Elevation of uterine basal tone and fetal heart rate abnormalities after labor analgesia: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effects of combined spinal-epidural and traditional epidural analgesia on uterine basal tone and its association with the occurrence of fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities. METHODS: Seventy-seven laboring patients who requested pain relief during labor were randomly assigned to combined spinal-epidural (n=41) or epidural analgesia (n=36). Uterine contractions and FHR were recorded 15 minutes before and after analgesia. Uterine tone was evaluated with intrauterine pressure catheter. Primary outcomes were the elevation of baseline uterine tone and occurrence of FHR prolonged decelerations or bradycardia after analgesia. The influence of other variables such as oxytocin use, hypotension, and speed of pain relief were estimated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The incidence of all outcomes was significantly greater in the combined spinal-epidural group compared with epidural: uterine hypertonus (17 compared with 6; P=.018), FHR abnormalities (13 compared with 2; P<.01), and both events simultaneously (11 compared with 1; P<.01). Logistic regression analysis showed the type of analgesia as the only independent predictor of uterine hypertonus (odds ratio 3.526, 95% confidence interval 1.21-10.36; P=.022). For the occurrence of FHR abnormalities, elevation of uterine tone was the independent predictor (odds ratio 18.624, 95% confidence interval 4.46-77.72; P<.001). Regression analysis also found a correlation between decrease on pain scores immediately after analgesia and the estimated probability of occurrence of hypertonus and FHR abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Combined spinal-epidural analgesia is associated with a significantly greater incidence of FHR abnormalities related to uterine hypertonus compared with epidural analgesia. The faster the pain relief after analgesia, the higher the probability of uterine hypertonus and FHR changes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Umin Clinical Trials Registry, http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm, UMIN000001186 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Comparison of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid a protein in septic shock patients.

Septic shock is a severe inflammatory state caused by an infectious agent. Our purpose was to investigate serum amyloid A (SAA) protein and C-reactive protein (CRP) as inflammatory markers of septic shock patients. Here we evaluate 29 patients in postoperative period, with septic shock, in a prospective study developed in a surgical intensive care unit. All eligible patients were monitored over a 7-day period by sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, daily CRP, SAA, and lactate measurements. CRP and SAA strongly correlated up to the fifth day of observation but were not good predictors of mortality in septic shock.

Early dexamethasone treatment for septic shock patients: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Sepsis and septic shock are very common conditions among critically ill patients that lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death. Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy of early administration of dexamethasone for patients with septic shock, with the aim of halting the progression towards MODS and death. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center study, developed in a surgical intensive care unit at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS: The study involved 29 patients with septic shock. All eligible patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a dose of 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone (group D) or placebo (group P), given three times at intervals of 36 hours. The patients were monitored over a seven-day period by means of the sequential organ failure assessment score. RESULTS: Patients treated with dexamethasone did not require vasopressor therapy for as much time over the seven-day period as did the placebo group (p = 0.043). Seven-day mortality was 67% in group P (10 out of 15) and 21% in group D (3 out of 14) (relative risk = 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.11 to 0.88). Dexamethasone enhanced the effects of vasopressor drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment with dexamethasone reduced the seven-day mortality among septic shock patients and showed a trend towards reduction of 28-day mortality.

Effects of single dose of dexamethasone on patients with systemic inflammatory response.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a very common condition among critically ill patients. SIRS, sepsis, septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) can lead to death. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of a single dose of dexamethasone for blocking the progression of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center study in a postoperative intensive care unit (Surgical Support Unit) at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS: The study involved 29 patients with SIRS. All eligible patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a single dose of 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone or placebo, after SIRS was diagnosed. The patients were monitored over a seven-day period using Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA). RESULTS: The respiratory system showed an improvement on the first day after dexamethasone was administered, demonstrated by the improved PaO2/FiO2 ratio (p < 0.05). The cardiovascular system of patients requiring vasopressor therapy also improved over the first two days, with a better evolution in the dexamethasone group (p < 0.05). Non-surviving patients presented higher lactate assays than did survivors (p < 0.05) during this period. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone enhanced the effects of vasopressor drugs and evaluation of the respiratory system showed improvements (better PaO2/FiO2 ratio), one day after its administration. Despite these improvements, the single dose of dexamethasone did not block the evolution of SIRS.

