Efficacy of lignocaine nebulization in patients with COVID-19 respiratory infection: An exploratory randomized double-blinded controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related pneumonia is proposed to be an inflammatory process. The treatment currently includes supportive therapy and low-dose steroids. Anti-inflammatory drugs have been proposed to prevent cytokine storms and improve oxygenation in such cases. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of nebulized lignocaine in COVID-19 patients with pneumonia. Material and Methods: This was an exploratory randomized double-blinded control trial conducted in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure requiring oxygen therapy either by face mask or non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Patients included were of the age of more than 18 years of either gender. The patients were randomized to receive either lignocaine or distilled water nebulization. The outcomes assessed were PaO2/FiO2 ratio, hemodynamics, respiratory parameters, and sequential organ failure score (SOFA). Results: The two groups were comparable concerning demographic variables. The PaO2/FiO2 were significantly higher in the lignocaine group from day 2 onward. The SPO2 was significantly higher on day 3 in the lignocaine group and thereafter there was no significant difference. Other hemodynamic, respiratory parameters, and SOFA scores showed no difference in both the groups. Conclusion: Lignocaine nebulization improved oxygenation in COVID-19 patients and can be used as adjunctive therapy along with other supportive medications.

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided upper thoracic erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in proximal shoulder surgery and its effect on phrenic nerve function: A prospective exploratory study.

Background and Aims: The upper thoracic (T2) erector spinae plane block (UT-ESPB) has been proposed as an alternative to interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery. The current study was conducted to evaluate the same. Material and Methods: Patients scheduled for shoulder surgery under general anesthesia (GA) received ultrasound-guided UT-ESPB. The outcomes measured were diaphragmatic movements, block characteristics, and quality of recovery at 24 h. Results: A total of 43 patients were recruited. The incidence of phrenic nerve palsy was 0%. The sensory level achieved by the maximum number of patients at the end of 30 min was C7-T5 level, and none had a motor block. Forty-two percent of patients did not require rescue analgesia till 24 h postoperative. In the rest of the patients, the mean (SD) duration of analgesia was 724.2 ± 486.80 min, and the mean postoperative requirement of fentanyl was 98.80 ± 47.02 µg. The median pain score (NRS) during rest and movement is 2 to 3 and 3 to 4, respectively. The median quality of recovery score at the end of 24 h after the block was 14 (15-14). Conclusion: The upper thoracic ESPB resulted in a sensory loss from C7-T5 dermatomes without any weakness of the diaphragm and upper limb. However, the block was moderately effective in terms of the total duration of analgesia, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirement, and quality of recovery in patients undergoing proximal shoulder surgeries under GA. Further studies are required to establish its role due to its poor correlation with sensory spread.

A randomised trial comparing block characteristics of a mixture versus sequential injections of lignocaine and ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus nerve block in patients undergoing upper limb surgery.

Background and Aim: There is no consensus on the appropriate use of mixtures of local anaesthetic drugs in various combinations for nerve blocks. We intended to compare short-acting lignocaine and long-acting ropivacaine as a mixture versus undiluted sequential injections on block characteristics of ultrasound-guided (USG) supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries. Methods: A double-blinded randomised study was conducted on 64 adult patients scheduled for upper limb surgery who received 15 mL each of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline and 0.75% ropivacaine as a 1:1 mixture in the mixed group (Group M) or sequential injections in the sequential group (Group S) by using a USG technique. The primary outcome was the percentage of participants with complete four nerve sensory blocks at 10 minutes post block injection. Secondary outcomes were sensory and motor block characteristics till 30 minutes, total duration of analgesia, sensory and motor block, and complications. Results: Demographic characteristics and time taken for the procedure were similar. The percentage of participants with a complete four-nerve sensory block at 10 minutes was higher in Group S (69%) versus Group M (41%) (P = 0.04). Complete sensory and motor block rates were similar at 30 minutes. The block procedure time, total duration of analgesia, and sensory and motor block were similar in both groups. There were no major complications. Conclusion: Sequential lignocaine-ropivacaine, compared to the mixed injection technique, has a higher initial rate of sensory and motor block onset with a similar total block duration.

Management of a Patient With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Multiple Comorbidities Who Underwent a Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using an Innovative Positioning Strategy.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder leading to bony ankylosis, ossification, and fibrosis of the spine. Airway management is difficult in these patients due to restricted head and neck movement as well as a stiff body posture. This also poses challenges in lying down supine as well as surgical positioning. We report a case of a patient with AS and multiple co-morbidities who underwent a percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal calculi, and the customisations made in anaesthetic and surgical techniques to safely perform the procedure.

