The effect of pharyngeal packing on gastric volume in patients undergoing nasal surgery: a randomised, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of pharyngeal packing on antral cross-sectional area, gastric volume and post-operative complications. METHODS: In this prospective, randomised, controlled study, 180 patients were randomly assigned to a control group or a pharyngeal packing group. Gastric antral dimensions were measured with pre- and post-operative ultrasound scanning. Presence and severity of post-operative nausea and vomiting and sore throat were recorded. RESULTS: Post-operative antral cross-sectional area and gastric volume were significantly larger in the pharyngeal packing group compared to the control group. The incidence and severity of post-operative nausea and vomiting were significantly less in the pharyngeal packing group. More frequent and severe sore throat was observed in the control group within the ward. An increased Apfel simplified risk score and post-operative antral cross-sectional area were associated with post-operative nausea and vomiting during the first 2 hours, whereas septorhinoplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery, absent pharyngeal packing, and lower American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status were associated with post-operative nausea and vomiting within the ward. CONCLUSION: Regardless of operation type, pharyngeal packing use resulted in smaller gastric volume, which was associated with reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting frequency and severity, and lower sore throat incidence.

Airway management during unusual tracheal stenosis: A clinical feasibility trial.

Objectives: Prolonged intubation is a known risk factor of LTS. LTS related to COVID-19 may result in a different phenotype: pronation affects the location of stenosis and COVID-19 pneumonia can decline lung mechanics. Therefore, airway management in these patients may carry unique challenges for both anesthesiologists and surgeons.This prospective observational feasibility trial aims to evaluate the use of a novel thin, cuffed, endotracheal tube (Tritube) in combination with flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) in the management of patients with COVID-19-related LTS undergoing laryngeal surgery. Methods: 20 patients suffering from COVID-19-related LTS, as diagnosed by CT, requiring endolaryngeal surgery, with or without CO2 laser, were included. Ultrathin endotracheal tube Tritube, together with FCV was used for airway management and ventilation. Feasibility, ventilation efficiency, and surgical exposure were evaluated. Results: Median duration of mechanical ventilation during their ICU stay was 17 days, (range, 7-27), and all patients had been pronated. In 18/20 patients, endoscopic diagnosis confirmed the initial CT diagnosis: posterior subglottic stenosis. Surgeons' satisfaction on the view was rated 9 out of 10 (range 7-10), where 0 was the worst view and 10 was the best view. Hemodynamic and respiratory variables were within the normal clinical range during the surgical procedure. One patient that had a SpO2 of 90% before induction of anesthesia, a temporal drop to 89%, caused meeting the predefined requirement of "respiratory complication." Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using Tritube with FCV in patients with relatively unusual subglottic posterior location tracheal stenosis, undergoing laryngotracheal surgery. Tritube provides a good surgical field and FCV provides highly adequate ventilation especially in patients with compromised lung mechanics. Level of Evidence: IV, non-comparitive prospective clinical trial with 20 patients.

A retrospective analysis of dexmedetomidine and morphine in the fast-track and ultra-fast-track extubation protocol after congenital cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: After congenital cardiac surgery, the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) is related to the clinical status, type of operation, and the sedative-analgesic agents used postoperatively. This study aims to examine the effects of dexmedetomidine and morphine on the fast-track extubation (FTE) and ultra-fast-track extubation (UFTE) protocol after congenital cardiac surgery. METHODS: A total of 251 pediatric patients were divided into two groups: 118 patients in the morphine group (Group M) and 133 patients in the dexmedetomidine group (Group D). We retrospectively reviewed medical data including hemodynamic parameters, duration of MV and cardiovascular intensive care unit (CICU), additional sedative/analgesic requirement, adverse events, the need for reintubation, and noninvasive MV, sedation, and pain scores. RESULTS: The mean mechanical ventilation duration of Group D was significantly shorter than Group M (3.74 ± 0.83 h in Group D, 5.72 ± 1.54 h in Group M, respectively) (p = .001; p < .05). In Group D, the success rate of FTE was 92.5% (n = 123) and UFTE was 7.5% (n = 10) (p = .001). In Group M, the success rate of FTE was 72.9% (n = 86) and UFTE was 0% (n = 0) (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine and morphine have clinical benefits which encourage their use for FTE protocol. Dexmedetomidine has more benefits compared to morphine. It can be used in UFTE protocol, besides its use in FTE protocol with fewer side effects.

