Unusual acute lupus hemophagocytic syndrome – a test of diagnostic criteria: a case report

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is an aggressive life-threatening syndrome of excessive immune activation. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis due to systemic lupus erythematosus is described as acute lupus ...

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Mesenteric cysts and mesenteric venous thrombosis leading to intestinal necrosis in pregnancy managed with laparotomy: a case report and review of the literature

Mesenteric cyst is a rare clinical entity especially in pregnancy; therefore, few cases have been reported in the literature. The standard method of their treatment is surgical excision either with laparotomy ...

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Adrenal incidentaloma in a patient with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is well known to be associated with various neoplasms and opportunistic infections. Kaposi sarcoma (KS), associated with human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) infection, is the most common tumour in HIV positive patients and is also an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining illness. Cutaneous manifestations are the most common presenting symptom; however, visceral involvement is also recognized. We present the case of a 55-year-old male who was diagnosed with AIDS-related KS, who was referred to our surgical unit with an indeterminate left adrenal lesion. He subsequently started antiretroviral therapy and given the indeterminate nature of his adrenal lesion, we performed a laparoscopic left adrenalectomy, with KS of the adrenal gland confirmed on histology

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Eccrine angiokeratomatous hamartoma: case report of a 1.5-year girl

Abstract

Eccrine angiokeratomatous hamartoma is a rare newly defined vascular lesion of the skin, the first case of which was reported in 2006 (Kanitakis J, Ly A, Claudy A. Eccrine angiokeratomatous hamartoma: a new variant of eccrine hamartoma with angiokeratoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 55: S104–6). On web Literature Search, Only three previously documented cases of the lesions were found. A 1.5-year-old female child presented with a painless lesion on her right leg since birth which has been gradually increasing in size and recently developed central ulceration. Histological examination of the excised lesion confirmed the diagnosis. This is the first of the cases to be reported in paediatric age-group (<2 years)

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Myomectomies for massive hemoperitoneum from spontaneous bleeding of a uterine myoma

Abstract

Massive hemoperitoneum from spontaneous bleeding of uterine myoma is an extremely rare condition, that needs urgent surgical exploration. We report a 40-year-old woman, admitted for acute onset of abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed hypovolemic shock. The hemoglobin level was of 5 g/dL. Ultrasonography revealed hemoperitoneum. Emergency surgical exploration was planned. There was hemoperitoneum of 3 L, uterine myomas with multiple subserous myomas, bleeding from superficial ruptured varice overlying the most largest subserous myoma, which measured 15 cm. Glove adapted as a tourniquet, was applied at the base of the uterus, and myomectomies were performed with removal of around twenty myomas. The postoperative course was uneventful. Myomectomies can be safely and effectively performed by using a tourniquet, for massive hemoperitoneum with precarious hemodynamic status due to subserous myoma bleeding, despite the number and the size of myomas.

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Ventilation with high versus low peep levels during general anaesthesia for open abdominal surgery does not affect postoperative spirometry: A randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Invasive mechanical ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery typically causes atelectasis and impairs postoperative lung function. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of intraoperative ventilation with high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment manoeuvres (RMs) on postoperative spirometry. DESIGN: This was a preplanned, single-centre substudy of an international multicentre randomised controlled trial, the PROVHILO trial. SETTING: University hospital from November 2011 to January 2013. PATIENTS: Nonobese patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery at a high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). INTERVENTION: Intraoperative low tidal volume ventilation with PEEP levels of 12 cmH2O and RM (the high PEEP group) or with PEEP levels of 2 cmH2O or less without RM (the low PEEP group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time-weighted averages (TWAs) of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) up to postoperative day five. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were allocated to the high PEEP group and 32 to the low PEEP group. No postoperative spirometry test results were available for 6 patients. In both groups, TWA of FEV1 and FVC until postoperative day five were lower than preoperative values. Postoperative spirometry test results were not different between the high and low PEEP group; Data are median [interquartile range], TWA FVC 1.8 [1.6 to 2.4] versus 1.7 [1.2 to 2.4] l (P = NS) and TWA FEV1 1.2 [1.1 to 2.5] versus 1.2 [0.9 to 1.9] l (P = NS). Patients who developed PPCs had lower FEV1 and FVC on postoperative day five; 1.1 [0.9 to 1.6] versus 1.6 [1.4 to 1.9] l (P = 0.001) and 1.6 [1.2 to 2.6] versus 2.3 [1.7 to 2.6] l (P = 0.036), respectively. CONCLUSION: Postoperative spirometry is not affected by PEEP and RM during intraoperative ventilation for open abdominal surgery in nonobese patients at a high risk of PPCs, but rather is associated with the development of PPCs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01441791.

