Güniz Meyancı Köksal

The effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on lipid peroxidation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background and objective: To compare the effects of sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia on lipid peroxidation. Methods: We studied 40 healthy patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly allocated to be anaesthetized either with sevoflurane (n = 20) or desflurane (n = 20). Anaesthesia was maintained with inspiratory concentrations of sevoflurane 1-1.5 MAC (n = 20) or desflurane (n = 20). Samples were taken for plasma malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase assays before induction of anaesthesia, before skin incision and at the end of surgery. Alveolar cell samples were obtained from the lungs using the technique of protective blind bronchoalveolar lavage, after induction of anaesthesia and at the end of surgery for malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase concentrations. Results: Plasma malondialdehyde increased more after the administration of desflurane than after sevoflurane: after induction 5.9 ± 0.6 nmol mL−1 for desflurane vs. 3.8 ± 0.5 nmol L−1 for sevoflurane (P < 0.001); at the end of the surgery: 6.7 ± 0.4 nmol mL−1 for desflurane vs. 4.2 ± 0.3 nmol mL−1 for sevoflurane (P < 0.001). There was a small but significant increase in plasma superoxide dismutase concentration after desflurane - from 24.2 ± 1.2 to 24.9 ± 0.9 U mL−1 after induction and 25 ± 1 U mL−1 at the end of the surgery (P < 0.01) - but no increase with sevoflurane. Malondialdehyde concentrations increased significantly in the cells obtained by protective blind bronchoalveolar lavage at the end of surgery in the desflurane group (from 0.3 ± 0.1 to 1.7 ± 0.2 nmol mL−1 (P < 0.001)), but not in the sevoflurane group. There were no significant differences between the two anaesthetics in the amounts of superoxide dismutase in the samples obtained by protective blind bronchoalveolar lavage. Conclusions: Desflurane may cause more systemic and regional lipid peroxidation than sevoflurane during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in healthy human beings.

Efficacy of intravenous paracetamol and dexketoprofen on postoperative pain and morphine consumption after a lumbar disk surgery.

Background: We compared the analgesic effects of intravenous (IV) paracetamol with that of dexketoprofen on postoperative pain and morphine consumption during the first 24 hour after a lumbar disk surgery. Methods: This prospective, placebo-controlled, double blind study investigated the analgesic effects of IV paracetamol and dexketoprofen on postoperative pain, morphine consumption, and morphine-related side effects after a lumbar disk surgery. Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 or 2 status patients scheduled for elective lumbar disk surgery under general anesthesia were included in the study. Patients were treated using patient-controlled analgesia with morphine for 24 hours after a lumbar disk surgery and randomized to receive IV paracetamol 1 g, dexketoprofen 50 mg, or isotonic saline (placebo). The primary endpoint was pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale, and secondary endpoints were morphine consumption and related side effects. Results: Pain intensity was lower in the dexketoprofen group (P=0.01) but not in the paracetamol group (P=0.21) when compared with the control group. Cumulative morphine consumption and morphine-related side effects did not reveal significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: The study showed that pain intensity during 24 hours after the lumbar disk surgery was significantly lowered by dexketoprofen, but not with paracetamol, as a supplemental analgesic to morphine patient-controlled analgesia when compared with controls.

Effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on cytokine response during tympanoplasty surgery

Background:  This study was devised to compare the effects of sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia on the cytokine response.

The effects of different weaning modes on the endocrine stress response

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the stress response on plasma insulin, cortisol, glucose, and urinary vanilmandelic acid during weaning and after extubation, using pressure support (PS), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and T-piece modes.MethodsSixty patients were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20). The PS group received FiO2 ≤ 0.4, PS ≤ 10 cmH2O, and positive end expiratory pressure ≤ 5 cmH2O for 2 hours. The CPAP group was given FiO2 ≤ 0.4 and CPAP 5 ≤ cmH2O for 2 hours. The T-piece group (group T) received 4 l/min oxygen via a T-piece for 2 hours. After 1 hour and 2 hours in their respective weaning modes, blood and urine samples were taken for insulin, cortisol, glucose and vanilmandelic acid measurements. Forty-eight hours after extubation, blood and urine samples were again taken.ResultsPlasma insulin was greater in group T than in the PS and CPAP groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01). The plasma cortisol concentration was greater in group T than in group PS during weaning (P < 0.05) and after extubation (P < 0.05). Blood glucose concentrations were greater in group T than in the other groups (both P < 0.01) both during weaning and post extubation. Urine vanilmandelic acid was greater in group T than in the other groups during weaning and after extubation (both P < 0.001).ConclusionWeaning via the T-piece caused a greater stress response than the PS and CPAP modes.

The effects of intravenous, enteral and combined administration of glutamine on malnutrition in sepsis: a randomized clinical trial.

