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Background and Aim: Diagnostic performance of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) may be compromized due to adherent mucus and foam. In this study, we aimed at assessing the impact of premedication on mucosal visibility during endoscopy. Methods: This is a double-blinded (patient and investigator), randomized trial conducted at a tertiary care centre. Patients were randomized into four groups: A (water), B (simethicone [S]), C (N-acetyl cysteine [NAC]), D (S + NAC). Premedication solutions were administered 10-30 minutes before endoscopy and mucosal visibility graded from 1 (best) to 4 (worst) (1 best, 4 worst). Total mucosal visibility scores (TMVS) from six sites ranged from 6 (best) to 24 (worst) points. The primary outcome of study was comparison of TMVS between simethicone and combination (S + NAC) premedication groups. Secondary outcomes were adverse events and impact of endoscopy timing on TMVS. Results: Total 800 patients (39 years, 68.8% males) were randomized into four groups. Median TMVS were significantly lower in groups B (7 [6-8]) and D (8 [6-9]) as compared to A (11 [9-13]) and C (10 [8-12]). Proportion of cases with adequate gastric mucosal visibility (score < 7) was 26% in group A, 71% in group B, 36% in group C and 79% in group D. There was no difference in TMVS in groups A and C (p = 0.137). TMVS were significantly lower in late (> 20-30 minutes) vs. early (10–20 minutes) endoscopy sub-group (8 [7–11] vs, 9 ([7–11], p = 0.001). However, TMVS were similar between group B and group D in early endoscopy group (p = 0.451). There was no significant difference in the lesion detection rate among the different premedication drugs (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Premedication with simethicone or combination (simethicone and NAC) significantly improves mucosal visibility during EGD. If early endoscopy is indicated, simethicone provides similar mucosal visibility and may be an effective alternative to combined premedication. Trial registration: NCT05951712. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ocrelizumab is an effective medication for multiple sclerosis. However, infusion-related reactions (IRRs) are a concern for patients and may lead to discontinuation of ocrelizumab. To minimize IRRs, pre-medications are administered. However, from our experience, these medications, especially diphenhydramine, can cause marked drowsiness. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether cetirizine is non-inferior to diphenhydramine in limiting the proportion and severity of reactions from ocrelizumab infusions. Methods: Twenty participants were serially randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 10 mg of cetirizine or 25 mg of diphenhydramine orally prior to their first three ocrelizumab infusions. Results: The rate of IRRs in this study was similar across both treatment groups with no increase in the risk of severity, and no grade 3 IRRs. Further, patients receiving cetirizine experienced a reduction in fatigue. While there was not a significant difference in global satisfaction, this score increased over time in the cetirizine arm while it remained unchanged in the diphenhydramine arm. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that cetirizine does not increase the risk of infusion-related reactions compared to diphenhydramine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ocrelizumab is an effective medication for multiple sclerosis. However, infusion-related reactions (IRRs) are a concern for patients and may lead to discontinuation of ocrelizumab. To minimize IRRs, pre-medications are administered. However, from our experience, these medications, especially diphenhydramine, can cause marked drowsiness. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether cetirizine is non-inferior to diphenhydramine in limiting the proportion and severity of reactions from ocrelizumab infusions. Methods: Twenty participants were serially randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 10 mg of cetirizine or 25 mg of diphenhydramine orally prior to their first three ocrelizumab infusions. Results: The rate of IRRs in this study was similar across both treatment groups with no increase in the risk of severity, and no grade 3 IRRs. Further, patients receiving cetirizine experienced a reduction in fatigue. While there was not a significant difference in global satisfaction, this score increased over time in the cetirizine arm while it remained unchanged in the diphenhydramine arm. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that cetirizine does not increase the risk of infusion-related reactions compared to diphenhydramine.

