Major Cardiac Events After Non-cardiac Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative cardiovascular complications might be difficult to assess and are known to be associated with longer hospital stay and increased costs as well as higher morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors for major cardiac events (MCE) after non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: The study included 4398 patients who were admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit between January 1, 2006 and July 19, 2013. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS II) were calculated, and all variables entered as parameters were evaluated independently. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent factors for MCE. RESULTS: A total of 107 people experienced MCE. The independent predictors for postoperative MCE were higher fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) (odds ratio [OR] 38.97; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 10.81-140.36), history of ischemic heart disease (OR 3.38; 95 % CI 2.12-5.39), history of congestive heart disease (OR 2.39; 95 % CI 1.49-3.85), history of insulin therapy for diabetes (OR 2.93; 95 % CI 1.66-5.19), and increased SAPS II (OR 1.03; 95 % CI 1.01-1.05). Having a MCE was associated with a longer length of stay in the surgical intensive care unit (OR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00-1.01). CONCLUSIONS: FiO2, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart disease, insulin therapy for diabetes, SAPS II, and length of stay in the surgical intensive care unit were independent predictors for MCE.

Apolipoprotein E e4 allele does not increase the risk of early postoperative delirium after major surgery.

BACKGROUND: A relationship between patients with a genetic predisposition to and those who develop postoperative delirium has not been yet determined. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele (APOE4) and delirium after major surgery. METHODS: Of 230 intensive care patients admitted to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) over a period of 3 months, 173 were enrolled in the study. Patients' demographics and intra- and postoperative data were collected. Patients were followed for the development of delirium using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist, and DNA was obtained at PACU admission to determine apolipoprotein E genotype. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of patients developed delirium after surgery. Twenty-four patients had one copy of APOE4. The presence of APOE4 was not associated with an increased risk of early postoperative delirium (4% vs. 17%; P = 0.088). The presence of APOE4 was not associated with differences in any studied variables. Multivariate analysis identified age [odds ratio (OR) 9.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-43.0, P = 0.004 for age ≥65 years), congestive heart disease (OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.0-19.3, P = 0.002), and emergency surgery (OR 59.7, 95% CI 6.7-530.5, P < 0.001) as independent predictors for development of delirium. The Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) were significantly higher in patients with delirium (P < 0.001 and 0.008, respectively). Hospital mortality rates of these patients was higher and they had a longer median PACU stay. CONCLUSIONS: Apolipoprotein e4 carrier status was not associated with an increased risk for early postoperative delirium. Age, congestive heart failure, and emergency surgery were independent risk factors for the development of delirium after major surgery.

[The very elderly surgical population in a critically ill scenario: clinical characteristics and outcomes]. / A população cirúrgica muito idosa em cuidados intensivos: características clínicas e desfechos.

BACKGROUND: The elderly population is an especially heterogeneous group of patients with a rising number of surgical interventions being performed in the very elderly patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between different age strata and functional status with the surgical outcome of the elderly patient. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study conducted in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), between 2006 and 2013. A total of 2331 surgical patients ≥ 65 years old were included. Patients were grouped according to age: Older Elderly Group (OEG: 65-85 years old); Very Elderly Group (VEG > 85 years old). Demographic and perioperative data were recorded. Revised Cardiac Risk Index, APACHE II and SAPS II scores were calculated and postoperative complications were documented. Variables were compared on univariate analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of the VEG was 5.4%. This group had a higher proportion of non-elective surgery (22.4% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001), higher APACHE II (12.0 vs. 10.0, p < 0.001) and SAPS II (26.6 vs. 22.2, p < 0.001) scores, higher incidence of organ failure (24.6% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.048) and a higher mortality rate during SICU (14.0% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.026) and hospital stay (9.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: We found that very elderly patients represented a significant proportion of patients admitted to the SICU. They had higher severity scores with a higher prevalence of organ failure and were more likely to undergo non-elective surgery. They had worse outcomes in regarding mortality during SICU and hospital stay.

Determinants of postoperative acute kidney injury.

INTRODUCTION: Development of acute kidney injury (AKI) during the perioperative period is associated with increases in morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and determinants of postoperative AKI after major noncardiac surgery in patients with previously normal renal function. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was carried out in the multidisciplinary Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with five intensive care beds. The study population consisted of 1166 patients with no previous renal insufficiency who were admitted to these intensive care unit (ICU) beds over 2 years. After admission patients were followed for the development of AKI, defined as proposed by The Acute Kidney Injury Network (increment of serum creatinine [greater than or equal to] 0.3 mg/dL or 50% from baseline within 48 hours or urine output < 0.5 mL/kg/hr for > 6 hours despite fluid resuscitation when applicable). Patient preoperative characteristics, intraoperative management and outcome were evaluated for associations with acute kidney injury using an univariate and multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 1597 patients were admitted to the PACU and of these, 1166 met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-seven patients (7.5%) met AKI criteria. Univariate analysis identified age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, emergency surgery, high risk surgery, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart disease and Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) score as independent preoperative determinants for AKI in the postoperative period. Multivariate analysis identified ASA physical status, RCRI score, high risk surgery and congestive heart disease as preoperative determinants for AKI in the postoperative period. Patients that developed AKI had higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, higher PACU length of stay (LOS), higher PACU mortality, higher hospital mortality and higher mortality at 6 months follow-up. AKI was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.41 to 6.93, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that age, emergency and high risk surgery, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart disease, ASA physical status and RCRI score were considered risk factors for the development of AKI, in patients needing intensive care after surgery. AKI has serious impact on PACU length of stay and mortality. AKI was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality.

