A prospective study of paediatric preoperative fasting times at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Fasting for liquids and solids is recommended prior to procedures requiring anaesthesia, to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. Children often experience excessive fasting, which is associated with negative physiological and behavioural consequences, and patient discomfort. The duration of preoperative fasting in children in South Africa (SA) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine compliance with fasting guidelines and fasting times of children prior to elective procedures performed under anaesthesia at a paediatric hospital in Cape Town, SA. The primary focus was fasting for clear liquid. We also intended to identify the most common reasons for prolonged clear liquid fasting. METHODS: Over a 7-week period, we prospectively captured fasting times of consecutive patients undergoing elective surgical, medical and radiological procedures at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. Measurement outcomes were defined as the period from the last clear liquid, milk or solid feed to the start of anaesthesia. For analysis of compliance with preoperative fasting guidelines, institutional preoperative fasting target limits were established based on the standard 6-4-2-hour guideline. RESULTS: The study included 721 elective paediatric cases. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) fasting time for clear liquids (n=585) was 8.0 (4.8) hours, with an adherence rate of 25.5% (95% confidence interval 22 - 29) to the institutional target of 2 - 4 hours. The mean (SD) fasting times for breastmilk (n=92), formula milk (n=116) and solid feeds (n=560) were 7.1 (2.8), 8.8 (2.8) and 13.9 (3.6) hours, respectively. The factors associated with clear liquid fasting >4 hours were inadequate fasting instructions, poor adherence to fasting orders, procedural delays and fasting to promote theatre flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that children in an SA hospital experience excessive fasting times prior to elective procedures. To reduce fasting durations and improve the quality of perioperative care, quality improvement interventions are required to create an adaptable fasting system that allows individualised fasting. Improving preoperative fasting times in children is the responsibility of all healthcare professionals in the multidisciplinary management team.

Association between Emotional Eating, Depressive Symptoms and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms in College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hunan.

This study aims to explore associations between emotional eating, depression and laryngopharyngeal reflux among college students in Hunan Province. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1301 students at two universities in Hunan. Electronic questionnaires were used to collect information about the students' emotional eating, depressive symptoms, laryngopharyngeal reflux and sociodemographic characteristics. Anthropometric measurements were collected to obtain body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: High emotional eating was reported by 52.7% of students. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 18.6% and that of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms 8.1%. Both emotional eating and depressive symptoms were associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms (AOR = 3.822, 95% CI 2.126-6.871 vs. AOR = 4.093, 95% CI 2.516-6.661). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of emotional eating and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students should be pay more attention in the future. Emotional eating and depressive symptoms were positively associated with laryngopharyngeal symptoms. The characteristics of emotional eating require further study so that effective interventions to promote laryngopharyngeal health among college students may be formulated.

Atypical dysphagia with end-stage oesophageal disease 30 years post Angelchik device placement in a 72-year-old man.

