Monitored epidural catheter placement-ultrasound-guided neurostimulation-aided thoracic catheter placement via caudal route for perioperative analgesia in neonatal thoracotomies: A technical feasibility study.

In this case series, we investigated the feasibility of combining ultrasound and neurostimulation for inserting a stimulating epidural catheter in the thoracic epidural space through the caudal route in neonates. Twelve neonates undergoing tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair under general anaesthesia were studied. The catheter was visible on ultrasound as a hyperechoic dot in the epidural space. Inadvertent high placement was identified in two neonates with neurostimulation, in whom the catheter was withdrawn to the thoracic epidural space, and the position was confirmed on ultrasound. A 0.5 ml/kg bolus dose of 0.125% bupivacaine injected through the epidural catheter was imaged in real-time in the epidural space. Block was effective in 10 neonates; two needed an additional local anaesthetic (LA) bolus. To conclude, ultrasound with neurostimulation facilitates accurate positioning of the caudally placed epidural catheter to the mid-thoracic level in neonates.

Awareness Regarding Medicolegal Aspects of Medical Services Among Reproductive Age Women: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The government has implemented various laws to regulate medical practice and improve the quality of health care services. This study evaluated the general population's awareness of various medicolegal aspects related to the medical profession.   Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Knowledge of laws and ethics related to medical practice was assessed based on a well-structured questionnaire including 25 items. Women were categorized based on their score into low (below 50th percentile), medium (50th -75th percentile), and high (above 75th percentile) awareness.    Results: A total of 334 women were recruited. The mean age of the women in the study was 30.29±6.58 SD years; most women were between 20-30 (56.28%). Most women were graduates (33.23%), followed by postgraduates (29.04%). The majority of women were unemployed (housewives: 64.67%, students: 4.49%), followed by skilled workers (22.75%), semi-professional, and professionals (8.08%). High awareness about the various medicolegal aspects was seen in 25.1% of women, while 29.04% had medium awareness and 45.80% had low awareness. It was also seen that the women with higher education(p=0.002) and those employed (0.001) had better knowledge. Further, graduate housewives had better awareness than non-graduate housewives.   Conclusion: Education and self-independence significantly affected awareness of medicolegal issues among our women. Assuring the right to education and empowering women with self-independence will go a long way in ensuring active participation in medical decision-making.

Endoscopy Assisted Removal of Post Traumatic Impacted Foreign Body in the Nose Extending into Opposite Parapharyngeal Space.

The head and neck region is a complex anatomical area with vulnerable nervous and vascular structures, auditory and visual organs and upper aero-digestive tract. Penetrating foreign bodies of head and neck region are not uncommon and pertain mostly to wood, metal and glass (Levine et al. in Am J Emerg Med 26:918-922, 2008). This case report describes an airborne high velocity foreign body blown off from a lawn mower penetrating the left side of the face, penetrating deep into nasopharynx and opposite parapharyngeal space through paranasal sinuses. A multidisciplinary team managed this case successfully, avoiding injuries to adjacent vital skull base structures.

Ultrasound-guided continuous costoclavicular block through retrograde stimulating catheter technique for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery: a case series.

In five patient undergoing surgery for proximal humerus fracture we investigated into postoperative analgesia provided by continuous costoclavicular block using continuous stimulating catheter. The postoperative pain scores were less than 4 in all patients except in two patients who required intravenous tramadol 50 mg as a rescue analgesic. The radiocontrast dye study executed in two patients revealed contiguous contrast spread through the brachial plexus sheath with the catheter tip in the interscalene space. We propose that a continuous costoclavicular block with a retrograde stimulating catheter is a feasible alternative regional anesthesia technique for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery.

Ultrasound-guided continuous costoclavicular block through retrograde stimulating catheter technique for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery: a case series

Abstract In five patient undergoing surgery for proximal humerus fracture we investigated into postoperative analgesia provided by continuous costoclavicular block using continuous stimulating catheter. The postoperative pain scores were less than 4 in all patients except in two patients who required intravenous tramadol 50 mg as a rescue analgesic. The radiocontrast dye study executed in two patients revealed contiguous contrast spread through the brachial plexus sheath with the catheter tip in the interscalene space. We propose that a continuous costoclavicular block with a retrograde stimulating catheter is a feasible alternative regional anesthesia technique for postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery.

