Is target-controlled infusion better than manual controlled infusion during TIVA for elective neurosurgery? Results of a single-centre pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Maintaining optimal systemic circulatory parameters is essential to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion (CPP) during neurosurgery, especially when autoregulation is impaired. AIM OF STUDY: To compare two types of total intravenous anaesthesia i.e. target controlled infusion (TCI) and manually controlled infusion (MCI) with propofol and remifentanil in terms of their control of cardiovascular parameters during neurosurgical resection of intracranial pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with supratentorial intracranial pathology were selected for the study. Patients in ASA grades III and IV and those with diseases of the circulatory system were excluded. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups according to the method of general anaesthesia used i.e. TCI or MCI. During the neurosurgery, the values of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), bispectral index (BIS) and central venous pressure were monitored and recorded at the designated 14 relevant (i.e. critical from the anaesthetist's and neurosurgeon's points of view) measurement points. RESULTS: Fifty patients (25 TCI and 25 MCI) were enrolled in the study. The groups did not differ with respect to sex, age and BMI, operation time or volume of removed lesions. TCI-anaesthetised patients had better MAP stability at the respective time points. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the greater stability of MAP, which has a direct effect on CPP, TCI appears to be the method of choice in anaesthesia for intracranial surgery.

Combined therapy with CD4+ CD25highCD127- T regulatory cells and anti-CD20 antibody in recent-onset type 1 diabetes is superior to monotherapy: Randomized phase I/II trial.

AIMS: Monotherapy with autologous expanded CD4+ CD25high CD127- T regulatory cells (Tregs) or rituximab has been documented to slow disease progression in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Whether a combined therapy including both drugs would further benefit this patient population is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a three-arms clinical trial to explore the efficacy and safety of the combined treatment with Tregs and rituximab in paediatric patients with T1DM. The patients were allocated to three groups: Tregs only (n = 13), Tregs + rituximab (n = 12) and control (n = 11). The key primary efficacy analyses were C-peptide levels (mixed meal tolerance test) and the proportion of patients in remission at 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: At month 24, as compared with the control, both treatment groups remained superior in the area under the curve of C-peptide mixed meal tolerance test, whereas in the analysis of all visits only the combined therapy improved area under the curve at 12 and 24 months. The proportion of patients in remission was significantly higher in the combined group than in the control group at 3, 6, 9 and 21 months but not at 18 and 24 months. There was no significant difference between the Tregs only group and control group. Adverse events occurred in 80% patients, mostly in the combined group and Tregs only group. No adverse events led to the withdrawal of the intervention or death. All comparisons were performed with alpha level of 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Over 2 years, combined therapy with Tregs and rituximab was consistently superior to monotherapy in delaying T1DM progression in terms of C-peptide levels and the maintenance of remission.

Short-term mortality of patients ≥80 years old admitted to European intensive care units: an international observational study.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence suggests variation in mortality of older critically ill adults across Europe. We aimed to investigate regional differences in mortality among very old ICU patients. METHODS: Multilevel analysis of two international prospective cohort studies. We included patients ≥80 yr old from 322 ICUs located in 16 European countries. The primary outcome was mortality within 30 days from admission to the ICU. Results are presented as n (%) with 95% confidence intervals and odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Of 8457 patients, 2944 (36.9% [35.9-38.0%]) died within 30 days. Crude mortality rates varied widely between participating countries (from 10.1% [6.4-15.6%] to 45.1% [41.1-49.2%] in the ICU and from 21.3% [16.3-28.9%] to 55.3% [51.1-59.5%] within 30 days). After adjustment for confounding variables, the variation in 30-day mortality between countries was substantially smaller than between ICUs (median OR 1.14 vs 1.58). Healthcare expenditure per capita (OR=0.84 per $1000 [0.75-0.94]) and social health insurance framework (OR=1.43 [1.01-2.01]) were associated with ICU mortality, but the direction and magnitude of these relationships was uncertain in 30-day follow-up. Volume of admissions was associated with lower mortality both in the ICU (OR=0.81 per 1000 annual ICU admissions [0.71-0.94]) and in 30-day follow-up (OR=0.86 [0.76-0.97]). CONCLUSION: The apparent variation in short-term mortality rates of older adults hospitalised in ICUs across Europe can be largely attributed to differences in the clinical profile of patients admitted. The volume-outcome relationship identified in this population requires further investigation.

