Risk factors and predictive model for pulmonary complications in patients transferred to ICU after hepatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) seriously harm the recovery and prognosis of patients undergoing surgery. However, its related risk factors in critical patients after hepatectomy have been rarely reported. This study aimed at analyzing the factors related to PPCs in critical adult patients after hepatectomy and create a nomogram for prediction of the PPCs. METHODS: 503 patients' data were collected form the Peking University People's Hospital. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors to derive the nomogram. Nomogram's discriminatory ability was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration curve. RESULTS: The independent risk factor for PPCs are advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.026; P = 0.008), higher body mass index (OR = 1.139; P < 0.001), lower preoperative serum albumin level (OR = 0.961; P = 0.037), and intensive care unit first day infusion volume (OR = 1.152; P = 0.040). And based on this, we created a nomogram to predict the occurrence of PPCs. Upon assessing the nomogram's predictive ability, the AUC for the model was 0.713( 95% CI: 0.668-0.758, P<0.001). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P = 0.590) and calibration curve showed good calibration for the prediction of PPCs. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and mortality of postoperative pulmonary complications in critical adult patients after hepatectomy are high. Advanced age, higher body mass index, lower preoperative serum albumin and intensive care unit first day infusion volume were found to be significantly associated with PPCs. And we created a nomogram model which can be used to predict the occurrence of PPCs.

Association of intraocular pressure and postoperative nausea and vomiting after microvascular decompression - a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting is common in patients receiving microvascular decompression. In the current study, we examined whether postoperative nausea and vomiting is associated with reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) after microvascular decompression, a measure that reflects intracranial pressure. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study. Adult patients scheduled for microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm between January 2020 and August 2020 were eligible. IOP was measured immediately before anesthesia induction and 30 min after patients regained complete consciousness using non-contact tonometry. IOP reduction was defined by at least 1 mmHg decrease vs. preoperative baseline. The primary outcome was vomiting on postoperative day 1. RESULTS: A total of 103 subjects were enrolled. IOP was reduced in 56 (54.4%) subjects. A significantly greater proportion of patients with IOP reduction had vomiting on postoperative day 1 (51.8% (29/56) vs. 23.4% (11/47) in those without IOP reduction; p = 0.003). In the multivariate regression analysis, vomiting on postoperative day 1 was associated with female sex [odds ratio = 7.87, 95% CI: 2.35-26.32, p = 0.001] and IOP reduction [odds ratio = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.13-7.58, p = 0.027]. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing microvascular decompression surgery, postoperative IOP reduction is associated with postoperative vomiting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000029083 . Registered 13 January 2020.

Prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for patients with pernicious placenta previa: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pernicious placenta previa (PPP) can increase the risk of perioperative complications. During caesarean section in patients with adherent placenta, intraoperative blood loss, hysterectomy rate and transfusion could be reduced by interventional methods. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal hemodynamics control and neonatal outcomes of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon (PTAAB) occlusion for patients with pernicious placenta previa. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using data from the Peking University People's Hospital from January 2014 through January 2020. Clinical records of pregnant women undergoing cesarean section were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: treatment with PTAAB placement (group A) and no balloon placement (group B). Group A was further broken down into two groups: prophylactic placement (Group C) and balloon occlusion (group D). RESULTS: Clinical records of 33 cases from 5205 pregnant women underwent cesarean section were collected. The number of groups A, B, C, and D were 17, 16, 5 and 12.We found that a significant difference in the post-operative uterine artery embolism rates between group A and group B (0% vs.31.3%, p = 0.018). There was a significant difference in the Apgar scores at first minute between group A and group B (8.94 ± 1.43 vs 9.81 ± 0.75,p = 0.037),and the same significant difference between two groups in the pre-operative central placenta previa (29.4% vs. 0%,p = 0.044), complete placenta previa (58.8% vs 18.8%, p = 0.032),placenta implantation (76.5% vs 31.3%, p = 0.015). We could also observe the significant difference in the amount of blood cell (2.80 ± 2.68vs.10.66 ± 11.97, p = 0.038) and blood plasma transfusion (280.00 ± 268.32 vs. 1033.33 ± 1098.20, p = 0.044) between group C and group D. The significant differences in the preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions (0% vs 75%, p = 0.009), the intraoperative application rates of vasopressors (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission rates (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) were also kept. CONCLUSIONS: PTAAB occlusion could be useful in reducing the rate of post-operative uterine artery embolism and the amount of transfusion, and be useful in coping with patients with preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions, so as to reduce the rate of intraoperative applications of vasopressors and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission. In PPP patients with placenta implantation, central placenta previa and complete placenta previa, we advocate the utilization of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon placement.

