BACKGROUND: We have used thiopental sodium as an induction agent traditionally, but a recently introduced induction agent, propofol, is gaining popularity among anesthesiologists. The purpose of this study was to compare the difference in induction time by measuring the hypnotic time. METHODS: Sixty adult patients (ASA class I or II) scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive 5 mg/kg of thiopental (Group I) or 2 mg/kg of propofol (Group II), respectively, as an induction agent. The induction time by using Eyelash reflex (from the start of administration of induction agent to the time of reflex loss) was measured after the administration of thiopental and propofol and compared between these two groups. RESULTS: The induction time using ER in Group II (52.2 +/- 12.0 s) was not significantly longer than Group I (50.4 +/-9.4 s). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that propofol had the same induction time as thiopental for induction of general anesthesia.
Adult ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthetics ; Humans ; Propofol* ; Reflex ; Thiopental*

BACKGROUND: Propofol is a short-acting intravenous sedative-hynotic agent that can be used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. This study was perfomed to evaluate adequate dose requirements of propofol by injection during anesthesia induction, and to evaluate the induction technique by assessing induction dose, induction time, success rate of induction and hemodynamic effects. METHODS: Ninety healthy adult patients(ASA class I or II), scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were randomly assigned to receive propofol 1 mg/kg(group I), 2 mg/kg(group II), and 3 mg/kg(group III) respectively as an induction agent. Mean arterial pressure(MAP) and heart rate(HR) were measured before the administration of propofol and just after successful induction. We determined the speed of injection as lasting 40 seconds. RESULTS: Success rate of induction in group I(30%) was lower than group II(100%) and III(100%). The induction time in group I(81s) was longer than group II(51s) and III(47s). The MAP were statistically significant difference among three groups(p<0.05 compared with before induction). In group III, the MAP was more decreased than group I and II and HR was more increased than group I and II. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that propofol in group II(2 mg/kg) is more desireable dose than group I(1 mg/kg) and group III(3 mg/kg) for induction of general anesthesia.
Adult ; Anesthesia* ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthetics ; Arterial Pressure ; Heart ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Propofol*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcome and satisfaction according to postoperative refractive error in patient with cataract surgery using AMO Array(R) multifocal intraocular lens. METHODS: According to postoperative refractive errors, 120 eyes (80 patients) were inserted the AMO Array(R) multifocal intraocular lens and were divided into three groups respectively: 28 eyes were myopic group (-0.50 ~ -1.50D), 74 eyes were emetropic group (-0.50 ~ +0.50D) and 18 eyes were hyperopic group (+0.50 ~ +1.50D). In each group, distant vision, near vision and contrast sensitivity test were measured. Also the patients were questioned on their satisfaction. RESULTS: Three months after the operation, the distance uncorrected visions of the myopic, emmetropic and hyperopic group were 0.42 +/- 0.23, 0.73 +/- 0.22, 0.36 +/- 0.28 and the near uncorrected visions were 0.47 +/- 0.18, 0.65 +/- 0.03, 0.41 +/- 0.14 in each. There were no difference in satisfaction, contrast sensitivity and glare visual acuity between three groups. CONCLUSIONS: In cataract surgery using the AMO Array(R) multifocal intraocular lens, we could get the best uncorrected visual acuity in emmetopic group. There were no difference in satisfaction and vision between myopic and hyperopic group. Thus, at the time of cataract operation, the multifocal intraocular lens power should be set on emmetropia in order to improve the vision and satisfaction.
Cataract ; Contrast Sensitivity ; Emmetropia ; Glare ; Humans ; Lenses, Intraocular* ; Refractive Errors* ; Visual Acuity

The last review on epilepsy in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries was reported in 1997. This review aimed to update the understanding of epilepsy management in this region over the past 23 years. There has been significant increase in the epidemiological studies which reported a prevalence of 4.3-7.7 per 1,000 populations in this region. Reversible aetiologies of epilepsy such as head injury, birth trauma, cerebrovascular disease, and intracranial infections (neurocysticercosis or meningoencephalitis) are still prevalent, with a surge in autoimmune encephalitis. There was a surge in genetic studies which suggest ethnic variation. Treatment gap is still high especially in the rural and less developed areas, and the availability and affordability of newer anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) is still a major challenge in SEA. Alternative medicine is a common practice but varies among different ethnic groups. AEDs hypersensitivity especially on the association between HLA-B*1502 and carbamazepine-related severe cutaneous reaction had been extensively studied and proven in nearly all SEA countries. However, HLA-B*1502 screening is not widely available in SEA and the cost-effectiveness of the screening is questionable. Stigma and its psychosocial consequences are still a major concern despite enormous efforts to study the public attitudes towards epilepsy and change of epilepsy naming in a few countries. The number and complexity of epilepsy surgery are progressing, but it is still under-utilized in many SEA countries, related to cost, cultural perception and lack of facilities. More resources should also be channelled in training adequate number of epileptologists who can spearhead epilepsy care around the region, as well as public education and research in epilepsy. In conclusion, there is an increase in epilepsy research in this region, gradual increase in trained neurologists and facilities, and efforts to reduce the knowledge and treatment gap, but the epilepsy management gap is still a battle to fight.