Safety and effectiveness of butorphanol in epidural labor analgesia:A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Epidural analgesia is the most effective analgesic method during labor.Butorphanol administered epidurally has been shown to be a successful analgesic method during labor.However,no comprehensive study has examined the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.AIM To assess butorphanol's safety and efficacy for epidural labor analgesia.METHODS The PubMed,Cochrane Library,EMBASE,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and Google Scholar databases will be searched from inception.Other types of literature,such as conference abstracts and references to pertinent reviews,will also be reviewed.We will include randomized controlled trials comparing butorphanol with other opioids combined with local anesthetics for epidural analgesia during labor.There will be no language restrictions.The primary outcomes will include the visual analog scale score for the first stage of labor,fetal effects,and Apgar score.Two independent reviewers will evaluate the full texts,extract data,and assess the risk of bias.Publication bias will be evaluated using Egger's or Begg's tests as well as visual analysis of a funnel plot,and heterogeneity will be evaluated using the Cochran Q test,P values,and I2 values.Meta-analysis,subgroup analysis,and sensitivity analysis will be performed using RevMan software version 5.4.This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)Protocols statement,and the PRISMA statement will be used for the systematic review.RESULTS This study provides reliable information regarding the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.CONCLUSION To support clinical practice and development,this study provides evidence-based findings regarding the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.

A Structured Method of Teaching Epidural Block reduces the incidence of accidental dural puncture in inexperienced trainees.

Background: The rate of accidental dural puncture is particularly high during the period of training, especially in novices. The structured epidural teaching model (SETM) includes three standardized video lessons, the construction of a 3D epidural module by trainees and practical training by using an epidural simulator with and without the CompuFlo™ Epidural instrument. In this study we report the retrospective analysis of the accidental dural puncture rate of inexperienced trainees during their 6 months clinical practice rotation in obstetrics before and after the introduction of the SETM in our Institution. Method: We evaluated the incidence of accidental dural puncture before the introduction of the SETM methodology and afterwards by analyzing our departmental database from February 2019 to January 2023. All epidural blocks were executed by trainees who had never previously performed an epidural block and were about to begin their obstetrics rotation. Results: We analyzed 7415 epidurals: 3703 were performed before the introduction of the SETM methodology (control group) and 3712 afterwards (study group). The incidence of accidental dural puncture was 0.37% for the control group and 0.13% for the study group (p<.05). The probability of making an accidental dural puncture was 64% (OR: 0.36) lower for trainees who had the training than for those who did not. Conclusions: After the introduction of the structured teaching method, we observed a significant reduction of accidental dural puncture during the training period. We hope that our observation will encourage a constructive discussion among experts about the need to use standardized and validated tools as a valuable aid in teaching epidural anesthesia.

Unique method for removal of knotted lumbar epidural catheter: A case report

BACKGROUND Combined spinal-epidural(CSE)anesthesia is the preferred anesthesia method for cesarean delivery.The use of an epidural catheter is essential for administering additional drugs intraoperatively and managing postoperative pain.However,the insertion of epidural catheters is associated with various complications,such as total spinal anesthesia,symptoms indicative of spinal nerve root irritation,and challenges in epidural catheter removal.CASE SUMMARY We present a case report of a challenging epidural catheter removal due to knotting.The lumbar computed tomography scan results revealed that the catheter formed a tight knot in the epidural space.We used a novel extubation method and successfully removed the catheter.CONCLUSION The operator can use opposite forces to"spiral"apart the spinal joints by positioning the patient's body in a specific position.The findings indicate that,when combined with imaging examination results,this method is effective for the removal of epidural catheters.

Extensive Spinal Epidural Abscess: Cord Compression with Permanent Neurological Defects

Spinal epidural abscesses (SEA) are considerably rare and tend to present over two to five vertebral segments. Occasionally, there will be two or more noncontiguous areas of pyogenic collections [1]. Minimal cases have been reported to span the entire vertebral column;a meta-analysis estimates that 1% of all SEA are holospinal [2]. The triad of presenting symptoms includes fever, back pain (often midline), and neurologic defects [1] [2] [3]. Early detection is identified as a critical aspect of improved outcomes. Cases that do not present in this manner or with other masking symptoms can lead to delayed diagnosis, thus delaying treatment. In the event of cord compression, the occurrence of neurologic defects increases. Time from the onset of clinical manifestations to the operating room is crucial in reversing symptoms [2]. This article seeks to review a case of a 65-year-old male that presented to the emergency department (ED) due to a falling second to weakness and thigh pain. On presentation, he was also noted to have rhabdomyolysis causing acute kidney injury (AKI) with tubular necrosis. The patient was admitted to the hospital with a complex history of progressive leg weakness, pain in the lower back, incontinence, and elevated white blood cell count. Days into the admission, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was performed, which revealed a continuous posterior SEA from C4 to S2 with anterior mass effect causing spinal cord compression. Emergency neurosurgery was scheduled for laminectomies in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine to drain the abscess. Evaluation of this complex medical course, surgical approach to drainage of an incessant spinal column abscess, and sustained neurologic defects will be discussed.

