Perioperative hypertension

The effects of hypertension on perioperative outcomes are still unclear. No specific systolic or diastolic blood pressure measurement has been determined as the cutoff value to continue with a surgical plan or adjourn. This study is designed as a narrative review of the available scientific evidence on the perioperative management of hypertension. A search was conducted in Pubmed considering the title and abstract; 120 articles were pre-selected of which 55 papers were selected for full-text eligibility and 16 were excluded for a total of 39 articles including ACCF/AHA 2009 and ACC/AHA 2014 on perioperative cardiovascular care; 2013 ESH/ESC, 8 JNC, and the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC Guideline for the Prevention, detection, and management of hypertension in adults. Blood pressure values, target organ damage, and type of surgery should be considered for decision-making in the perioperative period. If surgery is elective, blood pressure fluctuations should be avoided and potential causes should be treated. A patient with mild hypertension with values below SBP 160 and DBP 110 mmHg may be managed in the ambulatory setting during the postoperative period, as long as the clinical conditions are favorable.

Los efectos de la hipertensión sobre los desenlaces durante el periodo perioperatorio aún no han quedado claramente establecidos. No se ha determinado una medición específica para la presión sistólica ni diastólica como punto de corte para continuar con el plan quirúrgico o suspenderlo. El presente estudio está diseñado a manera de revisión narrativa de la evidencia científica disponible sobre el manejo perioperatorio de la hipertensión. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en Pubmed, considerando el título y el resumen; se preseleccionaron 120 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 55 para elegibilidad en texto completo y 16 se excluyeron, quedando un total de 39 artículos, incluyendo ACCF/AHA 2009 y ACC/AHA 2014 sobre el cuidado cardiovascular perioperatorio; 2013 ESH/ESC, 8 JNC, y la Guía del 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC para la prevención, detección y manejo de la hipertensión en adultos. Se deben considerar los valores de la presión arterial, el daño a órgano diana y el tipo de cirugía para la toma de decisiones en el periodo perioperatorio. Si la cirugía es electiva, deben evitarse las fluctuaciones en la presión arterial y tratar activamente cualquiera de las causas potenciales. Un paciente con hipertensión leve, con valores por debajo de PAS 160 y PAD 110 mmHg puede manejarse de manera ambulatoria durante el período postoperatorio, siempre y cuando las condiciones clínicas sean favorables.

Effect of an Albumin Infusion Treatment Protocol on Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Relevant Outcomes in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: An institutional management protocol for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) based on initial cardiac assessment, permissiveness of negative fluid balances, and use of a continuous albumin infusion as the main fluid therapy for the first 5 days of the intensive care unit (ICU) stay was implemented at our hospital in 2014. It aimed at achieving and maintaining euvolemia and hemodynamic stability to prevent ischemic events and complications in the ICU by reducing periods of hypovolemia or hemodynamic instability. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the implemented management protocol on the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), mortality, and other relevant outcomes in patients with SAH during ICU stay. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study with historical controls based on electronic medical records of adults with SAH admitted to the ICU at a tertiary care university hospital in Cali, Colombia. The patients treated between 2011 and 2014 were the control group, and those treated between 2014 and 2018 were the intervention group. We collected baseline clinical characteristics, cointerventions, occurrence of DCI, vital status after 6 months, neurological status after 6 months, hydroelectrolytic imbalances, and other SAH complication. Multivariable and sensitivity analyses that controlled for confounding and considered the presence of competing risks were used to adequately estimate the effects of the management protocol. The study was approved by our institutional ethics review board before study start. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-nine patients were included for analysis. The management protocol was associated with a reduced incidence of DCI (hazard ratio 0.52 [95% confidence interval 0.33-0.83] from multivariable subdistribution hazards model) and hyponatremia (relative risk 0.55 [95% confidence interval 0.37-0.80]). The management protocol was not associated with higher hospital or long-term mortality, nor with a higher occurrence of other unfavorable outcomes (pulmonary edema, rebleeding, hydrocephalus, hypernatremia, pneumonia). The intervention group also had lower daily and cumulative administered fluids compared with historic controls (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A management protocol based on hemodynamically oriented fluid therapy in combination with a continuous albumin infusion as the main fluid during the first 5 days of the ICU stay appears beneficial for patients with SAH because it was associated with reduced incidence of DCI and hyponatremia. Proposed mechanisms include improved hemodynamic stability that allows euvolemia and reduces the risk of ischemia, among others.

