Effects of avoidance versus use of neuromuscular blocking agents for facilitation of tracheal intubation in children and infants.

BACKGROUND: The European Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care recommends the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) in adults, to facilitate tracheal intubation and reduce its associated complications. Children who undergo tracheal intubation may suffer some of the same complications, however, no consensus exists regarding the use of NMBA for tracheal intubation in the pediatric population. We will explore the existing evidence assessing the effects of avoidance versus the use of NMBA for the facilitation of tracheal intubation in children and infants. METHODS: This protocol follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols recommendations. We will include all randomized controlled clinical trials assessing the effects of avoidance versus the use of NMBA for facilitation of tracheal intubation (oral or nasal) using direct laryngoscopy or video laryngoscopy in pediatric participants (<18 years). Our primary outcome is incidence of difficult tracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes include incidence of serious adverse events, failed intubation, events of upper airway discomfort or injury, and difficult laryngoscopy. We will conduct a thorough database search to identify relevant trials, including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Web of Science, CINAHL, and trial registries. Two review authors will independently handle the screening of literature and data extraction. Each trial will be evaluated for major sources of bias with the "classic risk of bias tool" used in the Cochrane Collaboration tool from 2011. We will use Review manager (RevMan) or R with the meta package to perform the meta-analysis. We will perform a trial sequential analysis on the meta-analysis of our primary outcome, providing an estimate of statistical reliability. Two review authors will independently assess the quality of the body of evidence using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach. We will use GRADEpro software to conduct the GRADE assessments and to create "Summary of the findings" tables.

Non-opioid analgesic combinations following total hip arthroplasty (RECIPE): a randomised, placebo-controlled, blinded, multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal postoperative analgesia following total hip arthroplasty is recommended, but the optimal combination of drugs remains uncertain. The aim of the RECIPE trial was to investigate the relative benefit and harm of the different combinations of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and the analgesic adjuvant dexamethasone for treatment of postoperative pain following total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: The RECIPE trial was a randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted at nine Danish hospitals. Adults scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) using a computer-generated list with stratification by site to receive combinations of oral paracetamol 1000 mg every 6 h, oral ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 h, or a single-dose of intravenous dexamethasone 24 mg in the following groups: paracetamol plus ibuprofen, ibuprofen plus dexamethasone, paracetamol plus dexamethasone, and paracetamol plus ibuprofen plus dexamethasone. The primary outcome was 24 h intravenous morphine consumption, analysed in a modified intention-to-treat population, defined as all randomly assigned participants who underwent total hip arthroplasty. The predefined minimal important difference was 8 mg. Safety outcomes included serious and non-serious adverse events within 90 days and 24 h. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04123873. FINDINGS: Between March 5, 2020, and Nov 15, 2022, we randomly assigned 1060 participants, of whom 1043 (589 [56%] women and 454 [44%] men) were included in the modified intention-to-treat population. 261 were assigned to paracetamol plus ibuprofen, 262 to ibuprofen plus dexamethasone, 262 to paracetamol plus dexamethasone, and 258 to paracetamol plus ibuprofen plus dexamethasone. Median 24 h morphine consumption was 24 mg (IQR 12-38) in the paracetamol plus ibuprofen group, 20 mg (12-32) in the paracetamol plus dexamethasone group, 16 mg (10-30) in the ibuprofen plus dexamethasone group, and 15 mg (8-26) in the paracetamol plus ibuprofen plus dexamethasone group. The paracetamol plus ibuprofen plus dexamethasone group had a significantly reduced 24 h morphine consumption compared with paracetamol plus ibuprofen (Hodges-Lehmann median difference -6 mg [99% CI -10 to -3]; p<0·0001) and paracetamol plus dexamethasone (-4 mg [-8 to -1]; p=0·0013), however, none of the comparisons showed differences reaching the minimal important threshold of 8 mg. 91 (35%) of 258 participants in the paracetamol plus ibuprofen plus dexamethasone group had one or more adverse events, compared with 99 (38%) of 262 in the ibuprofen plus dexamethasone group, 103 (39%) of 262 in the paracetamol plus dexamethasone group, and 165 (63%) of 261 in the paracetamol plus ibuprofen group. INTERPRETATION: In adults undergoing total hip arthroplasty, a combination of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and dexamethasone had the lowest morphine consumption within 24 h following surgery and the most favourable adverse event profile, with a lower incidence of serious and non-serious adverse events (primarily driven by differences in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness) compared with paracetamol plus ibuprofen. FUNDING: The Novo Nordisk Foundation and Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals' Research Fund.

