Risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections in intensive care units: A multicenter case-control study.

Candida bloodstream infections are associated with high mortality among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Studies that explore the risk factors for candidemia may support better patient care in intensive care units. We conducted a retrospective, multicenter case-control study to investigate the risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections (CBSI) in adult ICUs. Participants selected controls randomly on a 1:1 basis among all noncase patients stayed during the same period in ICUs. Data on 139 cases and 140 controls were deemed eligible. Among the controls, 69 patients died. The stratified Fine-Gray model was used to estimate the subdistribution Hazard ratios. The subdistribution hazards and 95% confidence intervals for final covariates were as follows: prior exposure to antimycotic agents, 2.21 (1.56-3.14); prior exposure to N-acetylcysteine, 0.11 (0.03-0.34) and prior surgical intervention, 1.26 (0.76-2.11). Of the patients, those exposed to antimycotic drugs, 87.1% (54/62) had breakthrough candidemia. Serious renal, hepatic, or hematologic side effects were comparable between patients those exposed and not-exposed to systemic antimycotic drugs. Untargeted administration of antimycotic drugs did not improve survival among candidemic patients (not-exposed, 63.6% [49/77]; exposed % 66.1 [41/62]; P = .899). This study documented that exposure to an antifungal agent is associated with increased the risk of subsequent development of CBSIs among nonneutropenic adult patients admitted to the ICU. Only two centers regularly prescribed N-acetylcysteine. Due to the limited number of subjects, we interpreted the positive effect of N-acetylcysteine on the absolute risk of CBSIs with caution.

Mortality in Code Blue; can APACHE II and PRISM scores be used as markers for prognostication?

BACKGROUND: Code blue (CB) is an emergency call system developed to respond to cardiac and respiratory arrest in hospitals. However, in literature, no scoring system has been reported that can predict mortality in CB procedures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of estimated APACHE II and PRISM scores in the prediction of mortality in patients assessed using CB to retrospectively analyze CB calls. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 1195 patients who were evaluated by the CB team at our hospital between 2009 and 2013. The demographic data of the patients, diagnosis and relevant de-partments, reasons for CB, cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration, mortality calculated from the APACHE II and PRISM scores, and the actual mortality rates were retrospectively record-ed from CB notification forms and the hospital database. RESULTS: In all age groups, there was a significant difference between actual mortality rate and the expected mortality rate as estimated using APACHE II and PRISM scores in CB calls (p<0.05). The actual mortality rate was significantly lower than the expected mortality. CONCLUSION: APACHE and PRISM scores with the available parameters will not help predict mortality in CB procedures. Therefore, novels scoring systems using different parameters are needed.

Comparison of Clinical Effects of Dexketoprofen and Paracetamol Used for Analgesia in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare 50 mg dexketoprofen vs. 1 g paracetamol that were parenterally administered before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) under sedoanalgesia with comparable anaesthesia depth regarding haemodynamic, pain, narcotic analgesic requirement, recovery and post-procedural cognitive functions. METHODS: Overall, 80 ASA I-III patients aged 18-75 years who were undergoing scheduled ERCP were randomly assigned into three groups. In all patients, the mini-mental test (MMT) was conducted before the procedure. No drug was administered to controls (Group C; n=26); patients were transferred to ERCP unite 30 min after parenteral dexketoprofen (50 mg) in group D (n=27) and paracetamol (1 g) in group P (n=27). The standard monitoring was applied. After intravenously administering loading doses of midazolam (0.02 mgkg) and propofol (1 mg kg(-1)), propofol infusion was administered at a dose of 2-4 mg kg(-1) h(-1) to maintain a bispectral index value of 50-70. Fentanyl (0.05 µg kg(-1)) was intravenously administered when patients experienced pain. Haemodynamic effects, additional analgesic requirement, adverse effects during procedure, time to reach Aldrete score of 9 and satisfaction of an endoscopist and patient were recorded. MMT was repeated 3 h after completing the procedure. RESULTS: Fentanyl requirement during the procedure was significantly low in group D (p<0.05). Apnoea during the procedure and nausea after the procedure were least common in group D while significantly lower than group C (p<0.05). There was no significant difference with respect to MMT scores and endoscopist's satisfaction, while patient satisfaction was greater in group P. CONCLUSION: Parenterally administered dexketoprofen provided better haemodynamic effect and pain control, thereby decreasing incidence of adverse events by reducing the requirement for narcotic analgesics.

