Incidence of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-associated perioperative ketoacidosis in surgical patients: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are commonly prescribed anti-diabetic medications with various beneficial effects; however, they have also been associated with ketoacidosis. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of SGLT2i-associated perioperative ketoacidosis (SAPKA) in surgical patients. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort study across 16 centers in Japan, enrolling surgical patients with diabetes who were prescribed SGLT2is between January 2021 and August 2022. Patients were monitored until the third postoperative day to screen for SAPKA, defined as urine ketone positivity with a blood pH of < 7.30 and HCO3 level ≤ 18.0 mEq/L, excluding cases of respiratory acidosis. RESULTS: In total, 759 of the 762 evaluated patients were included in the final analysis. Among these, three patients (0.40%) had urine ketones with a blood pH of < 7.30; however, blood gas analysis revealed respiratory acidosis in all three, and none of them was considered to have SAPKA. The estimated incidence of SGLT2i-associated postoperative ketoacidosis was 0% (95% confidence interval, 0%-0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The observed incidence of SAPKA in our general surgical population was lower than expected. However, given that the study was observational in nature, interpretation of study results warrants careful considerations for biases.

Indirect laryngoscopy is more effective than direct laryngoscopy when tracheal intubation is performed by novice operators: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis.

PURPOSE: We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether indirect laryngoscopy has an advantage over direct laryngoscopy in terms of the tracheal intubation rate, glottic visualization, and intubation time when used by novice operators. METHODS: We extracted adult prospective randomized trials comparing tracheal intubation with indirect vs direct laryngoscopy in novice operators from electronic databases. We extracted the following data from the identified studies: success rate, glottic visualization, and intubation time. Data from each trial were combined via a random-effects model to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We also performed a trial sequential analysis. RESULTS: We included 15 articles (17 trials) comprising 2,290 patients in the systematic review. Compared with the direct laryngoscopy, indirect laryngoscopy improved success rate (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.24; P = 0.0002; I2 = 88%), glottic visualization (RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.36 to 2.28; P < 0.001; I2 = 85%), and intubation time (WMD, -9.06 sec; 95% CI, -16.4 to -1.76; P = 0.01; I2 = 98%) in tracheal intubation. Trial sequential analysis showed that the total sample size was sufficient to analyze the success rate and intubation time. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review, we found that the tracheal intubation success rate, glottic visualization, and intubation time were improved when novice operators used indirect laryngoscopy rather than direct laryngoscopy. Trial sequential analysis results indicated that the sample size was sufficient for examining the success rate and intubation time. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42022309045); first registered 4 September 2022.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Nous avons cherché à réaliser une revue systématique et une méta-analyse pour déterminer si la laryngoscopie indirecte présente un avantage par rapport à la laryngoscopie directe en termes de taux de succès d'intubation trachéale, de visualisation glottique et de temps d'intubation lorsqu'elle est utilisée par des opératrices et opérateurs novices. MéTHODE: Nous avons extrait des études randomisées prospectives chez l'adulte comparant l'intubation trachéale avec une laryngoscopie indirecte vs directe réalisée par des opérateurs et opératrices novices à partir de bases de données électroniques. Nous avons extrait les données suivantes des études identifiées : taux de succès, visualisation glottique et temps d'intubation. Les données de chaque étude ont été combinées au moyen d'un modèle à effets aléatoires pour le calcul du risque relatif (RR) groupé ou de la différence moyenne pondérée (DMP) avec un intervalle de confiance (IC) de 95 %. Nous avons également réalisé une analyse séquentielle des études. RéSULTATS: Nous avons inclus 15 articles (17 études) portant sur 2290 patient·es dans notre revue systématique. Par rapport à la laryngoscopie directe, la laryngoscopie indirecte a amélioré le taux de succès (RR, 1,15; IC 95 %, 1,07 à 1,24; P = 0,0002; I2 = 88 %), la visualisation glottique (RR, 1,76; IC 95 %, 1,36 à 2,28; P < 0,001; I2 = 85 %), et le temps d'intubation (DMP, −9,06 s; IC 95 %, −16,4 à −1,76; P = 0,01; I2 = 98 %) pour l'intubation trachéale. L'analyse séquentielle des études a montré que la taille totale de l'échantillon était suffisante pour analyser le taux de succès et le temps d'intubation. CONCLUSION: Dans cette revue systématique, nous avons constaté que le taux de succès de l'intubation trachéale, la visualisation glottique et le temps d'intubation étaient améliorés lorsque les opératrices et opérateurs novices utilisaient la laryngoscopie indirecte plutôt que la laryngoscopie directe. L'analyse séquentielle des études a montré que la taille totale de l'échantillon était suffisante pour analyser le taux de succès et le temps d'intubation. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'éTUDE: PROSPERO (CRD42022309045); première inscription le 4 septembre 2022.

