Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a postoperative patient: A case report.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare medical emergency associated with the use of antipsychotics and other antidopaminergic drugs. There is no specific test, and diagnosis is based on high clinical suspicion and good differential diagnosis. A clinical picture consistent with hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered level of consciousness, together with signs of rhabdomyolysis in analytical studies and a history of taking neuroleptic drugs are the key elements in the detection of this entity. Due to its low incidence and potential mortality, it is essential to publish case reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in order to raise awareness of this entity and facilitate diagnostic suspicion when encountering a patient with compatible symptoms. The following is the case of a 79 year old patient with chronic alcohol consumption as the only history of interest, who was given a single dose of haloperidol after an episode of delirium in the postoperative period of conventional trauma surgery. She subsequently developed a picture of progressive deterioration of the level of consciousness, diaphoresis, generalized muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, together with severe metabolic acidosis, hyperlacticaemia, rhabdomyolysis, hypertransaminasemia and hypocalcemia. After ruling out other entities compatible with the clinical picture, neuroleptic malignant syndrome was given as the main diagnostic hypothesis. Diagnosis was confirmed after clinical and analytical improvement following treatment with dantrolene. The patient was discharged from hospital with no sequelae a few days after onset of the condition.

Síndrome neuroléptico maligno en paciente postoperada: a propósito de un caso / Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a postoperative patient: a case report

El síndrome neuroléptico maligno es una emergencia médica poco frecuente asociada al uso de antipsicóticos y otros fármacos antidopaminérgicos. No se dispone de una prueba específica para su diagnóstico, basándose este en una alta sospecha clínica y la realización de un buen diagnóstico diferencial. Un cuadro clínico compatible, destacando la hipertermia, rigidez muscular, alteración del nivel de conciencia y signos de rabdomiolisis en los estudios analíticos, junto con el antecedente de la toma de fármacos neurolépticos, constituyen los elementos clave para la detección de esta entidad. Debido a su escasa incidencia y su potencial mortalidad, es primordial su conocimiento a través de series de casos descritos en la literatura para facilitar su sospecha diagnóstica ante un caso clínico compatible. A continuación, exponemos un caso de una paciente de 79 años con consumo crónico de alcohol como único antecedente de interés, que recibió una dosis única de haloperidol tras un cuadro de delirio en el contexto de un postoperatorio convencional de traumatología. Posteriormente, desarrolló un cuadro de deterioro progresivo del nivel de conciencia, diaforesis, rigidez muscular generalizada, hipertermia, junto a acidosis metabólica severa, hiperlactacidemia, rabdomiolisis, hipertransaminasemia e hipocalcemia. Tras excluir otras entidades compatibles con la clínica, el síndrome neuroléptico maligno se postuló como la principal hipótesis diagnóstica, reforzándose el diagnóstico tras la mejoría clínica y analítica evidente posterior al inicio del tratamiento con dantrolene. La paciente pudo, finalmente, ser dada de alta escasos días después del inicio del cuadro sin presentar secuelas.(AU)

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare medical emergency associated with the use of antipsychotics and other antidopaminergic drugs. There is no specific test, and diagnosis is based on high clinical suspicion and good differential diagnosis.A clinical picture consistent with hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered level of consciousness, together with signs of rhabdomyolysis in analytical studies and a history of taking neuroleptic drugs are the key elements in the detection of this entity.Due to its low incidence and potential mortality, it is essential to publish case reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in order to raise awareness of this entity and facilitate diagnostic suspicion when encountering a patient with compatible symptoms.The following is the case of a 79 year old patient with chronic alcohol consumption as the only history of interest, who was given a single dose of haloperidol after an episode of delirium in the postoperative period of conventional trauma surgery. She subsequently developed a picture of progressive deterioration of the level of consciousness, diaphoresis, generalized muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, together with severe metabolic acidosis, hyperlacticaemia, rhabdomyolysis, hypertransaminasemia and hypocalcemia. After ruling out other entities compatible with the clinical picture, neuroleptic malignant syndrome was given as the main diagnostic hypothesis. Diagnosis was confirmed after clinical and analytical improvement following treatment with dantrolene. The patient was discharged from hospital with no sequelae a few days after onset of the condition.(AU)