Differences in Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Complex Spine Surgery: A Global Perspective.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this survey was to understand institutional spine surgery practices and their concordance with published best practices/recommendations. METHODS: Using a global internet-based survey examining perioperative spine surgery practice, reported institutional spine pathway elements (n=139) were compared with the level of evidence published in guideline recommendations. The concordance of clinical practice with guidelines was categorized as poor (≤20%), fair (21%-40%), moderate (41%-60%), good (61%-80%), or very good (81%-100%). RESULTS: Seventy-two of 409 (17.6%) institutional contacts started the survey, of which 31 (7.6%) completed the survey. Six (19.4%) of the completed surveys were from respondents in low/middle-income countries, and 25 (80.6%) were from respondents in high-income countries. Forty-one incomplete surveys were not included in the final analysis, as most were less than 40% complete. Five of 139 (3.6%) reported elements had very good concordance for the entire cohort; hospitals with spine surgery pathways reported 18 elements with very good concordance, whereas institutions without spine surgery pathways reported only 1 element with very good concordance. Reported spine pathways included between 7 and 47 separate pathway elements. There were 87 unique elements in the reviewed pathways. Only 3 of 87 (3.4%) elements with high-quality evidence demonstrated very good practice concordance. CONCLUSIONS: This global survey-based study identified practice variation and low adoption rates of high-quality evidence in the care of patients undergoing complex spine surgery.

Reducing the incidence and mortality of traumatic brain injury in Latin America.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a considerable portion of the global injury burden. The incidence of TBI will continue to increase in view of an increase in population density, an aging population, and the increased use of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The most common causes of TBI are falls and road traffic injuries. Deaths related to road traffic injury are three times higher in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) than in high-income countries (HIC). The Latin American Caribbean region has the highest incidence of TBI worldwide, primarily caused by road traffic injuries. Data from HIC indicates that road traffic injuries can be successfully prevented through concerted efforts at the national level, with coordinated and multisector responses to the problem. Such actions require implementation of proven measures to address the safety of road users and the vehicles themselves, road infrastructure, and post-crash care. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology of TBI in Latin America and the implementation of solutions and preventive measures to decrease mortality and long-term disability.

Perceptions Regarding the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic's Impact on Neurocritical Care Delivery: Results From a Global Survey.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted many facets of critical care delivery. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to explore the pandemic's perceived impact on neurocritical care delivery between June 2020 and March 2021. Variables were stratified by World Bank country income level, presence of a dedicated neurocritical care unit (NCCU) and experiencing a COVID-19 patient surge. RESULTS: Respondents from 253 hospitals (78.3% response rate) from 47 countries (45.5% low/middle income countries; 54.5% with a dedicated NCCU; 78.6% experienced a first surge) participated in the study. Independent of country income level, NCCU and surge status, participants reported reductions in NCCU admissions (67%), critical care drug shortages (69%), reduction in ancillary services (43%) and routine diagnostic testing (61%), and temporary cancellation of didactic teaching (44%) and clinical/basic science research (70%). Respondents from low/middle income countries were more likely to report lack of surge preparedness (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.8) and struggling to return to prepandemic standards of care (OR, 12.2; 95% CI, 4.4-34) compared with respondents from high-income countries. Respondents experiencing a surge were more likely to report conversion of NCCUs and general-mixed intensive care units (ICUs) to a COVID-ICU (OR 3.7; 95% CI, 1.9-7.3), conversion of non-ICU beds to ICU beds (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.8-6.5), and deviations in critical care and pharmaceutical practices (OR, 4.2; 95% CI 2.1-8.2). Respondents from hospitals with a dedicated NCCU were less likely to report conversion to a COVID-ICU (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9) or conversion of non-ICU to ICU beds (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9). CONCLUSION: This study reports the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global neurocritical care delivery, and highlights shortcomings of health care infrastructures and the importance of pandemic preparedness.

The Global Consortium Study of Neurological Dysfunction in COVID-19 (GCS-NeuroCOVID): Development of Case Report Forms for Global Use.