Safety and effectiveness of electromyography-induced rehabilitation treatment after epidural electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury:study protocol for a prospective,randomized,controlled trial

Epidural electrical stimulation is a new treatment method for spinal cord injury(SCI).Its efficacy and safety have previously been reported.Rehabilitation treatment after epidural electrical stimulation is important to ensure and improve the postoperative efficacy of epidural electrical stimulation in patients with SCI.Considering that electromyography(EMG)-induced rehabilitation treatment can accurately match the muscle contraction of patients with SCI,we designed a study protocol for a prospective,randomized controlled trial.In this trial,on the premise of adjusting the spinal cord electrical stimulator to obtain the maximum EMG signal of the target muscle,patients with SCI receiving epidural electrical stimulation will undergo EMG-induced rehabilitation treatment.Recovery of muscle strength of key muscles,quality of life,safety and therapeutic effects will be monitored.Twenty patients with SCI who are scheduled to undergo epidural electrical stimulation in Shanghai Ruijin Rehabilitation Hospital will be randomly divided into two groups with 10 patients per group.The control group will receive conventional rehabilitation treatment.The EMG-induced rehabilitation group will receive EMG-induced rehabilitation treatment of the target muscles of the upper and lower limbs based on conventional rehabilitation treatment.After rehabilitation treatment,follow up for all patients will occur at 2 weeks and 1,3 and 6 months.The primary outcome measure of this trial will be evaluation of target muscle recovery using the Manual Muscle Testing grading scale.Secondary outcome measures will include modified Barthel Index scores,integrated EMG values,the visual analogue scale,Spinal Cord Independence Measure scores,and modified Ashworth scale scores.The safety indicator will be the incidence of adverse events.This trial will collect data regarding the therapeutic effects of EMG-induced rehabilitation in patients with SCI receiving epidural electrical stimulation for 6 months after rehabilitation treatment.Findings from this trial will help develop rehabilitation methods in patients with SCI after epidural electrical stimulation.This study protocol was approved by Ethics Committee of Shanghai Ruijin Rehabilitation Hospital(Approval No.RKIRB2022-12)on February 15,2022 and was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration number:ChiCTR2200061674;date:June 30,2022).Study protocol version:1.0.

Eye Movement Modeling Examples as a Teaching Tool for Epidural Block

Introduction: Video examples with task demonstrations by experts, with the expert’s eye movements superimposed on the task, are known as “eye movement modeling examples” (EMME). We performed this study to evaluate if there were improvements in the performance of anesthesia novice trainees when executing the epidural technique after an EMME of epidural block procedure. Methods: We developed an eye movement modeling example (EMME) from eye tracking recordings made by experienced anesthesiologists with more than 20 years of experience. Forty-two PGY3 anesthesia trainees who had never previously performed an epidural block were randomized to receive (study group) or not receive (control group) the EMME video before their institutional training. All the trainees were evaluated every 10 epidural blocks until the end of the rotation period, by an independent, blinded observer using the Global Rating Scale for Epidural Anesthesia (GRS). Results: Trainees who received the EMME training exhibited more respect for the patient’s tissues (P Discussion: This is the first study that has used the EMME for a practical, clinical teaching purpose on real patients and that has used it as an aid in teaching epidural anesthesia. We demonstrated that inexperienced trainees who received the EMME training improved their proficiency at epidural blocks as compared to those who had no EMME training beforehand. Given this result, we welcome further studies to investigate the impact and the role of EMME on clinical teaching in the field of anesthesia.