Association between troponin I levels and mortality among patients undergoing acute high-risk abdominal surgery-A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is associated with 30-day mortality in heterogeneous surgical populations but is barely described after acute high-risk abdominal surgery. The impact of dynamic changes has not previously been investigated. The objectives were to determine the incidence of MINS in this population, the association between mortality and MINS, and whether plasma troponin I (TnI) dynamics have any impact on mortality. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 341 patients undergoing acute high-risk gastrointestinal surgery was conducted. Plasma TnI was measured at the first four postoperative days. MINS was defined as any increased TnI level >59 ng/L. TnI dynamic required either two succeeding measurements of TnI >59 ng/L with a >20% increase/fall or one measurement of TnI >59 ng/L with a succeeding measurement of TnI <59 ng/L with a >50% decrease. Adjusted mortality rates were calculated using inverse probability of treatment weighting and competing risk analyses. RESULTS: The incidence of MINS was 23.8% and dynamic TnI changes occurred in 15.6% of the patients. The unadjusted 30-day and 1-year mortality were 19.8% and 35.9% in patients with MINS, compared with 2.7% and 11.6%, respectively, in patients without MINS (p < 0.001). After adjusting, the differences remained significant. There was no difference in mortality between patients with or without dynamic changes in TnI level. CONCLUSION: MINS occurred frequently and was associated with increased mortality. TnI monitoring might help identify patients with increased risk of mortality and improve care. Research on preventive measures and treatments is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND AGENCY: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05933837, retrospective registered.

The effects of troponin screening among patients undergoing acute high-risk abdominal surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acute high-risk abdominal (AHA) surgery is associated with a high short-term mortality rate. This might be partly attributed to myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) defined by elevated postoperative troponin levels. The myocardial injury is often asymptomatic; thus, troponin screening seems to be the best diagnostic method. We aimed to assess whether implementing troponin screening with subsequent individualised interventions as standard care is associated with reduced mortality after AHA surgery. We also explored the treatment implications in the screening period. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 558 patients undergoing surgery from February 2018 to March 2021 was included. The patients undergoing surgery before March 2019 served as the historical control group, while the screening group consisted of patients undergoing surgery from March 1, 2019. Troponin I was to be measured 6-12 h postoperatively and in the morning of the succeeding 4 days. Patients with myocardial injury were assessed, and treatment was individualised after multiple disciplinary consultations. The primary outcome was the unadjusted 30-day mortality rates. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to adjust for selection bias. RESULTS: We included 558 patients: 382 in the screening group and 176 in the historical control group. In the screening group, 15 patients (3.9%) died before the first blood sampling, and in 31 patients (8.1%), troponin screening was omitted, leaving only 336 patients screened. Myocardial injury was diagnosed in 81 patients (24.1%) of the 336 patients. Of these, 59 (72.8%) had a cardiac consultation. No interventions or alterations in relation to myocardial injury were done in 67 patients (82.7%). The 30-day mortality was 13.8% (95% CI 8.7%-18.9%) in the control group and 11.1% (95% CI 8.0%-14.3%) in the screening group. The absolute risk difference was -2.7% (95% CI -8.7%-3.3%; p = .38), which was unchanged after adjustment. The difference remained unchanged after 90 days and 1 year. CONCLUSION: The implementation of postoperative troponin screening was not associated with reduced mortality after AHA surgery. Research on the prevention and treatment of MINS is warranted before the implementation of standard troponin screening.

