Evaluation of IntelliVent-ASV® and PS-SIMV Mode Using Ultrasound (US) Measurements in Terms of Diaphragm Atrophy.

BACKGROUND:  Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving intervention for critically ill patients, but it can also lead to diaphragm atrophy, which may prolong the duration of mechanical ventilation and the length of stay in the intensive care unit. IntelliVent-ASV® (Hamilton Medical, Rhäzüns, Switzerland) is a new mode of ventilation that has been developed to reduce diaphragm atrophy by promoting spontaneous breathing efforts. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of IntelliVent-ASV® and pressure support-synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (PS-SIMV) mode in reducing diaphragm atrophy by measuring diaphragm thickness using ultrasound (US) imaging. METHODS:  We enrolled 60 patients who required mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure and were randomized into two groups: IntelliVent-ASV® and PS-SIMV. We measured the diaphragm thickness using US imaging at admission and on the seventh day of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Our results showed that diaphragm thickness decreased significantly in the PS-SIMV group but remained unchanged in the IntelliVent-ASV® group. The difference in diaphragm thickness between the two groups was statistically significant on the seventh day of mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: IntelliVent-ASV® may reduce diaphragm atrophy by promoting spontaneous breathing efforts. Our study suggests that this new mode of ventilation may be a promising approach to preventing diaphragm atrophy in mechanically ventilated patients. Further studies using invasive measures of diaphragm function are warranted to confirm these findings.

Is there a relationship between the intensive care scores of patients with COVID-19 and depression and anxiety?

Objective: Coronaviruses that cause respiratory infections in humans are known to be neuropathogenic. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between the severity of viral pneumonia and anxiety and depression levels in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Prospective study of 165 patients, patients were divided into two groups (intubated and non-intubated) according to whether they were intubated during follow-up. Results: Of 165 patients included, 70 were intubated after the first 7 days of follow-up. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score was 10.37±3.75 (p < 0.001) in these patients. The length of ICU stay was 25±22.3 days (p < 0.001), and the length of overall hospital stay was 28.28±23.37 days, significantly longer than in patients who were not intubated (p < 0.001). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score scores, as well as GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, were positively associated with length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The presence and exacerbation of anxiety and depression symptoms can provide information about the aggravation and progression of the underlying disease.

Is there a relationship between the intensive care scores of patients with COVID-19 and depression and anxiety?

OBJECTIVE: Coronaviruses that cause respiratory infections in humans are known to be neuropathogenic. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between the severity of viral pneumonia and anxiety and depression levels in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: Prospective study of 165 patients, patients were divided into two groups (intubated and non-intubated) according to whether they were intubated during follow-up. RESULTS: Of 165 patients included, 70 were intubated after the first 7 days of follow-up. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score was 10.37±3.75 (p < 0.001) in these patients. The length of ICU stay was 25±22.3 days (p < 0.001), and the length of overall hospital stay was 28.28±23.37 days, significantly longer than in patients who were not intubated (p < 0.001). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score scores, as well as GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, were positively associated with length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The presence and exacerbation of anxiety and depression symptoms can provide information about the aggravation and progression of the underlying disease.

Encephalitis due to COVID-19 in a Patient Who Has Undergone Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

Central and peripheral nervous system involvement of COVID-19 has been reported in 25% of cases. COVID-19 is associated with encephalitis and most often presenting with confusion and disorientation, and mortality decreases with early diagnosis and treatment.The patient who was admitted with confusion and fever and found COVID-19 PCR positivity in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the nasopharyngeal swab is presented here. A 71-year-old female patient who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary tumor surgery 4 months ago, was in an acute confusional state with fluctuations in consciousness and agitation. It was suggested that bilateral temporal areas of the brain and paramedian region of the pons compatible with encephalitis in the T2 and FLAIR axial sections of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nasopharyngeal and CSF SARS-CoV-2 RNA PCR was studied since thorax CT was compatible with COVID-19 pneumonia and in both samples, PCR was found positive. Encephalitis for toxic and metabolic causes was excluded. In this case, COVID-19 encephalitis was treated with dual antiviral (favipiravir and acyclovir) and steroid therapy. The uniqueness of this case is not only the presence of a very few reported cases of both Nasopharyngeal and CSF SARS-CoV-2 RNA PCR positivity but also previous history of transsphenoidal pituitary surgery 4 months ago.

