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Biomedical subjects

C Ecoffey

Publications and source records attributed to C Ecoffey.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Target controlled infusion (TCI) anesthesia using propofol. Assessment of training and practice in the operating room].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate overall awareness of TCI and the need for training in the TCI technique. To assess, among trained anaesthetists, the value of the session and the impact of TCI technique on their working practice. STUDY DESIGN: Two prospective domestic surveys during the first quarter of 1999. METHODS: Three hundred anaesthetists representative of French anaesthetists as a whole, and 336 anaesthetists who had taken part in a training course. RESULTS: The notoriety of TCI was high and greater in the public sector compared with the private sector. Almost 3/4 of anaesthetists believed that training was necessary but only four anaesthetists out of ten TCI users said they had taken part in training sessions. After the training session nine anaesthetists out of ten became TCI users and would have recommended the training course despite the low number and variety of anaesthetic procedures observed during the practical part of training. The main difficulties reported during initial use were the choice of target concentrations and the management of drug interactions. Familiarisation to the technique was rapid (less than 20 procedures). Despite the lack of long experience (< 6 months for more than 2/3 of them), TCI appeared to be more likely used for anaesthesia of average duration. CONCLUSIONS: TCI was perceived to be an innovative concept with a requirement of a specific training. This preliminary appraisal of training sessions was generally satisfactory but underline a need for future training sessions focused on practical aspects.

Anesthesia, Intravenous↗

[Ilio-inguinal Ilio-hypogastic nerve block with a single puncture: an alterantive for anesthesia in emergency inguinal surgery].

The authors describe the anaesthetic procedure for a strangulated hernia repair needing resection and anastomosis of the small bowel in an adult patient. This procedure was performed with an ilio-inguinal/ilio-hypogastric nerve block according to a paediatrical simplified technique with a single puncture. For this patient who had relative contraindications for central blocks, this regional technique allowed to avoid general anaesthesia with its gastric aspiration and predictible difficult intubation risks. This block associated with a very light sedation was sufficient for all the surgical procedure, and postoperative analgesia was efficient over 3 hours. This simplified nerve block, better than the conventional approach for the clinical practice, represents a recommended alternative for hernia repair in emergency for high risk patients who could have a general anaesthesia or a central block.

Aged↗

Endotracheal tube cuffs filled with lidocaine as a drug delivery system: in vitro and in vivo investigations.

The purpose of this study was to examine if lidocaine diffusion across an endotracheal tube cuff could improve post-operative tolerance, especially sore throat. The in vitro release of lidocaine from tube cuffs filled with different lidocaine formulations (base form, hydrochloride form or alkalinized lidocaine hydrochloride) was investigated. A preliminary pilot clinical study in anaesthesia for spine surgery in smoker patients was carried out to examine the pharmacokinetic (i.e. systemic uptake) and pharmacodynamic effects (i.e. incidence of sore throat) obtained with the endotracheal tube cuff filled with lidocaine solution, compared to cuffs inflated only with air. From our in vitro experiment, only the hydrophobic neutral base form of lidocaine was able to diffuse (65.1+/-1.1% released after 6 h), while for the charged hydrochloride form, only a permeation phenomenon occurred concerning only 1% of the total drug. Alkalinization of lidocaine hydrochloride (the only form available as a drug) allows smaller amounts to be used compared to previous published studies (20-40 mg vs. 200-500 mg) and no lag time for diffusion. Such a system could provide a controlled release reservoir for lidocaine to adjacent tracheal tissue. This was shown in our pilot study with sustained plasmatic profiles and improved tolerance (decreased pain scores) in the rank order: air group<<lidocaine hydrochloride group<alkalinized lidocaine group.

