Correlation of biofilm formation, virulence factors, and phylogenetic groups among Escherichia coli strains causing urinary tract infection: A global systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Different virulence factors are involved in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC); hence, this study aimed to study the prevalence of biofilm formation, virulence factors, and phylogenetic groups and their correlation with biofilm formation among UPEC isolates through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted from 1, 2000, to the end of 2021 in different databases for studies that reported biofilm together with virulence genes or phylogenetic groups in UPEC isolates from patients with UTI according to PRISMA protocol. Data were analyzed by Comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results: The pooled prevalence of biofilm formers was 74.7%. The combined prevalence of phylogenetic Groups A, B1, B2, and D (s) were reported at 19.6%, 11%, 50.7%, and 20.5%, respectively. The most common virulence genes reported worldwide were fimA, ecpA, and fimH, with a combined prevalence of 90.3%, 86.6%, and 64.9%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of biofilm formation in UPEC isolates with phylogenetic Groups A, B1, B2, D, C, and F were 12.4%, 8.7%, 33.7%, 12.4%, 2.6%, and 2.65%, respectively. Several studies showed a correlation between biofilm production and virulence genes, or phylogenetic groups. Conclusion: Regarding data obtained, the high level of combined biofilm formation (74.7%) and the presence of a positive correlation between biofilm production and virulence genes, or phylogenetic groups as reported by the most studies included in the present review, indicates an important role of biofilm in the persistence of UPEC in the UTI.

Protective Effects of Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate in Stroke Patients Receiving Amiodarone: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Anti-arrhythmic agents, like amiodarone, interfere at different stages of the ischemic stroke. However, amiodarone was accompanied with immunological pulmonary complications and adverse neurological effects. We hypothesize that magnesium sulfate in combination with amiodarone holds promise for stroke treatment. Thirty-six patients with confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation who received bolus amiodarone were randomly assigned to magnesium sulfate every 24 h or similar volume of normal saline (as placebo) for 5 days. Various severity test scores were used to evaluate the symptoms. Routing biochemistry were also measured at days 1 and 5. Treatment with MgSO4 results in a significant reduction in serum levels of NGAL, Hb, T.Bill, IL-6, IL-8, SNSE, S100B, EGF, PAF, CRP and IgG. Also, MgSO4 treatment significantly improved the RASS, Candida, SOFA, NIHSS and APACHE scores. Moreover, reduction of IL-6, IL-8, SNSE, EGF and APACHE score and increase in RASS score were significantly higher in MgSO4 group compared with placebo. Intravenous administration of MgSO4 in amiodarone-treated stroke patients improved the inflammatory, immunological and neurological indicators and reduced disability in ICU-admitted AIS patients, suggesting that this treatment scheme may prevent amiodarone-induced complications in these patients.

Effects of curcuminoids on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Experimental studies have suggested the beneficial effects of curcuminoids as natural polyphenols against traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with curcuminoids on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, clinical outcomes and nutritional status in critically ill patients with TBI. A total of 62 ICU-admitted adult patients with TBI were randomly allocated to receive either a daily dose of 500 mg curcuminoids or matched placebo via enteral nutrition for 7 consecutive days based on stratified block randomization by age and sex. Inflammatory and oxidative stress as well as clinical outcomes and nutritional status of the patients were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. There were no overall group effects regarding to all dependent variables. Compared with baseline, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1 and CRP were significantly reduced in patients receiving curcuminoids (p < .05) without any significant changes in placebo group; however, changes in the activities of GPx and SOD in serum were not significant between two groups. Moreover, APACHEII and NUTRIC score were significantly improved following curcuminoids consumption in comparison with placebo (p < .05). The findings of this study suggest that short-term supplementation with curcuminoids may have beneficial effects on inflammation, clinical outcomes and nutritional status of critically ill patients with TBI.

Systematic review: Effectiveness of herbal oral care products on ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) resulting from bacterial infection is a prevalent medical problem in intensive care units (ICUs). The purpose of this study was to systematically review available studies on oral products employed to control and reduce VAP in patients undergoing tracheal intubation. This study was based on a systematic review of clinical trial data from science databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of science. Articles were reviewed and selected according to defined criteria and assessed by the primary evaluation checklist. After a critical review of 3,143 search hits, only 18 relevant articles were finally selected for discussion. Our assessment revealed that chlorhexidine and some other oral herbal medications are beneficial in preventing VAP. Chlorhexidine oral dosage forms provide a remarkable role in oral health and prevention of VAP by decreasing the microbial flora in the mouth. Because of similar benefits and comparable effects, some herbal medicines can be suggested as a practical alternative to chlorhexidine.

