A Comparison of the Effects of Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone, Used on Level-3 Intensive Care COVID-19 Patients, on Mortality: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often a mild disease, usually manifesting with respiratory complaints, and is sometimes mortal due to multiple organ failure. Hyperinflammation is a known COVID-19 component and is associated with organ dysfunction, disease severity and mortality. Controlling hyperinflammatory response is crucial in determining treatment direction. An important agent in providing this control is corticosteroids. This study aimed to determine whether dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, doses, administration time and duration in COVID-19 treatment are associated with improved treatment outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study was conducted with participation of 6 healthcare centers which collected data by retrospectively examining files of 1,340 patients admitted to intensive care unit due to COVID-19 between March 2020 and September 2021, diagnosed with polymerase chain reaction (+) and/or clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: Mortality in the pulse methylprednisolone group was statistically significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups. Mortality was higher in older patients with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney failure, coronary artery disease, and dementia. Pulse and mini-pulse steroid doses were less effective than standard methylprednisolone and dexamethasone doses, pulse steroid doses being associated with high mortality. Standard-dose methylprednisolone and dexamethasone led to similar effects, but standard dose methylprednisolone was more effective in severe patients who required mechanical ventilation (MV). Infection development was related to steroid treatment duration, not cumulative steroid dose. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroids are shown to be beneficial in critical COVID-19, but the role of early corticosteroids in mild COVID-19 patients remains unclear. The anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids may have a positive effect by reducing mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. Although dexamethasone was first used for this purpose, methylprednisolone was found to be as effective at standard doses. Methylprednisolone administered at standard doses was associated with greater PaO2/FiO2 ratios than dexamethasone, especially in the severe group requiring MV. High dose pulse steroid doses are closely associated with mortality and standard methylprednisolone dose is recommended.

Evaluation of rescue techniques following failed laryngoscopy: A multicenter prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The Fourth National Audit Project revealed that severe airway complications occur in the frequency of 1/22,000. Various rescue techniques were recommended in difficult airway guidelines. This study aims to evaluate the rescue techniques following failed direct laryngoscopy and analyze the success rates and potential complications during difficult airway management. METHODS: This was a multicenter and prospective observational study carried out in four referral centers. Four academic university hospitals using fiberoptic bronchoscopy and videolaryngoscopy in their daily practice were included in the study. Patients undergoing general anesthesia with anticipated or unanticipated difficult intubation were enrolled. The preferred rescue technique and the attempts for both direct and indirect laryngoscopies were recorded. RESULTS: At the mean age of 46.58±21.19 years, 92 patients were analyzed. The most common rescue technique was videolaryngoscopy following failed direct laryngoscopy. Glidescope was the most preferred videolaryngoscope. Anesthesia residents performed most of the first tracheal intubation attempts, whereas anesthesia specialists performed the second attempts at all centers. The experience of the first performer as a resident was significantly higher in the anticipated difficult airway group (4.0±5.5 years) (p=0.045). The number of attempts with the first rescue technique was 2.0±2.0 and 1.0±1.0 in the unanticipated difficult airway and anticipated difficult airway groups, respectively (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Videolaryngoscopy was a more commonly preferred technique for both anticipated and unanticipated difficult intubations. Glidescope was the most used rescue device in difficult intubations after failed direct laryngoscopy, with a high success rate.

