No abstract

Spectral Entropy (SpEn) is an alternative tool to the bispectral index (BIS) for monitoring depth of hypnosis. SpEn measures response entropy (RE) and state entropy (SE). This open-label prospective study was designed to evaluate SpEn and BIS in 20 patients undergoing elective supratentorial neurosurgery with craniotomy and resection of brain tumors. SpEn and BIS were obtained continuously by Datex Ohmeda M-entropy module S/5 (Helsinki, Finland) and Aspect Medical System BIS (Newton), respectively. Total intravenous anesthesia was performed in all patients by Fresenius Vial infusion system (Brezins, France) to maintain a plasma concentration of propofol of 2.5 to 5 microg mL(-1) and sufentanil of 0.2 to 0.4 etag mL(-1). SpEn, BIS, the estimated propofol effect-site concentrations (Ce), the mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the heart rate (HR) were recorded during 12 specific events: induction of anesthesia, patient stop counting, loss of blinking reflex, intubation, mayfield pinning, craniotomy, termination of propofol infusion, recovery of blinking reflex, coughing, limb movement, order execution, and extubation. Stated that prediction probability or P(K) represents an indicator probability to predict correctly the rank order of an arbitrary pair of distinct observed indices of depth of hypnosis (ie, clinical settings and SpEn indices, or BIS, Ce, MAP, HR), PK of BIS, SE, RE, and Ce provided a better depth of hypnosis than MAP and HR; RE being the best for rapidity, SE for sensitivity, and BIS for specificity. There is good correlation between the 3 hypnosis indices and Ce. This study demonstrates that SpEn provides a reproducible hypnosis index for patients undergoing supratentorial neurosurgical procedures.

The aim was to analyse the existing relation between a subjective evaluation of pain with the use of the Verbal Numerical Scale (VNS) and an objective behavioural measure associated with pain, by means of the Pain Behaviour Rating Scale (UAB). An observational correlation study was carried out in a hospital environment. The study included 61 patients affected with multiple forms of non-malignant chronic pain; the behaviour was observed by the nursing staff. In general, a positive but moderate correlation was obtained between VNS and UAB scales (r=0.29, p<0.0001). Observing behaviour and listening to the patient constituted two complementary and non-interchangeable methods for assessing the level of pain capable of providing a global and objective portrayal of the pain experience.