Morning or Afternoon Scheduling for Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Influence of Longer Fasting Periods from Metabolic and Hemodynamic Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged preoperative fasting may worsen postoperative outcomes. Cardiac surgery has higher perioperative risk, and longer fasting periods may be not well-tolerated. We analysed the postoperative metabolic and hemodynamic variables in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) according to their morning or afternoon schedule. METHODS: Single-centre retrospective study at University teaching hospital (1-year data collection from electronic medical records). Using a mixed-effects linear regression model adjusted for several covariates, we compared metabolic (lactatemia, pH, and base deficit [BD]) and haemodynamic values (patients on vasoactive support, and vasoactive inotropic score [VIS]) at 7 prespecified time-points (admission to intensive care, and 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th postoperative hours). RESULTS: 339 patients (n = 176 morning, n = 163 afternoon) were included. Arterial lactatemia and BD were similar (overall P = 0.11 and P = 0.84, respectively), while pH was significantly lower in the morning group (overall P < 0.05; mean difference -0.01). Postoperative urine output, fluid balance, mean arterial pressure, and central venous pressure were similar (P = 0.59, P = 0.96, P = 0.58 and P = 0.53, respectively). A subgroup analysis of patients with diabetes (n = 54 morning, n = 45 afternoon) confirmed the same findings. The VIS values and the proportion of patients on vasoactive support was higher in the morning cases at the 18th (P = 0.002 and p=0.04, respectively) and 24th postoperative hours (P = 0.003 and P = 0.04, respectively). Mean intensive care length of stay was 1.94 ± 1.36 days versus 2.48 ± 2.72 days for the afternoon and morning cases, respectively (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing elective CABG showed similar or better metabolic and hemodynamic profiles when scheduled for afternoon surgery.

Ciprofol as compared to propofol for sedation and general anesthesia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Propofol is the most commonly used hypnotic agent used during sedation and general anesthesia (GA) practice, offering faster recovery compared to benzodiazepines. However, cardiovascular impact of propofol and pain at injection are commonly encountered side effects. Ciprofol is a novel disubstituted phenol derivative, and there is growing evidence regarding its clinical use. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search (updated on 23 July 2023) to evaluate safety and efficacy of ciprofol in comparison to propofol in patients undergoing procedures under sedation or GA. We focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) only, extrapolating data on onset and offset, and on the side effects and the pain at injection. RESULTS: The search revealed 14 RCTs, all conducted in China. Eight RCTs studied patients undergoing sedation, and six focused on GA. Bolus of ciprofol for sedation or induction of GA varied from 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg. In four studies using ciprofol for maintenance of GA, it was 0.8-2.4 mg/kg/h. Ciprofol pharmacokinetics seemed characterized by slower onset and offset as compared to propofol. Pain during injection was less frequent in the ciprofol group in all the 13 studies reporting it. Eight studies reported "adverse events" as a pooled outcome, and in five cases, the incidence was higher in the propofol group, not different in the remaining ones. Occurrence of hypotension was the most commonly investigated side effects, and it seemed less frequent with ciprofol. CONCLUSION: Ciprofol for sedation or GA may be safer than propofol, though its pharmacokinetics may be less advantageous.

Articulating Video Stylet Compared to Other Techniques for Endotracheal Intubation in Normal Airways: A Simulation Study in Consultants with No Prior Experience.

