Comparison of BlockBuster laryngeal mask with Air-Q intubating laryngeal airway as a conduit for fiber-optic guided intubation in children: A prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The pediatric sizes of BlockBuster supraglottic airway (SGA) have been introduced recently. Its efficacy as a conduit for endotracheal intubation in children has not been assessed. Newer devices are often compared with Air-Q SGA to assess their intubating capability. AIMS: The primary objective was to compare the time taken for fiber-optic-guided intubation through the BlockBuster and the Air-Q SGAs. METHODS: Sixty children aged 6 months to 12 years with normal airways were randomized into two groups: Air-Q SGA (Group A) and Blockbuster SGA (Group B). After administration of general anesthesia, an appropriately sized SGA was inserted. The time taken for fiber-optic-guided intubation through the SGA, success, ease, and time for SGA insertion and removal were noted. The glottic view was graded by fiber-optic bronchoscopy. RESULTS: Demographic parameters were comparable. The time to intubate with the BlockBuster 62.40 ± 17.2 s was comparable to the Air-Q 60.8 ± 18.5 s (mean difference 1.6 s, 95% CI -7.65 to10.85; p = .73). The average time for SGA insertion in BlockBuster and Air-Q was 14.57 ± 3.2 s and 16.67 ± 5.39 s, respectively (mean difference -2.1, 95% CI -4.39 to 0.19 s; p = .07). The first-attempt intubation success and overall intubation success rates were comparable in both groups, 96.7% and 100%, respectively. In Group B, 25/3/1/1/0 cases had a glottic view grade of 1/2/3/4/5, respectively. In Group A, 23/3/2/2/0 cases had grade of 1/2/3/4/5 glottic views respectively. The average time to SGA removal was comparable between the BlockBuster (20.17 ± 5.8 s) and the Air-Q (22.5 ± 12.8 s) groups (mean difference -2.3 s, 95% CI -7.5 to 2.82 s; p = .37). None of the children had any perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: BlockBuster SGA may be a useful alternative to Air-Q for SGA-assisted, fiber-optic-guided tracheal intubation in children.

Effect of video distraction on preoperative anxiety scores in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia in ophthalmic daycare procedures: A randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Parental separation, fear, and exposure to the operating room environment lead to stress and anxiety in pediatric patients. This study aims to identify the research gaps in the effect of video distraction on pediatric patients of Indian origin. We hypothesized that video distraction along with parental presence would reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing ophthalmic procedures under general anesthesia compared with parental presence alone. Material and Methods: In this prospective randomized trial, 145 patients aged 2-8 years, ASA I-II, with at least one functional eye undergoing elective ophthalmic daycare procedures were enrolled. They were randomly allocated to two Groups: Group V had distraction by watching a video/playing a video game together with parental presence, whereas control Group C had parental presence alone without any video distraction. The primary objective of the study was to compare preoperative anxiety using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety score (mYPAS) and heart rate (HR), whereas the secondary objective was to compare child fear, emergence delirium, and parental satisfaction between the two groups. The three time points for intergroup comparisons were the preoperative holding area 10 min before induction (T0), transport of the child to the operating room (T1), and face mask introduction (T2). Results: There was a statistically significant difference between mYPAS score in groups V and C at all time points (P = 0.036, P = 0.0001, P = 0.0000), parental satisfaction score at all three time points (P = 0.0049, P = 0.0000, P = 0.0000), and Child Fear Score at T1 and T2 (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the emergence of delirium between the two groups. Conclusions: Video distraction together with parental presence has a promising role for implementation in hospitals with heavy workload settings where pharmacological intervention would not be feasible, to alleviate preoperative anxiety in children. However, preoperative anxiety may not translate into increased postoperative emergence delirium as was earlier believed.