Incidence of long-term post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection related to pain and other symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Persistent symptoms are reported in patients who survive the initial stage of COVID-19, often referred to as "long COVID" or "post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection" (PASC); however, evidence on their incidence is still lacking, and symptoms relevant to pain are yet to be assessed. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and CHINAL and preprint servers MedRχiv and BioRχiv through January 15, 2021. The primary outcome was pain-related symptoms such as headache or myalgia. Secondary outcomes were symptoms relevant to pain (depression or muscle weakness) and symptoms frequently reported (anosmia and dyspnea). Incidence rates of symptoms were pooled using inverse variance methods with a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. The source of heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression, with follow-up period, age and sex as covariates. RESULTS: In total, 38 studies including 19,460 patients were eligible. Eight pain-related symptoms and 26 other symptoms were identified. The highest pooled incidence among pain-related symptoms was chest pain (17%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 11%-24%), followed by headache (16%, 95% CI, 9%-27%), arthralgia (13%, 95% CI, 7%-24%), neuralgia (12%, 95% CI, 3%-38%) and abdominal pain (11%, 95% CI, 7%-16%). The highest pooled incidence among other symptoms was fatigue (44%, 95% CI, 32%-57%), followed by insomnia (27%, 95% CI, 10%-55%), dyspnea (26%, 95% CI, 17%-38%), weakness (25%, 95% CI, 8%-56%) and anosmia (19%, 95% CI, 13%-27%). Substantial heterogeneity was identified (I2, 50-100%). Meta-regression analyses partially accounted for the source of heterogeneity, and yet, 53% of the symptoms remained unexplained. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis may provide a complete picture of incidence in PASC. It remains unclear, however, whether post-COVID symptoms progress or regress over time or to what extent PASC are associated with age or sex.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor-associated perioperative ketoacidosis: a systematic review of case reports.

Although the recommended preoperative cessation period for sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) changed in 2020 (from 24 h to 3-4 days preoperatively) to reduce the risk of SGLT2i-associated perioperative ketoacidosis (SAPKA), the validity of the new recommendation has not been verified. Using case reports, we assessed the new recommendation effectiveness and extrapolated precipitating factors for SAPKA. We searched electronic databases up to June 1, 2022 to assess SAPKA (blood pH < 7.3 and blood or urine ketone positivity within 30 days postoperatively in patients taking SGLT2i). We included 76 publications with 99 cases. The preoperative SGLT2i cessation duration was reported for 59 patients (59.6%). In all cases with available cessation periods, the SGLT2is were interrupted < 3 days preoperatively. No SAPKA cases with > 2-day preoperative cessation periods were found. Many case reports lack important information for estimating precipitating factors, including preoperative SGLT2i cessation period, body mass index, baseline hemoglobin A1c level, details of perioperative fluid management, and type of anesthesia. Our study suggested that preoperative SGLT2i cessation for at least 3 days could prevent SAPKA. Large prospective epidemiologic studies are needed to identify risk factors for SAPKA.

