TREATMENT WITH HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN A PIG MODEL OF SEPSIS-INDUCED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY: EFFECTS ON MICROVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS AND TUBULAR CELLS IN THE KIDNEY.

ABSTRACT: Background: Approximately 50% of patients with sepsis develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which is predictive of poor outcomes, with mortality rates of up to 70%. The endothelium is a major target for treatments aimed at preventing the complications of sepsis. We hypothesized that human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) could attenuate tubular and endothelial injury in a porcine model of sepsis-induced AKI. Methods: Anesthetized pigs were induced to fecal peritonitis, resulting in septic shock, and were randomized to treatment with fluids, vasopressors, and antibiotics (sepsis group; n = 11) or to that same treatment plus infusion of 1 × 10 6 cells/kg of hUC-MSCs (sepsis+MSC group; n = 11). Results: At 24 h after sepsis induction, changes in serum creatinine and mean arterial pressure were comparable between the two groups, as was mortality. However, the sepsis+MSC group showed some significant differences in comparison with the sepsis group: lower fractional excretions of sodium and potassium; greater epithelial sodium channel protein expression; and lower protein expression of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and aquaporin 2 in the renal medulla. Expression of P-selectin, thrombomodulin, and vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly lower in the sepsis+MSC group than in the sepsis group, whereas that of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was lower in the former. Conclusion: Treatment with hUC-MSCs seems to protect endothelial and tubular cells in sepsis-induced AKI, possibly via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, it might be an effective treatment for sepsis-induced AKI.

Perioperative blood transfusion decreases long-term survival in pediatric living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The impact of perioperative blood transfusion on short- and long-term outcomes in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT) must still be ascertained, mainly among young children. Clinical and surgical postoperative complications related to perioperative blood transfusion are well described up to three months after adult liver transplantation. AIM: To determine whether transfusion is associated with early and late postoperative complications and mortality in small patients undergoing PLDLT. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of perioperative transfusion on postoperative complications in recipients up to 20 kg of body weight, submitted to PLDLT. A total of 240 patients were retrospectively allocated into two groups according to postoperative complications: Minor complications (n = 109) and major complications (n = 131). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the volume of perioperative packed red blood cells (RBC) transfusion as the only independent risk factor for major postoperative complications. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to identify the optimal volume of the perioperative RBC transfusion related to the presence of major postoperative complications, defining a cutoff point of 27.5 mL/kg. Subsequently, patients were reallocated to a low-volume transfusion group (LTr; n = 103, RBC ≤ 27.5 mL/kg) and a high-volume transfusion group (HTr; n = 137, RBC > 27.5 mL/kg) so that the outcome could be analyzed. RESULTS: High-volume transfusion was associated with an increased number of major complications and mortality during hospitalization up to a 10-year follow-up period. During a short-term period, the HTr showed an increase in major infectious, cardiovascular, respiratory, and bleeding complications, with a decrease in rejection complications compared to the LTr. Over a long-term period, the HTr showed an increase in major infectious, cardiovascular, respiratory, and minor neoplastic complications, with a decrease in rejection complications. Additionally, Cox hazard regression found that high-volume RBC transfusion increased the mortality risk by 3.031-fold compared to low-volume transfusion. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves of the studied groups were compared using log-rank tests and the analysis showed significantly decreased graft survival, but with no impact in patient survival related to major complications. On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in both graft and patient survival, with high-volume RBC transfusion. CONCLUSION: Transfusion of RBC volume higher than 27.5 mL/kg during the perioperative period is associated with a significant increase in short- and long-term postoperative morbidity and mortality after PLDLT.

