Prognostic Impact of Early Versus Late Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy Based on Early Warning Algorithm in Critical Care Patients With Acute Kidney Injury.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of early vs. late initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), defined by clinical information system (CIS) software using an early warning algorithm based on acute kidney injury network (AKIN) stages, on survival outcome of critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Of 1144 patients (mean [SD] age: 61.3 [17.9] years, 57.7% were males) hospitalized in ICU over a 2-year-period from January 2016 to December 2017, a total of 272 patients who had developed AKI requiring CRRT were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Data on patient demographics (age, gender), reason for ICU hospitalization, AKIN stage, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, indications for CRRT, and time of CRRT initiation with respect to AKIN early warning algorithm were retrieved from hospital records and the CIS software database. Survivorship status was assessed based on total, in-hospital and 90-day post-discharge mortality rates and analyzed with respect to CRRT onset before vs. after AKIN alarm. CRRT was initiated before the AKIN alarm in 41(15.0%) patients, and after the AKIN alarm in 231(85.0%) patients involving treatment within 0-24 h of alarm in 146 (63.2%) patients and within 24-120 h of alarm in 85 (36.8%) patients. Mortality occurred in 175 (64.3%) patients involving 25 (61.0%) out of 41 patients who received CRRT before AKIN alarm and 150 (64.9%) out of 231 patients who received CRRT after AKIN alarm. Mortality rate was significantly higher in those who received CRRT 24-120 h vs. 0-24 h after the AKIN alarm (82.4% vs. 54.8%, P < 0.001). Pre- and post-CRRT SOFA scores were significantly lower in patients who received CRRT 0-24 h vs. 24-120 h after the AKIN alarm (P = 0.009 and P = 0.004, respectively), while pre-CRRT APACHE II scores were significantly lower in patients who received CRRT before vs. after the AKIN alarm (P = 0.008). In conclusion, our findings indicate the potential role of using AKIN stage-based early warning system in guiding time to start CRRT and improved survival in critically ill patients with AKI, provided that the CRRT was initiated within the early (first 24 h) of the alarming AKIN Stage II-III events. Future well-designed clinical trials addressing early vs. late initiation of CRRT in critical care patients with AKI are needed to find and answer to the ongoing controversy and help clinicians in refining their indications for starting CRRT.

DNA damage effects of inhalation anesthetics in human bronchoalveolar cells.

BACKGROUND: The main objective was to evaluate and compare the local genotoxicity of sevoflurane and desflurane in bronchoalveolar cells, while the secondary outcome was to detect systemic oxidative DNA damage. To our knowledge, our study is the first one to evaluate the local effects of inhalation anesthetics in human bronchoalveolar cells in patients. METHODS: American Society of Anesthesiologists group I-II patients scheduled for lumbar discectomy surgery were enrolled in this randomized prospective study. Patients were randomized to sevoflurane or desflurane for anesthesia maintenance. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples and peripheral blood samples were taken at 2-time points: the first point (baseline, T1); and the second point (postexposure, T2). Final number of 48 samples were the sevoflurane (n = 22) and desflurane (n = 26) groups. Comet assay was applied to examine genotoxic properties. Oxidative DNA damage in plasma was measured with 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). RESULTS: T2 values were higher than baseline values in both the desflurane group (tail-length: 66 ±â€Š24, %DNA in tail: 72 ±â€Š60, tail moment: 47.52 ±â€Š14.4; P = .001, P = .005, P = .001, respectively) and the sevoflurane group (tail-length: 58 ±â€Š33, %DNA in tail: 88 ±â€Š80, tail moment: 51.04 ±â€Š26.4; P = .001, P = .012, P = .001, respectively). T2 plasma 8-OHdG levels were also higher than baseline levels in the desflurane group (3.91 ±â€Š0.19 ng/ml vs 1.32 ±â€Š0.20 ng/ml, P = .001) and sevoflurane group (3.98 ±â€Š0.18 ng/ml vs 1.31 ±â€Š0.11 ng/ml, P = .001). There were no differences between the 2 groups in comet parameters and 8-OHdG levels. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that both inhalation agents cause DNA damage in the bronchoalveolar cells. Also, we detected increases in plasma 8-OHdG concentrations. Local genotoxicity and systemic oxidized DNA damage were similar in both groups.

