Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: End-stage renal diseases patients have a high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), which is multifactorial and need acute attention after renal transplantation for a successful outcome in term of an uneventful postoperative period. The study was done to compare the efficacy of palonosetron and ondansetron in preventing early and late-onset PONV in live donor renal transplantation recipients (LDRT). Methods: The prospective randomized double-blinded study was done on 112 consecutive patients planned for live donor renal transplantation. Patients of both sexes in the age group of 18-60 years were randomly divided into two groups: Group O (Ondansetron) and Group P (Palonosetron) with 56 patients in each group by computer-generated randomization. The study drug was administered intravenously (IV) slowly over 30 seconds, one hour before extubation. Postoperatively, the patients were accessed for PONV at 6, 24, and 72 hours using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) nausea score and PONV intensity scale. Results: The incidence of PONV in the study was found to be 30.35%. There was significant difference in incidence of PONV between Group P and Group O at 6 hours (12.5% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.013) and 72 hours (1.8% vs. 33.9%, p < 0.001), but insignificant difference at 24 hours (1.8% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.113). VAS-nausea score was significantly lower in Group P as compared to Group O at a time point of 24 hours (45.54 ± 12.64 vs. 51.96 ± 14.70, p = 0.015) and 72 hours (39.11 ± 10.32 vs. 45.7 ± 15.12, p = 0.015). Conclusion: Palonosetron is clinically superior to ondansetron in preventing early and delayed onset postoperative nausea and vomiting in live-related renal transplant recipients.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background and objectives: Chronic shoulder pain is a frequent cause of suffering and impaired quality of life. Treatment includes non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies, and interventional procedures such as suprascapular nerve blocks and radiofrequency. This prospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency of suprascapular nerve for chronic shoulder pain in a clinical setting. Methods: Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated through pain intensity using numeric pain rating scale at baseline, immediately, 3, and 6 months after, and patient’s motor function improvement. The secondary outcome was patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 34 patients were enrolled and all patients presented a reduction in the numeric pain rating scale immediately after treatment. Pain reduction from baseline to 6 months after the procedure was 34.4% and 36.9% static and dynamic, respectively. The median percentage reduction was statistically significant immediately, 3 and 6 months after. There was also an improvement in range of motion, 39.6% in abduction, 24.1% in flexion, and 29.5% in extension. Ninety percent of patients reported patient’s global impression of change superior to six. Conclusion: This study concludes that ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency of suprascapular nerve reduces pain intensity for at least 6 months, accompanied by improvement of motor function and higher levels of patients’ satisfaction. Therefore, this technique represents a valid analgesic approach to chronic shoulder pain.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Recently, opioids have been related to trigger changes in cytokine release and tumor angiogenesis processes, influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. Methods: This is a prospective randomized clinical study to test whether if exogenous opioids used in the anesthesia during cancer surgery can affect the systemic inflammatory and immunological patterns. Patients were randomly allocated to the OP (opioid-inclusive) or OF (opioid-free) anesthesia group. A total of 45 patients were selected, being carriers of prostate, stomach, pancreas, bile ducts, breast, colon, lung, uterus, kidneys, or retroperitoneum tumors. Plasma levels of IL-4, IL-12, IL-17A, and TNF-α, and their oxidative stress profile before and after surgery were evaluated in both groups. In vitro tests were performed by using healthy donor blood incubated with each isolated drug used in patients’ anesthesia for 1 hour, the same cytokines were measured in plasma. Results: There was a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation in both groups. Patients from OF group had a significant consumption of IL-12 in the perioperative period. The other cytokines evaluated did not vary. It was also observed a significant correlation between IL-12 and TNF-α levels in the OF-post group. Except for atracurium, all tested drugs led to a reduction in IL-12 levels. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that there is a reduction of IL-12 in the OF-post patients, suggesting acute consumption and that this seems to be a general mechanism of anesthetic drugs, as demonstrated in vitro. Also, these findings bring us to reflect if IL-12 changes may influence the disease progression and recurrence.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Many adjuvants are added to prolong the effects of spinal analgesia. We investigated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of the addition of midazolam or fentanyl to intrathe-cal levobupivacaine in women undergoing cesarean delivery. Methods: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 40). Group M received 10 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine plus 2 mg of midazolam. Group F received 10 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine plus 25 μg of fentanyl. Assessments included motor and sensory block, APGAR score, time to first request for analgesia, postoperative pain score, total consumption of rescue analgesics, and adverse effects. Results: Sensory blockade was prolonged in Group M compared with Group F (215.58 ± 27.94 vs. 199.43 ± 19.77 min; p = 0.004), with no differences in other characteristics of the spinal block in intraoperative hemodynamics or APGAR score. The mean time to first request for rescue analgesia was longer in Group M (351.45 ± 11.05 min) than in Group F (268.83 ± 10.35 min; p = 0.000). The median total consumption of rescue analgesics in the first 24 hours postoperatively was 30 mg in Group M vs. 60 mg in Group F (p = 0.003). The median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were lower in Group Ethan in Group F from the 8th to the 12th hour postoperatively, with no differences between the groups at other time points. The incidence of adverse effects was higher in Group F than in Group M. Conclusion: Intrathecal midazolam (2 mg) was superior to intrathecal fentanyl (25 μg) in increasing the duration of the sensory blockade and postoperative analgesia with lower postoperative pain scores and decreasing the incidence of adverse effects.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Emergence Delirium (ED) is an essential condition in the immediate postoperative period. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials have concluded that the effect of ketamine on postoperative delirium remains unclear. The present study sought to evaluate if the intraoperative use of ketamine for postoperative analgesia is associated with postoperative ED in laparoscopic surgeries. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in the PostAnesthetic Care Unit (PACU) to evaluate patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery under a rigid intraoperative anesthesia protocol from July 2018 to January 2019. Patients submitted to laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy, oophorectomy, or salpingectomy with a score ≥1 on the Richmond Assessment Sedation Scale (RASS) or ≥2 on the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) were considered to have ED. t-test, Chi-Square test or Fisher’s exact tests were used for comparison. Results: One hundred and fifteen patients were studied after laparoscopic surgery. Seventeen patients (14.8%) developed ED, and the incidence of ED in patients who received ketamine was not different from that of other patients (18.3% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.262). Patients with ED had more postoperative pain and morphine requirement at the PACU (p = 0.005 and p = 0.025, respectively). Type of surgery (general surgery, OR = 6.4, 95% CI 1.2‒35.2) and postoperative pain (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.2‒11.4) were risk factors for ED. Conclusion: In this study, no association was found between ED and intraoperative administration of ketamine in laparoscopic surgeries. Type of surgery and postoperative pain were risk factors for ED.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Difficult airway management represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report with updated recommendations for the management of difficult airway in adults. These recommendations were developed based on the consensus of a group of expert anesthesiologists, aiming to provide strategies for managing difficulties during tracheal intubation. They are based on evidence published in international guidelines and opinions of experts. The report underlines the essential steps for proper difficult airway management, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and maintaining arterial oxygenation. Additional strategies for using advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices, are discussed. The report considers recent advances in understanding crisis management, and the implementation seeks to further patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. The recommendations are outlined to be uncomplicated and easy to implement. The report underscores the importance of ongoing education, training in realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest technologies available.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Difficult airway management in pediatrics during anesthesia represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report containing updated recommendations for the management of difficult airways in children and neonates. These recommendations have been developed based on the consensus of a panel of experts, with the objective of offering strategies to overcome challenges during airway management in pediatric patients. Grounded in evidence published in international guidelines and expert opinions, the report highlights crucial steps for the appropriate management of difficult airways in pediatrics, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and, paramountly, the maintenance of arterial oxygenation. The report also delves into additional strategies involving the use of advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible intubating bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices. Emphasis is placed on the simplicity of implementing the outlined recommendations, with a focus on the significance of continuous education, training through realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest available technologies. These practices are deemed essential to ensure procedural safety and contribute to the enhancement of anesthesia outcomes in pediatrics.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: We tested the hypothesis that, within the margin of 15% of risk difference, palonosetron is not inferior to ondansetron in reducing the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized, controlled trial of 212 patients aged 18 to 65 years undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia in two secondary care hospitals. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either palonosetron (0.075 mg) or ondansetron (8 mg) intravenously at induction of anesthesia. Ondansetron (8 mg) was also administered 8 and 16 hours postoperatively. All anesthetic and surgical procedures were standardized. Patients were evaluated for 24 hours postoperatively for the occurrence of PONV. Results: A high incidence of PONV was observed at 2–6 hours postoperatively, with a rate of 36.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.2-46.3) in the palonosetron group, as compared to 43.4% (95% CI 34.4–52.9) in the ondansetron group. The risk difference (95% CI) between palonosetron and ondansetron for PONV was 0 (-10.9 to 10.9) at 0–2 hours, -6.6 (-19.4 to 6.5) at 2–6 hours, -0.9 (-11.0 to 9.2) at 6–12 hours, and -2.8 (-9.6 to 3.6) at 12–24 hours. There was no statistically significant difference between the palonosetron and ondansetron groups in the use of rescue medication (dimenhydrinate). There were no adverse events associated with the medications under study. Conclusion: Palonosetron is not inferior to ondansetron in patients at risk of PONV undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, providing a good option for PONV prophylaxis, as it can be administered in a single dose.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background and objective: Anesthesia induction can produce severe propofol dose-dependent hypotension. Fentanyl coadministration reduces the catecholaminergic response to orotracheal intubation allowing propofol dose reduction. The aim of this study is to determine whether the hemodynamic response is improved by increasing the time between fentanyl and propofol administration and reducing the dose of the latter without increasing the time to achieve optimal hypnosis. Methods: After approval by the Research Ethics Committee, patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery with endotracheal intubation were randomized by a computer-generated table into six time-dose groups (1 or 2 minutes/1, 1.5, or 2mg.kg-1 of propofol). Patients with high bronchoaspiration risk, a difficult airway, hemodynamic instability, or anesthetic allergies were excluded. After giving intravenous fentanyl (2 μg.kg-1 ), each group received different doses of propofol after 1 or 2 minutes. Non-invasive blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured at pre-induction, pre-intubation, and post-intubation. Time to hypnosis (bispectral index < 60) was also recorded. Results: Of the 192 recruited patients, 186 completed the study (1 min group n = 94; 2 min group n = 92). It was observed that HR and BP decreased after propofol administration and increased after intubation in all groups (p<0.0001). In patients over 55 years, the 2 min – 2 mg.kg-1 group showed the greatest systolic BP reduction (36 ± 12%) at pre-intubation, while the 1 min – 1.5 mg.kg-1 group showed the least hemodynamic alteration between pre- and post-intubation (-4 ± 13%). No significant differences were found in younger patients or in the time to reach hypnosis between the six groups. While no cases of severe bradycardia were recorded, 5,4% of the sample required vasopressors. Conclusion: Increasing the time between the administration of fentanyl and propofol by up to two minutes results in greater hypotension in patients over 55 years.