Collaboration for Evidence-based Practice and Research in Anaesthesia (CEPRA): A consortium initiative for perioperative research.

Evidence in perioperative care is insufficient. There is an urgent need for large perioperative research programmes, including pragmatic randomised trials, testing daily clinical treatments and unanswered question, thereby providing solid evidence for effects of interventions given to a large and growing number of patients undergoing surgery and anaesthesia. This may be achieved through large collaborations. Collaboration for Evidence-based Practice and Research in Anaesthesia (CEPRA) is a novel collaborative research network founded to pursue evidence-based answers to major clinical questions in perioperative medicine. The aims of CEPRA are to (1) improve clinical treatment and outcomes and optimise the use of resources for patients undergoing anaesthesia and perioperative care, and (2) disseminate results and inform caretakers, patients and relatives, and policymakers of evidence-based treatments in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine. CEPRA is inclusive in its concept. We aim to extend our collaboration with all relevant clinical collaborators and patient associations and representatives. Although initiated in Denmark, CEPRA seeks to develop an international network infrastructure, for example, with other Nordic countries. The work of CEPRA will follow the highest methodological standards. The organisation aims to structure and optimise any element of the research collaboration to reduce economic costs and harness benefits from well-functioning research infrastructure. This includes successive continuation of trials, harmonisation of outcomes, and alignment of data management systems. This paper presents the initiation and visions of the CEPRA network. CEPRA aims to be inclusive, patient-focused, methodologically sound, and to optimise all aspects of research logistics. This will translate into faster research conduct, reliable results, and accelerated clinical implementation of results, thereby benefiting millions of patients whilst being cost and labour-saving.

Implementation of video laryngoscopes and the development in airway management strategy and prevalence of difficult tracheal intubation: A national cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the development in the use of video laryngoscopy over a 9-year period, and its possible impact on airway planning and management. METHODS: We retrieved 822,259 records of tracheal intubations recorded from 2008 to 2016 in the Danish Anaesthesia Database. The circumstances regarding pre-operative airway assessment, the scheduled airway management plan and the actual airway management concerning video laryngoscopy were reported for each year of observation. Further, the association between year of observation and various airway management related outcomes was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in airway management with 'advanced technique successfully used within two attempts' from 2.7% in 2008 to 15.5% in 2016 (p < .0001). This predominantly reflects use of video laryngoscopy. The prevalence of tracheal intubations 'scheduled for video laryngoscopy' increased from 3.5% in 2008 to 10.6% in 2016 (p < .0001). We found a significant increase in the prevalence of anticipated difficulties with intubations by direct laryngoscopy from 1.8% in 2008 to 5.2% in 2016 (p < .0001). The prevalence of failed tracheal intubations decreased from 0.14% in 2008 to 0.05% in 2016 (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: From 2008 to 2016, a period of massive implementation of video laryngoscopes, a significant change in airway management behaviour was recorded. Increasingly, video laryngoscopy is becoming a first-choice device for both acute and routine airway management. Most importantly, the data showed a noticeable reduction in failed intubation over the time of observation.

Preparing for obstetric anaesthesia-An educational randomised controlled trial comparing e-learning to written course material.

