Track your trach: Removal of a fractured tracheostomy tube using a flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope in a patient with severe head injury.

Tracheostomy is a common airway procedure for life support in critically ill patients with head injuries. This procedure is safe but also associated with early and late complications. Tube fracture and dislodgement into the tracheobronchial tree leading to airway obstruction is a rare but life-threatening complication after prolonged tracheostomy tube placement. There are very few published reports of tracheostomy tube fracture and dislodgement into tracheobronchial tree in a neurologically injured patient. We report a case of a fractured tracheostomy tube which got impacted in the left main bronchus, in a 41-year-old male patient who had been on prolonged tracheostomy tube after craniotomy and evacuation of subdural hematoma. The distal part of the tracheostomy tube fractured and impacted in the left main bronchus. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed through the oral cavity to extract it, and the anaesthetic management during the period is discussed.

Assessment of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Its Postoperative Regression among Patients Undergoing Brain Tumor Resection in a Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction Bedside measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using ultrasonography (USG) is a useful method for detecting raised intracranial pressure (ICP). The primary and main objective of this study is to estimate ONSD among patients with brain tumor and its regression post tumor resection to assess the correlation as well as diagnostic accuracy of the same. Materials and Methods This prospective observational study was performed in a tertiary health care center over a span of 3 months on 68 adults of either sex, out of which 30 were nonneurosurgical patients, taken as control group. Rest 38 were neurosurgical patients posted for brain tumor resection. Normal ONSD in our population was determined by calculating average ONSD using transorbital USG in individuals of control group. ONSD in neurosurgical patients taken as case group was recorded before surgery, intraoperatively immediately post tumor resection, as well as 12 and 24 hours post surgery. These values were analyzed to see the correlation of ONSD with tumor resection. Results The mean (±standard deviation) binocular ONSD in our population was 4.28 ± 0.28 mm. The mean preoperative binocular ONSD in cases using transorbital USG came out to be 5.43 ± 0.37 mm with 88.23% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Postoperatively, transorbital ONSD showed significant regression at 12 and 24 hours as compared with preoperative values ( p -value < 0.05). Conclusion Transorbital ultrasonographic measurement of ONSD could be considered as an indirect indicator of ICP in neurosurgical patients perioperatively. The technique is quick to perform at bedside, feasible in critical patients, and without any harmful effects.

Clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium.

Clear cell endometrial carcinoma represents an uncommon and poorly understood entity. Data from molecular/genomic profiling highlighted the importance of various signatures in assessing the prognosis of endometrial cancer according to four classes of risk (POLE mutated, MMRd, NSMP, and p53 abnormal). Unfortunately, data specific to clear cell histological subtype endometrial cancer are lacking. More recently, data has emerged to suggest that most of the patients (more than 80%) with clear cell endometrial carcinoma are characterized by p53 abnormality or NSMP type. This classification has important therapeutic implications. Although it is an uncommon entity, clear cell endometrial cancer patients with POLE mutation seem characterized by a good prognosis. Chemotherapy is effective in patients with NSMP (especially in stage III and IV) and patients with p53 abnormal disease (all stages). While, preliminary data suggested that patients with MMRd are less likely to benefit from chemotherapy. The latter group appears to benefit much more from immune checkpoint inhibitors: recent data from clinical trials on pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib and nivolumab plus cabozantinib supported that immunotherapy plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) would be the most appropriate treatment for recurrent non-endometrioid endometrial cancer (including clear cell carcinoma) after the failure of platinum-based chemotherapy. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials testing the anti-tumor activity of innovative products will clarify the better strategies for advanced/recurrent clear cell endometrial carcinoma. Further prospective evidence is urgently needed to better characterize clear cell endometrial carcinoma.

