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Biomedical subjects

P Rock

Publications and source records attributed to P Rock.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Perioperative concerns in sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea syndrome is one of a series of sleep-related breathing disorders, and is often under-diagnosed. Recent appreciation of the prevalence of sleep apnea and its physiologic effects has raised patient and caregiver awareness of the disorder. Few definitive data exist to guide perioperative management of patients with sleep apnea. Nevertheless, advances in the study of sleep apnea have served to highlight important aspects of anesthetic care for these patients. An improved understanding of the relationships between sleep apnea and comorbid conditions has better defined the role for preoperative treatment. Recent work has also clarified the impact of interactions between postoperative pain management strategies and sleep apnea, as well as the need for advanced postoperative monitoring. Finally, progress in our understanding of the relationship between sleep deprivation and the anesthesized state may provide new insights into relationships between the anesthetic and sleep states. The present review identifies important perioperative concerns in patients with sleep apnea and suggests management strategies.

Journal Article↗

Bundle-branch block as a risk factor in noncardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite extensive data examining perioperative risk in patients with coronary artery disease, little attention has been devoted to the implications of conduction system abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical significance of bundle-branch block (BBB) as a perioperative risk factor. METHODS: Retrospective, cohort-controlled study of all noncardiac, nonophthalmologic, adult patients with BBB seen in our preoperative evaluation center. Medical charts were reviewed for data regarding cardiovascular disease, surgical procedure, type of anesthesia, intravascular monitoring, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Bundle-branch block was present in 455 patients. Right BBB (RBBB) was more common than left BBB (LBBB) (73.8% vs 26.2%). Three patients with LBBB and 1 patient with RBBB died; 1 patient had a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia. Three of the 4 deaths were sepsis related. There were 2 (0.4%) deaths in the control group. There was no difference in mortality between BBB and control groups (P = .32). Subgroup analysis suggested an increased risk for death in patients with LBBB vs controls (P = .06; odds ratio, 6.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-100.0) and vs RBBB (P = .06; odds ratio, 8.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-100.0). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of BBB is not associated with a high incidence of postoperative cardiac complications. Perioperative mortality is not increased in patients with RBBB and not directly attributable to cardiac complications in patients with LBBB. These data suggest that the presence of BBB does not significantly increase the likelihood of cardiac complications following surgery, but that patients with LBBB may not tolerate the stress of perioperative noncardiac complications.

Adult↗

The future of anesthesiology is perioperative medicine.

Anesthesiology faces many challenges in the years ahead. To meet these challenges, the author hypothesizes that perioperative medicine, which includes the spectrum of care from preoperative assessment to postoperative care, offers the best chance for the specialty to survive and prosper. The history of perioperative medicine is reviewed and a discussion of how such change will benefit anesthesiology is included. Implementation may be difficult and the author explores how a transition from traditional procedure-focused anesthesiology to a broader based specialty may be accomplished. The special needs of perioperative medicine and how they differ from anesthesiology are also presented.

Anesthesiology↗

The business of perioperative medicine.

Medical centers should insist that their top officials have a firm grasp of contemporary business principles, use that skill set, and run the medical business like any other. This business imperative does not exclude a conscious decision to measure success by the amount of articles published or charity care given rather than the amount of profits. Physician leaders should insist that while they care for patients, someone cares for the business.

Accounting↗

Cytotoxicity of (2,2':6',2''-terpyridine)platinum(II) complexes to Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei.

A range of (2,2':6',2''-terpyridine)platinum(II) complexes are shown to possess antiprotozoal activity in vitro against Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei,the causative organisms of tropical diseases leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis. The best compounds caused 100% and 78% inhibition of growth of the intracellular amastigote forms of L. donovani and T. cruzi, respectively, at a concentration of 1 microM and 100% inhibition of growth of the bloodstream trypomastigote forms of T. brucei at a concentration of 0.03 microM. The results obtained with complexes in which the fourth ligand to platinum(II) is capable of being substituted with a substitution inert hydroxyethanethiolate complex are compared. The ammine complexes show high antiprotozoal activity suggesting that the trans influence of the 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine ligand has a profound effect on the ease of displacement of the fourth ligand in (2,2':6',2'' -terpyridine)platinum(II) complexes, although nonbonded interaction between the ammine ligand and the 6 and 6' ' hydrogens probably also weakens the ligation to Pt(II).

