Continuation of chronic antiplatelet therapy is not associated with increased need for transfusions: a cohort study in critically ill septic patients.

BACKGROUND: The decision to maintain or halt antiplatelet medication in septic patients admitted to intensive care units presents a clinical dilemma. This is due to the necessity to balance the benefits of preventing thromboembolic incidents and leveraging anti-inflammatory properties against the increased risk of bleeding. METHODS: This study involves a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study focusing on patients diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock. We evaluated the outcomes of 203 patients, examining mortality rates and the requirement for transfusion. The cohort was divided into two groups: those whose antiplatelet therapy was sustained (n = 114) and those in whom it was discontinued (n = 89). To account for potential biases such as indication for antiplatelet therapy, propensity score matching was employed. RESULTS: Therapy continuation did not significantly alter transfusion requirements (discontinued vs. continued in matched samples: red blood cell concentrates 51.7% vs. 68.3%, p = 0.09; platelet concentrates 21.7% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.82; fresh frozen plasma concentrates 38.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.7). 90-day survival was higher within the continued group (30.0% vs. 70.0%; p < 0.001) and the Log-rank test (7-day survivors; p = 0.001) as well as Cox regression (both matched samples) suggested an association between continuation of antiplatelet therapy < 7 days and survival (HR: 0.24, 95%-CI 0.10 to 0.63, p = 0.004). Sepsis severity expressed by the SOFA score did not differ significantly in matched and unmatched patients (both p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that continuing antiplatelet therapy in septic patients admitted to intensive care units could be associated with a significant survival benefit without substantially increasing the need for transfusion. These results highlight the importance of a nuanced approach to managing antiplatelet medication in the context of severe sepsis and septic shock.

Anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies causing VITT do not cross-react with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a severe adverse effect of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria) and Janssen Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccine, and it is associated with unusual thrombosis. VITT is caused by anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies activating platelets through their FcγRIIa receptors. Antibodies that activate platelets through FcγRIIa receptors have also been identified in patients with COVID-19. These findings raise concern that vaccination-induced antibodies against anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein cause thrombosis by cross-reacting with PF4. Immunogenic epitopes of PF4 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were compared using in silico prediction tools and 3D modeling. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and PF4 share at least 1 similar epitope. Reactivity of purified anti-PF4 antibodies from patients with VITT was tested against recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. However, none of the affinity-purified anti-PF4 antibodies from 14 patients with VITT cross-reacted with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Sera from 222 polymerase chain reaction-confirmed patients with COVID-19 from 5 European centers were tested by PF4-heparin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and PF4-dependent platelet activation assays. We found anti-PF4 antibodies in sera from 19 (8.6%) of 222 patients with COVID-19. However, only 4 showed weak to moderate platelet activation in the presence of PF4, and none of those patients developed thrombotic complications. Among 10 (4.5%) of 222 patients who had COVID-19 with thrombosis, none showed PF4-dependent platelet-activating antibodies. In conclusion, antibodies against PF4 induced by vaccination do not cross-react with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, indicating that the intended vaccine-induced immune response against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is not the trigger of VITT. PF4-reactive antibodies found in patients with COVID-19 in this study were not associated with thrombotic complications.

Cross-border simulation training for German and Polish emergency medical teams is feasible: conception and evaluation of a bilingual simulation training.

BACKGROUND: Cross-border cooperation of emergency medical services, institutions and hospitals helps to reduce negative impact of national borders and consecutive discrimination of persons living and working in border regions. This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a cross-border bilingual simulation training for emergency medical services within an INTERREG-VA-funded project. METHODS: Five days of simulation training for German and Polish paramedics in mixed groups were planned. Effectiveness of training and main learning objectives were evaluated as pre-post-comparisons and self-assessment by participants. RESULTS: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, only three of nine training modules with n = 16 participants could be realised. Cross-border-simulation training was ranked more positively and was perceived as more useful after the training compared to pretraining. Primary survey has been performed using ABCDE scheme in 18 of 21 scenarios, whereas schemes to obtain medical history have been applied incompletely. However, participants stated to be able to communicate with patients and relatives in 10 of 21 scenarios. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates feasibility of a bilingual cross-border simulation training for German and Polish rescue teams. Further research is highly needed to evaluate communication processes and intra-team interaction during bilingual simulation training and in cross-border emergency medical services rescue operations.