A comparative evaluation of Airtraq and Hansraj Video laryngoscopes in patients undergoing tracheal intubation with cervical spine immobilization - A randomized prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Airway management is a key concern in trauma patients with cervical spine fracture. Application of manual inline axial stabilization (MIAS) has become the standard of care in these patients. Indirect laryngoscopy only requires alignment of the pharyngeal and laryngeal axis. Hence the primary objective of the study was to compare two indirect laryngoscopes, Airtraq (with adaptor) and Hansraj Video laryngoscopes based on its Intubation Difficulty Score. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty anesthetized patients were divided into two groups using computer-based randomization, and tracheal intubation was performed using either Airtraq or Hansraj Videolaryngoscope with cervical spine immobilization. RESULTS: Both Airtraq and Hansraj groups were comparable in terms of percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scoring (92 ± 9.88% vs. 89.3 ± 10.4%.) and duration of intubation attempt (14.9 ± 4.36 sec vs. 16.97 ± 3.64 sec). Intubation difficulty scale (IDS) score was significantly shorter with Airtraq (1 ± 0.58 vs. 1.8 ± 0.805; P < 0.0001). The mean duration of time taken for laryngoscopy in Airtraq (12.9 ± 2.07 s vs. 19.06 ± 3.83 s; P < 0.0001)) was significantly shorter and also the duration of time taken to secure airway in Airtraq VL was significantly shorter (29.47 ± 4.75 s vs. 36.03 ± 5.80 sec; P < 0.0001). The heart rate and MABP changes were modest in both groups, but was significantly more in Hansraj VL as compared to Airtraq VL, post-intubation. CONCLUSION: Both Airtraq and Hansraj videolaryngoscope can be used as first-hand device in the scenario of cervical spine stabilization. Airtraq videolaryngoscope is better than Hansraj videolaryngoscope due to shorter IDS and lessor hemodynamic changes.

Survival pattern in patients with acute organophosphate poisoning on mechanical ventilation: A retrospective intensive care unit-based study in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Organophosphorus (OP) compound poisoning is one of the most common poisonings in India. The aim of the study was to study the outcomes and predictors of mortality in patients with acute OP poisoning requiring mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the intensive care unit and 117 patients were included. Diagnosis was performed from the history taken either from the patient or from the patient's relatives. Demographic data, month of the year, mode of poisoning, common age group, duration of mechanical ventilation, time of starting pralidoxime (PAM), and mortality were recorded. Chi square test, Pearson correlation test, and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used. Data are presented as mean ± SD. RESULTS: 91.86% (79/86) of cases were suicidal and remaining cases were accidental. Duration of mechanical ventilation varied from less than 48 hours to more than 7 days. Mortality rate was 33.3%, 7.2%, and 100% in those who required mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days, 5 to 7 days, and 2 to 4 days, respectively. Lag time was less than 6 hrs in 13 patients and all of them survived. 17.1% and 28.1% patients died in whom PAM was started 6 to 12 hrs and 13 to 24 hrs after poisoning, respectively. There was statistically significant positive correlation between lag time of starting of PAM with duration of mechanical ventilation and total dose of PAM (P < 0.0001). None of the predictors age, lag time, severity of poisoning, and duration of ventilation were independent predictors of death. Overall mortality rate was 18.6%. CONCLUSION: Mortality from OP compound poisoning is directly proportionate to the severity of poisoning, delay in starting PAM, and duration of mechanical ventilation. Death is not dependent on a single factor, rather contributory to these factors working simultaneously.

Correlación y concordancia entre los valores de pH, PO2,PCO2 y HCO3− en sangre arterial y venosa de pacientes con ventilación mecánica en la unidad de cuidados intensivos: A prospective observational study / Correlation and agreement between arterial and central venous blood pH,PO2, PCO2 and HCO3− values of mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care unit