Prevalence and multivariable factors associated with inadvertent intraoperative hypothermia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Inadvertent intraoperative hypothermia increases the risk of adverse events, but its related risk factors have not been defined in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study aimed at analyzing the prevalence and factors related to inadvertent intraoperative hypothermia in adults undergoing elective VATS under general anesthesia. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using data from the Peking University People's Hospital from January through December, 2018. Data were collected on age, sex, height, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, the duration of preparation and surgery, timing of surgery, surgery types, anesthesia types, intraoperative core temperature and the length of stay (LOS) in the hospital from the electronic database in our center. Patients were covered with a cotton blanket preoperatively and the surgical draping during the operation. A circulation-water warming mattress set to 38 °C were placed under the body of the patients. Inadvertent intraoperative hypothermia was identified as a core temperature monitored in nasopharynx < 36 °C. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors of hypothermia. RESULTS: We found that 72.7% (95% CI 70.5 to 75.0%) of 1467 adult patients who underwent VATS suffered hypothermia during surgery. The factors associated with inadvertent intraoperative hypothermia included age (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.36, p < 0.001), BMI (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.35, p < 0.001), the duration of preparation (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02, p = 0.014), the duration of surgery (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.63 to 2.70, p < 0.001), timing of surgery (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.12, p < 0.001), ambient temperature in the operating room (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.85, p = 0.001) and general anesthesia combined with paravertebral block after induction of anesthesia (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.03, p = 0.004). The average LOS in the hospital in the hypothermia group and the normothemic group was 9 days and 8 days, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the high prevalence of inadvertent intraoperative hypothermia during elective VATS and identify key risk factors including age, duration of surgery more than 2 h, surgery in the morning and general anesthesia combined with paravertebral block (PVB) after intubation. We also find that hypothermia did prolong the LOS in the hospital.

Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation assisted fiberoptic intubation in a paralyzed patient with morbid obesity and obstructive sleep apnea: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia is a major concern and cause of morbidity or mortality during tracheal intubation after anesthesia induction in a pathological obese patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We introduce a case using Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation (SJOV) to promote oxygenation/ventilation during fiberoptic intubation in a paralyzed patient with morbid obesity and OSA. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old man weighting 176 kg with BMI 53.7 kg/m2 was scheduled for gastric volume reduction surgery to reduce body weight under general anesthesia. SpO2 decreased during induction, and two hand pressured mask ventilation partial failed. We then placed WEI Nasal Jet Tube (WNJ) in the patient's right nostril to provide SJOV. Then fiberoptic bronchoscopy guided endotracheal intubation was performed via mouth approach, and vital signs were stable. The operation was successfully completed after 3 h. Patient recovered smoothly in hospital for 8 days and did not have any recall inside the operating room. CONCLUSION: SJOV via WNJ could effectively maintain adequate oxygenation/ventilation during long time fiberoptic intubation in an apnea patient with morbid obesity and OSA after partial failure of two hand pressured mask ventilation, without obvious complications. This may provide a new effective approach for difficult airway management in these patients.

Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation for obese patients under intravenous anesthesia during hysteroscopy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation (SJOV) can effectively maintain adequate oxygenation in patients with respiratory depression, even in apnea patients. However, there have been no randomized controlled clinical trials of SJOV in obese patients. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of SJOV using WEI Nasal Jet tube (WNJ) for obese patients who underwent hysteroscopy under intravenous anesthesia without endotracheal intubation. METHODS: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted. The obese patients receiving hysteroscopy under intravenous anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups: Control group maintaining oxygen supply via face masks (100% oxygen, flow at 6 L/min), the WNJ Oxygen Group with WNJ (100% oxygen, flow: 6 L/min) and the WNJ SJOV Group with SJOV via WNJ [Jet ventilator working parameters:100% oxygen supply, driving pressure (DP) 0.1 MPa, respiratory rate; (RR): 15 bpm, I/E; ratio 1:1.5]. SpO2, PETCO2, BP, HR, ECG and BIS were continuously monitored during anesthesia. Two-Diameter Method was deployed to measure cross sectional area of the gastric antrum (CSA-GA) by ultrasound before and after SJOV in the WNJ SJOV Group. Episodes of SpO2 less than 95%, PETCO2 less than 10 mmHg, depth of WNJ placement and measured CSA-GA before and after jet ventilation in the WNJ SJOV Group during the operation were recorded. The other adverse events were collected as well. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were enrolled, with two patients excluded. Demographic characteristics were similar among the three groups. Compared with the Control Group, the incidence of PETCO2 < 10 mmHg, SpO2 < 95% in the WNJ SJOV group dropped from 36 to 9% (P = 0.009),from 33 to 6% (P = 0.006) respectively,and the application rate of jaw-lift decreased from 33 to 3% (P = 0.001), and the total percentage of adverse events decreased from 36 to 12% (P = 0.004). Compared with the WNJ Oxygen Group, the use of SJOV via WNJ significantly decreased episodes of SpO2 < 95% from 27 to 6% (P = 0.023), PETCO2 < 10 mmHg from 33 to 9% (P = 0.017), respectively. Depth of WNJ placement was about 12.34 cm in WNJ SJOV Group. There was no significantly difference of CSA-GA before and after SJOV in the WNJ SJOV Group (P = 0.234). There were no obvious cases of nasal bleeding in all the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: SJOV can effectively and safely maintain adequate oxygenation in obese patients under intravenous anesthesia without intubation during hysteroscopy. This efficient oxygenation may be mainly attributed to supplies of high concentration oxygenation to the supraglottic area, and the high pressure jet pulse providing effective ventilation. Although the nasal airway tube supporting collapsed airway by WNJ also plays a role. SJOV doesn't seem to increase gastric distension and the risk of aspiration. SJOV can improve the safety of surgery by reducing the incidence of the intraoperative involuntary limbs swing, hip twist and cough. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number, ChiCTR1800017028, registered on July 9, 2018.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at different frequencies on perioperative anesthetic dosage, recovery, complications, and prognosis in video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), a non-invasive and non-pharmacological adjunctive intervention for perioperative analgesia, may also reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. The effect of TEAS on video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) patients is still unknown, however. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of TEAS of different frequency on perioperative anesthetic dosage, recovery, complications, and prognosis for patients undergoing VATS lobectomy. METHODS: Eighty VATS lobectomy patients with no previous experience of TEAS or acupuncture were randomly assigned to four groups: control (con), 2/100, 2, and 100 Hz. The last three experimental groups received TEAS at the indicated frequencies for 30 min before induction, during the operation, and for another 30 min 24 and 48 h after surgery. 2/100 Hz is a type of alternating frequency which goes between 2 and 100 Hz every 3 s. TEAS was administered over acupoints Neiguan, Hegu, Lieque, and Quchi on the sick lateral. Electrodes were applied to the patients in the control group, but no TEAS was used. Anesthetic dosage, blood gas analysis results, lung function indexes FEV1 and FVC, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) status, postoperative complications, and quality of life scores were recorded and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Intraoperative opioid consumption was lowest in the 2/100 Hz group, with statistical significance (con, P ≤ 0.001; 2 Hz, P ≤ 0.001; 100 Hz, P = 0.026). Compared with preoperative FEV1 and FVC, postoperative FEV1 and FVC were significantly lower in all groups; during one-lung ventilation, arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) decreased more slowly in the 2/100 Hz group than in the con group (P = 0.042). Moreover, in the 2/100 Hz group extubation time was shorter (P = 0.038), visual analgesia scale score lower (P = 0.047), and duration of PACU stay shorter (P = 0.043) than in the con group. In the 100 Hz group incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was lower than the con group (P = 0.044). In all groups mean postoperative physical component scores were significantly lower than mean preoperative scores. CONCLUSIONS: TEAS is a safe noninvasive adjunctive intervention for anesthesia management among patients undergoing VATS lobectomy. TEAS at 2/100 Hz can reduce intraoperative opioid dosage and slow the decrease of PaO2 during one-lung ventilation. It can also effectively reduce pain score, extubation time, and PACU stay immediately after surgery. Further, 100 Hz TEAS can reduce PONV morbidity.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation to prevent dizziness after microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dizziness often occurs after microvascular decompression (MVD), and therapeutic options are limited. The aim of this trial was to determine the potential efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), against dizziness and its safety in patients undergoing MVD. METHODS: Adult patients scheduled to undergo MVD for hemifacial spasm under total intravenous anesthesia were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive, after extubation, 30-min TEAS in the mastoid region as well as Fengchi acupoints (GB20) and Neiguan acupoints (PC6) or 30-min sham stimulation. The primary outcome was the incidence of dizziness at 2 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included dizziness, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) or headache severity, rescue medication, changes in intraocular pressure before and after surgery, length of stay, dizziness symptoms 4 weeks after discharge, and surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients (51.9 ± 9.4 years of age; 67 women) were enrolled. One patient (in the TEAS arm) was excluded from analysis due to conversion to sevoflurane anesthesia. The rate of dizziness at 2 h after surgery was 31.0 % (13/42) in the TEAS arm vs. 53.5 % (23/43) in the sham control arm (P = 0.036). TEAS was also associated with significantly lower severity of dizziness, based on a 10-point scale, during the first 24 h after surgery. None of the other secondary efficacy outcomes differed significantly between the two arms. All postoperative complications were Clavien-Dindo grade I or II. The rate of postoperative complications was 21.4 % (9/42) in the TEAS arm vs. 16.3 % (7/43) in the sham control arm (P = 0.544). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with sham control, TEAS was associated with a lower incidence of dizziness within 2 h and lower severity of dizziness within 24 h post-operatively, but no improvement in other outcomes, in adult patients undergoing MVD for hemifacial spasm.

