Decrease In Blood Pressure Research Articles

Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Yoga on Blood Pressure in Women Between the Ages of 30 and 40 Years

High blood pressure or hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study aims to prove the effectiveness of aerobic exercise and yoga in lowering blood pressure in mothers. The study was conducted using experimental methods and involved 28 participants selected by purposive sampling from Nogosari village, Boyolali regency, Indonesia, during 12 sessions. Blood pressure data were collected from participants with hypertension before and after aerobic exercise and yoga. Measurements were taken on participants for 12 sessions in one month using a blood pressure monitor. The device used in this study was a sphygmomanometer ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Statistical tests were performed using independent samples t-tests with a significance level of p <0.05. The results of the homogeneity test showed that the systolic and diastolic variance in the control and experimental groups had the same variance with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results of both mean difference tests showed that there were significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the aerobic and yoga groups. This can be seen from the value of P-value Independent Samples t-test < 0.05. The results showed that low-impact aerobic exercise and yoga had a significant effect on blood pressure in women aged 30-40 years. Based on these data, it can be concluded that there is a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure from the category of moderate hypertension to normal-high in women aged 30-40 years after doing aerobic exercise and yoga.

Changes in the exposure to cardiovascular disease risk factors in an 18 year follow-up study of a cohort of middle age urban residents. The Polish arm of the HAPIEE study.

Cross-sectional studies revealed that risk factor exposure increases with age but after reaching its peak decreases. This decline may be attributed to higher mortality among exposed individuals, lifestyle, or natural physiological changes related to age. Only prospective observations at the individual level provide credible insights of exposure during the transition from middle to old age. This study addresses changes in cardiovascular risk factors among older urban residents in Poland over an 18-year period. The study analyzed data from the Polish arm of the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) project, a prospective cohort study investigating cardiovascular disease determinants. The sample included 312 participants (46-69 years). Data on demographic characteristics, blood lipids, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, and smoking status were collected at baseline and during re-examination. The analysis yielded a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations. However, BMI and fasting glucose levels increased. The decrease in blood pressure was mainly attributed to treatment effects, while the reduction in lipid concentrations was observed regardless of treatment. In addition, smoking prevalence decreased over the course of 18 years. The results of the prospective nearly 20 year observation at the individual level confirm findings from repeated cross-sectional studies on decrease in lipid concentrations, blood pressure and prevalence of smoking in older individuals.

Gestationally administered RAS modulators reprogram endotoxic cardiovascular and inflammatory profiles in adult male offspring of preeclamptic rats.

Previous studies showed that preeclampsia (PE) amplifies cardiovascular dysfunction induced by endotoxemia in adult male, but not female, offspring. Here, we asked if such aggravated endotoxic insult could be nullified by modulators of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). PE was induced by gestational administration of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). Adult male offspring of PE mothers treated gestationally with angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7, angiotensin II-derived vasodilator), losartan (AT1 receptor antagonist), pioglitazone (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, PPARγ, agonist), or combined losartan/pioglitazone were instrumented with femoral indwelling catheters and challenged intravenously with a 5-mg/kg dose of lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 5mg/kg). LPS caused significant decreases in blood pressure (BP) and spectral index of overall heart rate variability and increases in heart rate and left ventricular contractility (dP/dtmax). These effects were mostly reduced to similar magnitudes by individual drug therapies. In offspring born to Ang1-7-treated dams, the spectral index of cardiac sympathovagal balance showed elevated sympathetic dominance in response to LPS. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Ang1-7, but not losartan/pioglitazone, abolished the exaggerated increases in toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) expression caused by PE/LPS in heart tissues and neuronal circuits of brainstem rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). By contrast, the losartan/pioglitazone regimen, but not Ang1-7, decreased and increased angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 expression, respectively. Together, gestational fetal reprogramming of Ang II (depression) and Ang1-7 (activation) arms of RAS effectively counterbalance worsened endotoxic cardiovascular and inflammatory profiles in adult male offspring of PE rats.

