Scope of artificial intelligence in airway management.

The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in the field of anaesthesiology owes to notable advancements in data processing, databases, algorithmic programs, and computation power. Over the past decades, its accelerated progression has enhanced safety in anaesthesia by improving the efficiency of equipment, perioperative risk assessments, monitoring, and drug administration systems. AI in the field of anaesthesia aims to improve patient safety, optimise resources, and improve the quality of anaesthesia management in all phases of perioperative care. The use of AI is likely to impact difficult airway management and patient safety considerably. AI has been explored to predict difficult intubation to outperform conventional airway examinations by integrating subjective factors, such as facial appearance, speech features, habitus, and other poorly known features. This narrative review delves into the status of AI in airway management, the most recent developments in this field, and its future clinical applications.

Assessment of potential predictors affecting preoperative anxiety in Indian children- A prospective observational study.

Background and Aims: Preoperative anxiety is a common problem among children undergoing surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and identify various predictors of preoperative anxiety in Indian children. Material and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted on 60 children of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical status 1/2, aged 2-6 years and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Preoperative parental anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. The children's anxiety was assessed in the preoperative room, at the time of parental separation, and at the induction of anesthesia using modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) scoring by an anesthesiologist and a psychologist. Sedative premedication was employed prior to parental separation. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the possible predictors of anxiety. Results: The incidence of high preoperative anxiety among the studied children was 76% in the preoperative room, 93% during parental separation, and 96% during anesthetic induction. Among the nine possible predictors identified on univariate regression, the presence of siblings was found to be a significant independent predictor on multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.04). The inter-rater agreement was excellent for the assessment of preoperative anxiety using mYPAS by the anesthesiologist and psychologist (weighted Kappa, k = 0.79). Conclusion: The incidence of preoperative anxiety in Indian children in the age group of 2-6 years is very high. The preop anxiety escalates progressively at parental separation and induction of anesthesia despite sedative premedication. The presence of siblings is a significant predictor of preoperative anxiety.

Postoperative outcome of neonatal emergency surgeries in a tertiary care institute-A prospective observational study.

AIMS: Neonatal surgical mortality continues to be high in developing countries. A better understanding of perioperative events and optimization of causative factors can help in achieving a favorable outcome. The present study was designed to evaluate the perioperative course of surgical neonates and find out potential factors contributing to postoperative mortality. METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled neonates, undergoing emergency surgical procedures in a tertiary care institute. Primary outcome was 6 weeks postsurgical mortality. The babies were observed till discharge and subsequently followed up telephonically for 6 weeks after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of various parameters was performed. RESULTS: Out of the 324 neonates who met inclusion criteria, 278 could be enrolled. The median age was 4 days. Sixty-two (27.7%) neonates were born before 37 weeks period of gestation (POG), and 94 (41.8%) neonates weighed below 2.5 kg. The most common diagnoses was trachea-esophageal fistula (29.9%) and anorectal malformation (14.3%). The median duration of hospital stay for survivors was 14 days. The in-hospital mortality was 34.8%. Mortality at 6 weeks following surgery was 36.2%. Five independent risk factors identified were POG < 34 weeks, preoperative oxygen therapy, postoperative inotropic support postoperative mechanical ventilation, and postoperative leukopenia. In neonates where invasive ventilation was followed by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in the postoperative period, risk of postoperative surgical mortality was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Present study identified preterm birth, preoperative oxygen therapy, postoperative positive pressure ventilation, requirement of inotropes, and postoperative leukopenia as independent predictors of 6-week mortality. The possibility of early switch to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was associated with a reduction in neonatal mortality.

