Total intravenous anesthesia without muscle relaxant in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A 63-year-old woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was scheduled for open reduction and internal fixation of the right tibia. Total intravenous anesthesia using propofol and remifentanil without muscle relaxant was selected as the anesthetic method, in order to avoid the possible occurrence of ventilatory depression due to abnormal responses to muscle relaxants and exacerbation of the motor neuron disease. After standard and neuromuscular monitoring devices were applied, anesthesia was induced and maintained with target controlled infusion of propofol and remifentanil in the range of 2.5–5.0 μg·ml⁻¹ and 2.5–5.0 ng·ml⁻¹, respectively. To avoid delayed neuromuscular recovery, we did not use any muscle relaxant at all. Intubation was successful and there were no remarkable events during anesthesia, except for three brief hypotensive events; there was no exacerbation of ALS itself during or after the anesthesia. She was discharged on postoperative day 3, without any discomfort.     

Anesthetic considerations for laparoscopy for rectal cancer in patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case report

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as motor neuron disease, is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscular weakness, respiratory muscle disability, and eventual death. Previous epidemiologic studies have shown no association between cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Colorectal cancer arising in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has rarely been reported. Here, we report a case involving rectal cancer arising in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who subsequently underwent curative laparoscopic surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes the deterioration of respiratory function by compromising expiratory and inspiratory muscles; accordingly, patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are at high anesthetic risk, especially with respect to general anesthesia. Careful airway management is essential, and intraoperative neuromuscular monitoring is important. A depolarizing muscle relaxant such as succinylcholine should not be used because of the potential risk of developing hyperkalemia or rhabdomyolysis. Thus, a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant (rocuronium) was used at a low dose in this case. In addition, fentanyl for postoperative patient-controlled analgesia should be used cautiously because fentanyl can cause respiratory muscle rigidity, which may reduce postoperative respiratory function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.     

Gallstone ileus in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case report

Introduction and importanceGallstone ileus is a rare disease that most commonly occurs in elderly females with a history of cholelithiasis. It has not been previously associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the motor neurons at the spinal and bulbar levels. Autonomic malfunction, in particular, gastrointestinal dysfunction has been documented in ALS patients which may predispose this population to the development of gallstones and gut dysmotility.Case presentationIn this paper, we report a case of gallstone ileus in a patient with diagnosed ALS. We performed an exploratory laparotomy, enterolithotomy, and an open cholecystectomy with takedown/closure of a cholecystoduodenal fistula. The patient had a relatively uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day nine.Clinical discussionDelays in gastric emptying and colonic transit times in ALS patients may pose a risk for the development of gallstones and the potential impaction of a gallstone ileus in patients who are left untreated. Multifactorial evaluation of this patient population is necessary when assessing a potential causal pattern of gallstone ileus in patients with significant comorbidities.ConclusionWe present an unusual pathology without an established incidence, which has pertinent multidisciplinary implications. The suspicion of ALS as a potential cause for the development of a gallstone ileus is relevant and essential in the diagnostic workup for an elderly patient who develops a small bowel obstruction with multi-comorbidities.     

米诺环素联合美金刚治疗肌萎缩性脊髓侧索硬化病

目的 观察联合美金刚和米诺环素用药在肌萎缩性脊髓侧索硬化病(ALS)转基因小鼠模型治疗中的协同作用.方法 ALS转基因小鼠被随机分成生理盐水对照组、米诺环素组、美金刚组和米诺环素/美金刚组.对腹腔注射米诺环素和美金刚后ALS小鼠的运动能力、发病时间、生存时间以及腓肠肌重量变化进行定量分析.结果 (1)与对照组发病时间(98.3±4.6)d比较,米诺环素组和美金刚组分别为(117.1 ±7.4)、(114.0±3.5) d(P ＜0.05);对照组生存期为(129.4±6.2)d,米诺环素组和美金刚组分别为(146.2±5.9)、(141.9±6.3) d(P ＜0.05).联合治疗组发病时间和生存期分别为(126.2±8.4)d和(159.1±3.9)d.与对照组比较,米诺环素组、美金刚组和联合治疗组生存时间分别延长13％、11％和23％.(2)对照组小鼠第16周时腓肠肌重量为(83.5±10.2)mg,米诺环素组和美金刚组分别为(133.7 ±12.5)、(130.1 ±10.3) mg,联合治疗组为(186.3±17.9) mg,与对照组和单一用药组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 联合米诺环素和美金刚对治疗ALS小鼠具有协同治疗作用.     

