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Biomedical subjects

S Eckert

Publications and source records attributed to S Eckert.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Reduction of vertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated with raloxifene: results from a 3-year randomized clinical trial. Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation (MORE) Investigators.

CONTEXT: Raloxifene hydrochloride, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, prevents bone loss in postmenopausal women, but whether it reduces fracture risk in these women is not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of raloxifene therapy on risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. DESIGN: The Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation (MORE) study, a multicenter, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 7705 women aged 31 to 80 years in 25 countries who had been postmenopausal for at least 2 years and who met World Health Organization criteria for having osteoporosis. The study began in 1994 and had up to 36 months of follow-up for primary efficacy measurements and nonserious adverse events and up to 40 months of follow-up for serious adverse events. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to 60 mg/d or 120 mg/d of raloxifene or to identically appearing placebo pills; in addition, all women received supplemental calcium and cholecalciferol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incident vertebral fracture was determined radiographically at baseline and at scheduled 24- and 36-month visits. Nonvertebral fracture was ascertained by interview at 6-month-interim visits. Bone mineral density was determined annually by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: At 36 months of the evaluable radiographs in 6828 women, 503 (7.4%) had at least 1 new vertebral fracture, including 10.1% of women receiving placebo, 6.6% of those receiving 60 mg/d of raloxifene, and 5.4% of those receiving 120 mg/d of raloxifene. Risk of vertebral fracture was reduced in both study groups receiving raloxifene (for 60-mg/d group: relative risk [RR], 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.8; for 120-mg/d group: RR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.4-0.7). Frequency of vertebral fracture was reduced both in women who did and did not have prevalent fracture. Risk of nonvertebral fracture for raloxifene vs placebo did not differ significantly (RR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8-1.1 for both raloxifene groups combined). Compared with placebo, raloxifene increased bone mineral density in the femoral neck by 2.1 % (60 mg) and 2.4% (120 mg) and in the spine by 2.6% (60 mg) and 2.7% (120 mg) P<0.001 for all comparisons). Women receiving raloxifene had increased risk of venous thromboembolus vs placebo (RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5-6.2). Raloxifene did not cause vaginal bleeding or breast pain and was associated with a lower incidence of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, raloxifene increases bone mineral density in the spine and femoral neck and reduces risk of vertebral fracture.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The aroC gene of Aspergillus nidulans codes for a monofunctional, allosterically regulated chorismate mutase.

The cDNA and the chromosomal locus of the aroC gene of Aspergillus nidulans were cloned and is the first representative of a filamentous fungal gene encoding chorismate mutase (EC 5.4.99.5), the enzyme at the first branch point of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. The aroC gene complements the Saccharomyces cerevisiae aro7Delta as well as the A. nidulans aroC mutation. The gene consists of three exons interrupted by two short intron sequences. The expressed mRNA is 0.96 kilobases in length and aroC expression is not regulated on the transcriptional level under amino acid starvation conditions. aroC encodes a monofunctional polypeptide of 268 amino acids. Purification of this 30-kDa enzyme allowed determination of its kinetic parameters (k(cat) = 82 s(-1), n(H) = 1. 56, [S](0.5) = 2.3 mM), varying pH dependence of catalytic activity in different regulatory states, and an acidic pI value of 4.7. Tryptophan acts as heterotropic activator and tyrosine as negative acting, heterotropic feedback-inhibitor with a K(i) of 2.8 microM. Immunological data, homology modeling, as well as electron microscopy studies, indicate that this chorismate mutase has a dimeric structure like the S. cerevisiae enzyme. Site-directed mutagenesis of a crucial residue in loop220s (Asp(233)) revealed differences concerning the intramolecular signal transduction for allosteric regulation of enzymatic activity.

Allosteric Regulation↗
PubMed1999

The effect of raloxifene on risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women: results from the MORE randomized trial. Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation.

