Comparison of the Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block and Ilioinguinal-Iliohypogastric Nerve Block in Paediatric Patients After Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block (IIIHB) in paediatric patients who have undergone unilateral inguinal hernia surgery. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study was designed in a single center and included 60 paediatric patients aged 2-7 years who had undergone inguinal hernia repair surgery and received an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 1-2. Patients were randomized into two groups: those receiving ultrasound-guided QLB and those receiving IIIHB. The primary outcomes of the study were patients' face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scores at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours post-surgery. Results: The mean heart rate 15 and 30 minutes post-surgery in the QLB group was lower than that of the IIIHB group, and the difference at both times was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean FLACC score of the QLB group was lower than that of the IIIHB group at 6, 12, and 24 hours post-surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (P=0.004, P=0.006, and P < 0.001, respectively). Between the groups, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients who were administered rescue analgesics or oral ibuprofen, the time of first ibuprofen administration, or the frequency of complications (P=1.000, P=0.145, P=0.195, and P=1.000, respectively). Conclusion: Compared with IIIHB, QLB achieves superior postoperative analgesic effects in paediatric patients who have undergone inguinal hernia surgery, as evidenced by longer analgesic periods, lower pain scores, and lower analgesic consumption.

The effect of High-Dose Vitamin C Treatment for Acute Respiratory Failure Due to Coronavirus Disease Pneumonia on Mortality and Length of Intensive Care Stay: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: In our study, we aimed to determine the effect of vitamin C on short-term mortality and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) followed up in the ICU. Methods: The patients who received and those who did not receive the high-dose intravenous vitamin C protocol were assigned to the treatment and control groups, respectively. The primary study findings in both groups were length of ICU stay and short-term mortality, while the secondary findings were vasopressor and invasive mechanical ventilation requirements and change in sequential organ failure assessment score from the 0 to the 96th hour. Results: Thirty-eight patients were included in the treatment group and 40 were included in the control group. The mortality rates were 44% and 60% in the treatment and control groups, respectively; however, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The median length of ICU stay in both groups was 10 days (p>0.05). No significant differences in the invasive mechanical ventilation and vasopressor requirements were found between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Consequently, the high-dose vitamin C therapy in the patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia did not reduce the length of ICU stay, mortality, and invasive mechanical ventilation and vasopressor reqirements.

Retrospective Analysis of Patients Diagnosed with Brain Death in Our Hospital in the Last 15 Years.

Objectives: Retrospective analysis of cases diagnosed with brain death in our hospital in the last 15 years. Methods: The files and computer records of the cases diagnosed with brain death in the intensive care units of our hospital between January 2008 and January 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic data of the cases, the primary disease leading to brain death, the complementary tests used in the diagnosis of brain death, the day on which brain death was diagnosed in the intensive care unit, and the donor status were examined. Results: A total of 228 cases diagnosed as brain death were detected. Seven patients with missing data were excluded from the study. 61.99% of the cases were male, 38.01% were female, 14.02% were under 18 years old, 68.34% were between 18 and 65 years old, 17.64% were over 65 years old. Brain death was diagnosed in 69.69% of the patients admitted to the intensive care unit in the first 7 days, 22.17% in 7-14 days, and 8.14% after 14 days. The primary disease causing brain death was found to be 47% hemorrhagic cerebral injury, 21% traumatic hemorrhagic injury, 18% ischemic cerebral injury, and 14% hypoxic cerebral injury. No ancillary testing was used in 38% of the cases. Carotid doppler ultrasound was used in 36%, computed tomography angiography was used in 22%, and transcranialdoppler was used in 4%. Families agreed to be organ transplant donors in 28.95% of the cases. 71.05% family members refused to be organ transplant donors. Conclusion: The number of organ donations and the diagnosis of brain death has decreased rapidly with the covid-19 pandemic. In order to increase organ donation, we think that the necessary education should be given at an early age to increase organ donation awareness and social awareness.