Animals↗

In vitro antitrypanosomal activity of Moringa stenopetala leaves and roots.

The leaves and the root extracts of Moringa stenopetala were tested in vitro against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and L. donovani amastigotes. The fresh root wood ethanol extract and the dried leaves acetone extract were found to be active against T. brucei with an ED(50) value of 9.2 microg/mL and 10.0 microg/mL respectively. All the other extracts were inactive against all the tested parasite forms.

Animals↗

Activity of extracts and naphthoquinones from Kigelia pinnata against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

Dichloromethane extracts of the root bark and stem bark of Kigelia pinnata collected from Zimbabwe exhibited antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei in vitro. Activity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of four naphthoquinones from both the root and stem bark of the plant. The compounds were identified as 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-naphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-quinone (1), isopinnatal (2), kigelinol (3), and isokigelinol (4). Subsequently, the compounds were assessed for antitrypanosomal activity against T. brucei brucei and T. brucei rhodesiense bloodstream form trypomastigotes in vitro. Compound 1 with a furanonaphthoquinone structure was found to possess pronounced activity against both parasites with IC50 values of 0.12 and 0.045 microM, respectively, although it was less active than the standard drug pentamidine. Compounds 2, 3, and 4 also exhibited activity against the parasites, although to a lesser extent. The activities of the compounds were further assessed by comparison with the cytotoxic activities obtained against KB cell lines.

Animals↗

Control of blood pressure and heart rate in patients randomized to epidural or general anesthesia for lower extremity vascular surgery. Perioperative Ischemia Randomized Anesthesia Trial (PIRAT) Study Group.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the degree of success at maintaining patients randomized to epidural or general anesthesia for peripheral vascular surgery within predetermined blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) limits. To investigate associations between such hemodynamic control and intraoperative myocardial ischemia and postoperative major cardiac morbidity. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: 100 patients undergoing elective lower extremity revascularization for atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive either epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia. Blood pressure and HR limits were determined prior to randomization. Hemodynamic monitoring and management of anesthesia was standardized. Myocardial ischemia and major cardiac morbidity were diagnosed by a blinded cardiologist, based on continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring, cardiac enzymes, and 12 lead ECGs. Intraoperative BP and HR date were analyzed by investigators masked to the type of anesthesia given. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A greater percentage of patients randomized to general anesthesia had intraoperative BPs more above their limit (95% vs 72%, p = 0.002) and/or more rapid changes in HR (75% vs 48%, p = 0.008) or BP (100% vs 93%, p = 0.04) than those randomized to epidural anesthesia. Intraoperative ischemia and major cardiac morbidity were similar in the two anesthesia groups. Patients experiencing intraoperative ischemia, regardless of anesthetic type, more frequently had BPs greater than 10% above their upper limit (90% vs 60% p = 0.04) and/or more rapid HR changes (90% vs 58%, p = 0.03) compared with patients without ischemia. These vital sign abnormalities, however, were not necessarily temporally related to the ischemic episodes. Patients experiencing subsequent major cardiac morbidity were not different from other patients with respect to excursions out of BP on HR limits. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of elevated intraoperative BP and/on rapid changes in BP or HR may be more successful with epidural than with general anesthesia. Such vital sign abnormalities may occur more frequently in patients who have had intraoperative ischemia or are at risk for having it later in the procedure.

