Evaluation of thoracolumbar interfascial plane block for postoperative analgesia after herniated lumbar disc surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block involves injection of local anesthetics between multifidus and longissimus muscles at the 3 lumbar vertebral level assuming that it can block the dorsal rami of thoracolumbar nerves.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects gained after performing TLIP block (analogous to the transversus abdominis plane [TAP] block, but intended for the back) in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy.

Methodology: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial.

Using propranolol in traumatic brain injury to reduce sympathetic storm phenomenon: A prospective randomized clinical trial.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) correlated with increased sympathetic activity on the expense of parasympathetic system due to loss of cortical control after brain injury. Manifestations of sympathetic storm include tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, and hyperthermia. The neuroprotective effects via reducing cerebral metabolism and lowering O and glucose consumption are the targets early after trauma.

Effect of extended infusion of meropenem and nebulized amikacin on Gram-negative multidrug-resistant ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is associated with a significant mortality in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of extended infusion of meropenem and nebulized amikacin on VAP caused by Gram-negative MDRO versus intravenous (IV) meropenem and amikacin alone.

Methodology: A randomized nonblinded controlled trial was performed on ninety patients with VAP.

Combination of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil for labor analgesia: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled study.

Background: Satisfactory analgesia is of great importance in the labor. The clinical efficacy and side effects of remifentanil in the management of labor pain had been evaluated. Dexmedetomidine (DMET) demonstrates an antinociceptive effect in visceral pain conditions.