Anesthetic management of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

A 63-year-old man suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was scheduled for a surgery of rectal cancer. Anesthetic management was planned aiming early recovery from anesthesia and reduction of muscle relaxant administration. Orotracheal intubation was carried out by intravenous administration of a comparatively large dose propofol (3 mg.kg-1) and sevoflurane as high as 5%. Adequate muscle relaxation was obtained throughout the operation by inhalation of 2-3% sevoflurane and single intravenous administration of vecuronium 1 mg. A combination of propofol and sevoflurane is a successful choice to eliminate effects of anesthesia early after surgery and also to reduce the amount of a muscle relaxant used.     

Three cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the lower extremity treated with lumbar sympathetic ganglion block

Key words  reflex sympathetic dystrophy - lumbar sympathetic ganglion block - plantar core temperature     

Final analysis of the pilot trial of diaphragm pacing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with long-term follow-up: diaphragm pacing positively affects diaphragm respiration

Background

Respiratory insufficiency is the major cause of mortality in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease. This is the final report of the diaphragm pacing (DP) pilot trial.

Methods

Patients underwent laparoscopic diaphragm electrode implantations and subsequent conditioning of diaphragms. Serial respiratory function tests were performed in the initial year and followed until death.

Results

Sixteen patients were implanted with no perioperative or unanticipated device-related adverse events. There were 452 implant-months of follow-up. DP allowed greater movement of the diaphragm under fluoroscopy, increased muscle thickness, and decreased the decline in forced vital capacity. Median survival from implant was 19.7 months with the cause of death respiratory in only 31%.

Conclusions

Long-term analysis of DP in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis showed no safety issues and can positively influence diaphragm physiology and survival. This formed the initial basis for subsequent US Food and Drug Administration approval.     

Effects of lumbar sympathetic ganglion block in a patient with acquired lymphangioma]

A 70-year-old woman developed lymphangioma following surgery for cervical cancer and subsequent radiotherapy. The operation was performed 12 years ago, and a swelling of lower extremities was recognized 8 years ago. Her lower extremities became greatly edematous, and leakage of lymph to the groin was observed. We performed bilateral lumbar sympathetic ganglion block. After the block, lymphedema was relieved dramatically, and the leakage of the lymph to the groin was gradually reduced. We conclude that lumbar sympathetic ganglion block may be very effective in some patients with acquired lymphangioma.     

Anesthetic management of two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

We experienced anesthetic management of two cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Case 1. A 46-year-old woman underwent emergency operation for ileus. Abdominal muscle relaxation and analgesia were obtained by combined spinal and epidural anesthesia. To avoid prolongation of muscle relaxation, awake intubation without muscle relaxants was performed. After the operation, she awoke smoothly and was extubated without any complications. Case 2. A 65-year-old woman underwent emergency operation for gastric fistula malfunction. We performed anesthetic management only with epidural anesthesia. During and after the operation, she was in good general condition and had no pain. For the patients with ALS, prolongation of muscle relaxation and residual neuromuscular block effect may cause difficult tracheal extubation and postoperative respiratory complications. We observed carefully the condition of the patients with ALS, and were able to choose the minimum invasive anesthetic methods for each case.     

