The use of photobiomodulation in swallowing difficulties in individuals who developed the severe form of COVID-19 / O uso da fotobiomodulação na dificuldade de deglutição em indivíduos que desenvolveram a forma grave da COVID-19

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the use of photobiomodulation in swallowing difficulties in individuals who had a severe form of COVID-19. This case report was based on a quasi-experimental, quantitative study, with primary data collected from a non-probabilistic sample of 13 adults (aged ≥ 19 to < 60 years) of both sexes, who had the severe form of COVID-19. Swallowing was assessed with the Dysphagia Risk Assessment Protocol, and the intervention used photobiomodulation. Descriptive statistics were used. It was found that all research participants' risk for dysphagia in water and pudding swallowing tests improved from before to after the intervention. It can be concluded that photobiomodulation had positive results in speech-language-hearing practice to treat swallowing difficulties in adults who were affected by the severe form of COVID-19, intubated, tracheostomized, and needed an alternative feeding route, as the swallowing difficulties improved.

RESUMO O objetivo foi verificar o uso da fotobiomodulação na dificuldade de deglutição em indivíduos que desenvolveram a forma grave da COVID-19. Trata-se de um relato de casos, a partir de um estudo quase experimental, quantitativo, com coleta de dados primários e com amostra não probabilística, realizado com 13 indivíduos adultos (idade ≥ 19 a < 60 anos) de ambos os sexos, que tiveram a forma grave da COVID-19. Foi realizada a avaliação da deglutição pelo Protocolo de Avaliação para o Risco de Disfagia (PARD) e a intervenção com fotobiomodulação. Foi utilizada a estatística descritiva. Verificou-se que todos os participantes da pesquisa apresentaram melhora no risco para disfagia no teste de deglutição de água e de alimento pastoso do momento pré para o pós-intervenção. Pode-se concluir que a utilização da fotobiomodulação na prática fonoaudiológica para tratar a dificuldade de deglutição dos adultos que foram acometidos pela forma grave da COVID-19, intubados, traqueostomizados e necessitaram fazer uso de via alternativa de alimentação, trouxe resultados positivos, com melhora da dificuldade de deglutição.

Descripción de la micobiota de los tubos endotraqueales de pacientes de unidades de cuidados intensivos en Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción. La colonización por microorganismos patógenos de los dispositivos médicos usados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos es un factor de riesgo para el aumento de infecciones asociadas con la atención en salud y, por lo tanto, al de la morbilidad y la mortalidad de los pacientes intubados. En Colombia, no se ha descrito la colonización por hongos de los tubos endotraqueales, con lo cual se podrían considerar nuevas opciones terapéuticas para el beneficio de los pacientes. Objetivo. Describir los hongos que colonizan los tubos endotraqueales de los pacientes en unidades de cuidados intensivos, junto con su perfil de sensibilidad a los antifúngicos. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, en dos centros hospitalarios durante 12 meses. Se recolectaron tubos endotraqueales de pacientes de las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Estos fueron procesados para cultivar e identificar hongos, y para establecer su perfil de sensibilidad a los antifúngicos. Resultados. Se analizaron 121 tubos endotraqueales obtenidos de 113 pacientes. De estos, el 41,32 % se encontró colonizado por los hongos Candida albicans (64,61 %), C. no-albicans (30,77 %), Cryptococcus spp. (3,08 %) o mohos (1,54 %). Todos los hongos evaluados presentaron una gran sensibilidad a los antifúngicos, con un promedio del 91 %. Conclusión. Se encontró colonización fúngica en los tubos endotraqueales de pacientes con asistencia respiratoria mecánica. El perfil de sensibilidad en estos pacientes fue favorable. Se requiere un estudio clínico para correlacionar los microorganismos colonizadores y su capacidad de generar infección.

Introduction. Medical device colonization by pathogenic microorganisms is a risk factor for increasing infections associated with health care and, consequently, the morbidity and mortality of intubated patients. In Colombia, fungal colonization of endotracheal tubes has not been described, and this information could lead to new therapeutic options for the benefit of patients. Objective. To describe the colonizing fungi of the endotracheal tubes from patients in the intensive care unit, along with its antifungal sensitivity profile. Materials and methods. We conducted a descriptive, observational study in two health centers for 12 months. Endotracheal tubes were collected from patients in intensive care units. Samples were processed for culture, fungi identification, and antifungal sensitivity profile assessment. Results. A total of 121 endotracheal tubes, obtained from 113 patients, were analyzed: 41.32 % of the tubes were colonized by Candida albicans (64.62%), C. non-albicans (30.77%), Cryptococcus spp. (3.08%) or molds (1.54%). All fungi evaluated showed a high sensitivity to antifungals, with a mean of 91%. Conclusion. Fungal colonization was found in the endotracheal tubes of patients under invasive mechanical ventilation. The antifungal sensitivity profile in these patients was favorable. A clinical study is required to find possible correlations between the colonizing microorganisms and infectivity.

