等效剂量芬太尼、舒芬太尼和雷米芬太尼诱发咳嗽的比较

目的比较等效剂量芬太尼、舒芬太尼和雷米芬太尼诱发咳嗽的发生率和严重程度。方法 315例ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级患者随机均分为三组,分别在5s内注入芬太尼2μg/kg(芬太尼组)、舒芬太尼0.2μg/kg(舒芬太尼组)、雷米芬太尼2μg/kg(雷米芬太尼组)。观察注药后2min内咳嗽的发生率及严重程度、SpO2及咳嗽患者的SBP和HR变化。结果雷米芬太尼组咳嗽的发生率为54.3%,明显高于芬太尼组的33.3%和舒芬太尼组的30.5%(P0.01);雷米芬太尼组咳嗽的程度比芬太尼组和舒芬太尼组严重(P0.01)。咳嗽患者的SBP从基础值(128±12)mmHg升高至(139±16)mmHg(P0.01),HR从基础值(74±10)次/分增快至(87±16)次/分(P0.01)。给药2min内,59%的雷米芬太尼组患者因低氧血症(SpO290%)需面罩辅助通气,而芬太尼组和舒芬太尼组患者未发生低氧血症。结论与等效剂量的芬太尼或舒芬太尼相比,雷米芬太尼诱发咳嗽的发生率更高,程度更严重。     

Comparison of morphine, meperidine, fentanyl, and sufentanil in balanced anesthesia: a double-blind study

A double-blind study comparing four narcotic analgesics of different potencies, meperidine, morphine, fentanyl, and sufentanil, was performed on consenting patients undergoing general or orthopedic surgery under balanced anesthesia. Blood pressure, measured through an indwelling arterial catheter, was recorded continuously, as were ECG and heart rates. The narcotics, made up in equipotent concentrations, were given as indicated by hemodynamic and clinical signs. Arterial blood samples were taken before and after induction, after intubation, before and after incision, at intervals during the operation, and postoperatively. Hemodynamic values and plasma levels of catecholamines during and after induction, intubation, incision, and throughout the operation were least in patients given sufentanil and greatest in those who received morphine or meperidine. Heart rates increased significantly after induction with meperidine and were significantly higher after intubation in morphine-treated and meperidine-treated patients than they were in patients receiving sufentanil. Intraoperatively, mean arterial blood pressure, rate-pressure product, and plasma norepinephrine levels were lowest in patients receiving sufentanil. Intraoperative plasma epinephrine levels were lowest in patients receiving sufentanil and meperidine. Because of increases in blood pressure, heart rate, or both to greater than 15% above control values, supplementation with a potent inhalational agent was necessary in 38%, 30%, and 29% of the patients given meperidine, morphine, and fentanyl, respectively. No sufentanil patient required supplementation. Side effects, including histamine release accompanied by tachycardia and hypotension, were most frequent and most severe in patients who received meperidine. After extubation, marked increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine occurred in some patients in each group. The incidence of postoperative respiratory depression was greatest in patients given morphine (mean dose of naloxone 8.6 micrograms/kg) and least with sufentanil (mean dose of naloxone 1.8 micrograms/kg) and fentanyl (3.2 micrograms/kg naloxone).     

Effect of tramadol on fentanyl induced cough: A double-blind,randomized, controlled study

BackgroundTramadol has NMDA antagonist effect and reported to have antitussive effect. The aim of this study to assess the effect of preoperative i.v. tramadol compared to placebo on the incidence and severity of fentanyl induced cough.MethodIn a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 100 patients ASA I, age 18–50 years old, scheduled for elective laparoscopic surgeries under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: Tramadol group received i.v. tramadol 1 mg/kg in 100 ml saline and control group received 100 ml saline over 15 min before induction of anesthesia. The incidence and severity of cough was assessed following injection of fentanyl 2 μg/kg. The postoperative analgesic requirements, nausea, and vomiting were also recorded.ResultsThe incidence of FIC was significantly less in tramadol treated group being [10 (20%)], compared to control group being [19 (38%)] (p < 0.05). Regarding the grade of FIC; 7 out of 10 in tramadol group and 12 out of 19 in control group showed mild form, 3 out of 10 in tramadol group and 4 out of 19 in control group showed moderate form and 3 out of 19 in control group with no patients in tramadol group showed severe form. The postoperative analgesic requirements was significantly less in tramadol group (p < 0.05) with no significant difference in postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups.ConclusionTramadol 1 mg/kg i.v. infusion 15 min before induction of anesthesia reduced the incidence and severity of cough after fentanyl injection 2 μg/kg with reduction of postoperative analgesic requirements and without changes in postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to placebo.     

