Correlation of the A-Line ARX index with acoustically evoked potential amplitude

Background. Automated indices derived from mid-latency auditoryevoked potentials (MLAEP) have been proposed for monitoringthe state of anaesthesia. The A-Line^TM ARX index (AAI) has beenimplemented in the A-Line^TM monitor (Danmeter, V1.4). Severalstudies have reported variable and, in awake patients, sometimessurprisingly low AAI values. The purpose of this study was toreproduce these findings under steady-state conditions and toinvestigate their causes. Methods. Ten awake unmedicated volunteers were studied understeady-state conditions. For each subject, the raw EEG and theAAI were recorded with an A-Line^TM monitor (V1.4) during threeseparate sessions of 45.0 (1.6) min duration each. MATLAB^TM(Mathworks) routines were used to derive MLAEP responses fromEEG data and to calculate maximal MLAEP amplitudes. Results. The AAI values ranged from 15 to 99, while 11.4% fellbelow levels which, according to the manufacturer, indicatean anaesthetic depth suitable for surgery. Inter-individualand intra-individual variation was observed despite stable recordingconditions. The amplitudes of the MLAEP varied from 0.8 to 42.0µV. The MLAEP amplitude exceeded 2 µV in 75.3% ofreadings. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient betweenthe MLAEP amplitude and the AAI value was r=0.89 (P<0.0001). Conclusions. The version of the A-Line^TM monitor used in thisstudy does not exclude contaminated MLAEP signals. Previouspublications involving this version of the A-Line^TM monitor(as opposed to the newer A-Line/2^TM monitor series) should bereassessed in the light of these findings. Before exclusivelyMLAEP-based monitors can be evaluated as suitable monitors ofdepth of anaesthesia, it is essential to ensure that inbuiltvalidity tests eliminate contaminated MLAEP signals. Presented in part at the annual meeting of the European Societyof Anaesthesiologists, Lisbon, Portugal, June 5–7, 2004.     

Agitation and changes of Bispectral Index and electroencephalographic-derived variables during sevoflurane induction in children: clonidine premedication reduces agitation compared with midazolam

Background. This double-blind randomized study was undertakento assess agitation, Bispectral Index^TM (BIS^TM) and EEG changesduring induction of anaesthesia with sevoflurane in childrenpremedicated with midazolam or clonidine. Methods. Children were allocated randomly to receive rectalmidazolam 0.4 mg kg^–1 (n=20) or oral clonidine 4µg kg^–1 (n=20) as premedication. Rapid inductionof anaesthesia was achieved with inhalation of sevoflurane 8%in nitrous oxide 50%–oxygen 50%. After tracheal intubation,the children’s lungs were mechanically ventilated andthe inspired sevoflurane concentration was adjusted to achievean end-tidal fraction of 2.5%. The EEG and BIS^TM were recordedduring induction until 10 min after tracheal intubation. TheEEG was analysed using spectral analysis at five points: baseline,loss of eyelash reflex, 15 s before the nadir of the BIS^TM (BIS_nadir),when both pupils returned to the central position (immediatelybefore intubation), and 10 min after intubation. Results. Agitation was observed in 12 midazolam-treated andfive clonidine-treated patients (P=0.05). At baseline, EEG rhythmswere slower in the clonidine group. Induction of anaesthesiawas associated with similar EEG changes in the two groups, withan increase in total spectral power and a shift towards lowfrequencies; these changes were maximal around the end of thesecond minute of induction (BIS_nadir). When the pupils had returnedto the central position, fast EEG rhythms increased and BIS^TMwas higher than BIS_nadir (P<0.05). In both groups, agitationwas associated with an increase in slow EEG rhythms at BIS_nadir. Conclusions. Compared with midazolam, clonidine premedicationreduced agitation during sevoflurane induction. During inductionwith sevoflurane 8% (oxygen 50%–nitrous oxide 50%), thenadir of the BIS^TM occurred at the end of the second minuteof inhalation. Agitation was associated with a more pronouncedslowing of the EEG rhythms at BIS_nadir compared with inductionsin which no agitation was observed. The BIS^TM may not followthe depth of anaesthesia during sevoflurane induction in children. Br J Anaesth 2004; 92: 504–11     

