Intraoperative Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Repair Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: The procedure of hip fracture repair poses a risk for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly patients, accompanied by anesthesia and operations. Various noninvasive methods of respiratory support are used as prophylactic and therapeutic, mainly in the postoperative period.  Objective: This study aims to determine whether intraoperative use of a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) impacts elderly patient outcomes after hip fracture surgery. METHOD: Seventy patients aged 65 and older undergoing traumatic hip surgery under spinal anesthesia for isolated hip fractures were randomly assigned to either an interventional group (I) utilizing a high-flow nasal cannula or a control group (C) without respiratory intervention in a six-month single-blind controlled study at Sahloul Teaching Hospital. RESULTS: The two groups had identical socio-demographic traits and baseline data. Respiratory postoperative complications occurred in two patients in group (I) and in nine patients in group (C), with a significant difference (p = 0.023). The main respiratory postoperative complications in group (I) were atelectasis (one case) and pulmonary edema (one case). The main respiratory postoperative complications in group (C) were atelectasis (four cases), pneumonia (two cases), COPD decompensation (two cases), and pulmonary edema (one case). No intensive care unit admissions or intraoperative complications were associated with using HFNC. The mean length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was 8.83 ± 2.91 for group I and 10.46 ± 3.4 for group (C), which differed significantly (p = 0.03) with no in-hospital mortality for the two groups. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative administration of HFNC may lower the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications and the duration of hospital stays.

Olfactory Dysfunction in Healthcare Workers with COVID-19: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is a real global health crisis. Its clinical presentation has evolved over time with an increasing number of symptoms. Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has recently been recognized as a frequent symptom relevant to screening for COVID-19, especially in pauci-asymptomatic forms. However, the underlying mechanisms of OD are not yet fully understood. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of OD in healthcare workers with SARS-CoV-2 and to identify its associated factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, analytical study, carried out during a period of six months and including all healthcare workers at Farhat Hached Academic Hospital (Tunisia) who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 by PCR, RAT, or chest CT scan. RESULTS: A total of 474 healthcare workers were included, representing a participation rate of 85.4%. The mean age was 41.02±10.67 years with a sex ratio of 0.2. The distribution of this population by department noted that it was mainly maternity (13.9%). The most presented workstation was nursing (31.4%). OD represented 39.2% of the reasons for consultation. Hospitalization was indicated in 16 patients (3.4%). The average duration of hospitalization was 8.87 ± 7.8 days. The average time off work was 17.04 ± 11.6 days. OD persisted for more than 90 days in 35 patients (7.4%). After multiple binary logistic regression, OD was statistically associated with female gender (p =0.001; OR 95% CI: 2.46 [1.4-4.2]) and blue-collar occupational category (p =0.002; OR IC95%:3.1 [1.5-6.5]). A significant association was also noted between OD and professional seniority and absence from work duration (p =0.019; OR 95% CI: 0.97 [0.95-0.99] and p =0.03; OR 95% CI: 0.97 [0.95-0.99]) respectively. CONCLUSION: OD is common in COVID-19 patients. The identification of its associated factors may contribute to enhancing the understanding of its mechanism and drive therapeutic options.

Association between Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) DQB1*06 and HLA DQB1*03 and adverse outcomes in a group of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Tunisia: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system is a highly polymorphic genetic system associated with the prognosis of several infectious diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of HLA polymorphism with the outcome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Tunisian critically ill patients. Methods: this retrospective cross-sectional study included 42 consecutive patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) for COVID-19 in March 2021. Genotyping of HLA loci was performed by LABType™ sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) typing kits (One lambda Inc, USA). Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 23.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Multivariable regression analysis was performed for the association between HLA polymorphism with adverse outcomes with adjustment for potential confounders such as age, sex, co-morbidities and blood type. Results: patients included in our study had a mean age of 64.5 ± 11.5 (34-83) years and were mainly men (64.3%; (n=27)). The most common cardiovascular risk factors were obesity (61.9%; (n=26)) and hypertension (26.2%; (n=11)). Thirty-two patients died (76.2%). Eleven patients (26.2%) required intubation during hospitalization. We found that HLA DQB1*06 allele was significantly associated with protection against mortality aOR: 0.066, 95% CI 0.005-0.821; p = 0.035. HLA DQB1*03 allele was significantly associated with protection against intubation aOR: 0.151, 95% CI 0.023-0.976; p = 0.047. Conclusion: it was found that there are 2 protective HLA alleles against COVID-19 severity and mortality in critically ill patients. This could allow focusing on people genetically predisposed to develop severe forms of COVID-19.

