Utility of NICaS Non-Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19.

(1) Background: COVID-19 presented many challenges to effective treatments, such as managing cardiovascular insufficiency while mitigating risks to healthcare providers. This study utilized NICaS, a non-invasive hemodynamic monitor that provides advanced data via whole-body impedance analysis. We investigated the associated trends in hemodynamic parameters obtained by the NICaS device and their correlation with in-hospital all-cause mortality during COVID-19 hospitalization in the intensive care unit. (2) Methods: Data from 29 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit and monitored with NICaS between April 2020 and February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. (3) Results: Decreasing cardiac output and cardiac power were significantly associated with death. Total peripheral resistance was significantly increasing in non-survivors as was total body water percentage. Those admitted with a heart rate above 90 beats per minute had a significantly reduced survival. (4) Conclusions: Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring via the NICaS device is simple and effective in evaluating critically ill patients with COVID-19 and may help guide clinical management via remote monitoring. Controlling tachycardia may help ensure adequate oxygen supply-demand ratio. A hint toward a beneficiary effect of a restrictive fluid balance may be observed.

Assessment of Intra-Abdominal Pressure with a Novel Continuous Bladder Pressure Monitor-A Clinical Validation Study.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-abdominal hypertension and the resulting abdominal compartment syndrome are serious complications of severely ill patients. Diagnosis requires an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement, which is currently cumbersome and underused. We aimed to test the accuracy of a novel continuous IAP monitor. METHODS: Adults having laparoscopic surgery and requiring urinary catheter intra-operatively were recruited to this single-arm validation study. IAP measurements using the novel monitor and a gold-standard foley manometer were compared. After anesthesia induction, a pneumoperitoneum was induced through a laparoscopic insufflator, and five randomly pre-defined pressures (between 5 and 25 mmHg) were achieved and simultaneously measured via both methods in each participant. Measurements were compared using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: In total, 29 participants completed the study and provided 144 distinct pairs of pressure measurements that were analyzed. A positive correlation between the two methods was found (R2 = 0.93). There was good agreement between the methods, with a mean bias (95% CI) of -0.4 (-0.6, -0.1) mmHg and a standard deviation of 1.3 mmHg, which was statistically significant but of no clinical importance. The limits of agreement (where 95% of the differences are expected to fall) were -2.9 and 2.2 mmHg. The proportional error was statistically insignificant (p = 0.85), suggesting a constant agreement between the methods across the range of values tested. The percentage error was 10.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous IAP measurements using the novel monitor performed well in the clinical setup of controlled intra-abdominal hypertension across the evaluated range of pressures. Further studies should expand the range to more pathological values.

Development and Validation of a Hybrid Bronchoscopy Trainer Using Three-Dimensional Printing.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation is an essential component of medical education. Commercially available intubation simulators often lack anatomical fidelity of the lower airway and are therefore not suitable for teaching bronchoscopy or lung isolation. By using a desktop 3-dimensional (3D) printer, we aimed to create and validate a hybrid simulator from an existing mannequin with a 3D-printed lower airway that has anatomical fidelity and is financially affordable compared with commercially available models. METHODS: Using an anonymized computed tomography scan of an adult male patient, we developed a 3D model of the airway from below the larynx to the 3rd generation bronchi, which was then printed on a desktop 3D printer. The printed airway was attached to an existing mannequin below the larynx via a universal adaptor. Ten anesthesiology attendings performed a blinded comparison of the hybrid mannequin with a commercially available mannequin for tactile and visual fidelity when performing intubation, bronchoscopy, and lung isolation. They were also asked to assess the models for educational suitability. RESULTS: The 3D printed model was judged more suitable for teaching double-lumen tube insertion to novice physicians compared with the commercial model, with median (interquartile range) scores of 5 (4-5) versus 3 (2-4), P = 0.017. Similar results were found for bronchial blocker insertion and bronchoscopy. The visual fidelity of the bronchial anatomy was scored as 5 (4-5) and 2 (1-3) for the 3D-printed and the commercial models, respectively (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: By creating a hybrid model combining an existing commercially available mannequin with a 3D-printed trachea and bronchial tree, we have created an affordable training simulator suitable for teaching lung isolation and bronchoscopy. Enhancing existing mannequins with 3D-printed parts may be of particular interest to institutions that do not have the funds to buy models with anatomical fidelity but do have access to a 3D printer.

One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for Revision of Restrictive Procedures: Mid-Term Outcomes and Analysis of Possible Outcome Predictors.

