piperidines and Scoliosis

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, with a six-month follow-up period.. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a 72-hour dose of subanesthetic ketamine in this surgical procedure reduces postoperative morphine use and to assess whether there are fewer adverse effects, if postoperative recovery is faster, if there is less peri-incisional hyperalgesia, or if there is lower incidence of persistent postsurgical pain.. Tissue injury and high opioid requirements following posterior spinal fusion surgery produce central sensitization, which can in turn be associated with hyperalgesia and chronic pain. Clinical trials involving this type of procedure using subanesthetic ketamine doses have assessed pain and morphine requirements with contradictory results. The effects of prolonged subanesthetic ketamine doses on postoperative recovery, mechanical hyperalgesia, and the incidence of chronic pain are unknown.. A total of 48 pediatric patients between 10 and 18 years diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis were randomized to receive perioperative low-dose ketamine or placebo for 72 hours. They received general anesthesia, intraoperative remifentanil, and morphine postoperatively (patient-controlled analgesia). We measured morphine consumption, pain at rest and during movement (coughing), undesirable effects, and sedation during morphine treatment. The onset of oral intake, ambulation, and hospital stay were recorded. The extent of the peri-incisional hyperalgesia was measured at 72 hours and pain controls were conducted postsurgery.. Primary endpoint results (total cumulative morphine consumption while admitted) were obtained in 44 patients. Results were 2.72 (SD 1.13) in the placebo group and 3.13 (SD 1.13) in the study group (P = 0.2903), with no significant differences. Moreover, differences were not found between the experimental group and the placebo group in the secondary endpoints analyzed.. Our findings do not support the routine combining of prolonged subanesthetic ketamine doses with opioids in posterior fusion surgery in children with idiopathic scoliosis.. 2.

Topics: Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; Child; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Ketamine; Male; Morphine; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative; Piperidines; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Time Factors

To observe the effects of 0.4 μg/(kg×h) dose of dexmedetomidine on intra-operative wake-up test in children patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.. Sixty patients for posterior scoliosis correction (ASA I-II, aged 5-16 years) from March 2013 to April 2015 were enrolled in this prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study, The patients were randomly classified into two groups to receive dexmedetomidine (group RD, n=30) or saline solution (group R, n=30). In group RD, dexmedetomidine [0.4 μg/(kg×h)] was administered after tracheal intubation, while the equal volume saline solution was given instead in group R. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam, propofol, sufentanyl and cisatracurium, and anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane inhalation and a continuous intravenous infusion of remifentanil in the both groups.BIS (bispectral index, BIS) value was maintained at 40-60,and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was maintained at ≥ 60 mmHg before the wake-up test.When the wake-up test was performed, immediately the dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusion were stopped, and the end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane was adjusted to 0. Mean arterial pressure, and heart rate (HR) were recorded before anesthesia and at 5-minute intervals during the wake-up test. The wake-up test time, arousal quality and sedation scores were recorded also.In addition, the data were also gathered on the dosage of ephedrine and atropine were used, as well as the intraoperative awareness in the patients who were followed up on the first day after the operation.. There were no differences between group RD and group R with regard to HR and MAP at getting into the operation room (t=-1.460, P=0.150;t =-1.015, P=0.315). In group RD, no evidence was found for a difference in HR and MAP at awakening up versus at getting into the operation room (t=0.974, P=0.340; t=-1.449, P=0.161), while in group R, an increase in HR and MAP occurred at awakening versus at getting into the operation room (t=-2.106, P=0.044; t=-2.352, P=0.026). There were no significant differences in sedation scores and wake-up test time between the two groups (t=1.986, P=0.052; t=0.392, P=0.697). The wake-up test quality was significantly better in group RD than in group R (t=-2.098,P=0.041). HR in group RD was significantly lower than that in group R at any time point during the wake-up test (P<0.05). Four patients had awareness occurrence during the operation in group R, and no awareness occurrence in group RD.. Dexmedetomidine, when administered at a rate of 0.4 μg/(kg×h) as an adjuvant of sevoflurane inhalational anesthesia, could improve the wake-up test quality, and maintain hemodynamic stability during scoliosis surgery.

Topics: Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Adolescent; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthesia, General; Arterial Pressure; Atracurium; Child; Child, Preschool; Dexmedetomidine; Double-Blind Method; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Intraoperative Awareness; Intubation, Intratracheal; Male; Methyl Ethers; Midazolam; Piperidines; Propofol; Prospective Studies; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Sevoflurane; Sufentanil

Scoliosis repair is a major orthopaedic surgery associated with severe post-operative pain. Ketamine and magnesium have an established efficacy as morphine-sparing agents. Our purpose was to evaluate the morphine-sparing effect of both magnesium and ketamine given simultaneously compared with ketamine alone during scoliosis surgery.. Fifty patients scheduled for posterior instrumentation were randomised in a prospective double-blind study. The Gr (K + Mg) received, after induction, an intravenous (IV) bolus of ketamine 0.2 mg/kg and magnesium 50 mg/kg, followed by continuous infusion of ketamine (0.15 mg/kg/h) and magnesium (8 mg/kg/h) until extubation. The Gr (K) received the same dose of ketamine associated with bolus and continuous infusion of normal saline. All patients received multimodal analgesia associated with IV morphine administered via patient-controlled analgesia pump. Morphine consumption, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and occurrence of side effects were followed until 48 h post-operatively. Sleep quality and patient satisfaction were also followed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.. The average cumulative morphine consumption was significantly lower in the Gr (K + Mg) compared with the Gr (K) at post-operative hours 4, 8, 12, 18, 30, 36 and 48. The relative difference in the post-operative morphine consumption was 29.5%: Gr (K + Mg) 51.53 mg vs. Gr (K) 73.16 mg. VAS scores were not statistically different between the two groups. However, qualities of sleep and satisfaction scores on the first night were significantly better in the Gr (K + Mg) (P = 0.027 and P = 0.016, respectively).. Ketamine and magnesium association reduces the post-operative morphine consumption after scoliosis surgery. It seems to provide a better sleep quality and improves patient satisfaction.

