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A comparison of the effects of four intravenous solutions for the treatment of ketonuria during labour.

Forty women in whom ketonuria was detected during the first stage of labour were allocated randomly to intravenous treatment with one litre of either normal saline, Hartmann's solution, 5% dextrose or 10% dextrose. The solutions were administered over 1 h and blood was taken immediately beforehand and thereafter at 30-min intervals for 90 min to assess their effect on intermediary metabolism, plasma osmolality and acid-base status. Although both the 5 and 10% dextrose infusions caused a rapid decline in whole blood D-3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, they also produced pathological degrees of maternal hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia and a marked elevation in the mean blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations. Administration of 10% dextrose was also associated with a significant increase in serum osmolality. Hartmann's solution produced significantly higher mean whole blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations than did normal saline. There was a significant increase in the venous base deficit in the group infused with 10% dextrose, indicating that the buffering capacity of the blood had been exceeded. It is concluded that rapid infusions of dextrose or Hartmann's solution should not be administered during labour. Normal saline should be used for rehydration and if dextrose therapy is deemed necessary the dose administered should not exceed physiological requirements.

Female↗

Systemic plus local metronidazole and cephazolin in complicated appendicitis: a prospective controlled trial.

Appendicectomy was performed on 100 patients with complicated appendicitis through a grid-iron incision. All patients received systemic metronidazole and cephazolin sodium which started preoperatively and continued postoperatively for 5 days. At operation, patients were allocated randomly to receive either local instillation of metronidazole and cephazolin intraperitoneally and interparietally (group A) or no local antibiotic therapy (group B). All wounds were closed primarily without drainage. Postoperative wound sepsis occurred in four (8%) of the 50 patients in group A and in 17 (34%) of the 50 patients in group B. One patient in group B developed pelvic abscess in addition to wound sepsis. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 6.6 days (s.d. 2.98) in group A and 8.7 days (s.d. 5.55) in group B. These differences were statistically significant. No adverse reaction was noted. The conclusion of this study is that a single peroperative instillation of metronidazole and cephazolin into the peritoneum and wound layers is a safe and valuable adjunct to the perioperative systemic administration of these drugs in significantly reducing postoperative sepsis and duration of hospital stay in complicated appendicitis.

Adolescent↗

Clinical evaluation of cefotiam and cefamandole in respiratory tract infections.

Eighty-two adult hospitalized patients suffering from respiratory tract infections were treated with cefotiam or cefamandole in an open comparative study. The patients were allocated randomly to one of the two treatments. The recommended dosage regimens (i.m. or i.v.) were used for both groups (cefotiam 1 g b.i.d., cefamandole 1 g t.i.d.). The duration of treatment was 7 to 14 days according to the response of the disease condition. 80 patients were analyzed. The tolerability of both drugs was good and comparable. The clinical and bacteriological efficacy of both drugs was equivalent. The radiological examinations showed a better improvement of the patients treated with cefotiam.

Adolescent↗

Prevention of tourniquet pain by spinal isobaric bupivacaine with clonidine.

In order to assess the effect of spinal clonidine on tourniquet pain, 30 patients scheduled to undergo orthopaedic surgery under spinal anaesthesia were allocated randomly to two groups. Patients in group I (n = 15) received 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine 15 mg plus isotonic saline 1 ml. Patients in group II (n = 15) received 0.5% bupivacaine 15 mg plus clonidine 1 ml (150 micrograms). Sensory block was evaluated by pinprick and motor block with Bromage's scale. The presence of clonidine significantly prolonged the duration of sensory and motor block. Three patients in group I, but none in group II, experienced tourniquet pain. Hypotension and bradycardia were not worsened by spinal clonidine. The use of clonidine may be a useful technique to augment bupivacaine spinal block.

Adult↗

Comparison of incremental spinal anesthesia using a 32-gauge catheter with extradural anaesthesia for elective caesarean section.

Forty-three mothers who had requested regional anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section were allocated randomly to receive either extradural anaesthesia with pH-adjusted 2% lignocaine with 1/200,000 adrenaline, or incremental spinal anaesthesia using a 32-gauge catheter with 0.5% plain bupivacaine. Increments of lignocaine or bupivacaine were given with the aim of achieving a block from T4 to S5. The spinal catheter was quicker to place (median 3 min, range 1-45 min, compared with median 10 min, range 1.5-50 min) and spinal anaesthesia was quicker to establish (median 20 min, range 10-46 min compared with median 48 min, range 15-59 min) compared with the extradural technique. The maximum height of the spinal block was significantly higher (median T3-4, range T5-T3) than the extradural group (median T5, range T6-T3). The total dose of intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine was unpredictable, with a mean dose of 2.7 ml and a range between 1.5 ml and 7.4 ml. Haemodynamic stability and the quality of the block were similar between the groups. There were two mild spinal-headaches in the spinal group. All the spinal catheters were removed intact.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗

Accuracy of placement of extradural needles in the L3-4 interspace: comparison of two methods of identifying L4.

