Furosemide Stress Test and Renal Resistive Index for Prediction of Severity of Acute Kidney Injury in Sepsis.

Introduction The furosemide stress test (FST) predicts the severity and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI). The renal resistive index (RRI) indicates renal vascular resistance. Objectives The primary objective was to find the correlation between FST and RRI in S-AKI. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the role of FST and RRI on the progression of S-AKI. Methods A total of 154 consenting adult patients with S-AKI were administered FST. Renal echography was performed within the first 12 hours of admission, and RRI was calculated. The patients were grouped either into progressors or non-progressors to AKI-KDIGO stage 3. Results Of the patients who had RRI at Day 1 less than 0.73, 60% recovered, 34.3% needed RRT, and 35.5% died, whereas in those who had RRI at Day 1 greater than 0.73, only 22% recovered, 46.6% required RRT, and 51.6% died. RRI value of 0.73 predicted the need for RRT with a sensitivity of 35.1%, specificity of 80.4% and accuracy of 69.1%. The highest number of patients of KDIGO stage 3 (50%), followed by stage 2 (28.1%) and stage 1 (21.9%), presented technical difficulties in measuring the RRI. Conclusion FST is an economical and easily administered test to assess renal tubular function and can predict the occurrence and progression of S-AKI. RRI is a modest marker for predicting the need for RRT or persistent AKI.

Monocyte HLADR and Immune Dysregulation Index as Biomarkers for COVID-19 Severity and Mortality.

Immune dysregulation in COVID-19 is the major causal factor associated with disease progression and mortality. Role of monocyte HLA-DR (mHLA-DR), neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) and Immune dysregulation index (IDI) were studied in COVID-19 patients for assessing severity and outcome. Results were compared with other laboratory parameters. Antibody bound per cell for mHLA-DR, nCD64 and IDI were measured in 100 COVID-19 patients by flow cytometry within 12 h of hospital admission. Thirty healthy controls (HC) were included. Clinical and laboratory parameters like C - reactive protein (CRP), Procalcitonin (PCT), Absolute Lymphocyte count (ALC), Absolute Neutrophil count (ANC) and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were recorded. Patients were followed up until recovery with discharge or death. Parameters from 54 mild (MCOV-19), 46 severe (SCOV-19) and 30 HC were analysed. mHLA-DR revealed significant and graded down regulation in MCOV-19 and SCOV-19 as compared to HC whereas IDI was lowest in HC with increasing values in MCOV-19 and SCOV-19. For diagnostic discrimination of MCOV-19 and SCOV-19, IDI revealed highest AUC (0.99). All three immune parameters revealed significant difference between survivors (n = 78) and non-survivors (n = 22). mHLA-DR < 7010 and IDI > 12 had significant association with mortality. Four best performing parameters to identify patients with SCOV-19 at higher risk of mortality were IDI, NLR, ALC and PCT. mHLA-DR and IDI, in addition to NLR and ALC at admission and during hospital stay can be utilized for patient triaging, monitoring, early intervention, and mortality prediction. IDI reported for the first time in this study, appears most promising. Immune monitoring of 'in hospital' cases may provide optimized treatment options. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12291-022-01087-z.

Evaluation of the efficacy of Superior Cluneal Nerve Block in low back pain: A prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Superior cluneal nerve (SCN) entrapment giving rise to low back pain (LBP) remains undiagnosed many times; in this clinical study authors have evaluated therapeutic role of lidocaine injection of SCN for low back pain relief in patients with SCN entrapment. METHODS: The present study was a prospective, observational study; 25 patients with unilateral LBP over the iliac crest and buttock for more than six months not responding to conservative measures were included in this clinical trial. SCN lidocaine injection was done under fluoroscopy guidance; patients having more than 50% reduction in numeric rating scale (NRS) score, for at least 2 h following SCN injection, were enrolled in the study and followed for 6 months. The primary outcome measure was severity of LBP, measured by NRS score. Secondary outcome measures were percentage pain relief; Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, reduction of analgesic usage, DSM-IV score for psychological assessment. All these assessments were done prior to the procedure and at 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the NRS scores was observed at 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months after SCN lidocaine injection as compared to the baseline (P value < 0.05); authors also observed a significant pain relief and significantly reduced ODI scores, analgesic consumption and DSM scores compared to the baseline values (P value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A single SCN lidocaine injection provided significant pain relief in LBP patients with SCN entrapment for a period of 6 months.

