Comparison of The Efficacy of Sterile Silicone Studs vs Lidocaine for the Attenuation of the Hemodynamic Response to Skull Pin Insertion: A Randomized Controlled Trial: The role of sterile silicone studs and scalp infiltration with lignocaine in the attenuation of the hemodynamic response to skull pin insertion.

BACKGROUND: Skull pin insertion causes hypertension and tachycardia that adversely affects cerebral hemodynamics. We compared the efficacy of sterile silicone studs (SS) and pin site infiltration with lidocaine in attenuation of the sympathetic response to skull pin insertion. METHODS: One hundred and twenty adult patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either medical-grade sterile SS (Group SS) or 2 ml of 2% plain lidocaine infiltration at each pin site (Group LO). The primary objective was the comparison of the hemodynamic (heart rate [HR] and mean arterial pressure [MAP]) response to skull pin insertion at baseline and 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5 minutes of skull pin insertion. The secondary objectives were to assess the requirement of rescue analgesia (fentanyl), complications like pin-site bleeding, and the surgeon satisfaction score. RESULTS: The HR in Group LO was significantly greater at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5 mins post pin insertion as compared to Group SS (P <0.05). The MAP was also significantly higher in Group LO at 0, 1, 2, and 3 mins post pin insertion (P = 0.001, 0.01, 0.034 and 0.042 respectively) as compared to Group SS. The number of patients requiring fentanyl [17/60 (28.3%) v/s 40/60 (66%), P=0.001] was lower in Group SS. The incidence of pin site bleeding was also lower in Group SS along with a greater surgeon satisfaction score. CONCLUSION: Sterile SS appears to be more effective than lidocaine infiltration in attenuating the hemodynamic response to skull pin insertion with minimal adverse effects. Further multi-centre studies are necessary to conclusively establish the safety and efficacy of sterile SS.

Choice of Entry Point Does Not Affect Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Antegrade Intra-medullary Nailing in Patients with Shaft of Femur Fracture: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: The choice of entry point, Greater trochanter (GT), or Piriformis entry (PE) for antegrade intramedullary nailing (IMN) of the femur is crucial. This study was performed to compare these two entry points in the patients with shaft of femur fractures regarding intra-operative parameters, radiological and functional outcomes. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients underwent GT entry nailing, while 25 patients underwent PE nailing. Surgical time, Intra-operative blood units transfused, Intra-operative fluoroscopy exposure by number of C-arm shots taken, mean drop in hemoglobin, and incidence of iatrogenic fracture were recorded. Patients were followed up at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months to look for radiological healing and improvements in functional outcome using Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS). MRI of bilateral hips with pelvis was done in 25 patients at 6 months of follow-up to detect any preliminary signs of AVN. Results: The mean drop in hemoglobin in the GT group was significantly lesser than the PE group (p = 0.02). Mean MHHS at 4 weeks post-op was also significantly higher in the GT group (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference between both the groups regarding surgical duration, fluoroscopy exposure, radiological and functional outcomes in the long term. None of the patients who underwent MRI displayed any preliminary sign of AVN. Conclusion: GT entry nails lead to lesser surgical time, fluoroscopy exposure, and intra-operative blood loss. Both the nailing systems achieve excellent fracture unions and comparable functional outcomes in the long term, and there is a minuscule risk of AVN in adult patients undergoing IMN.

Nitrous oxide splurge in a tertiary health care center and its environmental impact: No more laughing stock.

Background: Nitrous oxide has been an integral part of surgical anesthesia for many years in the developed world and is still used in developing countries such as India. The other main concerns in low-resource countries are the lack of an advanced anesthesia gas-scavenging system and modular surgical theatres. As a greenhouse gas that has been present in the atmosphere for more than 100 years and damages the ozone layer, nitrous oxide is three times worse than sevoflurane. Here, we conducted an observational study to quantify the annual nitrous oxide consumption and its environmental impact in terms of carbon dioxide equivalence in one of busiest tertiary health care and research centers in Northern India. Methods: Data related to nitrous oxide expenditure' from the operation theatre and manifold complex of our tertiary care hospital and research center from 2018 to 2021 were collected monthly and analyzed. The outcomes were extracted from our observational study, which was approved by our institutional ethics board (INT/IEC/2017/1372 Dated 25.11.2017) and registered prospectively under the Central Registry (CTRI/2018/07/014745 Dated 05.07.2018). Results: The annual nitrous oxide consumption in our tertiary care hospital was 22,081.00, 22,904.00, 17,456.00, and 18,392.00 m3 (cubic meters) in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. This indicates that the environmental impact of nitrous oxide (in terms of CO2 equivalents) from our hospital in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 was 13,016.64, 13,287.82, 10,289.94, and 10,841.24 tons, respectively. Conclusion: This huge amount of nitrous oxide splurge is no longer a matter of laughter, and serious efforts should be made at every central and peripheral health center level to reduce it.

