BACKGROUND: Opioids are crucial in cancer pain management. We examined the nationwide prescription patterns of opioids in Taiwan cancer patients to find the potential concerns. METHODS: We reviewed the claims database of...BACKGROUND: Opioids are crucial in cancer pain management. We examined the nationwide prescription patterns of opioids in Taiwan cancer patients to find the potential concerns. METHODS: We reviewed the claims database of the National Health Insurance of Taiwan for patients diagnosed with cancer from 2003 to 2011. The use and cost of analgesics were analyzed. Opioids were classified into recommended strong opioids (morphine and transdermal fentanyl), recommended weak opioids (tramadol, buprenorphine, and codeine), and unrecommended opioids (propoxyphene, nalbuphine, and meperidine). RESULTS: We enrolled 1,424,048 patients with cancer, and ∼50% of them took analgesics. Among analgesic users, patients who used opioids increased from 48.2% in 2003 to 52.0% in 2010. Approximately 92% of the opioid use came from recommended opioids, either strong (51%) or weak opioids (41%). The ratio of the use of short-acting strong opioids to that of long-acting opioids increased from 0.41 in 2003 to 0.63 in 2011. Transdermal fentanyl accounted for > 50% of the use of strong opioids. Among weak opioids, the use of tramadol gradually increased to 71% in 2011. On average, opioids contributed to 0.79‰ of all medical expenditures and 2.94‰ of all medication costs. CONCLUSION: The use of short-acting strong opioids increased during the study period. Instead of oral opioids, transdermal fentanyl was the most commonly used opioid among Taiwan cancer patients. The use of weak opioids, particularly tramadol, was high. These concerns should be the focus of pain management education.
Solid organ transplantation has become the therapy of choice for patients with end-stage organ disease. The frequently transplanted organs in Taiwan include liver, kidney, heart, and lung, and the success rate has improv...Solid organ transplantation has become the therapy of choice for patients with end-stage organ disease. The frequently transplanted organs in Taiwan include liver, kidney, heart, and lung, and the success rate has improved significantly worldwide for the past decades. However, organ recipients are known to be at a higher risk of post-transplant infections and de novo cancer due to immunosuppression and oncogenic viral infections. Organ recipients are known to be at a two- to fourfold increased risk of cancer and the risks are particularly high for malignancies caused by viral infections, including post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders via Epstein-Barr virus, Kaposi sarcoma via Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus, anogenital cancers via human papillomavirus, and hepatocellular carcinoma via hepatitis B and C virus. Population-based cohort studies may help better understand the pattern of infection and cancer risk in transplant recipients and clarify the role of the immune system, infection, and risk factors in the development of malignancy. Improvement of surgical techniques, advancement of immunosuppressant therapy in addition to early detection and prevention of infection, and regular surveillance of de novo cancer after transplantation have become the mainstay of successful organ transplantation.
OBJECTIVE: The single-use LMA Supreme (Teleflex, Inc., Wayne, PA, USA) and the LMA ProSeal (Teleflex, Inc., Wayne, PA, USA) laryngeal mask airway (LMA) have similar characteristics. To date, studies have not achieved a c...OBJECTIVE: The single-use LMA Supreme (Teleflex, Inc., Wayne, PA, USA) and the LMA ProSeal (Teleflex, Inc., Wayne, PA, USA) laryngeal mask airway (LMA) have similar characteristics. To date, studies have not achieved a consensus regarding the oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) of the LMA Supreme and LMA ProSeal, and there is little information on their efficacy in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study compared the safety and efficacy of the LMA Supreme and LMA ProSeal devices in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHOD: Eighty-four eligible consenting patients were randomly allocated to the LMA Supreme group or the LMA ProSeal group. Both groups received the standard anesthesia technique. The Supreme or ProSeal LMA was inserted, the cuff was inflated to 60 cmH2O, and the LMA position was confirmed. Anesthesia was maintained using propofol and 50% oxygen in air. A gastric tube was inserted through the drain tube of the LMA to deflate the stomach, and the first attempt success rate and insertion time were recorded. During surgery, the intra-abdominal pressure was maintained at 12 mmHg. The fiberoptic view of the larynx was determined by passing a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. The OLPs, success rate, insertion time, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, and complications were recorded at different time points. RESULTS: The mean OLP was significantly lower in the LMA Supreme group than in the LMA ProSeal group (24.9 ± 5.3 cmH2O vs. 28.4 ± 5.8 cmH2O; p < 0.01). The first attempt success rate and ease of insertion grading for LMA were higher in the Supreme group. The insertion time was lower in the Supreme group than in the ProSeal group (p < 0.01). The fiberoptic view was better with the ProSeal LMA. The hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters and postoperative sore throat were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: The LMA ProSeal has a higher OLP than the LMA Supreme. The success rate of first attempt insertion and ease of insertion were better for the LMA Supreme group and the insertion time was lower in the LMA Supreme group. The Supreme and ProSeal LMAs were both effective for positive pressure ventilation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Pharmacogenomics aims to unravel the way that human genetic variation affects drug efficacy and toxicity. Genome-wide association studies and candidate gene findings suggest that genetic approaches may help choose the mo...Pharmacogenomics aims to unravel the way that human genetic variation affects drug efficacy and toxicity. Genome-wide association studies and candidate gene findings suggest that genetic approaches may help choose the most appropriate drug and dosage while preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Pain is an unpleasant feeling that usually results from tissue damage. The management of different types of pain (acute, chronic, inflammatory, neuropathic, or cancer) is challenging. Currently, drug intervention is the first-line therapy for resolving pain. However, differences in drug efficacy between individuals are common with pain medications. Moreover, some patients experience ADRs after being treated with specific pain drugs. This review discusses the use of drugs for pain management in the context of the recent pharmacogenomic studies on ADRs and drug efficacy.