Background & objectives: Intranasal midazolam-fentanyl is commonly used as pre-medication in paediatric patients, but there is a risk of respiratory depression with this combination. Dexmedetomidine is a drug that preserves respiratory function. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of intranasal midazolam-fentanyl and dexmedetomidine-fentanyl in paediatric patients undergoing elective surgeries. Methods: Hundred children in the age group of 3-8 yr of American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status grade 1 were randomized into two groups- group A received intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/kg)- fentanyl (2 µg/kg) and group B received intranasal dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg)-fentanyl (2 µg/kg) 20 min before induction of general anaesthesia. Heart rate and SpO2 were monitored. Sedation score, parental separation and response to intravenous cannulation were seen after 20 min. Children were monitored for 2 h for post-operative analgesia by Oucher’s Facial Pain Scale. Results: Sedation scores were satisfactory in both groups, although children in group A were more sedated than in group B. Parental separation and response to intravenous cannulation were comparable in both the groups. The two groups were also haemodynamically comparable intraoperatively. Postoperative heart rate was also comparable at all-time intervals in both the groups except for heart rate at 100 and 120 min which were more in group A. Group A experienced more post-operative pain as assessed by Oucher’s Facial Pain Scale as compared to group B. Children receiving intranasal dexmedetomidinefentanyl had better post-operative analgesia as compared to those who received intranasal midazolamfentanyl. Interpretation & conclusions: Both intranasal midazolam with fentanyl and intranasal dexmedetomidine with fentanyl provided satisfactory sedation. Both groups were comparable in separation reaction and response to intravenous cannulation with better post-operative analgesia in children receiving intranasal dexmedetomidine-fentanyl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Melatonin’s effectiveness as an anxiolytic medication has been confirmed in adults; however, its efficacy in a paediatric population is unclear. A number of small studies have assessed its use in children as a pre-operative anxiolytic, with conflicting results. Methods We undertook a systematic review of pre-operative melatonin use in children. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science), and ‘ ClinicalTrials.gov ’ were searched for ongoing and completed clinical trials of relevance. Citation tracking reference lists and relevant articles were also accessed. The review was unrestricted by comparator or outcomes. Eleven studies were judged eligible for inclusion. There were high levels of heterogeneity in melatonin administration (in terms of dose and timing). Variable outcomes were reported and included: anxiety; anaesthetic success; analgesia; sedation; post-operative recovery; and safety. Outcomes were not always assessed with the same measures. Results Evidence to support melatonin’s anxiolytic properties in this setting is conflicting. Melatonin was associated with reduced sedative effects, post-operative excitement and improved emergence behaviour, compared to comparator drugs. One study reported the benefit of melatonin use on sleep disturbance at two weeks post-surgery. No adverse safety events were identified to be significantly associated with melatonin, affirming its excellent safety profile. Conclusion Despite potential advantages, including improved emergence behaviour, based on current evidence we cannot confirm whether melatonin is non-inferior to current “usual care” pre-medications. Further consideration of melatonin as an anxiolytic pre-medication in paediatric surgery is needed.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of premedication drugs including single dose Piroxicam and Prednisolone in regard to post endodontic pain at different time intervals (24, 48, 72 and 96 hours) after single visit root canal treatment. Methods: This randomized clinical trial (registration no. NCT04124822) was performed in operative dentistry department of a private clinical institute. One hundred twenty patients identified with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were included in the study. The pain intensity levels were marked through the use of visual analog scale (VAS) before the commencement of treatment. The participants were randomly allocated in three groups, Group I (n=40) received no medication (control), Group II (n=40) received Piroxicam (20 mg) and Group III (n=40) received Prednisolone (20 mg). The drugs were administered thirty minutes before the endodontic procedure was initiated. Root canal treatmentwas carried out followed by placement of provisional restoration in a single appointment. The patients were instructed to continue marking their pain intensity levels after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours using VAS. All patients were called for follow up after 4 days for clinical evaluation and the placement of permanent restoration. The effectiveness of each drug over different time interval was studied employing ANOVA test. The significance level was set at P=0.05. Results: The results of the present study revealed that a higher percentage of patients in all 3 groups, reported no post-operative pain at all evaluated time durations (24, 48, 72, and 96 hours). However, the long term effectiveness (96 hours) of both drugs to reduce post-endodontic pain was observed to be statistically insignificant. There was no significant difference in demographic data in terms of age (P=0.14), gender (P=0.12), whilst tooth type (P≤0.05) showed statistically significant value. Conclusion: Pre-medication with either single dose piroxicam or prednisolone was able to prevent post-endodontic pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The pre-operative period is a very stressful event for most of the individuals undergoing surgery especially the pediatric patients. So, relieving their pre-operative anxiety becomes an important concern for an anesthesiologist. Many anesthetic pre-medications are used to relieve this stress response. Of these pre-medications, midazolam and dexmedetomidine are effectively used as sedatives. The present study was planned to compare intranasal dexmedetomidine with intranasal midazolam as a pre-anesthetic medication in children. Forty-eight children aged 3–7 years, of either sex, weighing 13–22 kg, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 and undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy surgery were enrolled in this comparative prospective, double blinded, randomized clinical study. The children were divided into 2 groups: group D and group M, of 24 each. Forty-five minutes before induction of anesthesia, group D (n = 24) received intranasal dexmedetomidine at a dose of 1 μg/kg and group M (n = 24) received intranasal midazolam of 0.2 mg/kg. Results Children who were pre-medicated with dexmedetomidine had lower sedation scores, lower anxiety levels, easier child-parent separation, better mask acceptance, and lower pain scores than those who received midazolam. The incidence of emergence agitation was decreased in both groups with no significant difference. Conclusion Intranasal dexmedetomidine seems to offer some advantages compared with midazolam. Thus, it can be used effectively and safely as a pre-anesthetic medication in children undergoing any surgical procedures under general anesthesia.

