Point of care guided coagulation management in adult patients on ECMO: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advancements in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology, balancing the prevention of thrombosis and the risk of bleeding in patients on ECMO is still a significant challenge for physicians. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of viscoelastic point-of-care (POC)-guided coagulation management in adult patients on ECMO. METHODS: PubMed Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. After quality assessment, meta-analysis was carried out using random effects model, heterogeneity using I2 and publication bias using Doi and Funnel plots. RESULTS: A total of 1718 records were retrieved from the searches. Fifteen studies that enrolled a total of 583 participants met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 3 studies enrolling 181 subjects were eligible for meta-analysis. In patients managed with POC-guided algorithms, the odds were coherently lower for bleeding (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.36-1.42), thrombosis (OR 0.91, 95%CI 0.32-2.60), and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.29-1.03), but not for circuit change or failure (OR 1.50, 95%CI 0.59-3.83). However, the differences were not statistically significant due to wide 95%CIs. CONCLUSION: Viscoelastic POC monitoring demonstrates potential benefits for coagulation management in ECMO patients. Future research should focus on standardizing evidence to improve clinical decision-making. REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration ID CRD42023486294.

Comparison of the Effects of Sevoflurane and Desflurane on Endothelial Glycocalyx in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

Objective: Various enzymes, reactive oxygen species, inflammatory conditions, and major surgeries cause endothelial glycocalyx breakdown. Inhalation of anaesthetic agents may have protective effects on the endothelium. This study compared syndecan-1 and heparan sulfate levels to evaluate the effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on the endothelial glycocalyx. Methods: This prospective randomized, double-blind study included 46 patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. The participants were allocated into sevoflurane and desflurane groups. Subsequently, blood samples were drawn at three time points: before anaesthesia induction for a baseline value (T0), after pneumoperitoneum (T1), and after extubation (T2). Heparan sulfate and syndecan-1 levels were measured. Results: There was no statistical difference between the sevoflurane and desflurane groups in terms of heparan sulfate and syndecan-1 levels at any time point. A significant difference was found only in the desflurane group in the intragroup comparisons of the measurements of heparan sulfate levels (χ2=29.826, P < 0.001). Matched pairs of the time points in the desflurane group showed that P=0.036 (Z=-2.099) for T1-T0, P < 0.001 (Z=-3.924) for T2-T0, and P < 0.001 (Z=-4.197) for T2-T1. The change in percentage between T2 and T1 of heparan sulfate in the desflurane group was found to be statistically significant (P=0.034). Conclusion: The damage caused by surgical stress on the endothelial glycocalyx can be reduced by both desflurane and sevoflurane. The protective effect of desflurane is more prominent than that of sevoflurane.

The Impact of CoronaVac Vaccination on 28-day Mortality Rate of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 in Türkiye.

Background: Vaccines against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have been effective in preventing symptomatic diseases, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. However, data regarding the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing mortality among critically ill patients with COVID-19 remains unclear. Aims: To determine the vaccination status and investigate the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on the 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Study Design: Multicenter prospective observational clinical study. Methods: This study was conducted in 60 hospitals with ICUs managing critically ill patients with COVID-19. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to the ICU were included. The present study had two phases. The first phase was designed as a one-day point prevalence study, and demographic and clinical findings were evaluated. In the second phase, the 28-day mortality was evaluated. Results: As of August 11, 2021, 921 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.42 ± 16.74 years, and 48.6% (n = 448) were female. Among the critically ill patients with COVID-19, 52.6% (n = 484) were unvaccinated, 7.7% (n = 71) were incompletely vaccinated, and 39.8% (n = 366) were fully vaccinated. A subgroup analysis of 817 patients who were unvaccinated (n = 484) or who had received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine (n = 333) was performed. The 28-day mortality rate was 56.8% (n = 275) and 57.4% (n = 191) in the unvaccinated and two-dose CoronaVac groups, respectively. The 28-day mortality was associated with age, hypertension, the number of comorbidities, type of respiratory support, and APACHE II and sequential organ failure assessment scores (p < 0.05). The odds ratio for the 28-day mortality among those who had received two doses of CoronaVac was 0.591 (95% confidence interval: 0.413-0.848) (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Vaccination with at least two doses of CoronaVac within six months significantly decreased mortality in vaccinated patients than in unvaccinated patients.

