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C Gomar

Publications and source records attributed to C Gomar.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Anticlotting drugs and regional anaesthetic and analgesic techniques: comparative update of the safety recommendations.

The wide use of anticlotting drugs by patients scheduled for surgery is a challenge for the anaesthesiologist when considering a regional anaesthesia technique. This practice seems safe if there is an appropriate management based on safety intervals established according to the pharmacology of the drug and the regional technique. Some anaesthesiology societies have published recommendations for the safe practice of regional anaesthesia with the simultaneous use of anticoagulants (heparin, low molecular weight heparins, oral anticoagulants (OA), fondaparinux and others) and antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, argatroban and others). One of the most recent guidelines has been published by the Spanish Society of Anaesthesia and Critical Care. This article reviews these recommendations and compares them with others published in the last years. The recommendations are similar, but some interesting differences can be observed and need to be considered. A European consensus in this setting would probably be necessary.

Analgesia↗
PubMed2006

Improved preoperative iron status assessment by soluble transferrin receptor in elderly patients undergoing knee and hip replacement.

A poor preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) status is frequently encountered among adult patients scheduled for corrective surgery of the locomotive system, representing the main risk factor for blood transfusion. The soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) has become a highly specific parameter for the detection of iron deficits as it can differentiate between iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease, because of the lack of effect by associated inflammation, unlike ferritin. The objectives of this study were to evaluate patients with the prevalence of risk for transfusion, the effect of inflammation on ferritin (F) values and functional iron deficiency in elderly patients with advanced degenerative arthropathy scheduled for hip or knee replacement. This observational, prospective study included patients over 50 years, operated for hip or knee replacements between April and June 2004. Of 218 patients studied, 87 (39%) presented with Hb levels between 10 and 13 g/dl. The prevalence of functional iron deficit was 27% (sTfR > 1.76 mg/l), while only 8.6% of patients displayed F levels below normal. As expected, C-reactive protein levels were elevated in 24.8% of patients and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in 50%. These inflammatory markers did not correlate with levels of either F or sTfR. Multiple factors can affect F levels, such as the inflammatory status of osteoarthritis in the elderly, obesity, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs therapy and low physical performance. As sTfR is not affected by inflammation, it has emerged as a primary parameter for the evaluation of iron status during preoperative assessment among patients scheduled for arthroplasty surgery. Our data strongly suggest that sTfR measurement contributes to improve patient management.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

An oncolytic adenovirus controlled by a modified telomerase promoter is attenuated in telomerase-negative cells, but shows reduced activity in cancer cells.

The promoter for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERTp) is preferentially active in malignant cells. It was recently used to control the expression of the adenoviral E1A gene for the development of oncolytic adenoviruses. To ensure maximal repression in normal cells, the inclusion of additional E-boxes in the proximal region of the core promoter was described. We found that the transcriptional activity of this artificial sequence (T-255-4DEB) is minimal in normal cells, but it is also reduced in all the cancer cell lines tested. The cancer specificity of a new oncolytic adenovirus based in this promoter (AdTE1) was evaluated by direct comparison with wild-type adenovirus type 5 (AdWT) in vitro and in vivo. In all the parameters tested, AdTE1 was attenuated in normal cells, but the efficacy in cancer cells showed a parallel reduction, suggesting a lack of specificity. However, the cytotoxicity of AdTE1 was repressed in senescent cells compared to AdWT. Therefore, we conclude that AdTE1 is preferentially attenuated only in cells that are permanently devoid of telomerase expression such as senescent cells. Further modifications in the telomerase-based promoters should be introduced in order to combine maximal attenuation of oncolytic adenoviruses in normal tissues and enhanced activity in tumors.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2005

