Cytokine Adsorption in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients, a Case-Control Study.

Aim: New coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become an international emergency. As many of the intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the disease also present multiple organ failure, blood purification techniques might be a good choice in their treatment. In this study we aimed to investigate the role of cytokine removal in COVID-19 patients managed in ICUs. Methods: For this case-control study we have investigated the role of the cytokine removal by means of two resin membranes (HA330 and Mediasorb) in COVID-19 patients managed in ICUs. Particularly, we investigated the overtime variation in clinical severity scores, laboratory variables, and effects on hospital and ICU stay and mortality. Results: Seventy-two patients have been evaluated, of which half constituted Cytokine Filtration (CF) Group, and other half the Case-Control (CC) Group. Mortality was 55.6% and 50% in CF and CC groups, respectively. In the CF Group, there was decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels measured at the end of cytokine adsorption; lymphocyte count and ratio were increased, whereas neutrophile ratio was decreased. There were no differences between the groups regarding other laboratory variables, SOFA scores and vasopressor uses. Conclusions: We have demonstrated decrease in CRP, fibrinogen and increase in lymphocyte count in the patients having cytokine adsorption, but there was no clinical reflection of these benefits, and no decrease in mortality as well. Even though there is physio-pathologic rationale to use cytokine adsorption techniques for immunomodulation in critically ill COVID-19 patients, it is early to make strong suggestions about their benefits.

Continuous hemoglobin measurement during frontal advancement operations can improve patient outcomes.

Massive hemorrhage in pediatric cranioplasty operations may necessitate blood transfusion, which may cause many complications. Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter (Massimo Corporation, Irvine, CA) can provide continuous hemoglobin concentration (SpHb) measurements noninvasively. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of SpHb measurement on perioperative transfusion management and postoperative patient outcomes. For this retrospective case-control study, we collected the data of pediatric patients undergoing fronto-orbital advancement surgery for plagiocephaly and trigonocephaly between 2018 and 2021. Perioperative SpHb monitoring was performed for patients in the SpHb Group. Other patients that were managed conventionally were considered as the control group (C Group). The data on patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, intraoperative hemodynamic and laboratory variables such as blood gases, intraoperative blood losses, the amount of the transfused blood products, the length of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and the duration of hospital stay were collected. The data of 42 patients were collected, and 29 of these patients were males (69%). In 16 of the patients, SpHb monitoring was performed. The demographic, clinical, and perioperative hemodynamic characteristics of the patients were comparable between the groups. Compared to the C Group, the SpHb Group had significantly lower perioperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion (136.3 ± 40.1 vs. 181.5 ± 74.8 mL, P = 0.015), less postoperative drainage (125.3 ± 47.7 vs. 185.8 ± 97.6 mL, P = 0.013), and shorter ICU stay (37.1 ± 12.0 vs. 64.8 ± 24.9 h, P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the amount of PRBC transfusion and the length of ICU stay (r = 0.459, P = 0.003). Patients with perioperative continuous SpHb measurement have lower intraoperative PRBC transfusion, less postoperative bleeding, and shorter ICU stay. When necessary, SpHb, together with clinical judgment and laboratory confirmation, can be used in decision-making for perioperative PRBC transfusion.

Ileal perforation by an odd foreign object.

Perforation of the gastrointestinal system by a foreign body is seldom observed in clinical practice; however, it has great importance because it is preventable and can usually be easily treated. In this case report, we present a young male patient, who mistakenly swallowed a foreign body and presented to the emergency service one day later with acute abdomen. The 23-year-old patient was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and underwent emergency laparotomy. During the operation, a plastic object that perforated the terminal ileum lumen and protruded into the abdominal cavity was identified. Along with appendectomy, the foreign body was removed and the ileum was repaired. The detailed history of the patient revealed that he had mistakenly swallowed something one day before the onset of abdominal pain. The patient was discharged on the postoperative seventh day following an uneventful course.

Could infrared thermal imaging be a new diagnostic tool for acute appendicitis?