Factors affecting long-term efficacy of T regulatory cell-based therapy in type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that immunotherapy using T regulatory cells (Tregs) prolongs remission in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Here, we report factors that possibly affect the efficacy of this treatment. METHODS: The metabolic and immune background of 12 children with recently diagnosed T1DM, as well as that of untreated subjects, during a 2-year follow-up is presented. Patients were treated with up to 30 × 106/kg b.w. of autologous expanded CD3+CD4+CD25highCD127- Tregs. RESULTS: The disease progressed and all patients were insulin-dependent 2 years after inclusion. The ß-cell function measured by c-peptide levels and the use of insulin were the best preserved in patients treated with two doses of Tregs (3/6 in remission), less so after one dose (1/6 in remission) and the worst in untreated controls (no remissions). Increased levels of Tregs could be seen in peripheral blood after their adoptive transfer together with the shift from naïve CD62L+CD45RA+ to memory CD62L+CD45RA- Tregs. Increasing serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines were found: IL6 increased in all subjects, while IL1 and TNFα increased only in untreated group. Therapeutic Tregs were dependent on IL2, and their survival could be improved by other lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The disease progression was associated with changing proportions of naïve and memory Tregs and slowly increasing proinflammatory activity, which was only partially controlled by the administered Tregs. The therapeutic cells were highly dependent on IL2. We conclude that the therapy should be administered at the earliest to protect the highest possible mass of islets and also to utilize the preserved content of Tregs in the earlier phases of T1DM. Trial registration http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN06128462 ; registered retrospectively.

Comparison of two different concepts of mesh and fixation technique in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients' need to improve outcomes and to reduce the number of complications triggers the development of new materials and surgery concepts. Currently, there are many implants and fixation systems dedicated for intraperitoneal onlay mesh procedure. The aim of this study was to compare two different mesh/fixation system concepts (PH: Physiomesh/Securestrap and VS: Ventralight ST/SorbaFix) for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with respect to pain. METHODS: A single-center, prospective, randomized study was designed to include 50 patients per group with a planned interim analysis for safety after 25 patients. The endpoints were pain occurrences and intensity, which was measured with the visual analogue scale 7 days, 30 days, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. The safety parameters included the number of recurrences and postoperative complications. RESULTS: During the interim analysis, the study was stopped due to safety reasons. We observed five (20 %) recurrences in the PH group in first 6 months and none in the VS group. We observed a significantly higher pain rate in the PH group after 3 months (p < 0.0001) and no difference after 7 days (p = 0. 7019). The pain intensity decreased significantly over time (p < 0.0001) and was significantly higher in the PH group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although this clinical trial was terminated prior to the preplanned recruitment goal, the obtained results from the enrolled patients indicate that the PH system associated with significantly greater hernia recurrences and postoperative pain compared with the VS system. This confirms the superiority of the elastic mesh concept, which may be a safer and more efficacious option for laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs.

Small doses of droperidol do not present relevant torsadogenic actions: a double-blind, ondansetron-controlled study.

AIM: Drugs used for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis are believed to provoke torsadogenic changes in cardiac repolarization. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of small doses of droperidol on the parameters of cardiac repolarization, including the QTc interval and transmural dispersion of repolarization. METHODS: A total of 75 patients were randomly allocated to receive 0.625 or 1.25 mg droperidol or 8 mg ondansetron. The QTc interval was calculated using Bazett's formula and the Framingham correction. The transmural dispersion of repolarization was determined as Tpeak -Tend time. RESULTS: Transient QT prolongation, corrected with both formulae, followed 1.25 mg of droperidol 10 min after administration. No change in the QTc value was observed in the other groups. When corrected with Bazett's formula, QTc was prolonged above 480 ms in two patients receiving 1.25 mg droperidol (at the 10(th) and 20(th) minute of the study) and in one receiving ondansetron. No patients developed a QTc B prolongation over 500 ms. No increase above 480 ms was observed relative to the Framingham correction method. There were no significant differences in the Tpeak -Tend time either between or within the groups. CONCLUSION: In men without cardiovascular disorders small doses (1.25 mg) of droperidol prophylaxis induced transient QTc prolongation without changes in transmural dispersion of repolarization. The apparently low risk of the drug applies only in low risk male patients with a low pro-QTc score.

