Low Concentrations Of Bupivacaine Research Articles

The minimum effective concentration (MEC90) of bupivacaine for an ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block for analgesia in knee surgery: a dose-finding study.

In recent years, the suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (SFICB) has become more common in clinical practice. This assessor-blinded dose-finding study aimed to determine the minimum effective concentration (MEC90, MEC95) of bupivacaine for a single-injection SFICB in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair. This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital (postoperative recovery room and ward). The SFICB was performed as a postsurgical intervention after spinal anesthesia. Seventy patients were allocated using the biased-coin design up-and-down sequential method. The ultrasound-guided SFICB was performed using different bupivacaine concentrations, and standard multimodal analgesia was administered to all patients. Block success was defined as the absence of pain or presence of only tactile sensation during the pinprick test conducted on the anterior and lateral regions of the mid-thigh six hours postoperatively. According to isotonic regression and bootstrap CIs, the MEC90 value of bupivacaine for a successful SFICB was 0.123% (95% CI [0.098, 0.191]) and the MEC95 value was 0.188% (95% CI [0.113, 0.223]). Our study showed that the MEC90 and MEC95 values for bupivacaine administered via an SFICB for analgesia were 0.123% and 0.188%, respectively. One advantage of using lower concentrations of bupivacaine is the associated reduction in quadriceps weakness.

Efficacy of High-Volume Low-Concentration Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine Irrigation for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Bupivacaine Irrigation for Analgesia.

Background: Intraperitoneal irrigation with a low-volume, high-concentration local anaesthetic in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) provides less pain relief. We investigated the impact of high-volume, low-concentration bupivacaine on postoperative pain and opioid requirement. Methods: Patients undergoing LC were randomised into Group B (20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in 480 mL normal saline) or Group S (500 mL of normal saline). Fifteen patients were included in both the groups but one patient was excluded from Group S because of bile duct injury. The primary outcome was Duration of Analgesia (DOA). The secondary outcomes were the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) at extubation, at 15 min, 30 min and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. Cumulative rescue analgesics, incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and shoulder pain. Results: Mean (median/range) duration of analgesia was 6.45 ± 5.57 h (6/0.15-24) in Group B vs 3.18 ± 4.21 h (0.3/0.15-12) in Group S. Cumulative requirement of rescue analgesic was higher in saline group being 56.25 ± 33.92 mg for diclofenac and 83.57 ± 66.75 mg for tramadol vis-à-vis 40.9 ± 39.17 mg and 30.00 ± 52.78 mg, respectively, in bupivacaine group. Conclusion: Irrigation of the peritoneal cavity with high-volume low-concentration bupivacaine in LC increases the duration of analgesia and decreases the analgesic requirement in the postoperative period. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: CTRI/2019/02/017802 dated 25/02/2019.

Effect of Dural-Puncture Epidural vs Standard Epidural for Epidural Extension on Onset Time of Surgical Anesthesia in Elective Cesarean Delivery

