Effect of erector spinae plane block on postoperative intravenous morphine consumption in open subcostal nephrectomy: A prospective randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: We began with the hypothesis that the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) would decrease postoperative morphine consumption in patients scheduled for open subcostal nephrectomy. METHODS: After obtaining ethics committee approval and informed patient consent, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, 46 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who were scheduled for elective nephrectomy with an anterior subcostal incision were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, the ESPB and the control group, using the sealed envelope technique. In the ESPB group, ESPB was applied with 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at the T10 level at the block corner before being taken to the operating room. Patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine was applied to both the ESPB and the control groups. RESULTS: Intraoperative remifentanil consumption in the ESPB group was statistically significantly less than in the control group (1069.5±211.54 micrograms versus 1471.4±202.21 micrograms) (p<0.001). Postoperative morphine consumption of the patients was also lower in the ESPB group (16.8±4.13 milligrams versus 33.65±6.91 milligrams) (p<0.001). The numeric rating scales of the patients in the ESPB group were lower than in the control group (p<0.001). The additional analgesic requirements of patients were less in the ESPB group (35% vs 95%, p<0.001). Patient satisfaction was higher in the ESPB group compared to the control group (p=0.009). Nausea was lower in the ESPB group than in the control group (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Preemptive administration of ESPB is a safe and beneficial analgesic method in patients undergoing open subcostal nephrectomy.

The effect of oscillometric blood pressure measurement on pain response in preterm infants.

AIM: Preterm neonates are exposed to many painful procedures in neonatal intensive care units. This study aims to evaluate the effect of oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement on pain response in preterm infants. METHODS: This prospective study was performed over 4 months in a level III neonatal intensive care unit. Premature neonates whose gestational age was <34 weeks and postmenstrual age <36 weeks were included if they had no systemic diseases. BP measurement was performed on the right arm. The Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R) scores were evaluated three times before, during, and 10 min after BP measurement. RESULTS: During the 5-month period, 100 preterm neonates (53 male infants) were included in the study. Median birth weight and gestational age of the infants were 1148 (IQR: 1015-1300) g and 28 (IQR: 27-30) weeks, respectively. PIPP-R scores were found to be ≥7 in 34% of neonates. PIPP-R scores increased during BP measurement and decreased after. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that oscillometric BP measurement which is generally accepted as a non-invasive tool for monitoring can produce mild pain in premature neonates of postmenstrual age <36 weeks.

Prevalence of Ocular Anomalies in Craniosynostosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the ophthalmic abnormalities and their prevalence in craniosynostosis prior to craniofacial surgery. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on Medline OVID, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Web of Science Core Collection. Inclusion criteria were English papers, children aged <18 years with non-syndromic and syndromic craniosynostosis, case reports, case series, and case-control studies. A system of domains was established consisting of an anatomic and functional ophthalmic domain. A meta-analysis of single proportions was carried out using random effects model and pooled mean proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty-two papers analyzing 2027 patients were included. Strabismus was the most common anomaly in non-syndromic craniosynostosis: Horizontal strabismus was highest prevalent in unicoronal craniosynostosis (UCS) 19% (95% CI 9-32), followed by vertical strabismus 17% (95% CI 5-33). In syndromic craniosynostosis, horizontal strabismus was most prevalent in Crouzon syndrome 52% (95 CI 26-76), followed by Apert syndrome 50% (95% CI 42-58). Vertical strabismus was most prevalent in Saethre-Chotzen 60% followed by Muenke's syndrome 36%. Furthermore, astigmatism was the second most reported outcome in non-syndromic craniosynostosis and highest prevalent in UCS 35% (95% CI 21-51). In syndromic craniosynostosis, astigmatism was most frequently seen in Crouzon syndrome 43% (95% CI 22-65), followed by Apert syndrome 34% (95% CI 14-58). Moreover, in syndromic craniosynostosis, 5-40% had a decrease in visual acuity (VA) ≤ 0.3 LogMAR in the better eye and 11-65% had a VA ≤ 0.3 LogMAR in at least one eye. DISCUSSION: This review demonstrates the high prevalence of ocular anomalies in non-syndromic and syndromic craniosynostosis. A multidisciplinary and systematic approach is needed for the screening and optimal treatment of these conditions in a timely manner.

