Non-Opioid Analgesics and Adjuvants after Surgery in Adults with Obesity: Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background/Objectives: Managing postoperative pain in patients with obesity is challenging. Although using a combination of pain relief methods is recommended for these patients, the true effectiveness of various intravenous non-opioid analgesics and adjuvants in multimodal anesthesia needs to be better defined. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, ketamine, α-2 agonists, lidocaine, magnesium, and oral gabapentinoids in adult surgical patients with obesity. The analysis aimed to compare these treatments to a placebo/no treatment or alternative analgesics, with a primary focus on postoperative pain and secondary endpoints including rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and recovery quality. English-language randomized controlled trials across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and EMBASE were considered. Quality and evidence certainty were assessed with the RoB 2 tool and GRADE, and data was analyzed with R software. Results: NSAIDs, along with acetaminophen, lidocaine, α-2 agonists, ketamine, and oral gabapentinoids, effectively reduce early postoperative pain. NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen, as well as acetaminophen, ketamine, and lidocaine, also show benefits in later postoperative stages. Intravenous non-opioid analgesics and adjuvants show some degree of benefit in reducing PONV and the need for rescue analgesic therapy when using α-2 agonists alone or combined with oral gabapentinoids, notably decreasing the likelihood of PONV. Ketamine, lidocaine, and α-2 agonists are shown to enhance postoperative recovery and care quality. Conclusions: Intravenous non-opioid analgesics and adjuvants are valuable in multimodal anesthesia for pain management in adult surgical patients suffering from obesity.

Ultrasound mapping of soft tissue vascular anatomy proximal to the larynx: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Bleeding incidents during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy are concerning, and most cases occur in patients with unrecognized and unanticipated anatomical variations in the vascular anatomy. However, the extent of this variation remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to comprehensively map laryngeal vascular anatomy in a cohort of adult patients. Methods: Ultrasound assessments of the soft tissue in the neck were performed, spanning from the thyroid cartilage to the third tracheal ring and extending 2 cm laterally on both sidesperformed. We subdivided this area into 12 zones comprising four medial and eight lateral sections. A pre-planned form was used to document the presence of arteries or veins in each zone. The results are reported as odds ratios, 95% CIs, and corresponding P-values. Results: Five-hundred patients were enrolled from August 14, 2023, to November 13, 2023, at the University Hospital of Padua. Arteries and veins were identified in all investigated zones (varying from a minimum of 1.0%-46.4%). The presence of invessels progressively increased from the cricothyroid membrane to the third tracheal ring and from the midline to the paramedian laryngeal area. Conclusions: Given the prevalence of arteries and veins, particularly in areas where tracheostomies are commonly performed, we strongly advocate for routine ultrasound assessments before such procedures are performed.

Gram-negative bacterial colonizations before bilateral lung transplant. The impact of 'targeted' versus 'standard' surgical prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Infections are one of the most common causes of death after lung transplant (LT). However, the benefit of 'targeted' prophylaxis in LT recipients pre-colonized by Gram-negative (GN) bacteria is still unclear. METHODS: All consecutive bilateral LT recipients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital of Padua (February 2016-2023) were retrospectively screened. Only patients with pre-existing GN bacterial isolations were enrolled and analyzed according to the antimicrobial surgical prophylaxis ('standard' vs. 'targeted' on the preoperative bacterial isolation). RESULTS: One hundred eighty-one LT recipients were screened, 46 enrolled. Twenty-two (48%) recipients were exposed to 'targeted' prophylaxis, while 24 (52%) to 'standard' prophylaxis. Overall prevalence of postoperative multi-drug resistant (MDR) GN bacteria isolation was 65%, with no differences between the two surgical prophylaxis (p = 0.364). Eleven (79%) patients treated with 'standard' prophylaxis and twelve (75%) with 'targeted' therapy reconfirmed the preoperative GN pathogen (p = 0.999). The prevalence of postoperative infections due to MDR GN bacteria was 50%. Of these recipients, 4 belonged to the 'standard' and 11 to the 'targeted' prophylaxis (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of a 'targeted' prophylaxis in LT pre-colonized recipients seemed not to prevent the occurrence of postoperative MDR GN infections.