ESBL production and carbapenem resistance increased the secondary bloodstream infection rates in intensive care units in Turkey, 2014-2019.

Aim: Secondary bloodstream infections (SBSIs) are caused by another infection and differ from primary bloodstream infections (PBSIs) in terms of prevention and treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for bloodstream infections which were secondary to the most common healthcare-associated infections caused by the most common microorganisms in intensive care units (ICUs) and to examine whether extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production and carbapenem resistance is related to the higher risk or not. Methods: The study population consisted of patients in ICUs with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ventilator-associated event (VAE) or catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) caused by E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii between 2014 and 2019. The data were obtained through the National Healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance Network. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed separately for VAP/VAE and CAUTI to determine the risk factors for the development of SBSI. Results: Microorganism, ICU type, bed capasity and carbapenem resistance were found to be risk factors for SBSI for both types of infection. For VAPs/VAEs, female gender and hospital type were also identified as risk factors. The highest risk was in K.pneumoniae and in emergency ICUs. Among the hospitals, the highest risk in VAPs/VAEs was found in government education and research hospitals. ESBL production for K. pneumoniae and E. coli increased the risk in patients with VAP/VAE; however, it did not increase in patients with CAUTI. Discussion: By using the risk factors, it may be possible to recognize SBSIs earlier, especially in patients with CAUTIs or VAPs/VAEs caused by carbapenem-resistant or ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae.

Measuring potassium level in packed red blood cells before using: Word of caution for congenital cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Transfusion-associated hyperpotassemia is a serious complication of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion after congenital cardiac surgery. Our study aimed to identify risk factors and potential preventive measures of transfusion-associated hyperpotassemia in neonates and infants after congenital cardiac surgery. METHODS: Pediatric patients who underwent congenital cardiac surgery and need transfusion were enrolled in this prospective study. The potassium concentration of PRBC was checked from the sample taken from the segment. The volume of transfusion, age of PRBC, potassium concentration of unit were recorded. The estimated increment of potassium level in patients after PRBC transfusion was calculated. RESULTS: Seventy-four individual patients, 95 distinct transfusions, 112 blood products were evaluated. The mean age of the blood unit was 3.8 ± 1.4 days. The mean potassium concentration in the PRBCs was 9.9 ± 2.4 mmol/L. A weak correlation was observed between the potassium value of the PRBC and the age of PRBC (p = 0.049, r = 0.2, y = 0.24 × x + -0.68). There was a weak correlation between the potassium value of PRBCs and the age of the unit (p < 0.001, r = 0.37, y = 2.8 × x + -3.6). CONCLUSIONS: Before transfusion, even PRBC is fresh, measuring the potassium level of PRBC and the potassium that will be given to the pediatric patient with transfusion can prevent transfusion-related hyperpotassemia and related complications. Otherwise, high potassium levels, which may be overlooked despite being fresh, may cause serious complications, even cardiac arrest, especially in neonates and infants.