Is It Safe to Perform an Autologous Epidural Blood Patch on Patients with Underlying Spinal Stenosis or Lumbar Disc Disease? Case Report and Literature Review

The most common spinal pathology seen in the obstetric population is lumbar disc herniation. There is currently no literature documenting the safety of performing an epidural blood patch on obstetric patients with underlying spinal pathology. We present a case of a patient with known severe lumbar spinal stenosis with compressive radiculopathy who received a successful epidural blood patch without worsening her underlying neurologic symptoms. Epidural blood patches can be safely performed in this patient population. However, the anesthesiologist should be aware of the risk of potentially worsening preexisting neurological deficits. Thus, we advise caution prior to placing an epidural blood patch on these patients. The risks and benefits of the procedure should be carefully weighed and considered. It is important to have a thorough discussion with the patient regarding the risks of an epidural blood patch prior to performing the procedure.

Substance P promotes epidural fibrosis via induction of type 2 macrophages

In response to spinal surgery,neurons secrete a large amount of substance P into the epidural area.Substance P is involved in macrophage differentiation and fibrotic disease.However,the specific roles and mechanisms of substance P in epidural fibrosis remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of L1–L3 laminectomy and found that dorsal root ganglion neurons and the macrophages infiltrating into the wound area released sphingolipids.In vitro experiments revealed that type 1 macrophages secreted substance P,which promoted differentiation of type 1 macrophages towards a type 2 phenotype.High-throughput mRNA-seq analysis revealed that the sphingolipid metabolic pathway may be involved in the regulation of type 2 macrophages by substance P.Specifically,sphingomyelin synthase 2,a component of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway,promoted M2 differentiation in substance P-treated macrophages,while treating the macrophages with LY93,a sphingomyelin synthase 2 inhibitor,suppressed M2 differentiation.In addition,substance P promoted the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps,which further boosted M2 differentiation.Blocking substance P with the neurokinin receptor 1 inhibitor RP67580 decreased the number of M2 macrophages in the wound area after spinal surgery and alleviated epidural fibrosis,as evidenced by decreased fibronectin,α-smooth muscle actin,and collagen I in the scar tissue.These results demonstrated that substance P promotes M2 macrophage differentiation in epidural fibrosis via sphingomyelin synthase 2 and neutrophil extracellular traps.These findings provide a novel strategy for the treatment of epidural fibrosis.

Multiple different remote epidural hematomas after craniotomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Epidural hematoma is one of the common postoperative complications after craniotomy.However,multiple remote epidural hematomas in different sites,including supratentorial and infratentorial regions,are exceedingly rare.CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case in which three remote epidural hematomas occurred after craniotomy.A 21-year-old woman was admitted with a headache for 1 mo,vomiting,and rapid vision loss for 1 wk.Brian magnetic resonance imaging indicated a right thalamic tumor.The intraoperative diagnosis was a cystic tumor,posterior cerebral artery aneurysm,and vascular malformation.The operation was successful.Unfortunately,the patient developed three extradural hematomas within 48 h.Family members consented to the first two hematoma evacuations but refused the third.CONCLUSION More attention should be paid to this kind of rare complication.Adequate preoperative evaluation is important,especially for acute patients.Monitoring neural function and early computed tomography scanning of the brain after surgery should be highlighted.

Onyx embolization of a spinal epidural hemorrhage caused by thoracic spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula:A case report and literature review

Spinal epidural hemorrhages(SEDH)caused by spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas(SEAVFs)are rare;thus,their specific pathogenesis has not been explained.Furthermore,the standard treatment for SEAVFs has not yet been defined.Here we report the case of a 36-year-old Chinese man who experienced acute onset chest pain and tightness.His symptoms rapidly aggravated until the lower limbs were unable to support him.Spinal magnetic resonance angiography(MRA)revealed a localized SEAVF and a secondary spinal cord lesion at the T4 level.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)confirmed the presence of the SEDH/SEAVF at the T3–4 level with the left radicular artery feeding the fistula.Based on DSA and MRA findings,SEDH,local spinal cord infarction,and spinal venous reflux disorder were conditionally diagnosed.Using the arterial route,Onyx-34 was injected into the fistula to embolize the feeding arteries and the venous system.Angiography was performed after the microcatheter was withdrawn,and no residual fistula or anterior spinal artery was observed.The six-week follow-up MRI showed acceptable healing of the SEAVF,and the patient improved neurologically.This case suggests that endovascular treatment with Onyx-34 embolization should be considered a promising treatment strategy for this type of complicated SEAVF.

