PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on corrected QT (QTc) and Tp-e intervals in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 50 patients who were scheduled to undergo spinal anesthesia before orthopedic surgeries. Patients were allocated to receive either an infusion of dexmedetomidine or normal saline after spinal anesthesia. RESULTS: QTc intervals were significantly prolonged after spinal anesthesia, and the prolonged QTc interval returned to baseline values 10 minutes after either normal saline or dexmedetomidine administration in both groups. The QTc interval values after dexmedetomidine administration were significantly shorter compared to the QTc interval values just before dexmedetomidine administration. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine could promote the return of a prolonged QTc interval induced by spinal anesthesia and might be helpful in patients who have a prolonged QTc interval.
Anesthesia, Spinal* ; Dexmedetomidine* ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Methods ; Orthopedics

Adult ; Anesthesia, General ; methods ; Anesthesia, Intravenous ; methods ; Cesarean Section ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Muscular Atrophy, Spinal ; Pregnancy

Regional anesthesia is mostly used in operations on the lower abdomen or lower extremities in elderly patients. It shows nearly no difference in long-term outcomes compared to general anesthesia, but it is used more often because of the several advantages. However, during the regional anesthetic procedures, the patient must cooperate and has to be lateral decubitus position without physical movement. Therefore, in the case of the patients who are not cooperated, it may be not easy to perform regional anesthesia. In this study, we present 3 case reports that regional anesthesia after sedation is performed in un-cooperated patients. Regional anesthesia after sedation may be a good method to improve outcomes in un-cooperated elderly patients.
Abdomen ; Aged* ; Anesthesia, Conduction ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthesia, Spinal* ; Consciousness Monitors ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Methods

To 48 adult patients general and spinal anethesia was administered for elective orthopedic (intra-thoracic and extremity) and abdominal(general and gynecological) operations. Radial artery was cannulated and postoperative change of PaO2 was observed for 7days. The results are as follows: 1) General anesthesia administered for operations on the legs results in a reduction of PaO₂ which is maximal immediately after discontinuation of anesthesia, gradually returns toward normal in a 3-hour period, and becomes normal on the first postoperative day. 2) General anesthesia administered for thoracomy and laparotomy is followed by the same early changes, which do not return toward normal in the first 3 hours. Reduciton of PaO₂ persists, and PaO₂ continue to deteriorate for several days, not completely returning to normal even 7days post-operatively. 3) When spinal anesthesia is administered for laparotomy, PaO₂ does not begin to fall untill several hours after the end of operation. The subsequent course follows as that in 2, above. 4) When spinal anesthesia is administered for operation on the legs, PaO₂ does not change significantly throughout the postoperative period. 5) Thus, it is concluded that late forms of postoperative hypoxemia is influenced primarily not by the method of anesthesia, but by site of operation.
Adult ; Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; Anoxia ; Humans ; Laparotomy ; Leg ; Methods ; Orthopedics ; Oxygen ; Postoperative Period ; Radial Artery

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare entity, and anesthetic management for cesarean section of a patient with this condition can be challenging. We hereby present the anesthetic management of a patient with PPCM complicated with preeclampsia scheduled for cesarean section, along with a mini review of literature. A 24 year-old primigravida with twin gestation was admitted to our hospital with severe PPCM and preeclampsia for peripartum care, which finally required a cesarean section. Preoperative optimization was done according to the goal of managing left ventricular failure. Combined spinal epidural (CSE) anaesthesia with bupivacaine and sufentanil was used for cesarean section under optimal monitoring. The surgery was completed without event or complication. Postoperative pain relief was adequate and patient required only one epidural top up with sufentanil 6 hours after operation. To the best of our knowledge there is no report in literature of the use of sufentanil as a neuraxial opioid in the anesthetic management of cesarean section in a patient with PPCM. CSE with sufentanil may be a safer and more effective alternative in such cases.
Anesthesia, Epidural/*methods ; Anesthesia, Spinal/*methods ; Cardiomyopathies/*complications ; Female ; Humans ; Peripartum Period ; Pre-Eclampsia/*surgery ; Pregnancy ; Sufentanil/*therapeutic use

