Automated assessment of circulatory response to surgical stimuli is unsolved. Would detection of cardiac baroreflex inhibition assess adequacy of intra-operative anti-nociception upon incision, as performed on-line on a beat-by-beat basis by a cardiovascular index, CARDEAN™? 18 ASA I-II patients undergoing spinal disc repair were studied, in a prospective randomized single-blinded trial (observational study). During infusion of propofol to maintain bispectral index between 40 and 60, patients were allocated to receive an effect site target-controlled infusion of remifentanil at Ce = 2 or 4 ng ml(-1). Upon incision and during surgery, circulatory response was assessed using beat-by-beat measurements of minor hypertension and tachycardia to give a cardiovascular index, CARDEAN, scaled between 0 and 100. Upon skin incision, CARDEAN increased in the remifentanil Ce = 2 ng ml(-1) group (n = 7, P < 0.05), while it did not increase in the remifentanil Ce = 4 ng ml(-1) group (n = 7, P = 0.18). During surgery, retrospectively, CARDEAN > 60 was associated with tachycardia and hypertension (P (k) = 0.81 ± 0.10). Changes in CARDEAN appeared linked to adequacy of anti-nociception.

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Les enjeux de la prise en charge du traumatisme vertébromédullaire (TVM) cervical sont fondamentaux. Le pronostic vital peut être engagé dans l’immédiat. Cette prise en charge découle des conséquences de l’atteinte médullaire sur ses différents contingents moteur, sensitif et autonome et des objectifs de limiter les lésions secondaires. L’évaluation neurologique initiale repose sur le score ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association score). Le scanner ou l’imagerie par résonance magnétique à l’admission sont indispensables. L’optimisation hémodynamique repose sur un remplissage vasculaire minutieux et l’emploi adapté des amines vasopressives chez ces patients qui ont une défaillance des systèmes adaptatifs cardiaques. La prise en charge respiratoire repose sur une stratégie globale comportant une évaluation respiratoire et, si possible, une extubation précoce avec relai par ventilation non invasive et kinésithérapie intensive. Cette stratégie permet la diminution du recours à la trachéotomie et une réduction de la durée de ventilation mécanique. La prévention et le traitement des autres complications liées à la pathologie et à l’immobilisation ne doivent pas être négligés. The early management of cervical spinal cord injury is critical. This involves therapies of motor, sensitive and autonomic consequences of the cervical spinal injury to limit the extension of secondary lesions. The initial neurological assessment is based on the ASIA score (American Spinal Injury Association score) and CT-scan or MR imaging. Hemodynamic management requires a careful use of vascular filling and vasopressors in these patients where cardiac adaptive systems may be altered. Respiratory management involves assessment of the respiratory function, and, whenever possible, early tracheal extubation, active physiotherapy and non-invasive ventilation. This strategy may reduce the requirement for tracheostomy and the duration of mechanical ventilation. Prevention and treatment of other complications related to the immobilization should be considered.