Quality of life after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Most studies documenting beneficial outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CE) are limited to mortality and morbidity rates, costs, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Few have examined the dependency of patients and how they perceive their own health changes after surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate quality of life and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and to study its determinants. METHODS: Sixty-three patients admitted in the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) after CE were eligible for this 14-month follow-up study. Patients were contacted 6 months after discharge to complete a Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36) and to have their dependency in ADL evaluated. RESULTS: Among 59 hospital survivors at 6 months follow-up, 43 completed the questionnaires. Sixty-three percent reported that their general level of health was better on the day they answered the questionnaire than 12 months earlier. Patients had worse SF-36 scores for all domains except bodily pain than a general urban population, and comparison with a group of patients 6 months after surgical ICU discharge showed no differences. Six months after PACU discharge, the Lawton Instrumental Activities of ADL Scale and the Katz Index of ADL demonstrated higher dependency scores (5.9 +/- 2.2 versus 4.3 +/- 2.4 and 0.3 +/- 0.8 versus 0.6 +/- 0.9, p < 0.001 and p = 0.047). Sixty-five percent and 33% were dependent in at least one activity in instrumental and personal ADL, respectively. Patients dependent in at least one ADL task had higher Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) scores (1.0 versus 1.5, p = 0.017). After controlling for multiple comparisons, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing CE have improved self-perception of quality of life despite being more dependent. Almost all their scores are worse than those in an urban population. We could identify no predictors of greater dependency in ADL tasks six months after PACU discharge.

[Severity of disease scoring systems and mortality after non-cardiac surgery]. / Sistemas de classificação da gravidade da doença e mortalidade após cirurgia não cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Mortality after surgery is frequent and severity of disease scoring systems are used for prediction. Our aim was to evaluate predictors for mortality after non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: Adult patients admitted at our surgical intensive care unit between January 2006 and July 2013 was included. Univariate analysis was carried using Mann-Whitney, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression was performed to assess independent factors with calculation of odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: 4398 patients were included. Mortality was 1.4% in surgical intensive care unit and 7.4% during hospital stay. Independent predictors of mortality in surgical intensive care unit were APACHE II (OR=1.24); emergent surgery (OR=4.10), serum sodium (OR=1.06) and FiO2 at admission (OR=14.31). Serum bicarbonate at admission (OR=0.89) was considered a protective factor. Independent predictors of hospital mortality were age (OR=1.02), APACHE II (OR=1.09), emergency surgery (OR=1.82), high-risk surgery (OR=1.61), FiO2 at admission (OR=1.02), postoperative acute renal failure (OR=1.96), heart rate (OR=1.01) and serum sodium (OR=1.04). Dying patients had higher scores in severity of disease scoring systems and longer surgical intensive care unit stay. CONCLUSION: Some factors influenced both surgical intensive care unit and hospital mortality.

Postoperative Haematocrit and Outcome in Critically Ill Surgical Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Haematocrit has been studied as an outcome predictor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between low haematocrit at surgical intensive care unit admission and high disease scoring system score and early outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 4398 patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit between January 2006 and July 2013. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation and simplified acute physiology score II values were calculated and all variables entered as parameters were evaluated independently. Patients were classified as haematocrit if they had a haematocrit < 30% at surgical intensive care unit admission. The correlation between admission haematocrit and outcome was evaluated by univariate analysis and linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 1126 (25.6%) patients had haematocrit. These patients had higher rates of major cardiac events (4% vs 1.9%, p < 0.001), acute renal failure (11.5% vs 4.7%, p < 0.001), and mortality during surgical intensive care unit stay (3% vs 0.8%, p < 0.001) and hospital stay (12% vs 5.9%, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: A haematocrit level < 30% at surgical intensive care unit admission was frequent and appears to be a predictor for poorer outcome in critical surgical patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with haematocrit had longer surgical intensive care unit and hospital stay lengths, more postoperative complications, and higher surgical intensive care unit and hospital mortality rates.

Introdução: O valor do hematócrito tem sido estudado como preditor de resultados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação entre um hematócrito baixo na admissão a uma unidade de cuidados intensivos cirúrgica e os sistemas de gravidade bem como o seu impacto nos resultados tendo em conta as complicações e a mortalidade. Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo incluindo 4398 doentes internados numa Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Cirúrgica entre janeiro de 2006 e julho de 2013. Foram calculados os scores de gravidade acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II e o simplified acute physiology score II, e todas as variáveis inseridas como parâmetros foram avaliadas separadamente. Os doentes com um hematócrito à admissão na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Cirúrgica inferior a 30 foram classificados como doentes com hematócrito baixo. A relação entre o hematócrito na admissão e as complicações e o resultado foram avaliados com uma análise univariada e uma regressão linear. Resultados: Os doentes com classificados como doentes com hematócrito baixo foram 1126 (25,6%). Os doentes classificados como doentes com hematócrito baixo tiveram mais frequentemente eventos cardíacos major (4% vs 1,9%, p < 0,001), lesão renal aguda (11,5% vs 4,7%, p < 0,001) e maiores taxas de mortalidade quer na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Cirúrgica (3% vs 0,8%, p < 0,001) quer no internamento hospitalar (12% vs 5,9%, p < 0,001). Discussão: Um valor de hematócrito < 30% na admissão na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos foi frequente e parece ser um preditor de piores resultados em doentes cirúrgicos críticos. Conclusão: Os doentes com hematócrito baixo tiveram mais tempo de internamento na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Cirúrgica e no hospital, tiveram mais complicações pós-operatórias e taxas de mortalidade na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Cirúrgica e no hospital mais elevadas.

