Targeted plasma multi-omics propose glutathione, glycine and serine as biomarkers for abdominal aortic aneurysm growth on serial CT scanning.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients undergo uniform imaging surveillance until reaching the surgical threshold. In spite of the ongoing exploration of AAA pathophysiology, biomarkers for personalized surveillance are lacking. This study aims to identify potential circulating biomarkers for AAA growth on serial CT scans. METHODS: Patients with an AAA (maximal diameter ≥40 mm) were included in this multicentre, prospective cohort study. Participants underwent baseline blood sampling and yearly CT-imaging to determine AAA diameter and volume. Proteins and metabolites were measured using proximity extension assay (Olink Cardiovascular III) or separate ELISA panels, and mass-spectrometry (LC-TQMS), respectively. Linear mixed-effects, orthogonal partial least squares, and Cox regression were used to explore biomarker associations with AAA volume growth rate and the risk of surpassing the surgical threshold, as formulated by current guidelines. RESULTS: 271 biomarkers (95 proteins, 176 metabolites) were measured in 109 (90.8 % male) patients with mean age 72. Median baseline maximal AAA diameter was 47.8 mm, volume 109 mL. Mean annual AAA volume growth rate was 11.5 %, 95 % confidence interval (CI) (10.4, 12.7). Median follow-up time was 23.2 months, 49 patients reached the surgical threshold. Patients with one standard deviation (SD) higher glutathione and glycine levels at baseline had an AAA volume growth rate that respectively was 1.97 %, 95%CI (0.97, 2.97) and 1.74 %, 95%CI (0.78, 2.71) larger, relative to the actual aneurysm size. Serine was associated with the risk of reaching the surgical threshold, independent of age and baseline AAA size (cause-specific hazard ratio per SD difference 1.78, 95%CI (1.30, 2.44)). CONCLUSIONS: Among multiple intertwined biomarkers related to AAA pathophysiology and progression, glutathione, glycine and serine were most promising.

Volume Measurements for Surveillance after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair using Artificial Intelligence.

OBJECTIVE: Surveillance after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is suboptimal due to limited compliance and relatively large variability in measurement methods of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac size after treatment. Measuring volume offers a more sensitive early indicator of aneurysm sac growth or regression and stability, but is more time consuming and thus less practical than measuring maximum diameter. This study evaluated the accuracy and consistency of the artificial intelligence (AI) driven software PRAEVAorta 2 and compared it with an established semi-automated segmentation method. METHODS: Post-EVAR aneurysm sac volumes measured by AI were compared with a semi-automated segmentation method (3mensio software) in patients with an infrarenal AAA, focusing on absolute aneurysm volume and volume evolution over time. The clinical impact of both methods was evaluated by categorising patients as showing either AAA sac regression, stabilisation, or growth comparing the 30 day and one year post-EVAR computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. Inter- and intra-method agreement were assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cohen's κ statistic. RESULTS: Forty nine patients (98 CTA images) were analysed, after excluding 15 patients due to segmentation errors by AI owing to low quality CT scans. Aneurysm sac volume measurements showed excellent correlation (ICC = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88 - 0.99) with good to excellent correlation for volume evolution over time (ICC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.75 - 0.91). Categorisation of AAA sac evolution showed fair correlation (Cohen's κ = 0.33), with 12 discrepancies (24%) between methods. The intra-method agreement for the AI software demonstrated perfect consistency (bias = -0.01 cc), indicating that it is more reliable compared with the semi-automated method. CONCLUSION: Despite some differences in AAA sac volume measurements, the highly consistent AI driven software accurately measured AAA sac volume evolution. AAA sac evolution classification appears to be more reliable than existing methods and may therefore improve risk stratification post-EVAR, and could facilitate AI driven personalised surveillance programmes. While high quality CTA images are crucial, considering radiation exposure is important, validating the software with non-contrast CT scans might reduce the radiation burden.

