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Biomedical subjects

C E Orlikowski

Publications and source records attributed to C E Orlikowski.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

An audit of the Single Use Portex Laryngeal Mask.

We performed an audit of the insertion of the Single Use Portex Laryngeal Mask in 400 patients. Insertion was successful at first attempt in 335 out of 400 patients (83.8%). However in 15 patients (3.8%), the Portex laryngeal mask could not be placed despite repeated attempts. In 12 of these 15 patients (80%), a standard Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) was successfully placed. After the completion of the audit, 22 out of 29 anaesthetists (75.9%), who had inserted > or = 5 Portex laryngeal masks, considered it inferior to the standard LMA. It would appear to us that the Portex laryngeal mask might need some design modifications to be a real alternative to the standard LMA.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The effect of the biopatch, a chlorhexidine impregnated dressing, on bacterial colonization of epidural catheter exit sites.

We performed a prospective, randomized study in 55 ASA I to 3 women undergoing elective gynaecological surgery followed by postoperative epidural analgesia. We compared the incidence of bacterial colonization at the epidural exit site following catheter removal between a control group and an experimental group who received a chlorhexidine impregnated dressing (Biopatch, Johnson and Johnson, Arlington, TX, U.S.A.). Positive culture results were found in 11 of 27 (40.1%) patients in the control group compared with one of 29 (3.4%) patients whose epidural catheters were dressed with the Biopatch. We concluded that the Biopatch was effective in reducing bacterial colonization of the epidural catheter exit site.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Postoperative intraspinal opioid analgesia after caesarean section; a randomised comparison of subarachnoid morphine and epidural pethidine.

A randomised, blinded clinical trial was performed to evaluate intraspinal opioid analgesic techniques after caesarean section. Healthy term parturients having elective caesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia were allocated to one of three groups. Postoperative analgesia, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, was provided using either pethidine patient-controlled epidural analgesia (group PCEA) or subarachnoid morphine 200 microg, the latter supplemented as required with patient-controlled intravenous pethidine (group SMPCIA) or oral paracetamol and codeine (group SMO). Maternal analgesia, side effects, recovery and satisfaction were assessed for 48 h. Of 144 parturients enrolled, 137 completed the study (PCEA n = 44, SMPCIA n = 45, SMO n = 48). The groups were demographically similar. All participants experienced good pain relief, including median visual analogue pain scores (0-100) with movement <40 between 0-24 h. However, pain scores were significantly lower at 8 and 12 h in those receiving subarachnoid morphine (P< 0.05). Women in groups receiving subarachnoid morphine experienced more severe pruritus (P<0.001), nausea (P< 0.001) and drowsiness (P< 0.05). Postoperative recovery of bowel function and ambulation occurred earlier in those using PCEA, although this did not appear to be of clinical significance. Patient satisfaction was similar, although women in group SMO were least likely to choose this approach again (P<0.05). We concluded that all three techniques provided effective analgesia for a prolonged period postoperatively. Better pain relief, but more opioid-related side effects, resulted from subarachnoid morphine 200 microg, and re-evaluation of reduced doses of subarachnoid morphine may be warranted.

Clinical Trial↗
PubMed1997

Postoperative epidural infusion: a randomized, double-blind, dose-finding trial of clonidine in combination with bupivacaine and fentanyl.

The aim of this randomized, double-blind trial of postoperative thoracic epidural analgesic infusions was to determine whether clonidine at 10 microg/h (group C10, n = 22), 15 microg/h (Group C15, n = 24), or 20 microg/h (Group C20, n = 24) improved postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal gynecologic surgery, without side effects or hemodynamic changes, when added to a 5-mL/h infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine and fentanyl 2 microg/mL (Group CO, n = 22). The 24-h study infusion was supplemented, as required, by patient-controlled epidural fentanyl. Groups were similar for age, weight, duration, and type of surgery. Clonidine produced a dose-dependent improvement in analgesia at rest. Only 20 microg/h significantly increased the percentage of patients who experienced no pain with coughing (relative risk 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.24-1.94), reduced pain scores with coughing (P < 0.05), and significantly lowered supplementary fentanyl requirements (P < 0.05). Groups were similar for sedation, pruritus, nausea, time to ambulation, and satisfaction with analgesia. Clonidine produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure and pulse rate and an increase in vasopressor requirement (P < 0.01). Epidural clonidine infused at 20 microg/h improves analgesia during coughing when combined with epidural bupivacaine-fentanyl in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery but is associated with hemodynamic changes and increased vasopressor requirement.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
PubMed1996

Thrombelastography changes in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

We have measured platelet count, bleeding time and thrombelastography (TEG) variables and the correlation between these variables in 49 pregnant patients presenting with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Eighteen patients (37%) had a platelet count < or = 150 x 10(9) litre-1 and seven (14%) had a platelet count < or = 100 x 10(9) litre-1. Bleeding time was prolonged > 9.5 min in 13 (27%) patients and the TEG was abnormal in four (8%). The TEG variables, k time and maximum amplitude (MA) had a strong correlation with platelet count (k time-platelet count < or = 150 x 10(9) litre-1, r = -0.68, P = 0.003, platelet count < or = 100 x 10(9) litre-1, r = -0.84, P = 0.02; MA--platelet count < or = 150 x 10(9) litre-1, r = 0.72, P = 0.001, platelet count < or = 100 x 10(9) litre-1, r = 0.78, P = 0.04). There was no correlation between bleeding time and thrombocytopenia (platelet count < or = 150 x 10(9) litre-1, r = -0.18, ns; platelet count < or = 100 x 10(9) litre-1, r = 0.09, ns). There was no correlation between bleeding time and any measured TEG variable. Of the 10 (20%) patients with an adequate platelet count (> 100 x 10(9) litre-1) but prolonged bleeding time, the TEG was normal, suggesting adequate haemostasis. An MA of 53 mm, which is the lower limit for normal pregnancy, correlated with a platelet count of 54 x 10(9) litre-1 (95% confidence limits 40-75 x 10(9) litre-1). Although the number of patients with severe thrombocytopenia was small, a platelet count of 75 x 10(9) litre-1 should be associated with adequate haemostasis.