Neostigmine versus sugammadex on post-operative recovery following bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to compare the recovery characteristics and side effects of sugammadex (SM) and neostigmine (NT) in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Residual neuromuscular block is a serious condition that increases pulmonary complications after anesthesia. Although acetylcholinesterase inhibitors help reverse this block, they may be insufficient, especially when administered with inhalational anesthetics. SM, a selective antagonist, may be more effective in reversing the block. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into NT group (Group NT, n=34) and SM group (Group SM, n=34).For the induction, fentanil (1-1.5 µ/kg), propofol (2-3 mg/kg), and rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) were used.For the maintenance, 50% O2 + air, 1% sevoflurane, and remifentanil (0.5-0.3 µg/kg/min) were used. Additional rocuronium was given to maintain the train of four (TOF) ratio ≤2. On completion of surgery and when the TOF ratio was 2, group NT received 50 µg/kg of NT with 20 µg/kg of atropine, whereas group SM received 2 mg/kg of SM. Hemodynamic parameters and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded every 10 minfirst, and every 5 min after the reversal agents were given. When the TOF ratio was 0.9 or higher, time to reach a TOF ratio of 0.9, and time to extubation were recorded. Patients were observed in the recovery room for 30 min for adverse effects. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics of the patients and total rocuronium use in two groups were similar (p>0.05).Time to extubation, time to TOF ratio of 0.9, time until patients responded to stimuli, time until cooperation, and time until orientation were significantly shorter in the SM group than in the NT group. Time to reach the Aldrete score of 9 was also significantly shorter in the SM group (p<0.05).In the post-operative period, hemodynamic variables and side effects such asrespiratory difficulty, nausea, vomiting, hypo/hypertension, and presence of pain showed no statistically significant differences between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the high risk of post-operative respiratory insufficiency inmorbidly obese patients, SM could be a safer choice in this patient group.

Comparison of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care for COVID-19 Versus Other Reasons: A Single-Centered Study.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 patients in intensive care usually need invasive mechanical ventilation due to advanced respiratory failure. Deep lym- phopenia, immunosuppressive agents, long-term mechanical ventilation, and sedation may lead to ventilator-associated pneumonia; an impor- tant cause of morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the frequency, clinical features, causative pathogens, and outcomes of ventilator-asso ciated pneumonia in COVID-19 patients who require mechanical ventilation. METHODS: The files of patients hospitalized in our hospital's intensive care clinic between March 25, 2020, and January 15, 2021, in the first 2 peaks due to COVID-19 and other reasons were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: We found ventilator-associated pneumonia rate in COVID-19 patients as 52.2%, which was statistically significantly higher than in non-COVID patients (33.5%). Purulent sputum, leukocyte, and procalcitonin levels were found to be significantly higher in both groups develop- ing ventilator-associated pneumonia. However, fever levels were found to be significantly normal in both groups; 97.1% and 87%, respectively. High fever was observed in only 2.9% of COVID-19 patients who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia. We determined a mortality rate of 17 (100%) in the diabetes patients in the COVID-19 group, which was statistically significantly higher than in non-COVID-19 patients at 9 (64.3%). The mortality rate (86.1%) in those with COVID-19 was statistically significantly higher than in those without COVID-19 (64.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is more common in COVID-19 patients treated with mechanical ventilation than in non- COVID patients. The predictive value of fever in the diagnosis is very low, and agent production together with increased purulent sputum will be more valuable in terms of diagnosis.

The Effects of Lidocaine, Fentanyl, and Remifentanil on Hemodynamics and Intraocular Eye Pressure After Tracheal Intubation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objectives: An increased reflex in sympathetic and sympathoadrenal activity caused by tracheal intubation causes an increase in arterial blood pressure, and increased venous pressure causes an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of lidocaine, fentanyl, and remifentanil to determine which agent was most effective in the prevention of elevated IOP. Methods: The patients were separated into 3 groups (lidocaine, fentanyl, and remifentanil). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured and recorded 2 min after the administration of the drugs and at 1, 5, and 10 min after intubation. IOP was measured and recorded in each eye separately by an ophthalmologist preoperatively, at 2 min after drug administration and at 1, 5, and 10 min after intubation. Results: MAP was found to be high (122.750±17.068) in the lidocaine group at 1 min after intubation. In all 3 groups, the right and left eye IOP values were found to be higher at 1 min after intubation than at 2 min after drug administration. Only the difference in the lidocaine group was statistically significant (p=0.003). In all 3 groups, the right and left eye IOP values at 5 min after intubation were statistically significantly lower than the values at 1 min after intubation (Group 1: p=0.001, Group 2: p=0.000, and Group 3: p=0.000). Conclusion: From the results of this study, it was concluded that remifentanil and fentanyl were more effective drugs than lidocaine in the prevention of increased IOP and hemodynamic response to intubation, and there was no significant difference between these two drugs.

