Effects of midline laparotomy on cough strength: a prospective study measuring cough pressure.

BACKGROUND: Laparotomy is assumed to decrease cough strength due to three factors: abdominal muscle trauma, postoperative pain, and diaphragmatic dysfunction. However, the effect of trauma from laparotomy itself on strength (net of the other two factors) has not been measured to our knowledge. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of laparotomy on cough strength after first measuring the effect of epidural analgesia. METHODS: In 11 patients scheduled for open midline laparotomy, cough pressure (PCOUGH), a proxy for strength, was measured with a rectal balloon at three moments: before the procedure, at baseline; before surgery, under epidural bupivacaine to T6; and postoperatively, under epidural bupivacaine to the same analgesic level (T6). Continuous variables were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The repeatability of PCOUGH measurements was confirmed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Pain on coughing, hand grip strength, and the Ramsay and modified Bromage scores were also recorded. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) PCOUGH decreased from a baseline of 103 (89-137) to 71 (56-116) cmH2O under presurgical epidural bupivacaine (P=0.003). Postoperative PCOUGH remained unchanged at 76 (46-85) cmH2O under epidural analgesia (P=0.131). The ICCs indicated excellent repeatability of the PCOUGH measurements (P<0.001). Pain on coughing was 0 to 1 in all subjects. Hand grip strength and the Ramsay and Bromage scores were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Although thoracic epidural bupivacaine reduces cough strength as measured by PCOUGH, midline laparotomy does not further reduce strength in the presence of adequate epidural analgesia.

Prediction of Acute Myocardial Injury in Noncardiac Surgery in Patients at Risk for Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events: A Multivariable Risk Model.

BACKGROUND: The best use of perioperative cardiac biomarkers assessment is still under discussion. Massive postoperative troponin surveillance can result in untenably high workloads and costs for health care systems and potentially harmful interventions for patients. In a cohort of patients at risk for major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), we aimed to (1) determine whether preoperative biomarkers can identify patients at major risk for acute myocardial injury in noncardiac surgery, (2) develop a risk model for acute myocardial injury prediction, and (3) propose an algorithm to optimize postoperative troponin surveillance. METHODS: Prospective, single-center cohort study enrolling consecutive adult patients (≥45 years) at risk for MACCE scheduled for intermediate-to-high-risk noncardiac surgery. Baseline high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) and N-terminal fragment of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), as well as hsTnT on the first 3 postoperative days were obtained. The main outcome was the occurrence of acute myocardial injury. Candidate predictors of acute myocardial injury were baseline concentrations of hsTnT ≥14 ng/L and NT-proBNP ≥300 pg/mL and preoperative and intraoperative variables. A multivariable risk model and a decision curve were constructed. RESULTS: Of 732 patients, 42.1% had elevated hsTnT and 37.3% had elevated NT-proBNP levels at baseline. Acute myocardial injury occurred in 161 patients (22%). Elevated baseline hsTnT, found in 84% of patients with acute myocardial injury, was strongly associated with this outcome: odds ratio (OR), 12.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.78-19.42). Logistic regression identified 6 other independent predictors for acute myocardial injury: age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45 mL·min -1 ·1.73 m -2 , functional capacity <4 METs or unknown, NT-proBNP ≥300 pg/mL, and estimated intraoperative blood loss. The c -statistic for the risk model was 77% (95% CI, 0.73-0.81). The net benefit of the model began at a risk threshold of 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline determination of cardiac biomarkers in patients at risk for MACCE shortly before intermediate- or high-risk noncardiac surgery helps identify those with the highest risk for acute myocardial injury. A baseline hsTnT ≥14 ng/L indicates the need for postoperative troponin surveillance. In patients with baseline hsTnT <14 ng/L, our 6-predictor model will identify additional patients at risk for acute myocardial injury who may also benefit from postoperative surveillance.

