Suk Min Yoon

Sugammadex versus neostigmine reversal of moderate rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in Korean patients

Background Rapid and complete reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) is desirable at the end of surgery. Sugammadex reverses rocuronium-induced NMB by encapsulation. It is well tolerated in Caucasian patients, providing rapid reversal of moderate (reappearance of T2) rocuronium-induced NMB. We investigated the efficacy and safety of sugammadex versus neostigmine in Korean patients. Methods This randomized, safety assessor-blinded trial (NCT01050543) included Korean patients undergoing general anesthesia. Rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was given prior to intubation with maintenance doses of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg as required. Patients received sugammadex 2.0 mg/kg or neostigmine 50 µg/kg with glycopyrrolate 10 µg/kg to reverse the NMB at the reappearance of T2, after the last rocuronium dose. The primary efficacy endpoint was the time from sugammadex or neostigmine administration to recovery of the train-of-four (TOF) ratio to 0.9. The safety of these medications was also assessed. Results Of 128 randomized patients, 118 had evaluable data (n = 59 in each group). The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) time to recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9 was 1.8 (1.6, 2.0) minutes in the sugammadex group and 14.8 (12.4, 17.6) minutes in the neostigmine group (P < 0.0001). Sugammadex was generally well tolerated, with no evidence of residual or recurrence of NMB; four patients in the neostigmine group reported adverse events possibly indicative of inadequate NMB reversal. Conclusions Sugammadex was well tolerated and provided rapid reversal of moderate rocuronium-induced NMB in Korean patients, with a recovery time 8.1 times faster than neostigmine. These results are consistent with those reported for Caucasian patients.

Association Between Tumor Necrosis Factor α 308G/A Polymorphism and Increased Proinflammatory Cytokine Release After Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass in the Korean Population

OBJECTIVES The G-308A polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) gene has been suggested to be linked to high TNF promoter activity in in vitro studies. However, there have been some controversies in in vivo studies. This study investigated whether A allele at TNF-308 site is associated with (1) the changes in plasma cytokine levels during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and (2) an increased incidence of pulmonary morbidity after CPB. DESIGN Prospective and observational investigation. SETTING A university hospital, single institution. PARTICIPANTS Patients scheduled for cardiac surgery with CPB. INTERVENTION TNF genotype was determined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the following time points: T1, before initiation of CPB; T2, 30 minutes of CPB; T3, 30 minutes after CPB; T4, 2 hours after CPB; and T5, 24 hours after CPB. The oxygen index, serum creatinine level, 24-hour blood loss, intubation time, and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were examined. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The levels of TNF-alpha in group A (TNF-308GA/AA, n = 25) were higher at T3, T4, and T5 than group G (TNF-308GG, n = 225). The levels of IL-6 showed no statistical difference. The oxygenation index, serum creatinine level, 24-hour blood loss, intubation time, and length of ICU stay showed no statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS TNF G-308A polymorphism may be associated with excess TNF-alpha secretion in this study and may not be associated with excess IL-6 secretion and postoperative morbidity after CPB.

Effect of muscle relaxant on entropy during propofol anesthesia

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate whether muscle relaxant affect the values of Entropy, response entropy (RE) or state entropy (SE) during propofol anesthesia. METHODS Eighty patients (ASA I) scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to four groups. Anesthesia was maintained at a SE value of 80 (80 +/- 2) using target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol. After maintaining SE 80 for 5 min, vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg was injected intravenously in group I and same volume of normal saline was intravenously injected in group II. After maintaining SE 60 for 5 min, vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg was injected intravenously in group III and same volume of normal saline was injected intravenously in group IV. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate, SE and RE were measured before anesthetic induction and up to 5 min after vecuronium or normal saline injection in each group. RESULTS SE and RE were not changed in group II, but significantly decreased in group I (P < 0.05, respectively). In group III and IV, SE and RE were not changed in both groups. There were no significant hemodynamic changes among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the effect of muscle relaxant on Entropy vary according to the baseline values of RE or SE during propofol anesthesia.