Unexplained colonic necrosis in a patient with end-stage kidney disease on chronic hemodialysis: case report and review of uremic colitis

BackgroundIntestinal necrosis in uremic patients has been reported but is rare.Case presentationA 56-year-old male patient who underwent long-term regular haemodialysis was admitted to the hospital due to involuntary shaking of the limbs and nonsense speech. The patient’s symptoms improved after continuous blood purification under heparin anticoagulation, rehydration, sedation, and correction of electrolyte disturbances. However, the patient experienced a sudden onset of abdominal pain and a rapid decrease in blood pressure; high-dose norepinephrine were required to maintain his blood pressure. A plain abdominal radiograph performed at bedside showed intestinal dilation. Colonoscopy revealed inflammation and oedema of the entire colon, with purulent secretions and multiple areas of patchy necrosis. The cause of intestinal ischaemia was not clear.ConclusionsAlthough rare, previous causes of uremic colitis have been reported. As the patient developed abdominal pain before the onset of shock and the necrosis was seen on colonoscopy, we suspect that this is a case of fulminant uremic colitis.

Adding Green to Architectures: Empirical Research Based on Indoor Vertical Greening of the Emotional Promotion on Adolescents

Good architectural space design can bring positive emotional stimulation and relaxation to users, but few studies have investigated the quantitative indicators in architectural space design and their impact on user emotions. This study takes the right-angle sandwich interface system in architecture as an example to guide the next vertical greening simulation experiment by comparing the spatial quantitative differences in connection value, integration degree, and population agglomeration. Eighty adolescent volunteers were recruited into a control (artificial decorative wall) and experimental (green wall) group based on wall type. We compared their physiological and psychological indicators, including blood pressure and blood oxygen, and psychological indicators, including POMS and SIAI-S scales. Then, we made predictive factor judgements on vertical green elements. The quantification of the interior space of the building showed consistency in parameter changes, with the central area being the area of connectivity, integration, and crowd aggregation values. After the experiment, the experimental group showed a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate (p = 0.00) and a significant decrease in tension, anger, fatigue, depression, and panic (p = 0.00). The quantitative relationship between vertical greening elements and emotional promotion using stepwise linear exploration shows that the “vine” element is a significant predictive factor for diastolic blood pressure, T-A emotion, and SIAI-S values. The results enrich the indoor optimization and creation expansion paths of interface systems for various spatial experiences and further provide guidance for urban indoor green construction plans and green landscape facility planning via the emotional influence of indoor vertical space greening on young people.

Differential changes in end organ immune cells and inflammation in salt-sensitive hypertension: effects of lowering blood pressure.

We reported that salt-sensitive hypertension (SSHTN) is associated with increased pro-inflammatory immune cells, inflammation, and inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis in the kidneys and gonads of male and female mice. However, it is unknown whether these adverse end organ effects result from increased blood pressure (BP), elevated levels of salt, or both. We hypothesized that pharmaceutically lowering BP would not fully alleviate the renal and gonadal immune cell accumulation, inflammation, and lymphangiogenesis associated with SSHTN. SSHTN was induced in male and female C57BL6/J mice by administering nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 0.5 mg/ml) in their drinking water for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period. Subsequently, the mice received a 3-week 4% high salt diet (SSHTN). The treatment group underwent the same SSHTN induction protocol but received hydralazine (HYD; 250 mg/L) in their drinking water during the diet phase (SSHTN+HYD). Control mice received tap water and a standard diet for 7 weeks. In addition to decreasing systolic BP, HYD treatment generally decreased pro-inflammatory immune cells and inflammation in the kidneys and gonads of SSHTN mice. Furthermore, the decrease in BP partially alleviated elevated renal and gonadal lymphatics and improved renal and gonadal function in mice with SSHTN. These data demonstrate that high systemic pressure and salt differentially act on end organ immune cells, contributing to the broader understanding of how BP and salt intake collectively shape immune responses and highlight implications for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Evaluation of the role of repeated inferior vena cava sonography in estimating first 24 h fluid requirement in resuscitation of major blunt trauma patients in emergency department Suez Canal University Hospital

