Preoperative anxiety level is not associated with postoperative negative behavioral changes in premedicated children.

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia preinduction anxiety in children can according to some studies lead to long-term anxiety and negative behavioral changes (NBC), while other studies have not found this effect. This secondary analysis from a recent premedication trial comparing clonidine and midazolam aimed to test the relation between preoperative anxiety assessed with modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) and postoperative NBCs assessed with Post Hospital Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ), regardless of premedication type. METHODS: This is a planned secondary analysis from a published premedication comparison trial in an outpatient surgery cohort, children aged 2-7 years. Participant and preoperative factors, particularly preoperative anxiety as mYPAS scores, were assessed for association with development of postoperative NBCs. RESULTS: Fifty-four of the 115 participants had high preinduction anxiety (mYPAS >30), and 19 of 115 developed >3 postoperative NBCs 1 week after surgery. There was no association between preinduction anxiety level as mYPAS scores and the development of postoperative NBCs at 1 week after surgery (10 of 19 had both, p = .62) nor after 4- or 26-weeks post-surgery. Only lower age was associated with development of NBCs postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings from this cohort, high preinduction anxiety does not appear to be associated with NBCs postoperatively in children premedicated with clonidine or midazolam.

Spinal anaesthesia with clonidine: pain relief and earlier mobilisation after open nephrectomy - a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Early mobilisation and effective pain management after open nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma often include epidural analgesia (EDA), requiring an infusion pump and a urinary catheter, thus impeding mobilisation. Spinal anaesthesia (SpA) may be an alternative. This randomised clinical trial evaluated whether SpA improves analgesia and facilitates mobilisation over EDA and which factors influence mobilisation and length of stay (LOS). METHODS: Between 2012 and 2015, 135 patients were randomised and stratified by surgical method to either SpA with clonidine or EDA. Mobility index score (MobIs), pain scale, patient satisfaction questionnaire, and LOS were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: SpA patients exhibited an increase in MobIs significantly earlier than EDA patients. Among SpA patients >50% reached MobIs ≥13 by postoperative day 3, while 29% of EDA patients never reached MobIs ≥13 before discharge. SpA patients had higher maximum pain scores on postoperative days 1 and 2, but both groups had similar patient satisfaction. One day before discharge, 36/64 SpA versus 22/67 EDA patients (56% and 33%, respectively) were opioid-free. SpA patients were discharged significantly earlier than EDA patients. CONCLUSIONS: SpA facilitates postoperative pain management and is associated with faster mobilisation and shorter LOS.The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.org (ID-NCT02030717).

Clonidine Versus Midazolam Premedication and Postoperative Negative Behavioral Changes in Younger Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative negative behavioral changes (NBCs) are common among children, but risk for this is thought to be reduced with premedication. Midazolam has for many years been a standard premedication for children. More recently, the alpha-2 adrenergic agonist clonidine has also become popular as a preanesthetic sedative. We hypothesized that clonidine was superior to midazolam for limiting new NBCs in children as assessed using the Post Hospital Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ). METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded study, including 115 participants aged 24 to 95 months and their parents. The participants underwent ear, nose, or throat outpatient surgery and were randomly allocated to premedication with oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg or oral clonidine 4 µg/kg. Participants were anesthetized by protocol. At home, later, parents were asked to complete the PHBQ assessment instrument for postoperative NBCs for the participants 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after the surgery. A secondary outcome, preinduction anxiety, was assessed using modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS). RESULTS: The primary outcome, more than 3 NBCs in an individual case at 1 week, showed no difference in proportions between treatment in the clonidine group compared to the midazolam group, (12/59 or 20% vs 7/56 or 13%, respectively, odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-2.58; P = .32). A secondary result showed a higher preinduction anxiety level in the clonidine compared to the midazolam group (mYPAS >30, 43/59 or 71% vs 12/56 or 21%, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results did not show a clinical or statistically significant difference, with respect to the primary outcome of behavior changes at 1 week, between the cohorts that received midazolam versus clonidine as a premedication.

Levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) associates with sepsis-related in-hospital mortality in women.

BACKGROUND: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) mediates the innate immune response either through direct opsonisation of microorganisms or through activation of the complement system. There are conflicting data whether MBL deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to infections or not. The aim of this study was to determine if low levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) predict sepsis development, sepsis severity and outcome from severe sepsis or septic shock. METHOD: Patients aged 18 years or more with documented sepsis within 24 h after admission to the intensive care unit were included if they had participated in a health survey and donated blood samples prior to the sepsis event. A subset of these patients had stored plasma also from the acute phase. Two matched referents free of known sepsis were selected for each case. Plasma levels MBL were determined in stored samples from health surveys (baseline) and from ICU admission (acute phase). The association between MBL and sepsis, sepsis severity and in-hospital mortality were determined with 1300 ng/mL as cut-off for low levels. RESULTS: We identified 148 patients (61.5% women) with a first-time sepsis event 6.5 years (median with IQR 7.7) after participation in a health survey, of which 122 also had samples from the acute septic phase. Both high MBL levels in the acute phase (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) (2.84 [1.20-6.26]), and an increase in MBL levels from baseline to the acute phase (3.76 [1.21-11.72]) were associated with increased risk for in-hospital death in women, but not in men (0.47 [0.11-2.06]). Baseline MBL levels did not predict future sepsis, sepsis severity or in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: An increase from baseline to the acute phase as well as high levels in the acute phase associated with an unfavourable outcome in women.

A national survey on routines regarding sedation in Swedish intensive care units.

Background: Previous studies concerning sedation in Swedish intensive care units (ICU) have shown variability in drug choices and strategies. Currently, there are no national guidelines on this topic. As an update to a Nordic survey from 2004, and as a follow-up to a recently introduced quality indicator from the Swedish Intensive Care Registry, we performed a national survey. Methods: A digital survey was sent to the ICUs in Sweden, asking for sedation routines regarding hypnosedatives, analgosedatives, protocols, sedation scales, etc. Results: Fifty out of 80 ICUs responded to the survey. All units used sedation scales, and 88% used the RASS scale; 80% used written guidelines for sedation. Propofol and dexmedetomidine were the preferred short-term hypnosedatives. Propofol, dexmedetomidine, and midazolam were preferred for long-term hypnosedation. Remifentanil, morphine, and fentanyl were the most frequently used agents for analgosedation. Conclusions: All ICUs used a sedation scale, an increase compared with previous studies. Concerning the choice of hypno- and analgosedatives, the use of dexmedetomidine, clonidine, and remifentanil has increased, and the use of benzodiazepines has decreased since the Nordic survey in 2004.

Thoracic epidural anaesthesia reduces insulin resistance and inflammatory response in experimental acute pancreatitis.

AIMS: The activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is crucial at an early stage in the development of an inflammatory reaction. A study of metabolic events globally and locally in the early phase of acute pancreatitis (AP), implying hampered SNS activity, is lacking. We hypothesized that thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA) modulates the inflammatory response and alleviates the severity of AP in pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The taurocholate (TC) group (n = 8) had only TC AP. The TC + TEA group (n = 8) had AP and TEA. A control group (n = 8) underwent all the preparations, without having AP or TEA. Metabolic changes in the pancreas were evaluated by microdialysis and by histopathological examination. RESULTS: The relative increase in serum lipase concentrations was more pronounced in the TC group than in TC + TEA and control groups. A decrease in relative tissue oxygen tension (PtiO2) levels occurred one hour later in the TC + TEA group than in the TC group. The maintenance of normoglycaemia in the TC group required a higher glucose infusion rate than in the TC + TEA group. The relative decrease in serum insulin concentrations was most pronounced in the TC + TEA group. CONCLUSION: TEA attenuates the development of AP, as indicated by changes observed in haemodynamic parameters and by the easier maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Further, TEA was associated with attenuated insulin resistance and fewer local pathophysiological events.