Here we describe an atypical presentation of progressive dysphagia in a 72-year-old man leading to frequent regurgitations over the course of 30 years. Investigations revealed a foreign body ring surrounding the proximal stomach and dilation of the oesophagus proximal to the gastro-oesophageal junction. An Angelchik device was extracted; however, the patient's rapid deterioration prior to surgery, in addition to his severely dysfunctional oesophagus, required placement of a jejunostomy feeding tube. Device removal was complicated by prior abdominal surgery, necessitating a thoracic approach. This case offers guidance on the management of patients with Angelchik prostheses who develop similar complications, while drawing attention to the importance and difficulties of early, definitive diagnosis in oesophageal pathology such as achalasia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Promotion of Regular Oesophageal Motility to Prevent Regurgitation and Enhance Nutrition Intake in Long-Stay ICU Patients. A Multicenter, Phase II, Sham-Controlled, Randomized Trial: The PROPEL Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of esophageal stimulation on nutritional adequacy in critically ill patients at risk for enteral feeding intolerance. DESIGN: A multicenter randomized sham-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Twelve ICUs in Canada. PATIENTS: We included mechanically ventilated ICU patients who were given moderate-to-high doses of opioids and expected to remain alive and ventilated for an additional 48 hours and who were receiving enteral nutrition or expected to start imminently. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to esophageal stimulation via an esophageal stimulating catheter (E-Motion Tube; E-Motion Medical, Tel Aviv, Israel) or sham treatment. All patients were fed via these catheters using a standardized feeding protocol. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The co-primary outcomes were proportion of caloric and protein prescription received enterally over the initial 7 days following randomization. Among 159 patients randomized, the modified intention-to-treat analysis included 155 patients: 73 patients in the active treatment group and 82 in the sham treatment group. Over the 7-day study period, the percent of prescribed caloric intake (± SE) received by the enteral route was 64% ± 2 in the active group and 65% ± 2 in sham patients for calories (difference, -1; 95% CI, -8 to 6; p = 0.74). For protein, it was 57% ± 3 in the active group and 60% ± 3 in the sham group (difference, -3; 95% CI, -10 to 3; p = 0.30). Compared to the sham group, there were more serious adverse events reported in the active treatment group (13 vs 6; p = 0.053). Clinically important arrhythmias were detected by Holter monitoring in 36 out of 70 (51%) in the active group versus 22 out of 76 (29%) in the sham group (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal stimulation via a special feeding catheter did not improve nutritional adequacy and was associated with increase risk of harm in critically ill patients.

Duración del ayuno preoperatorio en pacientes con cirugía programada / Duration of preoperative fasting in patients with scheduled surgery

Antecedentes y objetivo: el ayuno preoperatorio disminuye el riesgo de aspiración del contenido gástrico y sus complicaciones. Sin embargo, si es excesivo, favorece la regurgitación y el riesgo de broncoaspiración tras la inducción anestésica, así como alteraciones metabólicas e hidroelectrolíticas. Analizamos su duración, en pacientes con cirugías programadas en un hospital público de agudos. Material y métodos: se encuestó a todos los pacientes mayores de 18 años con cirugías programadas. Se recolectaron datos sobre la prescripción médica de ayuno, la hora de inducción anestésica y personales. El ayuno prescripto se comparó con las recomendaciones de las guías de la AAARBA (Asociación de Anestesia, Analgesia y Reanimación de Buenos Aires). Resultados: se reclutaron 139 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 48 años (30; 64), 53% femeninos. La mediana del ayuno prescripto fue de 12,5 horas tanto para sólidos como para líquidos. El ayuno para sólidos que realizaron los pacientes tuvo una mediana de 14 horas, la cual resultó significativamente mayor que la prescripción (p < 0,001). En cambio, el ayuno para líquidos tuvo una mediana de 12 horas, no hallándose una diferencia significativa (p = 0,452) con lo prescripto. En comparación con la guía de la AAARBA, el ayuno prescripto excedió la recomendación para sólidos (4,5 h) y para líquidos (10,5 h). El ayuno realizado por el paciente excedió lo prescripto para sólidos (1,5 h), mientras que para líquidos fue inferior (0,5 h). Conclusión: el ayuno preoperatorio prescripto no se adecuó a las recomendaciones actuales. Las horas de ayuno realizadas por el paciente resultaron excesivas. (AU)

Background and objective: preoperative fasting reduces the risk of aspiration of gastric contents and its complications. However, if fasting is excessive, it favours regurgitation and the risk of pulmonary aspiration in patients undergoing general anaesthetic, such as metabolic and electrolyte disorders. We analysed its duration in patients with elective surgeries in public acute care hospital. Material and methodologies: patients over 18 years old with elective surgeries were surveyed. Data about medical fasting indication, time of induction of anaesthesia and personal information was collected. The prescribed fast was compared with the recommendations of the AAARBA (Association of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Reanimation of Buenos Aires) guidelines. Results: 139 patients were gathered with a median of 48 years old (30; 64), 53% of them were female. Fasting indication median was of 12.5 h for solids and liquids. The fasting made by the patient for solids had a median of 14 h which resulted to be significantly higher to the indication (p < 0.001). By contrast, the fasting for liquids had a median of 12 h which it did not show a significant difference (p = 0.452) with the indication. In comparison with the AAARBA guideline, the fasting indication exceeded the recommendation for solids (4.5 h) and for liquids (10.5 h). The fasting made by the patient exceeded to what was indicated for solids (1.5 h) while for liquids, it was inferior (0.5 h). Conclusion: the indicated preoperative fasting was not adequate to the current recommendations. The hours of fasting made by patient were excessive. (AU)

Prophylactic use of probiotics for gastrointestinal disorders in children.

