Vaccination status of COVID-19 patients followed up in the ICU in a country with heterologous vaccination policy: A multicenter national study in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-2) prevents the development of serious diseases has been shown in many studies. However, the effect of vaccination on outcomes in COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care is not clear. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study conducted in 17 intensive care unit (ICU) in Turkey between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Patients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and followed in ICU were included in the study. Patients who have never been vaccinated and patients who have been vaccinated with a single dose were considered unvaccinated. Logistic regression models were fit for the two outcomes (28-day mortality and in-hospital mortality). RESULTS: A total of 2968 patients were included final analysis. The most of patients followed in the ICU during the study period were unvaccinated (58.5%). Vaccinated patients were older, had higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and had higher APACHE-2 scores than unvaccinated patients. Risk for 28-day mortality and in-hospital mortality was similar in across the year both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. However, risk for in-hospital mortality and 28-day mortality was higher in the unvaccinated patients in quarter 4 adjusted for gender and CCI (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.99 and OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03-1.96, respectively) compared to the vaccinated group. CONCLUSION: Despite effective vaccination, fully vaccinated patients may be admitted to ICU because of disease severity. Unvaccinated patients were younger and had fewer comorbid conditions. Unvaccinated patients have an increased risk of 28-day mortality when adjusted for gender and CCI.

The prognostic value of cerebral oxygen saturation measurement for assessing prognosis after cardiopulmonary resuscitation / O valor da medida da saturação cerebral de oxigênio para avaliar o prognóstico após ressuscitação cardiopulmonar

Abstract Background: Despite new improvements on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), brain damage is very often after resuscitation. Objective: To assess the prognostic value of cerebral oxygen saturation measurement (rSO2) for assessing prognosis on patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Design: Retrospective analysis. Measurements and results: We analyzed 25 post-CPR patients (12 female and 13 male). All the patients were cooled to a target temperature of 33-34 °C. The Glascow Coma Scale (GCS), Corneal Reflexes (CR), Pupillary Reflexes (PR), arterial Base Excess (BE) and rSO2 measurements were taken on admission. The rewarming GCS, CR, PR, BE and rSO2 measurements were made after the patient's temperature reached 36 °C. Results: In survivors, the baseline rSO2 value was 67.5 (46-70) and the percent difference between baseline and rewarming rSO2 value was 0.03 (0.014-0.435). In non-survivors, the baseline rSO2 value was 30 (25-65) and the percent difference between baseline and rewarming rSO2 value was 0.031 (-0.08 to -20). No statistical difference was detected on percent changes between baseline and rewarming values of rSO2. Statistically significant difference was detected between baseline and rewarming GCS groups (p = 0.004). No statistical difference was detected between GCS, CR, PR, BE and rSO2 to determine the prognosis. Conclusion: Despite higher values of rSO2 on survivors than non-survivors, we found no statistically considerable difference between groups on baseline and the rewarming rSO2 values. Since the measurement is simple, and not affected by hypotension and hypothermia, the rSO2 may be a useful predictor for determining the prognosis after CPR.