Leptin independently predicts development of sepsis and its outcome.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and obesity is related to the clinical outcome. The underlying reasons are incompletely understood, but the adipocyte derived hormones leptin and adiponectin may be involved. METHODS: Patients aged 18 years or more with documented first time sepsis events were included in a nested case-referent study if they had participated in previous health surveys. Two matched referents free of known sepsis were identified. Circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin were determined in stored plasma, and their impact on a future sepsis event and its outcome was evaluated. RESULTS: We identified 152 patients (62% women) with a sepsis event and a previous participation in a health survey. Eighty-three % had also blood samples from the acute event. Hyperleptinemia at health survey associated with a future sepsis event (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.04-3.00) and with hospital death. After adjustment for BMI leptin remained associated with sepsis in men, but not in women. High levels in the acute phase associated with increased risk for in hospital death in women (OR 4.18, 95% CI 1.17-15.00), while being protective in men (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.48). Furthermore, leptin increased more from baseline to the acute phase in men than in women. Adiponectin did not predict sepsis and did not relate to outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperleptinemia independently predicted the development of sepsis and an unfavourable outcome in men, and inertia in the acute response related to worse outcome.

Spinal analgesia improves surgical outcome after open nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether more effective perioperative analgesia can be part of a multimodal approach to minimizing morbidity and improving postoperative management after the open surgical approaches frequently used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of the study was to determine whether spinal anesthesia with clonidine can enhance postoperative analgesia, speed up mobilization and reduce the length of hospital stay (LOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2012 and 2015, 135 patients with RCC were randomized, in addition to general anesthesia, to receive either spinal analgesia with clonidine or epidural analgesia, stratified to surgical technique. Inclusion criteria were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of III or less, age over 18 years and no chronic pain medication or cognitive disorders. RESULTS: The median LOS was 4 days for patients in the spinal group and 6 days in the epidural group (p = 0.001). There were no differences regarding duration of surgery, blood loss, RENAL score, tumor size or complications between the given analgesia methods. A limitation was that different anesthesiologists were responsible for administering spinal or epidural anesthesia, as in a real-world clinical situation. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized controlled study, spinal analgesia with clonidine was superior to continuous epidural analgesia in patients operated on with open nephrectomy, based on shorter LOS. A shorter LOS in the study group indicates faster mobilization and improved analgesia. Spinal analgesia did not carry more complications than epidural analgesia.

Risk for intracranial pressure increase related to enclosed air in post-craniotomy patients during air ambulance transport: a retrospective cohort study with simulation.

BACKGROUND: Post-craniotomy intracranial air can be present in patients scheduled for air ambulance transport to their home hospital. We aimed to assess risk for in-flight intracranial pressure (ICP) increases related to observed intracranial air volumes, hypothetical sea level pre-transport ICP, and different potential flight levels and cabin pressures. METHODS: A cohort of consecutive subdural hematoma evacuation patients from one University Medical Centre was assessed with post-operative intracranial air volume measurements by computed tomography. Intracranial pressure changes related to estimated intracranial air volume effects of changing atmospheric pressure (simulating flight and cabin pressure changes up to 8000 ft) were simulated using an established model for intracranial pressure and volume relations. RESULTS: Approximately one third of the cohort had post-operative intracranial air. Of these, approximately one third had intracranial air volumes less than 11 ml. The simulation estimated that the expected changes in intracranial pressure during 'flight' would not result in intracranial hypertension. For intracranial air volumes above 11 ml, the simulation suggested that it was possible that intracranial hypertension could develop 'inflight' related to cabin pressure drop. Depending on the pre-flight intracranial pressure and air volume, this could occur quite early during the assent phase in the flight profile. DISCUSSION: These findings support the idea that there should be radiographic verification of the presence or absence of intracranial air after craniotomy for patients planned for long distance air transport. CONCLUSIONS: Very small amounts of air are clinically inconsequential. Otherwise, air transport with maintained ground-level cabin pressure should be a priority for these patients.