Dyspnoea in acutely ill mechanically ventilated adult patients: an ERS/ESICM statement.

This statement outlines a review of the literature and current practice concerning the prevalence, clinical significance, diagnosis and management of dyspnoea in critically ill, mechanically ventilated adult patients. It covers the definition, pathophysiology, epidemiology, short- and middle-term impact, detection and quantification, and prevention and treatment of dyspnoea. It represents a collaboration of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). Dyspnoea ranks among the most distressing experiences that human beings can endure. Approximately 40% of patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) report dyspnoea, with an average intensity of 45 mm on a visual analogue scale from 0 to 100 mm. Although it shares many similarities with pain, dyspnoea can be far worse than pain in that it summons a primal fear response. As such, it merits universal and specific consideration. Dyspnoea must be identified, prevented and relieved in every patient. In the ICU, mechanically ventilated patients are at high risk of experiencing breathing difficulties because of their physiological status and, in some instances, because of mechanical ventilation itself. At the same time, mechanically ventilated patients have barriers to signalling their distress. Addressing this major clinical challenge mandates teaching and training, and involves ICU caregivers and patients. This is even more important because, as opposed to pain which has become a universal healthcare concern, very little attention has been paid to the identification and management of respiratory suffering in mechanically ventilated ICU patients.

Dyspnoea in acutely ill mechanically ventilated adult patients: an ERS/ESICM statement.

This statement outlines a review of the literature and current practice concerning the prevalence, clinical significance, diagnosis and management of dyspnoea in critically ill, mechanically ventilated adult patients. It covers the definition, pathophysiology, epidemiology, short- and middle-term impact, detection and quantification, and prevention and treatment of dyspnoea. It represents a collaboration of the European Respiratory Society and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. Dyspnoea ranks among the most distressing experiences that human beings can endure. Approximately 40% of patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) report dyspnoea, with an average intensity of 45 mm on a visual analogue scale from 0 to 100 mm. Although it shares many similarities with pain, dyspnoea can be far worse than pain in that it summons a primal fear response. As such, it merits universal and specific consideration. Dyspnoea must be identified, prevented and relieved in every patient. In the ICU, mechanically ventilated patients are at high risk of experiencing breathing difficulties because of their physiological status and, in some instances, because of mechanical ventilation itself. At the same time, mechanically ventilated patients have barriers to signalling their distress. Addressing this major clinical challenge mandates teaching and training, and involves ICU caregivers and patients. This is even more important because, as opposed to pain which has become a universal healthcare concern, very little attention has been paid to the identification and management of respiratory suffering in mechanically ventilated ICU patients.

Asymmetrical high-flow nasal cannula performs similarly to standard interface in patients with acute hypoxemic post-extubation respiratory failure: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Standard high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a respiratory support device widely used to manage post-extubation hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF) due to greater comfort, oxygenation, alveolar recruitment, humidification, and reduction of dead space, as compared to conventional oxygen therapy. On the contrary, the effects of the new asymmetrical HFNC interface (Optiflow® Duet system (Fisher & Paykel, Healthcare, Auckland, New Zealand) is still under discussion. Our aim is investigating whether the use of asymmetrical HFNC interface presents any relevant difference, compared with the standard configuration, on lung aeration (as assessed by end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) measured by electrical impedance tomography (EIT)), diaphragm ultrasound thickening fraction (TFdi) and excursion (DE), ventilatory efficiency (estimated by corrected minute ventilation (MV)), gas exchange, dyspnea, and comfort. METHODS: Pilot physiological crossover randomized controlled study enrolling 20 adults admitted to the Intensive Care unit, invasively ventilated for at least 24 h, and developing post-extubation hARF, i.e., PaO2/set FiO2 < 300 mmHg during Venturi mask (VM) within 120 min after extubation. Each HFNC configuration was applied in a randomized 60 min sequence at a flow rate of 60 L/min. RESULTS: Global EELI, TFdi, DE, ventilatory efficiency, gas exchange and dyspnea were not significantly different, while comfort was greater during asymmetrical HFNC support, as compared to standard interface (10 [7-10] and 8 [7-9], p-value 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: In post-extubation hARF, the use of the asymmetrical HFNC, as compared to standard HFNC interface, slightly improved patient comfort without affecting lung aeration, diaphragm activity, ventilatory efficiency, dyspnea and gas exchange. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: ClinicalTrial.gov. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05838326 (01/05/2023). NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The asymmetrical high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (Optiflow® Duet system (Fisher & Paykel, Healthcare, Auckland, New Zealand) provides greater comfort as compared to standard interface; while their performance in term of lung aeration, diaphragm activity, ventilatory efficiency, dyspnea, and gas exchange is similar.