Metformin Use and Long-term Outcomes Including Aneurysm Sac Dynamics Following EVAR for Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: "A Retrospective Study".

PURPOSE: Metformin, widely used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM), has shown potential for inhibiting abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth by reducing extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation. However, its influence on clinical outcomes and aneurysm sac dynamics after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) remains uncertain. This retrospective study aims to explore the effects of metformin on long-term outcomes following EVAR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent elective standard EVAR for infrarenal AAA at a single academic Dutch hospital from 2000 to 2022 were included. We collected baseline patient demographics, comorbid conditions, anatomical and operative characteristics, and 30-day postoperative events. Metformin use was defined as using it preceding EVAR. The primary outcome, the postoperative aneurysm sac volume over time, was investigated using linear mixed-effects modeling. The secondary outcomes, 8-year all-cause mortality and freedom from graft-related events, were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: We analyzed 685 patients, including 634 (93%) non-metformin users and 51 (7%) metformin users. The median follow-up period was similar (4.0 years [IQR=1.5, 6.5] vs 5.0 years [IQR=2.0, 8.0]; p=0.091). Patients on metformin had a preoperative aneurysm sac volume of 153 cc (IQR=114, 195) compared with 178 cc (IQR=133, 240) for non-metformin patients (p=0.054). At 30 days post-EVAR, metformin patients had a comparable mean aneurysm sac volume compared with non-metformin patients (metformin: -19.4 cc [95% confidence interval [CI]: -47.4, 8.5]; p=0.173). The effect of metformin on aneurysm growth over time was not significant (-3.9 cc/year; [95% CI: -22.7, 14.9]; p=0.685). Following risk-adjusted analysis, metformin use was associated with similar rates of all-cause mortality (metformin vs no metformin: 50% vs 44%; hazard ratio [HR]=1.11, 95% CI: 0.66, 1.88; p=0.688) and freedom from graft-related events (metformin vs no metformin: 63% vs 66%; HR=1.82, 95% CI: 0.98, 3.38; p=0.059). CONCLUSION: Although metformin use may reduce preoperative AAA growth, it does not seem to influence overall/long-term post-EVAR AAA sac dynamics, all-cause mortality, or freedom from graft-related events. These findings suggest that the potential protective effect of metformin on AAA may not be sustained after EVAR. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the potential role of metformin in AAA management following EVAR. CLINICAL IMPACT: There is currently no approved pharmacological treatment available to slow the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth rate and reduce the related risk of rupture. In our retrospective analysis including 685 patients undergoing EVAR for infrarenal AAA, we found that metformin use was not associated with improved post-EVAR outcomes, such as a reduction of aneurysm sac volume over time, eight-year all-cause mortality, or freedom of graft-related events. These findings suggest that the potential protective effect of metformin on AAA may not be sustained after EVAR and underscore the need for ongoing research into this area.

Patient knowledge in anaesthesia: Psychometric development of the RAKQ-The Rotterdam anaesthesia Knowledge questionnaire.

The transition from in-person to digital preoperative patient education requires effective methods for evaluating patients' understanding of the perioperative process, risks, and instructions to ensure informed consent. A knowledge questionnaire covering different anaesthesia techniques and instructions could fulfil this need. We constructed a set of items covering common anaesthesia techniques requiring informed consent and developed the Rotterdam Anaesthesia Knowledge Questionnaire (RAKQ) using a structured approach and Item Response Theory. A team of anaesthetists and educational experts developed the initial set of 60 multiple-choice items, ensuring content and face validity. Next, based on exploratory factor analysis, we identified seven domains: General Anaesthesia-I (regarding what to expect), General Anaesthesia-II (regarding the risks), Spinal Anaesthesia, Epidural Anaesthesia, Regional Anaesthesia, Procedural sedation and analgesia, and Generic Items. This itemset was filled out by 577 patients in the Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, and Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands. Based on factor loadings (≥0.25) and considering clinical relevance this initial item set was reduced to 50 items, distributed over the seven domains. Each domain was processed to produce a separate questionnaire. Through an iterative process of item selection to ensure that the questionnaires met the criteria for Item Response Theory modelling, 40 items remained in the definitive set of seven questionnaires. Finally, we developed an Item Response Theory model for each questionnaire and evaluated its reliability. 1-PL and 2-PL models were chosen based on best model fit. No item misfit (S-χ2, p<0.001 = misfit) was detected in the final models. The newly developed RAKQ allows practitioners to assess their patients' knowledge before consultation to better address knowledge gaps during consultation. Moreover, they can decide whether the level of knowledge is sufficient to obtain digital informed consent without face-to-face education. Researchers can use the RAKQ to compare new methods of patient education with traditional methods.

