The effects of certain TRP channels and voltage-gated KCNQ/Kv7 channel opener retigabine on calcitonin gene-related peptide release in the trigeminovascular system.

BACKGROUND: Calcitonin gene-related peptide release in trigeminovascular system is a pivotal component of neurogenic inflammation underlying migraine pathophysiology. Transient receptor potential channels and voltage-gated KCNQ/Kv7 potassium channels expressed throughout trigeminovascular system are important targets for modulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide release. We investigated the effects of certain transient receptor potential (TRP) channels the vanilloid 1 and 4 (TRPV1 and TRPV4), the ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), and metastatin type 8 (TRPM8), and voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv7) opener retigabine on calcitonin gene-related peptide release from peripheral (dura mater and trigeminal ganglion) and central (trigeminal nucleus caudalis) trigeminal components of rats. METHODS: The experiments were carried out using well-established in-vitro preparations (hemiskull, trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal nucleus caudalis) from male Wistar rats. Agonists and antagonists of TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPA1 and TRPM8 channels, and also retigabine were tested on the in-vitro release of calcitonin gene-related peptide. Calcitonin gene-related peptide concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Agonists of these transient receptor potential channels induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from hemiskull, trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal nucleus caudalis, respectively. The transient receptor potential channels-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide releases were blocked by their specific antagonists and reduced by retigabine. Retigabine also decreased basal calcitonin gene-related peptide releases in all preparations. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that favorable antagonists of these transient receptor potential channels, or Kv7 channel opener retigabine may be effective in migraine therapy by inhibiting neurogenic inflammation that requires calcitonin gene-related peptide release.

Pediatric COVID-19 Disease: A Review of the Recent Literature.

The first pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case was confirmed in Shenzhen, China on January 20, 2020. At the beginning of the outbreak, COVID-19 pneumonia was more common in adults than in children and adolescents, and the rate of confirmed pediatric cases was relatively lower. However, as screening tests and pathogen detection campaigns were initiated in more regions as the outbreak spread, the number of pediatric infection cases increased significantly. Currently, studies on pediatric COVID-19 are limited in the literature to case reports and case series, and a few epidemiological studies. COVID-19 has distinct characteristics in the pediatric population compared to adults; therefore, we need to better understand the characteristics of this disease in children. Discovering the characteristics of the pediatric COVID-19 disease is important for contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease in this population. In this review, clinical characteristics, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of pediatric COVID-19 pneumonia based on the recent literature are discussed. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(7):e319-e325.].

Effects of Lidocaine Oropharyngeal Spray Applied Before Endotracheal Intubation on QT Dispersion in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of lidocaine oropharyngeal spray applied before endotracheal intubation on hemodynamic responses and electrocardiographic parameters in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: A total of 60 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, the topical lidocaine group (administration of 10% lidocaine oropharyngeal spray, five minutes before laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation) and the control group. Both groups were compared with each other in terms of main hemodynamic parameters including mean arterial pressure and heart rate, as well as P and QT wave dispersion durations, before and after endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and other demographics and basic clinical characteristics. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of QT dispersion durations after laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. The increase in QT dispersion duration was not statistically significant in the topical lidocaine group, whereas the increase in QT dispersion duration was statistically significant in the control group. When the groups were compared in terms of P wave dispersion durations, there were significant decreases in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the topical lidocaine administration before endotracheal intubation prevented increase of QT dispersion duration in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03304431.

Effects of lidocaine oropharyngeal spray applied before endotracheal intubation on qt dispersion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a prospective randomized controlled study

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of lidocaine oropharyngeal spray applied before endotracheal intubation on hemodynamic responses and electrocardiographic parameters in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, the topical lidocaine group (administration of 10% lidocaine oropharyngeal spray, five minutes before laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation) and the control group. Both groups were compared with each other in terms of main hemodynamic parameters including mean arterial pressure and heart rate, as well as P and QT wave dispersion durations, before and after endotracheal intubation. Results: The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and other demographics and basic clinical characteristics. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of QT dispersion durations after laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. The increase in QT dispersion duration was not statistically significant in the topical lidocaine group, whereas the increase in QT dispersion duration was statistically significant in the control group. When the groups were compared in terms of P wave dispersion durations, there were significant decreases in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the topical lidocaine administration before endotracheal intubation prevented increase of QT dispersion duration in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Trial Registration: NCT03304431

Novel Mortality Markers for Critically Ill Patients.