Dural-puncture epidural (DPE) and standard epidural are common modes of neuraxial labor analgesia. Little is known about conversion of DPE-initiated labor analgesia to surgical anesthesia for cesarean delivery. To determine whether DPE provides a faster onset and better-quality block compared with the standard epidural technique for cesarean delivery. This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted between April 2019 and October 2022 at a tertiary care university hospital (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences). Participants included women aged 18 years and older undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery with a singleton pregnancy. Participants were randomized to receive DPE or standard epidural in the labor and delivery room. A T10 sensory block was achieved and maintained using a low concentration of bupivacaine with fentanyl through the epidural catheter until the time of surgery. Epidural extension anesthesia was initiated in the operating room. The primary outcome was the time taken from chloroprocaine administration to surgical anesthesia (T6 sensory block). The secondary outcome was the quality of epidural anesthesia, as defined by a composite of the following factors: (1) failure to achieve a T10 bilateral block preoperatively in the delivery room, (2) failure to achieve a surgical block at T6 within 15 minutes of chloroprocaine administration, (3) requirement for intraoperative analgesia, (4) repeat neuraxial procedure, and (5) conversion to general anesthesia. Among 140 women (mean [SD] age, 30.1 [5.2] years), 70 were randomized to the DPE group, and 70 were randomized to the standard epidural group. The DPE group had a faster onset time to surgical anesthesia compared with the standard epidural group (median [IQR], 422 [290-546] seconds vs 655 [437-926] seconds; median [IQR] difference, 233 [104-369] seconds). The composite rates of lower quality anesthesia were 15.7% (11 of 70 women) in the DPE group and 36.3% (24 of 66 women) in the standard epidural group (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14-0.74; P = .007). Anesthesia initiated following a DPE technique resulted in faster onset and improved block quality during epidural extension compared with initiation with a standard epidural technique. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in the setting of intrapartum cesarean delivery. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03915574.

Safety and efficacy of patient controlled epidural analgesia versus conventional epidural analgesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries: a prospective randomized study

BackgroundOrthopedic surgeries lead to moderate to severe postoperative pain, treating which is a challenge to the anesthesiologist. The present prospective, randomized study was carried out to compare the efficacy of postoperative pain relief between patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) and conventional intermittent bolus epidural analgesia (IBEA) \\with very low concentration of bupivacaine plus fentanyl in 60 ASA I and ASA II patients for orthopedic lower limb surgeries. Following variables like heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, total analgesic consumption, patient satisfaction (Likert scale) and side effects were assessed for 24 h postoperatively.ResultsThe hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both the groups at various time intervals. There was a significant decrease in VAS score, less analgesic consumption, less rescue analgesia requirement and more patient satisfaction in PCEA group as compared to IBEA group.ConclusionsPatient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with a combination of bupivacaine and fentanyl has more efficacy and safety than intermittent bolus epidural analgesia (IBEA) so it should be used more often.

DURATION OF BLOCKADE OF PERIPHERAL NERVES WITH LOW CONCENTRATED BUPIVACAINE SOLUTION DEPENDING OF THE ADJUVANTS

Background. In recent years, anesthesiology has shown a tendency to reduce the use of narcotic analgesics intra- and postoperatively. This is due to respiratory depression and as a result – hypoxia in the postoperative period. In addition, the use of narcotic analgesics does not allow the patient to mobilize in the early postoperative period, which in turn increases the risk of thromboembolic complications, especially in elderly patients and patients with obesity. However, withdrawal from a narcotic analgesic should not affect the patient’s postoperative comfort and pain-relief. The rapid progress in the development of regional methods of analgesia has significantly reduced the use of narcotic analgesics intra and post operatively and has provided sufficient pain relief for patients. Despite the results achieved, we continue to search for the perfect combination of local anesthetic and adjuvants to ensure long-lasting and safe analgesia.Objective. Suggest a new combination of local anesthetics and adjuvants, compare the duration of postoperative analgesia after peripheral nerve blocks with low concentration bupivacaine solution with dexamethasone and low concentration bupivacaine with dexamethasone and epinephrine. Explore the possibility of orthopedic surgery without using narcotic anesthetics.Materials and methods. Seventy peripheral nerve blocks were performed in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery at Rivne Oblast State Hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups, depending on the adjuvant to the local anesthetic: Group 1 – patients whose blockade was performed with solution of bupivacaine 0,375% and dexamethasone 0,02%; Group 2 – patients whose blockade was performed with a solution of bupivacaine 0,375% with dexamethasone 0,02% and epinephrine 0,00018%. The duration of the blockade was estimated by puncturing the skin with a needle. Pain intensity was assessed at the 6th, 12th, 24th and 36th hours after blockade using a VAS scale. The amount of narcotic anesthetic used in the postoperative period were also recorded. In addition, patients underwent electromyography of the innervation area of the blocked nerve before the surgery and 24 and 36 hours after surgery.Results. The duration of blockade in Group 2 was longer by 10 hours, the intensity of pain (VAS) was significantly higher after 24 hours (1.65 ± 1.35 in Group 2 and 5.3 ± 1.26 in Group 1). According to electromyography, 24 hours after the blockade conductance in Group 1 was restored by 95-100%, unlike Group 2, where conductivity was restored by only 47-59%.Conclusions. The proposed combination of local anesthetics and adjuvants provides both adequate anesthesia during surgery and prolonged post-operative analgesia.