Unilateral pulmonary edema associated factors after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In recent years, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has been developed and applied to a greater number of pathologies, especially in mitral valve surgeries, as it obtains results comparable to those of conventional techniques while entailing lower surgical trauma and shorter recovery time. MICS requiring one-lung ventilation has been associated to the appearance of unilateral pulmonary edema (UPE), which is a potentially serious complication. The objective is determining the incidence of UPE after mitral MICS and its development associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational descriptive and single-center study analyzing data from patients undergoing mitral valve MICS (right mini-thoracotomy) consecutively collected between the years 2015 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients were included and 26 presented UPE. The most common complications after mitral valve MICS were atrial fibrillation (38.7%), UPE (28%) and transient and/or definitive second- or third-degree auriculoventricular block (19.4%). The UPE group had longer ICU stay (3.3 ± 8.0 vs. 1.84 ± 2.23 days) and longer total hospitalization length-of-stay (15.5 ± 34.7 vs. 10.6 ± 7.5 days). The mortality in the UPE group was 3.9%. A significant association was found between the following collected variables and the development of postoperative UPE: preoperative baseline pulse oximetry, preoperative use of ACE inhibitors, postoperative atrial fibrillation and 24 first-hours cumulative chest tube drainage volume on the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of UPE is high and its appearance is associated with a longer ICU and total length of stay. More studies are required to understand its pathophysiology and apply measures to help decreasing its appearance.

Factores asociados al edema pulmonar unilateral después de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva de la válvula mitral / Unilateral pulmonary edema associated factors after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery

Antecedentes y objetivo: En los últimos años la cirugía cardíaca mínimamente invasiva (CCMI) se ha desarrollado y aplicado a mayor número de dolencias, especialmente en cirugías sobre la válvula mitral, por presentar resultados comparables a las técnicas convencionales con menor agresividad y tiempo de recuperación. La CCMI que necesita ventilación unipulmonar se ha asociado a la aparición de edema pulmonar unilateral (EPU), que constituye una complicación potencialmente grave. El objetivo es determinar la incidencia de EPU tras CCMI mitral y los factores asociados a su desarrollo. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo y unicéntrico. Se analizaron los pacientes tratados con CCMI sobre válvula mitral (minitoracotomía derecha), recogidos de manera consecutiva entre los años 2015 y 2017. Resultados: Se incluyó a un total de 93 pacientes, de los cuales 26 presentaron EPU. Las complicaciones más habituales tras la CCMI mitral fueron: fibrilación auricular (38,7%), EPU (28%) y bloqueo auriculoventricular de segundo o tercer grado transitorio o definitivo (19,4%). El grupo EPU presentó mayor tiempo de estancia en UCI (3,3±8,0 vs. 1,84±2,23 días) y mayor tiempo total de hospitalización (15,5±34,7 vs. 10,6±7,5 días). La mortalidad en el grupo EPU fue del 3,9%. Se encontró asociación significativa entre las siguientes variables recogidas y el desarrollo de EPU postoperatorio: pulsioximetría basal preoperatoria, uso preoperatorio de IECA, fibrilación auricular postoperatoria y volumen de drenajes en las primeras 24h. Conclusiones: La incidencia de EPU es elevada y su aparición se asocia a mayor estancia en UCI y mayor tiempo total de hospitalización. Se requieren más estudios para comprender su fisiopatología y aplicar medidas que ayuden a disminuir su aparición.(AU)

Background and objectives: In recent years, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has been developed and applied to a greater number of pathologies, especially in mitral valve surgeries, as it obtains results comparable to those of conventional techniques while entailing lower surgical trauma and shorter recovery time. MICS requiring one-lung ventilation has been associated to the appearance of unilateral pulmonary edema (UPE), which is a potentially serious complication. The objective is determining the incidence of UPE after mitral MICS and its development associated factors. Material and methods: Observational descriptive and single-center study analyzing data from patients undergoing mitral valve MICS (right mini-thoracotomy) consecutively collected between the years 2015 and 2017. Results: A total of 93 patients were included and 26 presented UPE. The most common complications after mitral valve MICS were atrial fibrillation (38.7%), UPE (28%) and transient and/or definitive second- or third-degree auriculoventricular block (19.4%). The UPE group had longer ICU stay (3.3±8.0 vs. 1.84±2.23 days) and longer total hospitalization length-of-stay (15.5±34.7 vs. 10.6±7.5 days). The mortality in the UPE group was 3.9%. A significant association was found between the following collected variables and the development of postoperative UPE: preoperative baseline pulse oximetry, preoperative use of ACE inhibitors, postoperative atrial fibrillation and 24 first-hours cumulative chest tube drainage volume on the first 24h. Conclusions: The incidence of UPE is high and its appearance is associated with a longer ICU and total length of stay. More studies are required to understand its pathophysiology and apply measures to help decreasing its appearance.(AU)

