Obstetric anaesthesia manpower and service provision issues (introduction and European perspective).

Global health is an important and far-reaching concept in which health and access to surgical and anaesthetic care is crucial. Universal access to anaesthesia is a challenge in many countries. Manpower shortages are an important cause of difficulties and each European country has found different ways of facing a lack of healthcare professionals. In obstetric anaesthesia, the availability of competent anaesthesiologists has been related to the morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients. In this narrative review, authors from different European countries explain how manpower is managed in obstetric anaesthesia in delivery suites and obstetric operating rooms in different settings. To address manpower difficulties and issues, the goals are to achieve a minimum standard of care and at the same time, to promote clinical excellence through training, delegation to younger or less experienced colleagues, direct or at-a-distance supervision, or other means. The experience of sharing knowledge about the way in which manpower and service provision are organised in other healthcare settings is a significant opportunity to develop strategies for advancing tomorrow's obstetric anaesthesia in the world. While taking into account the level of socio-economic development in different countries, the aim is to standardise practice and workload organisation. Co-operative international projects in training and education in obstetric anaesthesia are ways in which better obstetric patient care can be achieved in the future.

Global issues in obstetric anaesthesia: perspectives from South Africa, Japan, China, Latin America and North America.

South Africa is classified as a low- and middle-income country, with a complex mixture of resource-rich and resource-limited settings. In the major referral hospitals, the necessary skill level exists for the management of complex challenges. However, this contrasts with the frequently-inadequate skill levels of anaesthesia practitioners in resource-limited environments. In Japan, obstetricians administer anaesthesia for 40% of caesarean deliveries and 80% of labour analgesia. Centralisation of delivery facilities is now occurring and it is expected that obstetric anaesthesiologists will be available 24 h a day in centralised facilities in the future. In China, improvements in women's reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health are critical government policies. Obstetric anaesthesia, especially labour analgesia, has received unprecedented attention. Chinese obstetric anaesthesiologists are passionate about clinical research, focusing on efficacy, safety, and topical issues. The Latin-American region has different landscapes, people, languages, and cultures, and is one of the world's regions with the most inequality. There are large gaps in research, knowledge, and health services, and the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists is committed to working with governmental and non-governmental organisations to improve patient care and access to safe anaesthesia. Anaesthesia workforce challenges, exacerbated by coronavirus disease 2019, beset North American healthcare. Pre-existing struggles by governments and decision-makers to improve health care access remain, partly due to unfamiliarity with the role of the anaesthesiologist. In addition to weaknesses in work environments and dated standards of work culture, the work-life balance demanded by new generations of anaesthesiologists must be acknowledged.

Remote Design of a Smartphone and Wearable Detected Atrial Arrhythmia in Older Adults Case Finding Study: Smart in OAC - AFNET 9.

Introduction: Screening for atrial fibrillation and timely initiation of oral anticoagulation, rhythm management, and treatment of concomitant cardiovascular conditions can improve outcomes in high-risk populations. Whether wearables can facilitate screening in older adults is not known. Methods and Analyses: The multicenter, international, investigator-initiated, single-arm case-finding Smartphone and wearable detected atrial arrhythmia in older adults case finding study (Smart in OAC - AFNET 9) evaluates the diagnostic yield of a validated, cloud-based analysis algorithm detecting atrial arrhythmias via a signal acquired by a smartphone-coupled wristband monitoring system in older adults. Unselected participants aged ≥65 years without known atrial fibrillation and not receiving oral anticoagulation are enrolled in three European countries. Participants undergo continuous pulse monitoring using a wristband with a photo plethysmography (PPG) sensor and a telecare analytic service. Participants with PPG-detected atrial arrhythmias will be offered ECG loop monitoring. The study has a virtual design with digital consent and teleconsultations, whilst including hybrid solutions. Primary outcome is the proportion of older adults with newly detected atrial arrhythmias (NCT04579159). Discussion: Smart in OAC - AFNET 9 will provide information on wearable-based screening for PPG-detected atrial arrhythmias in Europe and provide an estimate of the prevalence of atrial arrhythmias in an unselected population of older adults.

Smartphone and wearable detected atrial arrhythmias in Older Adults: Results of a fully digital European Case finding study.

