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Hand and forearm skin: comparison of their respective responsiveness to surfactants.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Skin compatibility of detergent products is usually evaluated using predictive tests where products are applied on the back or the forearm of the volunteers, even if those products come more readily into contact with consumers' hands. The current study aimed at comparing the skin responsiveness of hands and volar and dorsal forearms to a surfactant solution. METHOD: Volunteers soaked simultaneously their forearms and hands in a solution of anionic surfactants, at 40 degrees C for 20 min, thrice a day and for 2 consecutive days. Skin condition on the hands, and the volar and dorsal forearms was evaluated by clinical examination and instrumental measurements. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed at baseline for various skin parameters, especially those related to skin dryness. After repetitive contacts with the surfactant solution, a parallel evolution of most skin parameters was observed--i.e., an absence of change in instrumentally measured erythema and transepidermal water loss, a similar decrease in corneometry values, and a similar increase in staining of the stratum corneum strippings and in clinical dryness. However, an opposite effect of the soakings on the cohesiveness between corneocytes harvested by tape strippings from hand and forearm was observed. CONCLUSION: For most parameters, skin responsiveness to surfactants appears to be quite similar on the hands and forearms. It is inferred that forearms can be conveniently used to predict interaction of surfactants with hands.

Adult↗

Alanine and glutamine release from the human forearm: effects of glucose administration.

The effect of glucose infusion alone (175 mg/kg bolus dose followed by 4 mg min-1 kg-1 for 70 min) and in combination with forearm exercise on the exchange of glucose, alanine, glutamine and other metabolites and amino acids across forearm muscle was studied in six healthy individuals after an overnight fast. Arterial and deep venous blood was sampled and a mercury strain gauge plethysmograph was used to measure forearm blood flow. Total body energy expenditure and net glucose and fat oxidation were assessed by indirect calorimetry. The infusion of glucose increased the mean arterial blood glucose concentration from 4.95 +/- 0.19 (SEM) to a plateau of 9.6-9.9 mmol/l (P less than 0.01). The arterial blood concentrations of alanine and glutamine were not significantly altered but that of lactate increased from 0.50 +/- 0.02 to 0.65 +/- 0.05 mmol/l (P less than 0.02) and that of pyruvate increased from 46 +/- 5 to 72 +/- 6 mumol/l (P less than 0.01). In the resting state glucose administration did not significantly affect the lactate/pyruvate ratio in arterial or venous blood. Arterial plasma insulin concentration increased four-fold and total ketone body concentration decreased two- to three-fold. After glucose administration, alanine release was suppressed (in all subjects) from a mean value of 153 +/- 22 to 57 +/- 16 nmol min-1 100 ml-1 of forearm (P less than 0.02) whereas that of glutamine was not significantly affected (160 +/- 30 to 143 +/- 29 nmol min-1 100 ml-1 of forearm). Lactate release, like that of alanine, decreased, whereas pyruvate was slowly released in the basal state and was taken up during glucose administration (P less than 0.01). These changes were associated with a decrease in the uptake of total ketone bodies to one-fifth to one-tenth of that in the basal state. The net amino acid balance across the forearm muscle bed was negative throughout the study but decreased from a mean value of -567 in the basal state to -300 nmol min-1 100 ml-1 of forearm after glucose administration for 60 min. This was predominantly due to decreased release of effluxing amino acids, particularly alanine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗

Paradoxical forearm vasodilatation and haemodynamic improvement during cardiopulmonary baroreceptor unloading in patients with congestive heart failure.