The certainty with which the L3-4 vertebral interspace can be identified was investigated by studying 50 cadavers. These were allocated randomly to two groups, differing in the way in which the L4 spinous process was identified. Identification of L4 by physically constructing Tuffier's line on the subject led to an increase in the number of catheters sited at the correct level (P less than 0.01).

Aged↗

Bladder function in spinal anaesthesia.

Spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine (22.5 mg) or with a glucose-containing solution of bupivacaine (20 mg) or tetracaine (15 mg) was given to 21 patients allocated randomly to these three groups. A urodynamic study was performed by CO2 cystometry. It consisted of recording of first sensation of bladder filling, sensation of full bladder, strength of maximal detrusor contraction, bladder capacity and urethral pressure. At the same time, using a quantitative method for measuring muscle strength, the motor block was evaluated for three separate movements--hip flexion, knee extension and plantar flexion of the big toe. After the spinal injection, the micturition reflex was rapidly blocked. One minute after the injection, eight patients experienced no strong desire to void when the bladder was overfilled, and 5 min after the injection bladder paralysis was present in most patients. The length of time from spinal injection to complete recovery of detrusor strength was 7-8 h and did not differ significantly between the three groups. The level of analgesia lay at or caudal to L5 when the detrusor strength returned. On the average, sensibility (pin-prick) in the sacral segments returned simultaneously with or somewhat earlier than complete recovery of detrusor strength. The muscle strength in the lower limbs was fully restored 40-140 min, on average, before the detrusor strength had completely recovered. There was good correlation between the time of full restoration of hip flexion and detrusor strength in the bupivacaine groups. Urethral pressure was reduced by a mean of 48% and returned to normal either at the same time as or slightly before complete recovery of detrusor strength.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

The place of antibiotics in the prevention of post-appendicectomy sepsis: a prospective study of 400 cases.

Post-appendicectomy sepsis still causes considerable morbidity and prolongs hospital stay. A large amount of recent work has gone into attempts to reduce such problems using various topical and systemic agents in differing regimes, with wide variation in their results. The aim of our study was to examine further the effectiveness of those different lines of prophylaxis against placebo in reducing post-appendicectomy sepsis. It is a comparative study of 400 cases of uncomplicated appendicitis operated upon by three senior Surgeons. The cases were allocated randomly in equal number to four groups according to the prophylactic antibiotic regime used: (a) Placebo; (b) Metronidazole alone; (c) Metronidazole and cefazolin; (d) Metronidazole and tobramycin. Antibiotics were given preoperatively with premedication and continued postoperatively for three days. The patients were checked for signs of sepsis during hospital stay and weekly up to a minimum of four weeks after discharge. They were also compared as far as their hospital stay is concerned. The conclusion of this study is that a combination of an antibiotic aimed at aerobes (cefazolin or tobramycin) with another aiming at anaerobes (metronidazole) is the best prophylactic regime against post-appendicectomy sepsis.

Appendectomy↗

Suxamethonium dosage in electroconvulsive therapy.

A double-blind study was conducted in 52 patients who received a total of 180 electroconvulsive therapy treatments. Patients were allocated randomly to receive doses of 15 mg, 25 mg or 50 mg of suxamethonium. Those who received suxamethonium 50 mg took significantly longer to breathe again compared with patients who received the lower doses, and were significantly more likely to have a very well modified convulsion than patients who received suxamethonium 15 mg. There were no differences among the groups in the incidences of muscle pains after treatment. We conclude that all three doses were acceptable; however, a dose of 25 mg had practical advantages over 50 mg and theoretical advantages over 15 mg.

Adult↗

Electro-acupuncture and postoperative emesis.

One hundred unpremedicated female patients of ASA grade 1 or 2 who underwent laparoscopy as outpatients were allocated randomly to one of four groups. All patients received general anaesthesia with fentanyl, thiopentone, halothane, nitrous oxide and oxygen; suxamethonium was given to facilitate tracheal intubation. In the recovery room, group 1 (control) received no treatment; group 2 received electro-acupuncture at the P6 point (Neiguan) on the right side for 15 minutes, group 3 received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at the P6 point on the right side for 15 minutes and group 4 received prochlorperazine 5 mg intravenously. Any act of vomiting, including dry retching, during the first 3 postoperative hours was regarded as postoperative emesis. The incidence of postoperative emesis was 11/25 (44%) in group 1, 3/25 (12%, p less than 0.05) in group 2, 9/25 (36%) in group 3, and 3/25 (12%, p less than 0.05) in group 4. Our results suggest that electro-acupuncture is as effective as prochlorperazine, and may be better than transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, in reducing postoperative emesis.

