Intravenous oxytocin regimens in patients undergoing cesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of cluster-based groups.

Information on evaluations of different oxytocin regimens used to prevent post-partum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery is scarce, and there is a lack of statistically pooled results for comparative doses. In this review, we aimed to analyze the effectiveness of different oxytocin regimens used and rank them accordingly. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the incidence of additional uterotonic (AUT) use or amount of blood loss during cesarean delivery, where different oxytocin regimens were compared. Cluster analysis was used to define different clusters of oxytocin therapy based on the identified variable regimens. During the frequentist network meta-analysis, all clusters were compared to bolus clusters of dose range 3-5 IU. Data from 33 RCTs (6741 patients) to 26 RCTs (5422 patients) were assessed for AUT use and blood loss, respectively. Pairwise meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in the use of AUTs or blood loss was recorded for bolus-infusion combination regimens. The network meta-analysis found that combined bolus-infusion regimens of (i) 3-5 IU and 0.25-1 IU/min or (ii) 3-5 IU and < 0.25 IU/min had statistically significant results for lowest consumption of AUTs (Ranks 1 and 2, respectively); whereas with the latter's use, the lowest blood loss (Rank 2) was observed. In contrast, the dose range, > 5 IU regimen was associated with higher side effects (lowest rank). During cesarean delivery, a significant reduction in the use of AUTs or blood loss (Rank 2) was recorded for bolus-infusion combination regimens. High doses did not have enough evidence to draw meaningful conclusions.

Dissertation writing in post graduate medical education.

A dissertation is a practical exercise that educates students about basics of research methodology, promotes scientific writing and encourages critical thinking. The National Medical Commission (India) regulations make assessment of a dissertation by a minimum of three examiners mandatory. The candidate can appear for the final examination only after acceptance of the dissertation. An important role in a dissertation is that of the guide who has to guide his protégés through the process. This manuscript aims to assist students and guides on the basics of conduct of a dissertation and writing the dissertation. For students who will ultimately become researchers, a dissertation serves as an early exercise. Even for people who may never do research after their degree, a dissertation will help them discern the merits of new treatment options available in literature for the benefit of their patients.

Prophylactic measures to prevent cerebral oxygen desaturation events in elective beach-chair position shoulder surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prophylaxis for cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) during anesthesia in the beach chair position (BCP) for shoulder surgeries has not been evaluated. We systematically analyzed the effectiveness of various prophylactic measures used in this clinical setting. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis (PROSPERO; no. CRD42020167285) of trials reporting CDEs and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2) values in anesthetized patients undergoing shoulder surgery in BCP. Considering the type of prophylactic measures used (pharmacological or non-pharmacological), a subgroup analysis was planned. Outcomes included (1) rSO2 and SjvO2 data with and without prophylactic measures for CDEs, recorded for different time intervals, and (2) the number of patients experiencing CDEs and hypotension. RESULTS: Twelve studies (786 patients) were included in the analysis. We observed lower absolute rSO2 values for early and all-time periods for vasoactive agent prophylaxis. The lowest achieved rSO2 values were also lower for vasoactive agent prophylaxis. Risk of CDEs was higher with vasoactive agent prophylaxis. Subgroup analysis identified targeted mild hypercarbia as effective in preserving cerebral oxygenation. Similarly, targeted mild hypercarbia prevented the fall in rSO2 with position change. Meta-regressions revealed statistically significant highest estimates for vasoactive agent prophylaxis in contrast to targeted mild hypercarbia. Likelihood of not developing CDEs was higher for targeted mild hypercarbia. In contrast to rSO2, most prophylactic methods reduced hypotensive episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted mild hypercarbia can reduce BCP-related CDEs. Evidence does not favor prophylactic use of vasoactive agents for the prevention of cerebral desaturations irrespective of whether their use interferes with cerebral oximetry readings.

