Bloc iliofascial et troubles cognitifs postopératoires chez la personne âgée

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a regional analgesia technique on the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after hip surgery, in elderly patients.

Patients and methods

Patients, aged over 65 years, were assigned in two groups according to the anaesthesia technique: group NKT (general anaesthesia with target concentration infusion of propofol and remifentanil, with a 0.1 mg/kg-bolus of morphine at the end of surgery), group KT (preoperative iliaca compartment block with catheter and then general anaesthesia without bolus of morphine). Postoperative analgesia was similar in both groups: paracetamol, tramadol, and subcutaneous morphine if verbal pain scale equal or greater than 2 (0.1 mg/kg). POCD was defined as a decrease in Mini Mental Status (MMSE) equal or greater than 2 points and was monitored during 2 days. Consumption of opioids, pain scores and side effects were recorded.

Results

Sixty-five patients were included: 34 in NKT group and 31 in KT group. MMSE scores were higher in the KT group at day1 and day2 (p = 0.01 and 0.0004, respectively). POCD was less frequent in group KT at day2 (6 % vs 41 % ; p = 0.001) and pain scores were lower during the first 48 hours (p = 0.03). Remifentanil consumption was lower in KT group (0.43 ± 0.18 mg vs 0.61 ± 0.25 mg, p = 0.002). Total amount of morphine, including the bolus in NKT group, was significantly lower in KT group (7 [5–17] mg vs 0 [0–5] mg, p < 10⁻⁶).

Conclusion

Postoperative analgesia by iliaca compartment block with catheter seems to provide a decrease in the incidence of POCD after hip surgery in elderly patients.

Study design

Prospective, observational study.     

Infiltration peropératoire de lévobupivacaïne après césariennes : étude randomisée en double insu contre placebo

Objectives

The efficacy of single-dose intraincisional infiltration with levobupivacaine in postoperative analgesia and chronic pain after caesarean sections is unknown.

Study

A placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial.

Patients and methods

After ethical approval, and written inform consent, 140 women scheduled for a caesarean section were randomly assigned and received 30 mL of levobupivacaine 0.5% (L group) or saline (placebo-P group) into their wound. The primary endpoint was morphine consumption (using intravenous morphine patient-controlled analgesia) for the first 24 h after surgery. At 1 h to 48 h, side effects, pain at rest and pain 2 months later were recorded.

Results

All included patients had similar demographic and surgical characteristics. The morphine consumption was significantly lower in the L group at h6, h8 and h12 (considering both total intake and each request). At h4, the mean total morphine consumption was 25 (12) mg in the L group versus 31 (14) mg in the P group (P = 0.05). Time until discharge and side effects including nausea-vomiting (14 vs 20%), wound scar complications (6 vs 8%) and chronic pain after 2 months (25% in both groups complained of small pain, and 75% no pain) were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Single-dose local infiltration of levobupivacaine 0.5% reduced opioid requirement at 12 h, with no difference after 24 h. www.clinicaltrials.com, number: NCT00621907.     

Douleur et troubles comportementaux après adénoïdectomie et pose d’aérateurs transtympaniques chez l’enfant

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative pain in the hospital and at home as well as behavioural changes at home following outpatient adenoidectomy (VG) and ear tube (ATT) surgery.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Patients and methods

Sixty-four children (mean age 4.3 ± 2.4 years): 28 VG, 16 (ATT), 20 dual surgeries (VG-ATT). Postoperative pain was evaluated (arrival in recovery room, departure from wake-up room, departure from hospital) using the Objective Pain Scale (OPS). Parents evaluated their child's pain at home over a period of seven days using a numeric pain scale. Behavioural changes were measured with the Post-Hospital Behaviour Questionnaire (PHBQ).

