Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of sepsis and neutrophil degranulation of septic shock in surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: Stratification of the severity of infection is currently based on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, which is difficult to calculate outside the ICU. Biomarkers could help to stratify the severity of infection in surgical patients. METHODS: Levels of ten biomarkers indicating endothelial dysfunction, 22 indicating emergency granulopoiesis, and six denoting neutrophil degranulation were compared in three groups of patients in the first 12 h after diagnosis at three Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: There were 100 patients with infection, 95 with sepsis and 57 with septic shock. Seven biomarkers indicating endothelial dysfunction (mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-ProADM), syndecan 1, thrombomodulin, angiopoietin 2, endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and E-selectin) had stronger associations with sepsis than infection alone. MR-ProADM had the highest odds ratio (OR) in multivariable analysis (OR 11·53, 95 per cent c.i. 4·15 to 32·08; P = 0·006) and the best area under the curve (AUC) for detecting sepsis (0·86, 95 per cent c.i. 0·80 to 0·91; P < 0·001). In a comparison of sepsis with septic shock, two biomarkers of neutrophil degranulation, proteinase 3 (OR 8·09, 1·34 to 48·91; P = 0·028) and lipocalin 2 (OR 6·62, 2·47 to 17·77; P = 0·002), had the strongest association with septic shock, but lipocalin 2 exhibited the highest AUC (0·81, 0·73 to 0·90; P < 0·001). CONCLUSION: MR-ProADM and lipocalin 2 could be alternatives to the SOFA score in the detection of sepsis and septic shock respectively in surgical patients with infection.

ANTECEDENTES: La estratificación de la gravedad de una infección se basa actualmente en la puntuación SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment), que es difícil de calcular fuera de la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Los biomarcadores podrían ayudar a estratificar la gravedad de la infección en pacientes quirúrgicos. MÉTODOS: Se compararon las concentraciones de 10 biomarcadores que denotan disfunción endotelial, 22 que indican granulopoyesis de emergencia y 6 que expresan la degranulación de neutrófilos en tres grupos de pacientes de tres hospitales españoles (100 con infección, 95 con sepsis y 57 con shock séptico) en las primeras doce horas después del diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: Siete biomarcadores que expresan disfunción endotelial (proadrenomedulina, sindecan-1, trombomodulina, angiopoyetina-2, endocan-1, molécula de adhesión endotelial 1 y E-selectina) mostraron una fuerte asociación con la sepsis en comparación con la infección aislada. La proadrenomedulina presentó el valor más alto de la razón de oportunidades (odds ratio, OR) en el análisis multivariable (OR 11,53, i.c. del 95% 4,15-32,08, P = 0,006) y la mejor área bajo la curva para detectar sepsis (AUC 0,86, i.c. del 95% 0,80-0,91, P < 0,001). En la comparación entre sepsis y shock séptico, los biomarcadores que mostraron la asociación más estrecha con el shock séptico fueron dos biomarcadores de degranulación de neutrófilos (proteinasa-3 y lipocalina-2) (OR 8,09, i.c. del 9% 1,34-48,91, P = 0,028; OR 6.62, i.c. del 95% 2,47-17,77, P = 0,002), pero la lipocalina-2 presentó la mejor AUC (0,81, i.c. del 95% 0,73-0,90, P < 0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: la proadrenomedulina y la lipocalina-2 podrían representar alternativas a la puntuación SOFA para detectar sepsis y shock séptico en pacientes quirúrgicos con infección.

Keys to optimizing operating room efficiency. / Claves para optimizar la eficiencia de un bloque quirúrgico.

Healthcare is in constant transformation. Health systems should focus on improving efficiency to meet a growing demand for high-quality, low-cost health care. The operating room is one of the biggest sources of revenue and one of the largest areas of expense. Therefore, operating room management is a critical key to success. The aim of this article is to analyze the current principles of organization, optimization and clinical management of the operating room and its impact on the quality and safety of care.

Clinical practice guideline. Unintentional perioperative hypothermia. / Guía de práctica clínica de hipotermia perioperatoria no intencionada.

The importance of the safety of our patients in the surgical theatre, has driven many projects. The majority of them aimed at better control and clinical performance; mainly of the variables that intervene or modulate the results of surgical procedures, and have a direct relationship with them. The Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Therapeutic Pain (SEDAR), maintains a constant concern for a variable that clearly determines the outcomes of our clinical processes, "unintentional hypothermia" that develops in all patients undergoing an anesthetic or surgical procedure. SEDAR has promoted, in collaboration with other scientific Societies and patient Associations, the elaboration of this clinical practice guideline, which aims to answer clinical questions not yet resolved and for which, up to now, there are no documents based in the best scientific evidence available. With GRADE methodology and technical assistance from the Ibero-American Cochrane Collaboration office, this clinical practice guideline presents three recommendations (weak in favor) for active heating methods for the prevention of hypothermia (skin, fluid or gas); three for the prioritization of strategies for the prevention of hypothermia (too weak in favor and one strongly in favor); two of preheating strategies prior to anesthetic induction (both weak in favor); and two for research.

