Early postoperative neurocognitive complications in elderly patients: comparing those with and without preexisting mild cognitive impairment- a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: As societies age, increasing numbers of older adults undergo surgeries with anesthesia. Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) frequently occur in older surgical patients. Most of these patients already have preoperative mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the correlation between MCI and POD remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the incidence of POD in elderly patients with and without preexisting MCI. METHODS: A prospective study enrolled patients aged 60 years and above scheduled for major surgeries between December 2017 and April 2022. Preoperative MCI was determined by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 18 and 24. POD was diagnosed using criteria from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). POCD was characterized by a MoCA score reduction of 2 or more points from the preoperative score. The primary outcome was the incidence of POD within the first 72 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes encompassed other postoperative complications, including POCD. RESULTS: The study comprised 223 elderly patients with MCI and 56 without MCI. The incidence of POD was 16.6% in the MCI group and 14.3% in the non-MCI group (P = 0.839). POCD occurred in 24.3% of MCI patients and 50% of non-MCI patients (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in other postoperative complications between the groups. Postoperatively, the MCI group notably declined in visuospatial, attention, and orientation domains, while the non-MCI group declined in all domains except delayed recall. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of POD was similar in the MCI and non-MCI groups. However, the non-MCI group demonstrated a higher incidence of POCD than the MCI group. This was identified by a reduction in postoperative MoCA scores for the visuospatial, naming, attention, language, abstraction, and orientation domains. These findings underscore the importance of postoperative cognitive assessments for both elderly patients with preexisting MCI and those with previously intact cognitive functions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was retrospectively registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry on 15/01/2019 (registration number: TCTR20190115001).

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older surgical patients associated with increased healthcare utilization: a prospective study from an upper-middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative neurocognitive disorder includes postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and postoperative delirium (POD). Concerning inconclusive consequences of POCD compared with POD, we explored the association between either POCD or POD and functional decline as well as healthcare utilization. METHODS: Patients aged at least 60 years who underwent a major operation were enrolled. POCD was defined as a decrease in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score (≥ 2) 1 week after surgery. Postoperative delirium (POD) was defined according to the criteria of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The primary outcome was instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) 3 months after discharge. Secondary outcomes were the length of stay (LOS), hospital cost, and factors that affected functional decline 3 months after surgery. The multivariate model, including potential confounding factors, namely age, gender, surgery type, and postoperative complications, was used to analyze possible factors that influenced a reduction in function, and the results were expressed by using adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95%CI. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-nine patients with a mean age of 72 years were enrolled. The incidence of POCD at 1 week was 28.5%. At their 3-month follow-ups, the patients with POCD were not associated with IADL decline. Nevertheless, patients with POCD were more likely to need a prolonged LOS (11 days [1, 46] vs. 8 days [2, 42]; P = 0.01), and incur higher hospital costs (8973.43 USD [3481.69, 11 763.74] vs. 5913.62 USD [332.43, 19 567.33]; P < 0.001). Additionally, the patients experiencing POD demonstrated increased risks of reducing their IADLs (adjusted RR 2.33; 95% CI, 1.15-4.71; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: POCD at 1 week leaded to increase healthcare utilization in a middle-income country. POD during hospitalization was associated with a decline in function after surgery and increased health care utilization. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20190115001 .

Validity and reliability of the Thai version of the simple frailty questionnaire (T-FRAIL) with modifications to improve its diagnostic properties in the preoperative setting.

