[Comparison of intra-abdominal pressure, during spine surgeries, among two prone positional apparatuses in the same patient - a case report]. / Porównanie zmiany wartosci cisnienia sródbrzusznego podczas operacji kregoslupa przy zastosowaniu dwóch systemów ulozenia chorego w pozycji na brzuchu ­ opis przypadku.

Spinal surgeries often require prone positioning of the patient. This is associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure, which may increase the risk of intra- and postoperative complications. The described case enables the comparison of two prone positional apparatuses and their influence on changes in intra-abdominal pressure during spine surgeries. A CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old female patient underwent two spine surgeries due to a fracture of the Th12 vertebra and traumatic kyphosis. Both were performed in the prone position. During the first procedure, stabilization of the fracture, positioning was performed by placing the patient on the Allen table, whereas during the second procedure, laminectomy, by placing the patient on gel pads. During both surgeries the patient's intra-abdominal pressure was measured. The values measured while lying on the Allen table were found to be lower (mean 13.8 mmHg ± 0.66 mmHg) than the results obtained during the procedure utilizing gel pads (mean 24 mmHg ± 1.22 mmHg). Both surgeries were completed without complications. In both cases, creatinine, urea, and potassium concentrations as well as daily diuresis were measured to assess postoperative renal function. The results of these analyses did not indicate renal damage. CONCLUSIONS: The way the patient is positioned on the abdomen has a significant impact on intra-abdominal pressure. Compared to gel pads, the Allen table allows for a reduction in abdominal pressure, which corresponds with lower values of intra-abdominal pressure. This may help reduce the risk of complications during surgeries performed in the prone position.

Transversus abdominis plane block versus quadratus lumborum block type 2 for analgesia in renal transplantation: A randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown an analgesic efficacy of a transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in reducing opioid requirements during and after cadaveric renal transplantation surgery, but the effect of a quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in this type of surgery is unclear. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this prospective, randomised, double-centre clinical study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of a one-sided lateral approach TAPB with a unilateral QLB type 2 in cadaveric renal transplantation surgery. DESIGN: Randomised, single-blinded trial. SETTING: Two University-affiliated tertiary care hospitals between April 2016 and May 2017. PATIENTS: A total of 101 patients aged more than 18 years, scheduled for cadaveric renal transplantation. INTERVENTIONS: On receiving ethical board approval and individual informed consent, consecutive patients were allocated randomly to receive either an ultrasound-guided single-shot lateral TAPB or an ultrasound-guided single-shot QLB type 2 on the surgical side using 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline after a standardised induction of general anaesthesia. All patients on surgical completion and recovery from general anaesthesia were admitted to the postanaesthesia care unit for 24 h. They received standardised intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl, and their pain scores were noted at regular intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was total cumulative fentanyl dose used per kg body mass in the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the need to start a continuous infusion of fentanyl in addition to patient-controlled analgesia boluses during the stay in post-anaesthesia care unit, postoperative pain severity measured using a numerical rating scale, patient satisfaction with analgesic treatment, evidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus and sedation level. RESULTS: The 49 patients allocated to the QLB type 2 group used significantly less fentanyl per kg in the first 24 h after surgery than the 52 patients who received a TAPB (median [IQR] 4.2 [2.3 to 8.0] µg kg versus 6.7 [3.5 to 10.7] µg kg, P = 0.042). No statistically significant differences were noted in the secondary endpoints within the study, including the frequency of adverse effects of opioids. CONCLUSION: The reduction of fentanyl consumption in the first 24 h after renal transplantation with no difference in pain intensity and patient satisfaction shows a beneficial effect of one-sided QLB type 2 over a one-sided TAPB in regards to postoperative analgesia. However, the reduction in opioid consumption did not affect the frequency of opioid-related adverse effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02783586.

[Hypotension - a complication of subarachnoid anesthesia especially dangerous in patients aged]. / Hipotensja ­ powiklanie znieczulenia podpajeczynówkowego szczególnie grozne u chorych w podeszlym wieku.

Demographic data clearly show the progressive aging of societies. Problems and specificity of anaesthesia in the elderly becomes a particularly important issue in this context. Spinal anesthesia is a method often used to anesthetize elderly patients, and hypotension is one of its most common early complications. Untreated or improperly treated hypotension increases the risk of perioperative complications such as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke or acute renal failure. The prevention of hypotension consists of intravenous fluid therapy and pre-emptive use of vasoconstrictor drugs. Among vasoconstrictors, ephedrine and phenylephrine are commonly used to treat hypotension due to spinal anaesthesia. Both drugs are available in Poland. Issues related to their use in the treatment of hypotension caused by spinal anaesthesia in the elderly, including the features of both drugs, their method of administration and dosage based on the literature and own experience are the subject of this study. It should be noted, however, that most studies in the use of ephedrine and phenylephrine as a targeted treatment for hypotension concern the obstetric patient population while the elderly population is underrepresented and the results are inconclusive.

Successful transplantation of kidneys from deceased donors with terminal acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: There are many doubts with regards to accepting deceased kidneys with acute kidney injury (AKI) for transplantation. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present the 5-years outcome of kidney transplantation cases where deceased donors developed AKI before organ procurement. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-six deceased renal transplants were analyzed. Data regarding donors and recipients were collected. Terminal AKI was defined as terminal serum creatinine concentration higher than 1.99 mg/dL and 66 such cases were diagnosed. All kidney transplant recipients were followed for 60 months. RESULTS: AKI group presented more episodes of delayed graft function (DGF) compared to the non-AKI group (56% vs 35%, p < .05). No differences were observed between the groups in the rate of acute rejection episodes, kidney function as well as patient and graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: Transplants with AKI present more often DGF and comparable graft survival to transplants without AKI. Kidneys with AKI can be a valuable source of organs provided attentive selection and appropriate care of deceased donors.

[Copeptin - a novel biomarker for perioperative homeostasis disorders]. / Kopeptyna ­ nowy biomarker zaburzen homeostazy w okresie okolooperacyjnym.

Recently there has been an increasing amount of research on copeptin as a novel biomarker for stress response and homeostasis disorders in a wide spectrum of morbidities. Copeptin is a stable and easily measured surrogate marker of arginine vasopressin and is increasingly included as a part of routine patient assessment tests in selected clinical scenarios. Such tests are also performed in the perioperative period, in which complication risk assessment is of exceptional importance. This review is an attempt to appraise up to date publications on use of copeptin as a biomarker.

Management of high risk pulmonary embolism - a single center experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) associated with hemodynamic instability, i.e. high-risk APE (HR-APE), are at risk for early mortality and require urgent reperfusion therapy with thrombolysis or embolectomy. However, a considerable proportion of HR-APE subjects is not reperfused but only anticoagulated due to high bleeding risk. The aim of the present study was to assess the management of HR-APE in a single large-volume referral center. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study of 32 HR-APE subjects identified among 823 consecutive patients hospitalized for symptomatic APE. RESULTS: Out of 32 subjects with HR-APE (19 women, age 69 ± 19 years), 20 patients were unstable at admission and 12 subsequently deteriorated despite on-going anticoagulation. Thrombolysis was applied in 20 (62.5%) of HR-APE subjects, limited mainly by classical contraindications in the remainder. Percutaneous pulmonary embolectomy was performed in 4 patients. In-hospital PE-related mortality tended to be higher, albeit insignificantly, in the patients who developed hemodynamic collapse during the hospital course compared to those unstable at admission (67% vs. 40%, p = 0.14). Also, survival was slightly better in 22 patients treated with thrombolysis or percutaneous embolectomy in comparison to 10 subjects who received only anticoagulation (54% vs. 40%, p = 0.2). Major non-fatal bleedings occurred in 7 of 20 patients receiving thrombolysis (35%) and in 2 (17%) of the remaining non-thrombolysed 12 HR-APE subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamically instability, corresponding to the definition of HR-APE, affects about 4% of patients with APE, developing during the hospital course in approximately one-third of HR-APE subjects. As almost 40% of patients with HR-APE do not receive thrombolytic therapy for fear of bleeding, urgent percutaneous catheter-assisted embolectomy may increase the percentage of patients with HR-APE undergoing reperfusion therapy. Further studies are warranted for a proper identification of initially stable intermediate-risk APE subjects at risk of hemodynamic collapse despite appropriate anticoagulation.

Opioid-Free Anesthesia in Bariatric Surgery: Is It the One and Only? A Comprehensive Review of the Current Literature.

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is a heterogeneous group of general anesthesia techniques in which the intraoperative use of opioids is eliminated. This strategy aims to decrease the risk of complications and improve the patient's safety and comfort. Such potential advantages are particularly beneficial for selected groups of patients, among them obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Opioids have been traditionally used as an element of balanced anesthesia, and replacing them requires using a combination of coanalgesics and various types of local and regional anesthesia, which also have their side effects, limitations, and potential disadvantages. Moreover, despite the growing amount of evidence, the empirical data on the superiority of OFA compared to standard anesthesia with multimodal analgesia are contradictory, and potential benefits in many studies are being questioned. Additionally, little is known about the long-term sequelae of such a strategy. Considering the above-mentioned issues, this study aims to present the potential benefits, risks, and difficulties of implementing OFA in bariatric surgery, considering the current state of knowledge and literature.

