Mist nebulizer versus heated humidifier on endotracheal tube patency in spontaneously breathing intubated patients: A prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Using a humidifier in intubated patients is now a standard of care as the humidifying effect of the upper airway is lost. We conducted this study to compare the efficacy of a heated humidifier (HH) with the more commonly used conventional mist nebulizer on overnight intubated and spontaneously breathing post-operative patients. Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized control trial included 60 post-operative overnight intubated and spontaneously breathing patients, of which 30 patients were allocated to the HH group and 30 to the mist nebulizer group. The reduction of endotracheal tube (ETT) patency was measured quantitatively by the difference between the pre-intubation and immediate post-extubation ETT volume and compared between the two groups. Also, the characteristics of secretion, the temperature of inspired gas at the Y-piece, and the frequency of refilling the humidifier chamber were recorded and compared. Results: The reduction of ETT volume was significantly more in the mist nebulizer group compared to the HH group (P-value 0.00026). The mean temperature of the inspired gas (°C) was higher in the HH group (P-value < 0.0001). More patients in the mist nebulizer group had thicker (P-value 0.057) and drier secretions (P-value 0.005) compared to the HH group. None of the patients in the HH group required refilling of the humidifier chamber while the mean frequency of the refilling was 3.5 times per patient in the mist nebulizer group. Conclusion: HH may be preferred over mist nebulizer as the latter requires more frequent refilling which may not be practically possible in a busy recovery room rendering the patient at the risk of inhaling dry gas and consequent thick and dry secretions with decreased ETT patency.

Postoperative complications and critical care management after cytoreduction surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a comprehensive treatment option performed for peritoneal surface malignancies. Postoperatively almost all patients are transferred to the intensive care unit electively. AIM: To describe the common and rare postoperative complications, postoperative mortality and their critical care management after CRS-HIPEC. METHODS: The authors assessed 54 articles for eligibility. Full text assessment identified 14 original articles regarding postoperative complications and critical care management for inclusion into the final review article. RESULTS: There is an exaggerated metabolic and inflammatory response after surgery which may be termed as physiological in view of the nature of surgery combined with the use of heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy with/out early postoperative intravenous chemotherapy. The expected postoperative course is further discussed. CRS-HIPEC is a complex procedure with some life-threatening complications in the immediate postoperative period, reported morbidity rates between 12%-60% and a mortality rate of 0.9%-5.8%. Over the years, since its inception in the 1980s, postoperative morbidity and survival have significantly improved. The commonest postoperative surgical complications and systemic toxicity due to chemotherapy as reported in the last decade are discussed. CONCLUSION: CRS-HIPEC is associated with a varying rate of postoperative complications including postoperative deaths and needs early suspicion and intensive care monitoring.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in a 2-YearOld Child with Abdominopelvic Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Case Report of Anaesthetic Concerns.

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a well-established multimodal treatment in patients with peritoneal surface malignancies in adults. Children younger than 3 years rarely undergo such extensive surgeries with heated chemotherapy infusion intraoperatively. Only one such case is reported in the literature for CRS-HIPEC for an abdominopelvic rhabdomyosarcoma in a child of 2 years or less. We present the case of a 2-year-old child with abdominopelvic rhabdomyosarcoma undergoing CRS-HIPEC and discuss the perioperative concerns and challenges.

Epidemiology and Predictors of Hospital Outcomes of Critically Ill Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The number of pediatric oncology patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) has increased, and their hospital outcomes are improving. Since scarce data are available about this patient population, we conducted this retrospective study to evaluate the epidemiology and predictors of hospital outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all children with cancers who were admitted to our ICU over 1 year. We excluded children admitted after elective surgery and those following bone marrow transplant. We collected data about demographics, admission diagnosis, type of malignancies, and ICU interventions. The primary outcome was the hospital outcome. The secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay (LOS), and ICU and hospital mortality. We analyzed the predictors of hospital outcome. RESULTS: Two hundred pediatric oncology patients were admitted from November 1, 2014 to October 30, 2015. Seventy-eight children had solid organ malignancies, and the rest had hematological malignancies. Hematooncology malignancy patients had significantly higher hospital mortality than those with solid organ malignancies. (61.5 vs 34.6%, p = 0.015). On multivariate regression analysis, mechanical ventilation [odds ratio (OR), 14.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-165.05; p <0.030], inotropes (OR, 9.81; 95% CI: 1.222-78.66; p <0.032), and the presence of coagulopathy (OR, 3.86; 95% CI: 1.568-9.514; p <0.003) were independent predictors of hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort of 200 children with malignancies, we found that children with hematologic cancer had significantly higher hospital mortality as compared to those with solid tumors. The need for mechanical ventilation, use of inotrope infusion, and coagulopathy were independent predictors of mortality. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bhosale SJ, Joshi M, Patil VP, Kothekar AT, Myatra SN, Divatia JV, et al. Epidemiology and Predictors of Hospital Outcomes of Critically Ill Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(10):1183-1188.