Adult↗

Comparison of fentanyl and sufentanil in combination with bupivacaine for patient-controlled epidural analgesia during labor.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of fentanyl plus bupivacaine with sufentanil plus bupivacaine for treatment of pain during labor and delivery using patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, clinical investigation. SETTINGS: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: 226 ASA physical status I and II laboring patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive 0.125% bupivacaine with fentanyl (2 micro g.ml(-1)) or 0.125% bupivacaine with sufentanil (0.25 micro g.ml(-1)) through PCEA. MEASUREMENTS: Maternal analgesia assessed by visual analog scale was recorded before epidural block, 1 and 3 hours after epidural block, at full cervical dilation, and at delivery. Motor blockade assessed by Bromage scale was recorded at delivery. MAIN RESULTS: Nine patients in group fentanyl, and 11 in group sufentanil were excluded from the study. Overall analgesia was good and no difference was observed between the two groups. Total boluses of 4 mL bupivacaine-opioid administered and the number of supplementary top-up injections of 5 mL 0.25% bupivacaine were similar in both groups. In group sufentanil, motor blockade and pruritus were significantly lower than in group fentanyl. Nausea was not recorded in any patients. Mode of delivery was similar in both groups, i.e., cesarean section, vacuum or forceps, or spontaneous vaginal delivery. No difference was observed in Apgar scores. CONCLUSIONS: Sufentanil is preferable to fentanyl during bupivacaine PCEA as there is less incidence of motor blockade and pruritus.

Adult↗

Accuracy and limitations of continuous oesophageal aortic blood flow measurement during general anaesthesia for children: comparison with transcutaneous echography-Doppler.

BACKGROUND: Because it is noninvasive and easy to use, oesophageal Doppler ultrasonography appears to be a worthwhile alternative for continuous assessment of cardiac output measurement during anaesthesia. A new oesophageal Doppler-echography device (Dynemo 3000, Sometec, Paris, France) can simultaneously determine aortic diameter and aortic blood flow at the same anatomical level (DEeso). The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and the potential limitations of this device during general anaesthesia among 20 children, using transcutaneous Doppler-echocardiography for comparison (DEtra). METHODS: The reproducibility of paired measurements of mean aortic blood flow velocity (MAFV), aortic diameter (ØAo) and aortic blood flow (ABF) was analysed with both methods. Second, haemodynamic values were measured simultaneously in a blinded manner by both methods before and after surgery. RESULTS: The percent change (%Delta) in MAFV and ABF was calculated with both methods for each child. The age and weight of children included in this study was 8.3 +/- 2.5 years and 27 +/- 8 kg, respectively. Intraoperator reproducibility of MAFVtra, ABFtra, MAFVeso and ABFeso, was 5.0 +/- 4.1%, 7.0 +/- 5.6%, 20.1 +/- 17.5% and 22.0 +/- 16.6%, respectively. ABFtra was significantly linked to ABFeso (R=0.55, P < 0.01). Bias +/- SD of ABF measurements between both methods was 2.2 +/- 1.1 l. min-1. %DeltaABFtra was significantly linked to %DeltaABFeso (R=0.62, P < 0.01). The bias +/- SD inherent to %DeltaABF measurements with both methods was -0.02 +/- 18%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that this new oesophageal Doppler method is unsuitable to measure accurately absolute CO values and relative CO changes in children during anaesthesia.

Anesthesia, General↗

Pharmacokinetics and analgesic effect of ropivacaine following ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block in children.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate the efficacy, tolerance and pharmacokinetics of ropivavcaine when administered for ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric block in children. METHODS: We examined the pharmacokinetics and analgesic efficacy after ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block with 3 mg.kg-1 ropivacaine 5 mg.ml-1 in 22 children, aged 1-12 years, who were scheduled for inguinal surgery. Sixteen of 22 patients had a postoperative pain score < 4 (Objective Pain Scale). Nine children were given supplementary analgesics during the first six postoperative hours. RESULTS: The peak plasma concentration of total ropivacaine was 1.50 +/- 0.93 mg.l-1 (mean +/- SD) (range 0.64-4.77 mg.l-1) 15-64 min after the injection. The peak plasma concentration of free ropivacaine was 0.05 +/- 0.03 mg.l-1 (0.02-0.14 mg.l-1), which is well below the threshold for toxicity in adults. The terminal half-life was 2.0 +/- 0.7 h. No safety concerns or symptoms suggestive of systemic toxicity were observed. CONCLUSION: A dose of 3 mg.kg-1 of ropivacaine given as a single ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block in 1-12-year-old children provides satisfactory postoperative pain relief, and is well tolerated.