Adolescent↗

Efficacy of grass-maize pollen oral immunotherapy in patients with seasonal hay-fever: a double-blind study.

Forty patients with a well-documented history of seasonal hay fever and a positive skin-prick test specific to grass pollen, including Bermuda grass and maize pollen (Zea maize), were allocated randomly on a double-blind basis to receive either an oral mixed grass-maize pollen extract or a matched placebo during the 1981/1982 grass pollen season. After 12 months the code was broken and patients on placebo were transferred to active therapy while patients on active therapy continued with maintenance therapy for another 12 months during the 1982/1983 grass pollen season. The assessment of the effect of the orally administered grass-maize pollen extract was on the clinical symptoms. During the first year the patients on active therapy had significantly fewer hay fever symptoms during the summer months compared with the placebo group. During the second study year, with all patients on active therapy, both groups had markedly milder symptoms compared with the placebo group. Side-effects were negligible. This study concludes that oral immunotherapy with grass-maize pollen extract in grass pollen-sensitive seasonal hay fever patients is safe and effective.

Administration, Oral↗

Proximal gastric vagotomy versus long-term maintenance treatment with cimetidine for chronic duodenal ulcer: a prospective randomised trial.

Forty-four patients with chronic duodenal ulceration were allocated randomly to either long-term maintenance treatment with cimetidine or proximal gastric vagotomy. All were followed up both clinically and endoscopically for periods of one to four years. The rate of recurrence of ulcer during and after medical treatment was 54% while after surgery it was 10%. One patient developed severe allergic hepatitis while receiving maintenance treatment with cimetidine, and two others had to stop treatment because of possible drug reactions. Patients whose ulceration recurs while they are receiving treatment with cimetidine should be offered the possibility of operation.

Cimetidine↗

No effect of acetylsalicylic acid on B-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 plasma levels in patients with transient ischaemic attacks.

We studied the effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) versus placebo on B-thromboglobulin (B-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) plasma levels and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in 25 male patients with transient ischaemic attacks (TIA). The patients were allocated randomly to two groups: 14 patients received oral treatment with ASA 500 mg b.i.d. for 14 days, 11 patients placebo b.i.d. for the same period. B-TG and PF4 plasma levels and ADP-induced platelet aggregation were determined in basal conditions, and two hours, and seven and fourteen days after starting with ASA or placebo. In addition, the same parameters were studied in a group of 20 healthy males of matched age. Basal levels of plasma B-TG and PF4 and the maximal amplitude of ADP-induced platelet aggregation were abnormally high in TIA patients. ASA caused a significant reduction of B-TG plasma levels in TIA patients 2 hours after the first administration, but no effect was observed at the 7th and 14th day of treatment. PF4 plasma levels were unaffected by ASA treatment. It is concluded that ASA, at the dose conventionally used in clinical trials, does not affect the release of two alpha-granule proteins.

Aged↗

A prospective trial of prophylactic povidone iodine in lacerations of the hand.

A series of 418 patients with lacerations of the hands were allocated randomly to a control group or to a group where the injury was treated with povidone iodine before suture. The incidence of infected and imperfectly healed wounds was determined seven days later. As well as the effect of povidone iodine on infection, thirteen other factors were also analysed. The overall infection rate of 5.0% and the 38.5% imperfect healing rate were not significantly affected by povidone iodine treatment, although both were reduced. The figures of four other trials were combined with this trial and this showed a significant effect of povidone iodine treatment. There were no adverse reactions to povidone iodine. It is therefore recommended that hand lacerations should be treated with povidone iodine prior to suture. Other factors found to be significantly important in wound infection or imperfect healing were the condition of the dressing, the part of the hand injured and pain. Patients should be strongly advised to keep their dressing clean and dry.

Adolescent↗

Recovery of neuromuscular function and postoperative morbidity following blockade by atracurium, alcuronium and vecuronium.