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most frequent acute abdominal disease and there are actual effective diagnostic tools for its detection. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether a thermal imaging camera is a useful tool for diagnosing acute appendicitis on the basis of abdominal skin surface temperature changes which reflect intra-abdominal inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective data consisting of surgical and pathological findings of 51 patients who had undergone appendectomy between January 2013 and December 2014 with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was collected, as well as thermal imaging camera recordings. A handheld infrared (IR) thermal imaging camera (ITIC) was used to take measurements. RESULTS: Of the 51 patients studied, 30 were male and 21 were female. Of these, 12 had their highest temperature measurement in the epigastric and 17 in the umbilical areas. These 2 groups constituted 56.9% of the patients. Regarding the lowest temperature measurement, 10 patients had the lowest temperature in the right inguinal and 15 in the hypogastric area. These 2 numbers constituted 49% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report concerning the use of a thermal camera as a diagnostic tool for the evaluation of acute abdominal illness. Considering the results of our study, ITIC is not feasible as a new diagnostic tool for acute appendicitis. It may be suitable for determining superficial inflammation; however, it is not suitable for determining deep inflammation.

[Analgesia Nociception Index: assessment of acute postoperative pain]. / Índice de Analgesia/Nocicepção: avaliação da dor aguda pós­operatória.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patient self-rating based scales such as Numerical Rating Scale, Visual Analog Scale that is used for postoperative pain assessment may be problematic in geriatric or critically ill patients with communication problems. A method capable of the assessment of pain in objective manner has been searched for years. Analgesia nociception index, which is based on electrocardiographic data reflecting parasympathetic activity, has been proposed for this. In this study we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of analgesia nociception index as a tool for acute postoperative pain assessment. Our hypothesis was that analgesia nociception index may have good correlation with Numerical Rating Scale values. METHODS: A total of 120 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II undergoing any surgical procedure under halogenated-based anesthesia with fentanyl or remifentanil were enrolled for the study. At the 15th minute of arrival to the Postoperative Care Unit the patients' pain was rated on a 0-10 point Numerical Rating Scale. The patients' heart rate, blood pressure, and analgesia nociception index scores were simultaneously measured at that time. The correlation between analgesia nociception index, heart rate, blood pressure and Numerical Rating Scale was examined. RESULTS: The study was completed with 107 patients, of which 46 were males (43%). Mean (SD) analgesia nociception index values were significantly higher in patients with initial Numerical Rating Scale ≤ 3, compared with Numerical Rating Scale> 3 (69.1 [13.4] vs. 58.1 [12.9] respectively, p <0.001). A significant negative linear relationship (r2=-0.312, p=0.001) was observed between analgesia nociception index and Numerical Rating Scale. CONCLUSION: Analgesia nociception index measurements at postoperative period after volatile agent and opioid-based anesthesia correlate well with subjective Numerical Rating Scale scores.

Analgesia Nociception Index: Heart Rate Variability Analysis of Emotional Status.

Background Analgesia nociception index (ANI) has been developed for real-time pain measurement during a surgical procedure under general anesthesia. The index is based on heart rate variability and constitutes a measure of parasympathetic tone. In this paper, we hypothesized that this index could be used as a tool to investigate the process of emotional regulation of a human subject. Materials and methods Twenty adult volunteers were recruited for the study, wherein ANI response to the emotional stimulus was evaluated. An emotional stimulus was obtained through a 60-second music sound record from the song "Ala Gözlerini Sevdigim Dilber," performed by the Turkish rock band Badem. ANI measurements were obtained before the song presentation (Tpre), at the end of the record presentation (T0), and each minute thereafter until the end of the five-minute observation (T1-T5). Results Twenty participants were investigated; 10 males and 10 females. The mean age of the participants was 17.0 ± 0.9 (min: 16, max: 20). ANI measurements were significantly lower in T0 and T3 compared with Tpre (P = 0.009). The differences between other values were not statistically significant. Conclusion ANI can be used for assessment of parasympathetic changes related to the emotional state of conscious patients.

Caudal Anesthesia for Pediatric Subumbilical Surgery, Less Load on the Postoperative Recovery Unit.