Hemodynamic response related to the Airway Scope versus the Macintosh laryngoscope: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is important to reduce the hemodynamic response during tracheal intubation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the Airway Scope and Macintosh laryngoscope to determine whether they reduce the hemodynamic responses of heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP) after tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of electronic databases for clinical trials comparing hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. The primary aim of our meta-analyst is to determine if the Airway Scope reduces hemodynamic responses (HR and mean MBP) 60 seconds after tracheal intubation compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope. We expressed pooled differences in hemodynamic responses between the 2 devices as weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. We conducted trial sequential analysis. Secondarily, we investigated the ability of the Airway Scope and Macintosh laryngoscope to reduce hemodynamic responses at 120 seconds, 180 seconds, and 300 seconds after tracheal intubation. RESULTS: We identified clinical trials comparing hemodynamic response via a comprehensive literature search. Of 185 articles found in the search, we selected 8. In comparison to the Macintosh laryngoscope, the Airway Scope significantly reduced HR and MBP at 60 seconds after tracheal intubation (HR; weighted mean difference = -7.29; 95% confidence interval, -10.9 to -3.62; P < .0001; I2 = 57%, MBP; weighted mean difference = -11.5; 95% confidence interval, -20.4 to -2.65; P = .01; I2 = 91%). At the secondary outcome, the Airway Scope significantly reduced the fluctuation of HR after 120 seconds and 180 seconds of tracheal intubation. However, the Airway Scope did not significantly reduce MBP 120 seconds, 180 seconds, and 300 seconds after tracheal intubation. Trial sequential analysis suggested that the total sample size reached the required information size for heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding suggested that the Airway Scope attenuated hemodynamic responses at 60 seconds after tracheal intubation in comparison with that of the Macintosh laryngoscope. However, the MBP sample size is small and further research is needed.

Comparison of Indirect and Direct Laryngoscopes in Pediatric Patients with a Difficult Airway: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This meta-analysis was performed to determine whether an indirect laryngoscope is more advantageous than a direct laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in the setting of a difficult pediatric airway. Data on the intubation failure and intubation time during tracheal intubation were extracted from prospective and retrospective studies identified through a comprehensive literature search. Data from 10 individual articles (11 trials) were combined, and a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to calculate either the pooled relative risk (RR) or the weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-analysis of the 10 articles indicated that the intubation failure of tracheal intubation with an indirect laryngoscope was not significantly different from that of a direct laryngoscope in patients with a difficult airway (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.51-1.46; p = 0.59; Cochrane's Q = 50.5; I2 = 82%). Intubation time with an indirect laryngoscope was also similar to that with a direct laryngoscope (WMD 4.06 s; 95% CI -1.18-9.30; p = 0.13; Cochrane's Q 39.8; I2 = 85%). In conclusion, indirect laryngoscopes had the same intubation failure and intubation time as direct laryngoscopes in pediatric patients with a difficult airway. Currently, the benefits of indirect laryngoscopes have not been observed in the setting of a difficult pediatric airway.

Nasal protection strategy reduces the incidence of nasal pressure injuries during nasotracheal intubation: Meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal pressure injury is a serious problem during nasotracheal intubation. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether use of a nasal protection strategy (a protective dressing or a modified fixation method for the tracheal tube) reduces the incidence of nasal pressure injury during nasotracheal intubation. METHODS: Literature searches were performed using three electronic databases. Data from each of the eligible trials were combined, and calculations were made using DerSimonian and Laird random effects models. The pooled effect estimates for nasal pressure injury were evaluated using the relative risk and 95% confidence interval, the Cochrane Q statistic, and the I2 statistic. We also performed trial sequential analysis (TSA) to assess sensitivity to prevent type I error. We separated patients into subgroups to analyze the incidence of nasal pressure injury according to whether a protective dressing or a modified fixation method for the tracheal tube was used. RESULTS: The literature search yielded five eligible trials. Meta-analysis of these trials showed that a nasal protection strategy significantly reduced the incidence of nasal pressure injury during nasotracheal intubation (relative risk (RR) 0.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21-0.56; P < .0001; Cochrane's Q = 5.86, I2 = 32%). The TSA boundary for futility could not be calculated because of an insufficient sample size. In subgroup analysis, both methods significantly reduced the incidence of nasal pressure injury during nasotracheal intubation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that a nasal protection strategy significantly reduces the incidence of nasal pressure injury during nasotracheal intubation. During nasotracheal intubation, the use of a protective dressing or modified fixation method for the tracheal tube can prevent to the incidence of nasal pressure injuries. However, the number of samples in our meta-analysis was too small for TSA and further studies are required. TRIALS REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; registration number 252091).