The gastrointestinal microbiome is a hot topic in clinical research. Beneficial effects of selected probiotics in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders are mainly restricted to acute gastroenteritis, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, infantile colic, and necrotising enterocolitis. However, no broad consensus exists to recommend the use of probiotics in the prevention of these conditions, mainly because of the different design of the studies done so far, resulting in little evidence for specific strains, dosages, and indications. More well designed studies are needed before recommendations can be proposed. At this stage, the evidence is insufficient to recommend the routine use of probiotics in infants and children for the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders.

Effect of positive end-expiratory pressure on gastric insufflation during induction of anaesthesia when using pressure-controlled ventilation via a face mask: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Face mask ventilation (FMV) during induction of anaesthesia is associated with risk of gastric insufflation that may lead to gastric regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been shown to reduce gastric regurgitation. We therefore hypothesised that CPAP followed by FMV with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during induction of anaesthesia would reduce the risk of gastric insufflation. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to compare the incidence of gastric insufflation during FMV with a fixed PEEP level or zero PEEP (ZEEP) after anaesthesia induction. A secondary aim was to investigate the effects of FMV with or without PEEP on upper oesophageal sphincter (UES), oesophageal body and lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) pressures. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Single centre, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Pre-oxygenation without or with CPAP 10 cmH2O, followed by pressure-controlled FMV with either ZEEP or PEEP 10 cmH2O after anaesthesia induction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A combined impedance/manometry catheter was used to detect the presence of gas and to measure oesophageal pressures. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative incidence of gastric insufflation, defined as a sudden anterograde increase in impedance of more than 1 kΩ over the LES. Secondary outcome measures were UES, oesophageal body and LES pressures. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of gastric insufflation related to peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), was significantly higher in the PEEP group compared with the ZEEP group (log-rank test P < 0.01). When PIP reached 30 cmH2O, 13 out of 15 in the PEEP group compared with five out of 15 had shown gastric insufflation. There was a significant reduction of oesophageal sphincter pressures within groups comparing pre-oxygenation to after anaesthesia induction, but there were no significant differences in oesophageal sphincter pressures related to the level of PEEP. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the primary hypothesis, with increasing PIP the tested PEEP level did not protect against but facilitated gastric insufflation during FMV. This result suggests that PEEP should be used with caution after anaesthesia induction during FMV, whereas CPAP during pre-oxygenation seems to be safe. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02238691.

Cricoid Pressure During Induction for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Children: A Report From National Emergency Airway Registry for Children.

OBJECTIVES: Cricoid pressure is often used to prevent regurgitation during induction and mask ventilation prior to high-risk tracheal intubation in critically ill children. Clinical data in children showing benefit are limited. Our objective was to evaluate the association between cricoid pressure use and the occurrence of regurgitation during tracheal intubation for critically ill children in PICU. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of a multicenter pediatric airway quality improvement registry. SETTINGS: Thirty-five PICUs within general and children's hospitals (29 in the United States, three in Canada, one in Japan, one in Singapore, and one in New Zealand). PATIENTS: Children (< 18 yr) with initial tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy in PICUs between July 2010 and December 2015. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between cricoid pressure use and the occurrence of regurgitation while adjusting for underlying differences in patient and clinical care factors. Of 7,825 events, cricoid pressure was used in 1,819 (23%). Regurgitation was reported in 106 of 7,825 (1.4%) and clinical aspiration in 51 of 7,825 (0.7%). Regurgitation was reported in 35 of 1,819 (1.9%) with cricoid pressure, and 71 of 6,006 (1.2%) without cricoid pressure (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.09-2.47; p = 0.018). On multivariable analysis, cricoid pressure was not associated with the occurrence of regurgitation after adjusting for patient, practice, and known regurgitation risk factors (adjusted odds ratio, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.99-2.47; p = 0.054). A sensitivity analysis in propensity score-matched cohorts showed cricoid pressure was associated with a higher regurgitation rate (adjusted odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Cricoid pressure during induction and mask ventilation before tracheal intubation in the current ICU practice was not associated with a lower regurgitation rate after adjusting for previously reported confounders. Further studies are needed to determine whether cricoid pressure for specific indication with proper maneuver would be effective in reducing regurgitation events.