Background: Melatonin's effectiveness as an anxiolytic medication has been confirmed in adults; however, its efficacy in a paediatric population is unclear. A number of small studies have assessed its use in children as a pre-operative anxiolytic, with conflicting results.Methods: We undertook a systematic review of pre-operative melatonin use in children. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science), and ' ClinicalTrials.gov ' were searched for ongoing and completed clinical trials of relevance. Citation tracking reference lists and relevant articles were also accessed. The review was unrestricted by comparator or outcomes. Eleven studies were judged eligible for inclusion. There were high levels of heterogeneity in melatonin administration (in terms of dose and timing). Variable outcomes were reported and included: anxiety; anaesthetic success; analgesia; sedation; post-operative recovery; and safety. Outcomes were not always assessed with the same measures.Results: Evidence to support melatonin's anxiolytic properties in this setting is conflicting. Melatonin was associated with reduced sedative effects, post-operative excitement and improved emergence behaviour, compared to comparator drugs. One study reported the benefit of melatonin use on sleep disturbance at two weeks post-surgery. No adverse safety events were identified to be significantly associated with melatonin, affirming its excellent safety profile.Conclusion: Despite potential advantages, including improved emergence behaviour, based on current evidence we cannot confirm whether melatonin is non-inferior to current "usual care" pre-medications. Further consideration of melatonin as an anxiolytic pre-medication in paediatric surgery is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically review available evidence to develop guidelines for the prevention of transfusion reactions and monitoring of transfusion administration in dogs and cats. Design: Evidence evaluation of the literature (identified through Medline searches through Pubmed and Google Scholar searches) was carried out for identified transfusion reaction types in dogs and cats. Evidence was evaluated using PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) questions generated for each reaction type. Evidence was categorized by level of evidence (LOE) and quality (Good, Fair, or Poor). Guidelines for prevention and monitoring were generated based on the synthesis of the evidence. Consensus on the final recommendations and a proposed transfusion administration monitoring form was achieved through Delphi‐style surveys. Draft recommendations and the monitoring form were made available through veterinary specialty listservs and comments were incorporated. Results: Twenty‐nine guidelines and a transfusion administration monitoring form were formulated from the evidence review with a high degree of consensus Conclusions: This systematic evidence evaluation process yielded recommended prevention and monitoring guidelines and a proposed transfusion administration form. However, significant knowledge gaps were identified, demonstrating the need for additional research in veterinary transfusion medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common cardiac disorder diagnosed in many feline patients. HCM causes the ventricles of the heart to become thickened, therefore affecting its ability to pump blood around the body efficiently. Careful handling and anaesthetic management is important in patients with this condition and will be discussed throughout this case report. HCM leads to cardiovascular effects such as a reduced cardiac output, decreased blood pressure and embolisms. An understanding of the pathophysiology relating to HCM will help when creating the anaesthetic plan for the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine effect of pre-endoscopy intake of simethicone solution on endoscopic mucosal visibility. Methodology: A randomized, single blinded placebo control trial was done in patients undergoing oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy for any indication at DOTs Endoscopy Suite, CHK during the period of April to June 2019. Informed consent was taken. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups. Group-A received placebo while Group-B received Simethicone. Evaluation of mucosal visibility was assessed at 4 sites (oesophagus, fundus, antrum & duodenum) by previously validated scoring. Mean of visibility scores were compared in two groups. Results: Two hundred and forty-eight patients were inducted and randomly allocate to two groups of 124 each. Mean of total sum of scores in Group-A was 8.14 ±2.44 and that of Group-B was 5.80 ±1.75 (p<0.001). Adequate visibility in Group-A was seen in 41.1% and that in Group-B was 78.2% (p<0.001). Conclusion: Use of Simethicone significantly improves mucosal visibility during OGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to determine if intranasal dexmedetomidine is a superior pre-medication to oral midazolam in older, difficult children.Methods: This was conducted as a prospective, single-blind randomized control trial in a tertiary care center. Seventy-five children, age >5 years and weight >20 kg, who needed general anesthesia for dental procedures were randomly assigned to be pre-medicated with either oral midazolam