Assessment of potential predictors affecting preoperative anxiety in Indian children- A prospective observational study.

Background and Aims: Preoperative anxiety is a common problem among children undergoing surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and identify various predictors of preoperative anxiety in Indian children. Material and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted on 60 children of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical status 1/2, aged 2-6 years and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Preoperative parental anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. The children's anxiety was assessed in the preoperative room, at the time of parental separation, and at the induction of anesthesia using modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) scoring by an anesthesiologist and a psychologist. Sedative premedication was employed prior to parental separation. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the possible predictors of anxiety. Results: The incidence of high preoperative anxiety among the studied children was 76% in the preoperative room, 93% during parental separation, and 96% during anesthetic induction. Among the nine possible predictors identified on univariate regression, the presence of siblings was found to be a significant independent predictor on multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.04). The inter-rater agreement was excellent for the assessment of preoperative anxiety using mYPAS by the anesthesiologist and psychologist (weighted Kappa, k = 0.79). Conclusion: The incidence of preoperative anxiety in Indian children in the age group of 2-6 years is very high. The preop anxiety escalates progressively at parental separation and induction of anesthesia despite sedative premedication. The presence of siblings is a significant predictor of preoperative anxiety.

Quality of recovery and analgesia after total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial of TAP block vs epidural analgesia vs parenteral medications.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Parenteral analgesics and epidural analgesia are two standard options to treat postoperative pain after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). Fascial plane blocks such as transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block have gained popularity recently. However, effect of these analgesic regimens on quality of postoperative recovery (QoR) has not been studied. Hence we aimed to assess and compare the QoR with three different postoperative analgesic regimens---parenteral analgesia, epidural analgesia, and TAP block in patients undergoing TAH under general anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty female patients undergoing TAH were randomized into three groups of 20 each for postoperative analgesia. Epidural group received boluses of 0.125% bupivacaine for 24 h, parenteral group received injection diclofenac and injection tramadol alternately every 6 h for 24 h, and TAP group received bilateral TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine at end of operation. QoR was assessed postoperatively by 40-item questionnaire-QOR-40 and pain was assessed by numerical rating scale (NRS). RESULTS: QOR-40 score was comparable across the three groups at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively. TAP block prolonged the time to first rescue analgesic (P = 0.02) and reduced the total 24-h postoperative morphine consumption by 2.4 (95% CI: 1.0, 3.8) mg (P = 0.002) and 7.8 (95% CI: 6.4, 9.1) mg (P < 0.001) when compared with epidural and parenteral groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The QoR after abdominal hysterectomy is similar with either intravenous analgesics or epidural analgesia or TAP block when used with rescue analgesia to manage postoperative pain. TAP block provides superior analgesia and reduces 24-h morphine consumption when compared with parenteral and epidural analgesia.

Comparison of propofol and desflurane for postanaesthetic morbidity in patients undergoing surgery for aneurysmal SAH: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Surgery for aneurysmal clipping after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) poses a unique anaesthetic challenge. However, data on the influence of anaesthetic agents in these patients are lacking. The study aims to evaluate the superiority of propofol over desflurane for postanaesthetic morbidity in patients undergoing surgery following aneurysmal SAH. METHODS: Seventy World Federation of Neurosurgeons Grade I and II patients were randomized into propofol (n = 35) and desflurane groups (n = 35). Anaesthesia was maintained with propofol/fentanyl in propofol group and desflurane/fentanyl in the desflurane group. Jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjVO2) and brain relaxation were assessed intraoperatively. Time to eye opening, response to verbal commands, and extubation were noted from the time of discontinuing the anaesthetic agent. Duration of postoperative hospital stay and modified Rankin score (MRS) at discharge were subsequently compared. RESULTS: Median postoperative hospital stay was 9 (6, 14) days with use of propofol and 9 (7, 12) days in desflurane group (P = 0.671). 18 patients in the propofol group and 14 patients in the desflurane group had good outcome (modified Rankin score 0-1; P = 0.453). Both the anaesthetics were similar in terms of intraoperative haemodynamics, brain relaxation, time to eye opening, response to verbal commands, and extubation time (P > 0.05). Emergence hypertension was more in the desflurane group (P = 0.007). The intraoperative SjVO2 values were significantly higher in the desflurane group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Propofol and desflurane are comparable in terms of postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing aneurysm neck clipping following SAH.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting in neurosurgical patients: Current concepts and management.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a significant complication for neurosurgical patients. PONV affects patient satisfaction, prolongs hospital stay, and increases the economic burden and morbidity. In addition to these problems, there are certain consequences of PONV specific to the craniotomy, including increased intracranial pressure and increased risk of tumor bed hematoma formation. Expert panels have suggested that, if the consequences of PONV are deleterious to the patients, then prophylaxis should be instituted. This article describes the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, and management of PONV in neurosurgery patients as per the recent guidelines.