A pragmatic multi-center trial of goal-directed fluid management based on pulse pressure variation monitoring during high-risk surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative fluid therapy guided by mechanical ventilation-induced pulse-pressure variation (PPV) may improve outcomes after major surgery. We tested this hypothesis in a multi-center study. METHODS: The patients were included in two periods: a first control period (control group; n = 147) in which intraoperative fluids were given according to clinical judgment. After a training period, intraoperative fluid management was titrated to maintain PPV < 10% in 109 surgical patients (PPV group). We performed 1:1 propensity score matching to ensure the groups were comparable with regard to age, weight, duration of surgery, and type of operation. The primary endpoint was postoperative hospital length of stay. RESULTS: After matching, 84 patients remained in each group. Baseline characteristics, surgical procedure duration and physiological parameters evaluated at the start of surgery were similar between the groups. The volume of crystalloids (4500 mL [3200-6500 mL] versus 5000 mL [3750-8862 mL]; P = 0.01), the number of blood units infused during the surgery (1.7 U [0.9-2.0 U] versus 2.0 U [1.7-2.6 U]; P = 0.01), the fraction of patients transfused (13.1% versus 32.1%; P = 0.003) and the number of patients receiving mechanical ventilation at 24 h (3.2% versus 9.7%; P = 0.027) were smaller postoperatively in PPV group. Intraoperative PPV-based improved the composite outcome of postoperative complications OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.35-0.99] and reduced the postoperative hospital length of stay (8 days [6-14 days] versus 11 days [7-18 days]; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk surgeries, PPV-directed volume loading improved postoperative outcomes and decreased the postoperative hospital length of stay. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier; retrospectively registered- NCT03128190.

Effect of Intensive vs Moderate Alveolar Recruitment Strategies Added to Lung-Protective Ventilation on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Perioperative lung-protective ventilation has been recommended to reduce pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery. The protective role of a small tidal volume (VT) has been established, whereas the added protection afforded by alveolar recruiting strategies remains controversial. Objective: To determine whether an intensive alveolar recruitment strategy could reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, when added to a protective ventilation with small VT. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial of patients with hypoxemia after cardiac surgery at a single ICU in Brazil (December 2011-2014). Interventions: Intensive recruitment strategy (n=157) or moderate recruitment strategy (n=163) plus protective ventilation with small VT. Main Outcomes and Measures: Severity of postoperative pulmonary complications computed until hospital discharge, analyzed with a common odds ratio (OR) to detect ordinal shift in distribution of pulmonary complication severity score (0-to-5 scale, 0, no complications; 5, death). Prespecified secondary outcomes were length of stay in the ICU and hospital, incidence of barotrauma, and hospital mortality. Results: All 320 patients (median age, 62 years; IQR, 56-69 years; 125 women [39%]) completed the trial. The intensive recruitment strategy group had a mean 1.8 (95% CI, 1.7 to 2.0) and a median 1.7 (IQR, 1.0-2.0) pulmonary complications score vs 2.1 (95% CI, 2.0-2.3) and 2.0 (IQR, 1.5-3.0) for the moderate strategy group. Overall, the distribution of primary outcome scores shifted consistently in favor of the intensive strategy, with a common OR for lower scores of 1.86 (95% CI, 1.22 to 2.83; P = .003). The mean hospital stay for the moderate group was 12.4 days vs 10.9 days in the intensive group (absolute difference, -1.5 days; 95% CI, -3.1 to -0.3; P = .04). The mean ICU stay for the moderate group was 4.8 days vs 3.8 days for the intensive group (absolute difference, -1.0 days; 95% CI, -1.6 to -0.2; P = .01). Hospital mortality (2.5% in the intensive group vs 4.9% in the moderate group; absolute difference, -2.4%, 95% CI, -7.1% to 2.2%) and barotrauma incidence (0% in the intensive group vs 0.6% in the moderate group; absolute difference, -0.6%; 95% CI, -1.8% to 0.6%; P = .51) did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with hypoxemia after cardiac surgery, the use of an intensive vs a moderate alveolar recruitment strategy resulted in less severe pulmonary complications while in the hospital. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01502332.