Aims: Simplified detection of atrial arrhythmias via consumer-electronics would enable earlier therapy in at-risk populations. Whether this is feasible and effective in older populations is not known. Methods and results: The fully remote, investigator-initiated Smartphone and wearable detected atrial arrhythmia in Older Adults Case finding study (Smart in OAC-AFNET 9) digitally enrolled participants ≥65 years without known atrial fibrillation, not receiving oral anticoagulation in Germany, Poland, and Spain for 8 weeks. Participants were invited by media communications and direct contacts. Study procedures adhered to European data protection. Consenting participants received a wristband with a photoplethysmography sensor to be coupled to their smartphone. The primary outcome was the detection of atrial arrhythmias lasting 6 min or longer in the first 4 weeks of monitoring. Eight hundred and eighty-two older persons (age 71 ± 5 years, range 65-90, 500 (57%) women, 414 (47%) hypertension, and 97 (11%) diabetes) recorded signals. Most participants (72%) responded to adverts or word of mouth, leaflets (11%) or general practitioners (9%). Participation was completely remote in 469/882 persons (53%). During the first 4 weeks, participants transmitted PPG signals for 533/696 h (77% of the maximum possible time). Atrial arrhythmias were detected in 44 participants (5%) within 28 days, and in 53 (6%) within 8 weeks. Detection was highest in the first monitoring week [incidence rates: 1st week: 3.4% (95% confidence interval 2.4-4.9); 2nd-4th week: 0.55% (0.33-0.93)]. Conclusion: Remote, digitally supported consumer-electronics-based screening is feasible in older European adults and identifies atrial arrhythmias in 5% of participants within 4 weeks of monitoring (NCT04579159).

Edgar Alexander Pask (1912-1966). Sus contribuciones científicas durante la segunda guerra mundial y en la Universidad De Newcastle Upon Tyne / Edgar Alexander Pask (1912-1966). His Scientific Contributions During The Second World War And In Newcastle Upon Tyne University

Edgar Alexander Pask Catedrático de Anestesiología de la Universidad de Newcastle upon Tyne realizó importantes auto-experimentos durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Aportamos datos biográficos y su currículo científico. Trabajó en el Departamento Nuffield de Anestesia de Oxford con el Profesor Sir Robert Macintosh. Permitió ser anestesiado en múltiples ocasiones con éter durantela realización de estas investigaciones en el Centro de Fisiología de la RAF en Farnborough. Estudio de los efectos de la hipoxia endescensos en paracaídas, estudio de la eficacia de las distintas técnica de ventilación artificial, estudio de la eficacia de los distintossalvavidas. Después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial sus contribuciones científicas estuvieron relacionadas con la fisiología respiratoria, la monitorización, mortalidad e infecciones. Desarrolló aparatos de ventilación artificial, monitores de determinación de gasesarteriales y anestésicos. En su honor, la Asociación de Anestesistas de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda creó la Medalla Pask. (AU)

Edgar Alexander Pask Professor of Anaesthesia at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne performed self-experiments during the Second World War. We describe his scientific curriculum vitae and biographical data. He worked in the Nuffield Department of Anaesthesia in Oxford with Professor sir Robert Macintosh. He allowed himself to be anaesthetized with ether on many occasions duringthese experiments in the Physiological Laboratory, RAF Research Station in Farnborough. His research was: Studies of breathingin high altitude descend with a parachute in hypoxemia, study of the efficacy of different methods of artificial respiration, testingof life jackets. After the Second World War his scientific reports were related with respiratory physiology, monitoring, mortality andinfections. He developed ventilators, monitoring equipment of arterial blood gases and anaesthetic drugs. In his honour Pask Medalof the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland was established. (AU)

JavaCyte, a novel open-source tool for automated quantification of key hallmarks of cardiac structural remodeling.

Many cardiac pathologies involve changes in tissue structure. Conventional analysis of structural features is extremely time-consuming and subject to observer bias. The possibility to determine spatial interrelations between these features is often not fully exploited. We developed a staining protocol and an ImageJ-based tool (JavaCyte) for automated histological analysis of cardiac structure, including quantification of cardiomyocyte size, overall and endomysial fibrosis, spatial patterns of endomysial fibrosis, fibroblast density, capillary density and capillary size. This automated analysis was compared to manual quantification in several well-characterized goat models of atrial fibrillation (AF). In addition, we tested inter-observer variability in atrial biopsies from the CATCH-ME consortium atrial tissue bank, with patients stratified by their cardiovascular risk profile for structural remodeling. We were able to reproduce previous manually derived histological findings in goat models for AF and AV block (AVB) using JavaCyte. Furthermore, strong correlation was found between manual and automated observations for myocyte count (r = 0.94, p < 0.001), myocyte diameter (r = 0.97, p < 0.001), endomysial fibrosis (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) and capillary count (r = 0.95, p < 0.001) in human biopsies. No significant variation between observers was observed (ICC = 0.89, p < 0.001). We developed and validated an open-source tool for high-throughput, automated histological analysis of cardiac tissue properties. JavaCyte was as accurate as manual measurements, with less inter-observer variability and faster throughput.

