Atmospheric particulate matter and hypoxaemia in Korean children receiving general anaesthesia: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between the concentration of atmospheric particulate matter on the day of surgery and the occurrence of intra-operative hypoxaemia in children receiving general anaesthesia is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the exposure to particulate matter on the day of surgery and the occurrence of intra-operative hypoxaemia, defined as a pulse oximetry oxygen saturation of less than 90% for more than 1 min, in children. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Single-centre. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 18 years or younger who received general anaesthesia between January 2019 and October 2020. INTERVENTION: Information on daily levels of particulate matter with a diameter 10 µm or less and 2.5 µm or less measured within a neighbourhood corresponding to the area defined by the hospital's zip code was obtained from publicly available air-quality data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was intra-operative hypoxaemia, defined as a pulse oximetry oxygen saturation of less than 90% lasting for more than 1 min, manually verified by anaesthesiologists using vital sign registry data extracted at 2 s intervals. RESULTS: Of the patients finally analysed, 3.85% (489/13 175) experienced intra-operative hypoxaemia. Higher levels of particulate matter 10 µm or less in diameter (≥81 µg m -3 , 17/275, 6.2%) were associated with an increased occurrence of intra-operative hypoxaemia compared with lower particulate matter concentrations [<81 µg m -3 , 472/12 900, 3.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04 to 2.83; P  = 0.035]. CONCLUSION: The level of particulate matter on the day of surgery pose a risk of intra-operative hypoxaemia in children receiving general anaesthesia. If the concentrations of particulate matter 10 µm or less in diameter on the day of surgery are high, children receiving general anaesthesia should be managed with increased caution.

Risks of peri- and postoperative complications with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

AIM: To assess whether adults with diabetes on oral hypoglycaemic agents undergoing general endotracheal anaesthesia during nine common surgical procedures who are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) users, compared with non-users, are at increased risk of six peri- and post-procedure complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort analysis of over 130 million deidentified US adults with diabetes (defined as being on oral hypoglycaemic agents) from a nationally representative electronic health dataset between 1 January 2015 and 1 April 2023 was analysed. Cohorts were matched by high-dimensionality propensity scoring. We compared the odds of six peri- and postoperative complications in GLP1-RA users and non-users. A sensitivity analysis compared these odds in GLP1-RA users to non-users with diabetes and obesity. We measured the odds of (a) a composite outcome of postoperative decelerated gastric emptying, including antiemetic use, ileus within 7 days post-procedure, gastroparesis diagnosis, gastric emptying study; (b) postoperative aspiration or pneumonitis; (c) severe respiratory failure; (d) postoperative hypoglycaemia; (e) inpatient mortality; and (f) 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Among 13 361 adults with diabetes, 16.5% were treated with a GLP1-RA. In the high-dimensionality propensity score-matched cohort, GLP1-RA users had a lower risk of peri- and postoperative complications for decelerated gastric emptying and antiemetic use compared with non-users. The risk of ileus within 7 days, aspiration/pneumonitis, hypoglycaemia and 30-day mortality were not different. A sensitivity analysis showed similar findings in patients with diabetes and obesity. CONCLUSION: No increased risk of peri- and postoperative complications in GLP1-RA users undergoing surgery with general endotracheal anaesthesia was identified.

Severe hypotension and postoperative cardiac arrest caused by 5-aminolevulinic acid: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although 5-aminolevulinic acid is useful for the photodynamic diagnosis of bladder tumors, it often causes severe intraoperative hypotension. We report a case of postoperative cardiac arrest in addition to severe intraoperative hypotension, probably owing to the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old Japanese man was scheduled to undergo transurethral resection of bladder tumor. The patient took 5-aminolevulinic acid orally 2 hours before entering the operating room. After the induction of anesthesia, his blood pressure decreased to 47/33 mmHg. The patient's hypotension did not improve even after noradrenaline was administered. After awakening from anesthesia, the patient's systolic blood pressure increased to approximately 100 mmHg, but approximately 5 hours after returning to the ward, cardiac arrest occurred for approximately 12 seconds. CONCLUSION: We experienced a case of postoperative cardiac arrest in a patient, probably owing to the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid. Although the cause of cardiac arrest is unknown, perioperative hemodynamic management must be carefully performed in patients taking 5-aminolevulinic acid.