Since its original report in January 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has rapidly become one of the deadliest global pandemics. Early reports indicate possible neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, highly variable prevalence rates, and uncertainty regarding causal or coincidental occurrence of symptoms. As neurological involvement of any systemic disease is frequently associated with adverse effects on morbidity and mortality, obtaining accurate and consistent global data on the extent to which COVID-19 may impact the nervous system is urgently needed. To address this need, investigators from the Neurocritical Care Society launched the Global Consortium Study of Neurological Dysfunction in COVID-19 (GCS-NeuroCOVID). The GCS-NeuroCOVID consortium rapidly implemented a Tier 1, pragmatic study to establish phenotypes and prevalence of neurological manifestations of COVID-19. A key component of this global collaboration is development and application of common data elements (CDEs) and definitions to facilitate rigorous and systematic data collection across resource settings. Integration of these elements is critical to reduce heterogeneity of data and allow for future high-quality meta-analyses. The GCS-NeuroCOVID consortium specifically designed these elements to be feasible for clinician investigators during a global pandemic when healthcare systems are likely overwhelmed and resources for research may be limited. Elements include pediatric components and translated versions to facilitate collaboration and data capture in Latin America, one of the epicenters of this global outbreak. In this manuscript, we share the specific data elements, definitions, and rationale for the adult and pediatric CDEs for Tier 1 of the GCS-NeuroCOVID consortium, as well as the translated versions adapted for use in Latin America. Global efforts are underway to further harmonize CDEs with other large consortia studying neurological and general aspects of COVID-19 infections. Ultimately, the GCS-NeuroCOVID consortium network provides a critical infrastructure to systematically capture data in current and future unanticipated disasters and disease outbreaks.

Determination of Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria: The World Brain Death Project.

IMPORTANCE: There are inconsistencies in concept, criteria, practice, and documentation of brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC) both internationally and within countries. OBJECTIVE: To formulate a consensus statement of recommendations on determination of BD/DNC based on review of the literature and expert opinion of a large multidisciplinary, international panel. PROCESS: Relevant international professional societies were recruited to develop recommendations regarding determination of BD/DNC. Literature searches of the Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE databases included January 1, 1992, through April 2020 identified pertinent articles for review. Because of the lack of high-quality data from randomized clinical trials or large observational studies, recommendations were formulated based on consensus of contributors and medical societies that represented relevant disciplines, including critical care, neurology, and neurosurgery. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Based on review of the literature and consensus from a large multidisciplinary, international panel, minimum clinical criteria needed to determine BD/DNC in various circumstances were developed. RECOMMENDATIONS: Prior to evaluating a patient for BD/DNC, the patient should have an established neurologic diagnosis that can lead to the complete and irreversible loss of all brain function, and conditions that may confound the clinical examination and diseases that may mimic BD/DNC should be excluded. Determination of BD/DNC can be done with a clinical examination that demonstrates coma, brainstem areflexia, and apnea. This is seen when (1) there is no evidence of arousal or awareness to maximal external stimulation, including noxious visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation; (2) pupils are fixed in a midsize or dilated position and are nonreactive to light; (3) corneal, oculocephalic, and oculovestibular reflexes are absent; (4) there is no facial movement to noxious stimulation; (5) the gag reflex is absent to bilateral posterior pharyngeal stimulation; (6) the cough reflex is absent to deep tracheal suctioning; (7) there is no brain-mediated motor response to noxious stimulation of the limbs; and (8) spontaneous respirations are not observed when apnea test targets reach pH <7.30 and Paco2 ≥60 mm Hg. If the clinical examination cannot be completed, ancillary testing may be considered with blood flow studies or electrophysiologic testing. Special consideration is needed for children, for persons receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and for those receiving therapeutic hypothermia, as well as for factors such as religious, societal, and cultural perspectives; legal requirements; and resource availability. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This report provides recommendations for the minimum clinical standards for determination of brain death/death by neurologic criteria in adults and children with clear guidance for various clinical circumstances. The recommendations have widespread international society endorsement and can serve to guide professional societies and countries in the revision or development of protocols and procedures for determination of brain death/death by neurologic criteria, leading to greater consistency within and between countries.

Incidence and Effect of Diabetes Insipidus in the Acute Care of Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

BACKGROUND: Literature on diabetes insipidus (DI) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is scarce. Some studies have reported varying frequencies of DI and have showed its association with increased mortality, suggesting it as a marker of poor outcome. This knowledge gap in the acute care consequences of DI in severe TBI patients led us to conceive this study, aimed at identifying risk factors and quantifying the effect of DI on short-term functional outcomes and mortality. METHODS: We assembled a historic cohort of adult patients with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary-care university hospital over a 6-year period. Basic demographic characteristics, clinical information, imaging findings, and laboratory results were collected. We used logistic regression models to assess potential risk factors for the development of DI, and the association of this condition with death and unfavorable functional outcomes [modified Rankin scale (mRS)] at hospital discharge. RESULTS: A total of 317 patients were included in the study. The frequency of DI was 14.82%, and it presented at a median of 2 days (IQR 1-3) after ICU admission. Severity according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of the head, intracerebral hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, and skull base fracture was suggested as risk factors for DI. Diagnosis of DI was independently associated death (OR 4.34, CI 95% 1.92-10.11, p = 0.0005) and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale = 4-6) at discharge (OR 7.38; CI 95% 2.15-37.21, p = 0.0047). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes insipidus is a frequent and early complication in patients with severe TBI in the ICU and is strongly associated with increased mortality and poor short-term outcomes. We provide clinically useful risk factors that will help detect DI early to improve prognosis and therapy of patients with severe TBI.