C-reactive protein is not a useful indicator for infection in surgical intensive care units.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: C-reactive protein (CRP) is commonly used as a marker for inflammatory states and for early identification of infection. This study aimed to investigate CRP as a marker for infection in patients with postoperative septic shock. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, single-center study, developed in a surgical intensive care unit at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS: This study evaluated 54 patients in the postoperative period, of whom 29 had septic shock (SS group) and 25 had systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS group). All of the patients were monitored over a seven-day period using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and daily CRP and lactate measurements. RESULTS: The daily CRP measurements did not differ between the groups. There was no correlation between CRP and lactate levels and the SOFA score in the groups. We observed that the plasma CRP concentrations were high in almost all of the patients. The patients presented an inflammatory state postoperatively in response to surgical aggression. This could explain the elevated CRP measurements, regardless of whether the patient was infected or not. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not show any correlation between CRP and infection among patients with SIRS and septic shock during the early postoperative period.

[Lactate as a predictor of mortality and multiple organ failure in patients with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome.]. / Lactato como prognóstico de mortalidade e falência orgânica em pacientes com síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is common in the postoperative period of critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between lactate level, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality in patients with SIRS. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 24 patients with a postoperative diagnosis of SIRS (American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine) in the surgical ICU. Lactate levels were determined in the first 24 hours after the diagnosis of SIRS and daily, for 7 days. Patients were divided in 2 groups: LE Group (lactate > 2 mmol.L-1) and LN Group (lactate < 2 mmol.L-1). Multiple organ failure was evaluated by the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score daily, for 7 days. After the 7-day follow-up period patients were followed for up to 28 days, until discharge from the hospital or death. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included in the LE Group after the diagnosis of SIRS and 11 patients in the LN Group. The relative risk (RR) of death in 7 days for the LE Group was 4.23 (CI 95% 2.25-7.95) times greater than in the LN Group in the first day of the study. The RR of death in 28 days was 1.7 times greater for the LE Group (CI 95% 0.84-3.46). The SOFA score was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with elevated lactate in the first 24 hours after the diagnosis of SIRS did not have more organic dysfunction than patients with normal lactate levels, but they had an increased risk of death in 7 days.

[Combined spinal-epidural for labor analgesia: does the addition of sufentanil to the local anesthetic influence apgar scores of the newborns?]. / Bloqueio combinado para analgesia de parto: a adição de sufentanil ao anestésico local influencia o apgar dos recém-nascidos?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) is a very common obstetric technique. However, the literature does not present a standardization regarding the technique, doses, and anesthetics used, besides there is also the controversy about the possibility that the addition of opioids to the local anesthetic causes fetal bradycardia and affects its vitality. The aim of this study was to identify the techniques and anesthetics used in the Anesthesiology Service of the Hospital Universitário of Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and determine whether the use of sufentanil associated with the local anesthetic affects Apgar scores of newborns. METHODS: The anesthesiology charts of patients submitted to CSE for labor analgesia over a 12-month period at the Hospital Universitário of USP were analyzed. The use and dose of sufentanil, the type of delivery, and Apgar scores in the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 635 CSE analyzed, 307 used sufentanil and local anesthetic (SUF Group) and 328 only local anesthetic (LA Group). One hundred and twenty-seven (20%) were done using the needle through the needle technique and the other 508 (80%) used the double puncture technique. There were no differences in the Apgar scores in the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of sufentanil in the combined spinal-epidural did not change Apgar scores of the newborns.

Alveolar recruitment maneuver in anesthetic practice: how, when and why it may be useful.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) is the reopening of lung tissue collapsed by increased airway inspiratory pressure, primarily performed in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. This study aimed at evaluating ARM in anesthesia, how to do it and in which clinical situations. METHODS: Literature review using MedLine database in the period 1993 to 2004. RESULTS: Most common approach for recruitment maneuver is sustained inflation by CPAP with pressures varying from 30 to 40 cmH2O for 30 to 90 seconds. ARM was beneficial during laparoscopic procedures, single-lung ventilation surgeries and cardiac surgeries, and for obese and pediatric patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment maneuver may be useful for anesthetic practice, improving postoperative oxygenation and re-expanding atelectasis of anesthetized patients.

