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Pain management in burn patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite advances, inappropriate analgesic treatment for burn patients is still seen. The objective of this review was to collect data on pain management in burn patients. CONTENT We reviewed the mechanisms of pain, burn patient assessment, as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSION Pain management in burn patients is still a challenge for the multidisciplinary team. Frequent and continuous evaluation of the patients response is very important due to the various stages that the hospitalized burn patient goes through, as well as a combination therapy with analgesic and non-pharmacological measures. Understanding the complexity of the pathophysiological, psychological, and biochemical changes a burn patient presents is the first step to achieve success in analgesic management.

Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Opioids are commonly used for pain control; however, they can cause hyperalgesia. The reason why this can happen is not known. The objective of this review was to describe the mechanisms, factors implicated, and drug modulation. CONTENTS The factors implicated in the development of opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), such as duration of use, dose, and type of opioids are described. Mechanisms involved include the glutamatergic system and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA), spinal cyclooxygenase (COX) activation, excitatory amino acids, dynorphin, cytokines and chemokines; prostaglandins, and descending facilitation. Modulation of hyperalgesia could be done through: NMDA receptor antagonists, alpha2-adrenergic agonists, and COX inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS This is a very complex subject, which involves a series of pathophysiological mechanisms that could contribute for OIH and patient discomfort, bringing disastrous consequences.

Ultrasound-guided facet block to low back pain: a case report

BACKGROUND osteoarthrosis is a common cause of low back pain. The diagnosis is clinical and can be confirmed by imaging studies. Pain treatment and confirmation of diagnosis are made by intra-articular injection of corticosteroid and by local anesthetic use, due to clinical improvement. A direct monitoring of the procedure can be done under fluoroscopy, a classic technique, or else by an ultrasound-guided procedure. CASE REPORT female patient, 88 years old, 1.68 m and 72 kg, with facet osteoarthrosis at L2-L3, L3-L4 and L4-L5 for two years. On physical examination, she exhibited pain on lateralization and spinal extension. We opted in favor of an ultrasound-guided facet joint block. A midline spinal longitudinal scan was obtained, with identification of the desired joint space at L3-L4. A 25G needle was inserted into the skin by the echographic off-plane ultrasound technique. 1 mL of contrast was administered, with confirmation by fluoroscopy. After aspiration of the contrast, 1 mL of solution containing 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride and 10mg of methylprednisolone acetate was injected. Injections into L3-L4, L2-L3 and L1-L2 to the right were applied. CONCLUSIONS the visualization of the facet joint by ultrasound involves minimal risk, besides reduction of radiation. This option is suitable for a large part of the population. However, fluoroscopy and computed tomography remain as monitoring techniques indicated for patients with specific characteristics, such as obesity, severe degenerative diseases and anatomical malformations, in which the ultrasound technique is still in need of further study.

Hiperalgesia induzida por opioides (HIO)

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Opioides sao medicamentos frequentemente usados para o controle da dor que, contudo, podem causar hiperalgesia. A circunstância pela qual esse fenomeno pode ocorrer nao esta inteiramente esclarecida. O objetivo desta revisao foi descrever os mecanismos, os fatores implicados e a modulacao por medicamentos. CONTEUDO: Foram descritos os fatores implicados no desenvolvimento da hiperalgesia induzida por opioides (HIO), como duracao de uso, dose e tipo de opioide. Os mecanismos incluem o sistema glutamatergico e receptores N-metil-D-aspartato (NMDA), ativacao de ciclo-oxigenase (COX) espinal, aminoacidos excitatorios, dinorfina, citocinas e quimocinas; prostaglandinas e facilitacao descendente. A modulacao de hiperalgesia pode ser feita com antagonistas de receptores NMDA, agonistas adrenergicos-alfa2 e inibidores de COX. CONCLUSOES: O assunto e bastante complexo, envolvendo uma serie de mecanismos fisiopatologicos que podem contribuir para a HIO e o desconforto do paciente, trazendo consequencias que podem ser danosas.