Amides↗

Comparison of recovery after intermediate duration of anaesthesia with sevoflurane and isoflurane.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare recovery from anaesthesia after sevoflurane and isoflurane were administered to children for more than 90 min. METHODS: After parental informed consent and ethical committee approval, children aged between 2 months and 6 years, ASA I or II, were randomly allocated to sevoflurane (n=20) or isoflurane (n=20) groups. Halogenated agents were discontinued following skin closure and patients were ventilated mechanically with 100% oxygen until minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) values awake were obtained (endtidal concentrations 0.6 MAC for sevoflurane and 0.4 MAC for isoflurane). Effective perioperative analgesia was provided by a caudal block. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) duration of anaesthesia was 132 +/- 38 min and 139 +/- 49 min for sevoflurane and isoflurane, respectively. Early recovery occurred sooner in the isoflurane group (time to extubation was 16 +/- 7 min and 11 +/- 5 min, P<0.01; Aldrete's score at 0 min was 5.5 +/- 1.5 and 7.4 +/- 1.8, P<0.001, respectively). But the time to be fit for discharge from recovery room was similar at 136 +/- 18 min and 140 +/- 20 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After intermediate duration of anaesthesia administered to children for up to 90 min, isoflurane and sevoflurane allow recovery after approximatively the same lapse of time.

Anesthesia Recovery Period↗

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bupivacaine-loaded microspheres on a brachial plexus block model in sheep.

UNLABELLED: We evaluated bupivacaine-loaded microspheres (B-Ms) using a brachial plexus block model in sheep. In the first step, pharmacokinetic characterization of 75 mg bupivacaine hydrochloride (B-HCl) (IV infusion and brachial plexus block) was performed (n = 12). In the second step, a brachial plexus block dose response study of B-HCl was performed with 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, and 750 mg. As a comparison, evaluations were performed using a 750-mg bupivacaine base (B). In the third step, evaluations of brachial plexus block were performed with B-Ms (750 mg of B as B-Ms) using two formulations, 60/40 and 50/50 (w/w %); drug-free microspheres were also evaluated. Toxicity evaluations were also performed after IV administration of B-HCl (750 mg and 300 mg), B-Ms (750 mg), and drug-free microspheres (30 mL over 1 min). As the B-HCl dose increased, the time of onset of block decreased and the duration of complete motor blockade increased at the expense of an increase in bupivacaine plasma concentrations. The time of maximum concentration appeared to be independent of the B-HCl dose. In brachial plexus block, a 37.5-mg dose of B-HCl did not induce motor blockade whereas a dose of 750 mg of B-HCl was clinically toxic. In the case of IV administration, doses of 300 mg of B-HCl were as toxic as 750 mg of B-HCl. Compared with the 75 mg of B-HCl administration for brachial plexus block, administration of 750 mg of B as B-Ms increased the duration of complete motor blockade without significant difference in maximum concentration. No significant clinical difference between the two formulations of B-Ms was demonstrated. The IV administration of B-Ms was safe. We conclude that the controlled release of bupivacaine from microspheres prolonged the brachial plexus block without obvious toxicity. IMPLICATIONS: Administration of 750 mg of bupivacaine as loaded-microspheres resulted in prolongation of brachial plexus block in sheep. The peak plasma concentration was not significantly larger than that obtained with 75 mg of plain bupivacaine. The motor blockade was increased more than six times compared with 75 mg plain bupivacaine.

Anesthetics, Local↗

The effect of preoperative epidural morphine on postoperative analgesia in children.