Recovery of neuromuscular function and postoperative morbidity were studied in 51 fit female patients who had nonemergency gynaecological laparoscopy as inpatients. They were allocated randomly to one of three groups to receive either atracurium 0.31 mg/kg, alcuronium 0.25 mg/kg, or vecuronium 0.06 mg/kg as part of an otherwise standard anaesthetic technique. There were neither differences in intubation conditions nor in the occurrence of postoperative diplopia whichever muscle relaxant was used. Deficits in grip strength and expiratory force were seen at one hour after reversal with atropine 1.2 mg and neostigmine 2.5 mg in all patients, deficits which persisted for 3 hours in those who received alcuronium. The recovery of inspiratory force was slower and less complete at up to 3 hours in those who received alcuronium and there was a high incidence of minor postoperative morbidity at up to 24 hours in each of the three groups. The only statistical difference in symptomatic morbidity was an increase in muscle weakness in those who received alcuronium compared with atracurium at 3 hours after laparoscopy. Only 25%, 20% and 31% of the patients who received atracurium, alcuronium and vecuronium respectively said that they would have liked to be day stay patients.

Adult↗

Comparison of propofol and midazolam for sedation in critically ill patients.

101 critically ill patients admitted to five intensive-care units were allocated randomly to receive a continuous intravenous infusion of either propofol or midazolam for sedation for up to 24 h. In addition, morphine was given to provide analgesia. The mean duration of infusion was 20.2 h (range 3.0-24.5) in the propofol group and 21.3 h (4.0-47.0) in the midazolam group and infusion rates were 1.77 mg/kg/h (range 0.40-5.00) and 0.10 mg/kg/h (0.01-0.26), respectively. The infusion rates were adjusted as necessary, and the desired level of sedation was achieved easily in most patients in both groups. There were slight falls in arterial pressure, but there were no significant differences between the groups. Heart rate was lower in patients who received propofol. Some small changes occurred in biochemical and haematological variables in both groups, but they were not clinically significant. There was no indication that either drug substantially impaired adrenal steroidogenesis. When the infusion was discontinued, there was less variability in recovery of consciousness in patients who had received propofol. In a subgroup of patients, weaning from mechanical ventilation was achieved significantly faster after discontinuation of propofol than of midazolam. Propofol proved to be a satisfactory agent for sedation of these critically ill patients and compared favourably with midazolam.

Adolescent↗

Safety of postabortion sterilisation compared with interval sterilisation. A controlled study.

406 women--about one-fifth of those requesting an induced abortion and sterilisation over a thirty-three-month period--volunteered to be allocated randomly to either a concurrent induced-abortion/sterilisation group or a group which was sterilised six weeks after abortion. The abortion-attributable and sterilisation-attributable complication rates of 3.8% and 5.2%, respectively, for the concurrent group did not differ significantly from the 6.7% and 6.9% rates for the interval group. The estimated 2%-10% of women who would have changed their minds must be set against the 4% of women who became pregnant again before being sterilised. Efforts should be made to identify women likely to regret sterilisation.

Abortion, Induced↗

A five-year assessment of controlled trials of in-patient and out-patient treatment and of plaster-of-Paris jackets for tuberculosis of the spine in children on standard chemotherapy. Studies in Masan and Pusan, Korea. Fifth report of the Medical Research Council Working Party on tuberculosis of the spine.

In two centres in Korea 350 patients with a diagnosis of tuberculosis of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine were allocated at random: in Masan to in-patient rest in bed (IP) for six months followed by out-patient treatment or to ambulatory out-patient treatment (OP) from the start; in Pusan to out-patient treatment with a plaster-of-Paris jacket (J) for nine months or to ambulatory treatment without any support (No J). All patients recieved chemotherapy with PAS with isoniazid for eighteen months, either supplemented with streptomycin for the first three months (SPH) or without this supplement (PH), by random allocation. The main analysis of this report concerns 299 patients (eighty-three IP, eighty-three OP, sixty-three J, seventy No J; 143 SPH, 156 PH). Pre-treatment factors were similar in both centres except that the patients in Pusan had, on average, less extensive lesions although in a greater proportion the disease was radiographically active. One patient (J/SPH) died with active spinal disease and three (all No J/SPH) with paraplegia. A fifth patient (IP/PH) who died from cardio respiratory failure also had pulmonary tuberculosis. Twenty-three patients required operation and/or additional chemotherapy for the spinal lesion. A sinus or clinically evident abscess was either present initially or developed during treatment in 41 per cent of patients. Residual lesions persisted in ten patients (four IP, two OP, one J, three No J; six SPH, four PH) at five years. Thirty-two patients had paraparesis on admission or developing later. Complete resolution occurred in twenty on the allocated regimen and in eight after operation or additional chemotherapy or both. Of the remaining four atients, all of whom had operation and additional chemotherapy, three died and one still had paraparesis at five years. Of 295 patients assessed at five years 89 per cent had a favourable status. The proportions of the patients responding favourably were similar in the IP (91 per cent) and OP (89 per cent) series, in the J (90 per cent) and No J (84 per cent) series and in the SPH (86 per cent) and PH (92 per cent) series.

Abscess↗