Dural puncture epidural technique provides better anesthesia quality in repeat cesarean delivery than epidural technique:Randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND Repeat cesarean deliverys involve a longer surgery and more severe visceral traction than primary cesarean deliverys.The dural puncture epidural(DPE)technique provides faster and more effective analgesia for labor,but there is no sufficient evidence to indicate whether it is suitable for parturients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of the DPE anesthesia technique in patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.METHODS Patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery were randomly divided into the DPE and epidural anesthesia(EA)groups.A 25-G spinal needle was used for dural puncture via a 19-G epidural needle.The patients in the two groups were injected with 5 mL of 2%lidocaine followed by 15 mL of a mixture of 1%lidocaine+0.5%ropivacaine as the epidural dosage.The primary outcome was the onset time of sensory block to the T6 dermatome level and the sensory and motor block degree.RESULTS A total of 115 women were included(EA:57,DPE:58).The mean time to sensory block to the T6 Level was significantly shorter in the DPE group than in the EA group(14.7 min vs 16.6 min;95%confidence interval,13.9 to 15.4 vs 15.8 to 17.4;P=0.001).The cranial sensory block level was significantly higher at 5,10,and 15 min after the initial dose in the DPE group than in the EA group(P<0.05).The sacral sensory block level was significantly higher and the modified bromage score was significantly lower in the DPE group at each time point(P<0.05).Adverse effects and neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The DPE technique provided higher-quality anesthesia than the EA technique,with a rapid onset of surgical anesthesia,better cranial and sacral sensory block spread and a higher motor block degree,without increasing the incidence of maternal or fetal side effects in patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery under epidural anesthesia—Encouraging early results encourage randomized trials

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery （VATS） that is also defined awake VATS entails thoracoscopic procedures performed by regional anesthesia in spontaneously ventilating,mildly sedated or fully awake patients.

Awake thoracoscopic surgery under epidural anesthesia: is it really safe?

Thoracoscopic surgeries usually require single-lung ventilation under general anesthesia because of the need to obtain a sufficient working space.In patients with impaired pulmonary function,if the patient can undergo general anesthesia,a more selected collapse of the lung is considered to be beneficial for intraoperative oxygenation.The selective bronchial blockade of the lobe to be resected has been reported by several investigators （1-3）.Mukaida and coworkers first reported thoracoscopic surgery for pnenmothorax under local and epidural anesthesia in 1998 in high-risk patients contraindicated for general anesthesia （4）.

Comparative Study between Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia for Post-Thoracotomy Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Clinical Trial

Objectives and Aim: Thoracotomies are widely recognized to cause acute pain which is associated with many complications. The target study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of SAPB compared to TEA for relieving severe thoracotomy pain. Patients and Methods: Forty patients scheduled for thoracotomy randomly allocated either to receive SAPB or thoracic epidural (TEA). Visual analogue pain score (VAS) at rest and coughing every 6 hrs. Postoperative, hemodynamic parameters (heart rate and MAP), pain rescue analgesic consumption in the first 24 hrs., complications, and duration of hospital stay recorded. Results: In our study, we found that the recently described SAPB, while maintaining stable blood pressure, provided excellent analgesia comparable to that offered by TEA for acute post-thoracotomy pain. Hypotension was more noteworthy in those who had epidurals than those with serratus anterior plane (SAP) catheters. Morphine rescue analgesia, as well as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores during normal tidal breathing, were like in both groups. Conclusion: We recommend that the Serratus anterior plane block appears to be a safe and effective alternative for postoperative analgesia after thoracotomy.

Spinal epidural hematoma after spinal manipulation therapy:Report of three cases and a literature review

BACKGROUND Spinal manipulation therapy(SMT)has been widely used worldwide to treat musculoskeletal diseases,but it can cause serious adverse events.Spinal epidural hematoma(SEH)caused by SMT is a rare emergency that can cause neurological dysfunction.We herein report three cases of SEH after SMT.CASE SUMMARY The first case was a 30-year-old woman who experienced neck pain and numbness in both upper limbs immediately after SMT.Her symptoms persisted after 3 d of conservative treatment,and she was admitted to our hospital.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)demonstrated an SEH,extending from C6 to C7.The second case was a 55-year-old man with sudden back pain 1 d after SMT,numbness in both lower limbs,an inability to stand or walk,and difficulty urinating.MRI revealed an SEH,extending from T1 to T3.The third case was a 28-year-old man who suddenly developed symptoms of numbness in both lower limbs 4 h after SMT.He was unable to stand or walk and experienced mild back pain.MRI revealed an SEH,extending from T1 to T2.All three patients underwent surgery after failed conservative treatment.The three cases recovered to ASIA grade E on day 5,1 wk,and day 10 after surgery,respectively.All patients returned to normal after 3 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION SEH caused by SMT is very rare,and the condition of each patient should be evaluated in full detail before operation.SEH should be diagnosed immediately and actively treated by surgery.