Effectiveness of Indirect and Direct Laryngoscopes in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

This research aimed to produce a coherent ranking of the effectiveness of intubation devices in pediatric patients using network meta-analysis (NMA). We searched the electric databases for prospective randomized studies that compared different tracheal intubation devices in pediatric patients. The primary outcome was intubation failure at the first attempt. Secondary outcomes were glottic visualization and intubation time. The statistical analysis performed used DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. Frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted, and network plots and network league tables were produced. Subgroup analysis was performed after excluding rigid-fiberscope-type indirect laryngoscopes. Thirty-four trials comparing 13 devices were included. Most laryngoscopes had the same intubation failure rate as the Macintosh reference device. Only the Truview PCD™ had a significantly higher intubation failure rate than the Macintosh (odds ratio 4.78, 95% confidence interval 1.11-20.6) The highest-ranking laryngoscope was the Airtaq™ (P score, 0.90), and the AirwayScope™, McGrath™, and Truview EVO2™ ranked higher than the Macintosh. The Bullard™ had the lowest ranking (P score, 0.08). All laryngoscopes had the same level of glottic visualization as the Macintosh and only the C-MAC™ had a significantly shorter intubation time. Intubation time was significantly longer when using the GlideScope™, Storz DCI™, Truview PCD™, or Bullard™ compared with the Macintosh. P score and ranking of devices in the subgroup analyses were similar to those in the main analysis. We applied NMA to create a consistent ranking of the effectiveness of intubation devices in pediatric patients. The findings of NMA suggest that there is presently no laryngoscope superior to the Macintosh laryngoscope in terms of tracheal intubation failure rate and glottic visualization in pediatric patients.

Comparisons of the segments of left-sided double-lumen tracheobronchial tubes as industrial products.

BACKGROUND: Although there are at least seven manufacturers producing left-sided double-lumen tubes (DLTs), there have been few reports comparing the segments of these DLTs. In this study, we compared various segments of left-sided DLTs further. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined five manufacturers' left-sided DLTs: Mallinckrodt, Portex, Rüsch, Sheridan, and Daiken-medical. We conducted the following six trials or measurements, and three supplemental trials or measurements: First, we tried to pass various sizes of steel balls down each lumen in order from the smallest (3 mm) to largest (4.5 mm). If the ball passed on the first attempt, we tried just once; otherwise, we made a second attempt. Second, we measured the external diameter of tracheal and bronchial cuff using a profile projector. Third, we measured the length of the cuff and tip of the bronchial segment of the tubes using the profile projector. Fourth, we measured various lengths of the tubes. Fifth, we measured the external diameter of both lumens and the tubules for tracheal and bronchial cuff inflation. Finally, we measured various cross-sectional areas including the tracheal lumen, bronchial lumen, and tubules for cuff inflation. We also conducted three supplemental studies. First, we measured air volume in the cuff when intracuff pressure equaled 2 or 3 kPa. Second, we defined the configuration of the tracheal and bronchial cuffs. Third, we defined the presence or absence of bevels and also measured the angle of the bevels using the profile projector. RESULTS: We performed nine trials and measurements and found large disparities between each manufacturer's tubes. CONCLUSIONS: The large disparities found between the measurements of the five manufacturers' tubes may be due to different lots or changes in specifications made by each manufacturer. We found tubes exhibiting lower quality, such as deformations, and non-universal and inconsistent sizing, in the comparison of the manufacturers' tubes. Practitioners should be aware of the features and aspects of these tubes.

Airtraq® versus GlideScope® for tracheal intubation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