Potential to enhance telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation with improved instructions - findings from a simulation-based manikin study with lay rescuers.

BACKGROUND: Telephone-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (T-CPR) significantly increases rate of bystander resuscitation and improves patient outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Nevertheless, securing correct execution of instructions remains a difficulty. ERC Guidelines 2021 recommend standardised instructions with continuous evaluation. Yet, there are no explicit recommendations on a standardised wording of T-CPR in the German language. We investigated, whether a modified wording regarding check for breathing in a German T-CPR protocol improved performance of T-CPR. METHODS: A simulation study with 48 OHCA scenarios was conducted. In a non-randomised trial study lay rescuers were instructed using the real-life-CPR protocol of the regional dispatch centre and as the intervention a modified T-CPR protocol, including specific check for breathing (head tilt-chin lift instructions). Resuscitation parameters were assessed with a manikin and video recordings. RESULTS: Check for breathing was performed by 64.3% (n = 14) of the lay rescuers with original wording and by 92.6% (n = 27) in the group with modified wording (p = 0.035). In the original wording group the head tilt-chin manoeuvre was executed by 0.0% of the lay rescuers compared to 70.3% in the group with modified wording (p < 0.001). The average duration of check for breathing was 1 ± 1 s in the original wording group and 4 ± 2 s in the group with modified wording (p < 0.001). Other instructions (e.g. check for consciousness and removal of clothing) were well performed and did not differ significantly between groups. Quality of chest compression did not differ significantly between groups, with the exception of mean chest compression depth, which was slightly deeper in the modified wording group. CONCLUSION: Correct check for breathing seems to be a problem for lay rescuers, which can be decreased by describing the assessment in more detail. Hence, T-CPR protocols should provide standardised explicit instructions on how to perform airway assessment. Each protocol should be evaluated for practicability.

Serum Biomarkers of a Pro-Neuroinflammatory State May Define the Pre-Operative Risk for Postoperative Delirium in Spine Surgery.

Advances in spine surgery enable technically safe interventions in older patients with disabling spine disease, yet postoperative delirium (POD) poses a serious risk for postoperative recovery. This study investigates biomarkers of pro-neuroinflammatory states that may help objectively define the pre-operative risk for POD. This study enrolled patients aged ≥60 scheduled for elective spine surgery under general anesthesia. Biomarkers for a pro-neuroinflammatory state included S100 calcium-binding protein ß (S100ß), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Gasdermin D, and the soluble ectodomain of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2). Postoperative changes of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed as markers of systemic inflammation preoperatively, intraoperatively, and early postoperatively (up to 48 h). Patients with POD (n = 19, 75.7 ± 5.8 years) had higher pre-operative levels of sTREM2 (128.2 ± 69.4 pg/mL vs. 97.2 ± 52.0 pg/mL, p = 0.049) and Gasdermin D (2.9 ± 1.6 pg/mL vs. 2.1 ± 1.4 pg/mL, p = 0.29) than those without POD (n = 25, 75.6 ± 5.1 years). STREM2 was additionally a predictor for POD (OR = 1.01/(pg/mL) [1.00-1.03], p = 0.05), moderated by IL-6 (Wald-χ2 = 4.06, p = 0.04). Patients with POD additionally showed a significant increase in IL-6, IL-1ß, and S100ß levels on the first postoperative day. This study identified higher levels of sTREM2 and Gasdermin D as potential markers of a pro-neuroinflammatory state that predisposes to the development of POD. Future studies should confirm these results in a larger cohort and determine their potential as an objective biomarker to inform delirium prevention strategies.