[Carbon dioxide embolism during laparoscopic surgery: case report.]. / Embolia gasosa por dióxido de carbono durante cirurgia laparoscópica: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Carbon dioxide gas embolism is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of laparoscopic surgery. Our report aimed at describing a case of pulmonary carbon dioxide embolism with favorable evolution. CASE REPORT: Hypertensive patient was submitted to laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia due to cholelithiasis. After 150 minutes of pneumoperitoneum, patient developed tachycardia with severe hemodynamic deterioration, despite the use of vasopressor drugs. Arterial blood-gas revealed major difference between PaCO2 and P ET CO2. Carbon dioxide embolism was suspected and pneumoperitoneum was immediately deflated. Surgery was converted to a conventional technique. Patient has evolved with hemodynamic improvement and was extubated at surgery completion, being referred to post-anesthetic care unit (PACU). CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and immediate treatment resulted in positive outcome in this case.

[Importance of critical events training for anesthesiology residents: experience with computer simulator.]. / Importância do treinamento de residentes em eventos adversos durante anestesia: experiência com o uso do simulador computadorizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Because of monitoring and drugs evolution, there has been a decrease in the incidence of critical events during anesthetic procedures. Despite this low frequency, critical event training for Anesthesiology residents remains important. This study aimed at evaluating Anesthesiology residents' critical care skills during computer-simulated anesthesia. METHODS: Seventeen anesthesiology residents (first and second year) and 5 anesthesiology instructors were evaluated. Using the Anesthesia Simulator Consultant (2.0 - 1995/Anesoft) simulations of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and anaphylactic reaction (AR) were performed. After simulation, results of each participant were printed and approaches to solve predetermined critical events were evaluated and scored. Participants have evaluated the simulator by filling out a questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in means obtained by groups, but there has been a trend toward better performance of second year residents and Anesthesiology instructors during VF simulation. There has been a trend toward better performance of Anesthesiology instructors during AR simulation. CONCLUSIONS: Critical events management training should be the focus during residents and anesthesiologists training. Computer simulation could be a way to carry out such training.

Sedation and analgesia in intensive care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain and anxiety may cause major discomfort, increase the risk for postoperative complications in surgical patients and may even prolong their hospital stay. This study aimed at reviewing concepts of sedation and analgesia in intensive care, updating knowledge and reviewing information available in the literature as well as already published consensus. CONTENTS: Sedation and analgesia are presented in separate, reviewing each group of available drugs, their major characteristics and side-effects. We have included some protocols used in our ICU for analgesia and sedation as well as the conclusions of the latest consensus of the American College of Critical Care Medicine and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the therapeutic armamentarium available, there is a lack of understanding about major characteristics of drugs used for sedation and analgesia in Intensive Care. Developed consensus try to explain qualities and side-effects of most popular drugs, normalizing their use for ICU analgesia and sedation to benefit and faster recover patients.

[Postoperative sedation at hospital das clínicas, São Paulo, postoperative unit: a retrospective study.]. / Sedação pós-operatória na unidade de apoio cirúrgico do hospital das clínicas de São Paulo: estudo retrospectivo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the established benefits of sedatives in postoperative ICUs, there is no agreement on the optimal sedative regimen or the best way to evaluate sedation depth. This retrospective study aimed at evaluating sedative approaches and their effects on ICU stay in our Hospital. METHODS: Eighty-three continuously sedated patients were studied according to agent and doses used at the following moments: admission-start sedation (T INI), sedation (T SED), end of sedation-extubation (T EXT) and extubation-discharge (T DIS). In addition, ASA physical status and level of sedation according to Ramsay's score were registered. Data were submitted to ANOVA. RESULTS: Only patients receiving fentanyl were evaluated (N=80). From these, 34 have received another sedative. T INI was 123.4 +/- 369, T SED was 852.5 +/- 1242.3, T EXT was 241.1 +/- 156.6 and T DIS was 1433 +/- 1734.4 minutes. There were no differences on sedation doses versus ASA status (p = 0.11). Nevertheless, T DIS was higher in more critically ill patients (p < 0.001). Diastolic pressure and Ramsay score increased during sedation (p < 0.001 and 0.028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Fentanyl, complemented or not by other agents, was adequate for sedation and hemodynamic stability during postoperative intensive care.