PURPOSE: In recent years, various types of indirect laryngoscopes have been developed. Nevertheless, no conclusions have been drawn about which type of indirect laryngoscope is most effective for tracheal intubation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether the Airtraq® or the GlideScope® is more effective for tracheal intubation. METHODS: We extracted studies of adult prospective randomized trials comparing tracheal intubation between the Airtraq and GlideScope. An electronic database was used to extract the studies included in our meta-analysis. We extracted the following data from the identified studies: success rate, glottic visualization, and intubation time. Data from each trial were combined via a random-effects model for calculation of pooled relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We also performed trial sequential analysis. RESULTS: We included eight trials comprising 571 patients for review. Compared with the GlideScope, Airtraq did not improve success rate, glottic visualization, or intubation time in tracheal intubation (success rate: RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.05; P = 0.58; I2 = 65%; glottic visualization: RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.29; P = 0.69; I2 = 64%; and intubation time: WMD, 1.4 seconds ; 95% CI, -6.2 to 9.1; P = 0.72; I2 = 96%). The quality of evidence was graded as "very low." Trial sequential analysis showed that total sample size did not reach the required information size for all parameters. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, use of the Airtraq indirect laryngoscope did not result in improved success rate, glottic visualization, or intubation time in tracheal intubation compared with the GlideScope. Trial sequential analysis suggests that further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Ces dernières années, différents types de laryngoscopes indirects ont été mis au point. Néanmoins, aucune conclusion n'a été tirée sur le type de laryngoscope indirect le plus efficace pour l'intubation trachéale. Nous avons réalisé une revue systématique et une méta-analyse pour déterminer quel dispositif était le plus efficace pour l'intubation trachéale, soit l'Airtraq® ou le GlideScope®. MéTHODE: Nous avons extrait les études portant sur les essais randomisés prospectifs chez l'adulte comparant l'intubation trachéale avec l'Airtraq ou le GlideScope. Une base de données électronique a été utilisée pour extraire les études incluses dans notre méta-analyse. Nous avons extrait les données suivantes des études identifiées : taux de réussite, visualisation glottique et temps d'intubation. Les données de chaque étude ont été combinées au moyen d'un modèle à effets aléatoires pour le calcul du risque relatif (RR) groupé ou de la différence moyenne pondérée (DMP) avec un intervalle de confiance (IC) de 95 %. Nous avons également réalisé une analyse séquentielle des études. RéSULTATS: Nous avons inclus huit études portant sur 571 patients pour notre revue. Par rapport au GlideScope, l'Airtraq n'a pas amélioré le taux de réussite, la visualisation glottique ou le temps d'intubation pour l'intubation trachéale (taux de réussite : RR, 0,98; IC 95 %, 0,91 à 1,05; P = 0,58; I2 = 65 %; visualisation glottique : RR, 1.07; IC 95 %, 0,88 à 1,29; P = 0,69; I2 = 64 %; et temps d'intubation : DMP, 1,4 seconde; IC 95 %, -6,2 à 9,1; P = 0,72; I2 = 96 %). La qualité des données probantes a été classée comme « très faible ¼. L'analyse séquentielle des études a montré que la taille totale de l'échantillon n'atteignait pas la taille d'information requise pour tous les paramètres. CONCLUSION: Selon cette méta-analyse, l'utilisation du laryngoscope indirect Airtraq® n'entraîne pas d'amélioration du taux de réussite, de la visualisation glottique ou du temps d'intubation pour une intubation trachéale par rapport au GlideScope®. L'analyse séquentielle des études suggère que d'autres études sont nécessaires pour confirmer ces résultats.

Multicentre prospective observational study of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-associated postoperative ketoacidosis: the SAPKA study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of antihyperglycaemic agents that promote urinary glucose excretion in the renal proximal tubule and have cardio-protective and renal-protective properties. However, there are several safety concerns related to increased risks of hypoglycaemic, urinary tract infections and ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a potentially fatal complication that often presents as euglycaemic ketoacidosis during SGLT2 inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, invasive treatment and related surgical stress may increase the risk of ketogenesis. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the incidence of SGLT2 inhibitor-associated postoperative ketoacidosis (SAPKA) among patients who are receiving SGLT2 inhibitors and undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multicentre, prospective, observational study will recruit 750 adult Japanese patients with diabetes who are receiving SGLT2 inhibitors and undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. Urine samples will be collected on postoperative days 0, 1, 2 and 3. Blood gas analysis will be performed when urine ketone positivity is detected. The incidence of postoperative ketoacidosis will be identified based on urine ketone positivity and a blood pH of ≤7.3. The study will also collect data to identify risk factors for SAPKA. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of Kyorin University (approval number: 785, 26 October 2020) and local ethical approval will be required at each participating centre. Study findings will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and abstracts will be submitted to relevant national and international meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000042795.