The effect of steroids used in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 on infections in intensive care.

Objective: Cytokine storm in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients causes lung damage and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Immunomodulators such as steroids are widely used to control this situation. This study investigates the effectiveness of steroids used in COVID-19 patients, and their effects on secondary infections, morbidity, and mortality. Methods: Data were obtained by retrospectively scanning the files of patients in our hospital's intensive care unit clinic during the three peak periods. Results: Between the steroid and non-steroid groups, there was no statistically significant difference in reproductive rates. These rates were 49.7% and 43.2%, respectively. Reproductive rates among steroid types were determined as 25 (56.8%) in the Methylprednisolone group, 18 (69.2%) (Highest) in the Dexamethasone + Methylprednisolone group, and 54 (43.2%) (Lowest) in the Dexamethasone group. Steroid treatment duration was effective on reproduction. Steroids cause more infections, especially after invasive procedures (Tracheal intubation, central venous catheter, etc.). In the groups with and without tracheal aspirate steroids, the growth rates were 71 (76.3%) and 32 (54.2%) respectively. There was no difference in mortality between the groups. Conclusion: Cytokine storm causes lung damage and ARDS. Steroids can be useful in controlling this hyper-inflammatory situation. However, increased secondary infections, an important side effect of steroids, increase mortality. Steroids more often cause these infections, especially in patients undergoing invasive Strict adherence to infection control measures during steroid treatment will reduce this risk. In conclusion, while steroids reduce mortality by controlling the hyper-inflammatory picture, they also increase mortality with increased secondary infections. Preventing infections enables success with steroids.

Prediction of Prognosis in Geriatric Palliative Care Patients with Diagnosed Malnutrition: A Comparison of Nutritional Assessment Parameters.

Objective: Malnutrition is very commonly encountered in palliative care centers (PCC), especially in geriatric patients. It is known that development of malnutrition increases morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of commonly used nutritional assessment parameters in predicting prognosis in geriatric patients diagnosed in PCC with malnutrition. Methods: Our study included 1451 patients aged ≥65 years, who were diagnosed with malnutrition in PCC between 2016-2020 and did not yet start receiving nutritional support. Demographic data, comorbidities, The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), body mass index (BMI), albumin, prealbumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) values of the patients were recorded. Prognostic course was evaluated by dividing the patients into 3 groups, namely mortal patients during PCC follow-up, patients transferred from PCC to Intensive Care (ICU) and patients discharged to home from PCC. Results: Logistic Regression analysis showed that low albumin levels affected transfer to ICU (P<0.05). Elevated NRS-2002 and low albumin and prealbumin levels were found to be factors affecting mortality (P<0.05). Areas under the ROC Curve were calculated to attain patients' differential diagnosis. The area under the ROC Curve of low albumin in patients transferred to ICU was found to be significant (P<0.05). In the differential diagnosis of patients with mortal course, the area under the ROC Curve of low albumin and prealbumin and high CRP was found to be significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: We found that BMI had no prognostic predictive effects in geriatric PCC patients with malnutrition. We concluded that NRS-2002 and high CRP and low albumin and prealbumin can be used to predict mortality. In addition, we found that low albumin indicates a poor prognosis and predicts patients to be transferred to ICU.