Perioperative transfusion study (PETS): Does a liberal transfusion protocol improve outcome in high-risk cardiovascular patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery? A randomised controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Small studies have shown that patients with advanced coronary artery disease might benefit from a more liberal blood transfusion strategy. The goal of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of a blood transfusion intervention in a group of vascular surgery patients who have elevated cardiac troponins in rest. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre, randomised controlled pilot study. Patients with a preoperative elevated high-sensitive troponin T undergoing non-cardiac vascular surgery were randomised between a liberal transfusion regime (haemoglobin >10.4 g/dL) and a restrictive transfusion regime (haemoglobin 8.0-9.6 g/dL) during the first 3 days after surgery. The primary outcome was defined as a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction or unscheduled coronary revascularization. RESULTS: In total 499 patients were screened; 92 were included and 50 patients were randomised. Postoperative haemoglobin was different between the intervention and control group; 10.6 versus 9.8, 10.4 versus 9.4, 10.9 versus 9.4 g/dL on day one, two and three respectively (p < 0.05). The primary outcome occurred in four patients (16%) in the liberal transfusion group and in two patients (8%) in control group. CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows that the studied transfusion protocol was able to create a clinically significant difference in perioperative haemoglobin levels. Randomisation was possible in 10% of the screened patients. A large definitive trial should be possible to provide evidence whether a liberal transfusion strategy could decrease the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction in high risk surgical patients.

Oxygenation during general anesthesia in pediatric patients: A retrospective observational study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Protocols are used in intensive care and emergency settings to limit the use of oxygen. However, in pediatric anesthesiology, such protocols do not exist. This study aimed to investigate the administration of oxygen during pediatric general anesthesia and related these values to PaO2, SpO2 and SaO2. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric academic hospital, from June 2017 to August 2020. PATIENTS: Patients aged 0-18 years who underwent general anesthesia for a diagnostic or surgical procedure with tracheal intubation and an arterial catheter for regular blood withdrawal were included. Patients on cardiopulmonary bypass or those with missing data were excluded. Electronic charts were reviewed for patient characteristics, type of surgery, arterial blood gas analyses, and oxygenation management. INTERVENTIONS: No interventions were done. MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome defined as FiO2, PaO2 and SpO2 values were interpreted using descriptive analyses, and the correlation between PaO2 and FiO2 was determined using the weighted Spearman correlation coefficient. MAIN RESULTS: Data of 493 cases were obtained. Of these, 267 were excluded for various reasons. Finally, 226 cases with a total of 645 samples were analyzed. The median FiO2 was 36% (IQR 31 to 43), with a range from 20% to 97%, and the median PaO2 was 23.6 kPa (IQR 18.6 to 28.1); 177 mmHg (IQR 140 to 211). The median SpO2 level was 99% (IQR 98 to 100%). The study showed a moderately positive association between PaO2 and FiO2 (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). 574 of 645 samples (89%) contained a PaO2 higher than 13.3 kPa; 100 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Oxygen administration during general pediatric anesthesia is barely regulated. Hyperoxemia is observed intraoperatively in approximately 90% of cases. Future research should focus on outcomes related to hyperoxemia.