Results

At arrival in the recovery room, OPS = 3.5 [0–6]. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was shown between the VG group (OPS = 5 [2.25–7.75]), and the ATT (OPS = 0 [0–5.5]) and VG-ATT (OPS = 2 [0–5.75]) groups. OPS was 1.0 [0–2] when leaving the recovery room, and OPS was 0 [0–1] when leaving the hospital. Numeric pain scale scores recorded at home were extremely low. Postoperatively, 75% of parents at Day 1 and 40.6% at Day 7 reported at least one postoperative behavioural change.

Discussion

In all three groups, parents reported frequent postoperative behaviour changes despite adequate analgesia.

Conclusion

The relatively high frequency of postoperative behaviour changes in this population demonstrates the need to systematically evaluate those changes in order to improve overall paediatric care.     

Le Smur meilleur vecteur pour une analgésie des patients traumatisés à l’arrivée aux urgences

Objectives

To find out prehospital factors linked with low pain on arrival into a traumatic emergency unit.

Methods

A 4-month monocentric prospective study, including patients recruited at their arrival into a traumatic emergency unit. Pain (with a numerical rating scale [NRS]), anxiety, prehospital care including the type of transportation (Physician staffed ambulances Smur, emergency medical technicians or firemen ambulances), immobilization and analgesics used were evaluated. These data were collected on arrival at the hospital by the ED orientation nurse. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to identify low pain's predictive factors (e.g. with a NRS ≤ 3).

Results

Three hundred and four patients were recruited, mean age = 51 ± 25, sex ratio = 1.8, mean pain/10 = 5.8 ± 2.9, 64% with a moderate or severe pain on arrival (NRS > 3). For one third of patients, immobilizations hadn’t been performed during the prehospital phase. Medical management by Smur is a low pain predictive factor (OR = 5.8; CI 95% = 1.4–24.16), anxiety is a pejorative factor (OR = 0.53 CI 95% = 0.38–0.75).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the physician staffed ambulances’ effectiveness in prehospital trauma victim's management and raises the question of anxiolysis as an adjuvant for traumatic pain management.     

Préremplissage par HEA 130/0,4 versus sérum salé isotonique dans la prévention de l’hypotension au cours de la rachianesthésie pour césarienne programmée

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of HES 130/0.4 preload compared to normal saline solution for prevention of hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section.

Study design

Prospective, randomized.

Patients and methods

Sixty ASA I patients scheduled for elective caesarean section were randomized to receive either 1000 mL of normal saline solution preload (Group C) or 500 mL of HES 130/0.4 preload (Group V) within 15 minutes prior to spinal anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia techniques and ephedrine administration was standardized in both groups. The primary endpoint was the incidence of maternal hypotension before fetal extraction.

Results

The incidence of hypotension before fetal extraction was significantly lower in group V compared to group C (40% vs 66%, P = 0.03). Ephedrine consumption was significantly lower in group V (7.6 ± 13 mg vs 16.4 ± 15 mg). Lowest systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in group V (96 ± 14 vs 85 ± 14 mmHg, P = 0.005). Incidence of adverse maternal effects and neonatal consequences were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

HES 130/0.4 preload reduced the incidence of hypotension, the duration of longest hypotension, and the need for ephedrine during spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section. However, the efficacy of HES 130/0.4 alone in prevention of maternal hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section is still insufficient.     

Facteurs de risque de pose de sonde gastrique en chirurgie colorectale programmée,dans le cadre d’un programme de réhabilitation postopératoire : une analyse multivariée

Objective

Nasogastric tube placement (NTP) is no more systematically recommended in patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgery but could be necessary in case of postoperative vomiting. The aim of this study was to determine independent risk factors for NTP after colorectal surgery.

Patients and methods

We performed an observational study including 290 patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgery included in an enhanced recovery programme: immunonutrition, thoracic epidural analgesia, antiemetic prophylaxis, respiratory physiotherapy, absence of NT and drainage, forced mobilization and oral nutrition. The main outcome was the occurrence of vomiting requiring NTP. Univariate analysis included: age, sex, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status Classification System (ASA), duration of surgery, epidural analgesia, and mobilization, intraoperative fluid, temperature, laparotomy, use of droperidol, parenteral nutrition, stoma, diabetes, hypertension or coronary disease, COPD, type of surgery. A logistic regression was performed to determine independent risk factors of NTP.