Antecedentes: El procedimiento de tomar las muestras de gases arteriales puede ser técnicamente difícil y tiene limitaciones y complicaciones. La colocación de un catéter venoso central es un procedimiento obligado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). La toma de muestras de sangre venosa central es mucho más fácil y rápida, y menos complicada. Contexto: Correlación y concordancia entre los valores de pH, PO2, PCO2 y HCC3 en sangre arterial y venosa central de pacientes con ventilación mecánica. Objetivo: El objetivo era evaluar la correlación y la concordancia entre los valores de pH, PO2, PCO2 y HCC3 en sangre arterial y venosa central e inferir si los valores de los gases venosos centrales podían reemplazar la lectura de los gases arteriales. Lugar y diseño: UCI y estudio prospectivo de tipo observacional. Materiales y métodos: Se tomaron en total 100 muestras (50 gases arteriales y 50 gases venosos centrales) de 50 pacientes adultos con distintos procesos patológicos ingresados en la UCI de un hospital universitario. Se ingresaron en el estudio los pacientes normotensos y normotérmicos que requirieron ventilación mecánica y tenían arteria radial palpable. No se repitió ningún paciente en el estudio. En cada paciente se tomó primero la muestra de sangre arterial de la arteria radial y 2 min después se tomó la muestra de sangre venosa central. Se evaluaron la correlación y la concordancia entre los valores de pH, PO2, PCO2 y HCO3 - en sangre arterial y venosa central. Análisis estadístico utilizado: Correlación de Pearson y análisis de Bland Altman. Resultados: Se encontró una correlación significativa entre los valores venosos y arteriales de pH, PO2, PCO2 y HCO3 (r pH = 0,88, p< 0,001; rP02 = 0,358, p<0,05; rPC0(2) = 0,470, p< 0,001 y rHC03 = 0,714, p< 0,001). Se derivaron ecuaciones de regresión para predecir los valores en sangre arterial a partir de los valores en sangre venosa: pH arterial = 0,879 xpH venoso central +114,4 (constante), R² = 0,128, PC0(2) arterial = 0,429 x P0(2) venoso central + 24.627 (constante), R² = 0,2205 y HC0(3) arterial = 1.045 x HC0(3) venoso central+ 3.402 (constante), R² = 0,5101. La diferencia media de la lectura arterial menos la venosa para pH, P0(2), PC0(2), y bicarbonato fue de 0,053 ± 0,014, 56,04 ± 15,74, 2,20 ± 4,4 y 4,30 ± 1,64, respectivamente. Las gráficas de Bland-Altmanpara la concordancia de los valores de pH, P0(2), PC0(2) y bicarbonato mostraron límites de concordancia del 95% de -0,04 a 0,146, -52,51 a 164,59, -26,61 a 31,01 y -7,0 a 15,6, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Hubo una buena correlación entre los valores arteriales y venosos centrales de pH, P0(2), PC0(2) y HCO3 -. Sin embargo, solamente el valor venoso central del pH puede reemplazar el valor arterial del pH.

Background: The procedure for arterial blood sampling can be technically difficult with various limitations and complications. Central venous catheterization is a mandatory procedure in ICU. The sampling of central venous blood is much easier, quicker and less complicated. Context: Correlation and agreement between arterial and central venous blood pH, PO2, PCO2 and HCO3 − values of mechanically ventilated patients. Aims: Aim was to evaluate the correlation and agreement between arterial and central venous blood pH, PO2, PCO2 and HCO3 − values and infer whether central venous blood gas values could replace arterial blood gas values. Settings and design: Intensive Care Unit and prospective observational study. Materials and methods: A total of 100 samples (50 arterial blood gas and 50 central venous blood gas) were collected from 50 adult patients with varied disease process admitted in a medical college ICU. Patients requiring mechanical ventilation having palpable radial artery, normotensive and normothermic were enrolled for the study. No patient was repeated for the study. Arterial blood was collected from radial artery and within 2 minutes central venous blood was withdrawn from the same patient. Correlation and agreement were evaluated between arterial and central venous pH, PO2, PCO2 and HCO3 −. Statistical analysis used: Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: The pH, PO2, PCO2 and HCO3 − of CVBG correlated significantly with arterial values (r pH = 0.88, P < 0.001; rPO2 = 0.358, P < 0.05; rPCO2 = 0.470, P < 0.001 and rHCO3 = 0.714, P < 0.001). Regression equations were derived to predict arterial blood values from venous blood values as follows: arterial pH= 0.879×central venous pH+ 0.9422 (constant), arterial PO2 = 0.421×central venous PO2 + 114.4 (constant), R² = 0.128, arterial PCO2 = 0.429×central venous PO2 + 24.627 (constant), R² = 0.2205 and arterial HCO3 = 1.045×central venous HCO3 + 3.402 (constant), R² = 0.5101. The mean arterial minus venous difference for pH, PO2, PCO2, and bicarbonatewas 0.053±0.014, 56.04±15.74, 2.20±4.4 and 4.30±1.64 respectively. Bland-Altman plots for agreement of pH, PO2, PCO2, and bicarbonate showed 95% limits of agreement of −0.04 to 0.146, −52.51 to 164.59, −26.61 to 31.01 and −7.0 to 15.6, respectively. Conclusions: The arterial pH, PO2, PCO2 and HCO3 – values correlatedwell with central venous values. However, only the arterial pH value can replace the central venous pH value.

Hypertensive encephalopathy following snake bite in a child: A diagnostic dilemma.