Umbilical Cord Separation Time and Influencing Factors in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: The average time for umbilical cord separation in term neonates is 7 to 10 days. Prematurity, phototherapy, prolonged duration of antibiotic treatment, and parenteral nutrition are other factors which were demonstrated to delay cord separation. In the previous studies including greater premature infants, the time of separation of the umbilical cord was shown to vary 2 to 3 weeks. We aimed to determine the cord separation time and associated factors in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective study, VLBW infants (birth weight [BW] <1,500 g, gestational age [GA] < 32 weeks) without umbilical catheterization were included. Specific cord care was not applied. The cord separation time, gender, mode of delivery, presence of sepsis, duration of antibiotic treatment, serum free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone, lowest leukocyte, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), and platelet counts were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 130 infants (GA: 29 ± 2 weeks, BW: 1,196 ± 243 g). Mean cord separation time was 14 ± 5 days, while 95th percentile was 22nd day of life. A positive correlation was demonstrated between duration of antibiotic treatment and cord separation time (p < 0.001, r: 0.505). Cord separation time did not differ regarding gender or mode of delivery. Corrected leukocyte count (p = 0.031, r: -0.190) and PMNL count (p = 0.022, r: -0.201), and serum FT3 level (p = 0.003, r: -0.261) were found to be negatively correlated with cord separation time. The cord separation time was found to be delayed in the presence of sepsis (with sepsis: 18 ± 7 days and without sepsis: 13 ± 3 days; p = 0.008). Sepsis was found to delay the cord separation time beyond second week (odds ratio = 6.30 [95% confidence interval: 2.37-15.62], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The 95th percentile for cord separation time was 22nd day. Sepsis might be either the reason or the consequence of delayed cord detachment. The exact contribution of low serum FT3 levels to the process of cord separation should be investigated in further studies. KEY POINTS: · Mean cord separation time was 14 ± 5 days, while 95th percentile was 22nd day, in VLBW infants.. · Sepsis was found to delay the cord separation time by sixfold beyond second week.. · Serum free triiodothyronine level was negatively correlated with cord separation time..

An Observational, Prospective, Multicenter, Registry-Based Cohort Study Comparing Conservative and Medical Management for Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

No consensus has been reached on which patent ductus arteriosus (PDAs) in preterm infants require treatment and if so, how, and when they should be treated. A prospective, multicenter, cohort study was conducted to compare the effects of conservative approaches and medical treatment options on ductal closure at discharge, surgical ligation, prematurity-related morbidities, and mortality. Infants between 240/7 and 286/7 weeks of gestation from 24 neonatal intensive care units were enrolled. Data on PDA management and patients' clinical characteristics were recorded prospectively. Patients with moderate-to-large PDA were compared. Among the 1,193 enrolled infants (26.7 ± 1.4 weeks and 926 ± 243 g), 649 (54%) had no or small PDA, whereas 544 (46%) had moderate-to-large PDA. One hundred thirty (24%) infants with moderate-to-large PDA were managed conservatively, in contrast to 414 (76%) who received medical treatment. Eighty (62%) of 130 infants who were managed conservatively did not receive any rescue treatment and the PDA closure rate was 53% at discharge. There were no differences in the rates of late-onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage (≥Grade 3), surgical ligation, and presence of PDA at discharge between conservatively-managed and medically-treated infants (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis including perinatal factors showed that medical treatment was associated with increased risk for mortality (OR 1.68, 95% Cl 1.01-2.80, p = 0.046), but decreased risk for BPD or death (BPD/death) (OR 0.59, 95%Cl 0.37-0.92, p = 0.022). The preferred treatment options were ibuprofen (intravenous 36%, oral 31%), and paracetamol (intravenous 26%, oral 7%). Infants who were treated with oral paracetamol had higher rates of NEC and mortality in comparison to other treatment options. Infants treated before postnatal day 7 had higher rates of mortality and BPD/death than infants who were conservatively managed or treated beyond day 7 (p = 0.009 and 0.007, respectively). In preterm infants born at <29 weeks of gestation with moderate-to-large PDA, medical treatment did not show any reduction in the rates of open PDA at discharge, surgical or prematurity-related secondary outcomes. In addition to the high incidence of spontaneous closure of PDA in the first week of life, early treatment (<7 days) was associated with higher rates of mortality and BPD/death.

