The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the new local anesthetic @entity1342 when used for epidural infusion for up to 72 h after major orthopedic surgery. Immediately after surgery, an epidural infusion of @entity1342 2 mg/mL was begun at a rate of 6 mL/h in 11 @entity1 . The infusion rate was then adjusted according to @entity1 analgesic needs or side effects. Blood samples were taken during and after the infusion to determine total and unbound @entity1342 and alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) concentrations. @entity1 were assessed regularly for @entity3481 and @entity158 using a visual analog scale (VAS) score (0-100 mm). Ten @entity1 received 63-72 h of infusion. Total plasma concentrations of @entity1342 and binding protein (AAG) increased during the infusion such that free concentrations plateaued or began to fall over time. VAS values during mobilization were less than 40 mm in 93% of @entity1 . The majority of @entity1 had no measurable @entity616 once the surgical block had regressed. When epidural @entity1342 was titrated to achieve a stable sensory block, there was a low incidence of @entity616 , and free plasma @entity1342 levels were well below the toxic range. IMPLICATIONS: The pharmacokinetics of continuous epidural infusions of @entity1342 are described in @entity1 for up to 72 h postoperatively. Clinical efficacy and side effects are also reported. An understanding of the plasma concentrations obtained and modes of elimination during prolonged epidural infusion is important for safe, routine clinical use in postoperative @entity1337 .

Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of long-term epidural @entity1342 infusion for postoperative XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients', 'patient'] @entity1337 :: ('MESH:D000699', 'Disease') :: ['analgesia'] @entity1342 :: ('MESH:C037663', 'Chemical') :: ['ropivacaine'] @entity3481 :: ('MESH:D015417', 'Disease') :: ['sensory and motor block'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain'] @entity616 :: ('MESH:D006327', 'Disease') :: ['motor block']
@entity1337 :: (MESH:D000699,Disease) :: ['analgesia']