BACKGROUND: E-learning is increasingly used in postgraduate medical education. Its numerous benefits include an enhanced learning experience through learning style individualisation, interactive elements, and assessment through tests and quizzes. Current meta-analyses conclude that the overall effectiveness of e-learning is comparable to traditional teaching modalities. However, studies demonstrating its benefits are heterogeneous and of varying quality. This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate whether contemporary e-learning completed prior to a course in obstetric anaesthesia prepares the course participants better than self-study of written course material. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial allocated second-year resident anaesthetists to receive either e-learning in postpartum haemorrhage and written course material in preeclampsia or e-learning in preeclampsia and written course material in postpartum haemorrhage, prior to a compulsory course in obstetric anaesthesia. The primary outcome was knowledge after completion of e-learning before the course, assessed by type X multiple-choice questions with a score ranging from zero to 35. The secondary outcomes were anxiety level before course simulations, performance during course simulations, and knowledge four and 12 weeks after the course. RESULTS: The per protocol analysis of the primary outcome included 45 participants and demonstrated a mean difference of 1.8 (95% CI 0.7-2.9; p = .002) in knowledge after completion of e-learning before the course, in favour of e-learning compared to written course material. There were no statistically significant differences in the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: This blinded parallel group randomised controlled trial found a numerically small but statistically significant difference in knowledge favouring e-learning over written course material.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen and dexamethasone for pain treatment after total hip arthroplasty: protocol for the randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel 4-group, blinded, multicentre RECIPE trial.

INTRODUCTION: Multimodal analgesia with paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and glucocorticoid is recommended for hip arthroplasty, but with uncertain effects of the different combinations. We aim to investigate benefit and harm of different combinations of paracetamol, ibuprofen and dexamethasone following total hip arthroplasty. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: RECIPE is a randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel 4-group, blinded trial with 90-day and 1-year follow-up performed at nine Danish hospitals. Interventions are initiated preoperatively and continued for 24 hours postoperatively. Eligible participants undergoing total hip arthroplasty are randomised to:group A: oral paracetamol 1000 mg × 4+oral ibuprofen 400 mg × 4+intravenous placebo; group B: oral paracetamol 1000 mg × 4+intravenous dexamethasone 24 mg+oral placebo; group C: oral ibuprofen 400 mg × 4+intravenous dexamethasone 24 mg+oral placebo; group D: oral paracetamol 1000 mg × 4+oral ibuprofen 400 mg × 4+intravenous dexamethasone 24 mg.Primary outcome is cumulative opioid consumption at 0-24 hours. Secondary outcomes are pain at rest, during mobilisation and during a 5 m walk and adverse events. Follow-up includes serious adverse events and patient reported outcome measures at 90 days and 1 year. A total of 1060 participants are needed to demonstrate a difference of 8 mg in 24-hour morphine consumption assuming an SD of 24.5 mg, a risk of type I errors of 0.0083 and a risk of type 2 errors of 0.2. Primary analysis will be a modified intention-to-treat analysis.With this trial we aim to verify recommendations for pain treatment after total hip arthroplasty, and investigate the role of dexamethasone as an analgesic adjuvant to paracetamol and ibuprofen. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial is approved by the Region Zealand Committee on Health Research Ethics (SJ-799). Plans for dissemination include publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04123873.

Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks for preoperative pain management in hip fractures: a systematic review.

Systematic reviews associate peripheral nerve blocks based on anatomic landmarks or nerve stimulation with reduced pain and need for systemic analgesia in hip fracture patients. We aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks compared to conventional analgesia for preoperative pain management in hip fractures. Five databases were searched until June 2021 to identify randomised controlled trials. Two independent authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Data was pooled for meta-analysis and quality of evidence was evaluated using Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). We included 12 trials (976 participants) comparing ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to conventional systemic analgesia. In favour of ultrasound, pain measured closest to two hours after block placement decreased with a mean difference of -2.26 (VAS 0 to 10); (p < 0.001) 95% CI [-2.97 to -1.55]. In favour of ultrasound, preoperative analgesic usage of iv. morphine equivalents in milligram decreased with a mean difference of -5.34 (p=0.003) 95% CI [-8.11 to -2.58]. Time from admission until surgery ranged from six hours to more than three days. Further, ultrasound-guided nerve blocks may be associated with a lower frequency of delirium: risk ratio 0.6 (p = 0.03) 95% CI [0.38 to 0.94], fewer serious adverse events: risk ratio 0.33 (p = 0.006) 95% CI [0.15 to 0.73] and higher patient satisfaction: mean difference 25.9 (VAS 0 to 100) (p < 0.001) 95% CI [19.74 to 32.07]. However, the quality of evidence was judged low or very low. In conclusion, despite low quality of evidence, ultrasound-guided blocks were associated with benefits compared to conventional systemic analgesia.

