Anesthesia by continuous infusion of propofol with remifentanil in cats pretreated with acepromazineThe present work evaluated the anesthetic association of propofol, an ultra-short acting general anesthetic with a fast metabolism, with remifentanil, an opioid of great analgesic potency that is used as adjunct to general anesthetics. The main objective was to develop a safe protocol of intravenous continuous infusion capable of providing comfort for the patient with great analgesic action and muscle relaxation for cats subjected to elective surgeries like ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy. Thirty cats were randomly distributed in 3 groups of 10 animals each. All animals were tranquilized with acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg IM) and general anesthesia was induced using propofol (6mg/kg, IV). In group 1, general anesthesia was maintained by continuous infusion of propofol (0.6 mg/kg/min); in group 2, with propofol (0.4 mg/kg/min) and remifentanil (0.1 µg/kg/min) and; in group 3, with propofol (0.4 mg/kg/min) and remifentanilRecebido para publicação em dezembro de 2007 e aprovado em soutubro de 2010

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ObjectivesThe aim of this work is to study the efficacy of loxapine inhalation powder on agitated patients in a psychiatric inpatient unit.MethodsNineteen patients sample, with an average age of 39.4 years old, diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder. Patients inhaled loxapine 10 mg, using the staccato system, when they suffered a psychomotor agitation. The clinical efficacy was measured as a change from baseline in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-Excited Component (PANSS-EC) and in the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) one hour after the administration of loxapine.ResultsA mean of 9.8 points reduction (22.6 at baseline and 12.7 one hour after the administration) was found on the PANSS-EC (t-test, P < .001) and 68.4% of the patients were considered responders as they obtained a reduction of at least 40% of the basal score. On 10 of the total of the agitated patients showed an improvement of the psychomotor excitement, and this allowed the clinicians to remove the physical restraint; on 6 of the agitated patients the physical restraint could be avoided during the whole treatment; and 3 of the patients experienced a reduction of the excitement. The reduction on PANNS-EC on the latest group was not statistically significant (t-test, P = .121).ConclusionsInhaled loxapine was a non-invasive, rapid and effective alternative treatment for acute agitation in a psychiatric inpatient unit. It resulted more effective on mild and moderate cases; not been significantly effective on the severe cases of agitation.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.