CONTEXT: Raloxifene hydrochloride is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that has antiestrogenic effects on breast and endometrial tissue and estrogenic effects on bone, lipid metabolism, and blood clotting. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether women taking raloxifene have a lower risk of invasive breast cancer. DESIGN AND SETTING: The Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation (MORE), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial, in which women taking raloxifene or placebo were followed up for a median of 40 months (SD, 3 years), from 1994 through 1998, at 180 clinical centers composed of community settings and medical practices in 25 countries, mainly in the United States and Europe. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 7705 postmenopausal women, younger than 81 (mean age, 66.5) years, with osteoporosis, defined by the presence of vertebral fractures or a femoral neck or spine T-score of at least 2.5 SDs below the mean for young healthy women. Almost all participants (96%) were white. Women who had a history of breast cancer or who were taking estrogen were excluded. INTERVENTION: Raloxifene, 60 mg, 2 tablets daily; or raloxifene, 60 mg, 1 tablet daily and 1 placebo tablet; or 2 placebo tablets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: New cases of breast cancer, confirmed by histopathology. Transvaginal ultrasonography was used to assess the endometrial effects of raloxifene in 1781 women. Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were determined by chart review. RESULTS: Thirteen cases of breast cancer were confirmed among the 5129 women assigned to raloxifene vs 27 among the 2576 women assigned to placebo (relative risk [RR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.44; P<.001). To prevent 1 case of breast cancer, 126 women would need to be treated. Raloxifene decreased the risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by 90% (RR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04-0.24), but not estrogen receptor-negative invasive breast cancer (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.26-3.0). Raloxifene increased the risk of venous thromboembolic disease (RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5-6.2), but did not increase the risk of endometrial cancer (RR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.2-2.7). CONCLUSION: Among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the risk of invasive breast cancer was decreased by 76% during 3 years of treatment with raloxifene.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Effects of lovastatin on progression of non-dilated and dilated coronary segments and on restenosis in patients after PTCA. The cholesterol lowering atherosclerosis PTCA trial (CLAPT).

OBJECTIVES: The Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis PTCA Trial (CLAPT) is a prospective, randomized trial with blinded angiographic end-points to assess the effect of 2-year's treatment with lovastatin initiated 4 weeks prior to PTCA, compared to usual care on non-dilated coronary segments and on dilated coronary lesions in male patients with total cholesterol between 200 and 300 mg. dl(-1)who underwent elective PTCA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty six patients were randomized 4 weeks prior to PTCA to special care (diet plus lovastatin n=112) or usual care (diet; n=114). One hundred and ninety-nine patients underwent PTCA at baseline and were finally included in the study. Quantitative coronary angiographic assessment was performed on blinded cinefilms at baseline (PTCA) and repeated after 4 and 24 months in 91% and 81% of the patients. The primary end-point was a change in the mean segment diameter of non-dilated segments. The mean lovastatin dose was 33 mg. day(-1). Total- and LDL-cholesterol decreased by 21% and 29% in the special care group and by 7% and 11% in the usual care patients. After 2 years, the mean segment diameter of non-dilated segments decreased by 0.03 mm in the usual care group and 0.004 mm in the special care group (P=0.27). The decrease in the mean segment diameter of dilated lesions was 0.17 mm (usual care) and 0.06 mm (special care) (P=0.04) after 4 months; 0.16 mm (usual care) and 0. 002 mm (special care) after 24 months, respectively (P=0.05). In both groups, the mean segment diameter of dilated lesions increased between 4 and 24 months after PTCA compared to a decrease in mean segment diameter of non-dilated segments (P<0.05). Restenosis (>50% diameter stenosis at follow-up) occurred in 28.4% of usual care and 22.2% of special care patients (P=0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Lovastatin reduced the progression of dilated lesions in men with elective PTCA. Independent of treatment allocation, the dilated lesions regressed and the non-dilated segments progressed during the study follow-up. Four weeks of pre-treatment with lovastatin did not influence the rate of restenosis. Lovastatin had no statistically significant effect on non-dilated segments.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed1998

Geographic differences in bone turnover: data from a multinational study in healthy postmenopausal women.