Test de pepsina en saliva: prueba útil y sencilla para el diagnóstico del reflujo faringo-laríngeo / Salivary Pepsin Test: Useful and simple tool for the laryngopharyngeal reflux diagnosis

Introducción y objetivos: El reflujo faringo-laríngeo (RFL) es una enfermedad caracterizada por la presencia de síntomas, signos y alteraciones tisulares, consecuencia del movimiento retrógrado del contenido gastrointestinal hacia el tracto aerodigestivo superior. Representa hasta el 10% de las consultas en otorrinolaringología. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es describir los hallazgos obtenidos al aplicar el test de determinación de pepsina en saliva (PEP-test) en una muestra de pacientes con signos clínicos sugestivos de RFL. Material y métodos: En nuestro estudio clínico descriptivo se han incluido 142 sujetos con síntomas sugestivos de RFL que obtuvieron puntuaciones por encima de 13 en la escala RSI. A todos ellos se les realizó una endoscopia laríngea para descartar otras enfermedades que pudieran justificar los síntomas y el PEP-test. Ésta se realizó en ayunas a todos los sujetos, y en aquellos con resultados negativos se realizó una segunda determinación una hora después de comer. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos en las pruebas realizadas en los 142 sujetos incluidos fueron los siguientes: 105 pacientes (73,94%) presentaron resultados positivos en alguna de las determinaciones de pepsina en saliva y en 37 sujetos (26,06%) los resultados de ambas determinaciones fueron negativos. Conclusión: El PEP-test es un método sencillo, económico, no invasivo y fácilmente repetible que podría minimizar el uso de tratamientos empíricos y pruebas invasivas para el diagnóstico del RFL, si bien son necesarias más investigaciones para la validación del mismo (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is a disease characterized by the presence of symptoms, signs and tissue damage caused by retrograde flow of gastric contents to the upper aerodigestive tract. It represents up to 10% of otolaryngology consultations. The aim of the study is to describe the findings obtained by applying the salivary pepsin test (PEP-test) in a sample of patients with the clinical suspicion of LPR. Material and methods: Our descriptive clinical study included 142 subjects with symptoms suggestive of LPR and a score above 13 on the RSI scale. The subjects underwent laryngeal endoscopy to rule out other pathologies that could justify the symptoms and the salivary pepsin test (PEP-test). The latter was carried out on fasting subjects and a second test one hour after eating, only on those with negative results. Results: The results obtained in the tests performed on the 142 patients included in the study were: 105 (73.94%) presented positive results in some of the salivary pepsin tests and the results of both tests were negative in 37 subjects (26.06%). Conclusion: The salivary pepsin test is a simple, low-cost, non-invasive and easily repeatable tool which could minimize empirical treatments and invasive tests for LPR diagnosis, although further research is needed for its validation (AU)