Value of simulation as a means of evaluating learning on the management of patients with COVID19.

INTRODUCTION: Medical simulation is a crucial educational tool for training healthcare professionals, renowned for its effectiveness in learning. However, its application as an assessment tool remains uncommon. AIM: To evaluate simulation as a tool for assessing training in the management of COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2021 at the Department of Pediatrics, Sahloul University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia. All medical and paramedical staff in the department underwent comprehensive training in the management of COVID-19 patients, including video training for donning and doffing protective equipment when in contact with infected patients. A simulation-based assessment of these procedures was carried out among the department staff having received this training. RESULTS: Our study included a total of 67 participants, comprising 28 medical staff (41.8%) and 39 paramedical staff (58.2%). During the assessment scenario, over 50% of participants successfully completed the main steps for both donning (8 out of 11 steps) and doffing procedures (10 out of 11 steps). However, there were instances of incorrect execution in some critical steps. In the doffing test, only 16.4% of participants performed the fitcheck correctly, with a notable difference between paramedical staff and medical staff (25.6% vs 3.6%, p=0.02). The practice of double gloving was observed in only 38.8% of cases, with higher adherence among physicians compared to paramedical staff (57.1% vs 25.6%, p=0.009). Regarding the doffing procedure, we observed that not all staff performed hydroalcoholic friction adequately. Similarly, only 22.4% of participants followed the recommended sequence of gestures, with a significantly higher compliance rate among doctors compared to paramedical staff (50% vs 2.6%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Simulation is a swiftly expanding assessment tool. In our study, it helped reveal specific skill deficiencies that would have gone unnoticed in written or oral assessments.

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) have been described in many autoimmune diseases (AIDs). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could trigger AIDs. This study aimed to determine the frequency of ASCA in patients with COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 88 adult patients with severe COVID-19, 51 mild COVID-19, and 160 healthy blood donors. ASCA of isotype immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The frequency of ASCA (IgG or IgA) was significantly higher in patients with severe COVID-19 (21.6 % vs 3.7 %, p < 10-3) and in patients with mild COVID-19 than in the healthy controls (13.7 % vs 3.7 %, p = 0.03). ASCA-IgA was significantly more frequent in patients with severe COVID-19 than in healthy controls (15.9 % vs 0.6 %, p < 10-3). ASCA-IgG was significantly more frequent in patients with mild COVID-19 than in healthy controls (13.7 % vs 3.1 %, p = 0.02). ASCA (IgG or IgA) were more frequent in severe than in mild COVID-19, but the difference was not statistically significant (21.6 % vs 13.7 %). ASCA-IgA was significantly more frequent in patients with severe than those with mild COVID-19 (15.9 % vs 0 %, p = 0.003). The mean ASCA-IgG and ASCA-IgA levels were significantly higher in patients with severe COVID-19 than in healthy controls (5.8 U/mL ± 11.8 vs 2.3 U/mL ± 2.8, p < 10-3 and 9.2 U/mL ± 21.5 vs 3.4 U/mL ± 1.7, respectively, p < 10-3). The mean ASCA-IgG levels were significantly higher in patients with mild COVID-19 than in healthy controls (6.2 U/mL ± 12.9 vs 2.3 U/mL ± 2.8, p < 10-3). The mean ASCA-IgA levels were significantly higher in patients with severe than in those with mild COVID-19 (9.2 U/mL ± 21.5 vs 2.6 U/mL ± 1.2, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: ASCA was more frequent in patients with COVID-19 than in healthy controls.

