The Effect of the No Pain Labor & Delivery-Global Health Initiative on Cesarean Delivery and Neonatal Outcomes in China: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of live births by cesarean delivery (CD) in China is significant, with some, particularly rural, provinces reporting up to 62.5%. The No Pain Labor & Delivery-Global Health Initiative (NPLD-GHI) was established to improve obstetric and neonatal outcomes in China, including through a reduction of CD through educational efforts. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a reduction in CD at a rural Chinese hospital occurred after NPLD-GHI. We hypothesized that a reduction in CD trend would be observed. METHODS: The NPLD-GHI program visited the Weixian Renmin Hospital, Hebei Province, China, from June 15 to 21, 2014. The educational intervention included problem-based learning, bedside teaching, simulation drill training, and multidisciplinary debriefings. An interrupted time-series analysis using segmented logistic regression models was performed on data collected between June 1, 2013 and May 31, 2015 to assess whether the level and/or trend over time in the proportion of CD births would decline after the program intervention. The primary outcome was monthly proportion of CD births. Secondary outcomes included neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and extended NICU length of stay, neonatal antibiotic and intubation use, and labor epidural analgesia use. RESULTS: Following NPLD-GHI, there was a level decrease in CD with an estimated odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 0.87 (0.78-0.98), P = .017, with odds (95% CI) of monthly CD reduction an estimated 3% (1-5; P < .001), more in the post- versus preintervention periods. For labor epidural analgesia, there was a level increase (estimated odds ratio [95% CI] of 1.76 [1.48-2.09]; P < .001) and a slope decrease (estimated odds ratio [95% CI] of 0.94 [0.92-0.97]; P < .001). NICU admissions did not have a level change (estimated odds ratio [95% CI] of 0.99 [0.87-1.12]; P = .835), but the odds (95% CI) of monthly reduction in NICU admission was estimated 9% (7-11; P < .001), greater in post- versus preintervention. Neonatal intubation level and slope changes were not statistically significant. For neonatal antibiotic administration, while the level change was not statistically significant, there was a decrease in the slope with an odds (95% CI) of monthly reduction estimated 6% (3-9; P < .001), greater post- versus preintervention. CONCLUSIONS: In a large, rural Chinese hospital, live births by CD were lower following NPLD-GHI and associated with increased use of labor epidural analgesia. We also found decreasing NICU admissions. International-based educational programs can significantly alter practices associated with maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Improving accuracy of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status using audit and feedback and artificial intelligence: a time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND: While the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status (PS) is used to adjust for greater mortality risk with higher ASA PS classification, inaccurate classification can lead to an inaccurate comparison of institutions. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of audit and feedback with a rule-based artificial intelligence algorithm on the accuracy of ASA PS classification. METHODS: We reviewed 78 121 anesthetic records from 1 January 2017 to 19 February 2020. The first intervention entailed audit and feedback emphasizing accurately documenting ASA PS classification using body mass index (BMI), while the second intervention consisted of implementing a rule-based artificial intelligence algorithm. If a patient with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 had a documented ASA PS classification of 1 or 2, the provider was alerted to change the ASA PS classification to 3 or above. The primary outcome was the overall proportion of patients with inaccurate ASA PS classification based on BMI per month. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with a BMI ≥40 or a BMI 30-39.9 who had inaccurate ASA PS classification and the proportion of patients documented as having ASA 3-5. Data were analyzed using interrupted time-series analysis. RESULTS: For the primary outcome, the slope for ASA PS classification inaccurately incorporating BMI was unchanging before the first intervention (parameter coefficient 0.002, 95% CI -0.034 to 0.038; P = 0.911). Following the first intervention, there was an immediate level change (parameter coefficient -0.821, 95% CI -1.236 to -0.0406; P < 0.001) without significant change in slope (parameter coefficient -0.048, 95% CI -0.100 to 0.004; P = 0.067). The post-intervention slope was negative (parameter coefficient -0.046, 95% CI -0.083 to -0.009; P = 0.017). Following the second intervention, there was no level change (parameter coefficient 0.203, 95% CI -0.380 to 0.463; P = 0.839) and no significant change in slope (parameter coefficient 0.013, 95% CI -0.043 to 0.043; P = 0.641). The post-intervention slope was not significant (parameter coefficient -0.034, 95% CI -0.078 to 0.010; P = 0.121). The proportion of patients whose ASA PS classification inaccurately incorporated BMI at the first and final timepoint of the study was 2.6% and 0.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our quality improvement efforts successfully modified clinician behavior to accurately incorporate BMI into the ASA PS classification. By combining audit and feedback methodology with a rule-based artificial intelligence algorithm, we created a process that resulted in immediate and sustained effects. Improving ASA PS classification accuracy is important because it affects quality metrics, research design, resource allocation and workflow processes.