1. To examine the contribution of paradoxical reflex forearm vasodilatation during unloading of cardiopulmonary baroreceptors to systemic haemodynamics, the responses of central and peripheral haemodynamics during lower-body negative pressure were measured in 24 patients with chronic congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association functional class II-IV) and were compared with those of 10 normal subjects. 2. Lower-body negative pressure of less than -20 mmHg caused a significant forearm vasoconstriction in normal subjects but not in patients with congestive heart failure. In the individual cases, however, eight patients (subgroup A) had a significant forearm vasoconstriction, whereas 10 patients (subgroup B) had a paradoxical forearm vasodilatation. The remaining six patients had a blunted forearm vascular response. Baseline pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (26 +/- 3 versus 20 +/- 1 mmHg, means +/- SEM) and left ventricular wall stress in end-diastole (57 +/- 6 versus 37 +/- 4 g/cm2) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in subgroup B than in subgroup A. 3. During lower-body negative pressure of -20 mmHg, the plasma level of noradrenaline, systemic vascular resistance and cardiac index did not change significantly in subgroup A. In subgroup B, however, during this orthostatic stimulus systemic vascular resistance fell significantly from a baseline value of 2023 +/- 109 to 1740 +/- 110 dyn s-1 cm-5 (P < 0.01) and cardiac index increased significantly from a baseline value of 2.0 +/- 0.1 to 2.5 +/- 0.2 1 min-1 m-2 (P < 0.01) despite there being no significant change in the plasma level of noradrenaline. 4. After treatment, a second bout of lower-body negative pressure was applied to seven patients in subgroup B. The forearm vascular response to the second bout of lower-body negative pressure was normalized. 5. These data suggest that the patients with more severe heart failure show a paradoxical forearm vasodilatation during mild lower-body negative pressure and that this altered cardiopulmonary baroreflex control of the circulation serves to improve the depressed cardiac performance.

Adult↗

Atrial natriuretic factor potentiates the human forearm vasoconstrictor response to sympathetic stimulation.

1. Atrial natriuretic factor has been suggested to affect human sympathetic nervous system activity. The interaction between atrial natriuretic factor and the sympathetic nervous system has not been fully elucidated yet, but may occur at different sites. We studied this modulator effect at the level of the forearm vascular bed: the forearm vasoconstrictor response was examined after alpha-adrenergic sympathetic stimulation in healthy subjects during the locoregional administration of atrial natriuretic factor, sodium nitroprusside and placebo. As a sympathetic stimulation test, the technique of the lower body negative pressure (-20 mmHg) was used. 2. Lower body negative pressure increased the forearm vascular resistance by +37 +/- 8% during concomitant intra-arterial infusion of placebo (n = 10). During a predilator state achieved by infusion of atrial natriuretic factor (10 ng min-1 100 ml-1 forearm volume) into the brachial artery, lower body negative pressure subsequently induced a forearm vasoconstrictor response of +153 +/- 22% (P < 0.05 versus placebo), whereas this was +64 +/- 14% when predilatation was achieved by infusion of an equipotent vasodilator dose of sodium nitroprusside (P > 0.1 versus placebo; P < 0.05 versus atrial natriuretic factor). The potentiation of the forearm vasoconstrictor response to lower body negative pressure by atrial natriuretic factor only occurred in the experimental and not in the contralateral arm. According to calculations on simultaneously sampled arterial and venous plasma catecholamine concentrations, the augmented forearm vasoconstrictor response seemed not to be caused by an increased release of noradrenaline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Forearm vascular and neuroendocrine responses to graded water immersion in humans.

The hypothesis that graded expansion of central blood volume by water immersion to the xiphoid process and neck would elicit a graded decrease in forearm vascular resistance was tested. Central venous pressure increased (P < 0.05) by 4.2 +/- 0.4 mmHg (mean +/- SEM) during xiphoid immersion and by 10.4 +/- 0.5 mmHg during neck immersion. Plasma noradrenaline was gradually suppressed (P < 0.05) by 62 +/- 8 and 104 +/- 11 pg mL-1 during xiphoid and neck immersion, respectively, indicating a graded suppression of sympathetic nervous activity. Plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin were suppressed by 1.5 +/- 0.5 pg mL-1 (P < 0.05) during xiphoid immersion and by 2.0 +/- 0.5 pg mL-1 during neck immersion (P < 0.05 vs. xiphoid immersion). Forearm subcutaneous vascular resistance decreased to the same extent by 26 +/- 9 and 28 +/- 4% (P < 0.05), respectively, during both immersion procedures, whereas forearm skeletal muscle vascular resistance declined only during neck immersion by 27 +/- 6% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, graded central blood volume expansion initiated a graded decrease in sympathetic nervous activity and AVP-release. Changes in forearm subcutaneous vascular resistance, however, were not related to the gradual withdrawal of the sympathetic and neuroendocrine vasoconstrictor activity. Forearm skeletal muscle vasodilatation exhibited a more graded response with a detectable decrease only during immersion to the neck. Therefore, the forearm subcutaneous vasodilator response reaches saturation at a lower degree of central volume expansion than that of forearm skeletal muscle.