Assessment of antiphospholipid antibodies profiles based on severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Introduction: thrombotic events are the most severe complications of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is known that anti-phospholipid antibodies (APL) could be involved in thrombosis mechanism. Thus, APL profiles were studied particularly in patients with severe and critical COVID-19, and their clinical impact. Methods: a retrospective study of 54 COVID-19 hospitalized patients (34 in intensive care unit (ICU) and 20 in non-ICU) was conducted. These COVID-19 patients were tested for the presence of LAC (lupus anticoagulant) using the ACLTOP750®, anti-cardiolipine (ACL) and anti-ß2glycoprotéine I (anti-ß2GPI) IgG/IgM/IgA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgA isotype was tested in only 25 patients. Results: anti-phospholipid antibodies were present in 74.1% of tested patients. LAC positivity was the highest (60.8%) among all patients, followed by IgM aCL (18.5%) and IgM anti-ß2GPI (14.8%). Besides, LAC and anti-ß2GPI IgA were the most predominant APL regarding the 25 patients tested for IgA isotype (52% and 24% respectively). Nine patients had thrombotic events, among them 6 were positive in APL and 5 were positive in LAC. However, there was any significant association between APL positivity or titers and thrombosis. There was also no significant difference between the two COVID-19 groups regarding APL profiles. Conclusion: given the relatively high frequency of APL and especially LAC, and given the multitude of thrombotic risk factors in these severely and critically ill COVID-19 patients, a prophylactic anticoagulation remains essential.

Influence of weather and air pollution on the occurrence of idiopathic pulmonary embolism in the region of Sousse (Tunisia).

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most serious manifestation of thromboembolic conditions. Its incidence varies considerably between countries, suggesting its interaction with the external environment. To analyze the influence of climate and air pollution on the occurrence of idiopathic PE in the region of Sousse (Tunisia). A total of 142 patients with idiopathic PE at two academic hospitals in Sousse (Tunisia) were enrolled in the study over a 7-year period. An analysis of two time series (environmental data and PE cases) was performed. Climatic data were collected from the National Institute of Meteorology. Air pollution data were obtained from the modeling platform of the National Agency for Protection of the Environment. The year 2015 was marked by the occurrence of the highest number of cases (24.6%). A statistically significant decrease in PE risk of 41.9% was observed during the summer with an OR of 0.59 (95% CI [0.36-0.94] and p = 0.026), compared with other seasons. Poisson GLM regression showed a significant increased risk of PE of 3.3% for each 1 °C temperature drop. After multiple binary logistic regression, the elevation of PM10 concentration was independently associated with an increased risk of PE (p < 10-3, OR 79.55, 95% CI [42.28-149.6]). Some environmental parameters may predispose to the onset of idiopathic PE. Understanding their accurate influence may have preventive and curative implications.

Chronic Pain following Chest Trauma: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Psychosocial Impact.

Background: Chronic pain (CP) is a real public health concern. It is a common cause of poor quality of life and workplace absenteeism. It is well studied in many medical and surgical fields. However, only few data are available as regards to its occurrence in trauma patients. Purpose: To assess the prevalence, associated factors, and psychosocial impact of CP following chest trauma. Methods: This is an observational, descriptive, and analytic cross-sectional study performed in a Tunisian department of anesthesia and intensive care over a two-month period. Adult patients admitted one year ago for isolated chest trauma were enrolled. Data were collected by a phone interview. Studied variables were sociodemographic characteristics, traumatic injuries and their management, the occurrence of CP, and its psychosocial impact. CP was diagnosed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) considering an evolution period of at least 3 months. Its impact was assessed by the BPI and the Posttraumatic stress disorder Checklist Scale (PCLS). Results: Fifty-four patients were included in the study. The prevalence of CP was 79.6%. The average CP intensity was 3.18 ± 1.4. It was neuropathic in 90.7%. Its main associated factors were pleural effusion (p=0.016), time to ICU admission (p=0.016), time to ICU admission (p=0.016), time to ICU admission (p=0.016), time to ICU admission (. Conclusion: CP following chest trauma is frequent and severe requiring preventive measures such as high risk patients screening, better management of acute pain, and a multidisciplinary approach for patients with diagnosed CP.

