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Manuel Taboada

Publications and source records attributed to Manuel Taboada.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Evidence-based cardiovascular therapies and achievement of therapeutic goals in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease attended in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic patients have a higher rate of recurrent cardiovascular events and death than nondiabetic individuals. Although partially attributable to lower use of evidence-based preventive therapies, studies are lacking on the prescription rate during the stable phase of the disease. METHODS: Between June 1 and October 19, 2004, we obtained, from 1799 primary care centers throughout Spain, data on 8817 subjects (mean age 65.4 years, 73.7% male, 32.7% with diabetes) who had had a coronary event requiring hospitalization in the previous 6 months to 10 years. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding variables, the diabetic patients received more frequent treatment with angiotensin-renin system blockers (73.5% vs 61%, P < .001), calcium channel blockers (29.8% vs 21.9%, P < .001), nitrates (58% vs 47.5%, P < .001), digoxin (6.6% vs 3.9%, P < .001), and diuretics (46.2% vs 32.2%, P < .001), but it is similar with respect to lipid-lowering drugs (81.1% vs 80.3%), antiplatelet drugs (80.2% vs 80.2%), or beta-blockers (45.4% vs 47.7%). The percentage of diabetic subjects attaining objectives for smoking habit, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and glycated hemoglobin were 90.7%, 29%, 38.2%, and 49.7%, respectively. Only 7% had optimum control of all their risk factors. The parameters most closely related to optimum treatment and risk-factor control were the specialist follow-up and the attending physician's awareness of appropriate treatment objectives. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of diabetic patients with stable coronary disease receive evidence-based preventive medications in primary care. However, the percentage achieving adequate control of their risk factors is low and is related to the level of physician awareness of appropriate therapeutic targets.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

What is the minimum effective volume of local anesthetic required for sciatic nerve blockade? A prospective, randomized comparison between a popliteal and a subgluteal approach.

For sciatic nerve blockade, no study has defined the optimal volume of local anesthetic required to block the nerve. The current, prospective, randomized investigation was designed to find a minimum volume of 1.5% mepivacaine required to block the sciatic nerve using the subgluteal and posterior popliteal approaches. A total of 56 patients undergoing foot surgery were randomly assigned to receive sciatic nerve block by means of a posterior subgluteal (group subgluteal, n = 28) or a posterior popliteal (group popliteal, n = 28) approaches. All blocks were performed with the use a nerve stimulator (stimulating frequency, 2 Hz, intensity 1.5-0.5 mA) and a perineural stimulating catheter. In all patients, plantar flexion of the foot was elicited at <0.5 mA, to maintain consistency among groups. The volume of local anesthetic used in each patient was based on the modified Dixon's up-and-down method. Complete anesthesia was defined as complete loss of pinprick sensation in the sciatic nerve distribution with concomitant inability to perform plantar or dorsal flexion of the foot 20 min after injection. The mean volume of local anesthetic required to block the sciatic nerve was 12 +/- 3 mL in the subgluteal group and 20 +/- 3 mL in the popliteal group (P < 0.05). The ED95 for adequate block of the sciatic nerve was 17 mL in the subgluteal group and 30 mL in the popliteal group. The authors conclude that a larger volume of local anesthetic is necessary to block the sciatic nerve at a more distal site (popliteal approach) as compared with a more proximal level (subgluteal approach).

Anesthetics, Local↗
PubMed2006

Stimulating popliteal catheters for postoperative analgesia after hallux valgus repair.

