Search PubMedSearch

Biomedical subjects

H Böhrer

Publications and source records attributed to H Böhrer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of thiopentone/suxamethonium on intraocular pressure after pretreatment with alfentanil.

The effects of pretreatment with alfentanil on intraocular pressure (IOP) were investigated in 40 patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to two study groups. Group 1 patients (n = 20) received alfentanil 15 micrograms.kg-1, vecuronium 0.01 mg.kg-1, thiopentone 3-4 mg.kg-1, and suxamethonium 1 mg.kg-1 for anaesthetic induction, whereas patients in group 2 (n = 20) received vecuronium 0.01 mg.kg-1, thiopentone 3-4 mg.kg-1, and suxamethonium 1 mg.kg-1. A total of seven measurements of intraocular pressure were taken in each patient, starting before premedication and ending after extubation of the trachea. In group 2 patients, there was an increase in IOP after endotracheal intubation. In group 1 patients, a decrease in IOP occurred which was related to the decrease in arterial blood pressure. We conclude that alfentanil pretreatment can prevent the increase in IOP following suxamethonium administration.

Aged

Safety of a guidewire technique for replacement of pulmonary artery catheters.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a guidewire change from a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) to a central venous catheter (CVC) poses a significant infection risk. A total of 128 consecutive cardiac surgical patients with PACs inserted in the operating room were entered into this study. Postoperatively, patients were randomly allocated to receive a double-lumen CVC, either at the initial introducer insertion site over a guidewire, or at a new site with de novo catheterization. The tips of all introducers, PACs, and CVCs were cut off, cultured, and semi-quantitatively analyzed. The results show that insertion of CVCs over a guidewire within 48 hours after initial venapuncture is no more likely to be associated with catheter colonization than is de novo percutaneous insertion at a different site. From 48 hours up to 72 hours following initial insertion of the PAC, an incidence of catheter-related infection of 35.3% was observed in the guidewire group, as opposed to 12.5% in the de novo group. It is recommended that the use of a guidewire technique for catheter replacement (PAC to CVC) is a safe alternative to de novo insertion of a CVC within 48 hours after initial insertion of the PAC. In order to minimize the potential risk of catheter-related infection and bacteremia in cardiac surgical patients, de novo catheterization beyond 48 hours after initial venapuncture is suggested.

Bacteremia

[Anesthesia and acute hepatic porphyrias].

Acute hepatic porphyrias are inherited disorders of heme biosynthesis. A characteristic feature of acute porphyrias is the occurrence of acute attacks which are often precipitated by drugs. Many of the commonly used anaesthetic agents may trigger such a potentially lethal attack. Thus, only safe agents should be administered to predisposed patients. Recommendations given are based on results from animal experiments and on a series of anecdotal reports. Regional anaesthesia is presented as anaesthetic technique of choice. General anaesthesia should be based on a fentanyl-nitrous oxide regimen, with propofol as induction agent. In the case of an acute attack, treatment consists of glucose and haematin administration.

Anesthetics

[Surfactant administration in acute respiratory failure].

We report the case of a 21-year-old man who developed adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after severe lung contusion due to a car accident. At the scene of the accident the patient was awake and oriented, but there were signs of hypoxaemia (SaO2 by pulse oximetry: 86%). The trachea was intubated in the emergency room and, after diagnosis of multiple rib fractures on the right side (the patient nos. 4-11) and emergency treatment, was extubated 16 h later. During spontaneous breathing there was no improvement of pulmonary function, and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit 5 days later and reintubated because of acute respiratory failure. He then developed the signs of severe ARDS. No improvement occurred during conventional ventilatory treatment including inversed-ratio ventilation, high-frequency ventilation, and ventilation via a double-lumen tube. On day 15 a bovine surfactant preparation (38 mg/kg body wt.) was instilled into both lungs. Initially there was deterioration of the pulmonary function, probably due to crusts in the bronchial mucous membrane. After aspiration of the crusts at bronchoscopy, there was progressive respiratory improvement. The inspired oxygen concentration and PEEP level could be reduced, and the ventilatory ratio normalised within 14 days. This therapeutic intervention improved pulmonary function and probably led to the successful outcome after 36 days of ventilatory support.

Accidents, Traffic

[Optimized analgesic sedation techniques for ESWL].

Analgo-sedation for ESWL treatment has been associated with a variety of problems. Minimal invasiveness of this technique should combine with haemodynamic stability as well as with adequate oxygenation. Patient acceptance has to be considered as another important aspect. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of an analgosedative regimen with regard to these aspects. 50 ASA I-III patients scheduled for ESWL treatment were randomly allocated to receive either no premedication (n = 25) or chlorazepam as oral premedication (n = 25). The analgosedative technique was identical in both groups, consisting of atropine 0.25 mg, droperidol 5 mg (2.5 mg, if body weight less than 60 kg), and alfentanil 10 micrograms/kg intravenously. If necessary, repeated boluses of alfentanil 5 micrograms/kg were administered up to a maximum of 2 mg. Heart rates, arterial blood pressures, and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured during treatment. Post-treatment, patients were interviewed to assess the quality of analgesia. The results showed that our analgo-sedative regimen is suitable for ASA I-III patients. Stable heamodynamic conditions and adequate oxygenation were achieved in all patients. Patient acceptance was good. Patients with anxiolytic premedication benefited in terms of reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. The study also showed that anaesthesiologists may underestimate the pain intensity experienced and assessed by the patient.

Aged

[Muscle relaxation using atracurium in porphyria variegata--case notes].

A case is presented involving the use of atracurium (120 mg) as a muscle relaxant in a patient with known variegate porphyria. The concentrations of urinary porphyrins and porphyrin precursors did not increase after this anaesthetic, and no exacerbation of the disease was noted. This single case suggests that atracurium can be used safely in patients with porphyria.

Atracurium