A rare presentation of bone cement implantation syndrome as hypertensive anaphylaxis: A diagnostic and management dilemma.

BACKGROUND: Bone cement implantation syndrome characteristically involves acute alterations in the function of respiratory and cardiovascular systems. We present a case report of cement reaction with unusual presentation, that is, hypoxia, hypertension and tachycardia. A 74-year-old hypertensive male on regular medications sustained a slip and fall, presented with a right intertrochanteric neck of femur fracture, now posted for cemented hemiarthroplasty. Intraoperatively, after applying bone cement, the patient developed sweating, dyspnoea, bilateral wheezing and tachypnoea and desaturation of up to 80%-84%. Respiratory symptoms were associated with tachycardia (140-160 bpm) and hypertension (220/110 mm Hg). The surgeon was alerted about the event, the patient was reassured, and respiration was assisted with positive pressure ventilation with supplementation of 100% oxygen. DISCUSSION: Several mechanisms have been proposed, such as the toxic effect of systemically absorbed methyl methacrylate, exothermic reaction, fat and marrow embolism, high marrow pressure during cementing and anaphylactic reaction. The administration of adrenaline, which can worsen the clinical picture, is the mainstay in managing anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: The association of hypertension and tachycardia with bone cement implantation syndrome, previously not reported, can have distinct pathomechanisms and cause a diagnostic and management dilemma.

Effect of stress on contextual pain sensitivity in the preoperative period- A proof of concept study.

Background and Aims: The importance of non-noxious contextual inputs in the interplay of pain with neurophysiologic and behavioral factors is gaining recognition. Stress of impending surgery can act as a negative context, leading to a decrease in pain threshold in patients. This study was conducted to assess the influence of stress conferred by the imminent and other contextual inputs such as anxiety, socioeconomic status, prior painful experience, and the effect of gender on modulation of pain perception in patients undergoing elective surgery. Material and Methods: In total, 120 patients aged between 18 and 60 years of either gender posted for elective gastrointestinal surgery under general anesthesia were recruited. Data were collected on preoperative anxiety level, socioeconomic status, education, and any prior painful experience. A pressure algometer was used to measure the pressure pain thresholds and pain tolerance on the day before surgery and on the morning of surgery in the preoperative suite. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in both pain threshold (P < 0.0001) and pain tolerance in the immediate preoperative period in comparison to the baseline readings taken the day before surgery (P = 0.048). The magnitude of change in pain scalars was greater in females (P < 0.001), those with a high anxiety score, and a history of severe painful experience in the past. Conclusion: Preoperative surgical stress lowers the pain threshold and pain tolerance. Contextual modulation of pain by factors such as anxiety and memory of prior painful experience, especially in the female gender, could influence postoperative patient outcomes and warrants further research.