Impact of topical airway anesthesia on immediate postoperative cough/bucking: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Postoperative cough may occur after tracheal intubation, but it is indistinct which drug is best at diminishing these events. Additionally, airway reflexes are commonly accompanied by severe hemodynamics responses during emergence. Objectives To evaluate the role of topical airway anesthesia on immediate post-extubation cough/bucking and extubation time. Methods Randomized clinical trials from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and LILACS published until December 23, 2020 were included. Our primary outcome was postoperative cough/bucking incidence which was compared between local anesthetics and controls. Extubation times were likewise considered. Predisposition appraisal and subgroup, affectability investigations were likewise performed. Results The pooled analysis found a 45% reduction in cough incidence after treatment with topical airway local anesthetic (RR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.72; p< 0.001). The number needed to treat (NNT) was 4.61. The intervention showed no differences in reduction of the extubation time (mean difference = -0.07; 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.28; p= 0.49). Conclusion Topical airway anesthesia demonstrated better than placebo or no medication in reducing immediate post-extubation cough/bucking. Further studies could have this objective to combine the different ways to perform better outcomes for patients.

"Expert Consensus on Nursing Care for Prevention of Adult Oral Tracheal Intubation Unplanned Extubation" evidence application and effect evaluation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To promote the evidence application of the "Expert Consensus on Nursing Care for Prevention of Adult Oral Tracheal Intubation Unplanned Extubation" and verify its effectiveness.Methods:This was a quasi-experimental study. A total of 31 ICU nurses from Tianjin Teda Hospital were trained by workshops, in order to help promote the evidence transformation. With the evidence application model of the JBI Evidence-Based Health Care Center, we reviewed the measures for mechanically ventilated patients before and after intervention (51 cases at baseline and 77 cases at second review).Results:No unplanned extubation occurred during the period of two rounds of evidence review, the implementation rate of 9 review indicators had improved, and 6 of them showed statistically significant differences. indicator 1 increased from 3.92% (2/51) to 100.00% (77/77),indicator 3 increased from 86.27% (44/51) to 100.00% (77/77), indicator 5 increased from 27.45% (14/51) to 100.00% (77/77), indicator 7 increased from 45.10% (23/51) to 70.13% (54/ 77), indicator 8 increased from 50.98% (26/51) to 100.00% (77/77), indicator 9 increased from 45.10% (23/51) to 77.92 % (60/77), the difference was all statistically significant ( χ2 values were 8.02-119.87, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The "Expert Consensus on Nursing Care for Prevention of Adult Oral Tracheal Intubation Unplanned Extubation" can provide guidelines for clinical nursing practice. While preventing unplanned extubation, it can standardize nurses' behavior and promote medical-nursing cooperation.

Predictive performance of thyromental height for difficult laryngoscopies in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Thyromental height (TMH) was first reported as a great single test for prediction of difficult laryngoscopies, although further studies have shown variable estimates of its accuracy. We thus performed this meta-analysis to summarize the predictive values of TMH mainly for prediction of difficult laryngoscopies. Methods A search in PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Scielo was conducted in June 2020. We included prospective cohorts fully reported with patients ≥ 16 years old, providing data on predictive values of TMH for prediction of either difficult laryngoscopies or difficult intubations. Diagnostic properties and association between TMH and Cormack and Lehanes's classification by direct laryngoscopy were evaluated. A random-effects meta-analysis using hierarchical models was performed. Results Eight studies evaluating 2844 patients were included. All included studies had high risk of bias and low concern regarding applicability. There was significant heterogeneity among the studies. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios were as follows: DOR, 57.94 (95% CI: 18.19-184.55); LR+, 11.32 (95% CI: 4.28-29.92); and LR-, 0.23 (95% CI: 0.15-0.35). Summary sensitivity and specificity for studies with common threshold were 82.6 (95% CI: 74-88.8%) and 93.5 (95% CI: 79-98.2%), respectively. The estimated AUC was 81.1%. Conclusion TMH arises as a good predictor of difficult laryngoscopies in adult patients from diverse populations presenting better predictive values than most previously reported bedside tests. However, the high risk of bias throughout the studies may have skewed the results of the individual research as well as the summary points of the present meta-analysis.

Prevalencia de estenosis subglótica posintubación en paciente pediátrico en un hospital de tercer nivel en Colombia entre 2017 y 2020 / Prevalence of pediatric postintubation subglottic stenosis in a third level hospital in Colombia between 2017 and 2020