Epidural bupivacaine with sufentanil or fentanyl during labour: a randomized,double-blind study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epidural analgesia with bupivacaine plus either sufentanil or fentanyl is widely used during labour, but it is not clear which opioid is to be preferred. The study compared these opioids at equianalgesic doses in terms of analgesia, onset time and side-effects. METHODS: Ninety females in active labour were entered into the randomized, double-blind trial. A test dose of bupivacaine was given into the epidural space. Parturients in Group S received sufentanil 8 mL as a bolus dose, followed by an infusion at a rate of 5 mL h(-1) of a mixture containing sufentanil 1 microg mL(-1) and bupivacaine 1 mg mL(-1). Patients in Group F received fentanyl 8 mL as a bolus, followed by an infusion at 5 mL h(-1) of a solution containing fentanyl 3.5 microg mL(-1) and bupivacaine 1 mg mL(-1). Additional boluses of 5 mL were of the relevant solution were given if necessary. RESULTS: In a ratio of 1.0:3.5 (sufentanil 1 microg versus fentanyl 3.5 microg), both groups reported the same analgesia with the same onset time. The onset time to obtain 50% of the initial visual analogue score was 10 and 11 min for Groups S and F, respectively. Mean visual analogue scores in Groups S and F respectively declined from 77 and 82 before epidural blockade, to 29 and 27 during the first stage of labour, and to 69 and 59 respectively during the second stage. Overall satisfaction among parturients was high (98 and 96%), particularly during the first stage (98 and 98%), and also to a large degree during the second stage of labour (74 and 79%). Furthermore, only a few extra bolus doses were required (mean 0.9 and 1.2, Groups S and F, respectively). All the females could stand on their own, and almost all (81% Group S; 79% Group F) could walk 20 m without help. There were no serious adverse effects. Moderate side-effects occurred equally often with the possible exception of less nausea and vomiting in the fentanyl group. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural analgesia for ambulatory parturients with bupivacaine plus either sufentanil or fentanyl (ratio 1.0:3.5) provides good analgesia with a low frequency of modest side-effects. No clinical differences were found between the opioids.     

Anesthesia for craniotomy: a double-blind comparison of alfentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil

Using a prospective, randomized, and double-blind study design, alfentanil (n = 15), fentanyl (n = 14), or sufentanil (n = 16), in combination with N2O, were administered to patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumor resection. Physicians were given two syringes, one of which was labeled as "load" for the initial loading dose and the other as "maintenance" for continuous infusion. The concentration of drug in each syringe was adjusted to permit administration on a milliliter per kilogram basis. The target loading doses for alfentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil were 75, 10, and 1 microgram/kg, respectively, and initial infusion rates were 33.5, 2.0, and 0.3 microgram.kg-1.h-1, respectively. Additional supplementary boluses and changes in maintenance infusion rate were made according to predetermined guidelines. Isoflurane, in increasing 0.2% inspired increments, was used only when the maximum allowed opioid dose had been given (i.e., supplementary bolus doses equal to 75% of the calculated loading dose or supplementary bolus doses equal to 50% of the calculated loading dose combined with a 50% increase in the maintenance infusion rate). Opioid infusions were stopped at the time of bone flap replacement. Antihypertensive medications and naloxone were subsequently given at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. Group demographics were not different. Total volumes of drug were similar among groups indicating equipotent preparations. Administration of isoflurane, antihypertensive medications, and naloxone were not different among groups. Although decreases in blood pressure seen with induction were similar among groups, alfentanil-treated patients received ephedrine more frequently before intubation. Thirty minutes after entry into the postanesthesia recovery area, respiratory rate and pH were lowest in sufentanil-treated patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparison of the incidence and severity of cough after alfentanil and remifentanil injection