Intracameral phenylephrine for surgical mydriasis and intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome: systemic adverse effects and optimal dose.

Phenylephrine, a potent sympathomimetic, induces mydriasis via iris dilator muscle contraction. Intracameral (IC) phenylephrine has been successfully used in cataract surgery for initial mydriasis, maintaining mydriasis, and management of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome. Serious systemic adverse events (mainly cardiovascular) have been described with topical phenylephrine drops, but we found very little evidence of such adverse events associated with IC phenylephrine use. However, we suspect under-reporting of such adverse events, as they may instead be ascribed to anxiety, positioning, anesthesia, etc. Optimal dosage/concentrations for IC phenylephrine use in different purposes have not been fully studied. In the absence of robust evidence, we suggest that lower but effective IC phenylephrine concentrations are used: a lower concentration (0.31%), in conjunction with an anticholinergic and lidocaine, may be used for initial mydriasis. For management of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome, 0.31% may be effective, though a higher concentration (1% to 1.25%) may be required.

Impact of intraoperative floppy IRIS syndrome in cataract surgery by phacoemulsification: Analysis of 622 cases.

BACKGROUND: Small pupil syndromes, including IFIS, increase the risk of complications during cataract surgery if proper surgical planning is not performed. Tamsulosin is associated with a very significant increase in the risk of IFIS, due to the prolonged inactivation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle fiber of the iris. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center prospective observational study, carried out at the Hospital de l'Esperança - Parc de Salut Mar. RESULTS: 622 eyes of 502 patients were included, of which 337 (62%) were women. The mean age of the sample is 74.8 years. 61 cases of IFIS (11%) were observed, of which 13 received treatment with Tamsulosin and 1 with Doxazosin. 23 cases of IFIS were observed in female patients. The female:male ratio was approximately 1:3. 19 cases (3%) of severe IFIS were observed, of which 6 received treatment with alpha-antagonists, with no statistically significant correlation. The mean surgical time was 13.80 min (Standard Deviation - SD: 4.01 min) in patients without IFIS and 16.93 min (SD: 4.32 min) in patients with IFIS. The relationship between the duration of the surgical procedure in minutes and the presence of IFIS was statistically significant, applying a 'two-tailed' or bilateral t-Student test with a p value of 0.01. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the degree of severity, the diagnosis of IFIS lengthens the surgical time in cataract surgery. This represents yet another piece of evidence that supports the use of less selective alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist treatments than Tamsulosin or the performance of cataract surgery before starting these treatments.

Postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation and corticosteroids: a narrative review.

In some patients, the inflammatory-immune response to surgical injury progresses to a harmful, dysregulated state. We posit that postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation forms part of a pathophysiological response to surgical injury that places patients at increased risk of complications and subsequently prolongs hospital stay. In this narrative review, we have outlined the evolution, measurement and prediction of postoperative systemic inflammatory dysregulation, distinguishing it from a healthy and self-limiting host response. We reviewed the actions of glucocorticoids and the potential for heterogeneous responses to peri-operative corticosteroid supplementation. We have then appraised the evidence highlighting the safety of corticosteroid supplementation, and the potential benefits of high/repeated doses to reduce the risks of major complications and death. Finally, we addressed how clinical trials in the future should target patients at higher risk of peri-operative inflammatory complications, whereby corticosteroid regimes should be tailored to modify not only the a priori risk, but also further adjusted in response to markers of an evolving pathophysiological response.

Floppy iris syndrome associated with specific medication intake: A narrative review.

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) is a cataract surgery complication that remains a challenge for eye surgeons. It is caused by the antagonism of alfa-1-adrenergic receptors within the dilator muscle of the iris, thus preventing the iris from dilation during a cataract surgery. The long-term blocking alfa-1 adrenergic receptors by the chronic use of a number of systemic medications may lead to permanent anatomical atrophy of the dilator muscle of the iris. The most common drugs associated with the development of IFIS are tamsulosin and other alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists prescribed to patients with low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). There are other systemic medications that have been reported to have increased risk for IFIS. It is crucial for the ophthalmologist to identify the high-risk patients prone to develop IFIS. Its presence may complicate the course of cataract surgery, ultimately negatively affecting visual outcome. Cataract surgery should be performed by an experienced eye surgeon using alternative pharmacological and surgical techniques. Interdisciplinary cooperation is essential to mitigate potential complications. Patients should be informed by their physicians about the need to report a medication history to their eye specialists, especially before cataract surgery.