Adverse heart rate responses during beach-chair position for shoulder surgeries - A systematic review and meta-analysis of their incidence, interpretations and associations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Evaluations of adverse heart rate (HR)-responses and HR-variations during anaesthesia in beach-chair-position (BCP) for shoulder surgeries have not been done earlier. We analysed the incidence, associations, and interpretations of adverse HR-responses in this clinical setting. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of trials that reported HR-related data in anaesthetised subjects undergoing elective shoulder surgeries in BCP. Studies included prospective, randomised, quasi-randomised and non-randomised, controlled clinical trials as well as observational cohorts. Literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials of the 21st century. In the first analysis, we studied the incidence and associations of bradycardia/hypotension-bradycardia episodes (HBE) with respect to the type of anaesthesia and different pharmacological agents. In the second, we evaluated anaesthetic influences, associations and inter-relationships between monitored parameters with respect to HR-behaviours. RESULTS: Among the trials designed with bradycardia/HBE as a primary end point, the observed incidence of bradycardia was 9.1% and that of HBE, 14.9% and 22.7% [(for Interscalene block (ISB) ± sedation) subjects and general anaesthesia (GA) + ISB, respectively]. There was evidence of higher observed risk of developing adverse HR-responses for GA subjects over ISB (Risk Difference, P < 0.05). Concomitant use of ß-agonists did not increase risk of HBEs (P = 0.29, I 2= 11.4%) or with fentanyl (P = 0.45, I 2= 0%) for ISB subjects (subgroup analysis). Fentanyl significantly influenced the HR-drop over time [meta-regression, estimates (standard error), 14.9 (5.4), 9.8 (4.3) and 17 (2.6); P = 0.007, 0.024 and <0.001; for early, mid and delayed periods, respectively] in GA subjects. With respect to number of subjects experiencing cerebral desaturation events (CDEs), total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA)- propofol had higher risk over inhalational anaesthesia (P = 0.006, I 2 = 86.7%). Meta-correlation analysis showed relationships between the HR and rSO2(regional cerebral oxygen saturation) or SjvO2(jugular venous oxygen saturation) values (r = 0.608, 95%CI, 0.439 to 0.735, P < 0.001, I 2= 77.4% and r = 0.397, 95%CI, 0.151 to 0.597, P < 0.001, I 2= 64.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to claim the associations of adverse HR-responses with any specific factor. HR-fall is maximal with fentanyl and its variability is associated with changes in rSO2. Fall in rSO2 could be the common link triggering adverse HR-responses in BCP.

Sevoflurane versus isoflurane in shoulder arthroscopy in beach chair position in patients with prior interscalene brachial plexus block: A prospective randomised equivalency-based haemodynamic evaluation trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is a paucity of literature on comparative effects of different inhalational anaesthetics in beach chair position (BCP) for shoulder arthroscopy. We aimed to investigate and compare the haemodynamic effects, anaesthetic and surgical outcomes between two inhalational agents. METHODS: In this randomised study, patients of age 18-60 years, were allotted to two groups (29, sevoflurane and 28, isoflurane) and received protocol-based anaesthesia. Intraoperatively, different haemodynamic and other data were recorded. RESULTS: All mean of averages of individual subject's vitals were comparable between the groups [P = 0.681, 0.325, 0.803, and 0.051, respectively for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR)]. Higher mean HR was recorded for maximum readings of isoflurane (P = 0.028). Equivalency was observed for SBP, MBP, and DBP (P = 0.000, 002, and 0.027, respectively). Process capability indices indicated that sevoflurane had better values (Pp: 0.55 versus 0.41, Ppk: 0.35 versus 0.22) for SBP as with MBP (Pp: 0.62 versus 0.51, Ppk: 0.36 versus 0.33). For achieving optimal vision, higher pump pressures (PPs) were demanded by surgeon (P = 0.025) and higher differences observed between initial and highest PPs (P = 0.027), in isoflurane subjects. Multivariable analysis revealed that no continuous predictor was able to predict the quality of vision except additional pump flow factor, for both groups. CONCLUSION: Both inhalational agents demonstrated equivalent haemodynamic effects. Increased arthroscopic PP requirements were observed with isoflurane anaesthesia. Sevoflurane may be superior to isoflurane during BCP arthroscopy.