The Effectiveness of Scoring Systems in the Prediction of Diagnosis-Based Mortality.

Scoring systems are used for mortality and morbidity rating in intensive care conditions, prognosis prediction, standardization of scientific data and the monitoring of clinical quality. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation), APACHE IV and SAPS (Simplified Acute Physiology Score) III prognostic scorings in the prediction of mortality and disease severity of patients admitted to the Anesthesia and Reanimation Clinic Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Bakirköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital according to general and specific diagnoses. A total of 1896 patient files were included in the study. With the exception of single system or head trauma patient groups, a statistically significant difference was found in the mortality prediction rates in all other diagnosis groups (P < 0.05). The discrimination calculated with AUROC fields was sufficient in all groups, and calibration was evaluated as good except for the neurological and neurosurgical patient group. In respect of standard mortality prediction, APACHE II and IV were good in cases of sepsis, and SAPS III made almost exact predictions for cardiovascular diseases, APACHE II for neurological diseases, and APACHE IV for gastrointestinal system diseases. From the results of this study, it was seen that different scoring systems vary in predictions according to the diagnoses, therefore, it can be recommended that the diagnosis should be taken into account more when applying scoring systems.

The Beneficial Effect of Hypnosis in Elective Cardiac Surgery: A Preliminary Study.

Background Single-session hypnosis has never been evaluated as a premedication technique in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of clinical hypnotherapy on perioperative anxiety, pain perception, sedation, and necessity for ventilator assistance in patients undergoing CABG. Methods Double-blind, randomized, clinical trial was performed. Forty-four patients undergoing CABG surgery were randomized into two groups. The patients in group A received preprocedural hypnosis by an anesthesiologist. Patients in group B (control) had only information on the surgical intervention by the same anesthesiologist. State-Trait-Anxiety Index-I (STAI-I) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were performed preoperatively in both groups. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) were evaluated on 0th, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, and 24th hours, postoperatively. Postoperative anxiety level, analgesic drug consumption, and duration of ventilator assistance and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were also documented. Results When anxiety and depression levels were compared, significantly lower STA-I and BDI values were detected in group A after hypnotherapy (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Significantly less total doses of remifentanil (34.4 ± 11.4 vs. 50.0 ± 13.6 mg) and morphine (4.9 ± 3.3 vs. 13.6 ± 2.7 mg) were administered in group A in the postoperative period. Ventilator assistance duration (6.8 ± 2.0 vs. 8.9 ± 2.7 hours) was also shorter in group A when compared with that in group B (p = 0.007). Conclusion Hypnosis session prior to surgery was an effective complementary method in decreasing presurgical anxiety, and it resulted in better pain control as well as reduced ventilator assistance following CABG surgery.

Hypnosis for sedation in transesophageal echocardiography: a comparison with midazolam.

BACKGROUND: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), being a displeasing intervention, usually entails sedation. We aimed to compare the effects of hypnosis and midazolam for sedation in TEE. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A prospective single-blinded study conducted on patients scheduled for TEE between April 2011 and July 2011 at a university in Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: A total of 41 patients underwent sedation using midazolam and 45 patients underwent hypnosis. Patients were given the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) test for anxiety and continuous performance test (CPT) for alertness before and after the procedure. The difficulty of probing and the overall procedure rated by the cardiologist and satisfaction scores of the patients were also documented. RESULTS: Anxiety was found to be less and attention more in the hypnosis group, as revealed by STAI and CPT test scores (P < .05 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Hypnosis proved to be associated with positive therapeutic outcomes for TEE with regard to alleviation of anxiety and maintenance of vigilance, thus providing more satisfaction compared to sedation with midazolam.

[Monitorization of the effects of spinal anaesthesia on cerebral oxygen saturation in elder patients using near-infrared spectroscopy]. / Monitoramento dos efeitos da raquianestesia sobre a saturação de oxigênio cerebral em pacientes idosos com o uso de espectroscopia de luz próxima ao infravermelho.