[Comparison of channelled videolaryngoscope and intubating laryngeal mask airway for tracheal intubation in obese patients: a randomised clinical trial]. / Comparação de videolaringoscópio com canal e máscara laríngea na intubação traqueal de pacientes obesos: estudo clínico randomizado.

BACKGROUND: Obesity causes various difficulties in intubation and ventilation, which are confronted due to increased fat tissue in the upper airway and diminished compliance in the chest wall. Videolaryngoscopes and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA) are good options as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesologists (ASA) difficult airway guidelines. We aimed to compare ILMA and Airtraq (a channeled videolaryngoscope) in obese patients. METHODS: Eighty patients with ASA physical status I-III, aged between 18 and 65 years and with a body mass index greater than 35 kg.m-2, who were undergoing elective surgery requiring orotracheal intubation, were included in the study. Patients were intubated with one of the devices cited. RESULTS: There was no difference between the number of intubation attempts, insertion times and need for optimisation manoeuvres of Airtraq and ILMA. The intubation with Airtraq was accomplished in a shorter period of time than in that in the ILMA group (29.9±22.1s vs. 50.7±21.2s; p<0.001). A significant difference was found when the times of total intubation were compared (29.9±22.1s vs. 97.4±42.7s; p<0.001). The mean arterial pressure statistically increased after device insertion in the ILMA group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Airtraq appears to be superior to ILMA in obese patients, with a total of time intubation of less than 60 seconds and with low mean arterial pressure changes. However, ILMA is still a useful tool that provides both ventilation and intubation throughout the whole intubation process.

Comparison of channelled videolaryngoscope and intubating laryngeal mask airway for tracheal intubation in obese patients: a randomised clinical trial / Comparação de videolaringoscópio com canal e máscara laríngea na intubação traqueal de pacientes obesos: estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract Background: Obesity causes various difficulties in intubation and ventilation, which are confronted due to increased fat tissue in the upper airway and diminished compliance in the chest wall. Videolaryngoscopes and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA) are good options as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesologists (ASA) difficult airway guidelines. We aimed to compare ILMA and Airtraq (a channeled videolaryngoscope) in obese patients. Methods: Eighty patients with ASA physical status 1-3, aged between 18 and 65 years and with a body mass index greater than 35 kg.m-2, who were undergoing elective surgery requiring orotracheal intubation, were included in the study. Patients were intubated with one of the devices cited. Results: There was no difference between the number of intubation attempts, insertion times and need for optimisation manoeuvres of Airtraq and ILMA. The intubation with Airtraq was accomplished in a shorter period of time than in that in the ILMA group (29.9 ± 22.1s vs. 50.7 ± 21.2s; p < 0.001). A significant difference was found when the times of total intubation were compared (29.9 ± 22.1s vs. 97.4 ± 42.7s; p < 0.001). The mean arterial pressure statistically increased after device insertion in the ILMA group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Airtraq appears to be superior to ILMA in obese patients, with a total of time intubation of less than 60 seconds and with low mean arterial pressure changes. However, ILMA is still a useful tool that provides both ventilation and intubation throughout the whole intubation process.