Effect of Lung Compliance-Based Optimum Pressure Versus Fixed Positive End-Expiratory Pressure on Lung Atelectasis Assessed by Modified Lung Ultrasound Score in Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND:  Lung protective ventilation during the intraoperative period is now well established. However, the additional role of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during the intraoperative period remains uncertain in major laparoscopic gynecological surgery. The authors hypothesized that compliance-based optimum PEEP titration reduces postoperative lung atelectasis and improves outcomes. METHODS:  Patients undergoing major laparoscopic pelvic gynecological surgeries with healthy lungs were randomized to the fixed PEEP group (PEEP 5 cm H2O and recruitment maneuver {RM}) and optimum PEEP group (compliance-based PEEP and RM). Lung ultrasound and arterial blood gas analysis were performed at four time points. Modified lung ultrasound scoring was done, and the same was used as means of assessing lung aeration and the amount of lung atelectasis. Postoperative supplemental oxygen requirement and duration were also assessed and compared. RESULTS: Lung ultrasound score (LUS) 30 minutes after extubation in fixed (Group F) and optimum (Group O) PEEP groups were median (interquartile range {IQR}) 3 (2-3) versus 1 (1-2), p=0.0001. Ventilatory parameters between Group F and Group O after lung recruitment were tidal volume (mean 357 mL {SD: 35} versus 362 mL {SD: 22}, p=0.46), PEEP (median, 5 cm H2O {IQR: 5-5} versus median 16 cm H2O {IQR: 14-18}), peak airway pressure (median 26 cm H2O {IQR: 24-28} versus median 30 cm H2O {IQR: 28-32} p<0.0001), plateau pressure (median 22 cm H2O {IQR: 20-24} versus median 26 cm H2O {IQR: 24-28} p<0.0001), static compliance (32.07±8.36 mL cm H2O-1 versus 39.58±8.99 mL cm H2O-1, p=0.0002). The number of patients requiring postoperative oxygen therapy to maintain SpO2 >94% after extubation in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was statistically significantly greater in group F (39/41 {95%} versus 30/41 {73%}, p=0.007). Median (IQR) duration of oxygenation therapy in the first 24 hours of the postoperative period between Group F and Group O differed with statistical significance, with the median (IQR) values being 25 (20-30) minutes versus 10 (0-15) minutes (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:  The modified lung ultrasound score significantly differed intraoperatively between the two groups, with lower scores in the optimum PEEP group. This has reflected improved postoperative outcomes in optimum PEEP group patients, with fewer patients requiring postoperative oxygen supplementation and reduced supplemental oxygen requirement duration.

Anesthetic concerns of achondroplastic patients with hip movement restriction scheduled for retrograde intrarenal surgery: A case report.

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder that results in premature ossification of the epiphyseal growth plates and restriction of proximal long bone movement. Herein, we report the anesthetic management of such a patient undergoing stone retrieval in the lithotomy position. He had a restricted ability to flex and abduct the hip joint and lumbar hyperlordosis. These were anticipated to be a concern for the lithotomy position and prone to positional injuries. Hence, the decision was made to position the patient before induction of anesthesia in the presence of surgeons to ensure the optimal exposure needed for the procedure while avoiding any hyperflexion or abduction of the hip and knee joints. The position tolerated by the patient when awake and unsedated should be followed intraoperatively. Achondroplasia is also associated with difficult airway features, obesity, sleep apnea, and multisystem involvement. Careful preoperative evaluation and intraoperative vigilance are needed to manage these patients undergoing surgery.