Effects of hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir on clinical course in outpatients with COVID-19

Background/aim: Due to the importance of early outpatient treatment to prevent hospitalization and disease progression, we examined the effects of hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir, which were initiated in early period, on the clinical course of COVID-19 outpatients. Materials and methods: Data of confirmed COVID-19 outpatients over a 4-month period were analyzed retrospectively. Public Health Management System (HSYS) was used for the case-based follow-up. Patients on antiviral therapy for at least five days, including hydroxychloroquine and / or favipiravir and patients who were followed-up for 30 days were included in this analysis. Results: We enrolled 1489 patients in this study. Overall, 775 (52%) patients were male and a mean age of patients was 38.9 ± 11.1 years. Of these patients, 537 of them were received favipiravir, 545 of them were received hydroxychloroquine and 407 of them were received both favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine. Symptoms improvement on the 14th day of follow-up was 1.8 times higher in the group of patients receiving hydroxychloroquine compared to patients who received favipiravir (p = 0.003). On the 3rd day of follow- up, PCR negativity rate was higher in patients who received hydroxychloroquine (p = 0.004). Hospitalization rates were similar in patients receiving favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine (p = 0.144). However, in the presence of pneumonia at the time of diagnosis, the hospitalization rate was 6.6 times higher in patients who received favipiravir than those who received hydroxychloroquine. Conclusion: The subgroups of patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and/or favipiravir did not have similar disease severities in our study. Therefore, further studies with homogeneous patient groups to be arranged prospectively are needed.

Surgical procedures for coronary arteries in pediatric cardiac surgery: Risk factors and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding the coronary revascularization procedures needed during the repair of several congenital and pediatric cardiac malformations. We aimed to determine risk factors for in-hospital mortality and long-term outcomes of various pediatric coronary revascularization procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 32 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent coronary revascularization procedures at our institution between May 1995 and June 2020. In-hospital mortality, risk factors, surgical indications, revascularization patency, and mid- and long-term follow-up data were investigated. Patients were categorized into the coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 11) and other coronary artery procedure (n = 21) groups. RESULTS: The median age and weight of patients at the time of surgery were 9 months and 4.8 kg, respectively. There were five in-hospital deaths (5/32, 15.6%). The mortality rates were 27.2% (3/11) in the coronary artery bypass grafting group and 9.5% (2/21) in the other coronary artery procedure group (p = .206; 95% confidence interval: 0.496-25.563). The mortality rates for planned and rescue procedures were 8.3% (2/24) and 37.5% (3/8) (p = .06), respectively. The median follow-up time was 12.5 years. Control imaging studies for coronary patency were performed in 70.3% (19/27) of surviving patients. The overall coronary patency rate was 94.7% (18/19). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric coronary revascularization procedures with elective-planned indications can be performed with good outcomes. Young age and rescue and emergency procedures may carry an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, although not found to be statistically significant. Surviving patients require lifelong follow-up regarding the patency of reperfused coronary arteries.

Noninvasive monitoring of central venous oxygen saturation by jugular transcutaneous near-infrared spectroscopy in pediatric patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery

Background and aim: In patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery, it is crucial to maintain oxygen demand-consumption balance. Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is a useful indicator of oxygen demand and consumption balance which is an invasive method. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive, continuous monitoring technique that measures regional tissue oxygenation. NIRS that is placed over the internal jugular vein cutaneous area (NIRSijv) has the potential to show ScvO2 indirectly. In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between ScvO2 with NIRSijv in pediatric patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery. Materials and methods: Fifty children participated in the study. Four patients were excluded for the inability of internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization due to technical difficulties. After anesthesia induction, NIRS probes were placed on the IJV site with ultrasound guidance for the measurement of continuous transcutaneous oxygen saturation. The catheter insertion was also done through the IJV from the other side using ultrasound guidance. Cerebral oxygenation monitoring was done using NIRS with a single pediatric probe placed on the right forehead. Values of NIRSijv, cerebral NIRS (NIRSc) and ScvO2, were recorded at certain times until postoperative 24th hour. Results: Data were collected at 8 different time points. There was a significant correlation between ScvO2 and NIRSijv in all measurement time points (r = 0.91), (P = 0.001). The mean bias between ScvO2 and NIRSijv was 2.92% and the limits of agreement were from 11% to ­5.2%. There was a moderate correlation between ScvO2 and NIRSc (r = 0.45), (P = 0.001). The mean bias between ScvO2 and NIRSc was 2.7% and the limits of agreement were from +26% to ­20%. Conclusions: In this study, we found a strong correlation between ScvO2 and NIRS measurements taken from the internal jugular vein site. Accordingly, continuous noninvasive monitoring with transcutaneous NIRSijv can be an alternative method as a trend monitor for the central venous oxygen saturation in pediatric cardiac patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery.

