Mean Platelet Volume is a Prognostic Marker in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is conflicting data regarding the association between platelet parameters and prognosis of stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. We aimed to analyze this association in a cohort of patients treated with rtPA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational study in adult ischemic stroke patients treated with rtPA between January 2015 and February 2017. Demographic and clinical characteristics, stroke severity (NIHSS), etiology (TOAST), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet count (PC), platelet distribution width (PDW) and functional outcome (mRS) at discharge and 90 days were recorded. The association between platelet parameters and unfavorable prognosis (mRS 3-6) was tested using non-parametric tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 267 patients were included, 134 (50.2%) females, with a median (IQR) age of 74 years (64-82). The median admission NIHSS was 14 (8-19) and the most frequent etiology was cardioembolism (n = 115, 43.1%). At discharge, 170 (63.7%) patients had mRS 3-6. MPV values were higher in patients with mRS 3-6 (median 8.2fL versus 7.8fL, p = 0.013). This association remained significant (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.003-1.832, p = 0.048) after adjustment for variables associated with prognosis. There were no significant associations between other platelet parameters and prognosis. There was a trend to unfavorable prognosis at 90 days in patients with higher MPV. Regarding the association between platelet parameters and hemorrhagic transformation, higher PDW was associated with more severe hemorrhagic transformation (PH1/PH2). CONCLUSIONS: Higher MPV values were associated with unfavorable prognosis at discharge in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Future studies should address its added value in stroke prediction models.

Unreported Source of Interference with the Bispectral Index During Liposuction: A Case Report.

Incorrect bispectral index (BIS) values have been reported due to interference with this monitoring system. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman who underwent liposuction and breast lipofilling, where we observed a misinterpretation by the BIS algorithm that has not yet been reported. Concurrently with abdominal and thigh liposuction, an increase in the BIS value was observed. The importance of examining electroencephalogram (EEG) and density spectral array (DSA) readings during liposuction procedures is highlighted in this case report, extending our observations beyond just the numerical BIS value, which is not always reliable.

Cardiac Arrest in the Post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU): Postoperative Recurrence of Neuromuscular Block After Sugammadex Reversal.

Sugammadex has transformed clinical practice by enabling the rapid reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block (NMB) at any depth. We present a case of cardiac arrest following postoperative recurarization despite the sugammadex-induced transient reversal of NMB. Despite its proven clinical reliability, this case highlights the often overlooked aspects that must be considered when using this drug. An 84-year-old male patient was scheduled for a laparoscopic partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer. At the end of the procedure, reversal of NMB was evidenced by an acceleromyographic train-of-four (TOF) ratio of ≥0.9 following sugammadex administration. In the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), pulseless electrical activity was perceived, with a regression of TOF count to 1. After providing successful advanced cardiac life support, additional sugammadex administration led to uneventful extubation. When the concentration of free rocuronium decreases in the central compartment following sugammadex administration, redistribution of rocuronium from the peripheral to the central and effect-site compartments may cause recurarization. Special care is required in cases involving obese and elderly patients as well as those with renal impairment or hypothermia. To provide effective and predictable reversal of NMB, proper use of sugammadex should be pursued, including adequate dosing and monitoring.