Goal-directed fluid therapy guided by Plethysmographic Variability Index (PVI) versus conventional liberal fluid administration in children during elective abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: PVI has been shown to be an accurate predictor of fluid responsiveness in paediatric patients. Evidence regarding the role of PVI to guide intraoperative fluid therapy in paediatric abdominal surgery is lacking. We aimed to assess the effect of PVI-guided fluid therapy on the volume of intraoperative fluids administered and post-operative biochemical and recovery profile in children undergoing elective abdominal surgery. METHODS: 42 children, 6 months-3 years scheduled for elective open bowel surgery were randomised to receive either 'conventional liberal intraoperative fluids' (liberal group) or 'goal-directed intraoperative fluids' (GDT group). PVI <13 was targeted in the GDT group. The primary outcome was the volume of intraoperative fluids administered. Postoperative serum lactate, base excess, hematocrit, recovery of bowel function and duration of postoperative hospital stay were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The mean fluid administered intra-operatively was significantly lower in the GDT group as compared to the liberal group (24.1 ± 9.6 mL/kg vs 37.0 ± 8.9 mL/kg, p < 0.001). The postoperative hemoglobin concentration (g%) was significantly lower in the liberal group as compared to the GDT group (8.1 ± 1.3 vs 9.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.008). Recovery of bowel function (hours) was significantly delayed in the liberal group as compared to the GDT group (58.2 ± 17.9 vs 36.5 ± 14.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative PVI-guided fluid therapy significantly reduces the volume of intravenous crystalloids administered to children undergoing open bowel surgery. These children also had faster recovery of bowel function and less hemodilution in the immediate postoperative period, compared to those who received liberal intraoperative fluid therapy. TYPE OF STUDY: Randomized Clinical Trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Treatment Study (LEVEL 1).

Evaluation of indigenously developed closed-loop automated blood pressure control system (claps): a preliminary study.

Closed-loop systems have been designed to assist anesthetists in controlling anesthetic drugs and also maintaining the stability of various physiological variables in the normal range. In the present study, we describe and clinically evaluated a novel closed-loop automated blood pressure control system (CLAPS) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Forty ASA II-IV adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomly allocated to receive adrenaline, noradrenaline, phenylephrine and nitroglycerine (NTG) adjusted either through CLAPS (CLAPS group) or manually (Manual group). The desired target mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) for each patient in both groups was set by the attending anesthesiologist. The hemodynamic performance was assessed based on the percentage duration of time the MAP remained within 20% of the set target. Automated controller performances were compared using performance error criteria of Varvel (MDPE, MDAPE, Wobble) and Global Score. MAP was maintained a significantly longer proportion of time within 20% of the target in the CLAPS group (79.4% vs. 65.5% p < 0.001, 't' test) as compared to the manual group. Median absolute performance error, wobble, and Global score was significantly lower in the CLAPS group. Hemodynamic stability was achieved with a significantly lower dose of Phenyepherine in the CLAPS group (1870 µg vs. 5400 µg, p < 0.05, 't' test). The dose of NTG was significantly higher in the CLAPS group (3070 µg vs. 1600 µg, p-value < 0.05, 't' test). The cardiac index and left ventricular end-diastolic area were comparable between the groups. Automated infusion of vasoactive drugs using CLAPS is feasible and also better than manual control for controlling hemodynamics during cardiac surgery. Trial registration number and date This trial was registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India under Registration Number CTRI/2018/01/011487 (Retrospective; registration date; January 23, 2018).

Oral melatonin as part of multimodal anxiolysis decreases emergence delirium in children whereas midazolam does not: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative anxiety is a risk factor for emergence delirium in children and a multimodal approach including sedatives and nonpharmacological measures is the current strategy to tackle this anxiety. The efficacy of oral melatonin as a component of multimodal anxiolytic strategy to decrease emergence delirium is not well studied. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal anxiolytic strategy including oral melatonin or midazolam to decrease emergence delirium after sevoflurane anaesthesia. DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, parallel arm, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital from July 2019 till January 2020. PARTICIPANTS: Children in the age group of 3 to 8 years who received sevoflurane anaesthesia for elective ambulatory procedures. INTERVENTIONS: Children were randomised to receive oral premedication with either melatonin 0.3 mg kg-1, midazolam 0.3 mg kg-1 or honey as placebo. All the children received standardised nonpharmacological measures involving multiple techniques to allay anxiety. The anaesthetic plan was also standardised. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium as assessed by the Watcha scale in the postanaesthesia care unit. The secondary outcomes were pre-operative anxiety assessed using a modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety scale, patient compliance with mask induction using the Induction Compliance Checklist and postoperative sedation. RESULTS: Data from 132 children were analysed. Melatonin significantly reduced the incidence of emergence delirium compared to placebo: 27 vs. 50%, respectively, an absolute risk reduction of 23.3 [95% confidence interval 3.7 to 42.9), P = 0.03]. Melatonin also significantly reduced the risk of emergence delirium compared with midazolam: 27 vs. 56%, respectively, an absolute risk reduction of 29.2 (95% CI 9.5 to 48.8). The midazolam group had a similar incidence of emergence delirium as placebo. Sedation scores were similar in the three groups postoperatively. The incidence and score of pre-operative anxiety as well as the compliance with mask induction were similar in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: A multimodal anxiolytic approach including oral melatonin, as opposed to oral midazolam, significantly reduced emergence delirium after sevoflurane anaesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2019/06/019850 in Clinical Trial Registry of India (www.ctri.nic.in).

Efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to ropivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block for paediatric laparoscopic surgeries: A double-blinded randomised trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: α2 agonists have been utilised in regional blocks, but very little data is available for their use in transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in paediatric laparoscopic (LAP) surgeries. This study investigated the analgesic effect of ropivacaine alone versus its combination with dexmedetomidine for TAP block in children undergoing LAP surgery. METHODS: A randomised, double-blind trial was conducted in 50 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1 and 2 children of 2-8 years undergoing LAP abdominal surgery. Children were randomised to receive a total volume of 0.5 ml/kg of 0.2% ropivacaine (LA group) or 0.2% ropivacaine with 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (LAD group) for performing ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block postoperatively (PO). Patients were monitored PO for vital signs, pain, sedation, time to first rescue analgesic and total analgesic consumption for 24 h. Time to first rescue analgesic was expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Pain and sedation scores were expressed as median [interquartile range (IQR)] and analysed using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: First rescue analgesic demand was significantly longer (P = 0.001) in LAD (474.8 min) versus LA group (240.9 min) but total analgesics consumption in first 24 h was comparable. Pain scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in LAD compared to LA group at all times PO. Each group had comparable but significantly lower sedation scores up to 24 h PO. CONCLUSION: Addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in TAP block prolongs the time to first analgesic requirement without a difference in the total analgesic consumption.

Prospective audit of sedation/anesthesia practices for children undergoing computerized tomography in a tertiary care institute.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of the study was to enumerate the sedative drugs used, assess the efficacy of sedative drugs, and determine the incidence of adverse events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective audit of children sedated for computerized tomography (CT) by anesthesiology team was conducted for a period of 4 months. The data included patient demographic variables, fasting period, medications administered, adequacy of sedation, imaging characteristics, adverse events, and requirement for escalated care. RESULTS: A total of 331 children were enrolled for sedation by the anesthesia team. The drugs used for sedation were propofol, ketamine, and midazolam. Twenty-two percent children received one sedative drug, 60% children were administered two drugs, and 5% children required a combination of all three drugs for successful sedation. Sedation was effective for successful conduct of CT scan in 95.8% patients without the requirement of a repeat scan. Twelve (5%) children experienced adverse events during the study period. However, none of the adverse events necessitated prolonged postprocedural hospitalization or resulted in permanent neurologic injury or death. CONCLUSIONS: The current practice of sedation with propofol, ketamine, and midazolam, either single or in combination was efficacious in a high percentage of patients. The incidence of adverse events during the study period was low.

Investigation of the Paediatric Tracheostomy Decannulation: Factors Affecting Outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence for factors determining paediatric tracheostomy decannulation vary extensively; therefore, this prospective observational study aimed to investigate these factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 67 consecutive paediatric patients (<12 years old) who referred to the Department of Otolaryngology, (Postgraduate Institute Medical Education and Research),(Chandigarh), India, for decannulation were included and evaluated for contributing factors in this study. Parental counselling was performed, and informed consents were obtained from them. The patients underwent detailed work up including X-rays of airway/soft tissue neck (STN) and endoscopic assessment under anaesthesia for evaluating airway patency. Decannulations were attempted post assessment and followed up one month to classify decannulation as success or failure regarding the removal of the tracheostomy tube. RESULTS: Totally, 61 patients out of 67 cases were successfully decannulated, whereas six children failed the decannulation. Moreover, the duration of tracheostomy (Pearson's Chi-square 35.330, P=0.013), indication of tracheostomy (Pearson's Chi-square 21.211, P=0.000), STN X-Ray (Chi-square 43.249, P=0.000), and bronchoscopic findings (Chi-square 67.000, P=0.000) were significantly associated with the outcome of decannulation. However, decannulation outcome had no significant correlation with various factors, such as the duration of intubation preceding tracheostomy, duration of ventilation, tracheal swabs, and antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: The STN X-ray is an independent predictor, and it is recommended for paediatric tracheostomy decannulation. Moreover, bronchoscopic assessment should be performed in children having doubtful infra-stomal airway. Duration of tracheostomy significantly affects decannulation outcome. However, intubation duration preceding tracheostomy and duration of assistive ventilation have no direct effects on the outcome of decannulation. In children, gradual decannulation should be preferred and one month follow up is adequate for deciding decannulation outcome.