Alpha Blocker-Associated Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome.

Objective To evaluate the literature related to the use of alpha1-blockers and the risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), particularly in cataract surgery. IFIS is characterized by floppiness or billowing of the iris, iris prolapse, and progressive miosis, possibly leading to severe complications. It is thought to be associated with adrenergic alpha-1 receptor antagonists commonly used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Data Sources A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science through May 2021 with MeSH terms and keywords 'intraoperative floppy iris syndrome,' ' adrenergic alpha-1 receptor antagonists,' and 'cataract surgery.' Study Selection and Data Extraction Relevant articles were reviewed and included. In addition, reference lists from identified publications were reviewed to identify additional reports and studies of interest. Data Synthesis Numerous reports have linked IFIS to multiple risk factors including age, gender, hypertension, and the use of adrenergic alpha-1 receptor antagonists, most notably tamsulosin. Tamsulosin selectively blocks the adrenergic alpha-1 receptor in the iris dilator muscle, preventing mydriasis during cataract surgery. Other adrenergic alpha-1 receptor antagonists, including terazosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin, and sildosin, have also been linked to IFIS; however, their relationship to IFIS is not as well defined. Conclusion Patients should be educated regarding potential adverse effects and discuss this with their health care providers prior to cataract surgery. In addition, health care providers should be aware of the adverse effect and take steps to reduce the risk of surgical complications.

Anaesthesia for mechanical thrombectomy: a narrative review.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, and is associated with a huge societal and economic burden. Interventions for the immediate treatment of ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion are dependent on recanalisation of the occluded vessel. Trials have provided evidence supporting the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. This has resulted in changes in management and organisation of stroke care worldwide. Major determinants of effectiveness of thrombectomy include: time between stroke onset and reperfusion; location of occlusion and local collateral perfusion; adequacy of reperfusion; patient age; and stroke severity. The role of anaesthetic technique on outcome remains controversial with published research showing conflicting results. As a result, choice of conscious sedation or general anaesthesia for mechanical thrombectomy is often dependent on individual operator choice or institutional preference. More recent randomised controlled trials have suggested that protocol-driven general anaesthesia is no worse than conscious sedation and may even be associated with better outcomes. These and other studies have highlighted the importance of optimal blood pressure management as a major determinant of patient outcome. Anaesthetic management should be tailored to the individual patient and circumstances. Acute ischaemic stroke is a neurological emergency; clinicians should focus on minimising door-to-groin puncture time and the provision of high-quality periprocedural care with a particular emphasis on the maintenance of an adequate blood pressure.

[Intraoperative floppy iris syndrom (IFIS) associated with tamsulosin]. / Intraoperatives Floppy Iris Syndrom (IFIS) bei Tamsulosineinnahme.

BACKGROUND: Tamsulosin is one of the most commonly prescribed alpha-1A antagonists for the treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS). Patients treated with tamsulosin often develop intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery. This leads to increasing miosis and an undulating iris, which increases the risk of complications significantly and can cause permanent damage. AIM OF THE WORK: The aim is to raise awareness for the effects of tamsulosin intake before cataract surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a critical review of publications on the association of IFIS in cataract surgery with alpha-receptor blockers. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Tamsulosin has a risk of complications of up to 80 %, whereas doxazosin and alfuzosin only have a 15-20 % chance of complications. Tamsulosin therefore represents a significant risk factor for permanent secondary damage after cataract surgery. Even after discontinuing tamsulosin, IFIS was still observed after up to 3 years. Nevertheless, pausing of tamsulosin intake is recommended. An alternative preparation should therefore be preferred in patients who have not yet had cataract surgery. If patients are already pseudophakic, tamsulosin can be given without concern.