Leukoerythroblastosis - An unsusal presentation of COVID 19 infection.

Objectives: Although several peripheral blood abnormalities have been reported in COVID 19,Leukoerythroblastosis is an unusual finding. We report 33 COVID19 cases presenting with leukoerythroblastosis. We intend to describe its incidence in this novel viral infection and correlate it with the clinical outcome. Methods: It is a Prospective study done at a Level 3 COVID 19 hospital of LUCKNOW, INDIA. Hematologic test records of day 1 of admission of COVID 19 cases admitted from 20th August 2020 to 30th September 2020 were reviewed. Peripheral blood smear examination was performed on test results that were flagged for abnormalities. Leukoerythroblastosis was reported when the smears showed presence of granulocyte left shift and nucleated red blood cells. Follow up smears were examined on Day 7. The findings were correlated with the clinical outcome. Results: Out of 274 slides reviewed, 33 (12%) showed a leukoerythroblastic picture on day 1 of admission. Follow up smears on day 7 were available in 76% (25/33) cases. The follow up smears showed improvement in 13 cases, worsening in 9 cases and no changes in 3 cases. There were total 19 (58%) deaths. 12 patients (36%) recovered and 2 patients (6%) were shifted to other hospitals whose further follow up was not available. Conclusions: Leukoerythroblastosis is an unusual presentation of COVID 19. Although rare, this peripheral blood abnormality can provide insight into the underlying pathophysiologic processes. Furthermore, it seems to be an adverse prognostic factor, so examination of follow up smears may help clinicians and intensivists to make prompt management decisions.

Prevention of epidural catheter migration: a comparative evaluation of two tunneling techniques.

BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia failure episodes can be reduced by catheter fixation techniques with a lower incidence of catheter migration. In this clinical study, we compared the roles of two epidural catheter tunneling techniques for the prevention of epidural catheter migration. METHODS: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomized into three groups of 50 patients each based on the method used to secure the epidural catheter. In the control group (CG), the epidural catheter was secured without tunneling. Tunneling groups 1 and 2 (TG1 and TG2) were defined as tunneling with and without a catheter loop, respectively. The primary outcome measure was the migration of the epidural catheter, while the secondary outcome measures were the adequacy of analgesia and signs of inflammation. All patients were followed up by the acute pain service team twice daily in the postoperative period until the epidural catheter was removed. The results were analyzed by the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. P values <0.050 were considered significant. RESULTS: The three groups were similar with respect to patient characteristics. Catheter migration was significantly reduced in TG2 (two patients) compared to those in the other two groups, i.e., TG1 (eight patients) (P = 0.045) and CG (17 patients) (P = 0.001). No differences were found amongst the three groups in analgesia adequacy and catheter site inflammation (P > 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Catheter migration was significantly reduced by tunneling without a catheter loop in TG2 as compared to the other two groups. Therefore, we suggest routine use of tunneling without a catheter loop technique in anesthesia practice and look forward to future studies with larger sample sizes.