Favipiravir Experience in COVID-19 Patients at a Tertiary Center Intensive Care Unit.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare intensive care unit (ICU) and overall hospital mortality in patients treated with favipiravir and lopinavir-ritonavir for COVID-19. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively between March 10 and May 10, 2020, from patients' records admitted to ICU due to COVID-19. Laboratory data, clinical characteristics, ICU and hospital mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay were compared in patients treated with favipiravir and lopinavir-ritonavir. Results: A total of 100 patients' data were investigated. Favipiravir was used as the treatment for 85% of patients, with the rest treated with lopinavir-ritonavir. Clinical and laboratory data of both antiviral treatment groups were similar. Length of hospital stay was 16 (9-24) days with favipiravir and 8.5 (5-12.5) days with lopinavir-ritonavir (p=0.002). Length of ICU stay for favipiravir and lopinavir-ritonavir groups were 8 (5-15) days and 4 (3-9) days, respectively (p=0.011). ICU mortality was 65.9% for the favipiravir and 80% for lopinavir-ritonavir (p=0.002). Hospital mortality for favipiravir and lopinavir-ritonavir was 67.1% and 80%, respectively (p=0.001). Conclusion: The mortality in patients treated with favipiravir was less than patients treated with lopinavir-ritonavir. Favipiravir needs more attention and trials for its effect to be confirmed.

Effect of early awake prone positioning application on prognosis in patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effect of early awake prone position administration on oxygenation and intubation requirements and short-term mortality in patients with acute respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. METHODS: This is an observational-cohort study. Patients receiving mask oxygen therapy in our intensive care units because of acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia were included. The Awake Prone Position (APP) group consisted of patients who were applied awake prone position, whereas non-APP group consisted of patients who were not applied awake prone position. PaCO2, PaO2, pH, SpO2 values and PaO2/FiO2 ratios were recorded at the beginning and 24th hour. Demographic data, comorbidities, intubation requirements, ventilator-free days, length of intensive care unit stay and short-term mortality of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: The data of total 225 patients were examined, and 48 patients who met our study criteria were included. At the 24th hour, the median SpO2 value of the APP group was 95%, the median PaO2 value was 82 mmHg, whereas the SpO2 value of the non-APP group was 90% and the PaO2 value was 66 mmHg. (p = 0.001, p = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in length of intensive care unit stay and ventilator-free days, but short-term mortality and intubation requirements was lower in the APP group (p = 0.020, p = 0.001) CONCLUSION: Awake prone position application in patients receiving non-rebreather mask oxygen therapy for respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia improves oxygenation and decreases the intubation requirements and mortality.

Evaluation of the effect of clinical characteristics and intensive care treatment methods on the mortality of covid-19 patients aged 80 years and older.

BACKGROUND: Older adults have an increased risk of mortality from Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Despite the high number of publications on the topic of Covid-19 pandemic, few studies have focused on the intensive care treatments of Covid-19 patients aged 80 years and older. The goal of our study is to investigate the effect of the intensive care treatments on the mortality of Covid-19 patients aged 80 years and older based on their clinical features, laboratory findings and the intensive care treatments methods. METHODS: The data of 174 patients aged 80 years and older treated from Covid-19 in intensive care unit were assessed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups as survivor and non-survivor. The effects of age, gender, length of stay, comorbid diseases, laboratory values, thoracic computed tomography findings, having invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and/or non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), hemodiafiltration (HDF), anti-cytokines and plasma therapy on mortality have been investigated. RESULTS: The mean age and mean values of CRP, PCT, Ferritin, LDH were statistically significantly high in the non-survivor group. The mortality rate of the patients who had IMV was also statistically significantly higher compared to patients who had HFNC and/or NIMV. Albumin level and the rate of treatment with HFNC and/or NIMV were statistically significantly low in non-survivor group compared to the Survivor group. CONCLUSION: ICU treatments may be beneficial for the Covid-19 patients aged 80 years and older. Increased age, high levels of CRP, PCT, ferritin, and having IMV are detected as poor outcome markers.