Topics: Adolescent; Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; Analgesics; Child; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Hyperalgesia; Infusions, Intravenous; Internal Fixators; Intraoperative Complications; Ketamine; Magnesium Sulfate; Male; Morphine; Pain, Postoperative; Patient Satisfaction; Piperidines; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Prospective Studies; Prosthesis Implantation; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Sleep; Spinal Fusion

A prospective randomized controlled trial.. The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare the efficacy of neurophysiological monitoring during general anesthesia with either a total intravenous technique or with the volatile anesthetic agent, desflurane.. A total intravenous anesthetic technique is generally chosen when neurophysiological monitoring is used as it has been shown to facilitate such monitoring. Despite this, with prolonged infusions of propofol, prolonged awakening times may be seen, which may impact the time required for postoperative neurological assessment or more importantly result in significant delays, should a wake-up test become necessary. To date, there are no prospective trials comparing intravenous techniques with a volatile agent-based anesthetic technique and its effects on neurophysiological monitoring.. This prospective study compares somatosensory evoked potential and motor evoked potential monitoring during posterior spinal fusion in 30 adolescents. The patients were randomized to receive a total intravenous technique with propofol-remifentanil or a volatile agent-based technique with desflurane-remifentanil.. The groups were similar with regard to age, weight, height, body mass index, Cobb angle, and distribution of Lenke classifications. No differences were noted in anesthesia time, surgery time, intraoperative fluids, or estimated blood loss between the 2 groups. Time to eye opening, time to following commands, and time to tracheal extubation were shorter in the volatile anesthesia group than the total intravenous anesthesia group. No clinically significant difference was noted in the amplitude or latency of somatosensory evoked potential monitoring. Although statistically significantly greater voltage amplitude was required to generate a motor evoked potential, the voltage amount was within a clinically acceptable range.. Our data demonstrate that a volatile agent-based anesthetic regimen is feasible even during neurophysiological monitoring. Advantages include a more rapid awakening and the feasibility of a rapid wake-up test (<5 min) in the event that irreversible changes in neurophysiological monitoring are noted.. 2.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthesia, Inhalation; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Child; Desflurane; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring; Isoflurane; Male; Piperidines; Propofol; Prospective Studies; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Spinal Fusion; Young Adult

To compare anesthesia profiles of target-controlled infusion (TCI) and manual-controlled infusion (MCI) of propofol and remifentanil in kyphosis correction or scoliosis correction surgery, in which intraoperative spinal cord monitoring was employed.. In the study, 160 patients scheduled for kyphosis correction surgery or scoliosis correction were enrolled and randomly allocated into 2 groups, group TCI and group MCI. In group TCI, induction and maintenance of general anesthesia were carried out by target-controlled infusion of propofol and remifentanil. Marsh and Minto, three-compartment pharmacokinetic models for propofol and remifentanil were used respectively. In group MCI, the patients received propofol and remifentanil by conventional dose-weight infusion method. Muscle relaxants were only applied for ease of induction. In both the groups, anesthesia depth was monitored by bispectral index (BIS), and the change of hemodynamic parameters was kept in the range of 20% of the baseline. The control convenience of anesthesia depth and change amplitude of BIS in the main steps of the procedure were compared. The total amounts of propofol and remifentanil, influence on the hemodynamics, influence on the successful rates of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and electromyography (EMG) were compared too.. The time of pump regulation in group TCI was significantly less than in group MCI (P<0.05). The BIS fluctuation in the main steps of the procedure was significantly smaller in Group TCI than in group MCI (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the amounts of propofol and remifentanil(P=0.158 and P=0.168). The time to awake (P=0.972) and time to extubation (P=0.944) had no significant difference. The successful rates of SSEPs and MEPs had no significant difference between groups TCI amd MCI (P>0.05).. Both TCI and MCI can offer practical anesthesia for spinal deformity correction surgery. TCI has the advantage in keeping smooth and steady depth of anesthesia.

Topics: Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Hemodynamics; Humans; Kyphosis; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Orthopedic Procedures; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Spine

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate the effect of intravenously (IV) administered acetaminophen on postoperative pain in children and adolescents undergoing surgery for idiopathic scoliosis or spondylolisthesis.. To evaluate effectiveness of IV-administered acetaminophen on postoperative analgesia, opioid consumption, and acetaminophen concentrations after major spine surgery in adolescents.. Scoliosis surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain, most commonly treated with IV-administered opioids. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as adjuvant to opioids, improve analgesia and reduce the need for opioids. However, by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase enzymes peripherally, NSAIDs may inhibit bone healing. Acetaminophen, a centrally acting analgesic, does not have the adverse effects of NSAIDs and has improved analgesia in children after another orthopedic surgery.. In an institutional review board approved study, 36 American Society of Anesthesiology patient classification I to III patients of 10 to 18 years of age were analyzed. Acetaminophen 30 mg/kg, administered IV or 0.9% NaCl was administered at the end of scoliosis or spondylolisthesis surgery, and thereafter twice at 8-hour intervals. Timed blood samples for acetaminophen determination were taken between 0.25 and 20 hours after the first dose. All patients received standard propofol-remifentanil anesthesia. Pain scores (visual analogue scale [VAS], 0-10), opioid consumption, and adverse effects were recorded.. In the surgical ward, 7 (39%) patients in the acetaminophen and 13 (72%) in the placebo group had a VAS pain score 6 or more (P < 0.05). There were fewer hours with VAS score 6 or more in the acetaminophen group compared with the placebo group (8.7% vs. 17.8% of the hours, P < 0.05). There was no difference in oxycodone consumption during the 24-hour follow-up between the 2 groups.. IV-administered acetaminophen 90 mg/kg/day, adjuvant to oxycodone, did improve analgesia, but did not diminish oxycodone consumption during 24 hours after major spine surgery in children and adolescents. All acetaminophen concentrations were in nontoxic levels.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Administration, Intravenous; Adolescent; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Analgesics, Opioid; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Nausea; Oxycodone; Pain, Postoperative; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Spinal Diseases; Spondylolisthesis; Treatment Outcome; Vomiting