Anti-inflammatory effects induced by ultralow concentrations of bupivacaine in combination with ultralow concentrations of sildenafil (Viagra) and vitamin D3 on inflammatory reactive brain astrocytes.

Network coupled cells, such as astrocytes, regulate their cellular homeostasis via Ca2+ signals spread between the cells through gap junctions. Intracellular Ca2+ release is controlled by different signaling pathways that can be stimulated by ATP, glutamate and serotonin (5-HT). Based on our findings, all these pathways are influenced by inflammatory agents and must be restored to fully recover the Ca2+ signaling network. An ultralow concentration of the local anesthetic agent bupivacaine reduced 5-HT-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release, and an ultralow concentration of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil in combination with vitamin D3 reduced ATP-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release. Combinations of these three substances downregulated 5-HT-, glutamate- and ATP-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release to a more normal Ca2+ signaling state. Furthermore, inflammatory Toll-like receptor 4 expression decreased with a combination of these three substances. Substance P receptor neurokinin (NK)-1 expression was reduced by ultralow concentrations of bupivacaine. Here, bupivacaine and sildenafil (at extremely low concentrations) combined with vitamin D3 have potential anti-inflammatory properties. According to the present study, drug combinations at the right concentrations, especially extremely low concentrations of bupivacaine and sildenafil, affect different cellular biochemical mechanisms and represent a potential solution for downregulating inflammatory parameters, thereby restoring cells or networks to normal physiological homeostasis.

Bupivacaine-induced contraction is attenuated by endothelial nitric oxide release modulated by activation of both stimulatory and inhibitory phosphorylation (Ser1177 and Thr495) of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

This study examined the mechanism associated with the endothelium-dependent attenuation of vasoconstriction induced by bupivacaine (BPV), with a particular focus on the upstream cellular signaling pathway of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation induced by BPV in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). BPV concentration-response curves were investigated in the isolated rat aorta. The effects of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), methylene blue, calmidazolium, the Src kinase inhibitor 4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(t-butyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) and the combination of L-arginine and L-NAME on BPV-induced contraction in endothelium-intact aorta preparations were examined. The effects of BPV alone and in combination with PP2 on the phosphorylation of eNOS (at Ser1177 or Thr495), caveolin-1 and Src kinase were examined in HUVECs. BPV-induced contraction was lower in endothelium-intact aortae than in endothelium-denuded aortae. L-NAME, ODQ, methylene blue and calmidazolium increased BPV-induced contraction in endothelium-intact aortae, whereas PP2 alone and combined treatment with L-arginine and L-NAME inhibited BPV-induced contraction. Low-concentration BPV (30 µM) induced both stimulatory (Ser1177) and inhibitory (Thr495) phosphorylation of eNOS in HUVECs. However, high-concentration BPV (150 µM) induced only stimulatory (Ser1177) eNOS phosphorylation. Additionally, phosphorylation of Src kinase, caveolin-1 and inhibitory eNOS (Thr495) induced by low-concentration BPV was inhibited by PP2. These results suggest that contraction induced by low-concentration BPV is attenuated by endothelial nitric oxide release, which is modulated both stimulatory (Ser1177) and inhibitory eNOS phosphorylation (Thr495). BPV-induced phosphorylation of eNOS (Thr495) is indirectly mediated by an upstream cellular signaling pathway involving Src kinase (Tyr416) and caveolin-1 (Tyr14).