Simulation for airway management allows for acquaintance with new devices and techniques. Endotracheal intubation (ETI), most commonly performed with direct laryngoscopy (DL) or video laryngoscopy (VLS), can be achieved also with combined laryngo-bronchoscopy intubation (CLBI). Finally, an articulating video stylet (ProVu) has been recently introduced. A single-center observational cross-sectional study was performed in a normal simulated airway scenario comparing DL, VLS-Glidescope, VLS-McGrath, CLBI and ProVu regarding the success rate (SR) and corrected time-to-intubation (cTTI, which accounts for the SR). Up to three attempts/device were allowed (maximum of 60 s each). Forty-two consultants with no experience with ProVu participated (15 ± 9 years after training completion). The DL was significantly faster (cTTI) than all other devices (p = 0.033 vs. VLSs, and p < 0.001 for CLBI and Provu), no differences were seen between the two VLSs (p = 0.775), and the VLSs were faster than CLBI and ProVu. Provu had a faster cTTI than CLBI (p = 0.004). The DL and VLSs showed similar SRs, and all the laryngoscopes had a higher SR than CLBI and ProVu at the first attempt. However, by the third attempt, the SR was not different between the DL/VLSs and ProVu (p = 0.241/p = 0.616); ProVu was superior to CLBI (p = 0.038). In consultants with no prior experience, ProVu shows encouraging results compared to DL/VLSs under simulated normal airway circumstances and further studies are warranted.

Diastology in the intensive care unit: Challenges for the assessment and future directions.

Myocardial dysfunction is common in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Septic disease frequently results in cardiac dysfunction, and sepsis represents the most common cause of admission and death in the ICU. The association between left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and mortality is not clear for critically ill patients. Conversely, LV diastolic dysfunction (DD) seems increasingly recognized as a factor associated with poor outcomes, not only in sepsis but also more generally in critically ill patients. Despite recent attempts to simplify the diagnosis and grading of DD, this remains relatively complex, with the need to use several echocardiographic parameters. Furthermore, the current guidelines have several intrinsic limitations when applied to the ICU setting. In this manuscript, we discuss the challenges in DD classification when applied to critically ill patients, the importance of left atrial pressure estimates for the management of patients in ICU, and whether the study of cardiac dysfunction spectrum during critical illness may benefit from the integration of left ventricular and left atrial strain data to improve diagnostic accuracy and implications for the treatment and prognosis.

Effect of Prewarming on Perioperative Hypothermia in Patients Undergoing Loco-Regional or General Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and Objectives: Redistribution hypothermia occurs during anesthesia despite active intraoperative warming. Prewarming increases the heat absorption by peripheral tissue, reducing the central to peripheral heat gradient. Therefore, the addition of prewarming may offer a greater preservation of intraoperative normothermia as compared to intraoperative warming only. Materials and Methods: A single-center clinical trial of adults scheduled for non-cardiac surgery. Patients were randomized to receive or not a prewarming period (at least 10 min) with convective air devices. Intraoperative temperature management was identical in both groups and performed according to a local protocol. The primary endpoint was the incidence, the magnitude and the duration of hypothermia (according to surgical time) between anesthetic induction and arrival at the recovery room. Secondary outcomes were core temperature on arrival in operating room, surgical site infections, blood losses, transfusions, patient discomfort (i.e., shivering), reintervention and hospital stay. Results: In total, 197 patients were analyzed: 104 in the control group and 93 in the prewarming group. Core temperature during the intra-operative period was similar between groups (p = 0.45). Median prewarming lasted 27 (17-38) min. Regarding hypothermia, we found no differences in incidence (controls: 33.7%, prewarming: 39.8%; p = 0.37), duration (controls: 41.6% (17.8-78.1), prewarming: 45.2% (20.6-71.1); p = 0.83) and magnitude (controls: 0.19 °C · h-1 (0.09-0.54), prewarming: 0.20 °C · h-1 (0.05-0.70); p = 0.91). Preoperative thermal discomfort was more frequent in the prewarming group (15.1% vs. 0%; p < 0.01). The interruption of intraoperative warming was more common in the prewarming group (16.1% vs. 6.7%; p = 0.03), but no differences were seen in other secondary endpoints. Conclusions: A preoperative prewarming period does not reduce the incidence, duration and magnitude of intraoperative hypothermia. These results should be interpreted considering a strict protocol for perioperative temperature management and the low incidence of hypothermia in controls.

Assessment of the inferior vena cava collapsibility from subcostal and trans-hepatic imaging using both M-mode or artificial intelligence: a prospective study on healthy volunteers.

