Does remote ischemic preconditioning affect the systemic inflammatory response by modulating presepsin levels?

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning (RIPC) on the inflammatory response during CPB by means of serum presepsin levels at preoperative and postoperative 1st and 24th h. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, cross-sectional study we included 81 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients were randomized and RIPC was applied to 40 patients in the study group before anesthesia. The remaining 41 patients were determined as the control group. The relationships between RIPC and factors such as presepsin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocyte levels were investigated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in postoperative leukocyte and CRP values (p = 0.52, p = 0.13, respectively). When the preoperative and postoperative first hour presepsin values of the patients were compared, no significant difference was found in the control group (p = 0.17), but a significant difference was found in the study group (p < 0.05). When the presepsin values were compared between the groups, a significant difference was found only in the postoperative first hour value (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that RIPC application caused to increase the presepsin levels in the postoperative first hour significantly in the study group (p < 0.05).

The effects of perioperative goal-directed therapy on acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery in the early period.

Background: This study aims to investigate the effects of goaldirected fluid therapy on the development of acute kidney injury in the perioperative period in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Between November 2019 and May 2021, a total of 60 patients (46 males, 14 females; mean age: 62.5±9.6 years; range, 44 to 76 years) who were scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as the study group (Group S, n=30) and control group (Group C, n=30). The patients in Group C were treated with standard therapy, while the patients in Group S were treated with goal-directed fluid therapy. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification and renal biomarkers were used for the evaluation of acute kidney injury. Results: Acute kidney injury rates were similar in both groups (30%). Postoperative fluid requirement, intra-, and postoperative erythrocyte suspension requirements were significantly lower in Group S than Group C (p=0.002, p=0.02, and p=0.002, respectively). Cystatin-C was lower in Group S (p<0.002). The kidney injury molecule-1, glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine levels were similar in both groups. The length of hospital stay was longer in Group C than Group S (p<0.001). Conclusion: Although goal-directed fluid therapy does not change the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, it can significantly decrease Cystatin-C levels. Goal-directed fluid therapy can also decrease fluid and erythrocyte requirements with shorter length of hospital stay.

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of cell saver usage in the repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.

INTRODUCTION: A substantial amount of blood loss occurs during the open repair of aortic aneurysms or dissections. The aim of the present study is to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of cell saver devices in blood conservation during the open repair of thoracic aortic pathologies. METHODS: The present study prospectively collected the data pertaining to 25 patients who underwent surgical management of thoracic aortic aneurysms or dissections using a cell saver (Group 1, n = 25). The volume and cost of transfusion and postoperative outcomes were compared with the second group of patients who underwent surgery without the use of cell savers in the previous year (Group 2, n = 25); the data pertaining to the same were retrospectively collected from the hospital records. The patient characteristics and categorical variables were compared using the x2 test and Fisher's exact test. Transfusion volume and costs were compared using the independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The patients in both the groups displayed similar characteristics and risk factors. The total volume of allogenic red blood cell (p < 0.001) and total blood product (p = 0.01) transfusions were significantly lower in Group 1. The cost of red blood cell (p < 0.001) and total transfusions (p = 0.03) were lower in Group 1. The two groups displayed similar in-hospital morbidity and mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between the use of cell savers and the decreased need for red blood cell and total blood product transfusions. Considering the cost of the cell saver set, transfusion costs in the two groups were comparable.

Effects of low-dose propofol vs ketamine on emergence cough in children undergoing flexible bronchoscopy with sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of low-dose ketamine and propofol on cough during emergence and the recovery period when administered at emergence in children undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy for bronchoalveolar lavage (FOBL) with sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Operating room, postoperative recovery area. PATIENTS: Sixty-eight children aged 1 to 8 years old undergoing elective diagnostic FOBL. INTERVENTIONS: After discontinuation of anesthetics at the end of FOBL, patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: in group K, children were administered 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine; in group P, 0.5 mg/kg of propofol; and in group C, 0.1 mL/kg of normal saline. MEASUREMENTS: Anesthesia time, procedure time, emergence time, and recovery time were recorded. Coughing and delirium scores were recorded as the patient fully emerged from anesthesia (time 0) and 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes later. MAIN RESULTS: The percentage of children with moderate or severe cough during emergence was similar in all groups. Mean delirium scores at emergence (T0) were significantly lower in group K than those in group P and in group C (P = .0001 and P = .02). Mean delirium score at 5 minutes in group K (6 [5-10]) was significantly lower than that of group C (P = .02) and similar to that of group P. The recovery time of group K was significantly longer than that of group C and group P (P = .01 and P = .03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine or propofol given at the end of sevoflurane-remifentanil general anesthesia in children undergoing FOBL did not decrease cough more than normal saline during the emergence period. Ketamine and propofol, compared to normal saline, had a beneficial effect on decreasing the incidence of emergence delirium. Ketamine lengthened recovery time.

Thromboelastogram reduces blood use by inspecting coagulation in heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Blood transfusion after coronary artery bypass surgery is carried out according to general coagulation tests and blood counts. Our aim was to determine the effects of rotational thromboelastography results on the amount of blood products used in the intraoperative and postoperative periods in coronary artery bypass patients. METHODS: Our study included 164 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass. A control group was formed from 82 patients picked from hospital records, who had elective coronary artery bypass before the introduction of rotational thromboelastography in our clinic. Blood transfusion was performed in this group according to conventional laboratory data. The study group comprised 82 patients who had elective coronary artery bypass after the introduction of rotational thromboelastography. Blood transfusion was performed in the study group according to rotational thromboelastogram results. The amounts of blood products used in the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: There were statistically significant decreases in the intraoperative and postoperative amounts of packed red blood cells (p = 0.012 and p = 0.006) and postoperative whole blood (p = 0.013) used in the study group compared to the control group. Postoperative bleeding was also significantly reduced (p = 0.001) in the study group. CONCLUSION: Blood transfusion is an important issue after coronary artery bypass, and because of the decreased amount of blood products used, a rotational thromboelastography-based blood transfusion algorithm should be applied in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass.

[Comparison of thoracic epidural and paravertebral analgesia for postoperative pain control after thoracotomy]. / Torakotomi sonrasi postoperatif agri kontrolünde torakal epidural ve paravertebral blogun karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: In the present randomized, controlled, and blinded study, the effects of thoracic paravertebral analgesia were compared to those of epidural analgesia on postoperative pain, hemodynamics, and respiration rate following thoracotomy. METHODS: Patients scheduled for elective open-lung surgery were included. One hour prior to surgery, thoracic epidural catheters were used in 18 patients (ED group), and ultrasound-guided paravertebral catheters were used in 17 patients (PV group). Standard general anesthesia was administered to all. Following anesthesia, postoperative analgesia of levobupivacaine 0.1% and morphine 0.1 mg mL-1 was administered via catheter. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) regime with tramadol was initiated, and amounts of local anesthetics and tramadol demanded and delivered within the first 24 hours were recorded. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, sedation score, side effects, and vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate) were assessed by an observer blinded to patient data at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours. RESULTS: Differences in PCA bolus demands and deliveries were not statistically significant between the PV group (26.8±1.3 and 33.1±4.5) and the ED group (25.1±3.5 and 32.5±4.3). Neither were differences in VAS scores statistically significant (p=0.3). Rates of sedation among the PV group were lower than those of the ED group at 1 hour (p=0.001). Five patients in the ED (%28) group experienced hypotension (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Paravertebral block with levobupivacaine 0.1% and morphine 0.1 mg mL-1 may be an alternative form of pain relief following thoracotomy.

Management of a patient with giant aneurysms in the popliteal and coronary arteries.

Coexistence of multiple peripheric arterial and coronary artery aneurysms of different sizes is extremely rare in young adults. We present a case of rare giant coronary aneurysm and concurrent giant left popliteal aneurysm treated with classical open repair.

Bentall Operation in a Patient With Severe Hemophilia A and Marfan Syndrome by Use of a Biologic Composite Graft.

We describe a patient with severe hemophilia A and Marfan syndrome who underwent an elective Bentall operation. Because of the severe hemophilia, anticoagulation could not be given postoperatively; thus, a biologic Valsalva conduit graft was used. During the procedure, factor VIII was given as a bolus dose just before incision, then by continous infusion intraoperatively to maintain the factor VIII activity level between 200% and 300%. Minimal postoperative bleeding occurred. The infusion was continued postoperatively at a lower dose until all chest tubes, pacing wires, and invasive catheters were removed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7 without adverse events.