[Adverse respiratory events after general anesthesia in patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Eventos respiratórios adversos após anestesia geral em pacientes com alto risco de síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with STOP-BANG score >3 have a high risk of Obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to evaluate early postoperative respiratory complications in adults with STOP-BANG score >3 after general anesthesia. METHODS: This is a prospective double cohort study matching 59 pairs of adult patients with STOP-BANG score >3 (high risk of obstructive sleep apnea) and patients with STOP-BANG score <3 (low risk of obstructive sleep apnea), similar with respect to gender, age and type of surgery, admitted after elective surgery in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit in May 2011. Primary outcome was the development of adverse respiratory events. Demographics data, perioperative variables, and postoperative length of stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and in hospital were recorded. The Mann-Whitney test, the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Subjects in both pairs of study subjects had a median age of 56 years, including 25% males, and 59% were submitted to intra-abdominal surgery. High risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had a higher median body mass index (31 versus 24kg/m(2), p<0.001) and had more frequently co-morbidities, including hypertension (58% versus 24%, p<0.001), dyslipidemia (46% versus 17%, p<0.001) and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (17% versus 2%, p=0.004). These patients were submitted more frequently to bariatric surgery (20% versus 2%, p=0.002). Patients with high risk of obstructive sleep apnea had more frequently adverse respiratory events (39% versus 10%, p<0.001), mild to moderate desaturation (15% versus 0%, p=0.001) and inability to breathe deeply (34% versus 9%, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: After general anesthesia high risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had an increased incidence of postoperative respiratory complications.

Adverse respiratory events after general anesthesia in patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with STOP-BANG score >3 have a high risk of Obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to evaluate early postoperative respiratory complications in adults with STOP-BANG score >3 after general anesthesia. METHODS: This is a prospective double cohort study matching 59 pairs of adult patients with STOP-BANG score >3 (high risk of obstructive sleep apnea) and patients with STOP-BANG score <3 (low risk of obstructive sleep apnea), similar with respect to gender, age and type of surgery, admitted after elective surgery in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit in May 2011. Primary outcome was the development of adverse respiratory events. Demographics data, perioperative variables, and postoperative length of stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and in hospital were recorded. The Mann-Whitney test, the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Subjects in both pairs of study subjects had a median age of 56 years, including 25% males, and 59% were submitted to intra-abdominal surgery. High risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had a higher median body mass index (31 versus 24kg/m(2), p<0.001) and had more frequently co-morbidities, including hypertension (58% versus 24%, p<0.001), dyslipidemia (46% versus 17%, p<0.001) and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (17% versus 2%, p=0.004). These patients were submitted more frequently to bariatric surgery (20% versus 2%, p=0.002). Patients with high risk of obstructive sleep apnea had more frequently adverse respiratory events (39% versus 10%, p<0.001), mild to moderate desaturation (15% versus 0%, p=0.001) and inability to breathe deeply (34% versus 9%, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: After general anesthesia high risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had an increased incidence of postoperative respiratory complications.

Quality of Recovery after Anesthesia: Validation of the Portuguese Version of the 'Quality of Recovery 15' Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The "Quality of Recovery 15" questionnaire is used for the study of quality recovery after anesthesia. The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese version of "Quality of Recovery 15" questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After study approval by the institutional ethics committee, an observational and cohort prospective study was conducted on patients scheduled for elective surgery from June to August 2013. The "Quality of Recovery 15" questionnaire was translated in accordance with available guidelines. The "Quality of Recovery 15" Portuguese version was used before surgery (T0) and 24h postoperatively (T1) on 170 patients. Patients who were unable to give informed consent or had cognitive impairment were excluded. Poor quality of recovery was defined for "Quality of Recovery 15" score at T1 lower than the mean "Quality of Recovery 15" score minus 1 standard deviation. Reliability and observer disagreement was assessed using interclass correlation. Non-parametric tests were used for comparisons. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between "Quality of Recovery 15" score and time spent in the postanesthesia care(p = -0.264, p = 0.004) and length of hospital stay (p = -0.274, p = 0.004). Thirty-two patients (19%) had poor quality of recovery. Patients with poor quality of recovery had more frequently diabetes mellitus and hypertension and they were taking antidepressants drugs more frequently. Patients with poor quality of recovery were more frequently submitted to combined anesthesia and less frequently to general anesthesia and locoregional anesthesia (p = 0.008). The questionnaire had a good internal consistency and test-retest reliability was good. DISCUSSION: The Portuguese version of the "Quality of Recovery 15" showed a good correlation with the original. CONCLUSION: This questionnaire appears to be an accurate and reliable assessment for quality of recovery.

Introdução: O questionário "Quality of Recovery 15" tem sido utilizado para o estudo da qualidade de recuperação após anestesia. O objetivo deste estudo foi validar a versão Portuguesa do questionário "Quality of Recovery 15". Material e Métodos: Após aprovação pela Comissão de ética institucional, foi realizado um estudo de coorte prospectivo em doentes submetidos a cirurgia eletiva de junho a agosto de 2013. A versão portuguesa do "Quality of Recovery 15" foi aplicada antes da cirurgia (T0) e 24 h após a cirurgia (T1) em 170 doentes. Os doentes incapazes de dar consentimento informado ou com comprometimento cognitivo foram excluídos. Má qualidade de recuperação foi definida para pontuações de "Quality of Recovery 15" em T1 inferiores à média das pontuações de "Quality of Recovery 15" menos 1 desvio padrão. Confiabilidade e discordãncia entre observadores foram avaliadas por meio da correlação intraclasse. Testes não-paramétricos foram utilizados para comparações. Resultados: Observou-se uma correlação negativa entre pontuações de "Quality of Recovery 15" e tempo de internamento na Unidade Pós-Anestésica (p = -0,264, p = 0,004) e tempo de internamento hospitalar (p = -0,274, p = 0,004). Trinta e dois doentes (19%) tiveram má qualidade de recuperação. Os doentes com má qualidade de recuperação tinham mais frequentemente diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial e estavam medicados com antidepressivos com mais frequência. Os doentes com má qualidade de recuperação foram mais frequentemente submetidos a anestesia combinada e menos frequente a anestesia geral e locorregional (p = 0,008). O questionário teve boa consistência interna; a confiabilidade do teste-reteste foi boa. Discussão: A versão portuguesa do "Quality of Recovery 15" mostrou boa correlação com a versão original. Conclusão: Este questionário parece ser uma avaliação precisa e confiável para a qualidade de recuperação.