Resumo Justificativa: A obesidade dificulta a ventilação manual e intubação traqueal devido ao acúmulo de tecido adiposo na via aérea superior e a complacência diminuída na caixa torácica. Os videolaringoscópios e as Máscaras Laríngeas para Intubação (MLI) são alternativas boas para o manuseio da via aérea difícil, de acordo com as diretrizes da Sociedade Americana de Anestesologia (ASA). O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o uso da MLI e do Airtraq, um videolaringoscópio com canal, em pacientes obesos. Método: Estudamos 80 pacientes com classificação ASA I-III, com idades entre 18 e 65 anos e índice de massa corporal acima de 35 kg.m-2, submetidos a cirurgia eletiva com indicação de intubação orotraqueal. Os pacientes foram intubados empregando-se um dos seguintes dispositivos: MLI ou Airtraq. Resultados: Não houve diferença entre o número de tentativas de intubação, tempo de inserção do dispositivo e necessidade de manobras de otimização para o Airtraq e MLI. A intubação com Airtraq foi realizada mais rapidamente do que no Grupo MLI (29,9 ± 22,1 s vs. 50,7 ± 21,2 s; p < 0,001). Houve diferença significante na comparação do tempo total para intubação (29,9 ± 22,1 s vs. 97,4 ± 42,7 s; p < 0,001). Houve aumento estatisticamente significante da pressão arterial média após a inserção do dispositivo no Grupo MLI (p < 0,05). Conclusões: Airtraq parece ser superior a MLI em pacientes obesos, apresentando tempo total de intubação abaixo de 60 segundos e com menor variação na pressão arterial média. Todavia, a MLI ainda é ferramenta útil que propicia tanto ventilação quanto intubação durante todo o processo de manejo da via aérea.

Tracheal intubation with the McGrath MAC X-blade videolaryngoscope in morbidly obese and nonobese patients

Background/aim: Increased body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference are the two independent predictors of difficult intubation. McGrath MAC X-Blade is a videolaryngoscope specifically designed for difficult intubations. Materials and methods: Eighty patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I­III undergoing elective surgery requiring endotracheal intubation were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups, nonobese (BMI < 30) and morbidly obese (BMI > 35). All patients were intubated with the McGrath MAC X-Blade in both groups. View optimization and tube insertion maneuvers such as reinsertion of the device, slight removal of the device, cricoid pressure, handling force, 90° anticlockwise rotation of the tube, use of stylet, and head flexion maneuvers were recorded. Cormack­Lehane grades, insertion times, intubation, and total intubation times were recorded. The hemodynamic changes and postoperative minor complications were also recorded. Results: Body mass index, neck circumference, Mallampati scores, and ASA physical status were statistically higher in the morbidly obese group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05). Sternomental distances were shorter in the morbidly obese (P < 0.05). Cormack­Lehane grades were comparable among the groups. The morbidly obese patients required more reinsertion attempts and cricoid pressure maneuvers during intubation than the nonobese patients (P = 0.019 versus P = 0.012, respectively). Slight removal of the device, handling force, use of the stylet, 90° anticlockwise rotation of the tube, and head flexion maneuvers were also helpful in both groups. Although device insertion times were similar between the groups, intubation and total intubation times were longer in the morbidly obese group (P = 0.009 and P = 0.034, respectively). The groups were comparable in hemodynamic changes and postoperative minor complications. Conclusion: The McGrath MAC X-Blade videolaryngoscope could safely be used both in nonobese (BMI < 30) and morbidly obese (BMI > 35) patients with the aid of some key maneuvers and with a statistically significant but clinically negligible prolongation of the intubation time.

The Effects of Bilirubin and Phototherapy on Neonatal Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE: To determinate the effects of bilirubin and phototherapy on oxidative stress in newborns. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Third level Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Ankara Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Teaching and Research Hospital, Turkey, from May to August 2017. METHODOLOGY: Blood samples of 62 term newborns were grouped as control, before and after phototherapy. Total and native thiol, disulfide and ischemia modified albumin values in expressed blood samples were measured. Disulfide-native thiol ratio, disulfide-total thiol ratio and native thiol-total thiol ratio values were computed. RESULTS: Bilirubin levels were positively correlated with native and total thiol levels and negatively correlated with ischemia modified albumin levels (r=0.409 p= 0.001, r= 0.328 p<0.009, r=-0.503 p<0.001). Native and total thiol levels of the control group were lower (p<0.001) and ischemia modified albumin levels were higher than those before and after phototherapy (p<0.001). In jaundiced newborns, native and total thiol values reduced after phototherapy, while IMA levels increased (p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Bilirubin showed antioxidant effect without increasing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress increased after phototherapy. This result was associated with decrease in bilirubin rather than oxidative effect of phototherapy.