Adult↗

The vasodilator action of nebivolol in forearm vasculature of subjects with essential hypertension.

AIMS: Brachial artery administration of nebivolol increases forearm blood flow in normotensive subjects through activation of the L-arginine/NO pathway. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of brachial artery administration of nebivolol in subjects with essential hypertension. METHODS: We studied eight patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension and serum cholesterol less than 6.9 mmol l-1. Antihypertensive medication was discontinued 2 weeks before the study in previously treated patients. Following cannulation of the left brachial artery, saline was infused to establish baseline blood flow, followed by increasing doses of nebivolol (88.5, 177 and 354 microg min-1, each dose for 6 min), followed by saline for 12 min, followed by a 30 min infusion of L-NMMA (2 mg min-1 ). During the final 18 min of the L-NMMA infusion, nebivolol was coinfused using the same doses as before. Forearm blood flow was measured in both arms using venous occlusion plethysmography. RESULTS: Blood flow in the noninfused arm did not change significantly throughout the study. In the infused arm blood flow increased significantly in a dose-related manner during the first series of nebivolol infusions from 2.76+/-0.39 ml min-1-1 100 ml forearm-1 during the baseline period to 4.40+/-0.60 ml min-1-1 100 ml forearm-1 (mean+/-s.e. mean, n=8, P=0.0003 by anova ). L-NMMA antagonized the vasodilator effect of nebivolol: baseline blood flow in the infused arm was 2.41+/-0.53 ml min-1 100 ml forearm-1 and 2.94+/-0.42 ml min-1 100 ml forearm-1 during coinfusion of the top dose of nebivolol with L-NMMA (P=0.0006 for an effect of L-NMMA on nebivolol response). There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Nebivolol causes vasodilation in the forearm vascular bed in subjects with essential hypertension. Since this response is antagonized by L-NMMA, the vasodilatation is probably caused by activation of the L-arg/NO pathway.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of ultrasound assessment of flow-mediated dilatation in the radial and brachial artery with upper and forearm cuff positions.

In the published literature relating to flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), there are substantial differences between centres in terms of normal FMD amongst healthy subjects. This present study attempts to identify the effect of differing methodologies on FMD. High frequency ultrasound was used to measure blood flow and percentage brachial and radial artery dilatation after reactive hyperaemia induced by forearm or upper arm cuff occlusion in 24 healthy subjects, less than 40 years, without known cardiovascular risk factors. FMD of the brachial artery was significantly higher after upper arm occlusion, compared with forearm occlusion, 6.4 (3.3) and 3.9 (2.6)% (P<0.05), respectively. FMD of the radial artery was significantly higher after forearm occlusion, compared with upper arm occlusion, 10.0 (4.6) and 7.9 (3.5)% (P<0.05), respectively. The percentage blood flow increase in the brachial and radial arteries after forearm and upper arm occlusion were similar. After forearm and upper arm occlusion, the radial artery percentage dilatation was greater than the brachial artery. In conclusion dilatation of the brachial artery, after reactive hyperaemia induced by upper arm occlusion, was significantly more pronounced compared with dilatation of the brachial artery after forearm occlusion, despite a similar percentage blood flow increase. The local ischaemia of the brachial artery with a proximal occlusion may explain why the brachial artery dilated more after upper arm occlusion compared with after forearm occlusion. The study has also shown that FMD of the radial artery could be assessed by B-mode ultrasound technique. FMD was greater using the radial artery compared with the brachial artery, suggesting that the radial artery may be a useful way to assess FMD in future clinical studies.

Adult↗

Forearm composition contributes to differences in reactive hyperaemia between healthy men and women.