Second victim phenomenon in a surgical area: Online survey.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF STUDY: An effective and accessible first source of support for second victims (SV) is usually the colleagues themselves, who should have tools to help emotionally and detect the unusual course of a SV. The aim of this work is to assess health professionals' perception of the phenomenon, as well as their capability to apply psychological first aid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational descriptive study through online surveys answered anonymously. Participants were different health professionals from surgical area, mainly from a third-level hospital. RESULTS: 329 responses, 67 anaesthesiologists, 110 anaesthesiologists in training, 152 nurses. 78.4% had felt SV, more frequent among anaesthesiologists; however, 58% had never heard of the term. Guilt was the most frequent emotion. Residents were more afraid of judgmental colleagues and thought more about drop out their training. From those who sought help, most did it through a colleague, but most did not feel useful in helping a SV. 66% affirmed there is a still punitive, evasive or silent culture about medical incidents. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the frequency of the phenomenon there is still lack of knowledge of the term SV. Impact of the phenomenon is heterogenous and changes based on experience and responsibility. Colleagues are the first source of emotional help but there is a lack of tools to be able to provide it. Institutions are urged to create training programs so that professionals can guarantee «psychological first aid¼.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a postoperative patient: a case report. / Síndrome neuroléptico maligno en paciente postoperada: a propósito de un caso.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare medical emergency associated with the use of antipsychotics and other antidopaminergic drugs. There is no specific test, and diagnosis is based on high clinical suspicion and good differential diagnosis. A clinical picture consistent with hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered level of consciousness, together with signs of rhabdomyolysis in analytical studies and a history of taking neuroleptic drugs are the key elements in the detection of this entity. Due to its low incidence and potential mortality, it is essential to publish case reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in order to raise awareness of this entity and facilitate diagnostic suspicion when encountering a patient with compatible symptoms. The following is the case of a 79 year old patient with chronic alcohol consumption as the only history of interest, who was given a single dose of haloperidol after an episode of delirium in the postoperative period of conventional trauma surgery. She subsequently developed a picture of progressive deterioration of the level of consciousness, diaphoresis, generalized muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, together with severe metabolic acidosis, hyperlacticaemia, rhabdomyolysis, hypertransaminasemia and hypocalcemia. After ruling out other entities compatible with the clinical picture, neuroleptic malignant syndrome was given as the main diagnostic hypothesis. Diagnosis was confirmed after clinical and analytical improvement following treatment with dantrolene. The patient was discharged from hospital with no sequelae a few days after onset of the condition.

Second victim phenomenon in a surgical area: online survey. / El fenómeno de segunda víctima en un área quirúrgica: Encuesta online.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF STUDY: An effective and accessible first source of support for second victims (SV) is usually the colleagues themselves, who should have tools to help emotionally and detect the unusual course of a SV. The aim of this work is to assess health professionals' perception of the phenomenon, as well as their capability to apply psychological first aid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational descriptive study through online surveys answered anonymously. Participants were different health professionals from surgical area, mainly from a third-level hospital. RESULTS: 329 responses, 67 anaesthesiologists, 110 anaesthesiologists in training, 152 nurses. 78.4% had felt SV, more frequent among anaesthesiologists; however, 58% had never heard of the term. Guilt was the most frequent emotion. Residents were more afraid of judgmental colleagues and thought more about drop out their training. From those who sought help, most did it through a colleague, but most did not feel useful in helping a SV. 66% affirmed there is a still punitive, evasive or silent culture about medical incidents. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the frequency of the phenomenon there is still lack of knowledge of the term SV. Impact of the phenomenon is heterogenous and changes based on experience and responsibility. Colleagues are the first source of emotional help but there is a lack of tools to be able to provide it. Institutions are urged to create training programs so that professionals can guarantee «psychological first aid¼.

Maniobras de reclutamiento pulmonar: abriendo la puerta a un enemigo oculto / Lung recruitment maneuvers: opening the door to a hidden enemy

Las maniobras de reclutamiento (MR) son una práctica habitual en anestesiología; sin embargo, pueden tener efectos adversos. Presentamos un caso de una complicación inesperada tras las MR. Se trata de una paciente intervenida de cirugía de resección bronquial tumoral. Inmediatamente después de la MR, presentó una parada circulatoria por disociación electromecánica. Después de las maniobras de reanimación y recuperación de la circulación espontánea, una ecocardiografía transesofágica mostró un foramen oval permeable (FOP), disfunción ventricular con alteraciones segmentarias y aire en cavidades izquierdas. Se interpretó como posible embolia aérea paradójica coronaria. La paciente presentó buena evolución inmediata, reversión de las alteraciones segmentarias y un curso postoperatorio sin incidencias. Durante las MR se producen cambios de presiones intracavitarias que pueden favorecer la apertura de FOP (presente hasta en un 30% de la población), e inversión del shunt fisiológico izquierda-derecha. La disponibilidad de ecocardiografía transesofágica permitió el diagnóstico diferencial y el seguimiento inmediato