Resumo Justificativa: Apesar dos novos avanços em reanimação cardiopulmonar (RCP), o dano cerebral muitas vezes ocorre após a reanimação. Objetivo: Avaliar o valor prognóstico de medir a saturação de oxigênio cerebral (rSO2) para estimar o prognóstico em pacientes após a reanimação cardiopulmonar. Projeto: Análise retrospectiva. Medidas e resultados: Foram avaliados após RCP 25 pacientes (12 do sexo feminino e 13 do masculino). Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à hipotermia (temperatura alvo de 33-34 °C). As mensurações da Escala de Coma de Glascow (GCS), dos reflexos corneanos (RC), dos reflexos pupilares (RP) e do excesso de base (EB) e rSO2 foram feitas na admissão. Na hipertermia, as mensurações de GCS, RC, RP, EB e rSO2 foram feitas depois que a temperatura atingiu 36 °C. Resultados: Em sobreviventes, o valor basal de rSO2 foi de 67,5 (46-70) e a diferença percentual entre o valor basal e a hipertermia de rSO2 foi de 0,03 (0,014-0,435). Em não sobreviventes, o valor basal de rSO2 foi de 30 (25-65) e a diferença percentual entre o valor basal de hipotermia de rSO2 foi de 0,031 (-0,08-20). Não houve diferença estatística nas variações percentuais entre os valores da rSO2 na fase basal e de reaquecimento. Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi observada entre os valores da GCS na fase basal e de reaquecimento dos grupos (p = 0,004). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre GCS, RC, RP, EB e rSO2 para determinar o prognóstico. Conclusão: Embora os valores da rSO2 tenham sido mais elevados em sobreviventes do que em não sobreviventes, não observamos uma diferença estatisticamente significativa dos valores da rSO2 entre os grupos na fase basal e de reaquecimento. Como a mensuração é simples, e não afetada por hipotensão e hipotermia, a rSO2 pode ser um indicador útil para determinar o prognóstico após a RCP.

Determining the Efficiency of Different Preoperative Difficult Intubation Tests on Patients Undergoing Caesarean Section.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-induced anatomical and physiological changes in the airway make airway management difficult in obstetric patients; thus, preoperative evaluation of the airway is important for obstetric patients. AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of the modified Mallampati test; the interincisor, sternomental and thyromental distances and the upper limb bite test. The second aim was to assess the effectiveness of the combination of the upper limb bite test with the other tests in obstetric patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Pregnant women (n=250) scheduled for caesarean section were analysed. The patients' ages, heights and weights were collected. Preoperative airway evaluation was done by using a modified version of the Mallampati test. The interincisor, sternomental and thyromental distances were measured, and the upper limb bite test was performed. The laryngoscopy difficulty was evaluated by using Cormack-Lehane classification. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between groups in age, height or weight (p>0.05). The modified Mallampati test and interincisor, sternomental and thyromental distances revealed a lower number of easy intubations than that determined by the Cormack-Lehane classification and a higher number of difficult intubations than the actual number of cases (p<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of the modified Mallampati test, the upper limb bite test, the interincisor distance test and the sternomental and thyromental distance tests were found to be 73.08, 57.69, 84.62, 80.77 and 88.46 and 90.62, 99.11, 83.04, 84.37 and 87.05, respectively. When the combinations were examined, the sensitivity and specificity of the combination of the upper limb bite test with the modified Mallampati test were found to be 57.69 and 100, respectively. When the upper limb bite test was combined with the interincisor distance, the sensitivity and specificity were 46.15 and 100, respectively. We found a sensitivity and specificity of 93.75 and 95.30, respectively, for the combination of the upper limb bite test with the thyromental distance test. The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of the upper limb bite test with the modified Mallampati test and interincisor distance test were found to be 46.15 and 100, respectively. For combination of all the tests, the sensitivity and specificity was 42.31 and 100, respectively. CONCLUSION: When all combinations are evaluated in the decision of difficult intubation, the combination of the upper limb bite test and thyromental distance test is superior to the use of other methods alone to predict difficult intubation in pregnant women.

[The prognostic value of cerebral oxygen saturation measurement for assessing prognosis after cardiopulmonary resuscitation]. / O valor da medida da saturação cerebral de oxigênio para avaliar o prognóstico após ressuscitação cardiopulmonar.