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A case series of life-threatening succinylcholine-induced anaphylaxis

No abstract available

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Postoperative pulmonary complications - Still room for improvement

No abstract available

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Muscle relaxation for tracheal intubation during paediatric anaesthesia: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND: Muscle relaxation for tracheal intubation during paediatric anaesthesia remains a subject of debate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of muscle relaxants (MR) compared with opioids on intubation conditions in children. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies. DATA SOURCES: Exhaustive literature analysis. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Clinical trials, with no high-risk bias, that examined the effect of MR in comparison with opioids on intubation conditions (excellent: primary outcome, acceptable: secondary outcome) in children were included. RESULTS: Excellent intubation conditions were not significantly different in their occurrence between children receiving MR or opioids, risk ratio [95% Confidence Interval]  = 1.17 [0.96, 1.43], I2 = 36%, number of studies = 5, number of patients = 226. However, trial sequential analysis indicated the lack of power of this result and the need for more trials to provide certainty for this outcome (81 patients needed in future trials). Acceptable intubation conditions were more frequent when administering MR, risk ratio = 1.25 [1.06, 1.47], I2 = 70%, number of studies = 6, number of patients = 362. This effect was confirmed using the trial sequential analysis. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation analysis found a low and moderate quality of evidences for excellent and acceptable intubation conditions, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current meta-analysis shows that the use of MR during tracheal intubation might improve the quality of intubation conditions. Further studies, including at least 81 children, are required to confirm this and determine the impact of MR on complications related to intubation.

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Epidemiology, practice of ventilation and outcome for patients at increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications: LAS VEGAS - an observational study in 29 countries

BACKGROUND: Limited information exists about the epidemiology and outcome of surgical patients at increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and how intraoperative ventilation was managed in these patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of surgical patients at increased risk of PPCs, and to compare the intraoperative ventilation management and postoperative outcomes with patients at low risk of PPCs. DESIGN: This was a prospective international 1-week observational study using the 'Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia risk score' (ARISCAT score) for PPC for risk stratification. PATIENTS AND SETTING: Adult patients requiring intraoperative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery in 146 hospitals across 29 countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the incidence of patients at increased risk of PPCs based on the ARISCAT score. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative ventilatory management and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 9864 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The incidence of patients at increased risk was 28.4%. The most frequently chosen tidal volume (VT) size was 500 ml, or 7 to 9 ml kg−1 predicted body weight, slightly lower in patients at increased risk of PPCs. Levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) were slightly higher in patients at increased risk of PPCs, with 14.3% receiving more than 5 cmH2O PEEP compared with 7.6% in patients at low risk of PPCs (P 

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Anaesthesia and orphan disease series: What is the yield?