星状神经节阻滞对缺血性视神经病疗效的评价

目的 比较星状神经节阻滞(SGB)及肾上腺皮质激素治疗缺血性视神经病(ION)的疗效。方法 诊断明确的ION病人70例82眼,随机分为激素组和SGB组。其中激素组34例38眼(地塞米松15mg静脉滴注,每日1次;5～10d后改用强的松20mg顿服,每日1次);SGB治疗组36例44眼(2％利多卡因2～3ml,患眼同侧行SGB,每日1次,10～15d为1疗程);以视力提高、眼底改变、视野变化以及视觉诱发电位(VEP)的改变作为疗效的指标。结果 激素组治疗后显效10眼,有效12眼,好转3眼,无效13眼,总有效率为65.8％。治疗前、后视力为0.26±0.21、0.35±0.26,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。SGB组治疗后显效15眼,有效14眼,好转5眼,无效10眼,总有效率为77.3％。治疗前、后视力为0.26±0.21、0.44±0.23,差异有显著性(P<0.01);与激素组治疗后视力比较,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。两组病人治疗后VEP P_(100)波的潜时明显缩短,振幅明显升高,与治疗前比较,P<0.05;SGB组治疗后振幅升高较激素组明显(P<0.05)。治疗后两组大部分病人眼底视盘水肿逐渐消退,视网膜颜色、血管逐渐恢复常态,视野基本恢复正常,受损的视神经功能得到恢复。结论 星状神经节阻滞是治疗缺血性视神经病变较安全、有效的方法。     

星状神经节阻滞对急性脑梗塞患者红细胞免疫功能的影响

目的探讨星状神经节阻滞（SGB）对急性脑梗塞患者红细胞免疫功能的影响。方法急性脑梗塞患者（病程〈3d）24例，年龄51—64岁，体重52—71kg，随机分为常规治疗组（A组）和常规治疗＋SGB组（B组），每组12例。2组均进行常规治疗。B组以1％利多卡因10ml行SGB，1次/d，双侧交替、10次为一疗程。分别于治疗前1d（T1）、治疗后第1天（T2）、治疗后第5天（T3）、治疗后第10天（T4）清晨空腹取静脉血。采用硫代巴比妥酸法及黄嘌呤氧化酶法测定血浆丙二醛（MDA）含量和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性，酵母菌红细胞免疫花环法测定红细胞C3b受体花环率（RBC-C3bRR）及红细胞免疫复合物花环率（RBC-ICR），孔雀绿比色分析法测定红细胞膜Na^＋ - K^＋ - ATP酶活性。结果与T1相比，A组T3,4时、B组T2-4时血浆MDA含量降低，SOD活性升高，红细胞膜Na^＋ - K^＋ - ATP酶活性升高，A组和B组T3,4时RBC-ICR降低，RBC-C3bRR增高（P〈0．05或0．01）；与A组相比，B组T3,4时血浆MDA含量及RBC-ICR降低，血浆SOD、红细胞膜Na^＋ - K^＋ - ATP酶活性及RBC-C3bRR均升高（P〈0．05或0．01）。结论SGB可降低机体氧化应激反应，提高红细胞膜Na^＋ - K^＋ - ATP酶活性，增强急性脑梗塞患者红细胞的免疫功能。     

星状神经节阻滞对急性脑梗塞患者红细胞免疫功能的影响

Objective To investigate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on erythrocyte immunity in patients with acute cerebral infarction.Methods Twenty-four patients (13 male, 11 female) who developed acute cerebral infarction for less than 3 days were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=12each): Group A receiving traditional treatment and Group B receiving traditional treatment + SGB.The patients ranged in age from 51 to 64 yr and weighed 52-71 kg. All patients received intravenous 5% glucose 25 ml plus citicoline sodium 1.0 g and sodium ozagrel injectio 250 ml daily for 10 days in addition to dehydration and effective control of complications and intracranial pressure. Group B received SGB on one side alternatively with 1% licocaine 10 mi once a day for 10 days. Fasting venous blood samples were taken in the early mornings of the day before treatment (baseline, T1 ) and the 1st, 5th and 10th day of treatment (T2-4) for determination of the plasma MDA concentration and SOD activity, erythrocyte C3b receptor rosette rate (RBC-C3bRR) and RBC immune complex rosette rate (RBC-ICR) and Ne+-K+-ATPase activity in erythrocyte membrane.Results The plasma MDA concentration and RBC-ICR were significantly decreased during treatment es compared with the baselines at T1 in both groups (P＜0.05 or 0.01), but were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A (P＜0.05 or 0.01 ).The activities of plasma SOD and Na+ -K+ -ATPase in erythrocyte membrane and RBC-C3bRR were significantly increased during treatment as compared with the baselines at T1 and were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A.Conclusion SGB combined with traditional treatment can increase the activities of plasma SOD and Na+ -K+ -ATPase in erythrocyte membrane, inhibit production of oxygen free radicals and enhance RBC immune function in patients with acute cerebral infarction.     

