Predictive pharmacodynamic performance of the Eleveld pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for propofol: comparison of predicted and measured bispectral index.

Background: The Eleveld pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for propofol predicts bispectral index (BIS) processed electroencephalogram values from estimated effect-site concentrations. We investigated agreement between measured and predicted BIS values during total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA).

Methods: Forty participants undergoing lower limb surgery received TIVA using remifentanil target-controlled infusions and propofol by manually controlled, target-guided infusions based upon the Eleveld model and directed by two pharmacokinetic computer simulation applications: PKPD Tools and StelSim.

Overcoming Language Barriers Using an Information Video on Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: Implementation and Impact on Maternal Anxiety.

Background: It is unknown whether the implementation of an information video on spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, narrated in a patient's first language, reduces anxiety, increases satisfaction, and improves doctor-patient communication if there is a language barrier. In South Africa, most doctors speak English, and patients speak Xhosa, with educational and cultural disparities existing in many doctor-patient interactions.

Methods: One hundred seventy-five Xhosa patients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were enrolled in the study.