Comparison of different routes of administration of clonidine for analgesia following anterior cruciate ligament repair.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A high percentage of patients undergoing arthroscopic repairs on day care basis complain of inadequate postoperative pain relief. Clonidine was evaluated for the best route as an adjuvant in regional anesthesia in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair to prolong analgesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blinded study was planned in a tertiary care hospital in North India in which 85 American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients undergoing ACL repair were enrolled. All groups received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally as in control group C. Group IT received intrathecal 1 µg/kg of clonidine along with hyperbaric bupivacaine, group IA received 0.25% bupivacaine and 1 µg/kg clonidine intra-articularly, and group NB received 0.25% bupivacaine and 1 µg/kg clonidine in femoro-sciatic nerve block (FSNB). Postoperative pain free interval and block characteristics were the primary outcomes studied. RESULTS: Pain-free duration was 546.90 (±93.66) min in group NB (P < 0.001) in comparison to 234.90 (±20.99), 367.80 (±47.40) and 172.20 (±54.82) min in groups IA, IT and C, respectively. Sensory block and motor blockade in NB were 474.90 (±43.80) and 267.40 (±34.59) min, respectively, and were significantly prolonged (P > 0.001) in comparison to other groups. The mean rescue analgesic requirement and cumulative frequency of rescue analgesia were least in group NB, followed by groups IT, IA and C. CONCLUSION: Clonidine is safe and effective adjuvant with bupivacaine in prolonging analgesia through various routes employed for post knee surgery pain. The maximum prolongation of analgesia is achieved through FSNB with a risk of prolonging postanesthesia care unit stay.

Comparison of the effects of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) on postoperative analgesia and intraoperative hemodynamics in patients undergoing spine surgery: A prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial.

Background: Opioids form the basis of perioperative pain management but are associated with multiple side effects. In opioid-free anesthesia (OFA), several non-opioid drugs or neuraxial/regional blocks are used as substitutes for opioids. Ketamine, a N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist, provides intense analgesia. However, there is a shortage of literature on the effects of ketamine-based OFA on hemodynamics (HD) and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracolumbar spine surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial included 60 adult patients. The patients in Group OFA (n = 30) received OFA with ketamine and ketofol (1:5) infusion, and those in Group OBA (n = 30) received opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) with fentanyl and propofol infusion. The postoperative pain-free period, pain scores, rescue analgesia, intraoperative HDs, and postoperative complications were assessed. Results: The mean pain-free period in Group OFA (9.86 ± 1.43 hr) was significantly higher than that in Group OBA (6.93 ± 1.93 hr) (P = 0.002). During the postoperative 48 hours, the total requirement of fentanyl was considerably lower in Group OFA (P < 0.05). There was a significantly higher incidence of hypertension in Group OFA (46%) and hypotension (43%) in Group OBA (43%), respectively. Postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV) was more common in Group OBA at the 2nd and 6th hr (P = 0.046 and P = 0.038). Conclusion: OFA with ketamine and ketofol provided adequate postoperative analgesia with a lower incidence of PONV after spine surgery. However, hypertension in the ketamine group and hypotension in the propofol group required fine titration of the infusion rate of drugs during the intraoperative period.