Introduction Caudal epidural anesthesia, when used as a sole method for surgical anesthesia, has favorable effects on the recovery duration and the time spent in the recovery unit. In this study we made a retrospective analysis of pediatric surgery operations under local, regional and general anesthesia. We aimed to find shorter postoperative recovery times with local and regional anesthesia. Materials and methods Data of the pediatric patients undergone subumbilical surgery during the two-year period in Pediatric Surgery clinic were collected. The patients' age, sex, surgery type, anesthesia and airway control routes, as well as duration of anesthesia, operation and recovery were obtained. Results Data of 937 patients were analyzed, of whom 811 (86.6%) were males. Caudal anesthesia was performed in 240 patients (25.6%) and the mean age of these patients was 3.83 ± 3.00 years. The patients with caudal and local anesthesia spent significantly less time in the postoperative recovery unit, compared with general anesthesia groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion Caudal anesthesia as a sole method for pediatric subumbilical surgery is a relatively safe method. Patients having operation under caudal anesthesia have faster discharge times from postoperative recovery units, compared with general anesthesia. This probably reduces recovery unit expenditures.

AuraGain and i-Gel laryngeal masks in general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Performance characteristics and effects on hemodynamics.

OBJECTIVES:   To evaluate and compare the performances of new types of supraglottic airway devices (SADs) with endotracheal intubation regarding their ease of insertions, perioperative complications, and effects on hemodynamic parameters and peak airway pressures in laparascopic cholecystectomy (LC).  Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients with ASA 1-2 physical status scheduled for elective LC were recruited for this prospective randomized controlled trial. The study was completed between January  2016 and January 2017 in Adiyaman University Research and Educational Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey. The patients were divided into AuraGain(Ambu, Ballerup, Denmark) (n=38), i-Gel® (Intersurgical Ltd, UK) (n=35), and endotracheal tube (ETT)(n=32) groups. Ease of insertion, airway pressures, complications, and hemodynamic variables were compared. Results: The trial was completed with 105 patients. Ease of insertion for SADs which was evaluated with insertion procedure duration, attempts, first insertion success rates, and oropharyngeal leak pressures were similar between the groups. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic arterial pressures, and peak airway pressures were significantly lower in the AuraGain and i-Gel® groups, compared with the ETT, p less than 0.017. Conclusion: Both AuraGain and i-Gel® SADs are comparable with ETT used for airway control in general anesthesia for LC, regarding application ease and perioperative complications. Favorable hemodynamic responses to AuraGain and i-Gel® SADs may put them in a better place than ETT.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on acute lung injury in experimental ischemia-reperfusion model.

PURPOSE: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is one of the consequences of tourniquet application for extremity surgery. The aim of the study was to establish the effect of dexmedetomidine on the acute lung injury following lower extremity experimental ischemia-reperfusion model in rats. METHODS: Twenty-eight Wistar-Albino breed Rats were recruited after Ethics Committee approval and allocated into 4 groups, each with 7 subjects. Group 1 (SHAM) received only anesthesia. Group 2 (IR) had experienced 3h of ischemia and 3h of reperfusion using left lower extremity tourniquet after anesthesia application. Groups 3 (D-50) and 4 (D-100) had undergone the same procedures as in the Group 2, except for receiving 50 and 100mg·kg-1, respectively, dexmedetomidine intraperitoneally 1h before the tourniquet release. Blood samples were obtained for the analysis of tumor necrosing factor-α and interleukin-6. Pulmonary tissue samples were obtained for histological analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference regarding blood tumor necrosing factor-α and interleukin-6 values was found among the groups, whereas pulmonary tissue injury scores revealed significant difference. Histological scores obtained from the Group 2 were significantly higher from those in the Groups 1, 3 and 4 with p-values 0.001 for each comparison. Moreover, Group 1 scores were found to be significantly lower than those in the Groups 3 and 4 with p-values 0.001 and 0.011, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the Groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine is effective in reduction of the experimental ischemia-reperfusion induced pulmonary tissue injury in rats, formed by extremity tourniquet application.

