That IL-6 is an interesting target in the study of pain is underscored by its biomolecular properties, its localization after experimental pain, and its modulating effect on pain after administration.

The efficacy o f radiofrequency lesion treatment of the cervical dorsal root ganglion (RF-DRG) in cervicobrachialgia w as investigated in 61 patients by a random ized prospective double blinded study. Before lesion treatment the putative pain provoking spinal root was identified by diagnostic blocks with a local anesthetic agent. One group of patients (n = 32, group I) was treated with a radiofrequency lesion o f 67°C and in a control group (n = 29, group II) a temperature of 40°C was applied. Three months after treatment a significant reduction in V AS scores was dem onstrated in both groups. The outcome of the treatments was identical (VAS reduction: group I, 1.7; group II, 1.9; P = 0.001). In group I a VAS reduction of 3 or more occurred in 11/31 (34%) and in group II in 11/29 (38%) of patients. A V A S reduction of 2 or m ore occurred in group I in 15/31 (47%) and in group II in 15/29 (51%) of patients, This study suggests that treatm ent with 40°C radiofrequency application of the dorsal root ganglion is equally effective as treatment at 67°C. Further appraisal o f this treatment is required. © 1997 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Sugammadex is effective in reversing rocuronium, but not mivacurium- or atracurium-induced neuromuscular block.

The blink reflex (brainstem function) is more sensitive to sevoflurane or propofol than BIS (forebrain function). Sevoflurane suppresses the blink reflex more than propofol. Different k(e0)s for blink reflex vs BIS indicate different effect sites.

A safe and acceptable analgesic/amnestic state for these procedures can be provided by the use of dexmedetomidine, with or without the addition of remifentanil.