Does Pre-procedural Anxiety Affect the Consumption of Sedatives During Colonoscopy?

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional stat with systemic effects. The anxiety level of the patients may increase the requirements for sedation during colonoscopy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of pre-procedural anxiety on the dose of propofol. METHODS: After ethical approval and informed consent, a total of 75 patients undergoing colonoscopy were enrolled in the study. Patients were informed about the procedure and the anxiety levels were assessed. The level of sedation was defined as a Bispectral Index (BIS) of 60 and was achieved by target-controlled infusion of propofol. Patients' characteristics, hemodynamic profiles, anxiety levels, the propofol dosage and complications were recorded. The procedure duration, difficulty score for colonoscopy assessed by the surgeon, and the patient's and surgeon's satisfaction with sedation instrument scores were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were studied.Demographic and procedural data were similar among groups. The anxiety scores were not correlated with the total propofol dosage, hemodynamic parameters, the time needed to reach a BIS value of 60, surgeon and patient satisfaction and the time needed to regain consciousness. No complications were observed. CONCLUSION: In patients receiving deep sedation for elective colonoscopies, the pre-procedural anxiety level is not related to sedative requirement, post-procedural recovery, or surgeon and patient satisfaction.

Reducing Risk for Acute Kidney Injury After Living Donor Hepatectomy by Protocolized Fluid Restriction: Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a potential complication after restricted fluid therapy for major surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of AKI for living liver donor hepatectomy in which applied intraoperative protocolized fluid restriction was used targeting a low central venous pressure (CVP) level with high pulse pressure variation (PPV) and systolic pressure variation (SPV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Living liver donors were admitted for this retrospective observational study. Low CVP <5 mm Hg with high PPV<20% and SPV<15% were the targets of the clinical protocol to reduce intraoperative blood loss via protocolized fluid management until the end of the hepatic parenchymal division. KDIGO criteria were used for AKI definition. The SPSS version 11.5 program was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study included 130 patients, 79 (60.8%) men and 51 (39.2%) women, with from 18 to 58 years of age. Donors underwent right and left lobe hepatectomies (116 and 14, respectively). The baseline CVP, the lowest CVP of hepatectomy, and the highest CVP measured after hepatectomy were 7.45 ± 2.41, 4.28 ± 1.12, 7.67 ± 2.09 mm Hg, respectively. Only 4 patients with right lobe hepatectomy developed AKI stage I (3.1%) in the first 24 hours. The 4 patients were recovered at 48 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a CVP target of <5 mm Hg and high PPV/SPV via a simple fluid management modality with protocolized-fluid restriction until the procurement may not cause AKI in living liver donors in a closed follow-up anesthesia approach.

Stage I-laparoscopy partial ALPPS procedure for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

The treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is a challenge for the surgeon requiring complex resections with a reported perioperative mortality rate between 15% and 48%. In PHC patients with future liver remnant (FLR) less than 30%, it is advised that hepatectomy can be safely performed after the FLR is modified. Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) procedure is criticized heavily due to its high morbidity and mortality rate in this setting. Hereby, we are reporting a modification of ALPPS procedure for PHC. Clinical presentation, preoperative work-up as well as operation and postoperative course of two cases were described in detail. Both patients were jaundiced preoperatively, stage 1 partial-ALPPS procedures were performed laparoscopically, there was sufficient remnant hypertrophy during the interval stage and there was no posthepatectomy liver failure after the second stage (Supporting Information Video). We have followed patients with a mean follow up of 35 months without any recurrence. Here we describe the key technical aspects of this approach that are discussed in three parts: minimally invasive first stage, biliary drainage of both FLR, and deportalized liver at first stage and biliary reconstruction at the second stage. This technique, in selected patients, can extend the indication of ALPPS procedure for PHC with preoperative jaundice.