[Effect of dexmedetomidine on acute lung injury in experimental ischemia-reperfusion model]. / Efeito de dexmedetomidina sobre lesão pulmonar aguda em modelo experimental de isquemia­reperfusão.

PURPOSE: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is one of the consequences of tourniquet application for extremity surgery. The aim of the study was to establish the effect of dexmedetomidine on the acute lung injury following lower extremity experimental ischemia-reperfusion model in rats. METHODS: Twenty-eight Wistar-Albino breed rats were recruited after Ethics Committee approval and allocated into 4 groups, each with 7 subjects. Group 1 (SHAM) received only anesthesia. Group 2 (IR) had experienced 3h of ischemia and 3h of reperfusion using left lower extremity tourniquet after anesthesia application. Groups 3 (D-50) and 4 (D-100) had undergone the same procedures as in the Group 2, except for receiving 50 and 100mg.kg-1, respectively, dexmedetomidine intraperitoneally 1h before the tourniquet release. Blood samples were obtained for the analysis of tumor necrosing factor-α and interleukin-6. Pulmonary tissue samples were obtained for histological analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference regarding blood tumor necrosing factor-α and interleukin-6 values was found among the groups, whereas pulmonary tissue injury scores revealed significant difference. Histological scores obtained from the Group 2 were significantly higher from those in the Groups 1, 3 and 4 with p-values 0.001 for each comparison. Moreover, Group 1 scores were found to be significantly lower than those in the Groups 3 and 4 with p-values 0.001 and 0.011, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the Groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine is effective in reduction of the experimental ischemia-reperfusion induced pulmonary tissue injury in rats, formed by extremity tourniquet application.

Comparison of tramadol and lornoxicam in intravenous regional anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tourniquet pain is one of the major obstacles for intravenous regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare tramadol and lornoxicam used in intravenous regional anesthesia as regards their effects on the quality of anesthesia, tourniquet pain and postoperative pain as well. METHODS: After the ethics committee approval 51 patients of ASA physical status I-II aged 18-65 years were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups. Group P (n = 17) received 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine; group PT (n = 17) 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine + 2 mL (100mg) tramadol and group PL (n = 17) 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine + 2 mL (8 mg) lornoxicam for intravenous regional anesthesia. Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times were noted, as well as tourniquet pains and postoperative analgesic consumptions. RESULTS: Sensory block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter, whereas the corresponding recovery times were longer than those in the group P. Motor block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter than that in the group P, whereas recovery time in the group PL was longer than those in the groups P and PT. Tourniquet pain onset time was shortest in the group P and longest in the group PL. There was no difference regarding tourniquet pain among the groups. Group PL displayed the lowest analgesic consumption postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia produces favorable effects on sensory and motor blockade. Postoperative analgesic consumption can be decreased by adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia.

[Comparison of tramadol and lornoxicam in intravenous regional anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial]. / Comparação de tramadol e lornoxicam em anestesia regional por via intravenosa, um estudo randomizado e controlado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tourniquet pain is one of the major obstacles for intravenous regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare tramadol and lornoxicam used in intravenous regional anesthesia as regards their effects on the quality of anesthesia, tourniquet pain and postoperative pain as well. METHODS: After the ethics committee approval 51 patients of ASA physical status I-II aged 18-65 years were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups. Group P (n=17) received 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine; group PT (n=17) 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine+2mL (100mg) tramadol and group PL (n=17) 3mg/kg 0.5% prilocaine+2mL (8mg) lornoxicam for intravenous regional anesthesia. Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times were noted, as well as tourniquet pains and postoperative analgesic consumptions. RESULTS: Sensory block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter, whereas the corresponding recovery times were longer than those in the group P. Motor block onset times in the groups PT and PL were shorter than that in the group P, whereas recovery time in the group PL was longer than those in the groups P and PT. Tourniquet pain onset time was shortest in the group P and longest in the group PL. There was no difference regarding tourniquet pain among the groups. Group PL displayed the lowest analgesic consumption postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia produces favorable effects on sensory and motor blockade. Postoperative analgesic consumption can be decreased by adding tramadol and lornoxicam to prilocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia.