No abstract available

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Magnesium sulphate improves pulmonary function after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND: Reduced lung volumes are unavoidable after lung resection surgery. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) administration has been reported to reduce the requirement for neuromuscular blocking drugs and postoperative analgesics in surgical patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of MgSO4 on pulmonary function after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: A university tertiary care centre. PATIENTS: Sixty-six patients scheduled for pulmonary lobectomy or segmentectomy via VATS. INTERVENTION: Patients were allocated to one of two groups: the Mg (MgSO4 50 mg kg−1 intravenously for 10 min, followed by a continuous infusion of 15 mg kg−1 h−1 during surgery) or the control (same volume of 0.9% saline). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pulmonary function tests [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow rate] were measured before surgery and at three time points after surgery (2, 24 and 48 h postoperatively) using a portable spirometer. Twelve months after surgery, pulmonary function test values were repeated at a regular outpatient follow-up visit. RESULTS: FEV1 at 24 (1.7 ± 0.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5 l, P = 0.033) and 48 h (1.7 ± 0.6 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5 l, P = 0.021) and FVC at 24 (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6 l, P = 0.038) and 48 h (2.2 ± 0.8 vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 l, P = 0.008) after surgery were significantly greater in the Mg group. Patients in the Mg group required less rocuronium than those in the control group (64.2 ± 19.9 vs. 74.9 ± 20.3 mg, respectively; P = 0.041). Consumption of postoperative patient-controlled analgesia was also significantly less at 24 and 48 h after surgery in the Mg group (P = 0.022 and 0.015, respectively), although pain scores and rescue analgesics were comparable. Five patients in the control group were diagnosed with postoperative pneumonia using clinical and radiological criteria before discharge. FEV1 and FVC at 12 months after surgery were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative administration of MgSO4 improved pulmonary function and reduced the need for rocuronium and postoperative analgesics in patients who underwent VATS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: cris.nih.go.kr identifier: KCT0001410

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Frequency and risk factors for malnutrition in children undergoing general anaesthesia in a French university hospital: A cross-sectional observational study

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is often underdiagnosed in hospitalised children, although it is associated with postoperative complications, longer hospital lengths of stay and increased healthcare-related costs. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the frequency of, and identify factors associated with, malnutrition in children undergoing anaesthesia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Paediatric anaesthesia department at the University Children's Hospital, Bordeaux, France. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 985 patients aged less than 18 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric measurements, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification score and the Pediatric Nutritional Risk Score (PNRS) recorded at the pre-anaesthesia evaluation. RESULTS: When assessed as a Waterlow index less than 80%, malnutrition was present in 7.6% children. This increased to 8.1% of children assessed by clinical signs and to 11% of children when defined by a BMI less than the third percentile. In a univariate analysis, children with a BMI less than the third percentile were more often born prematurely (22.4 vs 10.4%; P = 0.0008), were small for gestational age at birth (18.4 vs 4.5%; P 

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Effects of different fresh gas flows with or without a heat and moisture exchanger on inhaled gas humidity in adults undergoing general anaesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND: The minimum inhaled gas absolute humidity level is 20 mgH2O l−1 for short-duration use in general anaesthesia and 30 mgH2O l−1 for long-duration use in intensive care to avoid respiratory tract dehydration. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to compare the effects of different fresh gas flows (FGFs) through a circle rebreathing system with or without a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) on inhaled gas absolute humidity in adults undergoing general anaesthesia. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. We defined FGF (l min−1) as minimal (0.25 to 0.5), low (0.6 to 1.0) or high (≥2). We extracted the inhaled gas absolute humidity data at 60 and 120 min after connection of the patient to the breathing circuit. The effect size is expressed as the mean differences and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, SciELO, LILACS and CENTRAL until January 2017. RESULTS: We included 10 studies. The inhaled gas absolute humidity was higher with minimal flow compared with low flow at 120 min [mean differences 2.51 (95%CI: 0.32 to 4.70); P = 0.02] but not at 60 min [mean differences 2.95 (95%CI: −0.95 to 6.84); P = 0.14], and higher with low flow compared with high flow at 120 min [mean differences 7.19 (95%CI: 4.53 to 9.86); P 

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Anaesthesia and orphan disease: Management of a case of Strumpell–Lorrain disease and review of the literature

