Separating analgesic from respiratory effects of narcotics.

In a rodent study published in the June 2009 issue of Anesthesiology, Ren et al begins to separate the analgesic from the respiratory effects of narcotics. They found that administration of Ampakine CX717 attenuated (when given before) or reversed (when given after) an intraperiotoneal dose of fentanyl that would produce apnea. The authors note that the compound used is considered safe for primate studies and clinical trials for cognitive disorders. It also crosses the blood brain barrier. The effect of CX717 does not directly reverse the effect of the narcotic on the respiratory center but rather it accentuates a pathway that is important to generating the respiratory rhythm within the preBotzinger complex.
The Pre-Bötzinger Complex (preBötC) is a cluster of interneurons in the ventrolateral medulla of the brainstem, which is essential to the generation of respiratory rhythm.

Ren J et al: Ampakine CX717 protects against fentanyl-induced respiratory depression and lethal apnea in rats.

Anesthesiology 2009;110:1364-70.

Comments

power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters

Clinical experience with power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters in intensive care patients Introduction In intensive care units (ICU), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) may be an alternative option to standard central venous catheters, particularly in patients with coagulation disorders or at high risk for infection. Some limits of PICCs (such as low flow rates) may be overcome by the use of power-injectable catheters . Method We have retrospectively reviewed all the power injectable PICCs inserted in adult and pediatric patients in the ICU during a 12-month period, focusing on the rate of complications at insertion and during maintenance. Results We have collected 89 power injectable PICCs (in adults and in children), both multiple and single lumen. All insertions were successful. There were no major complications at insertion and no episodes of catheter-related blood stream infection. Non-infective complications ...

The 12 decision making steps for post dural puncture headache treatment

Treatment decision-making algorithm for postdural puncture headache. 1. When diagnosis is made, all patients should receive supportive measures (reassurance, bed rest, analgesics, hydration, quiet environment). 2. Severity of symptoms should be classified using VAS scale (mild 1–3, moderate 4–6, severe 7–10). 3. Virtually all patients will improve in time even without additional therapy. (dashed lines) 4. Symptoms worsen or fail to resolve within 5 days. 5. Patient preference dictates the choice between pharmacologic (less effective) and epidural blood patch (EBP). 6. In patients with severe symptoms, EBP is strongly suggested. 7. The most common pharmacologic measure is caffeine prescription. 8. The failure, worsening, or recurrence of symptoms after pharmacologic measures favors the use of EBP. 9. In addition to EBP, other epidural treatment options can be considered in select patients (eg, dextran , saline). 10. A period of 24 h should lapse before repeating EBP. 11...

Things to Avoid in Anesthesia for Pregnant with Pulmonary hypertension

Anesthesia for Pregnant woman with Pulmonary Hypertension is a real challenge for anesthesiologist. It is very crucial to remember the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in pregnant women and to avoid some practices that will worsen the cardiac status. 1-Avoid single shot spinal anesthesia. Some authorities consider pulmonary hypertension as absolute contraindication for single shot spinal anesthesia specially in patients with NYHA III ,IV. Spinal anesthesia causes major hemodynamic instability(decrease SVR, decrease VR, decrease in CO) The preferred neuroaxial techniques are (epidural anesthesia and CSE with minimal spinal dose) 2-Avoid PAC. Pulmonary Artery catheters insertion may lead to pulmonary artery rupture or thrombosis. TEE is better cardiac monitor/Arteial line is mandatory. 3-Avoid Nitrous oxide in gas mixture.N2O increase the PVR 4-If MV to be started, avoid High TV and PEEP 5-Avoid Oxytocin Boluses, or rapid administration of Pitocin. Oxytocin causes ...

sedationstation

Search This Blog