Neuroemergencies in South America: How to Fill in the Gaps?

South America is a subcontinent with 393 million inhabitants with widely distinct countries and diverse ethnicities, cultures, political and societal organizations. The epidemiological transition that accompanied the technological and demographic evolution is happening in South America and leading to a rise in the incidence of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases that now coexist with the still high burden of infectious diseases. South America is also quite heterogeneous regarding the existence of systems of care for the various neurological emergencies, with some countries having well-organized systems for some diseases, while others have no plan of action for the care of patients with acute neurological symptoms. In this article, we discuss the existing systems of care in different countries of South America for the treatment of neurological emergencies, mainly stroke, status epilepticus, and traumatic brain injury. We also will address existing gaps between the current systems and recommendations from the literature to improve the management of such emergencies, as well as strategies on how to solve these disparities.

Common Data Element for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Recommendations from Assessments and Clinical Examination Workgroup/Subcommittee.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and unruptured cerebral aneurysms lack uniformity in terms of variables used for assessments and clinical examination of patients which has led to difficulty in comparing studies and performing meta-analyses. The overall goal of the National Institute of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (UIA) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) Common Data Elements (CDE) Project was to provide common definitions and terminology for future unruptured intracranial aneurysm and SAH research. METHODS: This paper summarizes the recommendations of the subcommittee on SAH Assessments and Clinical Examination. The subcommittee consisted of an international and multidisciplinary panel of experts in UIA and SAH. Consensus recommendations were developed by reviewing previously published CDEs for other neurological diseases including traumatic brain injury, epilepsy and stroke, and the SAH literature. Recommendations for CDEs were classified by priority into "core," "supplemental-highly recommended," "supplemental" and "exploratory." RESULTS: We identified 248 variables for Assessments and Clinical Examination. Only the World Federation of Neurological Societies grading scale was classified as "Core." The Glasgow Coma Scale was classified as "Supplemental-Highly Recommended." All other Assessments and Clinical Examination variables were categorized as "Supplemental." CONCLUSION: The recommended Assessments and Clinical Examination variables have been collated from a large number of potentially useful scales, history, clinical presentation, laboratory, and other tests. We hope that adherence to these recommendations will facilitate the comparison of results across studies and meta-analyses of individual patient data.

¿Estamos logrando las recomendaciones actuales en trauma penetrante? Análisis preliminar de un registro institucional colombiano / Are we meeting current recommendations for the initial management of penetrating trauma? A preliminary analysis from a Colombian institutional registry

Abstract Introduction: To achieve minimal physiological goals in patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma (TAPT) is essential to ensure adequate outcomes. Objectives: To determine the success in meting basic standards at the end of damage control surgery in subjects with TAPT: (1) Monitoring and prevention of hyperfibrinolysis; (2) central temperature >35 °C; (3) platelet count >50,000/mm³ and serum fibrinogen >150mg/dl; (4) hemoglobin levels >7.5 mg/dl and base deficit <6. Methods: Subjects >18 years old undergoing damage control surgery as a result of TAPT were prospectively collected at a referral center between October Oct-2012 and Dec-2014. Comparisons were done according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS) with a severity value indicator of >25. A p < 0.05 value was considered significant. Results:106 subjects with TAPT were enrolled. Administration of tranexamic acid was only reported in 52.7% of the patients, particularly in the group with low severity scores [Group ISS < 25 36.3% vs. group ISS > 25 65.8%. OR 3.37 (95% CI 1.2-9.85); p = 0.01]. Although the temperature was reported in 91% of the cases, only 66.2-71.4% reached the recommended goal. Serum fibrinogen was measured in 59.5% of the cases and only 52% met the recommended level. The base deficit values of <6 at the end of surgery were only accomplished in 40-43.8% of the subjects, with a significantly lower probability in the more severe patients [53% vs. 35.9%. OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.2-6.02); p = 0.042]. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of patients with TAPT does not meet the current recommendations at the end of damage control surgery.