Determinants of procedural pain intensity in the intensive care unit. The Europain® study.

RATIONALE: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergo several diagnostic and therapeutic procedures every day. The prevalence, intensity, and risk factors of pain related to these procedures are not well known. OBJECTIVES: To assess self-reported procedural pain intensity versus baseline pain, examine pain intensity differences across procedures, and identify risk factors for procedural pain intensity. METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter, multinational study of pain intensity associated with 12 procedures. Data were obtained from 3,851 patients who underwent 4,812 procedures in 192 ICUs in 28 countries. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pain intensity on a 0-10 numeric rating scale increased significantly from baseline pain during all procedures (P < 0.001). Chest tube removal, wound drain removal, and arterial line insertion were the three most painful procedures, with median pain scores of 5 (3-7), 4.5 (2-7), and 4 (2-6), respectively. By multivariate analysis, risk factors independently associated with greater procedural pain intensity were the specific procedure; opioid administration specifically for the procedure; preprocedural pain intensity; preprocedural pain distress; intensity of the worst pain on the same day, before the procedure; and procedure not performed by a nurse. A significant ICU effect was observed, with no visible effect of country because of its absorption by the ICU effect. Some of the risk factors became nonsignificant when each procedure was examined separately. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of risk factors for greater procedural pain intensity identified in this study may help clinicians select interventions that are needed to minimize procedural pain. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01070082).

The influence of intravenous ondansetron on maternal blood haemodynamics after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: verification of a hypothesis assuming that 5-HT3 receptor blockade by intravenous administration of ondansetron reduces the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study design was approved by the Bioethics Committee and included 72 patients undergoing elective Caesarean section, randomly assigned to ondansetron group (group 0) or placebo group (group P). Finally group 0 encompassed 35 patients administered ondansetron 8 mg i.v. dissolved in 10 ml 0.9% NaCl whereas group P consisted of 34 patients receiving 0.9% NaCl 10 mg. Systolic and diastolic pressures were measured every 2 minutes since the onset of anaesthesia. Heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously The criterion of hypotension requiring ephedrine was a decrease in systolic pressure by 20% compared to its baseline value or a decrease in systolic pressure below 90 mm Hg. The criterion of bradycardia was a decrease in HR below 60/min. RESULTS: Hypotension was observed in 14 group 0 patients (39%) and in 15 group P patients (44%); the difference was not statistically significant. Bradycardia was noted in 1 group 0 patient (3%) and in 2 group P patients (6%); the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A hypothesis assuming a reduction in pressure following subarachnoid anaesthesia for Caesarean section after the administration of 8 mg of ondansetron was not confirmed.

Therapy of type 1 diabetes with CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127-regulatory T cells prolongs survival of pancreatic islets - results of one year follow-up.

It is hypothesized that CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) can prevent destruction of pancreatic islets protecting from type 1 diabetes (DM1). Here we present results of one year follow-up of 12 DM1 children treated with autologous expanded ex vivo Tregs. Patients received either a single or double Tregs infusion up to the total dose of 30×10(6)/kg. No severe adverse effects were observed. The treatment did not impair post-immunization antibody responses. Tregs infusion was followed by increase in Tregs number in peripheral blood. Most of the patients responded to the therapy with increase in C-peptide levels (8/12 and 4/6 after the first and the second dose, respectively). Tregs administration resulted also in lower requirement for exogenous insulin (8/12 treated patients versus 2/10 untreated controls in remission) with two children completely insulin independent at one year. Repetitive administration of Tregs is safe and can prolong survival of ß-cells in DM1 (registration: ISRCTN06128462).