BACKGROUND: Despite new improvements on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), brain damage is very often after resuscitation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic value of cerebral oxygen saturation measurement (rSO2) for assessing prognosis on patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 25 post-CPR patients (12 female and 13 male). All the patients were cooled to a target temperature of 33-34°C. The Glascow Coma Scale (GCS), Corneal Reflexes (CR), Pupillary Reflexes (PR), arterial Base Excess (BE) and rSO2 measurements were taken on admission. The rewarming GCS, CR, PR, BE and rSO2 measurements were made after the patient's temperature reached 36°C. RESULTS: In survivors, the baseline rSO2 value was 67.5 (46-70) and the percent difference between baseline and rewarming rSO2 value was 0.03 (0.014-0.435). In non-survivors, the baseline rSO2 value was 30 (25-65) and the percent difference between baseline and rewarming rSO2 value was 0.031 (-0.08 to -20). No statistical difference was detected on percent changes between baseline and rewarming values of rSO2. Statistically significant difference was detected between baseline and rewarming GCS groups (p=0.004). No statistical difference was detected between GCS, CR, PR, BE and rSO2 to determine the prognosis. CONCLUSION: Despite higher values of rSO2 on survivors than non-survivors, we found no statistically considerable difference between groups on baseline and the rewarming rSO2 values. Since the measurement is simple, and not affected by hypotension and hypothermia, the rSO2 may be a useful predictor for determining the prognosis after CPR.

[Comparison of different tests to determine difficult intubation in pediatric patients]. / Comparação de diferentes testes para determinar intubação difícil em pacientes pediátricos.

BACKGROUND: The difficulties with airway management is the main reason for pediatric anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of modified Mallampati test, Upper-Lip-Bite test, thyromental distance and the ratio of height to thyromental distance to predict difficult intubation in pediatric patients. DESIGN: Prospective analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Data were collected from 5 to 11 years old 250 pediatric patients requiring tracheal intubation. The Cormack and Lehane classification was used to evaluate difficult laryngoscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and AUC values for each test were measured. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of modified Mallampati test were 76.92% and 95.54%, while those for ULBT were 69.23% and 97.32%. The optimal cutoff point for the ratio of height to thyromental distance and thyromental distance for predicting difficult laryngoscopy was 23.5 (sensitivity, 57.69%; specificity, 86.61%) and 5.5cm (sensitivity, 61.54%; specificity, 99.11%). The modified Mallampati was the most sensitive of the tests. The ratio of height to thyromental distance was the least sensitive test. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the modified Mallampati and Upper-Lip-Bite tests may be useful in pediatric patients for predicting difficult intubation.

Comparison of different tests to determine difficult intubation in pediatric patients / Comparação de diferentes testes para determinar intubação difícil em pacientes pediátricos / Comparación de diferentes test para determinar la intubación difícil en pacientes pediátricos

Background: The difficulties with airway management is the main reason for pediatric anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Objective: To assess the value of modified Mallampati test, Upper-Lip-Bite test, thyromental distance and the ratio of height to thyromental distance to predict difficult intubation in pediatric patients. Design: Prospective analysis. Measurements and results: Data were collected from 5 to 11 years old 250 pediatric patients requiring tracheal intubation. The Cormack and Lehane classification was used to evaluate difficult laryngoscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and AUC values for each test were measured. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of modified Mallampati test were 76.92% and 95.54%, while those for ULBT were 69.23% and 97.32%. The optimal cutoff point for the ratio of height to thyromental distance and thyromental distance for predicting difficult laryngoscopy was 23.5 (sensitivity, 57.69%; specificity, 86.61%) and 5.5 cm (sensitivity, 61.54%; specificity, 99.11%). The modified Mallampati was the most sensitive of the tests. The ratio of height to thyromental distance was the least sensitive test. Conclusion: These results suggested that the modified Mallampati and Upper-Lip-Bite tests may be useful in pediatric patients for predicting difficult intubation. .