Introducción: la intubación orotraqueal en pediatría aumenta la supervivencia en patologías graves; sin embargo, una consecuencia es el desarrollo de estenosis subglótica cuya población tiene más riesgo de desarrollarla por diferencias anatómicas con los adultos. La incidencia de estenosis subglótica posterior a intubación orotraqueal ha disminuido en el tiempo según lo reportado en la literatura. En este estudio se evaluó la prevalencia de la patología en nuestra población y su objetivo fue describir las características clínicas, demográficas y diagnósticas en población pediátrica, diagnosticados con estenosis subglótica en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación, posterior a intubación orotraqueal y evaluar la prevalencia del diagnóstico en el período mencionado. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo mediante revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes con códigos CIE 10 de estenosis laríngea o subglótica secundaria a procedimientos y con código CUPS de intubación orotraqueal; se realiza un análisis descriptivo según la distribución de las variables. Resultados: la prevalencia de estenosis subglótica fue del 13 %. La mayoría fueron hombres, la causa principal de intubación fueron las infecciones respiratorias inferiores, principalmente bronquiolitis; las comorbilidades fueron prematuridad, trastorno de deglución y síndrome bronco-obstructivo. Hubo una mediana 19 días de intubación y las estenosis de bajo grado se diagnosticaron más frecuente. Conclusiones: la estenosis subglótica es una complicación de la intubación orotraqueal pediátrica, en este estudio con una prevalencia del 13 %. Los pacientes que desarrollan esta patología requieren la realización de uno o más procedimientos para obtener una vía aérea permeable con estancias hospitalarias prolongadas.

Introduction: Pediatric orotracheal intubation has increased survival rates in severe illnesses; however, one of the consequences maybe the development of subglottic stenosis. This population is at a higher risk of developing it due to anatomical diffe-rences compared to adults. The incidence of subglottic stenosis following orotracheal intubation has decreased over time as reported in the literature. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of this condition in our population and describe the clinical, demographic, and diagnostic characteristics in the pediatric population diagnosed with subglottic stenosis following orotracheal intubation at the San Vicente Fun-dación Hospital. Additionally, it aimed to evaluate the prevalence of this diagnosis during the mentioned period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records of patients with ICD-10 codes for laryn-geal stenosis and for subglottic stenosis secondary to procedures. Also, the patients with the procedure code for orotracheal intubation were identified. A descriptive analysis was performed based on the distribution of variables. Results: The preva-lence of subglottic stenosis was 13%. There was a majority of male cases, and the primary cause of intubation was lower respiratory tract infection, mainly bronchio-litis. The most frequent comorbidities included prematurity, swallowing disorders, and broncho-obstructive syndrome. Median duration of intubation was 19 days, and lower-grade stenosis was more commonly encountered. Conclusions: Subglottic ste-nosis is a complication of pediatric orotracheal intubation, with a prevalence of 13% in this study. Patients who develop this condition require one or more procedures to establish a patent airway and often experience prolonged hospital stays.

The use of a noninvasive positive pressure system to facilitate tracheal intubation in a difficult pediatric airway: a case report

Abstract Patients with burns to the head and neck maybe difficult to intubate or ventilate via facemask. Furthermore, post-burn scarring and microstomia may reduce the success of rescue supraglottic airway placement. While awake tracheal intubation using a flexible intubation scope is considered the optimal technique for these patients, it may not always be feasible in the pediatric population. We report a case of successful management of a difficult airway in a child with extensive post-burn head and neck deformity using a noninvasive positive pressure system to aid with inhalational induction and deep sedation during intubation using a flexible scope.

Dispositivo com câmera para treinamento de intubação orotraqueal: possibilidade de ensino médico em período pandêmico / Device with camera in orotracheal intubation training: possibility of medical education a pandemic period

Resumo: Introdução: A intubação orotraqueal é um procedimento importante no manejo da via aérea, principalmente quando realizada em situações de emergência. A videolaringoscopia é um artificio que facilita a visualização da glote ao auxiliar a intubação. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objeto acoplar uma câmera de vídeo a um laringoscópio convencional do tipo Macintosh para possibilitar e orientar o treinamento da intubação orotraqueal. Método: O uso de uma câmera acoplada a um laringoscópio convencional permite a visibilização direta e indireta da glote. As imagens da câmera podem ser transmitidas por wi-fi e compartilhadas para dispositivos e plataformas eletrônicos, visando ao ensino presencial ou remoto da intubação orotraqueal. Resultado: A utilização do dispositivo artesanal como método de ensino de intubação orotraqueal permite ao docente ensinar a teoria do procedimento e orientar e corrigir a execução realizada pelo acadêmico. Esse feedback no treinamento prático pode ser realizado presencialmente ou por via remota. Conclusão: O uso do dispositivo artesanal de videolaringoscopia no ensino médico é uma ferramenta de baixo custo para aperfeiçoar o treinamento de intubação orotraqueal convencional.

Abstract: Introduction: The orotracheal intubation is an important procedure in airway management, especially when performed in emergency situations. Video-laryngoscopy is an artifice that facilitates visualization of the glottis, aiding intubation. Objective: This study aimed to attach a video camera to a conventional Macintosh-type laryngoscope to enable and train intubation or otracheal training. Method: The use of a camera coupled to a conventional laryngoscope allows direct and indirect visualization of the glottis. Camera images can be transmitted over wi-fi and shared to electronic devices and platforms, aiming at teaching in person or remotely about orotracheal intubation. Result: The use of the device as a method of teaching intubation or otracheal, allows teaching to teach the theory of procedure and training the execution performed by the artisanal method. This feedback in the practical training of orotracheal intubation in mannequins can be performed in person or remotely. Conclusion: The use of handcrafted video laryngoscopy device in medical education is a low-cost tool to improve conventional orotracheal intubation training.