Isoflurane versus sevoflurane with interscalene block for shoulder arthroscopic procedures: Value of process capability indices as an additional tool for data analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hypotensive anaesthesia reduces intra-articular bleed and promotes visualisation during arthroscopy. The haemodynamic effects of inhalational agents isoflurane and sevoflurane were studied extensively, and both were found to reduce mean arterial pressures (MBP) to an equivalent magnitude. We investigated the relative ability of isoflurane vis-a-vis sevoflurane to maintain the target systolic blood pressure (SBP) in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic procedures. METHODS: In a prospective randomised study, 59 patients in two groups of 30 and 29 patients each received concomitant general anaesthesia (1.2-1.5 MAC of isoflurane and sevoflurane) and interscalene brachial plexus block. Nitrous oxide was used in both groups. Intraoperatively, serial blood pressure recordings of SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), MBP and heart rates were done at every 3rd min intervals. The manipulations needed to achieve target SBP (T = 90 mmHg) for optimal arthroscopic visualisation and treat unacceptable hypotensive episodes were noted. Conventional statistical tests and process capability index (PCI) evaluation were both deployed for data analysis. RESULTS: Lower mean SBP and DBPs were recorded for isoflurane patients as compared to sevoflurane (P < 0.05, for mean, maximum and minimum recordings). Higher mean heart rates were recorded for isoflurane (P < 0.05). PCIs indicated that isoflurane was superior to sevoflurane in the ease of achieving target SBP of 90 mmHg as well as maintaining blood pressures in the range of 80-100 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Isoflurane provides better intraoperative haemodynamic status vis-a-vis sevoflurane in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery with preliminary interscalene blockade. The PCI can be a useful additional medical data analysis tool.

Motor response evaluation during brachial plexus block anesthesia: An ultrasonography aided study.

BACKGROUND: The sparing of ulnar nerve often leads to the failure of the upper limb blockade. It has been claimed that local anesthetic injection at the site of stimulator evoked finger flexion response is associated with highest success rate of a successful block. The lower trunk stimulation of plexus should yield similar results as this trunk contributes significantly for median and ulnar nerves of hand and forearm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients with intact anatomical upper limb structures underwent (a) combined ultrasound (USG) assisted nerve stimulator evoked motor response evaluation or in (b) open brachial plexus trunk stimulation evaluations. The individual patient's lower trunk stimulation motor responses were documented. RESULTS: When combined the results of both USG and open plexus groups, wrist flexion was seen in 52%, finger flexion in 61% and forearm pronation or twitches of anterior compartment in 48% of total subjects studied. These responses were noted either separately or in combinations. CONCLUSION: We conclude other than finger flexion, the wrist flexion the forearm twitches, pronation and wrist adduction may be used for lower trunk blockade and thus for higher accuracy.

The anesthetic considerations while performing supraclavicular brachial plexus block in emergency surgical patients using a nerve stimulator.

Regional anesthesia is favored in patients who undergo emergency extremity (limb) surgery, and specifically so in the absence of fasting status. In the absence of ultrasonic guidance, the nerve stimulator still remains a valuable tool in performing a brachial block, but its use is difficult in an emergency surgical patient and greater cautious approach is essential. We identified the supraclavicular plexus by the nerve stimulation-motor response technique as follows. Anterior chest muscles contractions, diaphragmatic contraction, deltoid contractions, and posterior shoulder girdle muscle contractions when identified were taken as "negative response" with decreasing stimulating current. A forearm muscle contraction, especially "wrist flexion" and "finger flexion" at 0.5 mA of current was taken as "positive response." If no positive response was identified, the "elbow flexion" was considered as the final positive response for successful drug placement. The series of patients had difficulty for administering both general and regional anesthesia and we considered them as complex scenarios. The risk of the block failure was weighed heavily against the benefits of its success. The described series includes patients who had successful outcomes in the end and the techniques, merits, and risks are highlighted.

Eventful anaesthesia: can we prevent it?

To ensure the utmost safety, it is recommended that prior checking the machine and breathing systems as mandatory. Certain factors beyond the control of the anaesthesiologist lead to the operative room incidences jeopardizing the anaesthetised patient which otherwise cannot be prevented by prior custom checking. Delayed occlusion of a spiral reinforced endotracheal tube during prone position anaesthesia and faulty dual control knob of fresh gas flow of an anaesthesia machine leading to inadequate ventilation are given as examples. In above events, a prior checking the machine or tracheal tube, could not prevent its occurrence. However, use of a deputy of the objects resulted in uneventful anaesthesia.