AIM: Inflammatory markers, such as the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), derived from a complete blood count have recently attracted attention as potential markers of morbidity and mortality in various diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of the NLR and PLR as markers of hospital stay and mortality of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: Patients treated in the ICU of our institution between October 2016 and August 2017 were enrolled in the study. After obtaining approval from the institutional committee, patient data were sourced from the institution's computerized database and retrospectively analyzed. The patients were assigned to 2 groups according to the outcomes: survivors and deceased. RESULTS: The NLR of survivors and deceased patients was 2.06 (1.18-21.68) and 10.42 (2.85-48.2), respectively. The NLR was significantly elevated in deceased patients as compared with that of survivors (P < .001). Similarly, the median PLR of patients in the deceased group (268.9 [150-3000]) was significantly higher than that of patients in the survivor group (55.7 [11.8-152.5]). The difference in the PLR between groups was significant (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Both the NLR and PLR, as well as C-reactive protein, predicted mortality in this critically ill population. The PLR and NLR are easy-to-measure, inexpensive markers. Physicians should be aware of elevations in PLR and NLR in patient care in ICUs.

An Easy and Reliable Way to Prevent Electrocardiographic Deteriorations of Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Preoperative Anxiolytic Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of preoperative anxiety relieving on electrophysiological changes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: A total of 61 patients at ASA III risk group in the age range of 18-65 years were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group S (Sedation group) was administered 0.04 mg/kg lorazepam per os (PO) twice before the operation. Group C (control group) was not administered with any anxiolytic premedication. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the level of anxiety. Electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oximeter and standard monitoring were performed for each patient. QT and P dispersions in each derivation of all ECGs were calculated. RESULTS: Preoperative STAI-I scores were significantly lower in sedation group compared to the controls. Mean values of QT dispersion measured before induction, at the 1st minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.024; P=0.027; P=0.001; P=0.033, respectively). The mean values of P dispersion measured before induction, at the 3rd minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.001; P=0.020; P=0.023; P=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Elevated anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery have a negative effect through prolonged QT and P-wave dispersion times. Anxiolytic treatment before surgery may be useful to prevent ventricular and atrial arrhythmias and associated complications through decreasing the QT and P-wave dispersion duration.

Platelet to lymphocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios as strong predictors of mortality in intensive care population.

OBJECTIVE: Patients in intensive care units (ICU) have greater morbidity and mortality. We aimed to study neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in the ICU population. METHODS: Medical and laboratory data of patients treated in ICU were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into deceased and survived groups. RESULTS: The NLR of survived and deceased groups were 3.6 (0.2-31) and 9.5 (1-40), respectively (p<0.001). The PLR of the survived group (111 [16-537]) was significantly lower than the PLR of the deceased (209 [52-1143]), (p<0.001). An NLR higher than 4.9 had 84% sensitivity and 67% specificity is selecting deceased patients (AUC:0.80, p<0.001). A PLR higher than 112 had 83% sensitivity and 52% specificity in predicting deadly cases (AUC:0.76, p<0.001). Both PLR and NLR were significantly and positively correlated with c reactive protein levels. CONCLUSION: We suggest that physicians should pay particular attention to the treatment of patients in ICU with elevated NLR and PLR.

An easy and reliable way to prevent electrocardiographic deteriorations of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: preoperative anxiolytic treatment

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of preoperative anxiety relieving on electrophysiological changes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: A total of 61 patients at ASA III risk group in the age range of 18-65 years were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group S (Sedation group) was administered 0.04 mg/kg lorazepam per os (PO) twice before the operation. Group C (control group) was not administered with any anxiolytic premedication. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the level of anxiety. Electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oximeter and standard monitoring were performed for each patient. QT and P dispersions in each derivation of all ECGs were calculated. Results: Preoperative STAI-I scores were significantly lower in sedation group compared to the controls. Mean values of QT dispersion measured before induction, at the 1st minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.024; P=0.027; P=0.001; P=0.033, respectively). The mean values of P dispersion measured before induction, at the 3rd minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.001; P=0.020; P=0.023; P=0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Elevated anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery have a negative effect through prolonged QT and P-wave dispersion times. Anxiolytic treatment before surgery may be useful to prevent ventricular and atrial arrhythmias and associated complications through decreasing the QT and P-wave dispersion duration.

Platelet to lymphocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios as strong predictors of mortality in intensive care population