The effect of pre-emptive oral pregabalin on opioid consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with an analysis of intraoperative hemodynamic stability and quality of recovery: study protocol for a randomized, prospective, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are particularly at risk of opioid-related side effects. To reduce patient exposure to opioids, multimodal analgesia, which involves the use of drugs of different classes, may be utilized. One of the drugs under consideration is pregabalin. Despite an opioid-sparing potential, few studies assess the role of pregabalin as an element of multimodal analgesia in LSG. Considering the limited number and inconsistent results of available studies, we decided to conduct a randomized, prospective study on the effect of preemptive pregabalin administration in obese patients on opioid consumption, pain scores, the incidence of opioid side effects, and hemodynamical stability. METHODS: The study is designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial with double-blinding. Randomization will be performed in a block with a parallel 1:1 allocation. The intervention will involve receiving a pregabalin 150 mg capsule 1-2 h before the surgery, whereas the control group will receive an identically looking placebo. The primary outcome measure will be total oxycodone consumption in the first 24 h following surgery. Secondary outcome measures will be pain severity assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery, postoperative sedation on the Ramsay scale, PONV impact scale, the incidence of desaturation episodes < 94%, and episodes of blurred vision at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), total fluid volume, and total ephedrine dose. Patient comfort will be additionally assessed using the QoR-40 questionnaire at discharge. DISCUSSION: The study will explore the efficacy and safety of preemptive pregabalin in a dose of 150 mg as a co-analgesic used in multimodal analgesia for LSG. As studies on opioid-sparing regimes concern the safety of obese patients, we aim to contribute objective data with a relatively large study sample size. The result of the present clinical trial may support the reassessment of recommendations to use pregabalin in the studied population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05804591. Registered on 07.04.2023.

Successful Anesthetic Management for Obese Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Bridge to Improved Lung Transplant Eligibility.

BACKGROUND Patients with obesity with interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are encouraged to lose weight, as it improves lung function and lung transplant eligibility. As exercise tolerance in these patients is low and weight gain is a common adverse effect of corticosteroids, bariatric surgery can be an effective method for the management of obesity in this patient group. However, perioperative complications in such high-risk patients remain a concern. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate successful anesthetic management for obese patients with ILD, which may be practically utilized to reduce perioperative pulmonary complications and improve outcomes. CASE REPORT Our case report presents a 42-year-old man with ILD who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Preoperative studies revealed severe restrictive disease, right ventricular overload with assessed intermediate risk of pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure, with preserved left ventricle fraction but with poor exercise tolerance. Patient had opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and postoperative multimodal analgesia. Following a 24-h stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, the patient was transferred to the ward and ultimately discharged home 2 days thereafter. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient reduced his weight by 40 kg and reported a significant improvement in physical capacity. CONCLUSIONS Our record demonstrates that OFA can be successfully used in high-risk patients with ILD undergoing LSG. In a period of a year, the patient improved so much that he no longer required lung transplantation, which may encourage clinicians to provide bariatric surgery using the OFA technique in the population of patients with obesity and severe respiratory illness.

Predictors of outcomes of patients ≥ 80 years old admitted to intensive care units in Poland - a post-hoc analysis of the VIP2 prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients pose a significant challenge to intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians. In this study we attempted to characterise the population of patients over 80 years old admitted to ICUs in Poland and identify associations between clinical features and short-term outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is a post-hoc analysis of the Polish cohort of the VIP2 European prospective observational study enrolling patients > 80 years old admitted to ICUs over a 6-month period. Data including clinical features, clinical frailty scale (CFS), geriatric scales, interventions within the ICU, and outcomes (30-day and ICU mortality and length of stay) were gathered. Univariate analyses comparing frail (CFS > 4) to non-frail patients and survivors to non-survivors were performed. Multivariable models with CFS, activities of daily living score (ADL), and the cognitive decline questionnaire IQCODE as predictors and ICU or 30-day mortality as outcomes were formed. RESULTS: A total of 371 patients from 27 ICUs were enrolled. Frail patients had significantly higher ICU (58% vs. 44.45%, P = 0.03) and 30-day (65.61% vs. 54.14%, P = 0.01) mortality compared to non-frail counterparts. The survivors had significantly lower SOFA score, CFS, ADL, and IQCODE than non-survivors. In multivariable analysis CFS (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00-1.34) and SOFA score (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.19-1.41) were identified as significant predictors for ICU mortality; however, CFS was not a predictor for 30-day mortality ( P = 0.07). No statistical significance was found for ADL, IQCODE, polypharmacy, or comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: We found a positive correlation between CFS and ICU mortality, which might point to the value of assessing the score for every patient admitted to the ICU. The older Polish ICU patients were characterised by higher mortality compared to the other European countries.