Hyperosmolar Therapy in Elderly Neurosurgical Patients: Comparison of the Effect of Mannitol (20%) and Hypertonic Saline (3%) on Advanced Cardiovascular Parameters Using Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Osmotherapeutic agents increase the intravascular volume by withdrawing water from the brain followed by relative hypovolemia due to diuresis leading to significant changes in systemic hemodynamics which might have adverse consequences in the elderly. We studied the effect of mannitol (20%) and hypertonic saline (HTS) (3%) on left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT-VTI) and cardiac output (CO) in elderly patients undergoing supratentorial neurosurgical procedures using transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS: We recruited 28 patients aged above 65 years undergoing supratentorial craniotomy who received equiosmolar solutions of 5.35 ml/kg of 3% HTS (group HS, n = 14) or 5 ml/kg of 20% mannitol (group M, n = 14). LVOT-VTI was recorded at baseline, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes postinfusion and CO was derived. We also recorded heart rate, blood pressure, fluid balance, brain relaxation, vasopressor use, complications, and neurological outcome. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in LVOT-VTI at 45, and 60 minutes in group M as compared to group HS [mean (standard deviation), 16.76 (1.81) vs. 20.78 (1.87), P < 0.001, 17.4 (2.38) vs. 19.16 (2), P = 0.044, respectively]. We also found a corresponding significant fall in CO [3863.16 (845.87) vs. 4745.59 (1209.33) ml/minute, P = 0.034] and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.039), at 45 minutes in group M. Urine output was higher in group M (P < 0.001). All other parameters were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: HTS appears to be associated with better systemic hemodynamics (LVOT-VTI, CO) while providing equivalent brain relaxation as mannitol in elderly patients. A future larger study is required to confirm our preliminary findings.

Comparison of propofol and desflurane for postoperative neurocognitive function in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A prospective randomized trial.

Background: Following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, 40-50% of survivors experience cognitive dysfunction, which affects their quality of life. Anesthetic agents play a pivotal role in aneurysm surgeries. However, substantial evidence regarding their effects on neurocognitive function is lacking. This study evaluated the effects of propofol and desflurane on postoperative neurocognitive function and serum S-100B levels. Methods: One hundred patients were equally randomized to receive either propofol (Group P) or desflurane (Group D). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale at three different time points: Preoperatively, at the time of discharge, and one month after surgery. Perioperative serum levels of S-100B were also measured. Results: The preoperative mean cognitive score in Group P was 21.64 + 4.46 and in Group D was 21.66 + 4.07 (P = 0.79). At discharge, a significant decrease in cognitive scores was observed compared to preoperative scores (Group P- 20.91 + 3.94, P = 0.03 and Group D-19.28 + 4.22, P = 0.00); however, scores were comparable between the two groups (P = 0.09). One month following surgery, mean cognitive scores were 22.63 + 3.57 in Group P and 20.74 + 3.89 in Group D, and the difference was significant (P = 0.04). Higher memory and orientation scores were observed in Group P than in Group D at one month (P < 0.05) in the subgroup analysis. Both groups had similar serum S-100B levels. Conclusion: The mean cognitive scores one month after surgery improved significantly with propofol compared with desflurane, but without clinical significance. Individual domain analysis demonstrated that orientation and memory scores were better preserved with propofol.