Implementing structured handoffs to verify operating room blood delivery using a quality academy training program: an interrupted time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is a complex process at risk for error. OBJECTIVE: To implement a structured handoff during the blood transfusion process to improve delivery verification. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team participated in the quality academy training program at an academic medical center and implemented a structured handoff of blood delivery to the operating room (OR) using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles between 28 October 2019 and 1 December 2019. An interrupted time-series analysis was performed to investigate the proportions of verified deliveries (primary outcome) and of verified deliveries among those without a handoff (secondary outcome). Delivery duration was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 2606 deliveries occurred from 1 July 2019 to 19 April 2020. The baseline trend for verified deliveries was unchanging [parameter coefficient -0.0004; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.002 to 0.001; P = 0.623]. Following intervention, there was an immediate level change (parameter coefficient 0.115; 95% CI 0.053 to 0.176; P = 0.001) without slope change (parameter coefficient 0.002; 95% CI -0.004 to 0.007; P = 0.559). For the secondary outcome, there was no immediate level change (parameter coefficient -0.039; 95% CI -0.159 to 0.081; P = 0.503) or slope change (parameter coefficient 0.002; 95% CI -0.022 to 0.025; P = 0.866). The mean (SD) delivery duration during the intervention was 12.4 (2.8) min and during the post-intervention period was 9.6 (1.6) min (mean difference 2.8; 95% CI 0.9 to 4.8; P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Using the quality academy framework supported the implementation of a structured handoff during blood delivery to the OR, resulting in a significant increase in verified deliveries.