Comparison of RIVA and infraclavicular block in forearm and hand surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare 2 techniques that are widely used in hand, wrist, and forearm: regional intravenous anesthesia (RIVA) and infraclavicular brachial block. METHODS: A total of 100 patients who were aged 18 to 85 years and who underwent hand, wrist, or forearm surgery of at least 30 minutes duration were included. RIVA was applied to Group 1 patients with administration of 40 mL of prilocaine (3 mg/kg). Ultrasonography-guided infraclavicular block was performed on Group 2 patients with 20 mL of 1% prilocaine. Several aspects of these 2 methods were compared, including length of time required to apply anesthesia, the analgesic effectiveness of the treatment during administration and in the peroperative and postoperative periods. RESULTS: The rate of mild and complete sensory loss was significantly higher in Group 2 at 10th and 15th minutes than in Group 1. The number scoring less than grade 2 using modified Bromage grading system in Group 2 was considerably greater than in Group 1. Processing time to apply the block was significantly longer in Group 1 compared with Group 2. CONCLUSION: It was determined that infraclavicular brachial block is superior to the RIVA method with respect to length of time required to administer and ease of application.

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation after the successful weaning: a comparison with the venturi mask / Ventilação mecânica não invasiva após desmame bem-sucedido: uma comparação com a máscara de Venturi

Abstract Background and objectives: This study compared the rates of acute respiratory failure, reintubation, length of intensive care stay and mortality in patients in whom the non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) was applied instead of the routine venturi face mask (VM) application after a successful weaning. Methods: Following the approval of the hospital ethics committee, 62 patients who were under mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours were scheduled for this study. 12 patients were excluded because of the weaning failure during T-tube trial. The patients who had optimum weaning criteria after the T-tube trial of 30 minutes were extubated. The patients were kept on VM for 1 hour to observe the hemodynamic and respiratory stability. The group of 50 patients who were successful to wean randomly allocated to have either VM (n = 25), or NIV (n = 25). Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), PaO2, PCO2, and pH values were recorded. Results: The number of patients who developed respiratory failure in the NIV group was significantly less than VM group of patients (3 reintubation vs. 14 NIV + 5 reintubation in the VM group). The length of stay in the ICU was also significantly shorter in NIV group (5.2 ± 4.9 vs. 16.7 ± 7.7 days). Conclusions: The ratio of the respiratory failure and the length of stay in the ICU were lower when non-invasive mechanical ventilation was used after extubation even if the patient is regarded as ‘successfully weaned’. We recommend the use of NIMV in such patients to avoid unexpected ventilator failure.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Este estudo comparou as taxas de insuficiência respiratória aguda, reintubação, tempo de internação em UTI e mortalidade em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica não invasiva (VMNI) em vez da habitual máscara facial de Venturi (MV) após desmame bem-sucedido. Métodos: Após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética do hospital, 62 pacientes que estavam sob ventilação mecânica por no mínimo 48 horas foram inscritos neste estudo. Doze foram excluídos devido à falha de desmame durante o teste de tubo-T. Os que apresentaram critérios de desmame ótimos após o teste de tubo-T de 30 minutos foram extubados. Foram mantidos em MV por uma hora para observação da estabilidade hemodinâmica e respiratória. O grupo de 50 pacientes que obtiveram sucesso no desmame ventilatório foi alocado aleatoriamente para MV (n = 25) ou VNI (n = 25). Os valores de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), PaO2, PCO2 e pH foram registrados. Resultados: O número de pacientes que desenvolveu insuficiência respiratória no grupo VNI foi significativamente menor do que o do grupo MV (3 reintubações vs. 14 VNI + 5 reintubações no grupo MV). O tempo de permanência em UTI também foi significativamente menor no grupo NIV (5,2 ± 4,9 vs. 16,7 ± 7,7 dias). Conclusões: As taxas de insuficiência respiratória e do tempo de permanência em UTI foram menores quando a ventilação mecânica não invasiva foi usada após a extubação, mesmo se o paciente foi considerado como “desmame bem-sucedido”. Recomendamos o uso de VMNI em tais pacientes para evitar a falha inesperada do ventilador.