[Is a tele-emergency physician system a sensible addition in rural German regions?-An analysis from a medical and economic perspective]. / Ist das Telenotarzt-System eine sinnvolle Ergänzung im ländlichen Raum? ­ Eine Analyse aus medizinischer und ökonomischer Perspektive.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In 2017, a tele-emergency-physician system was implemented in the county of Vorpommern-Greifswald (Germany) to optimise the prehospital emergency medical service and to counteract current challenges. It was evaluated from a medical and economic perspective whether a tele-emergency physician system is a useful addition to the existing prehospital emergency system, especially in rural regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Approximately 250,000 emergency medical service data from the years 2015 to 2020 (before and after the implementation of the telemedical system) were analysed in a pre-post comparison. A total of 3611 tele-emergency physician cases were analysed regarding medical indication and time-related factors. Additionally, total costs of the tele-emergency physician system as well as a cost analysis regarding prehospital and hospital medical costs of selected diseases were performed. RESULTS: The tele-emergency physician treated patients of all age groups with a wide spectrum of diseases. Of the cases, 48.2% were moderate to severe but not life-threatening disorders. Patients as well as emergency medical service personnel embraced the new system. According to the data, ambulances that were equipped with the telemedical system had the number of missions requiring an emergency physician on scene reduced significantly by 20%. The yearly costs of this telemedical system amount to €1.7 million. CONCLUSIONS: The tele-emergency physician system proved to be a telemedical innovation that is medically advisable, functional and cost-efficient. Therefore, the tele-emergency physician system continued to operate after the end of the research project and is ready to be implemented across Germany.

Blood Product Supply for a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

BACKGROUND: Long patient transport times to trauma centers are a well-known problem in sparsely populated regions with a low hospital density. Transfusion of red blood cell concentrates (RBC) and plasma improves outcome of trauma patients with severe bleeding. Helicopter emergency services (HEMS) are frequently employed to provide early advanced medical care and to reduce time to hospital admission. Supplying HEMS with blood products allows prehospital transfusion and may help to prevent exsanguination or prolonged hemorrhagic shock. We have investigated the maintenance of blood product quality under air transport conditions and the logistical steps to introduce a HEMS blood depot into routine practice. METHODS: A risk analysis was performed and a validation plan developed. A special, commercially available transport container for blood products was identified. Maintenance of temperature conditions between 2 and 6°C in the box were monitored at ambient temperatures up to 35°C over 48 h. Quality of blood products before and after helicopter air transport were evaluated including (1) for RBCs: hemoglobin, hematocrit, hemolysis rate; (2) for thawed plasma: aPTT, INR, single clotting factor activities. The logistics for blood supply of the regional HEMS were developed by the transfusion service of the Greifswald University Hospital in collaboration with the in-hospital transport team, the HEMS team, and the HEMS operator. RESULTS: The transport container maintained a temperature below 6°C up to 36 h at 35°C ambient temperature. Vibration during helicopter operation did not impair quality of RBC and thawed plasma. To provide blood products for HEMS at least two transport containers and an additional set of cooling tiles is needed as the cooling tiles need a special temperature priming over 20 h. The two boxes were used at alternate days. To reduce wastage, RBCs and thawed plasmas were exchanged every fourth day and reintegrated into the blood bank inventory for further in-hospital use. CONCLUSIONS: Supplying HEMS with RBCs and plasma is feasible. Helicopter transport has no negative impact on blood product quality. The logistic challenges require close collaboration between the HEMS team and the blood transfusion service.

Combination of problem-based learning with high-fidelity simulation in CPR training improves short and long-term CPR skills: a randomised single blinded trial.

