Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Methicillin Resistance in Staphylococci Isolated from an Egyptian University Hospital.

Methicillin-resistant in Staphylococci is a serious public health issue. It is mostly encoded by the mecA gene. The mecC gene is a new mecA analog responsible for resistance to methicillin in some Staphylococcal clinical isolates. This mecC gene is still underestimated in Egypt. The aim of the current study was to detect mecA and mecC genes in clinical Staphylococci isolates from a tertiary care university hospital in Egypt compared to the different phenotypic methods. A total of 118 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and 43 coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) were identified from various hospital-acquired infections. Methicillin resistance was identified genotypically using the PCR technique and phenotypically using the cefoxitin disc diffusion test, oxacillin broth microdilution and the VITEK2 system in all Staphylococcal isolates. The mecA gene was detected in 82.2% of S. aureus and 95.3% of CoNS isolates, while all of the isolates tested negative for the mecC gene. Interestingly, 30.2% of CoNS isolates showed the unique character of inducible oxacillin resistance, being mecA-positive but oxacillin-susceptible (OS-CoNS). The dual use of genotypic and phenotypic methods is highly recommended to avoid missing any genetically divergent strains.

Ultrasound-Guided Clavipectoral Block for Postoperative Analgesia of Clavicular Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Background: Clavicular fractures are commonly encountered in daily practice, and most cases are operated under general surgery. Until now, there has been a debate about the best approach to manage pain in such cases. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate whether ultrasound-guided clavipectoral block [clavipectoral fascial plane block (CPB)] would be safe and effective in cases with clavicular fractures. Methods: This prospective randomized study included a total of 40 patients with clavicular fractures; they were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 20 cases who underwent CPB, and group 2 included 20 cases who underwent placebo block. Pain score, duration of analgesia, total analgesic consumption, and procedure-related complications were noted and recorded. Results: Despite the comparable demographic data between the 2 groups, pain scores were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2, starting from postanesthesia care unit (PACU) admission until 12 hours after the operation. Group 1 showed a significant reduction in 24-hour opioid consumption and significant prolongation of the duration of analgesia compared to the placebo. Patient satisfaction was significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. No block-related adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: CPB is a safe and effective regional technique that should be used for pain management after clavicular fixation surgery.

The Effect of Erector Spinae Block versus Serratus Plane Block on Pain Scores and Diaphragmatic Excursion in Multiple Rib Fractures. A Prospective Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block and serratus anterior plane block would provide effective and safe analgesia in patients with fracture ribs, and to detect their effects on diaphragmatic excursion in such cases. DESIGN: Prospective double-blind randomized study. SETTINGS: Tanta University Hospitals. SUBJECT: Fifty adult patients ASA I, II with fracture ribs. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive either ultrasound guided erector spinae block (Group I) or serratus plane block (Group II) with injection of 19 ml bupivacaine 0.25% plus 1 ml dexamethasone (4 mg). Pain scores, 24 hour total analgesic requirements, diaphragmatic excursion and incidence of adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: At rest and dynamic pain scores were significantly lower in Group I as compared to Group II from 2 hour up to 24 hour post block [median differences (95% CI): -1 (-0.9999; 0.0002), -1 (-0.9999; 0.0002), -1 (-0.9998; 0.0003), -1(-1.000;-0.000) and -1(-2.0000;-1.0000), -1(-0.9998;-0.0001), -1(-1.0001;-1.0002), -1(-2.000; 0.000), respectively], with a significant reduction in 24 hour opioid consumption in Group I in comparison to Group II (P = .004*). Diaphragmatic excursion showed a significant improvement in Group I when compared to Group II at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hour after the block (P = .024*, .038*, .027*, .042* correspondingly). No adverse events were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Both erector spinae block and serratus plane block provided safe and effective pain relief in traumatic rib fractures. Although the erector spinae group displayed significantly reduced pain scores, decreased analgesic needs and improved diaphragmatic excursion as compared to serratus group, nevertheless, this was of no clinical significance.

Intravenous Versus Wetting Solution Magnesium Sulphate to Counteract Epinephrine Cardiac Adverse Events in Abdominal Liposuction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The increased frequency of liposuction has resulted in more complications being reported. Adding epinephrine to the wetting solution could induce some cardiac adverse effects, some of which may be fatal. For instance, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is known for its cardioprotective effects. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) versus wetting solution containing MgSO4 in decreasing such cardiac adverse events during abdominal liposuction. Methods: This randomized controlled study included 129 adult cases undergoing abdominal liposuction under general anesthesia. The participants were divided into 3 groups: Group I (control group) was only subjected to the injection of the wetting fluid (1 mL 1/1000 epinephrine added to every 1000 mL of normal saline), group II was subjected to IV MgSO4 (40 mg/kg over 1 minute) at the same time of installing the wetting solution, and group III was subjected to MgSO4 (40 mg/kg) added to the wetting solution. Results: Intraoperative isoflurane consumption, intraoperative heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the MgSO4 groups (groups II and III) than group I. Cardiac adverse events (sinus tachycardia and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)) were also significantly less frequent in groups II and III compared to group I. Conclusions: Adding MgSO4, either through IV or subcutaneous routes, is associated with lower intraoperative HR, MAP, and postoperative pain scores and a remarkable decrease in epinephrine-induced cardiac adverse events during liposuction.