The Effects of Smoking in Patients in the Intensive Care Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to see the effects of smoking prevalence, the length of stay regarding the usage of cigarettes, and the effects on the mortality of COVID-19 in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: This is a retrospective single-centered study that was done in the ICU on patients with COVID-19 between 16th of March and 16th of May in 2020. The demographic data, comorbidity status, the units they were accepted from, clinical symptoms, respiratory support, prevalence of smoking, length of stay in the ICU, and mortalities of the patients were recorded. There were two groups: Smoker and non-smoker. There were 1100 COVID-19 patients and 150 of these were treated in ICU unit. 95 patient's data were accessed. Statistical analyses were performed with the Scientific Package for the Social Science (version 21.0; SPSS Inc.). Results: There were 69.4% non-smoker and 35.8% smoker, and 5.3% of the smoker did smoke before (Table 1). The average age of the patients in smoker group was less than nonsmoker. The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was higher in smokers (Table 2). The most common symptom was cough and it was 82% in nonsmoker group and 76.5% in smoker group (Table 3). In both groups, respiratory support was provided by IMV (Table 4). There was no relationship between two groups according to age (p=0.044) and gender of patients (p:0.062) (Table 2). The length of ICU stay was 7.6 days for smoking patients in the ICU and 9.3 days for non-users. While the mortality was 52.9% for smokers, it was 39.3% for non-smokers. No statistical correlation was found between smoking status, length of stay in ICU, and survival (Fig. 1). Smoking is blamed among the factors that cause this aggressive process, which can progress to respiratory failure and result in mortality in COVID-19 disease. Conclusion: Some studies also claim that smoking can be protective. There is still no clarity on this issue. It was concluded that smoking has no effect on the duration of ICU stay and mortality in patients treated in the ICU with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia.

Effectiveness of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) on intensive care unit survival.

This study compared the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and evaluated the effect of vaccination with CoronaVac on admission to ICU. Patients admitted to ICU due to COVID-19 between 1 April 2021 and 15 May 2021 were enrolled to the study. Clinical, laboratory, radiological parameters, hospital and ICU mortality were compared between vaccinated patients and eligible but unvaccinated patients. Patients over 65 years old were the target population of the study due to the national vaccination schedule. Data from 90 patients were evaluated. Of these, 36 (40.0%) were vaccinated. All patients had the CoronaVac vaccine. Lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin levels were higher in an unvaccinated group than vaccinated group (P = 0.021 and 0.008, respectively). SpO2 from the first arterial blood gas at ICU was 83.71 ± 19.50% in vaccinated, 92.36 ± 6.59% in unvaccinated patients (P = 0.003). Length of ICU and hospital stay were not different (P = 0.204, 0.092, respectively). ICU and hospital mortality were similar between groups (P = 0.11 and 0.70, respectively). CoronaVac vaccine had no effect on survival from COVID-19. CoronaVac's protective effect, especially on new genetic variants, should be investigated further.

Anxiety and burnout in anesthetists and intensive care unit nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to measure the levels of anxiety and burnout among healthcare workers, including attending physicians, residents, and nurses in intensive care units during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey analysis of healthcare workers in our institution. Data were collected on demographic variables, COVID-19 symptoms and test, disease status, anxiety level (assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory), and burnout level (measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory). Subscales of the burnout inventory were evaluated separately. RESULTS: A total of 104 participants completed the survey. Attending physicians, residents, and nurses constituted 25%, 33.7%, and 41.3% of the cohort, respectively. In comparison to untested participants, those tested for COVID-19 had a lower mean age (p = 0.02), higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores (p = 0.001, 0.004, respectively), and lower personal accomplishment scores (p = 0.004). Furthermore, moderate to severe anxiety was observed more frequently in tested participants than untested ones (p = 0.022). Moderate or severe anxiety was seen in 23.1% of the attending physicians, 54.3% of the residents, and 48.8% of the nurses (p = 0.038). Emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, and depersonalization scores differed depending on the position of the healthcare workers (p = 0.034, 0.001, 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study revealed higher levels of anxiety and burnout in younger healthcare workers and those tested for COVID-19, which mainly included residents and nurses. The reasons for these observations should be further investigated to protect their mental health.

