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Objective: Controversies continue over the diagnostic approach, prediction, and premedication in radiocontrast media (RCM) hypersensitivity. One of the most important problems encountered in daily clinical practice is that patients do not recall which contrast agent has been used in previous exposures. Also, in most cases, the details of the reaction have not been recorded. Therefore, difficulties are experienced in decision-making about skin testing and premedication in patients who are suspected of RCM hypersensitivity. To assess the clinical value of skin tests and premedication in RCM hypersensitivity. Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was made of the medical records of patients between October 2014 and December 2019. The skin tests were performed with the culprit agent if it was known, otherwise, with iohexol, one of the most commonly used RCM in Turkey. As premedication, oral methylprednisolone 40 mg 13-7-1 hours before the procedure and oral pheniramine 22.7 mg 1 hour before the procedure were prescribed. Results: A total of 41 patients were evaluated (32 females and 9 males). Of the reactions, 35 (85.4%) were immediate and 6 (14.6%) were non-immediate. Three (7.3%) had a positive intradermal test result. It was determined that 20 patients (17 immediate, 3 non-immediate), required imaging with RCM again. Of these, 18 received premedication and two did not, although it was recommended. Of the patients who received premedication, one (5.5%) had an urticarial reaction of the same grade, while both patients (100%) who did not receive premedication developed an immediate allergic reaction that was of a similar grade to that of the previous reaction. Conclusion: Skin test positivity for RCM was observed at low rates. In cases with negative skin tests and when the culprit drug cannot be identified, re-exposure to alternative RCM under premedication may reduce the risk of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain during the neonatal period has been associated with immediate and long-term adverse effects. One of the most frequent painful procedures that neonates face in neonatal intensive care unit is the endotracheal intubation. Midazolam has been a candidate for premedication before neonatal intubation. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of midazolam as the premedication on endotracheal intubation of premature infants during surfactant administration. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind clinical trial, 80 preterm infants were undertaken for tracheal intubation following the use of atropine associated to either midazolam or placebo. Patient's vital signs and general conditions were constantly monitored, and pain was assessed using premature infant pain profile (PIPP) score. Results: The mean ± standard deviation for postnatal age was 95.38 ± 50.04 and 111.63 ± 49.4 min in control and midazolam groups, respectively. The patients in the midazolam group had significantly better outcomes across several intubation outcome measures such as duration of endotracheal intubation (23.5 ± 6.7 vs. 18.8 ± 4.8 s, P = 0.001), oxygen saturation level (88.05% ±13.7 vs. 95.1 ± 1.8%, P = 0.002), intubation failure (34.2% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.0001), awake and resistance during intubation (95% vs. 20%, P = 0.0001), and excellent patient condition during intubation (0% vs. 82.5%, P = 0.0001). In addition, PIPP score was significantly lower in the midazolam group (5.2 ± 2.06 vs. 12.9 ± 2.9, P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Premedication with midazolam in newborns before intubation, can hold promising effects that manifests as better overall outcomes, less complications, better vital signs, more comfortable situation, and lesser pain for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As immune checkpoint inhibitors increasingly gain oncological utility, the incidence of unique adverse events may rise as well. The description and management of localized, recurrent muscle spasms secondary to pembrolizumab infusions has not previously been reported. Case report: A 64-year-old male receiving pembrolizumab infusions experienced acute-onset, isolated spasms and pain occurring in cycles 2 through 5. Management and outcome: Pretreatment with intravenous lorazepam, diphenhydramine, famotidine, ondansetron, and fluids have led to spasm-free pembrolizumab infusions. Discussion: The purpose of this report is to provide the first known incidence and successful corrective measures taken for localized muscle spasms secondary to pembrolizumab infusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Daratumumab is the first anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody of the class approved for recurrent and refractory multiple myeloma. Grade 3 and 4 Infusion-Related Reactions (IRRs) are frequent during the first and second infusions. Due to the risks associated with severe IRRs, daratumumab is systematically administered over a period of 3.5 hours. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of a 90-minute daratumumab infusion from the third infusion. Patients and methods: All patients who had received two or more doses of daratumumab in monotherapy or in combination with standard infusion rates were included. We excluded patients enrolled in clinical trials. For the rapid infusion protocol, 20% of the dose was administered over 30 minutes and the remaining 80% over 60 minutes. Results: From April 1 to May 31, 2019, 25 patients received 53 90-minute infusions of daratumumab. Premedication included corticosteroids, antipyretics, antihistamines, and if necessary a leukotriene receptor antagonist. No grade 3 or grade 4 IRRs were observed. Conclusion: From the third infusion, we found that a rapid administration of daratumumab (90 vs 210 minutes) was well tolerated and safe. It would be interesting to test this regimen from the second infusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-CD20 antibody treatments, such as obinutuzumab, have been associated with infusion-related reactions (IRRs). In the phase 3 iLLUMINATE study of ibrutinib-obinutuzumab versus chlorambucil-obinutuzumab in first-line chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, IRRs were substantially reduced with ibrutinib-obinutuzumab versus chlorambucil-obinutuzumab. We prospectively analyzed inflammatory cytokines to evaluate the impact of ibrutinib on circulating cytokine levels following obinutuzumab infusion. In iLLUMINATE, ibrutinib or chlorambucil was given approximately 30-120 min before the first obinutuzumab infusion. Cytokines evaluated were IFNγ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and TNFα. Changes in peak cytokine levels from baseline (immediately before obinutuzumab) to post-obinutuzumab infusion were compared between arms and between patients with versus without IRRs using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Of 228 treated patients, 95 on ibrutinib-obinutuzumab (15 with IRRs, 80 without) and 88 on chlorambucil-obinutuzumab (45 with IRRs, 43 without) with cytokine data were included. Irrespective of IRR occurrence, median increase in cytokines was lower with ibrutinib-obinutuzumab versus chlorambucil-obinutuzumab for all cytokines (P < 0.01) except MIP-1β. Across treatment arms, post-obinutuzumab median increase in all cytokines except MIP-1β was greater in patients with versus without IRRs (P < 0.001). IL-6 and IL-8 elevations were associated with IRRs in both treatment arms. Among patients with IRRs, those receiving ibrutinib-obinutuzumab had lower post-obinutuzumab increases in IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and MCP-1 (P < 0.04) than patients receiving chlorambucil-obinutuzumab. For patients in the ibrutinib-treatment arm, we observed a reduction in both the rate of clinically apparent IRRs and the levels of IRR-related cytokines and chemokines. This observation supports an immunomodulatory mechanism of action for ibrutinib. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02264574. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dual systems theories suggest that greater imbalance between higher reward sensitivity and lower cognitive control across adolescence conveys risk for behaviors such as heavy episodic drinking (HED). Prior research demonstrated that psychological analogues of these systems, sensation seeking and premeditation, change from childhood through emerging adulthood, and each has been independently linked with HED. However, few studies have assessed whether change over time in these developing analogues is prospectively associated with HED. Moreover, we know of no research that has shown whether within‐person differences between higher sensation seeking and relatively lower premeditation across the adolescent period predict HED in emerging adulthood. Methods: Prospective data from the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence study (n = 715) were used to examine the association of sensation seeking and premeditation with HED among adolescents ages 16 to 20 years. We used novel applications of latent difference score modeling and growth curve analysis to test whether increasing sensation seeking, premeditation, and their imbalance over time are associated with HED across the study period, and whether these associations differed by sex. Results: Whereas premeditation increased linearly from adolescence through emerging adulthood across sexes, males reported growth and females reported decline in sensation seeking. Sensation seeking in adolescence (and not premeditation) was associated with higher levels of HED by emerging adulthood. Importantly, greater imbalance between sensation seeking and premeditation was associated with higher levels of HED by emerging adulthood though we note that variability capturing this imbalance correlated highly (r = 0.86) with baseline levels of sensation seeking. Conclusions: Developmental imbalance between higher sensation seeking and lower premeditation in late adolescence may be a risk factor for greater HED in emerging adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prolonged fasting before surgery is common in pediatrics. In the literature, it is responsible for hypotension, irritability and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Despite clear instructions given during the preanesthetic consultation, fasting rules are respected in only 30%–40% of cases. We aimed to evaluate the benefit of sending a text message the day before surgery to improve the parents' observance of fasting rules. Methods: We conducted a before‐and‐after study at the University Hospital of Poitiers. From August to October 2018, 172 parents of children under 15 years of age scheduled for all types of surgery were enrolled into two groups according to the period: the control group with parents receiving information on preoperative fasting rules during the preanesthetic consultation several days before surgery, and the text message group, receiving the same information during consultation plus a text message the day before the surgery. Results: There was a difference in observance of clear fluid fasting instructions (between 2 and 3 h before the admission at hospital) in favor of the text message group 33% versus 92% OR 29.2 (10.9–95.2) p < 0.001, and in average fasting time for clear fluids 8.7 h ± 4.8 h vs. 4.3 h ± 2.4 h (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Sending of a reminder text message to the parents the day before the surgery resulted in a significant increase in observance of fasting rules in children undergoing scheduled surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study compared the effects of premedication with different doses of aminophylline on the recovery profile after general anaesthesia. Methods: Forty-five patients scheduled for pelvic-abdominal surgeries were divided into 3 groups: Group C: the patients received 100 ml of IV normal saline, Group A1: the patients received 2 mg/kg IV aminophylline, and Group A2: the patients received 4 mg/kg IV aminophylline 30 min before induction of general anaesthesia. The following data were recorded: demographic data, ASA physical status, duration of anaesthesia and surgery, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, propofol dose, fentanyl dose, times to reach BIS (48 ± 2) after induction of anaesthesia and to reach a value of 80 after discontinuation of sevoflurane anaesthesia, time to recovery of consciousness and to tracheal extubation and to discharge from the post-anaesthesia care unit, and side effects of aminophylline. Results: The time to reach a BIS of 48 ± 2 was significantly lower for the control group than group A2 (70.67 ± 22.50 and 106.67 ± 34.77 s for groups C and A2, respectively, p -value =0.01). The time to reach a BIS of 80 was significantly longer for the control group than group A1 andA2 (5.6 ± 1.40,3.5 ± 1.93and 2.53 ± 1.72 min for groups C,A1 and A2, respectively, p -value < 0.01). The time to ROC was significantly longer for the control group than groups A1 and A2 (8.93 ± 0.92, 5.6 ± 2.47 and 4.53 ± 3.33 min for groups C, A1 and A2, respectively; p -value < 0.01). The extubation time was significantly longer for the control group than groups A1 and A2 (12.4 ± 1.08, 7.87 ± 3.27 and 6.6 ± 2.47 min for groups C, A1 and A2, respectively; p -value < 0.01). Conclusion: Premedication with aminophylline enhanced the recovery profile after pelvic-abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia without cardiovascular complications. Clinical trial registration: Name of the registry: Register@ClinicalTrials.gov Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04151381. Date of registration, November 5, 2019, 'Retrospectively registered'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abatacept is a fusion protein that blocks T cell activation. It is used in a variety of conditions including organ transplantation, immune deficiency, and autoimmune diseases. Even though abatacept-induced adverse events are observed, hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Desensitization protocols that can be implemented in the case of hypersensitivity reactions are present in the literature for many biological agents. However, a desensitization protocol for abatacept has not yet been established. Our patient, who was started on one of the biological agents, abatacept, for rheumatoid arthritis due to insufficient response to diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs, developed immediate hypersensitivity reaction with the first dose. Since it was planned to continue the treatment, abatacept desensitization was performed. The rapid desensitization protocol performed with prior premedication was successful and the patient was able to receive subsequent doses of abatacept using the same protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequent and serious complication after surgery. Evidence of a relationship between anticholinergic medication and the development of delirium is inconclusive, but studies on POD are rare. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticholinergic load of preoperative medication in older adult patients and its association with the development of POD. Methods: This investigation was part of the European BioCog project (http://www.biocog.eu), a prospective multicenter observational study in older adult surgical patients (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02265263, 15 October 2014). Patients with a Mini–Mental State Examination score ≤ 23 points were excluded. POD was assessed up to 7 days after surgery using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale, Confusion Assessment Method and a patient chart review. The preoperative anticholinergic load was calculated using the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS) and the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACBS), and associations with POD were analyzed using logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, comorbidities, duration of anesthesia and number of drugs used. Results: In total, 837 participants were included for analysis, and 165 patients (19.7%) fulfilled the criteria of POD. After adjusting for confounders, we found no association between preoperative anticholinergic load and the development of POD (ADS [points] odds ratio [OR] 0.928; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.749–1.150; ARS [points] OR 0.832; 95% CI 0.564–1.227; ACBS [points] OR 1.045; 95% CI 0.842–1.296). Conclusion: This study found no association between the anticholinergic load of drugs used preoperatively and the development of POD in older adult patients without severe preexisting cognitive impairment. Future analyses should examine the influence of intra- and postoperative administration of anticholinergic drugs as well as dosages of and interactions between medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The surgical removal of impacted lower third molars involves trauma to soft and bony tissue and can result in pain, swelling and trismus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone, as a single 4 mg dose injected into the masseter muscle prior to extraction of impacted lower third molars on theses postoperative sequelae. Materials & Methods: This prospective, randomized clinical research consisted of 43 healthy patients. The study group received 4 mg dexamethasone into the masseter muscle via intrabuccal approach immediately before starting the procedure while the control group received no corticoid. 