Association of Shock Indices with Peri-Intubation Hypotension and Other Outcomes: A Sub-Study of the KEEP PACE Trial.

BACKGROUND: Based on current evidence, there appears to be an association between peri-intubation hypotension and patient morbidity and mortality. Studies have identified shock indices as possible pre-intubation risk factors for peri-intubation hypotension. Thus, we sought to evaluate the association between shock index (SI), modified shock index (MSI), and diastolic shock index (DSI) and peri-intubation hypotension along with other outcomes. METHODS: The present study is a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial involving critically ill patients undergoing intubation. We defined peri-intubation hypotension as a decrease in mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg and/or a reduction of 40% from baseline; or the initiation of, or increase in infusion dosage of, any vasopressor medication (bolus or infusion) during the 30-min period following intubation. SI, MSI, and DSI were analyzed as continuous variables and categorically using pre-established cut-offs. We also explored the effect of age on shock indices. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients were included in the analysis. Mean pre-intubation SI was 1.0 ± 0.3, MSI 1.5 ± 0.5, and DSI 1.9 ± 0.7. Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were significantly associated with peri-intubation hypotension (OR [95% CI] per 0.1 increase = 1.16 [1.04, 1.30], P = .009 for SI; 1.14 [1.05, 1.24], P = .003 for MSI; and 1.11 [1.04, 1.19], P = .003 for DSI). The area under the ROC curves did not differ across shock indices (0.66 vs 0.67 vs 0.69 for SI, MSI, and DSI respectively; P = .586). Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were significantly associated with worse sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (spearman rank correlation: r = 0.30, r = 0.40, and r = 0.45 for SI, MSI, and DSI, respectively, all P < .001) but not with other outcomes. There was no significant impact when incorporating age. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were all significantly associated with peri-intubation hypotension and worse SOFA scores but not with other outcomes. Shock indices remain a useful bedside tool to assess the potential likelihood of peri-intubation hypotension. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier - NCT02105415.

Predicting Hospital Survival in Patients Admitted to ICU with Pulmonary Embolism.

OBJECTIVE: The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and simplified PESI (sPESI) predict mortality for patients with PE. We compared PESI/sPESI to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE-IV) in predicting mortality in patients with PE admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Additionally, we assessed the performance of a novel ICU-sPESI score created by adding three clinical variables associated with acuity of PE presentation (intubation, confusion [altered mental status], use of vasoactive infusions) to sPESI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the eICU Collaborative Research Database from 2014 to 2015, we conducted a large retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to the ICU with a primary diagnosis of PE. We calculated APACHE-IV, PESI, sPESI, and ICU-sPESI scores and compared their performance for predicting in-hospital mortality using area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. Score thresholds for >99% negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for each score. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We included 1424 PE cases. In-hospital mortality was 6.3% [95% CI: 5.1%-7.6%]. AUROC for APACHE-IV, PESI, and sPESI were 0.870, 0.848, and 0.777, respectively. APACHE-IV and PESI outperformed sPESI (P < 0.01 for both comparisons), while APACHE-IV and PESI demonstrated similar performance (P = 0.322). The ICU-sPESI performance was similar to APACHE-IV and PESI (AUROC = 0.847; AUROC comparison: APACHE-IV vs ICU-sPESI: P = 0.396; PESI vs ICU-sPESI: P = 0.945). Hospital mortality for ICU-sPESI scores 0-2 was 1.1%, and for scores 3, 4, 5, 6, and ≥7 was 8.6%, 11.7%, 29.2%, 37.5%, and 76.9%, respectively. Score thresholds for >99% NPV were ≤48 for APACHE-IV, ≤115 for PESI, and 0 points for sPESI and ICU-sPESI. CONCLUSIONS: By accounting for severity of PE presentation, our newly proposed ICU-sPESI score provided improved PE mortality prediction compared to the original sPESI score and offered excellent discrimination of mortality risk.