Is "Attenuation of Oxidative Stress" Helpful to Understand the Mechanism of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Cardiac Surgery?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on markers of cardiac ischemia and response to oxidative stress in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, and blinded study. SETTING: A single-center university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: This study included patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass who were selected carefully to prevent confounding with factors known to affect markers of ischemia-reperfusion and response to oxidative stress. INTERVENTIONS: The authors randomly assigned patients to RIPC to the left lower extremity using a blood pressure cuff (study group) or a cuff that was applied but not inflated or deflated (control group). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At 6 hours after CABG surgery, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. Levels of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme, were significantly greater 15 minutes after release of the cross-clamp in the study group, whereas malondialdehyde levels were lower (not significantly) at 1 and 15 minutes after release of the cross-clamp. Hemodynamic parameters were not significantly different at any time point during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' method of RIPC before CABG surgery resulted in less myocardial ischemia, as indicated by lower troponin levels. Changes in levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes supported the hypothesis that this protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury was related to scavenging of free oxygen radicals. Future studies might include a more heterogeneous population and medications that lower the body's response to oxidative stress.

Immune and inflammatory role of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 and fluid gelatin in patients undergoing coronary surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Compare the effects on inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) and immunologic (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD11b(+), CD16(+)/56(+) T cells and total lymphocyte concentration) variables of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4, 4% modified fluid gelatin, or crystalloid when used as volume replacement fluids for acute normovolemic hemodilution (a blood conservation technique) in coronary artery bypass graft patients. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized to receive Isolyte S® (Group ISO), 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (Group HES) or 4% modified gelatin solution (Group GEL) for acute normovolemic hemodilution. Blood samples were taken immediately after induction of anaesthesia (T0), and 2 h (T1), 12 h (T2), 24 h (T3), and 48 h (T4) after separation from cardiopulmonary bypass. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 levels were determined with commercially available ELISA kits. CD3(+) (mature T cells), CD4(+) (T helper cells), CD8(+) (suppressor cytotoxic T cells), CD16(+)/56(+) (natural killer lymphocytes), and CD11b(+) (Mac-1, adhesion receptor) levels were measured using flow-cytometry reagents. The CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio was calculated. RESULTS: Between-group comparisons showed significantly higher levels of TNF-α at T1 (2 h after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass) in Group HES compared to Group ISO (p=0.003). IL-8 was significantly lower in Group HES than Group GEL at T1 (p=0.0005). IL-10 was significantly higher in Group HES than in Group GEL at T1 (p=0.0001). The CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio in Group ISO was significantly lower than that in Group HES at T2 (p=0.003). CD11b(+) levels in Group HES were also higher than those in Group GEL and group ISO at T2, but not significantly. CD16/56(+) levels in Group HES were higher than those in Group GEL at T2 (p<0.003). No excessive hemorrhage occurred in any patient. Mediastinal drainage during the first 24 h after surgery in Group HES (347±207 mL) was not significantly different from that of Group GEL (272±177 mL) or Group ISO (247±109) (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 reduced pro-inflammatory responses and increased anti-inflammatory responses to a greater degree than gelatin solution and isolyte S®. The use of hydroxyethyl starch, compared to gelatin solution and isolyte S®, resulted in less decrease in the CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio, suggesting less immunosuppression.

Effects of High-Dose Rocuronium on the QTc Interval During Anaesthesia Induction in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Existing myocardial damage in coronary artery disease patients causes prolonged QT syndrome. The primary objective of this trial is to explore the effects of different doses of the muscle relaxant agent rocuronium (0.6 mg kg(-1) and 1.2 mg kg(-1)) on QTc following anaesthetic induction. The second objective is to determine the incidence and kinds of arrhythmias. METHODS: In this prospective and randomized trial, patients undergoing elective coronary artery revascularization surgery were included in one of two groups. Both groups took the same anaesthetic induction agents: midazolam and fentanyl. Rocuronium was administered in Group 1 (n=20) with dose of 0.6 mg kg(-1) and in Group 2 (n=20) with a dose of 1.2 mg kg(-1) for muscle relaxation. Heart rate, average arterial pressure and QTc were recorded before induction (T0), after induction (T1), after muscle relaxant (T2), and 2 minutes (T3) and 5 minutes after intubation (T4). RESULTS: QTc was significantly longer 2 minutes after intubation (in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, 447.9±28.3 and 466.1±37.8 ms) than at the beginning (respectively, 426.9±25.7, 432.0±35.5 ms) (p<0.01). In the intergroup comparison, average QTc values were similar in all trial periods (p>0.05). The prevalence of arrhythmias in between Group 1 (35%, n=7) and Group 2 (15%, n=3) was similar (p=0.06). Arrhythmias were recorded 2 minutes after intubation in both groups (n=10, 25%). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization surgery, rocuronium doses of 0.6 mg kg(-1) and 1.2 mg kg(-1) prolong the QTc interval after intubation. Cardiac arrhythmias related to long QTc arising after intubation should be taken into consideration.