Programmed, intermittent boluses versus continuous infusion to the sciatic nerve - a non-inferiority randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Trials comparing programmed, intermittent boluses (PIB) and continuous infusion in catheter-based nerve blocks found no analgesic differences. However, as these trials used equal doses of local anesthetic (LA), the time of action of each bolus was not accounted for. Therefore, the dose-sparing benefits of PIB may have been overlooked. We compared the analgesic effect of boluses administered in intervals resembling the time of action of each bolus with continuous infusion. We hypothesized that PIB provided non-inferior analgesia despite consuming less LA. METHODS: Eighty-one patients undergoing fore- and midfoot surgery receiving a catheter-based sciatic nerve block were randomized to ropivacaine 0.2% as PIB of 10 ml every 8th hour or as continuous infusion, 6 ml h-1 . All participants could also receive boluses of 10 ml every 4th hour as needed. A non-inferiority randomized controlled design was used. Primary outcome was pain (VAS, 0-100 mm) for 72 h using area under curve (AUC) calculation. We assumed a linear relationship between mean VAS and AUC-VAS and used a non-inferiority margin of VAS = 20 mm, corresponding to AUC-VAS = 1440 mm h. RESULTS: Mean difference in AUC-VAS was -416 mm h (95% CI -1076 to 244; p = .217) between continuous infusion (mean AUC-VAS 1206 mm h) and PIB (mean AUC-VAS 1621 mm h), establishing non-inferiority. Mean total LA consumption was significantly larger for continuous infusion compared to PIB ((468 ml (95% CI 458 to 478) vs. 136 ml (95% CI 123 to 148); p < 0.0001)). CONCLUSIONS: PIB provided non-inferior analgesia compared to continuous infusion for 72 postoperative hours despite using significantly less LA.

Intraindividual variation of the transversus abdominis plane block: an exploratory study in healthy volunteers.

INTRODUCTION: The transversus abdominis plane block is widely used in postoperative pain management after abdominal surgery. However, large interindividual variation in the cutaneous distribution area of the block has been demonstrated. The purpose of the present study was to explore the reproducibility of the block by determining the intraindividual variation when repeating the block on two separate days. METHODS: Ultrasound-guided posterior transversus abdominis plane blocks were performed in 16 healthy volunteers and repeated after at least 2 days. Cutaneous sensory block areas and distributions, thresholds for mechanical stimulation, abdominal muscle thicknesses at rest and during maximal contraction, waist circumferences and block duration times were measured on both days. Outcome measurements from the 2 days were compared using a one-sample t-test and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for each parameter. Agreement was evaluated visually using Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: None of the mean values of the outcome measurements differed significantly between the 2 days. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.75 (moderate-to-good reliability) for lateral abdominal muscle thickness during maximal contraction, but ranges from -0.07 to 0.67 were found for all other outcome measurements (poor-to-moderate reliability). CONCLUSION: We found a moderate-to-good reproducibility for lateral abdominal muscle thickness during maximal voluntary contraction, but a moderate-to-poor reproducibility for all other block characteristics. However, the cutaneous distribution of the block was still located primarily inferior to a horizontal line through the umbilicus and lateral relative to a vertical line through the anterior superior iliac spine.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of selective axillary nerve block after arthroscopic subacromial decompression.