at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg (max 15 mg) or intranasal dexmedetomidine at a dose of 2 mcg/kg (max 100 mcg). The primary outcome studied was the patients' level of sedation when separated from their parents, which was assessed using a 5-point University of Michigan Sedation Scale. Secondary outcome studied was the level of anxiolysis assessed by the acceptance of mask induction using a 4-point scale. All assessments were made by one research person blinded to the study drug.Results: The two groups were similar in age, sex, weight, pre-anesthetic behavior, time from pre-medication to anesthesia induction, and surgical time. A significantly higher proportion of patients who received dexmedetomidine had satisfactory sedation at separation from parents (69.4% vs 40.5%, P = .03) compared to those who received midazolam. There were no significant differences in the rate of acceptance of mask induction (80.6% vs 78.4%, P = 1.00). Intranasal dexmedetomidine was tolerated well when administered using a mucosal atomizer and without any clinically significant effect on heart rate or systolic blood pressure.Conclusions: Intranasal dexmedetomidine provides higher success rate in sedation and parental separation compared to oral midazolam, in older, difficult children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Melatonin (MT), a naturally occurring pituitary hormone has a sleep promoting effect. There are very few studies on pre-operative oral MT (0.2-0.5 mg/kg) in children. We planned a study to assess the efficacy of oral MT in two doses and compare it with oral midazolam and placebo for pre-operative anxiolysis, sedation, maintenance of cognition and psychomotor skills, parental separation behaviour and venepuncture compliance. Methods: This prospective double-blind randomised study was conducted after ethical committee approval on 100 children aged 5-15 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I and II undergoing elective surgery at our hospital from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014. Mentally disordered children were excluded from the study. They were randomised into four groups of 25 each (A, B, C, D) to receive either oral MT 0.5 mg/kg or 0.75 mg/kg or oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg or placebo 45-60 min, respectively, before induction. The child′s anxiety, cognition and psychomotor function before and after pre-medication, behaviour during the parental separation and venepuncture were appropriately scored. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance for intergroup and Wilcoxon matched pairs tests for intragroup comparisons of data were applied. Results: The four groups were comparable regarding mean age, weight and sex. The anxiety score reductions in the three groups when compared to placebo were statistically significant. Children receiving MT 0.75 mg/kg had maximum anxiolysis and venepuncture compliance (P < 0.05). Cognition was decreased with maximum sedation, successful parental separation and psychomotor impairment in the midazolam group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Oral MT (0.5 mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg) in children decreases pre-operative anxiety without impairing cognitive and psychomotor functions, the 0.75 mg/kg dose being most effective.

Background: Premedication in neonates undergoing elective intubation effectively minimizes the negative physiological events of bradycardia, systemic hypertension, intracranial hypertension, and hypoxia. Premedication decreases procedure-related pain and discomfort. This study aimed to evaluate the current practice of pre-intubation medications for non-emergent intubations in preterm and term neonates in the United States., Study Design: A cross-sectional survey (Appendix) was sent via e-mail to all level 3 and 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) of the Organization of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine Training Program Directors (ONTPD), NICU directors with pediatric residency only, and Baylor Scott and White Health, Mednax, and Envision health services systems., Results: Of 170 responses, 41% (69/168) routinely premedicate, 38% (64/168) premedicate under specific circumstances, and 21% (35/168) do not administer any routine pre-intubation medications. Only 46% (77/168) of units had a written policy. The most frequently used drugs were fentanyl (68%, 116/170), atropine (39%, 66/170), midazolam (38%, 64/170), and morphine (26%, 45/170). 21% (36/170) used a two-drug combination, and 38% (64/170) used a three-drug combination. The most commonly used two-drug combination was atropine and fentanyl, and the most common three-drug combination was atropine, fentanyl, and a paralytic agent., Conclusion:  Despite the well-documented benefits of premedication for NICU intubations, as aligned with AAP recommendations, the US lags behind other nations, with stagnant rates since 2006. This disparity persists despite a rise in written policies, which exhibit significant content variations. The authors advocate for the adoption of standardized, AAP-aligned policies across all NICUs in the US. Continued research is vital to monitor the progress of this crucial practice and address any underlying barriers to implementation., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Ali et al.)