Justificativa: As dificuldades no manejo das vias aéreas são a principal causa de morbidade e mortalidade relacionada à anestesia pediátrica. Objetivo: Avaliar o valor do teste modificado de Mallampati, teste da mordida do lábio superior, distância tireomentoniana e relação altura-distância tireomentoniana para prever intubação difícil em pacientes pediátricos. Projeto: Análise prospectiva. Mensurações e resultados: Dados coletados de 250 pacientes pediátricos, com idades entre 5 e 11 anos, submetidos à intubação traqueal. A classificação de Cormack e Lehane foi usada para avaliar laringoscopia difícil. Os valores de sensibilidade, especificidade, preditivo positivo e AUC para cada teste foram registrados. Resultados: A sensibilidade e especificidade do teste modificado de Mallampati foram 76,92% e 95,54%, enquanto para o ULBT foram 69,23% e 97,32%. O ponto de corte ideal para a relação altura-distância tireomentoniana e distância tireomentoniana para prever laringoscopia difícil foi 23,5 (sensibilidade, 57,69%; especificidade, 86,61%) e 5,5 cm (sensibilidade, 61,54%; especificidade, 99,11%). O teste de Mallampati modificado foi o mais sensível dos testes. A relação entre altura-distância tireomentoniana foi o teste menos sensível. Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem que os testes de Mallampati modificado e da mordida do lábio superior podem ser úteis em pacientes pediátricos para a previsão de intubação difícil. .

Introducción: Las dificultades en el manejo de las vías aéreas son la principal causa de morbi-mortalidad relacionada con la anestesia pediátrica. Objetivo: Evaluar el valor del test modificado de Mallampati, test de la mordida del labio superior, distancia tiromentoniana y relación altura-distancia tiromentoniana para prever la intubación difícil en pacientes pediátricos. Proyecto: Análisis prospectivo. Medidas y resultados: Datos recopilados de 250 pacientes pediátricos con edades entre 5 y 11 años sometidos a la intubación traqueal. La clasificación de Cormack y Lehane fue usada para calcular laringoscopia difícil. Se registraron los valores de sensibilidad, especificidad, predictivo positivo y AUC para cada test. Resultados: La sensibilidad y la especificidad del test modificado de Mallampati fueron del 76,92 y del 95,54%, mientras que para el ULBT fueron del 69,23 y del 97,32%. El punto de corte ideal para la relación altura-distancia tiromentoniana y distancia tiromentoniana para prever la laringoscopia difícil fue 23,5 (sensibilidad, 57,69%; especificidad, 86,61%) y 5,5 cm (sensibilidad, 61,54%; especificidad, 99,11%). El test de Mallampati modificado fue el más sensible de los test. La relación entre altura-distancia tiromentoniana fue el test menos sensible. Conclusión: Esos resultados indican que los test de Mallampati modificado y de la mordida del labio superior pueden ser útiles en pacientes pediátricos para la previsión de la intubación difícil. .

The effects of different insufflation pressures on liver functions assessed with LiMON on patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been accepted as an alternative to laparotomy, but there is still controversy regarding the effects of pneumoperitoneum on splanchnic and hepatic perfusion. We assessed the effects of different insufflation pressures on liver functions by using indocyanine green elimination tests (ICG-PDR). METHODS: We analyzed 43 patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups. In Group I, the operation was performed using 10 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum. In Group II, 14 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum was used. The ICG-PDR measurements were made after induction (ICG-PDR 1) and after the end of the operation (ICG-PDR 2). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin levels were all recorded preoperatively, 1 hour, and postoperative 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: The ICG-PDR 1 values for Groups I and II were as follows: 26.78 ± 4.2% per min versus 26.01 ± 2.4% per min (P > 0.05). ICG-PDR 2 values were found to be 25.63 ± 2.1% per min in Group I versus 19.06 ± 2.2% per min in Group II (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease between baseline and postoperative ICG-PDR values in Group II compared to Group I (P < 0.05). Statistically, there was an increase between baseline and postoperative 1st-hour serum AST and ALT level in Group II (P < 0.05) compared to Group I. No statistical differences were detected on postoperative 24st-hour serum AST and ALT levels and all the time bilirubin between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results show that 14 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum decreased the blood flow to the liver and increased postoperative 1st-hour serum AST and ALT levels. We think that 10 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum is superior to 14 mmHg pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The effects of levosimendan vs dobutamine added to dopamine on liver functions assessed with noninvasive liver function monitoring in patients with septic shock.