Evaluation of the Effect of Pressure-Controlled Ventilation-Volume Guaranteed Mode vs. Volume-Controlled Ventilation Mode on Atelectasis in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic surgery, which results in less bleeding, less postoperative pain, and better cosmetic results, may affect the lung dynamics via the pneumoperitoneum. After laparoscopic surgery, atelectasis develops. The primary aim of the present study is to demonstrate the effects of two different ventilation modes on the development of atelectasis using lung ultrasound, and the secondary outcomes include the plateau pressure, peak inspiratory pressure, and compliance differences between the groups. Materials and Methods: In this study, 62 participants aged 18-75 years undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) group (group V) or the pressure-controlled-volume guaranteed ventilation (PCV-VG) group (group PV). The lung ultrasound score (LUS) was obtained thrice: prior to induction (T1), upon the patient's initial arrival in the recovery room (T2), and just before departing the recovery unit (T3). The hemodynamic data and mechanical ventilation parameters were recorded at different times intraoperatively. Results: The LUS score was similar between the groups at all the times. The change in the LUS score of the right lower anterior chest was statistically higher in the VCV group than the PCV group. The peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was found to be statistically higher in the V group than the PV group five minutes after induction (T5) (20.84 ± 4.32 p = 0.021). The plateau pressure was found to be higher in the V group than the PV group at all times (after induction (Tind) 17.29 ± 5.53 p = 0.004, (T5) 17.77 ± 4.89 p = 0.001, after pneumoperitoneum (TPP) 19.71 ± 4.28 p = 0.002). Compliance was found to be statistically higher in the PV group than the V group at all times ((Tind) 48.87 ± 15.37 p = 0.011, (T5) 47.94 ± 13.71 p = 0.043, (TPP) 35.65 ± 6.90 p = 0.004). Before and after the pneumoperitoneum, the compliance was determined to be lower in the V group than the PV group, respectively (40.68 ± 13.91 p = 0.043, 30.77 ± 5.73 p = 0.004). Conclusions: LUS score was similar between groups at all times. The PCV-VG mode was superior to the VCV mode in providing optimal ventilatory pressures and maintaining high dynamic compliance in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery.

Effects of Different Crystalloid Fluids on Renal Tissue in an Experimental Model of Hemorrhagic Shock.

Objective: The type of fluid that should be used in uncontrollable hemorrhages remains an area of research. This study was designed to compare the effects of resuscitation with Ringer's lactate (RL) solution versus a normal saline (NS) solution on hemodynamics, renal tissue histopathology, coagulation, and apoptosis in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock. Methods: The study employed groups designated as the control, hemorrhage, NS, and RL groups. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory rate were monitored. Annexin A5 values were assayed, rotational thromboelastometry analysis was performed, and excised kidney tissue samples were histopathologically analyzed. Results: Blood pressure levels were found to be significantly higher in the control group than those measured in the other groups. While the clotting time (CT) and clot formation time (CFT) in the hemorrhage group were significantly longer than those in the control and RL groups, the CT and CFT measured in the control group were significantly shorter compared to the RL group. The mean Annexin A5 level was in the hemorrhage group, which was significantly higher compared to the other groups. In the renal histopathological evaluation, the scores of proximal tubular injury, distal renal tubular injury, and interstitial renal tubular injury were found to be significantly lower in the control group compared to the other groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that NS or RL can be used safely to improve the hemodynamic symptoms resulting from hemorrhagic shock as a means to reduce apoptosis, and to decrease findings in favor of coagulopathy in bedside coagulation tests during the early stages of hemorrhagic shock until the time of starting a blood transfusion.