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism (bone markers) are used increasingly to monitor response to therapy and may be predictors of bone loss and fractures. The relationship between fracture rates, which differ between countries, and the rate of bone turnover has not been examined. Therefore, we explored the geographic variability of bone turnover in a selected, healthy study population of 619 postmenopausal women, ages 40-61, participating in a clinical trial of raloxifene hydrochloride for osteoporosis prevention. The subjects were distributed among 38 investigative sites in 10 countries (9-211 subjects/country) on four continents (North America, n = 277, Europe, n = 168, Australia, n = 125, and Africa, n = 49). Specimens for serum osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), and urine type I collagen fragment/urinary creatinine ratio (CTX) were handled in a uniform fashion and assayed in a central laboratory. Mean levels of OC (P < 0.001), BSAP (P = 0. 006), and CTX (P < 0.001) varied significantly by country (ANOVA), with the lowest values typically in German and Spanish subjects and the highest in American and Canadian subjects. The consistent pattern and wide ranges of mean bone marker values (OC 1.6-fold, BSAP 1.7-fold, CTX 3.1-fold) between countries suggest clinically significant differences in bone turnover. Geographic differences in bone markers were not explained by the determined potential confounders of age, years posthysterectomy, total serum cholesterol, and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). We conclude that bone marker values vary substantially by country in this selected study population, suggesting systematic geographic differences in bone metabolism that potentially relate to osteoporotic fracture rates.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Validation of the Omron F3 blood pressure measuring device for use in the finger through simultaneous invasive comparative measurements according to the German Institute for Validation (DIN) 58130 protocol.

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN: Simultaneous invasive comparative measurements in order to validate the blood pressure measuring device Omron F3 for use in the finger, in accordance with the German Institute for Validation (DIN) 58130 protocol. METHODS: A total of five consecutive simultaneous blood pressure comparative measurements were carried out in each of 15 patients (n = 75). Blood pressure was measured in the left index finger using the blood pressure measuring device Omron F3, and at the same time invasively using a pigtail catheter situated in the aortic arch. The measuring arrangements, validation of the unit of invasive measurement and evaluation were all carried out in accordance with the DIN 58130 protocol. RESULTS: The blood pressure measuring device Omron F3 for use in the finger fulfils the criteria of the European Standard prEn 1060-3. Systolic blood pressure decreased by 2.9+/- 6.6 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 2.6+/- 5.9 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The blood pressure measuring device Omron F3 measures blood pressure reliably and accurately if used correctly in appropriate patients. Before using the device for the first time, comparative blood pressure measurements in the upper arm, using the standard auscultatory blood pressure measurement technique according to Riva-Rocci and Korotkoff, should be carried out, in order to check the accuracy of measurement.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Single-dose spinal anesthesia with a mixture of isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% and hyperbaric mepivacaine 4%].

BACKGROUND: Single-dose spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric local anaesthetic provides profound analgesia and motor blockade and allows exact assessment of the analgesic level. The present prospective, randomised study compares a mixture of plain 0.5% bupivacaine and hyperbaric 4% mepivacaine with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine with regard to onset time of analgesia and duration of the sensory and motor blockade. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two orthopaedic patients (69 m/53 f, aged 20-91 years) scheduled for elective lower limb surgery under spinal anaesthesia were randomly allocated to one of two groups. In group 1, 67 patients received a 1:1 mixture of plain 0.5% bupivacaine and hyperbaric 4% mepivacaine (density: 1,015 kg/m3, 37 degrees C). In group 2, 55 patients received hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine (density: 1,021). The lumbar puncture was performed between L3 and L5 using a 26 G Quincke needle through a 20 G introducer with the patients either in the sitting or lateral position. The local anaesthetic was administered with an injection speed of 1 ml per 5 s. Patients with a body height < 160 cm received 2.0 ml, those 160-180 cm 3.0 ml, and those > 180 cm 4.0 ml. The level of analgesia was registered every minute by pin-prick until the maximal analgesic level was reached. The time of regression of analgesia to the level of T 12 and regression of the motor block to Bromage scale 3 was registered. The data were analysed using Student's t-test with P < 0.05 considered as significant. RESULTS: Demographic data did not differ between groups. In group 1, the onset time of analgesia was faster than in group 2 (8 +/- 3 vs. 14 +/- 5 min, P < 0.001). While in group 1 the onset time of analgesia was faster in patients injected sitting compared to those in the lateral position (p < 0.05), there was no position-related difference in group 2. The groups also did not differ with respect to the maximal level of analgesia and the duration of sensory and motor blockade. CONCLUSIONS: The local anaesthetic mixture may be preferred to hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine in patients requiring a fast onset of analgesia associated with a 2-3 h duration of sensory and motor block.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Value of intravascular ultrasound in angiographically underestimated coronary findings: exemplified by 2 case reports].

Coronary angiography is considered to be the most important component in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Only the lumen may be visualized using contrast radiography of the coronary arteries, however. With intravascular ultrasound, on the other hand, pathological changes in the vascular wall can be recorded. Despite typical symptoms, an angiographical image of the coronary arteries is sometimes unable to show unambiguous stenotic lesions of the coronary arteries. In such cases, intravascular ultrasound provides a new complementary diagnostic tool for detecting even early forms of arteriosclerosis or angiographically underestimated coronary findings. Two cases are used to illustrate this. In those, angiographic visualization of the coronary arteries was unable to produce an unambiguous finding despite typical clinical symptoms, yet intravascular ultrasound could detect considerable arteriosclerotic wall changes.

Coronary Artery Disease↗
PubMed1997

The Aspergillus niger GCN4 homologue, cpcA, is transcriptionally regulated and encodes an unusual leucine zipper.

The general control transcriptional regulator gene cpcA of Aspergillus niger was cloned by complementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae delta gcn4 mutant strain. The encoded protein conferred resistance to amino acid analogues when expressed in yeast. Disruption of cpcA in A. niger resulted in a strain which is sensitive towards 3-aminotriazole and fails to respond to amino acid starvation, cpcA encodes a transcript of approximately 2400 nucleotides in length that includes a 5' leader region of 900 nucleotides. The 5' leader region contains two small open reading frames, suggesting translational control of gene expression. Steady-state mRNA levels of cpcA increase by a factor of three upon amino acid starvation. The coding region of cpcA is interrupted by a 57 bp intron and the deduced amino acid sequence displays an approximately 30% overall identity to yeast GCN4p and Neurospora crassa cpc1p. Critical amino acid residues of the transcriptional activation domains of GCN4p are conserved in cpcAp. The basic DNA-binding domain shows up to 70% amino acid sequence identity to other basic zipper (bZIP)-type transcriptional activators. cpcAp binds specifically to a GCN4p recognition element in gel retardation experiments. The C-terminal dimerization domain encodes a leucine zipper with only a single leucine residue.

Amitrole↗
PubMed1997

Validation of the OMRON R3 blood pressure self-measuring device through simultaneous comparative invasive measurements according to protocol 58130 of the German Institute for Validation.

OBJECTIVES: To perform simultaneous invasive comparative measurements in order to validate the blood pressure self-measuring device OMRON R3 for use on the wrist, in accordance with protocol 58130 of the German Institute for Validation. METHODS: Five consecutive comparative blood pressure measurements were carried out for each of 15 patients (n = 75 measurements). The blood pressure was measured simultaneously non-invasively using the blood pressure self-measuring device OMRON R3 around the left wrist and at the same time invasively using a pigtail catheter situated in the aortic arch. The pressure curves were drawn continuously. The measuring arrangements, validation of the invasive-measurement unit and evaluation were all carried out in accordance with protocol 58130. RESULTS: The blood pressure self-measuring device OMRON R3 for use on the wrist satisfied the criteria of the European Standard prEn 1060-3. The OMRON systolic values were 2.2 +/- 3.9 mmHg higher and the diastolic values were 0.2 +/- 2.7 mmHg lower than the invasive ones. However, for higher blood pressure levels (> 150 mmHg), the device tested displayed an increasing tendency to underestimate the systolic blood pressure in one-third of the patients by 5-15 mmHg, compared with the invasive measurements. No faulty measurements occurred with the patient group examined. CONCLUSION: The blood pressure self-measuring device OMRON R3 for use on the wrist can be recommended for blood pressure self-measurement. When it is used correctly, it measures the blood pressure reliably and accurately.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Postoperative complaints after spinal and thiopentone-isoflurane anaesthesia in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Spinal versus general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: The present prospective study investigates the impact of a standardized technique of spinal and general anaesthesia on the incidence and consequences of postanaesthetic complaints dependent on age and sex of patients. METHODS: 433 orthopaedic patients underwent lower limb surgery in spinal (group 1) or general (group 2) anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia was performed with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine using a 26-gauge Quincke needle. General anaesthesia was induced with i.v. injection of thiopentone, fentanyl and atracurium and maintained with 65% nitrous oxide and 1-1.5 Vol% isoflurane in oxygen. On postoperative day 4, patients were interviewed for onset and duration of postoperative complaints. RESULTS: The overall incidence of nausea/vomiting (P = 0.025) and sore throat (P = 0.0001) was higher in group 2. In addition, nausea/vomiting was higher in patients between 20 and 60 years in group 2 compared with group 1. While the incidence of urinary dysfunction was higher in men after spinal (P = 0.04), nausea/vomiting was more frequent in women after general anaesthesia (P = 0.008). Analgetic requirements (P = 0.013), time of postoperative surveillance (P = 0.042) and frequency of treatment of postoperative complaints (P = 0.0001) was higher in group 2. CONCLUSION: Spinal anaesthesia was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complaints and treatments and a shorter surveillance compared to general anaesthesia. Specific complications related to spinal anaesthesia did not depend on age or sex and may allow for recommendation of this technique even in younger and female patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Automated blood pressure measurement in special situations: patients with chronic atrial fibrillation or chronic aortic regurgitation.