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation after the successful weaning: a comparison with the venturi mask.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared the rates of acute respiratory failure, reintubation, length of intensive care stay and mortality in patients in whom the non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) was applied instead of the routine venturi face mask (VM) application after a successful weaning. METHODS: Following the approval of the hospital ethics committee, 62 patients who were under mechanical ventilation for at least 48hours were scheduled for this study. 12 patients were excluded because of the weaning failure during T-tube trial. The patients who had optimum weaning criteria after the T-tube trial of 30minutes were extubated. The patients were kept on VM for 1hour to observe the hemodynamic and respiratory stability. The group of 50 patients who were successful to wean randomly allocated to have either VM (n=25), or NIV (n=25). Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), PaO2, PCO2, and pH values were recorded. RESULTS: The number of patients who developed respiratory failure in the NIV group was significantly less than VM group of patients (3 reintubation vs. 14 NIV+5 reintubation in the VM group). The length of stay in the ICU was also significantly shorter in NIV group (5.2±4.9 vs. 16.7±7.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of the respiratory failure and the length of stay in the ICU were lower when non-invasive mechanical ventilation was used after extubation even if the patient is regarded as 'successfully weaned'. We recommend the use of NIMV in such patients to avoid unexpected ventilator failure.

[Non-invasive mechanical ventilation after the successful weaning: a comparison with the venturi mask]. / Ventilação mecânica não invasiva após desmame bem­sucedido: uma comparação com a máscara de Venturi.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared the rates of acute respiratory failure, reintubation, length of intensive care stay and mortality in patients in whom the non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) was applied instead of the routine venturi face mask (VM) application after a successful weaning. METHODS: Following the approval of the hospital ethics committee, 62 patients who were under mechanical ventilation for at least 48hours were scheduled for this study. 12 patients were excluded because of the weaning failure during T-tube trial. The patients who had optimum weaning criteria after the T-tube trial of 30minutes were extubated. The patients were kept on VM for 1hour to observe the hemodynamic and respiratory stability. The group of 50 patients who were successful to wean randomly allocated to have either VM (n=25), or NIV (n=25). Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), PaO2, PCO2, and pH values were recorded. RESULTS: The number of patients who developed respiratory failure in the NIV group was significantly less than VM group of patients (3 reintubation vs. 14 NIV+5 reintubation in the VM group). The length of stay in the ICU was also significantly shorter in NIV group (5.2±4.9 vs. 16.7±7.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of the respiratory failure and the length of stay in the ICU were lower when non-invasive mechanical ventilation was used after extubation even if the patient is regarded as "successfully weaned". We recommend the use of NIMV in such patients to avoid unexpected ventilator failure.

Effect of Calcium ß-Hydroxy-ß-Methylbutyrate (CaHMB), Vitamin D, and Protein Supplementation on Postoperative Immobilization in Malnourished Older Adult Patients With Hip Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition support in orthopedic patients with malnutrition shortens the immobilization period. The efficacy of calcium ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (CaHMB), vitamin D, and protein intake on bone structure is studied and well known; however, there is no evidence supporting the effect of combined use in orthopedic conditions. We investigated the effects of CaHMB, vitamin D, and protein supplementation on wound healing, immobilization period, muscle strength, and laboratory parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled study included 75 older female patients with a hip fracture admitted to orthopedic clinics. The control group received standard postoperative nutrition. The study group received an enteral product containing 3 g CaHMB, 1000 IU vitamin D, and 36 g protein, in addition to standard postoperative nutrition. Anthropometric, laboratory, wound-healing, immobilization period, and muscle strength assessments were evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative days 15 and 30. RESULTS: Wound-healing period was significantly shorter in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group than in the control group ( P < .05). The number of patients in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group who were mobile on days 15 and 30 (81.3%) was significantly higher than patients in the control group, who were mobile on days 15 and 30 (26.7%) ( P = .001). Muscle strength on day 30 was significantly higher in the CaHMB/vitamin D/protein group vs the control group. CONCLUSION: Nutrition of elderly patients with a CaHMB/vitamin D/protein combination led to acceleration of wound healing, shortening of immobilization period, and increased muscle strength without changing body mass index. It also reduced dependence to bed and related complications after an orthopedic operation.