Onset of Labour Epidural Analgesia With Low-dose Bupivacaine and Different Doses of Fentanyl

(Anaesthesia 2017;72:1371–1378) While low-concentration local anesthetic solutions combined with opioids have been shown to decrease motor block without affecting the quality of labor analgesia, the onset of analgesia may be delayed when using these solutions. Previous studies have suggested that the onset of labor analgesia may be improved by the addition of a fentanyl bolus to the initial epidural dose. However, previous studies that evaluated the onset of time of epidural labor analgesia used higher concentrations of local anesthetics than are commonly used in current practice. This dose-comparison study aimed to evaluate the onset of epidural labor analgesia with different doses of fentanyl (20, 50, and 100 μg) administered with a low-concentration bupivacaine (0.08%) solution.

A Comparative Study of Combined Spinal Epidural with Epidural for Labour Analgesia Using Lower Concentrations of Bupivacaine and Fentanyl

A Comparative Study of Combined Spinal Epidural with Epidural for Labour Analgesia Using Lower Concentrations of Bupivacaine and Fentanyl

A prospective randomised controlled study for evaluation of high-volume low-concentration intraperitoneal bupivacaine for post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy analgesia.

Background and Aims:Low-volume high-concentration bupivacaine irrigation of the peritoneal cavity has been reported to be ineffective for short-term analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of intraperitoneal instillation of high-volume low-concentration bupivacaine for post-operative analgesia in LC.Methods:Sixty patients undergoing LC were included in this prospective, double-blind, randomised study. Patients were divided into two (n = 30) groups. In Group S, intraperitoneal irrigation was done with 500 ml of normal saline. In Group B, 20 ml of 0.5% (100 mg) bupivacaine was added to 480 ml of normal saline for intraperitoneal irrigation during and after surgery. Post-operative pain was assessed by numeric pain rating scale (NRS) at fixed time intervals. Duration of analgesia (DOA), total rescue analgesic requirement (intravenous tramadol), presence of shoulder pain, nausea and vomiting were recorded for the initial 24 h post-operatively.Results:Mean DOA in Group S was 0.06 ± 0.172 h (3.6 ± 10.32 min) and that in Group B was 19.35 ± 8.64 h (P = 0.000). Cumulative requirement of rescue analgesic in 24 h in Group S was 123.33 ± 43.01 mg and that in Group B was 23.33 ± 43.01 mg (P = 0.000). There was no significant difference in incidence of shoulder pain, nausea and vomiting between the groups.Conclusion:High-volume low-concentration of intraperitoneal bupivacaine significantly increases post-operative DOA and reduces opioid requirement after LC.

Single-dose local anesthetics exhibit a type-, dose-, and time-dependent chondrotoxic effect on chondrocytes and cartilage: a systematic review of the current literature.

Many studies have shown that local anesthetics may impede chondrocyte metabolism. However, the influence of a single-dose local anesthetics is controversial. The aim of this metaanalysis was to review the literature for studies investigating the cytotoxic effects of single-dose local anesthetics on chondrocytes and cartilage. A comprehensive literature search was performed using established search engines (Medline, Embase) to identify studies, investigating the influence of single-dose local anesthetics on cartilage. The systematic analysis included the influence on histology, cell viability, morphology, and matrix production depending upon dose, exposure time, and type of local anesthetics. Twelve studies with four different local anesthetics were included in this metaanalysis. Bupivacaine and lidocaine were found to be more chondrotoxic than mepivacaine and ropivacaine. The amount of dead cells increased in a substance-, dose-, and time-dependent process. Osteoarthritic cartilage seems to be more vulnerable compared to intact cartilage. The toxic effects occur first in the superficial cartilage layers and include damage to membrane integrity, mitochondrial DNA, and nuclear changes. There is no study that could show a significant chondrotoxic effect with low concentrations of bupivacaine (0.0625%), ropivacaine (0.1 and 0.2%), and mepivacaine (0.5%). The cytotoxicity of local anesthetics on chondrocytes is dependent on dose, time, and type of local anesthetics. Single-dose intra-articular administration of local anesthetics impede chondrocyte metabolism and should be performed only with low concentrations for selected diagnostic purposes and painful joints. The use of lidocaine should be avoided. II.