The effect of Tegaderm™ versus EyeGard® on eyelid erythema during general anesthesia: a randomized-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Application of adhesive tape to the eyelids during general anesthesia decreases the risk of corneal abrasion but may increase the risk of eyelid injury. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in eyelid erythema when covering the eyelid with either Tegaderm™ or an EyeGard®. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-face study of patients undergoing general anesthesia at an urban tertiary care academic medical centre. Each patient was randomized to having one eyelid covered with Tegaderm and the other with EyeGard. Photographs were taken prior to extubation and evaluated by three dermatologists. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative eyelid erythema. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of corneal abrasion and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients were included in our final analysis. Erythema was present on 117 (77%) eyelids covered with Tegaderm and 105 (70%) eyelids covered with EyeGard (% difference, 8; 95% confidence interval, 2 to 14; P = 0.03). No corneal abrasions were reported. The median [interquartile range] patient satisfaction score with eyelid condition was similar with Tegaderm vs EyeGard (5 [5-5] vs 5 [5-5], respectively; P = 0.84). CONCLUSION: We found a small increase in postoperative eyelid erythema when using Tegaderm compared with EyeGard. While EyeGard could decrease the risk of eyelid erythema, this should be balanced against other potential benefits of Tegaderm such as protection from fluids leaking onto the cornea. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03549429); registered 8 June, 2018.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: L'application de ruban adhésif sur les paupières pendant l'anesthésie générale réduit le risque d'abrasion cornéenne mais pourrait augmenter le risque de lésion aux paupières. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer s'il existe une différence dans l'incidence d'érythème de la paupière lorsque l'on couvre la paupière à l'aide d'un Tegaderm™ ou d'un EyeGard®. MéTHODE: Nous avons réalisé une étude prospective, randomisée, à double insu et à visage divisé auprès de patients subissant une anesthésie générale dans un centre médical universitaire urbain de soins tertiaires. Chaque patient a été randomisé à avoir une paupière couverte de Tegaderm et l'autre d'un EyeGard. Des photos ont été prises avant l'extubation et évaluées par trois dermatologistes. Le critère d'évaluation principal était l'incidence d'érythème postopératoire de la paupière. Les critères secondaires comprenaient l'incidence d'abrasion cornéenne et la satisfaction des patients. RéSULTATS: Au total, 151 patients ont été inclus dans notre analyse finale. Il y avait présence d'érythème sur 117 (77 %) paupières couvertes de Tegaderm et 105 (70 %) paupières couvertes d'un EyeGard (% de différence, 8; intervalle de confiance 95 %, 2 à 14; P = 0,03). Aucune abrasion cornéenne n'a été rapportée. Le score médian [écart interquartile] de satisfaction des patients en ce qui touchait à l'état de leurs paupières était semblable pour le Tegaderm et le EyeGard (5 [5­5] vs 5 [5­5], respectivement; P = 0,84). CONCLUSION: Nous avons observé une légère augmentation du nombre d'érythèmes postopératoires de la paupière lors de l'utilisation du Tegaderm comparativement au EyeGard. Alors que le EyeGard pourrait réduire le risque d'érythème de la paupière, il convient de sous-peser ses avantages par rapport aux autres avantages potentiels du Tegaderm tels que la protection contre les liquides coulant sur la cornée. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'éTUDE: www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03549429); enregistrée le 8 juin 2018.

Platelet transfusion as treatment for factor V deficiency in the parturient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Congenital factor V deficiency, also called parahemophilia, is a rare hematological disorder that can be treated with platelet transfusion. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old G2P0100 with factor V deficiency was admitted for induction of labor and requested labor epidural analgesia. Throughout her hospital course, factor V levels were managed per recommendation from her hematologist, which included transfusing fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to maintain a factor V level of 50% before any neuraxial technique and 40% for postpartum hemostasis. The parturient required multiple transfusions of FFP to stay at this level, which eventually resulted in pulmonary edema. Given the request to maintain high levels of factor V, the parturient was transfused with platelets as an alternative source of factor V. The parturient eventually delivered a healthy neonate without signs of postpartum hemorrhage or epidural hematoma. CONCLUSION: A major learning point from this case is that platelet transfusion is an effective alternative in the management of factor V deficiency. Factor V released by platelets has enhanced procoagulant function, resulting in local factor V concentrations 100 times more than that of plasma, and has a significantly extended half-life. Platelet transfusion should be considered as a therapy in treating parturients with factor V deficiency.

Effect of a Cognitive Aid on Reducing Sugammadex Use and Associated Costs: A Time Series Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The authors observed increased pharmaceutical costs after the introduction of sugammadex in our institution. After a request to decrease sugammadex use, the authors implemented a cognitive aid to help choose between reversal agents. The purpose of this study was to determine if sugammadex use changed after cognitive aid implementation. The authors' hypothesis was that sugammadex use and associated costs would decrease. METHODS: A cognitive aid suggesting reversal agent doses based on train-of-four count was developed. It was included with each dispensed reversal agent set and in medication dispensing cabinet bins containing reversal agents. An interrupted time series analysis was performed using pharmaceutical invoices and anesthesia records. The primary outcome was the number of sugammadex administrations. Secondary outcomes included total pharmaceutical acquisition costs of neuromuscular blocking drugs and reversal agents, adverse respiratory events, emergence duration, and number of neuromuscular blocking drug administrations. RESULTS: Before cognitive aid implementation, the number of sugammadex administrations was increasing at a monthly rate of 20 per 1,000 general anesthetics (P < 0.001). Afterward, the monthly rate was 4 per 1,000 general anesthetics (P = 0.361). One month after cognitive aid implementation, the number of sugammadex administrations decreased by 281 per 1,000 general anesthetics (95% CI, 228 to 333, P < 0.001). In the final study month, there were 509 fewer sugammadex administrations than predicted per 1,000 general anesthetics (95% CI, 366 to 653; P < 0.0001), and total pharmaceutical acquisition costs per 1,000 general anesthetics were $11,947 less than predicted (95% CI, $4,043 to $19,851; P = 0.003). There was no significant change in adverse respiratory events, emergence duration, or administrations of rocuronium, vecuronium, or atracurium. In the final month, there were 75 more suxamethonium administrations than predicted per 1,000 general anesthetics (95% CI, 32 to 119; P = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive aid implementation to choose between reversal agents was associated with a decrease in sugammadex use and acquisition costs.