Targeted proteomics and metabolomics for biomarker discovery in abdominal aortic aneurysm and post-EVAR sac volume.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients undergo uniform surveillance programs both leading up to, and following surgery. Circulating biomarkers could play a pivotal role in individualizing surveillance. We applied a multi-omics approach to identify relevant biomarkers and gain pathophysiological insights. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 108 AAA patients and 200 post-endovascular aneurysm repair (post-EVAR) patients were separately investigated. We performed partial least squares regression and ingenuity pathway analysis on circulating concentrations of 96 proteins (92 Olink Cardiovascular-III panel, 4 ELISA-assays) and 199 metabolites (measured by LC-TQMS), and their associations with CT-based AAA/sac volume. RESULTS: The median (25th-75th percentile) maximal diameter was 50.0 mm (46.0, 53.0) in the AAA group, and 55.4 mm (45.0, 64.2) in the post-EVAR group. Correcting for clinical characteristics in AAA patients, the aneurysm volume Z-score differed 0.068 (95 %CI: (0.042, 0.093)), 0.066 (0.047, 0.085) and -0.051 (-0.064, -0.038) per Z-score valine, leucine and uPA, respectively. After correcting for clinical characteristics and orthogonalization in the post-EVAR group, the sac volume Z-score differed 0.049 (0.034, 0.063) per Z-score TIMP-4, -0.050 (-0.064, -0.037) per Z-score LDL-receptor, -0.051 (-0.062, -0.040) per Z-score 1-OG/2-OG and -0.056 (-0.066, -0.045) per Z-score 1-LG/2-LG. CONCLUSIONS: The branched-chain amino acids and uPA were related to AAA volume. For post-EVAR patients, LDL-receptor, monoacylglycerols and TIMP-4 are potential biomarkers for sac volume. Additionally, distinct markers for sac change were identified.

Prediction, prognosis, and professionalism in perioperative medicine.

Guidelines provide a framework to take better care of our patients. They are published by different professional groups and are based on all the research done for us by hardworking colleagues. Compiling a guideline is an enormous amount of work and is generally done with the utmost care. However, recommendations often require a subjective interpretation of published research, where personal and academic interests can influence the outcome. We discuss two recently published guidelines on perioperative cardiovascular assessment that led to different conclusions on some important areas of patient care.

Opportunities and barriers for prehospital emergency medical services research in the Netherlands; results of a mixed-methods consensus study.

INTRODUCTION: Quality improvement in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) can only be achieved by high-quality research and critical appraisal of current practices. This study examines current opportunities and barriers in EMS research in the Netherlands. METHODS: This mixed-methods consensus study consisted of three phases. The first phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders. Thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from these interviews was used to identify main themes, which were subsequently discussed in several online focus groups in the second phase. Output from these discussions was used to shape statements for an online Delphi consensus study among relevant stakeholders in EMS research. Consensus was met if 80% of respondents agreed or disagreed on a particular statement. RESULTS: Forty-nine stakeholders participated in the study; qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews and focus group discussions identified four main themes: (1) data registration and data sharing, (2) laws and regulations, (3) financial aspects and funding, and (4) organization and culture. Qualitative data from the first two phases of the study were used to construct 33 statements for an online Delphi study. Consensus was reached on 21 (64%) statements. Eleven (52%) of these statements pertained to the storage and use of EMS patient data. CONCLUSION: Barriers for prehospital EMS research in the Netherlands include issues regarding the use of patient data, privacy and legislation, funding and research culture in EMS organizations. Opportunities to increase scientific productivity in EMS research include the development of a national strategy for EMS data and the incorporation of EMS topics in research agendas of national medical professional associations.