Stimulating catheters have been recently introduced in clinical practice. We assessed the efficacy of stimulating and nonstimulating catheter placement for pain control and local anesthetic requirements after hallux valgus repair with continuous sciatic popliteal nerve block in this comparative, randomized, blinded-to-observer study of 48 patients. A stimulating catheter was placed in groups S-125 and S-0625. The same catheter was inserted without stimulation in group NS-125. An infusion of 0.125% levobupivacaine was given in groups S-125 and NS-125, whereas 0.0625% levobupivacaine was used in group S-0625. All patients received an infusion of the test drug at a basal rate of 3 mL/h, with the possibility of an additional bolus of 3 mL every hour. Verbal analog scale (VAS) scores for pain were assessed between 6-8 h and between 19-23 h postoperatively. Multiple attempts were required for catheter insertion in all patients in groups S-125 and S-0625. Lower median (range) VAS scores for pain (0-100 points) were found in group S-125 at 6-8 h postoperatively when compared with groups S-0625 and NS-125: 5 (0-17.5) versus 60 (15-80) and 70 (25-80), respectively (P < 0.05); and lower VAS scores for pain were also found in group S-125 at 19-23 h when compared with group NS-125: 0 (0-0) and 7.5 (0-10), respectively (P < 0.05). Fewer patients required IV opioid analgesia in group S-125 than in groups S-0625 and NS-125: 0, 5, and 7 patients, respectively (P < 0.05). We conclude that efficacy in pain control was increased with stimulating catheter placement.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

A prospective, randomized comparison between the popliteal and subgluteal approaches for continuous sciatic nerve block with stimulating catheters.

In this prospective, blinded study, we randomized 56 patients undergoing hallux valgus repair to receive continuous sciatic nerve block using a subgluteal (n = 28) or a posterior popliteal approach (n = 28) with a perineural stimulating catheter. Postoperatively, the stimulating catheter was connected to a patient-controlled analgesia pump with 0.0625% levobupivacaine (basal infusion rate of 3 mL/h, patient-controlled bolus dose of 3 mL, and lockout time of 20 min). Both approaches provided similar postoperative analgesia; however, local anesthetic consumption was larger in the popliteal group (4.9 +/- 1.4 mL/h) compared with the subgluteal group (3.8 +/- 1.1 mL/h; P < 0.05). We conclude continuous postoperative analgesia using stimulating catheters was effective at both injection sites; however, a subgluteal approach reduced the overall amount of local anesthetic.

Analgesia, Patient-Controlled↗
PubMed2006

[Hemodynamic effects of levosimendan compared with dobutamine in patients with low cardiac output after cardiac surgery].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Levosimendan is an inotropic agent that is effective in the treatment of heart failure. However, experience with levosimendan in patients with reduced cardiac output following cardiopulmonary bypass is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the short-term hemodynamic effects of levosimendan with those of dobutamine in managing low cardiac output after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Forty-one patients who had low cardiac output after cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly assigned to dobutamine (n=20), 24-hour infusion of 7.5 microg/kg per min, or levosimendan (n=21), at a loading dose of 12 microg/kg followed by 24-hour infusion of 0.2 microg/kg per min. The following parameters were determined during a 48-hour observation period: arterial, central venous, pulmonary arterial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index, heart rate, stroke volume, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. RESULTS: Although both dobutamine and levosimendan improved the cardiac index, the increase was significantly greater with levosimendan (2.4 [0.2] l/min per m2 vs 2.9 [0.3] l/min per m2, respectively, at 24 h; P<.05). Moreover, levosimendan significantly reduced systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, and significantly decreased systemic arterial, pulmonary arterial, pulmonary capillary wedge, and central venous pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Both dobutamine and levosimendan are effective in managing postoperative low cardiac output. However, levosimendan induces non-specific systemic, venous and pulmonary vasodilation which can result in hypotension as a adverse event. In these patients, it is advisable to omit or reduce the loading dose.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