Results

Among the 290 patients included, 277 were analyzed. The incidence of NTP was 10.5% (95%CI [7.4–14.6%]). Univariate analysis documented BMI, low temperature in PACU (< 35 °C), ASA scores, duration of surgery and epidural analgesia, rectal and sigmoid resections, diabetes, transfusion, no use of droperidol, duration of mobilization, conversion to laparotomy. Three independent risk factors were associated with NTP: temperature in SSPI < 35.5 °C (OR: 14.49; IC95% [4.52–45.45], P < 0.0001), BMI < 21 kg/m² (8.40; [1.99–35.71], P = 0.0038) and lack of postoperative droperidol administration (3.37 [1.02–11.39], P = 0.04).

Conclusions

After colorectal surgery tolerance to rapid oral feeding is impaired by denutrition and postoperative hypothermia. The combined used of postoperative droperidol should also be considered to avoid postoperative NTP.     

Tribloc (fémoral,sciatique, obturateur) pour la chirurgie ambulatoire arthroscopique de genou : étude prospective de faisabilité et d’efficacité

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate intra- and postoperative conditions of the triple nerve block technique (femoral, obturator, sciatic block) for outpatient knee arthrsopic procedures.

Methods

After written informed consent, ASA I-III patients received a combined triple nerve block with 30–40 ml lidocaine or mepivacaine (1,5%). Blocks were performed using a nerve stimulation technique. Onset time, block failure, supplemental general anesthesia (GA) or analgesia and pain score were recorded intraoperatively. After surgery, side effects (at days 0, 1, 3, 7 and after 4 weeks), patient and surgeon satisfactions were noted.

Results

Three hundred and twelve patients were screened and 115 triple blocks were performed (157 choosed GA, 19 spinal anaesthesia, 21 exclusion for regional anaesthesia). Failed blocks occurred for 12 (10%) patients. These 12 patients received GA before surgery incision. Time to complete block was 40 (10–60) min. Supplemental GA was required for 12 patients (12%) due to surgical (n = 7, 7%) or tourniquet (n = 5, 5%) pain. Intraoperative surgeon satisfaction was 90 (60–100). After surgery, time to discharge the postoperative care unit was 15 (5–60) min. Pain score at rest (Visual Analog Scale) until six hours was less than 30 /100, without any additionnal morphine. Two patients (< 2%) failed for ambulatory discharge criteria (no relation with triple block). At day 0, 3, 5% patients suffered PONV (8% at D1), paresthesia was noted in 1.7% at D0 (0,8% D3). No other secondary effects were observed after seven days and 91% patients “would like same anaesthesia” for next surgery.

Conclusion

We conclude that triple nerve block provided reliable intraoperative patient and surgical conditions for outpatient knee arthroscopy. Failed block (10%) was the major reason of supplemental anaesthesia. To increase surgical turn over under triple nerve block, a preoperative room may be required (block onset time).     

Efficacité d’une manœuvre de recrutement alvéolaire associée à une pression expiratoire positive sur la mécanique respiratoire en cœliochirurgie bariatrique

Objective

To evaluate recruitment manoeuvre (RM) efficiency associated with a 10 cmH₂O positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) on respiratory mechanic estimated by lung compliance (Ctp) and PEEP to ZEEP expiratory volume delta (Δ VTE) during laparoscopic bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity.

Study design

Prospective randomized study.

Methods

Twenty-six obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m²) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. The recruitment group received an RM followed by a 10 cmH₂O PEP versus only 10 cmH₂O PEP in the control group. Ctp was measured during the intervention and functional residual capacity (FRC) was estimated measuring Δ VTE during a PEP to ZEP manoeuvre. Mann and Whitney tests as well as a t-test were used (significance p < 0.05).