OBJECTIVE: Central blockage provided by spinal anaesthesia enables realization of many surgical procedures, whereas hemodynamic and respiratory changes influence systemic oxygen delivery leading to the potential development of series of problems such as cerebral ischemia, myocardial infarction and acute renal failure. This study was intended to detect potentially adverse effects of hemodynamic and respiratory changes on systemic oxygen delivery using cerebral oxymetric methods in patients who underwent spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: Twenty-five ASA I-II Group patients aged 65-80 years scheduled for unilateral inguinal hernia repair under spinal anaesthesia were included in the study. Following standard monitorization baseline cerebral oxygen levels were measured using cerebral oximetric methods. Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT) was applied before and after the operation so as to determine the level of cognitive functioning of the cases. Using a standard technique and equal amounts of a local anaesthetic drug (15mg bupivacaine 5%) intratechal blockade was performed. Mean blood pressure (MBP), maximum heart rate (MHR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and cerebral oxygen levels (rSO2) were preoperatively monitored for 60min. Pre- and postoperative haemoglobin levels were measured. The variations in data obtained and their correlations with the cerebral oxygen levels were investigated. RESULTS: Significant changes in pre- and postoperative measurements of haemoglobin levels and SMMT scores and intraoperative SpO2 levels were not observed. However, significant variations were observed in intraoperative MBP, MHR and rSO2 levels. Besides, a correlation between variations in rSO2, MBP and MHR was determined. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the data obtained in the study demonstrated that post-spinal decline in blood pressure and also heart rate decreases systemic oxygen delivery and adversely effects cerebral oxygen levels. However, this downward change did not result in deterioration of cognitive functioning.

Monitorization of the effects of spinal anaesthesia on cerebral oxygen saturation in elder patients using near-infrared spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Central blockage provided by spinal anaesthesia enables realization of many surgical procedures, whereas hemodynamic and respiratory changes influence systemic oxygen delivery leading to the potential development of series of problems such as cerebral ischemia, myocardial infarction and acute renal failure. This study was intended to detect potentially adverse effects of hemodynamic and respiratory changes on systemic oxygen delivery using cerebral oxymetric methods in patients who underwent spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: Twenty-five ASA I-II Group patients aged 65-80 years scheduled for unilateral inguinal hernia repair under spinal anaesthesia were included in the study. Following standard monitorization baseline cerebral oxygen levels were measured using cerebral oximetric methods. Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT) was applied before and after the operation so as to determine the level of cognitive functioning of the cases. Using a standard technique and equal amounts of a local anaesthetic drug (15mg bupivacaine 5%) intratechal blockade was performed. Mean blood pressure (MBP), maximum heart rate (MHR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and cerebral oxygen levels (rSO2) were preoperatively monitored for 60min. Pre- and postoperative haemoglobin levels were measured. The variations in data obtained and their correlations with the cerebral oxygen levels were investigated. RESULTS: Significant changes in pre- and postoperative measurements of haemoglobin levels and SMMT scores and intraoperative SpO2 levels were not observed. However, significant variations were observed in intraoperative MBP, MHR and rSO2 levels. Besides, a correlation between variations in rSO2, MBP and MHR was determined. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the data obtained in the study demonstrated that post-spinal decline in blood pressure and also heart rate decreases systemic oxygen delivery and adversely effects cerebral oxygen levels. However, this downward change did not result in deterioration of cognitive functioning.

Monitorization of the effects of spinal anaesthesia on cerebral oxygen saturation in elder patients using near-infrared spectroscopy / Monitoramento dos efeitos da raquianestesia sobre a saturação de oxigênio cerebral em pacientes idosos com o uso de espectroscopia de luz próxima ao infravermelho / Monitorización de los efectos de la raquianestesia sobre la saturación de oxígeno cerebral en pacientes ancianos con el uso de espectroscopia de luz próxima al infrarrojo

