[STOP-BANG questionnaire as predictor of a difficult airway management during anesthesia]. / Utilidad del cuestionario de STOP-BANG como predictor único de vía aérea difícil.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a simple and useful tool to screen for OSA. AIM: Since OSA is strongly associated with airway management troubles, we sought to determine whether the STOP-BANG can predict difficult airway management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted including adult patients scheduled for major outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was preoperatively applied by a ward nurse. The Han scale mask ventilation difficulty scale, Cormack-Lehane laryngeal view scale were also applied and the need for video laryngoscopy was recorded. The number of attempts for successful insertion of a laryngeal mask airway were determined. RESULTS: We studied 993 patients, of whom 53% required tracheal intubation and 47% a laryngeal mask. Most patients had a low OSA risk, (STOP-BANG < 3). STOP-BANG score was associated with difficult airway management (p < 0.05), except for the laryngeal mask airway insertion. The effect size was especially high for difficult mask ventilation with an Odds Ratio of 1.7 [ 95% confidence intervals (CI)1.2 - 2.4] and for video laryngoscopy, with an Odds Ratio of 1.6 [95% CI: 1.6 - 2.1]. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was above 0.7, (acceptable level), only for predicting difficult mask ventilation. The cut-off for having a difficult mask ventilation was a STOP-BANG > 2. The positive and negative likelihood ratios, (2.0 and 0.2) imply poor predictive capability. CONCLUSIONS: The STOP-BANG questionnaire was only able to predict difficult mask ventilation. Since its discriminative value was low, it cannot be recommended it as a single predictor.

Utilidad del cuestionario de STOP-BANG como predictor único de vía aérea difícil

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a simple and useful tool to screen for OSA. Aim: Since OSA is strongly associated with airway management troubles, we sought to determine whether the STOP-BANG can predict difficult airway management. Material and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted including adult patients scheduled for major outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was preoperatively applied by a ward nurse. The Han scale mask ventilation difficulty scale, Cormack-Lehane laryngeal view scale were also applied and the need for video laryngoscopy was recorded. The number of attempts for successful insertion of a laryngeal mask airway were determined. Results: We studied 993 patients, of whom 53% required tracheal intubation and 47% a laryngeal mask. Most patients had a low OSA risk, (STOP-BANG 2. The positive and negative likelihood ratios, (2.0 and 0.2) imply poor predictive capability. Conclusions: The STOP-BANG questionnaire was only able to predict difficult mask ventilation. Since its discriminative value was low, it cannot be recommended it as a single predictor.

Burnout en funcionarios de salud en tiempos de pandemia

Background: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) exposed health personnel worldwide to high stress levels, which increases the phenomenon of burnout. Aim: To evaluate burnout, its risk, and protective factors in our health team, which has been exposed for months to greater work stress and changes in their usual tasks due to the pandemic. Material and Methods: An online survey including the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and sociodemographic questions, was carried out among health care personnel who continued working during the pandemic. Results: A total of 209 surveys were obtained. Seventy six percent of respondents presented some degree of burnout in the time of the pandemic. Only one protective factor was observed: living with one or more children at home (Odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.05 - 0.87; p = 0.03). Having night shifts (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.02 - 7.28; p = 0.04), having more than six years in the workplace (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.18 - 10.8; p = 0.023) and maintaining a regular or poor diet during the pandemic (OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.51-13.48; p < 0.01) were identified as risk factors. Conclusions: A high incidence of burnout was observed in the surveyed population. Living with one or more children in the home stands out as a protective factor and working night shifts, having more than 6 years in the workplace, and maintaining a poor diet as risk factors.

[Paradoxical reactions associated with midazolam conscious sedation]. / Factores de riesgo de reacción paradójica asociados a sedación endovenosa con midazolam.

