Effects of ferric carboxymaltose on hemoglobin level after cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative anemia is common in cardiac surgery. Few studies investigated the effect of postoperative intravenous (IV) iron supplementation and were mostly inconclusive. METHODS: Design: A randomized single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. PARTICIPANTS: 195 non-anemic patients were recruited from December 2018 to December 2020: 97 patients received 1 g of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and 98 patients received 100 mL of physiological serum on postoperative day 1. MEASUREMENTS: hemoglobin levels, reticulocyte count, serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation were measured at induction of anesthesia, postoperative days 1, 5, and 30. Transfusion rate, duration of mechanical ventilation, critical care unit length of stay, and side effects associated with IV iron administration were measured. The primary outcome was hemoglobin level on day 30. Secondary outcomes included iron balance, transfused red cell packs, and critical care unit length of stay. RESULTS: At day 30, the hemoglobine level was higher in the FCM group than in the placebo group (mean 12.9 ± 1.2 vs. 12.1 ± 1.3 g/dL (95%CI 0.41-1.23, p-value <0.001)). Patients in the FCM group received fewer blood units (median 1[0-2] unit vs. 2 [0-3] units, p-value = 0.037) and had significant improvement in iron balance compared to the control group. No side effects associated with FCM administration were reported. CONCLUSION: In this randomized controlled trial, administration of FCM on postoperative day 1 in non-anemic patients undergoing cardiac surgery increased hemoglobin levels by 0.8 g/dL on postoperative day 30, leading to reduced transfusion rate, and improved iron levels on postoperative day 5 and 30. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NCT03759964.

Preoperative oral magnesium loading to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Hypomagnesemia is frequent after CABG surgery. No previous trials have assessed the effect of preoperative magnesium (Mg) loading on POAF incidence. METHODS: This was a single-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, with balanced randomization [1:1]. The participants were recruited from November 2018 until May 2019. Patients received either 3.2 g of Mg daily (4 tablets of 0.4 g each twice daily) for 72 h preoperatively and 1.6 g of Mg (4 tablets) on the day of surgery or placebo tablets. RESULTS: The primary outcome was the incidence of POAF. Secondary outcomes included time to extubation, transfusion rate, critical care unit and hospital length of stay. Of the 210 randomized participants, 200 (100 in each group) completed the study. A total of 10 (10%) and 22 (22%) subjects developed POAF in the Mg and placebo groups, respectively (RR = 0.45, 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.91). Hospital and critical care unit length of stay were comparable between the 2 groups. No side effects related to Mg administration were documented. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, preoperative loading with oral administration of Mg for 3 days in patients admitted for CABG surgery decreases the incidence of POAF compared to placebo. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03703349.

Radiology management of a 'breast unit' during COVID-19 pandemic: a single institution experience.

Aim: To describe the activity in the 'breast unit' at the department of radiology during the COVID-19 lockdown in a university hospital treating COVID-19 patients in a Middle-Eastern developing country. Materials: This was a retrospective study conducted from March 9 until 11 May 2020, in the breast unit at the department of radiology of a central university hospital in a Middle-Eastern developing country. Data were collected from 205 patients visiting the breast unit during the lockdown period and compared with the activity in the same period in the previous year. Results: Reduction of the breast unit activity was estimated at 73%. In addition, 153 mammograms, 205 ultrasounds, and 16 breast MRIs were done. Indications for mammogram were screening (41.5%), follow-up (22%), clinical symptoms (20%) and breast cancer surveillance (16.5%). MRI was performed mostly for preoperative surgical management. The rate of positive biopsies was 41%. All staff members and patients have accommodated to new adjustments. Conclusion: Activity in the breast unit dropped during the lockdown period. Staff should continue to seek their own and their patient's safety without diminishing the quality of healthcare.