BACKGROUND: Performance of sufficient cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by medical personnel is critical to improve outcomes during cardiac arrest. It has however been shown that even health care professionals possess a lack of knowledge and skills in CPR performance. The optimal method for teaching CPR remains unclear, and data that compares traditional CPR instructional methods with newer modalities of CPR instruction are needed. We therefore conducted a single blinded, randomised study involving medical students in order to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of a classical CPR education compared with a bilateral approach to CPR training, consisting of problem-based learning (PBL) plus high fidelity simulation. METHODS: One hundred twelve medical students were randomized during a curricular anaesthesiology course to a control (n = 54) and an intervention (n = 58) group. All participants were blinded to group assignment and partook in a 30-min-lecture on CPR basics. Subsequently, the control group participated in a 90-min tutor-guided CPR hands-on-training. The intervention group took part in a 45-min theoretical PBL module followed by 45 min of high fidelity simulated CPR training. The rate of participants recognizing clinical cardiac arrest followed by sufficiently performed CPR was the primary outcome parameter of this study. CPR performance was evaluated after the intervention. In addition, a follow-up evaluation was conducted after 6 months. RESULTS: 51.9% of the intervention group met the criteria of sufficiently performed CPR as compared to only 12.5% in the control group on the day of the intervention (p = 0.007). Hands-off-time as a marker for CPR continuity was significantly less in the intervention group (24.0%) as compared to the control group (28.3%, p = 0.007, Hedges' g = 1.55). At the six-month follow-up, hands-off-time was still significantly lower in the intervention group (23.7% vs. control group: 31.0%, p = 0.006, Hedges' g = 1.88) but no significant difference in sufficiently performed CPR was detected (intervention group: 71.4% vs. control group: 54.5%, p = 0.55). CONCLUSION: PBL combined with high fidelity simulation training leads to a measurable short-term increase in initiating sufficient CPR by medical students immediately after training as compared to classical education. At six month post instruction, these differences remained only partially.

Effects of Electrical Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation on the Perceived Intensity of Repetitive Painful Heat Stimuli: A Blinded Placebo- and Sham-Controlled Randomized Crossover Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (TVNS) is a promising treatment for acute and chronic pain. However, experimental studies yielded controversial results. We examined if TVNS reduces the perceived intensity of repetitive painful heat stimulation and temporal summation of pain (TSP) in healthy volunteers in comparison with placebo and sham stimulation, as well as no intervention. METHODS: In 4 sessions, 90 heat pulse stimuli at individual pain tolerance temperature were applied to the ventral forearm of 49 healthy volunteers (25 women) using a Contact Heat Evoked Potential Stimulator thermode (Medoc, Ramat Yishai, Israel). Pain intensity was assessed with verbal ratings on a numeric pain scale (0-100) at every tenth heat pulse. After the first session in which pain intensities without intervention were evaluated, participants completed 3 sessions in a single-blinded randomized crossover manner: (1) sham stimulation applied at the earlobes, (2) placebo stimulation (inactive device), or (3) TVNS applied at the cymbas conchae. Primary data were analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measures and t test for paired samples. RESULTS: Pain intensity decreased during all interventions as compared to no intervention (ηp = 0.22, P < .001; mean difference TVNS versus no intervention 9.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-15.4; P < .001). Hypoalgesic effect of TVNS was better than that of placebo and sham in men before the onset of TSP (mean differences for TVNS versus placebo 6.2; 95% CI, 0.2-12.1; TVNS versus sham 6.2; 95% CI, 0.2-12.1; P < .05). In women, TSP response under TVNS was decreased if compared to no intervention (median difference, 7.5; 95% CI, 3.5-15.0; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: TVNS, placebo, and sham stimulation exerted comparable effects under experimental heat pain stimulation. Only in male participants, TVNS was superior to sham and placebo conditions in the reduction of heat pain before the onset of TSP.

Continuous intravenous perioperative lidocaine infusion for postoperative pain and recovery in adults.