Comparison of Response First Technique with Reversal First Technique for Quality of Extubation in Patients Undergoing Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Early and smooth extubation following anesthesia is an important concern in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery to permit early neurological evaluation and prevent complications. The aim was to compare the RESPONSE FIRST and REVERSAL FIRST techniques for quality of extubation (QOE) in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. METHODS: Fifty-six patients aged 18-60 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Statuses I-II, and undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors were randomized into either the RESPONSE FIRST group, in which neuromuscular reversal was given following the patient's response to oral commands, or the REVERSAL FIRST group, in which reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) was given at the return of spontaneous respiration. QOE was the primary outcome. Hemodynamic response, jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjVO2), time to extubation, and awareness during emergence were assessed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The QOE in the RESPONSE FIRST group was significantly better than the REVERSAL FIRST group (mean (interquartile range (IQR)), 18 (17-19) vs 14 (12-14.75), P < 0.001). Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were better in the RESPONSE FIRST group when compared to the REVERSAL FIRST group at the time of extubation, at 5 minutes, and 15 minutes following extubation (P < 0.05). SjVO2values were higher in the REVERSAL FIRST group as compared to the RESPONSE FIRST group during extubation and at 5 minutes after extubation (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the time to extubation between the groups (P = 0.73). CONCLUSION: The RESPONSE FIRST technique is associated with better QOE and preservation of systemic and cerebral hemodynamics during extubation in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery when compared to the REVERSAL FIRST technique.

Effect of Fluid Therapy on Acid-Base Balance in Patients Undergoing Clipping for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives Neurosurgical patients often receive 0.9% normal saline (NS) during the perioperative period. Theoretically, a balanced salt solution (BSS) is better than 0.9% saline. We compared the effects of two different fluids on acid-base balance, renal function, and neurological outcome in patients who underwent clipping following subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Materials and Methods Patients in group NS ( n = 30) received 0.9% saline and group BSS ( N = 30) received BSS (Plasmalyte-A) in the perioperative period for 48 hours. Comparison of arterial pH, bicarbonate, and base deficit measured preoperatively, intraoperatively (first and second hour), and postoperatively (at 24 and 48 hours) was the primary outcome of the study. The secondary outcome compared serum electrolytes, renal function tests, urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), serum cystatin C, and the neurological outcome using modified Rankin score (MRS) at discharge, 1, and 3 months. Results In group NS, significantly low pH at 1-hour intraoperative period was seen compared with group BSS (7.37 ± 0.06 vs. 7.40 ± 0.05, p = 0.024). The bicarbonate level in group NS was significantly lower and the base deficit was higher at second intraoperative hour (bicarbonate: 17.49 vs. 21.99 mEq/L, p = 0.001; base deficit: 6.41 mmol/L vs. 1.89 mmol/L, p = 0.003) and at 24 hours post-surgery (bicarbonate: 20.38 vs. 21.96 mEq/L, p = 0.012; base deficit: 3.56 mmol/L vs. 2.12 mmol/L, p = 0.034)). Serum creatinine was higher in group NS at 24 hours (0.66 vs. 0.52 mg/dL, p = 0.013) and 48 hours (0.62 vs. 0.53 mg/dL, p = 0.047). Serum urea, electrolytes, cystatin, urine NGAL, and MRS were comparable. Conclusion In neurosurgical patients undergoing clipping for ruptured intracranial aneurysm, using a BSS during the perioperative period is associated with a better acid-base and renal profile. However, the biomarkers of kidney injury and long-term outcomes were comparable.

The Role of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 as a Predictor of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is one of the major causes of a poor neurological outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Several biomarkers, including matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), have been evaluated to predict the development of DCI for timely management. This prospective cohort study was done on 98 patients with aSAH presenting within 72 h of the ictus. Serum samples were collected preoperatively, 7 days after ictus, 10 days after ictus, or when the patient developed DCI, whichever was earlier. The primary objective was to correlate the serum MMP-9 levels with the development of DCI. The secondary objectives were to correlate the serum MMP-9 levels with sonographic vasospasm and the neurological outcome. There was no correlation between the serum MMP-9 levels and the development of DCI (p = 0.37). Similarly, there was no correlation between the serum MMP-9 levels and the sonographic vasospasm (0.05) nor with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge (p = 0.27), mRS at 3 months (p = 0.22), and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) at 3 months (p = 0.15). Serum MMP-9 levels do not predict the development of DCI following aSAH.