Assessment of the operating room efficiency by the real time of room occupancy.

BACKGROUND: The operating room is the most cost consuming area of hospitals. However, it still suffers from a non-optimized organization. AIM: To evaluate the performance of our operating rooms by the real room occupancy time (RROT), to identify the main causes of its alteration and to analyze the problem of deprogramming. METHODS: This is an observational and descriptive study conducted in two operating rooms in Sahloul teaching Hospital during August 2016. For the two studied rooms, a pre-established data sheet was filled during the days of scheduled activity. Collected parameters were  total RROT,  different periods of RROT, room occupancy rate, room overflow rate, incidence and causes of non-compliance with the surgical program and causes of RROT alteration. RESULTS:   The mean start time of the activity was 41.93 min/day. The mean overflow time was 11.51 min/day. The RROT was 246.56 min/day, corresponding to an average occupancy rate of 68.49%. On average 1.86 acts were performed per room and per morning with a total of 86 interventions. The deprogramming problem was noted in 38 cases. Its main causes were the overshoot of the vacation time offered to surgeons (36.84%), the emergencies (18.42%) and the non-respect of the anesthesia instructions (15.78%). CONCLUSION: The occupancy rate in our structures is relatively acceptable but should not hide the need to optimize the use of available resources. Corrective actions focusing primarily on delayed start-up and periodic reassessments are essential.

Influence of Weather Conditions on the Onset of Spontaneous Pneumothorax in the Region of Sousse (Tunisia): Analysis of Time Series.

INTRODUCTION: Weather conditions were implicated in the onset of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). AIM: Investigate the influence of weather conditions on the onset of SP. METHODS: A total of 200 patients with SP in Sousse (Tunisia) were enrolled in the study between January 2010 and December 2014. An analysis of two time series (meteorological data and pneumothorax cases) was performed. Data on weather conditions were collected daily throughout the 5-year period. RESULTS: A comparison of the mean temperature between days with and without SP showed significantly higher temperatures during the days with SP. A decrease of 1% in the relative humidity one day lag (D-1) was associated with an increase in the risk of SP by 1.6% (p=0,02). The occurrence of clusters was associated significantly with higher temperature averages on the same days. This same observation was made regarding the mean duration of sunshine two days before the cluster onset (p = 0.05). The occurrence of storms two days before clusters was also significantly associated with a risk multiplied by 1.96. CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between clusters of spontaneous pneumothorax and weather conditions in the region of Sousse-Tunisia.

Effects of Gabapentinoids Premedication on Shoulder Pain and Rehabilitation Quality after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Pregabalin versus Gabapentin.

Introduction: Gabapentinoids are increasingly used in preoperative premedication despite controversial results. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of preemptive use of gabapentin or pregabalin on postoperative shoulder pain and rehabilitation quality after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This is a clinical trial comparing the effects of a preoperative premedication with 600 mg of gabapentin or 150 mg of pregabalin versus placebo on postoperative pain and recovery quality after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Premedication was taken 2 hours before the surgery beginning. Ninety patients were included and randomized into 3 groups (gabapentin, pregabalin, and placebo). The anesthetic protocol was the same for all patients. Primary endpoint was the shoulder pain intensity at the 48th postoperative hour. Secondary endpoints were postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), sleep quality during the first night, and the onset time for the first standing position. Results: During the first 48 postoperative hours, the gabapentin and pregabalin groups had significantly lower shoulder pain than the placebo group (p < 0.05). In gabapentinoids groups, the incidence of PONV was lower and the sleep quality during the first postoperative night was better with significant results. Mean Spiegel scores were 22.43 ± 1.45, 22.30 ± 1.44, and 17.17 ± 1.66, respectively, in pregabalin, gabapentin, and placebo groups (p < 0.05). The delay for the first standing position was 14.9 ± 4.9 hours in the pregabalin group, 9.7 ± 3.6 hours in the gabapentin group, and 21.6 ± 2.1 hours in the placebo group. No superiority was found between gabapentin and pregabalin. Conclusion: Preemptive premedication with gabapentinoids can enhance postoperative rehabilitation quality after laparoscopic cholecystectomy by reducing postoperative shoulder pain, decreasing PONV incidence, and improving sleep quality during the first postoperative night. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT03241875).