Prevalence of life-sustaining treatment limitations in Polish very old intensive care patients (VIPs). A post-hoc analysis of two prospective observational studies.

PURPOSE: Several initiatives have recently focused on raising awareness about limitations of treatment in Poland. We aimed to assess if the propensity to limit LST among elderly patients in 2018-2019 increased compared to 2016-2017. METHODS: We analysed Polish cohorts from studies VIP1 (October 2016 - May 2017) and VIP2 (May 2018 - May 2019) that enrolled critical patients aged >80. We collected data on demographics, clinical features limitations of LST. Primary analysis assessed factors associated with prevalence of limitations of LST, A secondary analysis explored differences between patients with and without limitations of LST. RESULTS: 601 patients were enrolled. Prevalence of LST limitations was 16.1% in 2016-2017 and 20.5% in 2018-2019. No difference was found in univariate analysis (p = 0.22), multivariable model showed higher propensity towards limiting LST in the 2018-2019 cohort compared to 2016-2017 cohort (OR 1.07;95%CI, 1.01-1.14). There was higher mortality and a longer length of stay of patients with limitations of LST compared to the patients without limitations of LST. (11 vs. 6 days, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The clinicians in Poland have become more proactive in limiting LST in critically ill patients ≥80 years old over the studied period, however the prevalence of limitations of LST in Poland remains low.

Malignant hyperthermia in Poland: A survey study.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening syndrome caused by sudden, uncontrolled skeletal muscle hypermetabolism in response to inhalation anesthetics and depolarizing relaxants. The estimated incidence of MH is between 1:10,000 and 1:250,000 anesthetic procedures. In Poland, due to lack of reporting, the incidence of MH is unknown. Dantrolene is imported as a life-saving drug (target import) and temporally authorized for sale. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of malignant hyperthermia in Poland and to assess the accessibility to dantrolene in Poland. A questionnaire was conducted among the chiefs of anesthesia and intensive care units in Poland. During the years 2014 to 2019, 10 episodes of MH have been reported in 238 surveyed polish anesthesia departments. The estimated prevalence is 1:350,000. Eight patients survived the MH crisis. Dantrolene is stocked in 48 (20%) anesthesiology departments. Among the surveyed hospitals, only in 38 (16%) it is possible to administer dantrolene within 5 minutes of suspecting a MH reaction. Less than half units (44%) have an algorithm for the management of MH episode in the operating theaters. The results of the study revealed, that the prevalence of MH in Poland is lower than the prevalence reported in other countries. Access to dantrolene in Poland is limited.

Effect of Intramuscular Tramadol on the Duration of Clinically Relevant Sciatic Nerve Blockade in Patients Undergoing Calcaneal Fracture Fixation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fracture fixation can generate severe postoperative pain and analgesia can be supported by a sciatic nerve block. However, following resolution of the sensory blockade, rebound pain may ensue. The aim of this study was to assess whether an incidental finding of two patients with an extension of the sciatic nerve block beyond 24 h following 100 mg of intramuscular tramadol administration could be confirmed. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients scheduled for a calcaneal intramedullary fixation (Calcanail®) were randomly divided into two groups. The tramadol group (n = 19) received a sciatic nerve block with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine and a concomitant dose of 100 mg of intramuscular tramadol, while the control group (n = 18) received an identical sciatic nerve block with concomitant injection of normal saline (placebo). All patients had a spinal anesthesia with light sedation for the procedure. The time to first analgesic request defined as appearance of any pain (NRS > 0) was assessed as the primary endpoint with a clinically relevant expected result of at least 50% elongation in sensory blockade. RESULTS: The median time to first analgesic request from time of blockade in the tramadol group was 670 min compared with 578 min in the control group. The result was clinically not relevant and statistically not significant (p = 0.17). No statistical difference could be demonstrated in the time to first opioid request, although a trend for opioid sparing in the tramadol group could be seen. Total morphine consumption in the first 24 h was also statistically insignificant (the tramadol group 0.066 mg kg-1 compared with 0.125 mg kg-1 in the control group). In conclusion, intramuscular tramadol does not extend the duration of analgesia of a sciatic nerve block following a calcaneal fracture fixation beyond 2 h and an opioid sparing effect could not be demonstrated in this trial.