C-reactive protein is not a useful indicator for infection in surgical intensive care units / Proteína C-reativa não é um marcador útil de infecção em unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: C-reactive protein (CRP) is commonly used as a marker for inflammatory states and for early identification of infection. This study aimed to investigate CRP as a marker for infection in patients with postoperative septic shock. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, single-center study, developed in a surgical intensive care unit at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS: This study evaluated 54 patients in the postoperative period, of whom 29 had septic shock (SS group) and 25 had systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS group). All of the patients were monitored over a seven-day period using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and daily CRP and lactate measurements. RESULTS: The daily CRP measurements did not differ between the groups. There was no correlation between CRP and lactate levels and the SOFA score in the groups. We observed that the plasma CRP concentrations were high in almost all of the patients. The patients presented an inflammatory state postoperatively in response to surgical aggression. This could explain the elevated CRP measurements, regardless of whether the patient was infected or not. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not show any correlation between CRP and infection among patients with SIRS and septic shock during the early postoperative period.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A proteína C reativa (PCR) é muito usada como marcador de estados inflamatórios e na identificação precoce de infecção. Este estudo teve como proposta investigar a PCR como marcadora de infecção em pacientes em choque séptico no período pós-operatório. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo prospectivo, monocêntrico, desenvolvido numa unidade de terapia intensiva pós-operatória do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 54 pacientes no pós-operatório, sendo 29 deles com choque séptico (grupo SS) e 25 com síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica (grupo SI). Todos os pacientes foram acompanhados durante sete dias pelo escore SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) e com dosagens diárias de PCR e lactato. RESULTADOS: As dosagens de PCR não diferiram entre os grupos. Não foi observada correlação entre dosagem de PCR e lactato ou escore SOFA nos grupos estudados. Observamos que as concentrações plasmáticas de PCR estavam elevadas em quase todos os pacientes avaliados. Os pacientes no pós-operatório apresentam estado inflamatório em resposta à agressão cirúrgica, sendo este fato capaz de explicar as dosagens de PCR elevadas, independentemente de o paciente estar ou não infectado. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo não evidenciou correlação entre PCR e infecção nos pacientes com síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica e choque séptico no período pós-operatório precoce.

Lactato como prognóstico de mortalidade e falência orgânica em pacientes com síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica / Lactate as a predictor of mortality and multiple organ failure in patients with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica (SRIS) é comum em pacientes em estado crítico no pós-operatório. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a correlação entre dosagem de lactato, disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e mortalidade em pacientes com diagnóstico de SRIS. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo que avaliou 24 pacientes com diagnóstico de SRIS (Colégio Americano de Cirurgiões Torácicos/Sociedade Americana de Medicina Intensiva) no pós-operatório em UTI cirúrgica. O lactato foi dosado nas primeiras 24 horas após o diagnóstico de SRIS e diariamente durante 7 dias. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo LE (lactato > 2 mmol.L-1) e Grupo LN (lactato < 2 mmol.L-1). A falência de múltiplos órgãos foi avaliada pelo escore SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) diariamente por sete dias. Após o seguimento por sete dias, os pacientes foram acompanhados até sua alta hospitalar ou óbito em 28 dias. RESULTADOS: Treze pacientes foram incluídos no Grupo LE após o diagnóstico de SRIS e 11 pacientes no Grupo LN. O risco relativo (RR) de óbito em sete dias para o Grupo LE foi 4,23 (IC 95 por cento 2,25-7,95) vezes maior que o Grupo LN, no primeiro dia do estudo. O RR de óbito em 28 dias foi 1,7 vezes maior para o Grupo LE (IC 95 por cento 0,84-3,46). Os grupos foram similares com relação ao SOFA durante o estudo. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com lactato elevado nas primeiras 24 horas após o diagnóstico de SRIS não apresentaram mais disfunção orgânica do que os pacientes com lactato normal, porém tiveram risco aumentado de óbito em sete dias.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is common in the postoperative period of critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between lactate level, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality in patients with SIRS. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 24 patients with a postoperative diagnosis of SIRS (American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine) in the surgical ICU. Lactate levels were determined in the first 24 hours after the diagnosis of SIRS and daily, for 7 days. Patients were divided in 2 groups: LE Group (lactate > 2 mmol.L-1) and LN Group (lactate < 2 mmol.L-1). Multiple organ failure was evaluated by the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score daily, for 7 days. After the 7-day follow-up period patients were followed for up to 28 days, until discharge from the hospital or death. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included in the LE Group after the diagnosis of SIRS and 11 patients in the LN Group. The relative risk (RR) of death in 7 days for the LE Group was 4.23 (CI 95 percent 2.25-7.95) times greater than in the LN Group in the first day of the study. The RR of death in 28 days was 1.7 times greater for the LE Group (CI 95 percent 0.84-3.46). The SOFA score was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with elevated lactate in the first 24 hours after the diagnosis of SIRS did not have more organic dysfunction than patients with normal lactate levels, but they had an increased risk of death in 7 days.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El síndrome de la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SRIS) es común en pacientes en estado crítico en el postoperatorio. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la correlación entre dosificación de lactato, disfunción de múltiplos órganos y mortalidad en pacientes con diagnóstico de SRIS. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo que evaluó 24 pacientes con diagnóstico de SRIS (Colegio Americano de Cirujanos Torácicos/Sociedad Americana de Medicina Intensiva) en el postoperatorio en UTI quirúrgica. El lactato fue dosificado en las primeras 24 horas después del diagnóstico de SIRS y diariamente durante 7 días. Los pacientes fueron divididos en 2 grupos: Grupo LE (lactato > 2 mmol.L-1) y Grupo LN (lactato < 2 mmol.L-1). La falencia de múltiples órganos se evaluó por la puntuación SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) diariamente por 7 días. Después del seguimiento por 7 días, los pacientes fueron acompañados hasta su alta u óbito en 28 días. RESULTADOS: Trece pacientes fueron incluidos en el Grupo LE después del diagnóstico de SRIS y 11 pacientes en el Grupo LN. El riesgo relativo (RR) de óbito en 7 días para el Grupo LE fue 4.23 (IC 95 por ciento 2.25-7.95) veces mayor que el Grupo LN, el primero día del estudio. El RR de óbito en 28 días fue 1.7 veces mayor para el Grupo LE (IC 95 por ciento 0.84-3.46). Los grupos fueron similares con relación al SOFA durante el estudio. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con lactato elevado en las primeras 24 horas después del diagnóstico de SRIS no presentaron más disfunción orgánica que los pacientes con lactato normal, pero tuvieron riesgo aumentado de óbito en 7 días.