Perioperative cardiac arrest: an evolutionary analysis of the intra-operative cardiac arrest incidence in tertiary centers in Brazil / Parada cardíaca perioperatória: uma análise evolutiva da incidência de parada cardíaca intraoperatória em centros terciários no Brasil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Great changes in medicine have taken place over the last 25 years worldwide. These changes in technologies, patient risks, patient profile, and laws regulating the medicine have impacted the incidence of cardiac arrest. It has been postulated that the incidence of intraoperative cardiac arrest has decreased over the years, especially in developed countries. The authors hypothesized that, as in the rest of the world, the incidence of intraoperative cardiac arrest is decreasing in Brazil, a developing country. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to search the literature to evaluate the publications that relate the incidence of intraoperative cardiac arrest in Brazil and analyze the trend in the incidence of intraoperative cardiac arrest. CONTENTS: There were 4 articles that met our inclusion criteria, resulting in 204,072 patients undergoing regional or general anesthesia in two tertiary and academic hospitals, totalizing 627 cases of intraoperative cardiac arrest. The mean intraoperative cardiac arrest incidence for the 25 years period was 30.72:10,000 anesthesias. There was a decrease from 39:10,000 anesthesias to 13:10,000 anesthesias in the analyzed period, with the related lethality from 48.3% to 30.8%. Also, the main causes of anesthesia-related cause of mortality changed from machine malfunction and drug overdose to hypovolemia and respiratory causes. CONCLUSIONS: There was a clear reduction in the incidence of intraoperative cardiac arrest in the last 25 years in Brazil. This reduction is seen worldwide and might be a result of multiple factors, including new laws regulating the medicine in Brazil, incorporation of technologies, better human development level of the country, and better patient care.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA: Nos últimos 25 anos ocorreram grandes mudanças na medicina em todo o mundo. Essas mudanças de tecnologias, riscos do paciente, perfil do paciente e leis que regulam medicamentos tiveram impacto na incidência de parada cardíaca (PC). Postula-se que a incidência de parada cardíaca intraoperatória (PCI) tem diminuído ao longo dos anos, especialmente em países desenvolvidos. A nossa hipótese foi que, como no resto do mundo, a incidência de PCI está diminuindo no Brasil, um país em desenvolvimento. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar e avaliar na literatura as publicações que relacionam a incidência de PCI no Brasil e analisar a tendência na incidência de PCI. CONTEÚDO: Descobrimos quatro artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, que resultaram em 204.072 pacientes submetidos à anestesia regional ou geral em dois hospitais terciários e acadêmicos e 627 casos de PCI. A média de incidência de PCI para o período de 25 anos foi de 30,72:10.000 anestesias. Houve uma diminuição de 39:10.000 anestesias para 13:10.000 anestesias no período analisado, com letalidade relacionada de 48,3% para 30,8%. Além disso, as principais causas de mortalidade relacionadas à anestesia mudaram de mau funcionamento de máquinas e overdose de medicamentos para hipovolemia e causas respiratórias. CONCLUSÕES: Houve uma clara redução na incidência de PCI nos últimos 25 anos no Brasil. Essa redução é observada em todo o mundo e pode ser o resultado de vários fatores, incluindo novas leis que regulam medicamentos no Brasil, incorporação de tecnologias, melhor nível de desenvolvimento humano do país e melhor assistência ao paciente.

Conditioning With Sevoflurane in Liver Transplantation: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: During times of organ scarcity and extended use of liver grafts, protective strategies in transplantation are gaining importance. We demonstrated in the past that volatile anesthetics such as sevoflurane attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury during liver resection. In this randomized study, we examined if volatile anesthetics have an effect on acute graft injury and clinical outcomes after liver transplantation. METHODS: Cadaveric liver transplant recipients were enrolled from January 2009 to September 2012 at 3 University Centers (Zurich/Sao Paulo/Ghent). Recipients were randomly assigned to propofol (control group) or sevoflurane anesthesia. Postoperative peak of aspartate transaminase was defined as primary endpoint, secondary endpoints were early allograft dysfunction, in-hospital complications, intensive care unit, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Ninety-eight recipients were randomized to propofol (n = 48) or sevoflurane (n = 50). Median peak aspartate transaminase after transplantation was 925 (interquartile range, 512-3274) in the propofol and 1097 (interquartile range, 540-2633) in the sevoflurane group. In the propofol arm, 11 patients (23%) experienced early allograft dysfunction, 7 (14%) in the sevoflurane one (odds ratio, 0.64 (0.20 to 2.02, P = 0.45). There were 4 mortalities (8.3%) in the propofol and 2 (4.0%) in the sevoflurane group. Overall and major complication rates were not different. An effect on clinical outcomes was observed favoring the sevoflurane group (less severe complications), but without significance. CONCLUSIONS: This first multicenter trial comparing propofol with sevoflurane anesthesia in liver transplantation shows no difference in biochemical markers of acute organ injury and clinical outcomes between the 2 regimens. Sevoflurane has no significant added beneficial effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury compared to propofol.