[Prevalence of an abnormal ankle-brachial index in relation to the cardiovascular risk estimated by the Framingham function].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The measurement of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a straightforward method for the detection of atherosclerosis in the lower limbs. An abnormal ABI (< 0.9 or > 1.4) is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Despite this, its measurement in clinical practice is underused. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relation of the ABI with the cardiovascular risk determined by traditional risk functions in a population in primary prevention. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 1001 subjects without known cardiovascular disease attended in primary care were invited to participate in the study. Cardiovascular risk and ABI measurements were calculated in all participants. RESULTS: A low (< 0.9) ABI was found in a 3.8% of the participants, 3.9% females and 3.6% males. An abnormal ABI (< 0.9 or > 1.4) was found in 6.4% of all subjects, 5.2% females and 8.8% males. In a multivariable analysis age (OR = 1.09 for each year; 95% CI 1.03-1.15), smoking habit (OR = 2.96; 95% CI 1.51-5.80), HDL-cholesterol levels (OR = 0.98 for each mg/dl; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99) and hypertension (OR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.05-3.06) were related with an abnormal ABI. Subjects were divided according to their risk stratification. The percentage of low, moderate and high risk individuals with an abnormal ABI was 2.6%, 8.7% and 14.9% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In primary prevention, one in ten individuals with moderate risk and one in six individuals with high risk have an abnormal ABI. In these subjects there is an indication for intensive preventive strategies and antiagregation.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

[The application of the SCORE charts to advanced age males triple the number of high-risk subjects compared to the Framingham function].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Framingham function, recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program in its document Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), and the risk charts of the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) program are the most used functions for risk stratification. In both, intensive hygienic and therapeutic measures are recommended for high risk individuals. The objective of the present study was to compare the risk stratification obtained with both functions in a population of subjects older than 60 years. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: 1001 non-diabetic subjects between 60 and 79 years old (mean: 69 years, 67% female) with no evidence of cardiovascular disease were included in the study. Participants were classified as low, moderate or high risk by ATP-III (< 10%, 10-20% y > 20% of risk at 10 years, respectively) and by SCORE (< 3%, 3-4% y > or = 5% of risk at 10 years respectively). RESULTS: 11.7% of the population was classified as high risk by Framingham and 17.6% by SCORE. Only 5% of the females were classified as high risk with either function. In males, 16.7% and a 44.4% were classified as high risk by Framingham and SCORE respectively. The results did not differ by age group. A 39% of males and a 20% of females were candidates to hypolipidemic treatment as recommended by SCORE guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to Framingham function, the application of SCORE charts to spanish males over 60 years triplicate the number of high risk individuals and candidates to intensive risk factor treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

The -514C/T polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene significantly modulates the HDL-cholesterol response to statin treatment.

A number of studies have evaluated the effect of the -514C/T polymorphism of the hepatic lipase (HL) gene on concentration and composition of the plasma lipoproteins. However, the effect of this polymorphism on the response to hypolipaemic treatment has not been addressed. We evaluated the effect of this polymorphism on baseline lipids and lipoproteins and their response to treatment comprising 20mg/day pravastatin for 3 months. The study was multi-centred, prospective and interventional in 236 hypercholesterolaemic subjects (mean age 57.3 years; 45% males) from 21 Primary Health-care Centres. The lipid and genotype measurements were conducted centrally. The genotype distribution was 60.2% homozygous for the C allele and 36.0% heterozygous. No significant differences in baseline lipid concentrations between the genotypes were observed, except that carriers of the T allele had higher concentrations of triglycerides (p=0.021). Post-pravastatin, concentrations of HDL-C increased by 6.9% (95% CI: 2.9-10.8%) in those carrying the T allele with almost no change (0.8%) in the CC genotypes (95% CI: -2.3-4.0%) (p=0.019). The significance remained (p=0.014) following adjustment for other confounding factors (age, basal HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides). We conclude that the -514C/T polymorphism modulates significantly the HDL-C response to pravastatin, irrespective of the baseline lipoprotein concentrations.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Baseline levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) and the AvaII polymorphism of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene influence the response of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to pravastatin treatment.