Propofol Versus Thiopental for Rapid-Sequence Induction in Isolated Systolic Hypertensive Patients: A Factorial Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of four different anaesthesia induction protocols on the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation during rapid-sequence induction (RSI) in systolic hypertensive patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty hypertensive adult patients (systolic pressure >140 mmHg and diastolic pressure <90 mmHg), classified according to the American Association of Anesthesiologists as Class II and III were randomized into four groups. After pre-oxygenation for 3 minutes, induction and tracheal intubation were performed by blinded investigators, who also scored the intubation. Study groups composed of 30 patients each received lidocaine 1 mg kg-1+thiopental 5 mg kg-1 or remifentanil 1 µg kg-1+thiopental 5 mg kg-1 or lidocaine 1 mg kg-1+propofol 2 mg kg-1 or remifentanil 1 µg kg-1+propofol 2 mg kg-1. Succinylcholine was the muscle relaxant. Haemodynamic data were obtained before (baseline) and after induction, at intubation, and at 1, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation. A rise or drop in the arterial blood pressure and heart rate >20% were considered to be significant. RESULTS: Patients receiving remifentanil+propofol had a reduction in the systolic and mean blood pressure >20% when compared to patients receiving remifentanil and thiopental: systolic values were 125±27 mmHg in the remifentanil+propofol group versus 153±35 mmHg in the remifentanil+thiopental group 1 minute after intubation (p<0.01); the mean arterial pressure values were 87±18 mmHg in the remifentanil+propofol group versus 105±25 mmHg in the remifentanil+thiopental group 1 minute after intubation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Propofol was not superior to thiopental for the attenuation of the response to laryngoscopy and intubation during RSI in systolic hypertensive patients, whereas propofol+remifentanil combination appears to be so in terms of the heart rate stability.

The Effects of Bougie Diameters on Tissue Oxygen Levels After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Experimental Trial

Background: Staple-line leak is the most frightening complication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and several predisposing factors such as using improper staple sizes regardless of gastric wall thickness, narrower bougie diameter and ischemia of the staple line are asserted. Aims: To evaluate the effects of different bougie diameters on tissue oxygen partial pressure at the esophagogastric junction after sleeve gastrectomy. Study Design: A randomized and controlled animal experiment with 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 each. While 12-Fr bougies were used in groups 1 and 3, 8-Fr bougies were used in groups 2 and 4. Fibrin sealant application was also carried out around the gastrectomy line after sleeve gastrectomy in groups 3 and 4. Burst pressure of gastrectomy line, tissue oxygen partial pressure and hydroxyproline levels at the esophagogastric junction were measured and compared among groups. Results: Mortality was detected in 2 out of 32 rats (6.25%) and one of them was in group 2 and the cause of this mortality was gastric leak. Gastric leak was detected in 2 out of 32 rats (6.25%). There was no significant difference in terms of burst pressures, tissue oxygen partial pressure and tissue hydroxyproline levels among the 4 groups. Conclusion: The use of narrower bougie along with fibrin sealant has not had a negative effect on tissue perfusion and wound healing.

Outcomes of Antepartum and Postpartum Obstetric Admissions to the Intensive Care Unit of A Tertiary University Hospital: An 8-Year Review.

OBJECTIVE: Although their rates are decreasing, pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity are problems worldwide. In this study, we aimed to review the characteristics, diagnoses, required interventions and outcomes of obstetric patients admitted between 2006 and 2014 to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a tertiary university hospital to provide an indicator for improving the management of critically ill obstetric patients. METHODS: A retrospective study of hospital records of obstetric admissions to the ICU was conducted. RESULTS: The pregnancy-related ICU admission rate was 0.21% among all deliveries during the study period. Nine antepartum (mean gestational age: 23 weeks) and 48 postpartum (mean gestational age: 34 weeks) obstetric ICU admissions were included. Most obstetric patients admitted antepartum were primiparous (88.8%), whereas those admitted postpartum were multiparous (64.6%). The mean ICU stay was 7 days among the patients admitted antepartum and 6 days among those admitted postpartum. Common medical reasons for ICU admission were respiratory failure and HELLP syndrome in both groups; DIC and eclampsia were also medical reasons causing ICU admission among the postpartum patients. Mechanical ventilation and blood derivative transfusion were the most common interventions required during the ICU stay of the obstetric patients. Maternal death was unique to the patients admitted postpartum (6 patients, 12.5%). CONCLUSION: We reviewed obstetric admissions to our institution over an 8-year period. We believe that a nationwide study in Turkey that provides an indicator of the frequency, reasons of ICU admission and outcome of obstetric patients is required to improve the quality of intensive care.