Transfusion requirements in surgical oncology patients: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have indicated that a restrictive erythrocyte transfusion strategy is as safe as a liberal one in critically ill patients, but there is no clear evidence to support the superiority of any perioperative transfusion strategy in patients with cancer. METHODS: In a randomized, controlled, parallel-group, double-blind (patients and outcome assessors) superiority trial in the intensive care unit of a tertiary oncology hospital, the authors evaluated whether a restrictive strategy of erythrocyte transfusion (transfusion when hemoglobin concentration <7 g/dl) was superior to a liberal one (transfusion when hemoglobin concentration <9 g/dl) for reducing mortality and severe clinical complications among patients having major cancer surgery. All adult patients with cancer having major abdominal surgery who required postoperative intensive care were included and randomly allocated to treatment with the liberal or the restrictive erythrocyte transfusion strategy. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were included as follows: 101 in the restrictive group and 97 in the liberal group. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 19.6% (95% CI, 12.9 to 28.6%) of patients in the liberal-strategy group and in 35.6% (27.0 to 45.4%) of patients in the restrictive-strategy group (P = 0.012). Compared with the restrictive strategy, the liberal transfusion strategy was associated with an absolute risk reduction for the composite outcome of 16% (3.8 to 28.2%) and a number needed to treat of 6.2 (3.5 to 26.5). CONCLUSION: A liberal erythrocyte transfusion strategy with a hemoglobin trigger of 9 g/dl was associated with fewer major postoperative complications in patients having major cancer surgery compared with a restrictive strategy.

Frequency of intraoperative cardiac arrest and medium-term survival.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Although advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques have reduced perioperative morbidity-mortality, the survival rate following cardiac arrest remains low. The aim of this study was to evaluate, over the course of one year, the prevalence of intraoperative cardiac arrest and the 30-day survival rate after this event in a tertiary teaching hospital. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study in a tertiary teaching hospital. METHODS: Following approval by the institutional ethics committee, anesthetic procedures and cases of intraoperative cardiac arrest between January and December 2007 were evaluated. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery were excluded. The data were gathered prospectively using the modified Utstein model, with evaluation of demographic data, pre-arrest conditions, intraoperative care, care during arrest and postoperative outcome up to the 30th day. The data were recorded by the attending anesthesiologist. RESULTS: During the study period, 40,379 anesthetic procedures were performed, and 52 cases of intraoperative cardiac arrest occurred (frequency of 13:10,000). Among these, 69% presented spontaneous return of circulation after the initial arrest, and only 25% survived for 30 days after the event. The following factors were associated with shorter survival: American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status IV and V, emergency surgery, hemorrhagic events, hypovolemia as the cause of arrest and use of atropine during resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the frequency of cardiac arrest in the surgical environment has declined and resources to attend to this exist, the survival rate is low. Factors associated with worst prognosis are more frequent in critical patients.