This study was designed to assess the effect of combination of ketamine and remifentanil infusions as total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) during scoliosis surgery in children.. Thirty two children, 8-14 yr of age, scheduled for posterior spinal fusion, were randomly allocated into two equal groups to receive either remifentanil infusion in a dose of 0.2 microg/kg/minutes or same dose of remifentanil infusion combined with ketamine infusion in a dose of 1 microg/kg/minutes after induction of general anesthesia. During surgery, hemodynamics, surgical bleeding, and electrophysiology monitors were recorded. After completion of surgery, recovery score, recovery time and rescue analgesia were assessed in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for 24 hours.. The two groups were similar for age, weight, duration of surgery, and time to extubation. Intraoperative heart rate and arterial blood pressure were significantly decreased in remifentanil group when compated to remifentanil-ketamine group. The surgical bleeding and electrophysiological monitoring were not significantly affected by remifentanil-ketamine combination in second group. Recovery score and recovery time were not significantly increased in remifentanil-ketamine group. First pain scores recordings in arrival to (PACU) were significantly less in remifentanil-ketamine group than remifentanil group and the time passed to first patient controlled analgesia (PCA) demand dose was increased in remifentanil-ketamine group. The first 24 h morphine consumption was 38 +/- 17 and 28 +/- 10 mg (mean +/- SD) in remifentanil and remifentanil-ketamine groups, respectively.. These data demonstrate that during posterior spinal fusion surgery in children, the combination of ketamine and remifentanil infusions as TIVA may provide hemodynamic stability, satisfactory surgical requirements with reliable electrophysiological monitoring and adequate post operative pain relief supplemented by PCA morphine.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Child; Consciousness; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Ketamine; Male; Oxygen; Pain Measurement; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Respiration; Scoliosis

Remifentanil-based anesthesia is commonly used to facilitate neurophysiologic monitoring during pediatric scoliosis surgery. Acute opioid tolerance and/or hyperalgesia resulting from remifentanil-based anesthesia may involve activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate systems. We hypothesized that low-dose intraoperative infusion of the N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist ketamine would suppress the development of tolerance and thereby decrease postoperative morphine consumption in children receiving remifentanil-based anesthesia for scoliosis surgery.. Thirty-four adolescents aged 12-18 yr scheduled for scoliosis surgery were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative low-dose ketamine (bolus dose of 0.5 mg/kg followed by continuous infusion of 4 microg.kg(-1).min(-1)) or an equal volume of saline during propofol/remifentanil anesthesia. Cumulative morphine consumption was assessed using a patient-controlled analgesia device for 72 h after surgery. Postoperative morphine consumption, pain scores at rest and during cough, and sedation scores were recorded by a blinded investigator every hour for the first 4 h, every 4 hours for 20 h, and then every 12 hours for 72 h.. Cumulative morphine consumption at 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery did not differ significantly between groups (ketamine group: 1.57+/-0.56, 3.05+/-1.14, and 4.46+/-1.53 mg/kg; saline group: 1.60+/-0.53, 2.87+/-1.05, and 4.11+/-1.71 mg/kg, respectively). No differences in pain or sedation scores were found. The duration of anesthesia was similar in the two groups.. These data do not support the use of intraoperative low-dose ketamine to prevent the development of remifentanil-induced acute opioid tolerance and/or hyperalgesia during pediatric scoliosis surgery.

Topics: Adolescent; Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Child; Double-Blind Method; Drug Tolerance; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Care; Ketamine; Male; Morphine; Pain, Postoperative; Piperidines; Remifentanil; Scoliosis

The intraoperative wake-up test is a standard procedure for early recognition of neurologic complications after posterior correction of idiopathic scoliosis. In this prospective, single-blinded cohort study, the impact of the wake-up test and the opioid used for anesthesia on the quality of the patients' sleep after scoliosis surgery was investigated up to 12 months postoperatively.. Patients were classified into three groups: posterior instrumentation with wake-up test using remifentanil, anterior instrumentation without wake-up test using sufentanil, and posterior instrumentation with wake-up test using sufentanil. The quality of sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire preoperatively as well as 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. In addition, data were collected on patients' age, weight, and sex, as well as the duration of the operation and anesthesia, amount of blood loss, specific opioid dosages, and wake-up test times. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests.. There were no differences between groups with regard to baseline characteristics. No explicit recall was assessed through all groups. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the sleep quality in the posterior-remifentanil group was significantly poorer than preoperatively and compared with the anterior- and posterior-sufentanil groups. No significant differences in wake-up test times between groups undergoing posterior instrumentation occurred.. This study suggests that patients undergoing scoliosis surgery with an intraoperative wake-up test using remifentanil had impaired sleep quality that lasted up to 6 months postoperatively. No deterioration in sleep quality was observed with sufentanil. Large randomized trials are now needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Analgesics, Opioid; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Piperidines; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Single-Blind Method; Sleep Wake Disorders; Wakefulness