Outcome of microdialysis sampling on liver surface and parenchyma.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether surface microdialysis (µD) sampling in probes covered by a plastic film, as compared to noncovered and to intraparenchymatous probes, would increase the technique's sensitivity for pathophysiologic events occurring in a liver ischemia-reperfusion model. Placement of µD probes in the parenchyma of an organ, as is conventionally done, may cause adverse effects, e.g., bleeding, possibly influencing outcome. METHODS: A transient ischemia-reperfusion model of the liver was used in six anesthetized normoventilated pigs. µD probes were placed in the parenchyma and on the liver surface. Surface probes were either left uncovered or were covered by plastic film. RESULTS: Lactate and glucose levels were significantly higher in plastic film covered probes than in uncovered surface probes throughout the ischemic period. Glycerol levels were significantly higher in plastic film covered probes than in uncovered surface probes at 30 and 45 min into ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Covering the µD probe increases the sensibility of the µD-technique in monitoring an ischemic insult and reperfusion in the liver. These findings confirm that the principle of surface µD works, possibly replacing need of intraparenchymatous placement of µD probes. Surface µD seemingly allows, noninvasively from an organ's surface, via the extracellular compartment, assessment of intracellular metabolic events. The finding that covered surface µD probes allows detection of local metabolic changes earlier than do intraparenchymatous probes, merit further investigation focusing on µD probe design.

Inspiratory Capacity as an Indirect Measure of Immediate Effects of Positive Expiratory Pressure and CPAP Breathing on Functional Residual Capacity in Healthy Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and CPAP are used to enhance breathing parameters such as functional residual capacity (FRC) in patients. Studies comparing effects of PEP and CPAP on FRC are few and variable. One reason for this may be that sophisticated equipment, not suitable in the clinical setting, is required. Because total lung capacity (TLC) consists of inspiratory capacity (IC) and FRC, a change in IC should result in a corresponding change in FRC given constant TLC. We aimed to evaluate the effects of different PEP and CPAP devices on IC as an indirect measure of induced changes in FRC from these devices in healthy subjects. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects breathed with 2 PEP devices, a PEP mask (flow resistor) and a PEP bottle (threshold resistor), and 2 CPAP devices, a flow resistor and a threshold resistor, in a randomized order. The measurement sequence consisted of 30 breaths with an IC measurement performed before and immediately after the 30th breath while the subjects were still connected to the breathing device. Perceived exertion of the 30 breaths was measured with the Borg category ratio 10 scale. RESULTS: Three of the 4 breathing devices, the PEP mask and the 2 CPAP devices, significantly decreased IC (P < .001). Median perceived exertion was quite low for all 4 breathing devices, but the difference in perceived exertion among the different breathing devices was large. CONCLUSIONS: Provided that TLC is constant, we found that measurements of changes in IC could be used as an indirect measure of changes in FRC in healthy subjects. All investigated breathing devices except the PEP bottle decreased IC, as an indirect measure of increased FRC.

Simulated flying altitude and performance of continuous positive airway pressure devices.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used in air ambulances to treat patients with impaired oxygenation. Differences in mechanical principles between CPAP devices may affect their performance at different ambient air pressures, as will occur in an air ambulance during flight. METHODS: Two different CPAP systems, a threshold resistor device and a flow resistor device, at settings of 5 and 10 cm H2O were examined. Static pressure, static airflow, and pressure during simulated breathing were measured at ground level and at three different altitudes [2400 m (7874 ft), 3000 m (9843 ft), and 10,700 m (35,105 ft)]. RESULTS: When altitude increased, the performance of the two CPAP systems differed during both static and simulated breathing pressure measurements. With the threshold resistor CPAP, measured pressure levels were close to the preset CPAP level. Static pressure decreased 0.71 ± 0.35 cm H2O at CPAP 10 cm H2O compared to ground level and 35,105 ft (10,700 m). With the flow resistor CPAP, as the altitude increased, CPAP produced pressure levels increased. At 35,105 ft (10,700 m), the increase was 5.13 ± 0.33 cm H2O at CPAP 10 cm H2O. DISCUSSION: The velocity of airflow through the flow resistor CPAP device is strongly influenced by reduced ambient air pressure, leading to a higher delivered CPAP effect than the preset CPAP level. Threshold resistor CPAP devices seem to have robust performance regardless of altitude. Thus, the threshold resistor CPAP device is probably more appropriate for CPAP treatment in an air ambulance cabin, where ambient pressure will vary during patient transport.

