Comparing volumetric and biochemical assessment of intravasation caused by hysteroscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: During hysteroscopic surgery intravasation of irrigation fluid occurs, leading to potentially dangerous intravascular fluid overload. Currently, intravasation is usually measured volumetrically as fluid deficit. Intravasation could also be calculated using the decrease in hemoglobin or increase in chloride ion concentration, both phenomena known to result from intravasation. We compared the values of intravasation measured volumetrically as fluid deficit versus calculated from the biochemical change in hemoglobin and chloride. We expected that these values would show strong correlation and agreement. METHODS: In a retrospective data analysis of 51 patients who underwent hysteroscopic resection of myomas or endometrium a pre and post procedure concentration of haemoglobin and chloride was available. The fluid deficit was plotted against the two versions of calculated intravasation. Furthermore, we put the data into Bland-Altman plots to scrutinize their relationship. RESULTS: The volumetric assessed fluid deficit and both versions of biochemically assessed intravasation, either using the change in hemoglobin or chloride ion concentration, turned out to be three totally different entities with weak correlation. Bland-Altman plots show too wide limits of agreement, and a striking difference between the two methods of calculated intravasation. CONCLUSION: Our study shows significant differences and poor agreement between volumetric and biochemically assessed intravasation. Based on this study, routinely assessing intravasation by biochemical methods does not have additional benefit compared to the volumetric fluid deficit. It remains unclear which method resembles true intravasation.

[Improve the extravasation assessment of peripheral venous catheter by nurses, with the establishment of a standardized instrument and suitable for children] / Amélioration de la mesure d'extravasation des cathéters veineux périphériques par les infirmières en pédiatrie, grâce à l'utilisation d'un instrument d'évaluation spécifique.

In pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, severity assessment of extravasation is difficult, considering the specificity of this population. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the ability to improve the measurement of extravasation by nurses with the establishment of a standardized instrument and suitable for children. 66 nurses, randomly assigned to two groups, assessed the severity of extravasations using 15 clinical vignettes.The intervention group with the Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Infiltration Scale (PIV Scale) (n=33) and the control group based on clinical judgment only (n=33). The reference were obtained from a group of experts. For both groups, concordance and sensitivity were calculated. Concordance and sensitivity were improved by the use of the PIV scale κ=0,62 (IC 95% ; 0,57-0,67) vs κ=0,51 (IC 95 % ; 0,45-0,57), and (69 %) vs (60 %) (p<0,001), respectively. Severity assessment of extravasation on peripheral venous accesses by nurses was improved with the use of the PIV scale, compared to clinical judgment. As this study was based on clinical vignettes, further studies are needed to confirm these results in clinical setting.

Extravasation of iodinated contrast medium during CT: self-assessment module.

The educational objectives for this self-assessment module on the extravasation of iodinated contrast medium are for the participant to exercise, self-assess, and improve his or her understanding of the frequency, appearance, recognition, and management of extravasation of iodinated contrast medium during contrast-enhanced CT.

Extravasation: prevention, recognition and management.

This article provides readers with an overview of extravasation, including risk factors and management strategies. The importance of accurate reporting and documentation is also highlighted, particularly as patients will often require follow-up care and may take legal action as a result of extravasation injury.

[Kyphoplasty in osteoporotic spinal fractures]. / Kyphoplastie bei osteoporotischen Wirbelfrakturen.

Kyphoplasty has been the standard procedure for osteoporotic fractures for more than 5 years but the material costs are still very high. The aim of this study was to clarify whether pain reduction could be achieved without increasing the rate of new fractures and also in what areas costs could possibly be reduced. From 15.01.2007 until 15.01.2008, a total of 100 patients with 126 recent osteoporotic spinal fractures were treated by kyphoplasty with an average operation time of 38 min and follow-up times up to 12 months. During this follow-up period 15 lateral and 2 dorsal cement leakages remained asymptomatic and 1 dorsal leakage caused an incomplete paraparesis, which was finally cured completely. All patients were very content and pain measured on the visual analogous scale could be lowered from 8.0 before the operation to 2.7 points after the operation. With material costs of 3,056 Euro, there were additional operation costs of 247 Euro per case. The average effective weight was 2.84. On average 7,810 Euro returns could be achieved, deducting material and operation costs left 4,507 Euro per case. More than 40% of gains were reinvested in operation and material costs. Within 12 months 6 new fractures occurred despite medicinal prophylactic treatment which could also be successfully treated by kyphoplasty. The average visual analogous scale after 12 months was 2.1 points.Kyphoplasty still causes financial deficits due to high material costs, however, patients benefit from a reduction of pain.

[Role of arteriography in the assessment and treatment of hemorrhagic diseases of the small intestines]. / Place de l'artériographie dans la mise au point et le traitement de la pathologie hémorragique de l'intestin grêle.

We present the indications and usefulness of visceral angiography for diagnostic and therapy in patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage. This is based on the results of a retrospective study of 265 angiographies for gastrointestinal bleeding. In fifty one cases an extravasation was seen and in one hundred and four patients a possible etiology for the gastrointestinal hemorrhage was suspected from indirect signs. In 19 cases, an embolization was performed with good result in 16 (84%).