Neonatal outcomes in Syrian and other refugees treated in a tertiary hospital in Turkey

Background/aim: Turkey accepts refugees from many countries, principally Syria. More than 2.7 million refugees live in Turkey.We evaluated the neonatal outcomes of refugees. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and demographic characteristics of refugee infants born in our hospital between August 2013 and September 2016. Results: Refugees (718 Syrian, 136 Iraqi, 32 Afghani, and 21 of other nationalities) accounted for 907 of 49,413 births. The mean refugee maternal age was lower than that of Turkish women, whereas the gestational age (GA) and birthweight were similar. Refugees required fewer cesarean sections but exhibited greater small- and large-for-GA rates (P < 0.05). Refugee and Turkish infant mortality rates did not differ significantly (0.8 vs. 0.4%). Eighty-nine (12.3%) refugee neonates and 6682 (13.5%) Turkish neonates were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Jaundice and perinatal asphyxia were significantly more common in refugees, whereas respiratory distress syndrome, GA ≤32 weeks, and infant birthweight <2000 g were more common in Turkish infants. The total NICU admission cost of approximately 450,000 USD was paid by the Turkish government. Conclusion: The numbers of refugees and refugee births continue to grow. The Turkish people and government have provided medical, social, and economic support to date; international assistance is needed.

The value of delta neutrophil index in neonatal sepsis diagnosis, follow-up and mortality prediction.

BACKGROUND: The complete blood cell count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear were the most commonly ordered tests for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Delta neutrophil index (DNI) shows leucocyte differentiation and calculated while CBC is performed. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the value of DNI in neonatal sepsis. STUDY DESIGN: DNI was measured with Siemens Advia 2120 and 2120i devices. DNI was calculated as (neutrophil and eosinophil count in myeloperoxidase channel)-(polymorphonuclear leucocyte count in nuclear lobularity channel). RESULTS: Study population included 141 and 87 neonates in sepsis (110 proven, 31 clinical) and control groups. Demographic characters were similar between groups. Proven sepsis group had lower birthweight and higher late-onset sepsis rate than clinical sepsis and control groups. Median DNI (16.3 vs 1,4) and CRP (6.8 vs 0,03 mg/dl) were significantly higher in sepsis group. Proven sepsis group had significantly higher DNI level than clinical sepsis group (20.8 vs 9.1). Cut-off level of DNI was 4.6 with 85% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Cut-off level of CRP was 0.58 mg/dl with 81% sensitivity and 82% specificity. Combination of DNI and CRP gave 98% sensitivity and 76% specificity. Mortality rate in sepsis group was 39%. Median DNI level in patients with mortality was significantly higher (30.1 vs 9.6). Cut-off level of DNI for mortality prediction was 16.1 with 75% sensitivity and 65% specificity. Follow-up levels of DNI was significantly decreased in 6-10 days to normal levels (16.3 to 4.2). CONCLUSIONS: DNI was found to be useful in the diagnose, follow-up and mortality prediction of neonatal sepsis without extra blood to CBC.

Which nostril should be used for nasotracheal intubation with Airtraq NT®: the right or left? A randomized clinical trial

Background/aim: Nasotracheal Airtraq is specifically designed to improve the glottis view and ease the nasotracheal intubation process in normal and difficult cases. Materials and methods: After Ethics committee approval, we decided to enroll 40 patients with an ASA physical status of I or II, between 18 and 70 years of age undergoing elective maxillofascial, oral, and double chin surgery to determine which nostril is more suitable for nasotracheal intubation with nasotracheal Airtraq. Patients were randomized into the right and left nostril groups. Results: Demographic and airway characteristics were similar among the groups. Nasotracheal intubation through the right nostril was shorter than that of the left nostril during nasotracheal intubation with the Airtraq NT (P < 0.001). 90° counterclockwise rotation of the tip of the tube was needed for directing the tube into the vocal cords in both right and left nostril groups (72% vs 88%). External laryngeal pressure and head flexion maneuvers can ease the intubation from the left nostril (P < 0.001 vs P = 0.03). Cuff inflation maneuver also can be helpful in some cases. We did not need any operator change or Magill forceps for any of the patients. Conclusion: Nasotracheal intubation via the right nostril can be safely and quickly performed with the Airtraq NT without the need of Magill forceps. We recommend the use of the 90° counterclockwise rotation, external laryngeal pressure, and head flexion maneuvers to direct the tube into the vocal cords first. On the other hand, cuff inflation maneuver must also be kept in mind.