IntroductionThe assessment of hemodynamic status in polytrauma patients is an important principle of the primary survey of trauma patients, and screening for ongoing hemorrhage and assessing the efficacy of resuscitation is vital in avoiding preventable death and significant morbidity in these patients. Invasive procedures may lead to various complications and the IVC ultrasound measurements are increasingly recognized as a potential noninvasive replacement or a source of adjunct information.Aimof this studyThe study aimed to determine if repeated ultrasound assessment of the inferior vena cava (diameter, collapsibility (IVC- CI) in major trauma patients presenting with collapsible IVC before resuscitation and after the first hour of resuscitation will predict total intravenous fluid requirements at first 24 h.Patients & methodsThe current study was conducted on 120 patients presented to the emergency department with Major blunt trauma (having significant injury to two or more ISS body regions or an ISS greater than 15). The patients(cases) group (shocked group) (60) patients with signs of shock such as decreased blood pressure < 90/60 mmHg or a more than 30% decrease from the baseline systolic pressure, heart rate > 100 b/m, cold, clammy skin, capillary refill > 2 s and their shock index above0.9. The control group (non-shocked group) (60) patients with normal blood pressure and heart rate, no other signs of shock (normal capillary refill, warm skin), and (shock index ≤ 0.9). Patients were evaluated at time 0 (baseline), 1 h after resucitation, and 24 h after 1st hour for:(blood pressure, pulse, RR, SO2, capillary refill time, MABP, IVCci, IVCmax, IVCmin).ResultsAmong 120 Major blunt trauma patients, 98 males (81.7%) and 22 females (18.3%) were included in this analysis; hypovolemic shocked patients (60 patients) were divided into two main groups according to IVC diameter after the first hour of resuscitation; IVC repleted were 32 patients (53.3%) while 28 patients (46.7%) were IVC non-repleted. In our study population, there were statistically significant differences between repleted and non-repleted IVC cases regarding IVCD, DIVC min, IVCCI (on arrival) (after 1 h) (after 24 h of 1st hour of resuscitation) ( p-value < 0.05) and DIVC Max (on arrival) (after 1 h) (p-value < 0.001). There is no statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.075) between repleted and non-repleted cases regarding DIVC Max (after 24 h).In our study, we found that IVCci0 at a cut-off point > 38.5 has a sensitivity of 80.0% and Specificity of 85.71% with AUC 0.971 and a good 95% CI (0.938 – 1.0), which means that IVCci of 38.6% or more can indicate fluid responsiveness. We also found that IVCci 1 h (after fluid resuscitation) at cut-off point > 28.6 has a sensitivity of 80.0% and Specificity of 75% with AUC 0.886 and good 95% CI (0.803 – 0.968), which means that IVCci of 28.5% or less can indicate fluid unresponsiveness after 1st hour of resuscitation. We found no statistically significant difference between repleted and non-repleted cases regarding fluid requirement and amount of blood transfusion at 1st hour of resuscitation (p-value = 0.104).ConclusionRepeated bedside ultrasonography of IVCD, and IVCci before and after the first hour of resuscitation could be an excellent reliable invasive tool that can be used in estimating the First 24 h of fluid requirement in Major blunt trauma patients and assessment of fluid status.

Renovascular Disease and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Renovascular disease leads to renal ischemia, hypertension, and eventual kidney failure. Autologous transplantation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) improves perfusion and oxygenation in stenotic human kidneys, but associated atherosclerosis and hypertension might blunt their effectiveness. We hypothesized that renovascular disease alters the human MSC transcriptome and impairs their reparative potency. MSCs were harvested from subcutaneous abdominal fat of renovascular disease patients and healthy volunteers (n=3 each), characterized and subsequently injected (5x10^5/200μL) into mice 2 weeks after renal artery stenosis or sham surgery (n=6/group). Two weeks later, mice underwent imaging and tissue studies. Healthy volunteer- and renovascular disease-MSCs were also characterized by mRNA/microRNA (miRNA)-sequencing. Based on these, MSC proliferation and mitochondrial damage were assessed in-vitro before and after miRNA modulation, and in-vivo in additional renal artery stenosis mice administered with renovascular disease-MSCs pre-treated with miR-378h mimic (n=5) or inhibitor (n=4). MSCs engrafted in stenotic mouse kidneys. Healthy volunteer-MSCs (but not renovascular disease-MSCs) decreased blood pressure, improved serum creatinine levels and stenotic-kidney cortical perfusion and oxygenation, and attenuated peritubular capillary loss, tubular injury, and fibrosis. Genes upregulated in renovascular disease-MSCs versus healthy volunteer-MSCs were mostly implicated in transcription and cell proliferation, whereas those downregulated encoded mainly mitochondrial proteins. Upregulated miRNAs, including miR-378h, primarily target nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, whereas downregulated miRNAs mainly target genes implicated in transcription and cell proliferation. MSC proliferation was similar, but their mitochondrial structure and reparative function both in vivo and in vitro improved after miR-378h inhibition. Renovascular disease impaired the reparative capacity of human MSCs, possibly by dysregulating miR-378h that targets mitochondrial genes.