Evaluation of the effect of ketamine on remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia: a double-blind, randomized study

STUDY OBJECTIVE Opioids are associated with hyperalgesia that can reduce their analgesic effect. The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of ketamine reduces remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia; improves its analgesic effect; and alters interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-10 levels. DESIGN This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. SETTING The setting is in a operating room and ward in a university hospital. PATIENTS There are 56 patients, aged ≥18 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. INTERVENTIONS Anesthesia was induced with remifentanil, 50% oxygen, and isoflurane. Patients randomized to group 1 received remifentanil (0.4 μg/kg per minute) and ketamine (5 μg/kg per minute), and patients randomized to group 2 received remifentanil (0.4 μg/kg per minute) and saline solution. Postoperative analgesia was achieved using morphine via patient-controlled analgesia. MEASUREMENTS The measurements were postoperative pain intensity during 24 hours; morphine consumption; time to first morphine supplementation; hyperalgesia (using monofilaments and an algometer) and allodynia (using a soft brush) in the thenar eminence of the nondominant hand and in the periumbilical region 24 hours after surgery; extent of hyperalgesia using a 300-g monofilament near the periumbilical region 24 hours after surgery; and serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. MAIN RESULTS Groups were similar for baseline characteristics. There were no differences in pain intensity, time to first request of morphine, and total 24 hours dose of morphine between groups. There was a difference in hyperalgesia using monofilaments 24 hours after the surgery in the thenar eminence of the nondominant hand, with a better profile for the experimental group. However, there were no differences in hyperalgesia using an algometer, in allodynia using a soft brush; in extent of hyperalgesia; or in levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. CONCLUSIONS It was not possible to demonstrate that the addition of ketamine (5 μg/kg per minute) is effective in preventing or reducing remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Assessment of the effect of ketamine in combination with remifentanil on postoperative pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The combination of ketamine and remifentanil seems to be associated with better analgesia and duration. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a ketamine-remifentanil combination promotes improved postoperative analgesia. METHODS Prospective, randomized, double blind study of 40 patients undergoing video laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Anesthesia was performed with remifentanil, propofol, atracurium, and 50% oxygen. Group 1 (GI) patients received remifentanil (0.4 mcg.kg(-1).min(-1)) and ketamine (5 mcg.kg(-1).min(-1)) and Group 2 (G2) received remifentanil (0.4 mcg.kg(-1).min(-1)) and saline solution. Morphine 0.1mg.kg(-1) was administered at the end of the procedure, and postoperative pain was treated with morphine via PCA. We evaluated the severity of postoperative pain by a numerical scale from zero to 10 during 24 hours. We registered the time to the first analgesic supplementation, amount of morphine used in the first 24 hours, and adverse effects. RESULTS There was a decrease in pain severity between extubation and other times evaluated in G1 and G2. There was no significant difference in pain intensity between the groups. There was no difference between G1 (22±24.9 min) and G2 (21.5±28.1min) regarding time to first dose of morphine and dose supplement of morphine consumed in G1 (29±18.4mg) and G2 (25.1±13.3mg). CONCLUSION The combination of ketamine (5 mcg.kg(-1).min(-1)) and remifentanil (0.4mcg.kg(-1).min(-1)) for cholecystectomy did not alter the severity of postoperative pain, time to first analgesic supplementation or dose of morphine in 24hours.

Avaliação do efeito da cetamina associada à remifentanila na dor pós-operatória

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La asociacion de la cetamina con el Remifentanilo parece estar asociada con una analgesia de mejor calidad y duracion. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si la cetamina asociada al Remifentanilo genera una mejoria de la analgesia postoperatoria. METODO: Se hizo un estudio prospectivo, aleatorio y doble ciego en 40 pacientes sometidos a la colecistectomia videolaparoscopica. La anestesia se realizo con de Remifentanilo, propofol, atracurio y 50% de oxigeno. Los pacientes del G1 recibieron Remifentanilo (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) y cetamina (5 mcg.kg-1.min-1); los del G2, Remifentanilo (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) y solucion salina. Fue administrado 0,1 mg.kg-1 de morfina al final de la operacion y el dolor postoperatorio se trato con morfina por medio de analgesia controlada por el paciente (PCA). La intensidad del dolor postoperatorio fue mensurada por la escala numerica de 0 a 10, durante 24h. Se anoto el tiempo para la primera complementacion analgesica, la cantidad de morfina utilizada durante 24 h y los efectos adversos. RESULTADOS: Ocurrio una reduccion de la intensidad del dolor entre el momento de la desentubacion y los otros momentos calculados en el G1 y en el G2. No fue observada ninguna diferencia significativa en la intensidad del dolor entre los grupos. No hubo diferencia entre G1 (22 ± 24,9 min.) y G2 (21,5 ± 28,1 min.) en el tiempo para la primera dosis de morfina y dosis complementaria de morfina consumida en el G1 (29 ± 18,4 mg) y en el G2 (25,1 ± 13,3 mg). CONCLUSIONES: La asociacion de la cetamina (5 mcg.kg-1.min-1) con el Remifentanilo (0,4 mcg.kg-1.min-1) para la colecistectomia no altero la intensidad del dolor postoperatorio, el tiempo para la primera complementacion o la dosis de morfina en 24h.