BACKGROUND: The sensory innervation of the shoulder is complex and there are variations in the branching patterns of the sensory fibres. Articular branches from the axillary nerve to the subacromial bursa are described in more than 50% of investigated shoulders but the isolated contribution of sensory input from the axillary nerve has never been investigated clinically. We hypothesized that a selective block of the axillary nerve would reduce morphine consumption and pain after arthroscopic subacromial decompression. METHODS: We included 60 patients in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized to a preoperative selective ultrasound-guided axillary nerve block with 20 mL ropivacaine (7.5 mg/mL) or 20 mL saline. Primary outcome was intravenous morphine consumption 0-4 h postoperatively. Secondary outcome was postoperative pain evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS) score (0-100). RESULTS: We analysed data from 50 patients and found no significant difference in 0-4 h postoperative morphine consumption between the two groups (ropivacaine 14 mg, placebo 18 mg (P = 0.12)). There was a reduction in postoperative pain: VAS 0-4 h (area under the curve) (ropivacaine 135, placebo 182 (P = 0.03)), VAS after 8 h (ropivacaine 9, placebo 20 (P = 0.01)) and VAS after 24 h (ropivacaine 7, placebo 18 (P = 0.04)). Eight out of 19 patients with a successful selective axillary nerve block needed an interscalene brachial plexus escape block. CONCLUSIONS: Selective block of the axillary nerve has some pain relieving effect, but in this setting the effect was unpredictable, variable and far from sufficient in a large proportion of the patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01463865). Registered: November 1, 2011.

Longitudinal neural exposure to local anesthetic and nerve block duration: a retrospective analysis of experimental data from healthy volunteer trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Characteristics of a nerve block depend on the distribution of local anesthetic (LA) close to the nerve. The relationship between longitudinal distribution of LA and nerve block characteristics has not been investigated in vivo, but one in vitro study showed decrements in action potential amplitudes with increasing exposure length. We describe the influence of longitudinal neural exposure to LA on nerve block duration adjusted for other likely influential factors. METHODS: We analyzed data from an ethical board approved prospective consecutive collected dataset of 180 healthy volunteers with a common peroneal nerve block (2.5-20 mL, 5-40 mg of ropivacaine). Data were retrieved from three independent randomized controlled trials. The longitudinal neural exposure to LA in millimeters was evaluated using ultrasound. Interventional covariates and demographics were retrieved. Nerve block duration, the dependent variable in the primary assessment, was defined as time of insensitivity to a cold stimulus and was evaluated blinded to all other covariates. Using a multiple linear mixed-effects model, we explored the association between neural exposure to LA and nerve block duration. RESULTS: We found a significant positive association between longitudinal neural exposure to LA and block duration (p<0.01). A 10% increase in longitudinal exposure resulted in an 8.7 (2.5; 15) min increase in block duration. LA dose was associated to block duration (p<0.001) but LA volume had no impact (p=0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal neural exposure to LA was significantly associated with nerve block duration. LA dose was the strongest determinant for block duration whereas LA volume had no influence.

The association between epidural analgesia and mortality in emergency abdominal surgery: A population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Emergency abdominal surgery carries a considerable risk of mortality and post-operative complications, including pulmonary complications. In major elective surgery, epidural analgesia reduces mortality and pulmonary complications. We aimed to evaluate the association between epidural analgesia and mortality in emergency abdominal surgery. METHODS: In this population-based cohort study with prospective data collection, we included adults undergoing emergency abdominal laparotomy or laparoscopy between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010 at 13 Danish hospitals. Appendectomies were excluded. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality and serious adverse events. We used binary logistic regression analyses (odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)). RESULTS: We included 4920 patients, of whom 1134 (23.0%) died within 90 days. Overall, 27.9% of the patients were treated with epidural analgesia perioperatively. This increased to 34.0% among patients undergoing major laparotomy. The crude and adjusted association between epidural analgesia and 90-day mortality was OR 0.99 (95%CI: 0.86-1.15, P = .94) and OR 0.80 (95%CI: 0.67-0.94; P = .01), respectively. For 30-day mortality the corresponding estimates were OR 0.90 (95% CI: 0.76-1.06, P = .21) and OR 0.75 (95% CI: 0.62-0.90, P < .01), respectively. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: In this population-based cohort study of adult patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, we found that the use of epidural analgesia perioperatively was associated with a decreased risk of mortality in the adjusted analysis.