The ED50 and ED95 of oxytocin infusion rate for maintaining uterine tone during elective caesarean delivery: a dose-finding study.

BACKGROUND: The 90% effective dose (ED90) of oxytocin infusion has been previously estimated to be 16.2 IU h- 1. However, bolus administration of oxytocin prior to the infusion may decrease the infusion dose required. The aim of this study was to estimate the ED95 for oxytocin infusion after a bolus at elective caesarean delivery (CD) in nonlaboring parturients. METHODS: We performed a randomized, triple blinded study in 150 healthy termparturients scheduled for elective CD under epidural anaesthesia. After delivery of the infant and i.v. administration of 1 IU oxytocin as a bolus, Participants were randomized to receive oxytocin infusion at a rate of 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, or 8 IU h- 1, to be given for a total of 1 h. Uterine tone assessed by the blinded obstetrician as either adequate or inadequate. Secondary outcomes included estimated blood loss (EBL), requirement for supplemental uterotonic agents, and development of side effects. RESULTS: The 95% effective dose (ED95) of oxytocin infusion was estimated to be 7.72 IU h- 1 (95% confidence interval 5.80-12.67 IU h- 1). With increasing oxytocin infusion rate, the proportion of parturients who needed rescue oxytocin bolus or secondary uterotonic agents decreased. No significant among-group differences in the EBL and oxytocin-related side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In parturients who receive a 1 IU bolus of oxytocin during elective cesarean delivery, an infusion rate of oxytocin at 7.72 IU h- 1 will produce adequate uterine tone in 95% of parturients. These results suggest that the total dose of oxytocin administered in the postpartum period can be decreased when administered as an infusion after oxytocin bolus.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Music Use During Epidural Catheter Placement on Laboring Parturient Anxiety, Pain, and Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Although music is frequently used to promote a relaxing environment during labor and delivery, the effect of its use during the placement of neuraxial techniques is unknown. Our study sought to determine the effects of music use on laboring parturients during epidural catheter placement, with the hypothesis that music use would result in lower anxiety, lower pain, and greater patient satisfaction. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of laboring parturients undergoing epidural catheter placement with or without music. The music group listened to the patient's preferred music on a Pandora® station broadcast through an external amplified speaker; the control group listened to no music. All women received a standardized epidural technique and local anesthetic dose. The primary outcomes were 3 measures of anxiety. Secondary outcomes included pain, patient satisfaction, hemodynamic parameters, obstetric parameters, neonatal outcomes, and anesthesia provider anxiety. Intention-to-treat analysis with Bonferroni correction was used for the primary outcomes. For secondary outcomes, a P value of <.001 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 100 parturients were randomly assigned, with 99 included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Patient characteristics were similar in both groups; in the music group, the duration of music use was 31.1 ± 7.7 minutes (mean ± SD). The music group experienced higher anxiety as measured by Numeric Rating Scale scores immediately after epidural catheter placement (2.9 ± 3.3 vs 1.4 ± 1.7, mean difference 1.5 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.2-2.7], P = .02), and as measured by fewer parturients being "very much relaxed" 1 hour after epidural catheter placement (51% vs 78%, odds ratio {OR} 0.3 [95% CI 0.1-0.9], P = .02). No differences in mean pain scores immediately after placement or patient satisfaction with the overall epidural placement experience were observed; however, the desire for music use with future epidural catheter placements was higher in the music group (84% vs 45%, OR 6.4 [95% CI 2.5-16.5], P < .0001). No differences in the difficulty with the epidural catheter placement or in the rate of cesarean delivery were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Music use during epidural catheter placement in laboring parturients is associated with higher postprocedure anxiety and no improvement in pain or satisfaction; however, a stronger desire for music with future epidural catheter placements was observed. Further investigation is needed to determine the effect of music use in parturients requesting and using epidural labor analgesia.

