Chandni Sinha

Ultrasound: Contemporary tool for missed pericardial effusion in a trauma patient

association with persistent hypothermia. This led us to search for other causes. Dramatic response of the patient to tab. l-thyroxine and the thyroid profile of patient guided us to the diagnosis in a retrospective manner. Subclinical hypothyroidism is more common than overt hypothyroidism, the worldwide prevalence of which ranges from 1 to 10%.[4] The highest ageand sex-specific rates are in women older than 60 years of age, approaching 20% in some reports. [5]

Anesthetic implications in a child with crouzon syndrome

Crouzon syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial dysostosis. Premature fusion of skull base leads to midfacial hypoplasia, shallow orbit, mandibular prognathism, overcrowding of upper teeth, high-arched palate, and upper airway obstruction. It is important for anesthesiologists managing such patients to recognize and avoid potential airway complications. Here, we present a case of a 10-year-old child with CS posted for ptosis correction surgery. Use of peripheral nerve blocks to cut down opioid requirement, inhalational induction, and maintenance are key aspects in successful management of such cases.

Effect of nasal oxygen supplementation during apnoea of intubation on arterial oxygen levels: A prospective randomised controlled trial

Background and Aims: Apnoeic oxygenation during laryngoscopy has been emphasised in recent recommendations for airway management. We aimed to compare the effect of nasal oxygen supplementation on time for pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO2) to fall from 100% to 92% (desaturation safety time), to assess the arterial oxygen partial pressures (PaO2) with and without nasal oxygen supplementation and the time for SpO2 to recover from 92% to 100% after initiation of ventilation. Methods: This is a prospective randomised placebo-controlled trial involving sixty patients, where nasal oxygen supplementation given at 10 L/min during apnoea of laryngoscopy in one group of patients (Group O2) was compared to no oxygen supplementation in other group (Group NoO2). Desaturation safety period and the PaO2just after intubation were compared. Time for SpO2 to increase to 100% after initiation of ventilation was also assessed. Demographic details were compared using the Chi-square and t-tests. Students t-test for independent variables was used to compare means of data obtained. Results: Desaturation safety period at 415.46 ± 97.23 seconds in group O2versus 378.69 ± 89.31 seconds in group NoO2(P = 0.213) and PaO2(P = 0.952) and time to recovery of SpO2 (P = 0.058) were similar in both groups. Rise in arterial carbon dioxide secondary to apnoea was slower in oxygen supplementation group (P = 0.032). Conclusion: Apnoeic oxygen supplementation at 10 L/min flow by nasal prong did not significantly prolong the apnoea desaturation safety periods or the PaO2in our study.

Ultrasound assessment of cranial spread during caudal blockade in children: Effect of different volumes of local anesthetic

Background: Ultrasound-guided caudal block injection is a simple, safe, and effective method of anesthesia/analgesia in pediatric patients. The volume of caudal drug required has always been a matter of debate. Materials and Methods: This present prospective, randomized, double-blinded study aimed to measure extent of the cranial spread of caudally administered levobupivacaine in Indian children by means of real-time ultrasonography. Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists I/II children scheduled for urogenital surgeries were enrolled in this trial. Anesthesia and caudal analgesia were administered in a standardized manner in the patients. The patients received 0.5 ml/kg or 1 ml/kg or 1.25 ml/kg of 0.125% levobupivacaine according to the group allocated. Cranial spread of local anesthetic was noted using ultrasound. Results: There was no difference in the spread when related to age, sex, weight, or body mass index. A significant difference of ultrasound-assessed cranial spread of the local anesthetic was found between Group 1 (0.5 ml/kg) with both Group 2 (1 ml/kg) (P = 0.001) and with Group 3 (1.125 ml/kg) (P < 0.001) but there is no significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 (P = 0.451) revealing that spinal level spread is only different between 0.5 ml/kg and 1 ml/kg of local anesthetic. Conclusion: In conclusion, the ultrasound assessment of local anesthetic spread after a caudal block showed that cranial spread of the block is dependent on the volume injected into the caudal space. Since there was no difference between 1 ml/kg and 1.25 ml/kg, to achieve a dermatomal blockade up to thoracic level, we might have to increase the dose beyond 1.25 ml/kg, keeping the toxic dose in mind.

The effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine compared to propofol on patients hemodynamics as a sedative in brachial plexus block: A comparative study

Background: The quest for an ideal sedative during regional anesthesia is on. Although propofol has been accepted as a sedative intraoperatively, it can be associated with troublesome hemodynamic changes. Dexmedetomidine is a new alpha 2 agonist used widely for sedation. Aims: In this study, we tried to compare equivalent doses of dexmedetomidine infusion with propofol with emphasis on their effect on the hemodynamics. Settings and Design: Prospective, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: In a single blinded study, 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II patients scheduled for forearm surgeries under brachial plexus block were randomized to receive either propofol (Group I) or dexmedetomidine (Group II) infusion. Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block was given in all the patients. After confirming adequate motor and sensory blockade, they were administered an initial loading dose of the drug over 10 min followed by a maintenance dose till the end of the surgery. The rate of infusion was titrated to maintain Ramsay sedation score of 2–4. Intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory effects were documented along with surgeon and patient satisfaction. Any adverse effect such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting was also noted. Statistical Analysis Used: The data collected were evaluated using Stata version 10. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Heart rate decreased significantly in Group II (dexmedetomidine) while mean arterial pressure decreased significantly in Group I (propofol). There was no increase in the incidence of bradycardia or hypotension in either groups. Patient satisfaction score was significantly greater in Group II (dexmedetomidine) while surgeon satisfaction score was similar in both the groups. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine at equivalent doses of propofol has a similar hemodynamic and respiratory effect, similar surgeons satisfaction score, higher patients satisfaction score, and no significant side effects in ASA I/II patients. Thus, dexmedetomidine may prove to be a valuable alternative to propofol for sedation in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries in brachial plexus block.