Current practice of pre-anaesthesia preparation and perioperative parental satisfaction during paediatric ambulatory procedures in a developing country - An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of preoperative information provided to patients' parents, their expressed need for more information and its effect on paediatric anxiety and parental satisfaction with the perioperative care provided. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Public university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 100 children, 2-12 years scheduled to undergo elective day-care surgery under general anaesthesia. OUTCOMES MEASURED: The parents were interviewed preoperatively with a questionnaire, which included a list of items about preoperative preparation likely to contribute to patients' satisfaction with the health care services. The baseline anxiety level in the participant children and its possible predictors were recorded. Before discharge, the parents were asked a questionnaire for satisfaction scoring. RESULTS: Eighty-five (85%) parents were aware of the surgical procedure whereas 5 (5%) were aware of anaesthesia. Seventy-five (79%) families were not keen to know about anaesthesia. Amongst all the parents surveyed, 16 (16%) reported that receiving more information on anaesthesia would increase their anxiety while 84 (84%) reckoned that although more information would not increase their anxiety, it was unnecessary. Preoperative baseline anxiety was identified in 71 (71%) of children with a median mYPAS of 46.4 (95%CI: 41.4, 48.64). Amongst the potential predictors of anxiety analysed, low paternal education level was associated with high preoperative anxiety in children (adjusted OR: 3.67; 95%CI: 1.35, 9.99; P=0.01). Ninety-four (94%) and 57 (57%) parents expressed satisfaction with the obtained information from the surgeon and anaesthesiologist, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed the high incidence of preoperative anxiety in children and highlighted the expectations of parents regarding preoperative preparation suggesting the need to evolve the existing preparatory program in the context of a developing world setting.

Total Intravenous Anaesthesia for Fibre Optic-Aided Nasal Endotracheal Intubation in a Toddler with Anticipated Difficult Mask Ventilation.

Paediatric airway tumours can prove to be quite challenging for anaesthesiologists. We attempted to secure airway in a toddler with a large tongue haemangioma using total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with dexmedetomidine and propofol while preserving spontaneous ventilation.

A Comparison of Hypertonic Saline and Mannitol on Intraoperative Brain Relaxation in Patients with Raised Intracranial Pressure during Supratentorial Tumors Resection: A Randomized Control Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperosmotic agents are used to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP). We aim to compare the effect of euvolemic solutions of 3% hypertonic saline (HTS) and 20% mannitol on intraoperative brain relaxation in patients with clinical or radiological evidence of raised ICP undergoing surgery for supratentorial tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A.prospective double-blind study was conducted on 30 patients randomized into two equal groups. Each patient was administered 5 ml/kg of either 20% mannitol or 3% HTS over 15 minutes (min) after skin incision. Hemodynamic data, brain relaxation and serum electrolyte levels were recorded. RESULTS: Intraoperative brain relaxation was comparable between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean arterial pressures (MAPs) between the two groups after one minutes (min) with a greater degree of decrease in blood pressure recorded in the mannitol group (P = 0.041). MAP with mannitol was significantly lower than the preinduction value after 75 min of administration of drug (P = 0.003). Urine output was significantly higher in the mannitol group (P = 0.00). Administration of HTS was associated with a transient increase in serum sodium concentrations, which was statistically significant but returned to normal within 48 h (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both mannitol and HTS provided adequate intraoperative brain relaxation. On the contrary, there was no statistically significant fall in blood pressure with HTS. Thus, we advocate the use of HTS over mannitol as it maintains better hemodynamic stability.

Two-Stage Fiberoptic Intubation in an Infant With a Rare Congenital Laryngopharyngo-Cutaneous Fistula: A Case Report.

Branchial arches represent embryological precursors of the face, neck, and pharynx, and developmental abnormalities of these branchial arch derivatives can lead to airway anomalies. We report definitive repair of the fistula in an infant with a rare congenital laryngopharyngo-cutaneous fistula. This is the first report that describes a 2-stage fiberoptic intubation, a challenging technique performed for airway management of the aforementioned fistula in a patient with a difficult airway.