BACKGROUND: Septic shock is the leading causes of death in intensive care units. In addition to generous fluid administration, inotropic agents are commonly used to improve cardiac output. The effects of inotropic agents on regional blood flow remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of levosimendan vs dobutamine added to dopamine on liver functions assessed using noninvasive liver function monitoring (LiMON) in patients with septic shock. DESIGN: Prospective analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 30 patients with septic shock who were treated in an intensive care unit. Indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) was conducted concurrently using the LiMON system. A dose of 0.3 mg/kg ICG was given through a cubital fossa vein as a bolus. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the variation of hemodynamic variables was different between groups. In our results, the increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in levosimendan group than in dobutamine group (P < .05). There was a decrease in before- and after-infusion ICG-PDR values in dobutamine group (20.38 ± 4.83 vs 20.34 ± 5.30), and no statistical difference was detected (P = .649). There was an increase in before- and after-infusion ICG-PDR values in levosimendan group (18.70 ± 2.59 vs 21.65 ± 3.20), and a statistical difference was detected (P = .001). There was statistical difference between groups (P = .000). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that levosimendan added to dopamine improves systemic hemodynamics and increases splanchnic perfusion assessed using the user-friendly noninvasive bedside system LiMON in patients with septic shock compared with dobutamine.

Effects of intra-abdominal pressure on liver function assessed with the LiMON in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Our aim was to assess the effects of IAH on liver function using the noninvasive liver function monitoring system LiMON and to assess the prognostic value of IAP in critically ill patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of critically ill patients who were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). The IAP and indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) measurements were made within 24 hours after admission to the ICU and repeated 12 hours later. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured via a Foley bladder catheter, and ICG elimination tests were conducted concurrently using the LiMON. RESULTS: We included 30 critically ill patients (17 women and 13 men aged 28-89 yr) in our analysis. Statistical analysis showed that the baseline IAP values were significantly higher among nonsurvivors than survivors (19.38 [standard deviation; SD 2.08] v. 13.07 [SD 0.99]). The twelfth-hour IAP values were higher than baseline measurements among nonsurvivors (21.50 [SD 1.96]) and lower than baseline measurements among survivors (11.71 [SD 1.54]); the difference between groups was significant (p < 0.001). The baseline ICG-PDR values were significantly lower among nonsurvivors than survivors (10.86 [SD 3.35] v. 24.51 [SD 6.78]), and the twelfth-hour ICGPDR values were decreased in all groups; the difference between groups was significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that measurement of ICG-PDR with the LiMON is a good predictor of the effects of IAP on liver function and, thus, can be recommended for the evaluation of critically ill patients.

Comparison of TruView EVO2 with Miller laryngoscope in paediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Except for neonates and specific malformations in children, management of the paediatric airway is not a major problem for the anaesthetist. Miller laryngoscope was traditionally used for paediatric intubation. The TruView EVO2 system is a recently introduced device with a unique blade that provides a wide and magnified laryngeal view. OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of the TruView EVO2 laryngoscope with that of Miller laryngoscope in paediatric patients. DESIGN: Prospective analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Fifty 2-8-year paediatric patients presenting for surgery requiring tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to undergo intubation using a Miller (Group M, n = 25) and TruView EVO2 laryngoscope (Group T, n = 25). Preoperative airway evaluation was performed by using the Mallampati scores. The Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS), the duration of the tracheal intubation procedure, the rate of successful placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea, the view of the glottis according to the Cormack and Lehane grading criteria, number of intubation attempts, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) before and after intubation, lowest peripheric oxygen saturation during intubation attempts and all complications (minor laseration, dental or other airway trauma) were all recorded. RESULTS: Preoperative Mallampati scores and the IDS scores were similar between the Miller and TruView EVO2 laryngoscope. The average time for laryngoscopy was 6.36 ± 0.99 s in group M and 13.8 ± 7.99 s in group T (P < 0.001). The TruView EVO2 laryngoscope improved the Cormack and Lehane glottic view compared with the Miller laryngoscope. The HR change (difference before and after) in group M was significantly lower than that in group T (P < 0.001). However, the MAP change was similar between groups. The lowest peripheric oxygen saturation during intubation attempts was different between groups, 99.4 ± 0.57% in group M and 97.6 ± 2.41% in group T (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that when compared with the Miller laryngoscope, the TruView EVO2 laryngoscope appears to improve the view of the larynx but requires a longer time for tracheal intubation. The IDS scores were similar; thus, the TruView EVO2 laryngoscope can be a good alternative to traditionally used Miller laryngoscope.