[Bilateral parotitis in a patient under continuous positive airway pressure treatment]. / Parotidite bilateral em paciente sob tratamento com pressão positiva contínua das vias aéreas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many conditions such as bacterial and viral infectious diseases, mechanical obstruction due to air and calculi and drugs can cause parotitis. We present a case of unusual bilateral parotitis in a patient under non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation in intensive care unit. CASE REPORT: A 36-year-old patient was admitted to intensive care unit with the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation. Antibiotherapy, bronchodilator therapy and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation were applied as treatment regimen. Painless swellings developed on the 3rd day of admission on the right and a day after this on the left parotid glands. Amylase levels were increased and ultrasonographic evaluation revealed bilateral parotitis. No intervention was made and the therapy was continued. The patient was discharged on the 6th day with clinical improvement and regression of parotid swellings without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: Parotitis may have occurred after retrograde air flow in the Stensen duct during CPAP application. After the exclusion of possible viral and bacteriological etiologies and possible drug reactions we can focus on this diagnosis.

Bilateral parotitis in a patient under continuous positive airway pressure treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many conditions such as bacterial and viral infectious diseases, mechanical obstruction due to air and calculi and drugs can cause parotitis. We present a case of unusual bilateral parotitis in a patient under non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation in intensive care unit. CASE REPORT: A 36-year-old patient was admitted to intensive care unit with the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation. Antibiotherapy, bronchodilator therapy and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation were applied as treatment regimen. Painless swellings developed on the 3rd day of admission on the right and a day after this on the left parotid glands. Amylase levels were increased and ultrasonographic evaluation revealed bilateral parotitis. No intervention was made and the therapy was continued. The patient was discharged on the 6th day with clinical improvement and regression of parotid swellings without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: Parotitis may have occurred after retrograde air flow in the Stensen duct during CPAP application. After the exclusion of possible viral and bacteriological etiologies and possible drug reactions we can focus on this diagnosis.

Does Atraucan cause more postdural puncture backache?

BACKGROUND/AIM: Postdural puncture backache (PDPB) is the most frequent complaint after spinal anesthesia. In the literature its importance is generally overshadowed by postdural puncture headache. We studied two different kinds of spinal anesthesia needles to compare their technical handling capacities and incidences of PDPB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 256 pregnant female patients undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were collected for the study. Patients were divided into two groups as Group A (n = 109) and Group Q (n = 147) according to the spinal needle used for spinal anesthesia (i.e. 26-gauge atraumatic and 26-gauge Quincke needles, respectively). Backache incidences during a 1-week period postoperatively and handling characteristics of the needles were noted. RESULTS: Spinal anesthesia was successfully performed at one attempt in 92.7% and 86.4% of patients in Groups A and Q, respectively. PDPB was encountered in 62.4% and 44.2% of patients in Groups A and Q, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Both 26-gauge Atraucan and Quincke needles have excellent handling characteristics. PDPB seems to be less common with the 26-gauge Quincke needle than with the Atraucan needle.

Intraocular Pressure Changes After Spinal Anesthesia--Acute and Subacute Effects on Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia has become appropriate for many surgical procedures. Neuraxial anesthesia can result in acute and late complications like hypotension, bradycardia, local anesthetic toxicity, postdural-puncture headache, backache and spinal nerve damage. Although the body's physiological responses to spinal anesthesia are well understood, its effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) haven't been mentioned before. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spinal anesthesia on IOP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients receiving spinal anesthesia for subumblical surgery were recruited for the study, after ethics committee approval and patients' written informed consent. IOP was measured by Icare PRO tonometer (Icare, Finland) before spinal anesthesia (BS), immediately after spinal anesthesia (AS) and finally on the first postoperative day (PO1). Both eyes of the patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients completed the study. Mean BS, AS and PO1 intraocular pressures were 16.53±3.17 (9.40-24.00), 17.08±3.16 (10.00-24.00) and 16.76±2.80 (10.20-23.00) mm Hg, respectively. Mean IOP measurements were not statistically different among the three groups (p=0.104). CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia alone has no acute or subacute effects on IOP. Studies can be made to evaluate the chronic effects. Further studies must be focused on the relationship between postdural puncture headache and intraocular pressure changes after spinal anesthesia.

