Association of ketamine use during procedural sedation with oxygen desaturation and healthcare utilisation: a multicentre retrospective hospital registry study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of ketamine on desaturation and the risk of nursing home discharge in patients undergoing procedural sedation by anaesthetists. METHODS: We included adult patients who underwent procedures under monitored anaesthetic care between 2005 and 2021 at two academic healthcare networks in the USA. The primary outcome was intraprocedural oxygen desaturation, defined as oxygen saturation <90% for ≥2 consecutive minutes. The co-primary outcome was a nursing home discharge. RESULTS: Among 234,170 included patients undergoing procedural sedation, intraprocedural desaturation occurred in 5.6% of patients who received ketamine vs 5.2% of patients who did not receive ketamine (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.29, P<0.001; adjusted absolute risk difference [ARDadj] 1%, 95% CI 0.7-1.3%, P<0.001). The effect was magnified by age >65 yr, smoking, or preprocedural ICU admission (P-for-interaction <0.001, ORadj 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.45, P<0.001; ARDadj 2%, 95% CI 1.56-2.49%, P<0.001), procedural risk factors (upper endoscopy of longer than 2 h; P-for-interaction <0.001, ORadj 2.91, 95% CI 1.85-4.58, P<0.001; ARDadj 16.2%, 95% CI 9.8-22.5%, P<0.001), and high ketamine dose (P-for-trend <0.001, ORadj 1.61, 95% CI, 1.43-1.81 for ketamine >0.5 mg kg-1). Concomitant opioid administration mitigated the risk (P-for-interaction <0.001). Ketamine was associated with higher odds of nursing home discharge (ORadj 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, P=0.012; ARDadj 0.25%, 95% CI 0.05-0.46%, P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine use for procedural sedation was associated with an increased risk of oxygen desaturation and discharge to a nursing home. The effect was dose-dependent and magnified in subgroups of vulnerable patients.

Association of dexmedetomidine use with haemodynamics, postoperative recovery, and cost in paediatric anaesthesia: a hospital registry study.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine utilisation in paediatric patients is increasing. We hypothesised that intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine in children is associated with longer postanaesthesia care unit length of stay, higher healthcare costs, and side-effects. METHODS: We analysed data from paediatric patients (aged 0-12 yr) between 2016 and 2021 in the Bronx, NY, USA. We matched our cohort with the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Kids' Inpatient Database (HCUP-KID). RESULTS: Among 18 104 paediatric patients, intraoperative dexmedetomidine utilisation increased from 51.7% to 85.7% between 2016 and 2021 (P<0.001). Dexmedetomidine was dose-dependently associated with a longer postanaesthesia care unit length of stay (adjusted absolute difference [ADadj] 19.7 min; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.0-21.4 min; P<0.001, median length of stay of 122 vs 98 min). The association was magnified in children aged ≤2 yr undergoing short (≤60 min) ambulatory procedures (ADadj 33.3 min; 95% CI: 26.3-40.7 min; P<0.001; P-for-interaction <0.001). Dexmedetomidine was associated with higher total hospital costs of USD 1311 (95% CI: USD 835-1800), higher odds of intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure below 55 mm Hg (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 1.27; 95% CI: 1.16-1.39; P<0.001), and higher odds of heart rate below 100 beats min-1 (ORadj 1.32; 95% CI: 1.21-1.45; P<0.001), with no preventive effects on emergence delirium requiring postanaesthesia i.v. sedatives (ORadj 1.67; 95% CI: 1.04-2.68; P=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine is associated with unwarranted haemodynamic effects, longer postanaesthesia care unit length of stay, and higher costs, without preventive effects on emergence delirium.

Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Postoperative Delirium in Procedures of Moderate-to-High Complexity: A Hospital-Registry Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience chronic sleep disturbances and desaturation, factors that have been associated with postoperative delirium and that can be aggravated after anesthesia for complex procedures. We investigated whether OSA is associated with delirium after anesthesia, and whether this association is modified by procedural complexity. METHODS: Hospitalized patients ≥60 years who underwent general anesthesia or procedural sedation for procedures of moderate-to-high complexity between 2009 and 2020 at a tertiary health care network in Massachusetts were included. The primary exposure was OSA, defined based on International Classification of Diseases ( Ninth/Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification ) ( ICD-9 / 10-CM ) diagnostic codes, structured nursing interviews, anesthesia alert notes, and a validated risk score (BOSTN [body mass index, observed apnea, snoring, tiredness, and neck circumference]). The primary end point was delirium within 7 days after the procedure. Multivariable logistic regression and effect modification analyses adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and procedural factors were applied. RESULTS: A total of 46,352 patients were included, of which 1694 patients (3.7%) developed delirium, 537 (3.2%) with OSA, and 1,157 (4.0%) without OSA. In adjusted analyses, OSA was not associated with postprocedural delirium in the overall cohort (adjusted odds ratio [OR adj ], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.20; P = .35). However, a high procedural complexity modified the primary association ( P value for interaction = .002). OSA patients had a higher risk of delirium after high-complexity procedures (≥40 work relative value units) such as cardiac (OR adj , 1.33; 95% CI, 1.08-1.64; P = .007, P value for interaction = .005) or thoracic surgery (OR adj , 1.89; 95% CI, 1.19-3.00; P = .007, P value for interaction = .009), but no increased risk after moderate complexity procedures, including general surgery (OR adj , 0.86; 95% CI, 0.55-1.35; P = .52). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to non-OSA patients, a history of OSA is associated with a higher risk after high-complexity procedures such as cardiac or thoracic surgery but not after procedures of moderate complexity.

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity and Loss of Post-Surgery Independent Living: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Bronx Hospital Network.

BACKGROUND: Black race is associated with postoperative adverse discharge to a nursing facility, but the effects of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity are unclear. We explored the Hispanic paradox, described as improved health outcomes among Hispanic/Latino patients on postoperative adverse discharge to nursing facility. METHODS: A total of 93,356 adults who underwent surgery and were admitted from home to Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, between January 2016 and June 2021 were included. The association between self-identified Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and the primary outcome, postoperative adverse discharge to a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, was investigated. Interaction analysis was used to examine the impact of socioeconomic status, determined by estimated median household income and insurance status, on the primary association. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the proportion of variance attributed to the patient's residential area defined by zip code and self-identified ethnicity. RESULTS: Approximately 45.9% (42,832) of patients identified as Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and 9.7% (9074) patients experienced postoperative adverse discharge. Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with lower risk of adverse discharge (relative risk [RRadj] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 00.82-0.94; P < .001), indicating a Hispanic Paradox. This effect was modified by the patient's socioeconomic status (P-for-interaction <.001). Among patients with a high socioeconomic status, the Hispanic paradox was abolished (RRadj 1.10; 95% CI, 11.00-1.20; P = .035). Furthermore, within patients of low socioeconomic status, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative discharge home with health services compared to non-Hispanic/Latino patients (RRadj 1.06; 95% CI, 11.01-1.12; P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is a protective factor for postoperative adverse discharge, but this association is modified by socioeconomic status. Future studies should focus on postoperative discharge disposition and socioeconomic barriers in patients with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity.

Association Between Intraoperative Dexamethasone and Postoperative Mortality in Patients Undergoing Oncologic Surgery: A Multicentric Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of dexamethasone on postoperative mortality, recurrence-free survival, and side effects in patients undergoing oncologic operations. BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone prevents nausea and vomiting after anesthesia and may affect cancer proliferation. METHODS: A total of 30,561 adult patients undergoing solid cancer resection between 2005 and 2020 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on 1-year mortality and recurrence-free survival. Effect modification by the cancer's potential for immunogenicity, defined as a recommendation for checkpoint inhibitor therapy based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, was investigated through interaction term analysis. Key safety endpoints were dexamethasone-associated risk of hyperglycemia >180 mg/dL within 24 hours and surgical site infections within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Dexamethasone was administered to 38.2% (11,666/30,561) of patients (6.5±2.3 mg). Overall, 3.2% (n=980/30,561) died and 15.4% (n=4718/30,561) experienced cancer recurrence within 1 year of the operation. Dexamethasone was associated with a -0.6% (95% confidence interval: -1.1, -0.2, P =0.007) 1-year mortality risk reduction [adjusted odds ratio (OR adj ): 0.79 (0.67, 0.94), P =0.009; hazard ratio=0.82 (0.69, 0.96), P =0.016] and higher odds of recurrence-free survival [OR adj : 1.28 (1.18, 1.39), P <0.001]. This effect was only present in patients with solid cancers who were defined as not to respond to checkpoint inhibitor therapy [OR adj : 0.70 (0.57, 0.87), P =0.001 vs OR adj : 1.13 (0.85, 1.50), P =0.40]. A high (>0.09 mg/kg) dose of dexamethasone increased the risk of postoperative hyperglycemia [OR adj : 1.55 (1.32, 1.82), P <0.001], but not for surgical site infections [OR adj : 0.84 (0.42, 1.71), P =0.63]. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone is associated with decreased 1-year mortality and cancer recurrence in patients undergoing surgical resection of cancers that are not candidates for immune modulators. Dexamethasone increased the risk of postoperative hyperglycemia, however, no increase in surgical site infections was identified.