Background: Intravenous administration of fentanyl derivatives can induce cough paradoxically. This study examined the incidence and severity of cough after a bolus of alfentanil and remifentanil. Methods: Four hundred and sixty‐five patients, aged 18–70 years, were allocated randomly to three groups to receive alfentanil 10 μg/kg, remifentanil 1 μg/kg or an equal volume of 0.9% saline intravenously over 10 s. Any episode of cough was classified as coughing and graded as mild (1–2), moderate (3–4) or severe (5 or more). Results: The overall incidence of cough was higher in the opioid groups than in the saline group. The remifentanil group [39/150 patients; 26.0% (95% CI, 19.6–33.6%)] showed a higher incidence than the alfentanil group [11/152 patients; 7.2% (95% CI, 0.4–12.6%)] (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the severity of cough between the alfentanil group and the remifentanil group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that equipotent boluses of alfentanil and remifentanil induced coughing, even though the incidence of cough after alfentanil administration was lower than that after remifentanil administration.     

右美托咪定联合异丙酚对等效剂量芬太尼和舒芬太尼诱发呛咳的影响

目的 探讨右美托咪定(dexmedetomidine,DEX)联合异丙酚对等效剂量芬太尼和舒芬太尼诱发呛咳的影响.方法 200例拟行全麻气管插管的择期手术患者,美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄18岁～65岁,随机数字表法随机分为4组(每组50例):对照组(C1组、C2组)全麻诱导前静脉输注生理盐水0.15 ml/kg+脂肪乳0.1ml/kg;DEX联合异丙酚组(DP1组、DP2组)全麻诱导前静脉输注DEX 0.6 μg/kg+异丙酚1 mg/kg.1 min后,C1组、DP1组静脉5s注射芬太尼4μg/kg,C2组、DP2组静脉5s注射舒芬太尼0.5 μg/kg.记录注射芬太尼或舒芬太尼后1min内呛咳的发生情况和强度.之后继续全麻诱导及气管插管.记录各组静脉给药前(To)、气管插管前(T1)、气管插管后(T2)的收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)和心率(HR). 结果C1组、DP1组、C2组及DP2组呛咳发生率分别为:40％、0、24％、0.与C1组和C2组比较,DP1组、DP2组呛咳发生率明显降低(P＜0.01),但呛咳程度差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).T1时,与C1组SBP[(94±13)mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)]、DBP[(56±9) mm Hg]和C2组SBP[(92±14) mm Hg]、DBP[(55±10) mm Hg]比较,DP1组SBP[(114±13) mm Hg]、DBP[(70±10) mm Hg]和DP2组SBP[(116±15) mm Hg]、DBP[(72±10)mm Hg]升高(P＜0.01);T1、T2时,与C1组HR[(68±11)次/min和(80±15)次/min]和C2组HR[(71±18)次/min和(84±17)次min]比较,DP1组HR[(62±11)次/min和(65±10)次/min]、DP2组HR[(61±8)次/min和(65±9) 次/min]降低(P＜0.01);与T1时C1组SBP[(94±13) mm Hg]、DBP[(56±9)mm Hg]和C2组SBP[(92±14) mm Hg]、DBP[(55±10) mm Hg]比较,T2时C1组SBP[(122±22) mm Hg]、DBP[(76±16) mm Hg]和C2组SBP[(117±20) mm Hg]、DBP[(76±14) mm Hg]升高(P＜0.01). 结论静脉注射DEX 0.6 μg/kg联合异丙酚1 mg/kg可完全抑制等效剂量芬太尼和舒芬太尼诱发呛咳的发生,并可使患者全麻诱导气管插管期血流动力学更趋稳定.     

Diclofenac for treatment of nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria: a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of diclofenac 50 mg enteric-coated tablet (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) in the treatment of nocturnal polyuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 26 patients (20 male and 6 female) with a mean age of 72 years (range 52-90) diagnosed with nocturnal polyuria were recruited. The study period comprised 2 weeks of either placebo or active medication taken at 2100 h. Following one-week rest period, patients were crossed over to the other medication for a further 2 weeks. Frequency volume charts were completed during the second week of each of the two study periods along with feedback forms to assess any subjective improvement in symptoms during each of the study periods. RESULTS: A significant improvement in the symptoms was noted for diclofenac when compared with the placebo. The mean nocturnal frequency decreased from 2.7 to 2.3 (p<0.004) and the mean ratio of night-time to 24 h urine volume decreased from 44% to 39% (p<0.001). No significant side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: NSAIDs are effective in the treatment of nocturnal polyuria causing a decrease in nocturnal frequency with subjective symptom improvement. Our study suggests a novel treatment option for this common condition.     