The Dhikir and Prayer Therapy on Reducing Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients: Systematic Literature Review

Hypertension can lead to a variety of consequences, including death. Alternative therapies, such as Dhikr and prayer therapy, have emerged as a response to the negative effects of medications used to treat hypertension. The therapy of Dhikr and prayer worked by inhibiting sympathetic nerve dominance and activating parasympathetic nerves, resulting in a soothing effect. The goal of this paper was to conduct a literature search to determine the effectiveness of Dhikr therapy and prayer in lowering blood pressure in hypertension patients. The method involved investigating evidence published in electronic data from Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar. Using Publish or Perish, we searched for data from 2018 to 2023 using the terms "Dhikr therapy," "prayer therapy," and "hypertension." Using the Prisma Strategy flow chart, 11 relevant journals were eligible out of 352. The results showed that when a person recites Dhikr by focusing on words or sentences of prayer that are repeated with a regular rhythm, accompanied by an attitude of surrender to God, the individual will experience relaxation. This relaxed state could control the nervous system, which is responsible for regulating blood pressure in hypertensive patients leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Dhikr and prayer therapy are effective in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Recommendations suggest that Dhikr and prayer therapy can be applied as an alternative treatment for hypertension.

Evaluation of Exposure to Bisphenol Analogs through Canned and Ready-to-Eat Meal Consumption and Their Possible Effects on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate.

Bisphenols are endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in plastics and resins for food packaging. This study aimed to evaluate the exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol F (BPF) associated with the consumption of fresh, canned, and ready-to-eat meals and determine the effects of bisphenols on blood pressure and heart rate. Forty-eight healthy young adults were recruited for this study, and they were divided into the following three groups: fresh, canned, and ready-to-eat meal groups. Urine samples were collected 2, 4, and 6 h after meal consumption, and blood pressure and heart rate were measured. The consumption of ready-to-eat meals significantly increased urine BPA concentrations compared with canned and fresh meal consumption. No significant difference in BPS and BPF concentrations was observed between the groups. The consumption of ready-to-eat meals was associated with a significant increase in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure and a marked decrease in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. No significant differences were noted in blood pressure and heart rate with canned and fresh meal consumption. It can be concluded that total BPA concentration in consumed ready-to-eat meals is high. High BPA intake causes increase in urinary BPA concentrations, which may, in turn, lead to changes in some cardiovascular parameters.

Penerapan Terapi Rendam Kaki Air Hangat Campur Garam dan Serai Pada Pasien Hipertensi di Panti Werdha Dharma Bhakti Palembang

Hypertension is a chronic disease characterized by increased arterial blood pressure. Hypertension cannot be avoided, including in vulnerable groups such as the elderly because as age increases, the risk of hypertension increases so appropriate treatment is needed. Hypertension treatment can be done pharmacologically or non-pharmacologically. Non-pharmacological therapy in this case is foot soak therapy in warm water mixed with salt and lemongrass. The aim of the research is to implement warm water foot soak therapy with salt mixed with lemongrass for hypertensive patients into nursing care. The method used was descriptive with a killing process approach in 3 patients with a one group pretest posttest research design. The results of the warm water foot soak therapy mixed with salt and lemongrass showed a reduction in blood pressure, namely Mrs. N from 148/72mmHg to 138/64mmHg, Mrs. /85mmHg. In conclusion, there was a decrease in blood pressure after the foot soak therapy in warm water mixed with salt and lemongrass.

Comparison of General Anesthesia and Spinal Anesthesia on Hemodynamic Stability in Patients Undergoing Hernia Repair

Introduction. The issue of choosing the optimal anesthesia that is least dangerous to the patient’s life is still the main concern of the workers in the anesthesia and intensive care department, including techniques, medications, plans, and instructions followed in order to choose the best anesthesia. It can also be said that spinal anesthesia is the best and most standard anesthesia for those who repair hernia.The aim of the study — learn about obtaining and verifying hemodynamic stability in patients undergoing hernia repair under anesthesia.Materials and methods. An accurate and recent study of patients attending Al-Hussein Medical City and Al-Hassan Hospital in the city of Karbala. We included 100 patients who underwent a herniotomy, were divided into two groups on the types of general and spinal anesthesia. Fifty patients received general anesthesia and 50 patients received spinal anesthesia. Data related to the patient’s age, weight, change in blood pressure and pulse rate were analyzed. The study analyzed patients aged 20–90, dividing them into two groups: general anesthesia (GA) and spinal anesthesia (SA), for careful follow-up before, during, and after operations.Results. We show that it is also more stable in SA which is about 56 % in comparison to GA which is about 40 % but increased blood pressure is more in GA which was 32 % and 24 % in SA, but decreased blood pressure is also more in GA which was 28 % and in SA was 20 %. In this study, as shown, there is more stability in heart rate, which is 56 % in SA but in GA it is 32 % and the increase in heart rate was 34 % in SA but was 60 % in GA. The decreased heart rate was 10 % in SA and about 8 % in GA and the effect of SA is more stable.Conclusions. We found spinal anesthesia was more than general anesthesia in stability of blood pressure and heart rate and minimum or normal.