Anesthesia, Conduction↗
PubMed1996

Epidural anaesthesia, ephedrine and phenylephrine in a patient taking moclobemide, a new monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

We report a case of low thoracic epidural and general anaesthesia in a patient receiving moclobemide, a new selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A. Intra-operative hypotension was initially treated with phenylephrine and then with ephedrine. The short half-life of moclobemide and its modest interaction with direct and indirect acting sympathomimetic drugs permit the use of epidural anaesthesia, since any associated hypotension can be safely treated.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Effect of delay and storage on whole-blood clotting analysis as determined by thrombelastography.

The thrombelastogram (TEG) measures the viscoelastic properties of clotting blood, displaying a visual trace of all phases of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Thrombelastography can be performed on whole blood (WBTEG) or on citrated blood or plasma, citrated samples facilitating delayed analysis but requiring recalcification of the sample. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of delay and storage method on WBTEG measurement. Thrombelastographic analysis of coagulation in whole blood was investigated after delays of 3 and 6 minutes in polystyrene syringes (PS3 and PS6) and 3 minutes in silicone-coated glass tubes (SG3). Thrombelastograms of the delayed samples were compared with those measured immediately. Silicone-coated glass tubes activated coagulation, as seen by shorter r times (p < 0.01), shorter r + k times (p < 0.01), and larger maximum amplitude (ma) values (p < 0.01) compared with TEG values determined immediately after sampling. In the SG3 group, 20% of samples had clotted by 3 minutes, and the use of SG tubes for this purpose cannot be recommended. A delay of 6 minutes in PS had less effect on the activation of clotting in the earlier stages in that the r time was prolonged (p < 0.01). However, there appeared to be some activation later in that k time was shorter (p < 0.01) and ma was wider (p < 0.05). Overall, a 3-minute delay in PS produced the best values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Coagulation↗
PubMed1992

Thrombelastography after aspirin ingestion in pregnant and non-pregnant subjects.

The thrombelastograph (TEG) and bleeding time were performed before and 6 h after a single oral dose of aspirin 600 mg in a group of eight healthy volunteers and 12 pregnant patients. Measured TEG variables (r, k, r+k times and maximum amplitude) were unaltered after aspirin although there was a significant prolongation of the bleeding time in both groups. Although the TEG appeared not to detect aspirin-induced changes in platelet function, the TEG measures all phases of coagulation and the unaltered TEG after aspirin suggested a functioning coagulation system.

Aspirin↗
PubMed1991

The Humphrey ADE system: evaluation in paediatric use.

The Humphrey ADE single lever parallel form breathing system was evaluated in 17 children whose lungs were ventilated mechanically, mean age 28 (range 9-58) months, weight 13.3 (8.3-18.0) kg and in 10 spontaneously breathing children, age 50.7 (18-99) months and weight 17.5 (10.9-24.3) kg. During controlled ventilation in the E mode, the ADE behaved in a manner similar to the Jackson-Rees modification of Ayre's T-piece with the fresh gas flows (FGF) set either according to weight or at a standard 3 litre min-1. After 5 min hand ventilation in the A mode with FGF 3 litre min-1 the mean end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide was 5.3 (SD 0.8) kPa (range 4.1-7.7 kPa). Whilst breathing spontaneously in the A mode, no patient experienced rebreathing at FGF 3 litre min-1; rebreathing started at 124 (31.6) ml kg-1 min-1. The ADE circuit performed satisfactorily in all three modes. During controlled ventilation in the E mode, FGF should be adjusted according to the standard formulae recommended for the T-piece circuit. During hand ventilation in the A mode, an FGF greater than 3 litre min-1 should be used.

Anesthesia, Closed-Circuit↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia in labor: the addition of clonidine to bupivacaine-fentanyl.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidural clonidine has not been evaluated as a component of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) solutions during labor. A randomized, double-blind trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy and side effects of PCEA using bupivacaine and fentanyl, with or without clonidine. METHODS: Seventy-five healthy parturients in active labor were assigned to a PCEA solution of 0.0625% bupivacaine and fentanyl 2 microg/mL (4 mL demand bolus, 15 min lockout), with or without clonidine 4.5 microg/mL. The primary outcome measure was parturient rating of analgesia; others assessments included pain scores, drug utilization, supplementation and side effects. RESULTS: Thirty-one parturients received clonidine (group BFC) and 38 received control solution (group BF). Eight (6 group BF, 2 group BFC, P = .28) failed to achieve satisfactory epidural analgesia. There was a trend for parturient ratings of pain relief to be higher in group BFC, with significantly more reporting excellent first-stage analgesia (81% v. 57%, P<.05). Pain scores were similar. Clonidine (median dose, 28 microg/h) reduced total bupivacaine and fentanyl use (P<.01), and reduced supplementation (P<.01). Maternal blood pressure (BP) and recordings of systolic BP below 100 mm Hg did not differ. Group BFC had higher sedation scores (P<.01), but no one appeared oversedated. Shivering was reduced in group BFC (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of clonidine to epidural bupivacaine and fentanyl for PCEA in labor improved analgesia, reduced the supplementation rate, and reduced shivering. Increased sedation and lower BP were not clinically important.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