Introduction: Pain management following dental procedures, particularly pulpotomies and extraction, is of great importance in pediatric dentistry. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of pre-treatment with ibuprofen on post-operative pain following pulpotomy of primary molars. Methods and Materials: In a split mouth double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 49 children aging between 6-10 years old were given either ibuprofen or a placebo 45 min prior to the treatment. After pulpotomy and placement of a stainless steel crown (SSC), the pain level was evaluated using the Wong-Baker face visual analogue scale for up to 7 days post-treatment. McNemar and Wilcoxon tests were used for data analysis. Results: Forty-five patients were eligible to participate in this study. Pre-medication with ibuprofen significantly reduced pain during the first 24 h posttreatment (P=0.032). However, there was no significant difference in the pain levels between placebo and ibuprofen groups at 48 and 72 h post-treatment (P=0.154 and P=0.197, respectively). The number of times patients needed analgesics in ibuprofen group was significantly lower compared to that in the placebo group (P=0.008). Conclusion: Pre-medication with ibuprofen resulted in less pain following pulpotomy and SSC placement in primary teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ofatumumab is approved for treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Examining tolerability will enable understanding of its risk-benefit profile., Objective: Report the tolerability profile of ofatumumab in RMS during treatment of up to 4 years and the effect of pre-medication., Methods: Cumulative data from the overall safety population included patients taking continuous ofatumumab or being newly switched from teriflunomide. Injection-related reactions (IRRs) by incidence and severity, and post-marketing surveillance data, with an exposure of 18,530 patient-years, were analyzed., Results: Systemic IRRs affected 24.7% of patients (487/1969) in the overall safety population; most (99.2% [483/487]) were mild (333/487) to moderate (150/487) in Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events severity; most systemic IRRs occurred after first injection. Local-site IRRs affected 11.8% (233/1969) and most (99.6% [232/233]) were mild/moderate. Incidence and severity of systemic and localized IRRs were similar between continuous and newly switched patients across repeated injections. Systemic IRR incidence and severity were not substantially affected by steroidal or non-steroidal pre-medication. Post-marketing surveillance identified no new tolerability issues., Conclusion: Ofatumumab is well tolerated, displays a consistent safety profile during continuous use or after switching from teriflunomide and does not require pre-medication. This enables home management of RMS with a high-efficacy treatment., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article: JK has received consulting fees from Biogen, Genentech, Novartis, TG Therapeutics and Sanofi and has received research funding from Biogen and Genentech. OH's institution has received research funding from Biogen, Novartis and Sanofi. OH has received compensation for consulting and/or speaking activities from Alexion, Bayer, Biogen, Boehringer, Celgene, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Roche, Sandoz and Sanofi. NB has received compensation for attending educational events and advisory boards, and for teaching from Biogen, Merck, Novartis, Roche and Sanofi. PV has received honoraria and contributions to meetings from Biogen, Sanofi-Genzyme, Novartis, Teva, Merck, Roche, Imcyse, AB Science, Almirall and Bristol-Myers Squibb-Celgene. PV has received research support from Novartis, Sanofi-Genzyme and Roche., (© The Author(s), 2023.)

Introduction: Most of the children suffer from severe anxiety and apprehension when they are separated from their parents or family members for the induction of anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: In a prospective randomized double blind study, the intra-nasal and sub-lingual administration of midazolam in paediatric patients who were undergoing root canal procedures which required general anaesthesia was evaluated in 60 children who were aged between 2-6 years, with ASA physical status I and II by using a new midazolam atomiser spray. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 patients each and they received midazolam 0.3mgkg-1 either intranasally or sub-lingually in a randomized manner. The heart rate, oxygen saturation (spo2), respiratory rate and the degree of sedation before and at 5 min, 10 min and 15 min (separation score) after the drug administration, during the mask application (mask acceptance score), before induction (induction score) and during the recovery at 10 min, 20min and 30mins (recovery score) were recorded and compared. Results: In our study, 60% of the paediatric patients cried during the administration of midazolam by the intra-nasal route, while only 16% of the paediatric patients cried during its administration by the sub-lingual route. A bitter taste was observed in 45% (14/30) of the patients who received midazolam by the sublingual route. Although there was a slight increase in the heart rate in the intra-nasal group, no statistically significant variation in the heart rate, the respiratory rate and the oxygen saturation was found from the baseline in both the groups (P>0.05). A sedation score of >3(approx) was achieved in both the groups within 10 minutes of the drug administration. The response to the child parent separation, the mask application score , the induction score and the recovery score did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P >0.05). Conclusion: Both the intra-nasal and sub-lingual administration of midazolam as a Pre-medication is safe and equally effective in paediatric patients.

Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, accurate and low-cost technique used to study the upper abdomen, but it has reduced reliability in the study of the pancreas and retroperitoneum. Simethicone is a well-known emulsifying agent that has been used to improve ultrasonographic visualization. The aim of this study was to identify anthropometric parameters that are able to predict a good response to simethicone in improving ultrasonographic visualization of abdominal structures. One hundred twenty-seven patients were recruited. After basal examination, their anthropometric parameters were collected. Patients with an incomplete upper abdominal examination because of gastrointestinal gas have greater body mass index, waist circumference and abdominal wall thickness. In our study, the best anthropometric parameter for identifying patients with poor visualization at abdominal ultrasound examination is waist circumference. Using a cutoff of 84 cm, we can identify patients with poor visibility at abdominal ultrasound examination (group B) with a sensitivity of 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Melatonin (MT), a naturally occurring pituitary hormone has a sleep promoting effect. There are very few studies on pre-operative oral MT (0.2-0.5 mg/kg) in children. We planned a study to assess the efficacy of oral MT in two doses and compare it with oral midazolam and placebo for pre-operative anxiolysis, sedation, maintenance of cognition and psychomotor skills, parental separation behaviour and venepuncture compliance. Methods: This prospective double-blind randomised study was conducted after ethical committee approval on 100 children aged 5-15 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I and II undergoing elective surgery at our hospital from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014. Mentally disordered children were excluded from the study. They were randomised into four groups of 25 each (A, B, C, D) to receive either oral MT 0.5 mg/kg or 0.75 mg/kg or oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg or placebo 45-60 min, respectively, before induction. The child's anxiety, cognition and psychomotor function before and after pre-medication, behaviour during the parental separation and venepuncture were appropriately scored. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance for intergroup and Wilcoxon matched pairs tests for intragroup comparisons of data were applied. Results: The four groups were comparable regarding mean age, weight and sex. The anxiety score reductions in the three groups when compared to placebo were statistically significant. Children receiving MT 0.75 mg/kg had maximum anxiolysis and venepuncture compliance (P < 0.05). Cognition was decreased with maximum sedation, successful parental separation and psychomotor impairment in the midazolam group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Oral MT (0.5 mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg) in children decreases pre-operative anxiety without impairing cognitive and psychomotor functions, the 0.75 mg/kg dose being most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody, is the only targeted therapy approved for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Infusion reactions (IRs) occur in 6-18% of patients pre-medicated with diphenhydramine. Evidence for clinical risk factors for IRs is limited and the benefit of additional pre-medication to prevent IRs is unclear. Materials and methods A retrospective, single institution study of 243 SCCHN patients treated with cetuximab to evaluate potential risk factors for IRs and to assess the efficacy of additional pre-medications (nebulized albuterol and intravenous (IV) corticosteroids and/or H2-blockers) to decrease the risk of IR. Results IR (grades 1-4) and high grade (grades 3-4 only) IR occurred in 47 (19.3%) and 16 (6.6%) patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified Caucasian race (OR7.11, p=0.003), medication allergy (OR3.74, p=0.002), and blood eosinophils >3% (OR2.75, p=0.01) independently increased the risk of IR; Caucasian race (OR5.57, p=0.007) and medication allergy (OR4.10, p=0.0007) increased the risk of high grade IR. IR (grades 1-4) and high grade IR occurred in 31.8% and 22.7% pre-medicated with diphenhydramine alone. Univariate analysis identified albuterol, famotidine, and corticosteroids decreased the risk of high grade IR. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the possible combinations of the pre-medications and the risk of high grade IR by Fisher Exact test (p=0.003) whereby the combination of albuterol, famotidine and corticosteroids was effective in preventing high grade IR. Thirty (64%) of the 47 patients who developed an IR were re-challenged and did not experience a recurrence of an IR. Conclusion These data may be used to identify patients at higher risk for cetuximab-induced IR who may be advised to not receive cetuximab or who may benefit from additional pre-medications to decrease the risk of a high grade IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rush and cluster immunotherapy schedules are accelerated immunotherapy build-up schedules. A cluster immunotherapy schedule involves the patient receiving several allergen injections (generally 2-4) sequentially in a single day of treatment on nonconsecutive days. The maintenance dose is generally reached in 4-8 weeks. In rush immunotherapy protocols, higher doses are administered at 15- to 60-min intervals over a 1- to 3-day period until the