Aneurysm Sac Dynamics and its Prognostic Significance Following Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess aneurysm sac dynamics and its prognostic significance following fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR). METHODS: Patients undergoing F/BEVAR for degenerative complex aortic aneurysm from 2008 to 2020 at two large vascular centres with two imaging examinations (30 day and one year) were included. Patients were categorised as regression and non-regression, determined by the proportional volume change (> 5%) at one year compared with 30 days. All cause mortality and freedom from graft related events were assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Factors associated with non-regression at one year and aneurysm sac volume over time were examined for FEVAR and BEVAR independently using multivariable logistic regression and linear mixed effects modelling. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included: 122 FEVAR, of whom 34% did not regress at one year imaging (20% stable, 14% expansion); and 43 BEVAR, of whom 53% failed to regress (26% stable, 28% expansion). Following F/BEVAR, after risk adjusted analysis, non-regression was associated with higher risk of all cause mortality within five years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09 - 5.37; p = .032) and higher risk of graft related events within five years (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.10 - 5.26; p = .029). Following multivariable logistic regression, previous aortic repair (odds ratio [OR] 2.56, 95% CI 1.11 - 5.96; p = .029) and larger baseline aneurysm diameter (OR/mm 1.04, 95% CI 1.00 - 1.09; p = .037) were associated with non-regression at one year, whereas smoking history was inversely associated with non-regression (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.04 - 0.96; p = .045). Overall following FEVAR, aneurysm sac volume decreased significantly up to two years (baseline vs. two year, 267 [95% CI 250 - 285] cm3vs. 223 [95% CI 197 - 248] cm3), remaining unchanged thereafter. Overall following BEVAR, aneurysm sac volume remained stable over time. CONCLUSION: Like infrarenal EVAR, non-regression at one year imaging is associated with higher five year all cause mortality and graft related events risks after F/BEVAR. Following FEVAR for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm, aneurysm sacs generally displayed regression (66% at one year), whereas after BEVAR for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm, aneurysm sacs displayed a concerning proportion of growth at one year (28%), potentially suggesting a persistent risk of rupture and consequently requiring intensified surveillance following BEVAR. Future studies will have to elucidate how to improve sac regression following complex EVAR, and whether the high expansion risk after BEVAR is due to advanced disease extent.

Circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular disease are related to aneurysm volume in abdominal aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance programs in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are mainly based on imaging and leave room for improvement to timely identify patients at risk for AAA growth. Many biomarkers are dysregulated in patients with AAA, which fuels interest in biomarkers as indicators of disease progression. We examined associations of 92 cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related circulating biomarkers with AAA and sac volume. METHODS: In a cross-sectional analysis, we separately investigated (1) 110 watchful waiting (WW) patients (undergoing periodic surveillance imaging without planned intervention) and (2) 203 patients after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The Cardiovascular Panel III (Olink Proteomics AB, Sweden) was used to measure 92 CVD-related circulating biomarkers. We used cluster analyses to investigate protein-based subphenotypes, and linear regression to examine associations of biomarkers with AAA and sac volume on CT scans. RESULTS: Cluster analyses revealed two biomarker-based subgroups in both WW and EVAR patients, with higher levels of 76 and 74 proteins, respectively, in one subgroup versus the other. In WW patients, uPA showed a borderline significant association with AAA volume. Adjusting for clinical characteristics, there was a difference of -0.092 (-0.148, -0.036) loge mL in AAA volume per SD uPA. In EVAR patients, after multivariable adjustment, four biomarkers remained significantly associated with sac volume. The mean effects on sac volume per SD difference were: LDLR: -0.128 (-0.212, -0.044), TFPI: 0.139 (0.049, 0.229), TIMP4: 0.110 (0.023, 0.197), IGFBP-2: 0.103 (0.012, 0.194). CONCLUSION: LDLR, TFPI, TIMP4, and IGFBP-2 were independently associated with sac volume after EVAR. Subgroups of patients with high levels of the majority of CVD-related biomarkers emphasize the intertwined relationship between AAA and CVD.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03703947.

