0000000000124030
AUTHOR
Jose M. Palanca
A comparison of lateral popliteal versus lateral midfemoral sciatic nerve blockade using ropivacaine 0.5%
The midfemoral approach to the sciatic nerve (MF) is a new technique that has been used for postoperative analgesia after knee surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare efficacy, performance time, and patient acceptance of the midfemoral approach to that of the lateral approach at the level of the popliteal fossa (popliteal block [PB]).Sixty-three patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized study. Thirty-two patients received a lateral sciatic nerve block (group PB) and 31 patients a midfemoral block (group MF). Ropivacaine 0.5% (30 mL) was used in both groups.The quality of nerve blockade was comparable in both groups. Onset of sensory block for peroneal and tibial ne…
Sugammadex, a Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal Agent, Causes Neuronal Apoptosis in Primary Cultures
Sugammadex, a γ-cyclodextrin that encapsulates selectively steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents, such as rocuronium or vecuronium, has changed the face of clinical neuromuscular pharmacology. Sugammadex allows a rapid reversal of muscle paralysis. Sugammadex appears to be safe and well tolerated. Its blood-brain barrier penetration is poor (< 3% in rats), and thus no relevant central nervous toxicity is expected. However the blood brain barrier permeability can be altered under different conditions (i.e. neurodegenerative diseases, trauma, ischemia, infections, or immature nervous system). Using MTT, confocal microscopy, caspase-3 activity, cholesterol quantification and Western-blot we …