No abstract available

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Pulse photoplethysmographic amplitude and heart rate variability during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND: Surgical stress affects the autonomic nervous system by increasing sympathetic outflow. One method of monitoring sympathetic activity is pulse photoplethysmographic analysis. From this two indices can be derived – autonomic nervous system state (ANSS) and ANSS index (ANSSi). It has recently been claimed that these indices can be used to measure sympathetic activity in anaesthetised patients, but their validity has not yet been demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: To measure changes in pulse photoplethysmographic indices and determine any agreement with autonomic nervous system modulation of the cardiovascular system in healthy study participants during surgery under general anaesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single-centre study based at a tertiary care centre in Milan, Italy. PATIENTS: Healthy patients undergoing general anaesthesia for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. INTERVENTIONS: ANSS, ANSSi, and heart rate variability (HRV) were analysed at three main times: baseline, after induction of general anaesthesia, and after pneumoperitoneum insufflation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The magnitude of changes in photoplethysmographic and HRV indices was measured. The agreement between pulse photoplethysmographic and HRV-derived indices was assessed by Bland–Altman plots. RESULTS: In total, 52 patients were enrolled and their data analysed. Both pulse photoplethysmographic and HRV indices changed during the study phases. An agreement was found between ANSSi and low frequency spectral components of HRV [bias 10.2nu, 95% confidence interval (CI) −13 to 33.4], high frequency spectral components of HRV (bias 6.1 nu, 95% CI −16.3 to 28.6), and low frequency/high frequency ratio (bias 16.1nu, 95% CI −1.4 to 33.5). The agreement was weaker between ANSSI and HRV indices. CONCLUSION: The study endorses the use of pulse photoplethysmographic indices ANSS and ANSSi as surrogates to estimate changes of autonomic modulation of the cardiovascular system in healthy adults during surgery under general anaesthesia. Orcid ID: http://ift.tt/2tTz9MS.

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Mobile phone text messaging reminder decreases the rate of nonattendance at a preoperative anaesthesia clinic

No abstract available

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Anesthesia for minimally invasive neurosurgery.

Purpose of review: With an ultimate aim of improving patients overall outcome and satisfaction, minimally invasive surgical approach is becoming more of a norm. The related anesthetic evidence has not expanded at the same rate as surgical and technological advancement. This article reviews the recent evidence on anesthesia and perioperative concerns for patients undergoing minimally invasive neurosurgery. Recent findings: Minimally invasive cranial and spinal surgeries have been made possible only by vast technological development. Points of surgical interest can be precisely located with the help of stereotaxy and neuronavigation and special endoscopes which decrease the tissue trauma. The principles of neuroanethesia remain the same, but few concerns are specific for each technique. Dexmedetomidine has a favorable profile for procedures carried out under sedation technique. As the new surgical techniques are coming up, lesser known anesthetic concerns may also come into light. Summary: Over the last year, little new information has been added to existing literature regarding anesthesia for minimally invasive neurosurgeries. Neuroanesthesia goals remain the same and less invasive surgical techniques do not translate into safe anesthesia. Specific concerns for each procedure should be taken into consideration. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Criteria for Intensive Care admission and monitoring after elective craniotomy.