BACKGROUND: The management of postoperative pain and recovery is still unsatisfactory in a number of cases in clinical practice. Opioids used for postoperative analgesia are frequently associated with adverse effects, including nausea and constipation, preventing smooth postoperative recovery. Not all patients are suitable for, and benefit from, epidural analgesia that is used to improve postoperative recovery. The non-opioid, lidocaine, was investigated in several studies for its use in multimodal management strategies to reduce postoperative pain and enhance recovery. This review was published in 2015 and updated in January 2017. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects (benefits and risks) of perioperative intravenous (IV) lidocaine infusion compared to placebo/no treatment or compared to epidural analgesia on postoperative pain and recovery in adults undergoing various surgical procedures. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and reference lists of articles in January 2017. We searched one trial registry contacted researchers in the field, and handsearched journals and congress proceedings. We updated this search in February 2018, but have not yet incorporated these results into the review. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of continuous perioperative IV lidocaine infusion either with placebo, or no treatment, or with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in adults undergoing elective or urgent surgery under general anaesthesia. The IV lidocaine infusion must have been started intraoperatively, prior to incision, and continued at least until the end of surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used Cochrane's standard methodological procedures. Our primary outcomes were: pain score at rest; gastrointestinal recovery and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included: postoperative nausea and postoperative opioid consumption. We used GRADE to assess the quality of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We included 23 new trials in the update. In total, the review included 68 trials (4525 randomized participants). Two trials compared IV lidocaine with TEA. In all remaining trials, placebo or no treatment was used as a comparator. Trials involved participants undergoing open abdominal (22), laparoscopic abdominal (20), or various other surgical procedures (26). The application scheme of systemic lidocaine strongly varies between the studies related to both dose (1 mg/kg/h to 5 mg/kg/h) and termination of the infusion (from the end of surgery until several days after).The risk of bias was low with respect to selection bias (random sequence generation), performance bias, attrition bias, and detection bias in more than 50% of the included studies. For allocation concealment and selective reporting, the quality assessment yielded low risk of bias for only approximately 20% of the included studies.IV Lidocaine compared to placebo or no treatment We are uncertain whether IV lidocaine improves postoperative pain compared to placebo or no treatment at early time points (1 to 4 hours) (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.72 to -0.28; 29 studies, 1656 participants; very low-quality evidence) after surgery. Due to variation in the standard deviation (SD) in the studies, this would equate to an average pain reduction of between 0.37 cm and 2.48 cm on a 0 to 10 cm visual analogue scale . Assuming approximately 1 cm on a 0 to 10 cm pain scale is clinically meaningful, we ruled out a clinically relevant reduction in pain with lidocaine at intermediate (24 hours) (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.04; 33 studies, 1847 participants; moderate-quality evidence), and at late time points (48 hours) (SMD -0.11, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.04; 24 studies, 1404 participants; moderate-quality evidence). Due to variation in the SD in the studies, this would equate to an average pain reduction of between 0.10 cm to 0.48 cm at 24 hours and 0.08 cm to 0.42 cm at 48 hours. In contrast to the original review in 2015, we did not find any significant subgroup differences for different surgical procedures.We are uncertain whether lidocaine reduces the risk of ileus (risk ratio (RR) 0.37, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.87; 4 studies, 273 participants), time to first defaecation/bowel movement (mean difference (MD) -7.92 hours, 95% CI -12.71 to -3.13; 12 studies, 684 participants), risk of postoperative nausea (overall, i.e. 0 up to 72 hours) (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.91; 35 studies, 1903 participants), and opioid consumption (overall) (MD -4.52 mg morphine equivalents , 95% CI -6.25 to -2.79; 40 studies, 2201 participants); quality of evidence was very low for all these outcomes.The effect of IV lidocaine on adverse effects compared to placebo treatment is uncertain, as only a small number of studies systematically analysed the occurrence of adverse effects (very low-quality evidence).IV Lidocaine compared to TEAThe effects of IV lidocaine compared with TEA are unclear (pain at 24 hours (MD 1.51, 95% CI -0.29 to 3.32; 2 studies, 102 participants), pain at 48 hours (MD 0.98, 95% CI -1.19 to 3.16; 2 studies, 102 participants), time to first bowel movement (MD -1.66, 95% CI -10.88 to 7.56; 2 studies, 102 participants); all very low-quality evidence). The risk for ileus and for postoperative nausea (overall) is also unclear, as only one small trial assessed these outcomes (very low-quality evidence). No trial assessed the outcomes, 'pain at early time points' and 'opioid consumption (overall)'. The effect of IV lidocaine on adverse effects compared to TEA is uncertain (very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We are uncertain whether IV perioperative lidocaine, when compared to placebo or no treatment, has a beneficial impact on pain scores in the early postoperative phase, and on gastrointestinal recovery, postoperative nausea, and opioid consumption. The quality of evidence was limited due to inconsistency, imprecision, and study quality. Lidocaine probably has no clinically relevant effect on pain scores later than 24 hours. Few studies have systematically assessed the incidence of adverse effects. There is a lack of evidence about the effects of IV lidocaine compared with epidural anaesthesia in terms of the optimal dose and timing (including the duration) of the administration. We identified three ongoing studies, and 18 studies are awaiting classification; the results of the review may change when these studies are published and included in the review.