Impact of HFNC application on mortality and intensive care length of stay in acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: In Covid-19 pneumonia, high mortality rates reported in intubated patients have raised non-invasive methods of respiratory support. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of HFNC application on intubation requirement, intensive care length of stay, and short-term mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. MATERIAL-METHOD: Patients receiving oxygen by reservoir mask or HFNC therapy in our intensive care units due to COVID-19 pneumonia were included in the study. Group H consisted of patients who received HFNC, and Group K consisted of patients who received conventional oxygen therapy (COT). The number of patients intubated, duration of intensive care stay and short-term mortality were recorded. RESULTS: 43 patients were included. The short-term mortality and the number of patients with intubation need was lower in Group H. There was no significant difference between the Groups in the length of intensive care stay. CONCLUSION: Administration of HFNC in respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia decreases the need for intubation and mortality.

Taste and Smell Impairment in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: An Intensive Care Unit Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine taste and smell impairment rates in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Between March 2020 and May 2020, patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the ICU were enrolled in this study. Upon discharge, patients were telephoned and asked to complete a survey related to taste and smell impairment. Characteristics were compared between patients with and without taste and/or smell impairment. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were enrolled (mean age, 61.32 ± 12.53 years; mean ICU stay, 10.19 ± 10.24 days). Age, sex, type/number of comorbid diseases, most ICU support modalities, and ICU stay duration did not significantly differ between groups. Patients in group B required more high-flow nasal oxygen therapy than patients in group A (P = .010). In total, 22 (42.3%) of 52 patients experienced taste and/or smell impairment. Three patients experienced isolated smell impairment and one patient experienced isolated taste impairment. Among the 21 patients who experienced smell impairment, 18 (85.78%) experienced hyposmia (mean visual analog scale [VAS] score: 6.33 ± 0.97), while 3 (14.28%) experienced anosmia. Among the 19 patients who experienced taste impairment, 16 (84.22%) experienced hypogeusia (mean VAS score: 6.43 ± 1.03) and 3 (15.78%) experienced ageuisa. Among 22 patients who experienced taste and/or smell impairment, 15 (68.18%) patients (n = 15/22) experienced smell and/or taste impairment before the ICU stay, while 7 (31.82%) patients (n = 7/22) experienced impairment during the ICU stay. Overall, 28.84% (n = 15/52) of the patients experienced taste and/or smell impairment before the ICU stay. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were hospitalized in the ICU experienced lower rates of taste and/or smell impairment. Some patients experienced taste and/or smell impairment during the ICU stay.

The Association between Chronic Use of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockers and in-Hospital Adverse Events among COVID-19 Patients with Hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of chronic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers usage on adverse outcomes and disease severity remain uncertain in COVID-19 patients with hypertension. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between chronic use of RAAS inhibitors and in-hospital adverse events among hypertensive patients hospitalized with COVID-19. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, we enrolled 349 consecutive hypertensive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. All patients were chronically on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/ angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) or other antihypertensive therapies before hospital admission. Adverse clinical events were defined as in-hospital mortality, admission to intensive care unit, need for high-flow oxygen and intubation. RESULTS: Patients were categorized into two groups according to the type of antihypertensive therapy. (ACEI/ARBs users, N=201; ACEI/ARB nonusers, N=148) There was no statistically significant difference between ACEI/ARBs users and ACEI/ARBs nonusers concerning adverse clinical events, such as in-hospital mortality (29 (14.4%) vs. 20 (13.5%), p=0.81), ICU admission (45(22.4%) vs. 27 (18.2%), p=0.34), need for high-flow oxygen (97 (48.3%) vs. 68 (45.9%), p=0.67) and need for intubation (32(15.9%) vs. 23(15.5%), p=0.92), respectively. Also, the severity of infection did not differ among groups. The logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that age, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, procalcitonin and ferritin levels were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that chronic use of ACEI/ARBs did not increase in-hospital adverse outcomes of hypertensive patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Although the recent data are contradictory, chronic ACEI/ARB therapy is not recommended to be discontinued in hypertensive patients during their hospitalization for COVID-19.

