Assessment of Risk Factors for Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults Who Underwent Spinal Surgery and Identifying Associated Biomarkers Using Exosomal Protein

Purpose@#With an increase in the aging population, the number of patients with degenerative spinal diseases undergoing surgery has risen, as has the incidence of postoperative delirium. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors affecting postoperative delirium in older adults who had undergone spine surgery and to identify the associated biomarkers. @*Methods@#This study is a prospective study. Data of 100 patients aged ≥ 70 years who underwent spinal surgery were analyzed. Demographic data, medical history, clinical characteristics, cognitive function, depression symptoms, functional status, frailty, and nutritional status were investigated to identify the risk factors for delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method, Delirium Rating Scale-R-98, and Nursing Delirium Scale were also used for diagnosing deliri-um. To discover the biomarkers, urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) were analyzed for tau, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1),neurofilament light, and glial fibrillary acidic protein using digital immunoassay technology. @*Results@#Nine patients were excluded, and data obtained from the remaining 91 were analyzed. Among them, 18 (19.8%) developed delirium. Differences were observed between partici-pants with and without delirium in the contexts of a history of mental disorder and use of benzodiazepines (p = .005 and p = .026, respectively). Tau and UCH-L1—concentrations of urine EVs—were comparatively higher in participants with severe delirium than that in partici-pants without delirium (p = .002 and p = .001, respectively). @*Conclusion@#These findings can assist clinicians in accurately identifying the risk factors before surgery, classifying high-risk patients, and predicting and detecting delirium in older patients. Moreover, urine EV analysis revealed that postoperative delirium following spinal surgery is most likely associated with brain damage.

Effects of the Type of Intraoperative Fluid in Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose@#Perioperative fluid management in kidney transplant recipients is crucial to supporting the fluid, acid-base, and electrolyte balance required for graft perfusion. However, the choice of intraoperative crystalloids in kidney transplantation remains controversial. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of intraoperative fluids on acidbase and electrolyte balance and graft outcomes. @*Materials and Methods@#We included 282 living donor kidney transplant recipients from January 2010 to December 2017. Patients were classified into two groups based on the type of intraoperative crystalloids used (157 patients in the half saline group and 125 patients in the balanced crystalloid solutions group, Plasma-lyte). @*Results@#Compared with the half saline group, the Plasma-lyte group showed less metabolic acidosis and hyponatremia during surgery. Hyperkalemia incidence was not significantly different between the two groups. Changes in postoperative graft function assessed by blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were significantly different between the two groups. Patients in the Plasma-lyte group exhibited consistently higher glomerular filtration rates than those in the half saline group at 1 month and 1 year after transplantation after adjusting for demographic differences. @*Conclusion@#Intraoperative Plasma-lyte can lead to more favorable results in terms of acid-base balance during kidney transplantation. Patients who received Plasma-lyte showed superior postoperative graft function at 1 month and 1 year after transplantation.Further studies are needed to evaluate the superiority of intraoperative Plasma-lyte over other types of crystalloids in relation to graft outcomes.

Ability of dynamic preload indices to predict fluid responsiveness in a high femoral-to-radial arterial pressure gradient: a retrospective study

Background@#Dynamic preload indices may predict fluid responsiveness in end-stage liver disease. However, their usefulness in patients with altered vascular compliance is uncertain. This study is the first to evaluate whether dynamic indices can reliably predict fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing liver transplantation with a high femoral-to-radial arterial pressure gradient (PG). @*Methods@#80 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively categorized as having a normal (n = 56) or high (n = 24, difference in systolic pressure ≥ 10 mmHg and/or mean pressure ≥ 5 mmHg) femoral-to-radial arterial PG, measured immediately after radial and femoral arterial cannulation. The ability of dynamic preload indices (stroke volume variation, pulse pressure variation [PPV], pleth variability index) to predict fluid responsiveness was assessed before the surgery. Fluid replacement of 500 ml of crystalloid solution was performed over 15 min. Fluid responsiveness was defined as ≥ 15% increase in the stroke volume index. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) indicated the prediction of fluid responsiveness. @*Results@#Fourteen patients in the normal, and eight in the high PG group were fluid responders. The AUCs for PPV in the normal, high PG groups and total patients were 0.702 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.553–0.851, P = 0.008), 0.633 (95% CI 0.384–0.881, P = 0.295) and 0.667 (95% CI 0.537–0.798, P = 0.012), respectively. No other index predicted fluid responsiveness. @*Conclusion@#PPV can be used as a dynamic index of fluid responsiveness in patients with end-stage liver disease but not in patients with altered vascular compliance.