Can we use magnesium for sedation in the intensive care unit for critically ill patients: Is it as effective as other sedatives?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to investigate the effect of magnesium added to midazolam on the hemodynamics, transition time to a T-piece, mechanical ventilation duration, additional sedative-analgesic requirement using bispectral index (BIS) monitorization and sedation scales. METHODS: Fifty critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation support in the intensive care unit were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group I received a 0.03-0.3 mg/kg bolus loading dose+0.03-02 mg/kg/hour midazolam infusion; Group II received a 2 g bolus at 30 minutes, 16 mg/24-hour magnesium infusion+0.03-02 mg/kg/hour midazolam infusion. BIS levels and sedation levels were continuously monitored. RESULTS: The duration of mechanical ventilation in Group I was longer than that of Group II (31+-12 hours, 19+-11 hours, respectively; p<0.01). The length of time to start spontaneous breathing trials with a T-piece was greater in Group I than in Group II (27+-11 hours, 16+-11 hours, respectively; p<0.01). The 48-hour insulin requirement of Group I was greater than that of Group II (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Adding intravenous magnesium to the traditional sedation protocols in the intensive care unit decreased midazolam use as well as the additional analgesic requirement and mechanical ventilatory support duration without any side effects.

Atrial septal defect closure via mini-thoracotomy in pediatric patients: Postoperative analgesic effect of intercostal nerve block.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of intercostal nerve block for postoperative pain management in pediatric patients undergoing atrial septal defect closure through a right lateral mini-thoracotomy. METHODS: Between January 2016 and January 2019, a total of 63 pediatric patients (37 males, 26 females; mean age 34.8±26.8 months; range, 2 to 96 months) who underwent corrective congenital heart surgery for atrial septal defect closure through a right lateral mini-thoracotomy were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups as those (Group 1, n=33) receiving intercostal nerve block and general anesthesia and those (Group 2, n=30) receiving general anesthesia alone. Intravenous morphine at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg was applied as rescue analgesia to the patients with a Ramsay Sedation Scale score of >4 and Children"s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale score of >7. The total analgesic requirement, adverse effects, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the intensive care unit were recorded. RESULTS: The mean duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay was shorter in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (3.6±1.3 vs. 9.4±2.1 h; 23±2.6 vs. 30±7.2 h, respectively) (p<0.0001). The need for postoperative rescue analgesia was statistically significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (0.3±0.5 mg vs. 1.1±0.9 mg, respectively) (p=0.003). The mean total morphine consumption was also lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (4.0±2.2 mg vs. 9.0±3.4 mg, respectively) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Intercostal nerve block before thoracotomy closure in pediatric patients undergoing atrial septal defect repair under mini-thoracotomy provides early extubation, shorter mechanical ventilation duration and intensive care unit stay, and reduced analgesic requirements.

The success rate and safety of internal jugular vein catheterization under ultrasound guidance in infants undergoing congenital heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of central venous catheterization under ultrasound guidance on the success and complication rates in low-weight infants (under 5 kg) undergoing surgery due to congenital heart disease. METHODS: A total of 70 infants (38 boys, 32 girls; mean age of patients <1 month was 16.4±9.5 days [n=20; 28.6%]; 1-7.5 months was 126.3±47.8 [n=50; 71.4%]) who underwent ultrasound-guided internal jugular venous catheterization between October 2014 and October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All catheterizations were done under the guidance of ultrasound by two skilled anesthesiologists. Data including demographic characteristics of the patients, procedural success rate, catheter access time, number of attempts, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The overall success rate of the procedure was 92.8% (n=65). In 82% of the patients (n=53), the insertion was successful at the first attempt. The mean catheter access time (time from the first puncture to the catheter insertion) was 214±0.48 sec. Complications were seen in five patients (7.14%), and the body weight of these patients was less than 2,500 g. There was no arterial puncture in any patients. One patient (1.42%) developed pneumothorax and four patients (5.7%) developed hematoma due to repeated attempts. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation is a safe and effective technique in pediatric population weighing less than 5 kg undergoing congenital heart surgery.