Association of sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular block and postoperative length of stay in the ambulatory care facility: a multicentre hospital registry study.

BACKGROUND: Encapsulation of rocuronium or vecuronium with sugammadex can reverse neuromuscular block faster than neostigmine reversal. This pharmacodynamic profile might facilitate patient discharge after ambulatory surgery. METHODS: We included patients who underwent ambulatory surgery with general anaesthesia and neuromuscular block between 2016 and 2021 from hospital registries at two large academic healthcare networks in the USA. The primary outcome was postoperative length of stay in the ambulatory care facility (PLOS-ACF). We examined post hoc whether the type of reversal affects postoperative nausea and vomiting and direct hospital costs. RESULTS: Among the 29 316 patients included, 8945 (30.5%) received sugammadex and 20 371 (69.5%) received neostigmine for reversal. PLOS-ACF and costs were lower in patients who received sugammadex vs neostigmine (adjusted difference in PLOS-ACF: -9.5 min; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -10.5 to -8.5 min; adjusted difference in direct hospital costs: -US$77; 95% CI, -$88 to -$66; respectively; P<0.001). The association was magnified in patients over age 65 yr, with ASA physical status >2 undergoing short procedures (<2 h) (adjusted difference in PLOS-ACF: -18.2 min; 95% CI, -23.8 to -12.4 min; adjusted difference in direct hospital costs: -$176; 95% CI, -$220 to -$128; P<0.001). Sugammadex use was associated with reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (17.2% vs 19.6%, P<0.001), which mediated its effects on length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Reversal with sugammadex compared with neostigmine was associated with a small decrease in postoperative length of stay in the ambulatory care unit. The effect was magnified in older and high-risk patients, and can be explained by reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting. Sugammadex reversal in ambulatory surgery may also help reduce cost of care.

Consensus guidelines for the perioperative management of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Deep sedation without tracheal intubation (monitored anaesthesia care) and general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation are commonly used anaesthesia techniques for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There are distinct pathophysiological differences between monitored anaesthesia care and general anaesthesia that need to be considered depending on the nature and severity of the patient's underlying disease, comorbidities, and procedural risks. An international group of expert anaesthesiologists and gastroenterologists created clinically relevant questions regarding the merits and risks of monitored anaesthesia care vs general anaesthesia in specific clinical scenarios for planning optimal anaesthetic approaches for ERCP. Using a modified Delphi approach, the group created practical recommendations for anaesthesiologists, with the aim of reducing the incidence of perioperative adverse outcomes while maximising healthcare resource utilisation. In the majority of clinical scenarios analysed, our expert recommendations favour monitored anaesthesia care over general anaesthesia. Patients with increased risk of pulmonary aspiration and those undergoing prolonged procedures of high complexity were thought to benefit from general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation. Patient age and ASA physical status were not considered to be factors for choosing between monitored anaesthesia care and general anaesthesia. Monitored anaesthesia care is the favoured anaesthesia plan for ERCP. An individual risk-benefit analysis that takes into account provider and institutional experience, patient comorbidities, and procedural risks is also needed.

Comparison of the effects of sugammadex versus neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular block on hospital costs of care.

BACKGROUND: Sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular block facilitates recovery of neuromuscular function after surgery, but the drug is expensive. We evaluated the effects of sugammadex on hospital costs of care. METHODS: We analysed 79 474 adult surgical patients who received neuromuscular blocking agents and reversal from two academic healthcare networks between 2016 and 2021 to calculate differences in direct costs. We matched our data with data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) to calculate differences in total costs in US dollars. Perioperative risk profiles were defined based on ASA physical status and admission status (ambulatory surgery vs hospitalisation). RESULTS: Based on our registry data analysis, administration of sugammadex vs neostigmine was associated with lower direct costs (-1.3% lower costs; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.5 to -2.2%; P=0.002). In the HCUP-NIS matched cohort, sugammadex use was associated with US$232 lower total costs (95% CI, -US$376 to -US$88; P=0.002). Subgroup analysis revealed that sugammadex was associated with US$1042 lower total costs (95% CI, -US$1198 to -US$884; P<0.001) in patients with lower risk. In contrast, sugammadex was associated with US$620 higher total costs (95% CI, US$377 to US$865; P<0.001) in patients with a higher risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥3 and preoperative hospitalisation). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of using sugammadex on costs of care depend on patient risk, defined based on comorbidities and admission status. We observed lower costs of care in patients with lower risk and higher costs of care in hospitalised surgical patients with severe comorbidities.