Purpose of review: The current article revises the recent evidence on ICU admission criteria and postoperative neuromonitoring for patients undergoing elective craniotomy. Recent findings: Only a small proportion of elective postoperative neurosurgical patients require specific medical interventions and invasive monitoring. Among these, patients undergoing elective craniotomy are frequently admitted to neuro-ICU, specialist postanaesthesia care units or intermediate-level care unit in the postoperative period. Craniotomy patients have a high risk of neurological complications in the immediate postoperative period and might require advanced neuromonitoring, especially if sedation is continued in the ICU. Furthermore, the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery with the goal of improving functional capacity after surgery and decreasing morbidity has expanded to encompass neurosurgery. Postoperative clinical examination and neurological scores, bispectral index and simplified electroencephalography, and morning discharge huddles are the most used strategies in this context. Summary: After elective craniotomy, ICU admission should be warranted to patients who show new neurological deficits, especially when these include reduced consciousness or deficits of the lower cranial nerves, or have surgical indication for delayed extubation. Currently, evidence does not allow defining standardized protocol to guide ICU admission and postoperative neuromonitoring. Copyright (C) 2017 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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An Analysis of Substandard Propofol Detected in Use in Zambian Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: In early 2015, clinicians throughout Zambia noted a range of unpredictable adverse events after the administration of propofol, including urticaria, bronchospasm, profound hypotension, and most predictably an inadequate depth of anesthesia. Suspecting that the propofol itself may have been substandard, samples were procured and sent for testing. METHODS: Three vials from 2 different batches were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods at the John L. Holmes Mass Spectrometry Facility. RESULTS: Laboratory gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis determined that, although all vials contained propofol, its concentration differed between samples and in all cases was well below the stated quantity. Two vials from 1 batch contained only 44% +/- 11% and 54% +/- 12% of the stated quantity, whereas the third vial from a second batch contained only 57% +/- 9%. The analysis found that there were no hexane-soluble impurities in the samples. CONCLUSIONS: None of the analyzed vials contained the stated amount of propofol; however, our analysis did not detect additional contaminants that would explain the adverse events reported by clinicians. Our results confirm the presence of substandard propofol in Zambia; however, anecdotal accounts of substandard anesthetic medicines in other countries abound and warrant further investigation to provide estimates of the prevalence and scope of this global problem. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Baseline Morphine Consumption May Explain Between-Study Heterogeneity in Meta-analyses of Adjuvant Analgesics and Improve Precision and Accuracy of Effect Estimates.

BACKGROUND: Statistical heterogeneity can increase the uncertainty of results and reduce the quality of evidence derived from systematic reviews. At present, it is uncertain what the major factors are that account for heterogeneity in meta-analyses of analgesic adjuncts. Therefore, the aim of this review was to identify whether various covariates could explain statistical heterogeneity and use this to improve accuracy when reporting the efficacy of analgesics. METHODS: We searched for reviews using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. First, we identified the existence of considerable statistical heterogeneity (I2 > 75%). Second, we conducted meta-regression analysis for the outcome of 24-hour morphine consumption using baseline risk (control group morphine consumption) and other clinical and methodological covariates. Finally, we constructed a league table of adjuvant analgesics using a novel method of reporting effect estimates assuming a fixed consumption of 50 mg postoperative morphine. RESULTS: We included 344 randomized controlled trials with 28,130 participants. Ninety-one percent of analyses showed considerable statistical heterogeneity. Baseline risk was a significant cause of between-study heterogeneity for acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, tramadol, ketamine, [alpha]2-agonists, gabapentin, pregabalin, lidocaine, magnesium, and dexamethasone (R2 = 21%-100%; P 10 mg). We could not exclude a moderate clinically significant effect with ketamine. Dexamethasone demonstrated a small clinical benefit (>5 mg). CONCLUSIONS: We empirically identified baseline morphine consumption as the major source of heterogeneity in meta-analyses of adjuvant analgesics across all surgical interventions. Controlling for baseline morphine consumption, clinicians can use audit data to estimate the morphine-reducing effect of adding any adjuvant for their local population, regardless which surgery they undergo. Moreover, we have utilized these findings to present a novel method of reporting and an amended method of graphically displaying effect estimates, which both reduces confounding from variable baseline risk in included trials and is able to adjust for other clinical and methodological confounding variables. We recommend use of these methods in clinical practice and future reviews of analgesics for postoperative pain. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Preoperatively Screened Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Associated With Worse Postoperative Outcomes Than Previously Diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects up to 26% of US adults, is often undiagnosed, and increases perioperative morbidity. We hypothesized that patients screened on the day of surgery as moderate/high risk for OSA (S-OSA) present similar perioperative respiratory complications, hospital use, and mortality than patients with previously diagnosed OSA (D-OSA). Second, we hypothesized that both OSA groups have more respiratory complications than No-OSA patients. METHODS: The electronic medical database from 1 academic and 2 community hospitals was retrospectively queried to identify adults undergoing nonemergent inpatient surgery (January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014). Based on the day-of-surgery preoperative assessment and STOP-BANG (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea during sleep, high blood Pressure, Body mass index >35, Age >50 years, thick Neck, Gender male) score, they were classified as D-OSA, S-OSA, or No-OSA. Perioperative respiratory events and interventions, hospital use, and mortality were measured. The primary outcome composite (adverse respiratory events [AREs]) included perioperative hypoxemic events and difficult airway management. Hypoxemic event was defined as peripheral saturation of oxygen (SpO2) =3 minutes, or if validated and/or manually entered into the medical chart. Hypoxemia was classified as mild (lowest SpO2 86%-89%) or moderate/severe (lowest SpO2 =1 moderate/severe hypoxemic event after discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU; 39.9% in S-OSA; 39.5% in D-OSA; and 27.1% in No-OSA patients). S-OSA patients compared to D-OSA patients presented lower rates of moderate/severe hypoxemia in the PACU but similar intraoperatively and postoperatively, higher difficult mask ventilation rates, and similar difficult intubation reports. After adjusting for demographic, health, and surgical differences and hospital type, the likelihood of >=1 ARE was not different in S-OSA and D-OSA patients (adjusted odds ratio 0.90 [99% confidence interval, 0.75-1.09]; P = .15). S-OSA patients compared to D-OSA patients had significantly increased postoperative reintubation, mechanical ventilation, direct intensive care unit admission after surgery, hospital length of stay, and 30-day all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients classified as S-OSA have similar rates of AREs to D-OSA patients, but increased postoperative respiratory interventions, hospital use, and 30-day all-cause mortality. These worse postoperative outcomes in S-OSA patients than D-OSA patients could reflect the lack of awareness and appropriate management of this bedside S-OSA diagnosis after PACU discharge. Multidisciplinary interventions are needed for these high-risk patients. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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House of Suicide in Les Morticoles by Daudet: A Prime Literary Allusion to Suicide Assisted by Anesthesia.