Evaluation of the effect of clinical characteristics and intensive care treatment methods on the mortality of covid-19 patients aged 80 years and older.

BACKGROUND: Older adults have an increased risk of mortality from Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Despite the high number of publications on the topic of Covid-19 pandemic, few studies have focused on the intensive care treatments of Covid-19 patients aged 80 years and older. The goal of our study is to investigate the effect of the intensive care treatments on the mortality of Covid-19 patients aged 80 years and older based on their clinical features, laboratory findings and the intensive care treatments methods. METHODS: The data of 174 patients aged 80 years and older treated from Covid-19 in intensive care unit were assessed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups as survivor and non-survivor. The effects of age, gender, length of stay, comorbid diseases, laboratory values, thoracic computed tomography findings, having invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and/or non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), hemodiafiltration (HDF), anti-cytokines and plasma therapy on mortality have been investigated. RESULTS: The mean age and mean values of CRP, PCT, Ferritin, LDH were statistically significantly high in the non-survivor group. The mortality rate of the patients who had IMV was also statistically significantly higher compared to patients who had HFNC and/or NIMV. Albumin level and the rate of treatment with HFNC and/or NIMV were statistically significantly low in non-survivor group compared to the Survivor group. CONCLUSION: ICU treatments may be beneficial for the Covid-19 patients aged 80 years and older. Increased age, high levels of CRP, PCT, ferritin, and having IMV are detected as poor outcome markers.

Can Positive-Pressure Ventilation be Administered with Laryngeal Mask to Pediatric Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Operation?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effects of intubation and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) use by evaluating the results of blood gas tests, end-tidal CO2 measurements, and airway changes during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children. METHODS: This study was designed to be a prospective randomized study enrolling 150 ASA-I patients, aged 1-8 years; who were scheduled for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Group 1 (n=75) received general anesthesia with fentanyl, propofol, and rocuronium and they were orotracheally intubated. Group 2 (n=75) received general anesthesia with fentanyl and propofol and were inserted an LMA. Demographical data were recorded. Arterial blood gas test results at baseline, in the 10th min after the insufflation, and in the 10th min after the end of the insufflation were noted. The end-tidal CO2, HR, SPO2, inspiratory pressure, plateau pressure, tidal volume (TV), and respiratory frequencies were recorded. The duration of anesthesia, operation, and insufflations was noted. Emergent complications were recorded. RESULTS: The duration of both anesthesia and recovery was longer in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Hemodynamical parameters, end-tidal CO2 values, TVs, airway pressures, and respiratory frequencies were not statistically significantly different between the groups. There were no statistically meaningful differences in the levels of pH, PCO2, and PO2 between the groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to orotracheal intubation during laparoscopic inguinal surgery; LMA did not cause any statistically significant differences in the blood gas test results or airway pressures and recovery was faster with LMA. Therefore, LMA can be used in pediatric laparoscopic surgery as a safe tool for maintaining the airway.

Could we predict the prognosis of the COVID-19 disease?

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) lead to one of the pandemics of the last century. We aimed to predict poor prognosis among severe patients to lead early intervention. METHODS: The data of 534 hospitalized patients were assessed retrospectively. Risk factors and laboratory tests that might enable the prediction of prognosis defined as being transferred to the intensive care unit and/or exitus have been investigated. RESULTS: At the admission, 398 of 534 patients (74.5%) were mild-moderate ill. It was determined that the male gender, advanced age, and comorbidity were risk factors for severity. To estimate the severity of the disease, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the areas under the curve which were determined based on the optimal cut off values that were calculated for the variables of values of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR > 3.69), C-reactive protein (CRP > 46 mg/L), troponin I ( > 5.3 ng/L), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH > 325 U/L), ferritin ( > 303 ug/L), d-dimer ( > 574 µg/L), neutrophil NE ( > 4.99 × 109 /L), lymphocyte (LE < 1.04 × 109 /L), SO2 ( < %92) were 0.762, 0.757,0.742, 0.705, 0.698, 0.694,0.688, 0.678, and 0.66, respectively. To predict mortality, AUC of values for optimal cutoff troponin I ( > 7.4 ng/L), age ( > 62), SO2 ( < %89), urea ( > 40 mg/dL), procalcitonin ( > 0.21 ug/L), CKMB ( > 2.6 ng/L) were 0.715, 0.685, 0.644, 0.632, 0.627, and 0.617, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical progress could be severe if the baseline values of NLR, CRP, troponin I, LDH, are above, and LE is below the specified cut-off point. We found that the troponin I, elder age, and SO2 values could predict mortality.