Blood transfusion in cardiac surgery is a risk factor for increased hospital length of stay in adult patients.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion has been proposed as a negative indicator of quality in cardiac surgery. Hospital length of stay (LOS) may be a surrogate of poor outcome in transfused patients. METHODS: Data from 502 patients included in Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery (TRACS) study were analyzed to assess the relationship between RBC transfusion and hospital LOS in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and enrolled in the TRACS study. RESULTS: According to the status of RBC transfusion, patients were categorized into the following three groups: 1) 199 patients (40%) who did not receive RBC, 2) 241 patients (48%) who received 3 RBC units or fewer (low transfusion requirement group), and 3) 62 patients (12%) who received more than 3 RBC units (high transfusion requirement group). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, the following factors were predictive of a prolonged hospital length of stay: age higher than 65 years, EuroSCORE, valvular surgery, combined procedure, LVEF lower than 40% and RBC transfusion of > 3 units. CONCLUSION: RBC transfusion is an independent risk factor for increased LOS in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This finding highlights the adequacy of a restrictive transfusion therapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: http://NCT01021631.

High levels of B-type natriuretic peptide predict weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in adult patients after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The failure to wean from mechanical ventilation is related to worse outcomes after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the serum level of B-type natriuretic peptide is a predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of 101 patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. B-type natriuretic peptide was measured postoperatively after intensive care unit admission and at the end of a 60-min spontaneous breathing test. The demographic data, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, fluid balance, need for vasopressor or inotropic support, and length of the intensive care unit and hospital stays were recorded. Weaning failure was considered as either the inability to sustain spontaneous breathing after 60 min or the need for reintubation within 48 h. RESULTS: Of the 101 patients studied, 12 patients failed the weaning trial. There were no differences between the groups in the baseline or intraoperative characteristics, including left ventricular function, EuroSCORE and lengths of the cardiac procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass. The B-type natriuretic peptide levels were significantly higher at intensive care unit admission and at the end of the breathing test in the patients with weaning failure compared with the patients who were successfully weaned. In a multivariate model, a high B-type natriuretic peptide level at the end of a spontaneous breathing trial was the only independent predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: A high B-type natriuretic peptide level is a predictive factor for the failure to wean from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. These findings suggest that optimizing ventricular function should be a goal during the perioperative period.

Volume replacement therapy during hip arthroplasty using hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) compared to lactated Ringer decreases allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 is considered an effective plasma expander when compared to crystalloids. There is controversy around its superiority regarding hemodynamic optimization and about possible detrimental effects on coagulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HES 130/0.4 to lactated Ringer solution during hip arthroplasty in adult patients under spinal anesthesia regarding intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profile, transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, 48 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: 24 patients were allocated to receive a preload of 15 mL.kg(-1) of HES 130/0.4 and 24 patients received a preload of 30 mL.kg(-1) lactated Ringer solution before surgery. Hemodynamic measurements, hemoglobin concentrations, biochemical parameters and coagulation tests were evaluated in three periods during surgical procedure. Patients received medical follow-up during their hospital stay and up to postoperative 30 days. Primary outcome was the requirement of red blood cell transfusion between groups during hospital stay. Secondary outcome were hemodynamic parameters, length of hospital stay, mortality and occurrence of clinical postoperative complications. RESULTS: Red blood cell transfusion was required in 17% of patients in the HES group and in 46% in the Ringer group (p = .029). Postoperative infections were more frequently observed in the Ringer group (17%) compared to the HES group (0), p = .037. There were no significant differences between groups in mortality, hospital length of stay and clinical complications other than infection. CONCLUSIONS: During hip arthroplasty, patients treated with hypervolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 required less transfusion and presented lower infection rate compared to patients who received lactated Ringer.

Diaphragmatic pacing stimulation in spinal cord injury: anesthetic and perioperative management.

OBJECTIVE: The standard therapy for patients with high-level spinal cord injury is long-term mechanical ventilation through a tracheostomy. However, in some cases, this approach results in death or disability. The aim of this study is to highlight the anesthetics and perioperative aspects of patients undergoing insertion of a diaphragmatic pacemaker. METHODS: Five patients with quadriplegia following high cervical traumatic spinal cord injury and ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure were implanted with a laparoscopic diaphragmatic pacemaker after preoperative assessments of their phrenic nerve function and diaphragm contractility through transcutaneous nerve stimulation. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01385384. RESULTS: The diaphragmatic pacemaker placement was successful in all of the patients. Two patients presented with capnothorax during the perioperative period, which resolved without consequences. After six months, three patients achieved continuous use of the diaphragm pacing system, and one patient could be removed from mechanical ventilation for more than 4 hours per day. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a diaphragmatic phrenic system is a new and safe technique with potential to improve the quality of life of patients who are dependent on mechanical ventilation because of spinal cord injuries. Appropriate indication and adequate perioperative care are fundamental to achieving better results.