No abstract available

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Role of Sigma-1 Receptor/p38 MAPK Inhibition in Acupoint Catgut Embedding-Mediated Analgesic Effects in Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Inflammatory Pain.

BACKGROUND: The endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1 R) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in the mechanism of pain. Acupoint stimulation exerts an exact antihyperalgesic effect in inflammatory pain. However, whether Sig-1 R and MAPKs are associated with the acupoint stimulation-induced analgesic effects is not clear. This study investigated the analgesic effect of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) and the inhibition of Sig-1 R and MAPKs in ACE analgesia. METHODS: Rats were prepared with intrathecal catheter implantation. ACE was applied to bilateral "Kunlun" (BL60), "Zusanli" (ST36), and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) acupoints in the rat model of inflammatory pain (complete Freund's adjuvant [CFA] intraplantar injection). Then, Sig-1R agonist PRE084 or saline was intrathecally given daily. The paw withdrawal thresholds and paw edema were measured before CFA injection and at 1, 3, and 5 day after CFA injection. Western bolt was used to evaluate the protein expression of spinal Sig-1R, p38MAPK, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and immunohistochemistry of Sig-1R was detected at 1, 3, and 5 days after CFA injection. RESULTS: ACE exhibited specific analgesic effects. ACE increased paw withdrawal thresholds and markedly decreased CFA-induced paw edema at 1, 3, and 5 days. ACE downregulated the protein expression of Sig-1R, which was increased significantly at 1, 3, and 5 days after CFA injection. ACE decreased the expression of p38 MAPK and ERK at 1 and 3 days but not at 5 days. However, an injection of Sig-1R agonist PRE084 markedly reversed these alterations, except ERK expression. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that ACE exhibited antihyperalgesic effects via the inhibition of the Sig-1R that modulated p38 MAPK, but not ERK, expression in the CFA-induced inflammatory pain model in rats. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Acute Intracardiac Thrombosis and Pulmonary Thromboembolism After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases.