7 days after surgery. Data were analyzed using t-test (α = 0.05) Results: The patients administered dexamethasone showed superior results after surgery in terms of oral aperture, pain and all the facial swelling parameters, with statistically significant differences versus the controls (p value < 0.001). Also there was statistically significant difference in terms of patients trismus between case and control groups (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: The results obtained showed that 4 mg of dexamethasone injected into the masseter muscle in the immediately before starting the procedure significantly reduces swelling, trismus and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For elderly patients who are about to undergo surgery, research on the effects of preoperative medication on postoperative outcomes is rare, especially preoperative discontinuation-requiring medication (PDRM) which needed to be discontinued because of its increased risk of postoperative complications. Aim: To investigate whether preoperative medication (PDRM and polypharmacy) is associated with postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 65 who were scheduled for hip (limited to femoral tuberosity) fracture surgery were included. Baseline characteristics, preoperative medication and postoperative LOS were collected from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was postoperative LOS. Results: A total of 369 hip fracture patients were included. There were 188 and 122 patients exposed to PDRM and polypharmacy, respectively. Multivariate analysis models were constructed using significant factors for prolonged postoperative hospital stay from univariate analysis: Model I (body mass index (BMI), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) ≥ 7, creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) < 60 and PDRM) and Model II (BMI, Ccr ≥ 7, Ccr < 60 and polypharmacy). CCI was the most significant factor. Its adjusted odds ratio was as large as 2.7 and attributable risk was 63%. In preoperative medication use, both polypharmacy and PDRM showed significant association with postoperative LOS. Conclusion: The present study supported the impact of PDRM on postoperative LOS in geriatric hip fracture patients. The results added a further aspect to preoperative medication optimization in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most frequent complications following strabismus surgery. Penehyclidine, an anticholinergic agent, is widely used as premedication. This study investigated the effect of preoperative penehyclidine on PONV in patients undergoing strabismus surgery. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, patients scheduled for strabismus surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to either penehyclidine (n = 114) or normal saline (n = 104) group. Penehyclidine was administrated immediately after anesthesia induction, and normal saline was substituted as control. PONV was investigated from 0 to 48 h after surgery. Intraoperative oculocardiac reflex (OCR) was also recorded. Results: Compared with normal saline, penehyclidine significantly reduced PONV incidence (30.7% vs. 54.8%, P < 0.01) and mitigated PONV severity as indicated by severity scoring (P < 0.01). Compared with normal saline, penehyclidine also significantly reduced OCR incidence (57.9% vs. 77.9%, P < 0.01) and mitigated OCR severity, as indicated by the requirement for atropine rescue (77.3% vs. 90.1%, P < 0.05) and the maximum decrease of heart rate during OCR (23.1 ± 9.4 bpm vs. 27.3 ± 12.4 bpm, P < 0.05). The recovery course did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Penehyclidine administrated after anesthesia induction significantly reduced the incidence of PONV and alleviated intraoperative OCR in patients undergoing strabismus surgery. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04054479). Retrospectively registered August 13, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate perioperative intestinal motility using a novel bowel sound monitoring system in patients undergoing breast and neck surgery. Materials and methods: This study enrolled 52 patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer, thyroid tumor, and parathyroid tumor at Kochi Medical School from May 2019 to June 2020. Perioperative bowel sound counts (BSCs) were recorded using a newly developed real-time analysis system in the operating theater. Clinical information and BSC per minute (cpm) data during the preanesthetic, preoperative, operative, postoperative periods, and period in recovery room were obtained to compare between each period. The Mann–Whitney U and Pearson Chi-square tests were used in data analysis. Results: The BSCs during the intraoperative period and postoperative period were significantly decreased compared to those during the preanesthetic period (0.07 cpm versus [vs.]. 1.4 cpm, P = 0.002 and 0.1 cpm vs. 1.4 cpm, P = 0.025, respectively). The preoperative BSC with a preanesthetic BSC < 1.4 was significantly lower than that with a preanesthetic BSC ≥ 1.4 (0.40 cpm vs. 1.78 cpm, P = 0.006). The preanesthetic, preoperative, and postoperative BSCs with an intraoperative BSC < 0.07 were significantly lower than those with an intraoperative BSC ≥ 0.07 (0.48 cpm vs. 2.83 cpm, P = 0.007; 0.40 cpm vs. 1.81 cpm, P = 0.008; and 0.07 cpm vs. 0.42 cpm, P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion: The real-time bowel sound analysis system demonstrated an inhibitory effect associated with anesthetic and surgical stress on intestinal motility as the BSC sequentially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the safety and activity of preoperative pembrolizumab combined with chemoradiotherapy for resectable oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03792347). Twenty resectable ESCC patients, regardless of programmed death ligand-1 status, received preoperative pembrolizumab with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (PPCT). Preoperative therapy includes carboplatin (area under the curve of 2 mg per milliliter per minute, once a week for 5 weeks), paclitaxel (50 mg/m2, once a week for 5 weeks), radiotherapy (23 fractions of 1.8 Gy, 5 fraction a week) and pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg) on days 1 and 22. Within 4–6 weeks after preoperative therapy, patients underwent surgery. The primary end-point was safety and secondary outcome measures were feasibility, pathologic complete response (pCR) rate and radiographic response. Immune signature of CD8+ T cells was evaluated in surgical specimens using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. All patients have received PPCT successfully, except one patient who missed the last dose of chemotherapy due to leukopenia. Grade III and higher adverse events (AEs) were observed in 13 patients (13/20, 65%), and one patient had a grade V AE. The most frequent grade III AE was lymphopenia (12/13, 92%). Eighteen patients underwent surgery within 4–9 weeks after PPCT and the pCR rate was 55.6% (10/18). The percentage of transcription factor 1 positive cells was significantly higher in specimens of pCR group than those of non-pCR group (p value = 0.010). PPCT was safe, did not delay surgery, and induced a pCR in 55.6% of resected tumours. A phase II multicentre study is undergoing for further confirmation of efficacy (NCT04435197). • We present the safety of preoperative immuno-chemo-radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer. • The pathologic complete response rate was 55.6%. • This work provided basis for a phase II study to further confirm the efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to build radiogenomics models from texture signatures derived from computed tomography (CT) and 18F-FDG PET-CT (FDG PET-CT) images of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with and without epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Methods: Fifty patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 2011 and 2015 and with known EGFR mutation status were retrospectively identified. Texture features extracted from pretreatment CT and FDG PET-CT images by manual contouring of the primary tumor were used to develop multivariate logistic regression (LR) models to predict EGFR mutations in exon 19 and exon 20. Results: An LR model evaluating FDG PET-texture features was able to differentiate EGFR mutant from wild type with an area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.87, 0.76, 0.66, and 0.71, respectively. The model derived from CT texture features had an AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.83, 0.84, 0.73, and 0.78, respectively. FDG PET-texture features that could discriminate between mutations in EGFR exon 19 and 21 demonstrated AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.86, 0.84, 0.73, and 0.78, respectively. Based on CT texture features, the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.75, 0.81, 0.69, and 0.75, respectively. Conclusion: Non-small cell lung cancer texture analysis using FGD-PET and CT images can identify tumors with mutations in EGFR. Imaging signatures could be valuable for pretreatment assessment and prognosis in precision therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intranasal dexmedetomidine can provide adequate sedation during short procedures. However, there are few reports investigating the effective dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) before and after surgery. Methods: Children aged 13‐36 months with acyanotic CHD requiring trans‐thoracic echocardiography before cardiac surgery were recruited for this study. One month after the cardiac surgery, the same children were studied again. The 90% effective dose was established using a biased‐coin design up‐and‐down sequential method. Onset time, examination time, wake‐up time and adverse effects were measured. Safety was evaluated in terms of changes in vital signs. Results: A total of fifty‐eight subjects were recruited for this study. The 90% effective dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation was 2.13 μg/kg (95% CI, 1.73‐2.34 μg/kg) in children with CHD before cardiac surgery and 3.51 μg/kg (95% CI, 2.99‐3.63 μg/kg) after cardiac surgery (P <.01). There were no differences between the groups in terms of demographic variables, onset time, examination time, wake‐up time or adverse effects. Conclusions: The 90% effective dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children with CHD was 2.13 μg/kg before cardiac surgery and 3.51 μg/kg after cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After surgery and loss of anesthetic effect, postoperative pain can annoy the patient and affect patient satisfaction with treatment. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of preoperative pentoxifylline (PTX) on postoperative pain and development of secondary hyperalgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). Methods: This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 91 eligible subjects with acute appendicitis referred to Shahid Beheshti hospital of Sabzevar, Iran, in 2018. The intervention and control groups were administered with a single oral dose of PTX (10 mg/kg) and placebo an hour before surgery, respectively. Postoperative pain was measured within 24 hours after surgery using a VAS, and the area of secondary hyperalgesia was measured 24 hours after surgery using the Stubhaug et al. method. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 26.74 ± 9.99 years, and 57.14% were female. Pain intensity during rest was significantly greater in the control group as compared to the PTX group 24 hours after surgery (VAS scores 2.19 ± 0.49 and 3.13 ± 0.66, respectively; P < 0.001). Moreover, pain intensity during cough was substantially lower in the PTX group compared with the control group 24 hours after surgery (VAS scores 2.65 ± 1.90 and 4.10 ± 2.60, respectively; P = 0.003 in turn). The dynamic hyperalgesia was significantly greater in the control group as compared with the PTX group (3.80 ± 1.82 and 7.43 ± 2.38, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Findings suggest that oral administration of PTX 1 hour before surgery in patients undergoing LA can reduce postoperative pain in patients and prevent secondary hyperalgesia at a surgical site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses neonatal endotracheal intubation and the need for standardization in practice regarding the use of premedication. Intubation is common in the NICU because of resuscitation, surfactant administration, congenital anomalies, apnea, and sedation for procedures or surgery. Intubation is both painful and stressful. Unmedicated intubation is associated with several adverse outcomes including repeat and prolonged attempts, airway trauma, bradycardia, severe desaturation, and need for resuscitation. Most providers believe intubation is painful and that premedication should be provided; however, there is still resistance to provide premedication and inconsistency in doing so. Reasons for not providing premedication include concerns about medication side effects such as chest wall rigidity or prolonged respiratory depression inhibiting immediate extubation after surfactant administration. Premedication should include an opioid analgesic for pain, a benzodiazepine for an adjuvant sedation, a vagolytic to decrease bradycardia, and the optional use of a muscle relaxant for paralysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the reported clinical outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for hip osteoarthritis are satisfactory, not all patients are completely satisfied. Thus, there is interest in predicting postoperative satisfaction before surgery. The influence of comorbidities and preoperative medications on the incidence of complications and duration of hospitalization following THA has become apparent. However, studies about the associations of preoperative medication with clinical outcomes of THA are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the relationship between preoperative medications and postoperative patient-reported outcomes. This retrospective cross-sectional multicenter study enrolled post-THA patients (79 patients, 90 hips) who were examined from February to March 2019 in eight general hospitals. Outcome measures included patient-reported outcome as Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ) score. Preoperative medications were investigated from medical records. Medications were categorized, and analgesics were categorized into non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, pregabalin, duloxetine, neurotropin (an extract from inflammatory rabbit skin inoculated by vaccinia virus), and opioid. To identify the factors associated with JHEQ score, the patients were divided into lower (<55 score) and higher (≥55) JHEQ score groups. Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r) showed significant difference between the total number of preoperative medications and postoperative JHEQ movement subscale (r = −0.37, p < 0.01), mental subscale (r = −0.29, p < 0.01), and JHEQ (r = −0.30, p < 0.01) scores. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, only the total number of preoperative medications was identified as a risk factor for lower JHEQ score (p < 0.01). This study clarified an inverse correlation between the total preoperative medication count and postoperative outcomes and found that larger total count of preoperative medications is a risk factor of poor postoperative patient-reported outcomes of THA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We have previously shown that the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a predictor of survival among breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of NLR among different nodal and chemotherapy subgroups of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: Patients with stage 1–3 TNBC who underwent treatment from 2007 to 2014 and had blood counts prior to treatments were included. Patients were categorized into high (≥2) and low (<2) NLR groups. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: The average follow-up time was 54 months. The high NLR group had worse OS (HR 2.8, CI 1.3–5.9, p < 0.001) and DFS (HR 2.3, CI 1.2–4.2, p < 0.001) than the low NLR group. After adjusting for confounding variables, high NLR was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (HR 5.5, CI 2.2–13.7, p < 0.0001) and DFS (HR 5.2, CI 2.3–11.6, p < 0.0001). Categorization of TNBC patients by NLR (high vs. low) and nodal status (positive vs. negative) resulted in four groups with significantly different OS and DFS (log rank p < 0.0001). Significant improvements in OS (p < 0.001) and DFS (p < 0.001) were observed for patients who received chemotherapy and had high NLR but not for patients with low NLR (p = 0.65 and p = 0.07, respectively). Conclusion: High pretreatment NLR is an independent predictor of poor OS and DFS among TNBC patients. Combining NLR and pN provides better risk stratification for TNBC patients. Chemotherapy appears to be beneficial only in patients with high NLR. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication attributed to herpes zoster, which involves the reactivation of residual varicella zoster virus. It has been reported previously that pre-emptive amitriptyline following acute herpes zoster has shown latent positive effects in the prevention of PHN. In this study, by interfering with the same targets, norepinephrine and serotonin, we aim to evaluate whether pre-emptive duloxetine may proactively prevent PHN development.Methods: This is a nationwide multicentric, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint study that will recruit 750 participants from 18 primary centres in China. Patients aged more than 50 years who are diagnosed with uncomplicated HZ, present with vesicles within 72 h of their emergence, and have an average pain score of at least 40/100 mm on a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0 mm = no pain, 100 mm = worst possible pain, at opposite ends of a 100-mm line) will be recruited for this study. Participants will be randomized into a duloxetine arm and a control arm. Participants allocated to the duloxetine arm will be given antivirals, analgesics and duloxetine, while those allocated to the control arm will receive antivirals and analgesics but no duloxetine. The primary outcome of this study is preventive efficacy against PHN, which will be evaluated based on a 100 mm VAS. Any pain scores other than 0 mm on the VAS 12 weeks after HZ onset will be defined as PHN. The secondary outcomes will consist of the average weekly VAS score, the average weekly consumption of each analgesic, weekly feature of the pain, patients' quality of life based on the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, Patient Global Impression of Change Scale, sleep quality as evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and adverse events during the study period.Discussion: This study will investigate a prophylactic approach for reducing the prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia with duloxetine and will add significant new knowledge on the preventive effects of duloxetine on PHN.