Perioperative hyperoxia and myocardial injury after surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends hyperoxia (80% fraction of inspired oxygen, FiO2) during and for 2-6 hours following surgery to reduce surgical site infection (SSI). However, some studies suggest increased cardiovascular complications with such a high perioperative FiO2. The goal of our study was to compare the appearance of cardiovascular complications in elective adult colorectal surgery comparing the use of FiO2>0.8 versus conventional therapy (FiO2<0.4). METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial in intubated patients undergoing elective major colorectal surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to receive perioperative FiO2>0.8 or FiO2<0.4. The primary outcome, expressed as Odds Ratio (OR) ±95% Confidence Interval (95%CI), was the incidence of MINS (myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery evaluated for the first 4 postoperative days). Secondary outcomes included MACCE (major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events) up to 30 postoperative days, SSI, other postoperative complications (according to Clavien-Dindo classification) and length of stay. RESULTS: We included in the final analyses 403 patients. Comparing the FiO2>0.8 and FiO2<0.4 groups, there was no difference in the appearance of MINS (6.0% vs. 10.4%; OR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.26-1.14; P=0.945). There were no differences between the groups for important secondary outcomes including MACCE to 30 days, SSI, postoperative complications or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative hyperoxia therapy (FiO2>0.8) with the aim of decreasing SSI did not increase cardiovascular complications after elective colorectal surgery in a general population.

Mortality and incidence of cardiovascular events in patients treated with aspirin and statins at one year after myocardial injury in noncardiac surgery: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations on the diagnosis and management of myocardial injury in noncardiac surgery (MINS) show remarkable variability. Mortality reports also vary. We aimed to describe mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rates in patients with silent MINS treated with postoperative aspirin-statin therapy and with cardiology follow-up. METHODS: Prospective descriptive cohort study of patients aged 45 years or older scheduled for noncardiac surgery with high risk for cardiovascular complications from May 2017 to April 2019. Aspirin-statin therapy and cardiology follow-up were prescribed for patients with silent (asymptomatic) MINS. The primary outcome was one-year mortality in patients with silent MINS, diagnosed by troponin concentration. Secondary outcomes were mortality in MINS patients with perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) or chronic myocardial injury (CMI) and MACCE. RESULTS: We identified 766 eligible patients and enrolled 747. MINS occurred in 166 patients (22.2%); 151 (91%) had silent MINS and 15 (9%) had PMI. Thirty-one patients (4.1%) had CMI. One-year mortality was higher in patients with silent MINS (22.5%) than in patients with no MINS (7.8%) (P<0.001). One-year mortality rates in MINS patients with PMI or CMI were 27 and 19%, respectively. MACCE were more frequent in patients with silent MINS at 30 days and one year (18 and 25%) than in patients with no MINS (6 and 12%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of mortality and MACCE in patients with silent MINS were high despite aspirin-statin therapy and cardiology follow-up. Further prospective research is needed to assess new postoperative care protocols that might effectively improve outcomes.

Effects of remifentanil on brain responses to noxious stimuli during deep propofol sedation.

BACKGROUND: The safety of anaesthesia has improved as a result of better control of anaesthetic depth. However, conventional monitoring does not inform on the nature of nociceptive processes during unconsciousness. A means of inferring the quality of potentially painful experiences could derive from analysis of brain activity using neuroimaging. We have evaluated the dose effects of remifentanil on brain response to noxious stimuli during deep sedation and spontaneous breathing. METHODS: Optimal data were obtained in 26 healthy subjects. Pressure stimulation that proved to be moderately painful before the experiment was applied to the thumbnail. Functional MRI was acquired in 4-min periods at low (0.5 ng ml-1), medium (1 ng ml-1), and high (1.5 ng ml-1) target plasma concentrations of remifentanil at a stable background infusion of propofol adjusted to induce a state of light unconsciousness. RESULTS: At low remifentanil doses, we observed partial activation in brain areas processing sensory-discriminative and emotional-affective aspects of pain. At medium doses, relevant changes were identified in structures highly sensitive to general brain arousal, including the brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, auditory and visual cortices, and the frontal lobe. At high doses, no significant activation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The response to moderately intense focal pressure in pain-related brain networks is effectively eliminated with safe remifentanil doses. However, the safety margin in deep sedation-analgesia would be narrowed in minimising not only nociceptive responses, but also arousal-related biological stress.

Moderate sedation with dexmedetomidine-remifentanil is safer than deep sedation with propofol-remifentanil for endobronchial ultrasound while providing comparable quality: a randomized double-blind trial.