IMPLICATIONS: We examined the effects of preoperative epidural morphine associated with general anesthesia on postoperative morphine requirements. Twenty-one children older than 6 yr scheduled for major surgery were randomly assigned to two groups, a control group and an epidural group that received a single epidural morphine injection.

Abdomen↗

[Syringomyelia discovered in the course of peridural anesthesia].

Neurological symptoms after epidural anaesthesia suggest complications due to anaesthetic procedure. We report the case of a child who underwent perineal surgery in a gynaecological position under general and epidural anaesthesia, who experienced the day after surgery hypoesthesia of the whole left lower limb without any motor deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging excluded spinal compression, but revealed syringomyelic cavity extending from T9 to T11. Electromyogram evaluation was normal. Clinical signs completely vanished within 24 hours. This case emphasizes that the apparition of neurological signs after central nerve blocks is not only a complication of regional anaesthesia, but may reveal unknown neuropathy or result from surgical position or surgical procedure. Meticulous neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging and electromyogram are immediately required.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗

Relationship between clinical history, coagulation tests, and perioperative bleeding during tonsillectomies in pediatrics.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of clinical history and preoperative coagulation tests. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter clinical investigation. SETTING: Twenty-four centers over a one-year period. PATIENTS: 1,706 children scheduled for tonsillectomy. In 1, 479 out of 1,706 children, studied age was ranged from 9 months to 15 years. Indications for surgery were tonsillar infection 54%, sleep apnea 33%, or both 13%. Surgical dissection was performed in 1, 284 cases (88%) and sluder technique in 172 cases (12%). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clinical history of bleeding, preoperative coagulation tests, and perioperative bleeding were recorded. Clinical history of bleeding was positive in 13 patients; clinical history cannot predict abnormal coagulation tests. Coagulation tests were abnormal in 57 children (4%). Only 8 patients had disease-induced bleeding; five children had a preoperative correction of the deficiency in factor of coagulation or received desmopressin acetate prior to surgery in the case of von Willebrand's disease. Bleeding that occurred during the intraoperative period was assessed as abnormal by the surgeon in 101 children (7%) and during the postoperative period in 50 children (3%). Univariate analysis showed a relationship between intraoperative bleeding and age (p < 0.001), sluder technique (p < 0. 001), and abnormal preoperative coagulation tests (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed the probability that bleeding was linked to the center where the surgery took place, the technique used, i.e., sluder technique, and the child's age, i.e., the older children. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative assessment based on the history of bleeding cannot predict abnormal laboratory tests. Neither the history of bleeding or laboratory tests can predict postoperative bleeding.

Adolescent↗

Limits of corrected flow time to monitor hemodynamic status in children.

OBJECTIVE: Doppler corrected flow time (i.e., corrected left ventricular ejection time) as a noninvasive tool for assessing hemodynamic changes has been previously reported for adult patients. Its use in paediatrics seems to be worthwhile but no data concerning its accuracy are presently available in this population. The purpose of this work was to study the relationships between corrected flow time (FT) and indices of systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and of myocardial contractility in healthy children. METHODS: Twenty healthy children performed a graded maximal bicycle exercise in order to induce physiological hemodynamic alterations. Hemodynamic parameters were measured with an echocardiography-Doppler at rest and within a few minutes of post exercise. Cycle time (RR), mean aortic flow velocity, mean systolic velocity (MSV), FT, peak velocity (PV), and stroke distance were measured on the Doppler aortic velocity waveform. Cardiac index (CI) and SVR were calculated from the classical volumetric equation. Corrected FT was calculated by using Bazett's formula (FTb = FT/square root(RR)) and a simplified formula FTc = FTmeasured + [1.29 x (HR - 60)]. RESULTS: Post exercise, SVR, RR, FT, decreased, while CI, PV and MSV increased and stroke distance remained unchanged. After multiple regression analysis no significant correlation between SVR and FTb and SVR or FTc was noted. A significant correlation appeared between FTb and, respectively, PV (r = -0.83; p < 0.001), stroke distance (r = 0.78; p < 0.001) and RR (r = -0.52; p = 0.0016). A significant correlation was also shown between FTc and, respectively, PV (r = -0.71; p < 0.001) and stroke distance (r = 0.63; p < 0.001) but not with RR. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the use of Bazett's formula correct FT could lead to hemodynamic misinterpretations, because it does not rule out all the heart rate effect. Moreover, in healthy children corrected FT appears as an inaccurate index to monitor physiological afterload alterations, because of the involvment of other hemodynamic factors such as contractility in its variation.