Intraoperative hypotension in noncardiac surgery patients with chronic beta-blocker therapy: A matched cohort analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence of intraoperative hypotension in patients with chronic beta-blocker therapy, expressed as time spent, area and time-weighted average under predefined mean arterial pressure thresholds. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort registry. SETTING: Patients ≥60 years undergoing intermediate- to high-risk noncardiac surgery with routine postoperative troponin measurements on the first three days after surgery. PATIENTS: 1468 matched sets of patients (1:1 ratio with replacement) with and without chronic beta-blocker treatment. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the exposure to intraoperative hypotension in beta-blocker users vs. non-users. Time spent, area and time-weighted average under predefined mean arterial pressure thresholds (55-75 mmHg) were calculated to express the duration and severity of exposure. Secondary outcomes included incidence of postoperative myocardial injury and thirty-day mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Furthermore, analyses for patient subgroup and beta-blocker subtype were conducted. MAIN RESULTS: In patients with chronic beta-blocker therapy, no increased exposure to intraoperative hypotension was observed for all characteristics and thresholds calculated (all P > .05). Beta-blocker users had lower heart rate before, during and after surgery (70 vs. 74, 61 vs. 65 and 68 vs. 74 bpm, all P < .001, respectively). Postoperative myocardial injury (13.6% vs. 11.6%, P = .269) and thirty-day mortality (2.5% vs. 1.4%, P = .055), MI (1.4% vs. 1.5%, P = .944) and stroke (1.0% vs 0.7%, P =  .474) rates were comparable. The results were consistent in subtype and subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this matched cohort analysis, chronic beta-blocker therapy was not associated with increased exposure to intraoperative hypotension in patients undergoing intermediate- to high-risk noncardiac surgery. Furthermore, differences in patient subgroups and postoperative adverse cardiovascular events as a function of treatment regimen could not be demonstrated.

Implementation of barcode medication administration (BMCA) technology on infusion pumps in the operating rooms.

BACKGROUND: Medication administration errors (MAEs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. An updated barcode medication administration (BCMA) technology on infusion pumps is implemented in the operating rooms to automate double check at a syringe exchange. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this mixed-methods before-and-after study is to understand the medication administrating process and assess the compliance with double check before and after implementation. METHODS: Reported MAEs from 2019 to October 2021 were analysed and categorised to the three moments of medication administration: (1) bolus induction, (2) infusion pump start-up and (3) changing an empty syringe. Interviews were conducted to understand the medication administration process with functional resonance analysis method (FRAM). Double check was observed in the operating rooms before and after implementation. MAEs up to December 2022 were used for a run chart. RESULTS: Analysis of MAEs showed that 70.9% occurred when changing an empty syringe. 90.0% of MAEs were deemed to be preventable with the use of the new BCMA technology. The FRAM model showed the extent of variation to double check by coworker or BCMA.Observations showed that the double check for pump start-up changed from 70.2% to 78.7% postimplementation (p=0.41). The BCMA double check contribution for pump start-up increased from 15.3% to 45.8% (p=0.0013). The double check for changing an empty syringe increased from 14.3% to 85.0% (p<0.0001) postimplementation. BCMA technology was new for changing an empty syringe and was used in 63.5% of administrations. MAEs for moments 2 and 3 were significantly reduced (p=0.0075) after implementation in the operating rooms and ICU. CONCLUSION: An updated BCMA technology contributes to a higher double check compliance and MAE reduction, especially when changing an empty syringe. BCMA technology has the potential to decrease MAEs if adherence is high enough.