[Cervical plexus block as an alternative anesthetic approach for type I thyroplasty: a case report]. / Bloqueio do plexo cervical como técnica anestésica alternativa para tireoplastia tipo I: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND: The role of type I thyroplasty (TIP) is well established as the treatment for glottal insufficiency due to vocal fold paralysis, but the ideal anesthetic management for this procedure is still largely debated. We present the case of a novel anesthetic approach for TIP using combined intermediate and superficial Cervical Plexus Block (CPB) and intermittent mild sedation analgesia. CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old presenting with left vocal fold paralysis and obstructive sleep apnea was scheduled for TIP. An ultrasound-guided intermediate CPB was performed using the posterior approach, and 15 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% were injected in the posterior cervical space between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the prevertebral fascia. Then, for the superficial CPB, a total of 10 mL 0.5% ropivacaine was injected subcutaneously, adjacently to the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, without penetrating the investing fascia. An intermittent sedation analgesia with a target-controlled infusion of remifentanyl (target 0.5 ng.mL-1) was used to facilitate prosthesis insertion and the fiberoptic laryngoscopy. This technique offered a safe anesthetic airway and good operating conditions for the surgeon, as well as feasible voice monitoring and optimal patient comfort. CONCLUSION: The use of regional technique is a promising method for the anesthetic management in TIP, especially in patients with compromised airway.

Cervical plexus block as an alternative anesthetic approach for type I thyroplasty: a case report / Bloqueio do plexo cervical como técnica anestésica alternativa para tireoplastia tipo I: relato de caso

Abstract Background: The role of type I thyroplasty (TIP) is well established as the treatment for glottal insufficiency due to vocal fold paralysis, but the ideal anesthetic management for this procedure is still largely debated. We present the case of a novel anesthetic approach for TIP using combined intermediate and superficial Cervical Plexus Block (CPB) and intermittent mild sedation analgesia. Case report: A 51-year-old presenting with left vocal fold paralysis and obstructive sleep apnea was scheduled for TIP. An ultrasound-guided intermediate CPB was performed using the posterior approach, and 15 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% were injected in the posterior cervical space between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the prevertebral fascia. Then, for the superficial CPB, a total of 10 mL 0.5% ropivacaine was injected subcutaneously, adjacently to the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, without penetrating the investing fascia An intermittent sedation analgesia with a target-controlled infusion of remifentanyl (target 0.5 ng.mL-1) was used to facilitate prosthesis insertion and the fiberoptic laryngoscopy. This technique offered a safe anesthetic airway and good operating conditions for the surgeon, as well as feasible voice monitoring and optimal patient comfort. Conclusion: The use of a regional technique is a promising method for the anesthetic management in TIP, especially in patients with compromised airway.

Resumo Introdução: O papel da tireoplastia tipo I (TPI) está bem estabelecido no tratamento de insuficiência glótica após a paralisia das pregas vocais, mas o manejo anestésico ideal para a TPI ainda é controverso. Descrevemos uma nova técnica anestésica para a TPI usando o Bloqueio do Plexo Cervical (BPC) superficial e o BPC intermediário associados, em presença de analgo-sedação leve e intermitente. Relato de caso: Paciente de 51 anos de idade com paralisia da prega vocal esquerda e apneia obstrutiva do sono foi agendada para TPI. BPC intermediário guiado por ultrassom foi realizado usando acesso posterior, e 15 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5% foram injetados no espaço cervical posterior entre o músculo esternocleidomastoideo e a fáscia prevertebral. A seguir, para o BPC superficial, 10 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5% foram injetados na região subcutânea adjacente à borda posterior do músculo esternocleidomastoideo, sem transfixar a fáscia de revestimento. Analgo-sedação intermitente com infusão alvo-controlada de remifentanil (alvo de 0,5 ng.mL-1) foi usada para facilitar a inserção da prótese e a laringoscopia com fibra ótica. A técnica ofereceu via aérea segura durante a anestesia, boa condição para o cirurgião, possibilidade de monitorar a voz, além de ótimo conforto à paciente. Conclusões: O uso de anestesia regional é uma técnica promissora para o cuidado anestésico durante a TPI, especialmente em pacientes com via aérea comprometida.