An optimized "sTOP" strategy-based awake fiberoptic intubation for a patient with severe scoliosis after halo-pelvic traction.

Difficult Airway Society launched the new guideline for awake tracheal intubation (ATI) in adults with the goal of standardizing and promoting ATI techniques to protect the airway in 2020 (Anaesthesia, 2020;75:509). Specifically, the guideline highlighted that the key components of ATI are sedation, topicalization, oxygenation, and performance, coined "sTOP." To the best of our knowledge, anticipated difficult airway is the best indication for ATI. Patients with severe scoliosis undergoing halo-pelvic traction (HPT) are often with head and neck fixation, thereby contributing to the anticipated difficult airways. HPT was first used to fix unstable cervical vertebra segments in 1959, and gradually applied in the treatment of scoliosis (scoliosis or kyphosis Angle greater than 90 degrees is usually considered as severe scoliosis), with favorable efficacy and safety profile, and thus widely used in clinical practice (Clin Orthop Relat Res, 1973;93:179). To date, the improved HPT device usually consists of a head ring composed of 6 ~ 8 cranial nails, a pelvic ring composed of 6 ~ 8 iliac bone nails and 4 telescopic connecting rods, which can achieve all-day continuous traction. Usually, the average traction time was about 8 weeks (Chin Med J (Engt), 2012;125:1297). Our case described a planned awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) for a patient with severe scoliosis undergoing HPT via an optimized "sTOP" strategy.

5-Hydroxytryptamine and postoperative nausea and vomiting after microvascular decompression surgery.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery is high; however, its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels are elevated in patients with PONV. However, the relationship between 5-HT and patients experiencing PONV after MVD surgery is still unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that 5-HT levels are associated with PONV after MVD surgery. METHODS: This prospective study included 85 patients with hemifacial spasm who received MVD surgery. Blood samples were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and on postoperative day 1, and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected intraoperatively. 5-HT levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence and severity of PONV were evaluated at 2, 6, and 24 h after MVD surgery. RESULTS: In the multivariate regression analysis, PONV within 24 h after MVD surgery was associated with elevated cerebrospinal fluid 5-HT levels [odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.45, p = 0.044], and reduction of intraocular pressure [OR = 11.54, 95% CI: 1.43-92.84, p = 0.022]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.873 (95% CI: 0.77-0.98, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study found that the cerebrospinal fluid 5-HT levels is an independent risk factor for PONV within 24 h after MVD surgery.