OBJECTIVE: We compared dexmedetomidine-remifentanil vs. propofol-remifentanil in terms of safety and quality during sedation for Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind trial. Outpatients undergoing EBUS randomly received 1 µg/kg/hour dexmedetomidine or a target concentration of 2.5 µg/mL propofol, both combined with remifentanil initially targeted at 1.5 ng/mL and subsequently titrated. Additional sedatives were restricted. The primary outcome was the need for airway rescue interventions to treat oxygen desaturation. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients received dexmedetomidine-remifentanil and 27 received propofol-remifentanil. Airway rescue interventions were fewer in the dexmedetomidine group vs. the propofol one (23 vs. 76% patients, relative risk 3.21 (95% CI 1.55-6.64, P < 0.002)). Desaturation in the dexmedetomidine group was always resolved by increasing nasal oxygen flow, whereas additional interventions were needed in 60% of patients receiving propofol. Hypotension was more frequent in the propofol group, while hypertension, bradycardia and coughing were similar in both. Bronchoscopists' and patients' satisfaction were similar, although in the dexmedetomidine group two patients needed additional sedatives and two patients would not repeat the sedation technique. CONCLUSION: Moderate sedation with dexmedetomidine-remifentanil for EBUS is safer than deep sedation with propofol-remifentanil but it would occasionally need additional sedatives to ensure patient satisfaction.

Finding the vulnerable postoperative population: A two-step cluster analysis of the PAIN-OUT registry.

BACKGROUND: Identifying predictors of poor postoperative outcomes is crucial for planning personalized pain treatments. The aim of this study was to examine pain outcomes using cluster analysis in N = 2678 patients from the PAIN-OUT registry at first postoperative day. METHODS: Indicator variables of the clustering analysis assessed multiple domains, such as clinical and surgical conditions, analgesic-anaesthetic variables, desire for more pain treatment and outcome variables of the International Pain Outcome Questionnaire (IPO) summarized as factor scores. RESULTS: Two-step cluster identified the three-cluster solution as the optimal. Two empirical groups (C1 and C2) included patients with good postoperative outcomes discriminated by peripheral nerve block use, while the other cluster (C3) grouped patients with the worst outcomes, where all patients desired more pain treatment. C3 comprised about 20% of the participants, mostly lower limb, abdominal and spine procedures. The best predictors of belonging to C3 included younger age, being male, preoperative opioid use, bone and fracture reduction procedures, institution, number of comorbidities and morphine equivalents in the recovery room. CONCLUSIONS: IPO factor scores can be used to select pain outcomes phenotypes in large clinical databases. Most of the predictors were present before the recovery period so perioperative planning should focus in the preoperative and intraoperative periods. SIGNIFICANCE: Improvement of postoperative pain requires assessment methods that go beyond pain intensity scores. We perform a cluster analysis among PAIN-OUT patients that revealed a cluster of vulnerable postoperative patients, using a novel composite measure of postoperative outcomes: the factor scores of the International Pain Outcomes Questionnaire. By changing the focus from pain intensity to multidimensional pain outcomes, male gender and number of comorbidities appeared as new risk factors for worse postoperative outcomes. The study also identified procedures that require urgent quality improvements.

Mapping the neural systems driving breathing at the transition to unconsciousness.

After falling asleep, the brain needs to detach from waking activity and reorganize into a functionally distinct state. A functional MRI (fMRI) study has recently revealed that the transition to unconsciousness induced by propofol involves a global decline of brain activity followed by a transient reduction in cortico-subcortical coupling. We have analyzed the relationships between transitional brain activity and breathing changes as one example of a vital function that needs the brain to readapt. Thirty healthy participants were originally examined. The analysis involved the correlation between breathing and fMRI signal upon loss of consciousness. We proposed that a decrease in ventilation would be coupled to the initial decline in fMRI signal in brain areas relevant for modulating breathing in the awake state, and that the subsequent recovery would be coupled to fMRI signal in structures relevant for controlling breathing during the unconscious state. Results showed that a slight reduction in breathing from wakefulness to unconsciousness was distinctively associated with decreased activity in brain systems underlying different aspects of consciousness including the prefrontal cortex, the default mode network and somatosensory areas. Breathing recovery was distinctively coupled to activity in deep brain structures controlling basic behaviors such as the hypothalamus and amygdala. Activity in the brainstem, cerebellum and hippocampus was associated with breathing variations in both states. Therefore, our brain maps illustrate potential drives to breathe, unique to wakefulness, in the form of brain systems underlying cognitive awareness, self-awareness and sensory awareness, and to unconsciousness involving structures controlling instinctive and homeostatic behaviors.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the International Pain Outcome questionnaire in surgery.