OBJECTIVE: Central blockage provided by spinal anaesthesia enables realization of many surgical procedures, whereas hemodynamic and respiratory changes influence systemic oxygen delivery leading to the potential development of series of problems such as cerebral ischemia, myocardial infarction and acute renal failure. This study was intended to detect potentially adverse effects of hemodynamic and respiratory changes on systemic oxygen delivery using cerebral oxymetric methods in patients who underwent spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: Twenty-five ASA I-II Group patients aged 65-80 years scheduled for unilateral inguinal hernia repair under spinal anaesthesia were included in the study. Following standard monitorization baseline cerebral oxygen levels were measured using cerebral oximetric methods. Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT) was applied before and after the operation so as to determine the level of cognitive functioning of the cases. Using a standard technique and equal amounts of a local anaesthetic drug (15 mg bupivacaine 5%) intratechal blockade was performed. Mean blood pressure (MBP), maximum heart rate (MHR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and cerebral oxygen levels (rSO2) were preoperatively monitored for 60 min. Pre- and postoperative haemoglobin levels were measured. The variations in data obtained and their correlations with the cerebral oxygen levels were investigated. RESULTS: Significant changes in pre- and postoperative measurements of haemoglobin levels and SMMT scores and intraoperative SpO2 levels were not observed. However, significant variations were observed in intraoperative MBP, MHR and rSO2 levels. Besides, a correlation between variations in rSO2, MBP and MHR was determined. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the data obtained in the study demonstrated that post-spinal decline in blood pressure and also heart rate decreases systemic oxygen delivery and adversely effects cerebral oxygen levels. However, ...

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: o bloqueio central proporcionado pela raquianestesia possibilita a realização de muitos procedimentos cirúrgicos, enquanto as alterações hemodinâmicas e respiratórias influenciam a oferta de oxigênio sistêmico, levando ao desenvolvimento em potencial de uma série de problemas, como isquemia cerebral, infarto do miocárdio e insuficiência renal aguda. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar potenciais efeitos adversos das alterações hemodinâmicas e respiratórias sobre a oferta de oxigênio sistêmico, usando métodos oximétricos cerebrais em pacientes submetidos à raquianestesia. MÉTODOS: vinte e cinco pacientes, 65-80 anos de idade, estado físico ASA I-II, programados para correção de hérnia inguinal unilateral sob raquianestesia foram incluídos no estudo. De acordo com o monitoramento padrão, os níveis de oxigênio cerebral foram medidos no início do estudo usando métodos oximétricos cerebrais. O Mini Teste Padronizado do Estado Mental (Standardized Mini Mental Test - SMMT) foi aplicado antes e depois da operação para determinar o nível de funcionamento cognitivo dos casos. Usando uma técnica padrão e quantidades iguais de um fármaco anestésico local (15 mg de bupivacaína a 5%), o bloqueio intratecal foi realizado. Pressão arterial média (PAM), frequência cardíaca máxima (FCM), saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2) e níveis cerebrais de oxigênio (rSO2) foram monitorados no pré-operatório por 60 min. Os níveis pré- e pós-operatórios de hemoglobina foram medidos. As variações nos dados obtidos e suas correlações com os níveis cerebrais de oxigênio foram investigadas. RESULTADOS: não observamos ...

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVO: el bloqueo central proporcionado por la raquianestesia posibilita la realización de muchos procedimientos quirúrgicos, mientras que las alteraciones hemodinámicas y respiratorias influyen en la administración de oxígeno sistémico conllevando el desarrollo potencial de una serie de problemas, como la isquemia cerebral, el infarto de miocardio y la insuficiencia renal aguda. El objetivo de este estudio fue detectar potenciales efectos adversos de las alteraciones hemodinámicas y respiratorias sobre la administración de oxígeno sistémico, usando métodos oximétricos cerebrales en pacientes sometidos a la raquianestesia. MÉTODOS: veinticinco pacientes, entre 65 y 80 años de edad, estado físico ASA I-II, programados para la corrección de hernia inguinal unilateral bajo raquianestesia fueron incluidos en el estudio. De acuerdo con la monitorización estándar, los niveles de oxígeno cerebral fueron medidos al inicio del estudio usando métodos oximétricos cerebrales. El Mini Test Estandarizado del Estado Mental se aplicó antes y después de la operación para determinar el nivel de funcionamiento cognitivo de los casos. Usando una técnica estándar y cantidades iguales de un anestésico local (15 mg de bupivacaína al 5%), se realizó el bloqueo intratecal. La presión arterial media (PAM), frecuencia cardíaca máxima (FCM), saturación periférica de oxígeno (SpO2) y niveles cerebrales de oxígeno (rSO2) fueron monitorizados en el preoperatorio durante 60 min. Se midieron los niveles pre y postoperatorios de hemoglobina. Las variaciones en los datos obtenidos y sus correlaciones con los niveles cerebrales de oxígeno fueron investigadas. RESULTADOS: no observamos alteraciones significativas en las medidas de hemoglobina, puntuaciones ...