Remifentanil, an ultra short-acting opioid commonly used to supplement general anesthesia, is associated with the development of hyperalgesia that manifests clinically as an increase in postoperative analgesic requirement. This study involving adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery evaluated whether pre-treatment with morphine prior to commencing remifentanil infusion would decrease the initial 24-hr morphine consumption and pain scores.. Forty ASA I-II pediatric patients undergoing surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis were recruited in a prospective, randomized, double-blind fashion to receive 150 microg x kg(-1) morphine or an equal volume saline prior to commencing remifentanil by infusion. The primary outcome was the initial 24-hr postoperative morphine consumption. Numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores at rest and on coughing were recorded, as were scores for nausea, vomiting, and sedation and incidences of pruritus.. The groups were demographically similar. No differences were observed between groups vis-à-vis the initial 24-hr morphine consumption, NRS pain scores, sedation, nausea, or vomiting.. Pre-treatment with 150 microg x kg(-1) morphine did not decrease the initial 24-hr morphine consumption in adolescents who received remifentanil by infusion for surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Topics: Adolescent; Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; Analgesics, Opioid; Anesthesia, General; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Hyperalgesia; Intraoperative Care; Male; Morphine; Orthopedic Procedures; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative; Piperidines; Premedication; Prospective Studies; Remifentanil; Scoliosis

Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring is an important tool in spinal corrective surgery. Anaesthesia has a significant influence on SSEP monitoring and a technique which has the least and shortest suppressant effect on SSEP while facilitating a fast recovery from anaesthesia is ideal. We compared the effect of sevoflurane/ remifentanil and propofol/remifentanil anaesthesia on SSEPs during scoliosis corrective surgery and assessed patients' clinical recovery profiles. Twenty patients with idiopathic scoliosis receiving surgical correction with intraoperative SSEP monitoring were prospectively randomised to receive sevoflurane/remifentanil anaesthesia or propofol/remifentanil anaesthesia. During surgery, changes in anaesthesia dose and physiological variables were recorded, while SSEP was continuously monitored. A simulated 'wake-up' test was performed postoperatively to assess speed and quality of recovery from anaesthesia. The effects of propofol and sevoflurane resulted in SSEP amplitude variability between 18.0% +/- 3.5% to 28.7% +/- 5.9% and SSEP latency variability within 1.3% +/- 0.4% to 2.6% +/- 1.2%. Patients receiving sevoflurane had faster suppression and faster recovery of SSEP amplitude compared to propofol (P < 0.05), although propofol anaesthesia showed less within-patient variability in Cz amplitude and latency (P < 0.05). On cessation of anaesthesia, time to eye-opening (5.2 vs. 16.5 minutes) and toe movement (5.4 vs. 17.4 minutes) was shorter following sevoflurane (all P < 0.05). These findings indicate that propofol produces a better SSEP signal than sevoflurane. However adjustments in sevoflurane concentration result in faster changes in the SSEP signal than propofol. Assessment of neurological function was facilitated more rapidly after sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthetics, Combined; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Humans; Methyl Ethers; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Piperidines; Propofol; Prospective Studies; Reaction Time; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Sevoflurane; Time Factors

Randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE.: To determine the effect of low-dose ketamine on the voltage needed to elicit maximal amplitude of the motor-evoked response to transcranial electrical stimulation during propofol/remifentanil anesthesia in children undergoing scoliosis surgery.. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) are increasingly used to assess the integrity of motor pathways during surgery. Whereas most general anesthetics depress MEP amplitude, the effect of ketamine has been variable, ranging from little or no reduction to an increase in amplitude, suggesting that ketamine may be useful as an agent to facilitate MEP monitoring. We tested the hypothesis that low-dose ketamine would reduce the voltage required to elicit maximal amplitude of the motor-evoked response to transcranial electrical stimulation during propofol/remifentanil anesthesia.. Thirty-four patients 12 to 16 years of age undergoing posterior instrumentation for correction of idiopathic scoliosis were randomly assigned to receive low-dose ketamine (0.5 mg/kg bolus, followed by 4 microg/kg/min infusion) or an equal volume of saline. Anesthesia was maintained using a mixture of 30% oxygen in air, continuous infusion of propofol at a rate of 100 to 150 microg/kg per min, and continuous infusion of remifentanil. Myogenic motor-evoked responses to transcranial electrical stimulation of the motor cortex were recorded. The minimum voltage required to elicit maximal amplitude of the MEP response was determined. Voltage requirements were compared using the Mann-Whitney U rank sum test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.. No significant difference was found in the minimal voltage needed to elicit maximum amplitude of the MEP response. Median (range) voltage requirements in the ketamine and control groups were 227 V (range, 160-350 V) and 215 V (range, 150-300 V), respectively.. Addition of low-dose ketamine to propofol/remifentanil anesthesia does not significantly reduce the voltage needed to elicit maximum amplitude of the motor-evoked response to transcranial electrical stimulation.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthetics, Dissociative; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Synergism; Efferent Pathways; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Ketamine; Male; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Piperidines; Predictive Value of Tests; Propofol; Pyramidal Tracts; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spinal Cord Injuries; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Wake-up test can be used during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) to ensure that spinal function remains intact. This study aims at assessing the characteristics of the wake-up test during propofol-alfentanil (PA) vs propofol-remifentanil (PR) infusions for PSF surgery.. Sixty patients with scoliosis and candidates for PSF surgery were randomly allocated in either alfentanil (PA) or remifentanil (PR) group. After an i.v. bolus of alfentanil 30 microg kg(-1) in the PA group or remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1) in the PR group, anaesthesia was induced with thiopental and atracurium. During maintenance, opioid infusion consisted of alfentanil 1 microg kg(-1) min(-1) or remifentanil 0.2 microg kg(-1) min(-1), in the PA group and the PR group, respectively. All patients received propofol 50 microg kg(-1) min(-1). Atracurium was given to maintain the required surgical relaxation. At the surgeon's request, all infusions were discontinued. Patients were asked to move their hands and feet. Time from anaesthetic discontinuation to spontaneous ventilation (T(1)), and from then until movement of the hands and feet (T(2)), and its quality were recorded.. The average T(1) and T(2) were significantly shorter in the PR group [3.6 (2.5) and 4.1 (2) min] than the PA group [6.1 (4) and 7.5 (4.5) min]. Quality of wake-up test, however, did not show significant difference between the two groups studied.. Wake-up test can be conducted faster with remifentanil compared with alfentanil infusion during PSF surgery.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Alfentanil; Analgesics, Opioid; Anesthetics, Combined; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Auditory Perception; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Care; Male; Movement; Piperidines; Propofol; Reaction Time; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Spinal Cord Injuries; Spinal Fusion