PURPOSE: Revisional one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) for insufficient weight reduction following primary restrictive procedures is still investigated. We report mid-term outcomes and possible outcome predictors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center retrospective comparative study of revisional OAGB outcomes (2015-2018) following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG); silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) is separately discussed. RESULTS: In all, 203 patients underwent revisional OAGB following LAGB (n = 125), SG (n = 64), and SRVG (n = 14). Comparing LAGB and SG, body mass index (BMI) at revision were 41.3 ± 6.6 and 42 ± 11.2 kg/m2 (p = 0.64), reduced to 31.3 ± 8.3 and 31.9 ± 8.3 (p = 0.64) at mid-term follow-up, respectively. Excess weight loss (EWL) > 50% was achieved in ~ 50%, with EWL of 79.4 ± 20.4% (corresponding total weight loss 38.5 ± 10.4%). SRVG patients had comparable outcomes. Resolution rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HTN) were 93.3% and 84.6% in LAGB compared with 100% and 100% in SG patients (p = 0.47 and p = 0.46), respectively. In univariable analysis, EWL > 50% was associated with male gender (p < 0.001), higher weight (p < 0.001), and BMI (p = 0.007) at primary surgery, and higher BMI at revisional OAGB (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors for EWL > 50% were male gender (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.27-6.18; p = 0.01) and higher BMI at revisional OAGB (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.19; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Revisional OAGB for insufficient restrictive procedures results in excellent weight reduction in nearly 50% of patients, with resolution of T2D and HTN at mid-term follow-up. Male gender and higher BMI at revision were associated with EWL > 50% following revisional OAGB. Identification of more predictors could aid judicious patient selection.

Changes in mean systemic filling pressure as an estimate of hemodynamic response to anesthesia induction using propofol.

BACKGROUND: Even a small change in the pressure gradient between the venous system and the right atrium can have significant hemodynamic effects. Mean systemic filling pressure (MSFP) is the driving force of the venous system. As a result, MSFP has a significant effect on cardiac output. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the hemodynamic instability during induction of general anesthesia by intravenous propofol administration is caused by changes in MSFP. METHODS: We prospectively collected data from 15 patients undergoing major surgery requiring invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Hemodynamic parameters, including MSFP, were measured before and after propofol administration and following intubation, using venous return curves at a no-flow state induced by a pneumatic tourniquet. RESULTS: A significant decrease in MSFP was observed in all study patients after propofol administration (median (IQR) pressure 17 (9) mmHg compared with 25 (7) before propofol administration, p = 0.001). The pressure gradient for venous return (MSFP - central venous pressure; CVP) also decreased following propofol administration from 19 (8) to 12 (6) mmHg, p = 0.001. Central venous pressure did not change. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the hypothesis that induction of anesthesia with propofol causes a marked reduction in MSFP. A possible mechanism of propofol-induced hypotension is reduction in preload due to a decrease in the venous vasomotor tone.

Revisional Surgery of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for Severe Protein-Energy Malnutrition.

BACKGROUND: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is safe and effective. Its strong malabsorptive component might cause severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), necessitating revisional surgery. We aimed to evaluate the safety and outcomes of OAGB revision for severe PEM. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective analysis of OAGB patients undergoing revision for severe PEM (2015-2021). Perioperative data and outcomes were retrieved. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent revision for severe PEM. Our center's incidence is 0.63% (9/1425 OAGB). All patients were symptomatic. Median (interquartile range) EWL and lowest albumin were 103.7% (range 57.6, 114) and 24 g/dL (range 19, 27), respectively, and 8/10 patients had significant micronutrient deficiencies. Before revision, nutritional optimization was undertaken. Median OAGB to revision interval was 18.4 months (range 15.7, 27.8). Median BPL length was 200 cm (range 177, 227). Reversal (n = 5), BPL shortening (n = 3), and conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 2) were performed. One patient had anastomotic leak after BPL shortening. No death occurred. Median BMI and albumin increased from 22.4 kg/m2 (range 20.6, 30.3) and 35.5 g/dL (range 29.2, 41), respectively, at revision to 27.5 (range 22.2, 32.4) kg/m2 and 39.5 g/dL (range 37.2, 41.7), respectively, at follow-up (median 25.4 months, range 3.1, 45). Complete resolution occurs after conversion to RYGB or reversal to normal anatomy, but not after BPL shortening. CONCLUSIONS: Revisional surgery of OAGB for severe PEM is feasible and safe after nutritional optimization. Our results suggest that the type of revision may be an important factor for PEM resolution. Comparative studies are needed to define the role of each revisional option.