Kidney-specific proteins in patients receiving aprotinin at high- and low-dose regimens during coronary artery bypass graft with cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine whether the administration of aprotinin can cause deleterious effects on renal function in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients with normal preoperative renal function undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery with CPB using the same anaesthetic; CPB and surgical protocols were randomized into three groups. Patients received placebo (Group 1), low-dose aprotinin (Group 2) or high-dose aprotinin (Group 3). Renal parameters measured were plasma creatinine, alpha1-microglobulin and beta-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG) excretion. Measurements were performed before surgery, during CPB and 24 and 72 h, and 7 and 40 days postoperatively. RESULTS: In the three groups, alpha1-microglobulin and beta-NAG excretions significantly increased during CPB, at 24 and 72 h, and 7 days postoperatively (P < 0.05) and had returned to preoperative levels at postoperative day 40. Plasma creatinine levels were within normal values at times recorded. In Groups 2 and 3, alpha1-microglobulin excretion during CPB was significantly higher than in Group 1 (P < 0.001), and 24h after surgery it still remained significantly higher in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aprotinin caused a significant increase in alpha1-microglobulin excretion but not in beta-NAG excretion during CPB, which may be interpreted as a greater renal tubular overload without tubular damage. This effect persisted for 24 h after surgery when high-dose aprotinin doses had been administered. Creatinine plasma levels were not sensitive to detect these prolonged renal effects in our study.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed2004

Anaesthesia for caesarean section in a patient with syringomyelia and Arnold-Chiari type I malformation.

A 37-year-old primiparous woman with syringomyelia and Arnold-Chiari type I malformation was scheduled to undergo elective caesarean section for a fetus in the breech presentation. Caesarean section was performed under general anaesthesia without complications; all we observed was an exaggerated response to atracurium. The patient was discharged home 7 days after the operation without neurological deterioration. General anaesthesia was chosen in this patient to avoid any spinal manipulation that could increase intracranial pressure or reduce intraspinal pressure and cause deterioration of neurological symptoms. Syringomyelia is a progressive myelopathy characterised by cystic degeneration within the spinal cord, which causes severe neurological deficits. The anaesthetic management is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Treatment of colorectal and hepatocellular carcinomas by adenoviral mediated gene transfer of endostatin and angiostatin-like molecule in mice.

AIM AND METHOD: In this study, we explored the responsiveness of different tumour entities (colorectal carcinoma (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)) to angiostatic antitumour treatment with two recombinant adenoviral vectors encoding angiostatin-like molecule (AdK1-3) and endostatin (Adendo). RESULTS: AdK1-3 and Adendo exerted inhibitory biological functions on endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. AdK1-3 inhibited significantly endothelial cell infiltration in vascular endothelial growth factor embedded Matrigel plugs in mice whereas Adendo showed only minor effects. Both AdK1-3 and Adendo induced similar antitumour effects in the LLC tumour model in immune competent C57BL/6 mice but AdK1-3 had stronger inhibitory effects in athymic mice. Furthermore, AdK1-3 inhibited tumour growth in a murine CRC and human HCC model but was ineffective in a human CRC model. In contrast, Adendo did not reduce tumour progress in either of these tumour models although AdK1-3 and Adendo effectively reduced intratumoral microvessel density in LLC tumours. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that angiostatic gene therapy may form a feasible strategy for the treatment of established hepatocellular carcinomas and that in vivo antitumour efficacy of angiostatic proteins is tumour specific.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2004

[Incidence of pain upon injection of a new formula of propofol in a fat emulsion of medium- and long-chain triglycerides].