Relieving laryngopharingeral reflux (RELIEF) survey in otolaryngology - the viewpoint of the otorhinolaryngologist.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) should be considered as part of extraesophageal reflux (EER). This reflux involves respiratory structures other than, or in addition to, the oesophagus. A new medical device for the treatment of gastric reflux, including LPR, has been launched in Italy: Marial®. Therefore, the aim of the present survey was to analyse the prescriptive behaviour both considering the past or current treatments and clinical features during a specialist routine visit. The current survey was conducted in 86 Otorhinolaryngological centers, distributed in all of Italy. Globally, 4.418 subjects [47% males and 53% females, 50.1 (14.5) years-of-age] were visited. The visits included laryngoscopy, Reflux Finding Score (RFS) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaires. The total RSI median score was 15 (12-19) and the total median RFS value was 10 (8-12). Interestingly, a significant change in the new drug prescription was observed (p<0.0001): over two-third of patients (67%) received Marial® as monotherapy, whereas PPI plus add-on were prescribed to almost one-third of the patients. PPI alone was prescribed in less than 1%. In conclusion, LPR is a common disorder characterized by typical signs and symptoms; LPR patients may be correctly identified and scored by evidence-based criteria. In addition, the present survey reported that LPR treatment has been considerably changed by the introduction of a new medical device.

Effect of a Partially Hydrolysed Whey Infant Formula Supplemented with Starch and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on Regurgitation and Gastric Motility.

Functional regurgitation (FR) is common in early infancy and represents a major drain on healthcare resources. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a formula containing partially hydrolysed, 100% whey protein, starch and Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938) on gastric emptying rate (GErate) and regurgitation frequency in infants with FR. Enrolled infants were randomly allocated to receive either the test formula or a standard starter formula for four weeks. Ultrasound GErate assessment was performed at baseline (week 0) and at week 4; the number of regurgitations, feed volumes and potential adverse events were recorded in a daily diary. Eighty infants aged four weeks to five months were enrolled; 72 (test group = 37; control group = 35) completed the study. Compared to controls, the test group showed greater percentage changes in GErate (12.3% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.01). Mean daily regurgitations decreased from 7.4 (0.8) at week 0 to 2.6 (1.0) at week 4 in the test group and from 7.5 (1.0) to 5.3 (1.0) in controls (between-group difference, p < 0.0001). Compared to a standard formula, a starch-thickened partially hydrolysed whey protein formula supplemented with Lactobacillus reuteri is more effective in decreasing the frequency of regurgitation and improving GErate, and can be of benefit to infants with FR.

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux using a sleep positioning device: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms are often resistant to management and cause significant quality of life impairment to patients with this disease. This study assesses the utility of a sleep-positioning device (SPD) in treating LPR. DESIGN: Single center prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary medical center PARTICIPANTS: 27 adult patients with diagnosed laryngopharyngeal reflux. INTERVENTION: An SPD consisting of a two-component wedge-shaped base pillow and a lateral positioning body pillow (Medcline, Amenity Health Inc.) was given to patients with a diagnosis of LPR. Subjects slept using the device for at least 6h per night for 28 consecutive nights. MAIN OUTCOMES: Primary outcomes were Nocturnal Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptom Severity and Impact Questionnaire (N-GSSIQ) and the Reflux Symptoms Index (RSI) survey instrument. Each was collected at baseline, after 14, and after 28days of SPD use. RESULTS: 27 patients (19 female and 8 male; age 57.1±12.8, BMI 29.0±8.1) were recruited. At baseline mean N-GSSIQ was 50.1±22.4 and mean RSI of 29.6±7.7. Repeated measure analysis showed that subjects' total N-GSSIQ scores decreased by an average of 19.1 (p=0.0004) points by two weeks and 26.5 points by 4weeks (p<0.0001). RSI decreased an average of 5.3 points by 2weeks (p=0.0425) and an average of 14.0 points by 4weeks (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LPR, SPD treatment significantly improves self-reported symptoms of nocturnal reflux as well as symptoms specific to LPR. These results support the therapeutic efficacy of a SPD for patients with LPR.