Indications and diagnosis-specific features of maternal and neonatal peripartum intensive care unit admissions: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although peripartum intensive care unit admission indications are well-reported, clinical and laboratory details rarely are. We described admission indications and categorised laboratory values and vital signs according to admission diagnosis. METHODS: Retrospective Institutional Review Board approved study. We identified intensive care unit admission diagnosis, laboratory values and vital signs from patient charts. Groups were compared according to admission diagnoses. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: We included 91 general intensive care unit admissions among 56,865 deliveries (2011-2015) with complete data. The most common admission diagnosis was postpartum haemorrhage followed by hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and respiratory complications. Women with postpartum haemorrhage had lower mean (standard deviation) platelet counts (120.2 (45.8) vs. 181.2 (109.9), p = .003) and temperatures (35.7 (1.1) vs. 36.5 (1.2), p = .002). Women with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy had higher mean (standard deviation) blood pressures (systolic 150.4 (29.1) vs. 127.4 (21.0), p = .013, diastolic 100.3 (18.7) vs. 76.1 (16.1), p = .001), creatinine (1.1 (0.6) vs. 0.8 (0.3), p = .003), urea (14.6 (7.7) vs. 10.5 (4.7), p = .005) and liver enzymes, including aspartate transaminase (258.4 (297.0) vs. 41.4 (42.9), p = .000), alanine transaminase (184.4 (199.2) vs. 35.1 (75.9), p = .000), and alkaline phosphatase (166.6 (112.6) vs. 96.0 (60.0), p = .006). Women with respiratory complications had lower mean (standard deviation) oxygen saturations (93.7 (6.1) vs. 98.0 (2.6), p = .000), and higher mean (standard deviation) temperatures (37.1 (0.8) vs. 36.0 (1.2), p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: We report differences in laboratory values and vital signs, according to intensive care unit admission diagnosis. Recognising these differences might help individualise patient assessment and care.

Correction to: Lung ultrasound predicts clinical course and outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

The original article can be found online.

Lung ultrasound predicts clinical course and outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

PURPOSE: Information regarding the use of lung ultrasound (LUS) in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is quickly accumulating, but its use for risk stratification and outcome prediction has yet to be described. We performed the first systematic and comprehensive LUS evaluation of consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, in order to describe LUS findings and their association with clinical course and outcome. METHODS: Between 21/03/2020 and 04/05/2020, 120 consecutive patients admitted to the Tel Aviv Medical Center due to COVID-19, underwent complete LUS within 24 h of admission. A second exam was performed in case of clinical deterioration. LUS score of 0 (best)-36 (worst) was assigned to each patient. LUS findings were compared with clinical data. RESULTS: The median baseline total LUS score was 15, IQR [7-20]. Baseline LUS score was 0-18 in 80 (67%) patients, and 19-36 in 40 (33%) patients. The majority had patchy pleural thickening (n = 100; 83%), or patchy subpleural consolidations (n = 93; 78%) in at least one zone. The prevalence of pleural thickening, subpleural consolidations and the total LUS score were all correlated with severity of illness on admission. Clinical deterioration was associated with increased follow-up LUS scores (p = 0.0009), mostly due to loss of aeration in anterior lung segments. The optimal cutoff point for LUS score was 18 (sensitivity = 62%, specificity = 74%). Both mortality and need for invasive mechanical ventilation were increased with baseline LUS score > 18 compared to baseline LUS score 0-18. Unadjusted hazard ratio of death for LUS score was 1.08 per point [1.02-1.16], p = 0.008; Unadjusted hazard ratio of the composite endpoint (death or need for invasive mechanical ventilation) for LUS score was 1.12 per point [1.05-1.2], p = 0.0008. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19, at all clinical grades, present with pathological LUS findings. Baseline LUS score strongly correlates with the eventual need for invasive mechanical ventilation and is a strong predictor of mortality. Routine use of LUS may guide patients' management strategies, as well as resource allocation in case of surge capacity.

Respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy in high-risk children with obstructive sleep apnea: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs in 1%-4% of children; adenotonsillectomy is an effective treatment. Mortality/severe brain injury occurs among 0.6/10 000 adenotonsillectomies; in children, 60% are secondary to airway/respiratory events. Earlier studies identified that children aged <2 years, extremes of weight, with co-morbidities of craniofacial, neuromuscular, cardiac/respiratory disease, or severe OSA are at high risk for adverse post-operative respiratory events (AE). We aimed to: Firstly, investigate which risk factors were associated with AEs either in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), or both in this population. Secondly, we investigated factors associated with post-operative PICU AE despite no event in the PACU in order to predict need of post-operative PICU after their PACU stay. METHODS: Retrospective study of children admitted to the PICU after adenotonsillectomy between 08/2006-09/2015. Demographics, risk factors, and occurrence of AE (oxygen saturation <92, stridor, bronchospasm, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, re-intubation) were recorded. RESULTS: During the studied time period 4029 tonsil/adenoid procedures were performed in 3997 children. 179, admitted to the PICU post-operatively, met criteria for analysis. PICU AEs occurred in 59%: 44%-83% in any particular risk category. PACU AEs occurred in 42%. Of those with PACU events: 92% suffered AEs in the PICU; however, 35% of those without a PACU AE still suffered a PICU AE. CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk children undergoing TA, absence of adverse events in PACU during a 2-hour observation period does not predict absence of subsequent AEs in the PICU.

Bradycardia During Laparoscopic Surgeries: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: A recent analysis found bradycardia during laparoscopy as a potential early warning sign of cardiac arrest. Knowledge regarding bradycardia frequency and its consequences during laparoscopy is limited. METHODS: Using the computerized record database, files of 9915 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, between June 2008 and August 2013 at a tertiary, academic medical center, were screened for intraoperative bradycardia (heart rate <50 beats/min for at least three consecutive measures). RESULTS: Intraoperative bradycardia occurred in 1540 (15.5%) patients, in the majority (945, 61.3%) heart rate decreased to <45 beats/min. Mean (SD) duration of bradycardia was 14.8 (16.8) min. Bradycardia was more prevalent in males, older patients, smokers, patients with comorbidities and those treated with ß, α and calcium channel blockers. The majority of events were related to CO2 insufflation and bolus opioid administration. In 1343 (87%), noteworthy decreases in blood pressure were recorded; the average (SD) drop in systolic blood pressure was 35 (21) mmHg. Pharmacological intervention to alleviate bradycardia was used in up to 23% of episodes. Bradycardia did not result in intraoperative cardiac arrest, neither did it increase the frequency of intensive care unit admission or mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Bradycardia is common during laparoscopy. Despite being more prevalent in older and sicker patients, bradycardia did not significantly affect outcome, suggesting that routine preventive measures do not need to be implemented. Rather, intraoperative bradycardia events should be wisely followed with prompt response, when hemodynamic perturbations occur, the threshold of which is yet to be defined.

Chronic hypnotic use at 10 years-does the brand matter?

PURPOSE: Chronic use of sedative-hypnotics is very common, although not guideline-endorsed. The incidence among new users is not well studied, and there are currently no recommendations favoring any specific agent. We quantified the risk for chronic use in first-time hypnotic users, and the association of the initial choice of hypnotic with later usage patterns. METHODS: We used the computerized database of Israel's largest healthcare provider. All 236,597 new users of sedative-hypnotics between the years 2000-2005 were followed for 10 years. Filled prescriptions in the second, fifth, and tenth years were recorded. The association of the first hypnotic choice (benzodiazepine/Z-drug) with chronic consumption was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Average age on first use was 63.7 (SD ± 16.4) years. 58.6% were women. Benzodiazepines were initiated in 154,929 (65.5%) of the cases. Benzodiazepine users were older and of lower socioeconomic status, compared to Z-drug users (p < 0.001). On the tenth year, 103,912 (66.8%) of new users claimed ≤ 30 DDDs of hypnotics, 3,1724 (20.4%) were long-term users (≥ 180 DDD/year), and 828 (0.5%) used excessively (≥ 720 DDD/year). Z-drugs were associated with an increased risk of long-term use on the second year [17.3% vs. 12.4%, RR = 1.40 (1.37-1.43)] as well as on the fifth [21.9% vs. 13.9%, RR = 1.58 (1.55-1.61)] and tenth year [25.1% vs. 17.7%, RR = 1.42 (1.39-1.45)], p < 0.0001. Similar results were also observed for daily and excessive use (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: One in five new users of sedative-hypnotics will become a long-term user, but only 0.5% will become excessive users. Z-drugs were associated with an increased risk of chronic use.

