Rescue Drug Research Articles

209 Ketamine as a Rescue Drug for Patients Presenting With Benzodiazepine-Resistant Status Epilepticus

209 Ketamine as a Rescue Drug for Patients Presenting With Benzodiazepine-Resistant Status Epilepticus

Peanut Allergy in Children-Is Prevention Better than Cure?

Peanut allergy, one of the most frequently occurring allergies, usually starts in childhood and rarely subsides-often persisting throughout adult life. Accidental exposure to peanuts can often result in adverse reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening, such as anaphylactic shock. Historically, food avoidance and the use of rescue drugs have remained a fundamental management mechanism for dealing with food allergy. However, prevention of adverse reactions to food allergy is playing an increasing role. This is possible through the early introduction of peanuts into the diet, especially in infants at risk of this allergy. In recent years, specific immunotherapy has been used to develop desensitisation and, in some patients, tolerance-defined as a persistent state of clinical non-reactivity to the allergen after therapy is finished. The aim of this article is to summarise the current state of knowledge on the prevention and treatment of peanut allergy, with a focus on clinical trials, current guidelines, and recent experimental studies. This review may be particularly useful for paediatricians and general practitioners.

Comparative effects of drug interventions for the acute management of migraine episodes in adults: systematic review and network meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo compare all licensed drug interventions as oral monotherapy for the acute treatment of migraine episodes in adults.DesignSystematic review and network meta-analysis.Data sourcesCochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase,...

Prospective case-control study on pain intensity after the use of promethazine in patients undergoing videothoracoscopy.

Effective and secure pain management following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is crucial for rapid postoperative recovery. This study evaluated analgesic and sedative effects of sufentanil and promethazine in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) post-thoracic surgery, along with potential adverse reactions. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical study, 60 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists status I-III) undergoing VATS were enrolled. The patients were randomized into experimental (Group P) or control (Group C) groups. PCIA was administered post-general anesthesia using a double-blind method. Group P received sufentanil (3 μg/kg) + promethazine (1 mg/kg) + 0.9% sodium chloride solution (100 mL total), while Group C received sufentanil (3 μg/kg) + 0.9% sodium chloride solution (100 mL total). PCIA settings included a 1-mL bolus and 15-min locking time. The primary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and during coughing and sedation (Ramsay) scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. The secondary outcomes were rescue drug use rate, hemodynamic parameters (mean arterial pressure and heart rate), percutaneous oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and occurrence of adverse reactions. Group P exhibited lower resting and coughing VAS scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, plus decreased incidence of nausea and vomiting within 48 h post-surgery compared with Group C (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in pruritus, sedation (Ramsay) scores, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, or respiratory rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). The combination of sufentanil and promethazine for postoperative intravenous analgesia could effectively reduce adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting, contributing to postoperative pain relief.

Intravenous Lidocaine Response as a Predictor for Oral Oxcarbazepine Efficacy in Neuropathic Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Providing pain relief for patients with neuropathic pain syndrome (NPS) is difficult, as sodium-channel blockers pose serious adverse events (AEs). Intravenous (i.v.) lidocaine infusion responses may identify patients likely to benefit from oral sodium channel blockers. We evaluated i.v. lidocaine responses to predict oral oxcarbazepine (OXC) efficacy in patients with NPS. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective cohort study administered one-time 3 mg/kg i.v. lidocaine infusion to patients with NPS. Numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores and AEs were observed. Next, OXC 150 mg was prescribed; dosages were increased by 150 mg every 3 days until ≥50% pain reduction or the maximum tolerable dose or 1800 mg/day was reached. NRS, rescue drug requirements, and AEs were evaluated by phone at 1, 3, and 5 weeks and clinic visits at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Depression, Anxiety &amp; Stress Scales 21 (DASS-21), and EuroQol-Five Dimensions-Five Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires were assessed at baseline and in week 6. RESULTS Of 46 patients, 14 discontinued due to intolerable AEs, and 32 were in the final analysis. Average post-intervention NRS significantly decreased from 6.8±1.7 (baseline) to 3.8±2.0 (lidocaine) and 4.1±2.3 (OXC); P<0.001. Negative and positive predictive values for OXC efficacy were 76.2% (95% CI: 61.6-86.5%) and 54.5% (95% CI: 32-75.4%), respectively. Six weeks after OXC treatment, 20 and 11 patients achieved ≥30% pain reduction and ≥50% pain relief, respectively. EQ-5D-5L (P=0.018) and DASS-21 stress dimension (P<0.001) significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS Negative responses to i.v. lidocaine predicted a lack of oral OXC response. AEs of OXC may have obscured an analgesic effect.