Subjective Assessment of Motor Function by the Bedside Nurses in Mechanically Ventilated Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients Predicts Tracheostomy.

OBJECTIVE: In many institutions, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses assess their patients' muscle function as part of their routine bedside examination. We tested the research hypothesis that this subjective examination of muscle function prior to extubation predicts tracheostomy requirement. METHODS: Adult, mechanically ventilated patients admitted to 7 ICUs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) between 2008 and 2019 were included in this observational study. Assessment of motor function was performed every four hours by ICU nurses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis controlled for acute disease severity, delirium risk assessment through the confusion assessment method for the ICU (CAM-ICU), and pre-defined predictors of extubation failure was applied to examine the association of motor function and tracheostomy within 30 days after extubation. RESULTS: Within 30 days after extubation, 891 of 9609 (9.3%) included patients required a tracheostomy. The inability to spontaneously move and hold extremities against gravity within 24 h prior to extubation was associated with significantly higher odds of 30-day tracheostomy (adjusted OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.27-1.91, p < 0.001, adjusted absolute risk difference (aARD) 2.8% (p < 0.001)). The effect was magnified among patients who were mechanically ventilated for >7 days (aARD 21.8%, 95% CI 12.4-31.2%, p-for-interaction = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: ICU nurses' subjective assessment of motor function is associated with 30-day tracheostomy risk, independent of known risk factors. Muscle function measurements by nursing staff in the ICU should be discussed during interprofessional rounds.

Loss of Independent Living in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The recommendation for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients 65 to 80 years of age is equivocal, leaving patients with a difficult decision. We evaluated whether TAVR compared to SAVR is associated with reduced odds for loss of independent living in patients ≤65, 66 to 79, and ≥80 years of age. Further, we explored mechanisms of the association of TAVR and adverse discharge. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR within a large academic medical system who lived independently before the procedure were included. A multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for a priori defined confounders including patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and a risk score for adverse discharge after cardiac surgery, was used to assess the primary association. We tested the interaction of patient age with the association between aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedure and loss of independent living. We further assessed whether the primary association was mediated (ie, percentage of the association that can be attributed to the mediator) by the procedural duration as prespecified mediator. RESULTS: A total of 1751 patients (age median [quartiles; min-max], 76 [67, 84; 23-100]; sex, 56% female) were included. A total of 27% (222/812) of these patients undergoing SAVR and 20% (188/939) undergoing TAVR lost the ability to live independently. In our cohort, TAVR was associated with reduced odds for loss of independent living compared to SAVR (adjusted odds ratio [OR adj ] 0.19 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.14-0.26]; P < .001). This association was attenuated in patients ≤65 years of age (OR adj 0.63 [0.26-1.56]; P = .32) and between 66 and 79 years of age (OR adj 0.23 [0.15-0.35]; P < .001), and magnified in patients ≥80 years of age (OR adj 0.16 [0.10-0.25]; P < .001; P -for-interaction = .004). Among those >65 years of age, a shorter procedural duration mediated 50% (95% CI, 28-76; P < .001) of the beneficial association of TAVR and independent living. CONCLUSIONS: Patients >65 years of age undergoing TAVR compared to SAVR had reduced odds for loss of independent living. This association was partly mediated by shorter procedural duration. No association between AVR approach and the primary end point was found in patients ≤65 years of age.

Development and validation of an instrument to predict prolonged length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit following ambulatory surgery.