Acute kidney injury in pancreatic surgery; association with urine output and intraoperative fluid administration.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a devastating postoperative complication. Intraoperative urine output is assumed to reflect patient's intravascular volume and kidney function. We thus evaluated the incidence of postoperative AKI and its association with intraoperative urine output and the volume of fluid administered. METHODS: A retrospective study on 153 consecutive patients admitted to Tel Aviv Medical Center for pancreatic surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of AKI in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery was 9.8%. Oliguria was not a predictor of AKI. There was no association between the amount of fluids administered and AKI. Pulmonary disease is an independent predictor of AKI. AKI is an independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: AKI is common in patients undergoing pancreas surgeries and is associated with high mortality. Neither urine output, nor the volume of fluids administered correlate with postoperative AKI. Low diuresis is therefore not a sole marker for fluid administration.

Update on perioperative acute kidney injury.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we discuss the latest updates on perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and the specific considerations that are relevant to different surgeries and patient populations. RECENT FINDINGS: AKI diagnosis is constantly evolving. New biomarkers detect AKI early and shed a light on the possible cause of AKI. Hypotension, even for a short duration, is associated with perioperative AKI. The debate on the deleterious effects of chloride-rich solutions is still far from conclusion. Remote ischemic preconditioning is showing promising results in the possible prevention of perioperative AKI. No definite data show a beneficiary effect of statins, fenoldepam, or sodium bicarbonate in preventing AKI. SUMMARY: Perioperative AKI is prevalent and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Considering the lack of effective preventive or therapeutic interventions, this review focuses on perioperative AKI: measures for early diagnosis, defining risks and possible mechanisms, and summarizing current knowledge for intraoperative fluid and hemodynamic management to reduce risk of AKI.

Sedation or general anesthesia for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation--does it affect outcome? An observational single-center study.

UNLABELLED: Aortic stenosis is one of the most common valvular lesions. Nowadays, a new treatment is emerging: the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It is considered a suitable alternative for the surgical approach in selected high-risk patients. This procedure may be performed under sedation (SED) or under general anesthesia (GEA). STUDY OBJECTIVE: Assess the feasibility and safety of TAVI under sedation. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Single-center study conducted between the years 2009 and 2012. PATIENTS: A total of 204 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 3 to 4 patients who underwent TAVI in the study period and for whom complete data were obtained were included. Demographic and periprocedural data were acquired from the patients' files. The patients were divided into SED and GEA groups. INTERVENTIONS: The study was not an interventional study. MEASUREMENTS: The study did not include measurements. MAIN RESULTS: The 2 groups had similar demographic characteristics and echocardiographic parameters. The rate of conversion from SED to GEA was 4.6%. The SED group received significantly less catecholamines and intravenous fluids during the procedure. The total procedural time was significantly shorter for the SED group. There was a trend toward more postprocedural pulmonary complications in the GEA group. In-hospital mortality and total length of stay were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study, which included a relatively large number of patients, suggest that both anesthetic modalities are safe for patients undergoing TAVI. The anesthesiologist should thus tailor the anesthetic approach to the patient, taking into account the team's experience as well as the hemodynamic status of the patient. With growing experience, our team recommends performing TAVI under SED and in selected cases under GEA.

Outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: cross-sectional study of a single-center real-world inception cohort.

BACKGROUND: Tight control of disease activity is the recommended target of therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OBJECTIVES: To determine the outcome of RA with respect to disease activity and the rate of remission, as measured by the DAS-28, in a real-world inception cohort. METHODS: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of a single-center real-world inception cohort of 101 consecutive patients being treated for RA in 2009-2010 in a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Patients were managed at the discretion of the attending rheumatologist with the goal of achieving remission. DAS-28 scores were calculated and analyzed by clinical and treatment variables derived from the medical files. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 58.6 +/- 13.4 years and mean duration of disease 10.7 +/- 7.9years. Disease remission (DAS-28 < 2.6) was achieved in 26.7% of patients and low disease activity (> 2 .6 DAS-28 < 3.2) in 17%. Monotherapy with a conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (C-DMARD, 21% of patients at last follow-up) was associated with a significantly lower mean DAS-28 score and C-reactive protein level than combined C-DMARD treatment (79% of patients), and with shorter disease duration than combined treatment with C-DMARDs or C-DMARD(s)+biological DMARD (40% of patients). Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide positivity had no effect on DAS-28 scores. Time from diagnosis was inversely correlated with DAS-28 scores. CONCLUSIONS: The achievement of low disease activity and remission in a significant portion of our inception cohort of patients with RA suggests that the treat-to-target strategy is feasible and effective in routine clinical practice.