[Effect of flurbiprofen combined different concentrations of ropivacaine local infiltration on postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy using intravenous flurbiprofen combined with different concentrations of ropivacaine incision infiltration. METHODS: Eighty patients who underwent traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy received standard general anesthesia. At the end of surgery, patients were randomly divided into four groups: group Con (control group: no analgesics was administered, n=20); group F (flurbiprofen group: 100 mg of flurbiprofen was given intravenously with no incision infiltration, n=20); group FR(0.25) (100 mg of flurbiprofen was given intravenously, combined with 0.25% ropivacaine incision infiltration, 2 mL per incision, 6 mL in total, n=20) and group FR(0.5) (100 mg of flurbiprofen was given intravenously, combined with 0.5% ropivacaine incision infiltration, 2 mL per incision, 6 mL in total, n=20). The intensity of postoperative pain was evaluated using numeric rating scale (NRS) in a double-blinded manner. Intramuscularly 50 mg of meperidin was administered as rescue medication when NRS was above 4. The NRS and the associated side effects were observed and recorded at the end of 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively (T(0 h)h,T(2 h),T(6 h),T(12 h),T(24 h),and T(48 h)). RESULTS: There was no obvious difference among the four groups in respect of gender, age, body weight, baseline blood pressure, heart rate(HR), and total doses of sufentanil and remifentanil during operation and surgical time(P>0.05).There were significant differences among group FR(0.25)(2.34 ± 0.89,3.01 ± 1.27,2.79 ± 0.94), group FR(0.5)(2.42 ± 0.79, 2.69 ± 0.96, 2.03 ± 0.87)and group Con(3.42 ± 1.23, 5.98 ± 1.46, 4.53 ± 0.92)in NRS at T(2 h), T(6 h), and T(12 h)(P<0.05).Systolic blood pressures (SBP) of patients in group FR(0.25) [(114.19 ± .74) mmHg,(108.31 ± 7.62) mmHg) and group FR(0.5) [(115.26 ± 8.95) mmHg,(111.25 ± 9.12) mmHg] were significantly lower than those of patients in group Con [(137.11 ± 8.71) mmHg,(125.16 ± 8.92) mmHg] at T(2 h) and T(6 h)(P<0.05). Compared with group Con [(81.24 ± 6.64) beats/min], heart rate(HR) was also lower in patients of group FR(0.25) [(69.14 ± 5.92) beats/min] and group FR(0.5) [(70.16 ± 5.25) beats/min] at T(6 h)(P<0.05). There was no obvious adverse effect in all the four groups. CONCLUSION: Intravenous flurbiprofen combined with ropivacaine infiltration could significantly reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, providing more stable hemodynamics. Compared with 0.25% ropivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine infiltration combined with intravenous flurbiprofen has better and longer analgesic effects.

[Progress of researches on mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for lowering blood pressure].

Acupuncture treatment can regulate blood pressure (BP) through multiple levels and ways. In the present paper, we reviewed the progress of researches on the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in lowering BP from 1) regulation of activities of the neuroendocrine, 2) improvement of metabolic abnormality, and 3) alternation of gene expression in the heart and BP-regulation-related centers of the brain. The neuroendocrine mechanism mainly involves the inhibition of neuroinflammatory reaction in some higher brain regions, reduction of neuronal apoptosis, and suppression of the sympathetic cardiovascular regulatory functional areas of the brain stem, regulation of neurotransmitters and autonomic balance, activation of brain areas related to BP regulation, and promotion of functional connection between brain networks. The improvement of metabolic abnormality mainly refers to amelioration of imbalance of intestinal flora and target metabolites related to hypertension. The alteration of gene expression mainly manifests as up- and down-regulation of expression of genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and vascular endothelial function in the myocardium, hypothalamus, rostral ventrolateral medulla. We reviewed the new research progress on the mechanism of acupuncture for hypertension, in order to provide evidence and research ideas for the treatment of related cardiovascular diseases by using acupuncture therapy in the future.