Comparison of the effects of on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery on cerebral oxygen saturation using near-infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system complications are the most clinically important of those affecting mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery surgery. Newly developed sophisticated techniques and surgical interventions obviating the need for cardiopulmonary pumps have facilitated avoidance of these complications. In this study, we compared the impact of on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery on cerebral oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy. METHODS: This study included 40 patients with no comorbidities who were scheduled for on-pump (n = 20) and off-pump (n = 20) cardiac surgery. Preoperative and postoperative Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) scores, perioperative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), hematocrit (Hct), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), regional cerebral oximetry values (rSO2), body temperature, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) were recorded, for all patients. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were then performed. RESULTS: The mean operative time was longer in the on-pump group. SMMSE scores were similar and relevant postoperative values were lower in both groups. Perioperative MAP, PCO2, and SpO2 were similar in both groups. SpO2 and PCO2 did not differ from baseline levels in either group, while the postextubation MAP at 2 h postoperatively remained low. Hct levels decreased during the perioperative and postoperative periods, while the body temperature declined perioperatively and to a greater degree in the on-pump group. The intraoperative and postoperative rSO2 decreased in both groups. In the on-pump group, the decrease in rSO2 was more prominent during the interval between the start and closure of the sternotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Physiological alterations that occur during coronary artery surgery affect cerebral oxygenation during and after the operation irrespective of the application of a cardiopulmonary pump. Cerebral oxygenation decreases to a greater extent during on-pump surgery; however, probably because of the neuroprotective effects of hypothermia, the postoperative changes resemble those of off-pump surgery.

O efeito da "sedação multifásica" no exame de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética em crianças, pais e anestesiologistas / The effect of "multiphase sedation" in the course of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging on children, parents and anesthesiologists / El efecto de la "sedación multifásica" en el curso de la tomografía computadorizada y resonancia magnética en niños, padres y anestesiólogos