Pilot epinephrine dose-finding study to counter epidural-related blood pressure reduction

ObjectiveAn unwanted side effect associated with epidural analgesia is the reduction in blood pressure (BP) due to the sympathetic blockade. This study evaluated the hemodynamic effects of adding different epinephrine...

Penerapan Terapi Pijat Kaki pada Pasien Hipertensi di Panti Jompo Palembang

Complications such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and heart failure can arise as a result of hypertension as a long-standing disease. Foot massage can help lower blood pressure and dilate blood vessels, reducing complications of hypertension. The aim of EBPN is to analyze the application of Evidence Based Practice Nursing (EBPN) foot massage therapy in hypertensive patients. The method for implementing EBPN through case studies uses a descriptive method with a One Group Pretest-Posttest approach to foot massage therapy (3 times for 15 minutes in 3 consecutive days) to reduce blood pressure. The sample consisted of 1 female respondent and 2 male respondents. The tensimeter and observation sheet are the measuring tools used. EBPN results: All 3 (100%) respondents had suffered from hypertension for &gt; 5 years. There was a change in blood pressure before and after the intervention with the results: respondent 1 BP 139/85 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg, respondent 2 BP 139/88 mmHg to BP 130/82 mmHg, and respondent 3 BP 147/97 mmHg to BP 138/89 mmHg. The average decrease in systolic blood pressure in the 3 respondents was 8.5 mmHg, while diastole decreased by an average of 5.8 mmHg. The suggestion for hypertension sufferers is that hospital staff can offer foot massage as a method to lower blood pressure to patients suffering from hypertension.

Effect of zamicastat on blood pressure and heart rate response to cold pressor test: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects.

Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DβH) inhibitors, like zamicastat, hold promise for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study aimed to validate the mechanism of action of zamicastat by studying its effect on the overdrive of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). A single-centre, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study evaluated the effect of 400 mg zamicastat in 22 healthy male subjects. Cold pressor test (CPT) was performed at screening and each treatment period on Days -1 and 10. Plasma and 24 h-urine levels of dopamine (DA), epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE), and plasma DβH activity, were measured. Compared to placebo, zamicastat showed a - 4.62 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure during the cold stimulus vs. rest phases on Day 10 of CPT (P = .020). Zamicastat decreased mean arterial pressure response to cold stimulus during CPT (-2.62 mmHg; P = .025). At Day 10, zamicastat significantly increased plasma DA, before CPT (12.63 ng/L; P = .040) and after CPT (19.22 ng/L; P = .001) as well as the estimated plasma EPI change from baseline after CPT (P = .040). Inhibition of plasma DβH activity ranged from 19.8% to 25.0%. At Day 10, significant reductions in 24-h urinary excretion of EPI (P = .002) and NE (P = .001) were observed. Zamicastat Cτ geometric mean ± GSD ranged from 45.86 ± 1.46 ng/mL on Day 3 to 58.64 ± 1.52 ng/mL on Day 10, with moderate inter-individual variability (CV: 32.6%-36.6%). Steady state was already achieved on Day 6. Our results demonstrated the effect of zamicastat on the overdrive sympathetic response to cold stimulus, confirming its potential as SNS modulator.

Does Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Change the Hemodynamic Responses of the Inferior Vena Cava in Pregnant Women? A Prospective-Controlled Study.