Electrical treatment of tibial non-union: a prospective,randomised, double-blind trial

Electrical stimulation in the treatment of bony non-union has been used in different forms for many years. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty about its efficacy. We, therefore, undertook a prospective, randomised, double-blind trial to try and determine its effect. Over a period of 5 years, 34 consecutive patients with a tibial non-union met our "criteria for inclusion". Each patient had an oblique fibular osteotomy, followed by a unilateral external fixator. They were then randomly allocated one of two machines. Group 1, the active group, received electrical stimulation from an active machine. Group 2, the dummy group, had an identical machine but without any current passing through the active coils. They were then followed up for 6 months and evaluated clinically and radiologically for bony union. Unfortunately, there was by chance, an imbalance in smoking habit between the two groups. The union rate in the subgroup that smoked was 75% (6/8) in the active group as compared to 46% (6/13) in the dummy group. The active group of non-smokers had 100% (10/10) union rate, compared to 67% (2/3) in the dummy group. Overall 24 out of the 34 patients progressed to union. Out of 18, 16 (89%) in the active group showed bony union as compared to 8/16 (50%) in the dummy. There was, thus, a statistically significant positive association between tibial union and electrical stimulation (odds ratio 8, 95% CI: 1.5-41, P=0.02).     

Effect of labor epidural analgesia with and without fentanyl on infant breast-feeding: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

BACKGROUND: The influence of labor epidural fentanyl on the neonate is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine whether epidural fentanyl has an impact on breast-feeding. METHODS: Women who previously breast-fed a child and who requested labor epidural analgesia were randomly assigned in a double-blinded manner to one of three groups: (1) no fentanyl group, (2) intermediate-dose fentanyl group (intent to administer between 1 and 150 microg epidural fentanyl), or (3) high-dose epidural fentanyl group (intent to administer > 150 microg epidural fentanyl). On postpartum day 1, the mother and a lactation consultant separately assessed whether the infant was experiencing difficulty breast-feeding, and a pediatrician assessed infant neurobehavior. All women were contacted 6 weeks postpartum to determine whether they were still breast-feeding. RESULTS: Sixty women were randomly assigned to receive no fentanyl, 59 were randomly assigned to receive an intermediate dose, and 58 were randomly assigned to receive high-dose fentanyl. On postpartum day 1, women who were randomly assigned to receive high-dose fentanyl reported difficulty breast-feeding (n = 12, 21%) more often than women who were randomly assigned to receive an intermediate fentanyl dose (n = 6, 10%), or no fentanyl (n = 6, 10%), although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.09). There was also no significant difference among groups in breast-feeding difficulty based on the lactation consultant's evaluation (40% difficulty in each group; P = 1.0). Neurobehavior scores were lowest in the infants of women who were randomly assigned to receive more than 150 microg fentanyl (P = 0.03). At 6 weeks postpartum, more women who were randomly assigned to high-dose epidural fentanyl were not breast-feeding (n = 10, 17%) than women who were randomly assigned to receive either an intermediate fentanyl dose (n = 3, 5%) or no fentanyl (n = 1, 2%) (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Among women who breast-fed previously, those who were randomly assigned to receive high-dose labor epidural fentanyl were more likely to have stopped breast-feeding 6 weeks postpartum than woman who were randomly assigned to receive less fentanyl or no fentanyl.     

芬太尼诱发呛咳的机制、影响因素和预防

芬太尼是人工合成的阿片类药物,具有镇痛作用强、作用时效中等、对血流动力学影响小等特点。但是,芬太尼静脉注射后常引起病人的呛咳反应,Lin等研究发现在2s内经外周静脉注射芬太尼2．5μg／kg的呛咳发生率为65％。呛咳常引起机体内环境瞬间发生剧烈变化,胸膜腔内压明显升高,影响静脉回流,脑脊液压力升高,可能导致严重的并发症。预防芬太尼诱发的呛咳反应,对提高病人麻醉安全具有重要意义。     

