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Biomedical subjects

X Capdevila

Publications and source records attributed to X Capdevila.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Perioperative analgesia with continuous peripheral nerve blocks in children].

Recently, regional anaesthesia in children has generated increasing interest. But single injection techniques have a limited duration of postoperative analgesia. Then, continuous peripheral nerve blocks have taken an important position in the anaesthetic arsenal, allowing an effective, safe and prolonged postoperative pain management. As adults, indications for continuous peripheral nerve blocks depend on the analysis of individual benefits/risks ratio. Main indications are intense postoperative pain surgical procedures, with or without postoperative rehabilitation, and complex regional pain syndrome. Contraindications to these procedures are rather similar to those in adults, plus parental and/or children refusal. Continuous peripheral nerve blocks are usually performed under general anaesthesia or sedation in children, and require appropriate equipment in order to decrease the risk of nerve injury. New techniques, such as transcutaneous nerve stimulation or ultrasound guidance, appeared to facilitate nerve and plexus approach identification in paediatric patients. Nevertheless, continuous peripheral nerve block may theoretically mask a compartment syndrome after trauma surgical procedures. Finally, ropivacaine appears to be the most appropriate drug for continuous peripheral nerve blocks in children, requiring low flow rates and concentrations of local anaesthetic. These techniques may facilitate early ambulation by an improved pain management or even postoperative analgesia at home with disposable pumps. One might infer from the current review that excellent pain relief coupled with a reduction of side effects would contribute to improve the quality of life and to decrease the frequency of disabling behavioural modifications in children, sometimes psychologically injured by hospital stay and postoperative pain.

Amides↗

[Characteristics of mepivacaine axillary brachial plexus block performed at 2800 m of altitude].

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the feasibility and pharmacodynamic profile of axillary brachial plexus nerve blocks performed in high altitude. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was performed in healthy volunteers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten male volunteers received 20 ml of 1.5% mepivacaine on radial and median nerves (total 40 ml), first at altitude of 150 then at 2877 m. Onset and offset times for sensory, motor and sympathetic blocks were recorded. Blood was sampled up to 60 min after injection to measure plasma concentrations of mepivacaine. RESULTS: At 150 and 2877 m of altitude, onset times for blocks were similar. Duration of sensory and motor blocks was not different at low and high altitude (193+/-35 min and 180+/-47 min; and 237+/-32 min and 217+/-44 min, respectively). Plasma mepivacaine concentrations were significantly lower at 20 minutes in high altitude (p<0.05). At higher altitude, one patient showed clinical signs of neurological toxicity, with plasma concentrations of mepivacaine ranging from 0.94 to 1.21 mug/ml. CONCLUSION: At altitude of 2877 m, axillary brachial plexus block with 1.5% mepivacaine is feasible, with onset and offset times for sensory and motor effects similar to those performed at 150 m.

Adult↗

Intrathecal bupivacaine protects against extension of lesions in an acute contusive spinal cord injury model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We recently demonstrated that intrathecal bupivacaine before or after acute photochemical spinal injury improved functional outcome in rats. However, the closest model to spinal trauma is the contusive weight-drop method. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional, electrophysiological and anatomical consequences of a contusive spinal-cord lesion in rats with or without an intrathecal injection of bupivacaine. METHODS: Fifteen minutes before a contusive spinal lesion, 18 rats received intrathecally either 0.5% bupivacaine (Group T) or saline (Group C). During an 18-days period, motor and sensory functions were evaluated, and bladder voiding dysfunction was noted. Somatosensory evoked potential testings were performed at day 18. Then, the intact spinal cord area at the epicentre of the lesion and the extent of the lesion were measured. RESULTS: Motor deficit was less and inclined-plane stability was better in treated animals at all times, the scores were statistically different from day 7. There were no differences concerning the sensory test. Despite no significant difference, there were less spinal bladders in the T group from day 7. Somatosensory evoked potential latencies were longer in T group, but only the first negative component (N1) was statistically significant. Amplitudes were higher in T group, but were not statistically different. The spinal cord intact area at the epicentre of the lesion was higher in the T group (1.23 +/- 0.8 mm(2) vs. 0.81 +/- 0.39 mm(2); P < 0.05). The extent of the lesion was higher in the C group (9.4 +/- 2.9 mm vs. 6.4 +/- 3.4 mm; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine provide a neuroprotective effect by decreasing functional, electrophysiological and anatomical consequences after a contusive spinal cord injury.