Bougie-guided insertion of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway has higher first attempt success rate than the digital technique in children

Background. We tested the hypothesis that bougie-guided insertionof the ProSeal^TM laryngeal mask airway (ProSeal^TM LMA) has highersuccess rate than the digital technique in children. Methods. One hundred and twenty children (ASA I–II, aged1–16 yr) were randomly allocated for ProSeal^TM LMA insertionusing the digital or bougie-guided technique. The digital techniquewas performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.The bougie-guided technique involved priming the drain tubewith a bougie, placing the bougie in the oesophagus under directvision and railroading the ProSeal^TM LMA into position. Unblindeddata were collected about ease of insertion (number of attemptsand time taken to provide an effective airway), efficacy ofseal, ease of gastric tube placement, haemodynamic responsesand blood staining. Blinded data were collected about postoperativeairway morbidity. Results. The first attempt success rate was higher for the bougie-guidedtechnique (59/60 vs 52/60, P=0.015), but effective airway timewas longer (37 vs 32 s, P<0.001). There were no differencesin efficacy of seal, ease of gastric tube placement, haemodynamicresponses, blood staining or postoperative airway morbidity. Conclusion. We conclude that bougie-guided insertion of theProSeal^TM LMA has a higher first attempt success rate than thedigital technique in children. Declaration of interest. Dr Brimacombe and Dr Keller have workedas consultants for the Laryngeal Mask Company, who manufactureProSeal^TM LMA.     

Predicted values of propofol EC50 and sevoflurane concentration for insertion of laryngeal mask Classic and ProSeal

Background. A new laryngeal mask airway, the ProSeal^TM (PLMA),is said to be more difficult to insert than the laryngeal maskairway Classic^TM (CLMA) using propofol anaesthesia. Therefore,we expected a greater dose of propofol and sevoflurane to berequired to insert the PLMA compared with the CLMA. We determinedthe effective concentration 50% (EC₅₀) of propofol and end-tidalsevoflurane to allow insertion of the PLMA and the CLMA. Methods. Seventy-six elective female patients (aged 20–60yr and ASA I–II) were randomly assigned to one of fourgroups. Either a PLMA or a CLMA was inserted using either propofoltarget controlled infusion or sevoflurane. Both propofol andsevoflurane targets were determined with a modified Dixon’sup-and-down method. After equilibration between the predeterminedblood and effect site concentrations, which had been held steadyfor more than 10 min, LMA insertion was attempted without neuromuscularblock. Results. The predicted EC_50CLMA and EC_50PLMA for propofol were3.14 (0.33) and 4.32 (0.67) µg ml^–1. E'_CLMAand E'_PLMA of sevoflurane (mean (SD)) were 2.36 (0.22) and 2.82(0.45)% (P<0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Conclusions. The estimated concentration of propofol and thesevoflurane concentration needed to allow insertion of the ProSeal^TMare respectively 38 and 20% greater than those needed for insertionof the Classic LMA. Br J Anaesth 2004; 92: 242–5     

Optimization of desflurane administration in morbidly obese patients: a comparison with sevoflurane using an 'inhalation bolus' technique

Background. The concept of an ‘inhalation bolus’can be used to optimize inhaled drug administration. We investigatedthe depth of anaesthesia, haemodynamic stability, and recoverytime in morbidly obese patients resulting from bispectral index^TM(BIS^TM)-guided sevoflurane or desflurane administration andBIS-triggered inhalation boluses of sevoflurane or desfluranecombined with titration of remifentanil. Methods. Fifty morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopicgastroplasty received either BIS-guided sevoflurane or desfluraneanaesthesia in combination with a remifentanil target-controlledinfusion. Intraoperative haemodynamic stability and BIS controlwere measured. Immediate recovery was recorded. Results. Intraoperatively, the BIS was between 40 and 60 fora greater percentage of time in the sevoflurane (78 (13)% ofcase time) than in the desflurane patients (64 (14)% of casetime), owing to too profound anaesthesia in the desflurane patientsat the start of the procedure. However, fewer episodes of hypotensionwere found in the desflurane group, without the occurrence ofmore hypertensive episodes. During immediate recovery, eye opening,extubation, airway maintenance, and orientation occurred soonerin the desflurane group. Conclusions. Immediate recovery was significantly faster inthe desflurane group. Overall hypnotic controllability measuredby BIS was less accurate with desflurane. Overall haemodynamiccontrollability was better when using desflurane. Fewer episodesof hypotension were found in the desflurane group. The use ofthe inhalation bolus was found to be appropriate in both groupswithout causing severe haemodynamic side effects. Minimal BISvalues were significantly lower after a desflurane bolus. Br J Anaesth 2003; 91: 638–50     