Comparative Study of Effects of Intraoperative Use of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure, Intermittent Recruitment Maneuver, and Conventional Ventilation on Pulmonary Functions during long-Duration Laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: With an increase in the duration of general anesthesia, there is a gradual deterioration in pulmonary functions. Intraoperative atelectasis is the major cause of deterioration in pulmonary functions. This study was performed to compare and determine the best ventilatory strategy among conventional ventilation, application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and intermittent recruitment maneuver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients were divided into three groups each of 25 patients. In the first group (zero positive end-expiratory pressure [ZEEP]), we have applied zero PEEP intraoperatively. In the second group (PEEP), we have applied PEEP of 6 cm of H2O. In the third group (intermittent lung recruitment maneuver [IRM]), we have done intermittent recruitment maneuver intraoperatively. Pulmonary functions were analyzed by partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio (P/F) and static lung compliance (Cstat). RESULTS: While comparing the mean P/F ratio between the groups, a significant decrease in P/F ratio of the ZEEP group was found from 90 min after induction up till the end (i. e. 24 h after extubation) of our observations as compared to both the PEEP and IRM groups. However, it did not differ (P > 0.05) between the PEEP and IRM groups at all time points on statistical analysis. On comparing the mean of Cstat between the groups, there was a significant decrease in lung compliance of the ZEEP group as compared to both the PEEP and IRM groups at all time points. However, like P/F ratio, compliance was also found to be statistically insignificant between the PEEP and IRM groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary functions are relatively preserved with application of either PEEP or doing intermittent recruitment maneuver.

Comparison of Orotracheal versus Nasotracheal Fiberoptic Intubation Using Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients with Anticipated Difficult Airway.

BACKGROUND: Both nasal and oral routes can be used for fiberoptic intubation. Often it leads to hemodynamic disturbances, which may have a significant effect in patients with limited cardiopulmonary reserve as well as with cerebrovascular diseases. AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether there is a clinically relevant difference between the circulatory responses to oral and nasal fiberoptic intubation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, randomized, and comparative study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a total of 90 patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I and II of either sex in the age group of 18-60 years and having anticipated difficult airway (DA) posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups. Patients underwent fiberoptic intubation via either oral or nasal route under sevoflurane anesthesia with bispectral index guidance. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), time taken to intubation, and need of maneuver were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: All the analyses were carried out on SPSS 16.0 version (Inc., Chicago, USA). Mean and standard deviation were calculated. The test of analysis between two groups was done by unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Demographic and DA characteristics were similar in both the groups. Significantly (P < 0.01) lesser alteration in HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP was seen in oral fiberoptic intubation when compared to nasal fiberoptic intubation in the early phase of postintubation. Time taken to intubation was also significantly (P < 0.01) lesser in the oral route compared to the nasal route. CONCLUSIONS: Oral fiberoptic intubation causes less hemodynamic alteration and takes less time in comparison to nasal fiberoptic intubation.

A Study of Vitamin D Level in Critically Ill Patients and Effect of Supplementation on Clinical Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Supplementation of Vitamin-D in Vitamin-D deficient patients may reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients in ICU. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate serum level of Vitamin-D in critically ill patients and supplementation of vitamin-D in deficient patients and finally to compare clinical outcomes between two groups. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Randomized, prospective and comparative study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, serum vitamin-D level was investigated in recruited patients and vitamin-D deficient patients were randomly allocated into two groups viz; group-1, group-2. Vitamin-D (sachet CALCIROL 60,000 IU) supplementation was done once a week and twice a week in in group-1 and group-2 respectively, clinical outcomes between two groups were compared in terms of length of ICU stay, need for inotropic support, need for mechanical ventilation and 28 days ICU mortality. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mean and standard deviation were calculated. Test of analysis between two groups was done by t-test and then P value was calculated. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between two groups whether vitamin D supplementation done once or twice weekly (P = 0.24) in terms of length of ICU stay. Patients of group-2 required significantly less inotropic support as compared to group-1 (P = 0.037). There was no significant difference found in duration of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.138) and 28 days ICU mortality (P = 0.284). CONCLUSION: From the above results we concluded that vitamin D supplementation in high dosages may be started in all critically ill patients, who are deficient in serum vitamin D level to get better clinical outcomes.