Effect of Equal Ratio Ventilation on Respiratory Mechanics and Oxygenation During Volume-Controlled Ventilation in Pediatric Patients

Purpose@#Children have few small alveoli, which reduce lung compliance; in contrast, their cartilaginous rib cage makes their chest wall highly compliant. This combination promotes lung collapse. Prolonged inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio ventilation is used to optimize gas exchange and respiratory mechanics in surgery. However, the optimal ratio is unclear in children. We hypothesized that, compared to a 1:2 I:E ratio, a 1:1 I:E ratio would improve dynamic compliance and oxygenation, and affect the peak airway pressure in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. @*Materials and Methods@#Forty-eight patients aged ≤6 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia with an arterial line were randomly allocated to receive 1:1 (group 1:1) or 1:2 (group 1:2) I:E ratio ventilation. Airway pressure, respiratory system compliance, and arterial blood gas analyses were compared between groups immediately after induction (T0), 30 min after induction (T1), 60 min after induction (T2), immediately after surgery (T3), and on arrival at the post-anesthesia care unit (T4). @*Results@#Peak and plateau airway pressures were significantly lower in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 at T1 (p=0.044 and 0.048, respectively). The dynamic and static compliances were significantly higher in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 at T1 (p=0.044 and 0.045, respectively). However, the partial pressure of oxygen did not significantly differ between groups. @*Conclusion@#Compared to a 1:2 I:E ratio, a 1:1 I:E ratio improved dynamic compliance and lowered the peak airway pressure without complications in pediatric patients. Nevertheless, our results do not support its use solely for improving oxygenation.

Effect of Equal Ratio Ventilation on Respiratory Mechanics and Oxygenation During Volume-Controlled Ventilation in Pediatric Patients

Purpose@#Children have few small alveoli, which reduce lung compliance; in contrast, their cartilaginous rib cage makes their chest wall highly compliant. This combination promotes lung collapse. Prolonged inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio ventilation is used to optimize gas exchange and respiratory mechanics in surgery. However, the optimal ratio is unclear in children. We hypothesized that, compared to a 1:2 I:E ratio, a 1:1 I:E ratio would improve dynamic compliance and oxygenation, and affect the peak airway pressure in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. @*Materials and Methods@#Forty-eight patients aged ≤6 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia with an arterial line were randomly allocated to receive 1:1 (group 1:1) or 1:2 (group 1:2) I:E ratio ventilation. Airway pressure, respiratory system compliance, and arterial blood gas analyses were compared between groups immediately after induction (T0), 30 min after induction (T1), 60 min after induction (T2), immediately after surgery (T3), and on arrival at the post-anesthesia care unit (T4). @*Results@#Peak and plateau airway pressures were significantly lower in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 at T1 (p=0.044 and 0.048, respectively). The dynamic and static compliances were significantly higher in group 1:1 than in group 1:2 at T1 (p=0.044 and 0.045, respectively). However, the partial pressure of oxygen did not significantly differ between groups. @*Conclusion@#Compared to a 1:2 I:E ratio, a 1:1 I:E ratio improved dynamic compliance and lowered the peak airway pressure without complications in pediatric patients. Nevertheless, our results do not support its use solely for improving oxygenation.