Effect of Intermediate-Dose vs Standard-Dose Prophylactic Anticoagulation on Thrombotic Events, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Treatment, or Mortality Among Patients With COVID-19 Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: The INSPIRATION Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Thrombotic events are commonly reported in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Limited data exist to guide the intensity of antithrombotic prophylaxis. Objective: To evaluate the effects of intermediate-dose vs standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation among patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter randomized trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design performed in 10 academic centers in Iran comparing intermediate-dose vs standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation (first hypothesis) and statin therapy vs matching placebo (second hypothesis; not reported in this article) among adult patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19. Patients were recruited between July 29, 2020, and November 19, 2020. The final follow-up date for the 30-day primary outcome was December 19, 2020. Interventions: Intermediate-dose (enoxaparin, 1 mg/kg daily) (n = 276) vs standard prophylactic anticoagulation (enoxaparin, 40 mg daily) (n = 286), with modification according to body weight and creatinine clearance. The assigned treatments were planned to be continued until completion of 30-day follow-up. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of venous or arterial thrombosis, treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or mortality within 30 days, assessed in randomized patients who met the eligibility criteria and received at least 1 dose of the assigned treatment. Prespecified safety outcomes included major bleeding according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (type 3 or 5 definition), powered for noninferiority (a noninferiority margin of 1.8 based on odds ratio), and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <20 ×103/µL). All outcomes were blindly adjudicated. Results: Among 600 randomized patients, 562 (93.7%) were included in the primary analysis (median [interquartile range] age, 62 [50-71] years; 237 [42.2%] women). The primary efficacy outcome occurred in 126 patients (45.7%) in the intermediate-dose group and 126 patients (44.1%) in the standard-dose prophylaxis group (absolute risk difference, 1.5% [95% CI, -6.6% to 9.8%]; odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.76-1.48]; P = .70). Major bleeding occurred in 7 patients (2.5%) in the intermediate-dose group and 4 patients (1.4%) in the standard-dose prophylaxis group (risk difference, 1.1% [1-sided 97.5% CI, -∞ to 3.4%]; odds ratio, 1.83 [1-sided 97.5% CI, 0.00-5.93]), not meeting the noninferiority criteria (P for noninferiority >.99). Severe thrombocytopenia occurred only in patients assigned to the intermediate-dose group (6 vs 0 patients; risk difference, 2.2% [95% CI, 0.4%-3.8%]; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19, intermediate-dose prophylactic anticoagulation, compared with standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation, did not result in a significant difference in the primary outcome of a composite of adjudicated venous or arterial thrombosis, treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or mortality within 30 days. These results do not support the routine empirical use of intermediate-dose prophylactic anticoagulation in unselected patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04486508.

Evaluation of Epithelial Lining Fluid Concentration of Amikacin in Critically Ill Patients With Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: Classically, aminoglycosides are known to have low penetration into the lung tissue. So far, no study has been conducted on human adult patients to evaluate amikacin concentration in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of the alveoli. Therefore, convincing data are not available from the perspective of pharmacokinetics to support the fact that a dosage of 20 mg/kg of amikacin is sufficient to treat patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). METHOD: This was a pilot study of amikacin concentration measurement in the alveolar site of action in critically ill adult patients with VAP who required aminoglycoside therapy. A dose of 20 mg/kg of amikacin was administered over a 30-minute infusion. The serum concentrations of amikacin were evaluated in the first, second, fourth, and sixth hours. However, the ELF concentration of amikacin was evaluated in the second hour with the help of bronchoalveolar lavage sampling technique. RESULTS: A total number of 8 patients was included in the study. The mean (SD) administered dose was 20 (0.9) mg/kg. The mean (SD) peak plasma concentration of amikacin was 59.6 (23) mg/L, with the volume of distribution of 0.36 (0.13)L/kg. The amikacin concentration in ELF was successfully measured in 7 patients (6.3) mg/L. The lung tissue penetration of the drug was described as alveolar percentage, proportional to both the first- and second-hour plasma concentrations, with a mean (SD) of 10.1% (8.4%) and 18% (16.7%), respectively. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, the current study is the first that investigates whether standard doses of amikacin may lead to sufficient alveolar concentration of the drug. The results show that administration of amikacin in doses of 20 mg/kg in critically ill patients with VAP may not provide sufficient concentrations in ELF.