Anesthesiologists′ proficiency and training needs in flexible bronchoscope-guided awake fiberoptic intubation in China: a nationwide prevalence survey / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To investigate the Chinese anesthesiologist′s proficiency, training experience and needs of flexible bronchoscope-guided awake flexible bronchoscopy intubation (AFBI) using a questionnaire method.Methods:The cluster sampling was used, and self-designed questionnaires that addressed 54 questions in 5 categories were distributed through WeChat and online platforms. The survey took one month, and the answers were automatically recorded by the WeChat server.Results:A total of 1 250 anesthesiologists participated in the survey in 30 provinces of China, 9 of them were not anesthesiologists, and 1 241 (99.28%) questionnaires were validated. In the valid questionnaires, 52.70% (654) of the anesthesiologists were from tertiary hospitals, and 74.78% (928) of the anesthesiologists were attending physicians or above, only 7.57% (94) of the anesthesiologists had sufficient confidence in AFBI. Twenty-five point two two percent (313) of the anesthesiologists preferred fiberoptic intubation as the first tool when dealing with the anticipated difficult airway. Forty-eight point one one percent (597) of the anesthesiologists had implemented AFBI. Among them, 80.74% (482) had experienced unsuccessful AFBI practices. Eight hundred and ninety-four anesthesiologists had received AFBI training, and the most common AFBI training strategy was theoretical lectures. In addition, the degree of satisfaction regarding the theoretical lectures quality, technical training, clinical practice relativity and non-technical skills training was 21.47% (192), 14.32% (128), 12.3% (110) and 17.90% (160), respectively. The degree of satisfaction with all the 4 training elements mentioned above was 7.27% (65).Conclusions:The awareness and practice of Chinese anesthesiologists in terms of clinical application of AFBI to treat difficult airways need to be strengthened at present, and the lack of high-quality AFBI training may be the key.

Construction of three image recognition models of manikin′s glottis using visual laryngoscopy based on deep-learning algorithm / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To construct three image recognition models of manikin′s glottis using visual laryngoscopy based on deep-learning algorithm.Methods:The tracheal intubation manikin′s epiglottis was visualized using a videolaryngoscope, and then epiglottis was elevated to expose the glottis and acquire glottic images. A total of 149 images were obtained from various angles and orientations and randomly divided into training set and test set, and the annotation of image data was completed. Three glottal image recognition models of CenterNet, YOLOv3 and YOLOv4 were developed. The training set was used to complete the training of the models, and finally the test set was used to evaluate the model performance.Results:CenterNet, YOLOv3 and YOLOv4 three models were successfully constructed, the mean average precision of CenterNet, YOLOv3 and YOLOv4 was 92.33%, 89.52% and 89.02% respectively, the recall rates were 87.50%, 90.00% and 90.00% respectively, the precision rates reached 97.22%, 94.74% and 94.74% respectively, and the accuracy rates were 90.91%, 85.11% and 88.89% respectively. All three algorithms demonstrated an identical F1 score of 91.00%.Conclusions:The CenterNet, YOLOv3 and YOLOv4 models are successfully constructed, and three recognition models can accurately identify the glottis in the image, with the CenterNet model demonstrating the highest recognition precision.

Construction of a prediction model for difficult tracheal intubation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To construct a prediction model for difficult tracheal intubation in the patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Methods:A total of 324 patients with OSAHS undergoing surgery with general anesthesia, admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to June 2021, were included in model group, and 175 patients with OSAHS undergoing surgery with general anesthesia, admitted from July 2021 to July 2022, were selected and served as validation group. The patients in model group were divided into occurrence group and non-occurrence group according to whether difficult tracheal intubation occurred. Logistic regression was used to construct the prediction model, and R4.2.1 software was used to draw the risk nomogram and calibration curve. The predictive accuracy of the model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results:Body mass index (BMI), sagittal minimum cross-sectional area, horizontal minimum cross-sectional area and mandibular distance were risk factors for difficult tracheal intubation in OSAHS patients ( P<0.05). A prediction model was developed using the above factors: Logit P=33.726+ 1.411×BMI score-0.014×sagittal airway minimum cross-sectional area-0.013×airway horizontal minimum cross-sectional area-0.312× mandibular distance. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.846, Youden index 0.585, sensitivity 0.831, specificity 0.755, and the accuracy 0.889 (Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2=9.24, P=0.322) in model group. The area under the external validation curve was 0.802, Youden index 0.545, sensitivity 0.636, specificity 0.908, and the accuracy 0.893 (Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2=10.24, P=0.287) in validation group. Conclusions:The prediction model based on BMI, sagittal minimum cross-sectional area of airway, horizontal minimum cross-sectional area of airway and mandibular distance has a high value in predicting the risk of difficult tracheal intubation in patients with OSAHS.