The effect of ropivacaine concentration on common peroneal nerve block duration using a fixed dose: A randomised, double-blind trial in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The effect of local anaesthetic concentration on peripheral nerve block duration is unclear. Recent clinical trials found nerve blocks of equivalent duration despite changing local anaesthetic concentration but with a fixed local anaesthetic dose. A criticism of these studies is that the local anaesthetic doses used were above the proposed local anaesthetic dose-duration ceiling level, masking any potential effect of different local anaesthetic concentrations on nerve block duration. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of local anaesthetic concentration on nerve block duration using a fixed local anaesthetic dose below the local anaesthetic dose-duration ceiling level. We hypothesised that changing local anaesthetic concentration would affect nerve block duration. DESIGN: Randomised, double-blind trial. SETTING: Single-centre, academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Each participant received an ultrasound-guided common peroneal nerve block with a fixed dose of 10 mg of ropivacaine dissolved in either 2.5, 5, 10, 15 or 20 ml of 0.9% saline according to group allocation, yielding local anaesthetic concentrations of 4, 2, 1, 0.67 and 0.5 mg ml. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was duration of sensory block defined as altered or no sensitivity to a cold stimulus. The secondary outcome was duration of motor block defined as either paresis or paralysis. Intergroup differences were tested using one-way Analysis of variance . RESULTS: All participants had sensory block, and 56 out of 60 participants had motor block. From the highest to the lowest concentration groups, mean ±â€ŠSD sensory block durations were 13.1 ±â€Š2.7, 13.4 ±â€Š3.3, 12.6 ±â€Š3.9, 10.4 ±â€Š2.9 and 11.0 ±â€Š2.1 h (P = 0.073), and mean ±â€ŠSD motor block durations were 8.5 ±â€Š2.0, 7.9 ±â€Š3.0, 6.1 ±â€Š3.1, 5.9 ±â€Š3.5, 4.0 1.9 h (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In contrast to our hypothesis, we found no changes in mean sensory nerve block duration. However, local anaesthetic dilution resulted in reduced motor block duration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03326609.

Mortality in critical illness: The impact of asymmetric dimethylarginine on survival-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of the nitric oxide system, may be associated with an adverse outcome in critically ill patients. The aim of the present review was to clarify if plasma ADMA and the arginine-to-ADMA ratio (arginine/ADMA) are associated with mortality in critically ill patients. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science/BIOSIS Previews on 31 July 2017 for studies published after 2000 including critically ill paediatric or adult patients and evaluating any association between all-cause mortality and admission ADMA and/or arginine/ADMA ratio. We pooled data from studies providing sufficient data in random effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: We identified 15 studies including a total of 1300 patients. These studies have a medium to high risk of bias and substantial clinical heterogeneity. After contacting authors for homogenous data, six studies including 705 patients could be included in a formal meta-analysis. This analysis revealed a strong association between high plasma ADMA upon admission and mortality (pooled odds ratio 3.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.78-5.51). A significant association between ADMA/arginine ratio and mortality was found in two studies only (54 patients) out of a total of six studies (564 patients). CONCLUSIONS: A high plasma ADMA level upon admission is strongly associated with mortality in critically ill patients. However, there is no association between the arginine/ADMA ratio and mortality in this group of patients. The pathophysiological role of ADMA in circulatory collapse and its potential as a target for intervention remains to be explored.