The very elderly surgical population in a critically ill scenario: clinical characteristics and outcomes / A população cirúrgica muito idosa em cuidados intensivos: características clínicas e desfechos

Abstract Background: The elderly population is an especially heterogeneous group of patients with a rising number of surgical interventions being performed in the very elderly patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between different age strata and functional status with the surgical outcome of the elderly patient. Methods: Retrospective cohort study conducted in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), between 2006 and 2013. A total of 2331 surgical patients' ≥ 65 years old were included. Patients were grouped according to age: Older Elderly Group (OEG: 65‒85 years old); Very Elderly Group (VEG > 85 years old). Demographic and perioperative data were recorded. Revised Cardiac Risk Index, APACHE II and SAPS II scores were calculated and postoperative complications were documented. Variables were compared on univariate analysis. Results: The incidence of the VEG was 5.4%. This group had a higher proportion of non-elective surgery (22.4% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001), higher APACHE II (12.0 vs. 10.0, p < 0.001) and SAPS II (26.6 vs. 22.2, p < 0.001) scores, higher incidence of organ failure (24.6% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.048) and a higher mortality rate during SICU (14.0% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.026) and hospital stay (9.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.012). Conclusion: We found that very elderly patients represented a significant proportion of patients admitted to the SICU. They had higher severity scores with a higher prevalence of organ failure and were more likely to undergo non-elective surgery. They had worse outcomes in regarding mortality during SICU and hospital stay.

Resumo Introdução: A população idosa envolve um grupo muito heterogêneo de doentes, com um crescente número de doentes muito idosos a serem propostos para cirurgia. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a relação entre diferentes grupos etários e estados funcionais com os resultados cirúrgicos do doente idoso. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de coorte realizado em uma Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Cirúrgica (UCIC) que incluiu um total de 2331 doentes cirúrgicos com idade ≥ 65 anos, entre 2006 e 2013. Os doentes foram agrupados de acordo com a idade: doentes idosos (65-85 anos); doentes muito idosos (DMI > 85 anos). Dados demográficos e perioperatórios foram registrados. Índice de Risco Cardíaco Revisto, scores de APACHE e SAPS II foram calculados e complicações pós-operatórias, documentadas. As variáveis foram comparadas em análise univariada. Resultados: A incidência de DMI foi de 5,4%. Este grupo foi mais frequentemente submetido à cirurgia não eletiva (22,4%vs.11,2%; p< 0,001), apresentou scores maiores de APACHE II (12,0vs.10,0; p< 0,001) e SAPS II (26,6 vs. 22,2; p< 0,001), maior incidência de insuficiência do órgão (24,6%vs.17,6%; p= 0,048) e uma mortalidade superior na UCIC (14,0%vs.5,2%; p= 0,026) e no hospital (9,3% vs.5,0%; p= 0,012). Discussão: Os piores resultados nos DMI podem refletir uma maior vulnerabilidade a complicações pós-operatórias, possivelmente relacionadas com múltiplas comorbilidades e uma reserva fisiológica diminuídas. Conclusão: Os doentes muito idosos representaram uma porção importante dos doentes admitidos na UCIC, tinham scores de gravidade mais elevados e maior prevalência de falência orgânica e foram mais frequentemente submetidos a cirurgias não eletivas. Tinham piores resultados relativamente à mortalidade durante a permanência na UCIC e no hospital.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting: validation of the portuguese version of the postoperative nausea and vomiting intensity score.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Intensity Scale was developed to define clinically important PONV. The aim of this study was to translate, retranslate and validate the PONV Intensity Scale for use in Portuguese Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) settings. METHODS: The PONV Intensity Scale was translated and back-translated in accordance with available guidelines. The research team conducted an observational and cohort prospective study in a PACU. One-hundred fifty-seven adult patients admiited after surgery over three weeks were evaluated for PONV. Measurements included nausea visual analogic scale (VAS) at 6 and 24 hours, postoperatively. We assessed reliability and observer disagreement using interclass correlation (ICC) and Information-Based Measure of Disagreement (IBMD). We compared VAS scores between patients with clinically significant (≥ 50) and not significant (<50) PONV. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (25%) had PONV at 6 hours and 54 (34%) had PONV at 24 hours. Thirty-six and 54 patients experienced nausea at 6 and 24 hours, respectively. Among patients with PONV, 6 patients (15%) and 9 patients (27%) had a clinically signifi cant PONV intensity scale score at 6 and at 24 hours, respectively. The reliability was good both for PONV intensity scale score and for VAS and observer disagreement was slightly higher for VAS. The median nausea VAS scores were higher in patients with clinically significant PONV Intensity score. CONCLUSIONS: The PONV Intensity Scale appears to be an accurate and reliable assessment and monitoring instrument for PONV in the PACU settings.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting: Validation of the Portuguese version of the Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Intensity Score.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Intensity Scale was developed to define clinically important PONV. The aim of this study was to translate, retranslate and validate the PONV Intensity Scale for use in Portuguese Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) settings. METHODS: The PONV Intensity Scale was translated and back-translated in accordance with available guidelines. The research team conducted an observational and cohort prospective study in a PACU. One-hundred fifty-seven adult patients admiited after surgery over three weeks were evaluated for PONV. Measurements included nausea visual analogic scale (VAS) at 6 and 24 hours, postoperatively. We assessed reliability and observer disagreement using interclass correlation (ICC) and Information-Based Measure of Disagreement (IBMD). We compared VAS scores between patients with clinically significant (≥50) and not significant (<50) PONV. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (25%) had PONV at 6 hours and 54 (34%) had PONV at 24 hours. Thirty-six and 54 patients experienced nausea at 6 and 24 hours, respectively. Among patients with PONV, 6 patients (15%) and 9 patients (27%) had a clinically significant PONV intensity scale score at 6 and at 24 hours, respectively. The reliability was good both for PONV intensity scale score and for VAS and observer disagreement was slightly higher for VAS. The median nausea VAS scores were higher in patients with clinically significant PONV Intensity score. CONCLUSIONS: The PONV Intensity Scale appears to be an accurate and reliable assessment and monitoring instrument for PONV in the PACU settings.