Role of Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index in the Prediction of Hypotension Associated With Central Neuraxial Block: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: There are only a few studies on perioperative use of inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI) to predict hypotension after anesthesia. The study aimed to evaluate IVCCI as predictor of hypotension in patients receiving central neuraxial block (CNB) for elective surgery. METHOD: One hundred patients of ASA grade I/II, aged 18-60 years undergoing elective surgery under CNB were enrolled. Ultrasound IVC examination was performed preoperatively and the patients were allocated to Group C (Collapsing group: IVCCI ≥50%) or Group NC (Non-Collapsing group: IVCCI <50%). Thereafter, in the operation theatre, the patient was given CNB and observed for development of hypotension. The hypotension was treated with additional fluid bolus (5 mL kg-1 over 10 minutes) and/or vasopressor (mephentramine 6 mg IV). The primary objective was to compare the incidence of hypotension; the secondary objective was to compare the fluid and vasopressor requirement in the Groups C and NC. RESULT: Six patients were excluded from study due to poor visualization of IVC. The mean IVCCI for Group C (n = 53) was 56.06 ± 4.62% and Group NC (n = 41) was 34.01 ± 8.94%. The incidence of hypotension was 56.60% (20/53) in Group C and 4.87% (2/41) in Group NC (P < .001). The vasopressor and fluid requirement was also statistically significantly higher in Group C compared with Group NC (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative ultrasound assessment of IVCCI is useful in predicting hypotension after CNB in patients receiving CNB for elective surgery.

Role of Nutrition and Diet during COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review.

COVID-19 has impacted mankind drastically; whether it be physical and mental health, global economy, or social disruption, everyone has sustained losses. To prevent the spread, strict containment measures and stay at home guidelines were issued by officials. Due to this, an unanticipated and rapid change has occurred in the daily routine and lifestyle of the people. Physical distancing and quarantine measures strongly impacted people's lives, their eating habits and everyday ablutions. A comprehensive search of recent literature related to nutrition and diet during the pandemic was undertaken using electronic databases like MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. This review deals with the effects of COVID-19 on malnutrition, the foods that help in boosting the immune system, and on specific, vulnerable, age groups. Although there are various health concerns that has come up during the pandemic, through this review, we investigate some aspects related to nutrition as the recovery of every individual who was affected by COVID-19 was influenced by their nutritional intake.

Noise Pollution in Intensive Care Unit: A Hidden Enemy affecting the Physical and Mental Health of Patients and Caregivers.

Background: Noise in intensive care units (ICUs) has always been a problem, but noise above the recommended range affects not only the patient but staff as well. It is clear that some noise in the ICU is inevitable, but exceeding the normal range brings various physiologic and psychologic changes, which directly affect health. This review presents a synthesis of noise sources in the ICU and the potential interventions designed to attenuate noise and protect patients. Materials and Methods: An extensive literature search, using electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research gate to understand the noise in ICU, effects of noise, and noise reduction interventions were undertaken. Results: Findings were such as noise enhances the release of cortisol, increases oxygen consumption, increases sleep disturbances, increases the need for analgesia and sedation, and disrupts circadian rhythm. Many studies reported that measurement was always higher despite implementing noise reduction interventions. Conclusions: ICU survivors always recall their memories, and for them, ICU admission becomes a negative experience for life. However, the sustainability of any single intervention did not show awe-inspiring results, whereas a bundle kind of interventions did show some effects. However, high-quality evidence demonstrating the benefit of any intervention on patient outcomes is still lacking.

Analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block for laparoscopic gynecological surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine whether ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is more effective in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic consumption than local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) at the port site for elective laparoscopic gynecological surgeries. METHODS: Eighty patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists status I/II undergoing laparoscopic gynecology surgery were enrolled for this randomized control trial. After general anesthesia was administered, patients in group C received LAI at each port site, and patients in group T received bilateral ultrasound-guided TAP. Postoperative pain was assessed at time intervals of 1/2, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h using the numeric pain scale (NPS). Clinical metrics such as postoperative analgesic diclofenac consumption, need for rescue fentanyl, nausea-vomiting scores, and antiemetic requirements were also recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included in the final analysis. Postoperatively, patients in group T had significantly lower NPS than those in group C (P < 0.05). The highest difference in the postoperative NPS was observed at 2 h (median [1Q, 3Q]; group C = 3 [2, 4]; group T = 1 [0, 2]; P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of diclofenac (75 mg intravenous) requirement between the groups (P = 0.010). No significant difference was observed between the groups in need of rescue fentanyl or antiemetic and the nausea-vomiting scores. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery, ultrasound-guided TAP block provided greater postoperative analgesic benefits in terms of lower NPS and reduced analgesic requirements than port site LAI.