Respiratory variability of inferior vena cava at different mechanical ventilator settings.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the respiratory changes of the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter have been investigated as a reliable tool to estimate the volume status in mechanically ventilated and spontaneously breathing patients. Our purpose was to compare the echocardiographic measurements the IVC diameter, stroke volume and cardiac output in different positive pressure ventilation parameters. METHODS: This prospective clinical study with crossover design was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Twenty-five sedated, paralyzed, intubated, and mechanically ventilated patients with volume control mode (CMV) in the ICU due to respiratory failure were included in the study. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) and Tidal Volume (TV) were changed in each patient consecutively (Group A: TV 6 ml/kg, PEEP 5 cmH20, B: TV 6, PEEP 8, C: TV 8, PEEP 5, D: TV 8, PEEP 8) and the changes in vital parameters, central venous pressure (CVP) and ultrasonographic changes in IVC and cardiac parameters were measured. All measures were compared between groups by robust repeated measures ANOVA with trimmed mean. RESULTS: The respiratory changes of the IVC diameter and echocardiographic parameters showed no significant difference in separate mechanical ventilator settings. Significant difference was found in peak and plateau pressure values among groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that IVC related parameters are not affected with different ventilatory settings. Further studies are needed to confirm the reliability of these parameters as a predictor of fluid assessment.

Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Preemptive and Postoperative Lornoxicam or Tramadol in Lumbar Disc Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare preemptive and postoperative analgesic efficacy of tramadol and lornoxicam administered before anaesthesia induction in lumbar discectomy. METHODS: This randomised, double-blind trial was conducted on 60 ASA I and II patients undergoing lumbar discectomy. Group L (n=30) received 3×8 mg day-1 lornoxicam, and Group T (n=30) received 3×1.5 mg kg-1 day-1 tramadol. A verbal rating scale (VRS), the duration of effective analgesia, the number of additional analgesics used, adverse effects and patient satisfaction were evaluated at the postoperative 30th minute and 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th and 24th hours. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between Groups L and T regarding demographic and clinical characteristics, the number of additional analgesics and the duration of effective analgesia, adverse effects and patient satisfaction. VRS scores of the patients in Group T were significantly higher than those in Group L at the postoperative 30th minute (p=0.050) and the 1st hour (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Lornoxicam, which was used for preemptive and postoperative analgesia in lumbar disc surgery, had provided adequate and effective analgesia such as tramadol. Moreover, preemptive analgesia was quite effective in prevention and treatment of postoperative pain.

The efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block for post-operative analgesia after the cesarean section performed under general anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Several methods are used to control the pain after cesarean operations. Recently, the transverse abdominis plane block (TAP) has been proposed to compensate for the problems developed by preexisting methods. In the present study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of the TAP block after caesarean section in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial. METHODS: In this study, thirty patients undergoing cesarean sections under general anesthesia were divided into two groups. Patients in Group T (n=15) on whom TAP Block with USG guidance was performed using 0.25% bupivacaine totally 60 ml. The patients in Group C were administered (n=15), 0.9% NaCl totally 60 ml (30 ml at each side) with USG guidance. Post-operative demand of meperidine using a patient-controlled analgesia device was recorded. RESULTS: First time on the need for analgesia were significantly higher in the control group (Group C). The total dose of meperidine, tenoxicam, paracetamol used for analgesia was significantly higher in the Group C. The outset times of breastfeeding and mobilization did not change between the groups. CONCLUSION: The USG-TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine 60 ml (30 ml on each side) significantly reduced post-operative pain in patients undergoing the cesarean section. We think that TAP block is a comfortable and feasible method which reduces post-operative analgesia need and does not lead any serious complications.

Integrated Pulmonary Index (IPI) monitorization under sedation in cataract surgery with phacoemulsification technique.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate that change of IPI values after sedation of patients undergoing cataract surgery under sedation. METHODS: We included 50 patients (ASA I-III) undergoing cataract surgery under sedation by phacoemulsification method in this prospective observational study. IPI, SpO2, ETCO2, respiratory rate (RR), peripheral pulse rate (PR), hemodynamic data and BIS values and perioperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, RR value at 5th min, RR, PR, IPI values at 10th min and RR, PR values at 15th min were significantly low and heart rate value at 15th min and arterial pressure, bispectral index (BIS) values at 5th min, 10th min, 15th min, 20th min, 25th min and 30th min were lower than baseline values. CONCLUSIONS: IPI monitoring will provide guidance during sedation of patients with comorbid diseases undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification method.