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04313335 . Registered on 18 March 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We sought to determine (1) whether the addition of prophylactic oral mosapride to a protocol including dexamethasone and ondansetron further reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) compared with ondansetron alone or the combination of both; (2) whether preemptive application of oral mosapride provides additional clinical benefits for bowel function and appetite, thus improving functional recovery. Methods: We randomized 240 patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty to receive placebo (Control, n = 80), dexamethasone (10 mg) before anesthesia induction (Dexa, n = 82), or dexamethasone (10 mg) before anesthesia induction as well as oral mosapride (5 mg) before and after surgery (Mosa+Dexa, n = 78). Patients were assessed at 0–6, 6–12, 12–24, and 24–48 h postoperatively. Primary outcomes were incidence and severity of PONV as well as complete response. Secondary outcomes were appetite, time until first defecation and ambulation, patient satisfaction score, and length of hospital stay. Results: Mosa+Dexa patients showed significantly lower incidence of nausea at 6–12 h (3.8%) and over the entire evaluation period (6.4%), as well as a higher rate of complete response (89.7%) than other patients. Mosa+Dexa patients required less time to achieve first defecation and ambulation, they were hospitalized for shorter time, and they were more satisfied with clinical care. Conclusion: Addition of oral mosapride further reduced incidence of PONV, especially postoperative nausea, during 6–12 h postoperatively. Moreover, preemptive application of oral mosapride can further improve appetite, bowel function, ambulation and length of hospital stay. Trial registration: The study protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800015896), prospectively registered on 27/04/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There are few studies regarding the use of predictive tests for difficult airways in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the modified Mallampati test (MMT), the upper lip bite test (ULBT) and anthropometric measurements of the head and neck in the prediction of difficult airways in children. Methods: Forty-eight pediatric patients who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were recruited for the study. During the preanesthetic evaluation, airway status was evaluated using three methods: MMT, ULBT and anthropometric measurements of the head and neck. Laryngoscopy was performed with a single blade of a videolaryngoscope and airway status was evaluated using the Cormack-Lehane classification. All patients were then classified into two groups: difficult airway or easy airway. Results: Ten (20.8%) patients were classified as the difficult airway group. In this group, 80% of the patients had MMT grade 3-4 (p=0.001) while 50% of the patients were classified as ULBT 3 (p=0.000). Interincisor distance (ID), hyomental distance (HMD), distance from ear tragus to the corner of the mouth (DTM) and distance from frontal plane to chin (DFC) were significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). In ROC curve analysis, ULBT had the largest area under the curve (AUC=0.880). Conclusion: ULBT, MMT, HMD and ID were the most consistent predictors of difficult airway status. ULBT was superior to other tests because of its larger AUC and higher sensitivity and specificity rates. However, difficulty in applicability in young children seemed to be the most important limitation of both ULBT and MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Anxiety is the subjective unpleasant feeling of dread over something unlikely to happen. The incidence of preoperative anxiety ranges from 32% to 76.7%. We aimed to measure the preoperative anxiety level using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale questionnaire and clinical rating scale given by attending anesthesiologist / anesthesia residents. Methods It was cross-sectional observational study conducted in wards. We enrolled 110 adult patients planned for elective gynecological and gastrointestinal surgeries. After taking informed written consent, principal investigator interviewed the patient, one day prior to surgery in wards using a structured questionnaire of Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale. Demographics characters were recorded. The attending anesthesia residents (blinded to patient response) performed preanesthetic assessment, provided their subjective rating about patient anxiety and need for information using Clinical Rating Scale. Results Out of 110 patient, 57(51.81%) were found to have higher anxiety level. Comparing the APAIS score with various factors, we found younger age, female gender, unemployed status, higher level of education, adverse events in previous surgery and higher grade of surgery was associated with higher anxiety score. Comparing APAIS with Clinical Rating Score, there was poor correlation. Conclusion The incidence of preoperative anxiety is high (51.81%) in adult patients undergoing elective surgery. During the preoperative anesthetic checkup, APAIS can be used as a screening tool. It provides relevant information on the presence of preoperative anxiety and need for information, which helps to achieve patient satisfaction and better outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse the effects of different propofol starting doses as premedication for endotracheal intubation on blood pressure in neonates.Methods: Neonates who received propofol starting doses of 1.0 mg/kg (n = 30), 1.5 mg/kg (n = 23) or 2.0 mg/kg (n = 26) as part of a previously published dose-finding study were included in this analysis. Blood pressure in the 3 dosing groups was analysed in the first 60 minutes after start of propofol.Results: Blood pressure declined after the start of propofol in all 3 dosing groups and was not restored 60 minutes after the start of propofol. The decline in blood pressure was highest in the 2.0 mg/kg dosing group. Blood pressure decline was mainly dependent on the initial propofol starting dose rather than the cumulative propofol dose.Conclusion: Propofol causes a dose-dependent profound and prolonged decrease in blood pressure. The use of propofol should be carefully considered. When using propofol, starting with a low dose and titrating according to sedative effect seems the safest strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ankle injuries are common in soccer and may result in ongoing functional deficiency. Ankle-joint prophylactic support is hypothesized to reduce the risk of injury. Analysis of the effects of prophylactic support has so far lacked application to soccer. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to illustrate the effects of tape and brace on selected proprioceptive components and range of motion (ROM) before, after, and during a soccer-match-simulation protocol. Design and Setting: A crossover study design was used to investigate plantar (PF) ROM, inversion (INV) ROM, and joint-position sense (weight bearing and non-weight-bearing [NWBJPS]; ± °error) in tape, brace, and control conditions. Measures were gathered from the dominant leg in a biomechanics laboratory at 0, 15, 30, and 45 min of a soccer-specific aerobic field test 90-min (SAFT90) protocol. Participants: Eight healthy male subjects (age 20.5 ± 0.5 y) experienced the 3 conditions in random order with 7 d between conditions. Intervention: The tape condition used an open basket-weave technique; the brace was an AirCast AirSport brace. For the control condition no prophylactic support was applied. Results: Application of prophylactic support significantly decreased active ROM in PF and INV (P < .05), with tape performing better than the brace (0 min). Tape lost its restrictive benefits by 15 min (P < .001) and was no different than control, while the brace maintained some effect until 45 min. Application of prophylactic support increased NWBJPS performance (P < .01; 0 min); by 15 min the tape had lost its proprioceptive benefit (P < .01) compared with the brace. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the clinical usefulness of ankle-joint prophylactic support is limited if the aim is to restrict ROM and improve proprioceptive capability under soccer-specific conditions. The relative benefits of each type of support need to be considered in the context of the time-specific nature of the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ideal premedication agent would achieve anxiolysis and sedation with safe and easy administration, have a predictable onset time and have minimal adverse effects. Keywords: Pediatrics; Pregabalin; Preanesthetic Medication EN Pediatrics Pregabalin Preanesthetic Medication 775 777 3 11/18/21 20211201 NES 211201 Premedication is commonly prescribed in pediatric anesthesia for the anxious, distressed or poorly compliant child who may also have developmental or behavioral issues or a history of unpleasant experiences in healthcare settings. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is common, with significant postoperative pain. Few studies have assessed gabapentin for pain in adolescent ACL populations. Design: A feasibility study measured efficacy of single preoperative gabapentin doses to reduce postoperative pain in adolescents aged 12 to 18 years undergoing ACL reconstruction versus placebo. Methods: Primary efficacy outcome was postoperative opioid use, with pain, safety, and pain management satisfaction secondary. Findings: Fifty-five patients enrolled. Gabapentin had an early effect in reducing mean narcotic use 24 hours postoperatively. No significant difference was demonstrated overall in the two groups. Over half of patients were still taking opioids at day 4/5; current guidelines recommend 3 days or less. Median satisfaction score, one point higher for gabapentin group versus placebo group, was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Results demonstrate gabapentin may be an effective medication to reduce acute postoperative pain. However, robust methodology is needed to more accurately assess and treat pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is a technique that has been used in veterinary anesthetic practice, mainly in small animals. Its use has become popular in the last decade, due to new studies using more suitable drugs, with less cumulative effects and shorter anesthetic recovery time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the propofol infusion together with the brachial plexus block in an ovine submitted to radius and ulna osteosynthesis. Anesthetic premedication was performed with 10% ketamine at a dose of 2 mg / kg, induction with 1% propofol at a dose of 5 mg / kg and anesthetic maintenance with propofol at a dose of 0.25 mg / kg / min. The brachial plexus block was performed with the combination of 2% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine, both at a dose of 0.12 ml / kg, with a final volume of 20 ml. During the whole procedure, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (ƒ), peripheral oxygen saturation in hemoglobin (SpO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), temperature were evaluated during the entire procedure. rectal (T), eyelid reflex, corneal reflex and anesthetic depth. The parameters were recorded before pre-anesthetic medication (T0), immediately after anesthetic induction (T10), and then, every 10 minutes, until the end of the infusion (T90). All cardiorespiratory parameters evaluated were limited to the physiological for the species. It is concluded that the TIVA protocol used in the sheep promoted anesthesia to perform osteosynthesis, together with brachial plexus block, which was essential for analgesia and for adequate anesthetic maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children may develop changes in their behaviour following general anaesthesia. Some examples of negative behaviour include temper tantrums and nightmares, as well as sleep and eating disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether dexmedetomidine reduces the incidence of negative behaviour change after anaesthesia for day case surgery in children aged two to seven years. Children were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a premedication group received 2 mg.kg-1 intranasal dexmedetomidine; an intra-operative group received 1 mg.kg-1 intravenous dexmedetomidine; and a control group. The primary outcome was the incidence of negative behaviour on postoperative day 3 using the Post-Hospitalisation Behaviour Questionnaire for Ambulatory Surgery (PHBQ-AS) and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Secondary outcomes included: the incidence of negative behaviour on postoperative days 14 and 28; anxiety at induction; emergence delirium; pain; length of recovery and hospital stay; and any adverse events. The data for 247 patients were analysed. Negative behaviour change on postoperative day 3 was similar between all three groups when measured with the PHBQ-AS (47%, 44% and 51% respectively; adjusted p=0.99) and the SDQ (median scores 7.5, 6.0 and 8.0 respectively; adjusted p=0.99). The incidence of negative behaviour in the group who received dexmedetomidine intra-operatively was less at postoperative day 28 (15% compared with 36% in the dexmedetomidine premedication group and 41% in the control group, p<0.001). We conclude that dexmedetomidine does not reduce the incidence of negative behaviour on postoperative day 3 in two to seven-year olds having day case procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate pain management after lumbar disc surgery may result in increasing morbidity and duration of hospital stay. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of analgesic effect of diclofenac sodium in reducing the total dose of morphine after lumbar disc surgery. Methods: This study was conducted in Shohada Teaching Hospital. Eighty-four patients with mean age of 51.74 ± 5.76 years were included in this double blinded clinical trial study. Patients were premeditated with diclofenac sodium supposition or placebo before surgery. After surgery, patients randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: group A: diclofenac sodium supposition and group B: placebo.Visual analog scale and morphine consumption were recorded at 6 hours intervals up to 24 hours. Results: The base line mean pain relief and nausea and urinary retention were not statistically significant between groups (P>0.05). Weakness and fatigue, dry mouth and total morphine dose were statistically different(P<0.05). Conclusion: Premedication with diclofenac sodium supposition in the patients underwent lumbar disc surgery, can reduce total dose of morphine consumption after lumbar disc surgery and some adverse effect of morphine such as dry mouth, weakness and fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of immediate preoperative gabapentin on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopy for benign gynecologic indications. Materials and Methods: This double-blinded, placebo controlled randomized trial involved 109 gynecologic patients undergoing laparoscopy between June 2015 and January 2016 at an academic tertiary care hospital. They were randomized to receive to receive preoperative gabapentin (300 mg) or placebo. Pain scores were assessed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours postoperatively as well as on postoperative days 1–7. Results: The 109 patients were randomized to receive either preoperative gabapentin or placebo. The patients were stratified based on history of chronic pelvic pain. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, body mass index, gravidity, parity, or past surgical histories. Postoperative pain was assessed with a numeric pain rating scale (NRS), rated as 0–10, and a visual analogue scale (VAS), rated as 0–100. These values were adjusted for morphine doses received. There was no significant difference in pain scores at any of the immediate postoperative hours. A secondary analysis, stratified by procedure (hysterectomy or operative laparoscopy), showed no significant differences in pain scores. There were also no significant differences in pain scores on postoperative days 1–7. Conclusions: A single dose of preoperative gabapentin did not significantly decrease postoperative pain in gynecologic patients undergoing laparoscopy for benign indications. (J GYNECOL SURG 36:173) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine whether the use of perioperative gabapentin reduces postoperative pain and anxiety, decreases ropivacaine consumption and side effects, and improves patient satisfaction. Design Randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 4 trial. Blinding Participants, care providers, investigators, data analysts. Setting Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Rabka Zdrój Branch, Poland. Subjects Forty patients undergoing the Ravitch procedure. Methods Patients aged nine to 17 years were randomized into a gabapentin (preoperative 15 mg/kg, treatment) or placebo group. Postoperative analgesia included gabapentin (7.5 mg/kg) or placebo two times per day for three days, epidural ropivacaine + fentanyl, paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and metamizol as a "rescue drug." Pain, anxiety, analgesic consumption, side effects, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results There was no statistically significant difference in median pain scores (numerical rating scale < 1/10) or incidence of adverse side effects between the gabapentin group (N = 20) and the placebo group (N = 20). Postoperative anxiety scores were significantly lower than before surgery in the gabapentin group (6 [4–8] vs 7 [6–8.5], P < 0.01) and remained unchanged in the placebo group (6 [5–6.5] vs 6 [5–7], P = 0.07). Gabapentin-treated patients received a lower number of doses of ondansetron when compared with the placebo group (6 [5–6] vs 7 [6–9], P = 0.02). A significant negative association was found between patient satisfaction and postoperative state anxiety in the gabapentin group (R = –0.51, P = 0.02). Conclusions Perioperative administration of gabapentin resulted in a decrease of postoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing the Ravitch procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study with trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to evaluate comprehensively the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and midazolam in pediatric sedation, and to investigate whether the outcomes achieved the required information size to draw the conclusions. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to October 2019. All randomized controlled trials used dexmedetomidine and midazolam in pediatric sedation were enrolled. Sedative efficacy, postoperative analgesic effect, and incidence of emergence agitation were considered as the co‐primary outcomes. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was applied to rate the quality of evidences. Results: We acquired data from 34 studies involving 2281 pediatric patients. The results indicated that administration of dexmedetomidine was associated with less incidence of emergence agitation (RR = 0.78, with 95% CI [0.65, 0.92]) and more satisfactory sedation at parental separation (RR = 0.31, with 95% CI [0.24, 0.41]) compared to midazolam, and the current sample sizes were sufficient with unnecessary further trials. Two groups did not differ significantly in sedation level at mask induction (RR = 0.86, with 95% CI [0.74, 1.00]). And using of dexmedetomidine was associated with less incidence of postoperative analgesic rescue (RR = 0.57, with 95% CI [0.35, 0.93]), but the number of patients was too few to achieve the required information size and to draw reliable conclusions. Premedication of dexmedetomidine was associated with significant less value of SBP, heart rate, increased incidence of bradycardia, and a lower rate of shivering. And there were no differences about onset of sedation and recovery time between two groups. Conclusions: Given that more satisfactory sedation at separation from parents and less incidence of emergence agitation, dexmedetomidine is preferred for pediatric sedation. However, compared with midazolam, the superiority of dexmedetomidine in providing adequate sedation at mask induction and postoperative analgesic effects has not yet been defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are contradictory publications and reports regarding the dependence liability of the 3-hydroxy-benzo-1,4-diazepine derivative lormetazepam, one of the most often prescribed hypnotic benzodiazepines which is now also available as an intravenous (i.v.) product for anesthetists. The author was involved in the preclinical and subsequently in the clinical development and post-marketing surveillance of lormetazepam. Here, he reviews the published and unpublished data about lormetazepam dependence and proposes explanations for contradictory views from other authors. On this basis and in contrast to class labeling from regulatory bodies and WHO, the author comes to the conclusion that use of lormetazepam definitely carries a lower risk of inducing dependence and causing abuse than most other benzodiazepines. This applies as well to Sedalam®, the new i.v. application form of lormetazepam, which is much better tolerated than propofol. Because of its pharmacokinetic properties and because all its effects can be fully antagonized with the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil, this innovative intravenous application form of lormetazepam provides an excellent method for premedication, symptomatic treatment of excitation and anxiety in the context of surgical or diagnostic procedures including outpatient interventions and for basic sedation during anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background In the first part of this extensive phase I study (NCT00516724), continuous olaparib twice daily (bid) with carboplatin and/or paclitaxel resulted in myelosuppression and dose modifications. Here, we report the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intermittent olaparib dosing combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Methods Patients with advanced solid tumors (part D) and enriched for ovarian and breast cancer (part E) received olaparib (capsule and tablet formulations) using intermittent schedules (2 to 10 days of a 21-day cycle) combined with carboplatin/paclitaxel. Safety assessments included evaluation of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs; cycle 1 only), adverse events (AEs), and physical examinations. Pharmacokinetic assessments of olaparib capsule and tablet combined with carboplatin/paclitaxel were performed. Tumor responses (RECIST) were assessed every 2 cycles. Results In total, 132 heavily pre-treated patients were included. One DLT of grade 3 elevated alanine aminotransferase lasting for 8 days was reported (olaparib tablet 100 mg bid days 3–12, carboplatin area under the curve 4 and paclitaxel 175 mg/m2). The most common hematological AEs were neutropenia (47%) and thrombocytopenia (39%), which frequently led to dose modifications. Non-hematological AEs were predominantly grade 1–2, including alopecia (89%) and fatigue (84%). Overall objective response rate was 46%. Conclusions Discontinuous dosing of olaparib resulted in significant myelosuppression leading to dose interruptions and/or delays. Anti-tumor activity was encouraging in patients enriched with BRCA-mutated breast and ovarian cancer. The most appropriate olaparib tablet dose for use in further studies evaluating olaparib in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is 50 mg bid (days 1–5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) to contrast media (CM) can be distinguished in immune-mediated (including allergic reactions) and non-immune-mediated reactions, even if clinical manifestations could be similar. Such manifestations range from mild skin eruptions to severe anaphylaxis, making it important for radiologists to know how to identify and manage them. A panel of experts from the Società Italiana di Radiologia Medica e Interventistica (SIRM) and the Società Italiana di Allergologia, Asma e Immunologia Clinica (SIAAIC) provided a consensus document on the management of patients who must undergo radiological investigations with CM. Consensus topics included: the risk stratification of patients, the identification of the culprit CM and of a safe alternative by an allergy workup, as well as the use of premedication and the correct procedure to safely perform an elective (i.e., scheduled) or urgent examination. The most important recommendations are: (1) in all patients, a thorough medical history must be taken by the prescribing physician and/or the radiologist to identify at-risk patients; (2) in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to CM, the radiologist must consider an alternative, non-contrast imaging study with a comparable diagnostic value, or prescribe a different investigation with another class of CM; (3) if such options are not feasible, the radiologist must address at-risk patients to a reference centre for an allergy evaluation; (4) if timely referral to an allergist is not viable, it is recommended to use a CM other than the responsible one, taking into account cross-reactivity patterns; in the case of patients with histories of severe reactions, the presence of an anesthesiologist is also recommended and a premedication is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the effect of intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine combined with parecoxib sodium on sedation and anxiety and stress response of tracheal intubation in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: One hundred twenty patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery were randomly divided into four groups: group DP, group D, group P and group N. The blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SPO2), EEG, bispectral index (BIS), Ramsay sedation score and state anxiety questionnaire (SAI) were recorded before administration (T0), 10 min (T1), 20 min (T2) and 30 min (T3) after administration. After 30 min, endotracheal intubation was performed after anesthesia induction. The BP, HR, SPO2 were recorded 1 min before intubation (T4), intubation (T5), 3 min (T6) after intubation, 5 min (T7) after intubation, and blood samples were collected from patients before administration and after intubation 2 min to detect serum cortisol (Cor), adrenalin (E) norepinephrine (NE) and blood glucose (BS). Results: There was no significant difference in Ramsay sedation score before