Effects of supplementation with curcuminoids on serum adipokines in critically ill patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Previous studies have shown a beneficial effect of curcuminoids supplementation on serum concentrations of adipokines; however, there are no published studies that have examined this effect among critically ill patients. We aimed to assess the effects of supplementation with curcuminoids on serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this trial, 62 critically ill patients with TBI, aged 18-65 years, were randomly allocated to receive either 500 mg/day curcuminoids (co-administered with 5 mg/day piperine) or matched placebo for 7 days. Patients in both intervention groups received routine treatments for TBI as well as enteral nutrition. Serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were measured at baseline and at the end of trial. We found a significant reduction in serum levels of leptin in both curcuminoids (47.1%) and placebo (22.8%) groups; though the magnitude of reduction was greater in the former (p < .05). Supplementation with curcumioinds was not found to alter serum concentrations of adiponectin (p > .05). Supplementation with curcumioinds significantly reduced serum levels of leptin but had no significant effect on adiponectin levels in critically ill patients with TBI. Further clinical trials, particularly those with a long-term period, are needed to confirm our findings.

Low-dose preoperative pregabalin improves postoperative pain management in septorhinoplasty surgery: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of single low dose (75 mg) preoperative pregabalin in reducing post-operative pain of septorhinoplasty. METHODS: A double blind single center Randomized controlled trial based on block randomization. In the pregabalin group (PG) 34 participants received 75 mg pregabalin orally one hour before anesthesia induction while in control group (CG) 34 participants received a placebo. Pain and sedation were repeatedly measured with Visual Analouge Scale (VAS) and Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (RSAS) respectively, 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 24 hours postextubation. Cumulative doses of fentanyl and ibuprofen received in both groups were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-two of the participants in PG and 33 of the participants in CG completed the study. The Mean VAS pain score was less in PG versus CG 30 min postoperatively (2.30 ± 1.30 vs. 4.85 ± 1.17), one hour (2.28 ± 0.92 vs. 4.27 ± 0.78), two hours (2.11 ± 0.88 vs. 3.60 ± 0.61) and six hours (1.47 0.62 vs. 2.76 ± 0.91) but not 24-hours postoperatively (0.84 ± 0.62 vs. 1.09 ± 0.92). Participants in the PG were less agitated during early post-extubation period (at 10 min: RSAS 3.93 ± 0.43 vs. 4.42 ± 0.50) and more alert during the first hour post-extubation (at 60 min: RSAS 3.90 ± 0.29 vs. 3.36 ± 0.69). The total dose of rescue fentanyl and ibuprofen was lower in the PG compared to the CG. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of 75 mg pregabalin is very effective for pain control after septorhinoplasty procedure when administered one hour before anesthesia induction. Side effects are rare and opioid sparing was noted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number: IRCT2017043033706N1.

Comparison of Nasal Intubations by GlideScope With and Without a Bougie Guide in Patients Who Underwent Maxillofacial Surgeries: Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nasotracheal intubation is commonly performed to provide a secure airway for the maintenance of general anesthesia in maxillofacial surgeries. Routine nasotracheal intubation is performed under general anesthesia by direct laryngoscopy, frequently with the aid of Magill forceps. This method can be time-consuming and may cause bleeding in the field of view. A gum elastic bougie (GEB) is a cheap, slender, and flexible device that could expedite nasotracheal intubation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a GEB during nasotracheal intubation to facilitate the procedure and reduce the rate of complications. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study, 110 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II from 15 to 65 years of age were randomized into 2 equal groups. In both groups, a GlideScope and armored tube were used. In the GEB group, GEB was used to facilitate nasal intubation while the nasal intubation was performed without the aid of GEB in the routine group. The difficult intubation (defined as >1 attempt for intubation) was the primary outcome, and the duration of the intubation, the presence of traces of bleeding, the need for a tube replacement, and the usage of Magill forceps were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The incidence of bleeding in the GEB group was 1.81% vs 43.63% in the routine group (P < .001). In 5.5% of the GEB group, Magill forceps were used to advance the tube versus 67.3% in the routine group (P < .001). The mean time for intubation in GEB group was 48.63 ± 8.53 vs 55.9 ± 10.76 seconds in the routine group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The GEB is a useful aid to nasotracheal intubation, reducing bleeding, the requirement for Magill forceps and, to a small degree, intubation time. A case exists for its routine use for this purpose.

The Effect of High-dose Parenteral Sodium Selenite in Critically Ill Patients following Sepsis: A Clinical and Mechanistic Study.