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O nosso objetivo foi investigar o efeito da "sedação multifásica" em crianças submetidas à Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) ou Ressonância Magnética (RM), em seus pais e nos anestesiologistas responsáveis. "Sedação multifásica" foi definida como "o nível de sedação pretendido obtido com um ou mais agentes através da mesma via ou vias diferentes com mais de uma administração". MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Cem crianças e seus respectivos pais foram randomicamente designados para um dos dois grupos de estudo. Na fase 1, os pacientes do Grupo I receberam midazolam (0,5 mg.kg-1) em 5 mL de suco de frutas e os pacientes do Grupo II (grupo controle) receberam apenas suco de frutas. Na fase 2, após a canulação intravenosa (iv), bolus de propofol foi administrado para alcançar a sedação adequada para realização do exame de imagem. Os escores de ansiedade das crianças e de seus pais foram registrados usando a escala de Oucher e o IDATE, respectivamente, e a satisfação dos pais foi avaliada pela escala analógica visual (EAV). O número de tentativas para canulação iv, tempo de preparação e quantidade de hipnóticos foram registrados. RESULTADOS: O estado de ansiedade das crianças foi semelhante entre os grupos antes da pré-medicação, porém mais tarde esse nível foi menor no Grupo I. Antes do procedimento, o escore dos pais no IDATE foi semelhante, mas depois foi menor no Grupo I. A satisfação dos pais no Grupo I foi maior que no Grupo II. O número de tentativas de canulação iv e a dose necessária de propofol foi menor no Grupo I. CONCLUSÃO: O procedimento de "sedação multifásica" diminui a dor e a ansiedade das crianças e a ansiedade dos pais, aumentando a sua satisfação. Ele fornece uma sedação confortável e segura, pois possui um processo de preparação curto e sem problemas também para o anestesiologista responsável.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect on children undergoing Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), their parents and attending anesthesiologist of "multiphase sedation" which we define as "the intended sedation level achieved with one or more agents through the same or different routes with more than one administration". MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred children and their parents were randomly allocated to one of two study groups. In phase 1; in Group I the patients were given midazolam (0.5 mg.kg-1) in 5 mL fruit juice, and the ones in control group (Group II) were given only fruit juice. After intravenous (iv) cannulation; in phase II, boluses of propofol were given to achieve the adequate sedation for imaging. Anxiety scores of children and their parents were recorded using Oucher scale and STAI, respectively, and parental satisfaction was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). The number of attempts for iv cannulation, length of time for preparation, and amount of hypnotics were recorded. RESULTS: Anxiety state of children was similar between groups before premedication, but later it was lower in Group I. Before procedure, STAI score of parents was similar and later it was lower in Group I. Parental satisfaction in Group I was higher. The number of attempts for iv cannulation and required propofol dose was less in Group I. CONCLUSION: "Multiphase sedation" procedure provides children to feel less pain and anxiety, and decreases parental anxiety while increasing their satisfaction. It supplies a comfortable and safe sedation, as it provides a short and problem-free preparation process for the attending anesthetist as well.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Nuestro objetivo fue investigar el efecto de la "sedación multifásica" en niños sometidos a la tomografía computadorizada (TC) o resonancia magnética (RM), en sus padres y en los anestesiólogos responsables. La "sedación multifásica" fue definida como "el nivel de sedación pretendido que se obtiene con uno o más agentes por medio de la misma vía o vías diferentes con más de una administración". MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Cien niños y sus respectivos padres fueron randómicamente designados para uno de los dos grupos de estudio. En la fase 1, los pacientes del Grupo I recibieron midazolam (0,5 mg.kg-1) en 5 mL de jugo de frutas, y los pacientes del Grupo II (grupo control) recibieron solamente jugo de frutas. En la fase 2 después de la canulación intravenosa (i.v.), un bolo de propofol se administró para alcanzar la sedación adecuada para la realización del examen de imagen. Las puntuaciones de ansiedad de los niños y de sus padres se registraron usando la escala de Oucher y el IDATE respectivamente, y la satisfacción de los padres fue evaluada por la escala visual analógica (EVA). También se registraron el número de intentos para canulación i.v., tiempo de preparación y cantidad de hipnóticos. RESULTADOS: El estado de ansiedad de los niños fue parecido entre los grupos antes de la premedicación sin embargo, más tarde ese nivel disminuyó en el Grupo I. Antes del procedimiento, la puntuación de los padres en el IDATE fue similar pero después cayó en el Grupo I. La satisfacción de los padres en el Grupo I fue mayor que en el Grupo II. El número de intentos de canulación i.v. y la dosis necesaria de propofol fue menor en el Grupo I. CONCLUSIONES: El procedimiento de "sedación multifásica" reduce el dolor y la ansiedad de los niños y de los padres, aumentando su satisfacción. El procedimiento suministra una sedación cómoda y segura porque posee un proceso de preparación corto y sin problemas también para el anestesiólogo responsable.