PURPOSE: We sought to develop and validate an Anticipated Surveillance Requirement Prediction Instrument (ASRI) for prediction of prolonged postanesthesia care unit length of stay (PACU-LOS, more than four hours) after ambulatory surgery. METHODS: We analyzed hospital registry data from patients who received anesthesia care in ambulatory surgery centres (ASCs) of university-affiliated hospital networks in New York, USA (development and internal validation cohort [n = 183,711]) and Massachusetts, USA (validation cohort [n = 148,105]). We used stepwise backwards elimination to create ASRI. RESULTS: The model showed discriminatory ability in the development, internal, and external validation cohorts with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 0.83), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.83), and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.80), respectively. In cases started in the afternoon, ASRI scores ≥ 43 had a total predicted risk for PACU stay past 8 p.m. of 32% (95% CI, 31.1 to 33.3) vs 8% (95% CI, 7.9 to 8.5) compared with low score values (P-for-interaction < 0.001), which translated to a higher direct PACU cost of care of USD 207 (95% CI, 194 to 2,019; model estimate, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.64 to 1.73; P < 0.001) The effects of using the ASRI score on PACU use efficiency were greater in a free-standing ASC with no limitations on PACU bed availability. CONCLUSION: We developed and validated a preoperative prediction tool for prolonged PACU-LOS after ambulatory surgery that can be used to guide scheduling in ambulatory surgery to optimize PACU use during normal work hours, particularly in settings without limitation of PACU bed availability.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Nous avons cherché à mettre au point et à valider un Instrument de prédiction anticipée des besoins de surveillance pour anticiper toute prolongation de la durée de séjour en salle de réveil (plus de quatre heures) après chirurgie ambulatoire. MéTHODE: Nous avons analysé les données enregistrées dans le registre de l'hôpital des patient·es qui ont reçu des soins d'anesthésie dans des centres de chirurgie ambulatoire (CCA) des réseaux hospitaliers affiliés à une université à New York, aux États-Unis (cohorte de développement et de validation interne [n = 183 711]) et au Massachusetts, États-Unis (cohorte de validation [n = 148 105]). Nous avons utilisé un procédé d'élimination progressive régressive pour créer notre instrument de prédiction. RéSULTATS: Le modèle a montré une capacité discriminatoire dans les cohortes de développement, de validation interne et de validation externe, avec des surfaces sous la courbe de fonction d'efficacité de l'opérateur (ROC) de 0,82 (intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 0,82 à 0,83), 0,82 (IC 95 %, 0,81 à 0,83), et 0,80 (IC 95 %, 0,79 à 0,80), respectivement. Dans les cas commencés en après-midi, les scores sur notre instrument de prédiction ≥ 43 montraient un risque total prédit de séjour en salle de réveil après 20 h de 32 % (IC 95 %, 31,1 à 33,3) vs 8 % (IC 95 %, 7,9 à 8,5) comparativement aux valeurs de score faibles (P-pour-interaction < 0,001), ce qui s'est traduit par une augmentation de 207 USD du coût direct des soins en salle de réveil (IC 95 %, 194 à 2019; estimation du modèle, 1,68; IC 95 %, 1,64 à 1,73; P < 0,001). Les effets de l'utilisation du score de notre instrument de prédiction sur l'efficacité d'utilisation de la salle de réveil étaient plus importants dans un CCA autonome sans limitation dans la disponibilité des lits en salle de réveil. CONCLUSION: Nous avons mis au point et validé un outil de prédiction préopératoire de la prolongation de la durée de séjour en salle de réveil après une chirurgie ambulatoire qui peut être utilisé pour guider la planification en chirurgie ambulatoire afin d'optimiser l'utilisation de la salle de réveil pendant les heures normales de travail, en particulier dans les milieux sans limitation de disponibilité des lits en salle de réveil.

Preoperative Treatment of Severe Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension Mitigates Healthcare Disparities and Prevents Adverse Postoperative Discharge to a Nursing Home.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether patients of Black race are at higher risk of adverse postoperative discharge to a nursing home, and if a higher prevalence of severe diabetes mellitus and hypertension are contributing. BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether a patient's race predicts adverse discharge to a nursing home after surgery, and if preexisting diseases are contributing. METHODS: A total of 368,360 adults undergoing surgery between 2007 and 2020 across 2 academic healthcare networks in New England were included. Patients of self-identified Black or White race were compared. The primary outcome was postoperative discharge to a nursing facility. Mediation analysis was used to examine the impact of preexisting severe diabetes mellitus and hypertension on the primary association. RESULTS: In all, 10.3% (38,010/368,360) of patients were Black and 26,434 (7.2%) patients were discharged to a nursing home. Black patients were at increased risk of postoperative discharge to a nursing facility (adjusted absolute risk difference: 1.9%; 95% confidence interval: 1.6%-2.2%; P <0.001). A higher prevalence of preexisting severe diabetes mellitus and hypertension in Black patients mediated 30.2% and 15.6% of this association. Preoperative medication-based treatment adherent to guidelines in patients with severe diabetes mellitus or hypertension mitigated the primary association ( P -for-interaction <0.001). The same pattern of effect mitigation by pharmacotherapy was observed for the endpoint 30-day readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Black race was associated with postoperative discharge to a nursing facility compared to White race. Optimized preoperative assessment and treatment of diabetes mellitus and hypertension improves surgical outcomes and provides an opportunity to the surgeon to help eliminate healthcare disparities.