Anesthetic management of laparotomy for a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case report

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease involving motor neurons. There are two major problems in anesthetic management for patients with motor neuron diseases; prolongation of the effect of non-depolarizing muscle relaxant, and controversy about a use of neuraxial block. We describe the anesthetic management of laparotomy for a patient with ALS by general anesthesia alone. A 55-year-old man, suffering from ALS, was scheduled for hemicolectomy and colostomy. General anesthesia was induced by intravenous administration of ketamine, thiopental and fentanyl. After manual ventilation using sevoflurane (5% in oxygen) for 15 minutes, the trachea was intubated without using a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant. General anesthesia was maintained by sevoflurane, nitrous oxide and fentanyl. Since muscle relaxation required for tracheal intubation and surgical procedure was obtained sufficiently using sevoflurane, a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant was not necessary throughout the anesthetic management. The patient emerged from general anesthesia smoothly, and was extubated without any complications. For the postoperative pain management, we administered opioids intravenously, providing good analgesia. The postoperative course was uneventful, and there was no exacerbation of neurological signs and symptoms of ALS.     

连续星状神经节阻滞对重度颅脑损伤患者血清甲状腺激素及皮质醇水平的影响

目的 探讨连续星状神经节阻滞对重度颅脑损伤患者血清甲状腺激素[三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)、甲状腺素(T4)、反三碘甲状腺原氨酸(rT3)、促甲状腺激素(TSH)]及皮质醇(Cor)水平的影响.方法 急诊行开颅手术的重度颅脑损伤患者80例,性别不限,年龄22～61岁,ASA分级Ⅱ或Ⅲ级,格拉斯哥昏迷量表评分3～8分,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为2组(n=40):对照组(C组)和连续星状神经节阻滞组(SGB组).气管插管后SGB组于开颅侧行连续SGB,注射0.2%罗哌卡因7ml后,持续输注0.2%罗哌卡因2 ml/h,持续时间为48 h;2组术后均予常规治疗.于术前30 min、术后3、7 d采集静脉血样,采用放射免疫法测定血清T3、T4、rT3、TSH及Cor浓度;术后90 d采用格拉斯哥预后评分判定临床疗效.结果 与C组比较,SGB组术后血清T3浓度升高,T4、rT3、TSH和Cor浓度降低(P＜0.05或0.01),SGB组临床疗效分级优于C组(P＜0.05).结论 连续星状神经节阻滞可有效减轻重型颅脑损伤患者的应激反应,改善下丘脑-垂体-甲状腺轴功能,有助于患者恢复.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the effects of continuous stellate ganglion block (SGB) on serum thyroid hormone and cortisol levels in patients with severe brain injury.Methods Eighty ASA Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients with severe brain injury aged 22-61 yr undergoing emergency craniotomy were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n = 40 each): control group (group C) received routine treatment only and continuous SGB group (group SGB) received continuous SGB with 0.2% ropivacaine besides routine treatment. SGB was performed on the operated side after induction of general anesthesia and tracheal intubation. An epidural catheter was placed. A bolus of 0.2% ropivacaine 7 ml was followed by continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 2 ml/h. Continuous SGB was maintained for 48 h. Successful SGB was confirmed by increase in skin temperature by ≥1.5℃ behind earlobe on the operated side.Venous blood samples were obtained at 30 min before and 3 and 7 day after operation for determination of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) ,thyroxine (T4) , reverse triiodothyronine(rT3) and cortisol concentrations. Glasgow prognosis score was used to evaluate the clinical results at 3 months after operation. Results Serum T4 , rT3 , TSH and cortisol concentrations were significantly lower while the serum T3 concentration was higher in the SGB group than in group C at 3 and 7 d after operation. The clinical results were significant better in SGB group than in group C according to Glasgow prognosis scores at 3 months after operation. Conclusion Continuous SGB can inhibit the stress response, and improve hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid gland axis function and is helpful to patient's recovery from injury.