Effect of Propofol Infusion on Need for Rescue Antiemetics in Postanesthesia Care Unit After Volatile Anesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent after volatile anesthesia. We hypothesized that coadministration of propofol with volatile anesthetic compared to pure volatile anesthetics would decrease the need for postoperative antiemetic treatments and shorten recovery time in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). METHODS: We retrospectively identified adult patients who underwent procedures using general anesthesia with volatile agents, with or without propofol infusion, from May 2018 through December 2020, and who were admitted to the PACU. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations with robust variance estimates to assess whether propofol was associated with decreased need for rescue antiemetics. RESULTS: Among 47,847 patients, overall IPTW rescue antiemetic use was 4.7% for 17,573 patients who received propofol and 8.2% for 30,274 who did not (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.61; P <.001). This effect associated with propofol was present regardless of the intensity of antiemetic prophylaxis (OR, 0.59, 0.51, and 0.58 for 0-1, 2, and ≥3 antiemetics used, respectively), procedural duration (OR, 0.54, 0.62, and 0.47 for ≤2.50, 2.51-4.00, ≥4.01 hours), and type of volatile agent (OR, 0.51, 0.52, and 0.57 for desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane) (all P <.001). This effect was dose dependent, with little additional benefit for the reduction in the use of PACU antiemetics when propofol rate exceeded 100 µg/kg/min. Patients who received rescue antiemetics required longer PACU recovery time than those who did not receive antiemetics (ratio of the geometric mean, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.28-1.33; P <.001), but use of propofol did not affect PACU recovery time (ratio of the geometric mean, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.01; P =.56). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of propofol infusions to volatile-based anesthesia is associated with a dose-dependent reduction in the need for rescue antiemetics in the PACU regardless of the number of prophylactic antiemetics, duration of procedure, and type of volatile agent used, without affecting PACU recovery time.

Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the analgesic efficacy of postoperative deep parasternal intercostal plane (DPIP) blocks for patients having cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. DESIGN: This single-center retrospective study compared patients receiving bilateral DPIP blocks with a matched cohort of patients not receiving DPIP blocks. SETTING: Large quaternary referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients admitted to the authors' institution from January 1, 2016, to August 14, 2020, for elective cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received ultrasound-guided bilateral DPIP blocks. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 113 patients received a DPIP block; 3,461 patients did not. The estimated multiplicative change in cumulative opioid consumption through 24 hours was 0.42 (95% CI 0.32-0.56; p < 0.001), indicating that patients receiving DPIP blocks required 60% fewer opioids than patients who did not. Proportional odds ratios for the average pain score on postoperative day (POD) 0 was 0.46 (95% CI 0.32-0.65; p < 0.001), and POD 1 was 0.67 (95% CI 0.47-0.94; p = 0.021), indicating lower pain scores for patients receiving blocks. The exploratory analysis identified an inverse correlation between DPIP blocks and atrial fibrillation incidence (2% v 15%; inverse probability of treatment weighting odds ratio 0.088, 95% CI 0.02-0.41; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The use of DPIP blocks in patients undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy was associated with less opioid use and improved pain scores in the early postoperative period compared with patients not receiving blocks. Prospective randomized controlled studies should further elucidate the efficacy and risks of DPIP blocks in cardiac surgery.

Exploring social determinants of health and physical activity levels in older adults living with mild cognitive impairment and dementia in the Upper Midwest of the United States.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity can improve physical health for people living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia and may have cognitive benefits. Identifying modifiable social factors inhibiting physical activity among this group is needed. We sought to examine the relationship between reported physical activity levels and social determinants of health (SDOH) in a population of older adults living with MCI or dementia. METHODS: This descriptive study included people with a diagnosis of MCI or dementia followed by Community Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota, United States), aged over 55 years, who had a clinic visit between June 1, 2019 and June 30, 2021 and had completed a SDOH questionnaire. We focused on 8 SDOH domains: education, depression, alcohol use, stress, financial resource strain, social connections, food insecurity, and transportation needs. Data were analyzed based on physical activity level (inactive, insufficiently active, sufficiently active). SDOH domains were compared according to physical activity level using the χ2 test and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 3224 persons with MCI (n = 1371) or dementia (n = 1853) who had completed questions on physical activity were included. Of these, 1936 (60%) were characterized as physically inactive and 837 (26%) insufficiently active. Characteristics associated with an increased likelihood of physical inactivity were older age, female sex, obesity, lower education, dementia diagnosis, screening positive for depression and increased social isolation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Physical inactivity is common among people living with MCI and dementia. Physical activity levels may be influenced by many factors, highlighting potential areas for intervention.

Effect of Messaging Content on Engagement With a Short Messaging Service for Perioperative Smoking Cessation.