BACKGROUND: Several methods are available for identifying frailty, but limited tools have been validated in Thai context. Our objective was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Simple Frailty Questionnaire (T- FRAIL) compared to the Thai Frailty Index (TFI) and to explore modifications to improve its diagnostic properties. METHODS: The T-FRAIL was translated with permission using a standardized protocol, that included forward and back-translation. Content validity analysis was performed using input from 5 geriatricians. Test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, diagnostic properties, and options to increase the sensitivity of the questionnaire were explored. A cross-sectional study for evaluation validity and reliability was carried out among 3 hundred patients aged 60 or more undergoing elective surgery at a university hospital. RESULTS: The item content validity index (I-CVI) showed 1.0 for each questionnaire item. Test-retest reliability within a 7-day interval was done in 30 patients with a good intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.880. Compared with the TFI, the T-FRAIL yielded an excellent accuracy (area under the curve = 0.882). The identification of frailty using a score of 2 points or more provided the best Youden's index at 63.1 with a sensitivity of 77.5% (95% CI 69.0-84.6) and a specificity of 85.6% (95% CI 79.6-90.3). A cutoff point of 1 out of 5 items for original T-FRAIL provided a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 61.1%. The modified T-FRAIL (T-FRAIL_M1), by reducing the "illnesses" criterion to 4 or more diseases, at a cutoff point at 1 had a sensitivity of 94.2% and a specificity of 57.8%. Another modified T-FRAIL (T-FRAIL_M2), by combining three components, at a cutoff point at 1 yielded a sensitivity of 85.8% and a specificity of 80.6%. CONCLUSION: The T-FRAIL and its modification demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability to identify frailty in elderly patients. The cutoff score of 1 point from 5 items from the original version of T-FRAIL and T-FRAIL_M1 provides a highly sensitive screening tool. T-FRAIL_M1 with a cutoff point of 2 and T-FRAIL_M2 yields reasonable sensitivity and specificity for practical use.

The prevalence, associated factors, clinical impact, and state of diagnosis of delirium in palliative care patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence, associated factors, and clinical impact of delirium in newly referred palliative care patients and the percentage of delirium diagnoses missed by primary medical teams. METHODS: Newly referred palliative care patients were evaluated and were reviewed for possible associated factors of delirium. Univariable and multivariable analysis were used to identify associated factors. Median overall survival and survival curves were analyzed. The percentage of missed diagnosis in IPD patients was identified. RESULTS: We included 350 palliative care patients. Nearly all patients had cancer diagnosis (96.6%). The overall prevalence of delirium was 44.0%. The independent associated factors of delirium were age ≥ 63 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.0; 95% CI, 2.2-22.9), palliative performance scale ≤ 20% (aOR, 54.5; 95% CI, 13.1-228.0), brain metastasis (aOR, 15.6; 95% CI, 3.7-66.7), urinary tract infection (aOR, 18.8; 95% CI, 4.7-75.5), sepsis (aOR, 59.0; 95% CI, 4.4-797.8), hyponatremia (aOR, 8.8; 95% CI, 2.6-29.8), and hypercalcemia (not applicable). Interestingly, opioids and benzodiazepines were not associated with delirium. Delirious patients had significantly shorter survival (median survival 11 days). Delirium diagnoses were missed for 76.1%. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the palliative care patients had delirium, which was associated with noticeably short survivals. We identified the independent factors associated with the delirium. Despite having a remarkably high prevalence rate and being a well-known poor prognostic factor, there was still a very high rate of missed delirium diagnoses. Effective, routine, delirium screening of palliative care patients needs to be emphasized.

Validity and Reliability of the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale-Thai Version (MDAS-T) for Assessment of Delirium in Palliative Care Patients.

BACKGROUND: Delirium, a neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs throughout medical illness trajectories, is frequently misdiagnosed. The Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) is a commonly used tool in palliative care (PC) settings. Our objective was to establish and validate the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale-Thai version (MDAS-T) in PC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MDAS was translated into Thai. Content validity, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency were explored. The construct validity of the MDAS-T was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. Instrument testing of the MDAS-T, the Thai version of the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU-T), and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition as the gold standard was performed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff score. The duration of each assessment was recorded. RESULTS: The study enrolled 194 patients. The content validity index was 0.97. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's α coefficient were 0.98 and 0.96, respectively. A principal component analysis indicated a homogeneous, one-factor structure. The area under the ROC curve was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.99). The best combination of sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) of the MDAS-T were 0.92 (0.85-0.96) and 0.90 (0.82-0.94), respectively, with a cutoff score of 9, whereas the CAM-ICU-T yielded 0.58 (0.48-0.67) and 0.98 (0.93-0.99), respectively. The median MDAS-T assessment time was 5 minutes. CONCLUSION: This study established and validated the MDAS-T as a good and feasible tool for delirium screening and severity rating in PC settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Delirium is prevalent in palliative care (PC) settings and causes distress to patients and families, thereby making delirium screening necessary. This study found that the MDAS-T is a highly objective and feasible test for delirium screening and severity monitoring in PC settings and can greatly improve the quality of care for this population.