Cycle threshold values of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in conjunctival swabs and nasopharyngeal secretions: a comparative study from a tertiary care center in India.

PURPOSE: To detect the viral RNA load of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival swabs of COVID-19 patients, and compare with nasopharyngeal swabs. METHODS: Conjunctival swabs of COVID-19 patients (with PCR positive nasopharyngeal swabs) were subjected to quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The cycle threshold (Ct) values of Open Reading Frame 1 (ORF 1 Ab gene) and nucleoprotein (N gene) PCRs were used to assess the viral RNA load, and compare them with the baseline values of nasopharyngeal swabs. RESULTS: Of 93 patients, 17 (18.27%) demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 RNA in conjunctival swabs. Baseline nasopharyngeal swabs were collected at a median of 2 days; while, the conjunctival swabs were collected at median 7 days, from onset of illness (p < 0.001). Despite a significant delay in conjunctival swab collection than nasopharyngeal swabs, the Ct values (ORF or N gene PCRs) were comparable between nasopharyngeal swab and conjunctival swab samples. Subsequently, during the recovery period, in four of these 17 patients (with conjunctival swab positivity), when the second nasopharyngeal swab was 'negative', the conjunctival swab was 'positive'. CONCLUSION: The conjunctival swabs demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 17 (18.27%) of 93 COVID-19 patients. Our results may suggest a delayed or a prolonged shedding of the virus/viral RNA on the ocular surface than in nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Hypoalbuminemia: incidence and its impact on acute respiratory distress syndrome and 28-day outcome in trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective observational study explored the effect of early onset hypoalbuminemia (EOH) on the development of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in orthopedic trauma victims. METHODS: Serum albumin levels were measured for the initial 7 days of injury for adult trauma patients (18-65 years). Patients were recruited into group A (any serum albumin value < 3.5 mg/dl) and group B (all serum albumin ≥ 3.5 mg/dl), based on serum albumin values. Patients were followed for the development of ARDS and outcome until 28 days. The primary outcome of the study was to explore the effects of EOH on ARDS. RESULTS: EOH (any serum albumin value < 3.5 g/dl within 7 days of injury) was present in 205/386 (53.1%) patients. The majority of 174/205 (84.9%) patients had EOH by the fourth day after the injury, with the mean time for development of EOH being 2.15 ± 1.87 days. ARDS manifested in 87/205 (42.4%) and 15/181 (8.3%) patients in group A and group B, respectively (p < 0.001). EOH had 8.2 times greater odds of ARDS (OD 8.2 95% CL 4.7-14.0, p = 0.000). The mean time for the onset of ARDS was 5.63 ± 2.62 days. No statistically significant causal relationship occurred between the onset of EOH and the development of ARDS (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.14, p = 0.16). At serum albumin cutoff concentrations of 3.4 gm/dl on D1 (AUC 0.68, 95% CI: 0.61-0.74, p = 0.000), ARDS may be anticipated in 62.8% of patients. The commencement of ARDS was independently correlated with EOH (p = 0.000), Respiratory rate on admission (p = 0.000), inotrope use (p = 0.000), and soft tissue injury (p = 0.000) (R2 = 0.466). The odds of 28-day all-cause death were 7.7 times higher in EOH (OD 7.7 95% CL 3.5-16.7, p = 0.00) and 9 times higher in ARDS (OD 9 95% CL 4.9-16.16, p = 0.00). CONCLUSION: EOH is a frequent occurrence and has a strong influence development of ARDS and 28-day mortality in trauma patients.

Erratum: Addendum: Improved postoperative recovery profile in pediatric oral rehabilitation with low-dose dexmedetomidine as an opioid substitute for general anesthesia: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

[This corrects the article on p. 357 in vol. 22, PMID: 36246035.].