INTRODUCTION: We determined whether a tobacco cessation intervention targeting brief perioperative abstinence ("quit for a bit") increased engagement of surgical patients with treatment compared with an intervention targeting long-term postoperative abstinence ("quit for good"). AIMS AND METHODS: Surgical patients who smoke were stratified according to intended duration of postoperative abstinence, and then randomized within strata to receive either a "quit for a bit" or a "quit for good" intervention. Both employed initial brief counseling and short message service (SMS) to deliver treatment up to 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome of treatment engagement was defined as the rate at which subjects actively responded to system requests delivered via SMS. RESULTS: The engagement index did not differ between intervention groups (median [25th, 75th] of 23.7% [8.8, 46.0] for "quit for a bit" group (n = 48) and 22.2% [4.8, 46.0] for "quit for good" group (n = 50), p = .74), nor did the proportion of patients continuing SMS use after study completion (33% and 28%, respectively). Exploratory abstinence outcomes on the morning of surgery and 7 and 30 days after surgery did not differ between groups. Program satisfaction was high in both groups and did not differ. There was no significant interaction between intended abstinence duration and any outcome, ie, alignment of intent with intervention did not affect engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco cessation treatment delivered via SMS was well accepted by surgical patients. Tailoring an SMS intervention to focus on the benefits of short-term abstinence for surgical patients did not increase engagement in treatment or perioperative abstinence rates. IMPLICATIONS: Treatment of surgical patients for tobacco use is efficacious and reduces postoperative complications. However, implementation in clinical practice has proved challenging, and new methods of engaging these patients in cessation treatment are needed. We found that tobacco use treatment delivered via SMS was feasible and well utilized by surgical patients. Tailoring an SMS intervention to focus on the benefits of short-term abstinence for surgical patients did not increase engagement in treatment or perioperative abstinence rates. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT03839043. Registry URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03839043.

Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring (NICOM) in the Critically Ill Patient Undergoing Endotracheal Intubation: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Cardiovascular instability occurring during endotracheal intubation (ETI) in the critically ill is a commonly recognized phenomenon. However, this complication has not been evaluated in terms of the physiological cause (ie, decreased preload, contractility, or afterload) leading to the instability. Thus, the aim of the current investigation was to describe the hemodynamics occurring during ETI with noninvasive physiologic monitoring and to collect preliminary data on the hemodynamic effects of induction agents and positive pressure ventilation. Methods: A multicenter prospective study enrolling adult (≥18 years) critically ill patients undergoing ETI with noninvasive cardiac output monitoring in a medical/surgical intensive care unit from June 2018 to May 2019 was conducted. This study used the Cheetah Medical noninvasive cardiac output monitor to collect hemodynamic data during the peri-intubation period. Additional data collected included baseline characteristics such as illness severity, peri-intubation pharmacologic administration, and mechanical ventilation settings. Results: From the original 27 patients, only 19 (70%) patients had complete data and were included in the final analysis. Propofol was the most common sedative 8 (42%) followed by ketamine 6 (32%) and etomidate 5 (26%). Patients given propofol demonstrated a decrease in total peripheral resistance index (delta change [dynes × s/cm-5/m2]: -2.7 ± 778.2) but stabilization in cardiac index (delta change (L/min/m2]: 0.1 ± 1.5) while etomidate and ketamine demonstrated increases in total peripheral resistance index (etomidate delta change [dynes × s/cm-5/m2]: 302.1 ± 414.3; ketamine delta change [dynes × s/cm-5/m2]: 278.7 ± 418.9) but only etomidate resulted in a decrease in cardiac index (delta change [L/min/m2]: -0.3 ± 0.5). Positive pressure ventilation resulted in minimal changes to hemodynamics during ETI. Conclusions: The current study demonstrates that although propofol administration leads to a decrease in total peripheral resistance index, cardiac index is maintained while etomidate leads to a decrease in cardiac index with both etomidate and ketamine increasing total peripheral resistance index. These hemodynamic profiles are minimally affected by positive pressure ventilation. Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID, NCT03525743.