INTRODUCTION: Severe sepsis and septic shock is characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. Selenium levels have been reported to be low due to loss or increased requirements during severe sepsis and septic shock. We investigated the effect of high-dose parenteral selenium administration in septic patients. METHODS: A prospective, randomized control clinical trial was performed in septic patients. After randomization, patients in selenium group received high-dose parenteral sodium selenite (2 mg intravenous [IV] bolus followed by 1.5 mg IV continuous infusion daily for 14 days) plus standard therapy and the control group received standard therapy. The primary endpoint was mortality at 28 days. Changes in the mean levels of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) protein and superoxide dismutase (SOD), duration of vasopressor therapy, incidence of acute renal failure, and 60 days' mortality were secondary endpoints. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were randomized into selenium group (n = 29) and control group (n = 25). There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality. No significant difference between the two groups with respect to the average levels of HMGB-1 protein and SOD at any point in time over the course of 14 days had observed. CONCLUSION: In early administration within the first 6 h of sepsis diagnosis, our study demonstrated that high-dose parenteral selenium administration had no significant effect either on 28-day mortality or the mean levels of HMGB-1 and SOD (Trial Registration: IRCT201212082887N4 at WHO Clinical Trial Registry, August 29, 2014).

The Comparison of Infusion of Two Different Sedation Regimens with Propofol and Ketamine Combination During Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Anesthetic agents are often combined to enhance their therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different sedation regimens of ketamine and propofol combination via infusion on perioperative variables in patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery. METHODS: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was done on 80 patients who were randomized to two groups; group 1 (n = 40) received a 2:1 mixture of 9 mg/ml propofol and 4.5 mg/ml ketamine, and group 2 (n = 40) received a 4:1 mixture of 9 mg/ml propofol and 2.25 mg/ml ketamine. After premedication and before local anesthetic injection, the infusion of mixtures was adjusted to attain the Ramsay sedation scores of 5 in both groups. We recorded induction time, sedation efficacy, cardiovascular and respiratory events, recovery time, and incidence of adverse events during and after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean of volume infusion of mixtures in the beginning of the procedure was higher in group 2 (3.2 ± 1. 2 ml) than in group 1 (2.4 ± 0.8 ml) (p < 0.001). The induction time for sedation was 2.8 ± 0.8 min and 2.6 ± 0.4 min in group 1 and group 2, respectively (p = 0. 92). The number of oversedated patients was greater in group 2 compared to group 1 but not statistically significant (p = 0. 80). The sedation efficacy was similar between the two groups. The hemodynamic changes during the procedure were greater in group 2 compared to group 1 (p = 0. 001). The recovery time was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.43). The mean pain score in the recovery room was lower in group 1 than group 2 (1.2 ± 0.8 vs 2.8 ± 1.8, p = 0. 01). Moreover, 4 (10 %) patients in group 1 and 10 (25 %) patients in group 2 needed opioid administration (p = 0. 02). Other postoperative adverse events were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of a 2:1 combination of propofol-ketamine, because it reduced the rescue propofol requirement and consequently produced lower cardiovascular and respiratory depression effects and also less postoperative pain.

Early goal-directed therapy reduces mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Survival sepsis campaign guidelines have promoted early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) as a means for reduction of mortality. On the other hand, there were conflicting results coming out of recently published meta-analyses on mortality benefits of EGDT in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. On top of that, the findings of three recently done randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showed no survival benefit by employing EGDT compared to usual care. Therefore, we aimed to do a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of EGDT on mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock patients. METHODOLOGY: We included RCTs that compared EGDT with usual care in our meta-analysis. We searched in Hinari, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane central register of controlled trials electronic databases and other articles manually from lists of references of extracted articles. Our primary end point was overall mortality. RESULTS: A total of nine trails comprising 4783 patients included in our analysis. We found that EGDT significantly reduced mortality in a random-effect model (RR, 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.94; P = 0.008;   I (2) =50%). We also did subgroup analysis stratifying the studies by the socioeconomic status of the country where studies were conducted, risk of bias, the number of sites where the trials were conducted, setting of trials, publication year, and sample size. Accordingly, trials carried out in low to middle economic income countries (RR, 0.078; 95% CI, 0.67-0.91; P = 0.002; I (2) = 34%) significantly reduced mortality compared to those in higher income countries (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.33-1.06; P = 0.28; I(2) = 29%). On the other hand, patients receiving EGDT had longer length of hospital stay compared to the usual care (mean difference, 0.49; 95% CI, -0.04-1.02; P = 0.07; I (2) = 0%). CONCLUSION: The result of our study showed that EGDT significantly reduced mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Paradoxically, EGDT increased the length of hospital stay compared to usual routine care.