Our Ultrasound Guided Brachial Plexus Block Experiences for Upper Extremity Surgeries in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Brachial plexus block is the most effective analgesia and anesthesia procedure for the upper extremity surgeries in pediatric patients. In recent years, ultrasound guidance for this procedure has reduced the fail and complications like pneumothorax, intravascular injection and nerve damage. However, the number of studies about brachial plexus block is not enough, particularly in pediatric patients, which remained under-researched. In our study, we aimed to discuss the efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in pediatric patients by retrospectively examining their data. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of pediatric patients who underwent ultrasound-guided brachial block in our clinic between January 2015-January 2017. Demographic data, diagnosis, procedure and operation times, medications, motor and sensorial block times were recorded. RESULTS: Between January 2015 and January 2017, the number of pediatric patients who underwent ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block in our clinic was 24. In 15 of these patients, the supraclavicular block was applied in 15, and the infraclavicular block was applied in nine patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.6±3.12, with a male/female ratio 14/10. The mean duration of the procedure was 9.54±2.14 minutes in patients for the supraclavicular block and 12.9 ± 2.8 minutes for the infraclavicular block. The mean surgery time was 64±13.6 minutes. As a local anesthetic, bupivacaine was used in three patients; bupivacaine+lidocaine combination was used in 21 patients and adjuvants were added in eight patients. The block procedure was performed under general anesthesia in 12 patients and under sedation in 12 patients. The mean motor block time was 7.5±2 hours in patients who received supraclavicular block, and 7.4±1.5 hours in patients who received infraclavicular block. The mean sensorial block time was 10.5±1.7 hours in the supraclavicular block, and 10.45±1.15 hours in the infraclavicular block. The mean motor block period with added adjuvants was 7.7±0.5 hours, and the sensorial block period was 11.12±1.1 hours. No complications were seen during the procedure, intraoperative and postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in pediatric patients is effective and safe, with longer analgesia duration and lower complication rates. Prospective studies with a larger number of patients are needed in this regard.

The safety and the efficacy of computed tomography guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Computed Tomography (CT) guided percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in the treatment of osteoid osteoma (OO). METHODS: A total of 116 patients (82 male and 34 female patients; mean age of 17.7 years; age range 13-months-42 years) who had 118 CT guided RFA treatment between June 2015 and November 2018 (42 moths) with the diagnosis of OO were included in this study. All the patients had pre-procedural CT examinations. The clinical and technical success and the safety of the treatment were evaluated by assessing the clinical pain symptoms, complication rates and recovery of posture and gait. RESULTS: All the patients had a favorable immediate relief of the known pain caused by osteoid osteoma in 24 h after the procedure. Only in two patients (15-years-old boy with OO in right femoral neck and a 12 years old boy with OO in femur diaphysis) pain relapse was occurred in 3 months and 12 months after RFA and a second RFA was performed. During follow-up they had no pain. The technical success and efficacy-rates of the procedure were recorded as 100% and 98% respectively in this study. No significant complication was observed during treatment or recovery period. Seven minor complications were noted which were successfully treated. CONCLUSION: The rapid relief of pain symptoms, low relapse rate and low complication rates demonstrate the efficacy and safety of RFA therapy. RFA is an out-patient procedure that patients can be mobilized immediately after the procedure. RFA can be safely used as a first choice of treatment method in OO therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Is it Necessary to Measure Blood Glucose Level Before and After Colonoscopy in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the necessity of measuring the blood glucose level before and after a colonoscopy in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. METHODS: A total of 200 patients who were over the age of 18 with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score I-IV and were to undergo an elective colonoscopy procedure were included in this randomized, controlled, prospective trial. In the study group, 100 patients were diabetic and 100 were nondiabetic. Patient age, sex, body mass index, ASA classification, comorbid diseases, daily medications, and the length of preprocedure fasting were recorded. Before the procedure, the capillary glucose level was measured and recorded as an initial value. This glucose assessment was repeated and recorded 15 minutes after the beginning of the colonoscopy and 60 minutes after the procedure. All complications related to the anesthesia or the colonoscopy were recorded. RESULTS: The sex and age distribution was not statistically significant in a comparison of the diabetic and nondiabetic groups. The body mass index value and presence of comorbid diseases, particularly hypertension, was statistically significantly higher in the diabetic group. There was no significant difference in complications between the groups. The mean fasting time in the diabetic group was statistically significantly shorter than that of the nondiabetics. The blood glucose level of the diabetic patients was consistently higher than that of the nondiabetics. CONCLUSION: Blood glucose measurement is necessary for diabetic patients before and after a colonoscopy procedure; however, assessment is not necessary for nondiabetics.