Recruitment manoeuvres (RM) are common practice in anaesthesiology; however, they can have adverse effects. We present an unforeseen complication in a patient undergoing surgical resection of a bronchial tumour who presented cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity immediately after RMs. A transoesophageal echocardiogram performed after return of spontaneous circulation showed a patent foramen ovale (PFO), left ventricular dysfunction with segmental changes, and air in the left ventricle, leading to suspicion of paradoxical air embolism. The contractility changes normalised spontaneously, and postoperative evolution was uneventful. RMs cause changes in intracavitary pressures that can lead to opening of a PFO (present in up to 30% of the population) and reversal of the physiological left-right shunt. Transoesophageal echocardiography facilitated immediate diagnosis and follow-up

Lung recruitment maneuvers: opening the door to a hidden enemy. / Maniobras de reclutamiento pulmonar: abriendo la puerta a un enemigo oculto.

Recruitment manoeuvres (RM) are common practice in anaesthesiology; however, they can have adverse effects. We present an unforeseen complication in a patient undergoing surgical resection of a bronchial tumour who presented cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity immediately after RMs. A transoesophageal echocardiogram performed after return of spontaneous circulation showed a patent foramen ovale (PFO), left ventricular dysfunction with segmental changes, and air in the left ventricle, leading to suspicion of paradoxical air embolism. The contractility changes normalised spontaneously, and postoperative evolution was uneventful. RMs cause changes in intracavitary pressures that can lead to opening of a PFO (present in up to 30% of the population) and reversal of the physiological left-right shunt. Transoesophageal echocardiography facilitated immediate diagnosis and follow-up.

Manejo anestésico perioperatorio de pacientes con mesotelioma maligno pleural intervenidos mediante cirugía citorreductora y quimioterapia intratorácica / Perioperative anesthetic management of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma undergoing cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative chemotherapy

INTRODUCCIÓN: La cirugía citorreductora asociada a quimioterapia hipertérmica intraoperatoria (HITHOC) es una alternativa terapéutica del mesotelioma maligno pleural. Su manejo supone un reto para el anestesiólogo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se elabora un análisis descriptivo de una serie de casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de mesotelioma maligno pleural intervenidos de HITHOC. El manejo anestésico se realizó con anestesia general asociada a epidural y una extensa monitorización hemodinámica. Se analizaron datos del periodo perioperatorio. RESULTADOS: Siete pacientes fueron intervenidos entre mayo de 2015 y octubre de 2018. Durante el intraoperatorio, todos requirieron transfusión de hemoderivados y, 5 de ellos, perfusión de fármacos vasoactivos. En 6 pacientes se logró la extubación al finalizar la intervención. La mediana de estancia en cuidados intensivos y hospitalaria fueron 4 y 29 días, respectivamente. No se observó dolor postoperatorio significativo. CONCLUSIÓN: La cirugía HITHOC es un procedimiento agresivo con importantes cambios hemodinámicos. Una monitorización intensiva fue útil para tratar las complicaciones

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HITHOC) is a therapeutic option for treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Anesthetic management might be challenging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive analysis of a case series is presented. Seven patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnostic undergoing HITHOC surgery were studied. Combined general and epidural anesthesia were administered. An intensive hemodynamic monitorization was implemented. Data regarding perioperative course was analyzed. RESULTS: Between May 2015 and October 2018 7 patients underwent HITHOC procedure. Blood transfusions were administered in all patients, and 5 of the 7 patients required vasoactive drug administration. Extubation at the end of the procedure was able in 6 of the 7patients. The median length of stay in ICU was 4 days, and 29 days for the whole hospitalary stay. No significant postoperative pain was observed. CONCLUSIONS: HITHOC surgery is a complex procedure in which several hemodynamic changes occur. An intensive intraoperative monitorization was useful for controlling complications

Perioperative anesthetic management of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma undergoing cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative chemotherapy. / Manejo anestésico perioperatorio de pacientes con mesotelioma maligno pleural intervenidos mediante cirugía citorreductora y quimioterapia intratorácica.

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HITHOC) is a therapeutic option for treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Anesthetic management might be challenging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive analysis of a case series is presented. Seven patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnostic undergoing HITHOC surgery were studied. Combined general and epidural anesthesia were administered. An intensive hemodynamic monitorization was implemented. Data regarding perioperative course was analyzed. RESULTS: Between May 2015 and October 2018 7patients underwent HITHOC procedure. Blood transfusions were administered in all patients, and 5of the 7patients required vasoactive drug administration. Extubation at the end of the procedure was able in 6of the 7patients. The median length of stay in ICU was 4 days, and 29 days for the whole hospitalary stay. No significant postoperative pain was observed. CONCLUSIONS: HITHOC surgery is a complex procedure in which several hemodynamic changes occur. An intensive intraoperative monitorization was useful for controlling complications.