From September 1979 through April 1980, we had carried out continuous lumbar epidural anesthesia(2% lidocaine, 20ml) with small dose of morphine and single dose caudal anesthesia(2% lidocaine, 15-20ml) for 16 cases of lumbar laminectomy,And also we observed the effects of postanesthetic pain relief by administered morphine(2mg) into lumbar epidural space, The results of this study were as follows: 1) Age distribution was from 20 to 60 years, sex distribution was 14 in man and 2 in woman, and physical status was in ASA class I in all cases. 2) The site of herniated intervertebral disc was L4~5 in 15 cases and L3~4 in one, The epidural puncture site was selected 2~3 vertebral segments cephalad from the lesion, 3) The morphine amount administered with lidocaine into lumbar epidural space was 2mg in all cases. 4) The duration of pain relief from the induction of anesthesia was average 17. 5 hours, and from the additional epidural injection of morphine(2mg) in ward was average 13.5 hours. 5) There was no neurological deficit or sequele except nausea in one case postoperatively. Therefore this anesthetic method was not only satisfactory for laminectomy but also safer and simpler in the fixation of spinal anesthetic level by patient's position change than spinal anesthesia, and faster in the postanesthetic ambulation than general anesthesia. Moreover, surgeon's acceptability.
Age Distribution ; Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Caudal* ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; Epidural Space ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Epidural ; Intervertebral Disc ; Laminectomy* ; Lidocaine ; Methods ; Morphine* ; Nausea ; Punctures ; Sex Distribution ; Walking

BACKGROUNDHypotension induced by combined spinal epidural anesthesia in parturient with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can easily compromise blood supply to vital organs including uteroplacental perfusion and result in fetal distress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) with LiDCO rapid system can improve well-being of both HDP parturient and their babies.

METHODSFifty-two stable HDP parturient scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were recruited. After loading with 10 ml/kg lactated Ringer's solution (LR), parturient were randomized to the GDFT and control group. In the GDFT group, individualized fluid therapy was guided by increase in stroke volume (ΔSV) provided via LiDCO rapid system. The control group received the routine fluid therapy. The primary endpoints included maternal hypotension and the doses of vasopressors administered prior to fetal delivery. The secondary endpoints included umbilical blood gas abnormalities and neonatal adverse events.

RESULTSThe severity of HDP was similar between two groups. The total LR infusion (P < 0.01) and urine output (P < 0.05) were higher in the GDFT group than in the control group. Following twice fluid challenge tests, the systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, cardiac output and SV in the GDFT group were significantly higher, and the heart rate was lower than in the control group. The incidence of maternal hypotension and doses of phenylephrine used prior to fetal delivery were significantly higher in the control group than in the GDFT group (P < 0.01). There were no differences in the Apgar scores between two groups. In the control group, the mean values of pH in umbilical artery/vein were remarkably decreased (P < 0.05), and the incidences of neonatal hypercapnia and hypoxemia were statistically increased (P < 0.05) than in the GDFT group.

CONCLUSIONSDynamic responsiveness guided fluid therapy with the LiDCO rapid system may provide potential benefits to stable HDP parturient and their babies.

Adult ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; methods ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; methods ; Blood Pressure ; Cesarean Section ; methods ; Female ; Fluid Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced ; Infant, Newborn ; Isotonic Solutions ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome

BACKGROUND: Tuffier's line is often used as a landmark for lumbar puncture. When attempting to identify lumbar interspaces using Tuffier's line, the actual level often turns out to be higher or lower than presumed. The imaginary line that joins both posterior superior iliac spines on the sacrum (posterior superior iliac spine line; PSIS line) can be physically constructed. The purpose of this study was to assess the posibility that the PSIS line could be used as a marker of lumbar spine level. METHODS: After informed consent had been obtained, sixty-seven patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery were examined. The identification of the L4-5 interspinous space was performed in the prone position using a radioluscent wilson frame (RWF-1000 Model 5323, OSI, USA) after general anesthesia. In the same patients, Tuffier's line and the PSIS line were used to determine the level of needle insertion into the L4-5 interspinous space. At first, the L4-5 interspinous space was identified by palpating the interspinous space, two levels above the PSIS line, and then a mark was drawn on the skin. Second, the L4-5 interspinous space was identified and marked by streching a silk between the two iliac crests to construct Tuffier's line. Needles were inserted into the accounted spaces at each marking level. Using a radiologic imaging method, the actual levels were confirmed. RESULTS: By using the Tuffier's line method of identifying the L4-5 interspinous space, 73.1% of needles were inserted correctly, whereas using the PSIS line method of identifying the L4-5 interspinous space, 74.6% of needles were inserted into the correct space. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the PSIS line may be as useful as Tuffier's line for determing the lumbar spine level.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, General ; Humans ; Informed Consent ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Methods ; Needles ; Prone Position ; Sacrum ; Silk ; Skin ; Spinal Puncture ; Spine*

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine whether head elevation during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSE) and Caesarean section provided improved hemodynamics and appropriate sensory block height. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four parous women undergoing CSE for elective Caesarean section were randomly assigned to one of two groups: right lateral (group L) or right lateral and head elevated (group HE) position, for insertion of the block. Patients were positioned in the supine wedged position (group L) or the left lateral and head elevated position (group HE) until a block height of T5 to light touch was reached. Group HE was then turned to the supine wedged position with maintenance of head elevation until the end of surgery. Hemodynamics, including the incidence of hypotension, ephedrine dose required, and characteristics of the sensory blocks were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension (16 versus 7, p=0.0035) and the required dose of ephedrine [24 (0-40) versus 0 (0-20), p<0.0001] were greater in group L compared to group HE. In group L, the time to achieve maximal sensory block level (MSBL) was shorter (11.8+/-5.4 min versus 20.1+/-6.3 min, p<0.0001) and MSBL was also higher than in group HE [14 (T2) versus 12 (T4), p=0.0015]. CONCLUSION: Head elevation during CSE and Caesarean section is superior to positioning without head elevation in the lateral to supine position, as it is associated with a more gradual onset, appropriate block height, and improved hemodynamics.
Adult ; Anesthesia, Epidural/*methods ; Anesthesia, Obstetrical/*methods ; Anesthesia, Spinal/*methods ; Blood Pressure/physiology ; Cesarean Section/*methods ; Elective Surgical Procedures/methods ; Female ; Head ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Patient Positioning/*methods ; Pregnancy ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine is a useful sedative agent for spinal anesthesia. However, it has been reported that dexmedetomidine decreases heart rate in a dose-dependent manner. In the current study, we compared the administration of a bolus dose of midazolam and bolus loading of dexmedetomidine over 10 min with the goal of identifying an additional method of sedation. METHODS: Ninety patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II who were undergoing spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups. In the midazolam and dexmedetomidine combined group (group MD), 10 min after bolus loading of 0.05 mg/kg midazolam, 0.5 µg/kg/h dexmedetomidine was continuously infused. In the dexmedetomidine group (group D), 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine was infused over 10 min, and then 0.5 µg/kg/h dexmedetomidine was continuously infused. RESULTS: At 10 min, the sedation depth of the two groups was almost equal. In both groups, the bispectral index was within the optimal score range of 55–80 and the Ramsay Sedation Scale score was within the optimal range of 3–5. Satisfaction with sedation for both patient and surgeon did not differ between the two groups. At 10 min, heart rate was significantly lower (P < 0.010) in group D and mean blood pressure was significantly lower (P < 0.010) in group MD. The prevalence of bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoxia did not differ statistically between the two groups (P = 0.714, P = 0.089, P = 0.495, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam bolus and dexmedetomidine continuous infusion (the regimen of group MD) may be an additional sedation method for patients who have severe bradycardia.
Anesthesia, Spinal* ; Anoxia ; Blood Pressure ; Bradycardia ; Dexmedetomidine* ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Methods ; Midazolam* ; Prevalence