Intravenous lidocaine as adjuvant to general anesthesia in renal surgery.

The role of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion has been previously evaluated for pain relief, inflammatory response, and post-operative recovery, particularly in abdominal surgery. The present study is a randomized double-blinded trial in which we evaluated whether IV lidocaine infusion reduces isoflurane requirement, intraoperative remifentanil consumption and time to post-operative recovery in non-laparoscopic renal surgery. Sixty patients scheduled to undergo elective non-laparoscopic renal surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled to receive either systemic lidocaine infusion (group L: bolus 1.5 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion at the rate of 2 mg/kg/hr until skin closure) or normal saline (0.9% NaCl solution) (Group C). The depth of anesthesia was monitored using the Bispectral Index Scale (BIS), which is based on measurement of the patient's cerebral electrical activity. Primary outcome of the study was End-tidal of isoflurane concentration (Et-Iso) at BIS values of 40-60. Secondary outcomes include remifentanil consumption during the operation and time to extubation. Et-Iso was significantly lower in group L than in group C (0.63% ± 0.10% vs 0.92% ± 0.11%, p < 10-3). Mean remifentanil consumption of was significantly lower in group L than in group C (0.13 ± 0.04 µg/kg/min vs 0.18 ± 0.04 µg/kg/min, p < 10-3). Thus, IV lidocaine infusion permits a reduction of 31% in isoflurane concentration requirement and 27% in the intraoperative remifentanil need. In addition, recovery from anesthesia and extubation time was shorter in group L (5.8 ± 1.8 min vs 7.9 ± 2.0 min, p < 10-3). By reducing significantly isoflurane and remifentanil requirements during renal surgery, intravenous lidocaine could provide effective strategy to limit volatile agent and intraoperative opioids consumption especially in low and middle income countries.

Magnesium Sulfate as Adjuvant in Prehospital Femoral Nerve Block for a Patient with Diaphysial Femoral Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Prehospital management of traumatic pain is commonly based on morphine while locoregional analgesia techniques, especially the femoral nerve block (FNB), can be safely and efficiently used. Adjuvants uses can reduce local anesthetic doses and decrease their related risk. The aim of the study was to assess the analgesic effect of magnesium sulfate when used as an adjuvant in prehospital FNB. Methods: This is a randomized double-blinded trial conducted in a prehospital medical department of an academic hospital. Patients with isolated diaphysial femoral fracture and eligible to participate were randomized into 2 groups. Group C had a FNB with 15 ml of lidocaine with epinephrine (300 mg) and 3 ml of normal saline solution. Group I had a FNB with 15 ml of lidocaine with epinephrine (300 mg) and 3 ml of MgS 15% (450 mg). The FNB was performed according to the WINNIE technique. Primary endpoints were morphine consumption and pain intensity during the first 6 hours. Secondary endpoints were the duration of the sensory block, time to the first analgesic request, and side effects occurrence. Results: Twenty-four patients were enrolled in each group. Both groups were comparable according to demographic characteristics, initial pain scores, and vital constants. In group I, morphine requirements were significantly lower (2 ± 2 mg versus 5 ± 3 mg, p < 10-3), analgesic onset was significantly faster, and the average time to the first analgesic request was longer (276 ± 139 min versus 160 ± 79 min, p < 10-3). The average duration of sensory block was longer in group I (226 ± 64 min versus 116 ± 70 min p < 10-3). No side effects were recorded. Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate should be considered as an efficient and safe adjuvant to lidocaine in prehospital FNB. This trial is registered with (NCT03597945).

[Burnout prevalence in Tunisian anesthesia and intensive care units]. / Prévalence du burnout en milieu d'anesthésie réanimation dans le centre tunisien.