Tropical Infections in the Indian Intensive Care Units: The Tip of the Iceberg!

How to cite this article: Karnad DR, Patil VP, Kulkarni AP. Tropical Infections in the Indian Intensive Care Units: The Tip of the Iceberg! Indian J Crit Care Med 2021; 25(Suppl 2):S115-S117.

Does Presence of Sepsis by Itself Predispose the Patients to HCAIs?

How to cite this article: Gaikwad S, Patil VP. Does Presence of Sepsis by Itself Predispose the Patients to HCAIs? Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(3):253-254.

Is Immature Granulocyte Count a Potential Prognostic Marker for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding? A New Road to Explore.

How to cite this article: Prabu NR, Patil VP. Is Immature Granulocyte Count a Potential Prognostic Marker for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding? A New Road to Explore. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(9):750-752.

Fluid Overload and Acute Kidney Injury.

Commonest intervention in hospitalized patient is fluid therapy, and practically every critically ill patient receives fluid resuscitation. Commonest indication for fluid administration is to achieve hemodynamic stability and prevent or manage acute kidney injury (AKI). However, fluid administration is a two-edged sword, i.e., inadequate fluids give rise to hypoperfusion and organ injury and overzealous fluid therapy can give rise to fluid overload and related consequences. Though fluids are commonly given to prevent development of AKI, hypervolemia itself has the potential to cause AKI. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Patil VP, Salunke BG. Fluid Overload and Acute Kidney Injury. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 3):S94-S97.

Mystery of PCO2 Gap in Sepsis.

How to cite this article: Patil VP. Mystery of PCO2 Gap in Sepsis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(10):443-444.

Coronary artery calcification on chest computed tomography scan - Anaesthetic implications.

The significance of coronary artery calcification noted on noncontrast chest computed tomography (CT) scan is unknown. We report a case where coronary artery calcification on chest CT scan incidentally detected in an asymptomatic patient who was found to have significant coronary artery disease which resulted in perioperative morbidity.

Ultrasonographic assessment of internal jugular vein diameter and its relationship with the carotid artery at the apex, middle, and base of the triangle formed by two heads of sternocleidomastoid muscle: A pilot study in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Anteroposterior (AP) diameter of internal jugular vein (IJV) and its relative position with carotid artery (CA) varies in the triangle formed by two heads of sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is the site of insertion of needle for IJV cannulation. This study assessed the maximum AP diameter of the IJV in supine and Trendelenburg positions and during Valsalva maneuver (supine position) at the apex, middle, and base of the triangle and to study the relationship of the IJV with the CA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five healthy volunteers were included and ultrasonography of IJV was performed in supine and Trendelenburg positions and during Valsalva maneuver (supine position) at the apex, middle, and base of the triangle bilaterally. The AP diameter of IJV was measured. The relative anatomical position of IJV was assessed as anterior (A), anterolateral (AL), or lateral (L) to CA in neutral head position and 30°, 45°, and 90° head rotation to the contralateral side in supine position. RESULTS: The difference in right IJV diameter was significant (P = 0.001) between supine vs. Trendelenburg position at the base of the triangle. Within one position there was significant difference between apex and base of the triangle. The left IJV diameter was significantly different between supine vs. Trendelenburg position at the apex (P = 0.004), middle (P = 0.003), and base of the triangle (P-value = 0.001). There was significant difference between supine vs. Valsalva maneuver at the middle (P = 0.011) and base (P = 0.014) of the triangle. The right IJV was more L or AL to the CA in apex with head in neutral or 30° rotation. The left IJV was more L or AL to the CA in middle with head in neutral position. CONCLUSION: Trendelenburg and Valsalva increase diameter of IJV on both right and left side. Diameter of IJV is greater at the base of the triangle. IJV is lateral or anterolateral when the head is either neutral or turned 30° to the contralateral side.