Aged↗

Catecholamine and cortisol responses to lower extremity revascularization: correlation with outcome variables. Perioperative Ischemia Randomized Anesthesia Trial Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether catecholamine and cortisol secretory responses to surgery contribute to postoperative complications. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, case series. SETTING: A university hospital operating suite and surgical intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Sixty patients undergoing lower extremity vascular surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive either epidural anesthesia/epidural opiate analgesia (regional anesthesia) or general anesthesia/intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (general anesthesia). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Anesthesia was managed according to a prospectively designed protocol. Hemodynamic parameters and plasma catecholamine concentrations were determined at specific intraoperative and postoperative time points. Intraoperative and postoperative urine samples were collected and analyzed for free cortisol concentrations. Outcomes evaluated were cardiac (nonfatal myocardial infarction and cardiac death) and surgical (graft occlusion). Mean arterial pressure during emergence from anesthesia and in the early postoperative period correlated positively with plasma norepinephrine concentration (p < .01). In addition, plasma catecholamine concentrations were higher in patients with postoperative hypertension. Plasma norepinephrine concentrations at the time of emergence from anesthesia and postoperatively were also higher in patients requiring repeat surgery for graft revision, thrombectomy, or amputation (p < .05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the norepinephrine concentration at the time of emergence, but not type of anesthesia, correlated with reoperation for graft occlusion, suggesting that the previously reported beneficial effect of regional anesthesia may be due to modulation of the stress response. Myocardial infarction or cardiac death occurred in three patients. These patients had markedly increased catecholamine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The catecholamine response to lower extremity vascular surgery contributes to the development of postoperative hypertension and may also be important in the development of thrombotic complications.

Adult↗

Thoracotomy increases peripheral airway tone and reactivity.

Our goal was to investigate the extent to which thoracotomy for chronic vascular instrumentation alters peripheral airway tone and reactivity. Using the wedged bronchoscope technique to measure peripheral airway resistance (RP), pentobarbital-fentanyl anesthetized, ventilated dogs were studied before and (16 +/- 2 d) after a left thoracotomy for chronic implantation of instrumentation to measure the left pulmonary vascular pressure-flow relationship. A map of the airways was constructed as bronchoscopes were advanced and wedged in the middle lobes of both the left and right lung. This allowed us to measure RP in the same sublobar region of the left and right lung both pre- and postoperatively. At the time of postoperative experimentation, all dogs appeared fully recovered from the surgical procedure. Compared with preoperative values, baseline RP (cm H2O.ml-1.s-1) was selectively increased (p < 0.03) postoperatively in the left (0.41 +/- 0.07 versus 1.27 +/- 0.36) but not in the right (0.29 +/- 0.06 versus 0.35 +/- 0.07) lung. Peripheral airway responses to acetylcholine, histamine, hypocapnia, and dry air challenges were all increased (p < 0.05) in both magnitude and duration in the left but not the right lung postoperatively. Total lung volume (helium dilution technique) was decreased (p < 0.01) by 10 +/- 3% postoperatively. However, similar reductions in lung volume were observed in the left and right lung. These results indicate that left thoracotomy for chronic instrumentation selectively increases left lung peripheral airway tone and reactivity, but has no effect on the right lung.

Airway Resistance↗

Moderate hypothermia, with partial bypass and segmental sequential repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

PURPOSE: Ischemic injury to the spinal cord, kidneys, and viscera occurs in a significant number of patients undergoing surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Partial bypass has been used to perfuse the arterial system distal to the cross-clamp, but the primary determinant of ischemic morbidity remains the duration of aortic cross-clamping. Hypothermia may favorably affect outcome during these procedures, but moderate or deep hypothermia has traditionally required full cardiopulmonary bypass with cardiac arrest. METHODS: In a series of patients undergoing thoracoabdominal (n = 14) or thoracic (n = 4) aneurysm repair, we used moderate hypothermia (30 degrees C) and partial bypass (aortofemoral or atriofemoral) while maintaining an intrinsic cardiac rhythm. Body temperature was controlled with a heat exchanger in the bypass circuit, which allowed for rapid cooling and rewarming. In addition to hypothermia and bypass, a segmental sequential surgical repair was used to minimize the duration of ischemia to any given vascular bed. RESULTS: All patients survived the surgical procedure, and 16 patients survived until discharge from the hospital. None of the 18 patients had paraplegia or significant renal dysfunction. The only complication related to hypothermia was atrial fibrillation, which occurred in three patients and was amenable to therapeutic measures. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that moderate hypothermia, partial bypass, and segmental sequential repair may reduce ischemic injury. This combination of adjuncts was not associated with significant complications in this series of patients.