Differential Effects of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acidergic Sedatives on Risk of Post-Extubation Delirium in the ICU: A Retrospective Cohort Study From a New England Health Care Network.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether different gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) sedatives such as propofol and benzodiazepines carry differential risks of post-extubation delirium in the ICU. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Seven ICUs in an academic hospital network, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA). PATIENTS: Ten thousand five hundred and one adult patients mechanically ventilated for over 24 hours. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We tested the hypothesis that benzodiazepine versus propofol-based sedation is associated with fewer delirium-free days within 14 days after extubation. Further, we hypothesized that the measured sedation level evoked by GABAergic drugs is a better predictor of delirium than the drug dose administered. The proportion of GABAergic drug-induced deep sedation was defined as the ratio of days with a mean Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale of less than or equal to -3 during mechanical ventilation. Multivariable regression and effect modification analyses were used. Delirium-free days were lower in patients who received a high proportion of deep sedation using benzodiazepine compared with propofol-based sedation (adjusted absolute difference, -1.17 d; 95% CI, -0.64 to -1.69; p < 0.001). This differential effect was magnified in elderly patients (age > 65) and in patients with liver or kidney failure (p-for-interaction < 0.001) but not observed in patients who received a low proportion of deep sedation (p = 0.95). GABAergic-induced deep sedation days during mechanical ventilation was a better predictor of post-extubation delirium than the GABAergic daily average effective dose (area under the curve 0.76 vs 0.69; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Deep sedation during mechanical ventilation with benzodiazepines compared with propofol is associated with increased risk of post-extubation delirium. Our data do not support the view that benzodiazepine-based compared with propofol-based sedation in the ICU is an independent risk factor of delirium, as long as deep sedation can be avoided in these patients.

Association Between Intraoperative Arterial Hypotension and Postoperative Delirium After Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether intraoperative arterial hypotension is associated with postoperative delirium. We hypothesized that intraoperative hypotension within a range frequently observed in clinical practice is associated with increased odds of delirium after surgery. METHODS: Adult noncardiac surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia at 2 academic medical centers between 2005 and 2017 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary exposure was intraoperative hypotension, defined as the cumulative duration of an intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) <55 mm Hg, categorized into and short (<15 minutes; median [interquartile range {IQR}], 2 [1-4] minutes) and prolonged (≥15 minutes; median [IQR], 21 [17-31] minutes) durations of intraoperative hypotension. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of delirium within 30 days after surgery. In secondary analyses, we assessed the association between a MAP decrease of >30% from baseline and postoperative delirium. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for patient- and procedure-related factors, including demographics, comorbidities, and markers of procedural severity, was used. RESULTS: Among 316,717 included surgical patients, 2183 (0.7%) were diagnosed with delirium within 30 days after surgery; 41.7% and 2.6% of patients had a MAP <55 mm Hg for a short and a prolonged duration, respectively. A MAP <55 mm Hg was associated with postoperative delirium compared to no hypotension (short duration of MAP <55 mm Hg: adjusted odds ratio [ORadj], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.33; P < .001 and prolonged duration of MAP <55 mm Hg: ORadj, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.27-1.94; P < .001). Compared to a short duration of a MAP <55 mm Hg, a prolonged duration of a MAP <55 mm Hg was associated with greater odds of postoperative delirium (ORadj, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.58; P = .016). The association between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative delirium was duration-dependent (ORadj for every 10 cumulative minutes of MAP <55 mm Hg: 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.09; P =.001) and magnified in patients who underwent surgeries of longer duration (P for interaction = .046; MAP <55 mm Hg versus no MAP <55 mm Hg in patients undergoing surgery of >3 hours: ORadj, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.23-1.61; P < .001). A MAP decrease of >30% from baseline was not associated with postoperative delirium compared to no hypotension, also when additionally adjusted for the cumulative duration of a MAP <55 mm Hg (short duration of MAP decrease >30%: ORadj, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.91-1.40; P = .262 and prolonged duration of MAP decrease >30%: ORadj, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.95-1.49; P = .141). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, a MAP <55 mm Hg was associated with a duration-dependent increase in odds of postoperative delirium. This association was magnified in patients who underwent surgery of long duration.

