The effectiveness of low-dose desmopressin in improving hypothermia-induced impairment of primary haemostasis under influence of aspirin - a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Mild hypothermia (34-35 °C) increases perioperative blood loss. Our previous studies showed that desmopressin could have in vitro beneficial effects on hypothermia-induced primary haemostasis impairment. In this study, we investigate the in vitro effects of desmopressin on hypothermia-induced primary haemostasis impairment under the influence of aspirin in healthy volunteers.

Continuous femoral nerve block versus patient-controlled analgesia following total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: To compare total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who received continuous femoral nerve block (FNB) with local anaesthetics through a catheter versus patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with intravenous morphine.

Methods: 50 women and 10 men aged 51 to 84 years with matched characteristics underwent TKA and received either continuous FNB with local anaesthetics through a catheter (n=30) or PCA with intravenous morphine (n=30). None of the patients had had previous knee surgery.

Prevalence of and factors associated with psychiatric morbidity in chronic pain patients.

Objective: The reported prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in chronic pain patients (CCPs) was high, although it varied tremendously since structured diagnostic instruments were seldom used for diagnosis in previous studies. Study in this area after the launching of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) was scarce. This study serves to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in patients attending a chronic pain clinic by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) Axis I disorders and to identify factors highly associated with psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, which is treatable.

Evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of local dexmedetomidine application.

Objectives: To determine the analgesic effects of locally applied dexmedetomidine in third molar surgery under general anesthesia.

Methods: Patients undergoing bilateral third molar surgery under general anesthesia were recruited into this double-blind, randomized, controlled study and were allocated to 3 study groups. Group D received preincision intravenous dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg) and direct infiltration of normal saline to the surgical wounds at the end of the surgery.

Adjuvant analgesics in acute pain.

Introduction: despite its central role in acute pain management, the exclusive use of opioids has been challenged recently in view of its immediate and long-term side effects. Development of chronic postsurgical pain syndromes, hyperalgesia and immunomodulation are some particular concerns as they may be related to opioid exposure, intertwined with patient characteristics and other factors. Application of a multimodal approach, administration of preventive analgesia and paradigm shift in surgical techniques all mandate a revisit of evidence-based perioperative pain management.

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide inhibits the relaxation of the porcine coronary artery to natriuretic peptides by desensitizing big conductance calcium-activated potassium channels of vascular smooth muscle.

The present experiments investigated whether endothelium-derived mediators modulate the effect of natriuretic peptides in porcine coronary arteries. Rings with and without endothelium were suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension recording. Concentration-relaxation curves to C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were obtained during contractions to endothelin-1.

Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor mediated relaxations in pig coronary arteries do not involve Gi/o proteins.

Aim: Endothelium-dependent relaxations to certain neurohumoral substances are mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/o protein. Our experiments were designed to determine the role, if any, of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins in relaxations attributed to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF).

Methods: Pig coronary arterial rings with endothelia were suspended in organ chambers filled with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution maintained at 37 degrees and continuously aerated with 95%O2 and 5% CO2.

Prevalence of common chronic pain in Hong Kong adults.

Objective: Chronic pain is prevalent in many Western countries. Its prevalence in a non-Caucasian population is not known. The authors performed this study to measure the prevalence of chronic pain in the Hong Kong Chinese adult population, as well as the pattern of pain and the demographic characteristics, the impact on social and work function, and the help-seeking behavior of those with pain.