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Patients in intensive care units (ICU) have greater morbidity and mortality. We aimed to study neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in the ICU population. METHODS: Medical and laboratory data of patients treated in ICU were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into deceased and survived groups. RESULTS: The NLR of survived and deceased groups were 3.6 (0.2-31) and 9.5 (1-40), respectively (p<0.001). The PLR of the survived group (111 [16-537]) was significantly lower than the PLR of the deceased (209 [52-1143]), (p<0.001). An NLR higher than 4.9 had 84% sensitivity and 67% specificity is selecting deceased patients (AUC:0.80, p<0.001). A PLR higher than 112 had 83% sensitivity and 52% specificity in predicting deadly cases (AUC:0.76, p<0.001). Both PLR and NLR were significantly and positively correlated with c reactive protein levels. CONCLUSION: We suggest that physicians should pay particular attention to the treatment of patients in ICU with elevated NLR and PLR.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Pacientes em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) apresentam maior morbimortalidade. Nosso objetivo foi estudar a razão de neutrófilos para linfócitos (NLR) e de plaquetas para linfócitos (PLR) na população de UTI. MÉTODOS: Dados médicos e laboratoriais dos pacientes tratados em UTI foram analisados retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos de falecidos e de sobreviventes. RESULTADOS: O NLR de indivíduos sobreviventes e falecidos foi de 3,6 (0,2-31) e 9,5 (1-40), respectivamente (p < 0,001). A PLR dos pacientes sobreviventes (111 [16-537]) foi significativamente menor do que a PLR do grupo dos falecidos (209 [52-1143]), (p < 0,001). Uma RNL maior que 4,9 teve 84% de sensibilidade e 67% de especificidade na previsão de casos mortais. (AUC: 0,80, p < 0,001). Uma PLR superior a 112 apresentou sensibilidade de 83% e especificidade de 52% na previsão de casos mortais (AUC: 0,76, p <0,001). Ambos, PLR e NLR, foram significativamente e positivamente correlacionados com os níveis de proteína reativa c. CONCLUSÃO: Sugerimos que os médicos prestem atenção especial ao tratamento de pacientes em UTI com valores elevados de RNL e RPL.

Effects of Bispectral Index-controlled Use of Magnesium on Propofol Consumption and Sedation Level in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of bispectral index-controlled use of magnesium on propofol consumption, periprocedural hemodynamic response and patient comfort. MATERIAL: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. In Group 1 (magnesium), a single dose 50 mg/kg magnesium sulfate diluted with 100 mL 0.9% NaCl was administered 10 minutes before the beginning of the procedure. Initially bolus dose of 0.5 mg/kg propofol was applied. The maintenance dose of propofol was 60 mcg/kg/min. During the procedure, the propofol infusion was increased by titration until the bispectral index (BIS) value of 70 was achieved. In Group 2 (saline), 100 ml 0.9% NaCl was administered 10 minutes before the beginning of the procedure. The bolus and maintenance doses of propofol, and target BIS values were the same as those in Group 1. RESULTS: When BIS values were compared between the groups, the initial BIS values in the magnesium group (Group 1) were significantly higher than those of the saline group (Group 2) (p<0.05). The time to reach BIS 70 was significantly shorter in the magnesium group (p<0.05). Propofol consumption was greater in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p<0.05). The time to reach BIS 70 was significantly shorter in Group 1 (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of patient- and endoscopist-satisfaction (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of magnesium in addition to propofol may be an efficient and reliable option to reduce the drug consumption during colonoscopic interventions.

Association Between Hemogram Parameters and Survival of Critically Ill Patients.

AIM: Recently, hemogram parameters, such as mean platelet volume (MPV), had been proposed as novel inflammatory and prognostic factors. In present retrospective analysis, we aimed to determine and compare MPV of survived and dead patients whom admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of our institution. METHODS: We recorded hemogram parameters and other laboratory data and demographic characteristics of patients treated in ICU. Patients are divided into 2 groups-dead patients and survived patients. Laboratory data of survived patients compared to those of dead patients. RESULTS: Age, gender, and other laboratory variables were not significantly different between dead and survived patients. On the other hand, MPV of survived patients was significantly higher than that of the dead patients ( P = .001). CONCLUSION: We think that elevated MPV levels in an ICU patient should alert clinicians for worse outcome. Physicians should be more careful in the management of these patients.

Attitudes of Doctors Working in Abant Izzet Baysal University Health Research and Application Center on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the attitudes of doctors about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in this research. METHODS: Overall, 234 doctors who were working in Abant Izzet Baysal University Health Research and Application Center and who accepted to participate in this research were included. Research data were obtained by a questionnaire containing questions about demographic characteristics of doctors and their knowledge about CPR. Questionnaires were applied between 27.02.2012 and 04.06.2012. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: It was determined that 90% of the participants included in the study applied and/or observed CPR, and 62% of participants did not attend any CPR course. In addition, 64.1% of the doctors were found to be aware of guidelines prepared every 5 years. Although 65.2% of the doctors who attended a course previously gave a correct answer for the question about the number of cardiac compressions during adult CPR, 47.6% of the doctors who did not attend a course gave the correct answer (p=0.014). Additionally, 71.9% of participants who attended a course previously and 51.7% of participants who did not replied correctly to the question 'What should be done immediately after defibrillation during CPR?' And also the results for the question about how many joules is necessary to begin defibrillation with a monophasic defibrillator were statistically significant according to the attendance for a CPR course (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: In this study, we have identified the lack of knowledge of the doctors about resuscitation.