Alternatives to the in-person anaesthetist-led preoperative assessment in adults undergoing low-risk or intermediate-risk surgery: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The design of the optimal preoperative evaluation is a much debated topic, with the anaesthetist-led in-person evaluation being most widely used. This approach is possibly leading to overuse of a valuable resource, especially in low-risk patients. Without compromising patient safety, we hypothesised that not all patients would require this type of elaborate evaluation. OBJECTIVE: The current scoping review aims to critically appraise the range and nature of the existing literature investigating alternatives to the anaesthetist-led preoperative evaluation and their impact on outcomes, to inform future knowledge translation and ultimately improve perioperative clinical practice. DESIGN: A scoping review of the available literature. DATA SOURCES: Embase, Medline, Web-of-Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. No date restriction was used. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies in patients scheduled for elective low-risk or intermediate-risk surgery, which compared anaesthetist-led in-person preoperative evaluation with non-anaesthetist-led preoperative evaluation or no outpatient evaluation. The focus was on outcomes, including surgical cancellation, perioperative complications, patient satisfaction and costs. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies with a total of 361 719 patients were included, reporting on various interventions: telephone evaluation, telemedicine evaluation, evaluation by questionnaire, surgeon-led evaluation, nurse-led evaluation, other types of evaluation and no evaluation up to the day of surgery. Most studies were conducted in the United States and were either pre/post or one group post-test-only studies, with only two randomised controlled trials. Studies differed largely in outcome measures and were of moderate quality overall. CONCLUSIONS: A number of alternatives to the anaesthetists-led in-person preoperative evaluation have already been researched: that is telephone evaluation, telemedicine evaluation, evaluation by questionnaire and nurse-led evaluation. However, more high-quality research is needed to assess viability in terms of intraoperative or early postoperative complications, surgical cancellation, costs, and patient satisfaction in the form of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Patient-Reported Experience Measures.

Prognostic models for outcome prediction following in-hospital cardiac arrest using pre-arrest factors: a systematic review, meta-analysis and critical appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Several prediction models of survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) have been published, but no overview of model performance and external validation exists. We performed a systematic review of the available prognostic models for outcome prediction of attempted resuscitation for IHCA using pre-arrest factors to enhance clinical decision-making through improved outcome prediction. METHODS: This systematic review followed the CHARMS and PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase, Web of Science were searched up to October 2021. Studies developing, updating or validating a prediction model with pre-arrest factors for any potential clinical outcome of attempted resuscitation for IHCA were included. Studies were appraised critically according to the PROBAST checklist. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool AUROC values of externally validated models. RESULTS: Out of 2678 initial articles screened, 33 studies were included in this systematic review: 16 model development studies, 5 model updating studies and 12 model validation studies. The most frequently included pre-arrest factors included age, functional status, (metastatic) malignancy, heart disease, cerebrovascular events, respiratory, renal or hepatic insufficiency, hypotension and sepsis. Only six of the developed models have been independently validated in external populations. The GO-FAR score showed the best performance with a pooled AUROC of 0.78 (95% CI 0.69-0.85), versus 0.59 (95%CI 0.50-0.68) for the PAM and 0.62 (95% CI 0.49-0.74) for the PAR. CONCLUSIONS: Several prognostic models for clinical outcome after attempted resuscitation for IHCA have been published. Most have a moderate risk of bias and have not been validated externally. The GO-FAR score showed the most acceptable performance. Future research should focus on updating existing models for use in clinical settings, specifically pre-arrest counselling. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42021269235. Registered 21 July 2021.

Needle-free pharmacological sedation techniques in paediatric patients for imaging procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sedation techniques and drugs are increasingly used in children undergoing imaging procedures. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we present an overview of literature concerning sedation of children aged 0-8 yr for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures using needle-free pharmacological techniques. METHODS: Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies on the use of needle-free pharmacological sedation techniques for MRI procedures in children aged 0-8 yr. Studies using i.v. or i.m. medication or advanced airway devices were excluded. We performed a meta-analysis on sedation success rate. Secondary outcomes were onset time, duration, recovery, and adverse events. RESULTS: Sixty-seven studies were included, with 22 380 participants. The pooled success rate for oral chloral hydrate was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-0.96); for oral chloral hydrate and intranasal dexmedetomidine 95% (95% CI: 0.92-0.97); for rectal, oral, or intranasal midazolam 36% (95% CI: 0.14-0.65); for oral pentobarbital 99% (95% CI: 0.90-1.00); for rectal thiopental 92% (95% CI: 0.85-0.96); for oral melatonin 75% (95% CI: 0.54-0.89); for intranasal dexmedetomidine 62% (95% CI: 0.38-0.82); for intranasal dexmedetomidine and midazolam 94% (95% CI: 0.78-0.99); and for inhaled sevoflurane 98% (95% CI: 0.97-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: We found a large variation in medication, dosage, and route of administration for needle-free sedation. Success rates for sedation techniques varied between 36% and 98%.