BACKGROUND: Choosing perioperative suitable treatments requires reliable and valid outcome measurements. The International Pain Outcome (IPO) questionnaire has been widely used for quality improvement and research purposes within the PAIN-OUT network that has collected more than 550,000 data sets of postoperative patients in 200 hospitals worldwide. Our aim is to confirm psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the IPO questionnaire and its invariance by pain predictors. METHOD: Sample included 4014 participants within a large age range, who underwent different surgical procedures. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed internal structure, considering invariance by sex, age, procedure, smoking, obesity, affective disorder, and chronic pain. Incremental predictive validity of factor scores on question would have liked more pain treatment and opioid requirement was also estimated with logistic binary regression. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis verified original structure in 3 factors measuring pain intensity and interference (F1), adverse effects (F2), and perceptions of care (F3), with good internal consistency. Multigroup CFA analysis confirmed invariance by assessed pain predictors. Good incremental predictive capacity to identify would have liked more pain treatment was achieved. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the factor structure, supports reliability, and adds some evidence of convergent validity of the Spanish adaptation of the IPO questionnaire. The sum of scores in its main factors serves a global outcome analysis tool. Low scores in F1 and F2 with high scores in F3 would indicate optimal quality of care.

Largest scale dissociation of brain activity at propofol-induced loss of consciousness.

The brain is a functional unit made up of multilevel connected elements showing a pattern of synchronized activity that varies in different states. The wake-sleep cycle is a major variation of brain functional condition that is ultimately regulated by subcortical arousal- and sleep-promoting cell groups. We analyzed the evolution of functional MRI (fMRI) signal in the whole cortex and in a deep region including most sleep- and wake-regulating subcortical nuclei at loss of consciousness induced by the hypnotic agent propofol. Optimal data were obtained in 21 of the 30 healthy participants examined. A dynamic analysis of fMRI time courses on a time-scale of seconds was conducted to characterize consciousness transition, and functional connectivity maps were generated to detail the anatomy of structures showing different dynamics. Inside the magnet, loss of consciousness was marked by the participants ceasing to move their hands. We observed activity synchronization after loss of consciousness within both the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures. However, the evolution of fMRI signal was dissociated, showing a transient reduction of global cortico-subcortical coupling that was restored during the unconscious state. An exception to cortico-subcortical decoupling was a brain network related to self-awareness (i.e. the default mode network) that remained connected to subcortical brain structures. Propofol-induced unconsciousness is thus characterized by an initial, transitory dissociated synchronization at the largest scale of brain activity. Such cortico-subcortical decoupling and subsequent recoupling may allow the brain to detach from waking activity and reorganize into a functionally distinct state.

The Aging Imageomics Study: rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the study population.

Biomarkers of aging are urgently needed to identify individuals at high risk of developing age-associated disease or disability. Growing evidence from population-based studies points to whole-body magnetic resonance imaging's (MRI) enormous potential for quantifying subclinical disease burden and for assessing changes that occur with aging in all organ systems. The Aging Imageomics Study aims to identify biomarkers of human aging by analyzing imaging, biopsychosocial, cardiovascular, metabolomic, lipidomic, and microbiome variables. This study recruited 1030 participants aged ≥50 years (mean 67, range 50-96 years) that underwent structural and functional MRI to evaluate the brain, large blood vessels, heart, abdominal organs, fat, spine, musculoskeletal system and ultrasonography to assess carotid intima-media thickness and plaques. Patients were notified of incidental findings detected by a certified radiologist when necessary. Extensive data were also collected on anthropometrics, demographics, health history, neuropsychology, employment, income, family status, exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular status. In addition, several types of samples were gathered to allow for microbiome, metabolomic and lipidomic profiling. Using big data techniques to analyze all the data points from biological phenotyping together with health records and lifestyle measures, we aim to cultivate a deeper understanding about various biological factors (and combinations thereof) that underlie healthy and unhealthy aging.