BACKGROUND: Benzodiazepines are used for perioperative conscious sedation. However, its use may be associated with paradoxical reactions. The known risk factors for these reactions are age, alcohol and drug abuse and psychiatric disorders. AIM: To assess the incidence and impact of risk factors of paradoxical reactions to midazolam. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional study of 218 patients aged 50 ± 16 years (51% women) scheduled for elective surgical procedures under regional anesthesia and midazolam sedation. The paradoxical reactions were classified according to their severity in three categories. RESULTS: The incidence of paradoxical reactions to midazolam was 8.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.0-12.7). All were mild and only 28% of the affected patients required pharmacological treatment, none of them flumazenil. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that the variables independently associated with a paradoxical reaction to midazolam were the use of psychoactive medications (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.4 [1.1-11], p = 0.04, and the dose of midazolam (OR 1.35 [1.03-1.78], p = 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of paradoxical reactions to midazolam was 8,3% and all were mild. Their risk factors are the use of psychoactive medications and the use of higher doses of midazolam.

Factores de riesgo de reacción paradójica asociados a sedación endovenosa con midazolam / Paradoxical reactions associated with midazolam conscious sedation

Background: Benzodiazepines are used for perioperative conscious sedation. However, its use may be associated with paradoxical reactions. The known risk factors for these reactions are age, alcohol and drug abuse and psychiatric disorders. Aim: To assess the incidence and impact of risk factors of paradoxical reactions to midazolam. Material and Methods: Cross sectional study of 218 patients aged 50 ± 16 years (51% women) scheduled for elective surgical procedures under regional anesthesia and midazolam sedation. The paradoxical reactions were classified according to their severity in three categories. Results: The incidence of paradoxical reactions to midazolam was 8.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.0-12.7). All were mild and only 28% of the affected patients required pharmacological treatment, none of them flumazenil. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that the variables independently associated with a paradoxical reaction to midazolam were the use of psychoactive medications (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.4 [1.1-11], p = 0.04, and the dose of midazolam (OR 1.35 [1.03-1.78], p = 0.03. Conclusions: The incidence of paradoxical reactions to midazolam was 8,3% and all were mild. Their risk factors are the use of psychoactive medications and the use of higher doses of midazolam.

[Burnout syndrome in healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic]. / Burnout en funcionarios de salud en tiempos de pandemia.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) exposed health personnel worldwide to high stress levels, which increases the phenomenon of burnout. AIM: To evaluate burnout, its risk, and protective factors in our health team, which has been exposed for months to greater work stress and changes in their usual tasks due to the pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey including the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and sociodemographic questions, was carried out among health care personnel who continued working during the pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 209 surveys were obtained. Seventy six percent of respondents presented some degree of burnout in the time of the pandemic. Only one protective factor was observed: living with one or more children at home (Odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.05 - 0.87; p = 0.03). Having night shifts (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.02 - 7.28; p = 0.04), having more than six years in the workplace (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.18 - 10.8; p = 0.023) and maintaining a regular or poor diet during the pandemic (OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.51-13.48; p < 0.01) were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: A high incidence of burnout was observed in the surveyed population. Living with one or more children in the home stands out as a protective factor and working night shifts, having more than 6 years in the workplace, and maintaining a poor diet as risk factors.

Niveles de vitamina D en médicos: ¿son los anestesiólogos el único grupo de riesgo? / Vitamin D levels among anesthesiologists and other physicians

Background Sun exposure is the main source of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. Since anesthesiologists work inside operating rooms, they are identified as a deficiency risk group. As medical activity in general occurs indoors, added to the work excess and sedentary lifestyle, physicians in general have low sun exposure. Aim To investigate the determinants of vitamin D levels in physicians. Material and Methods Anesthesiologists and physicians not working in operating rooms were included. A survey that comprised working hours, diet, skin color, sunscreen use and outdoor activities was also applied. Measurements of vitamin D and parathormone levels in blood were performed. Results We analyzed samples from 81 volunteers. Median vitamin D values of the whole sample were in the range of insufficiency (25.3 [interquartile range 12.4] ng/ml). Multiple linear regression analysis detected no differences between anesthesiologists and non-anesthesiologists. A higher body mass index was a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, (p = 0.025). The only protective factor was the intake of a vitamin D supplement (p < 0.01). Conclusions Anesthesiologists and other specialists were both at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Obesity was a risk factor and the use of a vitamin D supplement was the only protective factor.