PURPOSE: Assessment of the inferior vena cava (IVC) respiratory variation may be clinically useful for the estimation of fluid-responsiveness and venous congestion; however, imaging from subcostal (SC, sagittal) region is not always feasible. It is unclear if coronal trans-hepatic (TH) IVC imaging provides interchangeable results. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) with automated border tracking may be helpful as part of point-of-care ultrasound but it needs validation. METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted in spontaneously breathing healthy volunteers with assessment of IVC collapsibility (IVCc) in SC and TH imaging, with measures taken in M-mode or with AI software. We calculated mean bias and limits of agreement (LoA), and the intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient with their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Sixty volunteers were included; IVC was not visualized in five of them (n = 2, both SC and TH windows, 3.3%; n = 3 in TH approach, 5%). Compared with M-mode, AI showed good accuracy both for SC (IVCc: bias - 0.7%, LoA [- 24.9; 23.6]) and TH approach (IVCc: bias 3.7%, LoA [- 14.9; 22.3]). The ICC coefficients showed moderate reliability: 0.57 [0.36; 0.73] in SC, and 0.72 [0.55; 0.83] in TH. Comparing anatomical sites (SC vs TH), results produced by M-mode were not interchangeable (IVCc: bias 13.9%, LoA [- 18.1; 45.8]). When this evaluation was performed with AI, such difference became smaller: IVCc bias 7.7%, LoA [- 19.2; 34.6]. The correlation between SC and TH assessments was poor for M-mode (ICC = 0.08 [- 0.18; 0.34]) while moderate for AI (ICC = 0.69 [0.52; 0.81]). CONCLUSIONS: The use of AI shows good accuracy when compared with the traditional M-mode IVC assessment, both for SC and TH imaging. Although AI reduces differences between sagittal and coronal IVC measurements, results from these sites are not interchangeable.

α-2 agonists vs. fentanyl as adjuvants for spinal anesthesia in elective cesarean section: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Elective cesarean section (CS) is usually performed using spinal anesthesia (SA), which requires the use of local anesthetic (LA) agents, commonly combined with adjuvant drugs. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at studying the advantages of α-2 agonists as compared to fentanyl during SA for CS. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We screened PubMed and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We calculated the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, and the relative risk for dichotomous outcomes, using a random-effect model with 95% confidence interval (CI). We performed a Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) assuming an alpha risk of 5%. The primary outcome was the time to first rescue analgesia. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Eight RCTs were included. Time to first rescue analgesia was significantly longer when the α-2 agonists were used (MD 85.9 min [95% CI: 23.8, 147.9]; P=0.007). Duration of sensory block was also longer in the α-2 group (MD 40.5 [95% CI: 20.21,60.7]; P<0.0001), while no differences were found for onset of sensory block and onset and duration of motor block. Rates of shivering and nausea or vomiting were significantly lower in the α-2 agonist group, while risk of hypotension or respiratory depression were not different. The TSA on the primary outcome suggests the need of further research before drawing conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: α2-agonists seem to increase the time to first rescue analgesia and to prolong the duration of sensory block when used as adjuvants to LA in CS patients compared to fentanyl. Also, α2-agonists may reduce the incidence of shivering and nausea or vomiting.

Full and simplified assessment of left ventricular diastolic function in covid-19 patients admitted to ICU: Feasibility, incidence, and association with mortality.

PURPOSE: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is associated with poor outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). Nonetheless, precise reporting of LVDD in COVID-19 patients is currently lacking and assessment could be challenging. METHODS: We performed an echocardiography study in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU with the aim to describe the feasibility of full or simplified LVDD assessment and its incidence. We also evaluated the association of LVDD or of single echocardiographic parameters with hospital mortality. RESULTS: Between 06.10.2020 and 18.02.2021, full diastolic assessment was feasible in 74% (n = 26/35) of patients receiving a full echocardiogram study. LVDD incidence was 46% (n = 12/26), while the simplified assessment produced different results (incidence 81%, n = 21/26). Nine patients with normal function on full assessment had LVDD with simplified criteria (grade I = 2; grade II = 3; grade III = 4). Nine patients were hospital-survivors (39%); the incidence of LVDD (full assessment) was not different between survivors (n = 2/9, 22%) and non-survivors (n = 10/17, 59%; p = .11). The E/e' ratio lateral was lower in survivors (7.4 [3.6] vs. non-survivors 10.5 [6.3], p = .03). We also found that s' wave was higher in survivors (average, p = .01). CONCLUSION: In a small single-center study, assessment of LVDD according to the latest guidelines was feasible in three quarters of COVID-19 patients. Non-survivors showed a trend toward greater LVDD incidence; moreover, they had significantly worse s' values (all) and higher E/e' ratio (lateral).