Effects of intra-operative ketamine administration on postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort: a double-blind clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Urinary catheterization during surgery frequently leads to unfavorable signs and symptoms (ie urgency, discomfort, frequency) during recovery. These signs and symptoms are collectively called catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). We hypothesized that preemptive IV ketamine administration prior to intra-operative catheterization would reduce the incidence of CRBD in the postoperative period when compared to placebo. METHODS: The study consisted of 114 adult patients undergoing elective nephrectomy. They were randomized to 2 equal groups of 57 subjects. In the intervention group, IV ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) was administered directly after induction of anesthesia, but before urinary catheterization. The control group received an injection of 2 mL of normal saline. The study evaluated the incidence and severity of CRBD at 0, 1, 2, and 6 hours after commencement of the recovery period. The study also compared the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, sedation, and respiratory depression in the 2 groups. RESULTS: At the 0- and 1-hour evaluations, the incidence and severity of CRBD were lower in the intervention group; however, at the 2- and 6-hour evaluations, there were no significant differences in incidence and severity of CRBD between the 2 groups. A decreased incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was observed at 2- and 6-hour visits in the intervention group. Also, a higher occurrence of sedation was seen at the 0-hour checkup in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Preemptive administration of IV ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) can reduce incidence and severity of CRBD in the early postoperative period.

Scalp Nerve Block for Enhanced Pain Control and Analgesic Optimization in Elective Craniotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial with ANI Monitoring.

BACKGROUND: In patients who are candidates for craniotomy, scalp nerve blocks have been shown to be effective in relieving pain intensity as well as postoperative hemodynamic stability after surgery, but the results have been inconsistent. We aimed to assess the effect of scalp block on pain control, intraoperative drug use under Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) monitoring, and postoperative pain in patients who were candidates for elective craniotomy. METHODS: In this randomized, single-blinded clinical trial study, candidates for craniotomy were randomly (using the block randomization method) divided into two groups before entering the operating room. The first group received a scalp block with bupivacaine (intervention), and the second group did not receive a scalp block (control) besides the routine anesthetic procedure in these patients. ANI, hemodynamic parameters, and the amounts of received remifentanil were conducted and compared. RESULTS: Patients under scalp block received less dosage of fentanyl than the non-scalp block group (mean = 57.14±15.59 mcg vs. 250.00±65.04 mcg, respectively). Similarly, the dose of remifentanil required in the scalp block group was less (mean = 3.04±1.95mg and 5.54±2.57mg, respectively). No difference was observed in hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure and heart rate (before, during, and after surgery). However, the group receiving scalp block had higher ANI means than the control group. CONCLUSION: Scalp nerve block has an effective role in pain control (increasing ANI), consequently reducing the need for analgesic drugs such as fentanyl and remifentanil following craniotomy without changing the hemodynamic condition.

Intragastric Botulinum Toxin Injection and Botulism: An Alarm for Clinicians.

Clostridium botulinum produces the most potent bacterial toxin, botulinum toxin A (BTXA), which has various therapeutic and cosmetic indications. Intragastric BTXA injection is a new obesity treatment method that was argued to be safe due to the inactivation of BTXA through the liver or metabolization within the gastric wall. However, a 36-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to developing botulism as a result of an intragastric injection of BTXA. The diplopia, headaches, ptosis, decreased muscle force, and respiratory distress two days after injection were her first chief complaints, and also, she experienced significant dysphagia, hoarse voice, thick tongue, constipation, hyposmia, and hypogeusia after two weeks. This case report highlights the necessity for physicians to have sufficient information about this method and consider possible life-threatening adverse effects including botulism.