Effect of use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula during Fiberoptic Intubation under General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Oxygenation by high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is being widely studied in the intensive care unit and operation theater settings. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of HFNC during fiberoptic intubation in terms of time taken and ease of intubation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, and controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we have recruited 40 patients according to the inclusion criteria (patient's body mass index [BMI] >22.99 kg.m-2 and patients with a history of stridor and/or obstructive sleep apnea) and after randomization divided them into two groups of 20 each - Group C: Intubation done with conventional fiberoptic after muscle relaxation and Group S: Intubation done with high flow nasal cannula during fiberoptic after muscle relaxation. We have observed and compared between the groups time taken for intubation, oxygen saturation during fiberoptic intubation, need of jaw thrust and difficulty in gliding endotracheal tube over fiberscope. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in time taken for intubation, oxygen saturation, and need of jaw thrust (P > 0.05). We have found a significant difference in gliding of endotracheal tube over fiberscope (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found high flow nasal cannula better and beneficial in patients with high BMI and having a history of stridor/obstructive sleep apnea for fiberoptic intubation after muscle relaxation.

Comparative Evaluation of Continuous Thoracic Paravertebral Block and Thoracic Epidural Analgesia Techniques for Post-operative Pain Relief in Patients Undergoing Open Nephrectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Open surgical procedures are associated with substantial postoperative pain; an alternative method providing adequate pain relief with minimal side effects is very much required. AIM: The aim of this study was a comparative evaluation of the efficacy of continuous thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) and thoracic epidural analgesia (EA) for postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing open nephrectomy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, and single-blind study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult patients undergoing open nephrectomy under general anesthesia were randomized to receive a continuous thoracic epidural infusion (Group E) or continuous thoracic paravertebral infusion (Group P) with bupivacaine 0.1% with 1 µg/ml fentanyl at 7 ml/h; both infusions were started after induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome measures were postoperative pain during rest (static pain), deep inspiration, coughing, and movement (getting up from supine to sitting position); the secondary outcome measures were postoperative nausea and vomiting, requirement of rescue antiemetic, hypotension, sedation, pruritus, motor block, and respiratory depression. These were assessed till the morning of the third postoperative day. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Results were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Both the groups were similar with regard to demographic factors (P > 0.05). The visual analog scale scores at rest, deep breathing, coughing and movement, and postoperative fentanyl consumption were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05); the incidence of side effects was also similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous thoracic PVB is as effective as continuous thoracic EA in providing pain relief in patients undergoing open nephrectomy in the postoperative period. The side effect profile of the two techniques was also similar.