Bispectral index in hypercapnic encephalopathy associated with COPD exacerbation: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Hypercapnic encephalopathy is relatively frequent in severe exacerbations of COPD (ECOPDs), with its intensity usually being evaluated through clinical scales. Bispectral index (BIS) is a relatively new technique, based on the analysis of the electroencephalographic signal, which provides a good approximation to the level of consciousness, having already been validated in anesthesia. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the utility of BIS in the assessment of the intensity of hypercapnic encephalopathy in ECOPD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of ten ECOPD patients were included, and the level of brain activity was assessed using BIS and different scales: Glasgow Coma Scale, Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale. The evaluation was performed both in the acute phase and 3 months after discharge. RESULTS: BIS was recorded for a total of about 600 minutes. During ECOPD, BIS values ranged from 58.8 (95% CI: 48.6-69) for RSS score of 4 to 92.2 (95% CI: 90.1-94.3) for RSS score of 2. A significant correlation was observed between values obtained with BIS and those from the three scales, although the best fit was for RSS, followed by Glasgow and Richmond (r=-0.757, r=0.701, and r=0.615, respectively; P<0.001 for all). In the stable phase after discharge, BIS showed values considered as normal for a wake state (94.6; 95% CI: 91.7-97.9). CONCLUSION: BIS may be useful for the objective early detection and automatic monitoring of the intensity of hypercapnic encephalopathy in ECOPD, facilitating the early detection and follow-up of this condition, which may avoid management problems in these patients.

Rectal, central venous, gastric and bladder pressures versus esophageal pressure for the measurement of cough strength: a prospective clinical comparison.

BACKGROUND: Cough pressure, an expression of expiratory muscle strength, is usually measured with esophageal or gastric balloons, but these invasive catheters can be uncomfortable for the patient or their placement impractical. Because pressure in the thorax and abdomen are expected to be similar during a cough, we hypothesized that measurement at other thoracic or abdominal locations might also be similar as well as useful in clinical scenarios. This study aimed to compare cough pressures measured at thoracic and abdominal sites that could serve as alternatives to esophageal pressures (Pes). METHODS: Nine patients scheduled for laparotomy were asked to cough as forcefully as possible from total lung capacity in supine position. Three cough maneuvers were performed while Pes (the gold standard) as well as gastric, central venous, bladder and rectal pressures (Pga, Pcv, Pbl, and Prec, respectively) were measured simultaneously. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the repeatability of the measurements in each patient at each site and evaluate agreement between alternative sites (Pga, Pcv, Pbl, and Prec) and Pes. Bland-Altman plots were used to compare Pes and the measurements at the other sites. RESULTS: Median (first quartile, third quartile) maximum pressures were as follows: Pes 112 (89,148), Pga 105 (92,156), Pcv 102 (91,149), Pbl 118 (93,157), and Prec 103 (88,150) cmH2O. The ICCs showed excellent within-site repeatability of the measurements (p < 0.001) and excellent agreement between alternative sites and Pes (p < 0.004). The Bland-Altman plots showed minimal differences between Pes, Pga, Pcv, and Prec. However, Pbl was higher than the other pressures in most patients, and the difference between Pes and Pbl was slightly larger. CONCLUSIONS: Cough pressure can be measured in the esophagus, stomach, superior vena cava or rectum, since their values are similar. It can also be measured in the bladder, although the value will be slightly higher. These results potentially facilitate the assessment of dynamic expiratory muscle strength with fewer invasive catheter placements in most hospitalized patients, thus providing an option that will be particularly useful in those undergoing thoracic or abdominal surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02957045 registered at November 7, 2016. Retrospectively registered.

Post-operative pulmonary complications: Understanding definitions and risk assessment.

Post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) can have severe consequences and their incidence is high. In recent years, PPCs have been the subject of numerous studies and articles, which have provided a great deal of information that is beneficial but that can cause confusion on a practical level. This review focusses on three main points: (1) the definitions of PPCs, which are heterogeneous and often vary from one report to another, despite emerging consensus; (2) the risk as reflected in the pool of PPC predictors, with each study identifying some but leaving us with a myriad of combinations; and (3) the many PPC prediction scores proposed, each with its strengths and limitations. We attempt to clarify the practical and research implications of the current situation.