maintenance dose is achieved. This review will serve as an update for accelerated immunotherapy schedules. The review will include recent investigations demonstrating the safety of cluster schedules in atopic dermatitis, pediatric patients, and inhalant allergen mixtures and an accelerated protocol utilizing an infusion pump for allergen delivery. There has also been further elucidation on the immunological changes which occur during accelerated immunotherapy. Finally, new studies analyzing systemic reaction risk factors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latex allergy is an underdiagnosed condition, and it is the second cause of perioperative anaphylaxis. This condition represents a clinical challenge due to the severity of reactions caused by the exposure to latex in allergic individuals. It is necessary to know the risk factors in order to suspect the diagnosis of latex allergy, and to apply the preventive measures in the medical care of patients allergic to latex. Other safety measures and pre-medication, as avoiding objects and medical equipment made of latex, should be taken since they can cause anaphylaxis. We present six cases of patients with latex allergy, who underwent surgical procedures. In five of them with positive skin test with latex, we used preventive measures and pre-medication 72 hours before and 48 hours after surgery. Only one patient, a sixty year old woman, with urticaria related to kiwi, avocado and potatoes, who was surgically intervened without pre-medication, presented grade IV anaphylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four pre-medication drugs are used to relieve pain, allay anxiety, reduce secretion and enhance hypnosis, were evaluated for their effects on ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury which is one of the major complications of vascular and transplantation surgery. Right kidney was removed from female rats (210–250 g) 3 weeks before surgical procedure. Different doses of morphine (0.5, 2 and 5 mg/kg), promethazine (1, 2 and 5 mg/kg), atropine (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg) and alprazolam (0.08, 0.32 and 0.64 mg/kg) were administered subcutaneously 30 min before left renal artery occlusion and 6 h reperfusion. Left kidneys were processed for histological evaluations. Creatinine and BUN were measured in serum samples. Morphine, promethazine, atropine and alprazolam at all evaluated doses significantly decreased serum creatinine and BUN levels and histopathological scores. The effects of promethazine (1 mg/kg) and all doses of alprazolam were more potent than other pre-medication drugs and doses. This study suggested a protective effect of these pre-medication drugs on I/R injury. Although obvious studies are required, these findings may lead to effective therapies against I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacologic intervention at the earliest stages of suspected psychotic illness is an intuitively appealing concept and a logical extension of the current approach to many other diseases of the central nervous system. Atypical antipsychotic agents (ATAPs) seem to be a reasonable choice for early intervention because existing pre-clinical data suggest that they have pharmacologic properties which might confer ‘neuroprotection’. However, a critical analysis of the results of structured clinical investigations which have explored the use of ATAPs for new-onset psychotic symptoms raises safety concerns and does not support pre-medication in this setting as a preventive strategy. Caution in current practice is therefore appropriate, underscoring the need for much additional clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of clonidine compared with oral midazolam in hypertensive patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Methods: A longitudinal prospective study was conducted with 120 patients admitted to the hospital «Guillermo Luis Fernández Hernández Baquero» at Holguín, Cuba, from January to May 2005. All patients underwent elective open cholecystectomy and they were classified as physical status II according to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification. Participants were divided into two groups. Group I (n = 60) was given 3 µg/kg-1 of clonidine; group II (n = 60) was given 0.5 mg/kg-1 of midazolam. Both drugs were given orally 90 minutes before induction. All participants were induced for general anaesthesia with vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg, then propofol 2 mg/kg-1 through endotracheal intubation. For the maintenance period the combination oxygen-nitrous oxide, continuous infusion of fentanyl, according to the patient's need, and infusion of vecuronium (1 ìg/kg-1/min-1) were given. Results: The level of sedation, heart rate and mean blood pressure (MBP) were monitored. At the unit of post-anaesthetic care, the MBP of group I was 82 ± 5.1 mgHg compared with the MBP of group II, which was 89 ± 9.2 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Clonidine shifted the haemodynamic variables towards lower values. The secondary effects in group I were, hypotension (22%), bradycardia (10%), dry mouth (18%) and sedation (93.3%); at group II, the secondary effects were hypotension (5%) and sedation (88.3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) occur in anticipation of, and following, injection of a peribulbar local analgesic agent. We examined these changes in two groups of awake patients given a pre-medication of either hydroxyzine 1.0 mg/kg alone (control) or