Effect of Peri-operative Blood Transfusion on Neurological Outcome Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and is associated with unfavorable outcomes. Whether the physiological benefits of transfusion for anemia surpass the risk of blood transfusion remains to be determined. OBJECTIVES: The primary outcome was to evaluate the impact of peri-operative blood transfusion on the long-term neurological outcome, assessed by Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended at 3 months. The secondary outcomes included the impact of transfusion on the short-term neurological outcome, assessed by Modified Rankin Score at discharge/7 days, and on the incidence of vasospasm, infarction, re-exploration, tracheostomy, and length of hospital stay. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on 185 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage undergoing clipping of the aneurysmal neck. In our study, blood transfusion was administered to keep the target Hb around 10 g/dL. RESULTS: Unfavorable long-term outcome was found in 27/97 (28%) of patients who received a blood transfusion as compared to 13/74 (18%) of patients who did not receive a transfusion (P = 0.116). Patients receiving transfusion had more chances of an unfavorable outcome at discharge/7 days as compared to those not transfused [44/103 (43%) versus 22/80 (27%)], P = 0.025. There were increased chances of vasospasm, infarction, re-exploration, tracheostomy, and increased length of hospital stay in patients receiving transfusion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of blood transfusion in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage was associated with increased neurological complications and hence an unfavorable short-term outcome. However, when used judiciously as per the clinical requirements, blood transfusion did not have a significant effect on long-term neurological outcome.

Comparison of low-dose ketamine to midazolam for sedation during pediatric urodynamic study.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of sedation during pediatric urodynamic studies (UDS) is a calm and cooperative child while not affecting measurements. We compared the effectiveness of midazolam to low-dose ketamine infusion for sedation and their impact on urodynamics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ASA-I children undergoing UDS were randomly assigned to group K (ketamine) loading dose (0.25 mg·kg(-1)) followed by infusion of 10-20 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1) or group M (midazolam) loading dose of (0.02 mg·kg(-1)) followed by 1-2 µg·kg(-1) ·min(-1). The sedation scores and reactivity to catheterization were monitored by Children Hospital of Wisconsin Sedation Scale and Frankl Behavior Rating Scale, respectively. The UDS included two-channel filling cystometry in supine position followed by a free uroflowmetry in sitting position. The UDS was performed and interpreted in accordance with good urodynamic practice guidelines of International Continence Society (2002). RESULTS: A total of 34 children were enrolled. Group K children (n = 17) attained sedation earlier 6.80 (±3.36) min vs. 9.40 (±2.82) min; (P = 0.03) than group M (n = 17) and also recovered earlier 11.60 (±3.13) min vs. 19.67 (±5.49) min (P = 0.01). Reactivity scores during urinary and rectal catheterization were lower in group K (P = 0.03 and 0.01), respectively. Historical UDS data of 21 participants were available for comparison with effect of medication. None of the study drugs affected UDS parameters significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam or low-dose ketamine provide satisfactory sedation during pediatric UDS without impacting urodynamic values.