Bile duct ligation of C57BL/6 mice as a model of hepatic encephalopathy

Background@#Bile duct ligation (BDL) has been used for experimental research on hepatic encephalopathy (HE) caused by chronic liver disease. However, little research has been done on a BDL model in C57BL/6 mouse. Therefore, we evaluated the suitability of a BDL model in C57BL/6 mouse for the study of HE and determined which behavioral tests are appropriate for the identification of HE in this model. @*Methods@#Twelve to fourteen-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either sham group or BDL group. Histological changes in liver were confirmed by hematoxylin/ eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Liver function alterations were detected by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ammonia levels. To identify behavioral changes, open field, elevated plus maze, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tests were performed. @*Results@#Inflammatory liver injury and fibrosis were observed 14 days after BDL. ALT and ammonia levels were significantly higher in BDL group than in sham group. There were no differences in general locomotor activity or anxiety between the groups. No difference was observed between these two groups in the novel object recognition test, but BDL group showed significant learning/memory impairment in the passive avoidance test compared to sham group. @*Conclusions@#Fourteen days of BDL in 12–14-week-old male C57BL/6 mice is a clinically relevant model for HE, as these mice have liver fibrosis with impaired liver function, hyperammonemia, and learning/memory impairment. Passive avoidance can be used as the major behavioral test in this model of HE.

Successful wire-guided fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation in a patient with hemifacial microsomia - A case report -

Background@#Patients with hemifacial microsomia may have a difficult airway due to the accompanying mandibular deformity. Fiberoptic bronchoscope-guided intubation is commonly used method for difficult airway management. However, awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation has several disadvantages, including difficulty in advancement of the endotracheal tube (ETT) due to the resistance between the ETT and bronchoscope. Wire-guided fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation may help to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional method.Case: An 18-year-old man with hemifacial microsomia was scheduled for double-jaw surgery. In preoperative evaluation, he had severe retrognathia and expected difficult airway. We successfully performed wire-guided fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation combined with high-flow nasal cannula and deep sedation without any complications. @*Conclusions@#A guidewire may be useful, in case of difficultly in advancing the ETT or if a smaller tube is required, while performing intubation with FOB in patients with difficult airways.

Korean clinical practice guideline for perioperative red blood cell transfusion from Korean Society of Anesthesiologists / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND@#Considering the functional role of red blood cells (RBC) in maintaining oxygen supply to tissues, RBC transfusion can be a life-saving intervention in situations of severe bleeding or anemia. RBC transfusion is often inevitable to address intraoperative massive bleeding; it is a key component in safe perioperative patient management. Unlike general medical resources, packed RBCs (pRBCs) have limited availability because their supply relies entirely on voluntary donations. Additionally, excessive utilization of pRBCs may aggravate prognosis or increase the risk of developing infectious diseases. Appropriate perioperative RBC transfusion is, therefore, crucial for the management of patient safety and medical resource conservation. These concerns motivated us to develop the present clinical practice guideline for evidence-based efficient and safe perioperative RBC transfusion management considering the current clinical landscape.@*METHODS@#This guideline was obtained after the revision and refinement of exemplary clinical practice guidelines developed in advanced countries. This was followed by rigorous evidence-based reassessment considering the healthcare environment of the country.@*RESULTS@#This guideline covers all important aspects of perioperative RBC transfusion, such as preoperative anemia management, appropriate RBC storage period, and leukoreduction (removal of white blood cells using filters), reversal of perioperative bleeding tendency, strategies for perioperative RBC transfusion, appropriate blood management protocols, efforts to reduce blood transfusion requirements, and patient monitoring during a perioperative transfusion.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This guideline will aid decisions related to RBC transfusion in healthcare settings and minimize patient risk associated with unnecessary pRBC transfusion.