Association of Sedation, Coma, and In-Hospital Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, sedatives and opioids are commonly administered which may lead to increased vulnerability to neurologic dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that patients with coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome are at higher risk of in-hospital mortality due to prolonged coma compared with other patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome matched for disease severity. DESIGN: Propensity-matched cohort study. SETTING: Seven ICUs in an academic hospital network, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA). PATIENTS: All mechanically ventilated coronavirus disease 2019 patients between March and May 2020 were identified and matched with patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome of other etiology. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Using clinical data obtained from a hospital registry, we matched 114 coronavirus disease 2019 patients to 228 noncoronavirus disease 2019-related acute respiratory distress syndrome patients based on baseline disease severity. Coma was identified using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale less than or equal to -3. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to assess the percentage of comatose days, sedative medications used, and the association between coronavirus disease 2019 and in-hospital mortality. In-hospital mortality (48.3% vs 31.6%, adjusted odds ratio, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.34-3.44; p = 0.002), the percentage of comatose days (66.0% ± 31.3% vs 36.0% ± 36.9%, adjusted difference, 29.35; 95% CI, 21.45-37.24; p < 0.001), and the hypnotic agent dose (51.3% vs 17.1% of maximum hypnotic agent dose given in the cohort; p < 0.001) were higher among patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Brain imaging did not show a higher frequency of structural brain lesions in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (6.1% vs 7.0%; p = 0.76). Hypnotic agent dose was associated with coma (adjusted coefficient, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45-0.78; p < 0.001) and mediated (p = 0.001) coma. Coma was associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 5.84; 95% CI, 3.58-9.58; p < 0.001) and mediated 59% of in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with matched patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome of other etiology, patients with coronavirus disease 2019 received higher doses of hypnotics, which was associated with prolonged coma and higher mortality.

Effect of Intraoperative Arterial Hypotension on the Risk of Perioperative Stroke After Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative cerebral blood flow is mainly determined by cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral autoregulation of vasomotor tone. About 1% of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery develop ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that intraoperative hypotension within a range frequently observed in clinical practice is associated with an increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke within 7 days after surgery. METHODS: Adult noncardiac surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital between 2005 and 2017 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary exposure was intraoperative hypotension, defined as a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) below 55 mm Hg, categorized into no intraoperative hypotension, short (<15 minutes, median [interquartile range {IQR}], 2 minutes [1-5 minutes]) and prolonged (≥15 minutes, median [IQR], 21 minutes [17-31 minutes]) durations. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of early perioperative ischemic stroke within 7 days after surgery. In secondary analyses, we assessed the effect of a MAP decrease by >30% from baseline on perioperative stroke. Analyses were adjusted for the preoperative STRoke After Surgery (STRAS) prediction score, work relative value units, and duration of surgery. RESULTS: Among 358,391 included patients, a total of 1553 (0.4%) experienced an early perioperative ischemic stroke. About 42% and 3% of patients had a MAP of below 55 mm Hg for a short and a prolonged duration, and 49% and 29% had a MAP decrease by >30% from baseline for a short and a prolonged duration, respectively. In an adjusted analysis, neither a MAP <55 mm Hg (short duration: adjusted odds ratio [ORadj], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-1.07; P = .417 and prolonged duration: ORadj, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.91-1.55; P = .220) nor a MAP decrease >30% (short duration: ORadj, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.67-1.42; P = .883 and prolonged duration: ORadj, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.89-1.90; P = .176) was associated with early perioperative stroke. A high a priori stroke risk quantified based on preoperatively available risk factors (STRAS prediction score) was associated with longer intraoperative hypotension (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.04-1.05; P < .001 per 5 points of the STRAS prediction score). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no evidence to conclude that intraoperative hypotension within the range studied was associated with early perioperative stroke within 7 days after surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of perioperative cerebral blood flow autoregulation to prevent ischemic stroke.