Intracardiac thrombosis (ICT) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are life-threatening events, but pathological mechanisms are not yet well defined. The aim of this review is to provide an update of case literature of a postbypass hypercoagulable state. Case commonalities among 48 ICT/PE events included congestive heart failure (50%), platelet transfusion (37.5%), CPB duration greater than 3 hours (37.5%), and aortic injury (27.1%). Preexisting thrombophilia was rarely reported, and 16.7% had low activated clotting time,

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Ringer's Lactate Versus Normal Saline in Urgent Cesarean Delivery in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Pragmatic Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Crystalloids are used routinely for perioperative fluid management in cesarean delivery. Few studies have determined the crystalloid of choice in obstetric anesthesia. We compared the effects of Ringer's lactate (RL) versus 0.9% normal saline (NS) on maternal and neonatal blood pH and 24-hour postoperative morbidity in urgent cesarean delivery in a low-resource setting. Our hypothesis was that RL would result in 30% less acidosis than NS. METHODS: This was a pragmatic prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial in the Mulago National Referral Hospital Labor Ward Theater from September 2011 to May 2012. Five hundred parturients were studied; 252 were randomly assigned to NS and 248 to RL groups. Preoperative and postoperative maternal venous blood gases and placental umbilical arterial cord blood gases were analyzed. The primary outcome was incidence of maternal acidosis, as defined by a postoperative drop in venous pH below 7.32 or reduction in base excess below -3 in a previously normal parturient. Maternal 24-hour postoperative morbidity, neonatal pH, and neonatal base excess were the main secondary outcomes. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT01585740. RESULTS: The overall incidence of maternal acidosis was 38% in NS and 29% in RL (relative risk, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.66; P = .04). Thirty-two percent of parturients in NS experienced a drop in venous pH below 7.32 postoperatively, compared with 19% in RL (relative risk, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.31; P = .003). The comparative drop in base excess postoperatively below -3 between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the incidence of maternal 24-hour postoperative morbidity events and neonatal outcomes between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: NS may be a safe choice for intraoperative fluid therapy in urgent cesarean delivery as RL, albeit with an increased incidence of metabolic acidosis. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Diphenyleneiodonium Mitigates Bupivacaine-Induced Sciatic Nerve Damage in a Diabetic Neuropathy Rat Model by Attenuating Oxidative Stress.

BACKGROUND: Increased oxidative stress has been linked to local anesthetic-induced nerve injury in a diabetic neuropathy (DN) rat model. The current study explores the effects of diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) chloride, an NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, on bupivacaine-induced sciatic nerve injury in DN rats. METHODS: A rat DN model was established through high-fat diet feeding and streptozotocin injection. The model was confirmed via testing (i) blood glucose, (ii) hindpaw allodynia responses to von Frey (VF) monofilaments, (iii) paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL), and (iv) nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Bupivacaine (Bup, 0.2 mL, 5 mg/mL) was used to block the right sciatic nerve. DPI (1 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously 24 hours and 30 minutes before the sciatic block. At 24 hours after the block, NCV, various reactive oxygen species, and Caspase-3 were evaluated to determine the extent of sciatic nerve injury. RESULTS: The DN rat model was successfully established. Compared with the DN control group, the postblock values of VF responses (DN-Con, 16.5 +/- 1.3 g; DN + Bup, 19.1 +/- 1.5 g, P

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The New World Health Organization Recommendations on Perioperative Administration of Oxygen to Prevent Surgical Site Infections: A Dangerous Reductionist Approach?.