Intravenous lidocaine attenuates distention of the optical nerve sheath, a correlate of intracranial pressure, during endotracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND: By preventing hypoxia and hypercapnia, advanced airway management can save lives among patients with traumatic brain injury. During endotracheal intubation (ETI), tracheal stimulation causes an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP), which may impair brain perfusion. It has been suggested that intravenous lidocaine might attenuate this ICP response. We hypothesized that adding lidocaine to the standard induction medication for general anesthesia might reduce the ICP response to ETI. Here, we measured the optical nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as a correlate of ICP and evaluated the effect of intravenous lidocaine on ONSD during and after ETI in patients undergoing anesthesia. METHODS: This double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial included 60 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II physical status that were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. In addition to the standard anesthesia medication, 30 subjects received 1.5 mg/kg 1% lidocaine (0.15 mL/kg, ONSD lidocaine) and 30 received 0.15 mL/kg 0.9% NaCl (ONSD placebo). ONSDs were measured with ultrasound on the left eye, before (T0), during (T1), and 4 times after ETI (T2-5 at 5-min intervals). RESULTS: Compared to placebo, lidocaine did not significantly affect the baseline ONSD after anesthesia induction measured at T0. During ETI, the ONSD lidocaine was significantly smaller (ß=-0.24 mm P=0.022) than the ONSD placebo. At T4 and T5, the ONSD placebo increased steadily, up to 20 min after ETI, but the ONSD lidocaine tended to return to baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the ONSD was distended during and after ETI in anesthetized patients, and intravenous lidocaine attenuated this effect.

Perioperative Mortality in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review of Risk Assessment Tools for Use in the Preoperative Setting.

BACKGROUND: There are multiple preoperative risk scores for pediatric mortality. The aim of this study was to systematically describe and compare the existing studies of patient-specific multispecialty risk prediction scores for perioperative mortality in pediatric populations, with the goal of guiding clinicians on which may be most appropriate for use in the preoperative setting. METHODS: This study is a systematic literature review of published journal articles that presented the development, extension/updating, and/or validation of a risk core that predicted all-cause mortality (up to 30 days postoperatively) in pediatric patients undergoing a procedure in which anesthesia was used. Scores needed to be applicable to surgeries in more than one noncardiac surgical specialty and had to be able to be calculated by the anesthesiologist at the time of the preanesthetic assessment. Two investigators independently screened studies for inclusion and assessed study quality in the domains of clinical applicability, feasibility/ease of use in the clinical setting, and risk of bias. RESULTS: A total of 1,681 titles were retrieved. Of these, 10 studies met inclusion criteria: 9 reported the development and validation of scores, and 1 was an external validation of an existing score. Seven studies used varying years of multicenter data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Participant Use File for development and/or validation. The unadjusted rate of mortality in the studies ranged from 0.3 to 3.6%. The preoperative predictors of mortality used in score development included patient demographics, preoperative therapies, and chronic conditions, among others. All models showed good discrimination upon validation (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve greater than 0.8). Most risk scores had high or unclear risks of bias. CONCLUSIONS: There are numerous scores available for the prediction of mortality in pediatric populations, all of which exhibited good performance. However, many have high or unclear risks of bias, and most have not undergone external validation.