Spontaneous regeneration capacity of controlled small bowel perforations: an experimental study in rats.

BACKGROUND: Selective observation method has started to replace routine laparotomy application for abdominal penetrating trauma patients after Shaftan's selective observation method applied in the 1960s. In this respect, there is a possibility of bowel perforations healing without operations. An experimental model was established in this study in order to clarify this possibility. METHODS: Fifty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into five groups, ten in each. While one group served as the control, distal part of the small bowel of the rats in the other four groups was perforated 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm in diameter with appropriate cutters. After a week of observation, test rats were sacrificed and relaparotomy was applied. The test material consisting of the perforated bowel, covering 1 cm of proximal and distal margins, and some peritoneal tissue was taken for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Small bowel perforations with a diameter of 2 mm or below healed spontaneously without any operation. Peritonitis intensity increased in direct ratio with perforation diameters. Wall repair capacity of the bowel diminished with increasing perforation diameters. CONCLUSION: It was observed that small perforations in the small bowel of rats could be limited by the organism itself without a necessity of any surgical intervention.

Pseudocholinesterase Enzyme Deficiency in Adiyaman City Area.

OBJECTIVE: Pseudocholinesterase (PChE) is an enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of succinylcholine. In case of its deficiency, the effect of succinylcholine that is approximately 5-10 min is prolonged up to few hours. The use of succinylcholine has been declined recently. However, it is still actively used in some special conditions and in developing countries. In this study, incidence of PChE enzyme deficiency around Adiyaman city was investigated and presented with the literature review. METHODS: After obtaining an approval from the investigational board of our hospital (Adiyaman University Medical School, Biomedical Research Ethics Board, 30.12.2012, Nr: B.30.2.ADY.0.20.00-600/51), patients undergoing any elective operation under general anaesthesia in the Adiyaman University Medical School Hospital between March and December 2013 were recruited for the study. After obtaining the patients' written consents, blood PChE, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, international normalisation ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values of the patients were analysed. Possible association of the PChE deficiency with other values was also investigated. The normal value of PChE was taken as 4260-11250 for females aged 16-40 years and 5320-12920 U L(-1) for other patients. RESULTS: The study was completed with 964 patients, 702 (72.8%) of whom were females. PChE enzyme levels were under the normal in 7.2% of the patients. There were no correlation between patient group, ALT, INR, aPTT and creatinine elevation with PChE deficiency (p>0.05), whereas AST and urea level elevation was significantly associated with PChE deficiency (p<0.05). The risk of PChE deficiency was 4.5 and 9 times higher in the patients with the elevation of AST and urea levels, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pathological elevations of AST and urea that are a part of normal pre-operative biochemical analysis of blood will indicate the possible deficiency of PChE enzyme.

Acute right lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age: clinical clues.

AIM: To study possible gynecological organ pathologies in the differential diagnosis of acute right lower abdominal pain in patients of reproductive age. METHODS: Following Clinical Trials Ethical Committee approval, the retrospective data consisting of physical examination and laboratory findings in 290 patients with sudden onset right lower abdominal pain who used the emergency surgery service between April 2009 and September 2013, and underwent surgery and general anesthesia with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis were collated. RESULTS: Total data on 290 patients were obtained. Two hundred and twenty-four (77.2%) patients had acute appendicitis, whereas 29 (10%) had perforated appendicitis and 37 (12.8%) had gynecological organ pathologies. Of the latter, 21 (7.2%) had ovarian cyst rupture, 12 (4.2%) had corpus hemorrhagicum cyst rupture and 4 (1.4%) had adnexal torsion. Defense, Rovsing's sign, increased body temperature and increased leukocyte count were found to be statistically significant in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis and gynecological organ pathologies. CONCLUSION: Gynecological pathologies in women of reproductive age are misleading in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Analgesia Nociception Index: assessment of acute postoperative pain / Índice de Analgesia/Nocicepção: avaliação da dor aguda pós-operatória