In October 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) published recommendations for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). Among those measures is a recommendation to administer oxygen at an inspired fraction of 80% intra- and postoperatively for up to 6 hours. SSIs have been identified as a global health problem, and the WHO should be commended for their efforts. However, this recommendation focuses only on the patient's "wound," ignores other organ systems potentially affected by hyperoxia, and may ultimately worsen patient outcomes. The WHO advances a "strong recommendation" for the use of a high inspired oxygen fraction even though the quality of evidence is only moderate. However, achieving this goal by disregarding other potentially lethal complications seems inappropriate, particularly in light of the weak evidence underpinning the use of high fractions of oxygen to prevent SSI. Use of such a strategy thus should be intensely discussed by anesthesiologists and perioperative physicians. Normovolemia, normotension, normoglycemia, normothermia, and normoventilation can clearly be safely applied to most patients in most clinical scenarios. But the liberal application of hyperoxemia intraoperatively and up to 6 hours postoperatively, as suggested by the WHO, is questionable from the viewpoint of anesthesia and perioperative medicine, and its effects will be discussed in this article. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Defining the Primary Outcomes and Justifying Secondary Outcomes of a Study: Usually, the Fewer, the Better.

One of the first steps in designing and conducting a research study is identifying the primary and any secondary study outcomes. In an experimental, quasi-experimental, or analytic observational research study, the primary study outcomes arise from and align directly with the primary study aim or objective. Likewise, any secondary study outcomes arise from and directly align with any secondary study aim or objective. One designated primary study outcome then forms the basis for and is incorporated literally into the stated hypothesis. In a Methods section, authors clearly state and define each primary and any secondary study outcome variable. In the same Methods section, authors clearly describe how all primary and any secondary study outcome variables were measured. Enough detail is provided so that a clinician, statistician, or informatician can know exactly what is being measured and that other investigators could duplicate the measurements in their research venue. The authors provide published substantiation (preferably) or other documented evidence of the validity and reliability of any applied measurement instrument, tool, or scale. A common pitfall-and often fatal study design flaw-is the application of a newly created ("home-grown") or ad hoc modification of an existing measurement instrument, tool, or scale-without any supporting evidence of its validity and reliability. An optimal primary outcome is the one for which there is the most existing or plausible evidence of being associated with the exposure of interest or intervention. Including too many primary outcomes can (a) lead to an unfocused research question and study and (b) present problems with interpretation if the treatment effect differed across the outcomes. Inclusion of secondary variables in the study design and the resulting manuscript needs to be justified. Secondary outcomes are particularly helpful if they lend supporting evidence for the primary endpoint. A composite endpoint is an endpoint consisting of several outcome variables that are typically correlated with each. In designing a study, researchers limit components of a composite endpoint to variables on which the intervention of interest would most plausibly have an effect, and optimally with preliminary evidence of an effect. Ideally, components of a strong composite endpoint have similar treatment effect, frequency, and severity-with the most important being similar severity. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Dysfunction in Patients With Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility.

BACKGROUND: Malignant hyperthermia (MH), a pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle, presents with a potentially lethal hypermetabolic reaction to certain anesthetics. However, some MH-susceptible patients experience muscle weakness, fatigue, and exercise intolerance in the absence of anesthetic triggers. The objective of this exploratory study was to elucidate the pathophysiology of exercise intolerance in patients tested positive for MH with the caffeine-halothane contracture test. To this end, we used phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy, blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and traditional exercise testing to compare skeletal muscle metabolism in MH-positive patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Skeletal muscle metabolism was assessed using phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy and blood oxygen level-dependent functional MRI in 29 MH-positive patients and 20 healthy controls. Traditional measures of physical capacity were employed to measure aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, and muscle strength. RESULTS: During 30- and 60-second exercise, MH-positive patients had significantly lower ATP production via the oxidative pathway compared to healthy controls. MH-positive patients also had a longer recovery time with blood oxygen level-dependent functional MRI compared to healthy controls. Exercise testing revealed lower aerobic and anaerobic capacity in MH-positive patients compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this exploratory study suggest that MH-positive patients have impaired aerobic metabolism compared to healthy individuals. This could explain the exercise intolerance exhibited in MH-susceptible patient population. (C) 2017 International Anesthesia Research Society

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