BACKGROUND: Post-ischaemic reactive hyperaemia in the forearm has been suggested as a marker of resistance vessel function. The contribution of forearm composition to the kinetics of reactive hyperaemia is largely unknown. The body composition of men and women differs in that women have a higher body fat content and less lean body mass. METHODS: In the present study, we investigated whether the kinetics of reactive hyperaemia in the forearm in 14 healthy subjects (seven men and seven women) show gender-specific differences and whether forearm composition contributes to such differences. RESULTS: Peak reactive hyperaemic flow as well as 1-min-flow debt repayment (measured by venous occlusion plethysmography) were significantly higher in male than in female study participants. This difference was explained to > 60% by gender-specific differences in forearm relative muscle mass (as determined by magnetic resonance imaging). The half-life of the reactive hyperaemic response, on the other hand, was not different between men and women and did not show an association with forearm muscle. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that forearm composition must be considered if peak reactive hyperaemic or flow debt repayment is used as a target, and that dynamic measurements of the reactive hyperaemic process are more suitable to describe the function of resistance arteries than single-point observations.

Adipose Tissue↗

Sensory reconstruction in sensate radial forearm flap transfer.

The authors treated 14 patients (13 men and one woman), using a sensate radial forearm flap. Their ages at operation ranged from 27 to 67 years (mean: 52 years). Preoperative conditions were amputations in 10 cases, degloving injury in three, and crush injury in one. Reconstructive sites involved the thumb in nine cases, the mitten-like hand in two, the index finger in one, the ring and small finger in one, and the palm in one. In all cases, the radial forearm flap, including the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, was harvested. Sensory evaluation was performed using the moving two-point discrimination test (m-2PD). Sensation in the mid-palmar area of 50 forearms was examined in 25 healthy adult volunteers as a control group. Follow-up periods ranged from 12 to 87 months (mean: 39.6 months). The mean m-2PD of the 14 sensory flaps was 13.2 mm, and the mean of 50 forearms in the control group was 18.08 mm. A statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the sensory flaps and the 50 forearms of the control group. The mean m-2PD was much more sensitive in the innervated radial forearm flaps than in the donor forearm. The results suggested that sensory return in the innervated flaps is influenced not by the donor nerve in the flaps, but by the recipient digital nerve.

Adult↗

Modification of forearm vascular function following short-term handgrip exercise training.

This study examined the effect of low (25% of maximum voluntary contraction) and high (75% of maximum voluntary contraction) intensity short-term handgrip exercise training on localized vascular function. Forearm blood flow was evaluated in twenty-eight healthy men (age: 23 +/- 4.3) pre- and post-training in both forearms at rest, following forearm occlusion and following forearm occlusion combined with handgrip exercise using strain gauge plethysmography. The 4-week program consisted of non-dominant handgrip exercise performed 5 d/wk for 20 min at either low or high intensity. Following training a significant increase in forearm blood flow was noted for the nondominant arm in both groups after forearm occlusion (low intensity group: 16.51%; high intensity group: 20.72%; p = 0.001) and forearm occlusion combined with handgrip exercise (low intensity group: 17.71%; high intensity group: 29.27%; p = 0.001). No significant group by test interaction (p = 0.632) was found. These data show improved unilateral vasodilatory responsiveness after short-term handgrip training. In addition, the degree of change is most notable following the greatest vasodilatory stimulus. Lastly, a lack of group by treatment interaction suggests the change may be independent of training stimulus.

Adult↗

[Surgical correction of malunited fractures of the forearm in children].