Does ultrasonographic volume of the thyroid gland correlate with difficult intubation? An observational study / Existe correlação entre o volume ultrassonográfico da glândula tireóide e intubação difícil? Um estudo observacional / ¿Existe una correlación entre el volumen ecográfico de la glándula tiroides y la intubación difícil? Un estudio observacional

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38 ± 14 mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p = 0.011; r = 0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p = 0.041; r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p = 0.041; r = 0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p = 0.041; r = 0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n = 19: intubation difficulty scale = 0; Group II, n = 31: 1 < intubation difficulty scale ≤ 5) and difficult intubation predictors and thyroid-related parameters were compared. Only Mallampati score was significantly different between groups (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The thyroid volume is not associated with difficult intubation. However clinical assessment parameters may predict difficult intubation. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A avaliação ultrassonográfica pré-operatória da glândula tireóide feita por cirurgiões pode prever desafios no manejo das vias aéreas. O objetivo deste estudo observacional foi avaliar os efeitos de parâmetros relacionados à tireóide investigados pré-operatoriamente por cirurgiões mediante ultrassonografia e radiografia de tórax em condições de intubação. MÉTODOS: Foram inscritos 50 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de tireóide. Distância tireomentoniana (DTM), escore de Mallampati, circunferência do pescoço e amplitude de movimento do pescoço foram avaliados antes da operação. Volume da tireóide, sinais de invasão ou compressão e desvio da traqueia na radiografia de tórax também foram registrados. As condições de intubação foram avaliadas com o escore de Cormack e Lehane (CL) e a escala de intubação difícil (EID). Análises estatísticas foram feitas com o software SPSS 15.0. RESULTADOS: A média do volume da tireóide dos pacientes foi de 26,38 ± 14 mL. A mediana da EID foi de 1 (0-2). DTM (p = 0,011; r = 0,36, IC 95% 0,582-0,088); escore de Mallampati (p = 0,041; r = 0,29, IC 95% 013-0,526); sinais de compressão ou invasão (p = 0,041; r = 0,28; IC 95% 0,006-0,521) e desvio da traqueia na radiografia de tórax (p = 0,041; r = 0,52, IC 95% 0,268-0,702) foram correlacionados com a EID. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos também relacionados à EID (Grupo I, n = 19: EID = 0; Grupo II, n = 31: 1 < EID ≤ 5) e os preditivos de intubação difícil e os parâmetros da tireóide relacionados foram comparados. Apenas o escore de Mallampati foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos (p = 0,025). CONCLUSÃO: O volume da tireóide não está associado à intubação difícil. Contudo, os parâmetros de avaliação clínica podem prever intubação difícil. .

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La evaluación ecográfica preoperatoria de la glándula tiroides hecha por los cirujanos puede prevenir los retos en el manejo de las vías aéreas. El objetivo de este estudio observacional fue evaluar los efectos de parámetros relacionados con la tiroides investigados por cirujanos antes de la operación, mediante ecografía y radiografía de tórax en condiciones de intubación. MÉTODOS: Fueron inscritos 50 pacientes sometidos a cirugía de tiroides. La distancia tiromentoniana, puntuación de Mallampati, circunferencia del cuello y amplitud de movimiento del cuello fueron evaluados antes de la operación. También fueron registrados el volumen de la tiroides, signos de invasión o compresión, y desviación de la tráquea en la radiografía de tórax. Las condiciones de intubación se calcularon con la puntuación de Cormack y Lehane y la escala de intubación difícil (EID). Los análisis estadísticos fueron realizados con el software SPSS 15.0. RESULTADOS: La media del volumen de la tiroides de los pacientes fue de 26,38 ± 14 mL. La mediana de la EID fue 1 (0-2). Fueron correlacionados con la EID la distancia tiromentoniana (p = 0,011; r = 0,36; IC 95%: 0,582-0,088), puntuación de Mallampati (p = 0,041; r = 0,29; IC 95%: 013-0,526), signos de compresión o invasión (p = 0,041; r = 0,28; IC 95%: 0,006-0,521) y desviación de la tráquea en la radiografía de tórax (p = 0,041; r = 0,52; IC 95%: 0,268-0,702). Los pacientes fueron clasificados en 2 grupos también relacionados con la EID (grupo i, n = 19: EID = 0; grupo ii, n = 31: 1 < EID ≤ 5), y los predictores de intubación difícil y los parámetros de la tiroides relacionados fueron comparados. Solamente la puntuación de Mallampati fue significativamente diferente entre los grupos (p = 0,025). CONCLUSIÓN: El volumen de la tiroides no está asociado con la intubación difícil. Sin embargo, los parámetros de evaluación clínica pueden prever la intubación difícil. .