C-Reactive protein kinetics after cardiac surgery: A retrospective multicenter study.

Background: Recognition of postoperative infection after cardiac surgery is challenging. Biomarkers may be very useful to recognize infection at early stage, but the literature is controversial. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at two large University Hospitals, including adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery (excluding those with preoperative infections, cirrhotic or immunocompromised). We evaluated the kinetics of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and White Cell Count (WCC) during the first postoperative week. Primary outcomes were CRP and WCC changes according to the development of postoperative infection. In order to evaluate the influence of cardiopulmonary bypass on biomarker kinetics, we also studied CRP and WCC changes in patients without postoperative infection and undergoing on- vs off-pump coronary-artery bypass grafting. Results: Among 429 included, 45 patients (10.5%) had evidence of postoperative infection. Patients with postoperative infection had higher CRP and WCC values than those without infection, with between-groups difference becoming significant from postoperative day 2 for CRP (120.6 ± 3.6 vs. 134.6 ± 7.9, P < 0.01), and from postoperative day 3 for WCC (10.5 ± 0.5 vs. 9.9 ± 0.2, P = 0.02). Over the postoperative period, CRP and WCC showed significant within-group changes regardless of development of postoperative infection (P < 0.001 for both). We found no differences in CRP and WCC kinetics between patients undergoing on- vs off-pump procedure. Conclusions: During the first week after cardiac surgery, CRP increases one day earlier than WCC in patients developing postoperative infections, with such difference becoming significant on the second postoperative day. In not infected patients, use of cardiopulmonary bypass does not influence CRP and WCC kinetics.

Neuropathic inguinal pain: neurectomy associated with open prosthetic hernioplasty for the prevention of post-operative pain.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical diseases in the world. Today, this disease is treated by surgical technique only. Among the late complications after surgery, the most frequent is the appearance of chronic post-operative pain after surgical treatment. The incidence of this complication is about 28% of patients undergoing hernioplasty suffering a varying degree of chronic pain, severe enough to interfere with normal daily activities. OBJECTIVES: In this study we evaluated the onset of the neuropathic pain as a complication of inguinal prosthetic hernioplasty surgery. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study run between September 2019 and August 2020. All patients, during the first visit conducted in an outpatient clinic, were recruited in a specific database. Subsequently, surgery was planned in election on one day surgery, patients were administered a specific questionnaire aiming at the identification of any pain and its exact location. The Inguinal Pain Questionnarie (IPQ) was used. During the surgical procedure the selective neurectomy of the 3 nerves has been documented, the entire population of patients has undergone a standardized surgical treatment. At the end of surgery, a follow-up was carried out administering two questionnaires (IPQ Short Form Modified and the IPQ Short Form Paresthesia Modified) concerning the possible chronic post-operative pain and the eventual paresthesia. The questionnaires were administered at first, third and sixth month from the date of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients were screened from September 2019 to October 2020. Fiftyseven male patients were included in the study with a confirmed diagnosis of primary inguinal hernia. Clinical data, baseline characteristics and outcomes are described. Preoperatively, at the time of IPQ administration, 1.8% of patients had a pain score of 6, 10% of 5, 21% of 4, 31% of 3, 28% with a score of 2 and 7% of patients with a score of 1. In all cases the ileoinguinals and ileohypogastric nerves found were subjected to neurectomy, in 19% of cases also the genitofemoral nerve was subjected to surgical resection. At the end of the follow-up, the first questionnaire (IPQ Short Form Modified) results did show that, among the total of patients who had an open prosthetic hernioplasty with extensive nerves resection in the inguinal canal, 84% of them indicated a pain score equal to 0 (no pain) after 6 months of treatment and only 1.7% indicated a score equal to 4. Analyzing the second questionnaire on paresthesia (IPQ Short Form Paresthesia Modified), 79% of patients indicated a score equal to 0 by describing no paresthesia and no changes in sensitivity; 15.7% score 1; 3.5% score 2; 1.7% score 3. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our experience and according to the modern literature, we would advise prophylactic total neurectomy of the inguinal canal nerves during prosthetic inguinal hernioplasty. KEY WORDS: Abdominal Surgery, Chronic pain, Inguinal hernioplasty, Neurectomy, Paresthesia.