AIM: In our goal-oriented society the demands for a forearm with full function are increasing. Functional deficits are not acceptable even if they persist only for a limited period of time. Therefore a rising number of surgical corrections of malunited forearm fractures in the pediatric patient has been performed during the last years. However literature about indication, technique and outcome in these patients is rare. For that reason we report our experience about surgical correction of malunited fractures of the forearm in 14 children. METHODS: Fourteen patients with an average age of 13 years at the time of surgical correction of a malunited fracture of the forearm were included. Seven had a deformity of the shaft, five at the distal forearm without and two with growth disturbance. Malunions without growth disturbance were corrected with an osteotomy and plate fixation. Those with growth disturbance were first treated with callus distraction. Previous to and 24 (3 to 100) months after surgical correction the patients were examined clinically and radiologically. Range of motion was noted. Additionally to the range of motion, grip strength and pain (VAS) were documented. Patients with correction of the distal forearm were asked to fill out the DASH questionnaire. RESULTS: In all groups a significant increase of the range of motion was noted in pro-/supination of 61 per cent to 85-0-80 degrees. In patients with distal correction additionally the range of motion in extension/flexion of the wrist improved 30 per cent to 70-0-65 degrees and in ulnar/radialduction 22 per cent to 30-0-35 degrees. At follow-up the grip strength following distal corrections was 98 per cent of the opposite side. The patients had no pain (VAS < 3 points). The median subjective functional result was excellent with a median DASH score of 3.5 points. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that potent techniques for surgical correction of malunited forearm fractures in the growing skeleton are available. These techniques allow excellent functional outcome.

Adolescent↗

[Clinical comparison between radial and lateral forearm flap].

BACKGROUND: Free fasciocutaneous flap transplantation is a versatile method for soft tissue reconstruction. This clinical study points out differences between the radial forearm flap and the lateral arm flap. METHODS: We used the radial forearm flap in 36 patients following tumor ablation and in 11 patients we used the lateral arm flap for soft tissue reconstruction. We studied the arterial and venous vessel calibers of the flaps, the vessel pedicle length, and the size of the skin paddle. Motor and sensory function tests of the upper/ lower arm and hand were performed after surgery. Recipient and donor site morbidity was noted. RESULTS: Compared to the forearm flap the lateral arm flap is bulky (1-5 cm vs. 0.5-1.5 cm), its vessel calibers are smaller (Art.: 1.4 vs. 1.8 mm, Ven.: 1.8 vs. 2.0 mm), flap size and maximum vessel pedicle length (10 vs. 12 cm) are equal. Raising the lateral arm flap is more demanding and needs more time due to the deep location of the vessel pedicle and the accompanying radial nerve within the intermuscular septum. On the other hand the lateral arm flap is advantageous because of primary wound closure of the donor site. The donor site of the forearm flap had to be covered with skin graft in all cases. We found sensory deficits of the proximal lower arm in 50% after dissection of the lateral arm flap and in 14% on the distal lower arm and thumb joint after dissection of the radial forearm flap. CONCLUSIONS: Both transplants are fasciocutaneous and optional innervated, they offer a constant anatomy and can be harvested simultaneously without interference to the head and neck team. Because of the specific characteristics of these flaps we prefer the radial forearm flap for soft tissue reconstruction. We use the lateral upper arm flap, if a forearm flap cannot be harvested, for head or neck augmentation and for reconstruction of large and deep defects.

Forearm↗

The effects of posture on forearm muscle loading during gripping.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the response of the forearm musculature to combinations of wrist and forearm posture and grip force. Ten healthy individuals performed five relative handgrip efforts (5%, 50%, 70% and 100% of maximum, and 50 N) for combinations of three wrist postures (flexed, neutral and extended) and three forearm postures (pronated, neutral and supinated). 'Baseline' extensor muscle activity (associated with holding the dynamometer without exerting grip force) was greatest with the forearm pronated and the wrist extended, while flexor activity was largest in supination when the wrist was flexed. Extensor activity was generally larger than that of flexors during low to mid-range target force levels, and was always greater when the forearm was pronated. Flexor activation only exceeded the extensor activation at the 70% and 100% target force levels in some postures. A flexed wrist reduced maximum grip force by 40-50%, but EMG amplitude remained elevated. Women produced 60-65% of the grip strength of men, and required 5-10% more of both relative force and extensor activation to produce a 50 N grip. However, this appeared to be due to strength rather than gender. Forearm rotation affected grip force generation only when the wrist was flexed, with force decreasing from supination to pronation (p < 0.005). The levels of extensor activation observed, especially during baseline and low level grip exertions, suggest a possible contributing mechanism to the development of lateral forearm muscle pain in the workplace.

