Concerns over addiction and drug abuse are causing some primary care physicians (PCPs) to prescribe fewer opioids for chronic pain, according to a recent national survey on prescription drug abuse. The clinical use of prescription opioids for treating chronic pain nearly doubled from 2000 to 2010, along with an increase in opioid abuse, addiction, injury […]
Read MoreThe FDA has approved Hospira, Inc.’s Dyloject (diclofenac sodium) Injection. The proprietary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is indicated for the treatment of adults with mild to moderate pain and for the management of moderate to severe pain alone or in combination with opioid analgesics. “While not a replacement for opioids, Dyloject is [an] injectable therapy […]
Read MoreA review of more than 5,000 patient records has concluded that women undergoing preterm cesarean delivery have a significantly higher risk for failed spinal anesthesia than women undergoing the procedure at full term. These findings, reported by a Duke University research team suggest that an increased spinal dose—or combined spinal–epidural technique—may be necessary to reliably […]
Read MorePublished in Respir Care. 2015 Apr;60(4):567-76 Authors: Sazak H et al BACKGROUND: Transbronchial needle aspiration using endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS-TBNA), a new minimally invasive diagnostic procedure, has been used to evaluate intrathoracic lymph nodes. It has been reported that EBUS-TBNA can be performed safely under sedation and provides a high level of patient satisfaction. We aimed […]
Read MoreThis is for our pain providers. Published in Br J Dermatol. 2014 Dec 18 Authors: Hiom S et al Herpes zoster reactivation, shingles, affects 0.2% of the population 1 and complications include: secondary bacterial infection, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), ulceration and scarring, pneumonitis, hepatitis, Ramsey-Hunt syndrome, meningoencephalitis and paralysis. PHN occurs in 10 -15% of patients […]
Read MorePublished in J Opioid Manag. 2012 Nov-Dec:8(6):414-5 Authors: Weiner M et al A 53-year-old male with peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy suffered an intracerebral hemorrhage resulting in right hemiparesis and hemisensory loss. Three months later, he developed constant and burning pain within the entire right side of his body. He was diagnosed with central pain syndrome and […]
Read MorePatients with signs of anaphylaxis should be given epinephrine in the anterolateral thigh as first-line treatment, according to new practice parameters published in the December issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. However, studies show that even when anaphylaxis is correctly diagnosed, clinicians in emergency departments fail to administer epinephrine up to 80% of the time. […]
Read MorePUBLISHED: Int J Colorectal Dis. 2015 Apr;30(4):475-81 Authors: Chen WK et al PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of anesthetic methods on markers of anti-tumor immunity and intestinal functions in fast-track surgery in colon cancer (CC) patients during the perioperative period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 53 patients with American […]
Read MorePUBLISHED: J Clin Anesth. 2015 Mar;27(2):140-5 Authors: Chen YQ et al STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on cardiovascular response and heart rate (HR) variability in elderly patients during anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty elderly patients (American Society […]
Read MorePUBLISHED: J Clin Anesth. 2014 Dec;26(8):616-22 AUTHORS: Suzuki K et STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between preoperative catecholamine levels and intraoperative peak plasma lactate levels in patients who underwent adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Operating room in one university hospital. MEASUREMENTS: The records of 27 ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients […]
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