Severity of disease scoring systems and mortality after non-cardiac surgery / Sistemas de classificação da gravidade da doença e mortalidade após cirurgia não cardíaca

Abstract Background: Mortality after surgery is frequent and severity of disease scoring systems are used for prediction. Our aim was to evaluate predictors for mortality after non-cardiac surgery. Methods: Adult patients admitted at our surgical intensive care unit between January 2006 and July 2013 was included. Univariate analysis was carried using Mann-Whitney, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression was performed to assess independent factors with calculation of odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: 4398 patients were included. Mortality was 1.4% in surgical intensive care unit and 7.4% during hospital stay. Independent predictors of mortality in surgical intensive care unit were APACHE II (OR = 1.24); emergent surgery (OR = 4.10), serum sodium (OR = 1.06) and FiO2 at admission (OR = 14.31). Serum bicarbonate at admission (OR = 0.89) was considered a protective factor. Independent predictors of hospital mortality were age (OR = 1.02), APACHE II (OR = 1.09), emergency surgery (OR = 1.82), high-risk surgery (OR = 1.61), FiO2 at admission (OR = 1.02), postoperative acute renal failure (OR = 1.96), heart rate (OR = 1.01) and serum sodium (OR = 1.04). Dying patients had higher scores in severity of disease scoring systems and longer surgical intensive care unit stay. Conclusion: Some factors influenced both surgical intensive care unit and hospital mortality.

Resumo Justificativa: A mortalidade após cirurgia é frequente e os sistemas de classificação da gravidade da doença são usados para a previsão. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os preditivos de mortalidade após cirurgia não cardíaca. Métodos: Os pacientes adultos admitidos em nossa unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica entre janeiro de 2006 e julho de 2013 foram incluídos. Análise univariada foi feita com o teste de Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. Regressão logística foi feita para avaliar fatores independentes com cálculo de razão de chances (odds ratio - OR) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: No total, 4.398 pacientes foram incluídos. A mortalidade foi de 1,4% na unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica e de 7,4% durante a internação hospitalar. Os preditivos independentes de mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica foram APACHE II (OR = 1,24); cirurgia de emergência (OR = 4,10), sódio sérico (OR = 1,06) e FiO2 na admissão (OR = 14,31). Bicarbonato sérico na admissão (OR = 0,89) foi considerado um fator protetor. Os preditivos independentes de mortalidade hospitalar foram idade (OR = 1,02), APACHE II (OR = 1,09), cirurgia de emergência (OR = 1,82), cirurgia de alto risco (OR = 1,61), FiO2 na admissão (OR = 1,02), insuficiência renal aguda no pós-operatório (OR = 1,96), frequência cardíaca (OR = 1,01) e sódio sérico (OR = 1,04). Os pacientes moribundos apresentaram escores mais altos de gravidade da doença nos sistemas de classificação e mais tempo de permanência em unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica. Conclusão: Alguns fatores tiveram influencia sobre a mortalidade tanto hospitalar quanto na unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica.

Quality of life and mortality assessment in patients with major cardiac events in the postoperative period.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular complications in the postoperative period are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Few studies have assessed the degree of dependence in these patients and their perception of health. The objective of this study was to assess the mortality and the quality of life in patients who developed major cardiac events (MCE) in the postoperative period. METHOD: Retrospective study carried out in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), between March 2006 and March 2008. The patients were assessed regarding the occurrence of CE. Six months after the hospital discharge, the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was filled out and dependence was assessed in relation to activities of daily living (ADL). The comparisons between independent groups of patients were carried out using Student's t test. The comparison between each variable and the occurrence of CE was carried out by logistic regression and included all patients. RESULTS: Of the 1,280 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 26 (2%) developed MCE. The univariate analysis identified as independent determinants for the development of major cardiac events: ASA physical status, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart disease and score of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI). The six-month mortality after the SICU discharge was 35%. Of the 17 surviving patients, 13 completed the questionnaires. Thirty-one percent of them reported that their general health was better on the day they answered the questionnaire, when compared to 12 months before. Sixty-nine percent of the patients were dependent in instrumental ADL e 15% in personal ADL. CONCLUSIONS: The development of MCE has a significant impact on the duration of hospital stay and mortality rates. Six months after the discharge from the SICU, more than 50% of the patients were dependent in at least one instrumental ADL.