Effects of macroporous monofilament mesh on infection in a contaminated field.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the type of the mesh and proper surgical technique can influence the outcome of a tension-free hernia repair in a contaminated filed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on the model of bacterial peritonitis in rats induced with a mixture composed of Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis. Two animals were used as a control group without induced peritonitis and 10 animals with mesh implanted inside of the peritoneal cavity. For the 20 animals in the studied group, bacterial fluid was applied into the abdominal cavity together with the mesh implantation. In 10 cases, the mesh was fixed flatly upon the surface of the peritoneum; in the other 10, the mesh was rolled and then fixed within the peritoneal cavity. After 5 weeks, the animals were operated on again, and the meshes, the peritoneal fluid and, if present, any granulomas were taken for bacterial cultivation. RESULTS: The results of the bacterial cultivation of the material from the control group (without mesh) and from the rats with flatly fixed mesh were almost completely negative (0/10 and 1/10, respectively). In 9 out of 10 rats that were exposed to the rolled mesh for 5 weeks, the colonisation of meshes with both B. fragilis and E. coli was found (p < 0.0198). CONCLUSIONS: When properly fixed, flat mesh, even in a contaminated field, may allow for a proper mesh healing and does not influence the ability to cure bacterial peritonitis in an animal model. A bad surgical technique, such as inadequately positioned or rolled mesh, may cause persistent peritoneal bacteraemia.

Clinical usefulness of a host signature based on TRAIL, IP10, and CRP (MeMed BV) as infection biomarkers in intensive care units' patients. A retrospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Infection complications are common in intensive care unit patients, and early detection remains a diagnostic challenge. Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are commonly used biomarkers. A novel diagnostic approach focuses on the host immune response. One of the approaches, the MMBV index, is based on measuring in a blood sample three parameters: (i) tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), (ii) interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP10), and (iii) CRP. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of MMBV as an infection biomarker in an ICU cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients treated in the University Clinical Center in Gdansk ICU were enrolled in the study, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. In total, 91 MMBV results were analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the patients had high MMBV values, suggesting bacterial etiology. A weak correlation between PCT and MMBV was observed, and no correlation between parameter changes was noted. There was a correlation between CRP/MMBV and between changes in CRP / changes in MMBV. CONCLUSION: It seems that MMBV is not valuable for ICU patients neither in diagnosing nor monitoring infection. Higher MMBV values may predict unfavorable treatment outcomes.

PD-1 Receptor (+) T cells are associated with the efficacy of the combined treatment with regulatory t cells and rituximab in type 1 diabetes children via regulatory t cells suppressive activity amelioration.

An imbalance between exaggerated autoaggressive T cell responses, primarily CD8 + T cells, and impaired tolerogenic mechanisms underlie the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Disease-modifying strategies, particularly immunotherapy focusing on FoxP3 + T regulatory cells (Treg), and B cells facilitating antigen presentation for T cells, show promise. Selective depletion of B cells may be achieved with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb). In a 2-year-long flow cytometry follow-up, involving 32 peripheral blood T and B cell markers across three trial arms (Treg + rituximab N = 12, Treg + placebo N = 13, control N = 11), we observed significant changes. PD-1 receptor (+) CD4 + Treg, CD4 + effector T cells (Teffs), and CD8 + T cell percentages increased in the combined regimen group by the end of follow-up. Conversely, the control group exhibited a notable reduction in PD-1 receptor (+) CD4 + Teff percentages. Considering clinical endpoints, higher PD-1 receptor (+) expression on T cells correlated with positive responses, including a higher mixed meal tolerance test AUC, and reduced daily insulin dosage. PD-1 receptor (+) T cells emerged as a potential therapy outcome biomarker. In vitro validation confirmed that successful Teff suppression was associated with elevated PD-1 receptor (+) Treg levels. These findings support PD-1 receptor (+) T cells as a reliable indicator of treatment with combined immunotherapy consisting of Tregs and anti-CD20 mAb efficacy in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Prevalence of life-sustaining treatment limitations in Polish very old intensive care patients (VIPs). A post-hoc analysis of two prospective observational studies.

PURPOSE: Several initiatives have recently focused on raising awareness about limitations of treatment in Poland. We aimed to assess if the propensity to limit LST among elderly patients in 2018-2019 increased compared to 2016-2017. METHODS: We analysed Polish cohorts from studies VIP1 (October 2016 - May 2017) and VIP2 (May 2018 - May 2019) that enrolled critical patients aged >80. We collected data on demographics, clinical features limitations of LST. Primary analysis assessed factors associated with prevalence of limitations of LST, A secondary analysis explored differences between patients with and without limitations of LST. RESULTS: 601 patients were enrolled. Prevalence of LST limitations was 16.1% in 2016-2017 and 20.5% in 2018-2019. No difference was found in univariate analysis (p = 0.22), multivariable model showed higher propensity towards limiting LST in the 2018-2019 cohort compared to 2016-2017 cohort (OR 1.07;95%CI, 1.01-1.14). There was higher mortality and a longer length of stay of patients with limitations of LST compared to the patients without limitations of LST. (11 vs. 6 days, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The clinicians in Poland have become more proactive in limiting LST in critically ill patients ≥80 years old over the studied period, however the prevalence of limitations of LST in Poland remains low.

