No abstract

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is the gold standard method for assessment of oxygenation and acid base analysis, yielding valuable information about a variety of disease process. This study is aimed to determine the extent of correlation between arterial and peripheral venous samples for blood gases and acid base status in critically ill and emergency department patients and to evaluate if venous sample may be a better alternative for initial assessment and resuscitation. The prospective study was conducted on 45 patients of either sex in the age group of 15-80 years of intensive care unit and emergency ward. Relevant history, presenting complaints, vital signs, and indication for testing were recorded. Arterial and peripheral venous samples were drawn simultaneously in a pre-heparinized syringe and analyzed immediately for blood gases and acid base status. Mean difference and Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient was used to compare the result. After statistical evaluation, the present study shows minimal mean difference and good correlation (r > 0.9) between arterial and peripheral venous sample for blood gases and acid base status. Correlation in PO2 measurement was poor (r < 0.3). Thus, venous blood may be a useful alternative to arterial blood during blood gas analysis obviating the need for arterial puncture in difficult clinical situation especially trauma patients, for initial emergency department assessment and early stages of resuscitation.

Background: The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the outcome of medical management of postoperative discitis (POD). Materials and Methods: A total of 31 patients treated for POD were included in the study. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory data of all patients were collected and evaluated. All patients were treated initially with bed rest and antibiotic therapy after radiological diagnosis. Surgical management was undertaken after failure of 4 weeks of conservative management. All cases were followed clinically with laboratory and radiological investigations. Results: Five cases failed to respond to medical management and were treated surgically with debridement and transpedicular fixation. All patients showed clinical recovery till the last follow-up. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and proper management are the keys to successful outcome of postoperative spndylodiscitis. Surgical debridement and fusion are required when conservative treatment fails.

Background and Aims: Postoperative pain is spine surgery can last for an average of two to three days. Epidural catheter management are difficult in spine surgery for postoperative pain. Still, there have been not much studies on epidural administered gelfoam soaked dexmedetomidine or bupivacaine, to enhance postoperative analgesia. Methods: Ninety six adult patients were randomized into three groups. Gelfoam soaked in 0.1 mg dexmedetomidine (0.02 mg. mL-1) in group D, 0.25% isobaric bupivacaine (5 mL) in group B and gelfoam soaked in 0.9% normal saline (5 mL) in group C. The Primary outcome was to compare the total amount of rescue analgesic consumption till 48 hours. The Secondary outcome was to compare time to first dose of rescue analgesia (duration of analgesia), the visual analogue scale and side effects up to 48 hours. Chi-square test, independent t test and analysis of variance test were used, and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ninety patients completed the study. Total dose of rescue analgesic consumed in 48 hours was significantly higher in control group (paracetamol 4.17 ± 0.75 gm with tramadol 205 ± 37.94 mg). Bupivacaine soaked gelfoam group (paracetamol 3.04±0.71 gm with tramadol 151.85 ± 35.31 mg) had more rescue analgesic consumption than dexmedetomidine soaked gelfoam group (paracetamol 1.72 ± 0.57 gm with tramadol 86.11 ± 28.73 mg). Time for first rescue analgesic requirement with dexmedetomidine soaked gelfoam group was significantly longer (14.67 ± 7.76 hours) than in bupivacaine soaked gelfoam group (11.33 ± 6.08 hours) and control group (6.40 ± 2.77 hours). Postoperative mean VAS scores were lower in group D and group B compared with group C along with no significant adverse effects. Conclusion: Patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy with gelfoam soaked epidural dexmedetomidine or bupivacaine decreases rescue analgesic consumption, prolongs the duration of analgesia and decreases mean VAS score postoperatively.

No abstract