Comparison of non-intubated spontaneous breathing and endotracheal intubation with one-lung ventilation in uniportal thoracoscopic surgery in elderly patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To explore the practical value of general anesthesia with non-intubated spontaneous breathing in uniportal thoracoscopic surgery in elderly patients.Methods:Clinical data of 86 elderly patients undergone uniportal thoracoscopy surgery during hospitalization at our hospital between March 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.Based on the anesthesia intubation method, they were divided into a non-intubated spontaneous breathing video-assisted thoracic surgery group(NI-VATS group)and a one-lung ventilation video-assisted thoracic surgery group(OLV-VATS group), with 43 cases in each group.Data were compared on the inflammatory indexes, preparation time for anesthesia, time to awakening after anesthesia, intraoperative lung collapse score, mediastinal flutter score, time to postoperative feeding, digestive tract complications, sore throat, postoperative pulmonary atelectasis, and hospitalization time.Results:Compared with the OLV-VATS group, the NI-VATS group had a shorter anesthesia preparation time [(19.8±2.6)min vs.(32.3±4.5)min, t=-15.77, P<0.001]and a shorter time to awakening [(6.8±2.1)min vs.(11.9±2.9)min, t=-9.485, P<0.001], slightly poorer operating field during surgery, an unfavorable lung collapse score [(2.5±0.7) vs.(1.8±0.7) t=4.704, P<0.001], worse mediastinal flutter [(2.1±0.6) vs.(1.3±0.5), t=6.514, P<0.001]. Lower procalcitonin(PCT)[(0.189±0.130)μg/L vs.(0.264±0.123)μg/L, t=-2.744, P=0.007), a shorter time to postoperative feeding [(3.4±1.0)h vs.(5.5±1.0)h, t=-9.55, P<0.001], and lower rates of digestive tract reactions(4.7% vs.20.9%, χ2=5.108, P=0.024)and throat pain(4.7% vs.23.3%, χ2=6.198, P=0.013), and a shorter length of hospital stay [(3.8±0.3)d vs.(4.9±0.8)d, t=-7.266, P<0.001]. Conclusions:For the elderly patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic surgery, non-intubated spontaneous breathing may somewhat obstruct the operating field, but it can shorten the time of anesthesia and the time to awakening, does not increase complications from anesthesia and surgery, favors rapid postoperative recovery for patients and therefore should be promoted.

Evaluation of thyromental height as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation: a cross-sectional observational study

Abstract Background and objectives Several anthropometric measurements have been suggested to identify a potentially difficult airway. We studied thyromental height (TMH) as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation. We also compared TMH, ratio of height to thyromental distance (RHTMD), and thyromental distance (TMD) as predictors of difficult airway. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 300 adult surgical patients requiring tracheal intubation. Preoperatively airway characteristics were assessed. Standard anesthesia was administered. Degree of difficulty with mask ventilation, laryngoscopic view, duration of laryngoscopy, and difficulty in tracheal intubation (intubation difficulty scale score) were noted. Multivariate logistics regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for difficult laryngoscopy. Results Laryngoscopy was difficult in 46 of 300 (15.3%) patients; all 46 patients had Cormack-Lehane grade 3 view. Duration of laryngoscopy was 27 ± 11 s in patients with difficult laryngoscopy and 12.7 ± 3.9 s in easy laryngoscopy; p= 0.001. Multivariate analysis identified that TMH, presence of short neck, and history of snoring were independently associated with difficult laryngoscopy. Incidence of difficult intubation was 17.0%. A shorter TMH was associated with higher IDS scores; r = -0.16, p= 0.001. TMH and duration of laryngoscopy were found to be negatively correlated; a shorter TMH was associated with a longer duration of laryngoscopy; r = -0.13, p= 0.03. The cut-off threshold value for TMH in our study is 4.4 cm with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 54%. Conclusion Thyromental height predicts difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation. TMD and RHTMD did not prove to be useful as predictors of difficult airway.

Is Mallampati classification a good screening test? A prospective cohort evaluating the predictive values of Mallampati test at different thresholds

Abstract Background There is currently some discussion over the actual usefulness of performing preoperative upper airway assessment to predict difficult airways. In this field, modified Mallampati test (MMT) is a widespread tool used for prediction of difficult airways showing only a feeble predictive performance as a diagnostic test. We therefore aimed at evaluating if MMT test would perform better when used as a screening test rather than diagnostic. Methods An accuracy prospective study was conducted with 570 patients undergoing general anesthesia for surgical procedures. We collected preoperatively data on sex, age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), ASA physical status, and MMT. The main outcome was difficult laryngoscopy defined as Cormack and Lahane classes 3 or 4. Bivariate analyses were performed to build three different predictive models with their ROC curves. Results Difficult laryngoscopy was reported in 36 patients (6.32%). Sex, ASA physical status, and MMT were associated with difficult laryngoscopy, while body mass index (BMI) was not. The MMT cut-off with the highest odds ratio was the class II, which also presented significantly higher sensitivity (94.44%). The balanced accuracy was 67.11% (95% CI: 62.78-71.44%) for the cut-off of class II and 71.68% (95% CI: 63.83-79.54) for the class III. Conclusion MMT seems to be more clinically useful when the class II is employed as the threshold for possible difficult laryngoscopies. At this cut-off, MMT shows the considerable highest sensitivity plus the highest odds ratio, prioritizing thus the anticipation of difficult laryngoscopies.