Fungal Infections and Colonization after Bilateral Lung Transplant: A Six-Year Single-Center Experience.

Fungal infections (FIs) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality within the first year of lung transplant (LT) in LT recipients (LTRs). Their prompt identification and treatment are crucial for a favorable LTR outcome. The objectives of our study were to assess (i) the FI incidence and colonization during the first year after a bilateral LT, (ii) the risk factors associated with FI and colonization, and (iii) the differences in fungal incidence according to the different prophylactic strategies. All bilateral LTRs admitted to the intensive care unit of Padua University Hospital were retrospectively screened, excluding patients <18 years of age, those who had been re-transplanted, and those who had received ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before LT. Overall, 157 patients were included. A total of 13 (8%) patients developed FI, and 36 (23%) developed colonization, which was mostly due to Aspergillus spp. We did not identify independent risk factors for FI. Groups of patients receiving different prophylactic strategies reported a similar incidence of both FI and colonization. The incidence of FI and fungal colonization was 8% and 23%, respectively, with no differences between different antifungal prophylaxes or identified predisposing factors. Further studies with larger numbers are needed to confirm our results.

Intraoperative individualization of positive-end-expiratory pressure through electrical impedance tomography or esophageal pressure assessment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: This systematic review of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analyses aimed to compare the effects on intraoperative arterial oxygen tension to inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO2/FiO2), exerted by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) individualized trough electrical impedance tomography (EIT) or esophageal pressure (Pes) assessment (intervention) vs. PEEP not tailored on EIT or Pes (control), in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery with an open or laparoscopic/robotic approach. METHODS: PUBMED®, EMBASE®, and Cochrane Controlled Clinical trials register were searched for observational studies and RCTs from inception to the end of August 2022. Inclusion criteria were: RCTs comparing PEEP titrated on EIT/Pes assessment vs. PEEP not individualized on EIT/Pes and reporting intraoperative PaO2/FiO2. Two authors independently extracted data from the enrolled investigations. Data are reported as mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Six RCTs were included for a total of 240 patients undergoing general anesthesia for surgery, of whom 117 subjects in the intervention group and 123 subjects in the control group. The intraoperative mean PaO2/FiO2 was 69.6 (95%CI 32.-106.4 ) mmHg higher in the intervention group as compared with the control group with 81.4% between-study heterogeneity (p < 0.01). However, at meta-regression, the between-study heterogeneity diminished to 44.96% when data were moderated for body mass index (estimate 3.45, 95%CI 0.78-6.11, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery with an open or laparoscopic/robotic approach, PEEP personalized by EIT or Pes allowed the achievement of a better intraoperative oxygenation compared to PEEP not individualized through EIT or Pes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD 42021218306, 30/01/2023.