Desflurane compared with propofol for postoperative sedation in the intensive care unit

Background. We hypothesized that emergence from sedation inpostoperative patients in the intensive care unit would be fasterand more predictable after sedation with desflurane than withpropofol. Methods. Sixty patients after major operations were allocatedrandomly to receive either desflurane or propofol. The targetlevel of sedation was defined by a bispectral index^TM (BIS^TM)of 60. All patients were receiving mechanical ventilation ofthe lungs for 10.6 (SD 5.5) h depending on their clinical state.The study drugs were stopped abruptly in a calm atmosphere withthe fresh gas flow set to 6 litres min^–1, and the timeuntil the BIS increased above 75 was measured (t_BIS75, the mainobjective measure). After extubation of the trachea, when thepatients could state their birth date, they were asked to memorizefive words. Results. Emergence times were shorter (P<0.001) after desfluranethan after propofol (25th, 50th and 75th percentiles): t_BIS75,3.0, 4.5 and 5.8 vs 5.2, 7.7 and 10.3 min; time to first response,3.7, 5.0 and 5.7 vs 6.9, 8.6 and 10.7 min; time to eyes open,4.7, 5.7 and 8.0 vs 7.3, 10.5 and 20.8 min; time to squeezehand, 5.1, 6.5 and 10.2 vs 9.2, 11.1 and 21.1 min; time to trachealextubation, 5.8, 7.7 and 10.0 vs 9.7, 13.5 and 18.9 min; timeto saying their birth date, 7.7, 10.5 and 15.5 vs 13.0, 19.4and 31.8 min. Patients who received desflurane recalled significantlymore of the five words. We did not observe major side-effectsand there were no haemodynamic or laboratory changes exceptfor a more marked increase in systolic blood pressure afterstopping desflurane. Using a low fresh gas flow (air/oxygen1 litre min^–1), pure drug costs were lower for desfluranethan for propofol (95 vs 171 Euros day^–1). Conclusions. We found shorter and more predictable emergencetimes and quicker mental recovery after short-term postoperativesedation with desflurane compared with propofol. Desfluraneallows precise timing of extubation, shortening the time duringwhich the patient needs very close attention. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90: 273–80     

Comparative evaluation of the cerebral state index and the bispectral index during target-controlled infusion of propofol

Background. Cerebral state index (CSI) has recently been introducedas an intra-operative monitor of anaesthetic depth. We comparedthe performance of the CSI to the bispectral index (BIS) inmeasuring depth of anaesthesia during target-controlled infusion(TCI) of propofol. Methods. Twenty Chinese patients undergoing general anaesthesiawere recruited. CSI and BIS, and predicted effect-site concentrationof propofol were recorded. The level of sedation was testedby Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale(MOAAS) every 20 s during stepwise increase (TCI, 0.5 µgml^–1) of propofol. The loss of verbal contact (LVC) andloss of response (LOR) were defined by MOAAS values of 2–3and less than 2, respectively. Baseline variability and theprediction probability (P_K) were calculated for the BIS andCSI. The values of BIS₀₅ and CSI₀₅, BIS₅₀ and CSI₅₀, BIS₉₅ andCSI₉₅ were calculated at each end-point (LVC and LOR). Results. Baseline variability of CSI was more than that of BIS.Both CSI and BIS showed a high prediction probability for thesteps awake vs LVC, awake vs LOR, and LVC vs LOR, and good correlationswith MOAAS values. Conclusion. Despite larger baseline variation, CSI performedas well as BIS in terms of P_K values and correlations with stepchanges in sedation.     