No Major Age Shift During the Second Wave of COVID-19: A Mortality Analysis at a Tertiary-Level Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The second wave of coronavirus epidemic affected India severely. We reviewed the in-hospital deaths during the second wave at a dedicated COVID hospital to better understand the clinical characteristics of patients who died during this period. METHODS: Clinical charts of all patients who were admitted and died in-hospital due to COVID-19 between 1 April 2021 and 15 May 2021 were reviewed and clinical data were analysed. RESULTS: The total number of patients admitted to hospital and the intensive care unit was 1438 and 306, respectively. The in-hospital and intensive care unit mortality was 9.3% (134 out of 1438 patients) and 37.6% (115 out of 306 patients), respectively. Septic shock with multiorgan failure was the cause of death in 56.6% of the deceased patients (n = 73) and acute respiratory distress syndrome in 35.3% (n = 47) patients. Of the deceased, 1 patient was less than 12 years old, 56.8% were between 13 and 64 years of age and 42.5% were geriatric, that is, 65 years of age or older. There were no comorbidities in 35.1% of the deceased patients. The cause of death did not vary with the age group. CONCLUSION: The in-hospital and intensive care unit mortality during the second wave was 9.3% and 37.6%, respectively. There was no major age group shift in the second wave as compared to the first wave. However, a significant number of patients (35.1%) did not have any comorbidity. Septic shock with multiorgan failure was the most common cause of death followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Resilience related to novel coronavirus among doctors and undergraduate medical students-A study from India.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies pertaining to resilience related to novel coronavirus focusing primarily on doctors and undergraduate medical students in India. The objectives of this survey were to assess the resilience and its various domains that are needed for dealing with novel coronavirus among doctors, interns, and undergraduate students and to see its correlation with various sociodemographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHOD: An online cross-sectional survey was done among doctors and undergraduate medical students during the first COVID-19 wave from May 19, 2020 to June 8, 2020. A total of 434 responses were recorded during the study period. All the recorded full responses were considered for data analysis. Snowball sampling was used for this study. Resilience was assessed using three items, which were taken from the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). RESULT: Out of 434 responses, 51.7% (224/433) of the respondents were non-resilient. The presence of the elderly at home was significantly associated with poor resilience (P = 0.02). Resilience was not significantly associated with other socio-demographic factors. Younger respondents (P = 0.019) and females (P =0.0004) were of the opinion that they recovered late from stressful events. Elderly respondents (P = 0.003) and those with chronic illness (P = 0.008) reported that it is hard for them to snap back if something bad happens (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the doctors and undergraduate medical students were found to be non-resilient, underscoring the urgent need to take steps to improve the resilience of this group of frontline workers.

Assessment of depression, anxiety and stress experienced by health care and allied workers involved in SARS-CoV2 pandemic.

Introduction: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a global health crisis. Health workforce has been working vigorously in COVID-19 management. So, we have planned this study with an aim to assess the psychological profile of healthcare and allied workers involved in SARS-CoV2 pandemic and to look for associated factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was planned at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna. Study population comprised of Health care workers and allied health care workers involved in COVID-19 management. Results: Data from 254 study participants have been included in the study. The prevalence of severe and extremely severe depression among study participants was 8.3 and 3.1 percent. Severe and extremely severe anxiety prevalence was found to be 9.4 and 13.8 percent. The prevalence of severe and extremely severe stress was 2.4 and 2.4 percent each. Education till post-graduation, unmarried, occupation of doctor, Comorbidity of headache and occurrence of influenza-like illness in last 3 months had a statistically significant association with high depression score. With high Anxiety score and high-stress score statistically significant association was seen in education till postgraduation, unmarried, occupation of doctor, duration of 1 COVID-19 duty of ≥8 hours. Conclusion: The study highlights high psychological comorbidities in the form of depression, anxiety and stress among health care workers and allied health care workers working in COVID-19 pandemic. Prevalence of psychological morbidity is higher among doctors compared to nurses and allied health workers. COVID-19 duty of ≥8 hours have been found to be hampering mental health.

Comparative evaluation of landmark technique and ultrasound-guided caudal epidural injection in pediatric population: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Caudal block is a common regional anesthesia technique in pediatrics with landmark method predominantly being practiced. Ultrasound-guided technique provides real-time visualization of the structures and injection while performing caudal block. We performed this meta-analysis to determine the utility of ultrasound in caudal blocks in children over the landmark-based technique. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials comparing ultrasound-guided caudal blocks and landmark technique in pediatrics were searched from databases-PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL from inception until August 2020. The primary objective was success rate between the two techniques and secondary objectives included time to perform the block, first puncture success, and complications. RESULTS: Five trials with 904 participants were included for this meta-analysis. There was no difference in success rate between the two techniques (Risk ratio-1.07; 95% CI [0.97, 1.18]; p = .15). Time to perform the block was similar (Mean difference-8.88 s; 95% CI [-21.64, 39.40; p = .57) while first puncture success was higher with ultrasound-guided technique (Risk ratio-1.31; 95% CI [1.15, 1.49]; p = .0001). Complications like vascular puncture and needle misplacement were lower in the ultrasound group, and no serious complications were seen in any patient. Needle visualization and sacral canal distension were seen in 82% and 97.5% of the cases, respectively, in ultrasound group. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided caudal injection does not improve the success rate or time to perform the block but results in higher first puncture success and lower incidence of complications compared to landmark technique.