[Vitamin D levels among anesthesiologists and other physicians]. / Niveles de vitamina D en médicos: ¿son los anestesiólogos el único grupo de riesgo?

Background Sun exposure is the main source of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. Since anesthesiologists work inside operating rooms, they are identified as a deficiency risk group. As medical activity in general occurs indoors, added to the work excess and sedentary lifestyle, physicians in general have low sun exposure. Aim To investigate the determinants of vitamin D levels in physicians. Material and Methods Anesthesiologists and physicians not working in operating rooms were included. A survey that comprised working hours, diet, skin color, sunscreen use and outdoor activities was also applied. Measurements of vitamin D and parathormone levels in blood were performed. Results We analyzed samples from 81 volunteers. Median vitamin D values of the whole sample were in the range of insufficiency (25.3 [interquartile range 12.4] ng/ml). Multiple linear regression analysis detected no differences between anesthesiologists and non-anesthesiologists. A higher body mass index was a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, (p = 0.025). The only protective factor was the intake of a vitamin D supplement (p < 0.01). Conclusions Anesthesiologists and other specialists were both at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Obesity was a risk factor and the use of a vitamin D supplement was the only protective factor.

Tubos endotraqueales con cuff en anestesia pediátrica: ¿aumentan el riesgo de estridor post-extubación? Estudio observacional, cohorte prospectiva / Do cuffed endotracheal tubes raise post-extubation stridor risk in pediatric anesthesia? A prospective cohort study

The traditional pediatric airway model precludes the use of cuffed endotra-cheal tubes because of concerns regarding subglottic mucosal injury. Cuffed tubes have advantages which together with a change in the pediatric airway paradigm have made the practitioners to consider its use in children. Nevertheless some uneasiness remains about cuff employ in the neonatal population, specially preterms. A study was designed to determine if cuffed tracheal tubes increased the post-extubation stridor risk in children. Methods: Information concerning 535 children under 11 years old undergoing general anesthesia with tracheal intubation was prospectively recollected during a year. The choice of the type of tube was left to the anesthesiologist in charge. The post-extubation stridor risk was compared with logistic regression between those intubated with and those without cuffed tubes. Results: The post-extubation stridor incidence was 19·1,000 patients-year; Conf. Interval 95 percent [9-34·1,000]. The cuffed tracheal tubes effect on stridor risk, (adjusting for confounders), was non-significant: OR = 2,2; Conf. Interval 95 percent [0,2-20]; p = 0,5. Conclusions: The use of cuffed endotracheal tubes did not increase the risk of post-extubation stridor in children.

El concepto tradicional de vía aérea pediátrica es incompatible con el uso de tubo traqueales con cuff puesto que el área de menor circunferencia se ubica en la zona subglótica. Sin embargo, los tubos con cuff tienen ventajas, lo que unido a cambios en el paradigma de la vía aérea infantil han impulsado su uso entre los anestesiólogos. Pero aún persisten dudas respecto a su utilización, especialmente en recién nacidos prematuros. El principal objetivo de esta investigación es determinar si el uso de tubos con cuff aumenta la incidencia de estridor post-extubación en la población pediátrica. Materiales y Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio prospectivo observacional que incluyó pacientes menores de 11 años de edad, sometidos a anestesia general que requiriera intubación traqueal y el riesgo de estridor post-extubación fue comparado en pacientes en los que se usaron tubos con y sin cuff. Resultados: Se registró información de 535 pacientes durante 1 año. La incidencia de estridor post-extubación fue de 19 x 1.000 pacientes-año; (Int. Confianza 95 por ciento. [9-34 x 1.000]). El análisis controlando por las variables de confusión demostró que el uso de tubo con cuff no influyó en el riesgo de estridor post-extubación (Odds Ratio: 2,2; Intervalo Confianza 95 por ciento [0,2 -20]; p = 0,5). Conclusiones: El uso de tubos endotraqueales con cuff no aumentó el riesgo de estridor post-extubación en la población pediátrica estudiada.