Diaphragm Dysfunction Predicts Weaning Outcome after Bilateral Lung Transplant.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragm dysfunction and its effects on outcomes of ventilator weaning have been evaluated in mixed critical care populations using diaphragm thickening fraction (the ratio of the difference between ultrasound diaphragm thickness at end-inspiration and end-expiration to diaphragm thickness at end-expiration) or neuroventilatory efficiency (the ratio of tidal volume and peak electrical activity of the diaphragm). Such data are not available in bilateral-lung transplant recipients. The authors hypothesized that (1) diaphragm dysfunction, as defined by a diaphragm thickening fraction less than 29%, is more likely to occur in difficult weaning; (2) diaphragm thickening fraction and neuroventilatory efficiency predict weaning outcome; and (3) duration of mechanical ventilation before the first spontaneous breathing trial is associated with diaphragm dysfunction. METHODS: Adult bilateral-lung transplant patients admitted to the intensive care unit were screened at the time of the first spontaneous breathing trial (pressure-support of 5 cm H2O and 0 positive end-expiratory pressure). At the fifth minute, diaphragm thickening fraction and neuroventilatory efficiency were measured during three respiratory cycles. Weaning was classified as simple, difficult, or prolonged (successful extubation at the first spontaneous breathing trial, within three or after three spontaneous breathing trials, respectively). RESULTS: Forty-four subjects were enrolled. Diaphragm dysfunction occurred in 14 subjects (32%), all of whom had difficult weaning (78% of the subgroup of 18 patients experiencing difficult weaning). Both diaphragm thickening fraction (24 [20 to 29] vs. 39 [35 to 45]%) and neuroventilatory efficiency (34 [26 to 45] vs. 55 [43 to 62] ml/µV) were lower in difficult weaning (both P < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operator curve predicting difficult weaning were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.73 to 0.99) for diaphragm thickening fraction and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.71 to 0.95) for neuroventilatory efficiency. The duration of ventilation demonstrated a linear inverse correlation with both diaphragm thickening fraction and neuroventilatory efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragm dysfunction is common after bilateral-lung transplantation and associated with difficult weaning. In such patients, average values for diaphragm thickening fraction and neuroventilatory efficiency were reduced compared to patients with simple weaning. Both parameters showed similar accuracy for predicting success of ventilator weaning, demonstrating an inverse relationship with duration of ventilation.

Examining gender bias in regional anesthesia academic publishing: a 50-year bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: The connection between academic career advancement and publishing research articles is important, as it can impact promotion and compensation decisions. Gender bias in academic publishing is a known issue, with studies showing low numbers in key roles in female representation. This article aims to analyze the ratio of women to men as first and last authors in the Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (RAPM) journal and explore other factors such as the mentorship effect and representation in regional anesthesia associations. MAIN BODY: We examined the RAPM articles from 1976 to 2023 evaluating the gender of first and last authors. We analyzed the trend over the years and also analyze the subset of original articles. A further analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship between the first and last author's gender. Additionally, regional anesthesia societies were contacted to gather data on the gender of their members. We included 5650 articles; most of them were first authored by men (72.9-87.7%). There was a positive trend over time for female first authorship but not for last authorship. The analysis also revealed a mentorship effect in recent years for both overall articles and the subgroup of original articles. The representation of women within regional anesthesia societies contrasted with the representation of women as last authors in original articles. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings raise important questions about gender bias in academic publishing highlighting the need for increased representation and opportunities for women in the field of regional anesthesia.

Analgesic benefits of pre-operative versus postoperative transversus abdominis plane block for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a frequentist network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been utilized to alleviate pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, the optimal timing of administration remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of pre-operative and postoperative TAP blocks as analgesic options after LC. METHODS: A frequentist network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. We systematically searched PubMed (via the National Library of Medicine), EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science up to March 2023. The study included RCTs that enrolled adult patients (≥ 18 years) who underwent LC and received either pre-operative or postoperative TAP blocks. The primary outcome assessed was 24-hour postoperative morphine consumption (mg). Additionally, pain rest scores within 3 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours, as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), were considered as pre-specified secondary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 34 trials with 2317 patients were included in the analysis. Postoperative TAP block demonstrated superiority over the pre-operative TAP block in reducing opioid consumption (MD 2.02, 95% CI 0.87 to 3.18, I2 98.6%, p < 0.001). However, with regards to postoperative pain, neither pre-operative nor postoperative TAP blocks exhibited superiority over each other at any of the assessed time points. The postoperative TAP block consistently ranked as the best intervention using SUCRA analysis. Moreover, the postoperative TAP block led to the most significant reduction in PONV. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the postoperative TAP block may be slightly more effective in reducing 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption and PONV when compared to the pre-operative TAP block. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42023396880 .

High-Flow Tracheal Oxygen for Tracheostomy Tube Removal in Lung Transplant Recipients.