Predictors of outcomes of patients ≥ 80 years old admitted to intensive care units in Poland - a post-hoc analysis of the VIP2 prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients pose a significant challenge to intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians. In this study we attempted to characterise the population of patients over 80 years old admitted to ICUs in Poland and identify associations between clinical features and short-term outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is a post-hoc analysis of the Polish cohort of the VIP2 European prospective observational study enrolling patients > 80 years old admitted to ICUs over a 6-month period. Data including clinical features, clinical frailty scale (CFS), geriatric scales, interventions within the ICU, and outcomes (30-day and ICU mortality and length of stay) were gathered. Univariate analyses comparing frail (CFS > 4) to non-frail patients and survivors to non-survivors were performed. Multivariable models with CFS, activities of daily living score (ADL), and the cognitive decline questionnaire IQCODE as predictors and ICU or 30-day mortality as outcomes were formed. RESULTS: A total of 371 patients from 27 ICUs were enrolled. Frail patients had significantly higher ICU (58% vs. 44.45%, P = 0.03) and 30-day (65.61% vs. 54.14%, P = 0.01) mortality compared to non-frail counterparts. The survivors had significantly lower SOFA score, CFS, ADL, and IQCODE than non-survivors. In multivariable analysis CFS (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00-1.34) and SOFA score (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.19-1.41) were identified as significant predictors for ICU mortality; however, CFS was not a predictor for 30-day mortality ( P = 0.07). No statistical significance was found for ADL, IQCODE, polypharmacy, or comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: We found a positive correlation between CFS and ICU mortality, which might point to the value of assessing the score for every patient admitted to the ICU. The older Polish ICU patients were characterised by higher mortality compared to the other European countries.

Heart rate variability in anaesthesiology - narrative review.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure that shows the variation in time between consecutive heartbeats - a physiological phenomenon controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Over the years the analysis of this parameter has been used in many fields of medicine, including anaesthesiology, for scientific and research purposes. We carried out a review of the available literature on the applicability of HRV assessment in anaesthesiology. Several potential applications of HRV in clinical anaesthesia have been identified and proven feasible. As a non-invasive and relatively easy method to gauge the autonomic nervous system, HRV analysis can provide the anaesthesiologist with additional datapoints, potentially useful in assessing efficacy of a blockade and adequacy of analgesia, and in predicting adverse events. However, interpretation of HRV and generalizability of research findings can be problematic due to the multiplicity of factors that influence this parameter and bias in methods introduced by the researchers.

The Impact of Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodiafiltration on the Efficacy of Administration of Prophylactic Doses of Enoxaparin: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients frequently require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). During CRRT, particles up to 10 kDa in size, such as enoxaparin, may be removed. The aim of this study was to determine if patients receiving prophylactic doses of enoxaparin and treated with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) reach prophylactic values of anti-Xa factor activity. METHODS: In this observational trial, we compared two groups: 20 patients treated with CVVHDF and 20 patients not treated with CVVHDF. All of them received prophylactic doses of 40 mg of enoxaparin subcutaneously. Anti-Xa factor activity was determined on the third day of receiving a prophylactic dose of enoxaparin. The first blood sample was taken just before the administration of enoxaparin, and other samples were taken 3 h, 6 h, and 9 h after the administration of a prophylactic dose of enoxaparin. RESULTS: At 3 and 6 h after administration of enoxaparin in both groups, we observed a significant increase in anti-Xa factor activity from baseline, with the peak after 3 h of administration. There were no significant differences in the numbers of patients who had anti-Xa factor activity within the prophylactic range between CVVHDF and control groups. CONCLUSION: CVVHDF has only a mild effect on the enoxaparin prophylactic effect measured by anti-Xa factor activity. Thus, it seems there is no need to increase the dose of enoxaparin for patients requiring CVVHDF.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Baseline Autonomic Tone and Haemodynamic Effects of Dexmedetomidine.

