Severe Thrombocytopenia in an Immune Thrombocytopenic Parturient Non-responder to Medical Line of Treatment: Anaesthetic Management for Splenectomy Combined with Caesarean Section

We report anaesthesia management of a parturient with severe thrombocytopenia secondary to immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Her platelet count remained around 3 × 10⁹/l in spite of optimum medical therapy and hence was posted for splenectomy combined with caesarean section. Anaesthesia implications of severe thrombocytopenia comprises risk of central nervous system bleeding, perioperative haemorrhage causing placental hypoperfusion and foetal hypoxia, risk of trauma to compromised airway and risk of epidural haematoma. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the risk factors associated, different management strategies and also to review the literature in an attempt to ameliorate the anaesthesiologist in perioperative management of these cases.     

Haemodynamic effects of glycopyrrolate pre-treatment before phenylephrine infusion during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery

BackgroundPhenylephrine given during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery often induces a decrease in heart rate which may decrease cardiac output. Anticholinergic drugs may be given to attenuate this effect but may also cause more labile blood pressure. This study evaluated the effects of glycopyrrolate pre-treatment on non-invasively measured cardiac output and accuracy of blood pressure control.MethodsAt induction of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery, 104 patients randomly received intravenous glycopyrrolate 4 μg/kg or saline placebo. Systolic blood pressure, measured at 1-min intervals, was maintained near baseline using closed-loop feedback computer-controlled phenylephrine infusion with crystalloid cohydration. Cardiac output and stroke volume were measured using suprasternal Doppler ultrasonography at baseline and 5-min intervals for 20 min. Blood pressure control was assessed using performance error calculations.ResultsEleven patients were excluded. Patients who received glycopyrrolate (n = 45) had greater cardiac output over time (P < 0.001), greater heart rate over time (P < 0.001), similar stroke volume over time (P = 0.95), and lower median phenylephrine infusion rate (P = 0.006) compared with control (n = 48). There was no difference in the incidence of hypotension between groups. Analysis of blood pressure control showed greater positive bias, greater inaccuracy and greater wobble in the glycopyrrolate group (all P < 0.05). Neonatal outcome was similar between groups.ConclusionsGlycopyrrolate 4 μg/kg given at the start of a phenylephrine infusion increased heart rate and cardiac output but also decreased accuracy of blood pressure control, increased the incidence of hypertension and caused an increased incidence of dry mouth postoperatively compared with control.     

Anaesthesia in the MRI unit

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely available imaging modality providing high-resolution images of soft tissues. The magnetic fields generated by these scanners create an array of safety challenges which require specialist equipment and trained staff to safely operate within this environment.Guidance exists for the anaesthetist working in the MR suite, though for many individuals it remains a less familiar environment and remote site for practising safe anaesthesia.We outline the specific concerns with commonly encountered implanted devices and some of the practicalities related to caring for patients with these devices in the MRI suite.Within neuroanaesthesia, advances in procedural techniques and technology in MRI lead to an increased number of patients requiring scanning for diagnosis and treatment progress.This includes patients on the critical care unit and intraoperatively in the interventional MRI suites.     

Neurological complications in obstetric regional anaesthesia

Central neuraxial blocks are the commonest procedures performed in obstetric anaesthesia. Most post-partum neurological complications are obstetric palsies caused by the process of normal labour itself. However, anaesthetists must be able to develop a methodical approach to their assessment of neurological injuries to be able to differentiate between anaesthetic and non-anaesthetic causes, and importantly be able to promptly recognize when urgent investigations and management are required to prevent permanent harm to patients. Anaesthetists must understand the principles of good practice when performing neuraxial blocks. This includes taking the recommended precautions to reduce the risk of neurological complications by assessing coagulation status, adhering to infection control measures, appropriate positioning and technique, clear communication with patients, and monitoring the resolution of a neuraxial block post-natally. The anaesthetist must work within the multidisciplinary setting to reduce risk by consulting obstetricians, haematologists and neurologists, as well as providing appropriate follow-up and management for patients with physiotherapy.     