INTRODUCTION: burnout is a particular cause of concern in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Units. In addition to its socio-economic impact, it alters the quality of care and patients prognosis. This study aims to assess its prevalence among the staff members of the Tunisian Anesthesia and Intensive Care Units. METHODS: we conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study in the Anesthesia and Intensive Care Units of seven Tunisian University Hospitals. The study included the medical and paramedical staff who gave consent. The measuring instrument used was the Maslach burnout Inventory. RESULTS: the study included 283 staff members (72.19%). The average age of subjects was 40.2 ± 9.38 years, with a female predominance. Maslach scale revealed that 94.71% of the participants had burnout. The mean emotional exhaustion score, depersonalization score and professional achievement score were 28.65 ± 11.92; 8.62 ± 6.65 and 34.58 ± 8.07 respectively. High to moderate burn-out level were found in 13.3% and 26.2% of cases respectively. Burn-out effects were dominated by additive behaviors (52.65%) and suicidal ideations (4.59%). CONCLUSION: burnout is becoming more and more a tangible reality for the staff members of the Anesthesia and Intensive Care Units, engendering serious social and personal consequences.

Post traumatic inferior vena cava thrombosis: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Post traumatic inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis is a rare and not well described entity with nonspecific clinical presentation. It remains a therapeutic challenge in traumatic context because of haemorrhagic risk due to anticoagulation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of IVC thrombosis in an 18 year-old man who presented with liver injury following a traffic crash. The thrombosis was incidentally diagnosed on admission by computed tomography. The patient was managed conservatively without anticoagulation initially considering the increasing haemorrhagic risk. IVC filter placing was not possible because of the unusual localization of the thrombus. Unfractionated heparin was started on the third day after CT scan control showing stability of hepatic lesions with occurrence of a pulmonary embolism. The final outcome was good. DISCUSSION: The management of post traumatic IVC thrombosis is not well described. Medical approach consists in conservative management with anticoagulation which requires the absence of active bleeding lesions. Surgical treatment is commonly based on thrombectomy under extracorporeal circulation. Interventional vascular techniques have become an important alternative approach for the treatment of many vessel lesions. Their main advantages are the relative ease and speed with which they can be performed. CONCLUSION: Post traumatic IVC thrombosis is a rare condition. Its management is not well defined. Early anticoagulation should be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Other alternatives such IVC filter or surgical thrombectomy may be used when the bleeding risk is increased. The most serious risk is pulmonary embolism. Outcome can be favorable even with non surgical approaches.

Effects of music therapy under general anesthesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Music therapy, an innovative approach that has proven effectiveness in many medical conditions, seems beneficial also in managing surgical patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate its effects, under general anesthesia, on perioperative patient satisfaction, stress, pain, and awareness. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind study conducted in the operating theatre of visceral surgery at Sahloul Teaching Hospital over a period of 4 months. Patients aged more than 18 undergoing a scheduled surgery under general anesthesia were included. Patients undergoing urgent surgery or presenting hearing or cognitive disorders were excluded. Before induction, patients wore headphones linked to an MP3 player. They were randomly allocated into 2 groups: Group M (with music during surgery) and group C (without music). Hemodynamic parameters, quality of arousal, pain experienced, patient's satisfaction, and awareness incidence during anesthesia were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and forty patients were included and allocated into 2 groups that were comparable in demographic characteristics, surgical intervention type and anesthesia duration. Comparison of these two groups regarding the hemodynamic profile found more stability in group M for systolic arterial blood pressure. A calm recovery was more often noted in group M (77.1% versus 44%, p < 10-3). The average Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was lower in the intervention group (33.8 ± 13.63 versus 45.1 ± 16.2; p < 10-3). The satisfaction rate was significantly higher among the experimental group (81.4% versus 51.4%; p < 10-3). The incidence of intraoperative awareness was higher in group C (8 cases versus 3 cases) but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Music therapy is a non-pharmacological, inexpensive, and non-invasive technique that can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and decrease patients' embarrassing experiences related to perioperative stress, pain, and awareness.