Does ultrasonographic volume of the thyroid gland correlate with difficult intubation? An observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38 ± 14 mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p = 0.011; r = 0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p = 0.041; r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p = 0.041; r = 0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p = 0.041; r = 0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n = 19: intubation difficulty scale = 0; Group II, n = 31: 1< intubation difficulty scale ≤ 5) and difficult intubation predictors and thyroid-related parameters were compared. Only Mallampati score was significantly different between groups (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The thyroid volume is not associated with difficult intubation. However clinical assessment parameters may predict difficult intubation.

[Does ultrasonographic volume of the thyroid gland correlate with difficult intubation? An observational study]. / Existe correlação entre o volume ultrassonográfico da glândula tireóide e intubação difícil? Um estudo observacional.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38±14mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p=0.011; r=0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p=0.041; r=0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p=0.041; r=0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p=0.041; r=0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n=19: intubation difficulty scale=0; Group II, n=31: 1

Validity and reliability of Turkish version of family satisfaction in the intensive care unit.

To evaluate the quality of care that is provided in intensive care units, needs and satisfaction of the patient relatives must also be considered. The aim of the study is to test the Turkish version of the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU-24) Survey, which was developed by Heyland et al. This study was planned and applied as a methodological study. Survey was conducted in the intensive care units of a military education and research hospital and a medical faculty hospital, department of anaesthesia and reanimation in the capital city Ankara of Turkey. Sample of the survey was composed of 120 participants. Cronbach's alpha value for the FS-ICU-24 general internal consistency in this study was calculated as 0.95 for total scale. In this study, the Turkish version of the FS-ICU-24 was found to be reliable and valid with Turkish population.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in an intensive care unit (ICU): a 10-year, single-center experience.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a blood purification method that effectively allows for the removal of waste substances by separating out plasma from other components of blood and the removed plasma is replaced with solutions such as albumin and/or plasma, or crystalloid/colloid solutions. Plasma exchange therapies are becoming increasingly essential, being used in daily practice in critical care settings for various indications, either as a first-line therapeutic intervention or as an adjunct to conventional therapies. This retrospective clinical study analyzes 10-year therapeutic plasma exchange activity experience in an 18-bed ICU at a tertiary care university hospital with a large, critically-ill patient population. Medical records of 1188 plasma exchange procedures on 329 patients with different diagnoses admitted from January 2000 to July 2010 were evaluated. The aim of the study was to determine the TPE indications and outcomes of the patients who underwent TPE in the ICU with conventional therapy. The secondary endpoints were to determine the differences between different patient groups (septic vs. non-septic indications) in terms of adverse events and procedural differences.

The impact of two arterial catheters, different in diameter and length, on postcannulation radial artery diameter, blood flow, and occlusion in atherosclerotic patients.

PURPOSE: Arterial cannulation is a common intervention in anesthesia practice. However, the success rates and complications of radial arterial cannulation with 20-G or smaller catheters in patients with atherosclerosis have been underevaluated. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the efficacy of and complications with 20- and 22-G catheters for radial arterial cannulation in atherosclerotic patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with atherosclerosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) III-IV, undergoing general anesthesia were enrolled in the study. Radial artery cannulation was performed in group 20G (n = 15) with a 20-gauge (20 x 1.1 x 33 mm; flow, 61 ml.min(-1)) catheter and in group 22G (n = 15) with a 22-gauge (22 x 0.9 x 25 mm; flow, 36 ml.min(-1)) catheter. Radial artery systolic blood flow (SBF) and radial artery diameter (RAD) were assessed by a Doppler ultrasound probe before cannulation and 24 h after decannulation for vascular complications. The number of puncture attempts, arterial blood gas samples, and manual flushes; total heparinized solution consumption; duration of cannulation; decannulated radial arterial systolic blood flow; postcannulation RAD; and vascular complications such as occlusion, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, bleeding, and thrombosis were noted. The Mann Whitney U-test, chi(2) test, and one-sample t-test were used. Values are expressed as medians and quartiles and P < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The number of puncture attempts was greater in group 20G (range, 1 to 4) than in group 22G (range, 1 to 2; P = 0.02). In group 20G patients, postoperative RAD was larger than preoperative RAD (P = 0.02) and postoperative SBF was lower than preoperative SBF (P = 0.03). In group 22G patients postoperative SBF was higher than preoperative SBF (P = 0.03), while there was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative RAD. The occlusion rate of atherosclerotic radial arteries was 6% with the 22-gauge catheter and 26% with the 20-gauge catheter (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: A 22-gauge catheter for radial arterial cannulation in patients with atherosclerosis provides unchanged postcannulated radial artery diameter, decreases postcannulation complications, and improves the first-attempt success rate.