Lidocaine for reducing propofol-induced pain on induction of anaesthesia in adults.

BACKGROUND: Pain on propofol injection is an untoward effect and this condition can reduce patient satisfaction. Intravenous lidocaine injection has been commonly used to attenuate pain on propofol injection. Although many studies have reported that lidocaine was effective in reducing the incidence and severity of pain, nevertheless, no systematic review focusing on lidocaine for preventing high-intensity pain has been published. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to determine the efficacy and adverse effects of lidocaine in preventing high-intensity pain on propofol injection. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 10), Ovid MEDLINE (1950 To October 2014), Ovid EMBASE (1988 to October 2014), LILACS (1992 to October 2014) and searched reference lists of articles.We reran the search in November 2015. We found 11potential studies of interest, those studies were added to the list of 'Studies awaiting classification' and will be fully incorporated into the formal review findings when we update the review. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using intravenous lidocaine injection as an intervention to decrease pain on propofol injection in adults. We excluded studies without a placebo or control group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We collected selected studies with relevant criteria. We identified risk of bias in five domains according to the following criteria: random sequence generation, allocation concealment, adequacy of blinding, completeness of outcome data and selective reporting. We performed meta-analysis by direct comparisons of intervention versus control. We estimated the summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals using the random-effects Mantel-Haenszel method in RevMan 5.3. We used the I(2) statistic to assess statistical heterogeneity. We assessed overall quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included 87 studies, 84 of which (10,460 participants) were eligible for quantitative analysis in the review. All participants, aged 13 years to 89 years, were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-III patients undergoing elective surgery. Each study was conducted in a single centre in high- , middle- and low-income countries worldwide. According to the risk of bias assessment, all except five studies were identified as being of satisfactory methodological quality, allowing 84 studies to be combined in the meta-analysis. Five of the 84 studies were assessed as high risk of bias: one for participant and personnel blinding, one for incomplete outcome data, and three for other potential sources of bias.The overall incidence of pain and high-intensity pain following propofol injection in the control group were 64% (95% CI 60% to 67.9%) and 38.1% (95% CI 33.4% to 43.1%), respectively while those in the lidocaine group were 30.2% (95% CI 26.7% to 33.7%) and 11.8% (95% CI 9.7% to 13.8%). Both lidocaine admixture and pretreatment were effective in reducing pain on propofol injection (lidocaine admixture OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.25, 31 studies, 4927 participants, high-quality evidence; lidocaine pretreatment OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.18, 43 RCTs, 4028 participants, high-quality evidence). Similarly, lidocaine administration could considerably decrease the incidence of pain when premixed with the propofol (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.24, 36 studies, 5628 participants, high-quality evidence) or pretreated prior to propofol injection (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.18, 52 studies, 4832 participants, high-quality evidence). Adverse effects of lidocaine administration were rare. Thrombophlebitis was reported in only two studies (OR not estimated, low-quality evidence). No studies reported patient satisfaction. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the quality of the evidence was high. Currently available data from RCTs are sufficient to confirm that both lidocaine admixture and pretreatment were effective in reducing pain on propofol injection. Furthermore, there were no significant differences of effect between the two techniques.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Abnormal Pre-Operative Chest X-Rays in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of pre-operative abnormal chest x-rays (CX Rs) in patients undergoing elective surgery, and to describe the management of the patients with abnormal CXRs. In addition, we question whether the healthy patients aged more than 45 years really needs pre-operative chest radiographs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients undergoing elective surgery between June 2013 and May 2014 were recruited, and medical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Data for 960 patients was included CX Rs were abnormal in 485 patients (50.5%), with cardiomegaly being the most common abnormality. Among patients who had pre-operative abnormal CXRs, 91 patients (18.8%) required consultation or other investigation pre-operatively, and three patients (0.6%) had their treatment plans altered. Comparing between age groups, there was no different of abnormal results (p-value = 0.606). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of pre-operative abnormal CXRs was high; however, the abnormalities seldom led to changes in case management.