Comparative Evaluation of Volatile Anaesthetic Agents for Attenuation of Venous Cannulation Pain: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Topical application of volatile anaesthetic agents has been found to attenuate the response to a mechanical stimulus; however, this effect of volatile anaesthetic on perception of pain during venous cannulation is not known. AIM: To compare the efficacy of topically administered volatile anaesthetic agents for attenuating venous cannulation pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, placebo controlled and double blind study was conducted on 120 patients, aged 20-60years. They were of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I or II physical status, of either sex, planned for elective surgeries. These patients were randomized into 4 groups, of 30 each. Equipotent doses of halothane (1ml), isoflurane (1.5ml), sevoflurane (2.7ml) and sterile water (2.5ml; Control) were topically administered on the volar surface of forearm wrapped with cotton and aluminium foil; venous cannulation was performed with 18G intravenous cannula after 30 min. These patients were assessed for the incidence and severity of pain upon venous cannulation {visual analog scale (VAS), 0-100mm; 0 = no pain and 100 = worst imaginable pain}. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA, Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The p<0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the incidence of venous cannulation pain was observed in the halothane (79%) group as compared to control (100%; p<0.05), isoflurane (100%; p<0.05) and sevoflurane (100%; p<0.05) groups. The severity of venous cannulation pain as assessed by median (interquartile range, Q1-Q3). VAS scores was reduced in the halothane {10 (10-20); p<0.001}, isoflurane {20 (10-30); p<0.001} and sevoflurane {20 (20-30); p<0.001} groups as compared to the control group {40 (30-40)}; VAS score in the halothane group was significantly less as compared to isoflurane (p<0.05) and sevoflurane (p<0.05) groups. CONCLUSION: Topical application of halothane is most effective in reducing incidence and severity of venous cannulation pain; however, topical application of isoflurane and sevoflurane decreases only the severity of venous cannulation pain.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Rare Complication in Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Cerebral edema (CE) and non cardiogenic pulmonary edema (acute respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS) are life-threatening complications of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In contrast to CE complicating DKA, which is primarily reported in pediatric patients, ARDS is rarely described in this age group. Here, the authors present a child with DKA who developed both cerebral edema and ARDS during the course of her management. It is feasible that severe acidosis, hypotension, azotemia, hypoalbuminemia and the superimposed aggressive intravenous fluid administration were important risk factors for the development of cerebral edema and ARDS in the index patient. The report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive therapy in the management of ARDS, and summarizes the published literature on this rarely reported complication of pediatric DKA.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Methylprednisolone, Etoricoxib and a Combination of the Two Substances to Attenuate Postoperative Pain and PONV in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Establishment of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an outpatient procedure has accentuated the clinical importance of reducing early postoperative pain, as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We therefore planned to evaluate the role of a multimodal approach in attenuating these problems. METHODS: One hundred and twenty adult patients of ASA physical status I and II and undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients were divided into four groups of 30 each to receive methylprednisolone 125 mg intravenously or etoricoxib 120 mg orally or a combination of methylprednisolone 125 mg intravenously and etoricoxib 120 mg orally or a placebo 1 hr prior to surgery. Patients were observed for postoperative pain, fentanyl consumption, PONV, fatigue and sedation, and respiratory depression. Results were analyzed by the ANOVA, a Chi square test, the Mann Whitney U test and by Fisher's exact test. P values of less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. RESULTS: Postoperative pain and fentanyl consumption were significantly reduced by methylprednisolone, etoricoxib and their combination when compared with placebo (P<0.05). The methylprednisolone + etoricoxib combination caused a significant reduction in postoperative pain and fentanyl consumption as compared to methylprednisolone or etoricoxib alone (P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the methylprednisolone and etoricoxib groups (P>0.05). The methylprednisolone and methylprednisolone + etoricoxib combination significantly reduced the incidence and severity of PONV and fatigue as well as the total number of patients requiring an antiemetic treatment compared to the placebo and etoricoxib (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative single-dose administration of a combination of methylprednisolone and etoricoxib reduces postoperative pain along with fentanyl consumption, PONV, antiemetic requirements and fatigue more effectively than methylprednisolone or etoricoxib alone or a placebo.

¹77Lu-EDTMP for treatment of bone pain in patients with disseminated skeletal metastases.

UNLABELLED: (177)Lu-labeled ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonic acid ((177)Lu-EDTMP) is an agent that concentrates in areas of enhanced osteoblastic activity. The potential of (177)Lu-EDTMP for palliation of metastatic bone pain has been documented in the recent literature. The objective of the present work was to study the efficacy and safety of the agent after administration to a limited number of patients. METHODS: Ten patients (median age, 68.5 y) with disseminated skeletal metastases received a single bolus infusion of (177)Lu-EDTMP (3.7 GBq). All patients had painful bone metastases in more than one anatomic region that were not relieved by narcotic analgesics. The efficacy of the agent was studied by following pain scores assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 wk after therapy, by using Karnofsky indices and mobility scores, and by determining the requirement for analgesics at baseline and 4 wk after therapy. The toxicity of the agent was assessed by analyzing complete blood counts. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the mean pain score was noted in all patients. The initial mean pain score of 8.44 dropped to 5.73 within 1 mo of treatment. Six patients who required analgesics for pain management had either reduced or completely withdrawn from their use by 4 wk. Compared with initial scans, scans obtained 1 mo after therapy also showed a decreased uptake of the radiotracer. The mobility scores of all patients were higher at 4 wk. The mean Karnofsky performance score of all patients was initially 45 and increased markedly to 69 at 4 wk. None of the patients experienced blood-related toxicity. CONCLUSION: (177)Lu-EDTMP, with only low bone marrow toxicity, provided significant pain relief to patients and considerably increased their mobility, resulting in an overall improvement in the quality of life. The results of the preliminary clinical studies indicate that (177)Lu-EDTMP can be considered an effective and safe therapeutic radiopharmaceutical for pain palliation of patients with disseminated skeletal disease.