Comparison of Alaris AEP index and bispectral index during propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia

Background. The Alaris AEP monitor^TM (Alaris, UK, version 1.4)is the first commercially available auditory evoked potential(AEP) monitor designed to estimate the depth of anaesthesia.It generates an ‘Alaris AEP index’ (AAI), whichis a dimensionless number scaled from 100 (awake) to 0. Thisstudy was designed to compare AAI and BIS^TM (Aspect, USA, versionXP) values at different levels of anaesthesia. Methods. Adult female patients were premedicated with diazepam0.15 mg kg^–1 orally on the morning of surgery. Electrodesfor BIS and Alaris AEP monitoring and a headphone to give auditorystimuli were applied as recommended by the manufacturers. Anaesthesiawas induced with remifentanil (0.4 µg kg^–1 min^–1)and a propofol target-controlled infusion (Diprifusor^TM TCI,AstraZeneca, Germany) to obtain a predicted concentration ofinitially 3.5 µg ml^–1. After loss of consciousnessthe patients were given 0.5 mg kg^–1 of atracurium. Aftertracheal intubation, remifentanil was given at 0.2 µgkg^–1 min^–1 and the propofol infusion was adjustedto obtain BIS target values of 30, 40, 50, and 60. AAI and BISvalues were recorded and matched with the predicted propofoleffect-site concentrations. Prediction probability was calculatedfor consciousness vs unconsciousness. Values are mean (SD). Results. Fifty female patients, 53 (15), range 18–78 yr,ASA I or II were studied. Mean values before induction of anaesthesiawere 95 (4), range 99–82 for BIS and 85 (12), range 99–55for AAI. With loss of eyelash reflex both values were significantlyreduced to 64 (13), range 83–39 for BIS (P<0.05) and61 (22), range 99–15 for AAI (P<0.05). The predictionprobability P_K for consciousness vs unconsciousness (i.e. lossof eyelash reflex) was better for BIS (P_K=0.99) than for AAI(P_K=0.79). At a BIS of 30, 40, 50, and 60 the correspondingAAI values were 15 (6), 20 (8), 28 (11), and 40 (16), and thesewere significantly different. Conclusions. During propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia a decreaseof the depth of anaesthesia as indicated by BIS monitoring isaccompanied by corresponding effects shown by the AAI. However,wide variation in the awake values and considerable overlapof AAI values between consciousness and unconsciousness, suggestsfurther improvement of the AAI system is required. Br J Anaesth 2003; 91: 336–40     

Performance of entropy and Bispectral Index as measures of anaesthesia effect in children of different ages

Background. Entropy and Bispectral Index^TM (BIS^TM) have beenpromoted as EEG-based anaesthesia depth monitors. The EEG changeswith brain maturation, but there are limited published datadescribing the characteristics of entropy in children, and somedata suggest that BIS is less reliable in young children. Theaim of this study was to compare the performance of entropyas a measure of anaesthetic effect in different age groups.The performance of entropy was compared with BIS. Methods. Fifty-four children receiving a standard sevofluraneanaesthetic for cardiac catheter studies were enrolled. Theentropy and BIS were recorded pre-awakening and at 1.5%, 2%and 2.5% steady-state end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations.For analysis children were divided into four age groups: 0–1yr, 1–2 yr, 2–4 yr and 4–12 yr. Results. The pre-awakening values were obtained in 46 children.The median pre-awakening values for entropy and BIS varied significantlyacross ages with the values being lowest in the 0–1 yrage group (response entropy: 45 vs 84, 87 and 89, P=0.003; stateentropy: 36 vs 78, 74 and 77, P=0.009; BIS: 56 vs 78, 76.5 and72, P=0.02). Values were recorded at all three sevoflurane concentrationsin 48 children. Compared with older groups, the 0–1 yrage group had the least significant difference in BIS and entropywhen compared among different sevoflurane concentrations. Thecalculated sevoflurane concentrations to achieve mid-scale valuesof entropy and BIS were highest in the 1–2 yr age group,lower in the 0–1 yr age group and progressively lowerin the 2–4 and 4–12 yr age groups. Conclusions. For both entropy and BIS the measure of anaestheticeffect was significantly different for children aged <1 yrcompared with older children. There was no difference in performanceof entropy and BIS. Both should be used cautiously in smallchildren.      

