The use of isoproterenol and phenytoin to reverse torsade de pointes.

Torsade de pointes is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that differs from other forms of ventricular tachycardia in its morphology, precipitating factors, and therapeutic approach. Its recognition is of utmost importance, as the standard anti-arrythmic drugs not only might be ineffective in its termination but also may aggravate it. Herein, we report a case of antipsychotic-induced torsade de pointes and describe the use of magnesium sulfate, isoproterenol, and phenytoin and their proposed mechanism of action.

Knee strength retention and analgesia with continuous perineural fentanyl infusion after total knee replacement: randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Despite providing adequate pain relief, a femoral nerve block can induce postoperative muscle weakness after total knee arthoplasty (TKA). Fentanyl has been shown to have peripheral effects but has not been used as a perineural infusate alone after TKA. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for TKA were randomized to one of three blinded groups: a continuous 24 h infusion of either fentanyl 3 µg/ml, ropivacaine 0.1%, or 0.9% normal saline through a femoral nerve sheath catheter at 10 ml/h. The main outcome was maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in the quadriceps femoris (knee extension), measured by a handheld dynamometer (Nm/kg). Other variables assessed were preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, hamstrings MVIC (knee flexion), active range of motion of the operative knee, distance ambulated, incidence of knee buckling, supplemental morphine usage, postoperative side effects, and serum fentanyl levels. RESULTS: Quadriceps MVIC values were significantly greater in the fentanyl group compared to the group that received ropivacaine (median values, 0.08 vs. 0.03 Nm/kg; p = 0.028). The incidence of postoperative knee buckling upon ambulation was higher in the ropivacaine group compared to the fentanyl group, although not statistically significant (40% vs. 15 %, respectively; p = 0.077). VAS scores while ambulating were not significantly different between the fentanyl group and the ropivacaine group (p = 0.270). Postoperative morphine consumption, nausea and vomiting, and resting VAS scores were similar among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: A continuous perineural infusion of fentanyl produced greater strength retention than ropivacaine post-TKA.

One-lung ventilation in infants and small children: blood gas values.

PURPOSE: We investigated one-lung ventilation (OLV) in pediatric patients under 10 kg. The feasibility of OLV using either Arndt endobronchial blocker (AEB) or mainstem intubation technique is analyzed. Arterial blood gases (ABG) monitored throughout the procedures are presented. METHODS: Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted on 9 patients ≤6 months of age and 2 patients ≥12 months of age undergoing lung resections or aortic coarctations. For right thoracotomy, a conventional, cuffed, endotracheal tube (ETT) was inserted and guided into the left mainstem bronchus with a bronchoscope and the left lung was ventilated. For left thoracotomy, an AEB was inserted into the trachea 2 cm past the vocal cords and an ETT was placed through the cords adjacent to the blockers (extraluminal). A bronchoscope was then inserted through the ETT to visualize and manipulate the blocker into the left mainstem bronchus. The blocker cuff was inflated slowly under direct vision while the ETT continued to ventilate the right, dependent lung. ABG values were collected intraoperatively in all cases. RESULTS: One-lung ventilation could be accomplished within 15 min in all cases, and lung isolation was successful in all patients. All patients were extubated within 12 h of surgery and had an uneventful recovery. ABG values revealed modest arterial acidosis and hypercarbia and mild acute ventilatory insufficiency. CONCLUSION: The use of extraluminal AEB or mainstem intubation for OLV can be successfully completed in infants weighing less than 10 kg. OLV may induce acute respiratory pathology; therefore we recommend routine intraoperative ABG monitoring for pediatric patients.

Massive oral bleeding after full-mouth extraction in a patient with B-cell lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma reversed with recombinant activated factor VII.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Full-mouth extraction can be associated with intraoral bleeding, which usually is controlled with local hemostatic measures. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) occasionally is used to stop bleeding in a variety of off-label indications, with the main argument curtailing its use being thrombotic events. The authors describe the use of rFVIIa for bleeding after full-mouth extraction in a patient with undiagnosed B-cell lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 72-year-old man underwent full-mouth extraction (18 teeth). The next day, the patient experienced massive oral bleeding. The authors administered tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid, and a total of 12 units of packed red blood cells in addition to local hemostatic measures without control of bleeding. On postoperative day 10, the authors administered 5,000 micrograms of rFVIIa, and within 2 hours oral the bleeding ceased. The authors performed flow cytometry and diagnosed B-cell lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Unexplained massive oral bleeding despite adequate local hemostatic measures should prompt further investigations for underlying bleeding or coagulation disorders. The authors describe the successful use of rFVIIa in massive oral bleeding. Further studies are mandatory to study the effectiveness of this drug for this off-label indication.

Plasma Free Hemoglobin Is an Independent Predictor of Mortality among Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.

BACKGROUND: Hemolysis is common in all extracorporeal circuits as evident by the elevated plasma free hemoglobin (PFHb) level. We investigated whether increased hemolysis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an independent mortality predictor. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of consecutive subjects who received ECMO at a tertiary care facility from 2007-2013 to investigate independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. We examined variables related to patient demographics, comorbidities, markers of hemolysis, ECMO characteristics, transfusion requirements, and complications. 24-hour PFHb > 50 mg/dL was used as a marker of severe hemolysis. RESULTS: 154 patients received ECMO for cardiac (n = 115) or pulmonary (n = 39) indications. Patients' mean age was 51 years and 75.3% were males. Compared to nonsurvivors, survivors had lower pre-ECMO lactic acid (p = 0.026), lower 24-hour lactic acid (p = 0.023), shorter ECMO duration (P = 0.01), fewer RBC transfusions on ECMO (p = 0.008) and lower level of PFHb 24-hours post ECMO implantation (p = 0.029). 24-hour PFHb > 50 mg/dL occurred in 3.9 % versus 15.5% of survivors and nonsurvivors, respectively, p = 0.002. A Cox proportional hazard analysis identified PFHb > 50 mg/dL 24-hours post ECMO as an independent predictor of mortality (OR= 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 - 8.8, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: PFHb > 50 mg/dL checked 24-hour post ECMO implantation is a useful tool to predict mortality. We propose the routine checking of PFHb 24-hours after ECMO initiation for early identification and treatment of the cause of hemolysis.

Medical and neurologic complications of the current management strategy of angiographically negative nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.

PURPOSE: Common management of angionegative subarachnoid hemorrhage includes mandatory intensive care unit stay for up to 14 days with strict bedrest, constant neurologic serial examination, invasive arterial and central line monitoring, and aneurysm rupture precautions. We evaluated the frequency of neurologic and nonneurologic complications in this patient population. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review from July 2008 to 2011. Adult patients with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage who had angiograms and cranial cat scans (CTs) were evaluated as the first screening measure. Negative screening angiograms constituted our study population and were divided into 2 groups (aneurysmal or perimesencephalic) based on the CT blood pattern. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients met the study criteria (aneurysmal CT, n = 26; perimesencephalic CT pattern, n = 25). There were no incidences of rebleeding or mortality, and patients were discharged after a mean of 15.24 hospital days and a mean of 11 bedrest days. Seventeen patients (65%) in the aneurysmal group developed at least 1 nonneurologic complication compared with 2 patients (8%) in the perimesencephalic group (P = .001). Eleven patients in the aneurysmal group (42.3%) developed at least 1 neurologic complication compared with 1 patient (4%) in the perimesecephalic group (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we propose admission to the medical floor for patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies score 1 to 3, perimesencephalic CT pattern, and no hydrocephalus.

Causes of ischemic electrocardiographic changes in near drowning: A literature review.

Drowning is a main cause of accidental death among children and adolescents worldwide. Ischemic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes are often encountered in victims of near drowning. We reviewed the literature for near drowning cases reporting ischemic ECG changes to study the underlying etiology for these findings. Among the 8 cases included in the analysis, ischemic ECG changes were due to takotsubo cardiomyopathy (in elderly cases especially females); coronary artery spasm (in younger cases); or hypothermia effect on ECG; and, to a lesser extent, myocardial ischemia resulting from occlusive coronary artery disease.

Clopidogrel is not associated with increased bleeding complications after full-mouth extraction: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, the effect of clopidogrel on bleeding complications during full-mouth extraction has not been studied. The authors aimed to determine the safety of continued use of clopidogrel during full-mouth extraction. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing full-mouth extraction who were taking aspirin, clopidogrel, a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel, or neither. The main study outcomes in the 4 study groups were estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, and complications. The authors also examined the correlation between the number of teeth extracted and estimated blood loss in various groups. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients underwent full-mouth extraction with removal of an average of 19 teeth. The authors excluded 3 patients owing to lack of data regarding blood loss. Of the remaining 68 patients, 25 were using aspirin, 12 were using clopidogrel, 9 were using both aspirin and clopidogrel, and 22 had discontinued the use of antiplatelets. There was no significant difference in the number of teeth extracted (P = .283) and estimated blood loss (P = .111) among the 4 groups. The authors found a significant moderate correlation between the number of teeth extracted and estimated blood loss in the group using aspirin (r = 0.537; P = .006) and in the group using clopidogrel, whether alone or in combination with aspirin (r = 0.535; P = .012), but not in the group who discontinued the use of antiplatelets. There was no need for blood transfusion in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide limited evidence to suggest that continuation of clopidogrel during full-mouth extraction and preprosthetic surgery may be safe and does not appear to be associated with a significant risk of bleeding. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clopidogrel therapy during full-mouth extraction is not associated with significant bleeding complications and may be continued in patients who have a high risk of experiencing a cardiac event.

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm after Swan-Ganz catheterization: a case presentation and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: The Swan-Ganz catheter for pulmonary artery (PA) cannulation was introduced in 1970 and has been utilized in the management of critically ill and cardiac patients. Although the routine use of this catheter has not been associated with better patient outcomes in prospective randomized trials, their ability to provide crucial hemodynamic measurements and the ease of bedside insertion makes them valuable in certain complex clinical scenarios. However, Swan-Ganz catheter insertion is not without complications. PA injury is the most serious complication suspected by the occurrence of hemoptysis after the procedure. We present a case of PA injury with pseudoaneurysm formation after Swan-Ganz catheterization along with a comprehensive review of literature. METHODS: We reviewed all PubMed/Medline indexed articles published between 1993-2013, reporting the development of PA pseudoaneurysm after Swan-Ganz catheter use. Cases were analyzed with specific reference to patient demographics, indication for Swan-Ganz insertion, initial presenting symptom, duration between insertion and first evidence of PA injury, inciting event, site of pseudoaneurysm, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were identified from 27 papers. In the reviewed population, 87.8% were older than 60 years of age and 82.9% were females. Fifty-one percent of the patients had an episode of hemoptysis on the day of Swan-Ganz catheter insertion. Ninety-seven percent of the patients had PA pseudoaneurysm in the right pulmonary circulation. The admission-to-discharge mortality rate in the reviewed cohort was 15%. Cause of death in 22% of the cases was hemoptysis, while non-catheter related complications were responsible for the remaining deaths. CONCLUSION: PA injury is a feared complication after Swan-Ganz catheterization and can be fatal. In patients who develop massive or recurrent hemoptysis after Swan-Ganz catheter use, PA injury must be considered and airway protection should be employed along with appropriate catheter based or surgical interventions.

Post-operative simultaneous very late two-vessel drug eluting stent thrombosis with sparing of bare metal stent in a Jehovah's witness after clopidogrel withdrawal.

Very late stent thrombosis is a feared complication after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. Several factors related to the patient, generation and type of the deployed stent, procedure, and premature antiplatelet withdrawal are known to contribute to this complication. Herein, we describe a case of a Jehovah's witness patient who developed simultaneous two-vessel 1st generation DES thrombosis 5.4 and 3.5 years after deployment [with sparing of the bare metal stent (BMS)] in the immediate post-operative period secondary to clopidogrel withdrawal. The case was complicated by ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, and a ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest requiring urgent percutaneous coronary intervention. The acute thrombosis of DESs with sparing of the BMS exemplify how they are more prone to this complication due to delayed endothelialization of stent struts and neoinitimal coverage. .

Late and very late drug-eluting stent thrombosis in the immediate postoperative period after antiplatelet withdrawal: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Late (31-360 days after deployment) and very late (>360 days after deployment) stent thrombosis is a feared complication after drug-eluting stent (DES) deployment. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy for 12 months due to the lack of protection beyond this period in randomized trials. The perioperative period is a unique state of generalized hypercoagulability which can predispose people to DES thrombosis when combined with the rebound hypercoagulable effect of antiplatelet withdrawal. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to detect incidences of late and very late postoperative DES thrombosis after elective noncardiac surgery. Only definite and probable cases of stent thrombosis were included. All cases were analyzed for patient demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery, intervention history, preoperative antiplatelets management, postoperative course and outcome. RESULTS: A total of six patients with prior DES deployment (10-42 months earlier, average 30 months) developed DES thrombosis (five very late and one late) in the immediate postoperative period. All patients had stable coronary artery disease and were cleared for surgery (intermediate cardiac risk surgery) by their cardiologist. In all patients, antiplatelets were discontinued 4-7 days (average 5.6 days) prior to surgery to minimize operative bleeding. Five of six patients developed ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Half of the patients had simultaneous two-vessel DES thrombosis and two cases had single vessel thrombosis. Three patients developed ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. One-third of the patients died during the index hospitalization. Coronary thrombectomy and angioplasty was successful in the remaining four cases. The incidence of postoperative late and very late DES thrombosis among all patients undergoing noncardiac surgery who were older than 40 years was 0.006%. CONCLUSION: Caution should be exercised when attempting to withdraw antiplatelets preoperatively in patients with DES even when the recommended 12-month period of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has elapsed. The significant morbidity and mortality of this complication warrants further research to study the ideal perioperative management of antiplatelets in patients with prior DES deployment over 1 year who are still receiving DAPT.

Open Tracheostomy after Aborted Percutaneous Approach due to Tracheoscopy Revealing Occult Tracheal Wall Ulcer.

Tracheostomy is a common procedure for intensive care patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. In this case report, we describe a 78-year-old female patient admitted for an aneurysm of the cerebral anterior communicating artery. Following immediate endovascular coiling, she remained ventilated and was transferred to the neurological intensive care unit. On postoperative day ten, a percutaneous tracheostomy (PCT) was requested; however, a large ulcer or possible tracheoesophageal fistula was identified on the posterior tracheal wall following bronchoscopic assessment of the trachea. Therefore, the requested PCT procedure was aborted. An open tracheostomy in the operating room was completed; however, due to the position and depth of the ulcer, a reinforced endotracheal tube (ETT) was placed via the tracheostomy. Four days later, the reinforced ETT was replaced with a Shiley distal extended tracheostomy tube to bypass the ulceration. Careful inspection and evaluation of the tracheostomy site before PCT prevented a potentially life-threatening issue in our patient.

Rapid onset of guillain-barré syndrome after an obstetric epidural block.

Reports of acute onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after epidural anesthesia/analgesia after labor and cesarean delivery has raised concern of a correlation between GBS and the use of neuraxial anesthesia. We present a patient who developed bilateral lower extremity weakness and paraparesis within hours after removal of an epidural catheter for cesarean delivery. The clinical diagnosis was highly suggestive for GBS after magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid findings, electromyogram, and nerve conduction studies. We discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms suggested in previous case reports and describe the relationship between epidural analgesia and GBS.

Intravenous acetaminophen vs. ketorolac for postoperative analgesia after ambulatory parathyroidectomy.

Background and methods Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy requires limited analgesia and short recovery times. The preferred post-operative analgesic regimen for this patient population has not been established but non-narcotic components would be quite appropriate. The aim of the study was to determine whether intravenous (IV) acetaminophen (1 g) or ketorolac (30 mg) provide better pain control after parathyroidectomy. A parallel, randomized, double blind, comparative study was completed on 180 patients scheduled for outpatient parathyroidectomy utilizing general anesthesia. Patients were randomized to a blinded administration of either intravenous acetaminophen 1 g or ketorolac 30 mg intra-operatively. Upon arrival but before premedication, baseline pain scores were assessed in all patients. A consecutive series of postoperative pain scores were collected every 15 min using a 10 cm visual analog pain scale (VAS) upon arrival to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) until discharge by blinded study personnel. Other data collected included: anesthesia time, surgical time, time to discharge, supplemental morphine and postoperative side effects. Results Overall mean postoperative VAS scores were not significantly different between the two treatment groups (p = 0.07). However, ketorolac produced significantly lower pain scores compared with acetaminophen in the later postoperative periods (3.9 ± 1.9 vs. 4.8 ± 2.4 at 45 min, p = 0.009; 3.4 ± 1.7 vs. 4.5 ± 2.1 at 60min, p = 0.04; and 3.2 ± 2.1 vs. 4.4 ± 2.1 at 75 min, p = 0.03). Supplemental morphine was administered to 3 patients in the ketorolac group and 9 patients in the acetaminophen group but total consumption was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.13). The occurrence of nausea was significantly lower in the ketorolac group compared with the IV acetaminophen group (3.4% vs. 14.6%, respectively; p = 0.02). The overall incidence of morphine supplementation, vomiting, headache, muscular pain, dizziness, and drowsiness were not significantly different when compared between the treatment groups. Conclusions Both postoperative regimens provided adequate analgesia but patients receiving ketorolac intraoperatively had significantly lower pain scores at later recovery time points and significantly lower occurrences of nausea. Implications The large volume of patients undergoing parathyroidectomies at our facility warranted a study to develop a standardized postoperative analgesic regimen. We conclude both medications can be utilized safely in this patient population, but there is a slight advantage in pain control with the usage of ketorolac for minimally invasive parathyroidectomies.

Bloodless surgery by a regional intraarterial tourniquet during primary and revision THA.

Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and revision THA are associated with blood loss that can be significant. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy of intra-arterial occlusive balloons in reducing blood loss during primary and revision THA. Twelve patients (Jehovah's Witnesses) scheduled for a primary (n=6) or revision (n=6) THA who refused blood transfusions were compared with 48 control-matched patients (primary THA, n=24; revision THA, n=24). All Jehovah's Witnesses received an intra-arterial balloon preoperatively, and all control patients underwent conventional surgery. Intraoperatively, balloons were periodically inflated to reduce blood loss and deflated to prevent limb ischemia. Endpoints for the study were estimated blood loss, perioperative hemoglobin, mean hospital stay, mean operative time, amount of intraoperative fluid or blood administered, and complications. None of the patients with an occlusive balloon received blood, whereas the primary THA group received an average of 0.6 units (P=.08) and the revision THA group received an average of 1.9 units (P=.02). Estimated blood loss was significantly decreased in the balloon group compared with the primary THA group (145 vs 402 mL, respectively; P<.01) and the revision THA group (333 vs 767 mL, respectively; P<.01). No complications were associated with the intra-arterial balloons. All patients showed a significant reduction in hemoglobin immediately postoperatively compared with preoperative values. No statistically significant differences existed in the amount of fluids given intraoperatively or the mean hospital stay among all groups. Temporary internal tourniquets used as an adjuvant to surgery significantly reduce intraoperative blood loss during primary and revision THA.