Deglutição de pacientes críticos e sua associação com características epidemiológicas e clínicas / Swallowing of critical patients and its association with epidemiological and clinical characteristics / Deglución de pacientes críticos y su associación con características epidemiológicas y clínicas

Introdução: Disfagia é um distúrbio de deglutição com sinais e sintomas específicos, caracterizada por alterações em qualquer fase ou entre as fases da dinâmica de deglutição, de origem congênita ou adquirida, podendo gerar prejuízo pulmonar, nutricional e social. É um transtorno frequentemente encontrado no centro de tratamento intensivo (CTI). Sendo assim, a identificação precoce dos principais agentes etiológicos para transtornos de deglutição é essencial para promover uma assistência fonoaudiológica mais adequada. Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre características epidemiológicas e clínicas com o desfecho contraindicação fonoaudiológica de alimentação por via oral em pacientes internados em um CTI. Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou pacientes internados no CTI submetidos a avaliação clínica da deglutição no período entre outubro de 2018 e maio de 2019. O nível 1 da Escala funcional de ingestão por via oral (FOIS) foi considerado de maior risco para aspiração respiratória e comparado com os níveis FOIS 2-7. Variáveis epidemiológicas e clínicas foram obtidas a partir dos registros dos pacientes. Análises univariadas e multivariadas foram realizadas para identificar associações e efeitos entre as variáveis e o desfecho contraindicação da alimentação por via oral. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% e as análises foram realizadas no programa SPSS v.21.0. Resultados: Foram incluídos 128 pacientes (64,9% submetidos a intubação orotraqueal ­ IOT; idade de 60 ± 15,3 anos). Pacientes com FOIS 1 permaneceram mais dias em IOT, tiveram a internação no CTI prolongada e a cada dia de internação apresentaram risco de 5% de contraindicação da alimentação por via oral na avaliação fonoaudiológica. Conclusão: Foi evidenciada associação entre maior tempo de intubação orotraqueal, além de maior tempo de internação prévio, com a contraindicação da alimentação por via oral.

Introduction: Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder with specific signs and symptoms, characterized by alterations in any phase or between phases of swallowing dynamics, of congenital or acquired origin, which can lead to pulmonary, nutritional and social damage. It is a disorder often found in the intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, the early identification of the main etiological agents for swallowing disorders is essential to promote more adequate speech therapy assistance. Objective: To verify the association between epidemiological and clinical characteristics with the outcome speech-language pathology contraindication for oral feeding in patients admitted to an ICU. Methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated patients admitted to the ICU who underwent clinical evaluation of swallowing between October 2018 and May 2019. Level 1 of the Functional oral intake scale (FOIS) was considered at higher risk for respiratory aspiration and compared with FOIS levels 2-7. Epidemiological and clinical variables were obtained from patient records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify associations and effects between variables and the outcome contraindication of oral feeding. The significance level adopted was 5% and the analyses were performed using the SPSS v.21.0 program. Results: 128 patients were included (64.9% undergoing orotracheal intubation - OTI; age of 60 ± 15.3 years). Patients with FOIS 1 spent more days on OTI, had a prolonged stay in the ICU and each day of hospitalization had a 5% risk of contraindication of oral feeding in the speech-language pathology assessment. Conclusion: There was an association between longer times of orotracheal intubation, in addition to longer previous hospitalization time, with the contraindication of oral feeding.

Introducción: La disfagia es un trastorno de la deglución con signos y síntomas específicos, caracterizado por alteraciones en cualquier fase o entre fases de la dinámica de la deglución, de origen congénito o adquirido, que pueden conducir a daño pulmonar, nutricional y social. Es un trastorno que se encuentra a menudo en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Por lo tanto, la identificación temprana de los principales agentes etiológicos de los trastornos de la deglución es fundamental para promover una asistencia logopédica más adecuada. Objetivo: Verificar la asociación entre las características epidemiológicas y clínicas con el desenlace fonoaudiológico contraindicación para alimentación oral en pacientes internados en una UTI. Métodos: Estudio transversal que evaluó a pacientes ingresados en UCI a quienes se les realizó evaluación clínica de la deglución entre octubre de 2018 y mayo de 2019. Nivel 1 de la Escala de ingesta oral funcional (FOIS) fue considerado de mayor riesgo para aspiración respiratoria y comparado con los niveles de FOIS 2-7. Las variables epidemiológicas y clínicas se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas de los pacientes. Se realizaron análisis univariados y multivariados para identificar asociaciones y efectos entre las variables y el resultado contraindicación de la alimentación oral. El nivel de significación adoptado fue del 5% y los análisis se realizaron con el programa SPSS v.21.0. Resultados: se incluyeron 128 pacientes (64,9% sometidos a intubación orotraqueal - IOT; edad de 60 ± 15,3 años). Los pacientes con FOIS 1 pasaron más días en OTI, tuvieron una estancia prolongada en la UCI y cada día de hospitalización tenían un 5% de riesgo de contraindicación de alimentación oral en la evaluación de patología del habla y lenguaje. Conclusión: Hubo asociación entre mayor tiempo de intubación orotraqueal, además de mayor tiempo de hospitalización previa, con la contraindicación de alimentación oral.