[What are the propensity scores?]. / ¿Qué son las puntuaciones de propensión?

Medical research is constantly looking for causality. Among study designs, randomized controlled trials are the most reliable way to estimate causal effects but are not always feasible. When this is the case, observational studies must be performed but this type of design unavoidably implies bias. Propensity scores, defined as the probability to receive a treatment conditional to a set of covariables allows to overcome confusion bias when searching for causal effects.

¿Qué son las puntuaciones de propensión? / What are the propensity scores?

Medical research is constantly looking for causality. Among study designs, randomized controlled trials are the most reliable way to estimate causal effects but are not always feasible. When this is the case, observational studies must be performed but this type of design unavoidably implies bias. Propensity scores, defined as the probability to receive a treatment conditional to a set of covariables allows to overcome confusion bias when searching for causal effects.

[Postoperative survival among nonagenarians: a retrospective study]. / Sobrevida postoperatoria en pacientes nonagenarios: Estudio pronóstico en cohorte retrospectiva 2001-2010, Clínica Dávila.

BACKGROUND: As the Chilean population ages, anesthesiologists are regularly faced with elderly and even nonagenarian people undergoing surgical procedures. AIM: To determine the postoperative survival time in nonagenarians and its risk factors at a private clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of the clinic, searching for patients aged 90 years or older, which were subjected to a surgical procedure between 2001 and 2012. Certification of survival or death was obtained from the clinical records or death certification at the National Identification Service. Survival analysis was made using Kaplan-Meier and Gompertz regression. RESULTS: The medical records of 167 patients, aged 90 to 101 years (64% women), were reviewed. Sixty four percent had an underlying cardiovascular disease; in 37%, cognitive impairment. Hip fracture surgery was the most common procedure. One intraoperative death occurred. Five percent of patients died one month after surgery. The median survival time was two years and the longest, seven years. According to Gompertz probability regression, the predictors of death were the presence of cardiac disease (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.91, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.16; 3.16), cognitive impairment (HR: 2.10,95% CI: 1.32; 3,22), cancer (HR:2.10,95% CI: 1.32; 3.22), requirement of transfusion (HR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.13; 2.83) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class III classification (HR: 1.95, IC95%: 1.21; 3.15). CONCLUSIONS: In nonagenarian patients undergoing surgery; 50% mortality was observed 2 years after surgery. The presence of cardiac disease, cognitive impairment, cancer, transfusion and a Class IIIASA classification were predictors of death.

Sobrevida postoperatoria en pacientes nonagenarios: Estudio pronóstico en cohorte retrospectiva 2001-2010, Clínica Dávila / Postoperative survival among nonagenarians: A retrospective study

Background: As the Chilean population ages, anesthesiologists are regularly faced with elderly and even nonagenarian people undergoing surgical procedures. Aim: To determine the postoperative survival time in nonagenarians and its risk factors at a private clinic. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of the clinic, searching for patients aged 90 years or older, which were subjected to a surgical procedure between 2001 and 2012. Certification ofsurvival or death was obtainedfrom the clinical records or death certification at the National Identification Service. Survival analysis was made using Kaplan-Meier and Gompertz regression. Results: The medical records of167 patients, aged 90 to 101 years (64% women), were reviewed. Sixty four percent had an underlying cardiovascular disease; in 37%, cognitive impairment. Hip fracture surgery was the most common procedure. One intraoperative death occurred. Five percent ofpatients died one month after surgery. The median survival time was two years and the longest, seven years. According to Gompertz probability regression, the predictors of death were the presence of cardiac disease (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.91, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.16; 3.16), cognitive impairment (HR: 2.10,95% CI: 1.32; 3,22), cancer (HR:2.10,95% CI: 1.32; 3.22), requirement of transfusion (HR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.13; 2.83) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class III classification (HR: 1.95, IC95%: 1.21; 3.15). Conclusions: In nonagenarian patients undergoing surgery; 50% mortality was observed 2 years after surgery. The presence of cardiac disease, cognitive impairment, cancer, transfusion and a Class IIIASA classification were predictors of death.