Selective spinal anesthesia using low concentration bupivacaine and fentanyl versus ordinary bupivacaine as a prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis in total hip replacement surgery

Objective The aim of the present study was to detect the efficacy of early postoperative calf muscle exercise to decrease the risk of deep venous thrombosis achieved by intrathecal 3 ml bupivacaine 0.25% and fentanyl 25 μg instead of 3 ml bupivacaine 0.5%. In total, 40 patients of either sex, aged between 18 and 60 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II were included in the study. Patients and methods A total of 40 ASA I and II patients undergoing elective total hip replacement surgery were randomly assigned to two equal groups of 20 patients each (group A and B). Group A received bupivacaine 0.5% (3 ml) and group B received bupivacaine 0.25% (3 ml)+fentanyl 25 μg. Patients were instructed on how to do cuff muscle exercise once they regained the full strength of the lower limbs muscles postoperatively. Five venous blood samples were taken from each patient for the D-dimer assessment as an indicator for the occurrence of venous thromboembolism. The first sample was taken preoperatively at the time of induction of anesthesia; the rest of samples were then taken at 12, 24, 48 h, and 7 days postoperatively. Results Group B, in which patients received intrathecal bupivacaine 0.25% plus fentanyl, had an earlier recovery of motor power; patients in this group started doing calf muscle exercise earlier than did those in group A, and this group had significantly lower postoperative D-dimer level, denoting less susceptibility to deep venous thrombosis. Conclusion Early postoperative calf muscle exercise decreased the incidence of venous thromboembolism risk as indicated by the results of the D-dimer assessment.

Ultralow concentrations of bupivacaine exert anti‐inflammatory effects on inflammation‐reactive astrocytes

Bupivacaine is a widely used, local anesthetic agent that blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels when used for neuro-axial blockades. Much lower concentrations of bupivacaine than in normal clinical use, < 10−8 m, evoked Ca2+ transients in astrocytes from rat cerebral cortex, that were inositol trisphosphate receptor-dependent. We investigated whether bupivacaine exerts an influence on the Ca2+ signaling and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion in inflammation-reactive astrocytes when used at ultralow concentrations, < 10−8 m. Furthermore, we wanted to determine if bupivacaine interacts with the opioid-, 5-hydroxytryptamine- (5-HT) and glutamate-receptor systems. With respect to the μ-opioid- and 5-HT-receptor systems, bupivacaine restored the inflammation-reactive astrocytes to their normal non-inflammatory levels. With respect to the glutamate-receptor system, bupivacaine, in combination with an ultralow concentration of the μ-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and μ-opioid receptor agonists, restored the inflammation-reactive astrocytes to their normal non-inflammatory levels. Ultralow concentrations of bupivacaine attenuated the inflammation-induced upregulation of IL-1β secretion. The results indicate that bupivacaine interacts with the opioid-, 5-HT- and glutamate-receptor systems by affecting Ca2+ signaling and IL-1β release in inflammation-reactive astrocytes. These results suggest that bupivacaine may be used at ultralow concentrations as an anti-inflammatory drug, either alone or in combination with opioid agonists and ultralow concentrations of an opioid antagonist.