Esophagoduodenoscopy or colonoscopy: which should be done first?

OBJECTIVES: Esophagoduodenoscopy and colonoscopy can be done as bidirectional endoscopy in the same session. The aim of this study was to compare anesthetic requirements and hemodynamic effects in esophagoduodenoscopy or colonoscopy done first for bidirectional endoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty patients, aged 18-70 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification (ASA) as I-III, were included randomly into this study. The patients were allocated into two groups: Group C: first colonoscopy followed by esophagoduodenoscopy. Group E: first esophagoduodenoscopy followed by colonoscopy. All patients received standard anesthesia with 1 µg/kg fentanyl and 1 mg/kg propofol. Demographical variables, Heart rate SpO2, Ramsey Sedation Score were recorded every 10 minutes. Total propofol consumption, retching during esophagoduodenoscopy and time to reach cecum were also recorded. Endoscopist and patient satisfaction were questioned. RESULTS: Retching during esophagoduodenoscopy was not statistically significantly different in both groups. Total procedure duration and esophagoduodenoscopy duration were statistically significant longer in Group E. Complication frequency was higher in Group E. Endoscopist and patient satisfaction were lower in Group E. There was no difference in time to reach the cecum and the recovering period. Additional propofol dose was increased in Group E. CONCLUSION: Regarding shorter procedural duration, lower consumption amount of propofol and fewer complications, it could be a better choice to start bidirectional procedure with colonoscopy first.

Comparing I-Gel to Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airways in Infants: A Prospective Randomised Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: Laryngeal mask airways and the I-gel have become increasingly popular for children undergoing minor surgery. The goal of our study is to compare I-gel and ProSeal laryngeal mask airways (LMA) in infants by analysing different parameters, such as insertion success, ventilation, haemodynamic changes and postoperative complications. METHODS: For this prospective, randomised study, we selected 123 infants with an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) status I, who were undergoing minor elective lower abdominal surgery. After obtaining verbal and written informed consent from the parents, the infants were divided into two groups: the I-gel group (n=60) and the ProSeal LMA group (n=63). The times and ease of insertion, percentages of tidal volume leakage, and means and leakage pressures of these two supraglottic airways were noted. The complications and side-effects of each method were also recorded. RESULTS: The insertion time of the ProSeal group was statistically shorter than that of the I-gel group. The peak and mean pressures and the leakage percentage of the ProSeal group were statistically lower than those of the I-gel group. The leakage pressure of the ProSeal group was statistically higher than the I-gel group. CONCLUSION: In comparison with I-gel, the use of ProSeal LMA in infants' anaesthesia presents many advantages, such as the ease of its insertion, better oropharyngeal leakage pressure and less mucosal hyperaemia.

