Can J Anaesth, 2015 Dec;62(12):1268-1278. Authors: Xiong C et al PURPOSE: Palonosetron, a second-generation 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor antagonist (5-HT3RA), has unique characteristics relative to first-generation 5-HT3RAs such as ondansetron. Nevertheless, it remains unclear if palonosetron is better than ondansetron for the prevention of nausea and vomiting during the first 24 hr after surgery and is thus the […]
Read MoreCan J Anaesth, 2015 Nov;62(11):1169-1178. Authors: Allen M et al PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine if the incidence of recall was equivalent between light and deep sedation for colonoscopy. Secondary analysis included complications, patient clinical recovery, and post-procedure cognitive impairment. METHODS: Two hundred patients undergoing elective outpatient colonoscopy were randomized to light (bispectral index [BIS] 70-80) […]
Read MoreCan J Anaesth, 2015 Dec;62(12):1303-1307 Authors: Thanapaalasgham K et al PURPOSE: Pheochromocytomas (PHEOS) are rare catecholamine-secreting adrenal tumours requiring surgical resection. Preoperative alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade to prevent intraoperative hypertension has traditionally been achieved with phenoxybenzamine. Due to changes in the availability of phenoxybenzamine in Canada, alternate therapies are needed for patients. We report our first experience using […]
Read MoreCapsaicin 8% patch is well-tolerated and provides significant improvements in pain and sleep quality compared with placebo for patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN), according to a study presented here at the 51st Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Capsaicin 8% patch has been used as an analgesic […]
Read MoreThe FDA has granted accelerated approval for idarucizumab (Praxbind) to reverse the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran (Pradaxa) in emergency situations. Idarucizumab, an injectable monoclonal antibody fragment, binds to dabigatran and thereby neutralizes its effect. Approval was based on three trials in which some 280 healthy adults who did not require anticoagulant therapy were given dabigatran […]
Read More