The suppression of spinal F-waves by propofol does not predict immobility to painful stimuli in humans

Background. The immobilizing effects of volatile anaestheticsare primarily mediated at the spinal level. A suppression ofrecurrent spinal responses (F-waves), which reflect spinal excitability,has been shown for propofol. We have assessed the concentration-dependentF-wave suppression by propofol and related it to the logisticregression curve for suppression of movement to noxious stimuliand the effect on the bispectral index^TM (BIS^TM). The predictivepower of drug effects on F-waves and BIS for movement responsesto noxious stimuli was tested. Methods. In 24 patients anaesthesia was induced and maintainedwith propofol infused by a target controlled infusion pump atstepwise increasing and decreasing plasma concentrations between0.5 and 4.5 mg litre^–1. The F-waves of the abductor hallucismuscle were recorded at a frequency of 0.2 Hz. BIS values wererecorded continuously. Calculated propofol concentrations andF-wave amplitude and persistence were analyzed in terms of apharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model with a simplesigmoid concentration–response function. Motor responsesto tetanic electrical stimulation (50 Hz, 60 mA, 5 s, volarforearm) were tested and the EC_50tetanus was calculated usinglogistic regression. Results. For slowly increasing propofol concentrations, computerfits of the PK/PD model for the suppression by propofol yieldeda median EC₅₀ of 1.26 (0.4–2.3) and 1.9 (1.0–2.8)mg litre^–1 for the F-wave amplitude and persistence, respectively.These values are far lower than the calculated EC₅₀ for noxiouselectrical stimulation of 3.75 mg litre^–1. This differenceresults in a poor prediction probability of movement to noxiousstimuli of 0.59 for the F-wave amplitude. Conclusions. F-waves are almost completely suppressed at subclinicalpropofol concentrations and they are therefore not suitablefor prediction of motor responses to noxious stimuli under propofolmono-anaesthesia. Presented in part at the annual meeting of the American Societyof Anesthesiologists 2004 in Las Vegas.     

Efficacy of A-line AEP Monitor as a tool for predicting acceptable tracheal intubation conditions during sevoflurane anaesthesia

Background. It is essential for the clinical anaesthetist toknow whether patients are sufficiently anaesthetized to toleratedirect laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Because ofthe lack of an accurate objective method to determine the levelof general anaesthesia, under- or overdosing of anaestheticsmay occur. Auditory evoked potential (AEP) is one of severalphysiological parameters under investigation. We aimed to determinethe clinically required depth of anaesthesia, measured by theA-line^TM AEP Monitor and expressed as A-Line ARX Index^TM (AAI)for 90% probability of acceptable conditions for endotrachealintubation. Methods. We studied 108 patients anaesthetized by mask withincreasing concentration of sevoflurane in 30% oxygen and 70%nitrous oxide. Fentanyl 1.5 µg kg^–1 and glycopyrrolate0.2 mg were administered intravenously immediately before startinginduction of anaesthesia. The monitor was programmed to givean alarm at AAI 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 according to randomization.When the alarm sounded, the end-expiratory sevoflurane concentrationwas registered and endotracheal intubation was attempted. Intubationconditions were assessed by an observer blinded to the AAI. Results. At AAI 10 we found acceptable conditions in 91% (confidenceinterval [CI 72–99%]) of patients. The prediction probabilityvalue P_K of AAI was 0.69 (CI 0.59–0.79) and the P_K ofend-expiratory sevoflurane concentration was 0.93 (CI 0.87–0.99).ED₉₀ (the AAI with a 90% probability of acceptable intubationconditions) was calculated as 8.5 (CI 0–17.5). Conclusions. AAI indicates the depth of anaesthesia necessaryfor acceptable endotracheal intubation conditions. Under theconditions of the present study, end-expiratory sevofluraneconcentration was a better predictor and may turn out to bemore useful in the clinical setting.     