Intravenous paracetamol reduced the use of opioids, extubation time, and opioid-related adverse effects after major surgery in intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the analgesic efficacy, side effects, and time to extubation of intravenous paracetamol when administered as an adjuvant to intravenous meperidine after major surgery in intensive care unit (ICU). MATERIAL: Patients were randomized postoperatively into 2 groups in ICU. Patients received either 100 mL of serum saline intravenous (IV) every 6 hours and IV meperidine (n = 20 group M) or IV paracetamol 1 g every 6 hours and IV meperidine (n = 20, group MP) into a peripheral vein for 24 hours. Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) is used until extubation, and visual analog score (VAS) is used after extubation. When BPS and VAS values were more than 4, meperidine, 1 mg/kg IV, was administered and noted in 2 groups. Pain scores, total meperidine consumption, time to extubation, sedation scores, and side effects are 24-hour postoperatively noted. RESULTS: Behavioral Pain Scale and VAS scores are significantly lower in group paracetamol-meperidine at 24 hours (P < .05). In group MP, postoperative meperidine consumption (76.75 ± 18.2 mg vs. 198 ± 66.4 mg) and extubation time (64.3 ± 40.6 min vs. 204.5 ± 112.7 min) were lower than in group M (P < .01). In addition to, postoperative nausea-vomiting and sedation scores were significantly lower in group MP when compared with group M (P < .05). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated important clinical benefits by the addition of 4 g/d of paracetamol to meperidine after major surgery. This benefit has been shown in a range of patients under routine clinical conditions and therefore has important practical consequences in ICU. These data suggest that intravenous paracetamol is a useful component of the multimodal analgesia model, especially after major surgery.

The effect of celiac plexus block in critically ill patients intolerant of enteral nutrition: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of celiac plexus block for the treatment of feeding intolerance in critically ill patients. METHODS: Nineteen mechanically ventilated medical patients intolerant of enteral nutrition and receiving metoclopramide underwent bilateral celiac plexus block. The anterior procedure was accomplished under sonographic guidance with the injection of either 25 mL bupivacaine 0.25% (celiac group, n = 10) or saline (control group, n = 9) bilaterally. Gastric emptying was assessed by the acetaminophen absorption method. After the block, nasogastric feeding was commenced, and nasogastric aspirates were collected once every 24 hours. Successful feeding was defined as 24-hourly gastric residual volume <250 mL with a feeding rate > or = 40 mL/h. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar for the 2 groups. The area under the plasma paracetamol absorption curve (383.8 +/- 248.1 mg . min . L(-1)) and the peak plasma paracetamol concentration (C(max); 3.28 +/- 2.15 mg/L) in the celiac group were significantly lower than the area under the curve value (1233.5 +/- 771.2) and C(max) value (10.14 +/- 6.04) in controls (P < 0.001 for all). After treatment, celiac plexus block reduced the mean gastric residual volume (celiac group: 430 +/- 32 mL to 205 +/- 30 mL, P < 0.001; control group: 450 +/- 33 mL to 461 +/- 19 mL, P > 0.05) and improved the proportion of patients with successful feeding (celiac block 80% vs controls 0%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In critical illness, celiac plexus block is effective for treating feeding intolerance when IV drug therapy has failed to improve gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Late-onset pulmonary edema and disseminated intravascular coagulation due to latex anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis after the administration of tissue expanders has been reported. Late onset hypotension, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and pulmonary edema due to the tissue expanders have not been reported. METHODS: In this case report, late onset hypotension, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation and pulmonary edema due to the administration of tissue expanders were described. RESULTS: The authors report a 16-year-old girl with burn scar deformities scheduled for reconstruction of the scar contractures with insertion of tissue expanders in which the administration of latex tissue expanders was associated with late onset hypotension, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation and pulmonary edema. Skin tests performed for latex demonstrated strong positive weal and flare reactions. CONCLUSION: Late onset anaphylactic reactions due to latex tissue expanders, an unusual unpredictable adverse reaction, must be kept in mind. Early recognition and proper emergent treatment are essential to reversing this complication.