Effective Pain Management for Inpatients at Siriraj Hospital: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of severe cancer and non-cancer pain among in patients has been reported at rates ranging from 15% to 36%. We examined the effectiveness of the pain management provided to inpatients by the Siriraj Pain Clinic. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review was conducted among inpatients who had consulted the clinic between January 2013 and December 2014. Patients with a numeric pain rating scale (NRS) 4 on the day of consultation, those discharged within seven days, and postoperative patients were excluded. Successful pain control was defined as NRS ≤ 4 within seven days of the initial consultation. RESULTS: We identified 352 eligible patients, of which 231 (65.4%) had cancer pain. Only 42.6% achieved successful pain control. An absence of psychological problems (odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-4.2; p = 0.010); an initial NRS < 7 (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0; p = 0.008); the use of either a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a Coxibs (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-3.9; p = 0.017), and abdominal pain (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5-4.7; p =0.008) were factors associated with successful pain control. CONCLUSION: Adequate pain control was achieved in less than half of the inpatients in our institution. Psychological disturbance and severe pain predicted unsatisfactory pain control.

Assessment of Pain Severity after Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To find the incidence of moderate to severe pain after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and to identify the factors affecting unwanted pain scores. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This prospective study was conducted on patients who underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. The pain scores were obtained from 18 to 24 hours after the procedure. Moderate to severe pain was defined as a value of 4 or more on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Data on patients' factors, tumor characteristics, procedural factors, anesthetic management, postoperative treatment and perioperative complication was collected RESULTS: A total of 190 patients were enrolled, comprised of 134 men (70.5%) and 56 women (29.5%). The mean age of the patients was 63.3 ± 11.1 years. The incidence of moderate to severe pain on movement (an NRS value equal to or greater than 4) was 11.6% (22 out of 190 patients). A univariate analysis revealed that two factors--patients with multiple tumors (more than two tumors), and an ablation time of greater than 30 minutes--seemed to be related to an NRS equal to or greater than 4. Nevertheless, after entering those two factors into a multiple regression model, neither factor was associated with the moderate to severe pain scores. CONCLUSION: The incidence of undesired pain scores after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in our institution was around 10%, and the rate of complication was very low.

Reference Values for Umbilical Cord Blood Gases of Newborns Delivered by Elective Cesarean Section.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood gas values are better indicators of perinatal asphyxia than Apgar scores. Many studies have reported normal ranges of umbilical cord blood gases, which vary greatly due to many factors. This study aimed to establish the reference values of umbilical cord blood gases of normal cesarean newborns in a university hospital setting. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Blood samples from the umbilical artery and vein were collected from 160 newborns delivered by elective cesarean section. The indications for caesarean section were not due to fetal distress, intrauterine growth retardation, or non-reassuring fetal heart rate. The blood samples were collected immediately after birth in the operating room and then sent for blood-gas analysis. The blood-gas values were statistically analyzed and reported. RESULTS: The cord blood collected from 160 newborns was analyzed in this study. Seventy-eight percent (115) of the parturients were hypotensive before delivery. All Apgar scores at one and five minutes after delivery were at least 7. The calculated reference range of the umbilical arterial pH was 7.18-7.42, of pO2was 6.43-29.43 mmHg, of pCO2was 33.44-66.56 mmHg, and of HCO3was 15.60-30.70 mEq/L. The reference range obtained for the umbilical venous pH was 7.28-7.44,for pO2was 13.97-37.13 mmHg, for pCO2was 30.70-57.0 mmHg, and for HCO3was 18.50-29.90 mEq/L. CONCLUSION: The study determined normal reference values as a result of umbilical cord blood gas analyses.