Anesthetics, Local↗

[Iatrogenic retroperitoneal haematoma after emergency femoral vein catheterisation].

We report a iatrogenic case of retroperitoneal haematoma consecutive to an emergency femoral venous catheterization. The indication of the catheterisation was a hemorrhagic shock after a dilapidating traumatism of leg in an obese patient in whom peripheric venous access was impossible and vascular filling urgent. In spite of the existence of an initial reassuring blood backward flow, a retroperitoneal haematoma had been constituted gradually and explained an absence of haemodynamic improvement in spite of the surgical haemostasis and an adapted intravascular filling. The CT scan showed an iatrogenic lesion of the right iliac vein and justified the immediate infusion stop. The femoral catheter was withdrawn at the 48th hour and the patient discharged at the 6th day.

Adult↗

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks in children.

In recent years, regional anaesthesia in children has generated increasing interest. Continuous peripheral nerve blocks have an important role in the anaesthetic arsenal, allowing effective, safe and prolonged postoperative pain management. Indications for continuous peripheral nerve blocks depend on benefits/risks analysis of each technique for each patient. The indications include surgery associated with intense postoperative pain, surgery requiring painful physical therapy, and complex regional pain syndrome. Continuous peripheral nerve blocks are usually performed under general anaesthesia or sedation, and require appropriate equipment in order to decrease the risk of nerve injury. New techniques, such as transcutaneous stimulation or ultrasound guidance, appear to facilitate nerve and plexus identification in paediatric patients. Nevertheless, continuous peripheral nerve block may mask compartment syndrome in certain surgical procedure or trauma. Finally, ropivacaine appears to be the best local anaesthetic for continuous peripheral nerve blocks in children, requiring low flow rate with low concentration of the local anaesthetic.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Continuous psoas compartment blocks after major orthopedic surgery in children: a prospective computed tomographic scan and clinical studies.

UNLABELLED: Femoral shaft or hip surgeries are very painful for children. We conducted both computed tomographic (CT) and clinical prospective studies to define new landmarks in children and to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous psoas compartment blocks (CPCBs) using disposable elastomeric pumps. In a preliminary CT scan study of 20 patients, the plexus depth was correlated to patient age and the optimal point of puncture for CPCB was three-quarters of the distance from the spinous process of L4 to a line parallel to the spinal column passing through the posterior superior iliac spine. In a subsequent prospective series, a CPCB was administered before surgery to 15 children for pain relief after femoral and hip osteotomies. After general anesthesia, a 0.5 mL/kg bolus of a mixture of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine (1/200.000) and 0.5% ropivacaine was injected through the CPCB catheter. After contrast media assessment of the catheter location, a disposable pump (Infusor LV); Baxter, Paris, France) with 0.2% ropivacaine was connected and pump flow was adjusted to the patient's weight (0.2 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1)). Postoperative pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale or the Children and Infants Postoperative Pain Score at hour H1, H6, H12, H18, H24, H36, and H48, and in terms of rescue analgesia, adverse events, and motor blocks. All blocks were effective during surgery. Postoperative analgesia was excellent. The median pain scores were 1 for H1 and 0 beginning H6. The motor blockade was minimal before 24 h and absent thereafter. No major adverse event was noted. Parents of 93% of the children were satisfied. We conclude that postoperative analgesia with CPCB is a very effective technique in children after major proximal lower limb orthopedic surgery. The CT scan landmarks described in this study were more medial than the conventional landmarks used in the literature. IMPLICATIONS: Continuous psoas compartment blocks provide optimal pain relief in children after major orthopedic surgery without major adverse events. The landmarks used, defined in a preliminary computed tomographic scan study, were more medial than conventional landmarks.

Adolescent↗

Postoperative analgesia after total knee replacement: the effect of an obturator nerve block added to the femoral 3-in-1 nerve block.