To investigate some individual and genetic factors that may influence the response of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to pravastatin treatment, we recruited 440 subjects with hypercholesterolemia (mean age, 57 years; 43% men) from 21 primary health care centers-outpatient clinics into a prospective, multicentered intervention trial. Pravastatin (20 mg/d) was prescribed for 16 weeks. The main outcome was the percentage variation in LDL-C concentration relative to baseline. Blood analyses and genotyping were performed centrally. The results indicated that LDL-C decreased by 20.5% (range, +21% to -66%) after pravastatin treatment. Baseline concentration of LDL-C (the higher the concentration, the greater the decrease), lipoprotein (a) levels (the lower the concentration, the greater the response), and Ava II polymorphism of the LDL-receptor gene significantly influenced the hypolipemic effect ( P < .001, P = .014, and P = .004, respectively). These 3 factors combined explained 10.6% of the variation in LDL-C response. Age, sex, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and apolipoprotein E genotype had no significant effect on response. We conclude that baseline levels of LDL-C and lipoprotein (a) together with the Ava II polymorphism of the LDL-receptor gene have a significant influence on the LDL-C response to pravastatin treatment in patients monitored in a standard primary health care outpatient clinic setting.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Plantar flexion seems more reliable than dorsiflexion with Labat's sciatic nerve block: a prospective, randomized comparison.

Labat's classic approach to the sciatic nerve has not been able to show which motor response of the foot provides a more frequent rate of complete sensory and motor block. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, we compared plantar flexion with dorsiflexion with regard to onset time and efficacy of sciatic nerve block using the classic posterior approach. A total of 80 patients undergoing hallux valgus repair were randomly allocated to receive sciatic nerve block after evoked plantar flexion (n=40) or dorsiflexion (n=40). Twenty milliliters of 0.75% ropivacaine was injected after the motor response was elicited at <0.5 mA. Success rate was defined as complete sensory and motor block in all sciatic nerve distributions associated with a pain-free surgery. Time required for onset of sensory and motor block of the foot was recorded. Success was more frequent after elicited plantar flexion (87.5%) than dorsiflexion (55%; P <0.05). Onset of complete sensory and motor block of the foot was faster after elicited plantar flexion (10 +/- 10 min and 13 +/- 10 min, respectively) compared with dorsiflexion (20 +/- 11 min and 24 +/- 12 min; P <0.05). We conclude that plantar flexion of the foot predicts a shorter onset time and a more frequent success rate than dorsiflexion with Labat's classic posterior sciatic nerve block.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Does the site of injection distal to the greater trochanter make a difference in lateral sciatic nerve blockade?

UNLABELLED: The two components of the sciatic nerve become more distant from one another in their course down the lower limb. This may have clinical implications if a small volume of local anesthetic is used with a single injection technique. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, we compared two different injection sites, 20 cm and 30 cm distal to the greater trochanter, in terms of onset time and success rate of sciatic nerve blockade after a single injection of 20 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine. Fifty patients undergoing foot surgery were randomly allocated to receive a lateral sciatic nerve blockade using one of 2 levels: 20 cm distal to the greater trochanter (group proximal; n = 25) and 30 cm distal to the greater trochanter (group distal; n = 25). Twenty milliliters of 1.5% mepivacaine was injected after a flexion plantar response was obtained at <0.5 mA. Time required for onset of sensory and motor blockade of the foot was recorded. Success rate was defined as complete sensory and motor blockade in all sciatic nerve distributions associated with a pain-free surgery. Onset of complete sensory and motor blockade was faster in group proximal (12 +/- 7 min and 15 +/- 8 min, respectively) compared with group distal (19 +/- 9 min and 23 +/- 9 min; P < 0.05). Group proximal also had a more frequent success rate compared with group distal (88% versus 56%, respectively; P < 0.05). It is concluded that in lateral sciatic nerve blockade, a more proximal approach to the sciatic nerve predicts a shorter onset time and more frequent success than a more distal injection site when a single injection and a small volume of local anesthetic is used. IMPLICATIONS: In lateral sciatic nerve blockade, a more proximal approach to the sciatic nerve provides shorter onset times and more frequent success than a more distal injection site when a single injection of 20 mL of mepivacaine 1.5% is used.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Sciatic nerve block via posterior Labat approach is more efficient than lateral popliteal approach using a double-injection technique: a prospective, randomized comparison.