The Efficacy of Two Oxygen Therapy Devices (Nasal Cannula vs. Simple Mask) for Preventing Hypoxemia after General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial of 500 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two oxygen devices (nasal cannula and mask) and two flows for preventing hypoxemia in post anesthesia care unit (PACU). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Five hundred (18-70 year old) patients were enrolled into a randomized, controlled non-inferiority trial at Sirirai Hospital, Mahidol University from May 2013 to December 2014. They received oxygen therapy after general anesthesia according to their groups by computer-generated randomization. Group I received oxygen nasal cannula 4 liters per minute and group II received oxygen mask 5 liters per minute. Both methods gave comparable FiO2 (FiO2 = 0.35). Inclusion criteria were elective surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status 1-3. Exclusion criteria were unstable pulmonary disease, BMI > 35 kg/m², baseline SpO2 < 94%, myopathy, alteration of consciousness, and nasal problems. The high-risk operations for post operative hypoxemia were excluded The efficacy of two oxygen devices and flows were compared in term of preventing hypoxemia in PACU. RESULTS: Five hundred patients were analyzed (249 patients in the cannula group and 251 patients in the mask group). They were comparable in demographics and operations. At PACU, none of 500 patients had SpO2 < 94% (non-inferiority trial, 95% CI-0.0152, 0.0152). They were mildly sedated or fully awake and had no respiratory complications. CONCLUSION: In low risk patients undergoing low risk operations, both nasal cannula or simple mask with FiO2 = 0.35 are equally effective for preventing hypoxemia in PACU.

The Performance of the Neck Circumference for a Difficult Laryngoscopy in Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is conflicting evidence as to whether neck circumference (NC) is related to a difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the performance of the NC in defining a difficult laryngoscopy, and to identify factors predicting a difficult laryngoscopy among those obese patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This prospective study was conducted in adult patients with a body mass index (BM) of greater or equal to 30 kg/m² who underwent conventional endotracheal intubation. Preoperative NC, the modified Mallampati test (MMT), the thyromental distance (TM) and the sternomental distance (SM) were measured. A difficult laryngoscopy was defined as a Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopic view of grade III or IV. RESULTS: Five hundred patients (366 females; 134 males), with a mean BMI of 34.3 ± 4.6 kg/m² (minimum = 30.0 kg/m², and maximum = 68.4 kg/m²) and who had elective surgery planned, were enrolled. The incidence of a difficult laryngoscopy was 7.2%. The overall performance of the NC using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of a difficult laryngoscopy was 0.574, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.53 to 0.618. The optimal cutoff point of the NC for a difficult laryngoscopy was 37.1 centimeters. It provided sensitivity and specificity of 75.5% (95% CI 57.8, 87.9) and 42.5% (95% CI 37.9, 47.2). The positive and negative predictive values were 9.2% and 95.6%. After multivariate analysis, factors affecting a difficult laryngoscopy were high grades of MMT (odds ratio (OR) 2.23, 95% CI 1.10, 4.50) and NC/TM (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.15, 2.74). CONCLUSION: The NC per se was not a good predictor of a difficult laryngoscopy. However the ratio of the NC to the TM and the MMT were factors predicting a difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients.

Incidence, Outcomes, and Risk Factors of Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative cardiac arrest (ICA) during liver transplantation (LT) is a rare surgical complication that results in devastating outcomes. Moreover, previous worldwide studies have found inconsistencies in the risk factors associated with ICA in LT. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent LT between January and October 2021 at Siriraj Hospital, a tertiary care hospital. The incidence of ICA and outcomes of patients who experienced ICA were examined. Risk factors associated with ICA were investigated as a secondary objective. RESULTS: Among 342 patients, the incidence of ICA was 3.5% (95% CI 1.8%-6.1%). Of these, 33.3% died intraoperatively. Among patients with ICA, 41.7% died within 30 days, compared with only 7.6% in those without ICA (P = .002). Moreover, the in-hospital mortality rate of those with ICA was 58.3%, which was significantly higher than that of those without ICA (9.7%, P < .001). However, 41.7% of patients with ICA were discharged alive with long-term survival. Because ICA is a rare event, we found only 2 independent factors significantly associated with ICA. These factors include intraoperative temperature below 35°C, with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.07 (95% CI:1.32-27.88, P = .02) and elevated intraoperative serum potassium, with an OR of 4.57 (95% CI:2.15-9.67, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: ICA is associated with high perioperative and in-hospital mortality. However, our findings suggest that with effective management of ICA, more than 40% of these patients could be discharged with excellent long-term outcomes. Hypothermia and hyperkalemia were independent risk factors significantly associated with ICA.