Acute pancreatitis: a prospective study of its incidence, aetiology, severity, and mortality in Iceland.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, aetiology, severity and mortality of patients with acute pancreatitis. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital, Iceland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 50 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis during the one-year period October 1998-September 1999 inclusive. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: APACHE II, and Ranson and Imrie scores, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. The Balthazar-Ranson criteria were used for scoring of computed tomograms (CT). RESULTS: 27 of the 50 patients were male. The median age of the whole series was 60 years (range 19-85). The estimated incidence was 32/100000 for the first attack of acute pancreatitis. The causes were; gallstones 21 (42%), alcohol 16 (32%), miscellaneous 12 (24%), and idiopathic 1 (2%). 15 (33%) of the patients had APACHE II scores > or = 9, 17 (38%) had Ranson scores of > or = 3, 23 (50%) had Imrie scores of > or = 3, and 16 (34%) had CRP concentrations over 210 mg/L during the first 4 days or > 120 mg/L during the first week. Seven patients had severe pancreatitis. 2 patients in the whole group died, and both had clinically severe pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the incidence of less severe acute pancreatitis is rising. Prospective assessment makes it possible to evaluate the aetiological factors more accurately. Measurement of the CRP concentration is an attractive and simple alternative to the severity scoring systems currently in use.     

Oxycodone vs. fentanyl in the treatment of early post-operative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomised double-blind study

Background: It has been suggested that oxycodone is superior to other opioids in the treatment of visceral pain. We therefore compared the effect of intravenous (i.v.) oxycodone and i.v. fentanyl on post-operative abdominal (visceral) pain after outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods: Seventy-eight patients were randomised to intra- and post-operative pain treatment with either oxycodone ( n =39) or fentanyl ( n =39). The patients received 10 mg oxycodone/100 μg fentanyl at the end of anaesthesia. In the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU), 5 mg oxycodone/50 μg fentanyl was administered to patients with moderate pain [3–5 on a numeric rating scale (NRS)], and 10 mg oxycodone/100 μg fentanyl was administered to patients with severe pain (>5 on an NRS). The following measures were recorded: intensity of pain at arrival, after 30, 60 and 90 min and at discharge from the PACU; total consumption of oxycodone/fentanyl; nausea; vomiting; sedation and pressure tolerance thresholds.
Results: The median intra- and post-operative consumption of oxycodone was 15 mg (range: 10–40 mg) and the consumption of fentanyl was 200 μg (range: 100–500 μg). The intensity of abdominal pain was significantly lower in the oxycodone group at arrival ( P <0.05), after 30, 60 and 90 min, and at discharge from the PACU ( P <0.01). There was a strong tendency towards more side effects with oxycodone.
Conclusions: Oxycodone provided better analgesia but also more side effects, suggesting that the doses used in the present study may not be equipotent.     

Oral midazolam premedication for day case breast surgery, a randomised prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study

We conducted a randomised prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of oral midazolam premedication in 50 ASA I and II female patients scheduled to undergo day case breast surgery. Anxiety was assessed using 100-mm visual analogue scales (VAS) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) psychometric questionnaire. Midazolam premedication did not significantly reduce either VAS or STAI score, although heart rate and systolic arterial pressure immediately before induction of anaesthesia were significantly lower in patients who received midazolam (p = 0.006 and 0.039, respectively). Induction of anaesthesia was achieved with a lower dose of propofol (p = 0.0009) and excellent (Grade I) conditions for insertion of a laryngeal mask airway were achieved more often after midazolam premedication (p = 0.038). Arterial desaturation during induction of anaesthesia and insertion of a laryngeal mask airway occurred more often in patients who received placebo (p = 0.022). There was a good correlation between VAS and STAI used to assess the anxiolytic effects of premedication. (Spearman coefficient 0.58, p < 0.0001).     

Inflation with air via a facepiece for facilitating insertion of a nasogastric tube: a prospective, randomised, double-blind study

Insertion of a nasogastric tube is a routine procedure but during anaesthesia it is often difficult and time consuming. One hundred and sixty adults undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. After induction of anaesthesia, neuromuscular blockade and tracheal intubation, a nasogastric tube was inserted through the nose with the head of the patient in the neutral position, either with or without prior inflation with air via a facepiece attached to a self-inflating bag applied firmly with the face. Insertion of the nasogastric tube was successful in 75/78 (96%) following inflation compared with 54/80 (68%) without inflation (p  <  0.001). In four patients receiving inflation, a fibreoptic endoscope was passed as far as the upper oesophageal sphincter; this revealed opening of the upper oesophageal sphincter during inflation.     