Missed injuries in pre-hospital trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: During primary survey of trauma patients, missed injuries and delayed diagnosis can be a potential source of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To assess type and frequency of missed injuries in prehospital care in trauma patients and to analyze their contributing factors and implications. METHODS:   It is a descriptive and analytic prospective study. It was performed over six months which had included 200 trauma patients. The initial assessment made by the out-of hospital team of Sousse was compared to the second survey made in the emergency room and intensive care unit after the radiological assessment. RESULTS: Sixty seven (67) missed injuries were discovered in 51 patients, so 25.5% missed injuries incidence. These injuries were avoidable in 35.82% of cases. Twenty (20) injuries (29.85%) had clinically significant outcomes. Injuries are missed in the abdomen in 62.5% of cases, in the pelvis in 61.11% of cases, in the chest in 41.66% of cases, in the spine in 38.06 % of cases and in 20% of cases in the limbs. Multiple contributing factors were assigned, the most important were: the hemodynamic instability (Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg), the tachycardia and the low RTS. Altered level of consciousness (GCS of twelve or lower), multiple and violence of the trauma were observed but not retained as predictive factors of missing injuries. CONCLUSION:   Our study showed higher rates of severe missed injuries mainly in abdomen and pelvis. Circulatory instability and low RTS were assigned as significant factors predicting of this obviousness. Various solutions are proposed to prevent missed during the first assessment in prehospital care.

Comparison of two doses of hypobaric bupivacaine in unilateral spinal anesthesia for hip fracture surgery: 5 mg versus 7.5 mg.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture is a frequent and severe disease. Its prognosis depends on the perioperative hemodynamic stability which can be preserved by the unilateral spinal anesthesia especially with low doses of local anesthetics. This study aims to compare the efficacy and hemodynamic stability of two doses of hypobaric bupivacaine (7.5 mg vs 5 mg) in unilateral spinal anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 108 patients scheduled for hip fracture surgery under unilateral spinal anesthesia were enrolled to receive either 5 mg (group 1) or 7.5 mg (group 2) of hypobaric bupivacaine. Spinal anesthesia was performed in lateral position. Patients' socio-demographic characteristics, hemodynamic profile, sensory and motor blocks parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding to demographic data. Two cases of failure occurred in group 1 and one case in group 2 corresponding to a comparable efficiency rates (96.29% and 98.14% respectively; p = 0.5). A higher mean onset and lower mean regression times of sensory block were significantly noted in group 1 (7.79±3.76 min vs 5.75±2.35 min, p < 0.001 and 91.29±31.55 min vs 112.77±18.77 min, p <0.001 respectively). Incidence of bilateralization (29.62% vs 87.03%, p < 0.001), incidence of hypotensive episodes (59.25% vs 92.59%, p < 0.001) and vascular loading (1481.48±411.65 ml vs 2111.11±596.10 ml, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in group 2. CONCLUSION: The dosage of 5mg of hypobaric bupivacaine in unilateral spinal anesthesia is as effective as the dosage of 7.5 mg with lower bilateralization incidence and better hemodynamic stability.

Mortality among Patients with Nosocomial Infections in Tertiary Intensive Care Units of Sahloul Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections are public health issues that are associated with high mortality in intensive care units. This study aimed to determine nosocomial infection-associated mortality in Tunisian intensive care units and identify its risk factors. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out in intensive care units of a Tunisian University Hospital. The ICUs-wide active surveillance of nosocomial infections has been performed between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011. Data collection was based on Rea-Raisin protocol 2009 of "Institut National de Veille Sanitaire" (InVS, Saint Maurice - France). We used Kaplan Meier survival analysis and Cox Proportional Hazard regression to identify independent risk factors of nosocomial infection-associated mortality. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients presented nosocomial infection in the end of the surveillance. The mean age of patients was 44.71 ± 21.2 years. Of them, 67.2% were male and 32.8% female. Nosocomial bacteremia was the most frequent infection (68.6%). Nosocomial infection-associated mortality rate was 35.8% (24/67). Bacteremia (Hazard Ratio (HR)) = 3.03, 95% Confidential Interval (95% CI): [1.23 - 7.45], P = 0.016) and trauma (HR = 3.6, 95% CI: [1.16 - 11.2], P = 0.026) were identified by Cox regression as independent risk factors for NI-associated mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our rate was relatively high. We need to improve the care of trauma patients and intensify the fight against nosocomial infections especially bacteremia.