Adverse respiratory events after general anesthesia in patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome / Eventos respiratórios adversos após anestesia geral em pacientes com alto risco de síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Patients with STOP-BANG score >3 have a high risk of Obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to evaluate early postoperative respiratory complications in adults with STOP-BANG score >3 after general anesthesia.METHODS: This is a prospective double cohort study matching 59 pairs of adult patients with STOP-BANG score >3 (high risk of obstructive sleep apnea) and patients with STOP-BANG score <3 (low risk of obstructive sleep apnea), similar with respect to gender, age and type of surgery, admitted after elective surgery in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit in May 2011. Primary outcome was the development of adverse respiratory events. Demographics data, perioperative variables, and postoperative length of stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and in hospital were recorded. The Mann-Whitney test, the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test were used for comparisons.RESULTS: Subjects in both pairs of study subjects had a median age of 56 years, including 25% males, and 59% were submitted to intra-abdominal surgery. High risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had a higher median body mass index (31 versus 24 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and had more frequently co-morbidities, including hypertension (58% versus 24%, p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (46% versus 17%, p < 0.001) and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (17% versus 2%, p = 0.004). These patients were submitted more frequently to bariatric surgery (20% versus 2%, p = 0.002). Patients with high risk of obstructive sleep apnea had more frequently adverse respiratory events (39% versus 10%, p < 0.001), mild to moderate desaturation (15% versus 0%, p = 0.001) and inability to breathe deeply (34% versus 9%, p = 0.001).CONCLUSION: After general anesthesia high risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had an increased incidence of postoperative respiratory complications.

RESUMOJUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: Os pacientes com escore STOP-BANG > 3 possuem alto risco de desenvolver apneia obstrutiva do sono. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as complicações respiratórias no pós-operatório imediato em adultos com escore STOP-BANG > 3 após anestesia geral.MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de dupla-coorte, comparando 59 pares de pacientes adultos com escore STOP-BANG > 3 (alto risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono) e pacientes com escore STOP-BANG < 3 (baixo risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono), similares no que diz respeito ao gênero, idade e tipo de cirurgia, admitidos após a cirurgia eletiva em sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA) em maio de 2011. O desfecho primário foi o desenvolvimento de eventos respiratórios adversos. Dados demográficos, variáveis no perioperatório e tempos de permanência na SRPA e no hospital após a cirurgia foram registrados. Os testes de Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher foram usados para comparação.RESULTADOS: Os indivíduos de ambos os grupos de pacientes do estudo tinham uma média de idade de 56 anos, 25% eram do sexo masculino e 59% foram submetidos à cirurgia intra-abdominal. Os pacientes com alto risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono apresentavam uma mediana maior do índice de massa corporal (31 versus 24 kg/m2, p < 0,001) e comorbidades mais frequentes, como hipertensão (58% vs. 24%, p < 0,001), dislipidemia (46% vs. 17%, p < 0,001) e diabetes melito dependente de insulina (17% vs. 2%, p = 0,004). Esses pacientes foram submetidos com mais frequência à cirurgia bariátrica (20% vs. 2%, p = 0,002). Os pacientes com alto risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono apresentaram mais eventos respiratórios adversos (39% vs. 10%, p < 0,001), dessaturação de leve a moderada (15% vs. 0%, p = 0,001) e incapacidade de respirar profundamente (34% vs. 9%, p = 0,001).CONCLUSÕES: Após a anestesia geral, os pacientes com alto risco de apneia obstrutiva do sono apresentaram um aumento da incidência de complicações respiratórias no período pós-operatório.