Comparison between multimodal and intraoperative opioid free anesthesia for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective, randomized study.

Anesthesia for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and perioperative management remains a challenge. Several clinical studies indicate that opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) may be beneficial, but there is no consensus on the most optimal anesthesia technique in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to assess the potential benefits and risks of intraoperative OFA compared to multimodal analgesia (MMA) with remifentanil infusion. In a prospective, randomized study, we analyzed 59 patients' data. Primary outcome measures were oxycodone consumption and reported pain scores (numerical rating scale, NRS) at 1, 6, 12, and 24th hours after surgery. Postoperative sedation on the Ramsay scale, nausea and vomiting on the PONV impact scale, desaturation episodes, pruritus, hemodynamic parameters, and hospital stay duration were also documented and compared. There were no significant differences in NRS scores or total 24-h oxycodone requirements. In the first postoperative hour, OFA group patients needed an average of 4.6 mg of oxycodone while the MMA group 7.72 mg (p = 0.008, p < 0.05 statistically significant). The PONV impact scale was significantly lower in the OFA group only in the first hour after the operation (p = 0.006). Patients in the OFA group required higher doses of ephedrine 23.67 versus 15.69 mg (p = 0.039) and more intravenous fluids 1160 versus 925.86 ml (p = 0.007). The mode of anesthesia did not affect the pain scores or the total dose of oxycodone in the first 24 postoperative hours. Only in the first postoperative hour were an opioid-sparing effect and reduction of PONV incidence seen in the OFA group when compared with remifentanil-based anesthesia. However, patients in the OFA group showed significantly greater hemodynamic lability necessitating higher vasopressor doses and more fluid volume.

Improved oxygenation in prone positioning of mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with decreased pulmonary shunt fraction: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Prone position is used in acute respiratory distress syndrome and in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, physiological mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether improved oxygenation was related to pulmonary shunt fraction (Q's/Q't), alveolar dead space (Vd/Vtalv) and ventilation/perfusion mismatch (V'A/Q'). METHODS: This was an international, prospective, observational, multicenter, cohort study, including six intensive care units in Sweden and Poland and 71 mechanically ventilated adult patients. RESULTS: Prone position increased PaO2:FiO2 after 30 min, by 78% (83-148 mm Hg). The effect persisted 120 min after return to supine (p < 0.001). The oxygenation index decreased 30 min after prone positioning by 43% (21-12 units). Q's/Q't decreased already after 30 min in the prone position by 17% (0.41-0.34). The effect persisted 120 min after return to supine (p < 0.005). Q's/Q't and PaO2:FiO2 were correlated both in prone (Beta -137) (p < 0.001) and in the supine position (Beta -270) (p < 0.001). V'A/Q' was unaffected and did not correlate to PaO2:FiO2 (p = 0.8). Vd/Vtalv increased at 120 min by 11% (0.55-0.61) (p < 0.05) and did not correlate to PaO2:FiO2 (p = 0.3). The ventilatory ratio increased after 30 min in the prone position by 58% (1.9-3.0) (p < 0.001). PaO2:FiO2 at baseline predicted PaO2:FiO2 at 30 min after proning (Beta 1.3) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Improved oxygenation by prone positioning in COVID-19 ARDS patients was primarily associated with a decrease in pulmonary shunt fraction. Dead space remained high and the global V'A/Q' measure could not explain the differences in gas exchange.

Malignant hyperthermia in Mazovia Province - are we adequately prepared?