Femoral nerve block (FNB) does not consistently produce anesthesia of the obturator nerve. In this single-blind, randomized, controlled study we added a selective obturator nerve block (ONB) to FNB to analyze its influence on postoperative analgesia after total knee replacement (TKR). Before general anesthesia, 90 patients undergoing TKR received FNB (Group 1), FNB and selective ONB (Group 2), or placebo FNB (Group 3). Postoperative analgesia was further provided by morphine IV via patient-controlled analgesia. Analgesic efficacy and side effects were recorded in the first 6 h after surgery. Adductor strength decreased by 18% +/- 9% in Group 1 and by 78% +/- 22% in Group 2 (P < 0.0001). Total morphine consumption was reduced in Group 2 compared with Groups 1 and 3 (P < or = 0.0001). Patients in Group 2 reported lower pain scores than those in Groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.0003). The incidence of nausea was more frequent in Groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.01). We conclude that FNB does not produce complete anesthesia of the obturator nerve. Single-shot FNB does not provide additional benefits on pain at rest over opioids alone in the early postoperative period. The addition of an ONB to FNB improves postoperative analgesia after TKR.

Aged↗

Perioperative management for one day hospital admission: regional anesthesia is better than general anesthesia.

The past ten years have showed real and considerable growth in the number and complexity of ambulatory surgeries. The remaining real problems are the postoperative pain and the adverse effects due to parenteral opioids promoting hospital readmissions and increasing costs. This events limit the expansion of outpatient surgery. Regional anesthesia techniques such as spinal anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks are ideal techniques for one day hospital admissions surgical procedures. It is now fully demonstrated that these techniques allowed rapid and complete anesthetic blocks, a limitation of adeverses events and unplanned hospital admissions and increased the quality of prolonged optimal postoperative pain relief if continuous peripheral nerve blocks are used.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

[Multitruncular block at the elbow for a major hand trauma for prehospital care].

Upper limb peripheral nerve blocks offer many advantages but they are not widely used in prehospital care. We report the case of a multitroncular block at the elbow made by the emergency department team out of the hospital after a major hand trauma. A successful axillary brachial plexus block was done two hours later, without any problem. This case report allows us to discuss about different analgesia techniques useful in prehospital care.

Amputation, Traumatic↗

Fatal and non fatal cardiac arrests related to anesthesia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and causes of cardiac arrests related to anesthesia. METHODS: All patients undergoing anesthesia over a six year period were included in a prospective study. The cardiac arrests encountered during anesthesia and the first twelve postoperative hours in the PACU or ICU were analysed. For each arrest, partially or totally related to anesthesia, the sequence of events leading to the accident was evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven cardiac arrests related to anesthesia were identified among the 101,769 anesthetic procedures (frequency: 1.1/10,000 [0.44-1.72]). Mortality related to anesthesia was 0.6/10,000 [0.12-1.06]. Age over 84 yr and an ASA physical status > 2 were found to be risk factors of cardiac arrest related to anesthesia. The main causes of anesthesia related cardiac arrest were anesthetic overdose (four cases), hypovolemia (two cases) and hypoxemia due to difficult tracheal intubation (two cases). No cardiac arrests due to alveolar hypoventilation were noted during the postoperative periods in either PACU or ICU. At least one human error was noted in ten of the eleven cardiac arrests cases, due to poor preoperative evaluation in seven. All cardiac arrests totally related to anesthesia were classified as avoidable. CONCLUSION: Efforts must be directed towards improving preoperative patient evaluation. Anesthetic induction doses should be titrated in all ASA 3 and 4 patients. The prediction of difficult tracheal intubation, and if required, the use of awake tracheal intubation techniques, should remain a priority when performing general anesthesia.

Adolescent↗

Voluven, a lower substituted novel hydroxyethyl starch (HES 130/0.4), causes fewer effects on coagulation in major orthopedic surgery than HES 200/0.5.

UNLABELLED: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are effective plasma volume expanders. Impairment of coagulation occurs with large HES volumes infused perioperatively. Therefore, a lower substituted novel HES (Voluven; Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) was developed to minimize hemostatic interactions, and was compared with HAES-steril (Fresenius Kabi) (pentastarch) regarding safety and efficacy. We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study in 100 major orthopedic surgery patients. Because the 95% confidence interval (-330 mL; +284 mL) for the treatment contrast Voluven-HAES-steril was entirely included in the predefined equivalence range (+/- 500 mL), comparable efficacy was established. Voluven interfered significantly less than HAES-steril with coagulation factor VIII levels and partial thromboplastin time postoperatively. Total amounts of red blood cells transfused were comparable between the Voluven and HAES-steril groups, but a significantly reduced need for homologous red blood cells was observed in the Voluven group. We conclude that in large-blood-loss surgery, Voluven has a comparable efficacy with HAES-steril and may reduce coagulation impairment, possibly leading to a smaller number of allogeneic blood transfusions. IMPLICATIONS: Hydroxyethyl starches are common plasma volume expanders, but may interfere with coagulation at large doses. We tested a novel hydroxyethyl starch specification (Voluven; Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) which was developed to reduce hemostatic interactions while preserving its efficacy in restoring plasma volume in comparison to HAES-steril (pentastarch; Fresenius Kabi) in major orthopedic surgery.