Introducción: El logro de metas fisiológicas mínimas en pacientes con trauma toracoabdominal penetrante (TTAP) es fundamental para garantizar adecuados desenlaces. Objetivos: Determinar el éxito en el logro de estándares básicos al final de la cirugía de control de daños en sujetos con TTAP: 1.Monitorización y prevención de hiperfibrinolisis; 2.Temperatura central > 35 °C; 3.Niveles plaquetarios>50.000/mm3 y de fibrinógeno sérico > 150 mg/dl; 4.Niveles de hemoglobina > 7.5 mg/dl y déficit de base < 6. Métodos: Se recolectaron prospectivamente sujetos > 18 años llevados a cirugía de control de daños por TTAP en un centro de remisión entre Oct-2012 y Dic-2014. Las comparaciones se realizaron según el Injury severity score (ISS) teniendo como indicador de severidad un valor >25. Se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. Resultados: Se registraron 106 sujetos con TTAP. La aplicación de ácido tranexámico solo se reportó en 52.7% de los pacientes, especialmente en el grupo con puntajes de severidad bajos [Grupo ISS<25 36.3% vs. grupo ISS > 25 65.8%. OR 3.37 (IC95% 1.2-9.85); p = 0.01]. A pesar de que la temperatura fue reportada en 91% de los casos, solo 66.2-71.4% alcanzaron la meta recomendada. El fibrinógeno sérico fue valorado en 59.5% de los sujetos y solo 52% alcanzaron la recomendación. Valores de déficit de base < 6 Al final de cirugía solo se lograron en 40-43.8% de los sujetos, con una probabilidad significativamente menor en los sujetos más graves [53% vs. 35.9%. OR 2.04 (IC95% 1.2-6.02); p = 0.042]. Conclusiones: Una proporción considerable de pacientes con TTAP no logran las recomendaciones actuales al final de la cirugía de control de daños.

Anestesia para pacientes con trauma cráneo encefálico / Anesthesia for patients with traumatic brain injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a complex disease with a high social burden because of its high mortality and high rate of sequelae. Outcome after TBI is related to early management, including anesthetic management. In this article we review up to date concepts for anesthetic management of TBI patients; from pre-anesthetic evaluation to different aspects of surgical management: induction of anesthesia, airway control, mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluid management, maintenance of anesthesia during neurological and nonneurological surgery, and the treatment of brain edema, coagulopathy, electrolyte balance and temperature. We think the treatment must be directed to goals in order to offer the patient the best conditions for recovery and to avoid secondary brain injury.

El Trauma Cráneo Encefálico (TCE) es una enfermedad compleja, con gran repercusión social por su alta mortalidad y alta tasa de secuelas. El desenlace que tenga nuestro enfermo está relacionado con el manejo temprano que reciba, incluido el manejo anestésico. En este escrito se revisan los conceptos actuales de manejo anestésico de enfermos con TCE, desde su evaluación preanestésica hasta los diferentes aspectos del manejo quirúrgico: inducción de anestesia, control de la vía aérea, ventilación mecánica, manejo de líquidos intravenosos, mantenimiento anestésico en cirugía neurológica y no neurológica, manejo del edema cerebral, de la coagulopatía, de los electrolitos y de la temperatura. Nuestro enfoque se basa en el manejo orientado a metas de manera que ofrezcamos al paciente las mejores condiciones de recuperación y evitemos la lesión secundaria.

Síndrome de hipotensión endocraneana: ¿una cefalea pospunción dural? / Intracranial hypotension syndrome: A post dural puncture headache?

El síndrome de hipotensión endocraneana (SHE) es una patología causada por el descenso del cerebro debido a fuga de líquido cefalorraquídeo a partir de lesiones durales diagnósticas, terapéuticas o espontáneas. Tanto la fisiopatología como el enfoque clínico y terapéutico son similares a la cefalea pospunción dural, siendo esta ultima considerada como una forma leve del SHE. Se describen 2 pacientes con cefalea ortostática y alteraciones neurológicas severas luego de anestesia epidural y espinal que fueron diagnosticados y tratados como cefalea pospunción dural, pero que por su evolución anormal debieron recibir atención adicional. El SHE constituye una complicación seria que puede llevar al deterioro clínico y a la muerte, motivo por el cual requiere de un abordaje integral sobre sus factores desencadenantes, cuadro clínico, métodos diagnósticos, fisiopatología y manejo.