Evaluation of the Airtraq video laryngoscope as a rescue device after difficult direct laryngoscopy. / Evaluación del videolaringoscopio Airtraq como dispositivo de rescate tras laringoscopia directa difícil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Unexpected difficult tracheal intubation and failure to intubate are among the leading causes of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of the Airtraq video laryngoscope for tracheal intubation after difficult direct laryngoscopy. METHODS: 75 patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia and whose direct laryngoscopy by a senior anesthesiologist exhibited Cormack-Lehane grade 2b, 3 or 4 were enrolled. RESULTS: The Glottic view was improved in all patients when using the Airtraq video laryngoscope, compared with Macintosh laryngoscope. The view was improved by 2 degrees in 17.3% of the cases, by three in 60% and by four grades in 22.7% (P<0.0001). The success rate for intubation was 100% with the Airtraq. Fifty-six patients (74.7%) required a single attempt, sixteen (21.3%) two attempts and three (4%) a third attempt. Intubation difficulty scale indicated that tracheal intubation was performed easily in most cases There were no critical events. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheal intubation using the Airtraq was effective, simple and safe in patients with difficult laryngoscopy. These results confirm that the Airtraq is a reliable video laryngoscope as a rescue device in cases of difficult laryngeal view with direct laryngoscopy.

Effect of goal-directed haemodynamic therapy on postoperative complications in low-moderate risk surgical patients: a multicentre randomised controlled trial (FEDORA trial).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative complications in patients having major elective surgery using oesophageal Doppler monitor-guided goal-directed haemodynamic therapy (GDHT), in which administration of fluids, inotropes, and vasopressors was guided by stroke volume, mean arterial pressure, and cardiac index. METHODS: The FEDORA trial was a prospective, multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, controlled patient- and observer-blind trial conducted in adults scheduled for major elective surgery. Randomization and allocation were carried out by a central computer system. In the control group, intraoperative fluids were given based on traditional principles. In the GDHT group, the intraoperative goals were to maintain a maximal stroke volume, with mean arterial pressure >70 mm Hg, and cardiac index ≥2.5 litres min-1 m-2. The primary outcome was percentage of patients with moderate or severe postoperative complications during the first 180 days after surgery. RESULTS: In total, 450 patients were randomized to the GDHT group (n=224) or control group (n=226). Data from 420 subjects were analysed. There were significantly fewer with complications in the GDHT group (8.6% vs 16.6%, P=0.018). There were also fewer complications (acute kidney disease, pulmonary oedema, respiratory distress syndrome, wound infections, etc.), and length of hospital stay was shorter in the GDHT group. There was no significant difference in mortality between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oesophageal Doppler monitor-guided GDHT reduced postoperative complications and hospital length of stay in low-moderate risk patients undergoing intermediate risk surgery, with no difference in mortality at 180 days. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN93543537.

Monitoring of nociception, reality or fiction? / Monitorización de la nocicepción, ¿realidad o ficción?

There are currently various projects underway that attempt to monitor the nociceptive responses caused by surgical stress and ensure patients the best analgesic conditions. The systemic response to surgical stress has repercussions in the postoperative period, such as worse pain control, delayed recovery, greater complications, longer stay in resuscitation and hospital units, and increased healthcare costs. However, treatment with higher doses of opioids than necessary may lead to slower awakening, increased drowsiness and adverse effects, as well as situations of postoperative opioid-induced hyperalgesia. There are 2 large groups of nociceptive monitoring according to the origin of the theoretical objective of monitoring response to the stimulus, that may derive from changes in the electroencephalogram or the response of the autonomic nervous system.

"Do not do" recommendations of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Therapy. "Commitment to Quality by Scientific Societies" Project. / Recomendaciones de «no hacer¼ de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Proyecto «Compromiso por la Calidad de las Sociedades Científicas¼.

In April 2013 the Ministry of Health (MSSSI) adopted the project called "Commitment to Quality by Scientific Societies in Spain", in response to social and professional demands for sustainability of the health system. The initiative is part of the activities of the Spanish Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment and Services of the National Health System, and is coordinated jointly by the Quality and Cohesion Department, the Aragon Institute of Health Sciences (IACS), and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI). All the scientific societies in Spain have been included in this project, and its main objective is to reduce the unnecessary use of health interventions in order to agree "do not do" recommendations, based on scientific evidence. The primary objective was to identify interventions that have not proven effective, have limited or doubtful effectiveness, are not cost-effective, or do not have priority. Secondary objectives were: reducing variability in clinical practice, to spread information between doctors and patients to guide decision-making, the appropriate use of health resources and, the promotion of clinical safety and reducing iatrogenesis. The selection process of the 5 "do not do" recommendations was made by Delphi methodology. A total of 25 panellists (all anaesthesiologists) chose between 15 proposals based on: evidence that supports quality, relevance, or clinical impact, and the people they affect. The 5 recommendations proposed were: Do not maintain deep levels of sedation in critically ill patients without a specific indication; Do not perform preoperative chest radiography in patients under 40 years-old with ASA physical status I or II; Do not systematically perform preoperative tests in cataract surgery unless otherwise indicated based on clinical history and physical examination; Do not perform elective surgery in patients with anaemia at risk of bleeding until a diagnostic workup is performed and treatment is given; and not perform laboratory tests (blood count, biochemistry and coagulation) prior to surgery in healthy or low risk patients (ASA I and II) with minimal estimated blood loss.