Lactate and base deficit are predictors of mortality in critically ill patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients frequently require admission to intensive care unit. However, there are a few data regarding predictive factors for mortality in this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether arterial lactate or standard base deficit on admission and after 24 hours can predict mortality for patients with cancer. METHODS: We evaluated 1,129 patients with severe sepsis, septic shock, or postoperative after high-risk surgery. Lactate and standard base deficit collected at admission and after 24 hours were compared between survivors and non-survivors. We evaluated whether these perfusion markers are independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: There were 854 hospital survivors (76.5%). 24 h lactate > 1.9 mmol/L and standard base deficit < -2.3 were independent predictors of intensive care unit mortality. 24 h lactate >1.9 mmol/L and 24 h standard base deficit < -2.3 mmol/Lwere independent predictors of hospital death. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that lactate and standard base deficit measurement should be included in the routine assessment of patients with cancer admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis, septic shock or after high-risk surgery. These markers may be useful in the adequate allocation of resources in this population.

PEEP-ZEEP technique: cardiorespiratory repercussions in mechanically ventilated patients submitted to a coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: The PEEP-ZEEP technique is previously described as a lung inflation through a positive pressure enhancement at the end of expiration (PEEP), followed by rapid lung deflation with an abrupt reduction in the PEEP to 0 cmH2O (ZEEP), associated to a manual bilateral thoracic compression. AIM: To analyze PEEP-ZEEP technique's repercussions on the cardio-respiratory system in immediate postoperative artery graft bypass patients. METHODS: 15 patients submitted to a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) were enrolled prospectively, before, 10 minutes and 30 minutes after the technique. Patients were curarized, intubated, and mechanically ventilated. To perform PEEP-ZEEP technique, saline solution was instilled into their orotracheal tube than the patient was reconnected to the ventilator. Afterwards, the PEEP was increased to 15 cmH2O throughout 5 ventilatory cycles and than the PEEP was rapidly reduced to 0 cmH2O along with manual bilateral thoracic compression. At the end of the procedure, tracheal suction was accomplished. RESULTS: The inspiratory peak and plateau pressures increased during the procedure (p < 0.001) compared with other pressures during the assessment periods; however, they were within lung safe limits. The expiratory flow before the procedure were 33 ± 7.87 L/min, increasing significantly during the procedure to 60 ± 6.54 L/min (p < 0.001), diminishing to 35 ± 8.17 L/min at 10 minutes and to 36 ± 8.48 L/min at 30 minutes. Hemodynamic and oxygenation variables were not altered. CONCLUSION: The PEEP-ZEEP technique seems to be safe, without alterations on hemodynamic variables, produces elevated expiratory flow and seems to be an alternative technique for the removal of bronchial secretions in patients submitted to a CABG.