Our Ultrasound Guided Brachial Plexus Block Experiences for Upper Extremity Surgeries in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Brachial plexus block is the most effective analgesia and anesthesia procedure for the upper extremity surgeries in pediatric patients. In recent years, ultrasound guidance for this procedure has reduced the fail and complications like pneumothorax, intravascular injection and nerve damage. However, the number of studies about brachial plexus block is not enough, particularly in pediatric patients, which remained under-researched. In our study, we aimed to discuss the efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in pediatric patients by retrospectively examining their data. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of pediatric patients who underwent ultrasound-guided brachial block in our clinic between January 2015-January 2017. Demographic data, diagnosis, procedure and operation times, medications, motor and sensorial block times were recorded. RESULTS: Between January 2015 and January 2017, the number of pediatric patients who underwent ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block in our clinic was 24. In 15 of these patients, the supraclavicular block was applied in 15, and the infraclavicular block was applied in nine patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.6±3.12, with a male/female ratio 14/10. The mean duration of the procedure was 9.54±2.14 minutes in patients for the supraclavicular block and 12.9 ± 2.8 minutes for the infraclavicular block. The mean surgery time was 64±13.6 minutes. As a local anesthetic, bupivacaine was used in three patients; bupivacaine+lidocaine combination was used in 21 patients and adjuvants were added in eight patients. The block procedure was performed under general anesthesia in 12 patients and under sedation in 12 patients. The mean motor block time was 7.5±2 hours in patients who received supraclavicular block, and 7.4±1.5 hours in patients who received infraclavicular block. The mean sensorial block time was 10.5±1.7 hours in the supraclavicular block, and 10.45±1.15 hours in the infraclavicular block. The mean motor block period with added adjuvants was 7.7±0.5 hours, and the sensorial block period was 11.12±1.1 hours. No complications were seen during the procedure, intraoperative and postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in pediatric patients is effective and safe, with longer analgesia duration and lower complication rates. Prospective studies with a larger number of patients are needed in this regard.

Evaluation of Neurotoxicity of Multiple Anesthesia in Children Using Visual Evoked Potentials.

OBJECTIVES: Anesthetic applications may cause increased neuronal damage in infants and children. Commonly cognitive or learning disability tests were used to investigate the neurological progress in children. Visual Evoked Potential is a gross electrical signal generated by the occipital regions of the cerebral cortex in response to visual stimulation and an objective assessment of brain function. In this study, to acquire more objective results, Visual Evoked Potential responses of children who had multiple exposures to anesthesia during the treatment of corrosive esophagitis were compared to children who have never received anesthesia before. METHODS: In this prospective, single-blinded, randomized, controlled study, 25 children, who were admitted to our pediatric surgery clinic because of corrosive esophagitis and who received general anesthesia more than 15 times composed Group-P; 25 children, who admitted to our well-child-clinic and who had never received anesthesia before consisted Group-C. The flash and pattern VEP responses of both groups were measured at the electrophysiology laboratory without any anesthetic drug application. The VEP responses of children in Group-P were recorded at least three days after the last exposure to anesthesia. RESULTS: Latencies and amplitudes of the N2 and P2 components of the pattern and flash VEP responses were statistically significantly different between the two groups (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: This study shows that in children who had repeated anesthetic applications VEP parameters are significantly altered. We believe that VEP responses may be a reliable objective criterion for the evaluation of anesthesia neurotoxicity.

Is it Necessary to Measure Blood Glucose Level Before and After Colonoscopy in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the necessity of measuring the blood glucose level before and after a colonoscopy in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. METHODS: A total of 200 patients who were over the age of 18 with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score I-IV and were to undergo an elective colonoscopy procedure were included in this randomized, controlled, prospective trial. In the study group, 100 patients were diabetic and 100 were nondiabetic. Patient age, sex, body mass index, ASA classification, comorbid diseases, daily medications, and the length of preprocedure fasting were recorded. Before the procedure, the capillary glucose level was measured and recorded as an initial value. This glucose assessment was repeated and recorded 15 minutes after the beginning of the colonoscopy and 60 minutes after the procedure. All complications related to the anesthesia or the colonoscopy were recorded. RESULTS: The sex and age distribution was not statistically significant in a comparison of the diabetic and nondiabetic groups. The body mass index value and presence of comorbid diseases, particularly hypertension, was statistically significantly higher in the diabetic group. There was no significant difference in complications between the groups. The mean fasting time in the diabetic group was statistically significantly shorter than that of the nondiabetics. The blood glucose level of the diabetic patients was consistently higher than that of the nondiabetics. CONCLUSION: Blood glucose measurement is necessary for diabetic patients before and after a colonoscopy procedure; however, assessment is not necessary for nondiabetics.

A case report of multiple anesthesia for pediatric surgery: 80 anesthesia applications in a period of 6 years.