BACKGROUND: For peripheral nerve blockade, the double-injection technique proved to be superior to a single injection in previous investigations. The current study was designed to compare onset time and efficacy of two different double-injection approaches for sciatic nerve block with 0.75% ropivacaine. METHODS: A total of 50 patients undergoing foot surgery were randomly assigned to receive sciatic nerve blockade by means of the classic (Labat) posterior approach (n = 25) or a lateral popliteal approach (n = 25). All blocks were performed with the use of a nerve stimulator, and both major components of the sciatic nerve (tibial and common peroneal nerves) received separately 10 ml ropivacaine, 0.75%. Success rate was defined as a complete sensory and motor block associated with pain-free surgery. RESULTS: A greater success rate was observed in the classic group (96%) as compared with the popliteal group (68%; P < 0.05). A general anesthetic became necessary in six patients (24%) with the lateral popliteal approach and none with the classic approach (P < 0.05). The onset of complete sensory and motor blockade was significantly faster in the classic group (12 +/- 6 min) as compared with the popliteal group (26 +/- 10 min; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A double injection with a relatively low volume of 0.75% ropivacaine generated a higher success rate and a shorter onset time of sensory and motor blockade after the classic Labat approach than after a lateral popliteal approach.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Lower extremity nerve blocks.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to present the most important recent studies into the clinical use of peripheral nerve blocks for anesthesia and postoperative analgesia of the lower limb surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: There is increasing interest in lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks because of their potential advantages and concerns over interactions of centroneuraxis blocks and anticoagulants. Several authors have studied different approaches to the blockade of peripheral nerves with their advantages or disadvantages. Continuous peripheral nerve blocks have showed prolonged analgesia and great patient satisfaction with low side effects. Recent imaging techniques (e.g. ultrasound, magnetic resonance, tomography scans) have been developed to improve the performance of lower peripheral nerve blocks. Finally, complications of these techniques have been examined. SUMMARY: Introduction of new methods and techniques are increasing and improving the use of lower peripheral nerve blocks. These techniques are gaining interest after the important increase of the lower molecular weigh heparins.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

The effects of three different approaches on the onset time of sciatic nerve blocks with 0.75% ropivacaine.

UNLABELLED: We studied three different injection techniques of sciatic nerve block in terms of block onset time and efficacy with 0.75% ropivacaine. A total of 75 patients undergoing foot surgery were randomly allocated to receive sciatic nerve blockade by means of the classic posterior approach (group classic; n = 25), a modified subgluteus posterior approach (group subgluteus; n = 25), or a lateral popliteal approach (group popliteal; n = 25). All blocks were performed with the use of a nerve stimulator (stimulation frequency, 2 Hz; intensity, 2-0.5 mA) and 30 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine. Onset of nerve block was defined as complete loss of pinprick sensation in the sciatic nerve distribution with concomitant inability to perform plantar or dorsal flexion of the foot. In the three groups, an appropriate sciatic stimulation was elicited at <0.5 mA. The failure rate was similar in the three groups (group popliteal: 4% versus group classic: 4% versus group subgluteus: 8%). The onset of nerve block was slower in group popliteal (25 +/- 5 min) compared with group classic (16 +/- 4 min) and group subgluteus (17 +/- 4 min; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the onset of nerve block between group classic and group subgluteus. No differences in the degree of pain measured at the first postoperative administration of pain medication were observed among the three groups. We conclude that the three approaches resulted in clinically acceptable anesthesia in the distribution of the sciatic nerve. The subgluteus and classic posterior approaches generated a significantly faster onset of anesthesia than the lateral popliteal approach. IMPLICATIONS: Comparing three different approaches to the sciatic nerve with 0.75% ropivacaine, the classic and subgluteal approaches exhibited a faster onset time of sensory and motor blockade than the lateral popliteal approach.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Apo A-I promoter polymorphism influences basal HDL-cholesterol and its response to pravastatin therapy.