Plasma lidocaine concentrations following insertion of 2% lidocaine gel into the uterine cavity after uterine balloon thermal ablation

Background. Uterine balloon thermal ablation is used to treatmenorrhagia. We thought that intrauterine application of 2%lidocaine gel could reduce postoperative pain after this procedure.Before using this technique we wished to establish how muchlidocaine is absorbed systemically from the uterine cavity afterthermal ablation. Methods. Ten ASA I–II patients (age 38–50 yr) underwentuterine balloon thermal ablation under general anaesthesia.They each had 11 ml of 2% lidocaine gel (Instillagel^TM) insertedinto the uterine cavity at the end of the procedure. Blood sampleswere taken at 5, 15, 30 and 60 min after insertion and lidocaineconcentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results. Mean (range) plasma lidocaine concentrations at 5,15, 30 and 60 min were 40.3 (0–221.9), 66.3 (0–271.9),64.9 (0–208) and 75 (0–212) ng ml^–1, respectively. Conclusion. There was minimal systemic absorption of lidocainefrom the uterus following uterine balloon thermal ablation.Measured concentrations were well below the toxic plasma concentrationfor lidocaine (8–10 µg ml^–1). Br J Anaesth 2002; 89: 846–8     

Entropy indices vs the bispectral index for estimating nociception during sevoflurane anaesthesia

Background. It is now possible to acquire and process raw EEGand frontal EMG signals to produce two spectral-entropy-basedindices (response entropy and state entropy) reflective of analgesicand hypnotic levels during general anaesthesia (with the Datex-OhmedaS/5 Entropy Module, Datex-Ohmeda, Helsinki, Finland). However,there are no data available on the accuracy of the Entropy Modulein estimating nociception during sevoflurane anaesthesia. Methods. Forty female patients were enrolled in the presentstudy. Each patient was allocated randomly to one of four end-tidalsevoflurane concentration (ET_sev) groups (1.3, 1.7, 2.1 or 2.5%).A BIS Sensor^TM (Aspect Medical Systems, Newton, MA) and an EntropySensor^TM (Datex-Ohmeda) were applied side-by-side to the forehead.The bispectral index (A-2000 BIS Monitor, version 3.4, AspectMedical Systems), response entropy, state entropy and patientmovement were observed after electrical stimulation (20, 40,60 and 80 mA, 100 Hz, 5 s) and after skin incision during sevofluraneanaesthesia (1.3, 1.7, 2.1 or 2.5%). Accuracy of the EEG variablesin differentiating the intensity of electrical stimulation wasestimated by the prediction probability (P_K) values. Results. Response entropy and state entropy [median, (range)]before skin incision were significantly lower in patients whodid not move [29 (15–41) and 24 (14–41)] than inthose that did [38 (24–53) and 37 (24–52)], butthere was no significant difference in BIS. All EEG variablesincreased significantly (P<0.0001 for all) with increasesin the intensity of electrical stimulation. The difference betweenresponse entropy and state entropy increased with increasesin the electrical stimulation (P<0.0001). However, no EEGvariables could differentiate the intensity of the electricalstimulations accurately because of low P_K-values (P_K<0.8). Conclusion. Noxious stimulation increased the difference betweenresponse entropy and state entropy. However, an increase inthe difference does not always indicate inadequate analgesiaand should be interpreted carefully during anaesthesia.     

Use of conventional ECG electrodes for depth of anaesthesia monitoring using the cerebral state index: a clinical study in day surgery

Background: The cost–benefit relationship for depth of anaesthesiamonitors is complicated by the high cost of specially designedEEG electrodes. The cerebral state index (CSI) monitor willaccept regular ECG electrodes with snap connectors. The purposeof this study was to determine if generic ECG electrodes couldreplace the more expensive proprietary EEG electrodes for theCSI monitor. Methods: Two identical cerebral state monitors were used simultaneouslyduring sevoflurane anaesthesia for knee arthroscopy in 14 ASAI–II patients. One monitor used proprietary (Danmeter)EEG electrodes and the other used ECG electrodes (3M^TM Red Dot^TMDiagnostic ECG Electrodes). Paired CSI values were recordedevery other minute. Anaesthetic depth was titrated clinically.Sedation depth was scored according to the Observer's Assessmentof Alertness/Sedation (OAAS) scale. Results: The agreement between the two measures was found to be high,mean difference – 0.23, and the overall repeatabilitymean bias was 6.6 and 153/163 pairs (94%) were located withinthe 95% limits of agreement. No major difference was noted inimpedance, noise, or artifacts. A large overlap in CSI was notedfor each level of the OAAS scale; patients with CSI values aslow as 40–50 responded whereas patients not respondingto surgical stimulation had CSI values as high as 75. The directcost of disposables decreased from 4 to 0.50 per patient byusing ordinary ECG electrodes. Conclusions: Switching from proprietary EEG electrodes to ordinary genericECG electrodes maintains the same accuracy at about a 10th ofthe cost when measuring CSI during day surgery with sevofluraneanaesthesia.     