Accuracy and Efficacy of Impedance Cardiography as a Non-Invasive Cardiac Function Monitor

PURPOSE: The most common method of monitoring cardiac output (CO) is thermodilution using pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), but this method is associated with complications. Impedance cardiography (ICG) is a non-invasive CO monitoring technique. This study compared the accuracy and efficacy of ICG as a non-invasive cardiac function monitoring technique to those of thermodilution and arterial pressure contour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients undergoing liver transplantation were included. Cardiac index (CI) was measured by thermodilution using PAC, arterial waveform analysis, and ICG simultaneously in each patient. Statistical analysis was performed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis to assess the degree of agreement. RESULTS: The difference by thermodilution and ICG was 1.13 L/min/m², and the limits of agreement were −0.93 and 3.20 L/min/m². The difference by thermodilution and arterial pressure contour was 0.62 L/min/m², and the limits of agreement were −1.43 and 2.67 L/min/m². The difference by arterial pressure contour and ICG was 0.50 L/min/m², and the limits of agreement were −1.32 and 2.32 L/min/m². All three percentage errors exceeded the 30% limit of acceptance. Substantial agreement was observed between CI of thermodilution with PAC and ICG at preanhepatic and anhepatic phases, as well as between CI of thermodilution and arterial waveform analysis at preanhepatic phase. Others showed moderate agreement. CONCLUSION: Although neither method was clinically equivalent to thermodilution, ICG showed more substantial correlation with thermodilution method than with arterial waveform analysis. As a non-invasive cardiac function monitor, ICG would likely require further studies in other settings.

Korean clinical practice guideline for perioperative red blood cell transfusion from Korean Society of Anesthesiologists / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Considering the functional role of red blood cells (RBC) in maintaining oxygen supply to tissues, RBC transfusion can be a life-saving intervention in situations of severe bleeding or anemia. RBC transfusion is often inevitable to address intraoperative massive bleeding; it is a key component in safe perioperative patient management. Unlike general medical resources, packed RBCs (pRBCs) have limited availability because their supply relies entirely on voluntary donations. Additionally, excessive utilization of pRBCs may aggravate prognosis or increase the risk of developing infectious diseases. Appropriate perioperative RBC transfusion is, therefore, crucial for the management of patient safety and medical resource conservation. These concerns motivated us to develop the present clinical practice guideline for evidence-based efficient and safe perioperative RBC transfusion management considering the current clinical landscape. METHODS: This guideline was obtained after the revision and refinement of exemplary clinical practice guidelines developed in advanced countries. This was followed by rigorous evidence-based reassessment considering the healthcare environment of the country. RESULTS: This guideline covers all important aspects of perioperative RBC transfusion, such as preoperative anemia management, appropriate RBC storage period, and leukoreduction (removal of white blood cells using filters), reversal of perioperative bleeding tendency, strategies for perioperative RBC transfusion, appropriate blood management protocols, efforts to reduce blood transfusion requirements, and patient monitoring during a perioperative transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline will aid decisions related to RBC transfusion in healthcare settings and minimize patient risk associated with unnecessary pRBC transfusion.

The Impact of Perioperative Factors on Changes in Diastolic Function after Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE: Cardiac changes in end-stage renal disease are the most common causes of death after kidney transplantation (KT). Chronic kidney disease presents a major risk factor for the development and progression of diastolic dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between changes in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and perioperative clinical factors in patients with preserved ejection fraction following KT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 115 patients who underwent KT between January 2011 and December 2015 with both preand post-transplant echocardiograms; patients with LV systolic dysfunction were excluded. LV diastolic function was measured using the ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/e′). RESULTS: Patients with normal pre-operative LV systolic function (n=97) showed improvement in E/e′ after KT (11.9±4.4 to 10.5±3.8, p=0.023). Additionally, post-KT estimated glomerular filtration ratio was associated with changes in E/e′ (odds ratio, −0.056; 95% confidence interval, −0.014 to −0.007; p=0.026). Among patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction (20/97 patients), the amount of intraoperative fluid administration was related to E/e′ changes (odds ratio, 0.003; 95% confidence interval, 0.000 to 0.005; p=0.029). CONCLUSION: KT is associated with improved diastolic function. Post-KT renal function was significantly related to changes in LV diastolic function. The amount of intraoperative fluid was a risk factor for worsening diastolic function after KT in patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction: advances based on pre-clinical studies