Correlation coefficient between plethysmographic variability index and Systolic Pressure Variation as an indicator for fluid responsiveness in hypotensive patients in the ICU/OT.

Background: Prediction of fluid responsiveness in hypotensive patients is a challenge. The correlation between a novel noninvasive dynamic indicator, Pleth Variability Index (PVI ®), and a gold-standard Systolic Pressure Variation (SPV) as a measure of fluid responsiveness was assessed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Operation Theatre (OT) in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective experimental study was conducted over a span of one year on 100 mechanically ventilated patients with hypotension. Vital parameters along with SPV and PVI ® were recorded before and after a standard volume expansion protocol. A 10% SPV threshold was used to define fluid responders and nonresponders. Results: Pearson's correlation graph at baseline showed positive correlation between PVI ® and SPV (r = 0.59, p-value = 0.001). Strength of correlation was comparatively less but still showed positive correlation at 15 (r = 0.39, p-value = 0.009) and 30 (r = 0.404, p-value = 0.004) minutes of fluid bolus. The Bland Altman analysis of baseline values of PVI ® and SPV showed good agreement with a mean bias of 9.05. Percentage change of PVI ® and SPV over 30 min showed a statistically significant positive correlation in the responder group (r = 0.53, p < 0.05). A threshold value of PVI ® more than 18% before volume expansion differentiated fluid responders and nonresponders with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 67%, with an area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) of 0.78. Conclusion: A positive correlation exists between SPV and PVI ®, justifying the use of noninvasive PVI ® in a clinical setting of hypotension.

A prospective observational study on changes in endo-tracheal tube cuff pressure and its correlation with airway pressures during various stages of robotic pelvic surgeries.

Background and Aims: Robotic surgeries often require a relatively long duration of pneumo-peritoneum and trendelenburg position which may accentuate changes in endo-tracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure leading to pressure related complications. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in ETT cuff pressures during various stages of pneumo-peritoneum and surgical positioning and its correlation with airway pressure changes. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was planned after approval of institutional review board on 60 patients undergoing elective robotic pelvic surgery requiring head down position. Baseline cuff pressure was adjusted to 25 cm H2O. ETT cuff pressure, peak airway pressure and end tidal CO2 (ETCO2) was measured at various time intervals before and after pneumo-peritoneum and head down. Ventilatory parameters were kept fixed after baseline setting. Those requiring any change were excluded. Pearson's coefficient was used for correlation and ANOVA for trend of parameters at different time intervals (P value <0.05 was considered significant). Results: Baseline cuff pressure after manual inflation was 46.2 ± 17.4 cm H2O. Significant correlation was observed between change in cuff pressure and increase in peak airway pressure at the end of the surgery (r = 0.4, P < 0.05). Serial measurements of ETT cuff pressure, peak airway pressure and ETCO2 were significantly increased compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant increases in ETT cuff pressure may be seen in robotic surgeries, with a positive correlation between change in cuff pressure and increase in airway pressures. Objective adjusted measurement of cuff pressure and airway pressures is recommended for such surgeries.

Unexpected Difficult Airway Management in a Grossly Malformed Newborn Baby With Tessier Cleft After an Emergency Cesarean Section.

Emergent obstetric deliveries may present the anesthesiologist with a unique challenge of managing the airway of previously undiagnosed syndromic or malformed newborns in the obstetric theatre. The present report describes an emergency cesarean section in a 32-year-old lady who delivered a newborn with grossly anomalous features, the challenges in airway management in the newborn, and a discussion on preparation and sensitization about encountering such scenarios for the anesthesiologist and the associated medical teams.

A Randomized Double-Blind Study Evaluating Intraperitoneal Ropivacaine Nebulization With and Without Nalbuphine for Post-operative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Local anaesthetics administered into the peritoneal cavity have been successfully used for post-operative pain relief in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. We intended to study and compare nebulized intraperitoneal ropivacaine with and without nalbuphine, with a placebo for post-operative pain relief in these surgeries. METHODS: A prospective, randomized double-blinded study was conducted over a period of 1 year after institutional ethical clearance, in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Subjects were randomized into 3 groups (S: saline, R: ropivacaine, RN: ropiva- caine plus nalbuphine). The pain was assessed in the post-operative period using NRS scores (up to 24 hours). Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison, P < .05 was considered significant. Time to first rescue analgesia, total opioid requirement, and side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: Groups were similar in terms of demographic data. Patients in the placebo group reported higher NRS scores than the other 2 study groups till 4 hours post-operative (earlier rescue analgesia). The addition of nalbuphine did not cause any statistically significant improvement in post-operative pain relief (NRS) as compared to ropivacaine administered alone. Intraperitoneal ropivacaine nebulization had no significant adverse effect as compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Ropivacaine nebulization with or without nalbuphine is more effective than placebo for post-operative pain relief after lapa- roscopic cholecystectomy without significant side effects. Addition of nalbuphine to ropivacaine nebulization does not significantly improve pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Use of a human patient simulator for apnea studies: a preliminary in vitro trial.

