Safety and side-effect profile of intrathecal morphine in a diverse patient population undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty.

Intrathecal morphine (ITM) can be useful for postoperative analgesia following lower extremity joint arthroplasty, but concerns exist regarding potential dose-related side effects. In this study, we examined the safety and efficacy of ITM in patients undergoing lower extremity joint arthroplasty. We hypothesized that there would be (1) direct relationship between dosing and side effects, and (2) an inverse relationship between ITM dosing and 24-hour postoperative opioid requirement.

Probability of Undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea Does Not Correlate With Adverse Pulmonary Events nor Length of Stay in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Using Intrathecal Opioid.

BACKGROUND: Recent emphasis on bundled payments and outcomes tracking has increased the focus on preoperative optimization in patients undergoing elective lower extremity arthroplasty. Since patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk of adverse perioperative pulmonary events, screening for undiagnosed OSA is sometimes included as part of preoperative risk assessment. However, there are limited data regarding quantification of OSA risk in lower extremity arthroplasty patients, and little is known about the utility of quantitative OSA screening and the risk of pulmonary complications in hip and knee arthroplasty patients who receive intrathecal morphine anesthetic. METHODS: A retrospective review of 990 patients at a tertiary care, urban academic medical center who underwent lower extremity arthroplasty with a multimodal pain regimen including intrathecal morphine anesthesia, comparing the rate of pulmonary complications and length of stay between patients previously diagnosed with OSA and those identified as low, moderate, and high risk of undiagnosed OSA established by screening with the STOP-BANG questionnaire in the preoperative setting. RESULTS: Using logistic regression and adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index, the results suggested the rate of complications was not different across the sleep apnea risk groups (P = .4024). In addition, linear regression suggested length of stay did not differ significantly by sleep apnea risk group (P = .2823). CONCLUSION: In patients receiving intrathecal morphine as part of a multimodal pain regimen undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty, neither risk of adverse pulmonary events nor length of stay appeared to correlate with preoperative risk of undiagnosed OSA.

Incidence and risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older adults undergoing major noncardiac surgery: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a decline in cognitive function that occurs after surgery. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence and identify potential risk factors of POCD in older adults undergoing major noncardiac surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 69 patients aged 65 years or older undergoing major noncardiac surgery were enrolled. Patients' cognitive function was assessed before and 3 months after surgery using a computerized neurocognitive battery. A nonsurgical control group of 54 older adults was recruited to adjust for learning effects from repeated administration of neurocognitive tests. Data about potential risk factors for POCD were collected before, during, and after surgery, including patient, medication, and surgery factors. The incidence of POCD was calculated using the Z-score method. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for POCD. RESULTS: POCD was present in eleven patients (15.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.3-24.6) 3 months after major noncardiac surgery. Carrying the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 4.74, 95% CI = 1.09-22.19), using one or more highly anticholinergic or sedative-hypnotic drugs at home prior to surgery (OR = 5.64, 95% CI = 1.35-30.22), and receiving sevoflurane for anesthesia (OR = 6.43, 95% CI = 1.49-34.66) were associated with the development of POCD. CONCLUSIONS: POCD was observed in 15.9% of older adults after major noncardiac surgery. Risk factors for POCD in these patients were carrying the APOE4 genotype, using one or more highly anticholinergic or sedative-hypnotic drugs prior to surgery, and receiving sevoflurane for anesthesia.

Longitudinal Competency-Based Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum in Anesthesiology: Description and Initial Experience With PGY1 and PGY2 Trainees.

Point-of-care ultrasound is becoming increasingly utilized in centers throughout the country for use in perioperative regional anesthesia procedures, vascular access, diagnosis, and resuscitation. We propose an educational approach that not only spans the 4-year duration of anesthesia residency but also regularly assesses progress throughout training. We accomplish this through a flipped classroom model, in which the 12 residents in each class participate in online modules for the baseline didactic knowledge, then come to a session where they have the opportunity to work in small groups (1:2-1:3 ratio of faculty to learner) and practice the skills outlined in the modules.