Regional intensive care transports: a prospective analysis of distance, time and cost for road, helicopter and fixed-wing ambulances.

BACKGROUND: There are three different types of ambulance systems, all of which can manage the same secondary intensive care patient transport mission: road ambulance, rotor-wing ambulance, and fixed-wing ambulance. We hypothesized that costs for specific transport distances would differ between systems. We aimed to analyze distances and observed times for ambulance intensive care secondary transport missions together with system costs to assess this. METHODS: We prospectively collected data for consecutive urgent intensive care transports into the regional tertiary care hospital in the northern region of Sweden. Distances and transport times were gathered, and a cost model was generated based on these together with fixed and operating costs from the three different ambulance systems. Distance-cost and time-cost estimations were then generated for each transport system. RESULTS: Road ambulance cost relatively less for shorter distances (within 250 kilometers/155 miles) but were relatively time ineffective. The rotor-wing systems were most expensive regardless of distance; but were most time-effective up to 400-500 km (248-310 miles). Fixed-wing systems were more cost-effective for longer distance (300 km/186 miles), and time effective for transports over 500 km (310 miles). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, based on an economic model developed from observed regional ICU patient transports, and cost estimations, different ambulance system cost-distances could be compared. Distance-cost and time results show that helicopters can be effective up to moderate ICU transport distances (400-500), though are expensive to operate. For longer ICU patient transports, fixed-wing transport systems are both cost and time effective compared to helicopter-based systems.

Perioperative fluid guidance with transthoracic echocardiography and pulse-contour device in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: In bariatric surgery, non- or mini-invasive modalities for cardiovascular monitoring are addressed to meet individual variability in hydration needs. The aim of the study was to compare conventional monitoring to an individualized goal-directed therapy (IGDT) regarding the need of perioperative fluids and cardiovascular stability. METHODS: Fifty morbidly obese patients were consecutively scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01873183). The intervention group (IG, n=30) was investigated preoperatively with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and rehydrated with colloid fluids if a low level of venous return was detected. During surgery, IGDT was continued with a pulse-contour device (FloTrac™). In the control group (CG, n=20), conventional monitoring was conducted. The type and amount of perioperative fluids infused, vasoactive/inotropic drugs administered, and blood pressure levels were registered. RESULTS: In the IG, 213 ± 204 mL colloid fluids were administered as preoperative rehydration vs. no preoperative fluids in the CG (p<0.001). During surgery, there was no difference in the fluids administered between the groups. Mean arterial blood pressures were higher in the IG vs. the CG both after induction of anesthesia and during surgery (p=0.001 and p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In morbidly obese patients suspected of being hypovolemic, increased cardiovascular stability may be reached by preoperative rehydration. The management of rehydration should be individualized. Additional invasive monitoring does not appear to have any effect on outcomes in obesity surgery.