The effect of "multiphase sedation" in the course of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging on children, parents and anesthesiologists.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect on children undergoing Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), their parents and attending anesthesiologist of "multiphase sedation" which we define as "the intended sedation level achieved with one or more agents through the same or different routes with more than one administration". MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred children and their parents were randomly allocated to one of two study groups. In phase 1; in Group I the patients were given midazolam (0.5mg.kg(-1)) in 5 mL fruit juice, and the ones in control group (Group II) were given only fruit juice. After intravenous (iv) cannulation; in phase II, boluses of propofol were given to achieve the adequate sedation for imaging. Anxiety scores of children and their parents were recorded using Oucher scale and STAI, respectively, and parental satisfaction was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). The number of attempts for iv cannulation, length of time for preparation, and amount of hypnotics were recorded. RESULTS: Anxiety state of children was similar between groups before premedication, but later it was lower in Group I. Before procedure, STAI score of parents was similar and later it was lower in Group I. Parental satisfaction in Group I was higher. The number of attempts for iv cannulation and required propofol dose was less in Group I. CONCLUSION: "Multiphase sedation" procedure provides children to feel less pain and anxiety, and decreases parental anxiety while increasing their satisfaction. It supplies a comfortable and safe sedation, as it provides a short and problem-free preparation process for the attending anesthetist as well.

An alternative treatment in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: Plasmapheresis.

Hormonal influences during pregnancy can compromise otherwise controlled lipid levels in women with familial hypertriglyceridemia and predispose to pancreatitis leading to increased morbidity in both mother and fetus. Both cholesterol and triglyceride levels in serum increase progressively during pregnancy. The mainstay of treatment includes dietary restriction of fatty meal and lipid-lowering medications. Experiences with plasmapheresis are limited. We report two cases of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis during pregnancy, which were successfully treated by plasmapheresis.

Comparison of dexmedetomidine and three different doses of midazolam in preoperative sedation.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and effects of dexmedetomidine and midazolam in preoperative sedation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 125 patients in American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I-II were divided into three groups: Group I (n = 40) for controls, Group II (n = 40) for Dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg), and group III was the midazolam group (n = 45). Group III was further divided into three subgroups according to the doses of midazolam: Group IIIA (n = 15) received 0.02 mg/kg, group IIIB (n = 15) received 0.04 mg/kg, and group IIIC (n = 15) received 0.06 mg/kg of midazolam. Drugs were infused over a 10-minute period with appropriate monitoring. Ramsay and visual analog scores, for sedation and anxiety, respectively, and mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and SpO(2) measurement, including respiratory rates were recorded, every 5 minutes for 30 minutes following infusion. RESULTS: There was marked sedation and a decrease in anxiety in groups II and IIIC (P < 0.01). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) decreased significantly in group II (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), but there was no associated hypotension (MAP <60 mm Hg) or bradycardia (HR <50 bpm) (P < 0.05). Respiratory rates and SpO(2) values decreased in groups II, IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. The differences in respiratory rates were not significant (P > 0.05); however, decrease in SpO(2) was significant in group IIIC (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine was as effective as higher doses of midazolam in sedation. The hemodynamic and respiratory effects were minimal. Although dexmedetomidine caused significant decrease in the blood pressure and heart rate, it probably just normalized increased levels caused by preoperative stress.

Protective effect of the nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate in lung injury in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes debilitating complications and, as a result, diabetics frequently require intensive care. Although lungs are not thought to be affected primarily by DM, an increasing number of studies indicate physiological and structural abnormalities in diabetic lungs. OBJECTIVES: Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is a metal chelator and a potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB. Keeping in mind that NF-kappaB activation may be crucial in end-organ injury due to DM, we studied the role of PDTC on the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and its effects on possible lung injury in rats with streptozotocin-induced DM. METHODS: 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into 4 groups: diabetes, diabetes + PDTC, control and control + PDTC. At the end of 10 weeks, rats were sacrificed and their lungs were taken for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation [for NF-kappaB (p65) and endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) immunoreactivities]. Protein carbonyl content (PCC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities were measured. RESULTS: Histopathologically, basal membranes were thickened and there was intense inflammatory reaction in diabetic lungs. However, the PDTC group, in which there were poor positive expressions of eNOS and p65 activity compared to diabetes group, revealed fewer inflammatory changes. PCC levels in diabetic lungs were higher, but SOD and GSH activities were lower. However, measurements of these parameters in the PDTC group and controls gave similar results. CONCLUSION: Lungs are exposed to changes induced by oxidative stress in diabetes through NF-kappaB activation and PDTC seems to be useful to prevent diabetic lung injury.