Effects of intrathecal opioids on cesarean section: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the beneficial and harmful effects of opioids used as adjuncts to local anesthetics in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: We searched electronic databases and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception until March, 2021 without language restrictions. The primary outcome was the complete analgesia duration (Time to VAS > 0). Data were synthesized using the Bayesian random-effects model. Evidence confidence was evaluated using the Confidence In Network Meta-Analysis. RESULTS: We identified 66 placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 4400 patients undergoing elective cesarean section. Compared with the placebo, intrathecal opioids (fentanyl, sufentanil, and morphine) significantly prolonged the analgesia duration by 96, 96, and 190 min, respectively (mean difference). Despite morphine ranking first, opioid efficacy was similar; the results were inconsistent with respect to other analgesic outcomes. Except for diamorphine, all opioids were associated with significant increases in the pruritus incidence. Sufentanil and morphine were associated with increases in the respiratory depression incidence. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that intrathecal opioids benefit postoperative analgesia. Although morphine seems to be the most appropriate agent, some results were inconsistent, and the evidence confidence was often moderate or low, especially for adverse outcomes. Well-designed RCTs with an evidence-based approach are imperative for determining the most appropriate opioid for cesarean sections.

Comparison of Hemodynamic Responses to Administration of Vasopressin and Norepinephrine Under General Anesthesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials with Trial Sequential Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The authors performed a meta-analysis to determine if vasopressin improves hypotension more than norepinephrine under general anesthesia. DESIGN: Meta-analysis. SETTING: Operating room. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent surgery, with general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Administration of vasopressin or norepinephrine in order to increase blood pressure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome of this study was to determine if vasopressin increased mean blood pressure more effectively compared with norepinephrine for patients under general anesthesia. The secondary outcome was to see if vasopressin increased heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac output (CO), and cardiac index (CI) more significantly compared with norepinephrine under general anesthesia. The authors calculated the weighted mean difference, with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model, and calculated the required information size (RIS) by performing trial sequential analysis (TSA). The authors selected 6 studies for analysis. Vasopressin did not improve hypotension compared with norepinephrine under general anesthesia. (weighted mean difference = -0.84 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.90 to 4.23, p = 0.75, Cochran Q = 24.6, I2 = 84%) In TSA, only 35.5% of RIS was achieved. Similarly, vasopressin and norepinephrine were not significantly different in terms of HR, CVP, CO, and CI. In TSA, only 23.7% of the RIS was reached for HR but RIS was almost achieved for CVP and CO. CONCLUSIONS: Vasopressin did not improve hypotension compared with norepinephrine under general anesthesia. The RIS was not reached in TSA, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation is very low. Therefore, further research is needed to reach more robust conclusions.

Use of the GlideScope does not lower the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation more than the Macintosh laryngoscope: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is presently unclear whether the hemodynamic response to intubation is less marked with indirect laryngoscopy using the GlideScope (GlideScope) than with direct laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether using the GlideScope lowers the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation more than using the Macintosh laryngoscope. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of electronic databases for clinical trials comparing hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. The primary aim was to determine whether the heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP) 60 s after tracheal intubation with the GlideScope were lower than after intubation with the Macintosh laryngoscope. We expressed pooled differences in HR and MBP between the devices as the weighted mean difference with 95% confidence interval and also performed trial sequential analysis (TSA). Second, we examined whether use of the GlideScope resulted in lower post-intubation hemodynamic responses at 120, 180, and 300 s compared with use of the Macintosh laryngoscope. For sensitivity analysis, we used a multivariate random effects model that accounted for within-study correlation of the longitudinal data. RESULTS: The literature search identified 13 articles. HR and MBP at 60 seconds post-intubation was not significantly lower with the GlideScope than with the Macintosh (HR vs MBP: weighted mean difference = 0.22 vs 2.56; 95% confidence interval -3.43 to 3.88 vs -0.82 to 5.93; P = .90 vs 0.14; I = 77% vs 63%: Cochran Q, 52.7 vs 27.2). Use of the GlideScope was not associated with a significantly lower HR or MBP at 120, 180, or 300 s post-intubation. TSA indicated that the total sample size was over the futility boundary for HR and MBP. Sensitivity analysis indicated no significant association between use of the GlideScope and a lower HR or MBP at any measurement point. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope, the GlideScope did not lower the hemodynamic response after tracheal intubation. Sensitivity analysis results supported this finding, and the results of TSA suggest that the total sample size exceeded the TSA monitoring boundary for HR and MBP.

Association of hospital and surgeon volume with mortality following major surgical procedures: Meta-analysis of meta-analyses of observational studies.