INTRODUCTION: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening syndrome caused by sudden skeletal muscle hypermetabolism in response to inhalation anaesthetics and depolarising relaxants. The estimated incidence of MH is between 1 : 10,000 and 1 : 250,000 anaesthetic procedures. In Poland the incidence of MH is unknown. Dantrolene is imported as a life-saving drug and temporally authorised for sale. The aim of the study is to assess the incidence of MH and access to dantrolene in the Mazovia Province. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were sent to anaesthesia departments in the Mazovia Province after prior contact by phone and e-mail. The survey was approved by the local ethical review board. RESULTS: Completed surveys were received from 60 respondents which represents 72% of anaesthesiology departments in Mazovia. In the last 5 years there have been 4 episodes of MH in the Mazovia Province. Three patients survived the MH crisis. In a centre that did not have access to dantrolene, the patient died. Dantrolene is found only in 11 (18.3%) anaesthesiology departments in Mazovia. Only 6 (10%) hospitals are able to administer dantrolene within 5 minutes of suspecting MH crisis, while 5 centres may receive it after a few days. Only 38% of units have an algorithm for dealing with MH crisis in the operating theatres. CONCLUSIONS: MH is rare, but if untreated, it can be fatal. Therefore prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid fatal outcome. Every centre using inhalational anaesthetics and/or succinylcholine should have dantrolene. To ensure the safety of our patients, we must be better prepared.

Efficacy and Side Effect Profile of Intrathecal Morphine versus Distal Femoral Triangle Nerve Block for Analgesia following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial.

(1) Background: The management of postoperative pain after knee replacement is an important clinical problem. The best results in the treatment of postoperative pain are obtained using multimodal therapy principles. Intrathecal morphine (ITM) and single-shot femoral nerve block (SSFNB) are practiced in the treatment of postoperative pain after knee replacement, with the most optimal methods still under debate. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy with special consideration of selected side effects of both methods. (2) Materials and methods: Fifty-two consecutive patients undergoing knee arthroplasty surgery at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Medical University of Warsaw were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups. In the ITM group, 100 micrograms of intrathecal morphine were used, and in the SSFNB group, a femoral nerve block in the distal femoral triangle was used as postoperative analgesia. The other elements of anesthesia and surgery did not differ between the groups. (3) Results: The total dose of morphine administered in the postoperative period and the effectiveness of pain management did not differ significantly between the groups (cumulative median morphine dose in 24 h in the ITM group 31 mg vs. SSFNB group 29 mg). The incidence of nausea and pruritus in the postoperative period differed significantly in favor of patients treated with a femoral nerve block. (4) Conclusions: Although intrathecal administration of morphine is similarly effective in the treatment of pain after knee replacement surgery as a single femoral triangle nerve block, it is associated with a higher incidence of cumbersome side effects, primarily nausea and pruritus.

DIC, SIC or CAC - the haemostatic profile in COVID-19 patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit: a single-centre retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 in its most severe form leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation under the conditions of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The state of hypercoagulation described in COVID-19 may deepen respiratory failure, leading to increased mortality. The aim of the presented study is to characterise the haemostatic profile based on the results of clotting system parameters and risk assessment of thromboembolic complications of patients hospitalised in the ICU. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study covered the first 10 adult patients hospitalised in the ICU of the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw in the second quarter of 2020. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters of the coagulation system and the risk of thromboembolic complications were assessed. Well known criteria of haemostatic disorders were used to classify the observed derangements. RESULTS: The most frequently observed deviations in the coagulation system were high concentrations of D-dimer and fibrinogen. In select cases the clotting time was prolonged. No severe thrombocytopenia was observed. All patients presented a high risk of thromboembolic complications as assesed by the Padua score. The observed clotting abnormalities did not meet the criteria for DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) and SIC (sepsis-induced coagulopathy) diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The main elements of coagulopathy that were observed in our cases differ from those usually seen in patients with recognised sepsis. The unique haemostatic profile of COVID-19 patients treated in the ICU has been described as CAC (COVID-19-associated coagulopathy).

COVID-19: coagulation disorders and anticoagulant treatment in patients hospitalised in ICU.

Patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the COVID-19 experience a high incidence (up to 43%) of venous thromboembolic events. While laboratory findings in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) show increased D-dimer and fibrinogen levels, the abnormalities in standard coagulation tests and platelet count are minimal. Recent studies suggest contribution of fibrinolysis shutdown to this phenomenon. Endothelial injury and alteration of its antithrombotic activity can lead to micro- and macrovascular thrombosis in the lungs, occurrence of which is associated with poor clinical outcome in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Additionally, the hypercoagulability induced by activation of coagulation pathways during the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection contributes to impaired organ perfusion. This, alongside with hypoxemia, leads to multiorgan failure. Various diagnostic regimens, some of which include global assays of haemostasis, are currently being published and discussed. Numerous guidelines and recommendations of scientific societies and groups of specialists have been published. However, there is no single optimal algorithm for anticoagulation treatment and monitoring specific to the ICU patients with COVID-19. The authors have attempted to summarize the data related to CAC and thrombotic disease and develop an algorithm consistent with the latest clinical practice guideline recommendations.