Intraoperative hypotension and delirium among older adults undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequently observed complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The effects of intraoperative hypotension (IOH) on POD occurrence are currently unclear. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of patients who underwent TAVR was conducted. We predefined IOH as area under the threshold (AUT) of five mean arterial blood pressures (MBP), varying from <100 to <60 mmHg. The AUT consisted of the combination of duration and depth under the MBP thresholds, expressed in mmHg*min. All MBP AUTs were computed based on the complete procedure, independent of procedural phase or duration. RESULTS: This cohort included 675 patients who underwent TAVR under general anesthesia (n = 128, 19%) or procedural sedation (n = 547, 81%). Delirium occurred mostly during the first 2 days after TAVR, and was observed in n = 93 (14%) cases. Furthermore, 674, 672, 663, 630, and 518 patients had at least 1 min intraoperative MBP <100, <90, <80, <70, and <60 mmHg, respectively. Patients who developed POD had higher AUT based on all five MBP thresholds during TAVR. The penalized adjusted odds ratio varied between 1.08 (99% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-1.56) for the AUT based on MBP < 100 mmHg and OR 1.06 (99% CI 0.88-1.28) for the AUT based on MBP < 60 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative hypotension is frequently observed during TAVR, but not independently associated with POD after TAVR. Other potential factors than intraoperative hypotension may explain the occurrence of delirium after TAVR.

Topical Nasal Decongestant Oxymetazoline: Safety Considerations for Perioperative Pediatric Use.

The over-the-counter nasal decongestant oxymetazoline (eg, Afrin) is used in the pediatric population for a variety of conditions in the operating room setting. Given its vasoconstrictive properties, it can have cardiovascular adverse effects when systemically absorbed. There have been several reports of cardiac and respiratory complications related to use of oxymetazoline in the pediatric population. Current US Food and Drug Administration approval for oxymetazoline is for patients ≥6 years of age, but medical professionals may elect to use it short-term and off label for younger children in particular clinical scenarios in which the potential benefit may outweigh risks (eg, active bleeding, acute respiratory distress from nasal obstruction, acute complicated sinusitis, improved surgical visualization, nasal decongestion for scope examination, other conditions, etc). To date, there have not been adequate pediatric pharmacokinetic studies of oxymetazoline, so caution should be exercised with both the quantity of dosing and the technique of administration. In the urgent care setting, emergency department, or inpatient setting, to avoid excessive administration of the medication, medical professionals should use the spray bottle in an upright position with the child upright. In addition, in the operating room setting, both monitoring the quantity used and effective communication between the surgeon and anesthesia team are important. Further studies are needed to understand the systemic absorption and effects in children in both nonsurgical and surgical nasal use of oxymetazoline.

Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome Induced by Tamsulosin: The Risk and Preventive Strategies.

Tamsulosin is an antagonist of a subtype-specific alpha-1A- and alpha-1D-adrenoceptor (AR) that is expressed in the prostate gland, urethra, and bladder. Several reports have shown a possible relationship between ophthalmologic adverse effects and the use of alpha-1-receptor medicines, including tamsulosin. This descriptive review evaluates the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) associated with tamsulosin. A search of the Medline and PubMed databases was conducted to identify control trials, case reports, and observational examinations published in English. The publication dates were restricted (January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2020). Keywords (tamsulosin, alpha-blocker, ocular, eye, adverse reaction, and IFIS) were used in the searches. The searches identified 66 studies including in vitro or in vivo studies, trials, and observational studies. Twenty-two (33.33%) studies were articles citing tamsulosin and IFIS as having confirmed potential risk to ocular safety. The results of this review, including a comprehensive summary of published research on tamsulosin use in different populations, have identified several articles showing associations between tamsulosin and IFIS that merit further investigation. Suspending of potential causative pharmacological treatment of IFIS before ocular surgery including tamsulosin, proper identification of at-risk patients, preoperative prophylaxis treatments, and surgical technique modifications clearly can mitigate the anticipated risk of IFIS induced by tamsulosin.

Red man syndrome caused by intracavernous irrigation with vancomycin at the time of placing penile implants.

To the Editor, Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects more than half of men between 40 and 70 years of age. Penile prosthesis (PP) implant is recognized, at present, as the most effective option to obtain an artificial erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse in those patients in which the pharmacological approach is contraindicated or ineffective. [...].

Updates in our understanding of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity: a narrative review.

