The Impact of CoronaVac Vaccination on 28-day Mortality Rate of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 in Türkiye.

Background: Vaccines against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have been effective in preventing symptomatic diseases, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. However, data regarding the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing mortality among critically ill patients with COVID-19 remains unclear. Aims: To determine the vaccination status and investigate the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on the 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Study Design: Multicenter prospective observational clinical study. Methods: This study was conducted in 60 hospitals with ICUs managing critically ill patients with COVID-19. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to the ICU were included. The present study had two phases. The first phase was designed as a one-day point prevalence study, and demographic and clinical findings were evaluated. In the second phase, the 28-day mortality was evaluated. Results: As of August 11, 2021, 921 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.42 ± 16.74 years, and 48.6% (n = 448) were female. Among the critically ill patients with COVID-19, 52.6% (n = 484) were unvaccinated, 7.7% (n = 71) were incompletely vaccinated, and 39.8% (n = 366) were fully vaccinated. A subgroup analysis of 817 patients who were unvaccinated (n = 484) or who had received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine (n = 333) was performed. The 28-day mortality rate was 56.8% (n = 275) and 57.4% (n = 191) in the unvaccinated and two-dose CoronaVac groups, respectively. The 28-day mortality was associated with age, hypertension, the number of comorbidities, type of respiratory support, and APACHE II and sequential organ failure assessment scores (p < 0.05). The odds ratio for the 28-day mortality among those who had received two doses of CoronaVac was 0.591 (95% confidence interval: 0.413-0.848) (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Vaccination with at least two doses of CoronaVac within six months significantly decreased mortality in vaccinated patients than in unvaccinated patients.

Evaluation of rescue techniques following failed laryngoscopy: A multicenter prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The Fourth National Audit Project revealed that severe airway complications occur in the frequency of 1/22,000. Various rescue techniques were recommended in difficult airway guidelines. This study aims to evaluate the rescue techniques following failed direct laryngoscopy and analyze the success rates and potential complications during difficult airway management. METHODS: This was a multicenter and prospective observational study carried out in four referral centers. Four academic university hospitals using fiberoptic bronchoscopy and videolaryngoscopy in their daily practice were included in the study. Patients undergoing general anesthesia with anticipated or unanticipated difficult intubation were enrolled. The preferred rescue technique and the attempts for both direct and indirect laryngoscopies were recorded. RESULTS: At the mean age of 46.58±21.19 years, 92 patients were analyzed. The most common rescue technique was videolaryngoscopy following failed direct laryngoscopy. Glidescope was the most preferred videolaryngoscope. Anesthesia residents performed most of the first tracheal intubation attempts, whereas anesthesia specialists performed the second attempts at all centers. The experience of the first performer as a resident was significantly higher in the anticipated difficult airway group (4.0±5.5 years) (p=0.045). The number of attempts with the first rescue technique was 2.0±2.0 and 1.0±1.0 in the unanticipated difficult airway and anticipated difficult airway groups, respectively (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Videolaryngoscopy was a more commonly preferred technique for both anticipated and unanticipated difficult intubations. Glidescope was the most used rescue device in difficult intubations after failed direct laryngoscopy, with a high success rate.

[Erector spinae plane block for a pediatric patient undergoing thoracotomy]. / Torakotomi yapilan pediyatrik bir hastada erektör spina plan bloku.

We aimed to share our experience with erector spina plan block for postoperative analgesia after hydatid cyst operation in a six-year-old girl. Erector spina plan block is a new interfasial block defined by Forero in 2016. It has been reported that it can be used effectively in many different indications. Ultrasound guided erector spina plan block is a method that can be applied for postoperative analgesia after thoracotomy.

A comparison of angled (D-Blade) and Macintosh (C-MAC) videolaryngoscopes for simulated pediatric difficult airway: a randomized single-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Being prepared for difficult airway (DA) is nevertheless of great importance. Failed or delayed tracheal intubation (TI) can increase morbidity and mortality, and the pediatric population is more prone to hypoxia. With the development of different types of videolaryngoscope (VL), these have become the device of choice in patients with DA. Our primary aim was to compare intubation times with D-blade and Macintosh blade of Storz C-MAC in a simulated pediatric DA scenario with this randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Children aged 1-5 years scheduled for elective surgery were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: the D-Blade (n = 20) and MAC (n = 21) groups. All children underwent inhalational induction, and a neuromuscular relaxant was routinely administered (rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg-1). After the appropriate size of semirigid foam neck collar had been positioned around the patient's neck, the D-Blade group patients were intubated using a size 2 D-Blade, and the MAC group patients used a size 2 VL Macintosh blade. Intubation, time was measured. Patients' modified Cormack-Lehane system scores (MCLS), pre and postintubation blood pressure values and heart rates, and complications during intubation were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between the groups. There were also no significant differences in pre and postintubation heart rates, blood pressure, or SpO2 values (p > 0.05 for all). Mean intubation times for the MAC and D-Blade groups were 12.14 ± 2.79 s and 18.31 ± 10.86 s, respectively (p = 0.022). MCLS scores were lower in the D-Blade group (p = 0.030).

[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.