Results

In the RM group, a significant improvement of 52 ± 14 ml/cmH₂O was noted versus a 36 ± 10 ml/cmH₂O in the PEP group (p = 0,004). This improvement was transitory and no statistically significant Δ VTE difference was noted between the groups at the end of the intervention (360 [90–770] ml [MRA] and 310 [190–450] ml [PEP]).

Conclusion

In patients with morbid obesity undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, an RM conducted prior the pneumoperitoneum temporarily improves lung mechanics but without any change of the end expiratory lung volume at the end of the surgery in comparison with PEP alone. The RM was well tolerated.     

Facteurs prédictifs de défaillance d’organes chez les patients admis en réanimation pour hémorragie digestive aiguë

Introduction

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is an emergency requiring usually an admission in intensive care unit (ICU), which may prove abusive secondarily. The aim of this study was to identify predictive risk factors of organ failure in patients admitted for GH in our ICU.

Design

Retrospective and observational

Methods and measurements

Between January 2008 and December 2011, all patients admitted in our ICU for gastrointestinal hemorrhage were consecutively included. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of at least an organ failure. We realized an univariate analysis then a backward regression to identify independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of at least one organ failure during the ICU hospitalization.

Results

During this period study, 441 consecutive patients with a mean age of 67 ± 15 years were included. The median ICU length of stay was of 4 (3–7) days and 116 (26% [IC95%: 22–30]) patients presented at least one organ failure. The multivariate analysis identified predictive risk factors of organ failure: history of cirrhosis (OR = 3.5 [IC95%: 1.9–6.7], P < 0.001) and an increase in troponin at the admission above the 99th percentile (OR = 3.1 [IC95%: 1.8–5.5], P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that a large proportion of patients admitted in ICU for the primary diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage developed any organ failure. The history of cirrhosis and the systemic consequences of the hemorrhagic syndrome as myocardial damage represents important risk factors of morbidity and mortality and thus should be considered during the management.     

Évaluation des pratiques professionnelles de la prise en charge de la douleur postopératoire à court,moyen et long terme

Objectives

To evaluate the short medium and long-term impact of a quality-improvement program (QIP) in a university hospital using a validated reference tool.

Methods

Seven surgical departments were audited before and after implementation of a QIP in postoperative pain management. Audits were conducted in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2012. In each audit, 10 medical charts from each surgical department were analyzed for 9 quality criteria. A surgical department score (SDS) was calculated for each department (maximum score = 90). The surgical departments with a SDS < 45 received targeted training sessions.

Results

In 2005, three surgical departments had a SDS < 45. After the first audit, a targeted training sessions was conducted in the three surgical departments, all seven departments improved their scores with a SDS > 45 in 2007. Between 2007 and 2009, all seven departments improved their scores. Conversely, between 2009 and 2012, the SDS diminished in six of the seven surgical departments and four of the nine evaluated quality criteria decreased significantly: right detailed order for postoperative pain analgesia (prescriber identifier, agent used, unit doses, mode of administration; 100% versus 53; P = 0.027), appropriate dosing of steps I and II analgesics (96% versus 80%; P = 0.041), morphine (90% versus 76%; P = 0.039), based on corresponding physician orders and monitor morphine side effects (87% versus 29; P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Audits should be performed regularly (at least every two years) for detecting postoperative pain management degradation. Lack of targeted training sessions can explain partially this degradation.     

Comparaison prospective et randomisée de la morphine nébulisée versus la péridurale thoracique dans la prise en charge de la douleur des traumatisés thoraciques

Introduction

Successful management of pain reduces morbidity and improves patient satisfaction of patient after a chest trauma. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the respiratory administration of nebulized morphine in such patients.

