Esophageal versus surface recording of diaphragm compound muscle action potential.

INTRODUCTION: Repeated diaphragm compound muscle action potential (CMAP) recordings may help to understand the pathophysiology of respiratory muscle weakness. Neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA) uses esophageal EMG electrodes to drive the ventilator. We evaluated the feasibility of CMAP recordings using these electrodes and established normal values. METHODS: Bilateral cervical phrenic nerve electrical stimulation was performed in 15 healthy volunteers. CMAP recordings with esophageal NAVA electrodes were compared with surface electrode recordings during inspiratory and expiratory pause. RESULTS: Compared with surface recordings, esophageal CMAP amplitudes were higher with increased latencies. Differences between the 2 techniques were most prominent in inspiration. For both recording techniques, amplitudes were higher, and latencies were longer during inspiration. Latencies were also longer when measured on the left side. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragm CMAPs can be measured using the commercially available esophageal NAVA probe. This may facilitate repeated diaphragm CMAP studies in mechanically ventilated patients.

Early changes of muscle membrane properties in porcine faecal peritonitis.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis-induced myopathy and critical illness myopathy (CIM) are possible causes of muscle weakness in intensive care patients. They have been attributed to muscle membrane dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate membrane properties in the early stage of experimental sepsis by evaluating muscle excitability. METHODS: In total, 20 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs were randomized to either faecal peritonitis (n = 10) or to non-septic controls (n = 10). Resuscitation with fluids and vasoactive drugs was started 3 hours after peritonitis induction. Muscle membrane properties were investigated by measuring muscle velocity recovery cycles before induction of peritonitis as well as 6, 18 and 27 hours thereafter. Muscle relative refractory period (MRRP) and early supernormality (ESN) were assessed. RESULTS: Peritonitis lasting 27 hours was associated with an increase of MRRP by 28% from 2.38 ± 0.18 ms (mean ± SD) to 3.47 ± 1.79 ms (P <0.01) and a decrease of ESN by 31% from 9.64 ± 2.82% to 6.50 ± 2.64% (P <0.01). ESN reduction was already apparent 6 hours after induction of peritonitis. Values in controls did not show any significant alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle membrane abnormalities consistent with membrane depolarization and/or sodium channel inactivation occurred within 6 hours of peritonitis induction. This indicates that changes that have been described in established sepsis-induced myopathy and/or CIM start early in the course of sepsis. Muscle excitability testing facilitates evaluation of the time course of these changes.

Pulse-pressure variation and hemodynamic response in patients with elevated pulmonary artery pressure: a clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Pulse-pressure variation (PPV) due to increased right ventricular afterload and dysfunction may misleadingly suggest volume responsiveness. We aimed to assess prediction of volume responsiveness with PPV in patients with increased pulmonary artery pressure. METHODS: Fifteen cardiac surgery patients with a history of increased pulmonary artery pressure (mean pressure, 27 +/- 5 mm Hg (mean +/- SD) before fluid challenges) and seven septic shock patients (mean pulmonary artery pressure, 33 +/- 10 mm Hg) were challenged with 200 ml hydroxyethyl starch boli ordered on clinical indication. PPV, right ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and end-diastolic volume (EDV), stroke volume (SV), and intravascular pressures were measured before and after volume challenges. RESULTS: Of 69 fluid challenges, 19 (28%) increased SV > 10%. PPV did not predict volume responsiveness (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.555; P = 0.485). PPV was >or=13% before 46 (67%) fluid challenges, and SV increased in 13 (28%). Right ventricular EF decreased in none of the fluid challenges, resulting in increased SV, and in 44% of those in which SV did not increase (P = 0.0003). EDV increased in 28% of fluid challenges, resulting in increased SV, and in 44% of those in which SV did not increase (P = 0.272). CONCLUSIONS: Both early after cardiac surgery and in septic shock, patients with increased pulmonary artery pressure respond poorly to fluid administration. Under these conditions, PPV cannot be used to predict fluid responsiveness. The frequent reduction in right ventricular EF when SV did not increase suggests that right ventricular dysfunction contributed to the poor response to fluids.

[Severe methemoglobinaemia following sodium nitrite ingestion]. / Schwere Methämoglobinämie--Diagnostik, Therapie und Pathophysiologie am Beispiel eines Falles.