Clinical experience with intraoperative jugular venous oximetry during pediatric intracranial neurosurgery.

AIM: To report our institutional experience with intraoperative jugular venous oximetry during pediatric intracranial surgery to guide anesthetic care. BACKGROUND: The utility of intraoperative jugular venous oximetry in adults undergoing intracranial surgery is well known. However, there is a little information on its' application in children during intracranial surgery. METHODS: After IRB approval, we examined patient, equipment, placement, and sampling characteristics for jugular bulb catheters in children aged <18 years who were monitored with jugular oximetry during elective intracranial surgery between 2006 and 2010. We also determined the prevalence of intraoperative cerebral desaturation (SjvO(2) < 55%), its causes, and the interventions based on jugular oximetry values. RESULTS: Data from 19 children (10 males and nine females), aged 12 ± 1 years (range 7-17) who underwent craniotomy for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) resection (68%), tumor removal (21%), or aneurysm clipping (11%), were reviewed. We analyzed 88 coincident SjvO(2), PaCO(2), and mean arterial pressure data points. Eleven (58%) patients experienced at least one episode of cerebral desaturation. There were 25 (28%) episodes of cerebral desaturation, six of which we attributed to relative hypotension, four to hypocarbia, and 15 to a combination of both. There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative (first 24 h) complications because of jugular oximetry. CONCLUSION: Findings from this series indicate that (i) intraoperative jugular venous oximetry in children is feasible in experienced hands, (ii) cerebral desaturation detected by jugular oximetry is common during pediatric intracranial procedures, and (iii) monitoring jugular venous saturation can impact anesthetic interventions to optimize cerebral physiology.

Multimorbidity, healthcare utilization, and quality of life for older patients undergoing surgery: A prospective study.

Multimorbidity (≥2 chronic illnesses) is a worldwide healthcare challenge. Patients with multimorbidity have a reduced quality of life and higher mortality than healthy patients and use healthcare resources more intensively. This study investigated the prevalence of multimorbidity; examined the effects of multimorbidity on healthcare utilization; healthcare costs of multimorbidity; and compared the associations between the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older patients undergoing surgery and multimorbidity, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Simple Frailty Questionnaire (FRAIL), and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classifications. This prospective cohort study enrolled 360 patients aged > 65 years scheduled for surgery at a university hospital. Data were collected on their demographics, preoperative medical profiles, healthcare costs, and healthcare utilization (the quantification or description of the use of services, such as the number of preoperative visits, multiple-department consultations, surgery waiting time, and hospital length of stay). Preoperative-assessment data were collected via the CCI, FRAIL questionnaire, and ASA classification. HRQoL was derived using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The 360 patients had a mean age of 73.9 ± 6.6 years, and 37.8% were men. Multimorbidity was found in 285 (79%) patients. The presence of multimorbidity had a significant effect on healthcare utilization (≥2 preoperative visits and consultations with ≥2 departments). However, there was no significant difference in healthcare costs between patients with and without multimorbidity. At the 3-month postoperative, patients without multimorbidity had significantly higher scores for HRQoL compared to those with multimorbidity (HRQoL = 1.00 vs 0.96; P < .007). While, patients with ASA Class > 2 had a significantly lower median HRQoL than patients with ASA Class ≤2 at postoperative day 5 (HRQoL = 0.76; P = .018), 1-month (HRQoL = 0.90; P = .001), and 3-months (HRQoL = 0.96; P < .001) postoperatively. Multimorbidity was associated with a significant increase in the healthcare utilization of the number of preoperative visits and a greater need for multiple-department consultations. In addition, multimorbidity resulted in a reduced HRQoL during hospital admission and 3-months postoperatively. In particular, the ASA classification > 2 apparently reduced postoperative HRQoL at day 5, 1-month, and 3-months lower than the ASA classification ≤2.