Comparison of the Genesis II total knee replacement with oxidised zirconium and cobalt-chromium femoral components in the same patients: a prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled study

Despite many claims of good wear properties following total knee replacement (TKR) with an oxidised zirconium (OxZr) femoral component, there are conflicting clinical results. We hypothesised that there would be no difference in either the mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes or the characteristics of the polyethylene wear particles (weight, size and shape) in patients using an OxZr or cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral component. In all 331?patients underwent bilateral TKR, receiving an OxZr femoral component in one knee and a CoCr femoral component in the other. The mean follow-up was 7.5 years (6 to 8). Following aspiration, polyethylene wear particles were analysed using thermogravimetric methods and scanning electron microscopy. At the most recent follow-up, the mean Knee Society score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, range of movement and satisfaction score were not significantly different in the two groups. The mean weight, size, aspect ratio and roundness of the aspirated wear particles were similar for each femoral component. Survivorship of the femoral, tibial and patellar components was 100% in both groups. In the absence of evidence of an advantage in the medium term we cannot justify the additional expense of an OxZr femoral component.     

Comparison of fentanyl,sufentanil and alfentanil during awake craniotomy for epilepsy

Neurolept anaesthesia is used during awake craniotomy for epilepsy surgery. This study compares analgesia, sedation and the side effects of the newer opioids sufentanil and alfentanil, with those of fentanyl in patients undergoing awake craniotomy. Thirty patients were randomized into three groups, each received droperidol, dimenhydrinate and the chosen opioid as a bolus followed by an infusion. The opioid doses used were fentanyl 0.75 μg · kg^?1 plus 0.01 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1; sufentanil 0.075 μg · kg^?1 plus 0.0015 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1, and alfentanil 7.5 μg · kg^?1 plus 0.5 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1. There were no differences in the requirements for droperidol, dimenhydrinate or in the incidence of complications among the three groups. The total doses of the opioids required were fentanyl 4.9 ±1.3 μg · kg^?1, sufentanil 0.6 ±0.2 μg · kg^?1 and alfentanil 149 ±36 μg · kg^?1. Two patients became uncooperative requiring general anaesthesia. The conditions for surgery, electrocorticography and for stimulation testing were satisfactory in all other patients. We conclude that the newer opioids did not offer any benefit over fentanyl.     

Evaluation of a diclofenac transdermal patch for the attenuation of venous cannulation pain: a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Venous cannulation, although a minor procedure, is often painful. The present study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of a diclofenac transdermal patch placed over the venepuncture site in decreasing the pain of cannulation. Seventy-two adults undergoing elective surgery were included in this randomised, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were divided into three equal groups. The Control group had a placebo adhesive patch placed on the both the dorsum of hand and the buttock; the Diclofenac-Buttock group had a placebo patch placed on the dorsum of the hand and a diclofenac transdermal patch on the buttock; the Diclofenac-Hand group had a diclofenac transdermal patch placed on the dorsum of hand and a placebo patch on the buttock. The patches were applied 1 h before cannulation. An 18G cannula was used for all venous cannulations. Pain during cannulation was assessed on a non-graduated 10-cm visual analogue scale. Median [interquartile range] pain scores were 3.0 [2.0-4.0] in the Diclofenac-Hand group, 5.0 [4.3-7.8] in the Diclofenac-Buttock group and 6.5 [4.5-7.0] in the Control group, p < 0.05. The numbers needed to treat were six and two in the Diclofenac-Buttock and Diclofenac-Hand groups, respectively. The application of a diclofenac transdermal patch at the cannulation site appears to be effective in decreasing cannulation pain.     

Comparison among intrathecal fentanyl, meperidine, and sufentanil for labor analgesia.

This study compared the analgesic efficacy of intermittent injections of intrathecal fentanyl (10 micrograms), meperidine (10 mg), or sufentanil (5 micrograms) administered to 65 parturients during the first stage of labor. The groups did not differ in onset or duration of effective analgesia. The meperidine group, however, had significantly lower pain scores once cervical dilation progressed beyond 6 cm. Side effects included mild pruritus and nausea. After intrathecal drug injection, variable decelerations of the fetal heart rate increased in the fentanyl and meperidine groups. All neonates had a 5-min Apgar score of 7 or more. We conclude that intermittent intrathecal injections of fentanyl, meperidine, or sufentanil can provide adequate first-stage labor analgesia. Meperidine appears to provide more reliable analgesia as the first stage of labor progresses.