Comparative Study between General Anesthesia versus General Anesthesia Combined with Thoracic Epidural Analgesia on Cytokine Response in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients

Background and Objectives: The main benefits of laparoscopic surgery in comparison to open surgery involve the rapid discharge from recovery room, decreased postoperative hospital stays, reduced postoperative discomfort, easier getting back to work and faster return to ordinary daily life as well as cosmetic surgical wounds. The anesthesia type has an essential role in attenuation of the surgical stress and achievement of these advantages. We aimed to determine the outcome of giving general anesthesia in conjunction with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) compared to general anesthesia alone on stress response to surgery and anesthesia by investigating cytokine reaction (interleukin 6 and 8 levels), hemodynamic changes (BP, HR, RR, SPO2), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores postoperatively in patients subjected for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This study included 40 patients aged 20 - 60 years old with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) I and II. They were planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Aswan University Hospital from April 2017 to March 2018. They were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n. 20) received general anesthesia only and Group B (n. 20) received general anesthesia in conjunction with thoracic epidural analgesia using fentanyl and bupivacaine in the epidural catheter. Chi-square was applied to differentiate categorical variables, whereas comparison between continuous variables was done by using t-test. Two-tailed p < 0.05 was estimated as statistically significant. Results: As regards IL-6 and IL-8 post-operative there is significant difference (p < 0.05) between two groups during 2nd and 4th hr and 24th hr postoperative, with significantly increased postoperative levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in comparison to their preoperative baseline values. The largest increase in IL6 & IL8 levels was in group A (GA group). VAS score showed significant lower values in TEA group in comparison to GA group. No significant difference between groups as regard intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic changes. Conclusion: Regional techniques including TEA attenuate and decrease cytokine reaction secondary to surgery which decreases inflammatory process and improves patient outcome and reduces pain score postoperatively.

Modified surgical method of supra-and infratentorial epidural hematoma and the related anatomical study of the squamous part of the occipital bone

BACKGROUND Supra-and infratentorial acute epidural hematoma(SIEDH)is a common posterior cranial fossa epidural hematoma located at the inner surface of the squamous part of the occipital bone(SOB).Traditionally,surgical treatment of the SIEDH requires a combined supra-infratentorial craniotomy.AIM To analyze the morphological characteristics of the SOB and introduce a single supratentorial craniotomy for SIEDH.METHODS Skull computed tomography(CT)scan data from 32 adult patients were collected from January 1,2019 to January 31,2020.On the median sagittal plane of the CT scan,the angle of the SOB(ASOB)was defined by two lines:Line A was defined from the lambdoid suture(LambS)to the external occipital protuberance(EOP),while line B was defined from the EOP to the posterior edge of the foramen magnum(poFM).The operative angle for the SIEDH(OAS)from the supra-to infratentorial epidural space was determined by two lines:The first line passes from the midpoint between the EOP and the LambS to the poFM,while the second line passes from the EOP to the poFM.The ASOB and OAS were measured and analyzed.RESULTS Based on the anatomical study,a single supratentorial craniotomy was performed in 8 patients with SIEDH.The procedure and the results of the modified surgical method were demonstrated in detail.For males,the ASOB was 118.4±4.7 and the OAS was 15.1±1.8;for females,the ASOB was 130.4±5.1 and the OAS was 12.8±2.0.There were significant differences between males and females both in ASOB and OAS.The smaller the ASOB was,the larger the OAS was.The bone flaps in 8 patients were designed above the transverse sinus intraoperatively,and the SIEDH was completely removed without suboccipital craniotomy.The SOB does not present as a single straight plane but bends at an angle around the EOP and the superior nuchal lines.The OAS was negatively correlated with the ASOB.CONCLUSION The single supratentorial craniotomy for SIEDH is reliable and effective.