Decreased bispectral index as an indicator of syncope before hypotension and bradycardia in two patients with needle phobia

We report two cases who exhibited a decrease in their bispectralindex (BIS^TM) score, associated with syncope during venipuncturein patients with suspected needle phobia. In case 1, the reductionin BIS score occurred during the development of hypotensionand bradycardia and may well have been caused by cerebral hypoperfusion.In case 2, the patient lost consciousness with decreasing BISscore before hypotension and bradycardia; this patient’scondition could not be completely explained by cerebral hypoperfusionas a result of a vasovagal reflex because the patient’sblood pressure and heart rate remained normal during the syncopalepisode. Br J Anaesth 2003; 91: 749–52     

Relation between fentanyl dose and predicted EC50 of propofol for laryngeal mask insertion

Background. This study sought to determine the effective concentrationfor 50% of the attempts to secure laryngeal mask insertion (predictedEC_50LMA) of propofol using a target-controlled infusion (Diprifusor^TM)and investigated whether fentanyl influenced these requiredconcentrations, respiratory rate (RR) and bispectral index (BIS). Methods. Sixty-four elective unpremedicated patients were randomlyassigned to four groups (n = 16 for each group) and given saline(control) or fentanyl 0.5, 1 or 2 µg kg^–1.Propofol target concentration was determined by a modificationof Dixon’s up-and-down method. Laryngeal mask airway insertionwas attempted without neuromuscular blocking drugs after equilibrationhad been established for >10 min. Movement was defined aspresence of bucking or gross purposeful muscular movement within1 min after insertion. EC_50LMA values were obtained by calculatingthe mean of 16 patients in each group. Results. Predicted EC_50LMA of the control, fentanyl 0.5, 1 and2 µg kg^–1 groups were 3.25 (0.20), 2.06 (0.55),1.69 (0.38) and 1.50 (0.54) µg ml^–1 respectively;those of all fentanyl groups were significantly lower than thatof control. RR was decreased in relation to the fentanyl doseup to 1 µg kg^–1. BIS values after fentanyl1 and 2 µg kg^–1 were significantly greaterthan in the control and 0.5 µg kg^–1 groups. Conclusions. A fentanyl dose of 0.5 µg kg^–1is sufficient to decrease predicted EC_50LMA with minimum respiratorydepression and without a high BIS value. Br J Anaesth 2004; 92: 238–41     

Closed-loop control of propofol anaesthesia using bispectral index: performance assessment in patients receiving computer-controlled propofol and manually controlled remifentanil infusions for minor surgery

Background. In a previous study we used the bispectral index(BIS)^TM for automatic control of propofol anaesthesia, usinga proportional-integral-differential control algorithm. As controlwas less than optimal in some patients, we revised the constantsof the control algorithm. The aim of the current study was tomeasure the performance of the revised system in patients undergoingminor surgery under propofol and remifentanil anaesthesia. Methods. Twenty adult patients scheduled for body surface surgerywere enrolled. Anaesthesia was manually induced with target-controlledinfusions (TCI) of propofol and remifentanil. After the startof surgery, when anaesthesia was clinically adequate, automaticcontrol of the propofol TCI was commenced using the revisedclosed-loop system. For patients 11–20, effect-site steeringwas also incorporated into the closed-loop control algorithm.Adequacy of anaesthesia during closed-loop control was assessedclinically, and by calculating the median performance error(MDPE), the median absolute performance error (MDAPE) and themean offset of the control variable. Results. The system provided adequate operating conditions andstable cardiovascular values in all patients during closed-loopcontrol. The mean MDPE and MDAPE were –0.42% and 5.63%,respectively. Mean offset of the BIS^TM from setpoint was –0.2.No patients reported awareness or recall of intraoperative events. Conclusions. The system was able to provide clinically adequateanaesthesia in all patients, with better accuracy of controlthan in the previous study. There was a tendency for more accuratecontrol in those patients in whom the control algorithm incorporatedeffect-site steering. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90: 737–41     