Aged↗

Amrinone and the pulmonary vascular pressure-flow relationship in conscious control dogs and following left lung autotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Amrinone, a bipyridine compound, is known to improve left ventricular function via its positive inotropic and afterload-reducing effects. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of amrinone as a pulmonary vasodilator, an effect that could be beneficial in the setting of right heart failure associated with pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Investigated were the effects of intravenous amrinone (750 micrograms/kg loading dose plus 1-20 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 maintenance dose) on the left pulmonary vascular pressure-flow (LPQ) relationship in chronically instrumented, conscious dogs. The effects of amrinone on the LPQ relationship were assessed in a series of conscious control dogs with (n = 10) and without (n = 9) acute preconstriction with the thromboxane analog U46619 and in a series of conscious dogs 2-4 weeks after left lung autotransplantation (LLA) with (n = 8) and without (n = 8) acute U46619 preconstriction. Left pulmonary vascular pressure-flow plots were generated by continuously measuring the pulmonary vascular pressure gradient (pulmonary arterial pressure/left atrial pressure [PAP/LAP]) and left pulmonary blood flow during gradual (approximately 1 min) inflation of a hydraulic occluder implanted around the right pulmonary artery. RESULTS: Amrinone had no effect on the baseline LPQ relationship in control dogs. U46619 caused acute pulmonary vasoconstriction. For example, PAP/LAP at left pulmonary blood flow of 70 ml.min-1.kg-1 was increased (P < 0.01) from 16 +/- 2 to 37 +/- 2 mmHg during U46619 administration. In this setting of acute preconstriction, amrinone caused pulmonary vasodilation, i.e., PAP/LAP was decreased (P < 0.05) from 37 +/- 2 to 32 +/- 2 mmHg. Left lung autotransplantation was associated with a marked shift in the LPQ relationship, indicating a chronic increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, i.e., PAP/LAP was increased (P < 0.01) from 15 +/- 2 to 32 +/- 3 mmHg. Despite the chronic increase in pulmonary vascular resistance after LLA, amrinone had no effect on the baseline LPQ relationship. However, after acute preconstriction with U46619 after LLA, amrinone caused pulmonary vasodilation, i.e., PAP/LAP was decreased (P < 0.05) from 45 +/- 4 to 39 +/- 4 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that amrinone exerts a significant, although relatively modest pulmonary vasodilator influence in the setting of acute pulmonary vasoconstriction in conscious control dogs and in conscious dogs after LLA. However, amrinone did not reverse the chronic increase in pulmonary vascular resistance associated with LLA.

Amrinone↗

Perioperative morbidity in patients randomized to epidural or general anesthesia for lower extremity vascular surgery. Perioperative Ischemia Randomized Anesthesia Trial Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative morbidity may be modifiable in high risk patients by the anesthesiologist's choice of either regional or general anesthesia. This clinical trial compared outcomes between epidural (EA) and general (GA) anesthesia/analgesia regimens in a group of patients at high risk for cardiac and other morbidity who were undergoing similarly stressful surgical procedures. METHODS: One hundred patients scheduled for elective vascular reconstruction of the lower extremities were randomized to receive either EA for surgery followed by epidural analgesia, or GA for surgery followed by intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Hemodynamic monitoring, blood pressure, and heart rate limits were determined prior to randomization. Management of anesthesia in the immediate postoperative period was standardized. The data collected included continuous electrocardiographic monitoring from the day before surgery through the third postoperative day, serial electrocardiograms, and cardiac enzymes. Cardiac ischemia, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and cardiac death were identified by a cardiologist blinded to the type of anesthesia received. Other major morbidity was determined at the time of hospital discharge and at 1 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Eleven patients who received GA required regrafting or an embolectomy during their hospital stay, compared with two patients who received EA. This association of GA with reoperation remained significant after adjustment for baseline differences. Cardiac outcomes were similar in the two groups with respect to perioperative death (1 EA and 1 GA), death within 6 months (4 EA and 3 GA), nonfatal myocardial infarction within 7 days (2 EA and 2 GA), unstable angina (0 EA and 2 GA), and myocardial ischemia following randomization (17 EA and 23 GA). Rates of major infections in the two groups (1 EA and 2 GA), renal failure (3 EA and 3 GA), and pulmonary complications (3 EA and 7 GA) also were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Carefully conducted epidural and general anesthesia appear to be associated with comparable rates of cardiac and most other morbidity in patients undergoing lower extremity vascular surgery. However, compared with general anesthesia, epidural anesthesia is associated with a lower incidence of reoperation for inadequate tissue perfusion and, therefore, may be advantageous for this surgical population.