Application of esketamine in combination with butorphanol in endotracheal intubation guided by fiberoptic bronchoscopy with spontaneous breathing / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of esketamine combined with butorphanol in endotracheal intubation guided by fiberoptic bronchoscopy with spontaneous breathing.Methods:Forty patients suspected of having difficult airways during elective general anesthesia operations in Hunan Provincial People′s Hospital were prospectively selected and divided into control group and observation group by random number table. Propofol plus sufentanil, esketamine plus butorphanol were used for intravenous general anesthesia respectively. At the same time, they were assisted with cricothyroid puncture and surface anesthesia of nasopharynx and larynx, and then trachea intubation with spontaneous breathing was performed through the nose under the guidance of fiberoptic bronchoscope. The changes of heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2), and the levels of serum cortisol, norepinephrine and adrenaline before and after endotracheal intubation were compared between the two groups. The number of body motions and coughing at the completion of endotracheal intubation was compared between the two groups. Results:In the control group, the HR and MAP at the completion of intubation were higher than those before intubation, and the PaO 2 was lower than those before intubation (all P<0.05); In the observation group, there was no significant difference in HR, MAP and PaO 2 at the completion of intubation and before intubation (all P>0.05). The HR and MAP at the end of intubation in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the PaO 2 was higher than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The number of body motion and coughing in the observation group was significantly less than that in the control group at the completion of endotracheal intubation (all P<0.01). At the end of endotracheal intubation, the serum cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine level in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01). Conclusions:Esketamine combined with butorphanol has advantages over propofol combined with sufentanil in the application of fiberoptic bronchoscopy guided tracheal intubation in difficult airways that retain spontaneous breathing, and can better control the stress response caused by tracheal intubation.

Evaluation of the effects of five videolaryngoscopes in patients with a simulated difficult airway / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To compare the effects of five different types of videolaryngoscopes in patients with a simulated difficult airway.Methods:575 patients who needed endotracheal intubation in Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from May 2021 to September 2021 were randomly divided into 5 groups [UE videolaryngoscope group (U group), GlideScope videolaryngoscope group (G group), C-MAC videolaryngoscope group (C group), Airtraq videolaryngoscope group (A group) and A. P.advance videolaryngoscope group (AP group)], with 115 patients in each group. They all wore cervical collar to simulate difficult airway. The main observation index was the success rate of first endotracheal intubation. Secondary observation indicators included overall success rate, laryngoscope exposure field, intubation time, operator′s subjective score, cause of failure, adverse events, and complications of intubation.Results:The patients′ mouth opening degree was reduced from (46±6)mm to (24±4)mm ( P<0.05) after wearing the cervical collar; The success rate of the first endotracheal intubation were 96%(UE), 92%(C-MAC), 86%(GlideScope), 85%(Airtraq), and 60%(AP.Advance) respectively, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05); Compared with AP group and G group, the incidence of soft tissue injury or bleeding in U group and C group were lower ( P<0.05); There were significant difference in the overall success rate of videolaryngoscopes, laryngoscope visual field exposure, intubation time, the subjective score of the operator and adverse events ( P<0.05); There was no significant difference in the complications of intubation among the groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Among 575 patients with a simulated difficult airway with limited neck mobility and limited mouth opening, there were significant differences in the use of five videolaryngoscopes. Among them, UE video laryngoscope had the highest first intubation success rate and lowest tissue trauma rate, C-MAC video laryngoscope, GlideScope video laryngoscope and Airtraq video laryngoscope followed in performance, while A. P.Advance video laryngoscope performed the worst.