Quality Improvement Initiative for Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Reduces 90-Day Mortality: A 7.5-Year Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a quality improvement initiative for severe sepsis and septic shock focused on the resuscitation bundle on 90-day mortality. Furthermore, effects on compliance rates for antiinfective therapy within the recommended 1-hour interval are evaluated. DESIGN: Prospective observational before-after cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital in Germany. PATIENTS: All adult medical and surgical ICU patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. INTERVENTION: Implementation of a quality improvement program over 7.5 years. MEASUREMENTS: The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. Secondary endpoints included ICU and hospital mortality rates and length of stay, time to broad-spectrum antiinfective therapy, and compliance with resuscitation bundle elements. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 14,115 patients were screened. The incidence of severe sepsis and septic shock was 9.7%. Ninety-day mortality decreased from 64.2% to 45.0% (p < 0.001). Hospital length of stay decreased from 44 to 36 days (p < 0.05). Compliance with resuscitation bundle elements was significantly improved. Antibiotic therapy within the first hour after sepsis onset increased from 48.5% to 74.3% (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed blood cultures before antibiotic therapy (hazard ratio, 0.60-0.84; p < 0.001), adequate calculated antibiotic therapy (hazard ratio, 0.53-0.75; p < 0.001), 1-2 L crystalloids within the first 6 hours (hazard ratio 0.67-0.97; p = 0.025), and greater than or equal to 6 L during the first 24 hours (hazard ratio, 0.64-0.95; p = 0.012) as predictors for improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous quality improvement initiative focused on the resuscitation bundle was associated with increased compliance and a persistent reduction in 90-day mortality over a 7.5-year period. Based on the observational study design, a causal relationship cannot be proven, and respective limitations need to be considered.

Electric Nerve Stimulation Does Not Correctly Predict Needle-Nerve Distance and Potential Local Anesthetic Spread for Interscalene Brachial Plexus Blockade.

This study evaluated electric nerve stimulation as a nerve location tool. After eliciting motor response in 43 patients undergoing shoulder surgery, the needle tip's position, distance from the closest nerve, and spread of saline were evaluated using ultrasound imaging. The needle's tip resided 1 to 4 mm from the closest nerve in 21, in direct contact with it in 7, and 6 to 18 mm away in 15 patients. In 21 patients, subsequent saline dissection did not reach the brachial plexus. Thus, the success rate of electric nerve stimulation for correct needle-nerve distance identification was 48.8%, with correct fluid spread reached in only 51.2% of patients.