The effect of Mozart music on patient satisfaction during caesarean delivery: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Music is a low-cost intervention that can improve patient satisfaction. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomised, controlled trial conducted at an urban tertiary care academic medical centre in the United States. Nulliparous women 18-50 years old with a healthy singleton pregnancy at ≥ 37 weeks gestational age undergoing elective caesarean delivery under neuraxial anaesthesia were randomised to the music group (Mozart sonatas) or control group (no music). Mozart sonatas were broadcast to the music group immediately prior to patient entry and maintained throughout the procedure. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction using the Maternal Satisfaction Scale for Caesarean Section (MSSCS). Secondary outcomes were changes in anxiety pre- and post-operatively and post-operative mean arterial pressure (MAP). Student's t-test, the Wilcoxon rank sum test, and the c2 test were used where appropriate for statistical analyses. RESULTS: 27 parturients were evaluated for participation between 2018 and 2019, and 22 enrolled. The final study subject number was 20 due to two withdrawals. There were no clinically meaningful differences in baseline demographics, vital signs, and anxiety. The mean (SD) total patient satisfaction for music vs. control was 116 (16) vs. 120 (22), mean difference 4 (95% CI: -14.0 to 22.0), P = 0.645. The mean (SD) change in anxiety with music vs. control was 2.7 (2.7) vs. 2.5 (2.6), mean difference -0.4 (95% CI: -4.0 to 3.2), P = 0.827. The median (IQR) post-operative MAP with music vs. control was 77.7 (73.7-85.3) vs. 77.3 (72.0-87.3), P = 0.678. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Mozart sonatas did not result in improvements in patient satis-faction, anxiety or MAP in parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery.

Iatrogenic Injury During Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography: Implications for Medical Equipment Storage.

BACKGROUND: Medical equipment failure is an underappreciated source of iatrogenesis. The authors report a successful root cause analysis and action (RCA2) to improve compliance and decrease risks to patients during cardiac anesthesia care. METHODS: A quality and safety team of five content experts performed an RCA2 after an iatrogenic injury with transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe insertion. The team used a fishbone diagram to identify causes and performed a Gemba walk to discuss probability of the different causes with key stakeholders. The team reviewed hospital policies and procedures as well as manufacturer manuals regarding best practices for maintenance and storage of TEE probes. The team created a corrective action plan centered on purchasing larger TEE storage cabinets, education of those who handle TEE probes, and implementing standard operating procedures. Effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by analyzing frequency of TEE probe maintenance. RESULTS: The study period ranged from July 2016 to June 2021. TEE probes required maintenance 51 times, of which 40 (78.4%) occurred prior to the larger storage cabinet purchase, and 11 (21.6%) afterward. The number of TEE probes requiring maintenance per quarter was 4.4 (standard deviation [SD] 2.5) during the preintervention period and 1.0 (SD 1.0) during the postintervention period (mean difference 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.0-5.9, p = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: An extensive RCA2 resulting in a corrective action plan centered on compliance with manufacturer recommendations for storage of TEE probes resulted in fewer maintenance requests, which decreased the risk of iatrogenic patient injury from TEE probe failure during cardiac anesthesia care.