Bloqueio combinado para analgesia de parto: a adição de sufentanil ao anestésico local influencia o apgar dos recém-nascidos? / Combined spinal-epidural for labor analgesia: does the addition of sufentanil to the local anesthetic influence apgar scores of the newborns?

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O bloqueio combinado (BC) é uma técnica muito utilizada em anestesia obstétrica. Porém não há na literatura padronização com relação à técnica, doses e anestésicos utilizados, além da controvérsia sobre a possibilidade da adição do opióide ao anestésico local causar bradicardia fetal e alteração de sua vitalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as técnicas e anestésicos utilizados no Serviço de Anestesiologia do Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) e avaliar se a utilização de sufentanil associado ao anestésico local no BC altera o Apgar dos recém-nascidos. MÉTODO: Foram analisadas as fichas de anestesia em que foram realizados BC para analgesia de parto durante 12 meses no Hospital Universitário da USP. Foram registrados o uso e dose de sufentanil, a via de parto utilizada e os escores de Apgar do 1º, 5º e 10º minutos dos recém-nascidos. RESULTADOS: Dos 635 BC avaliados, 307 utilizaram sufentanil e anestésico local (Grupo SUF) e 328, só anestésico local (Grupo AL). Cento e vinte e sete (20 por cento) foram realizados através da técnica de agulha por dentro de agulha e os outros 508 (80 por cento) foram realizados pela técnica de duas punções. Não foi verificada diferença entre o Apgar dos grupos estudados no 1º, 5º e 10º minutos. CONCLUSÕES: O sufentanil utilizado no bloqueio combinado não alterou o Apgar dos recém-nascidos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) is a very common obstetric technique. However, the literature does not present a standardization regarding the technique, doses, and anesthetics used, besides there is also the controversy about the possibility that the addition of opioids to the local anesthetic causes fetal bradycardia and affects its vitality. The aim of this study was to identify the techniques and anesthetics used in the Anesthesiology Service of the Hospital Universitário of Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and determine whether the use of sufentanil associated with the local anesthetic affects Apgar scores of newborns. METHODS: The anesthesiology charts of patients submitted to CSE for labor analgesia over a 12-month period at the Hospital Universitário of USP were analyzed. The use and dose of sufentanil, the type of delivery, and Apgar scores in the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 635 CSE analyzed, 307 used sufentanil and local anesthetic (SUF Group) and 328 only local anesthetic (LA Group). One hundred and twenty-seven (20 percent) were done using the needle through the needle technique and the other 508 (80 percent) used the double puncture technique. There were no differences in the Apgar scores in the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of sufentanil in the combined spinal-epidural did not change Apgar scores of the newborns.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El bloqueo combinado (BC) es una técnica muy utilizada en anestesia obstétrica. Sin embargo no existe en la literatura una estandarización con relación a la técnica, dosis y anestésicos utilizados, además de la controversia sobre la posibilidad de la adición del opioide al anestésico local causar una bradicardia fetal y la alteración de su vitalidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las técnicas y anestésicos utilizados en el Servicio de Anestesiología del Hospital Universitario de la Universidade de São Paulo (USP) y evaluar si la utilización de sufentanil asociado al anestésico local en el BC altera el Apgar de los recién nacidos. MÉTODO: Se analizaron las fichas de anestesia en que se realizaron BC para la analgesia de parto durante 12 meses en el Hospital Universitario de la USP. Se registraron el uso y la dosis de sufentanil, la vía de parto utilizada y las puntuaciones de Apgar del 1º, 5º y 10º minutos de los recién nacidos. RESULTADOS: De los 635 BC evaluados, 307 utilizaron sufentanil y anestésico local (Grupo SUF) y 328, solo anestésico local (Grupo AL). Ciento veinte y siete (20 por ciento) fueron realizados a través de la técnica de aguja por dentro de aguja y los otros 508 (80 por ciento) realizados por la técnica dos punciones. No se verificó diferencia entre el Apgar de los grupos estudiados en el 1º, 5º y 10º minutos. CONCLUSIONES: El sufentanil utilizado en el bloqueo combinado no alteró el Apgar de los recién nacidos.