We tested the hypothesis that continuous intraoperative infusion of remifentanil is associated with the development of clinically relevant acute opioid tolerance in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery. Thirty adolescents were randomly assigned to receive an intraoperative analgesic regimen consisting of continuous remifentanil infusion or intermittent morphine alone. Postoperative analgesic consumption was assessed with a patient-controlled analgesia device that was used to self-administer morphine. Cumulative postoperative morphine consumption, pain scores, and sedation scores were recorded by a blinded investigator every hour for the first 4 h postoperatively and then every 4 h for a total of 24 h. Cumulative morphine consumption in the remifentanil group was significantly more than that in the morphine group at each time point in the initial 24 h after surgery (P < 0.0001). At 24 h after surgery, cumulative morphine consumption was 30% greater in the remifentanil group (1.65 +/- 0.41 mg/kg) than in the morphine group (1.27 +/- 0.32 mg/kg) (95% confidence interval for the difference, 0.11 to 0.65 mg/kg). Differences in pain and sedation scores were not statistically significant. These data suggest that intraoperative infusion of remifentanil is associated with the development of clinically relevant acute opioid tolerance in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery.

Topics: Adolescent; Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; Analgesics, Opioid; Child; Double-Blind Method; Drug Tolerance; Female; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Intraoperative Period; Male; Morphine; Pain, Postoperative; Piperidines; Remifentanil; Scoliosis

To compare hemodynamic and endocrine stress responses of two anesthetic regimes during intraoperative wake-up tests in scoliosis surgery.. Randomized, controlled clinical study.. University hospital.. 40 ASA physical status I and II teenage patients scheduled for scoliosis surgery.. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: the propofol group (Group P) and the sevoflurane group (Group S). In Group P, anesthesia was induced with propofol and remifentanil and was maintained with infusions. Sevoflurane and remifentanil were used in Group S. After surgical instrumentation, patients were awakened, and the wake-up times were recorded. To determine the stress responses, blood samples were taken before induction, 10 minutes after surgical incision, before the wake-up test, during the wake-up test, and 10 minutes after the wake-up test. Cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations, and hemodynamics all were recorded at the same time.. The times from discontinuation of anesthetics to eye opening and movement were similar in both groups. Epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations during the wake-up test were significantly higher than pretest results in both groups (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in heart rate or blood pressure.. Propofol-remifentanil anesthesia is equivalent to sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia for a wake-up test. Both the propofol- and sevoflurane-based anesthetic regimens abolish hemodynamic and endocrine stress responses to incision for scoliosis surgery in teenagers. Intraoperative wake-up testing is associated with substantial catecholamine stress despite virtually unchanged mean arterial pressure and heart rate.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Blood Pressure; Double-Blind Method; Epinephrine; Female; Heart Rate; Hormones; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Methyl Ethers; Movement; Norepinephrine; Orthopedic Procedures; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Sevoflurane; Stress, Physiological; Wakefulness

Central core disease (CCD) is a dominantly inherited congenital myopathy. CCD is also associated with muscular and skeletal abnormalities such as abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), hip dislocation, and joint deformities. CCD and malignant hyperthermia (MH) are both associated with mutations in the ryanodine receptor on chromosome 19q13.1. An 11-year-old boy with CCD complicated with severe scoliosis was scheduled for spinal fusion surgery under general anesthesia. Furthermore, he had trismus caused by temporomandibular contracture. He was considered as MH susceptible. Anesthesia was managed with remifentanil and propofol without using muscle relaxtants and volatile anesthetics. We could intubate the trachea with Airtraq laryngoscope without any complications. The perioperative course was uneventful.

Topics: Anesthesia, General; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Child; Drug Combinations; Humans; Male; Myopathy, Central Core; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis

With the use of previously published data, new sevoflurane-remifentanil interaction models of various degrees of sedation were created and adapted to desflurane-fentanyl by using minimal alveolar concentration and opioid equivalencies. These models were used to predict return of responsiveness in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery during a wake-up test. Our hypothesis was that one of the interaction models would accurately predict return of responsiveness during a wake-up test.. Three new sevoflurane-remifentanil interaction models were constructed from previous observations in volunteers by using the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) scores. These models included predictions of OAA/S<2 (unresponsive), OAA/S< 3, and OAA/S<4 (sedation). Twenty-three patients scheduled for scoliosis surgery received a fentanyl-desflurane anesthetic. With the use of published pharmacokinetic models, predictions of fentanyl and desflurane effect-site concentrations were recorded throughout surgery and converted to equivalent remifentanil and sevoflurane effect-site concentrations. Data were recorded every 10 seconds from the time when desflurane was turned off until 10 minutes after the patients responded by moving their hands and toes. Model predictions were compared with observations with graphical and temporal analyses.. The average difference between the time when a patient first responded and the time when the model predicted that there was a 50% probability that the patient would respond were -2.6 ± 3.6 minutes (mean ± SD) for the OAA/S<2 model, 2.8 ± 5.6 minutes for the OAA/S<3 model and 52.6 ± 32.3 minutes for the OAA/S<4 model.. The results confirmed our study hypothesis; a sevoflurane-remifentanil interaction model built from observations in volunteers and adapted to desflurane and fentanyl accurately predicted patient response during a wake-up test. These results were similar to our previous study comparing model predictions and patient observations after a sevoflurane-remifentanil/fentanyl anesthetic. The OAA/S <2 model most accurately predicted the time patients would respond by moving their fingers and toes. This model may help anesthesiologists better predict return of responsiveness during a wake-up test in patients undergoing spine surgery.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Child; Desflurane; Female; Fentanyl; Humans; Isoflurane; Male; Methyl Ethers; Models, Biological; Piperidines; Predictive Value of Tests; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Sevoflurane; Time Factors; Wakefulness; Young Adult

Pregnancy in women with achondroplasia presents major challenges for anaesthetists and obstetricians. We report the case of a woman with achondroplasia who underwent general anaesthesia for an elective caesarean section. She was 99cm in height and her condition was further complicated by severe kyphoscoliosis and previous back surgery. She was reviewed in the first trimester at the anaesthetic high-risk clinic. A multidisciplinary team was convened to plan her peripartum care. Because of increasing dyspnoea caesarean section was performed at 32weeks of gestation. She received a general anaesthetic using a modified rapid-sequence technique with remifentanil and rocuronium. The intraoperative period was complicated by desaturation and high airway pressures. The woman's postoperative care was complicated by respiratory compromise requiring high dependency care.

Topics: Achondroplasia; Androstanols; Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Obstetrical; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; Patient Care Team; Piperidines; Pregnancy; Remifentanil; Rocuronium; Scoliosis; Young Adult

We described the anesthetic management of a 17-year-old male patient with Fukuyama congenital muscle dystrophy (FCMD) who underwent surgical repair for scoliosis under total intravenous anesthesia. The patient had severe constructive lung disease (%VC 18.6%). Left ventricular wall motion was reduced (left ventricular ejection fraction 40%). Propofol and remifentanil were continuously infused to maintain anesthesia, but we did not use any muscle relaxant throughout the course. We used arterial pressure-based cardiac output and stroke volume variation as a guide for circulatory management. We could not find any congestion on chest X-ray after the surgery. The emergence and recovery from the anesthesia was rapid and muscle strength was enough, and we could extubate the patient just after the end of the surgery. No respiratory and cardiac complications occurred during the postoperative period. Even though he was in the young age in FCMD, respiratory and cardiac complications were severely impaired. For successful anesthetic management in FCMD patient, we should take care of rapid emergence from anesthesia and also we should not impair muscle strength for good postoperative respiratory function. Appropriate hemodynamic monitoring to avoid postoperative cardiac congestion is also required.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Humans; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Male; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Perioperative Care; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Walker-Warburg Syndrome

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are heterogeneous disorders of neurotransmission caused by genetic mutations of neuromuscular junction molecules. We report anesthetic management of a CMS patient who was a 14-year-old boy with endplate acetylcholinesterase deficiency. The patient used noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) at night. He underwent a corrective maneuver for severe scoliosis under general anesthesia. General anesthesia was maintained using propofol and remifentanil. Intraoperative mechanical ventilation remained stable. Extubation was performed on the next day and NPPV was started. Several hours later, he complained of a stomachache and intense abdominal bloating. Computed tomography revealed a massive amount of air in the stomach and intestine. He recovered from abdominal bloating the next day without treatment for decompression. Lung-thoracic compliance has been reported to decrease immediately after a corrective maneuver for scoliosis patients. In our case, we suspected a relative increase of abdominal compliance to lung-thoracic compliance as a cause of intense abdominal bloating by air injection from NPPV with his daily setting. In CMS, symptoms, therapy and contraindicated drugs vary according to the location of dysfunction. Therefore, anesthetic management according to each genotype should be designed to avoid drugs that could either trigger or worsen CMS. Intensive respiratory care is advisable after surgery.

Topics: Adolescent; Air; Anesthesia, General; Humans; Intestines; Lung Compliance; Male; Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital; Perioperative Care; Piperidines; Positive-Pressure Respiration; Postoperative Complications; Propofol; Remifentanil; Respiration, Artificial; Scoliosis; Stomach

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three dimensional spinal deformity which occurs mostly in prepubertal and pubertal girls. Although bracing and surgery have been the mainstays of treatment for AIS, because of the complications and poor compliance, many patients with this disorder continue to experience significant residual symptoms. The etiology and pathogenesis of AIS is unclear, but recent studies show the association between osteopenia and AIS and imply that osteopenia play a causative role in the development of AIS. Anti-osteoporosis treatment can improve bone strength, prevent osteoporosis and rebalance the OPG-RANK-RANKL system, which may help to prevent curve progression in AIS. This report proposes that anti-osteoporosis treatment may be an effective treatment for AIS.