The intracranial hypotension syndrome (IHS) is a disorder caused by brain descent due to a CSF leak resulting from diagnostic, therapeutic or spontaneous lesions. The pathophysiology, the clinical and the therapeutic approach are similar as in post dural puncture headache, the latter being considered a mild form of IHS. This paper describes two patients with orthostatic headache and severe neurological involvement after epidural and spinal anesthesia, diagnosed and treated as post dural puncture headache, but who required additional care because of their abnormal course. IHS is a serious complication that may result in clinical decline and death; consequently, it requires a comprehensive approach to the various triggering factors, the clinical picture, diagnostic methods, pathophysiology and management.

CRASH-3 - tranexamic acid for the treatment of significant traumatic brain injury: study protocol for an international randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, over 10 million people are killed or hospitalized because of traumatic brain injury each year. About 90% of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. The condition mostly affects young adults, and many experience long lasting or permanent disability. The social and economic burden is considerable. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly given to surgical patients to reduce bleeding and the need for blood transfusion. It has been shown to reduce the number of patients receiving a blood transfusion by about a third, reduces the volume of blood transfused by about one unit, and halves the need for further surgery to control bleeding in elective surgical patients. METHODS/DESIGN: The CRASH-3 trial is an international, multicenter, pragmatic, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to quantify the effects of the early administration of TXA on death and disability in patients with traumatic brain injury. Ten thousand adult patients who fulfil the eligibility criteria will be randomized to receive TXA or placebo. Adults with traumatic brain injury, who are within 8 h of injury and have any intracranial bleeding on computerized tomography (CT scan) or Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 12 or less can be included if the responsible doctor is substantially uncertain as to whether or not to use TXA in this patient. Patients with significant extracranial bleeding will be excluded since there is evidence that TXA improves outcome in these patients. Treatment will entail a 1 g loading dose followed by a 1 g maintenance dose over 8 h.The main analyses will be on an 'intention-to-treat' basis, irrespective of whether the allocated treatment was received. Results will be presented as appropriate effect estimates with a measure of precision (95% confidence intervals). Subgroup analyses for the primary outcome will be based on time from injury to randomization, the severity of the injury, location of the bleeding, and baseline risk. Interaction tests will be used to test whether the effect of treatment differs across these subgroups. A study with 10,000 patients will have approximately 90% power to detect a 15% relative reduction from 20% to 17% in all-cause mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN15088122; Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01402882.

Anestesia espinal con levobupivacaína hiperbárica al 0, 75 para artroscopia ambulatoria de rodilla: estudio aleatorio doble ciego que compara tres dosis diferentes / Spinal anesthesia using 0.75 hyperbaric levobupivacaine for outpatient knee arthroscopy: randomized double-blind study comparing three different doses

Objetivo. Evaluar la probabilidad de bloqueo motor a través del tiempo, al comparar tres dosis de levobupivacaína hiperbárica (LBPH) al 0,75 %, utilizando una técnica espinal unilateral. Métodos. 180 pacientes ASA I-II entre 18 y 60 años programados para artroscopia unilateral de rodilla fueron aleatorizados prospectivamente a recibir 7,5 mg (n = 59), 9,37 mg (n = 61) y 11,25 mg (n = 60) de LBPH al 0,75 %, a través de una aguja Whitacre 27-gauge, y fueron dejados en decúbito lateral por cinco minutos. Un observador independiente evaluó el nivel de bloqueo motor y sensitivo luego del retorno a la posición supina, al final de la cirugía y cada diez minutos en UCPA hasta el alta. Resultados. No hubo diferencias demográficas o en las tasas de falla de bloqueo al comparar los grupos. El tiempo de resolución completa del bloqueo motor fue menor cuando se utilizó 7,5 mg (145 ± 49 frente a 156 ± 65 frente a 170 ± 70,5 min., respectivamente. P = 0,006), así como los tiempos de permanencia en UCPA (155 ± 45 frente a 178 ± 70 frente a 184 ± 72 min., respectivamente, P = 0,004), sin diferencias en los tiempos de resolución del bloqueo sensitivo. La probabilidad de resolución del bloqueo motor a los 200 min. fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de 7,5 mg [0,95 (95 % CI 0,84 - 0,98) frente a 0,80 (0,67 - 0,88) frente a 0,73 (0,59 - 0,82, respectivamente. OR: 1,84 (95 % CI 1,28 - 2,64]. Conclusión. 7,5 mg de LBPH al 0,75 % por vía espinal es una dosis eficaz y segura en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos artroscópicos unilaterales de rodilla, lo que disminuye significativamente su estancia en recuperación y la duración del bloqueo motor.