Adolescent↗

Regional anaesthesia for orthopaedic surgery.

Recently, there has been considerable interest in regional anaesthetic techniques, particularly in peripheral nerve blockade, for orthopaedic limb surgery. Many traditional nerve-block techniques have been significantly modified to improve their role in both in-patient and out-patient surgery. The introduction of long-acting local anaesthetic with a better safety profile as well as better equipment for continuous nerve blockade has further increased the use of such techniques in the provision of postoperative analgesia. The recent developments described in this review are likely to result in wider use of these techniques in years to come.

Journal Article↗

Continuous post-operative regional analgesia at home.

OBJECTIVE: Describe early discharge of patients treated with continuous perineural analgesia after orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: A prospective and descriptive study including 56 patients undergoing multiple orthopaedic procedures, who had received oral and written information and given informed consent. Literature on the topic was reviewed, a preliminary study performanced and home nurses were trained. The following blocks were performed: interscalene block (ISKT), infraclavicular block (ICKT), posterior popliteal sciatic block (PPKT) or tibial block at the ankle (TKT). The analgesic catheter (KT) was inserted pre-operatively with nerve stimulation technique. Blockade was induced with mepivacaine and surgery performed under regional anaesthesia. Postoperatively, an elastomeric pump delivering 0.2% ropivacaine(R) at 5 ml/h (tibial blocks) and 7 ml/h (other blocks) was implemented. Analgesic efficacy and side-effects were monitored for 24 hours (patient discharge on Day+1). Pain was evaluated using visual analogical scores (VAS) (0-100) every 12 hours; rescue analgesics were prescribed (propacetamol IV). Nurses ensured patient monitoring at home. Finally, each patient was asked a satisfaction score (0-100). RESULTS: Two patients were excluded. Twenty-one tibial blocks, 24 posterior popliteal sciatic blocks, 6 infraclavicular blocks and 3 interscalene blocks were performed. No major incidents were reported. VAS showed satisfactory post-operative analgesia. Median values (max-min) were measured every morning and evening on Day+1 and Day+2. Patient satisfaction was high: 89 (70-100). Hospitalisation costs analysis showed a 46 to 27% decrease in surgery-depending costs. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous, post-operative, perineural analgesia at home is safe and effective, less expensive with high patient satisfaction.

Adolescent↗

Preoperative screening for von Willebrand disease type 1: low yield and limited ability to predict bleeding.

Type 1 von Willebrand disease (vWd) is the most common hereditary bleeding disorder. The objective of this study was to measure the von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) in a large cohort of patients who underwent surgery to assess the role of a new rapid immunoassay in a screening procedure for vWd in preoperative conditions. We studied 832 consecutive patients (540 children, 292 adults) referred to the surgical departments. For each patient we determined the vWf:Ag level with two different assays, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)(Asserachrom vWf:Ag; Diagnostica Stago, France) and a rapid immunoassay (Liatest vWf:Ag; Diagnostica Stago). Using the reference test, we found 30 of 832 patients with a vWf:Ag value below the lower limits (21 U/dL to 46 U/dL). The coefficient of correlation between the two tests was 0.77 (P = .001). When receiver operating characteristic curves were used, the cutoff value calculated to detect vWf:Ag defect with the rapid assay was 68.5 U/dL, leading to 0.36% false negatives and 9.7% false positives. Thus the rapid immunoassay appears to be a useful and easy method that is adaptable to urgent situations. Among the 30 patients with low values in ELISA, 8 had personal or familial bleeding history. Repeat blood samples confirmed the diagnosis of vWd in 5 cases, leading to a prevalence of vWd type 1 of 0.6%. However, in our series the absence of severe bleeding complications raises the question of the screening and the management of patients bearing a type 1 Willebrand disease during surgery.

Adolescent↗

[Anaphylactic shock after a test-dose of aprotinin in pediatric orthopedic surgery].