Our aim was to compare the effects of intravenous, enteral, and enteral plus intravenous supplemented glutamine on plasma transferrin, nitrogen balance, and creatinine/height index in septic patients with malnutrition. Blood and urine samples were collected for transferrin, urea and creatinine measurements. Samples, SOFA score and protein-calorie intake values were repeated on days 7 and 15. Patients (n:120) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group I received 30 g/day IV glutamine, group II received 30 g/day enteral glutamine, group III received 15 g/day IV and 15 g/day enteral glutamine. Group IV received only enteral feeding as a control group. Transferrin levels decreased in group IV (p<0.01 0-7 days, p<0.01 7-15 days, p<0.01 0-15 days). Nitrogen balance levels were highest in group IV when compared with group I (p<0.05, p<0.001), group II (p<0.001), and group III (p<0.05, p<0.001) on days 7-15. Creatinine/height indexes increased in group I (p<0.001), group II (p<0.001), group III (p<0.001), and group IV (p<0.05) on day 15. In group III the creatinine/height index was higher than in groups I and II (p<0.05). In group IV, creatinine/height index was lower than in group I (p<0.01) and group II (p<0.001). Protein-calorie intake in group IV was higher than others on day 7 (p<0.05). SOFA scores of group IV were higher than the other groups on day 15 (p<0.05). This study demonstrated, that combined route of gln supplementation resulted in the most positive outcome to transferrin, creatine/height index and nitrogen balance (on days 7 and 15) during the catabolic phase of septic patients with malnutrition.

Evaluation of sciatic nerve damage following intraneural injection of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine and lidocaine in rats

OBJECTIVE The local anesthetics may cause neurotoxicity. We aimed to compare the neurotoxic potential of different local anesthetics, local anesthetic induced nerve damage and pathological changes of a peripheral nerve. METHODS Sixty Wistar rats weighing 200-350g were studied. Rats were assigned into 3 groups and 26-gauge needle was inserted under magnification into the left sciatic nerve and 0.2mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5% levobupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine were injected intraneurally. An individual who was blind to the specifics of the injection monitored the neurologic function on postoperative 1st day, and daily thereafter. Neurologic examination included assessment for the presence and severity of nociception and grasping reflexes. At the 7th day sciatic nerve specimen was taken for evaluation of histopathologic changes. RESULTS There was no statistical difference detected among groups regarding grasping reflex and histopathologic evaluation. Two cases in bupivacaine group, 1 case in levobupivacaine group and 2 cases in lidocaine group had slight grasping, while 1 case in lidocaine group had no grasping reflex on the seventh day. Severe axonal degeneration was observed in all groups, respectively in bupivacaine group 4 (20%), levobupivacaine group 3 (15%), and lidocaine group 6 (30%). CONCLUSION In all groups, histopathological damage frequency and severity were more than the motor deficiency.

Ultrasound-assisted transversus abdominis plane block vs wound infiltration in pediatric patient with inguinal hernia: randomized controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-assisted transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and wound infiltration during the first postoperative 24hours. DESIGN A prospective, observer-blinded, randomized, and controlled study SETTING Operating room of a university hospital. PATIENTS Forty patients received a TAP block (TAP group) and 40 patients received wound infiltration (INF group) at the end of the surgery. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive a TAP block or wound infiltration. Postoperative analgesics were administered on request and selected based on pain severity. MEASUREMENTS Pain scores, analgesic drug requirement, and side effects were observed for 24hours. MAIN RESULTS Postoperative pain scores were lower in TAP group compared to INF group (P<.001). Analgesic consumption was significantly higher at the 5th minute and 1st, 6th, and 12th hours in the INF group (P<.001). The frequency of additional analgesic use in home and the total analgesic used during the postoperative 24hours were significantly higher in INF group (P<.001). Side effects were lower in the TAP group. Parents satisfaction scores were higher in TAP group. CONCLUSION Transversus abdominis plane block is effective method with convenient technique, drug dosage, and volume in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery.

Noninvasive auto-titrating ventilation (AVAPS-AE) versus average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) ventilation in hypercapnic respiratory failure patients: comment