BACKGROUND: Perioperative psychological distress is associated with preoperative anxiety, depression, and postoperative pain. Mirtazapine is effective as an antidepressant, anxiolytic agent, and sleep enhancer. Moreover,...BACKGROUND: Perioperative psychological distress is associated with preoperative anxiety, depression, and postoperative pain. Mirtazapine is effective as an antidepressant, anxiolytic agent, and sleep enhancer. Moreover, mirtazapine can be made as orodispersible tablets with a fast onset for patients in nil per os status. This study is to determine whether mirtazapine can help psychologically distressed patients reduce perioperative anxiety, depression, and postoperative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with preoperative psychological distress, undergoing major abdominal surgery, were inquired and assigned to two groups according to their own choice. In the treatment group, patients could choose to take orodispersible mirtazapine 30 mg at each night from Preoperative Day 0 to Postoperative Day 3. There was no other intervention in the nontreatment group. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and pain scores were accessed on the day before operation (Day 0), and on the 1(st) day (Day 2) and 3(rd) day (Day 4) after operation. We compared the HADS, AIS, and pain scores, and morphine consumptions between the two groups on a daily basis. Marginal regression models were fitted to our correlated longitudinal data alone with the generalized estimating equations method to estimate the population average effects of time-varying mirtazapine usage on the mean values of HADS, AIS, and pain scores, and daily morphine consumptions. RESULTS: From September 2007 to December 2008, 86 patients agreed to be enrolled and 79 of them completed the study. Propensity scores and multivariate analysis showed that mirtazapine reduced HADS scores of patients in 2 days. Trial results indicated that mirtazapine lowered the AIS day index and tended to decrease night index as well. Mirtazapine may reduce patients' morphine consumption, but this effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: Mirtazapine helps reduce anxiety, depression, and insomnia scores for patients with perioperative psychological distress.
OBJECTIVES: Limb ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) causes remote organ injury (e.g., liver injury). Oxidation and inflammation are crucial mechanisms. We investigated the effects of cepharanthine, a potent antioxidative and ant...OBJECTIVES: Limb ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) causes remote organ injury (e.g., liver injury). Oxidation and inflammation are crucial mechanisms. We investigated the effects of cepharanthine, a potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory drug, on alleviating liver injury induced by limb I/R. METHODS: Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive sham operation (Sham), Sham plus cepharanthine, I/R, or I/R plus cepharanthine and designated as the Sham, Sham+Cep, I/R, or I/R+Cep group, respectively (n = 6 in each group). I/R was induced by applying rubber band tourniquets high around each hind limb for 3 hours followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. RESULTS: The plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of the Sham and Sham+Cep groups were low, and the levels of AST and ALT of the I/R group were significantly higher than those of the Sham group (both p<0.001). By contrast, the AST and ALT of the I/R+Cep group were significantly lower than those of the I/R group (both p<0.001). The hepatic levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) of the Sham and Sham+Cep groups were also low. As expected, the NO, MDA, MIP-2, IL-6, and COX-2/PGE2 of the I/R group were significantly higher than those of the Sham group (all p<0.001). By contrast, the NO, MDA, MIP-2, IL-6, and COX-2/PGE2 of the I/R+Cep group were significantly lower than those of the I/R group (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cepharanthine alleviates liver injury in a rodent model of limb I/R. The mechanisms may involve reducing oxidation and inflammation.
BACKGROUND: High peak airway pressure (Ppeak) and high end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PETCO2) are the common problems encountered in the obese patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy with conventional volume-con...BACKGROUND: High peak airway pressure (Ppeak) and high end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PETCO2) are the common problems encountered in the obese patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy with conventional volume-controlled ventilation. This study was designed to investigate whether volume-controlled inverse ratio ventilation (IRV) with inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio of 2:1 could reduce Ppeak or the plateau pressure (Pplat), improve oxygenation, and alleviate lung injury in patients with normal lungs. METHODS: Sixty obese patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy were enrolled in this study. After tracheal intubation, the patients were randomly divided into the IRV group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). They were ventilated with an actual tidal volume of 8 mL/kg, respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, zero positive end-expiratory pressure and I:E of 1:2 or 2:1. Arterial blood samples, hemodynamic parameters, and respiratory mechanics were recorded before and during pneumoperitoneum. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukins 6 and 8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured immediately before and 60 minutes after onset of CO2 pneumoperitoneum. RESULTS: IRV significantly increased arterial partial pressure of oxygen, mean airway pressure, and dynamic compliance of respiratory system with concomitant significant decreases in Ppeak and Pplat compared to conventional ventilation with I:E of 1:2 (p < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukins 6 and 8 were significantly lower than those in control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Volume-controlled IRV not only reduces Ppeak, Pplat, and the release of inflammatory cytokines, but also increases mean airway pressure, and improves oxygenation and dynamic compliance of respiratory system in obese patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy without adverse respiratory and hemodynamic effects. It is superior to conventional ratio ventilation in terms of oxygenation, respiratory mechanics and inflammatory cytokine in obese patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy.
OBJECTIVES: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) features massive oxidative stress of tissues and cytokine response. Propofol and sevoflurane, both of which are commonly used anesthetics, are thought to have different antioxidant a...OBJECTIVES: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) features massive oxidative stress of tissues and cytokine response. Propofol and sevoflurane, both of which are commonly used anesthetics, are thought to have different antioxidant activities. The aim of this study is to delineate the influence of these two drugs on the production of free radicals and proinflammatory cytokines in IR conditions via in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS: An in vitro IR model was performed by incubating porcine cells (including mononuclear cells, and coronary and aortic smooth muscle cells) with either propofol 25 μM or sevoflurane 2% in the hypoxia chamber (1% O2, 37°C) for 1 hour, followed by room temperature air for 2 hours. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were also measured via flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, respectively. Ten pigs were used for the in vivo study. After anesthesia with either propofol (10-15 mg/kg/h) or sevoflurane (2%), internal carotid and femoral arterial catheters were inserted for direct blood pressure monitoring and blood sampling. The IR models were produced via descending thoracic aorta clamping for 1 hour and declamping for 2 hours during the procedure for left ventricular assist device implantation. Blood serum was sampled from upper and lower body vessels for ROS and TNF-α evaluation via thiobarbituric acid reacting substances method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed significant reduction of both ROS and TNF-α levels in the propofol group in vitro IR model. However, there was no difference in lipid peroxidation and TNF-α level between propofol and sevoflurane for the in vivo IR model. CONCLUSION: We concluded that propofol, compared with sevoflurane, can significantly inhibit ROS formation on a cell level. In addition, propofol can significantly inhibit TNF-α formation of monocytes and coronary smooth muscle cells but not aortic smooth muscle cells.
OBJECTIVE: Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-cough preparations, many of which contain codeine (an opioid) or dextromethorphan (an opioid-like), are widely available in Taiwan and thus susceptible to overuse or abuse. We aimed...OBJECTIVE: Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-cough preparations, many of which contain codeine (an opioid) or dextromethorphan (an opioid-like), are widely available in Taiwan and thus susceptible to overuse or abuse. We aimed to investigate whether opioids in the form of OTC antitussives play a significant role in medication abuse in Taiwan. METHODS: Data on the consumption of codeine and dextromethorphan in antitussives and expectorants from 2011 through 2014 in Taiwan were provided by IMS Health (Intercontinental Marketing Services). These data were then analyzed for trends and variance according to availability, as prescription or OTC, and according to drug type, as codeine or dextromethorphan, in order to form four primary sectors under opioid-containing anti-cough syrup consumption. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2014, use of opioid-containing cough syrup fluctuated between 6% and 9% from year to year for all cough syrup consumption, with an overall declining trend (11.3% per year relative to 2011). Within the underlying sectors, mean consumption for prescription dextromethorphan (61.4%) outstripped the other three sectors, followed in decreasing order by OTC codeine (20.2%), OTC dextromethorphan (10.5%), and prescription codeine (8.0%). However, movement in consumption corresponded mainly with OTC codeine, whose variance greatly exceeded that of the other sectors, which follow in order of decreasing variance as OTC dextromethorphan, prescription dextromethorphan, and prescription codeine. CONCLUSION: The fairly low and stable consumption of prescription codeine suggested that physicians in Taiwan were careful in prescribing codeine, and that the medical demand for codeine was stable. The large variance in OTC codeine consumption suggested that a minority of consumers purchased significant quantities of codeine for non-medical purposes. Although opioids in cough syrup were not a large part of overall consumption and thus not widely abused, the data revealed that OTC codeine-containing cough syrup may serve as an indicator of potential drug abuse in the population as compared to prescription codeine.
OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Most of the patients may feel pain, anxiety, and discomfort during this procedure, so consciou...OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Most of the patients may feel pain, anxiety, and discomfort during this procedure, so conscious sedation is usually used during ERCP. General anesthesia would be considered if conscious sedation fails to achieve the requirement of the endoscopists. Several studies showed that propofol-based sedation could provide a better recovery profile. However, propofol has a narrow therapeutic window and complications may occur beyond this window. The present study aimed to find out the complications and the associated risk factors during ERCP procedure under propofol-based deep sedation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from anesthetic and procedure records of the patients who underwent ERCP under propofol-based deep sedation from January 2006 to July 2010 at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. All propofol-based deep sedations were conducted by anesthesiologists. The incidence of complications was determined and the independent risk factors identified by the multivariable logistic regression model. RESULT: Propofol-based deep sedation was provided for 552 patients who received ERCP procedure. The majority of the patients were male, the mean age was 60 ± 16 years and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status II-III. Almost 30% of patients experienced hypotension during the procedure, although no mortality or morbidity was associated with this complication. Sex, age, anesthetic time, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, hypertension, and arrhythmia were significantly different (p < 0.05) between patients with hypotension and without hypotension during the procedure. Multivariable logistic regression identified sex and age to be the independent predictors of hypotension. CONCLUSION: Hypotension was the most frequent anesthetic complication during procedure under propofol-based deep sedation, but this method was safe and effective under appropriate monitoring. Age is the strongest predictor of hypotension and therefore propofol-based deep sedation should be conducted with caution in the elderly.
Pregnancy can be rarely complicated with cerebral angioma. Such patients can pose a problem to the anesthesiologist and can present for caesarean section (CS). The main anesthetic challenge is prevention of rupture of an...Pregnancy can be rarely complicated with cerebral angioma. Such patients can pose a problem to the anesthesiologist and can present for caesarean section (CS). The main anesthetic challenge is prevention of rupture of angioma and subsequent bleed due to intraoperative surge of blood pressure. Both general anesthesia and regional anesthesia have been used in such patients. Spinal anesthesia has the advantage of safety, less hypertensive surge, and better analgesia as well as less blood loss. We hereby present successful anesthetic management of such a case presented for emergency CS done under spinal anesthesia.
OBJECTIVES: Dexmedetomidine, an α2 agonist, has been evaluated for its hypnotic, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties in the intraoperative period and critical care setting. However, data on the effect of dexmedetomidine...OBJECTIVES: Dexmedetomidine, an α2 agonist, has been evaluated for its hypnotic, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties in the intraoperative period and critical care setting. However, data on the effect of dexmedetomidine on attenuation of pressor response to direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation are limited. We studied the effect of a single preinduction intravenous dose of dexmedetomidine of 0.5 μg/kg on hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation, and dose requirements of anesthetics for induction and their adverse effects. METHODS: Eighty adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia requiring tracheal intubation were included. Patients were randomized into two groups: dexmedetomidine and placebo (n = 40 each). The study drug was administered intravenously over a period of 10 minutes prior to induction. Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation were performed. Hemodynamic parameters, the total dose of propofol, and adverse effects were recorded during induction and postintubation periods for 15 minutes. RESULTS: The maximum percentage increase in the heart rate after intubation was 19.6% less in the dexmedetomidine group than that in the placebo group (12.96% vs. 32.57%). The maximum percentage increases in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure after intubation were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the placebo group (12.38% vs. 45.63%, 19.36% vs. 60.36%, and 15.34% vs. 50.33%, respectively). There was a significant reduction of the mean total dose of propofol required for induction, 1.04 mg/kg in the dexmedetomidine group versus 2.01 mg/kg in the placebo group (p < 0.001). No serious side effects or adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Administration of a single preinduction intravenous dose of dexmedetomidine of 0.5 μg/kg resulted in significant attenuation of the rise in the heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure, until 5 minutes postintubation. It significantly reduced the dose requirements of propofol for induction and caused minimal side effects.