Fully-automated blood pressure measurement has become increasingly widespread over the last few years, especially in the field of blood pressure self-measurement. The high prevalence of arterial hypertension among the aged (over 30%) means that, frequently, the users additionally suffer from cardiac irregularity and valvular heart disease. Using comparative, invasive blood pressure measurements, we investigated the reliability and accuracy of the currently authorized blood pressure measuring devices, both in patients with the most common cardiac irregularity, atrial fibrillation, and in patients with aortic regurgitation, as an example of blood pressure measurement in connection with hypercirculation. Certain things must be taken into account when carrying out auscultatory blood pressure measurement according to Riva-Rocci and Korotkoff if blood pressure levels are to be determined accurately. Firstly, considering the individual variability of blood pressure levels in connection with atrial fibrillation, the mean value from three consecutive blood pressure measurements is more accurate than a single measurement. Secondly, the diastolic blood pressure of patients with significant aortic regurgitation should always be determined with Phase 4 according to Korotkoff. In patients with atrial fibrillation, the accuracy of the blood pressure devices being considered should be investigated individually. In comparison, devices employing the oscillometric measuring technique for blood pressure self-measurement in the upper arm determine blood pressure levels more accurately and reliably than devices for measurement in the wrist or auscultatory devices. In patients with significant aortic regurgitation, diastolic blood pressure levels determined with currently authorized, fully-automated blood pressure measuring devices are reliable and accurate. Systolic blood pressure levels determined in the upper arm are, however, too high.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Blood pressure self-measurement in upper arm and in wrist for treatment control of arterial hypertension compared to ABPM.

Automatic 24 h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) has become an established method in the diagnosis and treatment control of arterial hypertension. Fully automatic blood pressure devices for blood pressure self-measurement (BPSM) in the upper arm and in the wrist using the oscillometric measuring technique have been available in Germany for several years. After evaluating the blood pressure devices boso Oscillomat (upper arm) and Omron HEM-601 (wrist) by means of simultaneous invasive measurements, we studied the suitability of this new method for the control of treated hypertension. Using the device Space Labs 90207, we had ABPM carried out in 100 men (aged 58 +/- 8 years) with mild to moderate hypertension. They recorded hourly blood pressure measurements in the wrist between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., in the same arm as the blood pressure monitoring using the device Omron HEM-601, or in the other arm using the device boso Oscillomat. The values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured using both methods. Since the random samples probably consisted of non-standard distribution differences, we applied the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test for statistical analysis. No significant differences were recorded between the daily mean systolic (p < .07) and diastolic (p < .97) blood pressure values determined by ABPM and by frequent blood pressure self-measurement. Multiple blood pressure readings obtained using blood pressure self-measurement in the upper arm as well as in the wrist are an alternative to the established, automatic 24-h, ambulatory blood pressure measurement for the treatment control of arterial hypertension, that nightly blood pressure measurement can be omitted. It has advantage of unrestricted and desired frequent use under standardized conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

A directional needle improves effectiveness and reduces complications of microcatheter continuous spinal anaesthesia.