BACKGROUND: The side and adverse effects of anesthesia and its neurotoxicity to children have become major concerns of anesthesiologists in recent years. Currently, no clinical trials have provided clear evidence indicating the suitable minimum age for a patient's first anesthetic application, importance of anesthesia duration, number of anesthetic applications or interval between two consecutive anesthesia applications. A very rare case concerning the side, adverse and neurotoxic effects of multiple anesthesia in a child is presented. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of a 9-year-old child who received 80 applications of anesthesia in 6 years because of corrosive esophagitis is presented. The commonly used anesthetic agents were propofol, fentanyl, rocuronium and sevoflurane. CONCLUSION: In our case, there were no permanent side or adverse effects due to multiple anesthesia. The minimal psychological and scholastic problems of our case were tied to frequent hospitalization by the pediatric psychiatry consultation.

Comparison of the Supreme™ and ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airways in infants: a prospective randomised clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The Supreme™ and ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) are widely used in paediatric anaesthesia; however, LMA use in infants is limited because many anaesthesiologists prefer to use tracheal intubation in infants. In this study, we compared the Supreme and ProSeal LMAs in infants by measuring their performance characteristics, including insertion features, ventilation parameters, induced changes in haemodynamics and rates of postoperative complications. METHODS: Infants of ASA physical status I scheduled for elective, minor, lower abdominal surgery were divided into two groups: the Supreme LMA group and the ProSeal LMA group. Times and ease of LMA insertion were noted. The percentages of tidal volume leakage as well as peak, mean and leakage pressures for all infants were measured. Heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and end tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) values were recorded before and after LMA insertion and before and after extubation. After extubation, complications and adverse effects were noted. RESULTS: Demographic and surgical data were similar between the two groups. LMA insertion times were shorter for the ProSeal group than for the Supreme group (P < 0.002). The mean HR value for the ProSeal group was lower than for the Supreme group (P < 0.011). Both the peak pressure and the leakage percentage for the ProSeal group were statistically lower than for the Supreme group. The leakage pressure for the ProSeal group was statistically higher than for the Supreme group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ProSeal LMA is superior to the Supreme LMA for use in infants due to the ease of insertion, high oropharyngeal leakage pressure and fewer induced changes in haemodynamics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03251105 , retrospectively registered on 15 Aug 2017.

Effects of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Parathyroid Hormone, Vitamin D, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Albumin Levels.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) reduces obesity-related co-morbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Endocrinological abnormalities may occur as undesired side effects. Most centers routinely prescribe folic acid, cyanocobalamin (vitB12), and protein replacement in the postoperative period, but 25-OH-vitamin-D3 (vitD) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels are not routinely followed up. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of LSG on iPTH, vitD, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin levels. METHODS: Data of morbidly obese patients who underwent LSG between January and December 2014 were studied in this prospectively designed study. Serum levels of iPTH, vitD, Ca, P, folic acid, vitB12, ALP, and albumin were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. RESULTS: In total, 119 patients were analyzed. All patients had normal iPTH, vitD, Ca, P, folic acid, vitB12, ALP, and albumin values preoperatively, and 31.6% had received vitD supplementation during their nutritionist observation time before surgery. At the 3rd, 6th, and 12th postoperative months, 21 (17.6%), 17 (17.3%), and 1 (0.8%) patients, respectively, had increased iPTH and ALP and decreased vitD levels. A total of 39 (32.7%) patients needed high-dose vitD treatment during a 1 year follow-up. Approximately 37.5% of the patients who received vitD supplementation preoperatively needed vitD supplementation postoperatively. Hospital records of 101 of 119 patients who underwent LSG could be screened to determine their vitD supplementation requirements previously ordered by their nutritionist for a 1-year period before LSG. Thirty-two (31.6%) of the 101 patients had received vitD supplementation during the 1-year period preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Although serum levels of iPTH, vitD, Ca, P, vitB12, ALP, and albumin may be normal preoperatively, severe vitD insufficiency requiring high-dose vitD replacement may develop in morbidly obese patients postoperatively. Instead of iPTH and vitD, which are expensive to measure, ALP serum level, which is correlated with iPTH levels, can be a good indicator to monitor calcium metabolism.