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of pain upon injection of 1% propofol (Propofol-Lipuro 1%, B. Braun, Melsungen, Germany) in a 10% fat emulsion containing equal proportions (50:50) of medium- and long-chain triglycerides. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were 600 adult patients scheduled for elective surgery. The use of premedication was left to the discretion of the anesthesiologist. All patients received the study anesthetic injected slowly (20-40 mg per 10 seconds) at a dose of 1.5 to 2.5 mg/Kg. Variables recorded were incidence and type of pain upon administering the anesthetic, the patients' clinical characteristics, premedication administered, and method of venous puncture. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to determine factors associated with the appearance of pain. RESULTS: The overall incidence of pain upon administration of propofol-lipuro was 27%. Pain was moderate to intense in 9%. Premedication did not affect the incidence of pain with injection. The risk factors that predicted the appearance of pain were injection through a small-caliber catheter (> 18 G) and injection on the dorsal hand (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of pain upon injection of propofol-lipuro is low in comparison with incidence rates reported in the literature for the traditional formula, but administration of the fat emulsion formula through a vein on the dorsal side of the hand or through a venous catheter smaller than 18 G should be avoided. Double-blind randomized controlled trials should be conducted to clarify the advantages that propofol-lipuro seems to offer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Pattern of renal dysfunction associated with myocardial revascularization surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A variable incidence rate of renal dysfunction (3-35%) after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass has been reported. The aim was to define the typical pattern of renal dysfunction that follows coronary surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass using albumin, immunoglobulin (IgG), alpha1-microglobulin and beta-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG) excretion as indicators. METHODS: Twenty patients with preoperative normal renal function, defined by plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance, fractional excretion of sodium and renal excretion of proteins, undergoing elective myocardial revascularization surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, were prospectively studied. Variables recorded were demographic and haemodynamic variables, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping, intra- and postoperative urine output, plasma creatinine concentration, creatinine clearance and excretion of sodium, albumin, IgG, beta-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG), and alpha1-microglobulin. Measurements were made preoperatively, immediately before and then during and immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass, and again at 1, 24, 72 h, 7 and 40 days following surgery. RESULTS: Albumin and IgG excretion rose significantly during cardiopulmonary bypass (P < 0.05), remaining at these levels at 24 h postoperatively. An increase of alpha1-microglobulin and beta-NAG concentrations was observed during cardiopulmonary bypass (P < 0.05), which were maintained until the seventh postoperative day and remained elevated in some patients at the 40th postoperative day. This correlated with preoperative diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001), low cardiac output after cardiopulmonary bypass (P < 0.001) and the duration of stay in the intensive care unit (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of renal dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass for myocardial revascularization is characterized by temporary renal dysfunction at both glomerular and tubular levels with an onset within 24 h of surgery and which lasts between 24 h and 40 days, respectively, following surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine vs. bupivacaine in continuous perfusion for the treatment of labor pains].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the analgesic efficacy and extent of motor block when 0.125% ropivacaine or 0.125% bupivacaine were given in continuous perfusion through an epidural catheter during labor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 60 ASA I-II women, each carrying a single fetus at full term and in spontaneous labor. The patients were distributed in 2 groups. Women in the ropivacaine group (R) (n = 30) received 8 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine for analgesic induction, followed by a continuous perfusion of 10 mL/h at 0.125%. The bupivacaine group (B) (n = 30) received bupivacaine at the same concentration and infusion rate. The objective of analgesia was to achieve a score less than 3 on a visual analog pain scale. If analgesia was inadequate, a 5 mL bolus of 0.2% ropivacaine or bupivacaine, depending on group, was administered. The motor block was evaluated on an abbreviated Bromage scale and we recorded hemodynamic stability, fetal status, type of delivery and the total dose of local anesthetic. RESULTS: Analgesia and hemodynamics were similar in both groups. Group R required a larger number of additional boluses, although the difference was not statistically significant. A motor block was observed in 8 patients in group B and 1 in group R (p < 0.05). Fetal status was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both drugs were equally effective for controlling the pain accompanying labor, such that ropivacaine offered no advantage over bupivacaine in that regard. Ropivacaine's reduced motor block effect at the doses administered may offer an advantage in some situations, such as when a walking epidural is provided.

Adrenergic Agents↗
PubMed2002

Fatal amniotic fluid embolism diagnosed histologically.

Although the mortality of amniotic fluid embolism remains very high, there are more and more reports of patients surviving after prompt and aggressive therapy. However its pathogenesis is controversial, and, in some cases, an anaphylactic reaction to the amniotic fluid rather than the hemodynamic changes following mechanical obstruction by an embolus has been proposed as the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. In this paper we describe a case of amniotic fluid embolism with florid clinical features and a difficult and delayed diagnosis. On autopsy, clear-cut histological changes of amniotic fluid embolism were found.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Subarachnoid anesthesia in the repair of urinary stress incontinence using a Burch-type colposuspension by means of extraperitoneal laparoscopy].

UNLABELLED: Extraperitoneal laparoscopy does not lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure, meaning that the mainly respiratory physiological changes that develop derive from CO2 absorption from the extraperitoneal cavity that is created. Therefore, subarachnoid anesthesia might possibly be appropriate for this type of procedure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of subarachnoid anesthesia for correcting urinary incontinence by extraperitoneal Burch laparoscopic colposuspension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six consecutive patients undergoing extraperitoneal Burch laparoscopic colposuspension under intradural anesthesia. A lateral decubitus puncture was made and 12 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine was infused with 20 micrograms of fentanyl. We monitored hemodynamic variables, end-tidal CO2 and respiratory frequency. Complications occurring during surgery and recovery were recorded. RESULTS: Four patients presented intraperitoneal CO2 leaks upon insufflation of the extraperitoneal cavity, with dyspnea and chest-shoulder pain in addition to anxiety and agitation, such that general anesthesia had to be provided. Subcutaneous emphysema was observed to the cervical zone after surgery but discharge was not delayed. The study was halted in view of the results obtained. CONCLUSION: Subarachnoid anesthesia was not effective for extraperitoneal Burch laparoscopic colposuspension because of the impossibility of alleviating discomfort from intraperitoneal leakage and subcutaneous emphysema that can develop during the procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Transient neurologic symptoms after spinal anaesthesia using isobaric 2% mepivacaine and isobaric 2% lidocaine.