Development and validation of a score to predict postoperative respiratory failure in a multicentre European cohort: A prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative respiratory failure (PRF) is the most frequent respiratory complication following surgery. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to build a clinically useful predictive model for the development of PRF. DESIGN: A prospective observational study of a multicentre cohort. SETTING: Sixty-three hospitals across Europe. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing any surgical procedure under general or regional anaesthesia during 7-day recruitment periods. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Development of PRF within 5 days of surgery. PRF was defined by a partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) less than 8 kPa or new onset oxyhaemoglobin saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) less than 90% whilst breathing room air that required conventional oxygen therapy, noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: PRF developed in 224 patients (4.2% of the 5384 patients studied). In-hospital mortality [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] was higher in patients who developed PRF [10.3% (6.3 to 14.3) vs. 0.4% (0.2 to 0.6)]. Regression modelling identified a predictive PRF score that includes seven independent risk factors: low preoperative SpO2; at least one preoperative respiratory symptom; preoperative chronic liver disease; history of congestive heart failure; open intrathoracic or upper abdominal surgery; surgical procedure lasting at least 2 h; and emergency surgery. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (c-statistic) was 0.82 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.85) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic was 7.08 (P = 0.253). CONCLUSION: A risk score based on seven objective, easily assessed factors was able to predict which patients would develop PRF. The score could potentially facilitate preoperative risk assessment and management and provide a basis for testing interventions to improve outcomes.The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT01346709).

Prospective external validation of a predictive score for postoperative pulmonary complications.

BACKGROUND: No externally validated risk score for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) is currently available. The authors tested the generalizability of the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia risk score for PPCs in a large European cohort (Prospective Evaluation of a RIsk Score for postoperative pulmonary COmPlications in Europe). METHODS: Sixty-three centers recruited 5,859 surgical patients receiving general, neuraxial, or plexus block anesthesia. The Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia factors (age, preoperative arterial oxygen saturation in air, acute respiratory infection during the previous month, preoperative anemia, upper abdominal or intrathoracic surgery, surgical duration, and emergency surgery) were recorded, along with PPC occurrence (respiratory infection or failure, bronchospasm, atelectasis, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or aspiration pneumonitis). Discrimination, calibration, and diagnostic accuracy measures of the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score's performance were calculated for the Prospective Evaluation of a RIsk Score for postoperative pulmonary COmPlications in Europe cohort and three subsamples: Spain, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe. RESULTS: The full Prospective Evaluation of a RIsk Score for postoperative pulmonary COmPlications in Europe data set included 5,099 patients; 725 PPCs were recorded for 404 patients (7.9%). The score's discrimination was good: c-statistic (95% CI), 0.80 (0.78 to 0.82). Predicted versus observed PPC rates for low, intermediate, and high risk were 0.87 and 3.39% (score <26), 7.82 and 12.98% (≥ 26 and <45), and 38.13 and 38.01% (≥ 45), respectively; the positive likelihood ratio for a score of 45 or greater was 7.12 (5.93 to 8.56). The score performed best in the Western Europe subsample-c-statistic, 0.87 (0.83 to 0.90) and positive likelihood ratio, 11.56 (8.63 to 15.47)-and worst in the Eastern Europe subsample. The predicted (5.5%) and observed (5.7%) PPC rates were most similar in the Spain subsample. CONCLUSIONS: The Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score predicts three levels of PPC risk in hospitals outside the development setting. Performance differs between geographic areas.

Almitrine fails to improve oxygenation during one-lung ventilation with sevoflurane anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Almitrine enhances hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and can improve hypoxemia related to one-lung ventilation (OLV). Studies using almitrine have been conducted without inhaled anesthetics because they could inhibit HPV, counteracting the effect of almitrine. This hypothesis, however, has not been confirmed. This study's aim was to evaluate whether almitrine could improve oxygenation when administered during OLV with sevoflurane anesthesia. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary care, university teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty adult patients undergoing open-chest thoracic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned randomly to receive almitrine or placebo during OLV. Respiratory and hemodynamic variables were recorded continuously. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil. Intraoperative techniques and medical teams were the same all over the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Respiratory and hemodynamic variables were measured during two-lung ventilation and during open-chest OLV. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the effects of almitrine and placebo. During OLV, PaO2 and shunt fraction worsened in all patients without significant differences between groups. At 30-minutes of OLV, PaO2 was 184±67 mmHg in the almitrine group and 145±56 mmHg in the placebo group, while shunt fraction were 31%±6% and 36%±13%, respectively. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was higher in the almitrine group (31±5 v 24±5 mmHg, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During anesthesia with sevoflurane for open-chest OLV, almitrine failed to improve oxygenation and increased pulmonary artery pressure. The combination of sevoflurane and almitrine should, therefore, be avoided.