Target-controlled infusion (Propofol) versus inhaled anaesthetic (Sevoflurane) in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: One of the challenges of anaesthesia for shoulder arthroscopic procedures is the need for controlled hypotension to lessen intra-articular haemorrhage and thereby provide adequate visualisation to the surgeon. Achievement of optimal conditions necessitates several interventions and manipulations by the anaesthesiologist and the surgeon, most of which directly or indirectly involve maintaining intra-operative blood pressure (BP) control. AIM: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and convenience of target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol and inhalational agent sevoflurane in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopic surgery after preliminary inter-scalene blockade. METHODS: Of thirty four patients studied, seventeen received TCI propofol (target plasma concentration of 3 µg/ml) and an equal number, sevoflurane (1.2-1.5 Minimum Alveolar Concentration). N2O was used in both groups. Systolic, diastolic, mean blood pressures and heart rate were recorded regularly throughout the procedure. All interventions to control BP by the anaesthesiologist and pump manipulation requested by the surgeon were recorded. The volume of saline irrigant used and the haemoglobin (Hb) content of the return fluid were measured. RESULTS: TCI propofol could achieve lower systolic, mean BP levels and the number of interventions required was also lower as compared to the sevoflurane group. The number of patients with measurable Hb was lower in the TCI propofol group and this translated into better visualisation of the joint space. A higher volume of saline irrigant was required in the sevoflurane group. No immediate peri-operative anaesthetic complications were noted in either category. CONCLUSION: TCI propofol appears to be superior to and more convenient than sevoflurane anaesthesia in inter-scalene blocked patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.

Perioperative evaluation and outcomes of major limb replantations with ischemia periods of more than 6 hours.

Early revascularization is cardinal for successful replantation of proximal limb amputations. Prolonged ischemia time potentially leads to reperfusion syndrome and morbidity. The dilemma persists regarding safe duration of cold ischemia time for replantation. The study was conducted to evaluate retrospectively the outcomes of major replantation in terms of limb survival, reperfusion events, morbidity, and potential mortality with respect to the ischemia time and level of amputations. Fourteen patients with proximal amputations at the arm, elbow, and forearm with total ischemia time beyond 6 hours were replanted. All had warm ischemia time of less than 2 hours and were closely monitored to record and correct reperfusion events. Nine out of 14 limbs survived. Five patients had reperfusion events. Proximal limb amputations with larger muscle mass were at higher risk of developing reperfusion syndrome and such events had higher chances of limb loss. Major limb amputations within 2 hours of warm ischemia time even with prolonged cold ischemia can be successfully replanted with closed perioperative monitoring.

Mascara induced milphosis, an etiological evaluation.

CONTEXT: Eyelashes play an important role in one's personality and builds confidence. Now-a- days, mascaras are used very commonly as an eye cosmetic. Mascara induced loss of eyelashes has been evaluated in this study. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of mascara on eyelashes and to find an association between the usage of mascara and fall of eyelashes. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire based study done on medical students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical students were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire on mascara usage. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: MedCalc 9.3.6.0 version. RESULTS: A total of 128 medical students who used mascara were included in this study. Mean (standard deviation) age of the students was 23.7 ± 2.0 years. Nearly 31% of the subjects faced the eye problems. Eyelash fall was observed in 19%. Higher mean years of use of mascara (5.17 ± 3.8 vs. 3.19 ± 2.6, P = 0.027, t-test) influenced the fall of eyelashes in the subjects. Itching of the eye prior to fall of eyelashes was observed in all subjects (P = 0.0002, Fisher exact test). A higher percentage of eyelash falls was observed in subjects who used water for removal of waterproof mascara (27%). CONCLUSION: There is a significant positive association between long-term use of eye cosmetics like mascara and fall of eyelashes. Furthermore, use of water for removal of waterproof mascara was associated with a higher incidence of eyelash fall.