BACKGROUND: Modern human patient simulators (HPSs) could be used for researching critical scenarios such as apnea oxygenation. We aimed to study the use of a high-fidelity HPS to assess prolonged apnea using various oxygenation strategies with a simple high-flow nasal cannula (15 L/min). METHODS: An experimental simulation study using an HPS (CAE Healthcare™) was conducted after obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board. The HPS responded according to real-time physiologically modeled responses to external gases, such as oxygen (O2). Apnea experiments were performed with different physiological settings, such as shunt fraction (5%) and O2 consumption (250, 500, and 750 ml/min). The following four apnea experiments were conducted: no oxygenation (NO), apnea oxygenation alone (AO), preoxygenation alone (PO), and para-oxygenation (PAO). The time to 92%, 75%, and 50% saturation was recorded. Alveolar and arterial gas levels were recorded till 50% saturation. RESULTS: At 250 ml/min, PO (1121 s) and PAO (1274.5 s) had a significantly longer time to 50% saturation (400% increase) compared to NO (222.5 s) and AO (239 s). A similar trend was observed for the time to 92% and 75% saturation. At higher O2 consumption rates, a shorter time to desaturation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Apnea trends in the HPS correlated with similar prior human experiments. AO without preoxygenation was found to provide no additional benefit. Preoxygenation with high-flow O2 via nasal cannula prolonged the time to desaturation in the PAO more than PO scenario. Therefore, HPSs can be used in future studies where patient safety is a concern.

Preparedness of Undergraduate Medical Students to Combat COVID-19: A Tertiary Care Experience on the Effectiveness and Efficiency of a Training Program and Future Prospects.

Introduction Due to the nature of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, final year medical undergraduate students have had to be involved in patient management in different countries. The same was the case with India. This study was conducted with the objective to analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of preparedness training to combat COVID-19 in pre-final and final-year medical students at a tertiary care institute in North India. Methods A pre-post study was conducted among final and pre-final year medical undergraduate students. Data was collected as pre-test and post-test multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and clinical vignettes. Results A total of 179 medical undergraduate students attended the training. Scores on general instructions, personal protective equipment (PPE) donning and doffing, hand hygiene, biomedical waste management, contact tracing, cleaning and disinfection, ECG, and COVID-19 management improved significantly after the training. Pre-test scores on ECG, simulation, COVID-19 management were 21.58±5.311, 17.05±4.501, and 23.84±4.067, respectively. Post-test scores on ECG, simulation, COVID-19 management were 28.01±6.826, 23.84±4.067, and 6.93±1.726, respectively. Pre-test and post-test scores were statistically significant (p=0.0001).  Discussion Our preparedness training program was effective in delivering the intended skills. The efficiency of the training program was demonstrated through simulation. We created a trained pool of medical undergraduate students to assist clinicians in COVID-19-related supportive care.

Assessment of the efficacy of a video-based hybrid teaching module of oxygen therapy and critical care area troubleshooting in nursing professionals managing COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Video-based teaching has become rapidly popular during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of a hybrid video-based teaching module of oxygen therapy and critical care troubleshooting in nursing professionals managing COVID-19 patients in our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analytical study (pretest and posttest design) was conducted in our medical education department in March 2022 using the data from a workshop conducted on oxygen therapy and critical care area troubleshooting during COVID-19 patient management for 296 nursing professionals. A hybrid video-based teaching module was used. Pretest and posttest data were compared along with subgroup analysis. P value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Posttest scores were significantly higher than the baseline scores in the overall group as well as in all subgroups (P < 0.001). Subgroup comparisons revealed no significant difference in mean baseline pretest and posttest scores in male versus female participants. Baseline pretest scores (P = 0.02) and posttest scores (P = 0.08) were lower in the nurses of the noncritical areas compared to critical area nurses. Mean improvement in posttest score compared to baseline score was similar between all groups. CONCLUSION: Hybrid technique involving both video aspects and in-person teacher presence for demonstration or troubleshooting improves perceived knowledge in nursing professionals with some prior formal training and may be superior to the conventional only didactic/lecture-based demonstrations, especially in the context of imparting rapid training during pandemics or similar urgent situations.