(1) Background: Because of a complicated intraoperative course and/or poor recovery of graft function, approximately 15% of lung transplant (LT) recipients require prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) and receive a tracheostomy. This prospective study aimed to assess the effect of High-Flow Tracheal Oxygen (HFTO) on tracheostomy tube removal in LT recipients receiving PMV postoperatively. (2) Methods: The clinical course of 14 LT recipients receiving HFTO was prospectively evaluated and compared to that of 13 comparable controls receiving conventional oxygen therapy (COT) via tracheostomy. The study's primary endpoint was the number of patients whose tracheostomy tube was removed at discharge from an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit (IRCU). (3) Results: Setting up HFTO proved easy, and it was well tolerated by all the patients. The number of patients whose tracheostomy tube was removed was significantly higher in the HFOT group compared to the COT group [13/14 vs. 6/13 (p = 0.0128)]. (4) Conclusions: HFTO is an effective, safe therapy that facilitates tracheostomy tube removal in LT recipients after weaning from PMV.

Enhancing study quality assessment: an in-depth review of risk of bias tools for meta-analysis-a comprehensive guide for anesthesiologists.

BACKGROUND: Yearly, a multitude of randomized controlled trials are published, overwhelming clinicians with conflicting information; this data saturation leads to confusion and hinders clinicians' everyday decision-making. Hence, it is crucial to assess the quality and reliability of the evidence in order to consolidate it. Through this synthesis, clinicians can guarantee that their decisions are informed by solid evidence. Meta-analysis, a statistical technique, can effectively combine data from multiple studies to furnish accurate and dependable evidence for clinical practice and policy decisions. Nonetheless, the reliability of the obtained results depends on the use of high-quality evidence. MAIN BODY: Risk of bias is an assessment mandatory while performing a meta-analysis and is used to have an overview of the quality of the studies from which data are extracted. Several tools have been developed and are used to perform the risk of bias assessment. In this statistical round, we will provide an overview of the most used tools for both the randomized (Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and Jadad) and the nonrandomized (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) clinical trials. CONCLUSION: We provided an overview of the most used risk of bias tools used in meta-analysis.

European Network for ICU-Related Respiratory Infections (ENIRRIs): a multinational, prospective, cohort study of nosocomial LRTI.

PURPOSE: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are the most frequent infectious complication in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We aim to report the clinical characteristics of ICU-admitted patients due to nosocomial LRTI and to describe their microbiology and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in 13 countries over two continents from 9th May 2016 until 16th August 2019. Characteristics and outcomes of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT), ICU hospital-acquired pneumonia (ICU-HAP), HAP that required invasive ventilation (VHAP), and HAP in patients transferred to the ICU without invasive mechanical ventilation were collected. The clinical diagnosis and treatments were per clinical practice and not per protocol. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the study groups. RESULTS: 1060 patients with LRTI (72.5% male sex, median age 64 [50-74] years) were included in the study; 160 (15.1%) developed VAT, 556 (52.5%) VAP, 98 (9.2%) ICU-HAP, 152 (14.3%) HAP, and 94 (8.9%) VHAP. Patients with VHAP had higher serum procalcitonin (PCT) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. Patients with VAP or VHAP developed acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, or septic shock more often. One thousand eight patients had microbiological samples, and 711 (70.5%) had etiological microbiology identified. The most common microorganisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.4%) and Klebsiella spp (14.4%). In 382 patients (36%), the causative pathogen shows some antimicrobial resistance pattern. ICU, hospital and 28-day mortality were 30.8%, 37.5% and 27.5%, respectively. Patients with VHAP had the highest ICU, in-hospital and 28-day mortality rates. CONCLUSION: VHAP patients presented the highest mortality among those admitted to the ICU. Multidrug-resistant pathogens frequently cause nosocomial LRTI in this multinational cohort study.

A pragmatic, open-label, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial on the rotational use of interfaces vs standard of care in patients treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure: the ROTAtional-USE of interface STUDY (ROTA-USE STUDY).