Evaluation of the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on pain with the analgesia nociception index in the perioperative period in hysteroscopies under general anesthesia. A randomized prospective study.

Objectives To compare analgesia nociception index (ANI) values, visual analog scale (VAS) values, and hemodynamic parameters in hysteroscopy patients who received remifentanil and dexmedetomidine during general anesthesia. Methods: In total, 30 patients who underwent hysteroscopy between March and September 2016 at the University of Health Sciences Fatih Sultan Mehmet Health Research and Application Center, Ankara, Turkey were included in this prospective study. Standard hemodynamic monitoring, ANI, and bispectral index (BIS) monitoring were applied to the patients. At 10 min prior to induction, 1 µg/kg of remifentanil was applied in Group R (n=15) and 1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine was applied in Group D (n=15). After induction, sevoflurane was used for maintenance with dexmedetomidine at 0.2-0.7 µg/kg/hour in Group D and remifentanil at 0.05-0.5 µg/kg/minute in Group R. Perioperative and postoperative analgesia levels (ANI and VAS, respectively), hemodynamics, and complications were recorded. Results: Even though the ANI levels in Group D were lower at the perioperative 5th and 10th minutes, the ANI values were between the targeted limits, except for the measurement after I-gel insertion, in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters were within normal limits, but the mean arterial pressures in Group R after induction, following I-gel placement, and at the perioperative 5th, 10th, and 20th minutes were lower and at postoperative 30th minute were significantly higher.   Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine and remifentanil are both efficacious agents for perioperative analgesia in hysteroscopy cases.

Comparison of RIVA and infraclavicular block in forearm and hand surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare 2 techniques that are widely used in hand, wrist, and forearm: regional intravenous anesthesia (RIVA) and infraclavicular brachial block. METHODS: A total of 100 patients who were aged 18 to 85 years and who underwent hand, wrist, or forearm surgery of at least 30 minutes duration were included. RIVA was applied to Group 1 patients with administration of 40 mL of prilocaine (3 mg/kg). Ultrasonography-guided infraclavicular block was performed on Group 2 patients with 20 mL of 1% prilocaine. Several aspects of these 2 methods were compared, including length of time required to apply anesthesia, the analgesic effectiveness of the treatment during administration and in the peroperative and postoperative periods. RESULTS: The rate of mild and complete sensory loss was significantly higher in Group 2 at 10th and 15th minutes than in Group 1. The number scoring less than grade 2 using modified Bromage grading system in Group 2 was considerably greater than in Group 1. Processing time to apply the block was significantly longer in Group 1 compared with Group 2. CONCLUSION: It was determined that infraclavicular brachial block is superior to the RIVA method with respect to length of time required to administer and ease of application.

Analgesia Nociception Index for perioperative analgesia monitoring in spinal surgery / Índice de analgesia/nocicepção para monitorização da analgesia perioperatória na cirurgia da coluna vertebral