anesthesia, but the Ramsay sedation score in group D、DP was significantly higher than that in group P and group N, the BIS, BP, HR and anxiety scores were significantly lower than those in the group P and group N (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Ramsay sedation score, BIS value, anxiety score and BP, HR between group D and group DP (p > 0.05). Compared with T4, there was no significant difference in BIS and BP, HR in group D, group DP and group P (p > 0.05), but the BIS, BP and HR in group N were significantly higher than T4, (p < 0.05). Three minutes after intubation there was no statistical difference in the changes of Cor, E, NE and BS values compared with before intubation in group P and group DP (p > 0.05), but the changes of Cor, E, NE and BS values were significantly lower than that in group N (p < 0.05). Compared with T0, the values of NE, E, Cor, BS decreased in group D, DP and P at T4, group DP decreased more significantly than group D (p < 0.05). while the NE, E, Cor, BS of T6 are at the same level as the base value. In group N, the NE, E, Cor, BS of T4 were at the same level of T0, but significantly higher at T6.And at T6, NE and E in group D, P and N were significantly different from those in group DP (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine combined with parecoxib sodium by functional nasal endoscopy can not only calm and resist anxiety, but also better prevent stress response of endotracheal intubation, which is a safe and effective way of preoperative medication. Trial registration: ChiCTR-OPN-17010444. Prospectively registered on 16 January 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The effect of preoperative anesthesia on coronary artery bypass grafting without extracorporeal circulation is not apparent. We want to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of two anesthesia methods on the treatment of coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) under extracorporeal circulation. Patients and Methods. The data of inhaled anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia before coronary artery bypass grafting were downloaded from the GEO database, and the differences were analyzed with the control group. The combination of multiple analytical methods can decipher the mechanism of anesthesia on surgery, including protein interaction network analysis, enrichment analysis, and regulatory subprediction. Results. This study obtained 6699 differential genes under two kinds of anesthesia before OPCABG. By constructing a protein interaction network of differentially expressed genes, we obtained 14 functional module networks. By predicting regulators of functional module genes, we revealed a series of ncRNAs (miR-129-5p, miR-340-5p, and miR-410-3p) and transcription factors (VHL and YBX1). Conclusion. Based on functional module network analysis, we identified the effects of preoperative inhalation anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia on OPCABG, which provides a valuable theoretical reference for subsequent clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rituximab-induced acute thrombocytopenia (RIAT) is a relatively rare complication of rituximab treatment that has been infrequently reported in a number of patients with malignant lymphoma. Most commonly encountered in mantle cell lymphoma, the extent to which RIAT occurs in splenic marginal zone lymphoma is unknown. In this report, we describe a case of RIAT in a patient with splenic marginal zone lymphoma. Rituximab was safely rechallenged with increased premedications and slowed infusion rate. While the exact mechanism of this phenomenon has yet to be elucidated, diligent monitoring of platelet counts following rituximab infusion can be considered in high-risk patients to avoid potential adverse events. Split dose rituximab for high-risk patients may provide an alternative approach to improve patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excessive opioid prescriptions after orthopedic surgery are common. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between surgical severity, preoperative opioid use and patient characteristics with postoperative opioid prescriptions and refills. Methods: Seventy-nine patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries were reviewed. Surgical pain severity was categorized as mild (n = 25), moderate (n = 26) and severe (n = 28). Patients were also categorized as opioid naïve (n = 57), experienced (n = 16) and tolerant (n = 6). Postoperative and refill prescriptions were reviewed to determine morphine equivalent dose (MED) prescribed. Results: Mild, moderate and severe pain surgeries received a median (interquartile range) equivalent of 20 (0, 30), 53 (33, 80) and 60 (45, 80) oxycodone 5 mg tablets, respectively. Excessive opioid prescriptions (> 400 MED) were given to 37 (46%) patients. There was no difference in the total discharge MED between moderate and severe pain surgeries or between opioid naïve and opioid-experienced patients (p > 0.05). Variables associated with excessive postoperative opioid prescriptions on multivariate analysis-included severe pain surgery (odds ratio 7.7, 95% confidence interval 2 to 25; p < 0.01) and anesthetic block (odds ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 14; p < 0.01). Variables associated with opioid refill on multivariate analysis included an American Society of Anesthiologists Physical Status (ASA) score > I (odds ratio 11, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 92; p < 0.01) and preoperative pain VAS (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.4; p = 0.02). Conclusion: The adoption of opioid prescription guidelines is warranted to differentiate between surgical severities and decrease the range and size of postoperative opioid prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPBG) on the postoperative pain (POP) in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty (SRP). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. A total of 42 patients that had received septorhinoplasty included in the study. The patients that had received SPBG before the surgery included in the Block group (n:20) and the patients that had not received SPBG before the surgery included in the Control group (n:22). POP was questioned with a numeric rating scale (NRS) at the 30th minute (t1), 1st hour (t2), 4th hour (t3), 12th hour (t4), and 24th hour (t5) and noted. The intraoperative details and the dose of the postoperative rescue analgesics were also noted. Results: The average dose of Paracetamol that was used in the postoperative first 24 hours was 500 mg in the Block group and 1363 mg in the Control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P =.001). The average dose of Tramadol was 0 mg in the Block group and 45 mg in the Control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P =.001). There was a statistically significant difference among the groups with respect to NRS in the first 24 hours postoperatively (P <.05). The number of the patients requiring rescue analgesics was lower in the Block group than the Control group. The difference was statistically significant at the t1, t2, and t5 time intervals (P >.05). Conclusions: Preoperative SPGB is an effective option to reduce POP and the need for rescue analgesics for patients undergoing SRP. Clinical trial number: NCT04020393 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Preanesthesia evaluation (PAE) (also called preanesthetic assessment or preanesthesia checkup) is a detailed medical checkup and laboratory investigations performed by the anesthesiologist before a surgical procedure, to assess the patient's physical condition and any other medical illnesses or diseases the patient might be suffering from. Dedicated outpatient PAE clinics are fairly latest phenomenon, and information is thin from developing world. The role of PAE clinic is to evaluate all patients for surgical procedures requiring general or regional anesthesia before hospital admission, whether for day-care surgical procedures or for inpatient surgical procedures. Optimal use of PAE clinic avoids unnecessary postponements, suboptimal utilization of operation theater, and personnel and parental time. AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe the methods, challenges, and opportunities that we came across in setting up a PAE clinic in a university-based tertiary care teaching hospital attached to a medical college at Mysuru in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PAE clinic was planned to set up in the outpatient department area of this medical college cum tertiary care hospital, manned by a multimodal team. RESULTS: With the utilization of available resources, the establishment of daily PAE clinic was possible in this university-based tertiary care teaching hospital. CONCLUSION: PAE is a clinical base and framework for perioperative patient management. This article describes a scalable model that can be replicated in similar resource-constrained hospitals/health-care organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]