The Channelled Airtraq® as a Rescue Device Following Failed Expected Difficult Intubation with an Angulated Video Laryngoscope.

We herein report two expected difficult intubation cases that failed with an angulated-type video laryngoscope (C-MAC D-blade) and were rescued with a channelled-type Airtraq® device. The common signs and characteristics which indicated difficult ventilation and intubation in these patients were Mallampati 4 (with phonation), mandibular protrusion of B, obstructive sleep apnoea disorder, male gender, and thick neck (>46 cm). We had aids ready in the operating theatre for the anticipated difficult intubation. We first attempted to intubate the trachea in two patients with direct laryngoscopy; as expected, the Cormack-Lehane (CL) grades of the two patients were 4, even cricoid pressure was applied. Second, we attempted to intubate with the angulated-type C-MAC D-blade; the CL grades improved to 2. However, despite tube adjustment manoeuvres and use of a rigid stylet, we were unable to insert the tube into the trachea. Then, we attempted to intubate with a channelled-type Airtraq® device. Consequently, without need for a stylet or use of any manoeuvres, we were able to intubate the tracheas at the first attempt.

Fluoroscopic Comparison of Cervical Spine Motion Using LMA CTrach, C-MAC Videolaryngoscope and Macintosh Laryngoscope.

OBJECTIVE: Endotracheal intubation should be performed with care when cervical spine (C-spine) injury is suspected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the movement of the C-spine using fluoroscopy during intubation with Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) CTrach, C-MAC videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope. METHODS: This was a single-centre, prospective, observational, controlled trial. In total, 22 surgical patients aged 18-65 years planned to undergo operation under general anaesthesia, were enrolled. X-ray images of the C-spine were obtained using fluoroscopy with the patients' head in a neutral position. All patients underwent laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade, LMA CTrach and C-MAC videolaryngoscope, and fluoroscopic images of the C-spine were obtained. All the patients were intubated at the last laryngoscopy simulation (using the C-MAC). The atlanto-occipital distance (AOD) and angles between C0C1, C0C2, C0C3, C0C4, C1C2 and C2C3 lines were measured and compared between each device. RESULTS: The mean AOD was measured as 20.4 mm in a neutral position, which decreased to 13.1, 17.2 and 12.3 mm after the insertion of the Macintosh laryngoscope, LMA CTrach and C-MAC videolaryngoscope, respectively. The differences were significant (p<0.001). Moreover, significant difference was noted in C0C2, C0C3 and C1C2 angles with the insertion of the three devices (p<0.001). The LMA CTrach resulted in significantly lesser C-spine movements in C0C2, C0C3 and C0C4 angles compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope and C-MAC videolaryngoscope (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The LMA CTrach resulted in lesser C-spine movements compared to Macintosh laryngoscope and C-MAC videolaryngoscope. In case of the C-spine injury, LMA CTrach may be preferred and may cause fewer traumas during endotracheal intubation.

Transient Methemoglobinemia in three Neonates due to Maternal Pudendal Anesthesia.

Methemoglobin (MetHb) is a form of hemoglobin which contains iron in ferric state. The delivery of oxygen to tissues is impaired and cellular hypoxia develops with an increase in MetHb levels. Methemoglobinemia is a rare but potentially lethal complication of local anesthetics. In this clinical brief, three cases of transient neonatal methemoglobinemia, caused by maternal pudendal anesthesia with prilocaine, are reported.