Hemodynamic changes during myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac positioning and stabilization during myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation (ECC) may cause hemodynamic changes dependent to the surgical site. The objective of this study was to evaluate these changes during distal coronary anastomosis. METHODS: Twenty adult patients undergoing myocardial revascularization without ECC were monitored by pulmonary artery catheter and transesophageal Echo Doppler. Hemodynamic data were collected at the following times before removing the stabilizer wall: (1) after volume adjustments, (2) at the beginning of distal anastomosis, and (3) after 5 minutes. Treated coronary arteries were grouped according to their location in the lateral, anterior, or posterior wall. Two-way ANOVA with repetition and Newman-Keuls post-test were used in the analysis. A p value < 0.05 was considered statically significant. RESULTS: During myocardial revascularization without ECC, pulmonary artery wedge pressure showed elevation from 17.7 ± 6.1 to 19.2 ± 6.5 (p < 0.001) and 19.4 ± 5.9 mmHg (p < 0.001), while the central venous pressure went from 13.9 ± 5.4 to 14.9 ± 5.9 mmHg (p = 0.007) and 15.1 ± 6.0 mmHg (p = 0.006). Intermittent cardiac output was reduced from 4.70 ± 1.43 to 4.23 ± 1.22 (p < 0.001) and 4.26 ± 1.25 L.min(-1) (p < 0.001). According to transesophageal Doppler, a significant group-time interaction was observed in cardiac output, which was reduced in the lateral group from 4.08 ± 1.99 to 2.84 ± 1.82 (p = 0.02) and 2.86 ± 1.73 L.min(-1) (p = 0.02), and aortic blood flow, which went from 2.85 ± 1.39 to 1.99 ± 1.26 (p = 0.02) and 2.00 ± 1.21 L.min(-1) (p = 0.02). Other hemodynamic changes were not observed during anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: A significant hemodynamic deterioration was observed during myocardial revascularization without ECC. Transesophageal Doppler detected a decrease in cardiac output only in the lateral group.

Clinical evaluation of the flotrac/Vigileo system for continuous cardiac output monitoring in patients undergoing regional anesthesia for elective cesarean section: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery may cause severe maternal hypotension and a decrease in cardiac output. Compared to assessment of cardiac output via a pulmonary artery catheter, the FloTrac/Vigileo system may offer a less invasive technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac output and other hemodynamic measurements made using the FloTrac/Vigileo system in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section. METHODS: A prospective study enrolling 10 healthy pregnant women was performed. Hemodynamic parameters were continuously obtained at 15 main points: admission to surgery (two baseline measurements), after preload, after spinal anesthesia administration and 4 time points thereafter (4, 6, 8 and 10 min after anesthesia), at skin and uterine incision, newborn and placental delivery, oxytocin administration, end of surgery, and recovery from anesthesia. Hemodynamic therapy was guided by mean arterial pressure, and vasopressors were used as appropriate to maintain baseline values. A repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in heart rate and a decrease of stroke volume and stroke volume index up to 10 min after spinal anesthesia (P < 0.01). Importantly, stroke volume variation increased immediately after newborn delivery (P < 0.001) and returned to basal values at the end of surgery. Further hemodynamic parameters showed no significant changes over time. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: No significant hemodynamic effects, except for heart rate and stroke volume changes, were observed in pregnant women managed with preload and vasopressors when undergoing elective cesarean section and spinal anesthesia.

Assessing the impact of lung hyperinflation maneuver on systemic inflammatory response and lung collapse in patients undergoing surgeries under spontaneous ventilation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lung hyperinflation maneuvers (LHM) reverse intraoperative atelectasis; however, they can lead to pulmonary-induced systemic inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of LHM on systemic inflammatory response and lung structure in patients undergoing subarachnoid block. METHODS: After approval by the Ethics Committee of the institution and signing the informed consent, 20 patients undergoing small and medium surgical procedures were randomly separated into two groups: 1) control (CG), and 2) LHM (LHMG). One hour after the spinal anesthesia, LHM was performed in LHMG by applying bilevel positive pressure in the airways (BIPAP) with an expiratory pressure of 20 cmH(2)O and inspiratory pressure of 20 cmH(2)O for 1 to 2 minutes. Blood levels of TNFalpha, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 were determined by flow cytometry at baseline and at 90, 180, and 780 minutes. Lung volumes and weights were determined using CT scans obtained immediately after the surgery. RESULTS: The use of LHM resulted in a reduction in the fraction of non-aerated pulmonary parenchyma (7.5 +/- 4.3%, in the Control Group, vs. 4 +/- 2.1%, in the LHM Group, p = 0.02) without changing pulmonary volumes. A progressive increase in plasma levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, similar in both groups, was observed. Plasma levels of TNFalpha and IL-12 were undetectable during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LHM reduced the incidence of atelectasis, but it did not amplify the inflammatory response in patients with normal lungs undergoing small and medium surgeries under subarachnoid block.