This study was aimed at exploring the immediate impacts of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) on various maternal physiological parameters in pregnant women. The study included a total of 52 women, 26 pregnant (Pregnant group: 28.04±6.01 years; 26.83±3.81 kg/m2) and 26 nonpregnant (Control group: 29.42±5.73 years; 25.41±3.03 kg/m2) individuals. All women received PFME as follows: PFME was performed for 5 min (6-s holding contraction, 10 s of relaxation, 3 rapid PFM contractions). Evaluations were conducted before, immediately after, and 5 min post-exercise, with measurements including inferior vena cava (IVC) diameters and pulsatility index, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rates. Two-way analysis of variance was performed for group and time comparisons in repeated measurements. In both groups, the IVC collapsibility index values were lower 5 min after exercise, although this decrease, although clinically significant, did not reach statistical significance (p= 0.057). Post-exercise systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups, whereas diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the pregnant group (p= 0.001, p= 0.023). The study found no statistically significant changes in the collapsibility index of the IVC after PFME but observed a clinically suggestive decrease. The clinical decrease in the collapsibility index can be interpreted as PFME in the supine position increasing venous return. Additionally, PFME was found not to alter maternal and fetal heart rates but contributed to the decrease in maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Our study supports the view that the acute effects of PFME neither induce fetal stress nor pose maternal risks.

Drug-Drug Interactions Involving High-Alert Medications that Lead to Interaction-Associated Symptoms in Pediatric Intensive Care Patients: A Retrospective Study.

Children treated in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) often receive several drugs together, among them drugs defined as high-alert medications (HAMs). Those drugs carry a high risk of causing patient harm, for example, due to a higher potential for interactions. HAMs should therefore be administered with caution, especially in a PICU. The objective of the current study was to identify drug-drug interactions involving HAMs that increase the risk of interaction-associated symptoms in pediatric intensive care. In a retrospective study, we analyzed the electronic documentation of patients hospitalized for at least 48 h in a general PICU who received at least two different drugs within a 24-h interval. We assessed potential drug-drug interactions involving HAM on the basis of the two drug information databases UpToDate and drugs.com. Furthermore, we analyzed whether symptoms were observed after the administration of drug pairs that could lead to interaction-associated symptoms. For drug pairs involving HAM administered on at least 2% of patient days, and symptoms observed at least ten times after a respective drug pair, we calculated odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and p-values by using a univariate binary logistic regression. Among 315 analyzed patients, 81.3% (256/315) received drugs defined as high-alert medication for pediatric patients. Those high-alert medications were involved in 20,150 potential drug-drug interactions. In 14.0% (2830/20,150) of these, one or more symptoms were observed that could be a possible consequence of the interaction, resulting in 3203 observed symptoms affecting 56.3% (144/256) of patients receiving high-alert medication. The odds ratios for symptoms observed after a drug-drug interaction were increased for eight specific symptoms (each p ≤ 0.05), especially hemodynamic alterations and disturbances of electrolyte and fluid balance. The odds ratio was highest for decreased blood pressure observed after the administration of the drug pair fentanyl and furosemide (OR 5.06; 95% confidence interval 3.5-7.4; p < 0.001). Increased odds ratios for specific symptoms observed after drug-drug interactions resulted from eight combinations composed of eight different drugs: digoxin, fentanyl, midazolam, phenobarbital, potassium salts and vancomycin (high-alert medications), and the diuretics furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide (non-high-alert medications). The resulting drug pairs were: potassium salts-furosemide, fentanyl-furosemide, vancomycin-furosemide, digoxin-furosemide, digoxin-hydrochlorothiazide, fentanyl-phenobarbital, potassium salts-hydrochlorothiazide, and midazolam-hydrochlorothiazide. In a cohort of PICU patients, this study identified eight specific drug pairs involving high-alert medications that may increase the risk of interaction-associated symptoms, mainly hemodynamic alterations and electrolyte/fluid balance disturbances. If the administration of those drug pairs is unavoidable, patients should be closely monitored.

Comparative Study between Pectoral Nerve Block Type-II (PECS II) and Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) in Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy in Modified Radical Mastectomy