Abstract Background and objectives Patient self-rating based scales such as Numerical Rating Scale, Visual Analog Scale that is used for postoperative pain assessment may be problematic in geriatric or critically ill patients with communication problems. A method capable of the assessment of pain in objective manner has been searched for years. Analgesia nociception index, which is based on electrocardiographic data reflecting parasympathetic activity, has been proposed for this. In this study we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of analgesia nociception index as a tool for acute postoperative pain assessment. Our hypothesis was that analgesia nociception index may have good correlation with Numerical Rating Scale values. Methods A total of 120 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II undergoing any surgical procedure under halogenated-based anesthesia with fentanyl or remifentanil were enrolled for the study. At the 15th minute of arrival to the Postoperative Care Unit the patients' pain was rated on a 0-10 point Numerical Rating Scale. The patients' heart rate, blood pressure, and analgesia nociception index scores were simultaneously measured at that time. The correlation between analgesia nociception index, heart rate, blood pressure and Numerical Rating Scale was examined. Results The study was completed with 107 patients, of which 46 were males (43%). Mean (SD) analgesia nociception index values were significantly higher in patients with initial Numerical Rating Scale ≤3, compared with Numerical Rating Scale >3 (69.1 [13.4] vs. 58.1 [12.9] respectively, p < 0.001). A significant negative linear relationship (r 2 = -0.312, p = 0.001) was observed between analgesia nociception index and Numerical Rating Scale. Conclusion Analgesia nociception index measurements at postoperative period after volatile agent and opioid-based anesthesia correlate well with subjective Numerical Rating Scale scores.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo As escalas baseadas na autoavaliação de pacientes, como a Escala Visual Numérica e a Escala Visual Analógica, que são usadas para avaliar a dor pós-operatória podem ser problemáticas em pacientes geriátricos ou em estado crítico com problemas de comunicação. Portanto, um método capaz de avaliar a dor de maneira objetiva vem sendo pesquisado há anos. O índice de analgesia/nocicepção, baseado em dados eletrocardiográficos que refletem a atividade parassimpática, tem sido proposto para tal avaliação. Neste estudo, objetivamos investigar a eficácia do índice de analgesia/nocicepção como uma ferramenta para a avaliação da dor pós-operatória aguda. Nossa hipótese foi que o índice de analgesia/nocicepção pode ter boa correlação com os valores da Escala de Classificação Numérica. Métodos Um total de 120 pacientes com estado físico ASA I e II, submetidos a qualquer procedimento cirúrgico com o uso de anestésicos halogenados associados a fentanil ou remifentanil, foi incluído no estudo. No 15º minuto após a chegada à sala de recuperação pós-anestesia, a dor dos pacientes foi avaliada em uma escala numérica de 0-10 pontos. Os escores de frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial e o índice de analgesia/nocicepção dos pacientes foram medidos simultaneamente naquele momento. A correlação entre o índice de analgesia/nocicepção, frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial e a Escala Visual Numérica foi avaliada. Resultados O estudo foi concluído com 107 pacientes, dos quais 46 eram do sexo masculino (43%). Os valores da média (DP) do índice de analgesia/nocicepção foram significativamente maiores nos pacientes com valor inicial na Escala Visual Numérica ≤ 3, em comparação com valor na mesma escala > 3 (69,1 [13,4] vs. 58,1 [12,9], respectivamente, p < 0,001). Uma relação linear negativa significativa (r2 = -0,312, p = 0,001) foi observada entre o índice de analgesia/nocicepção e a Escala Visual Numérica. Conclusão As mensurações do índice de analgesia/nocicepção no pós-operatório após anestesia com agentes halogenados e opioides mostraram boa correlação com os escores subjetivos da Escala Visual Numérica.