Splenic abscess secondary to COVID-19 acute infection: A case report and literature review.

Splenic abscess is relatively rare in clinical practice as an invasive disease. However, during the continuous prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the incidence rate of splenic abscess showed an upward trend. However, because the etiology of splenic abscess is not specific, it is easy to be covered by the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, resulting in omission or delay in diagnosis. If splenic abscesses cannot be treated in a timely manner, the mortality rate can reach 100%. Therefore, it is important to fully understand the correlation between COVID-19 and the development of splenic abscesses. A female patient, 71 years of age, was admitted to our hospital because of cough and sputum for 1 week and fever for 2 days. According to the positive results of novel coronavirus nucleic acid and chest computed tomography, novel coronavirus pneumonia was diagnosed. On the 4th day after treatment, abdominal distension and vomiting were observed. Abdominal ultrasound indicated splenomegaly and mixed echo masses in the spleen and abdominal computed tomography indicated 2 new round low-density lesions were found in the spleen. The patient was diagnosed with secondary splenic abscess after COVID-19 infection. The patient and her family members refused to undergo ultrasound-guided splenic puncture drainage and splenectomy. In terms of treatment, she was given meropenem combined with vancomycin to continue anti-infection treatment. The patient's body temperature and infection indicators gradually increased, and the scope of splenic abscess continued to expand. The infection worsened and progressed to septic shock. The patient abandoned rescue drugs and invasive treatment, and died on the 9th day after admission. This case introduces the clinical characteristics of secondary splenic abscess caused by COVID-19 from the aspects of etiology, disease course, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, and treatment methods. The focus is on improving the understanding of clinical doctors about secondary splenic abscesses caused by COVID-19, providing reference for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Rescue Therapies for Steroid-Refractory Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Systemic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Approximately 40% of patients with steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (steroid-refractory (SR) ASUC) requires colectomies. Advanced therapies may reduce the short-term colectomy rates in patients with SR ASUC. However, comparative clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of these rescue therapies are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis to study the effectiveness of rescue therapies for SR ASUC. Six randomized controlled trials and 15 cohort studies including 2,004 patients were analyzed. Rescue drugs included tofacitinib, infliximab with a 5 or 10mg/kg induction dose at 0, 2, and 6 weeks (IFX and IFX10, respectively), IFX with an accelerated regimen of three 5mg/kg induction doses timed according to clinical need (accelerated IFX), tacrolimus, cyclosporine (CyA), ustekinumab, and adalimumab. Treatments were compared with a placebo. Tofacitinib (odds ratio [OR]: 0.09 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-0.52]), accelerated IFX (OR: 0.16 [95% CI: 0.03-0.94]), IFX (OR: 0.2 [95% CI: 0.07-0.58]), and tacrolimus (OR: 0.24 [95% CI: 0.06-0.96]) significantly reduced the short-term colectomy rates compared with placebo. IFX10 and CyA tended to prevent colectomies. However, ustekinumab and adalimumab did not significantly affect the colectomy rates. This is the first network meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of advanced therapies in reducing short-term colectomy rates in patients with SR ASUC. Tofacitinib, accelerated IFX, standard IFX, and tacrolimus significantly reduced the colectomy rates in SR ASUC patients compared with placebo. Thus, advanced therapies should be considered for rescue therapies in patients with SR ASUC.

An Autonomous Implantable Device for the Prevention of Death from Opioid Overdose.