Convalescent plasma therapy in COVID-19 and discharge status: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Covid19 has emerged as a greatest threat of the decade worldwide. At present there is no certain treatment for treating coronavirus diseases, while some antiviral drugs (Remdesivir , Lopinavir and Ritonavir) are under investigation. Many countries including India have adopted the convalescent plasma therapy in the treatment of moderate to severely ill patients. Despite the treatment being given ,there are no such evidences on the utility and efficacy of convalescent plasma. Hence this study tries to find out the impact on the discharge status from hospital of the patients receiving the very therapy. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta analysis. SETTING: An extensive search was made, following PRISMA guidelines on online databases such as Pubmed, Google scholar and Science direct. Studies those fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria ,were included and reviewed and analyzed for a common outcome(discharge status). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 6 eligible studies were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively which included three case control, two case series and one case report. RESULTS: The overall pooled discharge rate from the above studies was 75.7% after the CP therapy. When analyzed for relative risk , it showed CP therapy having a lower risk of staying in hospital (not getting discharged) when compared to Standard therapy ,overall RR (relative risk) being 0.946. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that there is always a higher rate of discharge and low risk of prolonged hospital stay in those patients who receive plasma therapy. CP therapy being a low cost and easy to administer therapy with very less adverse events, requires more focus on further research as it has a potential to become an ideal effective treatment option for COVID-19.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of COVID- 19 patients requiring critical care in a Tertiary care teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, and 28 day outcome of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care centre in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 60 adult critically ill COVID-19 patients in this prospective observational study, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after obtaining ethics committee approval and informed consent. Demographics, clinical data, and treatment outcome at 28 days were assessed. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics of the COVID-19 patients reveal that compared to the survivors, the non-survivors were significantly older [57.5 vs. 47.5 years], had more comorbid disease [Charlson's comorbidity index 4 vs. 2], higher Apache II scores [19 vs. 8.5], and had significantly higher percentage of smokers. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most common comorbidities. Dyspnea, fever, and cough were the most common presenting symptoms. Total leucocyte count as well as blood lactate level were significantly higher in non-survivors. Around 47% patients had severe ARDS, and 60% patients required invasive mechanical ventilation. 28 day ICU mortality was 50%, with a mortality of 75% in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Mortality was higher in males than females (57% vs. 33%). Acute kidney injury and septic shock were the most common non-pulmonary complications during ICU stay. Incidence of liver dysfunction, septic shock, and vasopressor use was significantly higher in the non-survivors. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a high 28 day mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. Further well designed prospective studies with larger sample size are needed to identify the risk factors associated with poor outcome in such patients.

Clinical Course and Outcome of Critically Ill Obese Patients with COVID-19 Admitted in Intensive Care Unit of a Single Center: Our Experience and Review.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has been considered as one of the independent risk factors for a severe form of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and relationship between obesity, critical illness, and infection is still poorly understood. We herein discuss clinical course and outcome of critically ill obese patients with COVID-19 admitted to critical care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of critically ill obese patients hospitalized with COVID-19 over a span of 6 months. Management was guided according to the institutional protocol. Collected data included demographic parameters (age, sex, comorbidities, and body mass index (BMI)), complications, inflammatory markers (interleukin (IL)-6, Ferritin), length of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and inhospital death. RESULTS: There was no appreciable difference in terms of demographics, inflammatory markers, predictors of mortality scores, and comorbidity indices between the survivors and nonsurvivors. Among outcome analysis, there was a statistically significant difference between ventilator days between survivors and nonsurvivors (p = 0.003**). CONCLUSION: Obesity itself is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection; however, if efficiently managed and in a protocol-determined manner, it can have a favorable outcome. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kaur M, Aggarwal R, Ganesh V, Kumar R, Patel N, Ayub A, et al. Clinical Course and Outcome of Critically Ill Obese Patients with COVID-19 Admitted in Intensive Care Unit of a Single Center: Our Experience and Review. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1382-1386.