Children in rural India are a vulnerable group for snake bites. Improper elicitation of history and atypical presentations could lead to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment. We are reporting the case of an 8-year-old male child who presented with convulsions, unconsciousness and hypertension who was initially managed as a case of hypertensive encephalopathy showing no sign of improvement even after 20 hs. The history when reviewed suggested neurotoxic snake bite although the patient did not have any classical local findings. Anti-snake venom administration was followed by prompt recovery. We therefore suggest that snake bite should be considered in patients from rural background presenting with hypertension, convulsion and unconsciousness, even in the absence of classical features of snake bite.

Evaluation of the efficacy of simplified Fencl-Stewart equation in analyzing the changes in acid base status following resuscitation with two different fluids.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic acid-base disorders in critically ill patients may not be identified by base excess (BE) approach. Anion gap method can detect approximately 1/3 hidden "gap acidosis". In such conditions, when adjusted for hypoalbuminemia, Fencl-Stewart's approach can reliably detect the hidden abnormal anions. AIM: Evaluate the efficacy of simplified Fencl-Stewart equation in identifying the changes in acid-base status of sepsis patients following resuscitation with two different fluids. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Intensive care unit, randomized, prospective, interventional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred adult patients of both sexes presenting with abdominal sepsis, requiring fluid resuscitation were randomly assigned into normal saline (NS) and Ringer's lactate (RL) group, each comprising of 150 patients. 20 ml/kg of NS or RL were administered over a period of 30 min. The changes in the acid-base status were calculated applying the simplified Fencl-Stewart equation and was compared with the measured values obtained through arterial blood gas. STATISTICAL METHODS: Paired t-test for intra-group while unpaired t-test for inter-group comparison. RESULTS: Blood pH and standard BE decreased and the serum Na(+) and Cl(-) level increased significantly in NS group. The serum albumin level significantly decreased in both the groups. Sodium chloride effect on BE significantly increased in NS group. Albumin effect on BE significantly increased in both the groups. Unmeasured ion effect on BE did not significantly change in both the groups. Measured standard BE level was significantly less as compared to unmeasured anion effect on BE, in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Simplified Fencl-Stewart equation is effective in identifying a mixed acid-base disorder, which otherwise would remain undetected.

Airtraq(®) optical laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in patients with severe ankylosing spondylitis: A report of two cases.

Airway management in patients of ankylosing spondylitis remains a challenge for anaesthesiologists. Many new airway devices have been used for securing airway in these patients. The Airtraq(®) optical laryngoscope is one of the new rigid laryngoscopes with a proximal view finder that reflects an image transferred from the distal tip of the blade through a series of lenses, prisms and mirrors. We report two cases of ankylosing spondylitis who were scheduled for total hip replacement and subtotal thyroidectomy and were successfully intubated using the Airtraq(®) laryngoscope.

Retrospective analysis of snake victims in Northern India admitted in a tertiary level institute.

CONTEXT: Snake bites are the common cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. AIMS: To analyze the outcome of snake bite victims SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data from Intensive care unit, Department of Anesthesiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the patients admitted in the intensive care unit for snake bite management during the year May 2004 - April 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The data included age, sex, month and time of incident, site of bite, dose of anti--snake venom, time of anti--snake venom, administration, duration of mechanical ventilation, complications and death of a victim. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's correlation test, paired samples t-test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 113 patients reported to the Accident and Emergency with history of snake bite. 26 patients were referred to other hospital, 17 patients were brought dead, and 70 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. In 59 snake-bite victims, maximum data could be recovered. Krait was the most common type of snake bite reported. There was a male preponderance (69.4%) with age ranging between 20 and 40 years (52.5%). The mean lag time (time elapsed between bite and first dose of anti--snake venom) was 5.3 ± 1.4 h and the mean anti-snake venom dose was 12.3 ± 2.4 vials. There was a positive and significant correlation between lag time and total dose of anti--snake venom (correlation coefficient =0.956, P<0.0001). Overall 72.9% patients required mechanical ventilation with a mean duration of 56.2 ± 16.1 h. 10.2% patients sustained cardiac arrest, 8.7% patients developed ventilator associated pneumonia, 6.7% suffered mild anti-snake venom reaction, 6.7% had hypotension and 5.1% patients developed renal failure. The overall mortality was 5.1%.