Intra-operative haemodynamic volatility in a patient undergoing retroperitoneal cyst excision.

Excision of a suspected retroperitoneal, duodenal duplication cyst was performed in a pre-operatively normotensive patient under combined epidural and general anaesthesia. Intraoperatively, the cystic tumour was discovered to be a retroperitoneal mass, free from duodenal or adrenal origin. Development of severe arrhythmias, ST segment changes and hypertensive spikes during cyst handling and dissection suggested the possibility of a catecholamine-secreting tumour. These were managed effectively with pharmacological agents. Subsequently, histopathology of the specimen revealed a paraganglioma. Vasoactive tumour has to be suspected in every patient undergoing anaesthesia for retroperitoneal cystic lesion.

Use of a single injection femoral nerve block in the patients of total knee replacement with concomitant epidural analgesia.

BACKGROUND: Since central neuraxial analgesia cannot provide adequate post operative pain relief when it is used alone in patients who had undergone Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR), an alternative analgesic method is usually advised. The alternatives include either systemic analgesics (opioids, Non Steroidal Anti Inflamatory Drugs, [NSAIDs], etc) or peripheral nerve blocks. When complete analgesia is aimed in such patients, combining the sciatic nerve blocks along with the Femoral Nerve Blocks (FNBs) will be beneficial. But performing femoral and sciatic nerve blocks together in patients with regional or general anaesthesia will be too cumbersome and in this direction, the major clinical trials are yet to decide on their feasibility. Thus, in an attempt to keep the analgesia methods very simple and effective, the physicians may decide on doing a single nerve block when an ongoing epidural analgesia infusion is in situ. AIM: To evaluate the safety, convenience and the efficacy of a single injection femoral nerve block in patients who had undergone TKR surgeries, who had received concomitant epidural sensory analgesia. METHODS: The patients who had undergone TKR were inserted with an epidural catheter for continuous analgesia and this was supplemented with an additional single injection femoral block. Postoperatively, each patient was recorded with a Visual Analogue Score (VAS) of pain assessment. The total number of patients who required additional bolus doses of epidural and additional analgesics, the individual patient ratings, and the complications, if any, were noted and analyzed on day 1(D1) and day 2(D2) of the surgery. RESULTS: The mean time for developing a VAS score of at least 3 was 8.55±1.78 hours. The VAS assessment mean scores were compared to that of D2 and the ratio which was obtained was 0.4±0.32. The mean VAS scores were higher on D2 as compared to those on D1 and they were statistically significant (P<.0001). A categorical score comparison too revealed higher scores on D2 (P<.001). A total of 52% patients required bolus doses of epidural analgesia with bupivacaine on D2 as compared to those on D1 (16%). Additional analgesia on demand was noted in 21% patients on D1 in contrast to 67% patients on D2. The rating of the analgesia as 'excellent' by 29% patients, as 'good' by 46% patients, as 'adequate' by 17% patients and as 'poor' by 8% patients was noted on D1. Similarly, the ratings as 'excellent' by 4% patients, as 'good' by 29% patients, as 'adequate' by 58% patients, and as 'poor' by 8% patients, was recorded for D2, respectively (P<.001). CONCLUSION: A single injection femoral nerve block provides adequate analgesia for the patients who undergo TKR surgery, when an active epidural is in-situ on the day of the surgery. It keeps the analgesic mode as simple and comfortable and it achieves lower pain scores on the day of the surgery, also with least complications, in patients with an ongoing epidural local anaesthetic infusion.

Penetrating abdominal injury in a polytrauma patient: Anaesthetic challenges faced.

Penetrating abdominal injuries are potentially life threatening due to the associated hemorrhagic shock and visceral injury. Through and through penetrating injury with polytrauma is rarely encountered. We report a case presenting with in situ projecting heavy metallic rod in a through and through penetrating abdominal injury along with foreign body in a road traffic accident. Anaesthetic management was difficult due to inability to position in supine, rapidly progressing hemorrhagic shock and hypoxia due hemopneumothorax. Two operating tables were used with adequate intervening space to accommodate the posteriorly projecting metallic rod during intubation in supine position. Intensive monitoring and resuscitation resulted in uneventful successful outcome.