Recomendaciones prácticas en la paciente obstétrica con infección por COVID-19 / Practical recommendations in the obstetrical patient with a COVID-19 infection

La infección por COVID-19 afecta también a las pacientes obstétricas. La atención obstétrica habitual ha continuado a pesar de la pandemia. Existen series de casos de pacientes obstétricas. Parece que las técnicas neuroaxiales son seguras y es importante asegurarse que los bloqueos funcionen correctamente antes de una cesárea. Es por esto que se recomienda que los bloqueos sean realizados por anestesiólogos expertos. La protección y seguridad de los profesionales es un punto fundamental y, en caso de anestesia general, también se recomienda acudir al anestesiólogo más experto. Las pacientes gravemente enfermas deben reconocerse rápida y precozmente, para poder suministrarles el tratamiento adecuado lo antes posible. La susceptibilidad a las trombosis hace que la anticoagulación profiláctica sea prioritaria

COVID-19 infection also affects obstetric patients. Regular obstetric care has continued despite the pandemic. Case series of obstetric patients have been published. Neuroaxial techniques appear to be safe and it is important to obtain the highest possible rate of success of the blocks before a cesarean section. For this reason, it is recommended that the blocks be carried out by senior anesthesiologists. The protection and safety of professionals is a key point and in case of general anesthesia, so it is also recommended to call to the most expert anesthesiologist. Seriously ill patients should be recognized quickly and early, in order to provide them with the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Susceptibility to thrombosis makes prophylactic anticoagulation a priority

Practical recommendations in the obstetrical patient with a COVID-19 infection. / Recomendaciones prácticas en la paciente obstétrica con infección por COVID-19.

COVID-19 infection also affects obstetric patients. Regular obstetric care has continued despite the pandemic. Case series of obstetric patients have been published. Neuroaxial techniques appear to be safe and it is important to obtain the highest possible rate of success of the blocks before a cesarean section. For this reason, it is recommended that the blocks be carried out by senior anesthesiologists. The protection and safety of professionals is a key point and in case of general anesthesia, so it is also recommended to call to the most expert anesthesiologist. Seriously ill patients should be recognized quickly and early, in order to provide them with the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Susceptibility to thrombosis makes prophylactic anticoagulation a priority.

Mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes: what we know and what we do not know.

Exercise is an emerging cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) in young individuals without coexisting cardiovascular risk factors. The causes of exercise-induced atrial fibrillation remain largely unknown, and conclusions are jeopardised by apparently conflicting data. Some components of the athlete's heart are known to be arrhythmogenic in other settings. Bradycardia, atrial dilatation and, possibly, atrial premature beats are therefore biologically plausible contributors to exercise-induced AF. Challenging findings in an animal model suggest that exercise might also prompt the development of atrial fibrosis, possibly due to cumulative minor structural damage after each exercise bout. However, there is very limited, indirect data supporting this hypothesis in athletes. Age, sex, the presence of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors, and genetic individual variability might serve to flag those athletes who are at the higher risk of exercise-induced AF. In this review, we will critically address current knowledge on the mechanisms of exercise-induced AF.

Hemorragia masiva obstétrica: enfoque terapéutico actual / Massive obstetric hemorrhage: Current approach to management

La hemorragia masiva obstétrica es una de las causas principales de morbimortalidad materna en el mundo. Entre otras definiciones, se conoce como la pérdida > 2.500 ml de sangre y se asocia a ingreso en unidades de pacientes críticos y a histerectomía. Los cambios fisiológicos del embarazo permiten una hemorragia cuantiosa antes de objetivar una caída de la hemoglobina y/o el hematocrito. Dentro de los cambios fisiológicos del embarazo, existe una hipercoagulabilidad asociada a la gestante. Algunas comorbilidades asociadas al embarazo pueden contribuir a la aparición de una hemorragia catastrófica con una coagulopatía de consumo, que hace la situación aún más grave. La optimización, la preparación, el uso racional de recursos y la protocolización de actuaciones son útiles para mejorar los resultados en estas pacientes. El uso de protocolos basados en point of care con test viscoelásticos está demostrando utilidad. Si se produce una hipofibrinogenemia durante la hemorragia, la administración precoz de fibrinógeno puede ser muy útil. Para corregir eficazmente la coagulopatía pueden ser necesarios otros factores de la coagulación, además de fibrinógeno, durante la reposición en la hemorragia posparto. Se recomienda la realización de una histerectomía si las medidas médicas y quirúrgicas se han mostrado ineficaces

Massive obstetric hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is defined (among others) as the loss of > 2,500 ml of blood, and is associated to a need for admission to critical care and/or hysterectomy. The relative hemodilution and high cardiac output found in normal pregnancy allows substantial bleeding before a drop in hemoglobin and/or hematocrit can be identified. Some comorbidities associated with pregnancy can contribute to the occurrence of catastrophic bleeding with consumption coagulopathy, which makes the situation even worse. Optimization, preparation, rational use of resources and protocolization of actions are often useful to improve outcomes in patients with postpartum hemorrhage. Using massive obstetric hemorrhage protocols is useful for facilitating rapid transfusion if needed, and can also be cost-effective. If hypofibrinogenemia during the bleeding episode is identified, early fibrinogen administration can be very useful. Other coagulation factors in addition to fibrinogen may be necessary during postpartum hemorrhage replacement measures in order to effectively correct coagulopathy. A hysterectomy is recommended if the medical and surgical measures prove ineffective

Massive obstetric hemorrhage: Current approach to management. / Hemorragia masiva obstétrica: enfoque terapéutico actual.