Touch massage: a pilot study of a complex intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To report and evaluate a complex touch massage intervention according to the British Medical Research Council framework. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of touch massage on levels of anxiety and physiological stress in patients scheduled for elective aortic surgery. BACKGROUND: The use of touch massage has increased during the past decade but no systematic studies have been implemented to investigate the effectiveness of such treatment. It is important to conduct multidisciplinary investigations into the effects of complex interventions such as touch massage. For this, the British Medical Research Council has provided a useful framework to guide the development, piloting, evaluation and reporting of complex intervention studies. METHOD: A pilot study with a randomized controlled design including 20 patients (10 + 10) scheduled for elective aortic surgery. Selected outcome parameters included; self-reported anxiety, measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y instrument, and physiological stress, measured by heart rate variability, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, oxygen saturation and concentrations of cortisol, insulin and glucose in serum. RESULTS: There were significant differences in self-reported anxiety levels before and after touch massage (p = 0.007), this was not observed in the control group (p = 0.833). There was a significant difference in self-reported anxiety levels between the touch massage group and the control group after touch massage and rest (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in physiological stress-related outcome parameters between patients who received touch massage and controls. CONCLUSION: In our study, touch massage decreased anxiety levels in patients scheduled for elective aortic surgery, and the British Medical Research Council framework was a useful guideline for the development, evaluation and reporting of a touch massage intervention. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Touch massage can reduce patients' anxiety levels and is thus an important nursing intervention in intensive and post-operative care.

Morbid obesity and optimization of preoperative fluid therapy.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative venous return (VR) optimization and adequate blood volume is essential in management of morbidly obese patients (MO) in order to avoid perioperative circulatory instability. In this study, all subjects underwent a preoperative 3-week preparation by rapid-weight-loss-diet (RWL) as part of their treatment program for bariatric surgery. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study of 34 morbidly obese patients consecutively scheduled for bariatric surgery at Sunderby County Hospital, Luleå, Sweden. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed in the awake state before and after intravascular volume challenge (VC) of 6 ml colloids/kg ideal body weight (IBW). Effects of standardized VC were evaluated by TTE. Dynamic and non-dynamic echocardiographic indices for VC were studied. Volume responsiveness and level of VR before and after VC were assessed by TTE. An increase of stroke volume ≥13% was considered as a volume responder. RESULTS: Twenty-nine out of 34 patients were volume responders. After VC, a majority of patients (23/34) were euvolemic, and only 2/34 were hypovolemic. Post-VC hypervolemia was observed in 9/34 of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The IBW-based volume challenge regime was found to be suitable for preoperative rehydration of RWL-prepared MO. Most of the patients were volume responders. Preoperative state of VR was not associated with volume responsiveness. IBW estimates and appropriate monitoring avoids potential hyperhydration in MO. For VC assessment, conventional Doppler indices were found to be more suitable compared to tissue Doppler, giving sufficient information on pressure-volume correlation of the left ventricle in morbidly obese.

Rapid weight loss is associated with preoperative hypovolemia in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: In morbidly obese patients (MO), adequate levels of venous return (VR) and left ventricular filling pressures (LVFP) are crucial in order to augment perioperative safety. Rapid weight loss (RWL) preparation with very low calorie diet is commonly used aiming to facilitate bariatric surgery. However, the impact of RWL on VR and LVFP is poorly studied. METHODS: In this prospective, controlled, single-center study, we hypothesized that RWL-prepared MO prior to bariatric surgery can be hypovolemic (i.e., low VR) and compared MO to lean controls with conventional overnight fasting. Twenty-eight morbidly obese patients were scheduled consecutively for bariatric surgery and 19 lean individuals (control group, CG) for elective general surgery. Preoperative assessment of VR, LVFP, and biventricular heart function was performed by a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) protocol to all patients in the awake state. Assessment of VR and LVFP was made by inferior vena cava maximal diameter (IVCmax) and inferior vena cava collapsibility index- (IVCCI) derived right atrial pressure estimations. RESULTS: A majority of MO (71.4 %) were hypovolemic vs. 15.8 % of lean controls (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 13.3). IVCmax was shorter in MO than in CG (p < 0.001). IVCCI was higher in MO (62.1 ± 23 %) vs. controls (42.6 ± 20.8; p < 0.001). Even left atrium anterior-posterior diameter was shorter in MO compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative RWL may induce hypovolemia in morbidly obese patients. Hypovolemia in MO was more common vs. lean controls. TTE is a rapid and feasible tool for assessment of preload even in morbid obesity.

Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores differ between genders in a sepsis cohort: cause or effect?

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the influence of gender on sepsis events and outcome. Epidemiological data from other countries may not always apply to local circumstances. The aim of this study was to identify gender differences in patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome related to the occurrence of sepsis at admission to the ICU. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study on patients admitted to the ICU over a 3-year period fulfilling sepsis criteria during the first 24 hours. Demographic data, APACHE II score, SOFA score, TISS 76, aetiology, length of stay (LOS), mortality rate, and aspects of treatment were collected and then analysed with respect to gender differences. RESULTS: There were no gender-related differences in mortality or length of stay. Early organ dysfunction assessed as SOFA score at admission was a stronger risk factor for hospital mortality for women than for men. This discrepancy was mainly associated with the coagulation sub-score. CRP levels differed between genders in relation to hospital mortality. Infection from the abdominopelvic region was more common among women, whereas infection from skin or skin structures were more common in men. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, gender was not associated with increased mortality during a 2-year follow-up period. SOFA score at ICU admission was a stronger risk factor for hospital mortality for women than for men. The discrepancy was mainly related to the coagulation SOFA sub-score. Together with differences in CRP levels this may suggest differences in inflammatory response patterns between genders.

Surface microdialysis sampling: a new approach described in a liver ischaemia model.

We recently have shown that samples from microdialysis (MD) probes placed on the surface of the heart reflect metabolic events in the myocardium. This new interesting observation challenges us to consider whether surface application of MD applies to other parenchymatous organs and their surfaces. In 13 anesthetized pigs, transient liver ischaemia was achieved by occlusion of arterial and venous inflow to the liver. Two probes on liver surface and two in parenchyma were perfused with a flow rate of 1 µl per min (n = 13). An identical set-up was used for probes with a flow rate of 2 µl per min (n = 9). Samples were collected for every 15-min period during 60 min of baseline, 45 min of ischaemia and 60 min of reperfusion. Lactate, glucose, pyruvate and glycerol were analysed in MD samples. We focused on relative changes in the present study. There was a strong agreement in relative lactate and glucose levels between probes placed on liver surface and those on parenchyma. No significant differences in relative changes in lactate and glucose levels were seen between samples from surface probes and probes in liver parenchyma during equilibration, baseline, ischaemia or reperfusion with a flow rate of 1 µl per min. MD sampling applied on the liver surface is a new application area for the MD technique and may be used to monitor liver metabolism during both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Volatile rapid sequence induction in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The interest in bariatric surgery is growing. Morbidly obese patients have an increased risk of hypoxia and decreased blood pressure during rapid sequence induction (RSI). Alternate RSI methods that provide cardiovascular and respiratory stability are required. With this in mind, we evaluated a method for volatile RSI in morbidly obese patients. DESIGN: Observational study. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with mean BMI 42.4 kg m undergoing bariatric surgery (morbidly obese group) and 22 patients with mean BMI 25.6 kg m as a control group were included in the study. Anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane, propofol, suxamethonium and alfentanil, designed to avoid respiratory and haemodynamic adverse events and to minimise depressing effect on the brain respiratory centre under ongoing RSI. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and mean arterial blood pressure were registered before and after endotracheal intubation. In addition, two time periods were measured during RSI: spontaneous breathing time (SBT) and apnoea time. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between the groups. No periods of desaturation were detected. SpO2 was 100% before and after endotracheal intubation in all patients. Mean arterial pressure was maintained at a stable level in both groups. Mean SBT and apnoea time were 65.6 and 45.8 s in the morbidly obese group, and 70.7 and 47.7 s in the control group, respectively. CONCLUSION: A combination of sevoflurane, propofol, suxamethonium and alfentanil is a suitable method for RSI which maintains cardiovascular and respiratory stability in both morbidly obese and lean patients.