Association of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation with transthoracic echocardiography parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Weaning from mechanical ventilation is a challenging step during recovery from critical illness. Weaning failure or early reintubation are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, exposing patients to life-threatening complications. Cardiac dysfunction represents the most common cause of weaning failure. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between transthoracic echocardiographic parameters and weaning failure. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE screening for prospective studies providing echocardiographic data collected just before the beginning of spontaneous breathing trial and outcome of the weaning attempt. We primarily focused on parameters currently recommended for evaluation of left ventricular (LV) systolic or diastolic dysfunction. RESULTS: We included 11 studies in our primary analysis, which included data on LV ejection fraction (LVEF, n=10 studies) and parameters recommended for the assessment of LV diastolic function (E/e' ratio n=10; E/A ratio n=9; E wave n=8; and e' wave n=7). Weaning failure was significantly associated to a higher E/e' ratio (standardised mean difference [SMD]=1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI; 0.78-2.62]; P<0.001), lower e' wave (SMD=-1.22, 95% CI [-2.33 to -0.11]; P=0.03), and higher E wave (SMD=0.97, 95% CI [0.29-1.65]; P=0.005). We found no association between weaning failure and LVEF (SMD=-0.86, 95% CI [-1.92-0.20]; P=0.11) and E/A ratio (SMD=0.00, 95% CI [-0.30-0.31]; P=0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Weaning failure is associated with parameters indicating worse LV diastolic function (E/e', e' wave, E wave) and increased LV filling pressure (E/e' ratio). The association between weaning failure and LV systolic dysfunction as evaluated by LVEF is more unclear. More studies are needed to clarify this aspect and regarding the role of right ventricular function.

Echocardiographic Parameters and Mortality in Pediatric Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prognostic value of echocardiographic parameters in pediatric septic patients. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE (last update April 5, 2020). STUDY SELECTION: Observational studies of pediatric sepsis providing echocardiographic parameters in relation to mortality. DATA EXTRACTION: Echocardiography data were categorized as those describing left ventricular systolic or diastolic function, right ventricular function, and strain echocardiography parameters. Data from neonates and children were considered separately. Analysis is reported as standardized mean difference and 95% CI. DATA SYNTHESIS: We included data from 14 articles (n = 5 neonates, n = 9 children). The fractional shortening was the most commonly reported variable (11 studies, n = 555 patients) and we did not identify an association with mortality (standardized mean difference 0.22, 95% CI [-0.02 to 0.47]; p = 0.07, I2 = 28%). In addition, we did not find any association with mortality also for left ventricular ejection fraction (nine studies, n = 417; standardized mean difference 0.06, 95% CI [-0.27 to 0.40]; p = 0.72, I2 = 51%), peak velocity of systolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging wave (four studies, n = 178; standardized mean difference -0.01, 95% CI [-0.34 to 0.33]; p = 0.97, I2 = 0%), and myocardial performance index (five studies, n = 219; standardized mean difference -0.51, 95% CI [-1.10 to 0.08]; p = 0.09, I2 = 63%). However, in regard to left ventricular diastolic function, there was an association with mortality for higher early wave of transmitral flow/peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging ratio (four studies, n = 189, standardized mean difference -0.45, 95% CI [-0.80 to -0.10]; p = 0.01, I2 = 0%) or lower peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging wave (three studies, n = 159; standardized mean difference 0.49, 95% CI [0.13-0.85]; p = 0.008, I2 = 0%). We did not find any association with mortality for early wave of transmitral flow/late (atrial) wave of trans-mitral flow ratio (six studies, n = 273; standardized mean difference 0.28, 95% CI [-0.42 to 0.99]; p = 0.43, I2 = 81%) and peak velocity of systolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging wave measured at the tricuspid annulus (three studies, n = 148; standardized mean difference -0.18, 95% CI [-0.53 to 0.17]; p = 0.32, I2 = 0%). Only a few studies were conducted with strain echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis of echocardiography parameters in pediatric sepsis failed to find any association between the measures of left ventricular systolic or right ventricular function and mortality. However, mortality was associated with higher early wave of transmitral flow/peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging or lower peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion determined by tissue Doppler imaging, indicating possible importance of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These are preliminary findings because of high clinical heterogeneity in the studies to date.