Feasibility and safety of dilatational tracheotomy using the rigid endoscope: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic tracheo-bronchoscopy is the most commonly used procedure for percutaneous dilational tracheotomy (PDT). However, PDT can be associated with major complications, including death. Furthermore it is unclear, whether the tracheal ring fractures may contribute to the development of tracheal stenosis after PDT nor whether tracheal ring fractures can be prevented by using a rigid endoscope for this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of and the incidence of complications for PDT using the rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED). METHODS: In a prospective multicenter observational study from 2006 to 2010, 180 adult patients in intensive care and those scheduled for ear, nose and throat surgery underwent PDT using TED. Data collection was performed using a structured protocol. The patients were observed according to PDT phase (phase 1: puncture, phase 2: dilatation and phase 3: cannula insertion). The descriptive data are given as the number (percent) of cases and the mean ± standard deviation (SD) where appropriate. The relationships between dichotomous and categorical parameters were analyzed using the chi-square test. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: PDT was performed in 179 patients. The procedure time was 14.8 ± 6.2 (mean ± SD) minutes. Pneumothorax or procedure-related lethal complications did not occur. Other adverse events included tracheal ring fractures (17.1%), desaturations (6.8%), special incidents (6.2%), bleeding (5.5%), anesthesia complications (4.5%) and posterior tracheal wall injuries (1.1%). CONCLUSION: The use of TED in PDT is feasible, and the incidence of complications and adverse events was comparable with that of PDT using the flexible endoscope. Tracheal ring fractures in PDT cannot be avoided by the use of a rigid endoscope. With TED, the airway always remains open thus the use of jet ventilation via the TED during PDT is possible.

Nonoperating room anesthesia for endoscopic procedures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to take a look on some practical aspects of anesthetic care in the endoscopy suite, concerning the general approach, safety, and monitoring issues. RECENT FINDINGS: Concerning propofol popularity for sedation during endoscopic procedures new studies create doubt in the safety of higher doses of propofol used for sedation. Careful titration of propofol, addition of synergistic supplements like ketamine and dexmedetomidine, and monitoring of anesthetic depth may limit the dose of propofol given to the patients. Capnography has the potential to detect airway compromise earlier than pulse-oximetry and by this enhancing patient safety. SUMMARY: Sedation or anesthesia in the endoscopy suite is not without risk. For complex and longer lasting procedures and in patients with significant comorbidities and risk factors, good clinical judgment, built on experience, is essential and to foster this, it seems prudent to build up a group of anesthesiologists dedicated to a special sedation service.

Lidocaine reduces neutrophil recruitment by abolishing chemokine-induced arrest and transendothelial migration in septic patients.

The inappropriate activation, positioning, and recruitment of leukocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure in sepsis. Although the local anesthetic lidocaine modulates inflammatory processes, the effects of lidocaine in sepsis are still unknown. This double-blinded, prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of lidocaine on leukocyte recruitment in septic patients. Fourteen septic patients were randomized to receive either a placebo (n = 7) or a lidocaine (n = 7) bolus (1.5 mg/kg), followed by continuous infusion (100 mg/h for patients >70 kg or 70 mg/h for patients <70 kg) over a period of 48 h. Selectin-mediated slow rolling, chemokine-induced arrest, and transmigration were investigated by using flow chamber and transmigration assays. Lidocaine treatment abrogated chemokine-induced neutrophil arrest and significantly impaired neutrophil transmigration through endothelial cells by inhibition of the protein kinase C-θ while not affecting the selectin-mediated slow leukocyte rolling. The observed results were not attributable to changes in surface expression of adhesion molecules or selectin-mediated capturing capacity, indicating a direct effect of lidocaine on signal transduction in neutrophils. These data suggest that lidocaine selectively inhibits chemokine-induced arrest and transmigration of neutrophils by inhibition of protein kinase C-θ while not affecting selectin-mediated slow rolling. These findings may implicate a possible therapeutic role for lidocaine in decreasing the inappropriate activation, positioning, and recruitment of leukocytes during sepsis.

Feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ultrasound-guided axillary plexus blockade in pediatric patients with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica.