The effect of scalp block and local infiltration on the haemodynamic and stress response to skull-pin placement for craniotomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The insertion of skull pins into the periosteum induces not only a haemodynamic response but also an increase in stress hormones. We compared the effects of scalp-nerve block, infiltration anaesthesia, and routine anaesthesia during skull-pin insertion on haemodynamic and stress responses to craniotomy. METHODS: Forty-five ASA I or II patients, scheduled for elective craniotomies, were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopental (5 mg kg(-1)), fentanyl (2 microg kg(-1)) and vecuronium (0.1 mg kg(-1)), and was maintained with 50% N2O in oxygen and 1% isoflurane. Five minutes before head pinning, 0.5% bupivacaine was infiltrated at each pin-insertion site in group L. In group S, scalp block was performed by blocking the supraorbital, supratrochlear, auriculotemporal, occipital, and postauricular branches of the greater auricular nerves using 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine. Opioids were used to control haemodynamic responses in group C (the control group). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were recorded at regular intervals before and for 1 h after induction. Blood samples were collected for cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone analysis 5 min before induction and 5 and 60 min after pin-holder insertion. RESULTS: There were significant increases in heart rate and mean arterial pressure during head pinning in groups L and C compared with group S and also at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd minutes after pinning (P < 0.05). In group S, the reduced plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels measured at the 5th and 60th minutes after pinning were significantly lower than those in groups L and C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that scalp block using 0.5% bupivacaine blunts the haemodynamic and stress responses to head pinning better than routine anaesthesia or scalp infiltration with bupivacaine and should be considered in conjunction with general anaesthesia for craniotomy.

Prophylaxis with recombinant-activated factor VII (rFVIIa) for minimally invasive surgery in a patient with congenital factor VII deficiency: a case report with a single-low dose of rFVIIa.

Congenital factor VII deficiency is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder and surgery in patients with factor VII deficiency has been reported to be endangered by intraoperative or postoperative bleeding, unless a replacement therapy is used. In this paper, we report a successful prophylaxis with single and low dose rFVIIa (12.5 microg kg(-1)) in a 22-year-old homozygote factor VII deficient patient who underwent laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopic surgery, could be safely performed in patients with congenital factor VII using single and low dose rFVIIa combined with vigilant clinical observation and laboratory examination.

Is there an ideal approach for rapid-sequence induction in hypertensive patients?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare 4 different anesthesia induction protocols, in a simulated model of rapid-sequence induction, in controlled hypertensive patients. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical investigation. SETTING: Large metropolitan university hospital. PATIENTS: 120 ASA II-III adult hypertensive patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated to 4 groups at random. After preoxygenation for 3 minutes, induction and tracheal intubation was performed in a 30 degrees head-up position. Thiopental (5-7 mg/kg) was the induction agent. Study groups were as follows: group LS (n = 30), lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) and succinylcholine (1 mg/kg); group LR (n = 30), lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) and rocuronium (1 mg/kg); group RS (n = 30), remifentanil (1 microg/kg) and succinylcholine (1 mg/kg); group RR (n = 30), remifentanil (1 microg/kg) and rocuronium (1 mg/kg). Patients were intubated 60 seconds after administration of muscle relaxant. MEASUREMENTS: Hemodynamic data were obtained before induction (baseline), after induction, at intubation, and at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after intubation. More than 20% change in blood pressure and heart rate was considered significant. MAIN RESULTS: Systolic and mean arterial blood pressures at intubation and 1 and 3 minutes after intubation were higher in group LS compared with groups RS and RR (P < 0.01). Mean arterial blood pressure decreased after induction in groups LS, LR, and RR, but increased at intubation and 1 minute after intubation in groups LS and LR (P < 0.01). Mean arterial blood pressure was similar at all measurement intervals in group RS. The median area under the systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressure time curves was higher in groups LS and LR compared with groups RS and RR (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil is a better adjunct for attenuation of the response to laryngoscopy and intubation compared with lidocaine, whereas remifentanil-succinylcholine combination appears to be more beneficial in terms of hemodynamic stability in hypertensive patients.