Polymorphism rs4263535 in GABRA1 intron 4 was related to deeper sedation by intravenous midazolam.

Objective To evaluate whether polymorphisms in the gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor α1 subunit (GABRA1) gene influence sleep induction time, bispectral index score (BIS) during sleep induction and the total dose of midazolam required to reach a Ramsay Sedation Assessment Scale (RSAS) score of 4. Methods Patients scheduled for elective orthopaedic surgery were enrolled. All patients received initial doses of 0.02 mg/kg intravenous midazolam. If the RSAS score did not reach 4, an additional 1-mg dose of midazolam was administered. Results were compared among groups of patients with five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GABRA1: rs4263535, rs980791, rs6556562, rs998754 and rs2279020. Results A total of 104 patients were evaluated. Polymorphism rs4263535 was associated with the lowest BIS during sedation induction. Multinomial logistic regression analysis demonstrated that polymorphism rs4263535 was significantly associated with the total dose of midazolam required for sedation induction. Conclusions Polymorphism rs4263535 in GABRA1 intron 4 was associated with deeper sedation by intravenous midazolam. Patients with the A/A rs4263535 genotype required a smaller dose of midazolam.

Propofol Infusion Associated Metabolic Acidosis in Patients Undergoing Neurosurgical Anesthesia: A Retrospective Study

Objective Propofol and volatile anesthesia have been associated with metabolic acidosis induced by increased lactate. This study was designed to evaluate changes in pH, base excess (BE), and lactate in response to different anesthetic agents and to characterize propofol infusion-associated lactic acidosis. Methods The medical records of patients undergoing neurosurgical anesthesia between January 2005 and September 2012 were examined. Patients were divided into 2 groups : those who received propofol (total intravenous anesthesia, TIVA) and those who received sevoflurane (balanced inhalation anesthesia, BIA) anesthesia. Propensity analysis was performed (1 : 1 match, n=47), and the characteristics of the patients who developed severe acidosis were recorded. Results In the matched TIVA and BIA groups, the incidence of metabolic acidosis (11% vs. 13%, p=1) and base excess (p>0.05) were similar. All patients in the TIVA group who developed severe acidosis did so within 4 hours of the initiation of propofol infusion, and these patients improved when propofol was discontinued. Conclusions The incidence of metabolic acidosis was similar during neurosurgical anesthesia with propofol or sevoflurane. In addition, severe acidosis associated with propofol infusion appears to be reversible when propofol is discontinued.

Feasibility of ultrasound-guided posterior approach for interscalene catheter placement during arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Background Continuous interscalene block has been known to improve postoperative analgesia after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. This was a prospective study investigating the ultrasound-guided posterior approach for placement of an interscalene catheter, clinical efficacy and complications after placement of the catheter. Methods Forty-two patients undergoing elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery were included in this study and an interscalene catheter was inserted under the guidance of ultrasound with posterior approach. With the inplane approach, the 17 G Tuohy needle was advanced until the tip was placed between the C5 and C6 nerve roots. After a bolus injection of 20 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine, a catheter was threaded and secured. A continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% 4 ml/hr with patient-controlled 5 ml boluses every hour was used over 2 days. Difficulties in placement of the catheter, clinical efficacy of analgesia and complications were recorded. All patients were monitored for 48 hours and examined by the surgeon for complications within 2 weeks of hospital discharge. Results Easy placement of the catheter was achieved in 100% of the patients and the success rate of catheter placement during the 48 hr period was 92.9%. Postoperative analgesia was effective in 88.1% of the patients in the post anesthetic care unit. The major complications included nausea (7.1%), vomiting (4.8%), dyspnea (4.8%) and unintended vascular punctures (2.4%). Other complications such as neurologic deficits and local infection around the puncture site did not occur. Conclusions The ultrasound-guided interscalene block with a posterior approach is associated with a success high rate in placement of the interscalene catheter and a low rate of complications. However, the small sample size limits us to draw definite conclusions. Therefore, a well-designed randomized controlled trial is required to confirm our preliminary study.