Comparative effect of the sites of anterior cervical pressure on the geometry of the upper esophageal sphincter high-pressure zone.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: External cricoid pressure is increasingly used to augment the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Our objective was to determine the effect of 1) pressures applied to cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid regions on the length and amplitude of the UES high-pressure zone (UESHPZ), and 2) the external cricoid pressure on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: We studied 11 patients with supraesophageal reflux (mean age 58 ± 12 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (mean age 47 ± 19 years). We tested 20, 30, and 40 mm Hg pressures to cricoid, 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the cricoid. In an additional 15 healthy volunteers (mean age 46 ± 23 years), we studied the effect of external cricoid pressure on LES tone. UES and LES pressures were determined using high-resolution manometry. RESULTS: There was significant increase of UESHPZ length with application of pressure at all sites. The increase of UESHPZ length was relatively symmetric, more orad, and more caudad when the pressure was applied at the cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid levels, respectively. The magnitude of pressure increase was greatest at the middle and orad part of the UESHPZ when the pressure was applied at the cricoid and supracricoid levels, respectively. The corresponding magnitude of increase in the caudad part of the UESHPZ was not observed with pressure at the subcricoid level. There was no change of the LES pressure with application of cricoid pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of external pressure on the UESHPZ is site dependent. Subcricoid pressure has the least effect on UESHPZ. External cricoid pressure at 20 to 40 mm Hg has no effect on the LES pressure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2466-2474, 2017.

The Cricoid Force Necessary to Occlude the Esophageal Entrance: Is There a Gender Difference?

BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis whether gender differences exist in the applied cricoid force necessary to prevent regurgitation. Real-time visual and dynamic means were used to assess the effectiveness of different applied cricoid forces in occluding the esophageal entrance in men (group 1) and in women (group 2). METHODS: In anesthetized and paralyzed patients, the glottis and esophageal entrance were visualized with a Glidescope video laryngoscope. Trained operators performed cricoid pressure (CP) and gastric tube insertion trials. Successful gastric tube insertion in the presence of CP was considered ineffective CP, whereas unsuccessful insertion was considered effective CP. The applied cricoid forces were measured with a novel instrument, the cricometer. The first patient in each group received 20 N. The applied cricoid force in successive patients was determined by the response of the previous patient within the same group, using the up-and-down sequential allocation technique. RESULTS: In the 30 men and 30 women who qualified for the study, the median cricoid force (cricoid force = 50) that occluded the esophageal entrance was 30.8 N (95% confidence interval = 28.15-33.5) in men, and 18.7 N in women (95% confidence interval = 17.1-20.3; P < .0001). Patency of the esophageal entrance was observed when CP was not applied and when inadequate forces that allowed successful esophageal cannulation were used. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides evidence that the median force necessary to occlude the esophageal entrance to prevent regurgitation is less in women compared with men. Applying the appropriate cricoid force in women should also decrease airway-related problems that tend to occur with the use of excessive forces. The findings of the current study may only be applicable to patients with normal body habitus.

Funduplicatura de Nissen Laparoscópica con mascarilla laríngea Baska Mask® / Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with Baska Mask® laryngeal mask

La intubación traqueal ha sido considerada históricamente la técnica ideal en el manejo de la vía aérea en procedimientos quirúrgicos laparoscópicos. La introducción de este tipo intervenciones en los circuitos de cirugía mayor ambulatoria exige el empleo de técnicas anestésicas que ofrezcan una recuperación postoperatoria óptima y un alta precoz bajo unas condiciones de seguridad estrictas. La mascarilla laríngea se plantea como opción adecuada a la intubación traqueal, incluso en pacientes de mayor riesgo gracias a los nuevos modelos con modificaciones orientadas a mejorar sus características, lo que las convierten en dispositivos de gran proyección dentro del manejo total de la vía aérea. Presentamos el primer caso de funduplicatura de Nissen laparoscópica realizado con mascarilla laríngea Baska Mask® en un paciente con riesgo alto de regurgitación por reflujo gastroesofágico (AU)

Tracheal intubation has historically been considered the ideal technique to handle the airway in laparoscopic surgical procedures. The introduction of such procedures in ambulatory surgery requires the use of anesthetic techniques that offer optimal and early postoperative recovery under strict security conditions. Laryngeal mask is proposed as a suitable alternative to tracheal intubation, even in high risk patients due to new devices which have been modified to improve their characteristics, becoming great alternatives in the overall management of the airway. We report the first case of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication performed with a laryngeal Baska Mask in patient with high risk of regurgitation due to its gastroesophageal reflux (AU)