Bilaterally Symmetrical Lower Extremity Compartment Syndrome following Massive Transfusion.

Compartment syndrome is a serious condition characterized by raised intracompartmental pressure, which develops following trauma. Well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a term reserved for compartment syndrome in a nontraumatic setting, usually resulting from prolonged lithotomy position during surgery. In literature, 8 cases have been reported regarding well leg compartment syndrome in a supine position and bilateral symmetrical involvement was observed in only 2 cases. In WLCS etiology, lengthy surgery, lengthy hypotension, and extremity malpositioning have been held responsible but one of the factors with a role in the etiology may have been the tissue oedema and impaired microcirculation formed from the effect of vasoactive mediators expressed into the circulation associated with the massive blood transfusion. The case is presented here regarding symmetrical lower extremity compartment syndrome after surgery in which massive transfusion was made for gross haemorrhage from an abdominal injury. In conclusion, blood transfusion applied at the required time is life-saving but potential risks must always be considered.

Anaesthesia Management of a Patient with Incidentally Diagnosed Diaphragmatic Hernia During Laparoscopic Surgery.

Diaphragmatic hernia is usually congenital. However, it is rarely traumatic and can stay asymptomatic. In this report, we aimed to present the anaesthetic management of a patient with diaphragmatic hernia due to previous trauma (14 years ago), which was diagnosed incidentally during surgery for rectal cancer. The patient (53 years, 56 kg, 165 cm, American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) II), to whom laparoscopic surgery was planned because of rectal cancer, had a history of falling from a height 14 years ago. Preoperatively, the patient did not have any sign except small right diaphragmatic elevation on the chest x-ray. After induction, maintenance of anaesthesia was continued with sevoflurane and O2/N2O. The patient was given a 30° Trendelenburg position. When the trochars were inserted by the surgeon, the diaphragmatic hernia was seen on the right part of the diaphragm, which was hidden by the liver. The surgery was continued laparoscopically but with low pressure (12 mmHg), because the patient did not have any haemodynamic and respiratory instability. The patient, who had stable haemodynamic parameters and no respiratory complications during the operation, was transferred to the ward for monitorised care. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias can be detected incidentally after a long period of acute event. In our case, it was diagnosed during laparoscopic surgery. The surgery was completed with appropriate and careful haemodynamic monitoring and low intra-abdominal pressure under inhalational anaesthesia without any impairment in the patient's haemodynamic and respiratory parameters.

Comparison of the Supraglottic Airway Devices Classic, Fastrach and Supreme Laryngeal Mask Airway: A Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial of Efficacy, Safety and Complications.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomised study was designed to compare the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Classic, LMA Fastrach and LMA Supreme regarding ease of insertion and insertion time as primary outcomes and reposition, success rate of trials, effects on haemodynamic parameters, provision of an adequate and safe airway, amount of leakage and oropharyngeal and systemic complications as secondary outcomes. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 90 patients aged 18-70 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) group I-II were randomised into three groups as providing airway via LMA Classic, LMA Fastrach or LMA Supreme instead of tracheal intubation. No muscle relaxant was used. The allocated LMA was inserted by the same anaesthetist; bispectral index (BIS) was between 40% and 60%. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference among the groups regarding the ease of insertion and insertion time as primary outcomes; the incidence of repositioning during placement was significantly higher in the LMA Classic group than that in other groups (p<0.05) and the rates of bloodstain on the device as well as oropharyngeal mucosal oedema were higher in the LMA Fastrach group than those in other groups (p<0.05) as secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: We suggest that LMA Classic, LMA Supreme and LMA Fastrach had similar effectiveness regarding efficiency and airway safety. However, LMA Supreme seems to be more advantageous as it is more appropriate for fewer oropharyngeal complications and there was no repositioning.