We report the case of a patient suffering from a severe methemoglobinaemia following accidental sodium nitrite intoxication, a substance frequently used as a preservation agent for animal feed. On base of this case report, pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostical and therapeutical options with methylene blue (1-2 mg/kg of body weight) are discussed. Recently, pulse oximeters capable to measure 4 different hemoglobins have been introduced. These may be helpful for diagnosis especially in the prehospital setting.

Effects of catecholamines on hepatic and skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration after prolonged exposure to faecal peritonitis in pigs.

Use of norepinephrine to increase blood pressure in septic animals has been associated with increased efficiency of hepatic mitochondrial respiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the same effect could be reproduced in isolated hepatic mitochondria after prolonged in vivo exposure to faecal peritonitis. Eighteen pigs were randomized to 27 h of faecal peritonitis and to a control condition (n = 9 each group). At the end, hepatic mitochondria were isolated and incubated for one hour with either norepinephrine or placebo, with and without pretreatment with the specific receptor antagonists prazosin and yohimbine. Mitochondrial state 3 and state 4 respiration were measured for respiratory chain complexes I and II, and state 3 for complex IV using high-resolution respirometry, and respiratory control ratios were calculated. Additionally, skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration was evaluated after incubation with norepinephrine and dobutamine with and without the respective antagonists (atenolol, propranolol and phentolamine for dobutamine). Faecal peritonitis was characterized by decreasing blood pressure and stroke volume, and maintained systemic oxygen consumption. Neither faecal peritonitis nor any of the drugs or drug combinations had measurable effects on hepatic or skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration. Norepinephrine did not improve the efficiency of complex I- and complex II-dependent isolated hepatic mitochondrial respiration [respiratory control ratio (RCR) complex I: 5.6 ± 5.3 (placebo) vs. 5.4 ± 4.6 (norepinephrine) in controls and 2.7 ± 2.1 (placebo) vs. 2.9 ± 1.5 (norepinephrine) in septic animals; RCR complex II: 3.5 ± 2.0 (placebo) vs. 3.5 ± 1.8 (norepinephrine) in controls; 2.3 ± 1.6 (placebo) vs. 2.2 ± 1.1 (norepinephrine) in septic animals]. Prolonged faecal peritonitis did not affect either hepatic or skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration. Subsequent incubation of isolated mitochondria with norepinephrine and dobutamine did not significantly influence their respiration.

Whole-body computed tomography for multiple traumas using a triphasic injection protocol.

To evaluate a triphasic injection protocol for whole-body multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients with multiple trauma. Fifty consecutive patients (41 men) were examined. Contrast medium (300 mg/mL iodine) was injected starting with 70 mL at 3 mL/s, followed by 0.1 mL/s for 8 s, and by another bolus of 75 mL at 4 mL/s. CT data acquisition started 50 s after the beginning of the first injection. Two experienced, blinded readers independently measured the density in all major arteries, veins, and parenchymatous organs. Image quality was assessed using a five-point ordinal rating scale and compared to standard injection protocols [n = 25 each for late arterial chest, portovenous abdomen, and MDCT angiography (CTA)]. With the exception of the infrarenal inferior caval vein, all blood vessels were depicted with diagnostic image quality using the multiple-trauma protocol. Arterial luminal density was slightly but significantly smaller compared to CTA (P < 0.01). Veins and parenchymatous organs were opacified significantly better compared to all other protocols (P < 0.01). Arm artifacts reduced the density of spleen and liver parenchyma significantly (P < 0.01). Similarly high image quality is achieved for arteries using the multiple-trauma protocol compared to CTA, and parenchymatous organs are depicted with better image quality compared to specialized protocols. Arm artifacts should be avoided.

Primary chondroid melanoma of the nasal skin: a rare melanoma variant at a previously undocumented site.

Heterologous differentiation is exceedingly rare in melanoma. Only four cases of melanoma demonstrating exclusive cartilaginous differentiation have been documented, all having occurred on the lower extremity. We report a chondroid melanoma involving the nasal skin and presenting clinically as a basal cell carcinoma. Both Melan-A and microphthalmia transcription factor protein immunoperoxidase stains were positive in our case, demonstrating the potential utility of these two stains in chondroid melanoma. We also provide a succinct review of the literature on this rare melanoma variant.