Patients and methods

Patients were included in this prospective and randomized study patients to receive either nebulized morphine in group M or a mixture of bupivacaine-fentanyl by epidural route. In group M, patients received nebulized morphine every 30 minutes until the second hour then every 4 hours during 48 hours. In the thoracic epidural analgesia group (group P) they received a mixture of 0.125% bupivacaine and 0.115% of fentanyl continuously infused at the rate of 7 ml/h during 48 hours. The main criterion of judgment was the analgesic effects of analgesic regimen with EVA < 4. Sedation, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters were continuously recorded, as adverse side effects were they occurred. Statistical comparisons were performed with Chi², Fisher or Student t-test when appropriate (p < 0.05).

Results

Forty patients were randomized in two groups. Groups were not different regarding the demographic parameters. Analgesia was effective in both groups (NS). Sedation, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were not different between groups. No side effect was noted in groups.

Conclusion

Nebulized morphine was an analgesic technique as effective as epidural bupivacaine-fentanyl in our series. This non-invasive route of administration of morphine appears to be useful to treat pain after a chest trauma.     

La discipline anesthésie-réanimation et les pôles d’activité médicale (PAM) : résultats d’une enquête auprès des CHU et CHG

Objective

To know: (1) how French public services of anaesthesia and critical care (ACC) have applied the new principles of hospital management and (2) whether or not it has impacted the different components of ACC.

Study design

National questionnaire at the end of 2008, i.e., after 2 years of new hospital management.

Material

Heads of ACC services in general (GH) and university hospitals (UH).

Methods

Eighteen closed questions and open opinions analyzed. Comparisons of percentages (Chi² – Yates): linear correlation.

Results

Percentages of responses were 70% (n = 51) for UH and 37% (n = 146) for GH. The new management principles were mainly applied. The different clinical and academic components of the ACC specialty (ACC, emergency medicine, pain management) mainly remained associated in UH. In GH, the new management induced constant and various changes. They were mainly judged as defeating the object of the ACC speciality in GH, especially in those of lower and mild sizes.

Conclusion

The general tendency is that the ACC specialty was able to maintain the family ties of its different components in the UH. However, this principle was not a cornerstone of the new management in the GH.     

Effet de la kétamine dans la prévention des douleurs chroniques post-mastectomies. Étude pilote

Objective

This pilot study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of a trial to estimate the preventive effect of ketamine on postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS).

Study design

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial.

Patients and method

Thirty six patients scheduled for a radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection were randomized in two groups (n = 18 per group). Before skin incision, a bolus (0.5 mg/kg of ketamine or placebo) followed by a continuous infusion (0.25 mg/kg per hour of ketamine or placebo) was administered and discontinued at the end of surgical procedure. We studied the incidence and characteristics of PMPS three months after surgery as well as the feasibility of chosen methods.

Results

Thirty patients were followed for three months (group ketamine n = 12; group placebo n = 18). At three months, there was no significant difference in the incidence of chronic pain, but a tendency to a decrease of hyperalgesia near the scar. There was no repercussion on the quality of life. The characteristics of the PMPS are similar to those described in the recent literature (intercostobrachial neuralgia 33%, neuroma pain 39%, and phantom breast pain 22%). The feasibility of the experimental study is established by the absence of difficulty during the clinical investigation period.

Conclusion

We found no preventive effect of ketamine on the development of PMPS. However, the non-statistically significant effect of ketamine on hyperalgesia three months after surgery could justify a larger study with the same methodology.     

Appréciation de la place de l’anesthésie locorégionale pour la prise en charge des plaies de la face aux urgences

Objective

Defining the place of regional anaesthesia (RA) for facial wounds in an emergency department.

Study Design

Prospective observational study conducted in the emergency department of a regional hospital.

Patients and methods

Two hundred and forty-six successive patients with one or more facial wounds were included from 1st august 2004 to 31st december 2004. Data on patient, operator, wound (measured by the number of stitches), anaesthetic method (RA, local anaesthesia [LA], or no anaesthesia), method of repairing skin, duration of intervention, operator comfort (verbal numeric scale [VNS] from 0 to 10) and pain feeled by the patient (visual analogic scale [VAS] from 0 to 10) in the different stages of care were collected.