Ultrasonic Characteristics and Severity Assessment of Lung Ultrasound in COVID-19 Pneumonia in Wuhan, China: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

The clinical application of lung ultrasound (LUS) in the assessment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia severity remains limited. Herein, we investigated the role of LUS imaging in COVID-19 pneumonia patients and the relationship between LUS findings and disease severity. This was a retrospective, observational study at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, on 48 recruited patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, including 32 non-critically ill patients and 16 critically ill patients. LUS was performed and the respiratory rate oxygenation (ROX) index, disease severity, and confusion, blood urea nitrogen, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age (CURB-65) score were recorded on days 0-7, 8-14, and 15-21 after symptom onset. Lung images were divided into 12 regions, and the LUS score (0-36 points) was calculated. Chest computed tomography (CT) scores (0-20 points) were also recorded on days 0-7. Correlations between the LUS score, ROX index, and CURB-65 scores were examined. LUS detected COVID-19 pneumonia in 38 patients. LUS signs included B lines (34/38, 89.5%), consolidations (6/38, 15.8%), and pleural effusions (2/38, 5.3%). Most cases showed more than one lesion (32/38, 84.2%) and involved both lungs (28/38, 73.7%). Compared with non-critically ill patients, the LUS scores of critically ill patients were higher (12 (10-18) vs 2 (0-5), p < 0.001). The LUS score showed significant negative correlations with the ROX index on days 0-7 (r = -0.85, p < 0.001), days 8-14 (r = -0.71, p < 0.001), and days 15-21 (r = -0.76, p < 0.001) after symptom onset. However, the LUS score was positively correlated with the CT score (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). The number of patients with LUS-detected lesions decreased from 27 cases (81.8%) to 20 cases (46.5%), and the LUS scores significantly decreased from 4 (2-10) to 0 (0-5) (p < 0.001) from days 0-7 to 17-21. We conclude that LUS can detect lung lesions in COVID-19 pneumonia patients in a portable, real-time, and safe manner. Thus, LUS is helpful in assessing COVID-19 pneumonia severity in critically ill patients.

Effectiveness of the Baska mask versus the i-gel device in adult patients under general anesthesia: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to evaluate the ease of use, effectiveness of airway management, and incidence of perioperative complications of the Baska mask compared to the i-gel device in adult patients undergoing elective procedures with general anesthesia. INTRODUCTION: Supraglottic airway devices have been widely used for airway management in patients undergoing various surgical procedures under general anesthesia. The Baska mask and the i-gel device are two commonly used second-generation supraglottic airway devices that offer a noninvasive alternative to the endotracheal tube given the ease of insertion, rapidity, low risk of postoperative complications, and reduced autonomic imbalance during insertion. However, there is a dearth of studies comparing the clinical performance of these two devices. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider studies with adults aged 18 years or older who underwent elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia and received ventilation with the Baska mask or i-gel. Only randomized controlled trials comparing the two devices will be considered. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, OpenGrey, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses will be searched to identify both published and unpublished studies. Titles and abstracts will be screened to identify potentially relevant papers. Retrieval of full-text studies, assessment of methodological quality, and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Data will be synthesized using statistical meta-analysis with heterogeneity of data being assessed using the standard chi-squared and I2 tests, if possible. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020168774.

WEI nasal jet tube during monitored anaesthesia care for removal of oesophageal foreign body for a patient with fragile cardiopulmonary function.

This manuscript reports a case of foreign body removal surgery and anaesthesia of an elderly patient with a challenging airway and fragile cardiopulmonary function. WEI Nasal Jet Tube (WNJ) was used to sustain sufficient oxygenation without interfering with the gastroscopy operation. Because the device could be well tolerated by the patient, it was beneficial to maintain circulation stability as well. This case was a considerable anaesthetic challenge, as the anaesthesia depth for the patient was difficult to manage.