A Comparison of the Effects of Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone, Used on Level-3 Intensive Care COVID-19 Patients, on Mortality: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often a mild disease, usually manifesting with respiratory complaints, and is sometimes mortal due to multiple organ failure. Hyperinflammation is a known COVID-19 component and is associated with organ dysfunction, disease severity and mortality. Controlling hyperinflammatory response is crucial in determining treatment direction. An important agent in providing this control is corticosteroids. This study aimed to determine whether dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, doses, administration time and duration in COVID-19 treatment are associated with improved treatment outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study was conducted with participation of 6 healthcare centers which collected data by retrospectively examining files of 1,340 patients admitted to intensive care unit due to COVID-19 between March 2020 and September 2021, diagnosed with polymerase chain reaction (+) and/or clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: Mortality in the pulse methylprednisolone group was statistically significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups. Mortality was higher in older patients with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney failure, coronary artery disease, and dementia. Pulse and mini-pulse steroid doses were less effective than standard methylprednisolone and dexamethasone doses, pulse steroid doses being associated with high mortality. Standard-dose methylprednisolone and dexamethasone led to similar effects, but standard dose methylprednisolone was more effective in severe patients who required mechanical ventilation (MV). Infection development was related to steroid treatment duration, not cumulative steroid dose. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroids are shown to be beneficial in critical COVID-19, but the role of early corticosteroids in mild COVID-19 patients remains unclear. The anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids may have a positive effect by reducing mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. Although dexamethasone was first used for this purpose, methylprednisolone was found to be as effective at standard doses. Methylprednisolone administered at standard doses was associated with greater PaO2/FiO2 ratios than dexamethasone, especially in the severe group requiring MV. High dose pulse steroid doses are closely associated with mortality and standard methylprednisolone dose is recommended.

Evaluation of rescue techniques following failed laryngoscopy: A multicenter prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The Fourth National Audit Project revealed that severe airway complications occur in the frequency of 1/22,000. Various rescue techniques were recommended in difficult airway guidelines. This study aims to evaluate the rescue techniques following failed direct laryngoscopy and analyze the success rates and potential complications during difficult airway management. METHODS: This was a multicenter and prospective observational study carried out in four referral centers. Four academic university hospitals using fiberoptic bronchoscopy and videolaryngoscopy in their daily practice were included in the study. Patients undergoing general anesthesia with anticipated or unanticipated difficult intubation were enrolled. The preferred rescue technique and the attempts for both direct and indirect laryngoscopies were recorded. RESULTS: At the mean age of 46.58±21.19 years, 92 patients were analyzed. The most common rescue technique was videolaryngoscopy following failed direct laryngoscopy. Glidescope was the most preferred videolaryngoscope. Anesthesia residents performed most of the first tracheal intubation attempts, whereas anesthesia specialists performed the second attempts at all centers. The experience of the first performer as a resident was significantly higher in the anticipated difficult airway group (4.0±5.5 years) (p=0.045). The number of attempts with the first rescue technique was 2.0±2.0 and 1.0±1.0 in the unanticipated difficult airway and anticipated difficult airway groups, respectively (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Videolaryngoscopy was a more commonly preferred technique for both anticipated and unanticipated difficult intubations. Glidescope was the most used rescue device in difficult intubations after failed direct laryngoscopy, with a high success rate.

Evaluation of the effect of pancreatic volume on mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic volume is enlarged in acute pancreatitis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether there was a difference in pancreatic volume between survivors and non-survivors with acute pancreatitis using computer-generated 3D imaging. METHOD: This single-center retrospective observational cohort study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2020. The hospital automation system was used to get the patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis by using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) (ninth edition, code 577.0 or 10th version, code K 85.0) codes. The patients' pancreatic volumes, computed tomography severity index (CTSI), and modified computed tomography severity index (mCTSI) scores were calculated using the data obtained from the hospital automation system. The pancreatic volumes of the patients were measured using the computer-generated 3D imaging method. Pancreatic volume, CTSI, and mCTSI were then statistically compared in terms of mortality prediction by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Of the 143 patients, 57.34% were female and 42.66% were male. The cut-off value of pancreatic volume in determining mortality was>81.5 cm3 OR:17.43 (%95 CI: 2.2-138.1) Cohen's d:1.126, at which it had 92.3% sensitivity, 60.0% specificity, 18.8% positive predictive value, and 98.7% negative predictive value. As a result of the ROC analysis of pancreatic volume in mortality prediction, the area under curve (AUC) value was determined as 0.787 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.711-0.851]. The ROC analysis of the CTSI and mCTSI scores in mortality prediction revealed AUC values of 0.822 (95%CI: 0.750-0.881) and 0.955 (95%CI: 0.907-0.983) respectively. CONCLUSION: Although CTSI scores pancreatic enlargement and mCTSI scores pancreatic necrosis and inflammation, the pancreatic volume value is not clearly scored in both. In this study population, pancreatic volume above 81.5 cm was associated with increased mortality. Both CTSI and mCTSI scores outperformed pancreatic volume in predicting mortality.