Effects of Combined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia and Spinal Anaesthesia on Peri-Operative Pulmonary Status in Geriatric Patients in Lower Extremity Surgery

Background: Lower extremity surgeries performed in elderly people usually have high prevalence of peri-operative medical problems related to anaesthesia. The overall objective of peri-operative care of geriatric population is to fast recovery from anaesthesia and avoid functional decline. Objective: To compare the peri-operative pulmonary status of combined spinal epidural anaesthesia (CSEA) and spinal anaesthesia (SA) in geriatric patients underwent lower extremity surgeries. Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted at Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2018. A total of 70 geriatric cases that underwent lower extremity surgeries were included in this study. Cases were randomly allocated into two groups;35 in Group A (CSEA) and 35 in Group B (SAB). The different outcome variables between the groups like-duration of anaesthesia, respiratory rates (RR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), end tidal CO2 (EtCO2), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), breath holding test (BHT), peri-operative side effects of anaesthesia and post-operative visual analogue score (VAS) were analyzed and compared by statistical tests. Results: The mean age, weight, BMI of Group A and Group B patients were not significantly different (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in duration of surgery, gender and ASA grade between the groups (p > 0.05). Mean duration of anaesthesia, mean time to achieve target level of sensory block and mean time to achieve complete motor block were significantly higher in Group A (p < 0.001). Mean RR, SpO2, EtCO2, PEFR and BHT of both groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Peri-operative side effects of anaesthesia and post-operative VAS were significantly less in group A patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined spinal epidural anaesthesia is effective and safe;produces stable peri-operative pulmonary status with prolonging analgesia and fewer side effects as compared to spinal anaesthesia in geriatric patients.

Spinal Epidural Abscess in Patients with Sepsis Who Experienced Significant Improvements after Complete Paralysis: Two Case Reports

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition, and a delay in its diagnosis causes paralysis. In this study, we report two rare cases of delayed diagnosis of SEA whose conditions improved after a state of complete paralysis. The first case was a 71-year-old diabetic man who received a corticosteroid injection for shoulder pain that caused intensified pain. Thereafter, the patient developed paralysis of both legs in stage IV according to Heusner staging. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with multiple abscesses and sepsis. He was in a poor state of health. Therefore, we treated his epidural abscess conservatively. After a month, his muscle strength had improved to Heusner stage III-A, and he was transferred to another hospital. The second case was a 64-year-old diabetic man who received an epidural corticosteroid injection for lower back pain. However, the pain intensified and was admitted to the hospital for pyelonephritis. He developed paralysis in both of his arms and legs presenting as a Heusner stage IV, caused by a cervical epidural abscess. A laminoplasty was performed and paralysis was improved. However, the patient subsequently developed a left subcortical hemorrhage. He underwent surgery. However, his right hemiplegia persisted, and on Day 21, he was transferred back to the previous hospital with a Heusner III-A. We could improve the patients’ paralysis by cooperating closely with infectious disease specialists and spine surgeons, taking intensive care, applying antibacterial agents appropriately, and operating quickly.

A Comparative Study on Safety and Efficacy of Caudal, Thoracic Epidural and Intra Venous Analgesia in Paediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Double Blind Randomised Trial

Introduction:Regional anaesthesia combined with general anaesthesia reduces stress response to surgery, duration of ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and promotes early recovery. Studies on thoracic epidural, caudal analgesia along with general anaesthesia (GA) in paediatric cardiac surgery are limited hence we aimed to compare efficacy and safety of caudal, thoracic epidural and intravenous analgesia in paediatric cardiac surgery. Methodology: This study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology in a tertiary care teaching hospital in southern India from February 2019 to December 2019. 90 children were randomised into group A, group B, group C. Children in group A received caudal analgesia along with GA. Group B children received thoracic epidural along with GA. Group C patients received intravenous analgesia along with GA. Rescue analgesia 1 mcg/kg fentanyl given in all 3 groups if pain score is more than 4. Primary outcome assessed was post-op pain scores. Secondary outcome assessed was duration of ventilation, duration of intensive care unit stay. Results: All patients were comparable in terms of age, sex, weight, mean RACHS score, baseline heart rate and blood pressure. Pain scores were significantly lower in thoracic epidural group compared to other two grou ps. Duration of ventilation was lower in thoracic epidural group (91.17± 43.85) minutes and caudal (199.6 ± 723.59) minutes compared to intravenous analgesia groups (436.37 ± 705.51) minutes. Duration of ICU stay was significantly low in thoracic epidural group (2.73 ± 0.69) days compared to caudal (3.7 ± 2.8) and intravenous analgesia groups (4.33 ± 0.920). We didn’t have any complications like hematoma, transient or permanent neurological sequelae in regional anesthesia groups. Conclusion: Regional anaesthesia along with general anaesthesia was more effective in pain relief than intravenous analgesia with general anaesthesia in paediatric cardiac surgery.