Accumulation of the literature has suggested an inverse association between healthcare provider volume and mortality for a wide variety of surgical procedures. This study aimed to perform meta-analysis of meta-analyses (umbrella review) of observational studies and to summarize existing evidence for associations of healthcare provider volume with mortality in major operations.We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library, and screening of references.Meta-analyses of observational studies examining the association of hospital and surgeon volume with mortality following major operations. The primary outcome is all-cause short-term morality after surgery. Meta-analyses of observational studies of hospital/surgeon volume and mortality were included. Overall level of evidence was classified as convincing (class I), highly suggestive (class II), suggestive (class III), weak (class IV), and non-significant (class V) based on the significance of the random-effects summary odds ratio (OR), number of cases, small-study effects, excess significance bias, prediction intervals, and heterogeneity.Twenty meta-analyses including 4,520,720 patients were included, with 19 types of surgical procedures for hospital volume and 11 types of surgical procedures for surgeon volume. Nominally significant reductions were found in odds ratio in 82% to 84% of surgical procedures in both hospital and surgeon volume-mortality associations. To summarize the overall level of evidence, however, only one surgical procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) fulfilled the criteria of class I and II for both hospital and surgeon volume and mortality relationships, with a decrease in OR for hospital (0.42, 95% confidence interval[CI] [0.35-0.51]) and for surgeon (0.38, 95% CI [0.30-0.49]), respectively. In contrast, most of the procedures appeared to be weak or "non-significant."Only a very few surgical procedures such as pancreaticoduodenectomy appeared to have convincing evidence on the inverse surgeon volume-mortality associations, and yet most surgical procedures resulted in having weak or "non-significant" evidence. Therefore, healthcare professionals and policy makers might be required to steer their centralization policy more carefully unless more robust, higher-quality evidence emerges, particularly for procedures considered as having a weak or non-significant evidence level including total knee replacement, thyroidectomy, bariatric surgery, radical cystectomy, and rectal and colorectal cancer resections.

Bolus administration of ephedrine and etilefrine induces transient vasodilation just after injection in combined epidural and general anesthesia patients: A randomized clinical study.

Hypotension commonly accompanies combined epidural and general anesthesia, and intravenous bolus ephedrine and etilefrine are widely used to correct hypotension. We have noticed that systemic vascular resistance (SVR) transiently decreases just after intravenous bolus administration of these drugs. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether bolus administration of these drugs decrease SVR just after intravenous administration in combined epidural and general anesthesia patients. We investigated 40 patients who were scheduled for elective abdominal surgery. Patients were chosen as subjects if their systolic arterial pressure decreased by 20% or to <100 mmHg at 30 min after the induction of general anesthesia. Baseline hemodynamic values were recorded, and after ephedrine 10 mg injection or etilefrine 2 mg injection (equipotent), the parameters were recorded again at 0.5 min and once each min for the next 5 min thereafter. The 40 patients were enrolled into the ephedrine (n = 20) or etilefrine (n = 20) treatment groups. Patient characteristics were comparable in both groups. After ephedrine injection, SVR decreased significantly at the 1-min time point, whereas after etilefrine injection, SVR decreased significantly at the 0.5- to 2-min time points compared with baseline values. SVR at the 0.5- to 1-min time points was lower in the etilefrine versus the ephedrine group. Both drugs transiently decreased SVR after intravenous injection, but etilefrine decreased SVR much more than ephedrine, indicating that more vasodilation occurred after the injection of etilefrine than after ephedrine. It is thus important to recognize the different characteristics of these drugs.