Comparison of mirtazapine, gabapentin and ondansetron to prevent intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus.

OBJECTIVE: Antagonism of the central nervous system inhibitor neurotransmitter gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) or serotonergic system activation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus. This study tested the hypothesis that preoperative use of ondansetron, gabapentin or mirtazapine can prevent morphine-induced pruritus. METHODS: We randomly allocated 80 patients of American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification I and II physical status who were to undergo unilateral inguinal hernia or pilonidal sinus operations under spinal anesthesia into 4 equal groups. The first 3 groups received oral doses of 30 mg mirtazapine, 8 mg ondansetron, and 1200 mg gabapentin at 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 1 hour before surgery, respectively, and the fourth group was given a placebo. All patients received intrathecal injection of 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.2 mg morphine. Pruritus was evaluated at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after intrathecal morphine administration, and details of presence, onset time, duration, localization, and severity of pruritus were recorded. RESULTS: Incidence of pruritus was significantly more frequent in the placebo group compared to ondansetron, gabapentin, and mirtazapine groups (70%, 55%, 35%, and 35%, respectively). In general, onset of pruritus was between 2 and 6 hours after intrathecal morphine injection; however, onset in the gabapentin group (mean±SD: 4.75±2.7 hours; p=0.019) was delayed compared to other groups. It was observed that pruritus persisted relatively longer in the ondansetron and placebo groups (mean±SD: 6±3.08; 5.82±2.96 hours, respectively; p=0.047). No statistical determination was made regarding location of pruritus. Severity of pruritus was greater in the placebo group (p=0.0001). Necessity for antipruritic treatment was not statistically significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Incidence and severity of intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus decreased with use of each of all 3 drugs compared to placebo.

The comparison of ProSeal and I-gel laryngeal mask airways in anesthetized adult patients under controlled ventilation.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the insertion time, ease of device insertion, ease of gastric tube insertion, airway leakage pressure, and complications between the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) ProSeal (P-LMA) and I-gel (I-gel) groups. METHODS: Eighty patients with age range 18-65 years who underwent elective surgery were included in the study. The study took place in the operation rooms of Haydarpasa Numune Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey from November 2013 to April 2014. Patients were equally randomized into 2 groups; the I-gel group, and the P-LMA group. In both groups, the same specialist inserted the supraglottic airway devices. The insertion time of the devices, difficulty during insertion, difficulty during gastric tube insertion, coverage of airway pressure, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean insertion time in the I-gel group was significantly lower than that of the P-LMA group (I-gel: 8±3; P-LMA: 13±5 s). The insertion success rate was higher in the I-gel group (100%, first attempt) than in the P-LMA group (82.5%, first attempt). The gastric tube placement success rate was higher in the I-gel group (92.5%, first attempt) than in the P-LMA group (72.5%, first attempt). The airway leakage pressures were similar. CONCLUSION: Insertion was easier, insertion time was lower, and nasogastric tube insertion success was higher with the I-gel application, and is, therefore, the preferred LMA.

Hyperglycemia is a predictor of prognosis in traumatic brain injury: Tertiary intensive care unit study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is frequently encountered in critically ill patients and has been shown to contribute to both morbidity and mortality. We aimed to study the predictive role of blood glucose level in clinical outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients with traumatic brain injury during intensive care unit (ICU) stay and to explore its relationship with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and acute physiology and chronic health examination (APACHE) II scores that are used in the evaluation of ICU patients as predictor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 185 patients with craniocerebral trauma who were hospitalized in the ICU were included in the study. Comparisons of mean glucose values (MGVs) and APACHE II scores between survivors and nonsurvivors were made with Student's t-test and chi-square test. Survival analysis was performed with log rank (Mantel-Cox) test and Cox regression was used for mortality risk factors analysis. RESULTS: MGVs at the initial, last, and all measurements were significantly higher for nonsurvivors than for survivors. Hazard rate at any given time point for patients with mean glucose value (MGV) between 150 and 179 was found to be 3.691 times that of patients with MGV values between 110 and 149. The hazard rate at any given time point for patients with MGV values ≥180 was found to be 6.571 times that of patients with MGV values between 110 and 149. CONCLUSION: High glucose level is an independent risk factor for mortality in mechanically ventilated ICU patients with traumatic brain injury.