BACKGROUND: In the last decades, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been increasingly used to support patients with hypercapnic and hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. Pressure ulcers are a frequently observed NIV-related adverse effect, directly related to interface type and exposure time. Switching to a different interface has been proposed as a solution to improve patient comfort. However, large studies investigating the benefit of this strategy are not available. Thus, the aim of the ROTAtional-USE of interface STUDY (ROTA-USE STUDY) is to investigate whether a protocolized rotational use of interfaces during NIV is effective in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers. METHODS: The ROTA-USE STUDY is a pragmatic, parallel arm, open-label, multicenter, spontaneous, non-profit, randomized controlled trial requiring non-significant risk medical devices, with the aim to determine whether a rotational strategy of NIV interfaces is associated with a lower incidence of pressure ulcers compared to the standard of care. In the intervention group, NIV mask will be randomly chosen and rotated every 6 h. In the control group, mask will be chosen according to the standard of care of the participating centers and changed in case of discomfort or in the presence of new pressure sores. In both groups, the skin underneath the mask will be inspected every 12 h for any possible damage by blinded assessors. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients developing new pressure sores at 36 h from randomization. The secondary outcomes are (i) onset of pressure sores measured at different time points, i.e., 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 h; (ii) number and stage of pressure sores and comfort measured at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 h; and (iii) the economic impact of the protocolized rotational use of interfaces. A sample size of 239 subjects per group (intervention and control) is estimated to detect a 10% absolute difference in the proportion of patients developing pressure sores at 36 h. DISCUSSION: The development of pressure ulcers is a common side effect of NIV that negatively affects the patients' comfort and tolerance, often leading to NIV failure and adverse outcomes. The ROTA-USE STUDY will determine whether a protocolized rotational approach can reduce the incidence, number, and severity of pressure ulcers in NIV-treated patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05513508. Registered on August 24, 2022.

Erector Spinae Plane Block and Chronic Pain: An Updated Review and Possible Future Directions.

Chronic pain is a common, pervasive, and often disabling medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease survey, painful chronic conditions are causing the largest numbers of years lived with disability worldwide. In America, more than one in five adults experiences chronic pain. Erector spinae plane block is a novel regional anesthesia technique used to provide analgesia with multiple possible uses and a relatively low learning curve and complication rate. Here, we review the erector spinae plane block rationale, mechanism of action and possible complications, and discuss its potential use for chronic pain with possible future directions for research.

Effectiveness of a Novel Tablet Application in Reducing Guideline Deviations During Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Deviations from international resuscitation guidelines during the management of pediatric cardiac arrest are frequent and affect clinical outcomes. An interactive tablet application (app), PediAppRREST, was developed to reduce guideline deviations during pediatric cardiac arrest. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of PediAppRREST in improving the management of simulated in-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter 3-group simulation-based randomized clinical trial was conducted from September 2020 to December 2021 at 4 Italian university hospitals (Padua, Florence, Rome, Novara). Participants included residents in pediatrics, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology. Analyses were conducted as intention-to-treat. Data were analyzed from January to June 2022. Interventions: Teams were randomized to 1 of 3 study groups: an intervention group that used the PediAppRREST app; a control group that used a paper-based cognitive aid, the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) pocket card; and a control group that used no cognitive aids. All the teams managed the same standardized simulated scenario of nonshockable pediatric cardiac arrest. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the number of deviations from guidelines, measured by a 15-item checklist based on guideline recommendations. The main secondary outcomes were quality of chest compressions, team clinical performance (measured by the Clinical Performance Tool), and perceived team leader's workload. Study outcomes were assessed via video reviews of the scenarios. Results: Overall 100 teams of 300 participants (mean [SD] age, 29.0 [2.2] years; 195 [65%] female) were analyzed by intention-to-treat, including 32 teams randomized to the PediAppRREST group, 35 teams randomized to the PALS control group, and 33 teams randomized to the null control group. Participant characteristics (210 pediatric residents [70%]; 48 anesthesiology residents [16%]; 42 emergency medicine residents [14%]) were not statistically different among the study groups. The number of deviations from guidelines was significantly lower in the PediAppRREST group than in the control groups (mean difference vs PALS control, -3.0; 95% CI, -4.0 to -1.9; P < .001; mean difference vs null control, -2.6; 95% CI, -3.6 to -1.5; P < .001). Clinical Performance Tool scores were significantly higher in the PediAppRREST group than control groups (mean difference vs PALS control, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.4 to 2.3; P = .002; mean difference vs null control, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.2 to 2.1; P = .01). The other secondary outcomes did not significantly differ among the study groups. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, the use of the PediAppRREST app resulted in fewer deviations from guidelines and a better team clinical performance during the management of pediatric cardiac arrest. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04619498.