Aged↗

The effects of different anesthetic regimens on fibrinolysis and the development of postoperative arterial thrombosis. Perioperative Ischemia Randomized Anesthesia Trial Study Group.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the effects of different anesthetic and analgesic regimens on hemostatic function and postoperative arterial thrombotic complications. METHODS: Ninety-five patients scheduled for elective lower extremity vascular reconstruction were randomized to receive either epidural anesthesia followed by epidural fentanyl (RA) or general anesthesia followed by intravenous morphine (GA). Intraoperative and postoperative care were controlled by protocol using predetermined limits for heart rate, blood pressure, and other monitoring criteria. Data collection included serial physical examinations, electrocardiograms, and cardiac isoenzymes to detect arterial thrombosis (defined as unstable angina, myocardial infarction, or vascular graft occlusion requiring reoperation). Fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and D-dimer levels were measured preoperatively and at 24 and 72 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative fibrinogen levels were similar in both groups, remained unchanged after 24 h, and increased equally (45%) in the first 72 h postoperatively. PAI-1 levels in the GA group increased from 13.6 +/- 2.1 activity units (AU)/ml to 20.2 +/- 2.6 AU/ml at 24 h and returned to baseline at 72 h. In contrast, PAI-1 levels in the RA group remained unchanged over time. Twenty-two of 95 patients (23%) had postoperative arterial thrombosis, 17 of whom had received GA and 5 of whom, RA. Preoperative PAI-1 levels were higher in patients who developed postoperative arterial thrombosis (20.5 +/- 3.6 AU/ml vs. 11.2 +/- 1.4 AU/ml). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that GA and preoperative PAI-1 levels were predictive of postoperative arterial thrombotic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired fibrinolysis may be related causally to postoperative arterial thrombosis. Because RA combined with epidural fentanyl analgesia appears to prevent postoperative inhibition of fibrinolysis, this form of perioperative management may decrease the risk of arterial thrombotic complications in patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization.

Aged↗

Determinants of catecholamine and cortisol responses to lower extremity revascularization. The PIRAT Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Surgical trauma elicits diffuse changes in hormonal secretion and autonomic nervous system activity. Despite studies demonstrating modulation of the stress response by different anesthetic/analgesic regimens, little is known regarding the determinants of catecholamine and cortisol responses to surgery. METHODS: Plasma catecholamines and cortisol secretion data were obtained from 60 patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization. Patients were randomized to receive either general anesthesia combined with patient-controlled intravenous morphine (GA) or epidural anesthesia combined with epidural fentanyl analgesia (RA). All aspects of intra- and postoperative clinical care were defined by written protocol. Plasma catecholamines were measured before induction, intraoperatively, and for the first 18 h postoperatively (by HPLC). Urine cortisol was measured intra- and postoperatively using RIA. Data were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate demographic and perioperative variables as determinants of stress hormone secretion. RESULTS: Plasma catecholamines increased during skin closure in the GA group, and remained higher relative to the RA group in the postoperative period. Multivariate analysis indicated that age and anesthetic regimen predicted increases in catecholamines during skin closure (P < 0.005), although duration of surgery, blood loss, and body temperature were not correlated. Early postoperative norepinephrine concentrations were correlated with pain score and duration of surgery (P < 0.004), but not with anesthetic management, blood loss, or body temperature. All postoperative norepinephrine levels were highly correlated (r = 0.7) with norepinephrine levels during skin closure. Cortisol excretion was higher postoperatively than intraoperatively. No patient or perioperative variable predicted cortisol excretion, and cortisol excretion was not correlated with catecholamine levels at any time. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that patient factors, such as age and inherent sympathetic responsivity, are important determinants of the catecholamine response to surgery. Modulation of the norepinephrine response by regional anesthesia/analgesia appears to be related, in part, to superior analgesia. The lack of correlation between catecholamine and cortisol secretion indicates that the stress response may consist of discrete systems responding to different stimuli.

Adult↗