Pulmonary valve replacement in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: early results for recovery of right ventricular dilatation and QRS duration

Background/aim: Although pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) improves ventricular function and symptoms, the benefit and optimal timing of PVR are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate early response to PVR for right ventricle (RV) dilatation and QRS duration. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis was performed for 32 patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) between March 2005 and October 2017. The differences between preoperative and postoperative changes in echocardiographic parameters, clinical symptoms, and QRS duration were evaluated. Results: There were no in-hospital or late deaths. Mean age at the time of PVR was 16.57 ± 7.97 years. The interval between TOF repair and PVR was 12.99 ± 7.06 years. Postoperative echocardiographic findings showed significant reduction in indexed RV end-diastolic diameter (RV-EDDI) and the ratio of RV/LV-EDDI (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Higher preoperative RV-EDDI was associated with decreased change in RV-EDDI after PVR (r = 0.63; P = 0.001). Normalization of RV diameters was found to be independent of age at PVR, interval between TOF repair and PVR, preoperative QRS duration, and preoperative RV-EDDI. Conclusion: Significant improvement in RV diameter and symptoms could be obtained with PVR in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation.

Monitoring Left Atrial Pressure With a Useful Epidural Catheter.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial pressure (LAP) monitoring provides a valuable option for management of hemodynamic status in pediatric congenital heart surgery during the postoperative period. METHODS: We used a Perifix Soft Tip 701 filter set catheter (B. Braun Melsungen AG 34209 Melsungen, Germany), which is commonly used for continuous epidural anesthesia. The catheter was placed into the left atrium to provide LAP monitoring. The study included 33 children, who needed LAP monitoring during and post-surgery between January 2016 and September 2017. Patients retrospectively were reviewed for ease of catheter placement, effectivity, accurate LAP, postoperative stability, and complications after removal of the catheter, including bleeding, air embolism, or thromboembolic events. RESULTS: Patients ranged in age from 2 days to 131.27 months (Mean 11.80 days ± 25.76 days). Fifteen patients were newborn. Of the newborn patients, 39.4% (N = 13) were female. Catheters successfully were implanted in all patients, and there were no procedural complications. Left atrial catheters were removed between 1 to 12 days, with an average of 3.55 days ± 3.39 days before chest tube removal. During follow-up, patients did not suffer complications, such as thrombus formation, catheter-related infection, systemic embolism or stroke. Also, after the catheter was withdrawn, patients did not suffer from bleeding, haemodynamic deterioration, catheter retention, or require the need for intervention. During the stay in ICU, catheter nonfunction was the most frequent complication at 12.1 percent (N = 4). CONCLUSION: This is a simple, easy, and safe technique for wide use in congenital cardiac surgery patients.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in children.

BACKGROUND: We present our clinical experience with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in children. METHODS: Ten children who underwent CABG between July 1995 and August 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Data including congenital cardiac malformations, previous surgical procedures, age and sex, type of coronary complications, ischemic events preceding surgery, and ventricular function before and after CABG were recorded. RESULTS: The study population consisted of five males and five females with a median age of 2.5 years (range, 88 days to 15 years). Eight internal mammary arteries (IMAs) and two saphenous veins were used for grafting. Indications for bypass grafting were coronary artery (CA) complications related to the post-arterial switch operation in six, CA complications during the Ross procedure in two, and an iatrogenic CA injury during complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot with abnormal CA, crossing the right ventricular outflow tract in two patients. Six of the grafts were performed as rescue procedures. Three patients died during hospitalization. The mean follow-up time was 6.8 years (range, 3 months to 18 years). Anastomoses were evaluated by coronary angiography in four patients, and were all patent. Echocardiography revealed normal myocardial function in all patients. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the IMA should be the graft of choice in children due to its growth potential and long-term patency.