A case of severe anaphylactic shock in a 28-month-old child following a testing-dose of aprotinin during major orthopaedic surgery is reported. Two months earlier, aprotinin had been administered during a similar controlateral surgical procedure. The grade III anaphylactic accident required a 48 h treatment in an intensive care unit. The outcome was favourable. The pin-prick tests were positive for aprotinin, substantiating the diagnosis of anaphylactic shock, whereas the test with specific IgE was negative. The value of current diagnostic tools for aprotinin allergy is discussed. The administration of a testing-dose in a patient previously treated with aprotinin cannot be recommended. Considering the risk for allergy, aprotinin should only be administered for recognized indications such as major orthopaedic surgery. Before any readministration of this agent an assessment by an allergist-anaesthetist is essential for determination of the risk-benefit ratio.

Anaphylaxis↗

Effects of perioperative analgesic technique on the surgical outcome and duration of rehabilitation after major knee surgery.

BACKGROUND: Continuous passive motion after major knee surgery optimizes the functional prognosis but causes severe pain. The authors tested the hypothesis that postoperative analgesic techniques influence surgical outcome and the duration of convalescence. METHODS: Before standardized general anesthesia, 56 adult scheduled for major knee surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups, each to receive a different postoperative analgesic technique for 72 h: continuous epidural infusion, continuous femoral block, or intravenous patient-controlled morphine (dose, 1 mg; lockout interval, 7 min; maximum dose, 30 mg/4 h). The first two techniques were performed using a solution of 1% lidocaine, 0.03 mg/ml morphine, and 2 microg/ml clonidine administered at 0.1 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1). Pain was assessed at rest and during continuous passive motion using a visual analog scale. The early postoperative maximal amplitude of knee flexion was measured during continuous passive motion at 24 h and 48 h and compared with the target levels prescribed by the surgeon. To evaluate functional outcome, the maximal amplitudes were measured again on postoperative day 5, at hospital discharge (day 7), and at 1- and 3-month follow-up examinations. When the patients left the surgical ward, they were admitted to a rehabilitation center, where their length of stay depended on prospectively determined discharge criteria RESULTS: The continuous epidural infusion and continuous femoral block groups showed significantly lower visual analog scale scores at rest and during continuous passive motion compared with the patient-controlled morphine group. The early postoperative knee mobilization levels in both continuous epidural infusion and continuous femoral block groups were significantly closer to the target levels prescribed by the surgeon than in the patient-controlled morphine group. On postoperative day 7, these values were 90 degrees (60-100 degrees)(median and 25th-75th percentiles) in the continuous epidural infusion group, 90 degrees (60-100 degrees) in the continuous femoral block group, and 80 degrees (60-100 degrees) in the patient-controlled morphine group (P < 0.05). The durations of stay in the rehabilitation center were significantly shorter: 37 days (range, 30-45 days) in the continuous epidural infusion group, 40 days (range, 31-60 days) in the continuous femoral block group, and 50 days (range, 30-80 days) in the patient-controlled morphine group (P < 0.05). Side effects were encountered more frequently in the continuous epidural infusion group. CONCLUSION: Regional analgesic techniques improve early rehabilitation after major knee surgery by effectively controlling pain during continuous passive motion, thereby hastening convalescence.

Adolescent↗

[Postoperative analgesia. Specificity in the elderly].

The necessity of an adapted, optimal postoperative analgesia in the elderly is widely recognised. Reduced physiological capacities must be taken into consideration during the perioperative period. Class I analgesics, such as paracetamol, are both safe and efficient, and can be used for basic analgesia. Non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs carry an increased iatrogenic risk in the elderly. Their benefits should always be considered with regard to their risk. Their dosage should be decreased by 40-60% in comparison to the standard adult doses. Opioids, though highly efficient, carry a higher risk of respiratory depression due to the increased sensitivity to this class of molecules in the elderly. Doses must be reduced by 50% of the standard adult dose in order to limit adverse events while maintaining an equivalent level of analgesia. Patient-controlled and spinal opioid analgesia can be used in elderly patients. However surveillance of both the state of consciousness and respiratory rate must be carried out hourly over a period ranging from 12 to 24 hours. Pulse oximetry can be of value. After orthopaedic surgery, perineural or peripheral analgesia should be favoured considering the excellent benefit-risk ratio. Close clinical monitoring is essential for providing safe and efficient analgesia in the elderly using the techniques currently at our disposal.

Adult↗