The safety and diagnostic value of frame-based and CT-guided stereotactic brain biopsy technique.

AIM: Histopathological diagnosis is always necessary to make an effective treatment plan for intracranial mass lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy, and associated mortality and morbidity of CT-guided stereotactic biopsy procedures in a large number of patients with intracranial lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 290 cases undergoing CT-guided stereotactic biopsy for intracranial lesions were included in this retrospective study. Clinical, radiological and histological data in patient records were examined. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 46.6 years (range: 2-82 y). Pediatric patients comprised 6.3% (n=13) of the total population. Examination of paraffin embedded histological preparations revealed a tumoral mass in 240 (82.8%), a non-tumoral mass in 37 (12.8%), and non-definable lesions in 13 (4.5%). Therefore, the diagnostic value in this series was 95.5%. Postoperative mortality rate was 0.8% (n=2). When histopathological diagnoses made after biopsy and surgical resection were compared in 42 patients with available data, a complete or partial agreement was present in 90.5%. CONCLUSION: Our findings support that frame based-stereotactic biopsy is a safe and valuable technique that allows the neurosurgeon to obtain tissue samples for histopathological diagnosis of intracranial mass lesions in almost any region.

Beneficial effects of alpha lipoic acid on cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine the effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on blood and tissue biochemical parameters, as well as tissue histopathology, in an experimental rat model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Three groups consisting of eight rats each were used, as follows: Group 1, controls; Group 2, cerulein-induced pancreatitis group treated with saline; and Group 3, cerulein-induced pancreatitis group treated with ALA. AP was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cerulein (20 µg/kg) 4 times at 1-hour intervals. The animals were decapitated 12 hours after the last dose of cerulein. Blood amylase, lipase, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, pancreas tissue glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Na+-K+-ATPase activity were measured. Pancreatic tissue samples were also evaluated histopathologically under a light microscope. RESULTS: While plasma amylase, lipase, IL-1ß, and TNF-α levels, and tissue MDA and MPO levels significantly increased in rats with cerulean-induced AP, tissue GSH and Na+-K+-ATPase activity significantly reduced. These changes were reversed and improved with ALA treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that ALA may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality by preventing organ dysfunction induced by free radicals in the pancreas.

Effects of agmatine on the survival rate in rats bled to hemorrhage.

Agmatine (CAS 2482-00-0), an amine formed by decarboxylation of L-arginine, interacts with several targets like alpha2-adrenergic, imidazoline and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors and besides it is involved in the nitric oxide mediated effects. It has also been proposed that it possesses vasodilator effects and increases glomerular filtration rate in rats. The aim of this study was to supply evidence for the effects of agmatine in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock and explain the possible mechanisms of action. The iliac arteries and veins of Sprague-Dawley rats were catheterized under urethane anesthesia and around 2 ml/100 g blood was withdrawn within 20 min until the mean arterial blood pressure was stabilized around 25 mmHg. The rats were either pretreated with physiological saline, yohimbine (an alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) or L-arginine (a nitric oxide donor) intravenously before administration of agmatine (300 microg/kg). Agmatine restored blood pressure in rats pretreated with physiological saline where all rats survived. Pretreatment with L-arginine abolished the increase in blood pressure produced by agmatine and the 1 h survival rate decreased to 67% (p < 0.01). Yohimbine pretreatment also suppressed agmatine induced restoration of blood pressure; however, the survival rate was found to be 17% for 3 min. No statistically significant effect was observed in the heart rate responses. These results may suggest that agmatine may increase survival through alpha2-adrenergic receptors and restores blood pressure through nitric oxide and adrenergic mechanisms in rats bled to hemorrhage.