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs immediately after surgery and is characterized by impairment of memory and changes in cognition. POCD can last for several months or years and have adverse effects including delayed hospital stays, diminished function in daily life, and increased complications and mortality. Despite improvements in surgical technique, anesthesia management, and intensive care, many patients suffer from POCD. POCD is one of the important clinical issues in surgical management and understanding its pathophysiology is necessary. In this review, therefore, we have focused on animal models of POCD and measurements of cognitive ability in preclinical studies, and we have suggested novel approaches for prevention/treatment of POCD. In preclinical studies, major abdominal surgery (laparotomy, hepatectomy, and splenectomy), minor abdominal surgery (laparotomy, probe exploration), and tibial fracture surgery, are used as POCD models. In addition, cognitive function is assessed by Morris water maze, passive avoidance task, elevated plus maze, and T maze test. Neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, beta amyloid deposition, and tau phosphorylation are suggested as pathological mechanisms of POCD in preclinical studies. Based on several studies of these, we suggest erythropoietin, nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin17A, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 as candidates for prevention/treatment of POCD. In the preclinical stage, drug development/exploration and research is being carried out to solve cognitive dysfunction after surgery. Ultimately, based on the results of preclinical studies, we expect to overcome POCD.

Anesthetic Management in Pediatric Liver Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

An increasing number of pediatric patients undergo liver transplantation, and it has become an effective and definitive treatment of choice for pediatric end-stage liver disease patients. However, liver transplantation in pediatric patients differs greatly from that in older individuals with respect to not only surgical techniques, immunosuppression, and post-operative managements, but also to intraoperative anesthetic management. The present review provides an overview of the current development and clinical practices in anesthetic management of pediatric liver transplantation.

Intranasal Administration of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist in a Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia Rat Model

The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) is a potential stroke treatment candidate. Intranasal delivery is a novel method thereby a therapeutic protein can be penetrated into the brain parenchyma by bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Thus, this study tested whether intranasal IL-1RA can provide neuroprotection and brain penetration in transient cerebral ischemia. In male Sprague-Dawley rats, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1 h. The rats simultaneously received 50 mg/kg human IL-1RA through the intranasal (IN group) or intraperitoneal route (IP group). The other rats were given 0.5 mL/kg normal saline (EC group). Neurobehavioral function, infarct size, and the concentration of the administered human IL-1RA in the brain tissue were assessed. In addition, the cellular distribution of intranasal IL-1RA in the brain and its effect on proinflammatory cytokines expression were evaluated. Intranasal IL-1RA improved neurological deficit and reduced infarct size until 7 days after MCAO (p<0.05). The concentrations of the human IL-1RA in the brain tissue 24 h after MCAO were significantly greater in the IN group than in the IP group (p<0.05). The human IL-1RA was confirmed to be co-localized with neuron and microglia. Furthermore, the IN group had lower expression of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α at 6 h after MCAO than the EC group (p<0.05). These results suggest that intranasal IL-1RA can reach the brain parenchyma more efficiently and provide superior neuroprotection in the transient focal cerebral ischemia.

Anesthetic induced neurotoxicity in children / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Combined Subpectoral Implantation of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator and Augmentation Mammoplasty in a Young Female Patient

Subcutaneous implantation of a cardiac implantable electronic device is the standard method. Occasionally, subpectoral cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation via axillary incisions is performed in young female patients for cosmetic purposes. Because subpectoral CIED implantation and augmentation mammoplasty involve the same layer, it is feasible to perform both procedures simultaneously. We report a case of combined subpectoral implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and augmentation mammoplasty via the axillary approach in a young female patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and small breasts.