BACKGROUND: In patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica (DEB), the most severe form of epidermolysis bullosa, trauma or friction cause separation of the skin from underlying tissue with consecutive painful blisters, scarifications, contractures, and pseudosyndactyly. To retain functionality of the hands surgical procedures are necessary. Anesthesia is challenging as difficult airways make general anesthesia risky. Regional anesthesia is considered controversial in patients with EB as accidental subcutaneous injections can cause severe blisters. As ultrasound-guided procedures became standard of care this might have changed however. AIM: In this case series, we describe feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ultrasound-guided plexus axillaris block in DEB patients undergoing hand surgery. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of the charts of all children with DEB undergoing hand surgery under plexus axillaris block and sedation between 2009 and 2013 in our institution. RESULTS: Nineteen procedures in nine children were performed. Induction of anesthesia (securing monitoring, sedation, plexus block) took a mean time of 34 min. Perioperative analgesia was adequate in all procedures. No complications such as airway incidents, conversion to general anesthesia, movement during surgery, incomplete block, or formation of new blisters were seen. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided plexus axillaris block in DEB patients undergoing hand surgery in our institution has been feasible, effective, and safe.

[Graduate Medical Education - Structured, competency based training in Anesthesiology]. / Weiterbildung - Strukturierte kompetenzbasierte Weiterbildung: Grundlagen und Beispiel.

The "Joint Commission of BDA and DGAI for Graduate Medical Education and Further Education" presents a concept for postgraduate training in anesthesiology. Aiming at a different and demanding generation of young physicians it proposes a new approach to an attractive training in anesthesiology e. g. by simulation as one key concept. It is also intended to meet the guidelines of the German Medical Association of competency based rather than time based or procedure based graduate medical education. A clear structure and the competency based approach shall facilitate a process of professional teaching. The article describes the new concept of graduate medical education by the German Medical Association and the respective aims and objectives of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany. An existing implementation in a hospital is given as an example of feasibility.

A two-step multidisciplinary approach to treat recurrent esophageal strictures in children with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica.

In children with severe generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), esophageal scarring leads to esophageal strictures with dysphagia, followed by malnutrition and delayed development. We describe a two-step multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to overcome malnutrition and growth retardation. In Step 1, under general anesthesia, orthograde balloon dilation of the esophagus is followed by gastrostomy creation using a direct puncture technique. In Step 2, further esophageal strictures are treated by retrograde dilation via the established gastrostomy; this step requires only a short sedation period. A total of 12 patients (median age 7.8 years, range 6 weeks to 17 years) underwent successful orthograde balloon dilation of esophageal strictures combined with direct puncture gastrostomy. After 12 and 24 months in 11 children, a substantial improvement of growth and nutrition was achieved (body mass index [BMI] standard deviation score [SDS] + 0.59 and + 0.61, respectively). In one child, gastrostomy was removed because of skin ulcerations after 10 days. Recurrent esophageal strictures were treated successfully in five children. The combined approach of balloon dilation and gastrostomy is technically safe in children with RDEB, and helps to promote catch-up growth and body weight. In addition, recurrent esophageal strictures can be treated successfully without general anesthesia in a retrograde manner via the established gastrostomy.

Impact of human albumin infusion on organ function in orthotopic liver transplantation--a retrospective matched-pair analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the impact of human albumin (HA) substitution on organ function in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed chart data of 15 hypoalbuminemic patients who received continuous infusion of HA (100 g/d) for seven d following OLT and matched them with 15 control patients for severity scores at admission. Primary endpoint was a difference in mean "sequential organ failure assessment" (SOFA) score during 14 d following OLT. Secondary endpoints included SOFA subscores, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ICU mortality, one-yr mortality, fluid balance, colloid osmotic pressure (COP), serum albumin, and total protein concentrations. RESULTS: Substitution of HA was associated with a lower mean SOFA score as compared to control (11.0 ± 3.6 vs. 13.4 ± 3.7; p < 0.001). Patients treated with HA also exhibited lower cardiovascular SOFA subscore and higher COP, serum albumin, and total protein concentrations. There were no significant differences in fluid balance, length of ICU stay, ICU mortality, or one-yr mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that continuous infusion of HA may preserve cumulative organ function (as measured by SOFA score) with emphasis on cardiovascular function in patients following OLT.