Náusea e vômito no pós-operatório: validação da versão em português da escala de intensidade de náuseas e vômitos pós-operatórios / Postoperative nausea and vomiting: validation of the portuguese version of the postoperative nausea and vomiting intensity score / Náusea y vómito en el postoperatorio: validación de la versión en portugués de la escala de intensidad de náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: A Escala de Intensidade de Náuseas e Vômitos Pós-Operatórios (NVPO) foi desenvolvida para definir NVPOs clinicamente importantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir, retraduzir e validar a Escala de Intensidade de NVPO para uso em unidades de recuperação pósanestésica (RPA) portuguesas. MÉTODO: A Escala de Intensidade de NVPO foi traduzida e retraduzida de acordo com as diretrizes disponíveis. A equipe de pesquisadores conduziu um estudo prospectivo e observacional de coorte em uma RPA. Durante três semanas, avaliamos as NVPO em 157 pacientes adultos internados após cirurgia. As mensurações foram feitas com o uso da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) nos intervalos de seis e 24 horas durante o período pós-operatório. Avaliamos a confiabilidade e a discordância do observador com o uso do coeficiente de correlação interclasses (CCI) e da medida de discordância baseada na informação (MDBI). Comparamos os escores EVA entre os pacientes com NVPO clinicamente significantes (> 50) e não significantes (< 50). RESULTADOS: Trinta e nove pacientes (25%) apresentaram NVPO em seis horas e 54 (34%) em 24 horas. Trinta e seis pacientes apresentaram náusea em seis horas e 54 em 24 horas. Entre os pacientes com NVPO, os escores de seis pacientes (15%) e nove pacientes (27%) foram clinicamente significantes na Escala de Intensidade de NVPO em seis e 24 horas, respectivamente. A confiabilidade foi boa tanto para os escores da Escala de Intensidade de NVPO quanto para EVA e a discordância entre observadores foi ligeiramente superior para EVA. A mediana dos escores EVA foi maior nos pacientes com escores clinicamente significantes na Escala de Intensidade de NVPO. CONCLUSÃO: A Escala de Intensidade de NVPO parece ser um instrumento de avaliação e monitoramento preciso e confiável de NVPO em RPA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) Intensity Scale was developed to define clinically important PONV. The aim of this study was to translate, retranslate and validate the PONV Intensity Scale for use in Portuguese Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) settings. METHODS: The PONV Intensity Scale was translated and back-translated in accordance with available guidelines. The research team conducted an observational and cohort prospective study in a PACU. One-hundred fifty-seven adult patients admiited after surgery over three weeks were evaluated for PONV. Measurements included nausea visual analogic scale (VAS) at 6 and 24 hours, postoperatively. We assessed reliability and observer disagreement using interclass correlation (ICC) and Information-Based Measure of Disagreement (IBMD). We compared VAS scores between patients with clinically significant (>50) and not significant (<50) PONV. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (25%) had PONV at 6 hours and 54 (34%) had PONV at 24 hours. Thirty-six and 54 patients experienced nausea at 6 and 24 hours, respectively. Among patients with PONV, 6 patients (15%) and 9 patients (27%) had a clinically significant PONV intensity scale score at 6 and at 24 hours, respectively. The reliability was good both for PONV intensity scale score and for VAS and observer disagreement was slightly higher for VAS. The median nausea VAS scores were higher in patients with clinically significant PONV Intensity score. CONCLUSIONS: The PONV Intensity Scale appears to be an accurate and reliable assessment and monitoring instrument for PONV in the PACU settings.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVO: La Escala de Intensidad de Náuseas y Vómitos Postoperatorios (NVPO) ha venido siendo desarrollada para definir NVPOs clínicamente importantes. El objetivo de este estudio fue traducir, re-traducir y validar la Escala de Intensidad de NVPO para el uso en las unidades de recuperación postanestésica (Urpa) portuguesas. MÉTODO: La Escala de Intensidad de NVPO fue traducida y retraducida a tono con las directrices que están disponibles. El equipo de investigadores llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo y observacional de cohorte en una Urpa. Durante tres semanas, evaluamos el NVPO de 157 pacientes adultos ingresados despues de cirugía. Las mensuraciones se hicieron usando la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) en los intervalos de seis y 24 horas durante el período Postoperatorio. Evaluamos la confiabilidad y la discordancia del observador con el uso del coeficiente de correlación inter-clases (CCI) y de la medida de discordancia con base en la información (MDBI). Comparamos las puntuaciones EVA entre los pacientes con NVPO clínicamente significativas (> 50) y no significativas (< 50). RESULTADOS: Treinta y nueve pacientes (25%) tuvieron NVPO en seis horas y 54 (34%) en 24 horas. Treinta y seis pacientes tuvieron náusea en seis horas y 54 en 24 horas. Entre los pacientes con NVPO, las puntuaciones de seis pacientes (15%) y nueve pacientes (27%) fueron clínicamente significativas en la Escala de Intensidad de NVPO en seis y 24 horas, respectivamente. La confiabilidad fue buena tanto para las puntuaciones de la Escala de Intensidad de NVPO como para EVA, y la discordancia entre los observadores fue ligeramente superior para EVA. La mediana de las puntuaciones EVA fue mayor en los pacientes con puntuaciones clínicamente significativas en la Escala de Intensidad de NVPO. CONCLUSIONES: La Escala de Intensidad de NVPO parece ser un instrumento de evaluación y monitoreo preciso y confiable de NVPO en las URPAs.

[Mortality and length of stay in a surgical intensive care unit.]. / Mortalidade e o tempo de internação em uma unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Outcome in intensive care can be categorized as mortality related or morbidity related. Mortality is an insufficient measure of ICU outcome when measured alone and length of stay may be seen as an indirect measure of morbidity related outcome. The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence and predictive factors for intrahospitalar outcome measured by mortality and LOS in patients admitted to a surgical ICU. METHODS: In this prospective study all 185 patients, who underwent scheduled or emergency surgery admitted to a surgical ICU in a large tertiary university medical center performed during April and July 2004, were eligible to the study. The following variables were recorded: age, sex, body weight and height, core temperature (Tc), ASA physical status, emergency or scheduled surgery, magnitude of surgical procedure, anesthesia technique, amount of fluids during anesthesia, use of temperature monitoring and warming techniques, duration of the anesthesia, length of stay in ICU and in the hospital and SAPS II score. RESULTS: The mean length of stay in the ICU was 4.09 +/- 10.23 days. Significant risk factors for staying longer in ICU were SAPS II, ASA physical status, amount of colloids, fresh frozen plasma units and packed erythrocytes units used during surgery. Fourteen (7.60%) patients died in ICU and 29 (15.70%) died during their hospitalization. Statistically significant independent risk factors for mortality were emergency surgery, major surgery, high SAPS II scores, longer stay in ICU and in the hospital. Statistically significant protective factors against the probability of dying in the hospital were low body weight and low BMI. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, prolonged ICU stay is more frequent in more severely ill patients at admission and it is associated with higher hospital mortality. Hospital mortality is also more frequent in patients submitted to emergent and major surgery.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida e mortalidade em pacientes com eventos cardíacos graves no pós-operatório / Quality of life and mortality assessment in patients with major cardiac events in the postoperative period