Postoperative effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbid obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy has become one of the most popular bariatric surgery types and helps treating not only obesity but also endocrinological diseases related to obesity. Therefore we aimed to evaluate the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on the treatment of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: All patients, who underwent morbid obesity surgery during 2013-2014 and had a HbA1c >6 % were included in this prospective study. Demographical data, usage of oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin were recorded, and laboratory findings as HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at the 6th and 12th months. Diabetes remission criteria were used to assess success of the surgical treatment. RESULTS: Totally 88 patients were included in this study. 55 patients were using oral antidiabetic drugs and 33 patients were using insulin. At the 6th month complete remission was observed in 80 (90.9 %), partial remission in 3 (3.4 %) and persistent diabetes in 5 (5.6 %) patients. At the 12th month complete remission was observed in 84 (95.4 %), partial remission in 1 (1.1 %) and persistent diabetes in 3 (3.4 %) patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery achieved a complete remission of diabetes in 95.4 % patients having type 2 diabetes during a 1 year fallow up period. However, complete remission of type 2 diabetes has been reported as 80 % during long term fallow up in the literature. In our opinion this rate may change with longer follow up periods and studies involving more patients suffering type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of Two Different Intranasal Doses of Dexmedetomidine in Children for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sedation.

OBJECTIVE: Anaesthetic agents used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in paediatric patients should cause few adverse effects and allow fast anaesthetic induction and recovery. The administration route is also important and should be minimally invasive. In this study, we aimed to compare two different doses of intranasal dexmedetomidine applied to children for MRI sedation. METHODS: Sixty patients between 1 and 10 years of age with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification I or II who were scheduled for MRI were recruited into this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Intranasal dexmedetomidine was administered at doses of 3 µg kg(-1) (Group 1) and 4 µg kg(-1) (Group 2) before imaging. Heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) scores were recorded before the anaesthetic induction of sedation and every 10 min until discharge. If intranasal sedation failed, an intravenous cannula was placed and propofol was applied as a rescue anaesthetic. Bispectral Index (BIS) scores were also recorded before and after MRI. We recorded onset time of sedation, mood at separation from parents (defined as parental separation score), imaging quality, MRI duration, rescue anaesthetic requirement, total duration of sedation, recovery duration, parents' satisfaction and adverse effects. RESULTS: The results related to age, weight and adverse effects were not statistically different between the groups. The parental separation score was significantly higher in Group 2 (P = 0.003). Rescue anaesthetic requirement was significantly higher in Group 1 (P = 0.002). The results related to recovery duration, MRI duration, parents' satisfaction, onset time of sedation and total duration of sedation were not statistically different. HR was significantly lower in all time intervals compared with basal values in both groups. In Group 2, RSS scores were significantly higher in the 30th, 40th and 50th min. The BIS scores in Group 2 were lower at the 50th min. Neither bradycardia nor oxygen desaturation were observed. Imaging studies were completed successfully in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on lower rescue anaesthetic requirements, sufficient sedation and parental separation scores in Group 2, intranasal dexmedetomidine 4 µg kg(-1) was more efficient than intranasal dexmedetomidine 3 µg kg(-1). The intranasal route may be an alternative noninvasive route to apply drugs for MRI sedation in paediatric patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02299232.

A comparison of different proportions of a ketamine-propofol mixture administered in a single injection for patients undergoing colonoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to determine the appropriate proportion of ketamine-propofol (ketofol), which was prepared in two different proportions for colonoscopy procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective and randomized trial. Group 1 was administered a mixture of 100 mg ketamine and 200 mg propofol. Group 2 was administered 50 mg ketamine and 200 mg propofol. Additional doses of 0.5 mg/kg bolus propofol without ketamine were administered to both groups to stabilize the bispectral index at 70-80 and with a Ramsey sedation score of 3-4. The pulse rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation values, colonoscopy period, adverse events, recovery time, discharge time, additional propofol doses, total propofol doses, colonoscopist and patient satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: In group 2, the 1 min MAP mean was significantly lower than the initial, 10, 15 and 20 min MAP means (p = 0.014, p = 0.002). The 20 min PR mean of group 2 was statistically significantly higher than group 1 (p = 0.045). The 15 min PR mean of group 2 was significantly lower than the initial and the 1 min PR means (p = 0.023, p = 0.006). The total propofol dose mean of group 2 was significantly higher than group 1 (p = 0.0001). The presence of adverse events in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 (p = 0.0001). The mean colonoscopist satisfaction in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: In colonoscopy, a ketofol mixture prepared in the proportion 1 : 2 provides appropriate hemodynamic conditions and sufficient sedation.