Advanced Platelet-rich Fibrin-mediated Regeneration of Necrotic Immature Permanent Teeth: A Clinico-radiographic Observational Study.

Aim: The objective of the study was to assess the regenerative potential of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (APRF) in the regenerative treatment of necrotic immature permanent teeth (NIPT) in the maxillary incisor region. Study design: After institutional review board clearance, 10 children aged between 8 and 14 years with NIPT in the maxillary incisor region undergoing APRF treatment were enrolled in a prospective clinico-radiographic exploratory observational study. Baseline clinical, radiographic, and vitality testing before the start of treatment were noted. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment. Results: After 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up, all patients (100%) showed complete resolution of clinical signs and symptoms. All patients (100%) showed periradicular healing, and 9 out of 10 patients (90%) showed a clear hard tissue bridge formation at various levels in the root canal on postoperative radiographs. None of the patients (0%) showed a positive response to vitality testing. Conclusion: APRF is a promising biomaterial in regenerative endodontic treatment (RET). Future randomized trials can be planned to establish superiority or equivalence to conventional PRF. How to cite this article: Wakhloo T, Shukla S, Chug A, et al. Advanced Platelet-rich Fibrin-mediated Regeneration of Necrotic Immature Permanent Teeth: A Clinico-radiographic Observational Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(4):402-406.

Prevalence and pattern of geriatric emergencies in a teaching hospital of North India.

INTRODUCTION: Changing demographic patterns worldwide and improvement in healthcarehas contributed to increasing visits to the emergency department byelderly patients. Geriatric patients usually have multiple co-morbidities and declining physiological functional status. This complex interplay of various factors requires a specific and curated approach from the emergency physicians. Our aim was to study the pattern and prevalence of geriatric emergencies and the profile of infectious and non-infectious causes of fever in geriatric population in our tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital of north India and included all patients aged more than 18 years who visited the emergency department over a period of six months (July 2018 to December 2018). Detailed data regarding demographic, clinical and diagnosis was obtained retrospectively from the hospital records system. The patients were divided into two groups, age less than 60 years and elderly patients more than 60 years of age for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 24768 patients above the age of 18 years visited the emergency department over a period of six months. Out of which 5399 (27.5%) patients belonged to the geriatric age group more than 60 years of age. 2474 (45.8%) geriatric age group patientswere triaged to critical areas level one and level two as compared to 4668 (24.1%) patients aged less than 60 years. Ninety (1.8%) geriatric patients succumbed to death as compared to 77 (0.4%) patients aged less than 60 years. 651 (21.9%) geriatric patients were shifted to intensive care unit as opposed to 1038 (14.8%) patients of the younger age group.226 (4.2%) geriatric patients presented with fever in the emergency department.116 (73.4%) patients having underlying co-morbidities , had fever due to infectious causes whereas 42 ( 26.5%) patients had fever due to non-infectious causes. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation mortality and morbidity pattern of geriatric patients differs significantly from that of younger population and requires a customized approach and dedicated emergency setups.

Effectiveness of a Simulation-Based Training Program in Improving the Preparedness of Health Care Workers Involved in the Airway Management of COVID-19 Patients.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has currently emerged as a global threat and a significant public health issue. The role of simulation-based training (SBT) during such a pandemic becomes more relevant for teaching a team approach and building capacity especially when there is a threat to health care workers due to aerosol generation and there is a huge demand for manpower during the pandemic. Objective To assess the effectiveness of a simulation-based training program in improving knowledge and concept of teamwork of health care workers involved in airway management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Methods After institutional review committee approval, a prospective analytical study was conducted in the department of medical education on participants from various specialties undergoing COVID-19 airway training. The purpose of the study was to assess team dynamics during simulation scenarios and compare test scores at baseline, immediately post-training, and seven days post-training (using online forms). Scores were compared using the Friedman test followed by post-hoc testing. Sub-group comparison was done using an unpaired t-test. Results Median scores were significantly higher in the immediate post-training test and seven days post-training test (online) compared to baseline pretest scores in the overall participant group and in individual sub-groups. There was no significant difference in immediate versus seven-day post-training test scores overall and in all subgroups. In the sub-group comparisons, median improvement in score was significantly better in the non-anesthesia group and in the resident group. It was observed that team performance in terms of role clarity, closed-loop communication, and idea acceptance improved substantially during the subsequent scenarios. Conclusion Simulation-based training was effective in improving knowledge and team dynamics amongst health care workers regarding airway management in COVID-19 patients, with retention of up to one week. Similar future research can be planned for the affective and psychomotor domains.