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Biomedical subjects

L Sarcinelli

Publications and source records attributed to L Sarcinelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effect of low dose fentanyl-droperidol administration on respiratory drive, respiratory pattern and gas exchange in ASA 1 spontaneously breathing patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the short term effects of low doses of fentanyl and droperidol on central respiratory drive, gas exchanges, respiratory pattern and inspiratory impedance of the respiratory system in a group of ASA 1 patients. Fourteen ASA 1 patients scheduled for minor surgery or endoscopic procedures were enrolled in the study, thirty minutes before the intervention. During spontaneous breathing of air we evaluated, by recording airflow, airway opening pressure and volume, the following variables: Respiratory Rate (RR), Tidal Volume (TV), Total respiratory cycle, Inspiratory and Expiratory Time (Ti, Te), mean inspiratory flow, P0.1, pH, PaO2 and PaCO2. After obtaining basal measurements, droperidol and fentanyl were injected and the above mentioned variables evaluated at 5 min (T1), 10 min (T2), 15 min (T3) intervals. Arterial blood was age, sampled at T3 for blood gas evaluation. The administration of droperidol (0.1 mg/kg) and fentanyl (0.002 mg/kg) significantly reduced P0.1 and Tidal Volume comparing basal with T1 and, T2 values. The other variables did not significantly modify. Two patients showed transient respiratory rhythm abnormalities in the first 180 sec following the administration of droperidol+fentanyl. Our results suggest that, in ASA 1 patients, droperidol+fentanyl preoperative administration, has no significant effects on respiratory pattern, respiratory impedance and gas exchanges: however also at low doses, the association of droperidol+fentanyl can reduce the respiratory center activity, expressed as P0.1, with a consequent reduction in Tidal Volume.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗

[Problems related to resuscitation in studies with contrast media].

This study has the purpose of describing indications and legal implications related to the intravascular use of contrast media (ICM) in order to provide useful guidelines to the intensivist, often involved in the treatment of adverse reactions. The structure of modern contrast media (CM), is a benzenic ring carrying steadily three iodine ions. Adverse reactions due to the use of ICM, are local or systemic ranging from skin rashes or flushes (urticaria et al.), to cardiovascular, respiratory and neurologic symptoms. The prevention of these reactions is mandatory in patients reporting a history of allergy or atopia disease. From a legal point of view, the contraindication to procedures involving i.v. use of CM are not clearly pointed out therefore several concerns have been expressed. The intensivist is not required to physically attend the procedure, in agreement with the circular #64 edited in 1979; on the other hand his prompt intervention should be granted if necessary. Furthermore every therapeutic supply suitable for any resuscitational intervention should be available in the area where the test is performed. In conclusion we would like to stress the financial and ethic implications related to the choice of ICM (ionic versus non-ionic). The use of non-ionic CM offers several advantages: among them the better tolerance for the patient and the lower incidence of adverse reactions. However non-ionic CM have a cost ten-fold higher and both groups of drugs have same incidence of fatal reactions, therefore the use of non-ionic ICM is recommended for high risk patients.

Adult↗

[Effects of the nutritional status on the respiratory system].

Mechanically ventilated patients are at high risk for malnutrition, and it is now accepted that nutrition can influence the respiratory function. In particular, malnutrition can adversely affect lung function and the adverse effects of such malnutrition include: decreased ventilatory drive, decreased respiratory muscle function, alterations of lung parenchyma and depressed lung defense mechanisms. Therefore, nutrition support should be considered if a patients has a severe chronic pulmonary disease or an acute respiratory disease. Recent studies showed that malnourished patients have a reduced respiratory muscle strength and that nutritional intervention can return muscle ventilatory function to normal levels. Furthermore, it seems very likely that the ventilatory drive can be influenced by dietary intake of amino acids and glucose. The structure of the pulmonary parenchyma can be affected by starvation and the pulmonary defense mechanisms are depressed in malnourished patients. The incidence of post-operative pneumonia or atelectasis is higher in protein-depleted patients. in comparison with well-nourished patients. In conclusion, the importance of nutrition support in the management of patients with respiratory failure, particularly those mechanically ventilated, is stressed in the paper.

Humans↗

Cardiotoxicity from orphenadrine intoxication in humans.

Eight cases of Orphenadrine intoxication were treated in the Resuscitation Centre of Rome's University Medical School. All these cases arrived in coma, after taking an overdose of Orphenadrine in an attempt at suicide. The clinical signs and therapy are reported in detail; the cardiovascular side-effects, in particular those involving arrhythmias are dangerous and life threatening. From the clinical data it is believed that these changes in rhythm are mostly due to the autonomic nervous system (A.N.S.). In fact all the 8 patients survived, without treatment never having been treated with cardiokinetic or antiarrhythmic drugs, but a few were given Diazepam as well as respiratory assistance, cardiovascular assistance, and forced diuresis.

Adolescent↗