Quilting Sutures in Rhytidectomy: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Different technical variations exist for the utilization of quilting sutures (QS) in rhytidectomy. No systematic review or meta-analysis of the studies describing the use of QS in facelifts has been published to date to the authors' knowledge. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to summarize all the published data regarding the utilization of QS in rhytidectomy, compare QS techniques, and evaluate their effect on postoperative complications. METHODS: On April 1, 2019, a systematic search of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted. All the studies describing the usage of QS in facelifts were included in this review. Studies reporting hematoma rate in a QS group and a control group were included in the meta-analysis part of this study. RESULTS: The initial search of the databases yielded 93 results. Four trials were included in the systematic review and 2 were included in the meta-analysis. The total number of included patients with QS was 527. Two studies employed internal QS and the remaining studies utilized external QS. The meta-analysis found a lower rate of hematoma in the QS group (relative risk, 0.02; 95% confidence interval = 0.00-0.13; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: QS can be applied either internally or externally and are very effective in reducing hematomas after facelifts. QS could be a great asset in facelifts but should be utilized with caution because additional work is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy.

Magnesium and Ketamine Reduce Early Morphine Consumption After Open Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUNDS: Optimal pain management in bariatric patients is crucial for early recovery. This study aims to evaluate the effects of magnesium and ketamine combination on morphine consumption after open bariatric surgery (primary outcome), as well as on postoperative pain scores and occurrence of side effects. METHOD: A total of 60 patients undergoing elective open gastric bypass were randomized into 3 groups. All patients received the same general anaesthesia protocol. The magnesium and ketamine group (Mg + K) received an IV bolus of magnesium 50 mg/kg and ketamine 0.2 mg/kg followed by continuous infusion of magnesium (8 mg/kg/h) and ketamine (0.15 mg/kg/h) until extubation. The ketamine group (K) received the same bolus and infusion of ketamine, together with a bolus and continuous infusion of normal saline. The placebo group (P) received normal saline. All patients received 48 h of paracetamol 1 g IV q6h and morphine sulphate 0.1 mg/kg subcutaneous q6h PRN. Morphine consumption, VAS pain scores and occurrence of side effects were recorded for 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients in group (Mg + K) (2.4 ± 2.62 mg) and in group (K) (2.8 ± 2.66 mg) had significantly lower morphine consumption in the PACU compared with the patients in group (P) (4.85 ± 4.51 mg) (p = 0.045). Patients in group (Mg + K) consumed significantly less morphine the first 24 postoperative hours, with a relative reduction of 87% and 21% compared with group (K) and group (P) respectively (p = 0.028). However, this difference was not observed at 48 h. No significant difference was shown between the three groups in terms of nausea and vomiting, time to extubation or excessive sedation. CONCLUSION: The association of magnesium and ketamine bolus followed by infusion in open bariatric surgery appears to be safe and decreases morphine requirements in the first 24 h compared with both ketamine alone and placebo.

The effect of low-dose intravenous ketamine on continuous intercostal analgesia following thoracotomy.

Ketamine, a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist, provides analgesia and prevents chronic pain following thoracotomy. The study was aimed to assess the effect of intravenous low-dose ketamine on continuous intercostal nerve block analgesia following thoracotomy. The study was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical study, performed in a single university hospital. Sixty patients, undergoing elective lobectomy through an open posterolateral thoracotomy, were included. For postoperative pain, all patients received a continuous intercostal nerve block with bupivacaine plus intravenous paracetamol and ketoprofen. In addition, patients were randomized to have intravenous ketamine (0.1 mg/kg as a preincisional bolus followed by a continuous infusion of 0.05 mg/kg/h) in group 1 or intravenous placebo in group 2. Patients reporting a visual analog scale pain score at rest ≥40 mm received intravenous morphine sulfate as rescue analgesia. The following parameters were assessed every 6 hours for 3 postoperative days: Visual analog scale pain scores at rest and during coughing, requirement of rescue analgesia with morphine, Ramsay sedation scores and psychomimetic adverse effects. Both the groups were statistically comparable regarding visual analog scale pain scores at rest (P=0.75) and during coughing (P=0.70), number of morphine deliveries (P=0.17), cumulative dose of rescue morphine (P=0.2), sedation scores (P=0.4), and psychomimetic adverse effects (P=0.09). Intravenous low-dose ketamine, when combined with continuous intercostal nerve block, did not decrease acute pain scores and supplemental morphine consumption following thoracotomy.