Systolic-dicrotic notch pressure difference can identify tachycardic patients with septic shock at risk of cardiovascular decompensation following pharmacological heart rate reduction.

BACKGROUND: During sepsis, heart rate (HR) reduction could be a therapeutic target, but identification of responders (non-compensatory tachycardia) and non-responders (compensatory for 'fixed' stroke volume [SV]) is challenging. We tested the ability of the difference between systolic and dicrotic pressure (SDPdifference), which reflects the coupling between myocardial contractility and a given afterload, in discriminating the origin of tachycardia. METHODS: In this post hoc analysis of 45 patients with septic shock with persistent tachycardia, we characterised features of haemodynamic response focusing on SDPdifference, classifying patients according to variations in arterial dP/dtmax after 4 h of esmolol administration to maintain HR <95 beats min-1. A cut-off value of 0.9 mm Hg ms-1 was used for group allocation. RESULTS: After reducing HR, arterial dP/dtmax remained above the cut-off in 23 patients, whereas it decreased below the cut-off in 22 patients (from 0.99 [0.37] to 0.63 [0.16] mm Hg ms-1; mean [SD], P<0.001). At baseline, patients with decreased dP/dtmax after esmolol had lower SDPdifference than those with higher dP/dtmax (40 [19] vs 53 [16] mm Hg, respectively; P=0.01). The SDPdifference remained unchanged after esmolol in the higher dP/dtmax group (49 [16] mm Hg), whereas it decreased significantly in patients with lower dP/dtmax (29 [11] mm Hg; P<0.001). In the latter, the HR reduction resulted in a significant cardiac output reduction with unchanged SV, whereas in patients with higher dP/dtmax SV increased (from 48 [12] to 67 [14] ml; P<0.001) with maintained cardiac output. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in SDPdifference could discriminate between compensatory and non-compensatory tachycardia, revealing a covert loss of myocardial contractility not detected by conventional echocardiographic parameters and deteriorating after HR reduction with esmolol. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02188888.

Use of a Combined Laryngo-Bronchoscopy Approach in Difficult Airways Management: A Pilot Simulation Study.

OBJECTIVE: There are several airway devices available for difficult tracheal intubation (DTI) management, but the failure rate remains high. The use of laryngoscopy to facilitate the fibreoptic-bronchoscope intubation (CLBI) has been increasingly reported in DTI situations, but it has not been formally studied yet. METHODS: We designed a single-centre simulation study on DTI (neck rigidity and tongue oedema) comparing three techniques: direct laryngoscopy (DL), video-laryngoscopy (VLS) and CLBI. Eighteen anaesthesiologists naïve to VLS/CLBI approaches, participated in the study. The primary outcome was the intubation rate at the first attempt. Secondary outcomes were an overall time-to-intubate (TTI) and time-to-ventilate (TTV), success at the second and third attempt and ease of intubation as evaluated by a subjective 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The CLBI technique had a higher success rate at the first attempt than DL (66% vs 22%, p=0.007), while VLS did not (44%, p=0.16). A trend towards higher success at the third attempt was found for both VLS and CLBI vs DL (p=0.07 and p=0.06, respectively). The VLS had a shorter overall TTV than DL (88±60 vs 121±59 sec, respectively, p=0.04) and a trend towards a shorter TTI (81±61 vs 116±64 sec, respectively, p=0.06). The CLBI approach showed a non-significantly lower TTI/TTV as compared to DL (p=0.10 and p=0.16, respectively). Anaesthesiologists judged that the intubation with VLS (3.7±1.0) and CLBI (3.8±1.0) was easier than with DL (1.7±0.8, both p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In a simulated DTI scenario, CLBI had a higher success rate at the first attempt than DL, while VLS did not. By the third attempt, both rescue techniques had a trend towards a higher success rate than DL. The CLBI technique seems a promising alternative for the management of DTI.