Assessment of the swallowing function in older individuals referred to myocardial revascularization surgery.

BACKGROUND: Swallowing evaluation of older individuals with coronary disease referred to heart surgery. AIM: To identify the characteristics of the swallowing function in older individuals referred to myocardial revascularization surgery (MR), using an evaluating protocol composed by a water test, cervical auscultation and pulse oximetry. METHOD: The Assessment Protocol for Dysphagia Risk through a Combined Swallowing test and Vital Signs monitoring was used (PADTC)--measurements of HR and SpO2 (heart rate and oxygen saturation), water swallowing test with 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 e 20 ml, measurement of respiratory rate and cervical auscultation. The electronic stethoscope was used to analyze the number of swallows, response time and swallowing sound classification. In the Research Group (RG) older individuals with heart disease who were referred to MR were included. In the Control Group (CG) healthy older individuals were included. RESULTS: 38 older individuals were evaluated in the RG (mean age 68 years). In the CG, 30 older individuals were evaluated (mean age 70 years). There was a significant difference for the swallowing response time in older individuals with heart disease who presented HR below 60: swallowing response was shorter for 3 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml e 20 ml. HR was lower for individuals with heart disease. No significant difference was found between the groups for the other analyzed parameters. CONCLUSION: Older individuals with heart disease presented differences in the swallowing function when compared to healthy older individuals. Older individuals with heart disease presented alterations in the temporal coordination between breathing and swallowing, thus indicating risk for dysphagia.

Penetration of cefuroxime in subcutaneous tissue during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

A sensitive and rapid HPLC assay for determining cefuroxime penetration in the subcutaneous tissue near to surgical incision of patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was performed. Blood and subcutaneous tissue samples were collected from 14 patients, in four periods during surgery. The analytical method presented linearity from 0.5 to 100 microg/g, LOQ=0.50 microg/g, LOD=0.25 microg/g, intra- and interday precision (%CV) ranged from 4.9 to 8.9% and 6.4 to 9.9%, respectively, and intra- and interday accuracy expressed as % of the nominal concentration ranged from 87.1 to 104.6% and 94.8 to 103.8%, respectively (mean of three concentrations). Relative recovery was 98.4%. Tissue/plasma ratios obtained for CPB and non-CPB were, respectively: 14.6% vs 19.0% (0.6 h); 15.7% vs 15.7% (2.1 h); 22.5% vs 19.9% (3.6 h); 15.7% vs 18.8% (4.5 h). Data obtained indicate that tissue/plasma ratio remains unchanged in CPB and non-CPB patients during all period of surgery and the CPB does not affect the penetration of cefuroxime in tissues close to the surgical wound.

Intensive perioperative glucose control does not improve outcomes of patients submitted to open-heart surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between different target levels of glucose and the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: We designed a prospective study in a university hospital where 109 consecutive patients were enrolled during a six-month period. All patients were scheduled for open-heart surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. One group consisted of 55 patients and had a target glucose level of 80-130 mg/dl, while the other contained 54 patients and had a target glucose level of 160-200 mg/dl. These parameters were controlled during surgery and for 36 hours after surgery in the intensive care unit. Primary outcomes were clinical outcomes, including time of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the intensive care unit, infection, hypoglycemia, renal or neurological dysfunction, blood transfusion and length of stay in the hospital. The secondary outcome was a combined end-point (mortality at 30 days, infection or length of stay in the intensive care unit of more than 3 days). A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The anthropometric and clinical characteristics of the patients from each group were similar, except for weight and body mass index. The mean glucose level during the protocol period was 126.69 mg/dl in the treated group and 168.21 mg/dl in the control group (p<0.0016). There were no differences between groups regarding clinical outcomes, including the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the intensive care unit, blood transfusion, postoperative infection, hypoglycemic event, neurological dysfunction or 30-day mortality (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In 109 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, both protocols of glycemic control in an intraoperative setting and in the intensive care unit were found to be safe, easily achieved and not to differentially affect clinical outcomes.