ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to compare the effects of bupivacaine alone and in combination with dexmedetomidine on postoperative analgesia, neonatal Apgar score, and bispectral index (BIS), which has been shown to correlate with increased sedation and loss of consciousness in women undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.MethodsA total of 152 term parturient women scheduled to have elective cesarean section with American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status I or II were allocated randomly into two groups to receive either bupivacaine plus placebo (BV group) or bupivacaine plus dexmedetomidine (BVD group). BIS, sedation scale scores, Apgar scores, and hemodynamic characteristics were recorded and statistically compared between the groups.ResultsOnset of post-operative pain was delayed in the BVD group. Sedation score (Ramsay sedation section) was improved in the BVD group with the least values of 0 - 3 followed by 1 - 4. There was no significant difference in Apgar score between the two groups. Also, there was a significant distinction between the two groups in terms of BIS during cesarean section.ConclusionsThe use of intrathecal dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in cesarean surgeries provides better intra-operative and post-operative analgesia without any significant impact on Apgar scores or incidence of side effects.

Background: The use of regional methods in various types of surgery such as mastectomy is very popular today. Various methods, including Pecs I-II block, erector spinae, epidural thoracic, and paravertebral block have been used in these operations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Recent studies on the effect of µ receptor stimulation on the likelihood of recurrence and metastasis have been published, which make the use of a suitable regional approach with low complications and high efficacy attractive. Among the side effects of breast surgery in patients with cancer are nausea and vomiting, the risk of which is reduced through regional procedures that reduce the need for opioids. Methods: We randomly divided 64 patients into two pectoralis block (Pecs B) and erector spinae block (ESB) groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 2, 4, 6, and 10 hours, nausea and vomiting, need for opioids, and hemodynamic changes were recorded. Results: The analyses showed that pain score was significantly higher in the Pecs B group compared to the ESB group, while VAS score, as well as the frequency of opioid use, were lower, which could be due to medial branch of the anterior intercostal nerve. Hemodynamic changes were also significantly greater in the ESB group, which could be due to the proximity of the block to the thoracic sympathetic nerves and spinal cord. Conclusions: Despite the statistically significant differences in analgesia and hemodynamic changes, the seemingly superiority of the Pecs B is not clinically significant and the use of both types of the block is selective. Regarding the need for opioids and nausea, Pecs B showed a tangible advantage over ESB.

Background and aims: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed many challenges for healthcare workers around the world. This study aims to present the most appropriate and evidence-based scientific advice for safe regional anesthesia practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: To perform regional anesthesia during respiratory disease outbreaks, several databases were investigated, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Up-to-date, and ScienceDirect. Searches were in English during a timeframe spanning from February 15, 2019, until February 15, 2021, and the applied keywords were "COVID-19 anesthesia", "surgery", and "operating room" Results: We have focused on definite areas such as workforce and resource planning, modification of clinical setting, preparation of equipment, supplies, and medications, selection of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), cardiorespiratory monitoring of the patient, and sedation and oxygen therapy. Other fields were assessing safe regional anesthesia techniques and monitoring during anesthesia, post-anesthesia care, and follow-ups. In these recommendations, keeping the patients safe while protecting healthcare providers from potential exposure to infection is of particular interest. Conclusion: The safety of healthcare workers and patients during the anesthesia management of suspected and positive COVID-19 cases is of utmost importance. Although there is limited evidence regarding performing regional anesthesia, these presented suggestions summarize the best accessible data and explain some doubts in this respect.

Background: After graduation, physicians should be able to provide professional and safe services without the need for supervision by their clinical professors, mandating a competency-based medical education (CBME) approach. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a national model of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) based on our experiences in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (DACC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU). Methods: The primary EPA design plan was designed in a 10-step model as a career roadmap for the project. The texts were prepared according to a consensus-based approach. On the other hand, the texts were reviewed and revised by a broad team of faculty in a daily workshop. Results: The final product included 14 topics for EPA as the first round of targeting topics for anesthesiology residents. The texts were developed using previous studies and were standardized considering national standards. Conclusions: We described a clear path toward designing and implementing EPAs in anesthesiology residency programs to improve the quality of the graduated residents. Though the basic theory is the same, each country needs its formula for implementing the process.

Background: The outbreak of Covid-19 has seriously challenged the world's health systems, which brought about a growing dissemination of a multitude anesthesia guidelines. Considering the collaboration of international collogues with the purpose of saving patients’ lives and health care workers, the primary purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate the national guidelines released for the management of anesthesia in patients with Covid 19. Methods: The required data were collected through systematic review approach by consulting the national guidelines published in the datasets such as Pub-med, Cochrane Library, Embase, Science Direct, and Up-to-date. This inclusive searching approach was supplemented with the World Federation of Anesthesiologists Information Resources website. Results: We reviewed the guidelines disseminated by Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Iran, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The results revealed that all the above guidelines were often used to limit the spread of infection and to maintain the health of health care providers. Considering the scope and mission of the guidelines, the results also showed that the most comprehensive ones were disseminated by Chinese researchers. The most transparent reporting of sources of information was released by South Africa and the United Kingdom scholars. Conclusion: Evidence-based implications, the national guidelines need to be updated to increase their accuracy, clarity, and enforceability.