Opioid overdose accounts for nearly 75,000 deaths per year in the United States, representing a leading cause of mortality amongst the prime working age population (25-54 years). At overdose levels, opioid-induced respiratory depression becomes fatal without timely administration of the rescue drug naloxone. Currently, overdose survival relies entirely on bystander intervention, requiring a nearby person to discover and identify the overdosed individual, and have immediate access to naloxone to administer. Government efforts have focused on providing naloxone in abundance but do not address the equally critical component for overdose rescue: a willing and informed bystander. To address this unmet need, we developed the Naloximeter: a class of life-saving implantable devices that autonomously detect and treat overdose, with the ability to simultaneously contact first-responders. We present three Naloximeter platforms, for both fundamental research and clinical translation, all equipped with optical sensors, drug delivery mechanisms, and a supporting ecosystem of technology to counteract opioid-induced respiratory depression. In small and large animal studies, the Naloximeter rescues from otherwise fatal opioid overdose within minutes. This work introduces life-changing, clinically translatable technologies that broadly benefit a susceptible population recovering from opioid use disorder.

Refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus in children and adolescents: A population-based study

PurposeRefractory (RSE) and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) are serious medical emergencies whose long-term outcomes depend on the timeliness of their management. Population-based clinical and epidemiological data on these conditions are sparse. We aimed to provide a detailed description of the epidemiology and clinical course of RSE and SRSE in children and adolescents and identify potential prognostic biomarkers. MethodsIn this retrospective population-based study, patients aged one month to 18 years who fulfilled the RSE/SRSE diagnostic criteria and were admitted to the intensive care unit of Haukeland University Hospital from 2012 to 2021 were considered eligible. Detailed clinical and laboratory findings along with information on management and outcomes were systematically analyzed. ResultsForty-three patients with 52 episodes of RSE/SRSE were identified. The incidence rate was 3.13 per 100,000 per year. The median time from SE onset to the administration of the first rescue drug was 13 min, and from the first rescue drug to second- and third-line treatments, 83 and 66 min, respectively. All patients were alive at discharge. ConclusionDelays in treatment were observed in various stages of the clinical course of RSE/SRSE. Improvement measures targeting the prompt administration of recuse mediation and subsequent treatment escalation are needed.

Exploring the concept of disease control in chronic cough.

Disease control in chronic diseases is an overarching concept that reflects the degree to which the goals of therapy are met. However, to date, there is no consensus on the definition of disease control in chronic cough. This study aimed to provide a conceptual exploration of patient-reported cough control in chronic cough. This research is comprised of two subanalyses. First, patients with chronic cough receiving care at referral clinics were evaluated. Correlation analyses were performed between patient-reported cough control (a 5-point Likert scale), cough-specific patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and generic health PRO scores. Second, a survey was conducted among patients with refractory chronic cough and physicians to identify factors pertinent to cough control. The analysis of 341 patients (mean age: 55.5±15.1 years; female: 66.6%) revealed that cough control rating was moderately correlated with cough severity visual analogue scale and Leicester Cough Questionnaire scores, while demonstrating weaker correlations with cough-associated throat symptoms, cough-related complications or general health-related quality of life (QoL). In the survey of patients and physicians, both groups considered certain factors, such as cough frequency, severity and impact on QoL, to be relevant to the concept of cough control. However, patients rated "need for cough rescue drug" notably higher than physicians. Patient-reported cough control was associated with cough severity or impact on QoL; however, cough control may not be fully captured by conventional cough PRO measurement tools. Further studies are warranted to define the consensus and tools to measure disease control in chronic cough.

Comparison of infusions of phenylephrine, norepinephrine, and mephentermine on maternal hemodynamics and neonatal outcomes in caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia

Although the subarachnoid block is the preferred anesthetic technique for the caesarean section, on the downside it is often associated with complications like maternal hypotension. We compared phenylephrine, norepinephrine, and mephentermine infusions to maintain blood pressure during the caesarian section under subarachnoid block. Our study included 240 parturients with singleton-term pregnancies undergoing a caesarian section under spinal anesthesia. Following spinal anesthesia till the delivery of the baby, parturients randomly assigned to three groups received phenylephrine, norepinephrine, and mephentermine infusions.Heart rate, blood pressure, intra-operative nausea and vomiting, neonatal Apgar score, and total rescue vasopressors required were analyzed. Except at 4 min (p=0.006), ANOVA revealed no statistically significant difference in systolic blood pressure between the groups across all time points. Systolic blood pressure showed a significant difference between the mephentermine group versus the phenylephrine group (p=0.013) and the norepinephrine group versus the phenylephrine group (p=0.022) at four minutes post hoc Bonferroni. Except at 15 and 60 minutes (p=0.02 and p=0.001, Refer This Article Amit Pradhan, Rasulata Swain, Priyadarsini Samanta, Laxman K Senapati, Ganesh C Satapathy, 2024. Comparison of infusions of phenylephrine, norepinephrine, and Mephentermine on maternal hemodynamics and neonatal outcomes in caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. . Journal of medical pharmaceutical and allied sciences, V 13 - I 1, Pages- 6392 – 6400. Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/jmpas.V13I1.5919.respectively), the mean heart rate was comparable among the three groups. The Chi-square test revealed no statistically significant difference in the requirement of rescue drugs among the groups (ϰ2=1.57, p=0.45) except at the time point of 4 minutes (p=0.01) when the highest requirement was observed in the phenylephrine group. The Apgar scores amongst the groups were comparable at 1 min (p=0.99) and 5 min (p=0.98). In the lower segment caesarian section under the subarachnoid block, infusions of phenylephrine, norepinephrine, and mephentermine were equally effective in managing maternal hypotension and achieving favorable neonatal outcomes.

Dexketoprofen versus Tenoxicam in Acute Severe Pain Due to Primary Dysmenorrhea.

To evaluate the analgaesic efficacy of tenoxicam and dexketoprofen in patients admitted to the Emergency Medicine (EM) Clinic with severe acute pain due to primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Randomised-controlled trial. Place and Duration of the Study: Emergency Medicine Clinic, Health Sciences University, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkiye, from January to December 2022. Patients presenting with PD, were divided into two groups of 60 each, administered 50 mg dexketoprofen and 20 mg tenoxicam intravenously. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded at the 15th, 30th, 60th, and 120th minutes. VAS scores and ΔVAS scores were compared with the effectiveness of drugs, the need for rescue drugs and its side-effects. Intravenous (IV) dexketoprofen was administered to 60 of the patients and IV tenoxicam was administered to another 60. At the time of admission, mean VAS scores of the patients were 8.8 ± 0.9 for the dexketoprofen group and 8.6 ± 0.8 for the tenoxicam group. The VAS scores of the dexketoprofen group were found to be statistically significantly lower after 30 minutes with lower need for rescue analgaesics. ΔVAS scores of the dexketoprofen group were statistically significantly higher from the 30th minute. According to the VAS scoring, IV dexketoprofen was a more effective drug than IV tenoxicam in patients who were admitted to the EM clinic with severe pain due to PD. Dexketoprofen, Primary dysmenorrhea, VAS score.

Zhuifeng Tougu capsules in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (cold dampness obstruction syndrome): a randomized, double blind, multicenter clinical study

BackgroundIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, cold dampness obstruction is one of the common syndromes of osteoarthritis. Therefore, in clinical practice, the main treatment methods are to dispel wind, remove dampness, and dissipate cold, used to treat knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This report describes a mulitercenter clinical study to assess Zhuifeng Tougu Capsule’s efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients who are cold dampness obstruction syndrome in KOA, and to provide evidence-based medical for the rational use of Zhuifeng Tougu Capsules in clinical practice.MethodsThis randomized, parallel group controlled, double-blind, double dummy trial will include a total of 215 KOA patients who meet the study criteria. 215 patients underwent 1:1 randomisation, with 107 cases assigned the experimental group (Zhuifeng Tougu Capsules + Glucosamine Sulfate Capsules Simulator) and 108 assigned the control group (Glucosamine Sulfate Capsules + Zhuifeng Tougu Capsules Simulator). After enrolment, patients received 12 weeks of treatment. The main efficacy measure is the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Self-condition assessment VAS score, WOMAC KOA score, TCM syndrome score and TCM syndrome efficacy, ESR level, CRP level, suprapatellar bursa effusion depth, use of rescue drugs, and safety indicators are secondary efficacy indicators.ResultsCompared with before treatment, WOMAC pain score, VAS pain score, Self-condition assessment VAS score, WOMAC KOA score, and TCM syndrome score decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.01). Also, the experimental group showed significant differences in the above indicators compared to control (P < 0.01). However, after treatment, no significant differences were showed in the ESR level, CRP level, and suprapatellar bursa effusion depth between the two groups (P > 0.05). No any serious adverse effects showed in the experimental group and control group.ConclusionsZhuifeng Tougu Capsules can effectively improve knee joint function and significantly alleviate the pain of KOA.Trial registration: Clinical trial registration was completed with the China Clinical Trial Registration Center for this research protocol (No. ChiCTR2000028750) on January 2, 2020.