[Sugammadex versus neostigmine in pediatric patients: a prospective randomized study]. / Sugammadex versus neostigmina em pacientes pediátricos: estudo prospectivo e randomizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors may cause postoperative residual curarization when they are used for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Sugammadex reverses neuromuscular blockade by chemical encapsulation and is not associated with the side effects that may occur with the use of anticholinesterase agents. Because of increased outpatient surgical procedures postoperative residual curarization and rapid postoperative recovery have a greater importance in the pediatric patient population. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of sugammadex and neostigmine on reversing neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients undergoing outpatient surgical procedures. METHODS: 80 patients, aged 2-12 years, scheduled for outpatient surgery were enrolled in this randomized prospective study. Neuromuscular blockade was achieved with 0.6mgkg(-1) rocuronium and monitorized with train-of-four. Group RN (n=40) received 0.03mgkg(-1) neostigmine, Group RS (n=40) received 2mgkg(-1) sugammadex for reversal of rocuronium. Extubation time (time from the reversal of neuromuscular blockade to extubation), train-of-four ratio during this time, time to reach train-of-four>0.9, and probable complications were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the patients' characteristics. Extubation time and time to reach train-of-four>0.9 were significantly higher in Group RN (p=0.001, p=0.002). Train-of-four at the time of neostigmine/sugammadex injection in Group RN were significantly higher than in the RS group (p=0.020). Extubation train-of-four ratio was significantly lower in Group RN (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Sugammadex provides safer extubation with a shorter recovery time than neostigmine in pediatric patients undergoing outpatient surgical procedures.

Sugammadex versus neostigmine in pediatric patients: a prospective randomized study / Sugammadex versus neostigmina em pacientes pediátricos: estudo prospectivo e randomizado / Sugammadex versus neostigmina en pacientes pediátricos: estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado

Background and objectives: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors may cause postoperative residual curarization when they are used for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Sugammadex reverses neuromuscular blockade by chemical encapsulation and is not associated with the side effects that may occur with the use of anticholinesterase agents. Because of increased outpatient surgical procedures postoperative residual curarization and rapid postoperative recovery have a greater importance in the pediatric patient population. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of sugammadex and neostigmine on reversing neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients undergoing outpatient surgical procedures. Methods: 80 patients, aged 2-12 years, scheduled for outpatient surgery were enrolled in this randomized prospective study. Neuromuscular blockade was achieved with 0.6 mgkg−1 rocuronium and monitorized with train-of-four. Group RN (n = 40) received 0.03 mgkg−1 neostigmine, Group RS (n = 40) received 2 mgkg−1 sugammadex for reversal of rocuronium. Extubation time (time from the reversal of neuromuscular blockade to extubation), train-of-four ratio during this time, time to reach train-of-four > 0.9, and probable complications were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the patients' characteristics. Extubation time and time to reach train-of-four > 0.9 were significantly higher in Group RN (p = 0.001, p = 0.002). Train-of-four at the time of neostigmine/sugammadex injection in Group RN were significantly higher than in the RS group (p = 0.020). Extubation train-of-four ratio was significantly lower in Group RN (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Sugammadex provides safer extubation with a shorter recovery time than neostigmine in pediatric patients undergoing outpatient surgical procedures. .