Results

Compared to the LA, the RA of the face decreased the number of punctures (1.36 vs 4.38 punctures, p < 0.001) and the quantity of local anaesthetic injected (2.8 ml vs 5.3 ml, p < 0.01) for wounds requiring more than 10 stitches. It has improved operator comfort (VNS = 10 [8–10] vs 8 [6.75–10] (p < 0.01)). Its effectiveness during skin repair was equivalent to that of the LA by infiltration (VAS 0 [0–1] vs 0 [0–1]).

Conclusion

When practicable, the RA of the face is a better technique than the LA for facial wounds treatment.     

Œsophagectomie carcinologique : 16 ans d’évolution des pratiques anesthésiques ventilatoires,hémodynamiques et analgésiques

Objective

To describe the evolution of perioperative anesthesia practices in for esophageal cancer surgery.

Patients and methods

We conducted an observational retrospective study in a single center evaluating main perioperative practices during 16 years (1994–2009). Statistical analysis was done on 4 chronologic quartiles of same sample size.

Results

Two hundred and seven consecutive patients were included during the 4 periods 1994–1997 (n = 52), 1997–1999 (n = 52), 1999–2003 (n = 52) and 2004–2009 (n = 51). The main significant evolutions between the first and the fourth period were observed: (i) in ventilation: lower tidal volume (9.6[8.6–10.6] vs 7.6[7.0–8.3] mL/kg of ideal body weight (IBW), p < 0.01), increased use of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (0 vs 83 %, p < 0.001) and increased use of post-operative non-invasive ventilation (0 vs 51 %, p < 0.001); (ii) in hemodynamic management: lower fluid replacement (20.6 [16.0–24.6] vs 12.6 [9.7–16.2] mL/h/kg of IBW, p < 0.001); (iii) in analgesia: increased use of epidural thoracic anesthesia (31 vs 57 %, p < 0.001). Peroperative bleeding, type of fluid replacement, length of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in intensive care unit, ventilatory free days and mortality at day 28 didn’t change.

Conclusions

During these previous years, anesthesia practices in ventilation, hemodynamics and analgesia for esophageal cancer surgery have changed.     

Variation de kaliémie après une induction en séquence rapide avec la succinylcholine chez les patients de réanimation

Objective

Evaluate the changes in potassium following rapid sequence induction with succinylcholine in critically ill-patients and determine whether hospital length of stay could influence the succinylcholine-induced hyperkaliemia.

Study design

Prospective and observational study.

Patients and methods

After approval by our local ethical committee, we prospectively included 36 patients admitted from more than 24 hours in ICU and who required succinylcholine for rapid tracheal intubation (1 mg/kg). Serum potassium was measured before, 5 and 30 min after succinylcholine. The incidence of life-threatening hyperkaliemia (≥ 6.5 mmol/L) was noted.

Results

We could observe significant and transient increase in serum potassium (median increase of 0.45 [0.20–0.80] mmol/L at five minutes). A significant relationship was observed between the ICU length of stay and arterial potassium increase (r = 0.37, P < 0.05). From the ROC curve, a threshold of 12 days had an 86% sensitivity and 69% specificity in discriminating patients in whom the potassium increase was more than 1.5 mmol/L.

Conclusion

Induction with succinylcholine is followed by significant but transient hyperkaliema. The ICU length of stay before giving succinylcholine could influence significantly the amplitude of potassium increase.     

Bloc sciatique en médecine préhospitalière

Objectives

Evaluate the analgesic efficiency of the sciatic nerve block in prehospital care at the time of some severe legs or feet traumas.

Patients and methods

Retrospective, monocentric study upon a period of time 1998–2008.