Could Frequent Carbapenem Use Be a Risk Factor for Colistin Resistance?

AIMS: The antibiotic colistin, which had been previously abandoned, is being brought back as a last line of defense against bacterial infection. However, colistin resistance was reported shortly after its reintroduction. This study evaluated the risk factors for colonization/infections due to colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (ColR-Ab) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ColR-Kp) strains and characterized the molecular epidemiology of these two strains. RESULTS: Age, previous hospitalization duration, and previous use of carbapenem and colistin were risk factors for ColR-Kp, whereas previous use of carbapenem and colistin was a risk factor for ColR-Ab. According to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis, most ColR-Kp strains could be grouped into two major pulsotypes. This appears to be an indicator of cross contamination of ColR-Kp strain, since different isolates appeared to be belonging to the same clones. The existence of colistin-susceptible (ColS) and colistin-resistant (ColR) strains in the same pulsotypes might also be an indicator of the recent emergence of resistance mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the emergence of ColR pathogens in Turkey, which is considered to be developing country, and that carbapenem use coupled with insufficient infection control measures might increase the risk of ColR outbreaks.

Successful anesthetic management in axillo-axillary bypass surgery.

Axillo-axillary bypass grafting is considered the operation of choice for patients with subclavian steal syndrome. Anesthetic management of high-risk patients with coronary-subclavian steal syndrome presents safety and technical challenges. Presently described is case of chronic obstructive lung disease and coronary artery disease in a 52-year-old man who required axillo-axillary bypass surgery to treat stenosis at the origin of left subclavian artery. Successful anesthetic management was achieved for patient undergoing axillary-axillary bypass surgery using a cervical epidural technique.

Anesthesia management with ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block for donor nephrectomy: A prospective randomized study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block intraoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively in patients undergoing donor nephrectomy. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled study. SETTING: Private foundation university hospital; November 2014 to June 2015. PATIENTS: Thirty-two patients undergoing donor nephrectomy (exclusion criteria: coagulation disorders, allergy to local anesthetics, and unwillingness to participate). The final study population comprised 30 patients (15 male, 15 female) randomly assigned to either Group P (paravertebral block, n=14) or Group M (morphine, n=16). INTERVENTIONS: In Group P, a unilateral paravertebral catheter was inserted 1 day preoperatively; on the day of surgery, a single-level unilateral paravertebral block was administered through the catheter before general anesthesia. Infusion of bupivacaine continued intraoperatively and postoperatively. Patients in Group M received only general anesthesia, and morphine patient-controlled analgesia was begun postoperatively. MEASUREMENTS: Intraoperative analgesic and anesthetic requirement, postoperative numerical rating scale pain scores, additional analgesic consumption during the postoperative period, and incidence of complications related to thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) like pleural puncture, pneumothorax, epidural spread, injection into the subarachnoid space, intravascular injection, and Horner's syndrome and rate of opioid related adverse reactions like nausea and vomiting, itching, constipation, and respiratory depression. RESULTS: Intraoperative remifentanil consumption was significantly higher in Group M, and postoperative morphine consumption was significantly lower in Group P (P<.001). During the first 24 hours postoperatively, the mean numerical rating scale pain scores were similar and there were no significant differences between the 2 groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the additional analgesic consumption and rate of adverse reactions between the 2 groups. We didn't detect any complication related to TPVB in group P. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous thoracic paravertebral block provides good intraoperative stability with a low anesthetic requirement and reduces postoperative morphine consumption for up to 24 hours. Ultrasound guided technique enhanced the safety of TPVB and provides analgesia without major complications.