Goal directed hemodynamic therapy based in esophageal Doppler flow parameters: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. / Terapia hemodinámica guiada por objetivos basada en parámetros de flujo con Doppler esofágico: revisión sistemática, metaanálisis y análisis secuencial de ensayos.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have compared perioperative esophageal doppler monitoring (EDM) guided intravascular volume replacement strategies with conventional clinical volume replacement in surgical patients. The use of the EDM within hemodynamic algorithms is called 'goal directed hemodynamic therapy' (GDHT). METHODS: Meta-analysis of the effects of EDM guided GDHT in adult non-cardiac surgery on postoperative complications and mortality using PRISMA methodology. A systematic search was performed in Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (last update, March 2015). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which perioperative GDHT was compared to other fluid management. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Overall complications. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Mortality; number of patients with complications; cardiac, renal and infectious complications; incidence of ileus. Studies were subjected to quantifiable analysis, pre-defined subgroup analysis (stratified by surgery, type of comparator and risk); pre-defined sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). RESULTS: Fifty six RCTs were initially identified, 15 fulfilling the inclusion criteria, including 1,368 patients. A significant reduction was observed in overall complications associated with GDHT compared to other fluid therapy (RR=0.75; 95%CI: 0.63-0.89; P=0.0009) in colorectal, urological and high-risk surgery compared to conventional fluid therapy. No differences were found in secondary outcomes, neither in other subgroups. The impact on preventing the development of complications in patients using EDM is high, causing a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 50% for a number needed to treat (NNT)=6. CONCLUSIONS: GDHT guided by EDM decreases postoperative complications, especially in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and high-risk surgery. However, no differences versus restrictive fluid therapy and in intermediate-risk patients were found.

Spanish survey on enhanced recovery after surgery. / Encuesta nacional sobre cirugía con recuperación intensificada.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the interest in ERAS protocols, and the extent to which clinicians are familiar with and apply these protocols during perioperative care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Free access survey hosted on the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care; Spanish Association of Surgeons and Spanish Society of Enteral and Parenteral nutrition and ERAS Spain (GERM) websites conducted between September and December 2014. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 272 professionals (44.5% anaesthetists, 45.2% general surgeons) from 110 hospitals, 73% of whom had experience in ERAS protocols. Most (86.1%) had specific knowledge of ERAS protocols, whereas only 50.9% were familiar with ERAS recommendations and 42.4% with GERM recommendations. Most (73.1%) respondents reported that ERAS protocols are performed in their hospitals, mainly in colorectal surgery (93%), and 52.2% reported that GERM/ERAS recommendations are followed. Nearly all (95.5%) would be interested in the development of multidisciplinary national guidelines. Less than half (46.6%) perform preoperative nutritional assessment, albeit without a universal malnutrition screening method (56.8%). Preoperative loading with carbohydrate drinks is carried out in only 51.4% of cases; nasogastric tube and drainage are avoided (79.3%), prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting (73.4%), goal directed fluid therapy (73.3%), and active normothermia maintenance (87.4%) are performed. In most cases, mobilization (90.1%) and early feeding (87.9%) are performed. The leading causes of protocol failure are postoperative nausea and vomiting (46.5%) and ileus (58.9%). CONCLUSION: Clinicians in Spain are familiar with fast track protocols, although there is no overall consensus, and hospitals do not adhere to existing guidelines. Overall compliance with the items of the protocol is adequate, although perioperative nutritional management is poor.

Clinical practice guide for the choice of perioperative volume-restoring fluid in adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

The present Clinical practice guide responds to the clinical questions about security in the choice of fluid (crystalloid, colloid or hydroxyethyl starch 130) in patients who require volume replacement during perioperative period of non-cardiac surgeries. From the evidence summary, recommendations were made following the GRADE methodology. In this population fluid therapy based on crystalloids is suggested (weak recommendation, low quality evidence). In the events where volume replacement is not reached with crystalloids, the use of synthetic colloids (hydroxyethyl starch 130 or modified fluid gelatin) is suggested instead of 5% albumin (weak recommendation, low quality evidence). The choice and dosage of the colloid should be based in the product characteristics, patient comorbidity and anesthesiologist's experience.

A systematic review of sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

We reviewed systematically sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversing neuromuscular blockade. We included 17 randomised controlled trials with 1553 participants. Sugammadex reduced all signs of residual postoperative paralysis, relative risk (95% CI) 0.46 (0.29-0.71), p = 0.0004 and minor respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.51 (0.32-0.80), p = 0.0034. There was no difference in critical respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.13 (0.02-1.06), p = 0.06. Sugammadex reduced drug-related side-effects, relative risk (95% CI) 0.72 (0.54-0.95), p = 0.02. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative nausea or the rate of postoperative vomiting, relative risk (95% CI) 0.94 (0.79-1.13), p = 0.53, and 0.87 (0.65-1.17), p = 0.36 respectively.