Objetive. To assess the probability of motor block through time by means of a comparison between three doses of 0.75 % hyperbaric levobupivacaine (HLBP) using a unilateral spinal technique. Methodos. 180 ASA I-II patients between 18 and 60 years of age scheduled for unilateral knee arthroscopy were randomized prospectively to receive 7.5 mg (n = 59), 9.37 mg (n = 61) and 11.25 mg (n = 60) of 0.75 % HLBP through a 27-gauge Whitacre needle, and were left in a lateral decubitus position for five minutes. An independent observer assessed the level of motor and sensory block after returning to the supine position, at the end of surgery, and every ten minutes in the PACU until discharge. Results. There were no diferences in demographics or failure rates among the groups among the groups. The time for complete resolution of the respecmotor block was shorter when 7.5 mg were used (145 ± 49 vs. 156 ± 65 vs. 170 ± 70.5 min, respectively. P = 0,006). Length of stay in the PACU was also shorter (155 ± 45 vs. 178 ± 70 and 184 ± 72 min, respectively, P = 0,004), with no difference in the time periods for the resolution of the sensory block. The probability of block resolution after 200 minutes was significantly higher in the group receiving 7.5 mg [0.95(95 % CI 0.84 - 0.98) vs. 0.80 (0.67 - 0.88) vs. 0.73 (0.59 - 0.82), respectively. OR: 1.84 (95 % CI 1.28 - 2.64]. Conclusions. The spinal administration of 7.5 mg of 0.75 % HLBP is effective and safe in patients undergoing unilateral arthroscopic procedures of the knee. This reduces length of stay in the recovery room and the duration of the motor block.

Effects of tranexamic acid on death, vascular occlusive events, and blood transfusion in trauma patients with significant haemorrhage (CRASH-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid can reduce bleeding in patients undergoing elective surgery. We assessed the effects of early administration of a short course of tranexamic acid on death, vascular occlusive events, and the receipt of blood transfusion in trauma patients. METHODS: This randomised controlled trial was undertaken in 274 hospitals in 40 countries. 20 211 adult trauma patients with, or at risk of, significant bleeding were randomly assigned within 8 h of injury to either tranexamic acid (loading dose 1 g over 10 min then infusion of 1 g over 8 h) or matching placebo. Randomisation was balanced by centre, with an allocation sequence based on a block size of eight, generated with a computer random number generator. Both participants and study staff (site investigators and trial coordinating centre staff) were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was death in hospital within 4 weeks of injury, and was described with the following categories: bleeding, vascular occlusion (myocardial infarction, stroke and pulmonary embolism), multiorgan failure, head injury, and other. All analyses were by intention to treat. This study is registered as ISRCTN86750102, Clinicaltrials.govNCT00375258, and South African Clinical Trial RegisterDOH-27-0607-1919. FINDINGS: 10 096 patients were allocated to tranexamic acid and 10 115 to placebo, of whom 10 060 and 10 067, respectively, were analysed. All-cause mortality was significantly reduced with tranexamic acid (1463 [14.5%] tranexamic acid group vs 1613 [16.0%] placebo group; relative risk 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.97; p=0.0035). The risk of death due to bleeding was significantly reduced (489 [4.9%] vs 574 [5.7%]; relative risk 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.96; p=0.0077). INTERPRETATION: Tranexamic acid safely reduced the risk of death in bleeding trauma patients in this study. On the basis of these results, tranexamic acid should be considered for use in bleeding trauma patients. FUNDING: UK NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme, Pfizer, BUPA Foundation, and J P Moulton Charitable Foundation.

Hemorragia y trauma, avances del estudio CRASH2 en Colombia / Hemorrhage and trauma; advances in the CRASH2 study in Colombia

Introducción. El trauma es una epidemia mundial que afecta más a la población joven y económicamente activa de los países de medio y bajo ingreso per cápita. La hemorragia es responsable de una alta proporción de muertes por trauma, especialmente durante el primer día.Materiales y métodos. CRASH2 es un ensayo clínico, multicéntrico, doble ciego, controlado y aleatorio, sobre un medicamento fibrinolítico para disminuir las transfusiones, las cirugías y la mortalidad en pacientes con trauma y hemorragia significativa. Este trabajo compara aspectos demográficos y clínicos de la población participante en Colombia, con el resto del mundo. Como el estudio está en curso, no se puede levantar el ciego y no se comparan los grupos de tratamiento. Se calcula que se complete la cantidad planeada de pacientes en diciembre del 2009 y se puedan emitir conclusiones definitivas a mediados del 2010.Resultados. La proporción de hombres es mayor en Colombia; hay mayor proporción de trauma penetrante y menor de trauma craneoencefálico; los pacientes son más jóvenes, consultan más temprano, ingresan a la unidad de cuidados intensivos con menor frecuencia y la mortalidad es menor que en el resto del mundo. La mayoría no tiene hipotensión, aunque hay prolongación del llenado capilar; ambas variables se asocian con mortalidad. La mayoría son transfundidos en proporción similar en Colombia y el resto del mundo; la transfusión se asocia con mayor mortalidad. La incidencia de complicaciones trombóticas es similar en ambos grupos geográficos.Discusión. Los participantes del estudio CRASH2 son similares en Colombia y el resto del mundo; el tipo de trauma y la mortalidad son distintos, lo que refleja la violencia que hay en Colombia. Los “megaestudios” clínicos son posibles y necesarios para contestar preguntas médicas relevantes.