Dexmedetomidine, a central α-2 agonist, is used for procedural sedation and for conscious sedation influences on heart rate and blood pressure. Authors verified whether it is possible to predict bradycardia and hypotension with the use of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis for an autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity assessment. The study included adult patients of both sexes with an ASA score of I or II scheduled for ophthalmic surgery to be performed under sedation. The loading dose of dexmedetomidine was followed by a 15 min infusion of the maintenance dose. The frequency domain heart rate variability parameters from the 5-min Holter electrocardiogram recordings before dexmedetomidine administration were used for the analysis. The statistical analysis also included pre-drug heart rate and blood pressure as well as patient age and sex. The data from 62 patients were analysed. There was no relationship between the decrease in heart rate (42% of cases) and initial HRV parameters, haemodynamic parameters or sex and age of patients. In multivariate analysis, the only risk factor for a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 15% from the pre-drug value (39% of cases) was the systolic blood pressure before dexmedetomidine administration as well as for a >15% decrease in MAP sustained at more than one consecutive time point (27% of cases). The initial condition of the ANS did not correlate with the incidence of bradycardia or hypotension; HRV analysis was not helpful in predicting the abovementioned side effects of dexmedetomidine.

Analysing COVID-19 treatment outcomes in dedicated wards at a large university hospital in northern Poland: a result-based observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Presenting outcomes of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 should be put in context and comparison with other facilities. However, varied methodology applied in published studies can impede or even hinder a reliable comparison. The aim of this study is to share our experience in pandemic management and highlight previously under-reported factors affecting mortality. We present outcomes of COVID-19 treatment in our facility that will allow for an intercentre comparison. We use simple statistical parameters-case fatality ratio (CFR) and length of stay (LOS). SETTING: Large clinical hospital in northern Poland serving over 120 000 patients annually. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from patients hospitalised in COVID-19 general and intensive care unit (ICU) isolation wards from November 2020 to June 2021. The sample consisted of 640 patients-250 (39.1 %) were women and 390 (60.9 %) were men, with a median age of 69 (IQR 59-78) years. RESULTS: Values of LOS and CFR were calculated and analysed. Overall CFR for the analysed period was 24.8%, varying from 15.9 % during second quarter 2021 to 34.1% during fourth quarter 2020. The CFR was 23.2% in the general ward and 70.7% in the ICU. All ICU patients required intubation and mechanical ventilation, and 44 (75.9 %) of them developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The average LOS was 12.6 (±7.5) days. CONCLUSIONS: We highlighted the importance of some of the under-reported factors affecting CFR, LOS and thus, mortality. For further multicentre analysis, we recommend broad analysis of factors affecting mortality in COVID-19 using simple and transparent statistical and clinical parameters.

Standards of perioperative management in total knee and hip arthroplasty procedures. A survey-based study. Part I: Preoperative management.

INTRODUCTION: Recent years have seen an increasing number of elective total knee (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures. Since a wide variety of methods and procedures are used in perioperative management, a survey-based study was carried out to identify the patterns of practice in Polish hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: With the help of the LimeSurvey application, questionnaires for anaesthesio-logists and orthopaedists were prepared to gain insight into the preparation of patients for TKA and THA procedures and perioperative care. Questionnaires included both single and multiple-choice questions concerning among other things type of laboratory tests, additional examinations and consultations performed on a routine basis before elective TKA and THA procedures. RESULTS: A total of 162 medical centres took part in the study. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 93 (57%) orthopaedics teams and 112 (69%) anaesthesiology teams. A mean (standard deviation, SD) of 7.2 (3.5) laboratory tests are routinely ordered before surgery. For example, 47% of orthopaedists and 20% of anaesthesiologists order urinalysis, while 53% of orthopaedists and 26% of anaesthesiologists order a CRP test. Seventy-nine per cent of orthopaedists refer patients for at least one specialist consultation before the procedure. Dental consultation is requested by 40%, gynaecological consultation by 27%. Patient preoperative education is provided by 85% of orthopaedists and preoperative rehabilitation is prescribed by 46% of them. A total of 56% surveyed anaesthesiologists perform pre-anaesthetic evaluation upon patients' hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that the number of examinations and specialist consultations conducted in Polish hospitals exceeded the scope of recommendations of scientific societies. Furthermore, the authors identified a need to standardise perioperative management in the form of Polish guidelines or recommendations, with the intention to improve patient safety and optimize health care expenses.