Effects of polygeline and hydroxyethyl starch solutions on liver functions assessed with LIMON in hypovolemic patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypovolemia is a common clinical entity in critical patients, and adequate volume replacement therapy seems to be essential for maintaining tissue perfusion. However, it is still uncertain which solution is most appropriate for fluid resuscitation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fluid resuscitation with 3.5% polygeline versus 6% hydroxyethyl starch solutions on hemodynamic functions and liver functions assessed with a noninvasive liver function monitoring system (LIMON) in hypovolemic patients. DESIGN: This study is a prospective randomized clinical trial. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Thirty hypovolemic patients (intrathoracic blood volume index, <850 mL/m(2)) were randomized into hydroxyethyl starch (mean molecular weight, 130,000 Da) and polygeline (mean molecular weight, 30,000 Da) groups (15 patients each). Indocyanine green plasma disappearance elimination (ICG-PDR) were conducted concurrently using LIMON. A dose of 0.3 mg/kg ICG was given through a cubital fossa vein as a bolus. For fluid resuscitation, 500 mL of colloid was given to the patients. Repeated hemodynamic and ICG-PDR measurements were done at baseline, after infusion, and then at 30 minutes after infusion. RESULTS: Intrathoracic blood volume index and systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures increased significantly after infusion and remained elevated for 30 minutes after infusion, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Indocyanine green plasma disappearance elimination values were similar in both groups with no significant difference between the two. CONCLUSION: Increasing intrathoracic blood volume index and hemodynamic variables by fluid loading is not associated with a significant change in ICG-PDR.

Prognostic value of indocyanine green elimination assessed with LiMON in septic patients.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is the most frequent infection with high mortality rates in intensive care units (ICUs), and the prediction of outcome is important in the decision-making process. OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and indocyanin green (ICG) plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) in septic patients. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 40 septic patients (17 female and 23 male; age range, 20-89 years) who were treated in our ICU. The ICG-PDR measurement and APACHE II score measurement were made within 24 hours after admission to the ICU. Indocyanine green elimination tests were conducted concurrently using the noninvasive liver function monitoring system (LiMON, Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany). A dose of 0.3 mg/kg ICG was given through a cubital fossa vein as a bolus. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that ICG-PDR was significantly lower in nonsurvivors (n = 18) than in survivors (n = 22) (mean, 12.1% +/- 7.6%/min; median, 9%/min, vs mean, 21.2% +/- 10.1%/min; median, 20%/min, respectively [P = .004]). The area under the curve as a measure of accuracy was 0.765 for ICG-PDR and 0.692 for APACHE II. Mortality was 80% in patients with ICG-PDR below 8% per minute, and survival was approximately 89% in patients with ICG-PDR above 24% per minute. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ICG-PDR, assessed with a user-friendly noninvasive bedside LiMON device, is a good predictor of survival in septic patients. Sensitivity and specificity of the noninvasive measurement of ICG-PDR on ICU admission was comparable to that obtained by APACHE II scores.