Topics: Adolescent; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Denosumab; Female; Humans; Models, Biological; Osteoprotegerin; Piperidines; RANK Ligand; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B; Scoliosis

The unique properties of remifentanil make it ideal for pediatric use despite a lack of wide randomized clinical trials and fear of adverse events due to its high potency. We aimed to consolidate preliminary conclusions regarding the efficacy of remifentanil use in pediatric scoliosis surgery.. The medical charts of children with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent primary spinal fusion between 1998 and 2007 at a large tertiary university-affiliated hospital were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups according to anesthetic regime (remifentanil vs. morphine). Demographic, surgery-related details and immediate postoperative course were recorded and compared.. All 36 remifentanil children were extubated shortly after termination of surgery, compared to 2 of the 84 patients in the morphine group. The remaining patients in the morphine group were extubated hours after surgery [5.4 hours; standard deviation (SD) 1.7 hours]. Six remifentanil children were spared routine intensive care hospitalization (vs. 2 morphine children-significant difference). Shorter surgeries [5.6 hours (SD 1.82 hours) vs. 7.14 hours (SD 2.15 hours); p=0.0004] were logged for the remifentanil group. To achieve controlled hypotension during surgery, vasodilator agents were used in the morphine group only. A comparison of early postoperative major or minor complication rates (including neurological and pulmonary complications) between the two groups yielded no significant differences.. Remifentanil use can shorten operating time and facilitate earlier spontaneous ventilation and extubation, with less of a need for intensive care hospitalization and no increase in significant complications.

Topics: Child; Humans; Morphine; Piperidines; Remifentanil; Retrospective Studies; Scoliosis

We gave general anesthesia to a patient with scoliosis combined with central core disease (CCD). CCD is a slowly progressive autosomal dominant congenital myopathy. CCD is presented typically in infancy with hypotonia and delay of motor development, characterized by predominantly proximal weakness pronounced in the hip girdle. Orthopedic complications are common with congenital dislocation of the hips, scoliosis and foot deformity. CCD is due to mutations in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (RYR1) gene at chromosome 19q13.1, which is also implicated in the malignant hyperthermia (MH). A patient with CCD is at risk of MH, with an abnormal response to suxamethonium and volatile anesthetics. The anesthetist ought to be aware of the diagnosis of CCD and to plan anesthetic management accordingly, avoiding potentially MH-triggering agents. We used total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in this case, and he showed no MH symptoms perioperatively. This report demonstrates that anesthesia in a patient with CCD could be successfully maintained with TIVA.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Humans; Male; Myopathy, Central Core; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Ankle Joint; Humans; Piperidines; Postoperative Complications; Propofol; Reflex; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Spinal Cord Injuries; Young Adult

A 12-year-old girl with severe scoliosis underwent an operative procedure for correction of her spine deformity. Spinal cord injury is one of the most feared complications of scoliosis surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to detect spinal injury as early as possible. Intraoperative wake-up test is used to monitor spinal cord function during surgery. We used an intraoperative wake-up test with the concept of target-controlled infusion and total intravenous anesthesia (propofol and remifentanil). The use of Bispectral Index monitoring as a measure of depth of anesthesia enabled the patient to awake rapidly and consequently we did an immediate evaluation of muscle strength of lower extremities.

Topics: Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Child; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Perioperative Care; Piperidines; Postoperative Complications; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Injuries; Treatment Outcome; Wakefulness

The electroencephalogram-derived Bispectral Index (BIS), and the composite A-line ARX index (cAAI), derived from the electroencephalogram and auditory evoked potentials, have been promoted as anesthesia depth monitors. Using an intraoperative wake-up test, we compared the performance of both indices in distinguishing different hypnotic states, as evaluated by the University of Michigan Sedation Scale, in children and adolescents during propofol-remifentanil anesthesia for scoliosis surgery. Postoperative explicit recall was also evaluated.. Twenty patients (aged 10-20 yr) were enrolled. Prediction probabilities were calculated for induction, wake-up test, and emergence. BIS and cAAI were compared at the start of the wake-up test, at purposeful movement to command, and after the patient was reanesthetized. During the wake-up test, patients were instructed to remember a color, and were then interviewed for explicit recall.. Prediction probabilities of BIS and cAAI for induction were 0.82 and 0.63 (P < 0.001), for the wake-up test, 0.78 and 0.79 (P < 0.001), and 0.74 and 0.78 for emergence (P < 0.001). During the wake-up test, a significant increase in mean BIS and cAAI (P < 0.05) was demonstrated at purposeful movement, followed by a significant decline after reintroduction of anesthesia.. During induction, BIS performed better than cAAI. Although cAAI was statistically a better discriminator for the level of consciousness during the wake-up test and emergence, these differences do not appear to be clinically meaningful. Both indices increased during the wake-up test, indicating a higher level of consciousness. No explicit recall was demonstrated.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Child; Electroencephalography; Evoked Potentials, Auditory; Humans; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Piperidines; Predictive Value of Tests; Probability; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Wakefulness

Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and a synthetic opioid is a frequently chosen anesthetic technique for posterior spinal fusion. Despite its utility, adverse effects may occur with high or prolonged propofol dosing regimens including delayed awakening. The current study investigated the propofol-sparing effects of the concomitant administration of the alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist, dexmedetomidine, during spinal fusion surgery in adolescents.. The surgical database of the department of orthopedic surgery was searched and patients (12-21 years of age) were identified who had undergone spinal fusion for either idiopathic or neuromuscular scoliosis during the past 24 months. Patients were assigned to two groups. Group 1 included patients anesthetized with propofol and remifentanil and group 2 included patients anesthetized with dexmedetomidine, propofol, and remifentanil. In the latter group, dexmedetomidine was administered as a continuous infusion of 0.5 microg.kg(-1).h(-1) started after the induction of anesthesia without a loading dose. Propofol was adjusted to maintain the bispectral index (BIS) number at 40-50 and remifentanil was adjusted to maintain the mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 50-65 mmHg. Labetolol or hydralazine was used if the MAP could not be maintained at 50-65 mmHg with remifentanil up to a maximum dose of 0.6 microg/kg/min. Statistical analysis included a nonpaired t-test for parametric data (age, weight, remifentanil/propofol infusion requirements, and heart rate/blood pressure values). A nonparametric statistical analysis (Dunn) was used to compare BIS numbers. Parametric data are presented as the mean +/- SD while nonparametric data are presented as the median and the 95th percentile confidence intervals.. Twelve patients received propofol-remifentanil-dexmedetomidine and 24 received propofol-remifentanil. There were no differences in the demographic data, BIS numbers or hemodynamic parameters between the two groups. There was a reduction in the propofol infusion requirements in patients who also received dexmedetomidine (71 +/- 11 microg.kg(-1).min(-1)) compared with those receiving only propofol-remifentanil (101 +/- 33 microg.kg(-1).min(-1), P = 0.0045). No difference was noted in the remifentanil infusion requirements or the use of supplemental agents (hydralazine and labetolol) to maintain controlled hypotension.. The concomitant use of dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing spinal fusion reduces propofol infusion requirements when compared with those patients receiving only propofol and remifentanil.