Awake craniotomy and multilingualism: Language testing during anaesthesia for awake craniotomy in a bilingual patient

An awake craniotomy for epilepsy surgery is presented where a bilingual patient post-operatively reported temporary aphasia of his first language (Spanish). This case report discusses the potential causes for this clinical presentation and methods to prevent the occurrence of this in future patients undergoing this form of surgery.     

局部麻醉下腹膜前间隙无张力疝修补术500例

目的：总结局部麻醉下腹膜前间隙无张力疝修补术的临床治疗经验。方法回顾性分析2009年1月至2013年12月,天津中医药大学第二附属医院收治的500例腹股沟斜疝患者500例,均行腹膜前间隙无张力修补术。结果本组患者手术均顺利完成,手术时间30∽55 min,平均（35±5）min,术后当天下地活动,全部于术后2 d出院,无需拆线。平片加固患者20例,术后使用了1∽2次镇痛药物。无皮下及阴囊血肿积液形成,无切口感染。全组随访2∽34个月,平均20个月,复发2例。腹膜前间隙血肿1例。仅平片加固患者术区不适感9例。结论腹膜前间隙无张力疝修补术是一种较合理的修补方式,具有安全有效,术后恢复快,并发症少,近期疗效满意等优点。     

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of sevoflurane in two human cell lines in vitro with ionizing radiation

Objective:

To determine the in vitro toxicity of different concentrations of sevoflurane in cells exposed to X-ray.

Methods:

The genotoxic effects of sevofluorane were studied by means of the micronucleus test in cytokinesis-blocked cells of irradiated human lymphocytes. Subsequently, its cytotoxic effects on PNT2 (normal prostate) cells was determined using the cell viability test (MTT) and compared with those induced by different doses of X-rays.

Results:

A dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect of sevofluorane on PNT2 cells was determined (p >0.001) and a dose-dependent genotoxic effect of sevofluorane was established (p >0.001). Hovewer, at volumes lower than 30 μL of sevofluorane at 100%, a non-toxic effect on PNT2 cells was shown.

Conclusion:

Sevofluorane demonstrates a genotoxic capacity as determined in vitro by micronucleus test in cytokinesis-blocked cells of irradiated human lymphocytes.     

两种麻醉对胰岛素抵抗及应激反应的影响

目的 研究不同麻醉方法 对上腹手术围术期应激反应与胰岛素抵抗(IR)的影响.方法 择期胆囊切除术患者36例,ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级,随机分为硬膜外麻醉组(E组)和全麻组(G组),各组18例,分别在患者麻醉前、麻醉后手术前、进腹探查胆囊时和术后1 h采血,测定血糖、血清胰岛素(insulin,Ins)、皮质醇(cortisol,Cor)和C-反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP),计算胰岛素敏感性(insulin sensitivity,SI).结果 麻醉前两组各指标差异无显著性.E组仅在麻醉后有Ins显著上升(P＜0.01),随后迅速恢复至麻醉前水平(P＞0.05),在本实验观察时间内未发生明显IR.G组全麻诱导插管后血清Ins上升(P＜0.05),S1显著下降(P＜0.01),发生了明显的IR.G组在全麻诱导气管插管后血清Cor浓度(P＜0.01)和CRP浓度(P＜0.01)即急剧上升,并在本实验观察时间内持续升高(P＜0.01),E组患者仅在麻醉后血清Cor水平和CRP浓度显著升高(P＜0.01),其余时间内均低于G组(P＜0.01),术后1 h与麻醉前水平差异无显著性(P＞0.05).结论 全身麻醉后上腹部手术围术期应激反应严重,伴有显著的IR,硬膜外麻醉可以显著降低围术期麻醉和手术创伤带来的应激反应,改善外科性IR.