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women both in the developed and less developed world. In 2012, it represented about 12 percent of all new cancer cases and 25 percent of all cancers in women. Aim of the Work The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound guided pectoral nerve block type two versus Serratus Anterior plane block regarding postoperative pain control in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy. Patients and Methods After obtaining approval from the medical ethical committee in Ain Shams University, this study was conducted in the operating theatres of Ain Shams University Hospitals. It included 70 female patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were divided randomly into two groups, each group consisted of 35 patients; Group I patients received pectoral nerve block type two (PECS II), Group II patients received Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB). Results The results of our study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding demographic data. There was a statistically significant decrease in Mean blood pressure (mmHg) in Group I compared with Group II from hour-4 to hour-16 postoperative. However, a statistically significant decrease in group I compared to group II regarding postoperative heart rate (beat/min) from hour-4 to hour-16. A statistically significant decrease in group I compared to group II regarding visual analogue score for pain from minute-30 to after 12 hrs also was found. The current study shows highly statistically significant difference between groups as regard the need to intraoperative fentanyl incremental doses, time of first rescue analgesia, number of patients who received postoperative pethidine and total dose of opioids during the first 24 hrs. Conclusion Our findings suggest that PECS II block is more effective regarding postoperative pain control in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy under general anesthesia compared to SAPB especially in the first 16 hours postoperative. Also patients underwent PECS II block show less need to intraoperative fentanyl incremental doses, less need to postoperative opioids and longer duration for time of rescue analgesia compared to patients underwent SAPB.

Effects of Continuous versus Single Dose Spinal Anesthesia in Octogenarians Undergoing Hip Surgery: Randomized Control Trial

Abstract Background Continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) is an anesthetic technique that offers several clinical advantages for anesthesia and analgesia in elderly patients. The level of sensory blockade can be titrated to the desired dermatomal level with great precision with intrathecal (IT) catheters, allowing better control of the hemodynamic consequences of sympathetic blockade associated with spinal anesthesia compared to epidural or single shot spinal techniques. Octogenarians are expected to suffer more from hemodynamic instability with spinal anesthesia. Objective The primary outcome is to compare the incidence of hypotension (defined as decrease in mean arterial blood pressure &amp;gt; 20% from the base line) in continuous spinal anesthesia CSA versus single dose spinal anesthesia in octogenarians undergoing hip surgery. The secondary outcome is to determine the total use of vasopressor (Ephedrine) and the incidence of spinal complications as nausea, vomiting and post Dural puncture headache. Methods This is a randomized controlled clinical trial done at Ain-shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt within a period of 6 months from approval of medical ethics committee. Twenty patients in CSA group received increments of (0.5 ml) of plain bupivacaine 0.5% until T10 level blockade is achieved. Twenty patients in SDA group received single shot of (2.5ml) of bupivacaine 0.5%. Results The main finding of this study is that while MAP was significantly lower between 5-35 minutes (&amp;lt;0.001), it was significantly higher between 40-75 minutes in SDA group than CSA group (0.05).Total bupivacaine dose was significantly higher in SDA (12.5±0.8) group than CSA group (7.6±1.3) (p &amp;lt; 0.001). The total ephedrine dose needed was significantly higher in the SDA group (19.5 ±11.3) than in CSA group (4.5±1.7) (p.0.006). Conclusion The main finding of this study is that for octogenarians undergoing hip surgery, while MAP was significantly lower between 5-35 minutes, it was significantly higher between 40-75 minutes in single dose spinal anesthesia group than continuous spinal anesthesia group. Episodes of bradycardia were similar in both groups. The bupivacaine dose as well as total ephedrine dose was significantly higher in SDA group than CSA group. Groups were similar in the incidence of postoperative complications related to the neuraxial blockade. The impact of these changes on the overall cardiovascular status and outcome in octogenarians undergoing hip surgery could not be determined from our study design.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) are polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fish oil. Beneficial effects of O3FA supplementation in a wide range of disease condition have been well studied. However; the role of O3FA in management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains unclear and controversial. Objectives Therefore, we performed a randomized-controlled trial to assess the effect of oral O3FAssupplementation on glycemic control and lipid profile in pediatric patients with T1DM. Methods This study included 70 children and adolescents with T1DM. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups; intervention group and received oral O3FAs capsules (1 gram daily). The other group did not receive any supplementation and served as a control group. Both groups were followed-up for 6 months with assessment of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c and fasting lipids. Results Supplementation with O3FAs was safe and well-tolerated. After 6 months, O3FAs adjuvant therapy for the intervention group resulted in a significant decrease of systolic blood pressure, insulin dose, FBG, HbA1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol compared with baseline levels and compared with the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.05). On the other hand, T1DM patients without O3FAs adjuvant therapy (control group) had higher blood glucose levels and HbA1c at study end compared with baseline levels (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions O3FAs as an adjuvant therapy to insulin improved blood glucose levels, glycemic control and dyslipidemia leading to reduction in insulin dose in pediatric patients with T1DM.