Magnetic Resonance Tractography and Intraoperative Direct Electrical Stimulation in Eloquent Area Glioma Surgery for 102 Cases: A Tertiary Care Center Experience From Northwest India.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery of eloquent area gliomas is challenging and requires monitoring of the nearby white fiber tracts. In the present study, we analyzed 102 patients with eloquent region gliomas and discussed the concept of intraoperative dynamic white fiber tract navigation and monitoring. METHODS: A total of 102 patients with an eloquent area glioma (52 insular, 29 motor area, 21 temporoparietal) were evaluated. The position of the white fiber tracts (corticospinal tract [or motor fiber; CST], inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus [ventral language fiber; IFOF], superior longitudinal fasciculus [SLF], and arcuate fasciculus [dorsal language fiber; AF) was recorded. Awake mapping of the cortical and subcortical eloquent structures was performed for all 102 patients. The suction stimulator was coregistered and used as a dynamic stimulator navigator. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients, 60 were men and 42 were women, with an average age of 39.8 years. Most of the white fiber tracts were normal (CST, 31.3%; IFOF, 39.2%; SLF/AF, 40.19%) or displaced (CST, 59.8%; IFOF, 47.05%; AF/SLF, 44.11%). A few were disrupted (CST, 8.8%; IFOF, 13.7%; SLF/AF, 15.7%). The extent of tumor resection was 82.8%, 86.5%, and 94% for those with insular glioma, motor area glioma, and temporoparietal glioma, respectively. Of the 102 patients, 18 had developed transient speech and language disturbances with improvement, and 14 had developed motor deficits, of whom, all except for 2, had shown gradual improvement. When the dynamic suction stimulator navigator was used, the extent of resection was 96.5%, without any added deficits. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intraoperative neuronavigation and neurophysiological assessment can help achieve maximal tumor resection of eloquent area gliomas. Use of the integrated suction stimulator navigator provided dynamic navigation and mapping of the peritumoral eloquent fibers.

Propofol versus Desflurane in Moyamoya Disease Patients-A Pilot Study.

Objectives The choice of inhalational or intravenous anesthetic agents is debatable in neurosurgical patients. Desflurane, a cerebral vasodilator, may be advantageous in ischemic cerebral pathologies. Hence, we planned to compare desflurane and propofol in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) with the objective of comparing neurological outcomes. Materials and Methods This prospective pilot trial was initiated after institutional ethics committee approval. Patients with MMD undergoing revascularization surgery were randomized into two groups receiving either desflurane or propofol intraoperatively. Neurological outcomes were assessed using a modified Rankin score (mRS) at discharge and an extended Glasgow outcome score (GOS-E) at 1 month. Intraoperative parameters, including hemodynamic parameters, end-tidal carbon dioxide, entropy, intraoperative brain relaxation scores (BRS), and rescue measures for brain relaxation, were compared. Statistical Analysis The normality of quantitative data was checked using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests of normality. Normally distributed data were compared using unpaired t -tests, skewed data using Mann-Whitney U tests, and categorical variables using chi-squared tests. Results A total of 17 patients were randomized, 10 in the desflurane and 7 in the propofol group. mRS (1.3 ± 0.6 and 1.14 ± 0.4, p = 0.450) and GOS-E (6.7 ± 0.6 and 6.85 ± 0.5, p = 0.45) were comparable between desflurane and propofol groups, respectively. BRS was significantly higher in the desflurane group (3.6 ± 0.5) compared to the propofol group (2.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.001), with a significant number of patients requiring rescue measures in the desflurane group (70%, p < 0.001). Other outcome parameters were comparable ( p > 0.05). Conclusion We conclude that postoperative neurological outcomes were comparable with using either an anesthetic agent, desflurane, or propofol in MMD patients undergoing revascularization surgery. Maintenance of anesthesia with propofol had significantly superior surgical field conditions.

Assessment of impaired cerebral autoregulation and its correlation with neurological outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A prospective and observational study.