Postanesthesia Care Unit Recovery Time According to Volatile Anesthetic Used in Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: Whether volatile anesthetic solubility affects postanesthesia recovery time in clinical practice is unclear. We investigated the association among 3 volatile agents and 2 clinically relevant outcomes-postanesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery time (time from PACU admission to fulfillment of discharge criteria) and oversedation (Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score ≤-3)-as a potential contributor to delaying PACU discharge. The volatile agents studied were isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane. We hypothesized that increased solubility of the volatile agent (isoflurane versus desflurane or sevoflurane) would be associated with longer PACU recovery time and higher rates of oversedation. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included adults (≥18 years) who underwent surgical procedures under general anesthesia with a volatile agent and were admitted to the PACU from May 5, 2018, to December 31, 2020. The primary outcome was PACU recovery time, and the secondary outcome was oversedation. PACU recovery time was log-transformed and analyzed with linear regression. Oversedation was analyzed by using logistic regression. To account for potential confounding, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used. Pairwise comparisons of the 3 agents were performed, with P < .017 (Bonferroni-adjusted) considered significant. RESULTS: Of 47,847 patients included, 11,817 (24.7%) received isoflurane, 11,286 (23.6%) received desflurane, and 24,744 (51.7%) received sevoflurane. Sevoflurane had an estimated 4% shorter PACU recovery time (IPTW-adjusted median [interquartile range {IQR}], 61 [42-89] minutes) than isoflurane (64 [44-92] minutes) (ratio of geometric means [98.3% confidence interval {CI}], 0.96 [0.95-0.98]; P < .001). Differences in PACU recovery time between desflurane and the other agents were not significant. The IPTW-adjusted frequency of oversedation was 8.8% for desflurane, 12.2% for sevoflurane, and 16.7% for isoflurane; all pairwise comparisons were observed to be significant (odds ratio [98.3% CI], 0.70 [0.62-0.79] for desflurane versus sevoflurane, 0.48 [0.42-0.55] for desflurane vs isoflurane, and 0.69 [0.63-0.76] for sevoflurane versus isoflurane; all P < .001). Although oversedated patients had longer PACU recovery time, differences in the oversedation rate across agents did not result in meaningful differences in time to PACU recovery. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, only small, clinically unimportant differences in PACU recovery time were observed between the volatile anesthetics. Although oversedation was associated with increased PACU recovery time, differences in the rate of oversedation among agents were insufficient to produce meaningful differences in overall PACU recovery time across the 3 volatile agents. Practical attempts to decrease PACU recovery time should address factors other than volatile agent selection.

Anesthetic Management and Deep Sedation After Emergence From General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Residual deep sedation during anesthesia recovery may predict postoperative complications. We examined the incidence and risk factors for deep sedation after general anesthesia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed health records of adults who underwent procedures with general anesthesia and were admitted to the postanesthesia care unit from May 2018 to December 2020. Patients were dichotomized by Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score: ≤-4 (deeply sedated/unarousable) or ≥-3 (not deeply sedated). Anesthesia risk factors for deep sedation were assessed with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 56,275 patients included, 2003 had a RASS ≤-4 (35.6 [95% CI, 34.1-37.2] cases per 1000 anesthetics administered). On adjusted analyses, the likelihood of a RASS ≤-4 increased when more soluble halogenated anesthetics were used. Compared with desflurane without propofol, the odds ratio (OR [95% CI]) for a RASS ≤-4 was higher with sevoflurane (1.85 [1.45-2.37]) and isoflurane (4.21 [3.29-5.38]) without propofol. Compared with desflurane without propofol, the odds of a RASS ≤-4 further increased with use of desflurane-propofol (2.61 [1.99-3.42]), sevoflurane-propofol (4.20 [3.28-5.39]), isoflurane-propofol (6.39 [4.90-8.34]), and total intravenous anesthesia (2.98 [2.22-3.98]). A RASS ≤-4 was also more likely with the use of dexmedetomidine (2.47 [2.10-2.89]), gabapentinoids (2.17 [1.90-2.48]), and midazolam (1.34 [1.21-1.49]). Deeply sedated patients discharged to general care wards had higher odds of opioid-induced respiratory complications (2.59 [1.32-5.10]) and higher odds of naloxone administration (2.93 [1.42-6.03]). CONCLUSIONS: Likelihood of deep sedation after recovery increased with intraoperative use of halogenated agents with higher solubility and increased further when propofol was concomitantly used. Patients who experience deep sedation during anesthesia recovery have an increased risk of opioid-induced respiratory complications on general care wards. These findings may be useful for tailoring anesthetic management to reduce postoperative oversedation.