Topics: Adolescent; Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Blood Pressure; Child; Dexmedetomidine; Electroencephalography; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Intraoperative Period; Male; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Retrospective Studies; Scoliosis; Spinal Fusion; Spine; Young Adult

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, or distal arthrogryposis type 2A, is a rare congenital myopathy and dysplasia characterised by multiple contractures, abnormalities of the head and face, defective development of the hands and feet and skeletal malformations. The facial muscle contracture produces the typical 'whistling face' appearance. Anaesthetic issues include difficult intravenous access, difficult airway and postoperative pulmonary complications. Although an association with malignant hyperthermia has been suggested, this has not been confirmed. We report the management of a seven-year-old girl with Freeman-Sheldon syndrome undergoing anterior and posterior spinal surgery and describe a successful anaesthetic regimen based on a total intravenous anaesthesia technique with remifentanil and propofol without neuromuscular blocking agents. The child had an uneventful anaesthetic and postoperative course. We believe the presence of the myopathy warranted the use of a 'non-triggering' anaesthetic, as suxamethonium and volatile agents may be associated with significant complications such as muscle rigidity and rhabdomyolysis in myopathic patients, even in the absence of malignant hyperthermia.

Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Anesthesia, General; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Arthrogryposis; Blood Pressure; Child; Craniofacial Abnormalities; Electroencephalography; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Orthopedic Procedures; Pain, Postoperative; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Respiration, Artificial; Scoliosis; Spine; Syndrome

Intraoperative monitoring of the spinal cord via cortical somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) is a routine during spinal surgery. However, especially in neuromuscular scoliosis, the reliability of cortical SSEP has been questioned. Therefore, we compared the feasibility of cortical SSEP in idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis using anaesthetics known to have only minimal effect on SSEP recordings.. Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil as continuous infusion was standardized for all the patients. Median and tibial nerve cortical SSEP were monitored in 54 patients who underwent surgery for spinal deformity. Twenty-seven had idiopathic scoliosis and 27 had neuromuscular scoliosis. The portion of reproducible results and intraoperative changes were compared between the groups.. In both groups, cortical SSEP could be monitored with sufficient reliability. Only in two patients with idiopathic and four patients with neuromuscular scoliosis no reproducible traces could be obtained. The amplitudes in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis were lower than in those with idiopathic scoliosis, but not statistically significant. There were no postoperative neurological deficits. The number of false positive and true positive did not differ between the groups.. Assessment of cortical SSEP during spine surgery was equally effective and reliable in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis and in patients with idiopathic scoliosis, possibly as a result of propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anesthetics, Combined; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnostic Errors; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Neuromuscular Diseases; Piperidines; Propofol; Prospective Studies; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Spinal Cord

Anaesthesia for patients with Leigh's syndrome has rarely been reported. Leigh's syndrome or subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy is a neurodegenerative disorder of infancy or childhood. Acute exacerbation with respiratory failure may accompany surgery and general anaesthesia. In this case report we describe the anaesthetic management of a 17 year old patient scheduled for spine surgery.

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthesia, General; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Female; Humans; Leigh Disease; Methyl Ethers; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Nitrous Oxide; Oxygen; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Respiration, Artificial; Scoliosis; Sevoflurane

Motor evoked potentials can be affected by propofol anaesthesia. We studied how increasing target concentrations of propofol altered transcranial motor evoked potentials (tcMEP) during scoliosis surgery.. Fifteen patients undergoing surgery for scoliosis were anaesthetized with remifentanil and propofol without nitrous oxide or neuromuscular blocking agents (BIS<60). tcMEP were elicited by transcranial electric multipulse stimulation of the motor cortex and recording of compound action potentials from the anterior tibialis muscle. tcMEP were obtained before surgery with propofol target values set from 4 to 8 mg litre(-1), and then during surgery. Arterial propofol concentrations were measured for each tcMEP recording.. Before surgery, increasing propofol reduced tcMEP amplitude in a dose-dependent manner, with no effect on latency. During surgery, at equivalent propofol concentrations, tcMEP were not statistically different from those obtained before surgery. In all except one patient, tcMEP signals were present during the entire procedure. In this patient the loss of tcMEP was unfortunately related to an anterior spinal cord lesion, which was confirmed by a wake-up test.. We found that, although propofol had a dose-dependent effect on tcMEP amplitude, anaesthesia could be maintained with remifentanil and propofol to allow recording and interpretation of tcMEP signals.

Topics: Adult; Analgesics, Opioid; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Electric Stimulation; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Female; Humans; Male; Motor Cortex; Piperidines; Propofol; Remifentanil; Scoliosis; Spinal Cord Injuries; Statistics, Nonparametric