Short-Term Outcomes of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy-guided Resection and Anastomosis Control in Thoracic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In thoracic surgery practice, bronchial closure and anastomosis are relatively easy in technical terms; however, it is also the procedure that is most open to the development of complications with high morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of simultaneous evaluation of bronchial closure under fiberoptic bronchoscopy guidance during lung resection on the development of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged over 18 years who underwent elective lung resection in our clinic between 2017 and 2021 were included in the study. Postoperative complications were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61.4±10.4 years, and 267 patients were male (75.4%) and 87 (24.6%) were female. Thoracotomy was performed in 258 (72.9%) patients and lung resection with the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery technique in 96 (27.1%) patients. During the follow-up, complications were observed during the first 30 days in 78 (22.0%) of the patients and later in 9 (2.5%). Surgical mortality occurred in 11 patients (3.1%), and the rate of readmission to the intensive care unit was 5.6% (n=20). CONCLUSION: We consider that the control of the resection line with the active use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy during surgery is important for the prevention of the development of bronchial morbidity. Complications in the early period can be reduced by ensuring that the remaining bronchus is not narrowed, there are no residual stump structures that may disrupt the bronchial line, such as cartilage, and bronchial washing is frequently undertaken.

Different epidemiology of bloodstream infections in COVID-19 compared to non-COVID-19 critically ill patients: a descriptive analysis of the Eurobact II study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HABSIs) between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 critically ill patients. METHODS: We used data from the Eurobact II study, a prospective observational multicontinental cohort study on HABSI treated in ICU. For the current analysis, we selected centers that included both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 critically ill patients. We performed descriptive statistics between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 in terms of patients' characteristics, source of infection and microorganism distribution. We studied the association between COVID-19 status and mortality using multivariable fragility Cox models. RESULTS: A total of 53 centers from 19 countries over the 5 continents were eligible. Overall, 829 patients (median age 65 years [IQR 55; 74]; male, n = 538 [64.9%]) were treated for a HABSI. Included patients comprised 252 (30.4%) COVID-19 and 577 (69.6%) non-COVID-19 patients. The time interval between hospital admission and HABSI was similar between both groups. Respiratory sources (40.1 vs. 26.0%, p < 0.0001) and primary HABSI (25.4% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.006) were more frequent in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients had more often enterococcal (20.5% vs. 9%) and Acinetobacter spp. (18.8% vs. 13.6%) HABSIs. Bacteremic COVID-19 patients had an increased mortality hazard ratio (HR) versus non-COVID-19 patients (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.49-2.45). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that the epidemiology of HABSI differed between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Enterococcal HABSI predominated in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients with HABSI had elevated risk of mortality. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.org number NCT03937245 . Registered 3 May 2019.

Pleth Variability Index Guided Volume Optimisation in Major Gynaecologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare conventional fluid management (CFM) with pleth variability index (PVI) guided goal-directed fluid management (GDFM) during elective total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH+BSO) operations. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences University, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from February to July 2021. METHODOLOGY: This trial included 78 patients aged 18-65 years with ASA I-III who would undergo elective TAH-BSO under general anaesthesia. Following randomisation with the closed envelope method, standard monitoring, and 250 ml crystalloid infusion during anaesthesia induction, maintenance fluid therapy was administered at 8-10 ml/Kg/hour to the control group and 2-3 ml/Kg/hour to the PVI group. If the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was ≤65 mmHg and/or the MAP was decreased by more than 20%, and the PVI was >13%, a 250 ml colloid bolus was given. When there was no response, a vasoactive agent was administered. Vital signs, laboratory findings, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Age, weight, BMI, urine output, bleeding, hospital stay, comorbidities, intraoperative use of blood products, and complication rates were not significantly different between the PVI and CFM groups (p>0.05). The PVI group had shorter operational times and used less crystalloid than the control group (p=0.033 and p<0.001, respectively). The PVI group's postoperative base excess (BE) levels changed significantly less than the control group's (p<0.001). In both pre- and postoperative haemoglobin, haematocrit, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and lactate measurements, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: PVI-GDFM is equally safe as CFM for intraoperative fluid management during elective complete abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy procedures. KEY WORDS: Pleth variability index, Fluid management, Base excess.