Single-Center Retrospective Comparison of Opioid-Based and Multimodal Analgesic Regimens in Adult Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of 2 multimodal analgesic regimens with an opioid-based one. DESIGN: A 2-stage, retrospective study. SETTING: A large tertiary-care facility. PARTICIPANTS: Adult cardiac surgical patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received one of three regimens: opioid-only or 2 multimodal regimens. The opioid regimen included intraoperative fentanyl and patient-controlled analgesia pumps. Multimodal regimen 1 included preoperative extended-release oxycodone, intraoperative ketamine infusion, and postoperative morphine suppository. Multimodal regimen 2 included intraoperative methadone and dexmedetomidine infusion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Outcomes measured included opioid use, pain scores, time to tracheal extubation, postoperative antiemetic use as a surrogate marker for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), age, sex, surgical procedure(s), body mass index, time to first bowel movement, intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS. Intraoperative median oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) declined from 425 mg (314, 518) to 150 mg (75, 150) and 230 mg (160, 240), p < 0.001, in multimodal regimens 1 and 2, respectively, compared with the opioid-only regimen. Predischarge opioid use was reduced from a median OME of 7.5 mg (0, 22.5) to 5 mg (0, 22.5) and 0 mg (0, 15.0), p < 0.001, in multimodal regimens 1 and 2, respectively. Pain scores were reduced in the multimodal regimen 2 for hours 0 to 6 (estimated difference = -1.5, 95% CI -1.8 to -1.2, p < 0.001) compared with the opioid-only regimen. The PONV treatment was reduced in multimodal regimen 1 versus the opioid-based or multimodal regimen 2 (53% v 64% and 62%), and time to tracheal extubation was clinically equivalent across all regimens: 4.2 (2.8, 6.0), 3.6 (2.3, 5.7), and (3.0, 6.2) hours for the opioid and multimodal regimens 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal analgesic regimens, particularly when incorporating methadone and dexmedetomidine, significantly reduced total and predischarge opioid use in cardiac surgical patients.

Pectoral Fascial Plane Versus Paravertebral Blocks for Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Analgesia.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the postoperative analgesic efficacy of single-injection pectoral fascial plane (PECS) II blocks compared to paravertebral blocks for elective robotic mitral valve surgery. DESIGN: A single-center retrospective study that reported patient and procedural characteristics, postoperative pain scores, and postoperative opioid use for patients undergoing robotic mitral valve surgery. SETTING: This investigation was performed at a large quaternary referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients (age ≥18) admitted to the authors' hospital from January 1, 2016, to August 14, 2020, for elective robotic mitral valve repair who received either a paravertebral or PECS II block for postoperative analgesia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received an ultrasound-guided, unilateral paravertebral or PECS II nerve block. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three patients received a PECS II block, and 190 patients received a paravertebral block during the study period. The primary outcome measures were average postoperative pain scores and cumulative opioid use. Secondary outcomes included hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, need for reoperation, need for antiemetics, surgical wound infection, and atrial fibrillation incidence. Patients receiving the PECS II block required significantly fewer opioids in the immediate postoperative period than the paravertebral block group, and had comparable postoperative pain scores. No increase in adverse outcomes was noted for either group. CONCLUSIONS: The PECS II block is a safe and highly effective option for regional analgesia for robotic mitral valve surgery, with demonstrated efficacy comparable to the paravertebral block.

Association of Blood Pressure Variability with Delirium in Patients with Critical Illness.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to examine the association of blood pressure variability (BPV) during the first 24 h after intensive care unit admission with the likelihood of delirium and depressed alertness without delirium ("depressed alertness"). METHODS: This retrospective, observational, cohort study included all consecutive adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, from July 1, 2004, through October 31, 2015. The primary outcomes were delirium and delirium-free days, and the secondary outcomes included depressed alertness and depressed alertness-free days. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association of BPV with delirium and depressed alertness. Proportional odds regression was used to assess the association of BPV with delirium-free days and depressed alertness-free days. RESULTS: Among 66,549 intensive care unit admissions, delirium was documented in 20.2% and depressed alertness was documented in 24.4%. Preserved cognition was documented in 55.4% of intensive care unit admissions. Increased systolic and diastolic BPV was associated with an increased odds of delirium and depressed alertness. The magnitude of the association per 5-mm Hg increase in systolic average real variability (the average of absolute value of changes between consecutive systolic blood pressure readings) was greater for delirium (odds ratio 1.34; 95% confidence interval 1.29-1.40; P < 0.001) than for depressed alertness (odds ratio 1.06; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.10; P = 0.004). Increased systolic and diastolic BPV was associated with fewer delirium-free days but not with depressed alertness-free days. CONCLUSIONS: BPV in the first 24 h after intensive care unit admission is associated with an increased likelihood of delirium and fewer delirium-free days.

Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Reporting Protocols and Long-Term Pain Relief Outcomes Following Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: Appropriate spinal cord stimulation (SCS) candidates are required to undergo an SCS trial before implant, typically with ≥50% pain relief deemed "successful." However, SCS trialing protocols can vary substantially. The primary aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the associations between SCS trial results and long-term SCS pain outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective single-center review of successful SCS trials from January 1, 2017, to July 1, 2019. A total of 115 patients were included. Group differences in continuous variables were evaluated using t-tests, and group differences in categorical variables were evaluated using the χ2 test. The percentage improvement in long-term pain intensity was analyzed as a binary variable, where long-term success was defined as ≥50% improvement in numeric rating scale pain scores. The level of significance for all tests was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.9 years, and 52% of patients were men. The mean pain score at long-term follow-up was 4.7 ± 2.6, and the median time from implantation to follow-up was 13 months (25th-75th interquartile range; 4-22). In the logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and follow-up time, greater patient-reported percentage improvement in pain scale during the trial was significantly associated with greater odds of experiencing ≥50% improvement in pain scores (p = 0.048; 95% CI 1.00-1.70). All other assessed trial metrics were not significantly associated with greater odds of experiencing >50% improvement in pain scores at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Given the variability in current assessment techniques, we recommend the patient-reported percentage improvement in pain scale as the posttrial assessment method of choice instead of a calculated percentage improvement. However, our results indicate that current trial assessment methods are generally poor, and improved trial reporting protocols must be sought.

Hemodynamics in Patients With Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma Undergoing Non-neuroendocrine Operations.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical resection of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) may be associated with excessive hemodynamic variability. Whether hemodynamic variability occurs in patients with undiagnosed PPGL undergoing unrelated, non-neuroendocrine, operations is unknown. METHODS: We identified patients who underwent non-neuroendocrine surgical procedures up to 5 y before pathologic diagnosis of PPGL. For each PPGL, two non-PPGL patients were matched based on sex, age, type, and year of operation. Electronic medical records were reviewed for intraoperative blood pressures, heart rates, and hemodynamic variability was assessed with range (maximum-minimum), standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and average real variability. RESULTS: Thirty-seven PPGL patients underwent operations preceding the diagnosis of PPGL: 25 pheochromocytomas, 11 paragangliomas, and one metastatic pheochromocytoma. Median interquartile range tumor size at diagnosis was 35 mm (23 to 60). The time from index operation to PPGL diagnosis was ≤12 mo in 21 (56.8%) patients. In 23 (62.2%) patients, the subsequently diagnosed PPGL was functional. Fifteen (40.5%) PPGL and 20 (27.0%) control patients were preoperatively treated for hypertension (P = 0.149). Maximum intraoperative systolic BP was >180 mmHg for 4 (10.8%) PPGL patients and 3 (4.1%) controls (P = 0.219). Two PPGL patients had intraoperative systolic BP >230 mmHg. No significant differences were found with all other measures of intraoperative hemodynamic variability. Similarly, in secondary analysis there was no significant difference in intraoperative hemodynamic variability between biochemically active PPGL and their respective controls. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with undiagnosed PPGL undergoing a wide variety of non-neuroendocrine operations had intraoperative hemodynamic variability comparable to non-PPGL patients undergoing the same type of procedures.

Changes in Cigarette Smoking Behavior in Cancer Survivors During Diagnosis and Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Continued cigarette smoking is a critical determinant of outcome in oncology patients, but how the separate events of cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, and completion of treatment affect smoking behavior in cancer survivors is unknown. This study described such changes, hypothesizing that they would be more pronounced for smoking-related cancers. METHODS: The Cancer Patient Tobacco Use Questionnaire (CTUQ) was sent to every cancer patient ≥ 18 y old scheduled for outpatient visits at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center with a current or former history of tobacco use. RESULTS: From September 2019 to September 2020, 33,831 patients received the CTUQ, and 20,818 (62%) responded. Of the 3007 current smokers analyzed, 34% quit at diagnosis; those with smoking-related cancers were more likely to quit (40% vs. 29%, respectively, p < .001). Among those who did not quit at diagnosis, 31% quit after starting cancer treatment, and those with smoking-related cancers were more likely to quit (35% and 28%, respectively, p = .002) Among those who had quit before the completion of treatment, 13% resumed smoking after treatment ended. In multivariable analysis, patients with smoking-related cancers were more likely to report 30-d point prevalence abstinence from pre-diagnosis to the completion of treatment (adjusted OR 1.98 [95% CI 1.65, 2.36], p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Both cancer diagnosis and treatment prompt smoking abstinence, with most maintaining abstinence after treatment is completed. Those with smoking-related cancers are more likely to quit. These results emphasize the need to provide access to tobacco treatment services that can further support cancer patients who smoke. IMPLICATIONS: Approximately one-third of cancer patients who smoke quit smoking at the time of diagnosis, an additional one-third of patients who had not yet quit did so at the initiation of treatment, and most sustained this abstinence after treatment completion. Patients with smoking-related cancers are more likely to quit. Thus, there are multiple opportunities within the cancer care continuum to intervene and support quit attempts or continued abstinence.