Thoracic epidural analgesia via the lumbosacral approach using multiport catheters with a low concentration of bupivacaine and morphine in sheep

ObjectiveTo determine the analgesic and systemic effects of thoracic epidural administration of bupivacaine (BP) and morphine (MP) in conscious sheep. Study designRandomized, crossover, experimental study. AnimalsSix healthy castrated sheep weighing between 40 and 50 kg. MethodsEach sheep received, via the lumbosacral approach, BP (0.5 mg kg−1), MP (0.1 mg kg−1), and BP plus MP (BPMP; 0.25 mg kg−1 + 0.05 mg kg−1) in a randomized order. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood gas analysis, skin temperature, rectal temperature, analgesia, sedation, and motor blockade were determined before treatment and at predetermined intervals until analgesia had disappeared. ResultsThe main areas of complete analgesia for the BP and BPMP treatments were the thorax and forelimb bilaterally. The median duration of analgesia was shorter with MP treatment (45 minutes; score 2) than with BP treatment (70 minutes) and BPMP treatment (140 minutes; p < 0.05). The BP and BPMP treatments caused motor block, and MP and BPMP treatments showed mild sedation. Significant decreases in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressures were observed only with the BP treatment (p < 0.05). Epidural MP combined with the BP local anesthetic depressed ventilation but within acceptable limits in these clinically healthy sheep. ConclusionsThoracic epidural administration of BPMP to sheep resulted in longer duration of analgesia of the thorax and forelimbs bilaterally in conscious sheep than the administration of MP or BP alone. The incidence of complications was low, but side-effects such as depressed ventilation and muscle paralysis occurred and require appropriate management. Clinical relevanceThis technique should be considered as another method for the relief of postoperative pain after thoracic surgery in sheep.

Epidural pain management after open lateral thoracotomy: Female patients have better pain relief and need smaller amounts of analgesics than males

Background and aimsThere is an ongoing dispute whether or not there is a gender difference in epidural drug requirements. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of a triple drug epidural mixture used for postoperative pain relief on male and female patients undergoing major surgery. Materials and methodsTo avoid possible influence of different age and type of surgery only 50–70year old patients undergoing open lateral thoracotomy were included. 253 patients were enrolled: 116 males and 137 females. All patients received a mixture of bupivacaine 0.1mg/ml, fentanyl 2μg/ml, and adrenaline 2μg/ml (BFA) by continuous infusion into the thoracic epidural space for postoperative pain relief. Infusion rate of the BFA solution was recorded and pain score was evaluated by numeric rating scale (NRS, 1–10) for 48h post operatively. ResultsAdequate postoperative pain relief (NRS≤3) at rest was accomplished in 91% of male patients on day one and 92% on day two and by 94% and 100% of female patients, respectively. Females had significantly lower median pain scores than males on day two both at rest (P<0.011) and by movement (P<0.012). In addition females required significantly smaller amounts of BFA mixture (P<0.01) and less frequently rescue opioids (P<0.025) than males. ConclusionFemale patients had significantly better pain relief both at rest and by movement, needed smaller amounts of the epidural bupivacaine, fentanyl, adrenaline mixture for postoperative pain relief and received less frequently rescue opioids than males. ImplicationsThe dose of thoracic epidural infusion of low-concentration bupivacaine-, fentanyl-, and adrenaline-solution should routinely be set lower for postmenopausal women than for elderly male patients during and after thoracotomy.

Comparision of efficacy of sufentanil and fentanyl with low-concentration bupivacaine for combined spinal epidural labour analgesia

