Preoperative measurement of maternal abdominal circumference relates the initial sensory block level of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: An observational study.

Objective: Lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume is decreased as the enlarging uterus compresses the inferior vena cava during pregnancy. A subsequent greater cephalad spread of sensory blockade is observed. Gravid uterus plays a crucial role in affecting the spinal anesthesia level.

Cardiovascular collapse after labetalol for hypertensive crisis in an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma during cesarean section.

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor but rarely delayingly diagnosed until during pregnancy. We reported a pregnant woman who underwent emergent cesarean section because of intrauterine growth retardation, oligohydramnios, and hypertension. The existence of an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma was suspected by the unusual hemodynamic response to spinal anesthesia, abdominal compressions, and operative stimulus.

Premedication with mirtazapine reduces preoperative anxiety and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Background: Mirtazapine is a new antidepressant that blocks 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors. With this receptor profile, it is possible that mirtazapine could provide both anxiolysis and efficacy for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We therefore tested the hypothesis that premedication with mirtazapine can reduce preoperative anxiety and PONV.

Simulation analysis of the performance of target-controlled infusion of propofol in Chinese patients.

Background: The performance of target-controlled infusion (TCI) devices is important for the safety of patients. This study examined the performance of two propofol pharmacokinetic parameter sets in Chinese patients by computer simulation.

Methods: Two sets of propofol pharmacokinetic parameters respectively derived from Marsh's and Schnider's studies were compared with those obtained in Chinese subjects from Li's study.

Postoperative delayed respiratory failure caused by Guillain-Barré syndrome--a case report.

Postoperative respiratory failure caused by Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare complication after general anesthesia. We report a GBS patient who after receiving an operation for polycystic liver disease under general anesthesia developed weakness of upper and lower extremities on the 3rd postoperative day, with decreased deep tendon reflex, which ultimately evolved into respiratory failure. Slurred speech and bilateral ptosis were also noted.

Predicting blood pressure change caused by rapid injection of propofol during anesthesia induction with a logistic regression model.

Background: Propofol is a common intravenous agent for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. The advantage of propofol is rapid recovery of consciousness when the continuous infusion is stopped. Additionally, it has antiemetic effect of reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting.