RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the age or the APACHE-II score was a better predictor of mortality in each group. The secondary objective was to investigate the factors affecting the mortality in each individual age group. METHODS: We designed this retrospective study between 2016-2017. Age groups were classified into 3 classes: Patients < 60 years were Group 1, patients between 60-70 years were Group 2, and patients > 70 years were Group 3. We recorded patients' age, ICU indication, demographic data, APACHE-II, ASA, length of hospital stays and mortality. RESULTS: We analysed 150 patients and reported mortality for 58 patients (38.7%). We did not detect any association between age and mortality for all groups. ASA, length of ICU stays and predicted mortality rate, were significantly higher for exitus patients (p < 0.001). The ROC curve for the APACHE-II score, with a cut-off point of 23, demonstrated 74.14% sensitivity, 60.87% specificity, an area under the curve (AUC) of 67.3%, with 4.5% standard deviation (SD). The ODDS ratio for APACHE-II scores was 4.459 (95% CI: 2.167-9.176). For the adjusted mortality rate, ROC analysis identified a cut-off of 60.8 with 70.69% sensitivity, 52.17% specificity, AUC of 61.2% and 4.6% SD. The ODDS ratio for the adjusted mortality rate was 2.631 (95% CI: 1.309-5.287). CONCLUSION: We could not demonstrate any correlation between age and mortality. We consider APACHE-II as a valuable scoring system to predict mortality. We do not consider age as a predictor of mortality. Therefore, we do not suggest its use as a sole prognostic marker in ICU patients.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of use of rocuronium and vecuronium in different dose regimens in neuroanaesthesia practice in terms of intubation time and first additional dose requirement. METHODS: Sixty-eight neurosurgery patients with intracranial mass that were operated on were included in our study. Patients were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the induction dose of neuromuscular blocker (NMB) as: Group 1: Vecuronium 0.1 mg kg(-1), Group 2: Priming, 20% of total vecuronium (0.1 mg kg(-1)) needed for induction injected 5 minutes before induction and then the rest used for induction, Group 3: Rocuronium group: 0.6 mg kg(-1), Group 4: Rocuronium with rapid-sequence induction dose (RSID) (1.2 mg kg(-1)). TOF (Train of four) test was used to decide on intubation and an additional NMB dose during surgery. Intubation quality, time from induction to intubation, time until the first additional NMB dose and subsequent NMB dose intervals were recorded. RESULTS: The RSID of rocuronium provided a significantly shorter time period for intubation against the other groups. Also, the time period from induction to first additional NMB requirement was significantly longer in the RSID group than the others. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups' in terms of time period for monitorisation, positioning and start of surgery. CONCLUSION: With the use of RSID of rocuronium, it was seen that excellent intubation quality is provided at around 1 minute and, with its longer duration of action until a first additional dose, it covers the time period for monitorisation, positioning and start of surgery. Because of these effects, we think that RSID of rocuronium may be a better choice of dose regimen for neuroanaesthesia practice.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery can result in severe postoperative pain. We compared a continuous subacromial infusion to a continuous interscalene block with levobupivacaine for patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized to two groups: 1) interscalene block with 0.5% levobupivacaine (30 mL) followed by a postoperative subacromial infusion: 0.125% levobupivacaine 5 mL/h basal infusion, 5 mL bolus dose and a 20 min lockout time or; 2) interscalene block with 0.5% levobupivacaine (30 mL) followed by a postoperative interscalene infusion: 0.125% levobupivacaine 5 mL/h basal infusion, 5 mL bolus dose and a 20 min lockout time. Infusions were maintained for 48 hours. RESULTS: The VAS scores in the postanesthesia care unit and at 4 h were not different. The VAS scores at 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h were lower than 4 in both groups; but they were significantly lower in the interscalene group. Additional analgesic requirements were lower in the interscalene group (16.6% vs 53.3%, p<0.05). Patients' satisfaction was higher in the interscalene group (9.4±0.8 vs 8±1.2, p<0.01). One patient had a toxicity related to interscalene block but; there was no complication related to subacromial catheters. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that subacromial infusions, although provided good postoperative analgesia, are not as effective as interscalene infusions and additional analgesics should be prescribed when subacromial infusions are started. Subacromial infusions could be considered as an alternative in case of any contraindication to interscalene block.