Longitudinal assessment of cognitive function in young children undergoing general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to general anaesthesia in children may be related to deficits in certain areas of cognition. It is unclear if these deficits could be measured in the immediate postoperative period in young children. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the trajectory of cognitive function in the domains of processing speed, working memory, and fine motor skills amongst children aged 2.5-6 yr who underwent general anaesthesia for elective surgery. METHODS: Children who were scheduled to receive general anaesthesia for surgery were recruited for assessment of cognitive function at three times: preoperatively, 1-2 weeks postoperatively, and 3 months postoperatively. Assessments included processing speed, working memory, and fine motor skills. To assess longitudinal changes in the cognitive outcomes, linear mixed models were built with visit number included as a categorical variable and subject-specific random intercepts. RESULTS: Sixty-one children (33 girls [54%]) enrolled in the study. Twenty-three children (38%) had received general anaesthesia previously. Significant improvements in picture memory, cancellation, and the processing speed composite were found at Visit 2. The improvement in cancellation and processing speed composite remained significant at Visit 3. Statistically significant improvement in Mullen fine motor score was noticed at Visit 3 compared with Visit 1. The pattern of results did not depend upon prior anaesthesia exposure. CONCLUSIONS: General anaesthesia for elective surgery in young children was not associated with declines in working memory, processing speed, and fine motor skills in the first 3 months postoperatively, including in children with prior exposure to anaesthesia.

Longitudinal assessment of behaviour in young children undergoing general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to general anaesthesia in children might increase the risk of long-term behavioural problems. It is unclear if any behavioural changes in the short term after anaesthesia could be associated with long-term problems. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the short-term trajectory of parent-reported behaviour measured by the Behaviour Assessment System for Children, third edition (BASC-3) amongst children aged 2.5-6 yr who underwent general anaesthesia for elective surgery. METHODS: Children who were undergoing general anaesthesia for surgery were recruited for assessment of behaviour on two occasions: preoperatively (from 1 week to 1 day before anaesthesia), and 3 months postoperatively. To assess longitudinal changes in the parent-reported behaviour measured by BASC-3, linear mixed models were built with visit number included as a categorical variable and subject-specific random intercepts. RESULTS: Sixty-eight children (37 girls [54%]) were enrolled in the study and completed both assessments. At 3 months after anaesthesia, statistically significant improvements (decrease in T scores) in internalising problems (-2.7 [95% confidence interval -4.2 to -1.1]), anxiety (-2.5 [-4.4 to -0.5]), and somatisation (-3.0 [-5.2 to -0.9]) were found. There were no significant differences in scores between visits for other composites or scales. The pattern of results did not depend upon prior anaesthesia exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Anaesthesia for elective surgery in young children was associated with a small decrease in internalising problems but no changes in other areas of behavioural problems when assessed at 3 months postoperatively, including in children with prior exposure to anaesthesia.

Incidence and Outcomes of Life-Threatening Events During Hospitalization: A Retrospective Study of Patients Treated with Naloxone.