Improved postoperative recovery profile in pediatric oral rehabilitation with low-dose dexmedetomidine as an opioid substitute for general anesthesia: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Background: Low-dose dexmedetomidine may be a suitable alternative to opioids for pediatric ambulatory procedures under general anesthesia (GA). However, the recovery profile remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effects of low-dose dexmedetomidine on the recovery profile of children. Methods: Seventy-two children undergoing ambulatory oral rehabilitation under GA were randomly and equally distributed into two groups (D and F). Group D received an infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg for 4 min for induction, followed by maintenance of 0.4 µg/kg/h. Group F received an infusion of fentanyl 1 µg/kg over 4 min for induction, followed by maintenance at 1 µg/kg/h. The primary outcome was the extubation time. The secondary outcomes were awakening time, end-tidal sevoflurane (ET-Sevo) requirement, change in hemodynamic parameters, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale (CHEOPS) score, length of PACU stay, and incidence of adverse events. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in the recovery profile between the groups: the median time for extubation was 3.65 (3.44-6.2) vs. 6.25 (4.21-7) minutes in groups D vs. F (P = 0.001), respectively, while the corresponding awakening times were 19 (18.75-21) and 22.5 (22-24) minutes, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean ET-Sevo was low in group D (1.1 vs. 1.2; P < 0.001). The heart rate was significantly low across all time points in group D, without resulting in bradycardia. The median RASS and CHEOPS scores were also significantly lower in group D. No significant differences were observed in the mean arterial pressure, incidence of adverse events, or length of PACU stay. Conclusion: Low-dose dexmedetomidine was more effective than fentanyl as an opioid substitute at providing a better recovery profile in pediatric ambulatory oral rehabilitation under GA. Dexmedetomidine also significantly reduced sevoflurane consumption without causing adverse events or prolonging hospital stay.

Effect of CoolSense and EMLA Cream on Pain During Intravenous Cannulation in Pediatric Population: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of CoolSense and EMLA cream on pain reduction during intravenous cannulation in the pediatric population. METHODS: A total of 140 American Society of Anesthesiologist I/II children of 6-12 y requiring intravenous cannulation before induction of anesthesia were randomized into two groups of 70 each. Before intravenous cannulation, group I received CoolSense pretreatment while group II received EMLA cream pretreatment. The primary outcome was to assess the efficacy of CoolSense and EMLA cream on pain reduction during intravenous cannulation. The secondary outcomes included the anxiety level of children, successful first attempt at cannulation, technical difficulties faced, adverse reactions, and parents' satisfaction score. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in pain scores during intravenous cannulation in the CoolSense group compared to the EMLA cream group (mean pain score 7.14 ± 4.322 versus 29.32 ± 8.95, p value 0.001). Comparison of pre- and postprocedural anxiety levels showed a decrease in the anxiety level in the CoolSense group (p value = 0.003) as compared to the EMLA group. The duration of application of CoolSense was significantly less than EMLA cream. CONCLUSION: CoolSense was more efficacious in reducing the pain of intravenous cannulation than the EMLA cream. In the pediatric population, CoolSense appears to be a simple and rapid means of providing adequate analgesia for venous cannulation.

Influence of Epidural Ropivacaine with or without Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Analgesia and Patient Satisfaction after Thoraco-Lumbar Spine Instrumentation: A Randomized, Comparative, and Double-Blind Study.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, randomized, and double-blind study. PURPOSE: Thoraco-lumbar spine surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain and can cause chronic pain. We aimed to compare the impact of epidural ropivacaine with and without dexmedetomidine on postoperative analgesia after thoracolumbar spine instrumentation wherein an epidural catheter was placed by the surgeon intraoperatively. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Very few studies have reported the use of epidural dexmedetomidine in spine surgeries. When used via the epidural route, dexmedetomidine is safe and efficacious and is associated with reduced rescue analgesia consumption, increased duration of analgesia, reduced pain scores, but not with major hemodynamic adverse effects. METHODS: Total 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III adult patients aged 18-65 years who were scheduled to undergo thoraco-lumbar spine instrumentation were randomly allocated into group RD (epidural ropivacaine+dexmedetomidine) or group R (epidural ropivacaine plus saline). We aimed to compare the total rescue analgesic consumption on postoperative day 0, 1, and 2. Moreover, we studied the time to first rescue analgesia with visual analogue scale score <4 and the overall patient satisfaction scores. RESULTS: There was no difference between the demographic characteristics of the two groups. The mean value of total rescue analgesia consumption was 162.5±68.4 mg in the RD group and 247.5±48.8 mg in the R group. The mean time to first rescue analgesia was 594.6±83.0 minutes in the RD group and 103.6±53.2 minutes in the R group. The mean patient satisfaction score was 4.2±0.7 in the RD group and 3.2±0.6 in the R group. No patient had any respiratory depression or prolonged motor blockade during the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the superior efficacy, in terms of postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction scores, of epidural ropivacaine plus dexmedetomidine over that of ropivacaine alone in patients undergoing surgery for thoraco-lumbar spine.

