ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Major complications of central neuraxial block (CNB) are rare and their incidence in India is not known. This information is essential for explaining risk and medico-legal concerns. The present multi-centre study in Maharashtra was conducted to provide insight into the characteristics of rare complications following this popular anaesthetic technique. Methods: Data were collected from 141 institutes to study the clinical profile of CNB. Incidence of complications like vertebral canal haematoma, abscess, meningitis, nerve injury, spinal cord ischaemia, fatal cardiovascular collapse, and drug errors was collected over one year. Complications were reviewed by audit committee to assess causation, severity, and outcome. 'Permanent' injury was defined as death or neurological symptoms persisting for more than six months. Results: Spinal anaesthesia (SA) was the most frequently used CNB in 88.76% patients. Bupivacaine and an adjuvant were used in 92.90% and 26.06% patients, respectively. Eight major complications (four neurological and four cardiac arrests) were reported in patients receiving SA. In seven of eight instances, SA was responsible or contributory for complication. The pessimistic incidence of complications (included cases where CNB was responsible; contribution was likely, unlikely and could not be commented) was 8.69/lakh and optimistic incidence (included cases where CNB was responsible or contribution was likely) was 7.61/lakh. 'Pessimistically' and 'optimistically' there were three deaths including one death due to quadriplegia following epidural haematoma after SA. Five out of eight patients recovered completely (62.5%). As only eight patients had complications of different types, it was difficult to establish statistical correlation of major complications with demographic or clinical parameters. Conclusion: This study was reassuring and suggested that the incidence of major complications following CNB was low in Maharashtra.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The 90° rotation technique for inserting the Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is reported to be better than the standard index finger insertion technique to improve the insertion success rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the ease of insertion through the 90° rotation and standard insertion techniques in terms of number of attempts, duration of insertion and occurrence of complications. METHODS: One hundred and twenty adult patients were allocated to either a standard technique group or rotation technique group with 60 patients in each. In the rotation technique group, the entire cuff of the PLMA was placed in the patient's mouth in a midline approach without finger insertion, rotated 90° counter-clockwise around the patient's tongue, advanced and rotated back until resistance was felt. RESULTS: The success rate of the rotation technique group at the first insertion attempt was greater than that of the standard index finger insertion technique (98% vs. 78%; p=0.001), and less time for insertion was required (11.88±3.62 s vs. 25.98±10.92 s; p<0.0001). The incidence of post-operative sore throat was lower (15% vs. 38.34%; p=0.0067), and blood staining on the PLMA was less (11.7% vs. 45%; p<0.0001). The increase in the mean arterial pressure was more in the standard technique group. CONCLUSION: The 90° rotation technique has a higher success rate at first insertion attempt for inserting the ProSeal LMA than the index finger insertion technique with less time for insertion and fewer side effects.
ABSTRACT
Research publications are desirable for academic promotion in medical colleges as per the current rules of the Medical Council of India (MCI). These rules reflect an endeavour to improve the academic standards. We strongly believe that every medical college teacher should conduct true research and contribute to good peer-reviewed publications. However, it is felt that the MCI rule has the potential to lead to undesirable consequences, and the quality of teaching and learning could take a back-seat. There is an urgent need to adopt more objective criteria and better guidelines as followed by well-known global institutes. In our own country, the University Grants Commission has formulated specific guidelines for this purpose in the form of Academic Performance Indicators which, it appears, are not taken into consideration by the MCI. This article discusses the adverse impact of the rule and suggests ways for the adoption of a more scientific assessment system for faculty appointment and promotion.
ABSTRACT
Laurence-Moon-Biedl Syndrome is primarily a rare, recessively inherited genetic disorder. The cardinal features are polydactyly, obesity and retinitis pigmentosa, mental retardation, genital hypoplasia and cardiac anomalies. This spectrum may extend and may also involve renal anomalies. Here, we report a rare case of 15-year-old boy who was overweight and suffering from Laurence Moon Biedl syndrome scheduled for closure of atrial septal defect.