Ultrasound guided repositioning of a new suture-method catheter for adductor canal block - a randomized pilot study in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: We performed a randomized, blinded pilot study in 12 volunteers to assess the feasibility to reposition an intentionally displaced suture-method catheter for two different insertion techniques for adductor canal block. METHODS: Each volunteer had an ultrasound-guided suture-method catheter placed in the adductor canal (AC) in both legs. The catheters were placed using a perpendicular technique in one leg and a parallel technique in the other leg, according to randomization. 15 mL lidocaine 1% (LA) was injected in each catheter. Successful primary placement was defined as combined LA spread within the AC and loss of cold sensation 15 min after injection. All catheters were intentionally displaced, and subsequently repositioned using ultrasound. Another dose of lidocaine (15 mL 1%) was injected through the catheters and assessed for successful repositioning. RESULTS: Successful primary placement was achieved in 83% (95% CI 55-95%) of catheters placed perpendicular to the AC, and in 75% (95% CI 47-91%) of catheters placed parallel to the AC. Of those with successful primary placement, 100% (95% CI 72-100%) of catheters placed perpendicular to the AC, and 67% (95% CI 35-88%)) placed parallel to the AC could be repositioned. CONCLUSIONS: Placement and secondary repositioning after displacement of a suture-method catheter within the adductor canal is achievable. A perpendicular technique seems more reliable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03315481 clinicaltrials.gov . The study was submitted on March 1, 2017. Due to clerical error, the study was posted on October 20, 2017.

Anaesthesia in patients undergoing esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy for suspected bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common emergency. Currently, there are no agreed guidelines on the level of anaesthetic support required in patients undergoing acute esophago-gastro-duodendoscopy (EGD). METHODS: An online questionnaire comprising 19 questions was distributed to all members of the Danish Association of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (n = 1,418) and the Danish Society of Anaesthesiologists in Training (n = 566). The questions concerned clinical practice for anaesthesia care to patients undergoing EGD for suspected UGIB and availability of local guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 521 anaesthetists who had, on average, concluded medical school 14 years earlier (range: 9-27 years) answered the questionnaire. Of the responders, 65.5% (167/255; 95% confidence interval (CI): 59.7-71.3) had provided anaesthesia to five or more patients with suspected UGIB during the previous six months. 32.9% (110/333; 95% CI: 27.9-38.0) had a local guideline for this procedure. Rapid sequence induction was part of the guideline for 71.8% (79/110; 95% CI: 63.4-80.2) in case of general anaesthesia (GA). The preferred choice of anaesthesia was GA with endotracheal intubation (56.2%; 187/333; 95% CI: 50.9-61.5). CONCLUSIONS: We found considerable variation in daily clinical practice of anaesthesia for patients undergoing EGD for suspected UGIB. The fact that anaesthesia for UGIB is a complex emergency procedure may underline the need for development of an international or at least a national guideline. FUNDING: The study received financial support from Karner's Foundation, Denmark. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

The Danish Anaesthesia Database.

AIM OF DATABASE: The aim of the Danish Anaesthesia Database (DAD) is the nationwide collection of data on all patients undergoing anesthesia. Collected data are used for quality assurance, quality development, and serve as a basis for research projects. STUDY POPULATION: The DAD was founded in 2004 as a part of Danish Clinical Registries (Regionernes Kliniske Kvalitetsudviklings Program [RKKP]). Patients undergoing general anesthesia, regional anesthesia with or without combined general anesthesia as well as patients under sedation are registered. Data are retrieved from public and private anesthesia clinics, single-centers as well as multihospital corporations across Denmark. In 2014 a total of 278,679 unique entries representing a national coverage of ~70% were recorded, data completeness is steadily increasing. MAIN VARIABLE: Records are aggregated for determining 13 defined quality indicators and eleven defined complications all covering the anesthetic process from the preoperative assessment through anesthesia and surgery until the end of the postoperative recovery period. DESCRIPTIVE DATA: Registered variables include patients' individual social security number (assigned to all Danes) and both direct patient-related lifestyle factors enabling a quantification of patients' comorbidity as well as variables that are strictly related to the type, duration, and safety of the anesthesia. Data and specific data combinations can be extracted within each department in order to monitor patient treatment. In addition, an annual DAD report is a benchmark for departments nationwide. CONCLUSION: The DAD is covering the anesthetic process for the majority of patients undergoing anesthesia in Denmark. Data in the DAD are increasingly used for both quality and research projects.