Comparison of two different types of heat and moisture exchangers in ventilated patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of two different types of Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HME filters) in reducing transmission of infection from the patient to ventilator and vice versa and also its cost effectiveness. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, double blind, prospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 60 patients admitted to the ICU from May 1, 2007 to July 31, 2007 of either sex, age ranging between 20 and 60 years, requiring mechanical ventilation were screened for the study. Following intubation of the patients, the HME device was attached to the breathing circuit randomly by the chit-in-a box method. The patients were divided into two groups according to the HME filters attached. RESULTS: Both the groups were comparable with respect to age and sex ratio. In Type A HME filters, 80% showed growth on the patient end within 24 h and in 27% filters, culture was positive both on the patient and the machine ends. The organisms detected were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and co-related with the endotracheal aspirate culture. After 48 h, 87% filters developed organisms on the patient end, whereas 64% filters were culture positive both on the patient and the machine end. In Type B HME filters, 70% showed growth on patient's end after 24 h. Organisms detected were S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter. Thirty percent of filters were culture negative on both the patient and machine ends. No growth was found on the machine end in any of the filters after 24 h. After 48 h, 73% of the filters had microbial growth on the patient end, whereas only 3% filters had growth (S. aureus) on the machine end only. Seven percent had growth on both the patient as well as the machine ends. The microorganisms detected on the HME filters co-related with the endotracheal aspirate cultures. CONCLUSION: HME filter Type B (study group) was significantly better in reducing contamination of ventilator from the patient as compared to Type A (control group), which was routinely used in our ICU. Type B filter was found to be effective for at least 48 h. This study can also be applied to patients coming to emergency department (ED) and requiring emergency surgery and postoperative ventilation; and trauma patients like flail chest, head injury etc. requiring ventilatory support to prevent them from acquiring ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Difficult weaning in delayed onset diaphragmatic hernia.

Diaphragmatic injuries are relatively rare and result from either blunt or penetrating trauma. Regardless of the mechanism, diagnosis is often missed and high index of suspicion is vital. The clinical signs associated with a diaphragmatic hernia can range from no outward signs to immediately life-threatening respiratory compromise. Establishing the clinical diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries (DI) can be challenging as it is often clinically occult. Accurate diagnosis is critical since missed DI may result in grave sequelae due to herniation and strangulation of displaced intra-abdominal organs. We present a case of polytrauma with rib fracture and delayed appearance of diaphragmatic hernia manifesting as difficult weaning from ventilatory support.

Emergency treatment of a snake bite: Pearls from literature.

Snake bite is a well-known occupational hazard amongst farmers, plantation workers, and other outdoor workers and results in much morbidity and mortality throughout the world. This occupational hazard is no more an issue restricted to a particular part of the world; it has become a global issue. Accurate statistics of the incidence of snakebite and its morbidity and mortality throughout the world does not exist; however, it is certain to be higher than what is reported. This is because even today most of the victims initially approach traditional healers for treatment and many are not even registered in the hospital. Hence, registering such patients is an important goal if we are to have accurate statistics and reduce the morbidity and mortality due to snakebite. World Health Organization/South East Asian Region Organisation (WHO/SEARO) has published guidelines, specific for the South East Asian region, for the clinical management of snakebites. The same guidelines may be applied for managing snakebite patients in other parts of the world also, since no other professional body has come up with any other evidence-based guidelines. In this article we highlight the incidence and clinical features of different types of snakebite and the management guidelines as per the WHO/SEARO recommendation.

Specific evoked motor response for supraclavicular brachial block.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and evaluate the accuracy of individual types of evoked motor responses (EMRs) for prediction of successful surgical anesthesia following peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) assisted supraclavicular block. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out over a period of one and half years from August 2004 to January 2006, at J. N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, in 60 patients who underwent various elective operative procedures on the upper limb. Any of the EMR, such as forearm flexion or extension, carpal flexion, or extension, prono-supination, or finger flexion, at a definite current of 0.25 mA for 2 ms was taken as an end point for prediction of successful block, and a local anesthetic solution (0.375% Bupivacaine, 30 ml) was administered at that level. RESULTS: Complete surgical anesthesia was observed in those cases where EMR included: flexion of only second and third fingers (n=15/15) or flexion of all 4 fingers with thumb opposition (n=14/14) or uncommon flexion of all 4 fingers without movement of any other joint of the upper limb (n=2/2), suggesting a sensitivity of 100%. However, thumb opposition to the tip of the flexed little finger revealed a success rate of only 83% (n=5/6), and other EMRs were followed by high rates of inadequate surgical anesthesia or total failure. CONCLUSION: Specific EMR of flexion of second and third fingers, or all the 4 fingers are reliable predictors of complete surgical anesthesia following PNS assisted single injection supraclavicular nerve block with no incidence of pneumothorax and nerve damage.