Corrigendum: Severity of frailty using modified Thai Frailty Index, social factors, and prediction of mortality among community-dwelling older adults in a middle-income country.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1060990.].

Model for enhancing the research conducted by the university medical staff: Participatory action research.

This study employed mixed methods with a participatory action research approach to explore factors currently undermining the conduction of research and to develop strategies to boost research productivity. A questionnaire was distributed to 64 staff members of the Department of Anesthesiology at a university-based hospital. Thirty-nine staff members (60.9%) gave informed consent and responses. Staff views were also collected through focus group discussions. The staff reported that limited research methodology skills, time management, and complex managerial processes were the limitations. Age, attitudes, and performance expectancy were significantly correlated with research productivity. A regression analysis demonstrated that age and performance expectancy significantly influenced research productivity. A Business Model Canvas (BMC) was implemented to gain insight into the goal of enhancing the conduct of research. Business Model Innovation (BMI) established a strategy to improve research productivity. The concept, comprising personal reinforcement (P), aiding systems (A), and a lifting-up of the value of research (L), the PAL concept, was considered key to enhancing the conduct of research, with the BMC providing details and integrating with the BMI. To upgrade the research performance, the involvement of management is imperative, and future action will involve the implementation of a BMI model to increase research productivity.

Performance of a simplified nutrition screening tool for outpatient radiotherapy cancer patients.

Public hospitals in Thailand recently adopted a new nutrition screening tool to satisfy documentation requirements for reimbursements through the diagnosis-related group system. However, data on the performance of this instrument remains limited. This study was designed to assess the validity and cutoff points of the Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition of Thailand (SPENT) nutrition screening tool against the patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and malnutrition diagnostic criteria proposed by the global leadership initiative on malnutrition (GLIM) in cancer patients receiving outpatient radiation therapy. A cross-sectional study of 350 patients was conducted from August 2018 to September 2020. All patients were screened for malnutrition using the SPENT nutrition screening tool. The instrument's sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and agreement were calculated using either the PG-SGA or GLIM malnutrition diagnosis as benchmarks. The cutoff that gave the highest sensitivity and specificity of the SPENT nutrition screening tool was selected. The mean age standard deviation of the 350 cancer patients was 59.9 (13.9) years, and 191 (54.6%) were men. Head and neck cancers were the most common type (35.7%). Against PG-SGA and GLIM malnutrition diagnosis, the SPENT nutrition screening tool demonstrated good sensitivity (85.3% and 82.8%), specificity (84.1% and 59.4%), positive predictive value (90.5% and 64.0%), negative predictive value (76.3% and 79.9%), with moderate strength of agreement (Cohen kappa 0.678, P < .001 and 0.414, P < .001). Using only the first 2 out of 4 questions revealed an acceptable sensitivity and specificity. The SPENT nutrition screening tool is an accurate, sensitive, and specific tool for malnutrition screening in cancer patients receiving outpatient radiotherapy.