Inguinal Hernia Development in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction The incidence and risk factors for inguinal hernia (IH) is not a thoroughly evaluated issue of preterms. Prematurity is the single most important risk factor. There exists no study in our country which reported the incidence of IH in preterms. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence and time of diagnosis of IH in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. Patients and Methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted in Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Training and Research Hospital and included discharged VLBW infants with gestational age less than 32 weeks. Control group included gender, birth weight, and gestational age matched VLBW infants without IH. Results The incidence of IH was 10.1% in VLBW infants (70/693) and 16.1% in extremely low-birth-weight infants (19/174). Male/female ratio was found as 3.4:1. Most IH appeared as bilateral (40.0%). Time of diagnosis was 39 (37-42) weeks of postmenstrual age while 68.6% of infants were diagnosed after discharge. IH development increased by 2.3-folds by having respiratory distress syndrome and by 4.5 folds by achieving full enteral feeds on or after the 10th day. Conclusion Preterms with respiratory distress syndrome and those reach full enteral feeding on or after the 10th day should be monitored carefully for IH development. Bearing in mind that a significant amount of IH cases exhibit symptoms after discharge, neonatologists should inform the parents of premature infants of the issue and close attention should be paid in postdischarge follow-up examinations.

Effect of Cricoid Pressure on Laryngeal View During Macintosh, McGrath MAC X-Blade and GlideScope Video Laryngoscopies.

OBJECTIVE: Cricoid pressure is useful in fasted patients requiring emergency intubation. We compared the effect of cricoid pressure on laryngeal view during Macintosh, McGrath MAC X-Blade and GlideScope video laryngoscopy. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee and written informed consent from patients, we enrolled 120 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, age 18-65 years) undergoing elective surgery that required endotracheal intubation in this prospective randomised study. Patients were divided into three groups (Macintosh, McGrath MAC X-Blade and GlideScope). RESULTS: Demographic and airway variables were similar in the groups. Cormack-Lehane grades were improved or unchanged on using cricoid pressure in Macintosh and McGrath MAC X-Blade groups. However, laryngeal views worsened in 12 patients (30%), remained unchanged in 26 patients (65%) and improved in 2 patients (5%) in the GlideScope group (p<0.001). Insertion and intubation times for Macintosh and McGrath MAC X-Blade video laryngoscopes were similar. Insertion times for GlideScope and Macintosh video laryngoscopes were similar, but were longer than those for the McGrath MAC X-Blade video laryngoscope (p=0.02). Tracheal intubation took longer with the GlideScope video laryngoscope than with the other devices (p<0.001 and p=0.003). Mean arterial pressures after insertion increased significantly in Macintosh and GlideScope groups (p=0.004 and p=0.001, respectively) compared with post-induction values. Heart rates increased after insertion in all three groups compared with post-induction values (p<0.001). Need for optimisation manoeuvres and postoperative minor complications were comparable in all three groups. CONCLUSION: Although all three devices are useful for normal or difficult intubation, cricoid pressure improved Cormack-Lehane grades of Macintosh and McGrath MAC X-Blade video laryngoscopes but statistically significantly worsened that of the GlideScope video laryngoscope.

Intubation of a Paediatric Manikin in Tongue Oedema and Face-to-Face Simulations by Novice Personnel: a Comparison of Glidescope, Airtraq and Direct Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Glidescope and Airtraq were designed for facilitating intubation and for teaching regarding the airway anatomy. We aimed to evaluate their efficacy in normal airway, tongue oedema and face-to-face orotracheal intubation models when used by novice personnel. METHODS: After the local human research ethics committee approval, 36 medical students who were in the beginning of their third year were enrolled in this study. After watching a video regarding intubation using one of these devices, the students intubated a paediatric manikin with a Glidescope or Airtraq via the normal airway, tongue oedema and face-to-face approach. RESULTS: Although the insertion and intubation times were similar among the groups, the intubation success rate of the Glidescope was higher in the normal airway (100% vs 67%) and tongue oedema (89% vs. 50%) compared with the Airtraq (p=0.008 and p=0.009). The success rates with the paediatric manikin by the face-to-face approach were similar among the groups (50%) (p=0.7). The need for manoeuvres in the Glidescope was lower in the normal and tongue oedema models (p=0.02 and p=0.002). In addition, oesophageal intubation was low in the control and tongue oedema models with the Glidescope (p=0.03 and p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Novice personnel could more easily intubate the trachea with the Glidescope than with the Airtraq. Intubation with the Glidescope was superior to that with the Airtraq in the normal and tongue oedema models. The face-to-face intubation success rates were both low with both the Glidescope and Airtraq groups.