Despite advances in clinical practice, local anaesthetic systemic toxicity continues to occur with the therapeutic use of local anaesthesia. Patterns of presentation have evolved over recent years due in part to the increasing use of ultrasound which has been demonstrated to reduce risk. Onset of toxicity is increasingly delayed, a greater proportion of clinical reports are secondary to fascial plane blocks, and cases are increasing where non-anaesthetist providers are involved. The evolving clinical context presents a challenge for diagnosis and requires education of all physicians, nurses and allied health professionals about these changing patterns and risks. This review discusses: mechanisms; prevention; diagnosis; and treatment of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity. The local anaesthetic and dose used, site of injection and block conduct and technique are all important determinants of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity, as are various patient factors. Risk mitigation is discussed including the care of at-risk groups, such as: those at the extremes of age; patients with cardiac, hepatic and specific metabolic diseases; and those who are pregnant. Advances in the changing clinical landscape with novel applications and settings for the use of local anaesthesia are also described. Finally, we signpost future directions to potentially improve the management of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity. The utility of local anaesthetics remains unquestionable in clinical practice, and thus maximising the safe and appropriate use of these drugs should translate to improvements in patient care.

Early detection of euglycemic ketoacidosis during thoracic surgery associated with empagliflozin in a patient with type 2 diabetes: A case report.

We report the first case of intraoperatively detected euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during thoracic surgery. A 59-year-old man had a 12-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin and empagliflozin. The patient developed bacterial empyema and was initiated with antibiotics at a local hospital. Owing to the persistence of his symptoms, he was transferred to our hospital after the medication of empagliflozin the day before surgery. After overnight fasting, the patient underwent thoracoscopic debridement and intrathoracic lavage surgery. During this surgery, he was noted to have euglycemic ketosis and acidosis, and diagnosed as euglycemic DKA. Immediately after the consultation in our department, the patient underwent treatment for DKA. He awoke from anesthesia normally and showed no symptoms of DKA. DKA gradually resolved over the next 24 h. Early identification and management are critical for rapid recovery from perioperative euglycemic DKA associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, especially during thoracic surgery.

Anaphylactic Reaction to Tranexamic Acid During Posterior Spinal Fusion: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a 20-year-old man who suffered anaphylactic shock during posterior spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis with the offending agent later identified via intradermal testing to be tranexamic acid (TXA). CONCLUSION: TXA, although an increasingly common drug, can be the cause of sudden anaphylactic shock intraoperatively. This now represents the fifth reported case in the literature of patients ranging from 15 years to 80 years old with no previous exposure to the drug.

Anesthesia and Anesthetic-Related Complications of 8 Elegant-Crested Tinamous (Eudromia elegans) Undergoing Experimental Surgery.

The aim of this study was to describe the anesthetic effects of an injectable anesthetic protocol, based on ketamine, midazolam, and medetomidine, followed by inhalational sevoflurane, in 8 elegant-crested tinamous (Eudromia elegans) undergoing experimental surgery. Initial doses for both injectable agents were tested in 1 bird and then refined with an algorithm based on the effects observed in the pilot procedure. Heart and respiratory rates, as well as nociceptive reflexes, were evaluated before anesthesia (baseline) and intraoperatively, at 10 minute intervals. The time from injection to anesthetic induction and surgical anesthesia, as well as the time from atipamezole injection to recovery, was recorded for each bird. The median doses of medetomidine and ketamine were 0.075 mg/kg and 33 mg/kg, respectively. Anesthetic induction was achieved within 10 (range, 4-45) minutes from intramuscular injection, whereas time to surgical anesthesia was 22 ±16 minutes. The baseline heart rate values were significantly higher than those measured intraoperatively at any time point (P = .001). Intraoperatively, 5 of 8 tinamous (63%) developed cardiac arrhythmias. Other encountered complications were regurgitation in 2 birds (25%), cardiac arrest in 1 bird (13%) soon after injection of the anesthetic agents, and prolonged recovery in another bird (13%), which was euthanized. Necropsy of the 2 fatal outcomes (25%) showed evidence of hepatic lipidosis in both (100%) and intramyocardial fat accumulation in 1 bird (50%). This report highlights the challenges of tinamou anesthesia. Cardiac complications are common in this species, and close monitoring of intraoperative cardiovascular variables is recommended for prompt recognition and treatment.