg over 10 min followed by a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine at 0.5 mcg/kg/h. Upon completion of the dexmedetomidine bolus, Group I patients received 15 mg of ketamine and an infusion of ketamine at 20 mg/h followed by awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation, while Group II patients upon completion of dexmedetomidine bolus received plain normal saline instead of ketamine. Hemodynamic variables like heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation, electrocardiogram changes, sedation score (modified Observer assessment of alertness/sedation score), intubation score (vocal cord movement and coughing), grimace score, time taken for intubation, amount of lignocaine used were noted during the course of study. Patient satisfaction score and level of recall were assessed during the postoperative visit the next day. Results: Group I patients maintained a stable HR and MAP (<10% fall when compared with the baseline value). Sedation score (3.47 vs. 3.93) and patient satisfaction score were better in Group I patients. There was no significant difference in intubation scores, grimace scores, oxygen saturation and level of recall when compared between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of dexmedetomidine plus ketamine combination in awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation provided better hemodynamic stability and sedation than dexmedetomidine alone.

Abnormal oculocardiac reflex in two patients with Marcus Gunn syndrome

Marcus Gunn phenomenon is seen in 4 to 6% of congenital ptosis patients. We report two cases of abnormal oculocardiac reflex during ptosis correction surgery. Marcus Gunn syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance. It is believed to be a neural misdirection syndrome in which fibres of the motor division of the trigeminal nerve are congenitally misdirected into the superior pterygoid and the levator muscles. Anesthetic considerations include taking a detailed history about any previous anaesthetic exposure and any reaction to it as this syndrome has a high probability of being associated with malignant hyperthermia. It is also postulated that an atypical oculocardiac reflex might be initiated in these patients as seen in our patients, so precautions must be taken for its prevention and early detection.

Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome and Its Anaesthetic Implications: A Case Report

Fetal hydantoin syndrome is a rare disorder that is believed to be caused by exposure of a fetus to the anticonvulsant drug phenytoin. The classic features of fetal hydantoin syndrome include craniofacial anomalies, prenatal and postnatal growth deficiencies, underdeveloped nails of the fingers and toes, and mental retardation. Less frequently observed anomalies include cleft lip and palate, microcephaly, ocular defects, cardiovascular anomalies, hypospadias, umbilical and inguinal hernias, and significant developmental delays. Anaesthesia for incidental surgery in such a patient poses unique challenges for the anesthesiologist. We report the successful management of a 4-year-old male child with fetal hydantoin syndrome, cleft palate, spina bifida, atrial septal defect, and dextrocardia for tibialis anterior lengthening under subarachnoid block.

Pneumothorax during laparoscopic repair of giant paraesophageal hernia

Giant paraesophageal hernia is an uncommon morbid disorder which may present a risk of catastrophic complications and should be repaired electively as soon as possible. Laparoscopic fundoplication is the mainstay of surgical management of this disorder due to several advantages such as lower post-operative morbidity and pain. We report a case of a 70-year-old patient with a giant paraesophageal hernia, who developed subcutaneous emphysema with pneumothorax during laparoscopic fundoplication. Early diagnosis was possible by close clinical evaluation and simultaneous monitoring of end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and airway pressures. Although positive end-expiratory pressure application is an effective way of managing pneumothorax secondary to the passage of gas into the interpleural space, insertion of an intercostal drain may be used in an emergent situation.

Acute pulmonary edema after intramyometrial prostodin

A 25 year old, 68 kg, primigravida, was taken up for emergency caesarean section for meconium stained liquor and fetal distress. She was a known case of pre eclampsia and her blood pressure was controlled on tab methyl dopa. she was administered general anaesthesia. after delivery of baby she went into postpartum hemorrhage which was controlled with intramyometrial prostodin. but immediately after its administration she went into acute pulmonary edema.

Ludwig's angina in children anesthesiologist's nightmare: Case series and review of literature

Ludwigs angina is potentially lethal, rapidly spreading cellulitis of the floor of mouth and neck. The anticipated difficult airway becomes even more challenging when it occurs in children. In children, the larynx is positioned relatively higher in the neck, and one does not have the option for blind nasal intubation or awake fiberoptic, which otherwise is the technique of choice in adult patients. We present the clinical course of 16 children and highlight various problems encountered during the anesthetic management of six children who required emergency surgical drainage under general anesthesia.

Intraoperative mandibular nerve block with peripheral nerve stimulator for temporomandibular joint ankylosis

We describe the use of peripheral nerve stimulator for mandibular nerve block intraoperatively in a 4.5year old child with complete temporomandibular joint ankyloses. The block was not possible preoperatively, therefore, it was administered after release of ankyloses. The use of peripheral nerve stimulator increased the chances of a successful block. No intraoperative analgesics and muscle relaxants were required. Postoperative pain relief was excellent. Peripheral nerve stimulator is an easy way of for accurate needle tip placement for mandibular nerve block in patients with distorted anatomy.

Addition of clonidine to bupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block prolongs postoperative analgesia after cesarean section.

Background and Aims: The aim was to compare duration of postoperative analgesia with addition of clonidine to bupivacaine in bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Material and Methods: One hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II pregnant patients undergoing LSCS under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided to receive either 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% (Group B; n = 50) or 20 ml bupivacaine+1ug/kg clonidine bilaterally (Group BC; n = 50) in TAP block in a double-blind fashion. The total duration of analgesia, patient satisfaction score, total requirement of analgesics in the first 24 h, and the side effects of clonidine such as sedation, dryness of mouth, hypotension, and bradycardia were observed. P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: In 99 patients analyzed, TAP block failed in five patients. Duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group BC (17.8 ± 3.7 h) compared to Group B (7.3 ± 1.2 h; P < 0.01). Mean consumption of diclofenac was 150 mg and 65.4 mg in Groups B and BC (P < 0.01), respectively. All patients in Group BC were extremely satisfied (P < 0.01) while those in Group B were satisfied. Thirteen patients (28%) in Group BC were sedated but arousable (P = 0.01) compared to none in Group B. In Group BC, 19 patients complained of dry mouth compared to 13 in Group B (P = 0.121). None of the patients experienced hypotension or bradycardia. Conclusion: Addition of clonidine 1 μg/kg to 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% in TAP block bilaterally for cesarean section significantly increases the duration of postoperative analgesia, decreases postoperative analgesic requirement, and increases maternal comfort compared to 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% alone.