Evaluation of six different airway devices regarding regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - A human cadaver pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Chest compressions and ventilation are lifesaving tasks during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Besides oxygenation, endotracheal intubation (ETI) during CPR is performed to avoid aspiration of gastric contents. If intubation is difficult or impossible, supraglottic airway devices are utilized. We tested six different airway devices regarding their potential to protect against regurgitation and aspiration during CPR in a randomized experimental human cadaver study. METHODS: Five-hundred ml of 0.01% methylene-blue-solution were instilled into the stomach of 30 adult human cadavers via an oro-gastric tube. The cadavers were then randomly assigned to one of six groups, resulting in 5 cadavers in each group. Airway management was performed with either bag-valve ventilation, Laryngeal Tube, EasyTube, Laryngeal Mask (Classic), I-Gel, or ETI. Thereafter 5min of CPR were performed according to the 2010 Guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council. Pulmonary aspiration was defined as the presence of methylene-blue-solution below the vocal cords or the ETI cuff as assessed by fiber-optic bronchoscopy. RESULTS: Thirty cadavers were included (14 females, 16 males). Aspiration was detected in three out of five cadavers receiving bag-valve ventilation and in two out of five intubated with LMA or I-Gel. In cadavers intubated with the LT, aspiration occurred in one out of five cases. No aspiration could be detected in cadavers intubated with ETI and EasyTube. CONCLUSION: This study provides experimental evidence that, during CPR, ETI offers superior protection against regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents than supraglottic airway devices or bag-valve ventilation.

Safety of a thickened extensive casein hydrolysate formula.

OBJECTIVES: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is treated in formula-fed infants with an extensive protein hydrolysate. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional safety of a non-thickened and thickened extensively casein hydrolyzed protein formula (NT- and T-eCHF) in infants with CMA. METHODS: Infants younger than 6 mo old with a positive cow milk challenge test, positive IgE, or skin prick test for cow milk were selected. Weight and length were followed during the 6 mo intervention with the NT-eCHF and T-eCHF. RESULTS: A challenge was performed in 50/71 infants with suspected CMA and was positive in 34/50. All children with confirmed CMA tolerated the eCHF. The T-eCHF leads to a significant improvement of the stool consistency in the whole population and in the subpopulation of infants with proven CMA. Height and weight evolution was satisfactory throughout the 6 mo study. CONCLUSIONS: The eCHF fulfills the criteria of a hypoallergenic formula and the NT- and T-eCHF reduced CMA symptoms. Growth was within normal range.

Medical Devices; Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices; Classification of the External Upper Esophageal Sphincter Compression Device. Final order.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying the external upper esophageal sphincter (UES) compression device into class II (special controls). The special controls that will apply to the device are identified in this order and will be part of the codified language for the external UES compression device's classification. The Agency is classifying the device into class II (special controls) in order to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device.

Effect of gastric lavage on feeding in neonates born through meconium-stained liquor: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gastric lavage (GL) in neonates born through meconium-stained liquor (MSL). DESIGN: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials by searching databases MEDLINE (from 1966), EMBASE (from1980), CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar and proceedings of Pediatric Academic Society meetings (2002-2014). SETTING: Delivery room/Neonatal ward. PATIENTS: Neonates with gestation >34 weeks and birth weight ≥1800 g born through MSL. INTERVENTIONS: Prophylactic GL versus no intervention before first feed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Feeding intolerance, defined as inability to initiate/upgrade feeds due to problems such as retching, vomiting, regurgitation and gastric residuals. RESULTS: A total of six studies (GL: 918, no GL: 966) were included in the review. Meta-analysis using fixed-effects model showed decreased incidence of feed intolerance following GL ((81/918 (8.8%) vs 114/966 (11.8%); risk ratio (RR): 0.71 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.93)). However, the results were not significant when random-effects model was used (RR: 0.78 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.09)). No significant adverse effects of GL were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Routine GL immediately after birth may improve feed tolerance in neonates born through MSL. However, the evidence is limited, with probable small-study bias and high risk of bias in a number of the included studies. Well-designed studies with adequate sample size are essential to confirm these findings.