hydroxyzine 1.0 mg/kg with morphine 0.05 mg/kg. HR, SAP and DAP of 100 patients per group were monitored the day before surgery (baseline), every 5 min in the anesthesia holding room before peribulbar injection, every minute for the first 5 min after peribulbar injection and then every 5 min until transfer to the operating room. Within and between pre-medication group values of HR, SAP and DAP before and after peribulbar injection were compared with baseline. The two groups of patients were similar. Before peribulbar injection, HR was unchanged in the hydroxyzine group, but 6% slower in those given morphine ( P < 0.01). After injection, HR slowed in both groups, by 5% and 7% ( P < 0.01, both comparisons), respectively. In anticipation of injection, SAP increased in both groups to 20% and 16% above baseline, respectively, and increased further after injection to 26% and 24% above baseline, respectively ( P < 0.001, all comparisons). In both groups, maximum SAP following injection exceeded maximum SAP before injection ( P < 0.02, both comparisons). DAP increased by 4% ( P < 0.05) in the hydroxyzine group before injection, and by 5% and 4%, respectively ( P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively) after peribulbar injection. The audit reveals pronounced increases in SAP accompanied by lesser increases in DAP and a tendency to slowing of HR in awake patients in anticipation of peribulbar injections. Peribulbar injections cause further increases in blood pressure and mild bradycardia. These changes occur similarly in patients pre-medicated with hydroxyzine or hydroxyzine plus morphine. A mix of neuro-humoral influences (anxiety/catecholamine/baroreceptor/trigemino-vagal) are postulated as etiological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shao-Fu-Zhu-Yu-Tang (SFZYT) is reportedly beneficial to sperm. In this study, we examined sperm acrosomal activity and serum free radical changes to evaluate the possible mechanism of SFZYT. A clinical study evaluated the sperm count and motility in 36 patients with chronic prostatitis before and after treatment for 60 days. The results revealed a significant increase in sperm motility after treatment as evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis (17.27 ± 9.00 versus 28.29 ± 10.00, p < 0.01). An increase in sperm quantity and quality was observed by count and morphology with a high-powered intravital microscope. To gain an understanding of the mechanisms that caused this effect, we assessed sperm acrosin activity levels before (10.6 μ lu/10[sup 6]) and after medication (28.6 μ lu/10[sup 6]) (p < 0.01). The levels of the free radicals was relatively higher before medication, 2144, compared to a normal value of 780 after medication (p < 0.01). In conclusion, SFZYT increased the motility and quality of human semen and this increase is related to an increase in sperm acrosin activity. SFZYT also works as a sperm antioxidant and antiaging agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Daratumumab, an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, is a key component in the treatment paradigms of multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis in both the newly diagnosed and relapsed and/or refractory setting. Intravenous (IV) daratumumab administration requires extended infusion times and is associated with higher rates of infusion related reactions (IRRs) when compared to the subcutaneous (SC) formulation. We report real world safety outcomes and infusion chair time savings associated with SC administration in daratumumab naïve patients., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records at our institution for the incidence and severity of IRRs following differing observation periods post SC daratumumab administration. Infusion chair time was calculated to quantify chair time savings with SC administration., Results: Sixty-six daratumumab naïve patients were included. Nine percent of patients developed IRRs with SC daratumumab with all reactions occurring within six hours of the first dose. All reactions were grade ≤ 2 in severity and were reversible with supportive care. Over the 18 month study period, a total of 904 SC doses were administered, amounting to a potential 1785 hours of infusion chair time savings when compared to IV administration., Conclusion: SC daratumumab may be given safely with a short initial observation period and without observation for subsequent doses, resulting in reduced infusion chair time as well as administration related cost and resources., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In a randomized blind trial, cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were premedicated subcutaneously with 4 mg/kg tramadol and 0.1 mg/kg acepromazine (Group AT4); 2 mg/kg tramadol and 0.1 mg/kg acepromazine (Group AT2); or 0.1 mg/kg acepromazine (Group ACE). Composite pain scores (CPS), and mechanical thresholds at metatarsal pad (MTp) and surgical site (MTs) were determined at -0.5, 0.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 12 and 48 hours after pre-medication. Postoperatively, CPS was the highest in ACE and all cats required rescue analgesia. None of the cats in AT4 or AT2 needed rescue analgesia. Group AT4 has lower CPS and higher MTp compared to AT2. Decrement of MTs tended to be the least in AT4. This study shows that tramadol at 4 mg/kg provided more profound and longer duration of analgesic effect than 2 mg/kg, when combined with acepromazine for premedication in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]