Undescribed Vascular Signatures: A Contraindication to Ultrasound-guided Parasagittal Infraclavicular Block! A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The ultrasound-infraclavicular block (US-ICB) is a popular and efficient block for below-elbow surgeries. However, the vascular anatomy of infraclavicular area close to the brachial plexus has remained unresearched. We aimed to explore the presence of aberrant vasculature in the infraclavicular area that could pose a contraindication to US-ICB. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the US images of patients undergoing below-elbow surgery under US-ICB. Before performing the block, a scout scan of parasagittal infraclavicular areas was performed and the scan images were saved. The primary objective was to find the prevalence of aberrant vasculature due to which the US-ICB was abandoned. The secondary objective was to understand the pattern and position of the aberrant vessels. RESULTS: Out of 912 patients, 793 patients underwent surgery under US-ICB and in 119 patients (13.05%), the USG-ICB was abandoned due to aberrant vasculature close to the brachial cords and intended position of the needle tip. The anomalous vessels were identified in the lower inner, lower outer, and upper outer quadrants around the axillary artery (AA). Some of these vascular structures also had classical patterns which we described as "satellites," "clamping," or "hugging" of the AA. CONCLUSION: Anomalous vascular structures in the infraclavicular area were seen in 13.05% of patients planned for US-ICB. We, therefore, recommend, that a thorough scout US scan should be mandatorily performed ICB and in the presence of aberrant vascular structures, an alternative approach to brachial plexus block may be adopted.

Evaluation of postoperative analgesia of erector spinae plane block in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Only a few studies have evaluated the analgesic effect of Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. We aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of ESPB in patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. METHODS: Seventy-five patients of ASA grade I / II, aged 18-60 years undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled and were randomly assigned to group C or T. Patients in group C were given general anaesthesia alone and patients in group T were given bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB followed by general anaesthesia. The primary objective was to compare total 24hr postoperative analgesic consumption of tramadol and secondary objective was to indicate the need for rescue analgesia and numeric pain rating scores (NRS) at rest and on movement between the groups. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included for final analysis. The total tramadol consumption in 24hr postoperative period for Group T was 105.21 ± 60.18 mg and for group C was 178.12 ± 54.3 mg the difference was statistically highly significant (P = 0.0001). The need for rescue analgesia (fentanyl) was also statistically significantly lower in group T compared to group C (0.91 ± 5.22 mcg vs. 13.64 ± 23.82 mcg, P= 0.002). The postoperative NRS at ½, 2, 4, 6, 8 hr at rest and on movement were statistically lower in group T than group C, although this difference was not of clinical significance. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB provided effective analgesia as it reduced the total tramadol consumption and the need for rescue analgesia in 24hr postoperative period.

Low-volume C5-6 interscalene and supraclavicular nerve blocks for arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A case series.

Interscalene block (ISB) is considered a gold standard regional anesthesia technique for shoulder surgery. Conventionally, 20 ml of local anesthetic is used for ISB. Nevertheless, this high-volume traditional ISB is associated with a high incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paresis due to phrenic nerve block. Recent evidence suggests that low-volume ultrasound-guided (USG)-ISB can provide effective analgesia whilst avoiding complications. Thirty patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologist ASA status I/II undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery under general anesthesia were administered low-volume USG-ISB and supraclavicular nerve block (SCNB). The block provided effective analgesia in 90% (27/30) of the patients as their visual analog score was below 4 at all times in the 24-h postoperative period. Only three patients required a single dose of rescue analgesic (diclofenac 50 mg iv) in the 24-h postoperative period. In postoperative recovery, two patients (6.67%) had desaturation due to hemidiaphragmatic paresis and three patients (10%) had a transient neurological deficit. In conclusion, low-volume USG-ISB with SCNB provides effective analgesia for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. The advantages of this technique include a low incidence of respiratory and neurological complications.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy with preeclampsia in a parturient: A case report with literature review.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease of unknown cause that affects women of childbearing age. A high index of suspicion should be maintained in the pregnant and peripartum woman who presents with sudden cardiac decompensation without any prior history of cardiac disease. The diagnosis can be confirmed with echocardiographic evidence of global left ventricular dysfunction. Timely diagnosis and institution of therapy for heart failure can avoid adverse outcomes in a parturient with PPCM. In this case report, we describe the management of primigravida presenting to the hospital's emergency department with acute cardiac failure and respiratory distress due to PPCM. The case also highlights that though preeclampsia and PPCM are two separate entities, these can coexist in the same parturient due to the common pathophysiological mechanism. In the review, the recommended medical management of heart failure in PPCM with the "BOARD" (Bromocriptine, Oral heart failure drugs, Anticoagulants, Vasorelaxing agents, and Diuretics) scheme is discussed.

Subcoracoid tunnel block as an alternative infraclavicular brachial plexus approach -a case series.