Justificativa e objetivos: Os inibidores da acetilcolinesterase podem causar curarização residual no pós-operatório quando usados para reverter o bloqueio neuromuscular. Sugamadex reverte o bloqueio neuromuscular por encapsulação química e não está associado aos efeitos colaterais que podem ocorrer com o uso de agentes anticolinesterase. Devido ao aumento dos procedimentos cirúrgicos ambulatoriais. A curarização residual e a rápida recuperação no pós-operatório são muito importantes para a população de pacientes pediátricos. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia de sugamadex e neostigmina na reversão do bloqueio neuromuscular em pacientes pediátricos submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos ambulatoriais. Métodos: 80 pacientes, com idades entre 2-12 anos, programados para cirurgias ambulatoriais foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo e randomizado. O bloqueio neuromuscular foi obtido com 0,6 mgkg−1 de rocurônio e monitorizado com a interpretação da sequência de quatro estímulos. O Grupo RN (n = 40) recebeu 0,03 mgkg−1 de neostigmina e o Grupo RS (n = 40) recebeu 2 mgkg−1 de sugamadex para a reversão de rocurônio. O tempo de extubacão (tempo desde a reversão do bloqueio neuromuscular até a extubação), a razão da sequência de quatro estímulos durante esse tempo, o tempo para atingir uma sequência de quatro estímulos > 0,9 e as complicações prováveis foram registrados. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre as características dos pacientes. Os tempos de extubação e para atingir uma sequência de quatro estímulos >0,9 foram significativamente maiores no Grupo RN (p = 0,001, p = 0,002). A sequência de quatro estímulos ...

Introducción y objetivos: Los inhibidores de la acetilcolinesterasa pueden causar anestesia residual en el postoperatorio cuando se usan para revertir el bloqueo neuromuscular. El sugammadex revierte el bloqueo neuromuscular por encapsulación química y no está asociado con los efectos colaterales que pueden ocurrir con el uso de agentes anticolinesterasa. Debido al aumento de los procedimientos quirúrgicos ambulatorios, la anestesia residual y la rápida recuperación en el postoperatorio son muy importantes para la población de pacientes pediátricos. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la eficacia del sugammadex y la neostigmina en la reversión del bloqueo neuromuscular en pacientes pediátricos sometidos a procedimientos quirúrgicos ambulatorios. Métodos: 80 pacientes, con edades entre 2 y 12 años, programados para cirugía ambulatoria fueron incluidos en este estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado. El bloqueo neuromuscular se obtuvo con 0,6 mg kg−1 de rocuronio y fue monitorizado con la interpretación de la secuencia de 4 estímulos. El grupo RN (n = 40) recibió 0,03 mg kg−1 de neostigmina y el grupo RS (n = 40) recibió 2 mg kg−1 de sugammadex para la reversión de rocuronio. Se registraron el tiempo de desintubación (tiempo desde la reversión del bloqueo neuromuscular hasta la desintubación), la razón de la secuencia de 4 estímulos durante ese tiempo, el tiempo para alcanzar una secuencia de 4 estímulos > 0,9 y las complicaciones probables. Resultados: No hubo diferencia significativa entre las características de los pacientes. Los tiempos de desintubación y para alcanzar una secuencia de 4 estímulos > 0,9 fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo RN (p = 0,001, p = 0,002). La secuencia de 4 estímulos en el momento de la inyección de neostigmina/sugammadex ...

Can Supreme™ laryngeal mask airway be an alternative to endotracheal intubation in laparoscopic surgery?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In laparoscopic surgical procedures, experts recommend tracheal intubation for airway management. Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) can be a good alternative to intubation. In this case series, we aimed to examine the use of the Supreme™ LMA (SLMA) in laparoscopic surgical practice. METHODS: We planned the study for sixty patients between the ages of 18 and 60, who would undergo laparoscopic surgery. We recorded one, 15, 30, 45, and 60-minute peripheral O2 saturation (SpO2) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) values, heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). We observed the duration of SLMA insertion, the rate of gastric tube applicability, whether nausea, vomiting, and coughing developed, and whether there was postoperative 1-hour sore throat. RESULTS: The initial EtCO2 mean was lower than the EtCO2 means of 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes (p < 0.0001) and the 15-minute EtCO2 mean was lower than other measured EtCO2 means. We observed the initial heart rate mean to be higher than the ones following the SLMA insertion, prior to the SLMA removal, and after the SLMA removal. The heart rate mean after the SLMA insertion was remarkably lower than the heart rate mean prior to the SLMA removal (p=0.013). The MAP after the SLMA insertion was lower than the initial MAP means, as well as the MAP averages prior to after the removal of SLMA (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: SLMA can be a suitable alternative to intubation in laparoscopic surgical procedures in a group of selected patients.