Blind vs. video-laryngoscope-guided laryngeal mask insertion: A prospective randomized comparison of oropharyngeal leak pressure and fiberoptic grading.

PURPOSE: Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) insertion may not always be smooth without complications. Controversial results of several studies evaluating ideal insertion conditions have been published. This study compared the oropharyngeal leak pressure values and fiberoptic grading scores between blind and video-laryngoscope-guided LMA insertion. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned into blind insertion (n = 50) and video-laryngoscope guided insertion (n = 50) groups. The oropharyngeal leak pressure, peak airway pressure, fiberoptic grading score, first attempt success rate, hemodynamic parameters, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: All laryngeal mask airways were successfully inserted in both groups at the first attempt. The fiberoptic staging scores were: grade 1 in 8.2% of patients, grade 2 in 24.4% of patients, grade 3 in 44.8% of patients, grade 4 in 22.4% of patients in the control group. On the other hand, grade 1 in 2.2% of patients, grade 2 in 28.6% of patients, grade 3 in 51% of patients, grade 4 in 8.2% of patients in the VL group (p = 0.260). The peak airway pressure and LMA insertion time were similar between groups. However, the oropharyngeal leak pressure before extubation was significantly higher in the video-laryngoscope-guided insertion than blind insertion (36.29 ± 7.09 vs. 33.79 ± 8.84 cmH2O respectively, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study suggest that the video-laryngoscope-guided LMA-Classic insertion with a standard blade technique may be a helpful alternative to blind insertion.

The effect of different flow levels and concentrations of sevoflurane during the wash-in phase on volatile agent consumption: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The standard procedure for low-flow anesthesia usually incorporates a high fresh gas flow (FGF) of 4-6 L/minute during the wash-in phase. However, the administration of a high FGF (4-6 L/min) increases the inhaled anesthetic agent consumption. This study was designed to compare the sevoflurane consumption at 2 rates of flow and vaporizer concentration during the wash-in period. METHODS: Patients were randomly enrolled into high FGF (HFGF) (n = 30) and low FGF (LFGF) (n = 30) groups. During the wash-in, the HFGF group received 4 L/minute FGF with a sevoflurane vaporizer setting of 2.5%, and the LFGF group received 1 L/minute FGF with a vaporizer setting of 8%. Once the wash-in was complete, anesthesia maintenance was performed with 0.5 L/min FGF with a vaporizer setting of 2.5-4.5% in both groups. The patient demographic data, bispectral index values, hemodynamic variables, wash-in time, sevoflurane consumption during the wash-in phase, and total sevoflurane consumption were analyzed. RESULTS: The median sevoflurane consumption in the wash-in phase was 8.2 mL (7.1-9.3) in the HFGF group and 2.7 mL (2.2-3.1) in the LFGF group (p = 0.001). The mean total sevoflurane consumption was 17.41 ± 3.58 mL in the patients who received HFGF and 14.93 ± 3.57 mL in the LFGF group (p = 0.001). The mean wash-in completion time was 12.49 ± 2.79 min in the HFGF group and 3.35 ± 0.67 min in the LFGF group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The anesthetic agent consumption during the wash-in phase was approximately 3 times lower with the administration of sevoflurane at 1 L/minute FGF than the use of 4 L/minute FGF.

Tocilizumab treatment in severe COVID-19: a multicenter retrospective study with matched controls.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) associated pneumonia may progress into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Some patients develop features of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Elevated levels of IL-6 were reported to be associated with severe disease, and anti-IL-6R tocilizumab has been shown to be effective in some patients. This retrospective multicenter case-control study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, who received standard of care with or without tocilizumab. Primary outcome was the progression to intubation or death. PSMATCH (SAS) procedure was used to achieve exact propensity score (PS) matching. Data from 1289 patients were collected, and study population was reduced to 1073 based on inclusion-exclusion criteria. The composite outcome was observed more frequently in tocilizumab-users, but there was a significant imbalance between arms in all critical parameters. Primary analyses were carried out in 348 patients (174 in each arm) after exact PS matching according to gender, ferritin, and procalcitonin. Logistic regression models revealed that tocilizumab significantly reduced the intubation or death (OR 0.40, p = 0.0017). When intubation is considered alone, tocilizumab-users had > 60% reduction in odds of intubation. Multiple imputation approach, which increased the size of the matched patients up to 506, provided no significant difference between arms despite a similar trend for intubation alone group. Analysis of this retrospective cohort showed more frequent intubation or death in tocilizumab-users, but PS-matched analyses revealed significant results for supporting tocilizumab use overall in a subset of patients matched according to gender, ferritin and procalcitonin levels.

The Effect of Sugammadex on Time of Sciatic Block by Perineural Bupivacaine in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of sugammadex on the motor, sensory and deep sensory block in the sciatic nerve created by bupivacaine in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 18 Sprague-Dawley adult male rats treated with unilateral sciatic nerve block by bupivacaine (0.2 ml) were randomly divided into three groups. Control group (Group C, n = 6, 1.5 mL saline) perineural sugammadex group (Group PNS, n = 6, 16 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal sugammadex group (Group IPS, n = 6, 16 mg/kg) Motor, sensory, and deep sensory functions were evaluated every 10 minutes by a blind researcher. 6 tissue samples each belonging to the sciatic nerve, 1.5 cm in length and 0.2 cm in diameter, were taken from paraffin blocks. Sections of 3-4 micrometers were stained with Hematoxylin + Eosin, Masson Trichrome dyes and examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between 3 groups in terms of the time to return to normal motor, sensory and deep sensory function. There was also no significant difference in edema, extracellular matrix, and myelin. Inflammatory cells were seen in all groups, mainly epineurium, epineurium, and perineurium. CONCLUSION: There are findings of no histological effects or effects on local block of sugammadex in rats undergoing sciatic nerve block.

The impact of video games on training: can it change the game of endotracheal intubation?

In recent years, several studies have demonstrated that the experience derived from video games improves interventions that require technical skills. Airway management is crucial to anesthesiologists, requiring technical and non-technical skills. We evaluated the benefits of video games for video stylet-guided tracheal intubation, which allows the use of video technology in airway management of residents with anesthesiology training. In the present study, the residents working in the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation at the Health Sciences University of Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kirdar City Hospital in Istanbul were assigned to two groups. Active users who played video games on a regular basis formed study group (n = 14), while those who did not have video gaming habits were assigned to the control group (n = 15). Female patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II classification undergoing elective open or laparoscopic gynecological surgery through tracheal intubation under general anesthesia were included in the study. Female patients elective open and laparoscopic gynecological surgery under GA were included in the study. Time to intubate the trachea by using video stylet in (Group 1) was found to be 29 s on average, and it was 59.9 s for Group 2 ( p < 0.01) The average number of tracheal intubation attempts was 1.1 in Group 1, and 1.4 in Group 2 (p = 0.19). Video gaming experience improves the visual attention.Those accustomed to playing with video games, video stylet- guided tracheal intubation, performed intubation in less time.

The clinical characteristics and the risk factors for mortality in Non-COVID-19 critical patients in a pandemic hospital in Turkey: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted standard health policies and routine medical care, and thus, the management and treatment pathways of many clinical conditions have changed as never before. The negative impact of the pandemic rendered the systemic disease more complicated and accelerated mortality. For the last two years, clinicians have primarily focused on COVID-19 patients; however, the non-COVID-19 critically ill patients needed to be addressed from multiple perspectives. This study investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of non-COVID-19 critical care patients admitted concurrently with a COVID-19 wave. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for mortality in critically ill non-COVID-19 patients. Methods: All consecutive cases admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were included in the study between January 1, 2021 and July 14, 2021. All data, including age, gender, admission characteristics, patient dependency, pre-existing systemic diseases, the severity of illness (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation -APACHE-II), predicted death rate in ICU, life-sustaining medical procedures on admission or during ICU stay, length of stay, and admission time to the ICU, were obtained from the hospital's electronic database. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was assessed for all patients. Results: A total of 192 patients were screened during the study period. Mortality was significantly increased in non-surgical patients, previously dependent patients, patients requiring mechanical ventilation, continuous renal replacement therapy, and patients requiring the infusion of vasoactive medications. The number of pre-existing diseases and the admission time had no impact on mortality. The mean CCI was significantly higher in non-survivors but was not a strong predictor of mortality as APACHE II. Conclusions: In this retrospective study, the severity of illness and the need for vasoactive agent infusion were significantly higher in non-survivors confirmed by multivariate analysis as predictive factors for mortality in critical non-COVID-19 patients.