BACKGRUOND: Magnetic resonance neurography shows the brachial plexus cords in the subcoracoid tunnel beneath the pectoralis minor. With an ultrasound scan along the brachial line, the brachial plexus cords in the subcoracoid tunnel can be targeted using an in-plane needle approach. We describe this new approach to the infraclavicular block called the "subcoracoid tunnel block." CASE: Twenty patients were administered with the ultrasound-guided subcoracoid tunnel block for the below-elbow surgery. The contact of the needle tip with cords was visible in all 20 patients. With neurostimulation, the posterior cord was identified in 11 (55%) and medial cord in 9 (45%) patients on the first needle pass. The subcoracoid tunnel block was successful in 16 patients (80%). CONCLUSIONS: Our case series shows that the subcoracoid tunnel block is an excellent alternative technique for the infraclavicular block. Its advantages include better needle-cord visibility and easy identification of the brachial plexus cords.

Randomised Control Trial Comparing Plain Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine with Hyperbaric Bupivacaine in Caesarean Deliveries.

OBJECTIVE: The study compared spinal block characteristics of equipotent doses of plain 0.5% levobupivacaine, plain 0.75% ropivacaine and hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine for elective caesarean (CS) delivery. METHODS: A total of 100 parturient women undergoing elective CS under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled for the study. The parturients were randomly assigned to receive one of the following in a subarachnoid block: hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine 10 mg (group B), plain 0.5% levobupivacaine 10 mg (group L), or plain 0.5% ropivacaine 15 mg (group R). RESULTS: Motor block duration [groups B, LB, R: 143.78 (30.43) minutes, 139.31 (33.38) minutes, 137.32 (27.39) minutes, respectively; P=0.80], sensory block duration [groups B, LB, R: 122.87 (34.93) minutes, 113.03 (39.24) minutes, 125.58 (24.93) minutes, respectively; p=0.30] and first analgesic request time [groups B, LB, R: 136.87 (28.70) minutes, 133.59 (27.30) minutes, 144.19 (32.09) minutes, respectively; p=0.35] were statistically comparable. The groups were statistically comparable for sensory block onset time [T6 block; groups B, LB, R: 4.62 (2.80) minutes, 4.93 (2.63) minutes, 5.73 (3.00) minutes, respectively; p=0.29] but motor block onset time was statistically prolonged for group R as compared to group B [Bromage 3 block; group B, LB, R: 5.93 (3.41) minutes, 9.00 (4.00) minutes, 10.16 (5.66) minutes, respectively; p=0.001]. No statistically significant differences were seen in sensory and motor block recovery times, haemodynamic parameters or side-effects. CONCLUSION: The anaesthesia from a spinal block with 10 mg plain levobupivacaine or 15 mg plain ropivacaine is comparable to the anaesthetic effect of 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine in elective caesarean deliveries.

Cysticercosis masquerading as tuberculous lymphadenitis in supraclavicular region.

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infestation caused by the larvae of the tapeworm Taenia solium. In humans, cysticercosis spreads through fecal-oral route by ingesting food contaminated with eggs of pork tapeworm. The most frequent sites affected are central nervous system, eye, subcutaneous tissue, and skeletal muscle. We report a case of cysticercosis presenting as left supraclavicular swelling which is a rare site, diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration.

Subcutaneous filariasis: An unusual presentation with an adult gravid worm on aspiration.

Detection of adult gravid filarial worm in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears is unusual despite the high incidence of this parasite in endemic zones. Bancroftian filariasis presenting as subcutaneous nodules is very rare, and only a few cases are reported in literature. In spite of various reports stating the presence of microfilaria using aspiration cytology in various sites, the presence of an adult gravid filarial worm in subcutaneous nodules by FNAC is an extremely rare finding. We hereby report an unusual case of detection of adult gravid worm of Wuchereria bancrofti on FNAC of a subcutaneous nodule in the axilla. In differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodular swellings, a possibility of filariasis must be kept in mind, and a careful search should be done for the adult worm or microfilaria in the aspiration smears done for an accurate diagnosis. The conventional method of diagnosis of filariasis is by demonstration of microfilaria in the peripheral blood smear which may be diurnal or nocturnal. Buffy coat can be helpful in detecting microfilaria in asymptomatic cases with peripheral blood eosinophilia.

Choroid plexus papilloma.

Choroid plexus tumors are rare intracranial tumors which account for only 0.4-0.6% of all brain tumors. These are intraventricular papillary neoplasms derived from choroid plexus epithelium and range from choroid plexus papillomas (World Health Organisation (WHO) grade I) to choroid plexus carcinomas (WHO grade III). It is an important albeit rare cause of hydrocephalous. We present to you the case of a 1-year-old child who presented with the signs and symptoms of hydrocephalous and was diagnosed as choroid plexus papilloma on histopathology.