Intracerebral electrographic activity following a single dose of diazepam nasal spray: A pilot study.

Rescue benzodiazepine medication can be used to treat seizure clusters, which are intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity that are distinct from a patient's usual seizure pattern. The NeuroPace RNS® System is a device that detects abnormal electrographic activity through intracranial electrodes and administers electrical stimulation to control seizures. Reductions in electrographic activity over days to weeks have been associated with the longer-term efficacy of daily antiseizure medications (ASMs). In this pilot study, electrographic activity over hours to days was examined to assess the impact of a single dose of a proven rescue therapy (diazepam nasal spray) with a rapid onset of action. Adult volunteers (>18 years old) with clinically indicated RNS (stable settings and ASM usage) received a weight-based dose of diazepam nasal spray in the absence of a clinical seizure. Descriptive statistics for a number of detections and a sum of durations of detections at 10-min, hourly, and 24-h intervals during the 7-day (predose) baseline period were calculated. Post-dose detections at each time interval were compared with the respective baseline-detection intervals using a 1 SD threshold. The number of long episodes that occurred after dosing also were compared with the baseline. Five participants were enrolled, and four completed the study; the excluded participant had recurrent seizures during the study. There were no consistent changes (difference >1 SD) in detections between post-dose and mean baseline values. Although variability was high (1 SD was often near or exceeded the mean), three participants showed possible trends for reductions in one or more electrographic variables following treatment. RNS-assessed electrographic detections and durations were not shown to be sensitive measures of short-term effects associated with a single dose of rescue medication in this small group of participants. The variability of detections may have masked a measurable drug effect. Rescue drugs are used to treat seizure clusters. Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) devices detect and record epilepsy brain waves and then send a pulse to help stop seizures. This pilot study looked at whether one dose of a rescue treatment changes brain activity detected by RNS. There was a very wide range of detections, which made it difficult to see if or how the drug changed brain activity. New studies should look at other types of brain activity, multiple doses, and larger patient groups.

Comparison of oral olanzapine versus oral ondansetron for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in female patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting is one of the significant problem in anaesthesia practice The incidence is even high following laparoscopic surgeries. 5HT3 receptor antagonists are routinely used to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug with its activity on multiple receptor sites particularly at D2 and 5HT3 receptors, has potential antiemetic properties. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of ondansetron with olanzapine in prevention of PONV following laparoscopic cholesystectomy under general anaesthesia. Materials and methods: This randomized double blind controlled study was done by recruiting 120 female patients belonging to ASA I/II posted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia. Patients were assigned to one of the two groups. Group A received tablet Olanzapine 5mg, 4 hrs before surgery and Group B received tablet ondansetron 16mg 1hr before surgery. Postoperatively nausea, retching, vomiting complete response and sedation were assessed for 24hrs at the interval of 0-4hrs, 4-8hrs, 8-12hrs and 12-24hrs. Results: There was no statistical difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea, retching and vomiting between the groups at 0-4hrs, 4-8hrs. Statistical difference between the groups were seen at 8-12hr interval (nausea p=0.048, retching=0.042, vomiting p=0.042) and at 12-24 hr (nausea p=0.028, retching p=0.001, vomiting p=0.006). There was a significant difference in the use of rescue drug at 8-12hrs (6.7% patients required rescue drug in Group B whereas none required in Group B). Conclusion: Olanzapine 5 mg can be used safely and effectively for prophylaxis against PONV and is more effective in preventing PONV during the late postoperative period compared to ondansetron.