Objectives:The highly lipid-soluble opioids, sufentanil and fentanyl, are used in combination with low-concentration bupivacaine to provide combined spinal epidural (CSE) analgesia during labour. We designed a prospective, randomized, single-blind study to compare the efficacy of these two opioids with bupivacaine in terms of the quality of analgesia, side-effects and maternal and foetal outcome.Methods:Sixty parturients requesting labour analgesia were divided into two groups randomly. Group S (n=30) received bupivacaine heavy (2.5 mg) and sufentanil (5 mcg) intrathecally and 10 mL intermittent bolus of sufentanil 0.30 mcg/mL in bupivacaine 0.125% as epidural top-ups. Group F (n=30) received bupivacaine heavy (2.5 mg) and fentanyl (25 mcg) intrathecally and 10 mL intermittent bolus of fentanyl 2.5 mcg/mL in bupivacaine 0.125% as epidural top-ups. Duration of intrathecal and epidural analgesia, mean duration between epidural top-ups and total analgesic requirements were noted. Pain and overall satisfaction scores were assessed with a 10-point visual scale. Mode of delivery and neonatal Apgar scores were recorded.Results:Maternal demographic characteristics were comparable between the groups. Although CSE provided satisfactory analgesia in both the groups, parturients of group S had a significant prolongation of analgesia through the intrathecal route compared with parturients of group F. Incidence of caesarean, instrumental delivery did not differ between the groups. No difference in the incidence of motor blockade or cephalad extent of sensory analgesia was observed. Neonatal outcome and incidence of side-effects were similar in both the groups.Conclusion:We conclude that combined spinal epidural using sufentanil and fentanyl achieved high patient satisfaction and excellent labour analgesia without serious maternal or neonatal side-effects. Sufentanil provided a significantly longer duration of labour analgesia compared with fentanyl.

Case reports of novel treatments - proper evaluation before clinical use

Case reports of novel treatments - proper evaluation before clinical use

Differential blockade to assess surgical repair by intraoperative active mobilization in knee injuries-Beyond labour analgesia

Motor-sparing selective epidural analgesia has long been practised in the field of labour analgesia. However, the utility of such techniques in other fields remain limited. We present the successful use of a similar technique of differential blockade in a case of quadriceps plasty with realignment of patella for recurrent dislocation of patella. A very low concentration of bupivacaine and fentanyl was used through continous epidural. The adequacy of repair was assessed intraoperatively by active movement of operated limb by patient himself.

Low-concentration, continuous brachial plexus block in the management of Purple Glove Syndrome: a case report.

IntroductionPurple Glove Syndrome is a devastating complication of intravenous phenytoin administration. Adequate analgesia and preservation of limb movement for physiotherapy are the two essential components of management.Case presentationA 26-year-old Tamil woman from India developed Purple Glove Syndrome after intravenous administration of phenytoin. She was managed conservatively by limb elevation, physiotherapy and oral antibiotics. A 20G intravenous cannula was inserted into the sheath of her brachial plexus and a continuous infusion of bupivacaine at a low concentration (0.1%) with fentanyl (2 μg/ml) at a rate of 1 to 2 ml/hr was given. She had adequate analgesia with preserved motor function which helped in physiotherapy and functional recovery of the hand in a month.ConclusionA continuous blockade of the brachial plexus with a low concentration of bupivacaine and fentanyl helps to alleviate the vasospasm and the pain while preserving the motor function for the patient to perform active movements of the finger and hand.

Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia for Labor

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) for labor was introduced into clinical practice 20 yr ago. The PCEA technique has been shown to have significant benefits when compared with continuous epidural infusion. We conducted a systematic review using MEDLINE and EMBASE (1988-April 1, 2008) of all randomized, controlled trials in parturients who received PCEA in labor in which one of the following comparisons were made: background infusion versus none; ropivacaine versus bupivacaine; high versus low concentrations of local anesthetics; and new strategies versus standard strategies. The outcomes of interest were maternal analgesia, satisfaction, motor block, and the incidence of unscheduled clinician interventions. A continuous background infusion improved maternal analgesia and reduced unscheduled clinician interventions. Larger bolus doses (more than 5 mL) may provide better analgesia compared with small boluses. Low concentrations of bupivacaine or ropivacaine provide excellent analgesia without significant motor block. Many strategies with PCEA can provide effective labor analgesia. High volume, dilute local anesthetic solutions with a continuous background infusion appear to be the most successful strategy. Research into new delivery strategies, such as mandatory programmed intermittent boluses and computerized feedback dosing, is ongoing.