Does tranexamic acid reduce blood loss during head and neck cancer surgery?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transfusion of blood and blood products poses several hazards. Antifibrinolytic agents are used to reduce perioperative blood loss. We decided to assess the effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on blood loss and the need for transfusion in head and neck cancer surgery. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, 240 patients undergoing supramajor head and neck cancer surgeries were prospectively randomised to either TA (10 mg/kg) group or placebo (P) group. After induction, the drug was infused by the anaesthesiologist, who was blinded to allocation, over 20 min. The dose was repeated every 3 h. Perioperative (up to 24 h) blood loss, need for transfusion and fluid therapy was recorded. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed at fixed intervals in the first 100 patients. Patients were watched for post-operative complications. RESULTS: Two hundred and nineteen records were evaluable. We found no difference in intraoperative blood loss (TA - 750 [600-1000] ml vs. P - 780 [150-2600] ml, P = 0.22). Post-operative blood loss was significantly more in the placebo group at 24 h (P - 200 [120-250] ml vs. TA - 250 [50-1050] ml, P = 0.009), but this did not result in higher number of patients needing transfusions (TA - 22/108 and P - 27/111 patients, P = 0.51). TEG revealed faster clot formation and minimal fibrinolysis. Two patients died of causes unrelated to study drug. Incidence of wound complications and deep venous thrombosis was similar. CONCLUSION: In head and neck cancer surgery, TA did not reduce intraoperative blood loss or need for transfusions. Perioperative TEG variables were similar. This may be attributed to pre-existing hypercoagulable state and minimal fibrinolysis in cancer patients.

Agreement between inferior vena cava diameter measurements by subxiphoid versus transhepatic views.

CONTEXT: Correcting hypovolemia is extremely important. Central venous pressure measurement is often done to assess volume status. Measurement of inferior vena cava (IVC) is conventionally done in the subcostal view using ultrasonography. It may not be possible to obtain this view in all patients. AIMS: We therefore evaluated the limits of agreement between the IVC diameter measurement and variation in subcostal and that by the lateral transhepatic view. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective study in a tertiary care referral hospital intensive care unit. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After Institutional Ethics Committee approval and informed consent, we obtained 175 paired measurements of the IVC diameter and variation in both the views in adult mechanically ventilated patients. The measurements were carried out by experienced researchers. We then obtained the limits of agreement for minimum, maximum diameter, percentage variation of IVC in relation to respiration. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Bland-Altman's limits of agreement to get precision and bias. RESULTS: The limits of agreement were wide for minimum and maximum IVC diameter with variation of as much as 4 mm in both directions. However, the limits of agreement were much narrower when the percentage variation in relation to respiration was plotted on the Bland-Altman plot. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that when it is not possible to obtain the subcostal view, it is possible to use the lateral transhepatic view. However, using the percentage variation in IVC size is likely to be more reliable than the absolute diameter alone. It is possible to use both views interchangeably.

The modern integrated anaesthesia workstation.

Over the years, the conventional anaesthesia machine has evolved into an advanced carestation. The new machines use advanced electronics, software and technology to offer extensive capabilities for ventilation, monitoring, inhaled agent delivery, low-flow anaesthesia and closed-loop anaesthesia. They offer integrated monitoring and recording facilities and seamless integration with anaesthesia information systems. It is possible to deliver tidal volumes accurately and eliminate several hazards associated with the low pressure system and oxygen flush. Appropriate use can result in enhanced safety and ergonomy of anaesthetic delivery and monitoring. However, these workstations have brought in a new set of limitations and potential drawbacks. There are differences in technology and operational principles amongst the new workstations. Understand the principles of operation of these workstations and have a thorough knowledge of the operating manual of the individual machines.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A diagnostic challenge.

We report the case of a 7-year-old girl operated for craniopharyngioma who developed hyperkalemic cardiac arrest in the post-operative period. She was diagnosed as Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and the causative drug was carbamazepine. It was essentially a diagnosis of exclusion, and treatment was mainly supportive in form of withdrawal of the neuroleptic medication (carbamazepine) and administration of dantrolene and bromocriptine. Although, relatively uncommon, NMS can be fatal. NMS presents a clinical challenge as the patient outcome depends on its prompt recognition and treatment.