BACKGROUND: We describe the clinical course of medical and surgical patients who received naloxone on general hospital wards for suspected opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD). METHODS: From May 2018 through October 2020, patients who received naloxone on hospital wards were identified and their records reviewed for incidence and clinical course. RESULTS: There were 86,030 medical and 106,807 surgical admissions. Naloxone was administered to 99 (incidence 11.5 [95% confidence interval 9.4-14.0] per 10,000 admissions) medical and 63 (5.9 [95% confidence interval 4.5-7.5]) surgical patients (P < 0.001). Median oral morphine equivalents administered within 24 hours before naloxone were 32 [15, 64] and 60 [32, 88] mg for medical and surgical patients, respectively (P = 0.002). The rapid response team was activated in 69 (69.7%) vs 42 (66.7%) and critical care transfers in 51 (51.5%) vs 30 (47.6%) medical and surgical patients respectively. The number of in-hospital deaths was 21 (21.2%) vs two (3.2%) and the number of discharges to hospice 12 (12.1%) vs one (1.6%) for medical and surgical patients, respectively (P = 0.001). Naloxone did not reverse OIRD in 38 (23%) patients, and these patients had more transfers to the intensive care unit and a higher 30-day mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Medical inpatients are more likely to suffer OIRD than are surgical inpatients despite lower opioid doses. Definitive OIRD was confirmed in 77% of patients because of immediate naloxone response, whereas 23% of patients did not respond, and this subset was more likely to need a higher level of care and had a higher 30-day mortality rate. Careful monitoring of mental and respiratory variables is necessary when opiates are used in hospital.

Perioperative Opioid Consumption and Clinical Outcomes in Surgical Patients With a Pre-existing Opioid-Based Intrathecal Drug Delivery System.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) have been utilized for over 3 decades for management of chronic pain and spasticity. Patients with IDDS may present for surgical procedures unrelated to the IDDS device, although data are limited regarding perioperative outcomes. METHODS: This is a historical matched cohort study conducted between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016 of patients with an opioid-based IDDS versus matched control patients undergoing surgery excluding interventional pain procedures. Patients in the IDDS group were matched with up to 2 patients without an IDDS. Multivariable regression analyses were utilized to assess differences in the primary outcome of cumulative perioperative opioid consumption (ie, intraoperative and postanesthesia care unit [PACU] opioid consumption), and opioid consumption during the first 24 and 72 postoperative hours. Postoperative clinical outcomes were also assessed including escalating oxygen requirements, naloxone administration, pain-sedation mismatch, and perioperative pain service consultation. RESULTS: A total of 321 surgeries were included, 112 with IDDS and 209 controls, with median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 57 (49-64) years. Compared to matched controls, patients with an IDDS had greater perioperative opioid consumption (median [IQR] oral morphine milligram equivalents [OME] of 110 [60-163] vs 93 [IQR, 53-142]; adjusted multiplicative increase 1.28 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.03-1.59]; P = .026). IDDS patients also had greater opioid consumption in the first 24 and 72 postoperative hours (multiplicative increases of 2.23 [95% CI, 1.36-3.63], P = .001, and 2.46 [95% CI, 1.41-4.32], P = .002, respectively). There were no significant differences in postoperative oxygen requirements, naloxone administration, or pain-sedation mismatch. Inpatient pain medicine consultation was more frequent in IDDS patients compared to controls (51.8% vs 6.2%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with opioid-based IDDS received more perioperative opioids and were more likely to receive postoperative pain service consultation compared to matched controls. There were no significant differences in clinical safety outcomes, suggesting tolerance for higher opioid doses. Further research is warranted to optimize perioperative outcomes in those with IDDS.

Bladder spasms following ambulatory urologic procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder spasm are common complications following cystoscopic urologic procedures. This study aims to determine the incidence and risk factors for bladder spasm after ambulatory cystoscopic urologic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of adult patients who underwent urologic procedures in our ambulatory center from May 1st, 2018 through December 30th, 2020, were reviewed. Bladder spasm was identified from the administration of antispasmodic therapy (e.g. oxybutynin) during anesthesia recovery. Multivariable analyses were performed to assess the association between bladder spasm and clinical factors. RESULTS: Included were 2,671 patients, of which 917 (34.3%) developed postoperative bladder spasm, yielding an incidence of 343 (95%CI 325-361) per 1,000 procedures. Risk factors associated with bladder spasm were younger adult age (< 60 years), longer (> 45 minutes) and more complex procedures. Compared to cystoscopy the risk of spasm following transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was OR 4.35 (95%CI 3.22, 5.87) and for transurethral resection of the prostate OR 3.25 (95% CI 2.24, 4.71). Spasm prophylaxis with belladonna and opium suppositories (B&O) was used in 1,158 patients and 384 (33.2%) developed spasms. The use of B&O was not associated with reduction of bladder spasm, OR 0.91 (95%CI 0.75, 1.1, p = 0.318). Postoperative outcomes did not differ between patients who did or did not develop spasms. CONCLUSION: Bladder spasms are common following ambulatory urologic procedures, more so with more extensive procedures. Prophylaxis with B&O was not significantly associated with a lower rate of bladder spasms.