[Prewarming effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation preconditioning in patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the prewarming effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) preconditioning of Dazhui (GV14) and Mingmen (GV4) in patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, so as to determine whether TAES can improve intraoperative hypothermia. METHODS: A total of 80 patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy were randomly divided into TAES group (40 cases) and control group (40 cases). Before surgery, all the patients were transferred to the fixed area of an anesthetic preparation room by using a surgery cart carrying the same temperature sheets and quilts before surgery. TAES (2 Hz/100 Hz, 20-30 mA) was applied to Dazhui (GV14) and Mingmen (GV4) for 30 min for patients of the TAES group and the same sheet electrodes of EA stimulator were only attached to GV14 and GV 4 without electrical current transmission for patients in the control group. Then, these patients in the two groups were transferred to the operation room and treated by total intravenous anesthesia, and their anesthetic depth was monitored with bispectral index (BIS, between 45-60) and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PETCO2, between 30-45 mmHg). The auricular tympanic temperature was monitored, and when the temperature was below 35.5 ℃, forced-air blanket was used to warm the patient as the remedial measure. The same temperature of operation room, surgical drape, infusion solution and pleural lavage fluid were controlled. The patients' body temperature in the preparation room and operation room during surgery, incidence of hypothemia, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), duration of anesthesia, duration of operation, blood loss volume, urine output, total infusion volume, recovery (awaking) time, and chills during recovery were recorded. RESULTS: The body temperature of patients in the TAES group was significantly higher than that in the control group at the time of entering the operation room (P<0.05). The incidence of chills during recovery was obviously lower in the TAES group (3/40,7.5%) than in the control group (7/40, 17.5%, P<0.05), and the recovery time was significantly shorter in the TAES group than in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia, the duration of anesthesia and operation, blood loss volume, urine output, total infusion volume, BP and HR (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: TAES preconditioning of GV14 and GV4 can produce prewarming effect before anesthesia, shorten the awaking time and reduce the incidence of chills in the recovery period in patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.

[Effect of Transcutaneous Acupoint Electrical Stimulation on Hemodynamic Fluctuation Caused by Loosing Tourniquet in Elderly Patients Undergoing Knee Joint Replacement].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) on hemodynamic fluctuation caused by loosing tourniquet in the elderly patients undergoing knee joint replacement. METHODS: A total of 60 ASA (America Society Anesthesiologist) I or II elderly patients for elective knee joint replacement surgery were randomly divided into control group (30 cases) and TAES group (30 cases). Patients of both groups were treated by intravenous anesthesia, and monitored with bispectral index (BIS, between 45－60) for anesthesia depth, stroke volume variation (SVV) for fluid management, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac index (CI) for hemodynamic fluctuation evaluation, and with analgesia nociception index (ANI, between 50－70) for remifentanil dosage adjustment. TAES (2 Hz/100 Hz, 8－20 mA) was applied to bilateral Xinshu (BL 15), Feishu (BL 13), Neiguan (PC 6) and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints for 30 min first (followed by anesthesia induction and operation), and given continuously until 15 min after tourniquet loosing. Patients of the control group were only given with electrodes attachment without electrical stimulation. The levels of MAP, CI, and arterial blood pH, PaCO2, PaO2, base excess (BE) and lactic acid (Lac) 1 min before, and 5 and 15 min after tourniquet loosing, and the dosages of remifentanil and ephedrine after tourniquet loosing were recorded. RESULTS: The changed levels of MAP, CI and blood Lac at 5 min after tourniquet loosing (relevant to the baseline levels), and blood Lac content at 15 min after tourniquet loosing (relevant to 5 min after tourniquet loosing) were significantly lower in the TAES group than in the control group (P<0.05), but the levels of MAP and CI at 15 min after tourniquet loosing (relevant to 5 min following tourniquet loosing) were significantly higher in the TAES group than in the control group (P<0.05), suggesting an improvement of blood pressure, cardiac function and substance metabolism after TAES. Moreover, the dosages of remifentanil and ephedrine after tourniquet loosing were considerably lower in the TAES group than in the control group (P<0.05), suggesting a better stabilization of hemodynamics after TAES. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the levels of blood pH, PaCO2, PaO2 and BE at 5 and 15 min after tourniquet loosing (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TAES has a positive effect on hemodynamics fluctuation caused by loosing tourniquet in the aged patients undergoing knee joint replacement.