Adult↗

Forearm compression by laparoscopic hand-assist devices.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic hand-assist devices have facilitated the broad application and acceptance of laparoscopy in urology and other surgical fields. This study evaluated forearm compression by these devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five commercially available hand-assist devices were tested (Gelport, Intromit, PneumoSleeve, Handport, LapDisc). In three surgeons using a porcine model, compressive forces were measured along the paths of the median and ulnar nerves at the point of maximum proximal forearm circumference using FlexiForce A101 sensors. Glove size for all three surgeons was 7 1/2; however, the maximum forearm circumference ranged from 26 to 33 cm. The hand-assist devices were placed in pigs after skin and fascial incision (9 cm), and the insufflation pressure was set at 18 mm Hg. Surgeons subjectively rated the ease of device insertion and hand insertion, degree of forearm compression, and the development of paresthesias. RESULTS: The LapDisc was rated superior with regard to insertion. The Gelport was rated superior for hand insertion and removal; however, moderate to severe forearm compression and paresthesias were reported. The maximum forearm compression forces were highest with the LapDisc (97 mm Hg) and the Gelport (78 mm Hg) and lowest with the Handport (33 mm Hg). CONCLUSION: The choice of hand-assist device is dependent on its ease of use, efficacy at maintaining insufflation, and effect on the surgeon's performance and fatigue. The impact of forearm compression should be considered in the selection of the hand-assist device and in the development of new devices.

Animals↗

Effect of angiotensin II on noradrenaline release in the human forearm.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to test the hypothesis that in normal humans angiotensin II would stimulate local release of noradrenaline under basal conditions or during a sympathetic stimulus provided by lower body negative pressure (LBNP). METHODS: Nine healthy volunteers received intra-arterial infusions of angiotensin II, 5 ng.min-1, into the non-dominant forearm. Forearm blood flow (strain gauge plethysmography) and regional noradrenaline spillover (using the tracer methodology of Esler) were measured during angiotensin II alone, LBNP alone, and LBNP plus angiotensin II. RESULTS: Angiotensin II and LBNP decreased forearm blood flow comparably: from 3.1(SD 1.5) to 2.4 (0.9) ml.100 g-1.min-1 during angiotensin II, p < 0.05; and from 3.3(1.5) to 2.5(1.0) ml.100 g-1.min-1 during LBNP, p < 0.05 (p = NS, A-II v LBNP). Angiotensin II had no effect on forearm venous noradrenaline or regional noradrenaline spillover. LBNP increased venous noradrenaline outflow from the forearm, from 1.6(0.40) to 2.1(0.6) nmol.min-1 (p < 0.05), while regional noradrenaline spillover tended to increase, rising from 1.5(0.8) to 2.0(1.0) nmol.100 ml-1.min-1. Angiotensin II did not enhance forearm blood flow or noradrenaline responses to LBNP. CONCLUSIONS: In the human forearm, mildly vasoconstrictor infusions of angiotensin II do not increase local release of noradrenaline, either alone or during mild LBNP. At least under these conditions, angiotensin II would not appear to be a potent influence on local sympathetic activity.

Angiotensin II↗

Quantitative comparison of leakage under the tourniquet in forearm versus conventional intravenous regional anesthesia.

UNLABELLED: We compared the quantitative leakage between forearm and conventional IV regional anesthesia (IVRA). Forearm IVRA remains unpopular because of the theoretical risk of local anesthetic leakage through the interosseous vessels. IVRA was simulated on the forearm or arm during two separate, randomized sessions using a double tourniquet in 14 volunteers. A radiolabeled substance, DISIDA (99m Tc-disofenin) with a structure similar to lidocaine, was injected instead of local anesthetic. Volumes of 0.4 mL/kg (maximum 25 mL), were used for forearm IVRA and 0.6 mL/kg (maximum 45 mL) for conventional IVRA. A gamma camera recorded radioactivity levels in the limb distal to the tourniquet every 30 s while the tourniquet was inflated (25 min) and for 20 min postdeflation. The leakage of radiolabeled substance during inflation was similar in both groups, 6%+/-12% (mean +/- SD) from the forearm and 10%+/-20% from the upper arm. After deflation, mean loss of radioactivity was higher in conventional IVRA, 70%+/-7% vs 57%+/-11% and 82%+/-5% vs 69%+/-11% at 3 and 20 min, respectively (P < 0.001). We conclude that forearm IVRA results in tourniquet leakage comparable to conventional IVRA and is potentially safer because the required dose of local anesthetic is smaller. IMPLICATIONS: Using a tourniquet on the forearm for IV regional anesthesia does not increase the risk of drug leakage. This is potentially a safer technique compared with conventional IV regional anesthesia because a much smaller dose of local anesthetic is required.