Results

Twenty-three sciatic nerve blocks have been colligated, five by upper way and heighten by lateral popliteal lower way among which fourteen without neurostimulator. The pain decrease evaluated by the EVS at T0 (before block), T1 (10 min after block) and T2 (arriving in emergency department), has been significative, whatever the measure time interval (T0–T1, T0–T2, T1–T2), the ways used and the local anaesthetics given. The analgesia installation was faster when approaching the sciatic nerve block by the upper way and when using a neurostimulator. Only one analgesic failure was observed while doing a lateral popliteal way without neurostimulator. Any complication was reported.

Conclusion

The sciatic nerve block done in prehospital shows a significant analgesic efficiency which would worth a deeper evaluation and a thought on its introduction in the ED physician's therapeutic gear.     

Analgésie péridurale continue versus bloc continu du compartiment psoas pour l’analgésie postopératoire après chirurgie majeure du bassin ou du fémur chez l’enfant : étude prospective comparative randomisée

Background

Intravenous opioids and/or continuous epidural block (CEB) are used for postoperative analgesia after hip and/or femoral shaft surgery but adverse effects limit their use in children. A continuous psoas compartment block (CPCB), effective technique in adults can be an alternative. In this randomized comparative study, we wanted to evaluate CEB and CPCB in children after major hip surgery in terms of adverse events, pain relief and ropivacaine plasma concentrations.

Methods

After ethical committee and parents’ approval, 40 children scheduled for hip surgery were included and randomly allocated to receive CPCB or CEB. After general anaesthesia induction, 0.5 mL/kg of 0.375% ropivacaine were injected via the epidural or lumbar plexus catheter. After surgery, 0.1 ml/kg per hour (group CPCB) or 0.2 ml/kg per hour (group CEB) of 0.2% ropivacaine was infused for 48 h. Post-operative pain was evaluated using VAS or CHIPPS scores values at h1, h6, h12, h18, h24, h36 and h48, as well as doses of first line (paracetamol 15 mg/kg/6 h) or second line rescue analgesia (0.2 mg/kg intravenous nalbuphine), if pain score remained high after 30 mm. niflumic acid was systematically used. Adverse events were noted as well as parents’ satisfaction at 48 h. Ropivacaine plasma concentrations were measured four times up to 48 h (h1, h6, h24 and h48) by high performance gas chromatography.

Results

Forty children 1 to 12 years old (CPCB = 20, CEB = 20) were included. The demographic data were equivalent in both groups. Postoperative analgesia was excellent for both continuous block techniques during the whole studied period. Doses of rescue analgesics were comparable in both groups at the end of the 48 h. Number of children who had at least one side effect is significantly higher in CEB group. Furthermore, the number of local anaesthetic premature stops was significantly more frequent in this group. Median values of ropivacaine plasma level in CEB group were significantly higher than CPCB group at h6 and h24. Ten parents in the CEB group and 15 in CPCB group were satisfied.

Conclusion

Continuous psoas compartment block is an effective technique of postoperative analgesia after major hip or femoral surgery in children. It equally manages postoperative pain with significantly less adverse event and decreased ropivacaine doses and plasma concentration than CEB.     

Effets de l’hydroxyzine sur l’acceptation du masque à l’induction de l’enfant

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of hydroxyzine as a premedication agent for the acceptance of facial mask during induction of general anaesthesia in children.

Study design

Prospective randomized single-blind study including ASA 1 and 2 children, aged between 1 and 9 years and undergoing outpatient surgery.

Patients and methods

Patients were randomly allocated to receive orally either 1 mg/kg hydroxyzine (G1) or water 0.1 ml/kg (G2) one hour before induction of standardized inhalational anaesthesia. Tolerance of facial mask was assessed with a 3-points scale (good, moderate or poor). Chi-square and Student's t-test were used in statistical analysis; p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

One hundred patients were included (G1 = 49, G2 = 51). Demographic data were similar in both groups. Acceptance of facial mask was significantly better in G1 than in G2 (p = 0,002).

Conclusion

Hydroxyzine provided better acceptance of facial mask than placebo during induction of general anaesthesia in children.