Factors affecting the attitudes and opinions of ICU physicians regarding end-of-life decisions for their patients and themselves: A survey study from Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Turkey is constitutionally secular with a Muslim majority. There is no legal basis for limiting life-support at the end-of-life (EOL) in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the opinions and attitudes of intensive care unit (ICU) physicians regarding EOL decisions, for both their patients and themselves, and to evaluate if the physicians' demographic and professional variables predicted the attitudes of physicians toward EOL decisions. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to national critical care societies' members. Physicians' opinions were sought concerning legalization of EOL decisions for terminally ill patients or by patient-request regardless of prognosis. Participants physicians' views on who should make EOL decisions and when they should occur were determined. Participants were also asked if they would prefer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or intubation/mechanical ventilation (MV) personally if they had terminal cancer. RESULTS: A total of 613 physicians responded. Religious beliefs had no effect on the physicians' acceptance of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) / do-not-intubate (DNI) orders for terminally ill patients, but atheism, was found to be an independent predictor of approval of DNR/DNI in cases of patient request (p<0.05). While medical experience (≥6 years in the ICU) was the independent predictor for the physicians' approval of DNI decisions on patient demand, the volume of terminal patients in ICUs (between 10-50% per year) where they worked was an independent predictor of physicians' approval of DNI for terminal patients. When asked to choose personal options in an EOL scenario (including full code, only DNR, only DNI, both DNR and DNI, and undecided), younger physicians (30-39 years) were more likely to prefer the "only DNR" option compared with physicians aged 40-49 years (p<0.05) for themselves and age 30-39 was an independent predictor of individual preference for "only DNR" at the hypothetical EOL. Physicians from an ICU with <10% terminally ill patients were less likely to prefer "DNR" or "DNR and DNI" options for themselves at EOL compared with physicians who worked in ICUs with a higher (>50%) terminally ill patient ratio (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Most ICU physicians did not want legalization of DNR and DNI orders, based solely on patient request. Even if EOL decision-making were legal in Turkey, this attitude may conflict with patient autonomy. The proportion of terminally ill patients in the ICU appears to affect physicians' attitudes to EOL decisions, both for their patients and by personal preference, an association which has not been previously reported.

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.

Comparison of forced-air warming systems in prevention of intraoperative hypothermia.

In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of forced-air warming upper body blankets and forced-air warming underbody blankets on intraoperative hypothermia in patients who were planned to undergo open abdominal surgical operations in which extensive heat loss occurs. This prospective and randomized study included 92 patients who would undergo lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized by closed envelope method and divided into two groups. Group I (n:46) included the patients who would receive warming with forced-air warming upper body blanket, and Group II (n:46) consisted of the patients who received warming with forced-air warming underbody blanket. Central body temperature was recorded by measuring with a temperature probe placed in distal esophagus. Demographic data, amount of fentanyl, crystalloid and blood products used, duration of operation, type of operation, hemodynamic parameters, shivering and thermal damage information were recorded. There was not any statistically significant difference among the patients in terms of demographic data, amount of fentanyl, crystalloid and blood products used, duration and type of operation and hemodynamic parameters. No difference was found between the groups in terms of body temperatures (Group I:36.1 °C, Group II:36.3 °C, respectively) (P > 0.05). Forced air warming underbody blanket can be as effective as forced-air warming upper body blankets in preventing intraoperative hypothermia. They can be alternative in cases where use of forced-air warming upper body blankets is not feasible.

Face-to-face tracheal intubation in adult patients: a comparison of the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices.

PURPOSE: Airway management in emergency settings can be difficult due to limited access to the patient. The use of video laryngoscopes along with the Fastrach™ device improves tracheal intubation; however, the use of such devices in a face-to-face intubation model has not been evaluated in adult patients. METHODS: After obtaining official approval from the Local Research Ethics Committee and written informed consent from the patients, 120 patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. The patients were ASA I and ASA II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System. Rocuronium was administered for neuromuscular blockade following standard anesthesia monitoring and induction. The patients were divided into three groups (40 patients per group) and their tracheas were intubated via a face-to-face approach with the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ or Fastrach™ devices. RESULTS: The intubation success rates of the Airtraq™, Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices were similar (100, 98 and 90 %; p = 0.07). The insertion time for the Airtraq™ [8.5 (6-11) s] was the shortest followed by the Glidescope™ [11 (7-19) s] and the Fastrach™ [16.5 (14.3-21.8) s; p < 0.001]. The intubation time for the Airtraq™ [14 (10.3-18.8) s] was shorter than the Glidescope™ [25 (18-45) s], and Fastrach™ devices [46.5 (40-65) s; p < 0.001]. The Glidescope™ device required a greater number of optimization maneuvers (p = 0.009) and intubation attempts than the Airtraq™ (p = 0.004). Esophageal intubation (p = 0.001) and mucosal damage were more common in the Fastrach™ group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The Airtraq™ device provided faster insertion and intubation times and enabled better Cormack-Lehane grades. Additionally, the Airtraq™ device required the minimum number of optimization maneuvers and was associated with fewer complications and fewer intubation attempts than the Glidescope™ and Fastrach™ devices during face-to-face tracheal intubation.