Guidelines help us to keep calm when facing a difficult airway / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Risk Assessment of Mortality Following Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest Using POSSUM and P-POSSUM in Adults Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery

PURPOSE: The Physiological and Operative Severity Score for enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) and its Portsmouth modification (P-POSSUM) are comprehensive assessment methods for evaluating patient and surgical factors widely used to predict 30-day mortality rates. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the usefulness of POSSUM and P-POSSUM in predicting 30-day mortality after intraoperative cardiac arrests in adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 190486 patients who underwent anesthesia, 51 experienced intraoperative cardiac arrest as defined in our study protocol. Predicted mortality rates were calculated using POSSUM and P-POSSUM equations and were compared with actual outcomes using exponential and linear analyses. In addition, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was undertaken, and area-under-the-curve (AUC) values with confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for POSSUM and P-POSSUM. RESULTS: Among the 51 patients with intraoperative cardiac arrest, 32 (62.7%) died within 30 days postoperatively. The overall predicted 30-day mortality rates using POSSUM and P-POSSUM were 65.5% and 57.5%, respectively. The observed-to-predicted (O:E) ratio for the POSSUM 30-day mortality was 1.07, with no significant difference between the observed and predicted values (chi2=4.794; p=0.779). P-POSSUM predicted mortality equally well, with an O:E ratio of 1.10 (chi2=8.905; p=0.350). AUC values (95% CI) were 0.771 (0.634-0.908) and 0.785 (0.651-0.918) for POSSUM and P-POSSUM, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both POSSUM and P-POSSUM performed well to predict overall 30-day mortality following intraoperative cardiac arrest in adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery at a university teaching hospital in Korea.

Pharmacodynamic Estimate of Propofol-Induced Sedation and Airway Obstruction Effects in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

PURPOSE: Sedatives must be carefully titrated for patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) as oversedation may lead to disastrous respiratory outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relations between the effect-site concentration (Ce) of propofol and sedation and airway obstruction levels in patients with OSAHS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 25 patients with OSAHS, sedation was induced by 2% propofol using target-controlled infusion. Sedation and airway obstruction levels were assessed using the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale and a four-category scale, respectively. The relationships between propofol Ce and sedation and airway obstruction were evaluated using a sigmoid Emax model. Pharmacodynamic modeling incorporating covariates was performed using the Nonlinear Mixed Effects Modeling VII software. RESULTS: Increased propofol Ce correlated with the depth of sedation and the severity of airway obstruction. Predicted Ce50(m) (Ce associated with 50% probability of an effect> or =m) for sedation scores (m> or =2, 3, 4, and 5) and airway-obstruction scores (m> or =2, 3, and 4) were 1.61, 1.78, 1.91, and 2.17 microg/mL and 1.53, 1.64, and 2.09 microg/mL, respectively. Including the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as a covariate in the analysis of Ce50(4) for airway obstruction significantly improved the performance of the basic model (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The probability of each sedation and airway obstruction score was properly described using a sigmoid Emax model with a narrow therapeutic range of propofol Ce in OSAHS patients. Patients with high AHI values need close monitoring to ensure that airway patency is maintained during propofol sedation.

Clinical efficacy of the classic laryngeal mask airway in elderly patients: a comparison with young adult patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The elderly have been reported to show anatomical and physiologic changes in the upper airway, which might affect the supraglottic airway (SGA) performance in geriatric populations. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA-C) in the elderly compared with young adult patients. METHODS: Fifty patients aged 65-85 years (elderly group) and 50 patients aged 20-40 years (young group) who were scheduled for surgery using the LMA-C for general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective, non-randomized, comparative study. Manipulations required during insertion, success rate, insertion time, oropharyngeal leak pressure, gastric insufflation, and intraoperative inadequate ventilation with the LMA-C were assessed. Fiberoptic evaluation was used to determine the position of the LMA-C. RESULTS: In the elderly group, the insertion success rate on the first attempt was significantly lower than that in the young group (84 vs. 96%, P = 0.02). The insertion time in the elderly group was significantly longer than that in the young group (28.5 +/- 19.6 vs. 22.2 +/- 6.4 seconds, P = 0.001). However, there was no difference in oropharyngeal leak pressure or fiberoptic grade between the two groups after proper placement of the LMA-C. During the surgery, inadequate ventilation events occurred more frequently in the elderly group than in the young group (31.3 vs. 4.0%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical efficacy of the LMA-C in elderly patients was inferior to that in young adult patients. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the type of SGA that can provide excellent clinical efficacy in the geriatric population.