Long-term functional and psychological recovery in a population of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients treated with VV-ECMO and in their caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors are affected with long-term physical/mental impairments, with improvements limited mostly to the first year after intensive care (ICU) discharge. Furthermore, caregivers of ICU patients exhibit psychological problems after family-member recovery. We evaluated the long-term physical and mental recovery of ARDS survivors treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), and the long-term psychological impact on their caregivers. METHODS: Single-center prospective evaluation of a retrospective cohort of 75 ARDS patients treated with VV-ECMO during a seven-year period (25.10.2009-11.08.2016). Primary outcomes were the 36-Item Short-Form Health-Survey (SF-36, patients only), and risks of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both for patients and their caregivers. We investigated correlations between outcomes and population characteristics. RESULTS: Of 50 ICU-survivors, seven died later and five were not contactable. Among 38 living patients, 33 participated (87%, 31 with their caregiver) with 2.7 years of median follow-up. Physical and mental SF-36 component scores were 42 (inter-quartile range, IQR:22) and 52 (IQR:18.5), respectively. The worst domains of the SF-36 were physical-role limitations (25, IQR:100) and general-health perception (56, IQR:42.5). Psychological tests highlighted high risk of depression (39-42%, patients; 39-52%, caregivers), anxiety (42%, patients; 39%, caregivers), and PTSD (47%, patients; 61%, caregivers). Patient depression or anxiety scores were correlated to age and to the outcome reported by caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: At almost three-year follow-up, ARDS survivors treated with VV-ECMO showed reduced health-related quality-of-life and high risk of psychological impairment, in particular PTSD. Caregivers of this population were at high psychological risk as well.

The Effects of On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery on Respiratory Function in the Early Postoperative Period.

BACKGROUND:: Respiratory complications are common after cardiac surgery and the use of extracorporeal circulation is one of the main causes of lung injury. We hypothesized a better postoperative respiratory function in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) as compared with "on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting" (ONCABG). METHODS:: This is a retrospective, single-center study at a cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary university hospital. Consecutive data on 339 patients undergoing elective CABG (n = 215 ONCABG, n = 124 OPCABG) were collected for 1 year from the ICU electronic medical records. We compared respiratory variables (Pao2, Pao2/Fio2 ratio, Sao2, and Paco2) at 7 predefined time points (ICU admission, postoperative hours 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24). We also evaluated time to extubation, rates of reintubation, and use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). We used mixed-effects linear regression models (with time as random effect for clustering of repeated measures) adjusted for a predetermined set of covariates. RESULTS:: The values of Pao2 and Pao2/Fio2 were significantly higher in the OPCABG group only at ICU admission (mean differences: 9.7 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-16.2; and 27, 95% CI 6.1-47.7, respectively). The OPCABG group showed higher Paco2, overall ( P = .02) and at ICU admission (mean difference 1.8 mm Hg, 95% CI: 0.6-3), although mean values were always within normal range in both groups. No differences were seen in Sao2 values, time to extubation, rate of reintubation rate, and use of postoperative NIV. Extubation rate was higher in OPCABG only at postoperative hour 12 (92% vs ONCABG 82%, P = .02). CONCLUSION:: The OPCABG showed only marginal improvements of unlikely clinical meaning in oxygenation as compared to ONCABG in elective low-risk patients.