Massive obstetric hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is defined (among others) as the loss of>2,500ml of blood, and is associated to a need for admission to critical care and/or hysterectomy. The relative hemodilution and high cardiac output found in normal pregnancy allows substantial bleeding before a drop in hemoglobin and/or hematocrit can be identified. Some comorbidities associated with pregnancy can contribute to the occurrence of catastrophic bleeding with consumption coagulopathy, which makes the situation even worse. Optimization, preparation, rational use of resources and protocolization of actions are often useful to improve outcomes in patients with postpartum hemorrhage. Using massive obstetric hemorrhage protocols is useful for facilitating rapid transfusion if needed, and can also be cost-effective. If hypofibrinogenemia during the bleeding episode is identified, early fibrinogen administration can be very useful. Other coagulation factors in addition to fibrinogen may be necessary during postpartum hemorrhage replacement measures in order to effectively correct coagulopathy. A hysterectomy is recommended if the medical and surgical measures prove ineffective.

Documento multidisciplinar de consenso sobre el manejo de la hemorragia masiva (documento HEMOMAS) / Multidisciplinary consensus document on the management of massive haemorrhage (HEMOMAS document)

La hemorragia masiva es una entidad frecuente que se asocia a una elevada morbimortalidad. Ante la necesidad de la implementación y estandarización de su manejo, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura, con extracción de recomendaciones en base a las evidencias existentes. A partir de las mismas se redactó un documento de consenso multidisciplinar. Desde las definiciones de hemorragia masiva y transfusión masiva, se establecen recomendaciones de actuación estructuradas en las medidas generales de manejo de las mismas (valoración clínica de la hemorragia, manejo de la hipotermia, reposición de la volemia, reanimación hipotensiva y cirugía de contención de daños), monitorización de la volemia, administración de hemocomponentes (concentrado de hematíes, plasma fresco, plaquetas, y óptima relación de administración entre ellos), y de hemostáticos (complejo protrombínico, fibrinógeno, factor VIIa, antifibrinolíticos) (AU)

Massive haemorrhage is common and often associated with high morbidity and mortality. We perform a systematic review of the literature, with extraction of the recommendations from the existing evidences because of the need for its improvement and the management standardization. From the results we found, we wrote a multidisciplinary consensus document. We begin with the agreement in the definitions of massive haemorrhage and massive transfusion, and we do structured recommendations on their general management (clinical assessment of bleeding, hypothermia management, fluid therapy, hypotensive resuscitation and damage control surgery), blood volume monitoring, blood products transfusion (red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets and their best transfusion ratio), and administration of hemostatic components (prothrombin complex, fibrinogen, factor VIIa, antifibrinolytic agents) (AU)

[Multidisciplinary consensus document on the management of massive haemorrhage (HEMOMAS document)]. / Documento multidisciplinar de consenso sobre elmanejo de la hemorragia masiva (document HEMOMAS)

Massive haemorrhage is common and often associated with high morbidity and mortality. We perform a systematic review of the literature, with extraction of the recommendations from the existing evidences because of the need for its improvement and the management standardization. From the results we found, we wrote a multidisciplinary consensus document. We begin with the agreement in the definitions of massive haemorrhage and massive transfusion, and we do structured recommendations on their general management (clinical assessment of bleeding, hypothermia management, fluid therapy, hypotensive resuscitation and damage control surgery), blood volume monitoring, blood products transfusion (red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets and their best transfusion ratio), and administration of hemostatic components (prothrombin complex, fibrinogen, factor VIIa, antifibrinolytic agents).

Multidisciplinary consensus document on the management of massive haemorrhage (HEMOMAS document).

Massive haemorrhage is common and often associated with high morbidity and mortality. We perform a systematic review of the literature, with extraction of the recommendations from the existing evidences because of the need for its improvement and the management standardization. From the results we found, we wrote a multidisciplinary consensus document. We begin with the agreement in the definitions of massive haemorrhage and massive transfusion, and we do structured recommendations on their general management (clinical assessment of bleeding, hypothermia management, fluid therapy, hypotensive resuscitation and damage control surgery), blood volume monitoring, blood products transfusion (red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets and their best transfusion ratio), and administration of hemostatic components (prothrombin complex, fibrinogen, factor VIIa, antifibrinolytic agents).