Use of a ProSeal laryngeal mask airway for airway maintenance during emergency Caesarean section after failed tracheal intubation

We report the use of the ProSeal^TM laryngeal mask airway toestablish and maintain the airway during emergency Caesareansection when tracheal intubation had failed with conventionallaryngoscopy and mask ventilation was difficult. The ProSeal^TMlaryngeal mask allowed controlled ventilation without gas leakand facilitated drainage of the stomach. Br J Anaesth 2004; 92: 144–6     

Prevention of latex sensitization in guinea pigs by a bacterial and viral filter used in anaesthesia

Background. Preventing anaphylactic reactions as a result ofnatural rubber latex (NRL) proteins is an important concernin anaesthesia. The clinical relevance of a bacterial/viralfilter (Pall^TM BB25) in preventing sensitization to NRL by inhalationwas tested in guinea pigs. Methods. Guinea pigs (n=8–10 in each group) were exposedto aerosolized NRL-contaminated cornstarch powder or to NRLin saline for 1 h every day for 2 weeks. The experiments wererepeated with a Pall^TM BB25 filter placed over the aerosol system.Control groups were exposed to non-contaminated cornstarch orto saline alone. Three weeks after the last exposure, specificbronchial challenge was performed and thromboxane (Tx) B₂ levelsin bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured. Results. After bronchial challenge, the animals exposed to NRLor NRL-contaminated cornstarch with the BB25 filter in placeshowed a level of bronchoconstriction (i.e. the variation ofpulmonary insufflation pressure) not different from controls.Conversely, those exposed to NRL or NRL-contaminated cornstarchwithout the filter showed a higher level of bronchoconstriction(respectively, P<0.02 and P<0.001) than control. ElevatedTxB₂ levels were found in the lungs of the guinea pigs, whichinhaled NRL or NRL-contaminated cornstarch in the absence ofa filter. Animals treated with the filter showed comparableTxB₂ levels with those of control. Conclusion. The Pall^TM BB25 filter efficiently protected theguinea pigs from sensitization to NRL. This filter can be usedas a complementary measure for avoidance of NRL contact duringsurgical procedures particularly if the mechanical ventilatorapparatus contain NRL devices. Deceased.     

Propacetamol augments inhibition of platelet function by diclofenac in volunteers

Background. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) enhances the analgesiceffect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Acetaminophenis a weak inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX), and its combinationwith an NSAID may augment COX inhibition-related side effects. Methods. Ten healthy male volunteers (21–30 yr) were givendiclofenac 1.1 mg kg^–1 alone, a combination of propacetamol30 mg kg^–1 (which is hydrolysed to 50% acetaminophen)and diclofenac 1.1 mg kg^–1 or placebo intravenously ina double blind, crossover study. Platelet function was assessedat 5 min, 90 min and 22–24 h by photometric aggregometry,platelet function analyser (PFA-100^TM) and by measuring therelease of thromboxane B₂ (TxB₂). Analgesia was assessed withthe cold pressor test. Results. Platelet aggregation induced with arachidonic acidwas fully inhibited by both diclofenac alone and the combinationat the end of the 30-min drug infusion. Propacetamol augmentedthe inhibition by diclofenac at 90 min (P=0.014). At 22–24h, platelet function had fully recovered. TxB₂ release was inhibitedby the combination of propacetamol and diclofenac at 90 minin comparison with diclofenac alone (P=0.027). PFA-100^TM detectedno difference in platelet function between these two groups.No analgesic effect was detected with the cold pressor test. Conclusions. The combination of propacetamol and diclofenacinhibits platelet function more than diclofenac alone. Thisshould be considered when assessing the risk of surgical bleeding. Br J Anaesth 2003; 91: 357–62