Early dexamethasone treatment for septic shock patients: a prospective randomized clinical trial

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Sepsis and septic shock are very common conditions among critically ill patients that lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death. Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy of early administration of dexamethasone for patients with septic shock, with the aim of halting the progression towards MODS and death. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center study, developed in a surgical intensive care unit at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS: The study involved 29 patients with septic shock. All eligible patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a dose of 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone (group D) or placebo (group P), given three times at intervals of 36 hours. The patients were monitored over a seven-day period by means of the sequential organ failure assessment score. RESULTS: Patients treated with dexamethasone did not require vasopressor therapy for as much time over the seven-day period as did the placebo group (p = 0.043). Seven-day mortality was 67 percent in group P (10 out of 15) and 21 percent in group D (3 out of 14) (relative risk = 0.31, 95 percent confidence interval 0.11 to 0.88). Dexamethasone enhanced the effects of vasopressor drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment with dexamethasone reduced the seven-day mortality among septic shock patients and showed a trend towards reduction of 28-day mortality.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Sepse e choque séptico são doenças muito comuns em pacientes gravemente enfermos, evoluindo muitas vezes com síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos (SDMO) e morte. A proposta do trabalho foi investigar a eficácia da administração precoce de dexametasona a estes pacientes, tentando evitar a progressão do choque séptico para SDMO e morte. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo prospectivo, aleatório, duplamente encoberto, monocêntrico, realizado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva pós-operatória do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 29 pacientes com choque séptico. Os participantes foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos que receberam 0,2 mg/kg de dexametasona (grupo D) ou placebo (grupo P), repetidas a cada 36 horas. Os pacientes foram acompanhados durante sete dias de internação na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva através do escore SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment). RESULTADOS: Os pacientes que receberam dexametasona necessitaram de menos tempo de tratamento com vasopressores durante o período de sete dias (p = 0,043). A mortalidade em sete dias no grupo P foi de 67 por cento (10 em 15) e no grupo D foi de 21 por cento (3 em 14) (risco relativo = 0.31, intervalo de confiança 95 por cento 0.11-0.88). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento precoce com dexametasona dos pacientes com choque séptico reduziu a mortalidade em sete dias de acompanhamento e mostrou tendência de redução da mortalidade em 28 dias.

Effects of single dose of dexamethasone on patients with systemic inflammatory response

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica (SRIS) acomete muitos pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva. A evolução destes pacientes com SRIS para sepse, choque séptico e síndrome da disfunção de múltiplos órgãos (SDMO) pode conduzi-los rapidamente para o óbito. A proposta do trabalho é avaliar a eficácia da dexametasona em dose única como tratamento da SRIS. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo prospectivo, aleatório, duplamente encoberto, realizado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva pós-operatória (Unidade de Apoio Cirúrgico) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 29 pacientes com diagnóstico de SRIS. Os participantes foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos que receberam dexametasona (0,2 mg/kg em dose única) ou placebo após o diagnóstico de SRIS. Os pacientes foram acompanhados durante sete dias de internação na UTI através do escore SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment).RESULTADOS: Os pacientes que receberam dexametasona apresentaram melhora do sistema respiratório no primeiro dia, com aumento da relação PaO2/FiO2 (p < 0,05). Entre os pacientes que faziam uso de vasopressores, os que receberam dexametasona tiveram diminuição da necessidade destas medicações nos primeiros dois dias após a dose de dexametasona (p < 0,05).