The effect of tramadol plus paracetamol on consumption of morphine after coronary artery bypass grafting.

STUDY OF OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of oral tramadol+paracetamol combination on morphine consumption following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) protocol. DESIGN: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, clinical study. SETTING: Single-institution, tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty cardiac surgical patients undergoing primary CABG surgery. INTERVENTIONS: After surgery, the patients were allocated to 1 of 2 groups. Both groups received morphine according to the PCA protocol after arrival to the coronary intensive care unit (bolus 1 mg, lockout time 15 minutes). In addition to morphine administration 2 hours before operation and postoperative 2nd, 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 30th, 36th, 42th, and 48th hours, group T received tramadol+paracetamol (Zaldiar; 325 mg paracetamol, 37.5 mg tramadol) and group P received placebo. Sedation levels were measured with the Ramsay Sedation Scale, whereas pain was assessed with the Pain Intensity Score during mechanical ventilation and with the Numeric Rating Scale after extubation. If the Numeric Rating Scale score was ≥3 and Pain Intensity Score was ≥3, 0.05 mg/kg morphine was administered additionally. MEASUREMENTS: Preoperative patient characteristics, risk assessment, and intraoperative data were similar between the groups. MAIN RESULTS: Cumulative morphine consumption, number of PCA demand, and boluses were higher in group P (P<.01). The amount of total morphine (in mg) used as a rescue analgesia was also higher in group P (5.06±1.0), compared with group T (2.37±0.52; P<.001). The patients who received rescue doses of morphine were 8 (32%) in group T and 18 (72%) in group P (P<.001). Duration of mechanical ventilation in group P was longer than group T (P<.01). CONCLUSION: Tramadol+paracetamol combination along with PCA morphine improves analgesia and reduces morphine requirement up to 50% after CABG, compared with morphine PCA alone.

Is it worth screening for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium colonization?: Financial burden of screening in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: The screening of critically ill patients at high risk of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization, to detect and isolate colonized patients, is recommended to prevent and control the transmission of VRE. Screening asymptomatic carriers brings financial burden for institutions. In this study, we performed risk analysis for VRE colonization and determined the financial burden of screening in a middle-income country, Turkey. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the VRE surveillance data from a pediatric hospital between 2010 and 2014. A case-control study was conducted to identify the risk factors of colonization. Total cost of VRE screening and additional costs for a VRE colonized patient (including active surveillance cultures and contact isolation) were calculated. RESULTS: During the 4-year period, 6,372 patients were screened for perirectal VRE colonization. The rate of culture-positive specimens among all patients screened was 239 (3.75%). The rate of VRE infection was 0.04% (n = 3) among all patients screened. Length of hospital stay, malignancy, and being transferred from another institution were independently associated risk factors for colonization. Annual estimated costs for the laboratory were projected as $19,074 (76,295/4) for all patients screened. Cost of contact isolation for each patient colonized in a ward and an intensive care unit was $270 and $718, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In developing countries, institutions should identify their own high-risk patients; screening priorities should be based on prevalence of infection and hospital financial resources.

Predictive factors for percutaneous and mucocutaneous exposure among healthcare workers in a developing country.

The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors for percutaneous and mucocutaneous exposures in healthcare workers (HCW) in one of the largest centers of a middle income country, Turkey. This study has a retrospective design. HCWs who presented between August 2011 and June 2013, with Occupational Exposures (OEs) (cases) and those without (controls) were included. Demographic information was collected from infection control committee documents. A questionnaire was used to ask the HCWs about their awareness of preventive measures. HCWs who work with intensive work loads such as those found in emergency departments or intensive care units have a higher risk of OEs. Having heavy workloads and hours increases the risk of percutaneous and mucocutaneous exposures. For that reason the most common occupation groups are nurses and cleaning staff who are at risk of OEs. Increasing work experience has reduced the frequency of OEs.