Comparison of KingVision videolaryngoscope channelled blade with Tuoren videolaryngoscope non-channelled blade in a simulated COVID-19 intubation scenario by non-anaesthesiologists and experienced anaesthesiologists: A prospective randomised crossover mannequin study.

Purpose: A videolaryngoscope has been recommended for intubation in the COVID-19 scenario but the videolaryngoscope providing optimal intubation conditions is not ascertained. We compared KingVision channelled blade with a non-Channelled videolaryngoscope for intubation times in a simulated COVID-19 intubation scenario by both anaesthesiologists and non-anaesthesiologists. Methods: This prospective randomised cross over mannequin study was conducted in a skill training lab. 25 anaesthesiologists and 25 non-anaesthesiologists donned in standard personal protective equipment performed 100 intubations with KingVision and Tuoren videolaryngoscopes in a mannequin covered with a transparent plastic sheet. The total intubation time, percentage of glottic opening scores, first attempt success rates were assessed. Results: The mean difference in intubation times in anaesthesiologists and non-anaesthesiologist less with KingVision videolaryngoscope (21.1s; 95% CI 9.6-32.6s vs. 35.9s; 95% CI 24.4-47.4 s; P = 0.001). Percentage of glottic opening score was significantly better with KingVision by non-anaesthesiologists (60; IQR 42.5 to 75 vs. 70; IQR 50 to 100; P = 0.019). KingVision provided superior first attempt success rate in non-anaesthesiologists (84% vs. 61.9%; P = 0.02) and anaesthesiologists (96% vs. 76%; P = 0.12). Conclusion: KingVision channelled videolaryngoscope provided faster intubation times, glottic views and first attempt success rates in a simulated COVID-19 scenario in manikins and might be preferred over videolaryngoscopes with non-channelled blade. The findings need to be further verified in humans. Trial registration: ctri.nic.in identifier: REF/2020/05/033338.

Immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months: A cross sectional study in low performing blocks of Bihar, India.

INTRODUCTION: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective measures in public health to date, preventing at an approximately 2 to 3 million fatalities in young children every year. As per recent World Health Organisation (WHO) bulletin, these lifesaving vaccines have been successfully averted around 20 million premature deaths and 500 million disease cases. Inspite of this progress the routine vaccine coverage is slow to rise as challenges still live for the underserved, inaccessible and vulnerable children. It is therefore essential to evaluate the coverage of immunization at periodic intervals and to take the required measures to enhance the vaccination status in the State Bihar. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to find out the vaccination coverage in different Blocks of study area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was community based cross sectional study which was conducted between January to March 2019 in the selected villages of 59 low performing blocks of Bihar. The study subjects were all the children aged 12-23 month old from selected low performing blocks of the Bihar. Results-Corrected FIC of the study was 90.85%. Close to nine percent (8.8%) children thou have started vaccination could not able to complete it. Rest of the beneficiaries are completely left out. The most common reason for incomplete immunization was unavailability of child on the day of vaccination followed by sickness of the child. CONCLUSION: The overall Immunization coverage of Bihar is less than the National Immunization coverage as per NFHS-4. This study shows higher rate of immunization as far as Corrected Immunization Coverage is concerned.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome a rare cause of post-partum headache: an anesthetic overview / Síndrome de vasoconstrição cerebral reversível, uma causa rara de cefaleia pós-parto: visão da anestesia

Abstract Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a cerebrovascular disorder leading to multifocal arterial constriction and dilation. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is possibly caused by transient deregulation of cerebral vascular tone. We report a rare case of a patient with chief complain of postpartum headache, was later diagnosed as a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. A young full term primigravida with good uterine contraction admitted to labour room. Later she complained of leaking per vagina and on examination meconium stained liquor was noted. Caesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia was done and intra-operative period was uneventful. Both mother and baby were normal and shifted to postoperative ward and nursery respectively. In postoperative ward, mother complained of severe headache after 1 h and later developed seizure. Midazolam was given intravenously and was intubated and transferred to critical care unit for further investigation and management. Non contrast computerised tomography scan of brain showed right occipital intracerebral as well as subarachnoid bleed. CT angiography showed right vertebral artery narrowing without any other vascular malformation. Patient was managed in critical care unit for 2 days and then extubated and shifted to high dependency ward after a day observation and discharged 3 days later after a full uneventful recovery.