Manobra de recrutamento alveolar em anestesia: como, quando e por que utilizá-la / Alveolar recruitment maneuver in anesthesia: how, when and why to use it

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A manobra de recrutamento alveolar (MRA) consiste na reabertura de áreas pulmonares colapsadas através do aumento da pressão inspiratória na via aérea, utilizada principalmente em pacientes com Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório Agudo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicação da MRA em anestesia, como realizá-la e em quais situações clínicas. MÉTODO: Revisão de literatura através da base de dados MedLine, no período compreendido entre 1993 e 2004. RESULTADOS: A forma mais utilizada para realização da MRA é a insuflação sustentada pelo modo CPAP com pressões que variam de 30 a 40 cmH2O por 30 a 90 segundos. As cirurgias laparoscópicas, as cirurgias com ventilação monopulmonar, cirurgias cardíacas, pacientes obesos e pacientes pediátricos foram as situações clínicas em que a MRA trouxe benefício aos pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: A MRA pode ser útil na prática anestésica, melhorando a oxigenação pós-operatória e desfazendo atelectasias de pacientes submetidos à anestesia geral.

Embolia gasosa por dióxido de carbono durante cirurgia laparoscópica: relato de caso

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A embolia venosa por CO2 durante cirurgias laparoscópicas é uma complicação rara, porém fatal na maioria dos casos. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso não fatal de embolia venosa por CO2 durante cirurgia laparoscópica. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente hipertensa foi submetida à anestesia geral para laparoscopia para exploração de colédoco. Após 150 minutos de pneumoperitôneo, a paciente evoluiu com taquicardia e hipotensão refratária ao uso de vasopressor. A gasometria arterial revelou grande diferença entre a pCO2 e a P ET CO2. Frente à hipótese de embolia gasosa, foi desinsuflado o pneumoperitôneo, e a cirurgia terminada pela técnica convencional. A paciente evoluiu com melhora do quadro hemodinâmico, sendo extubada ao término da cirurgia e encaminhada para sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA). CONCLUSÕES: O diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento imediato foram fundamentais na boa evolução do caso descrito.

Importância do treinamento de residentes em eventos adversos durante anestesia: experiência com o uso do simulador computadorizado / Importance of critical events training for anesthesiology residents: experience with computer simulator

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Em decorrência da grande evolução da monitorização e do arsenal terapêutico disponível nos últimos anos, houve uma redução na incidência de eventos adversos durante procedimentos anestésicos. Porém, continua importante o treinamento dos médicos residentes para este tipo de ocorrência. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho prático do residente de Anestesiologia em eventos adversos durante uma anestesia simulada. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 17 médicos em especialização do primeiro e segundo anos de Anestesiologia (ME1 e ME2) e 5 instrutores do Centro de Ensino e Treinamento (CET) do HCFMUSP (Título Superior em Anestesiologia - TSA). Foi utilizado o simulador computadorizado Anesthesia Simulator Consultant (ASC) versão 2.0 - 1995/Anesoft para realização das simulações dos eventos. Os incidentes críticos escolhidos foram fibrilação ventricular (FV) e choque anafilático. Após a realização da simulação, foram impressos os resultados de cada participante e avaliadas e pontuadas as condutas adotadas para resolver os incidentes críticos pré-determinados. Os participantes avaliaram o simulador através do preenchimento de um questionário. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatística entre as médias obtidas pelos grupos, porém notou-se uma tendência de melhor desempenho dos grupos TSA e ME2 na simulação de FV. Com relação ao choque anafilático, houve uma tendência de melhor desempenho do grupo TSA. CONCLUSÕES: O treinamento para diagnóstico e condutas em eventos adversos deve ser foco de atenção durante o treinamento de médicos residentes e na atualização de anestesiologistas. O uso do simulador pode ser uma das formas de realizar o treinamento nestas situações.