The impact of body position on intra-abdominal pressure measurement: a multicenter analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality among the critically ill. IAP is most commonly measured using the intravesicular or "bladder" technique. The impact of changes in body position on the accuracy of IAP measurements, such as head of bed elevation to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, remains unclear. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Twelve international intensive care units. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-two critically ill medical and surgical patients at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: Triplicate intravesicular pressure measurements were performed at least 4 hours apart with the patient in the supine, 15 degrees , and 30 degrees head of bed elevated positions. The zero reference point was the mid-axillary line at the iliac crest. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean IAP values at each head of bed position were significantly different (p < 0.0001). The bias between IAPsupine and IAP15 degrees was 1.5 mm Hg (1.3-1.7). The bias between IAPsupine and IAP30 degrees was 3.7 mm Hg (3.4-4.0). CONCLUSIONS: Head of bed elevation results in clinically significant increases in measured IAP. Consistent body positioning from one IAP measurement to the next is necessary to allow consistent trending of IAP for accurate clinical decision making. Studies that involve IAP measurements should describe the patient's body position so that these values may be properly interpreted.

The effect of different reference transducer positions on intra-abdominal pressure measurement: a multicenter analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different reference transducer positions on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement. Three reference levels were studied: the symphysis pubis; the phlebostatic axis; and the midaxillary line at the level of the iliac crest. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: The intensive care units of participating hospitals PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-two critically ill patients at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). INTERVENTIONS: In each patient, three sets of IAP measurements were obtained in the supine position, using the different reference levels. The IAP measurements obtained at the different reference levels were compared using a paired t-test and Bland-Altman statistics were calculated. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: IAP(phlebostatic) (9.9 +/- 4.67 mmHg) and IAP(pubis) (8.4 +/- 4.60 mmHg) were significantly lower that IAP(midax) (12.2 +/- 4.66 mmHg; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). The bias between the IAP(midax) and IAP(pubis) was 3.8 mmHg (95% CI 3.5-4.1) and 2.3 mmHg (95% CI 1.9-2.6) between the IAP(midax) and the IAP(phlebostatic). The precision was 3.03 and 3.40, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the supine position, IAP(midax) is higher than both IAP(phlebostatic) and IAP(pubis), differences found to be clinically significant; therefore, the symphysis pubis or phlebostatic axis reference lines are not interchangeable with the midaxillary level.

Anestesia para el trasplante renal: revision / Anesthesia for renal transplant: revision

Se analizan en forma retrospectiva las historias clinicas y los registros de anestesia para realizar 40 trasplantes renales entre Abril de 1985 y Abril de 1989. Los pacientes estaban sometidos a hemodialisis periodica, representativos de una fase final de falla renal cronica con un alto indice de alteraciones cardiovasculares y bioquimico, seleccionado para trasplante renal intrafamiliar y de cadaver, segun protocolo por su compabilidad inmunologica, edad, estado clinico, consentimiento familiar y condiciones anatomo-quirurgicos de donantes y receptores. La mayoria recibio anestesia general con barbiturico intravenoso, relajante muscular, agentes inhalatorios con suplemento narcotico, otros en menor numero, anestesia raquidea o peridural y en pequena proporcion una combinacion de las tecnicas. No ocurrieron decesos intraoperatorios, una muerte postoperatoria en recuperar se atribuyo a diuresis excesiva y profunda hipokalemia; no se presentaron complicaciones cardiovasculares y respiratorias inmediatas. Un pequeno numero de pacientes requirio nuevos procesos anestesicos inmediatos y taridos por sospecha de rechazo agudo compresion o torsion venosa y arterial, obstruccion ureteral, coagulos sanguineos vesicales o fistulas del trayecto uretero-vesical. A dos enfermos se les retiro tardiamente el injerto trasplantado