Nutrition support and deficiencies in children with severe traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Adequate nutrition support is considered important to recovery after pediatric traumatic brain injury. The 2003 Pediatric Guidelines recommend initiation of nutrition within 72 hrs after traumatic brain injury. We examined our local experience with nutritional support in severe pediatric traumatic brain injury patients (cases) and non-traumatic brain injury patients (controls). DESIGN: A retrospective review of pediatric patients with severe traumatic brain injury over an 11-yr period (1997-2009) and without traumatic brain injury over a 3-yr period (2007-2009). SETTING: Level I pediatric trauma center pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Patients with severe pediatric traumatic brain injury (age <15 yrs, Glasgow Coma Scale score of <9) and admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for >7 days and patients without traumatic brain injury (age <15 yrs, head Abbreviated Injury Scale score of 0) and admitted to pediatric intensive care unit. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data from 101 severe traumatic brain injury and 92 non-traumatic brain injury patients were analyzed. Traumatic brain injury patients: All received enteral nutrition while 13 (12%) also received parenteral nutrition. Nutrition was started 53 ± 20 hrs (range 12-162) after pediatric intensive care unit admission. Fifty patients (52%) received nutrition within the first 48 hrs, and 83 (82%) received nutrition support within the first 72 hrs. Caloric and protein intakes were 47% and 40% of the goals on pediatric intensive care unit day 7 and 76% and 70% of the goals on pediatric intensive care unit day 14. Caloric and protein goals were met in 26% ± 16% and 18% ± 19% of pediatric intensive care unit stay, respectively. Patients whose intake met nutritional goals on pediatric intensive care unit day 7 had earlier initiation of nutrition support at admission than patients who never met the goals (calorie goal met vs. unmet by day 7, 44 ± 23 hrs vs. 67 ± 31 hrs; p < .001; protein goal met vs. unmet by day 7, 43 ± 17 hrs vs. 65 ± 29 hrs; p = .001). Patients gained 0.6% ± 11% weight by pediatric intensive care unit day 7 and lost 7% ± 11% weight by pediatric intensive care unit day 14. Non-traumatic brain injury patients: The time to start of nutrition for the non-traumatic brain injury group was earlier only for patients with isolated orthopedic injuries (24 ± 6 hrs; p = .02). The average caloric and protein intakes were less for the traumatic brain injury (n = 20) group (caloric 52% ± 16% of goal and protein 42% ± 18% of goal) than for the non-traumatic brain injury (n = 23) group (65% ± 11% of goal and protein 51% ± 20% of goal; both p < .01) for pediatric intensive care unit days 0-7. For pediatric intensive care unit days 8-14, there was no difference in average caloric (82% ± 22% vs. 79% ± 18% of goal) or protein (77% ± 6% vs. 79% ± 7% of goal) between the traumatic brain injury (n = 12) and non-traumatic brain injury (n = 10) groups. Addition of a nutritionist was associated with earlier time to nutrition start (p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional support was initiated in most patients within 72 hrs of pediatric intensive care unit admission. Although daily caloric and protein goals were not achieved in the first 2 wks of pediatric intensive care unit stay and nutritional deficiencies were common, earlier start of nutritional support was associated with involvement of a nutritionist and with meeting both caloric and protein goals by pediatric intensive care unit day 7.

Validation of a delirium predictive model in patients admitted to surgical intensive care units: a multicentre prospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To internally and externally validate a delirium predictive model for adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) following surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, observational, multicentre study. SETTING: Three university-affiliated teaching hospitals in Thailand. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged over 18 years were enrolled if they were admitted to a surgical ICU (SICU) and had the surgery within 7 days before SICU admission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative delirium was assessed using the Thai version of the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. The assessments commenced on the first day after the patient's operation and continued for 7 days, or until either discharge from the ICU or the death of the patient. Validation was performed of the previously developed delirium predictive model: age+(5×SOFA)+(15×benzodiazepine use)+(20×DM)+(20×mechanical ventilation)+(20×modified IQCODE>3.42). RESULTS: In all, 380 SICU patients were recruited. Internal validation on 150 patients with the mean age of 75±7.5 years resulted in an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.76 (0.683 to 0.837). External validation on 230 patients with the mean age of 57±17.3 years resulted in an AUROC of 0.85 (0.789 to 0.906). The AUROC of all validation cohorts was 0.83 (0.785 to 0.872). The optimum cut-off value to discriminate between a high and low probability of postoperative delirium in SICU patients was 115. This cut-off offered the highest value for Youden's index (0.50), the best AUROC, and the optimum values for sensitivity (78.9%) and specificity (70.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The model developed by the previous study was able to predict the occurrence of postoperative delirium in critically ill surgical patients admitted to SICUs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Thai Clinical Trail Registry (TCTR20180105001).