Adult↗

An evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of intravenous regional anesthesia with lidocaine and ketorolac using a forearm versus upper arm tourniquet.

UNLABELLED: Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) using a forearm tourniquet may be a potentially safer technique compared with using an upper arm tourniquet. Ketorolac is a useful adjuvant to lidocaine for IVRA. In this study, we assessed the analgesic efficacy of administering IVRA lidocaine and ketorolac with either a forearm or upper arm tourniquet for outpatient hand surgery. Upper arm IVRA was established using 40 mL of a solution containing 200 mg of lidocaine and ketorolac 20 mg (0.5 mg/mL). Forearm IVRA was established using 20 mL of a solution containing 100 mg of lidocaine and ketorolac 10 mg (0.5 mg/mL). Onset and duration of sensory block as well as postoperative pain and analgesic use were recorded. The patients who received forearm IVRA had a significantly longer period during which they required no analgesics (701 +/- 133 min) compared with 624 +/- 80 min for the upper arm IVRA ketorolac patients (P = 0.032). Onset of sensory block was similar between the two groups; however, recovery of sensation was significantly longer in the Forearm IVRA (22 +/- 5 min) group compared with the Upper Arm IVRA (13 +/- 3 min) group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in postoperative analgesic use or pain scores between the two groups. We conclude that forearm IVRA with lidocaine and ketorolac provides safe and effective perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing ambulatory hand surgery. This technique results in a longer duration of sensory block and prolonged postoperative analgesia compared with upper arm IVRA while using one-half the doses of both lidocaine and ketorolac. IMPLICATIONS: Forearm tourniquet intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) with 50% less lidocaine and ketorolac provides for both a longer duration of sensory block and prolonged postoperative analgesia compared with upper arm IVRA.

Adult↗

Effects of sodium depletion on the role of AT1- and alpha-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of forearm vascular tone in humans.

OBJECTIVE: Sodium depletion stimulates the renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems, which may affect the role of each of these systems in the regulation of vascular tone. We investigated the influence of sodium depletion on the roles of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor and the alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors, and on nitric oxide generation, in the regulation of human forearm vascular tone. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied the effects of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan (0.1-3 microg/kg per min), angiotensin II (0.01-10 ng/kg per min), the alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonists doxazosin (3-100 ng/kg per min) and yohimbine (0.5-4 microg/kg per min) and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 7.5-60 microg/kg per min) on forearm blood flow in control subjects (n = 12) and sodium-depleted subjects (n = 11). Sodium depletion was achieved by 3 days of pretreatment with 40 mg furosemide twice a day and a sodium-restricted diet. Forearm blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. RESULTS: Sodium depletion resulted in activation of the renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems, as indicated by increased levels of plasma renin, aldosterone and heart rate (P < 0.05). Blood pressure remained unchanged. Losartan at the highest dose increased forearm blood flow in the sodium-depleted group by 42 +/- 9%, but had no effect in controls (P < 0.05). Both doxazosin and yohimbine caused an increased vasodilatory effect in the sodium-depleted versus the control group (228 +/- 42 versus 83 +/- 13% and 192 +/- 24 versus 95 +/- 8%, respectively; P < 0.05). The constrictor effects by angiotensin II and L-NMMA of -65 +/- 6% and -79 +/- 4%, respectively, in controls were unchanged by sodium depletion. CONCLUSIONS: In sodium-depleted subjects, endogenous angiotensin II appears to play a role in the regulation of forearm vascular tone, in contrast to sodium-replete conditions. Furthermore, in these subjects the role of alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptors in the regulation of forearm vascular tone was enhanced compared with control conditions. Neither the forearm vascular effects of exogenously infused angiotensin II nor those of baseline nitric oxide production were influenced by sodium depletion.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