C-MAC videolaryngoscope versus Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The C-MAC laryngoscope (C-MAC) is a videolaryngoscope that uses a modified Macintosh blade. Although several anecdotal reports exist, it remains unclear whether the C-MAC is superior to the Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in the adult population. DESIGN: Systematic review, meta-analysis. SETTING: Operating room, intensive care unit. MEASUREMENTS: For inclusion in our analysis, studies had to be prospective randomised trials which compared the C-MAC with the Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in the adult population. Data on success rates, intubation time, glottic visualisation and incidence of external laryngeal manipulations (ELM) during tracheal intubation were extracted from the identified studies. In subgroup analysis, we separated those parameters to assess the influence of the airway condition (normal or difficult) and laryngoscopists (novice or experienced). We conducted a trial sequential analysis (TSA). MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen articles with 18 trials met the inclusion criteria. The C-MAC provided better glottic visualisation compared to the Macintosh (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.14). TSA corrected the CI to 1.01-1.19; thus, total sample size reached the required information size (RIS). Success rates and intubation time did not differ significantly between the laryngoscopes. TSA showed that total sample size reached the RIS for success rates. The TSA Z curve surpassed the futility boundary. The C-MAC required less ELM compared to the Macintosh (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.96). TSA corrected the CI to 0.67-1.03; 52.3% of the RIS was achieved. In difficult airways, the C-MAC showed superior success rates, glottic visualisation, and less ELM compared to the Macintosh. Among experienced laryngoscopists, the C-MAC offered better glottic visualisation with less ELM than the Macintosh. CONCLUSIONS: The C-MAC provided better glottic visualisation and less ELM (GRADE: Very Low or Moderate), with improved success rates, glottic visualisation, and less ELM in difficult airways.

Airtraq® reduces the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation using single-lumen tubes in adults compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Airtraq® attenuate the hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation using single-lumen tubes in adults as compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope. DESIGN: Meta-analysis. SETTING: Operating room. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome of this meta-analysis was to determine whether laryngoscopy using the Airtraq® reduced hemodynamic responses-heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (MBP)-at 60 s (s) after tracheal intubation compared to laryngoscopy with the Macintosh laryngoscope. Pooled differences in these hemodynamic responses between the two devices were expressed as weighted mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. We then conducted trial sequential analysis (TSA). The secondary outcome was to investigate whether the Airtraq® reduce the hemodynamic response at 120 s, 180 s, and 300 s after tracheal intubation compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope. We also conducted sensitivity analysis of the hemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation with the laryngoscopes using a multivariate random effects model accounting for within-study correlation of the longitudinal data. MAIN RESULTS: From electronic databases, we selected 11 randomized controlled trials for studies that enrolled subjects satisfying our inclusion criteria. Compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope, the Airtraq® significantly reduced both HR and MBP at 60 s after tracheal intubation. In secondary outcome, the Airtraq® significantly reduced both HR and MBP at all measurement points, excluding HR at 300 s after tracheal intubation. TSA showed that total sample size reached the required information size for both HR and MBP. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the Airtraq® reduced both HR and MBP at all measurement points, excluding HR at 300 s after tracheal intubation. CONCLUSIONS: The Airtraq® attenuates the hemodynamic response at 60 s after tracheal intubation compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope. (GRADE: Low) These results were supported by the sensitivity analysis. TSA suggested that the total sample size was exceeded TSA monitoring boundary both HR and MBP.

McGrath videolaryngoscope versus Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The McGrath laryngoscope is a novel self-contained videolaryngoscope with a single-use blade. There are several anecdotal reports that the McGrath is superior to the Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation. However this remains controversial. DESIGN: Meta-analysis and systematic review. SETTING: Operating room or intensive care unit. MEASUREMENTS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify clinical trials that met our inclusion criteria. To qualify, studies had to be prospective randomized trials comparing tracheal intubation between the McGrath and the Macintosh in an adult population. We extracted data on success rate, glottic visualization during intubation, and intubation time from the studies identified. In subgroup analysis, we assessed the influence on each of these parameters which included airway condition (normal or difficult) and operator (novice or experienced). We then conducted a trial sequential analysis (TSA). MAIN RESULTS: Fourteen articles met our inclusion criteria. The McGrath offered better glottic visualization than the Macintosh (risk ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25-1.45). However, the McGrath required longer intubation time (mean difference, 10.1s; CI, 2.74-17.5) and demonstrated similar success rate of tracheal intubation (risk ratio, 1.00; CI, 0.95-1.05) compared to the Macintosh. TSA showed that total sample size reached the required information size (RIS) in glottic visualization and success rate. However, only 15.1% of the RIS was achieved in intubation time. In the subgroup analysis for airway condition and operator experience level, there were no subgroup differences in both glottic visualization and intubation time. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that the McGrath is superior to the Macintosh in terms of glottic visualization (GRADE: moderate). However, it significantly extends intubation time (GRADE: very low) and its success rate (GRADE: very low) for tracheal intubation is not excellent. TSA suggests that further studies are necessary to confirm the results of intubation time.