A randomized double-blinded study assessing the dose-response of ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine for maintenance of labor with epidural analgesia in nulliparous parturients.

Background: The combination of ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine has been used as an epidural analgesic for inducing labor. However, there is limited data regarding the administration of epidural analgesia for labor maintenance, hence, this study aimed to determine the optimum concentration through dose-response curves of ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine, which could be used along with the Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus (PIEB) technique. Methods: One hundred parturients were randomized into 4 groups who were administered four different doses of ropivacaine (dexmedetomidine at 0.4 µg mL-1): 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, and 0.1%. The primary outcome that was determined included the proportion of patients experiencing breakthrough pain during their 1st stage of labor. Breakthrough pain was described as a visual analog scale [VAS] score of >30 mm, requiring supplemental epidural analgesia after the administration of at least one patient-controlled bolus. The effective concentration of analgesia that was used for labor maintenance in 50% (EC50) and 90% (EC90) of patients were calculated with the help of probit regression. Secondary outcomes included epidural block characteristics, side effects, neonatal outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Results: The results indicated that the proportion of patients without breakthrough pain was 45% (10/22), 55% (12/22), 67% (16/24), and 87% (20/23) for 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, and 0.10% doses of the analgesic that were administered, respectively. The EC50 value was 0.051% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.011%-0.065%) while the EC90 value was recorded to be 0.117% (95% CI, 0.094%-0.212%). Side effects were similar among groups. Conclusion: A ropivacaine dose of 0.117% can be used as epidural analgesia for maintaining the 1st stage of labor when it was combined with dexmedetomidine (0.4 µg mL-1) and the PIEB technique. Clinical Trial Register: https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier ChiCTR2200059557.

A retrospective review of clinical and non-clinical factors associated with unscheduled cesarean deliveries at one urban medical center.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with unscheduled cesarean delivery at one urban tertiary medical center. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 11 162 deliveries between 2009 and 2019. The dependent variable was unscheduled cesarean delivery. Covariates examined included time of delivery, as well as several maternal and pregnancy-related factors. RESULTS: There were a total of 7037 (63.1%) vaginal, 1133 (10.1%) elective cesarean, and 2992 (26.8%) unscheduled cesarean deliveries. Independent factors associated with increased odds for unscheduled cesarean delivery included daytime delivery (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-1.42, P < 0.001); advanced maternal age (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.26-1.56, P < 0.001); obesity (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03-1.05, P < 0.001); history of previous cesarean delivery (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.91-4.01, P < 0.001); hypertension (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.27-2.32, P < 0.001); multiparity (OR 3.99, 95% CI 2.82-5.64, P < 0.001); pre-eclampsia (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.33-2.89, P = 0.001); and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) syndrome (OR 5.45, 95% CI 1.13-26.28, P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Factors associated with unscheduled cesarean delivery in this study cohort included daytime delivery, advanced maternal age, obesity, hypertension, previous cesarean delivery, multiparity, preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome.

Factors associated with neonatal resuscitation knowledge and comfort across academic anesthesia institutions.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal resuscitation training is a requirement for all obstetric anesthesia fellows. However, while the majority of anesthesiologists who work on labor and delivery report having been involved in the resuscitation of a newborn, most do not have NRP training. OBJECTIVE: By studying a national cohort of anesthesiologists, our objective was to identify factors associated with knowledge and comfort with neonatal resuscitation and to inform decisions about neonatal resuscitation in obstetric anesthesia fellowship training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After receiving exempt status, a survey assessing knowledge and comfort with neonatal resuscitation was sent to US academic institutions. Univariable and multiple variable regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with knowledge and comfort. All statistical analyses were performed using R software (R version 3.4.3 [2017-11-30]; R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). RESULTS: Responses were received from 32 (84%) of 38 academic institutions that participated. A total of 245 surveys were collected from 20 December 2018 to 27 September 2019. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) percentage of correct knowledge answers in the cohort was 43.3% (22.6%). Knowledge scores were associated with obstetric anesthesia fellowship training, regularly working with infants, and current neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) training. The mean (SD) sum of comfort ratings from the individual questions was 49.9 (17.9). Comfort ratings were associated with pediatric anesthesia fellowship training, regularly working with infants, current NRP training, and having at least one year of general pediatrics residency training. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetric anesthesiologists have the knowledge but appear to lack the comfort to perform neonatal resuscitation. As obstetric anesthesiologists are sometimes involved in neonatal resuscitation, maintenance of certification is important in maintaining comfort with neonatal resuscitation if not regularly working with infants.