Background: Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is crucial for the maintenance of cerebral homeostasis. It can be assessed by measuring transient hyperemic response ratio (THRR) using transcranial Doppler (TCD). We aimed at assessing the incidence of impaired CA (ICA) and its correlation with the neurological outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods: One hundred consecutive patients with aSAH scheduled for aneurysmal clipping were enrolled in this prospective and observational study. Preoperative and consecutive 5-day postoperative THRR measurements were taken. Primary objective of the study was to detect the incidence of ICA and its correlation with vasospasm (VS) postclipping, and neurological outcome at discharge and 1, 3, and 12 months was secondary objectives. Results: ICA (THRR < 1.09) was observed in 69 patients preoperatively, 74 patients on the 1st and 2nd postoperative day, 76 patients on 3rd postoperative day, and 78 patients on 4th and 5th postoperative day. Significant VS was seen in 13.4% and 61.5% of patients with intact THRR and deranged THRR, respectively (P < 0.000). Out of 78 patients who had ICA, 42 patients (53.8%) at discharge, 60 patients (76.9%) at 1 month, 54 patients (69.2%) at 3 month, and 55 patients (70.5%) at 12 months had unfavorable neurological outcome significantly more than those with preserved CA. Conclusion: Incidence of ICA assessed in aSAH patients varies from 69% to 78% in the perioperative period. The deranged CA was associated with significantly poor neurological outcome. Therefore, CA assessment using TCD-based THRR provides a simple, noninvasive bedside approach for predicting neurological outcome in aSAH.

Ketofol as an Anesthetic Agent in Patients With Isolated Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective, Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects of ketofol (propofol and ketamine admixture) on systemic hemodynamics and outcomes in patients undergoing emergency decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury (TBI) are unknown and explored in this study. METHODS: Fifty patients with moderate/severe TBI were randomized to receive ketofol (n=25) or propofol (n=25) for induction and maintenance of anesthesia during TBI surgery. Intraoperative hemodynamic stability was assessed by continuous measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and need for rescue interventions to maintain MAP within 20% of baseline. Brain relaxation scores, serum biomarker-glial fibrillary acidic protein levels, and extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at 30 and 90 days after discharge were also explored. RESULTS: MAP was lower and hemodynamic fluctuations more frequent in patients receiving propofol compared with those receiving ketofol (P<0.05). MAP fell >20% below baseline in 22 (88%) patients receiving propofol and in 10 (40%) receiving ketofol (P=0.001), with a greater requirement for vasopressors (80% vs. 24%, respectively; P=0.02). Intraoperative brain relaxation scores and GOSE at 30 and 90 day were similar between groups. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was lower in the ketofol group (3.31±0.43 ng/mL) as compared with the propofol (3.41±0.17 ng/mL; P=0.01) group on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Compared with propofol, ketofol for induction and maintenance of anesthesia during decompressive surgery in patients with moderate/severe TBI was associated with improved hemodynamic stability, lower vasopressor requirement, and similar brain relaxation.

Comparison of Effects of Propofol and Sevoflurane on the Cerebral Vasculature Assessed by Digital Subtraction Angiographic Parameters in Patients Treated for Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have evaluated the effects of volatile and intravenous anesthetic agents on the cerebral vasculature with inconsistent results. We used digital subtraction angiography to compare the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on the luminal diameter of cerebral vessels and on cerebral transit time in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). METHODS: This prospective preliminary study included adult patients with good-grade aSAH scheduled for endovascular coil embolization; patients were randomized to receive propofol or sevoflurane anesthesia during endovascular coiling. The primary outcome was the luminal diameter of 7 cerebral vessel segments measured on the diseased and nondiseased sides of the brain at 3 time points: awake, postinduction of anesthesia, and postcoiling. Cerebral transit time was also measured as a surrogate for cerebral blood flow. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included in the analysis (9 per group). Baseline and intraoperative parameters were similar between the groups. Propofol increased the diameter of 1 vessel segment at postinduction and postcoiling on the diseased side and in 1 segment at postcoiling on the nondiseased side of the brain ( P <0.05). Sevoflurane increased vessel diameter in 3 segments at postinduction and in 2 segments at postcoiling on the diseased side, and in 4 segments at postcoiling on the nondiseased side ( P <0.05). Cerebral transit time did not change compared with baseline awake state in either group and was not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane has cerebral vasodilating properties compared with propofol in patients with good-grade aSAH. However, sevoflurane affects cerebral transit time comparably to propofol.