Pulse pressure variation predicts fluid responsiveness in elderly patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of pulse pressure variation to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated elderly patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, interventional study. SETTING: An academic, tertiary referral hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients >70 years old and mechanically ventilated after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Intravascular volume expansion using 6% hydroxyethyl starch solution, 7 mL/kg over 20 minutes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, pulse pressure variation, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, and stroke volume index were measured immediately before and after volume expansion. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in stroke volume index ≥ 15% after volume expansion. Forty-one patients were fluid responders and 19 patients were nonresponders. In contrast to central venous pressure or pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, pulse pressure variation was higher in the responders than in the nonresponders (22 ± 6% v 9.3 ± 3%, p = 0.001) and correlated with the percent changes in the stroke volume index after volume expansion (r = 0.47, p = 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for pulse pressure variation was 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.75-0.94). The threshold value of 11.5% allowed the discrimination between responders and nonresponders with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 74%. CONCLUSIONS: Pulse pressure variation is a reliable predictor of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated elderly patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

[Does nasal decontamination reduce the incidence of infections after cardiac surgery?]. / La décontamination nasale diminue-t-elle la fréquence des infections après chirurgie cardiaque?

INTRODUCTION: Mupirocin applied to the anterior nares four times daily usually eliminates Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin resistant, within 48 hours. Prophylactic intranasal mupirocin is safe, inexpensive and effective in reducing the overall sternal wound infection after open-heart surgery. This study was designed to determine whether decreasing nasal bacterial colonization by applying mupirocin intra nasally decreases mediastinal, sternal, pulmonary and cutaneous infections after open-heart surgery. MATERIAL & METHODS: After institutional approval and informed consent, 392 patients were included in a randomized, prospective study. Nasal cultures were taken for all patients before surgery. Patients were divided in two groups: Group I (n = 190) receiving mupirocin in the anterior nares 4 times daily for 48 hours before surgery; Group II (n = 202) was the control group. Patients were followed for a month after surgery. All mediastinal, sternal, pulmonary and cutaneous infections were documented and treated with appropriate antibiotics. A Student test for quantitative data and a chi2 test for qualitative data were used for statistical analysis. p < or = 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The two groups had the same demographic characteristics and risk factors. Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus was 36.2% in the two groups. Neither mediastinitis nor sternitis were noticed in any of the two groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups according to the frequency of the cutaneous infections (Group I: 19/190 - Group II: 13/202) and pneumonia (Group I: 7/190 - Group II: 13/202). In patients who had nasal carriage of Staphylococcus, nasal decontamination has not shown a statistical difference of cutaneous infections of the lower limbs nor pneumonia. Although nasal decontamination reduced the incidence of sternal wound infection (Gr I 0/190 - Gr II 4/202 ; p = 0.017). Staphylococcus aureus, in the control group, induced more cutaneous infections (30.8% vs 11.7% ; p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: The usage of mupirocin for nasal decontamination before open-heart surgery reduces the incidence of the sternal wound infection, and does not seem to affect the frequency of cutaneous infections of the lower limbs nor pneumonia after this surgery.

Acute thrombosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm during cardiac surgery.

Aortic thrombosis has been described in the medical literature as a rare and catastrophic complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, it has only been reported once in cardiac surgical settings. We report a unique case of thrombosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysms during the course of cardiac surgery, in a fully anticoagulated patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. Prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical management were critical for a successful outcome.

Clinical consequences of resistant Candida infections in intensive care.

Many issues need to be addressed by the Intensive Care Unit physician in the decision-making process regarding antifungal therapy for Candida infection, most importantly pharmacokinetic concerns and/or organ failure limitations. In addition, the extensive use of antifungal agents can select for Candida spp. that exhibit decreased susceptibility to these agents. However, the risk appears low, even in the case of prophylactic or pre-emptive antifungal therapy, but this needs to be confirmed in large-scale studies.