Identifying high dose neostigmine as a risk factor for post-operative respiratory complications: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Neostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is used to reverse the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents. Inappropriate dosing of neostigmine can lead to post-operative respiratory complications. Post-operative respiratory complications are associated with major morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this case-control study was to determine neuromuscular blockade-related risk factors associated with post-operative respiratory complications (specifically, reintubation, respiratory insufficiency, hypoxia, and/or aspiration). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed an Institutional Review Board-approved case-control study of all patients who underwent a general anesthetic requiring neuromuscular blockade at Tufts Medical Center between March 22, 2013 and June 1, 2019. Cases were patients who experienced post-operative complications. We identified 58 controls and 116 cases from a database of 130,178 patients during the 74-month study period. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates, the administration of high dose neostigmine (> 60 mg per kg ideal body weight) was associated with increased odds of post-operative respiratory complications (odds ratio = 8.2; 95% CI: 2.5-26.6, P < 0.001). Rocuronium dose and the use of train-of-four peripheral nerve stimulator were not associated with post-operative respiratory complications. CONCLUSIONS: High dose neostigmine was identified as an independent risk factor for post-operative respiratory complications. Our study suggests that inappropriate dosing of neostigmine continues to be a problem despite growing evidence of an association with respiratory complications.

Association between Paravertebral Block and Pain Score at the Time of Hospital Discharge in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Using nonopioid analgesics may decrease the risk of patients chronically using opioids postoperatively. The authors evaluated the relationship between paravertebral block and pain score at the time of hospital discharge. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of 89 women with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I to III undergoing oncoplastic breast surgery with 20 to 50 percent breast tissue removal and immediate contralateral reconstruction between August of 2015 and August of 2018. The primary outcome was pain score at hospital discharge with or without paravertebral block. The secondary outcome was postoperative length of stay. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, t test, Fisher's exact test, univariable and multivariable regression, Kaplan-Meier analyses, and Cox regression. RESULTS: Median pain score at hospital discharge was lower with paravertebral block [2 (interquartile range, 0 to 2) compared to 4 (interquartile range, 3 to 5); p < 0.001]. Multivariable regression revealed that pain score at the time of hospital discharge was inversely associated with paravertebral block after adjusting for age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, extent of lymph node surgery, and duration of surgery (p < 0.001). Pain score at hospital discharge was also associated with total opioid consumption during the first 24 hours after surgery (p = 0.001). Patients who received paravertebral blocks had median total 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption in morphine equivalents of 7 mg (interquartile range, 3 to 10 mg) compared with 13 mg (interquartile range, 7 to 18 mg) (p < 0.001), and median length of stay of 18 hours (interquartile range, 16 to 20 hours) compared with 22 hours (interquartile range, 21 to 27 hours) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Paravertebral blocks are associated with decreased pain score at the time of hospital discharge. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Epidural Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery in a Parturient With Lumboperitoneal Shunt: A Case Report.

A lumboperitoneal shunt facilitates dynamic flow of cerebrospinal fluid into the peritoneum. Consequently, neuraxial technique placement in the parturient with a lumboperitoneal shunt can result in unexpected levels of blockade. We present the case of a parturient with a lumboperitoneal shunt who experienced symptoms consistent with high blockade after epidural administration of 450 mg chloroprocaine. This report emphasizes potential mechanisms for high neuraxial blockade and strategies to decrease risks in this unique patient population.