The effects of weekly repeated stellate ganglion block (SGB) on the condition of 11 stable bronchial asthmatics (7 women and 4 men, aged between 40 and 63, mean 53.9) were studied. The 7 parameters adopted for assessment of the effects of SGB were as follows : 1) provisional respiratory function ; 2) ventilatory function ; 3) ventilatory response to carbon dioxide ; 4) serum levels of chemical mediators ; 5) state of the autonomic nervous system ; 6) number of necessary intravenous injections of aminophylline ; 7) patients' subjective assessment of their general condition.
     The results of repeated SGB were interpreted as follows : 1) respiratory resistance was decreased ; 2) no adverse effects on SpO2, ETCO2, tidal volume, V1.0%, minute volume and respiration rate were associated with the treatment ; 3) ventilatory response to carbon dioxide under the conditions of 59-93% oxygen concentration was not impaired ; 4) decreased serum levels of LTB4, LTC4 and histamine indicated possible reduction of bronchial hypersensitivity ; 5) enhanced regulation of the autonomic nervous system was achieved ; 6) occasions requiring aminophylline infusion therapy were reduced ; 7) patients' subjective comments.
     In conclusion, in terms of the parameters analyzed in the present study, repeated SGB can be recommended as an adjunctive approach to control of bronchial asthma.

The Journal of the Japan Society of Pain Clinicians (JJSPC) Vol. 1 No. 1, 1994

Stellate Ganglion Block :星狀神經節阻斷療法

Bronchial Asthmatics :支氣管哮喘