Resumo A síndrome de vasoconstrição cerebral reversível é uma doença cerebrovascular que leva à constrição e dilatação arterial multifocal. A síndrome de vasoconstrição cerebral reversível é possivelmente causada pela desregulação transitória do tônus vascular cerebral. Relatamos um caso raro de uma paciente com queixa principal de cefaleia pós-parto, posteriormente diagnosticada como um caso de síndrome de vasoconstrição cerebral reversível. A jovem primigesta a termo apresentando boa contração uterina foi internada em sala de parto. Mais tarde, a parturiente queixou-se de perda de líquido pela vagina e, ao exame, líquido amniótico manchado foi observado. O parto cesariano sob raquianestesia foi realizado, e não houve intercorrência no período intraoperatório. Tanto a mãe quanto o bebê estavam normais e foram transferidos para a sala de recuperação pós-operatória e berçário, respectivamente. Na sala de recuperação, a mãe queixou-se de forte dor de cabeça após uma hora e depois desenvolveu convulsão. Midazolam foi administrado por via intravenosa, e a paciente foi intubada e transferida para uma unidade de terapia intensiva para posterior investigação e tratamento. A tomografia computadorizada sem contraste do cérebro mostrou hemorragia intracerebral occipital direita e subaracnoide. A angiotomografia mostrou estreitamento da artéria vertebral direita, sem qualquer outra malformação vascular. A paciente foi tratada em unidade de terapia intensiva por dois dias e, em seguida, foi extubada e transferida para a ala de alta dependência onde permaneceu um dia em observação, recebendo alta hospitalar três dias depois, após uma recuperação completa e sem intercorrências.

[Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome a rare cause of post-partum headache: an anesthetic overview]. / Síndrome de vasoconstrição cerebral reversível, uma causa rara de cefaleia pós­parto: visão da anestesia.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a cerebrovascular disorder leading to multifocal arterial constriction and dilation. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is possibly caused by transient deregulation of cerebral vascular tone. We report a rare case of a patient with chief complain of postpartum headache, was later diagnosed as a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. A young full term primigravida with good uterine contraction admitted to labour room. Later she complained of leaking per vagina and on examination meconium stained liquor was noted. Caesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia was done and intra-operative period was uneventful. Both mother and baby were normal and shifted to postoperative ward and nursery respectively. In postoperative ward, mother complained of severe headache after one hour and later developed seizure. Midazolam was given intravenously and was intubated and transferred to critical care unit for further investigation and management. Non contrast computerized tomography scan of brain showed right occipital intracerebral as well as subarachnoid bleed. CT angiography showed right vertebral artery narrowing without any other vascular malformation. Patient was managed in critical care unit for 2 days and then extubated and shifted to high dependency ward after a day observation and discharged 3 days later after a full uneventful recovery.

Sonographic assessment of predictors of depth of the corner pocket for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is wide variation in depth of brachial plexus in patient population at supraclavicular region. We plan to find the depth of the corner pocket and correlate it with age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: After approval from Ethics Committee, right-sided supraclavicular region of volunteers was scanned. Once an optimal image, which included subclavian artery, pleura, first rib and nerve bundles, was obtained, the corner pocket was kept in the middle of the screen and the image was frozen. Depth of the corner pocket from the skin was measured. Thereafter longest distance (LD) approximating needle trajectory was calculated. The Pearson correlation was used to calculate the relation between these two distances and various predictors such as weight, height, and BMI. RESULTS: Mean shortest distance that is, vertical distance from skin to corner pocket for all volunteers was found to be 1.7 ± 0.8 cm and the mean LD that is, distance traveled by needle entering 1 cm from the edge of foot process to the corner pocket in an in-plane approach was 3.7 ± 0.2 cm. We did not find any significant correlation between age, height versus measured distances. However, significant correlation (0.11) was found between weights, BMI versus two lengths. CONCLUSION: Prescanning of supraclavicular region for estimating depth of corner pocket should be done before choosing an appropriate size needle. Furthermore, the needle should not be advanced more than the predicted corner pocket depth.