Thyromental height: a new clinical test for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy is reported in the range of 1.5% to 20%. We hypothesized that there is a close association between the occurrence of difficult laryngoscopy and the height between the anterior borders of the mentum and thyroid cartilage, while the patient lies supine with her/his mouth closed. We have termed this the "thyromental height test" (TMHT). Our aim in this study was to determine its utility in predicting difficult laryngoscopy. METHODS: Three hundred fourteen consecutive male and female patients aged ≥ 16 years scheduled to undergo general anesthesia were invited to participate. Airway assessments were performed with the modified Mallampati test, thyromental distance and sternomental distance, and TMHT in the preoperative clinic. Afterward, Cormack and Lehane grade of laryngoscopy views was assessed during intubation. The laryngoscopist was unaware of airway assessments. As a primary end point, the validity and prediction indexes for the TMHT were calculated. Calculation of validity indexes for the 3 other methods of airway assessment was a secondary objective of this study. RESULTS: The optimal sensitivity and specificity values were in the range of 47.46 to 51.02 mm. To facilitate clinical application, a cutoff value equal to 50 mm was chosen. TMHT was more accurate than the other tests (all P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The TMHT appears to be a more accurate predictor of difficult laryngoscopy than the existing anatomical measurements.

Impact of subcutaneous infiltration of 0.5% bupivacaine on post-operative C-reactive protein serum titer after craniotomy surgery.

BACKGROUND: Tissue injuries may provoke neuro-hormonal response which in turn may lead to release of inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesize that block of afferent sensory pathways by infiltration of 0.5% bupivacaine in the scalp may decrease neuro-hormonal response in the neurosurgical patient. METHODS: After obtaining informed consent, forty ASA physical statuses I, II, or III patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years were enrolled randomly into two equal groups to receive either 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine (group A) or 20 ml of 0.9% normal saline as a placebo (group B) in the site of pin insertion and scalp incision. As the primary outcome we checked serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before implementation of noxious stimulus, 24h, and 48h after the end of surgery to compare these values between groups. In addition, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were checked at baseline (after the induction of anesthesia), one minute after pin fixation and 5, 10, and 15 minute after skin incision and the recorded values were compared between groups. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between serum CRP levels of the two groups. Comparison of mean HR between groups shows no significant difference. The mean of MAP was significantly lower in the group A in comparison with the group B (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm that 0.5% bupivacaine scalp infiltration before skull-pin holder fixation and skin incision could not decrease post-operative C-reactive protein level.

Successful management of severe generalized tetanus in a 23-year man with phenobarbital adjuvant: A case report.

Generalized tetanus is still a global concern with a mortality rate of up to 50%, especially in low and middle-income countries. We reported a 23-year-old man from Afghanistan admitted to emergency department, with the chief complaint of generalized severe spasms and lockjaw. The patient had skin lesions and had never been vaccinated against tetanus. He intubated and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with diagnose of severe generalized tetanus. After receiving tetanus immunoglobulin and intravenous metronidazole, a combination therapy of midazolam, propofol, atracurium, and morphine was administered. Due to the refractory muscular spasms intravenous phenobarbital started and little by little recovery was achieved. The patient receiving the first two doses of the Td vaccine, and discharged on Day 42 of hospitalization with no symptom recurrence. This case management showed adding phenobarbital to severe tetanus treatment regimen could significantly reduce refractory spasm caused by tetanus, also decrease other medication requirement.

Atorvastatin versus Placebo in ICU Patients with COVID-19: Ninety-day Results of the INSPIRATION-S Trial.

BACKGROUND: In the INSPIRATION-S trial, atorvastatin versus placebo was associated with a nonsignificant 16% reduction in 30-day composite of venous/arterial thrombosis or death in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19. Thrombo-inflammatory response in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may last beyond the first 30 days. METHODS: This article reports the effects of atorvastatin 20 mg daily versus placebo on 90-day clinical and functional outcomes from INSPIRATION-S, a double-blind multicenter randomized trial of adult ICU patients with COVID-19. The main outcome for this prespecified study was a composite of adjudicated venous/arterial thrombosis, treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or all-cause mortality. Functional status was assessed with the Post-COVID-19 Functional Scale. RESULTS: In the primary analysis, 587 patients were included (age: 57 [Q1-Q3: 45-68] years; 44% women). By 90-day follow-up, the main outcome occurred in 96 (33.1%) patients assigned to atorvastatin and 113 (38.0%) assigned to placebo (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-1.05, p = 0.11). Atorvastatin in patients who presented within 7 days of symptom onset was associated with reduced 90-day hazard for the main outcome (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.86, p interaction = 0.02). Atorvastatin use was associated with improved 90-day functional status, although the upper bound CI crossed 1.0 (ORordinal: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.41-1.01, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin 20 mg compared with placebo did not significantly reduce the 90-day composite of death, treatment with ECMO, or venous/arterial thrombosis. However, the point estimates do not exclude a potential clinically meaningful treatment effect, especially among patients who presented within 7 days of symptom onset (NCT04486508).