Adolescent↗

Tourniquet pain in a volunteer study: effect of changes in cuff width and pressure.

This study examines the relationship between pneumatic tourniquet cuff size, occlusion pressure and the resulting pain. Two tourniquet cuff widths were used, a wide (14 cm) and a narrow cuff (7 cm). Twenty volunteers were divided into two groups for tourniquet application: a pressure group in which the tourniquet was inflated to a pressure equal to the systolic pressure + 100 mmHg, and a saturation group in which the tourniquet was inflated to 10 mmHg above the loss of arterial pulse, as indicated by cessation of pulse waveform on an oximeter. According to a randomised cross-over protocol, subjects were studied using wide and narrow cuffs simultaneously and/or successively on both arms. Pain was assessed by subjects by means of a visual analogue score (0-10 cm). Occlusion pressures were similar for all volunteers in the pressure group and significantly higher than those in the saturation group with both the wide and narrow tourniquets. The wide cuff data turned out to be significantly lower than the narrow cuff results. Subjects in the pressure group could tolerate pain with the narrow cuff for significantly longer than with the wide cuff. However, in the saturation group, volunteers tolerated the wide cuff for longer. Pain intensity increased more rapidly in those in the pressure group with the wide cuff than with the narrow cuff. In contrast, volunteers in the saturation group found the narrow cuff to be more painful than the wide cuff. In conclusion, this study has shown that a wide tourniquet cuff is less painful than a narrow cuff if inflated at lower pressures and at these lower pressures it is still effective at occluding blood flow.

Adult↗

Axillary block in children: single or multiple injection?

The goal of this double-blind prospective study was to compare the effect of a single injection versus multiple fractionated doses on the onset time and quality of motor and sensory block, obtained in 70 children anaesthetized with axillary block alone. The brachial plexus was identified with a peripheral nerve stimulator, and blocked with 0.5 ml.kg-1 of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline. In Group S (single injection), the total volume was injected after location of one nerve. In Group M (multiple fractionated doses), two nerves were located, including necessarily one nerve implicated in the surgical territory. Motor and sensory blocks were assessed according to Lanz's scale before surgery by a blinded observer. A block was considered complete if there was no feeling in at least three nerve territories at 30 min. No difference was found between groups for motor and sensory block quality. However the onset time of the block was faster after multiple fractionated doses (Group M, 25+/-7 min vs Group S, 29+/-4 min) and was faster in younger children (5-9 years: M=23+/-7 min vs S=28+/-5 min, 10-15 years: no difference). There was a significant difference in the quality of the sensory blockade of the musculocutaneous nerve: 18 versus 8 complete blocks, 10 versus 14 incomplete blocks, respectively for Group M versus Group S. No adverse effect was observed and analgesia was prolonged for more than 4 h. We can conclude that, unlike adults, fractionated doses in chilren bring no benefit to the quality of sensory and motor block. Selective block of the musculocutaneous nerve is recommended when a surgical procedure takes place in this territory.

Anesthetics, Local↗

Paediatric perioperative anaesthesia environment.

This paper reviews the primary guidelines for management of the paediatric perioperative anaesthesia environment. The role of environment is defined in the different preventive strategies to improve quality of paediatric anaesthesia (i.e. decrease in perioperative complications due to anaesthesia). Recommendations for patient care facilities, patient care units and postoperative intensive care are summarized.

Journal Article↗