Movimientos convulsivos durante la inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano / Convulsive movements during inhalational induction with sevoflurane

La inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano se ha asociado con actividad epileptógena y movimientos convulsivos. Se diseñó un estudio para determinar la incidencia de movimientos convulsivos durante la inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano y sus posibles factores de riesgo. Para llevar a cabo estos objetivos, desde marzo a julio de 2011 se solicitó a los anestesiólogos de Clínica Dávila registrar la ocurrencia de movimientos convulsivos en todo paciente en que se realizara inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano, en el período comprendido entre la etapa III de la anestesia y la inyección de drogas endovenosas. El tamaño muestral calculado fue de 400 pacientes para obtener un intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento con un error menor a 2,5 por ciento. Se obtuvo información de 405 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 4 años (rango: 2 días a 16 años de edad), predominantemente hombres y ASA I. La incidencia de convulsiones fue de 3,5 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento: 1,9 por ciento; 5,7 por ciento) y fueron más frecuentes en mujeres (5,9 por ciento versus 2 por ciento en hombres, p = 0,039). En conclusión, la incidencia de convulsiones durante la inducción inhalatoria con sevoflurano fue de 3,5 por ciento y su único factor de riesgo fue pertenecer al género femenino...

Introduction: Mask induction with Sevoflurane has been associated with epileptic form changes of the EEG and sometimes with tonic-clonic movements. Objectives: To determine the incidence rate of convulsive movements during the induction of anesthesia with Sevoflurane and its risk factors. Methods: From march 1st to july 31st 2011, we asked to the anesthesiologists of our institution to watch the occurrence of tonic-clonic movements during Sevoflurane induction, after the loss of eyelash reflex and before the injection of intravenous drugs. The sample size was calculated in 400 patients to obtain a 95 percent confidence interval with an error lesser than 2.5 percent. Results: We obtain data from 405 patients with a median age of 4 years old (range 2 days to 16 years old), predominantly males and ASA physical status I. The incidence rate of convulsions was 3.5 percent (CI 95 percent 1.9; 5.7), more frequent in females (5.9 percent versus 2.0 percent in males, p = 0.039). Conclusions: The incidence rate of convulsions during inhalatory induction with Sevoflurane was 3.5 percent and associated to female gender...

[Prophylactic thyroidectomy in children and young people with hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma: a Chilean experience]. / Tiroidectomía profiláctica en niños y jóvenes con cáncer medular tiroideo hereditario: experiencia chilena.

BACKGROUND: With the availability of the RET proto-oncogene genetic testing, it is possible to perform prophylactic total thyroidectomy among carriers of RET mutation. AIM: To evaluate the histological findings and the effects of the prophylactic total thyroidectomy in first-degree relatives of Chilean patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) based on the Ret proto-oncogene analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients belonging to 11 MEN 2 families underwent total thyroidectomy. Of these, 16 either with C cell hyperplasia (CCH) or microscopic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) were selected for the final analysis. RESULTS: The age at the moment of thyroidectomy ranged from 3 to 24 years (median 9.5). The most common mutation was located in codon 634 (69%) followed by codon 620 (25%). Histopathology revealed MTC in 13 patients (81%, youngest 3 years, oldest ones 19 and 24 years) and CCH in 3. A significant correlation was observed between basal preoperative serum calcitonin/tumor size (r = 0.53, P < 0.05) and age/tumor size (r = 0.56, P < 0.03), but not between basal preoperative serum calcitonin and age. Stimulated preoperative calcitonin levels were confounding and not useful for differentiating CCH from MTC. None of patients in whom cervical dissection was done (9/16) presented lymph node metastases, including the oldest ones. All patients but the older ones were biochemically cured after a mean of 5 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic total thyroidectomy should be done early in life because there is an age-dependent progression from HCC to MTC. MTC often precedes biochemical detection of the disease.