Effects of laryngeal mask anesthesia versus tracheal intubation anesthesia on the incidence of pulmonary infection in young children subjected to surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of endotracheal intubation anesthesia versus laryngeal mask anesthesia on the incidence of pulmonary infection in young children undergoing surgery. Methods:A total of 100 young children who underwent surgery under general anesthesia in Hangzhou Children's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly allocated into the endotracheal intubation anesthesia and laryngeal mask anesthesia groups ( n = 50/group). The symptoms of respiratory tract infection (nasal congestion, cough, sputum ringing, rale, and sputum excretion) and the incidence of pulmonary infection evaluated 24 hours after surgery were compared between the two groups. At the same time, the pathogens of infection and perioperative conditions as well as prognosis were also compared between the two groups. Results:The incidences of nasal obstruction, cough, sputum ringing, rale, sputum excretion, and pulmonary infection were 56.0% (28/50), 42.0% (21/50), 14.0% (7/50), rale 38.0% (19/50), 16.0% (8/50), and 38.00 (19/50) respectively in the endotracheal intubation anesthesia group, which were significantly higher than those in the laryngeal mask anesthesia group [28.0% (14/50), 14.0% (28/50), 4.0% (8/50), 24.0% (12/50) 4.0% (2/50), 6.0%(3/50), χ2 = 12.18, 21.47, all P < 0.001]. A total of 34 strains of pathogens were detected in the two groups, including 4 strains in the laryngeal mask anesthesia group and 30 strains in the endotracheal intubation anesthesia group. The 34 strains of pathogens included 7 strains of gram-positive bacteria (20.6%), 23 strains of gram-negative bacteria (67.6%), and 4 strains of fungi (11.8%). There was no significant difference in pathogen composition between the two groups ( χ2 = 1.04, P = 0.310). The time to recovery and the time to extubation in the laryngeal mask anesthesia group were (10.3 ± 3.1) minutes and (13.5 ± 2.4) minutes, which were significantly shorter than those in the endotracheal intubation anesthesia group [(16.1 ± 5.1) minutes, (19.5 ± 4.1) minutes, t = 3.17, 7.19, both P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the proportion of children who needed prolonged hospitalization and the proportion of children scheduled to undergo readmission between the two groups (both P > 0.05). Conclusion:Laryngeal mask anesthesia is simpler to operate, remarkably decreases the incidence of pulmonary infection, and is safer compared with endotracheal intubation anesthesia. Therefore, laryngeal mask anesthesia is preferred for general anesthesia for surgery in young children. The study is of great innovation and science.

Application of a video laryngoscope combined with a fiberoptic bronchoscope in emergency endotracheal intubation and its effects on pulmonary infection in patients with craniocerebral trauma / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the application of a video laryngoscope combined with a fiberoptic bronchoscope in emergency endotracheal intubation and its effects on pulmonary infection in patients with craniocerebral trauma.Methods:A total of 105 patients with craniocerebral trauma who received treatment in Yiwu Central Hospital from January 2020 to December 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly allocated to undergo endotracheal intubation with a video laryngoscope (control group, n = 50) or a video laryngoscope combined with a fiberoptic bronchoscope (observation group, n = 55). Glottic exposure, intubation, vital signs, lung infection rate during hospitalization, and incidence of complications were monitored/determined in each group. Results:Glottic exposure in the observation group was superior to that in the control group ( Z = 4.29, P < 0.001). First-pass success rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [96.36% (53/55) vs. 82.00% (41/50), χ2 = 5.76, P < 0.05]. The number of intubation attempts and the time to successful intubation were (1.07 ± 0.53) times and (85.12 ± 15.36) seconds, respectively in the observation group, which were significantly less or shorter than those in the control group [(1.92 ± 0.74) times, (106.13 ± 16.34) seconds, t = 6.81, 6.79, both P < 0.001). The changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate during intubation were less in the observation group than in the control group (both P < 0.05). The amplitude of increase in blood oxygen saturation after intubation was greater in the observation group than in the control group ( P < 0.05). Lung infection rate was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group [10.91% (6/55) vs. 30.00% (15/50), χ2 = 5.96, P < 0.05]. The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group [5.45% (3/55) vs. 18.00% (9/50), χ2 = 4.07, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Application of a video laryngoscope combined with a fiberoptic bronchoscope in emergency endotracheal intubation can increase the first-pass success rate, reduce repeated intubation attempts, shorten time to successful intubation, help to maintain stable vital signs, prevent lung infection and complication. Therefore, the combined method is of clinical application value.

Dose-effect relationship of alfentanil inhibiting cardiovascular responses to endotracheal intubation when combined with midazolam and etomidate / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To investigate the dose-effect relationship of alfentanil inhibiting cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation when combined with midazolam and etomidate.Methods:American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of either sex, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index<32 kg/m 2, undergoing elective operation under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, were enrolled in this study.Midazolam 0.025 mg/kg was intravenously injected for adequate sedation, and 5 min later mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded for 3 consecutive times at an interval of 3 min, and the mean value was calculated and served as the baseline value.Etomidate 0.3 mg/kg was intravenously injected, and alfentanil and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg were intravenously injected when bispectral index value < 60, and then 1.4 min later tracheal intubation was performed.The dose of alfentanil was determined by the Dixon′s up-and-down method.The initial dose of alfentanil was set at 20 μg/kg.The dose of alfentanil in the next patient was determined according to the development of cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation, and the ratio between the two successive doses was 1.0∶1.1.The cardiovascular response was defined as as positive when the maximum value of mean arterial pressure or heart rate increased by ≥20% of the baseline value within 2 min after endotracheal intubation.Probit method was used to determine the ED 50, ED 95 and 95% confidence interval of alfentanil inhibiting cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation. Results:When combined with midazolam and etomidate, the ED 50 (95% confidence interval) of alfentanil inhibiting cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation was 21.343 (19.105-24.516) μg/kg, and the ED 95 (95% confidence interval) was 25.043 (22.983-48.983) μg/kg. Conclusions:When combined with midazolam and etomidate, the ED 50 and ED 95 of alfentanil inhibiting cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation are 21.343 and 25.043 μg/kg, respectively.