Preparing Intensive Care Unit in Resource-Constraint Setting Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Our Experience and Review.

COVID-19 pandemic is an emerging, rapidly evolving public health emergency where a nation's health-care system can face a marked surge in demand for intensive care unit (ICU) beds and organ support. In regions with insufficient medical resources, it may further aggravate the existing shortage, limiting an ICU's ability to provide the normal standard of care. It can present ethically or legally demanding questions about how to prioritize the allocation of life-saving medical resources. In developing countries like India, still many hospitals are challenged by competing priorities and remain underprepared. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, to guide the intensive care disaster planners in regions with low resources and to ensure ICU readiness, this review shares our experience and strategies for preparing ICU with existing and alternative resources, focusing on space, equipment, and health-care workers' safety and training.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Using Propofol or Dexmedetomidine for Conscious Sedation in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Sclerotherapy.

AIM: Sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) sclerotherapy in pediatric patients is usually undertaken under sedation inside digital subtraction angiography (DSA) suite. These patients are day-care patients and need adequate sedation for small duration. We performed this study to compare propofol and dexmedetomidine as sedative agents in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I patients scheduled to undergo sclerotherapy for low-flow venous malformations under sedation were randomized to be administered either dexmedetomidine (Group D) or propofol (Group P). In Group D, initially 2 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine was administered over 10min (or till attainment of a Ramsay sedation score [RSS] of 5), followed by an infusion at the rate of 0.3 µg/kg/h. In Group P, propofol 1mg/kg bolus followed by an infusion at 100 µg/kg/min was administered, titrated to an RSS of 5. We measured intraoperative heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, duration of procedure, and incidence of arterial desaturation, bradycardia, and respiratory depression in the two groups. RESULTS: All the patients in both groups completed the procedure. The mean anesthesia time was significantly longer in Group D. Intraoperative heart rates remained comparable in the two groups, whereas systolic and diastolic BP were significantly higher in Group D throughout the procedure. No patient in Group D experienced arterial desaturation, whereas five patients in Group P reported a SpO2 of <90%. CONCLUSION: Both propofol and dexmedetomidine can be used for administering sedation in pediatric patients undergoing sclerotherapy for superficial venous malformations in DSA suite. Although propofol provides a rapid onset and reduced duration of action, dexmedetomidine provides reduced episodes of arterial desaturation and respiratory depression.

Emergency Intubation outside Operating Room/Intensive Care Unit Settings: Are We Following the Recommendations for Safe Practice?

CONTEXT: Although international guidelines have been developed for emergency tracheal intubation (ETI), there is little evidence of their applicability in developing countries. AIMS: The aim of this study was done to evaluate the different methods of ETI that are practiced among anesthetist and anesthesia trainees in India outside operating room (OR)/intensive care unit (ICU) settings. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was prospective observational audit did among anesthesia personals managing ETI outside OR and ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted through an online survey using electronic media. Certified anesthetists and anesthesia trainees were sent a questionnaire where they were asked to complete and submit it online. RESULTS: Out of 145 respondents, 52% were certified anesthetists. Availability of equipment, technical staff, and visual monitors was a big constraint. About 28% of the participants do not examine the airway before ETI, 61% of participants invariably do not perform rapid sequence induction and intubation, and 89% of the participants have only the bougie at their disposal with the availability of videolaryngoscope (10%) and Fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) (6%) being scarce. About 12% of the respondents use capnography for ETI confirmation. Only 48% of the participants accompany the patient during shifting. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey has reported wide disparity during ETI with poor compliance to the international guidelines.