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Complicações cardiovasculares no pós-operatório associam-se a elevadas mortalidade e morbidade. Poucos estudos avaliaram o grau de dependência desses doentes e a percepção da sua saúde. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a mortalidade e a qualidade de vida em doentes que desenvolveram eventos cardíacos graves (EC) no pós-operatório. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo numa Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo Cirúrgica (UTI-Cirúrgica), entre março de 2006 e março de 2008. Os doen tes foram avaliados quanto à ocorrência de EC. Seis meses após a alta, foi preenchido o questionário Short-Form-36 (SF-36) e avaliada a dependência nas atividades da vida diária (AVD). As comparações entre grupos independentes de doentes foram efetuadas com teste t de Student. A comparação entre cada variável e a ocorrência de EC foi efetuada por regressão logística envolvendo todos os doentes. RESULTADOS: Dos 1.280 doentes que apresentaram critérios de inclusão, 26 (2 por cento) desenvolveram EC. A análise univariada identificou como determinantes independentes para o desenvolvimento de EC: estado físico ASA, hipertensão arterial, doença cardíaca isquêmica, doença cardíaca congestiva e escore do Índice de Risco Cardíaco Revisado. A mortalidade seis meses após alta da UTI-Cirúrgica foi de 35 por cento. Dos 17 sobreviventes aos seis meses, 13 completaram os questionários. Trinta e um por cento referiram que sua saúde em geral era melhor no dia em que responderam ao questionário do que 12 meses antes. Sessenta e nove por cento dos doentes estavam dependentes nas AVD instrumentais e 15 por cento, nas AVD pessoais. CONCLUSÕES: O desenvolvimento de EC tem sério impacto no tempo de hospitalização e nas taxas de mortalidade. Seis meses após a alta da UTI-Cirúrgica, mais de metade dos doentes estavam dependentes em pelo menos uma AVD instrumental.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular complications in the postoperative period are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Few studies have assessed the degree of dependence in these patients and their perception of health. The objective of this study was to assess the mortality and the quality of life in patients who developed major cardiac events (MCE) in the postoperative period. METHOD: Retrospective study carried out in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), between March 2006 and March 2008. The patients were assessed regarding the occurrence of CE. Six months after the hospital discharge, the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was filled out and dependence was assessed in relation to activities of daily living (ADL). The comparisons between independent groups of patients were carried out using Student's t test. The comparison between each variable and the occurrence of CE was carried out by logistic regression and included all patients. RESULTS: Of the 1,280 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 26 (2 percent) developed MCE. The univariate analysis identified as independent determinants for the development of major cardiac events: ASA physical status, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart disease and score of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI). The six-month mortality after the SICU discharge was 35 percent. Of the 17 surviving patients, 13 completed the questionnaires. Thirty-one percent of them reported that their general health was better on the day they answered the questionnaire, when compared to 12 months before. Sixty-nine percent of the patients were dependent in instrumental ADL e 15 percent in personal ADL. CONCLUSIONS: The development of MCE has a significant impact on the duration of hospital stay and mortality rates. Six months after the discharge from the SICU, more than 50 percent of the patients were dependent in at least one instrumental ADL.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Las complicaciones cardiovasculares en el postoperatorio están asociadas a los elevados niveles de mortalidad y morbilidad. Pocos estudios evaluaron el grado de dependencia de esos enfermos y la percepción de su salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue el de evaluar la mortalidad y la calidad de vida en enfermos que desarrollaron eventos cardíacos mayores (EC) en el postoperatorio. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Quirúrgica (UCI-Quirúrgica), entre marzo de 2006 y marzo de 2008. Los enfermos fueron evaluados respecto de la existencia de EC. Seis meses después del alta, se rellenó el cuestionario ShortForm-36 (SF-36) y se evaluó la dependencia de las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD). Las comparaciones entre los grupos independientes de enfermos fueron efectuadas con el test t. La comparación entre cada variable y la incidencia de EC, fue efectuada por regresión logística involucrando a todos los enfermos. RESULTADOS: De los 1280 enfermos que presentaron criterios de inclusión, 26 (2 por ciento) desarrollaron EC. El análisis univariado identificó como determinantes independientes para el desarrollo de EC: estado físico ASA, hipertensión, enfermedad cardíaca isquémica, enfermedad cardíaca congestiva y puntuación del Índice de Riesgo Cardíaco Revisado. La mortalidad seis meses después del alta de la UCI-Quirúrgica fue de un 35 por ciento. De los 17 sobrevivientes a los seis meses, 13 completaron los cuestionarios. Treinta y un por ciento declararon que su salud era mejor en general el día que respondieron el cuestionario que 12 meses antes de rellenarlo. Sesenta y nueve por ciento de los enfermos eran dependientes en las AVD instrumentales y un 15 por ciento en las AVD personales. CONCLUSIONES: El desarrollo de EC tiene un serio impacto en el tiempo de ingreso y en las tasas de mortalidad. Seis meses después del alta de la UCI-Quirúrgica, más de la mitad de los enfermos eran dependientes...

[Postoperative nausea and vomiting: a review of the 'minor-major' problem.]. / Náuseas e vômitos no pós-operatório: uma revisão do 'pequeno-grande' problema.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Notwithstanding continuous investigations and the development of new drugs and techniques, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent and may contribute to the development of complications, thus increasing hospital and human costs. This article aimed at reviewing physiological mechanisms, risk factors and therapeutic approaches available to manage PONV. CONTENTS: Several strategies to manage PONV are suggested in this article, but stress is given to guidelines published by Gan in 2003. They are the most recent contribution for risk stratification, prevention and treatment of PONV patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the management of PONV has improved in recent years, it is still common among high-risk patients. Current strategy to prevent and treat PONV is not yet established and Gan guidelines should be adapted to each population and institution.