We have read with great interest Gursel et al.’ study [1] where non-invasive auto-titrating ventilation (AVAPS-AE) and average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) ventilation in hypercarbic patients had been compared. AVAPS is not a newly invented mode, and AVAPS-AE has been a commercially available modality used since 2015, also they do not fit traditionally defined “modes.” Rather, they can be described as variations of already available non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) modes of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) and pressure support. In AVAPS, if the targeted tidal volume is not reached, the ventilator takes over to provide necessary pressure support to reach the goal [2]. In AVAPS-AE, the ventilator automatically increases the defined pressure support to reach the target tidal volume together with increasing EPAP. As defined in earlier studies, the ventilator adjusts for the target in every cycle. [3] Thus, in both modes, there are no significant differences between two devices, and both are suitable for use in hypercarbic patients. The authors found that 10 mmHg or 10% reduction in PaCO2 levels occurred in a similar number of patients in both modes, with PaCO2 reduction time being shorter in AVAPS-AE group. This is a controversial issue that requires further investigation for a proper clinical comparison. First of all, patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure often have a very low level of PaO2 due to a myriad of reasons, and an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leads to further respiratory muscles fatigue with a worsening of respiratory function. Single limb machines (as TRILOGY 100 used in their patients) may be responsible for a larger share of gas rebreathing if an adequate PEEP level has not been set. In “acute” conditions like a decompensated COPD, an increased WOB can be counteracted by increasing inspirator positive airway pressure (IPAP) and EPAP, as is evident in the AVAPS-AE group of the study in which patients showed a better compliance to the ventilatory mode [4]. Secondly, while a statistically significant difference in maximum IPAP and mostly in maximum EPAP reached was found between the two groups, the arterial blood gas values (most of them were not decompensated) were found to be quite similar. This can explain the reduction in respiratory frequency and the improvement of tidal volume (two determinant components in WOB) being quite the same in both groups despite a better patient satisfaction in the other group [5]. In the authors’ study, the initial PaCO2 levels, pH and HCO3 levels of the patients were 62–69 mmHg, 7.34 and above 30 mEq/l, respectively, and indications to start NIMV treatment were not clearly described. Thirdly, in their study a single limb machine was used that had an intentional leak. This may be the underlying reason why a higher level of PEEP reached by AVAPS-AE led to a higher tidal volume being reached, but also produced higher air leaks. Regarding this, a further investigation is required to observe if higher air leaks (which may be caused by higher pressures) may change patient–ventilator synchrony. Lastly, from a pulmonary mechanics point of view, a higher PEEP certainly could be helpful in patients with high * Fatma Yıldırım ftagassi@hotmail.com

Comparison of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block and IV Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Lower Abdominal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare the first 24-hour postoperative analgesic efficiency of ultrasound (USG)-assisted transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to IV morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery. METHODS Fifty ASA I-III patients were included into this randomised, prospective clinical study. At end of surgery, Group 1 received 1 mg kg(-1) 0.5% bupivacaine and 1 mg kg(-1) 1% lidocaine in a 30-mL volume during TAP-block. Group 2 received 1 mg kg(-1) tramadol IV 10 minutes before extubation, and PCA was started with 1 mL morphine IV at a concentration of 1 mg kg(-1) and a 10-min lock time. Visual analogue scale (VAS), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), additional analgesic need and nausea-vomiting at the postoperative 30(th) minute and 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours were evaluated. In both groups, when VAS values were >4, patients were given 1 mg kg(-1) tramadol IV in first evaluation at the 30(th) minute or 15 mg kg(-1) paracetamol at other evaluations. RESULTS No difference was observed between groups in terms of VAS values. No difference was observed in terms of HR in the within-group comparison, but Group 1 HR values were lower compared to Group 2 (p<0.01). No difference was observed in additional analgesic need at any times. Nausea-vomiting score was higher in Group 2 in the between-group comparison at the 30(th) minute (p<0.04), but no difference was observed after the 1(st) hour. CONCLUSION Transversus abdominis plane block is effective as IV morphine-PCA in postoperative pain therapy in lower abdominal surgery, when given in a 30-mL volume. It may be preferable to IV-PCA, as the analgesic effect starts earlier and decreases the systemic effect of the morphine used in PCA.

The effect of single dose etomidate during emergency intubation on hemodynamics and adrenal cortex.

BACKGROUND The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of a single dose of etomidate and the use of a steroid injection prior to etomidate during rapid sequence intubation on hemodynamics and cortisol levels. METHODS Sixty patients were divided into three groups (n=20). Before intubation, and at 4 and 24 hours, blood samples were taken for cortisol measurements and hemodynamic parameters (systolic-diastolic-mean arterial pressure, heart rate), and SOFA scores were recorded. Intubation was achieved with 0.3 mg/kg etomidate IV in Group I, 0.3 mg/kg etomidate following 2 mg/kg methylprednisolone IV in Group II, and 0.15 mg/kg IV midazolam in Group III. RESULTS Mean arterial pressure values were lower in Group I at the 24th hour when compared to Groups II and III. In Group I, heart rate values were higher compared to the other Groups. Cortisol levels were lower in Group I at the 4th and at the 24th hour in Groups II and III. CONCLUSION Administration of methylprednisolone 2-4 minutes prior to etomidate use in emergency situations can prevent adrenal insufficiency in patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation. Moreover, midazolam can be used in low induction doses as an alternative to etomidate.