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Abstract Introduction: Bone cancer metastasis may produce severe and refractory pain. It is often difficult to manage with systemic analgesics. Chemical neurolysis may be an effective alternative in terminally ill patients. Case report: Female terminally ill patient with hip metastasis of gastric cancer in severe pain. Neurolytic ultrasound-guided blocks of the pericapsular nerve group and obturator nerve were performed with 5% phenol. This led to satisfactory pain relief for 10 days, until the patient’s death. Discussion: This approach may be effective and safe as an analgesic option for refractory hip pain due to metastasis or pathologic fracture in terminally ill patients.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Intracranial pial Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVFs) are rare cerebral vascular lesions composed of one or more arterial connections to a single venous channel. We report a 50-year-old patient with a ruptured pial AVF located in an eloquent area. Microsurgery for pial AVF occlusion was proposed with awake craniotomy for motor function and neurological evaluation. Awake craniotomy is a technique that is especially useful for cerebral vascular lesions in eloquent areas, where an occlusion often compromises or suppresses the blood supply, culminating in ischemia with consequent transient or definitive deficits in neurological function.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Introduction: Primary pleomorphic pulmonary angiosarcomas are extremely rare tumors which could be easily mistaken for pulmonary emboli. Background and findings: We describe the successful perioperative management of a patient with a pulmonary arterial mass which turned out to be a primary pulmonary angiosarcoma. The severe pulmonary hypertension was a particular challenge compounded with the site and adhesions of the tumor, and pulmonary hemorrhage. The procedure was successfully performed with strict hemodynamic control ensuring stable systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures using perioperative transesophageal echocardiography to continuously monitor cardiac function, along with other standard cardiac surgical monitors including depth of anesthesia monitoring. Conclusion: Tight hemodynamic control, ensuring stable pulmonary arterial pressures using perioperative echocardiography, and thorough preparation with measures to reduce and prevent increase in pulmonary arterial pressure along with close communication within the multidisciplinary team are essential for successful management of patients with this pathology.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare condition of positional hypoxemia and dyspnea. The following is a case of hypoxemia for no obvious reason in the perioperative scenario. A 70-year-old male patient was submitted to a radical prostatectomy. On several occasions after anesthetic induction, peripheral oxygen saturation decreased without any understandable cause. In the postanesthesia care unit, severe hypoxemia occurred in the upright position, oddly correcting with recumbency. An echocardiography showed a right-to-left intracardiac shunt through a patent foramen ovale with no pulmonary hypertension, establishing POS. Achieving this diagnosis required a broad workup with a high degree of suspicion.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: The present study explored the role of continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block for analgesia as well as its impact on pulmonary functions in patients with multiple rib fractures. Methods: Ten patients with multiple rib fractures were enrolled after getting informed and written consent. Ultrasound-guided ESP block was performed at the level midway between the fractured ribs followed by the insertion of the catheter. Pre- and post-block VAS score, hemodynamics, respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), inspiratory capacity (IC), blood gases (PaO2 and PCO2), and complications were compared. Results: Pain scores at rest as well as on movement showed a significant reduction from 5.9 and 7.5 pre block to 1.6 and 2.5 respectively at 96 hours (p < 0.0001). Similarly, RR, SpO2, IC, and PaO2 were significantly better after the block placement (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Continuous ESP block provide adequate analgesia with better respiratory functions in patients with multiple rib fractures.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm function allows the detection of diaphragm dysfunction and the adaptation of ventilatory support in patients admitted to intensive care units. The studied patient had a C3 spinal cord injury. Ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm mobility showed that the patient suffered diaphragm dysfunction. A tracheotomy was indicated, and early ventilatory support was initiated. Ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm function in patients with cervical spinal cord injury is a useful and simple technique. It provides fast and reliable data for the diagnosis of respiratory insufficiency of neuromuscular origin.