Statins decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, essentially, by reducing LDL-cholesterol levels and, additionally, by increasing HDL-cholesterol concentrations. Environmental and genetic factors are known to affect LDL-C response to statins but less is known regarding HDL-C. We have evaluated the lipid and lipoprotein response to 20 mg/day of pravastatin for 16 weeks in relation to the G/A polymorphism in the promoter region of the apo A-I gene in 397 hypercholesterolaemic subjects followed-up on an out-patient basis. In the study population, 61.7% were homozygous for the G allele and 36% were heterozygous. The A allele carriers had an HDL-C 6.5% higher than the G allele homozygotes (P=0.021 in univariate analysis; P=0.009 in multivariate analysis). However, on segregation by gender and smoking status the effect was significant only in non-smoking males. The A allele carriers did not increase their HDL-C concentrations after treatment (-0.3, 95%CI -3.3 to 2.7%) while G allele homozygotes had a 4.9% increase (95%CI 2.5-7.3%). Differences in the response between both groups were significant before (P=0.008) and after adjustment for confounding variables such as age and baseline HDL-C concentration (P=0.046). We conclude that the G/A polymorphism of the apo A-I promoter region affects not only baseline HDL-C concentrations but also its response to pravastatin treatment.

Alleles↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lateral approach to the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa: a comparison between 1.5% mepivacaine and 0.75% ropivacaine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ropivacaine and mepivacaine are commonly used local anesthetics for peripheral nerve blockade. The purpose of the present study was to compare onset time, quality of anesthesia, and duration of analgesia with ropivacaine 0.75% and mepivacaine 1.5% for lateral popliteal nerve block. METHODS: Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II patients scheduled for foot and ankle surgery with calf tourniquet under lateral popliteal sciatic nerve block were randomly assigned to receive 30 mL of either ropivacaine 0.75% or mepivacaine 1.5%. Time required for onset of sensory and motor block, resolution of motor blockade, onset of postsurgical pain, and time of first analgesic medication were recorded. RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar with regard to demographic variables and duration of surgery. Onset of sensory and motor block was significantly shorter in the mepivacaine group (9.9 +/- 3.3 min and 14.7 +/- 3.6 min, respectively) than in the ropivacaine group (18.1 +/- 6.1 min and 23.6 +/- 5.5 min, respectively) (P < 0.001). Resolution of motor block occurred later in the ropivacaine group than in the mepivacaine group (P < 0.001), and duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer in the ropivacaine group (19 +/- 3.4 h) compared with the mepivacaine group (5.9 +/- 1.1 h) (P < 0.001). Analgesic requirements were higher in mepivacaine group than in the ropivacaine group (P < 0.001). There were 2 failed blocks, one in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Both ropivacaine and mepivacaine provided effective sciatic nerve blockade. Mepivacaine 1.5% displayed a significantly shorter onset time than ropivacaine 0.75%. Postoperatively, ropivacaine 0.75% resulted in longer-lasting analgesia and less need for oral pain medication.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of stimulation patterns in axillary block: part 2.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radial plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation may have a predominant role in the success of an axillary block, producing more extensive anesthesia of the upper limb than median plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation. However, no comparison has been made with ulnar plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation. We compared the extent of both sensory and motor block after ulnar plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation or radial plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive an axillary block using either radial plus musculocutaneous or ulnar plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation with 40 mL plain 1.5% mepivacaine. Patients were assessed for sensory block by the pinprick method at 5 and 20 minutes. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the rates of anesthesia at 20 minutes in the cutaneous nerve distributions of the upper limb between radial plus musculocutaneous and ulnar plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation except for the following nerves: radial (90% and 63.3%, respectively), medial cutaneous of the forearm (83.3% and 100%, respectively), and medial cutaneous of the arm (73.3% and 93.3%, respectively). Global sensory score (minimum: 0; maximum: 12 points) at 20 minutes was significantly higher after radial plus musculocutaneous than after ulnar plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation: 12 (11-13) and 11 (10-12), respectively. The rates of median nerve blockade were 50% and 53%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radial plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation produced more extensive anesthesia of the upper limb than did ulnar plus musculocutaneous nerve stimulation. However, there is not an optimal combination of 2 responses in axillary brachial plexus block.

Anesthetics, Local↗