Computational insights into the mechanisms underlying structural destabilization and recovery in trafficking-deficient hERG mutants.

Cardiovascular diseases are a major global health concern, responsible for a significant number of deaths each year, often linked to cardiac arrhythmias resulting from dysfunction in ion channels. Hereditary Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a condition characterized by a prolonged QT interval on ECG, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The most common type of LQTS, LQT2, is caused by mutations in the hERG gene, affecting a potassium ion channel. The majority of these mutations disrupt the channel's trafficking to the cell membrane, leading to intracellular retention. Specific high-affinity hERG blockers (e.g., E-4031) can rescue this mutant phenotype, but the exact mechanism is unknown. This study used accelerated molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how these mutations affect the hERG channel's structure, folding, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention, and trafficking. We reveal that these mutations induce structural changes in the channel, narrowing its central pore and altering the conformation of the intracellular domains. These changes expose internalization signals that contribute to ER retention and degradation of the mutant hERG channels. Moreover, the study found that the trafficking rescue drug E-4031 can inhibit these structural changes, potentially rescuing the mutant channels. This research offers valuable insights into the structural issues responsible for the degradation of rescuable transmembrane trafficking mutants. Understanding the defective trafficking structure of the hERG channel could help identify binding sites for small molecules capable of restoring proper folding and facilitating channel trafficking. This knowledge has the potential to lead to mechanism-based therapies that address the condition at the cellular level, which may prove more effective than treating clinical symptoms, ultimately offering hope for individuals with hereditary Long QT Syndrome.

Comparison of Cardiac Indices Using Two Different Concentrations of Topical Adrenaline during Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Observational Study.

Introduction Adrenaline-soaked wicks are often employed to decongest nasal mucosa during transsphenoidal pituitary surgeries to ensure proper hemostasis and visibility of the operating field. Considerable debate exists regarding the optimum concentration of adrenaline that strikes a balance between hemostasis as well as the hemodynamic side effects of adrenaline. This study assessed cardiac indices like cardiac output and cardiac index using a FloTrac Vigileo cardiac output monitor to compare two different concentrations of adrenaline used for topical instillation. Materials and Methods 60 adult patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery were randomly assigned to receive cotton wicks soaked in adrenaline solution (either 1:100,000 or 1:200,000) for nasal decongestion. Following a standardized anesthetic regime, a FloTrac Vigileo cardiac output monitor was attached with the invasive arterial line for precise monitoring and recording of cardiac indices (cardiac output and cardiac index). Additionally, quality of surgical field (as reported by the operating surgeon) blood loss, incidences of adverse hemodynamic events, and rescue drug usage were recorded. Results No difference in cardiac outputs and cardiac indexes of the patients was observed during baseline to 55 minutes and at 80 minutes and onward, whereas difference rose to statistical significance at the time points of 60 minutes and 70 minutes ( p < 0.05). Other parameters like stroke volume, stroke volume variation, and hemodynamic parameters were similar. Quality of the surgical fields (as reported by the surgeon), intraoperative bleeding, incidences of adverse effects, and frequency of rescue drugs usage were similar. Conclusion Instillation of 1:100,000 dilution of adrenaline solution compared with 1:200,000 for nasal decongestion is associated with significant rise in cardiac output and cardiac index at 60 and 70 minutes of the surgery with similar blood loss and hemodynamic variables. Therefore, the lower concentration of adrenaline can be recommended for usage during transsphenoidal pituitary surgeries.