Effect of intravenous lidocaine combined with amitriptyline on pain intensity, clinical manifestations and the concentrations of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 in patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized double-blind study.

Regarding the use of intravenous lidocaine in fibromyalgia, there are no well‐controlled studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous lidocaine on pain intensity, clinical manifestations and plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in fibromyalgia patients.

Bloqueio facetário guiado por ultrassom para lombalgia: relato de caso

BACKGROUND Osteoarthrosis is a common cause of low back pain. The diagnosis is clinical and can be confirmed by imaging studies. Pain treatment and confirmation of diagnosis are made by intra-articular injection of corticosteroid and by local anesthetic use, due to clinical improvement. A direct monitoring of the procedure can be done under fluoroscopy, a classic technique, or else by an ultrasound-guided procedure. CASE REPORT Female patient, 88 years old, 1.68m and 72kg, with facet osteoarthrosis at L2-L3, L3-L4 and L4-L5 for two years. On physical examination, she exhibited pain on lateralization and spinal extension. We opted in favor of an ultrasound-guided facet joint block. A midline spinal longitudinal scan was obtained, with identification of the desired joint space at L3-L4. A 25 G needle was inserted into the skin by the echographic off-plane ultrasound technique. 1 mL of contrast was administered, with confirmation by fluoroscopy. After aspiration of the contrast, 1 mL of solution containing 0.25% bupivacaine hydrochloride and 10 mg of methylprednisolone acetate was injected. Injections into L3-L4, L2-L3 and L1-L2 to the right were applied. CONCLUSIONS The visualization of the facet joint by ultrasound involves minimal risk, besides reduction of radiation. This option is suitable for a large part of the population. However, fluoroscopy and computed tomography remain as monitoring techniques indicated for patients with specific characteristics, such as obesity, severe degenerative diseases and anatomical malformations, in which the ultrasound technique is still in need of further study.

Takayasus's Arteritis in Pregnancy. Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Takayasuss Arteritis (TA) is a chronic, inflammatory, progressive, idiopathic disease that causes narrowing, occlusion, and aneurysms of systemic and pulmonary arteries affecting especially the aorta and its branches. During pregnancy, one should pay special attention to these patients. The objective of this report was to present the peripartum anesthetic care of a patient with TA and a review of the literature. CASE REPORT This is a 31-year old gravida who underwent exchange of the aortic arch and placement of a metallic aortic valve for TA four years ago. She had no complications during pregnancy, and she was admitted at 34 weeks of pregnancy for anticoagulation management. Elective cesarean section was performed at 39 weeks with continuous epidural anesthesia. Fractionated doses of local anesthetic were administered to guarantee slow installation of the blockade. The patient remained hemodynamically stable and was transferred to the ICU in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS Several complications can affect gravidas with TA. Careful patient evaluation, treatment of TA complications, and anestheticsurgical planning are fundamental. Maintenance of perfusion is the main concern in these patients, and neuraxial blocks may be used without harming the mother and fetus. In patients with compensated TA complications, monitoring does not differ from that routinely used in cesarean sections. Continuous epidural anesthesia with slow installation maintains hemodynamic stability and allows monitoring cerebral perfusion through the level of consciousness. To avoid postoperative hypoperfusion or hypertensive complications patients should be monitored in an intensive or semi-intensive care unit for 24 hours.