Levosimendan attenuates reperfusion injury in an isolated perfused rat heart model.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of levosimendan on apoptosis and infarct size when administered before ischemia in an isolated rat heart model. DESIGN: An in vitro experimental study. SETTING: Animal laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Isolated perfused rat heart preparation (n = 22). INTERVENTIONS: Perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit solution was performed for 30 minutes and then 0.1 micromol/L of levosimendan was added to the perfusion fluid for 10 minutes before global ischemia; the control hearts received no levosimendan. Hearts underwent global ischemia for 30 minutes and then were reperfused for 30 minutes before specimens were obtained for testing. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Infarct sizes were measured at the end of the reperfusion period and expressed as a percentage of the area at risk. Myocardial apoptosis was detected by using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) method. Bcl-2 expression was determined to detect antiapoptotic activity. Infarct size was significantly less in the levosimendan group (26% +/- 3% v 40% +/- 4%, respectively; p = 0.009). Levosimendan significantly reduced the proportion of TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes (3 +/- 1 v 20 +/- 4, respectively; p < 0.001) and increased Bcl-2 expression compared with control hearts (44% +/- 3% v 31% +/- 3%, respectively; p = 0.01). Recovery of left ventricular-developed pressure 30 minutes after reperfusion in ischemic hearts pretreated with levosimendan was significantly better than that of placebo-treated hearts (53% +/- 3% v 38% +/- 3% of baseline, respectively; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Levosimendan has a cardioprotective effect when administered before ischemia in ischemia-reperfusion injury. This effect may be useful in elective cardiac surgery for protecting myocytes from ischemia-reperfusion-induced apoptosis.

The effect of remifentanil on the emergence characteristics of children undergoing FBO for bronchoalveolar lavage with sevoflurane anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sevoflurane vs. sevoflurane and remifentanil on cough and agitation during emergence and recovery after fiberoptic bronchoscopy. METHODS: Children between 2 and 6 years of age undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy were enrolled. All patients were premedicated with oral midazolam. Patients were randomly assigned to either group S (sevoflurane alone, n = 25) or group SR (sevoflurane with remifetanil, n = 25). Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in all patients. Group SR received remifentanil at a bolus dose of 1 microg/kg over 2 min followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.15 microg/kg/min. In addition to routine anaesthesia documentation, agitation scores and cough scores were recorded every 5 min during emergence and recovery. RESULTS: Duration of the procedure, anaesthesia and emergence phases was similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Time until recovery was significantly shorter in group SR than in group S (7.0 +/- 5.5 min and 13.0 +/- 3.5 min, respectively; P = 0.001). Cough scores were not significantly different between the two groups during emergence and recovery (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test, P > 0.05). However, the mean agitation score at 5 min in group SR was significantly higher than that in group S (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test, P < 0.01). One case of hypoxaemia from thoracic rigidity occurred in a patient in group SR. CONCLUSION: The addition of remifentanil significantly shortened recovery time in children undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy under sevoflurane anaesthesia. In the recovery period, remifentanil did not decrease cough, and increased agitation.

[Comparison of TD-fentanyl with sustained-release morphine in the pain treatment of patients with lung cancer]. / Akciger kanserli hastalarin agrilarinin tedavisinde transdermal fentanil ve yavas salinimli morfinin karsilastirilmasi.

UNLABELLED: Comparison of TD-fentanyl with sustained-release morphine in the pain treatment of patients with lung cancer AIM: The aim of this randomized and controlled trial was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of trans-dermal fentanyl (TDF) and sustained-release oral morphine (SRM) primarily and their side effects secondarily, in patients with chronic lung cancer-related pain. MATERIAL-METHODS: According to three step analgesic guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization, 50 chronic lung cancer patients requiring third line therapy were enrolled and received either TDF patch (Grup F, n=25) or SRM per orally (Grup M, n=25) for 15 days. Patients were assessed in view to numeric rating scale of their pain, as well as the drugs' side effects like constipation, nausea-vomiting, urinary retention and urticaria, hypoventilation. RESULTS: Pain scores were similar for both groups at the beginning (p>0.05). While significantly lower pain scores were achieved on the 7th and 15th days compared to those of initial values in Group F and Group M patients (p<0.001); these decreases did not reach statistical significance between the groups (p>0.05). Compared to Group M, constipation was significantly lower in Group F (14 patients and 64% vs. 6 patients and 27%, respectively) (p=0.03). However, the frequencies of nausea-vomiting, urinary retention and urticaria were different between the groups (p>0.5). None of the patients developed hypoventilation. CONCLUSION: Both TDF and SRM are safe and effective analgesics for the management of chronic cancer pain. However, TDF is associated with significantly less constipation rate than that of with SRM.