The effect of intermittent levator massage with caudal block on management of levator ani syndrome - A case report -

Levator ani syndrome (LAS) is a functional disorder of the pelvic floor muscles in which recurrent and persistent distressing pain is felt in the anus without detectable organic pathology. Eighty one percent of coccygodynia was alleviated by the levator massage when the massage motion was repeated 10 to 15 times on each side of the pelvis daily for 5 or 6 days. The authors encountered the LAS patient for whom successive visit to pain clinic was economic burden. Therefore, the authors managed the patient by intermittent levator massage with caudal block, once a week for 3 times, resulting in two years of pain free status. Intermittent levator massage with caudal block may be as effective as successive levator massage and induce longer painless period in the management of LAS.

Tracheal laceration detected by high end-tidal CO2 during endoscopic thyroidectomy

Endoscopic thyroidectomy is frequently used for cosmetic reasons, such as reducing cervical scarring. Subcutaneous gas insufflation with CO2 is needed to maintain the surgical space, and optimal surgical techniques and careful attention are required when conducting this procedure due to the limited space available for the endoscopic instruments. We report here a case of a tracheal laceration with a tear in the cuff of a reinforced tube, which was detected by an abrupt increase in end-tidal CO2 to 90 mmHg. Reintubation was achieved using a tube exchanger and the patient was effectively ventilated without complications.

Management of CRPS type II unresponsive to sympathetic nerve block with trigger points injection

Abstract Objective: Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) type II (causalgia) is one of the causes of neuropathic pain. For the management of CRPS type II, various kinds of medications, nerve block, intravenous lidocaine and neurostimulation are used. We report good results by injection of trigger points around the left calf and lateral dorsum of the foot after unsuccessful different treatments in a patient with CRPS type II. Case Report: The authors describe a twenty-three year old female patient with CRPS type II after damage to the left sciatic and tibial nerves. The continuous epidural administration of opioids and local anesthetics, and oral medication with phenoxybenzamine did not sufficiently control the pain. Pain control was satisfactory with injections into the trigger points in the involved limb muscles. After six years, the patient complains of only slight tingling sensations around the left little toe.

Comparison of the temperature and humidity in the anesthetic breathing circuit among different anesthetic workstations: Updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomized trials

Background: For patients undergoing general anesthesia, adequate warming and humidification of the inspired gases is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the heat and moisture content of the inspired gases with low-flow anesthesia using 4 different anesthesia machines. Methods: The patients were divided into 11 groups according to the anesthesia machine used (Ohmeda, Excel; Avance; Dräger, Cato; and Primus) and the fresh gas flow (FGF) rate (0.5, 1, and 4 L/min). The temperature and absolute humidity of the inspired gas in the inspiratory limbs were measured at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes in 9 patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy or cervical spine operation in each group. Results: The anesthesia machines of Excel, Avance, Cato, and Primus did not show statistically significant changes in the inspired gas temperatures over time within each group with various FGFs. They, however, showed statistically significant changes in the absolute humidity of the inspired gas over time within each group with low FGF anesthesia (P < .05). The anesthesia machines of Cato and Primus showed statistically significant changes in the absolute humidity of the inspired gas over time within each group with an FGF of 4 L/min (P < .05). However, even with low-flow anesthesia, the temperatures and absolute humidities of the inspired gas for all anesthesia machines were lower than the recommended values. Conclusion: There were statistical differences in the provision of humidity among different anesthesia workstations. The Cato and Primus workstations were superior to Excel and Avance. However, even these were unsatisfactory in humans. Therefore, additional devices that provide inspired gases with adequate heat and humidity are needed for those undergoing general anesthetic procedures.