BACKGROUND: Transient Neurological Symptoms (TNS) syndrome following subarachnoid anaesthesia was initially associated with hyperbaric lidocaine 50 mg/ml, but has also been reported with most local anaesthetics, including hyperbaric mepivacaine 40 mg/ml. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of TNS after subarachnoid anaesthesia using isobaric mepivacaine 20 mg/ml and isobaric lidocaine 20 mg/ml. METHODS: Eighty patients of both sexes, ASA class I-II, scheduled for elective minor orthopaedic surgery under subarachnoid anaesthesia, were prospectively included and randomly allocated to receive 40-60 mg of either isobaric mepivacaine 20 mg/ml (Group M) or isobaric lidocaine 20 mg/ml (Group L). Patients were evaluated on the first postoperative day by one investigator unaware of the grouping, looking for symptoms suggestive of TNS, such as pain or dysaesthesias in the buttocks or lower limbs with or without back pain. RESULTS: TNS symptoms were observed in three patients (7.5%) of Group M and in one patient (2.5%) of Group L, without statistically significant differences between the groups. Symptoms had an abrupt onset and relief, lasted from 45 min to 24 h, and had a complete resolution without sequelae. The only statistically significant difference between groups was longer motor blockade in Group M (P=0.0031). CONCLUSION: In this study TNS was associated with isobaric mepivacaine 20 mg/ml, with an incidence of 7.5%, and with isobaric lidocaine 20 mg/ml, with an incidence of 2.5%, in patients having orthopaedic procedures in the supine position.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Monitoring in neuroanaesthesia: update of clinical usefulness.

The aim of specific monitoring in neuroanaesthesia is to detect, as quickly as possible, intraoperative ischaemic insults so that the brain and the spinal cord may be protected from harmful and frequently inevitable events due to the type of surgery, patient positioning, haemodynamic changes or any intercurrent event. New monitors are being introduced into the operating theatre, but only a few are considered to be an absolute standard of care in neurosurgery, e.g. facial nerve monitoring for surgery of acoustic neuromas and recording of evoked potentials during repair of scoliosis. In the past decade, new monitoring devices have moved from the experimental stage to the operating theatre and although most are still in a phase of technological development and/or definition of their field of applicability they are being used as guides for clinical practice in those instances where cerebral well-being might be impaired. The metabolic consequences of hyperventilation, pharmacological electroencephalogram burst suppression, hypothermia, etc. can now be assessed in the operating theatre. Non-invasive monitoring is being rapidly integrated into our daily work because of its lack of secondary effects. Nevertheless, each new development is regarded as an addition rather than as a substitute for existing equipment. The perfect combination of monitors to provide essential information during an individual surgical procedure to influence a better patient outcome, is still uncertain and needs extensive clinical research.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed2001

Comparative hemodynamic effects of urapidil and labetalol after electroconvulsive therapy.

Urapidil, a postsynaptic alpha 1 -adrenergic antagonist, has been reported to improve intraoperative hemodynamic stability, although it has never been used to prevent the hemodynamic response of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This study was designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of urapidil, as an alternative to labetalol, in preventing the hemodynamic response of ECT. Twenty-seven patients undergoing a series of six consecutive ECT treatments were studied. Each patient received all three pretreatments twice: no drug, labetalol 0.2 mg/kg, or urapidil 25 mg. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were recorded during the awake state, after anesthesia induction, and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 30 minutes after electroencephalographic (EEG) seizure ended. The duration of the EEG convulsion was also recorded. After induction, the HR increased for no drug and urapidil pretreatments, whereas it decreased when labetalol was given. Labetalol and urapidil attenuated the peak increase of blood pressure and returned it to earlier baseline values. There were no differences in the duration of EEG convulsion between the three pretreatments. Urapidil seems to be a good alternative to labetalol for attenuating the hypertensive response to ECT in cases where there is a contraindication to beta-antagonists.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