The present prospective randomized study compares the impact of two different spinal needle designs--non-directional versus directional--on the effectiveness of continuous spinal anaesthesia provided via a microcatheter in orthopaedic patients. Using the midline approach, a 28-gauge spinal catheter was inserted either through a 22-gauge Quincke needle (non-directional, Group 1, n = 21) or a 22-gauge Sprotte needle (directional, Group 2, n = 21) under standardized conditions. The incidence of technical difficulties and postoperative complaints, onset time of analgesia at the level of T10 and dose requirement of plain bupivacaine 0.5% were recorded. Postoperatively, the subarachnoid position of the catheters was radiographically evaluated. There was a higher incidence of technical problems during catheter insertion in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (71% vs 19%, P < 0.05). Onset time of analgesia was shorter (P < 0.05) and anaesthetic dose requirement was lower in patients in Group 2 than in Group 1. While 40% of the catheters were found in a caudal position in Group 1, all catheters were in a cranial position or at the level of the puncture site in Group 2 (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complaints between the groups. The faster onset of analgesia and lower dose requirement of local anaesthetics associated with a lower incidence of technical problems suggest that there is greater effectiveness and safety when microcatheters are inserted using directional needles rather than non-directional needles.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[The effect of puncture needle on the subarachnoid catheter position in continuous spinal ansthesia].

The subarachnoid position of the microcatheter has an impact on the outcome of continuous spinal anaesthesia (CSA). The present prospective, randomised study investigated the influence of two different spinal needles on the radiographically documented subarachnoid positions of microcatheters in CSA. In addition, the influence of the subarachnoid position of the microcatheter on onset time of analgesia, dose requirement of local anaesthetics, and level of analgesia was examined. METHODS. Forty orthopaedic patients received CSA using a 28-gauge spinal catheter inserted either through a non-directional 22-gauge Quincke needle (group 1) or a directional 22-gauge Sprotte needle (group 2). After initial injection of 2 ml to a maximum of 5 ml of supplemental doses of 0.5% plain bupivacaine, onset time of analgesia at the level of T 10, dose requirement of bupivacaine, and the achieved analgesic level were registered. After surgery, a dye-enhanced AP X-ray film of the lumbar spine was performed for radiological control of the subarachnoid catheter position. RESULTS. There was a higher number of cranial catheter positions in group 2 (60%) compared with group 1 (40%, P = 0.037). In contrast to group 1, with 35% caudally directed catheters, no catheter was seen in a caudal position in group 2. Onset time of analgesia (P = 0.0002) and anaesthetic dose requirement (P = 0.037) were lower in patients with cranially directed catheters compared to patients with the catheters situated at the level of the puncture site or in a caudal position. Maximal analgesic levels were higher in cranially directed catheters compared with other localisations (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS. Sprotte needles provide a higher number of cranially directed microcatheters, which are associated with faster onset of analgesia, lower dose requirement of local anaesthetics, and higher analgesic levels in CSA. The results suggest more effectiveness and probably more safety in microcatheter CSA using Sprotte needles for catheter insertion.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Microcatheter continuous spinal anaesthesia in the post-operative period: a prospective study of its effectiveness and complications.

One hundred patients (aged 22-86 years, mean 62.5), undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery, received continuous spinal anaesthesia using a 28 s.w.g. catheter inserted through a 22 s.w.g. Quincke needle. Post-operative pain relief was provided by bolus injections of 1-2.5 mL 4 h-1 of plain 0.25% bupivacaine. The mean dose of bupivacaine required for sufficient pain relief in 93% of patients was 1.6 +/- 0.2 (1.3-1.9) mL 4 h-1. The highest dose was needed between 4 and 8 h post-operatively. No dependence of dose on age or type of operation was found. Technical problems with the microcatheter occurred in 12%. The most frequent complaint was post-operative backache (12%). Only one patient suffered from post-dural puncture headache on the day after surgery. There was no microbiological contamination of the catheter tips after removal. In the post-operative interview, 89% of the patients were completely satisfied with CSA; 91% would prefer this technique to general anaesthesia.

Adult↗