Opioid misuse and legislative responses in U.S. states: politics and lawmaking to address a public health crisis

ABSTRACT U.S. state legislators have increasingly adopted new laws in response to rising rates of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses. Legislative interventions vary in number and scope across states, prompting questions about the effects of problem severity, partisan politics, and population characteristics in formulating these opioid misuse policies. This study first identifies the geographic distribution and frequency of three types of opioid misuse laws enacted at a time when multiple waves of the opioid crisis converged (2015–2019): rescue drugs, provider training, and prescribing limits. Next, the study evaluates the roles of overdose problems, partisanship, and socio-demographic factors in contributing to a state legislature’s likelihood of enacting such legislation. The study finds that laws increasing access to drugs that reverse overdoses represent the most common type of legislative response. States with higher overdose death rates are more likely to proscribe an opioid misuse law, especially if these policies involve restricting opioid prescriptions or requiring more training for professionals who provide opioids. Economically advantaged states have increased odds of adopting prescribing limits. Results suggest a notable, but uneven responsiveness to this public health concern. The influence of problem severity relative to partisanship on legislative enactments, though, suggests a place for informed reform advocacy.

Role Of Granisetron In Minimising Use Of Meperidine As A Rescue Drug For Post Spinal Shivering.

Shivering is one of the most common adverse outcomes associated with the administration of spinal anaesthesia, which, when clinically relevant, leads to numerous detrimental effects on the human body. Hence, its management becomes imperative. Meperidine, an opioid analgesic, is the drug of choice for this condition. However, the use of meperidine is controversial, as it carries the devastating adverse effect of respiratory depression. We explored the role of granisetron, a 5HT3 antagonist and a commonly used antiemetic premedication, in minimising the incidence of post-spinal shivering and decreasing the use of meperidine as a rescue drug. Overall, 160 parturient patients, between the ages 18-50, undergoing uncomplicated, elective caesarean section, were enrolled in the study, and randomized into two groups with 80 participants each: Group A received 3ml of normal saline, and Group B was administered 3 mg granisetron,15 minutes before spinal anaesthesia institution. Incidence of clinically relevant shivering (score of 3 or more) was noted, and it was recorded whether meperidine was used or not. 67.5% of participants in Group A, and 32.5% of patients in Group B, experienced clinically relevant shivering, with 62.5% of patients in Group A and 28.75% in Group B warranting the use of meperidine. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of incidence of clinically relevant shivering, and meperidine consumption (p-value <0.001). Premedication with 3 mg granisetron effectively attenuates the occurrence of post-spinal shivering and, hence, lowers the requirement of meperidine as rescue medication.

Effect of Ultrasound Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block as Postoperative Analgesia after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract Background Poorly controlled acute pain after abdominal surgery is associated with a variety of unwanted postoperative consequences, including patient suffering, distress, respiratory complications, delirium, myocardial ischemia, prolonged hospital stay and an increased likelihood of chronic pain. Aim of the Work The aim of this study was to assess the postoperative analgesic efficacy of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) compared to general anesthesia with multimodal routes of analgesia as paracetamol, ketorolac and morphine after laparoscopic cholecystectomy regarding the pain relief, effect on hemodynamics, requirement of first supplemental doses of analgesia and total number of doses received. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 60 randomly chosen patients aged 20 to 60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or Il scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. They were allocated in two groups of 30 patients each: Group A: (n = 30): patients received general anesthesia followed by QLB at the end of the operation and before emergence of GA, with rescue drug morphine 0.05 mg/kg IV, Group B: (n = 30): patients received general anesthesia only, with post-operative control of pain using multimodal routes of analgesia as paracetamol I gm IVI 16 hrs, ketorolac 30 mg in 100 ml normal saline solution every 12 hrs and rescue drug morphine 0.05 mg [kg IV. Results The results of the study revealed that the Patients receiving QLB had significantly lower pain scores at rest for the whole first 24 hrs while upon coughing there was no difference in the first 6 hrs between the two groups and lower pain in 12, 18, 24 hrs in QLB group postoperatively and decrease total need of analgesic in first 24 hrs postoperatively compared with patients who received multimodal routes of analgesia. Conclusion Bilateral QLB was effective in reducing postoperative pain scores at rest and upon coughing and lower total 24 hrs postoperative opioid and analgesic consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia, compared to multimodal routes of analgesia, This technique can be a promising mode of postoperative analgesia. Use of adjuncts of continuous catheters might be used in the next studies for prolonging the duration of block.