Abstract Background and objectives: The Analgesia Nociception Index is an index used to measure the levels of pain, sympathetic system activity and heart rate variability during general anesthesia. In our study, Analgesia Nociception Index monitoring in two groups who had undergone spinal stabilization surgery and were administered propofol-remifentanil (Total Intravenous Anesthesia) and sevoflurane-remifentanyl anesthesia was compared regarding its significance for prediction of postoperative early pain. Methods: BIS and Analgesia Nociception Index monitoring were conducted in the patients together with standard monitoring. During induction, fentanyl 2 µg.kg-1, propofol 2.5 mg.kg-1 and rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg-1 were administered. During maintenance, 1.0 MAC sevoflurane + remifentanil 0.05-0.3 µg.kg-1.min-1 and propofol 50-150 µg.kg-1.min-1 + remifentanil 0.05-0.3 µg.kg-1.min-1 were administered in Group S and Group T, respectively. Hemodynamic parameters, BIS and Analgesia Nociception Index values were recorded during surgery and 30 min postoperatively. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) values at 30 minutes were recorded. Results: While no difference was found between mean Analgesia Nociception Index at all times of measurement in both groups, Analgesia Nociception Index measurements after administration of perioperative analgesic drug were recorded to be significantly higher compared to baseline values in both groups. There was correlation between mean values of Analgesia Nociception Index and VAS after anesthesia. Conclusion: Analgesia Nociception Index is a valuable parameter for monitoring of perioperative and postoperative analgesia. In spine surgery, similar analgesia can be provided in both Total Intravenous Anesthesia with remifentanil and sevoflurane administration. Analgesia Nociception Index is efficient for prediction of the need for analgesia during the early postoperative period, and therefore is the provision of patient comfort.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O índice de analgesia/nocicepção (ANI) é usado para medir os níveis de dor, a atividade do sistema simpático e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca durante a anestesia geral. Em nosso estudo, a monitoração do ANI em dois grupos que foram submetidos à cirurgia de estabilização da coluna vertebral e receberam propofol-remifentanil (Total Intravenous Anesthesia - TIVA) e sevoflurano-remifentanil foram comparados para identificar sua importância na previsão precoce de dor no pós-operatório. Métodos: Os pacientes foram monitorados com o uso de BIS e ANI juntamente com a monitoração padrão. Durante a indução, fentanil (2 µg.kg-1), propofol (2,5 mg.kg-1) e rocurônio (0,6 mg.kg-1) foram administrados. Durante a manutenção, 1 CAM de sevoflurano + remifentanil (0,05-0,3 µg.kg-1.min-1) e propofol (50-150 µg.kg-1.min-1) + remifentanil (0,05-0,3 µg.kg-1.min-1) foram administrados aos grupos S e T, respectivamente. Parâmetros hemodinâmicos, valores de BIS e ANI foram registrados durante a cirurgia e aos 30 minutos de pós-operatório. Os valores escala visual analógica (EVA) aos 30 minutos de pós-operatório foram registrados. Resultados: Enquanto não observamos diferença entre as médias do ANI em todos os tempos de mensuração de ambos os grupos, as mensurações do ANI após a administração do analgésico no perioperatório foram significativamente maiores do que os valores basais de ambos os grupos. Houve correlação entre as médias dos valores de ANI e EVA após a anestesia. Conclusão: ANI é um parâmetro importante para o monitoração de analgesia nos períodos perioperatório e pós-operatório. Na cirurgia da coluna vertebral, analgesia semelhante pode ser obtida com anestesia intravenosa total com remifentanil e com a administração de sevoflurano. O ANI é eficiente para prever a necessidade de analgesia durante o período pós-operatório imediato e, portanto, para proporcionar conforto ao paciente.

[Analgesia Nociception Index for perioperative analgesia monitoring in spinal surgery]. / Índice de analgesia/nocicepção para monitorização da analgesia perioperatória na cirurgia da coluna vertebral.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Analgesia Nociception Index is an index used to measure the levels of pain, sympathetic system activity and heart rate variability during general anesthesia. In our study, Analgesia Nociception Index monitoring in two groups who had undergone spinal stabilization surgery and were administered propofol-remifentanil (Total Intravenous Anesthesia) and sevoflurane-remifentanyl anesthesia was compared regarding its significance for prediction of postoperative early pain. METHODS: BIS and Analgesia Nociception Index monitoring were conducted in the patients together with standard monitoring. During induction, fentanyl 2µg.kg-1, propofol 2.5mg.kg-1 and rocuronium 0.6mg.kg-1 were administered. During maintenance, 1.0 MAC sevoflurane+remifentanil 0.05-0.3µg.kg-1.min-1 and propofol 50-150µg.kg-1.min+remifentanil 0.05-0.3µg.kg-1.min-1 were administered in Group S and Group T, respectively. Hemodynamic parameters, BIS and Analgesia Nociception Index values were recorded during surgery and 30min postoperatively. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) values at 30minutes were recorded. RESULTS: While no difference was found between mean Analgesia Nociception Index at all times of measurement in both groups, Analgesia Nociception Index measurements after administration of perioperative analgesic drug were recorded to be significantly higher compared to baseline values in both groups. There was correlation between mean values of Analgesia Nociception Index and VAS after anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Analgesia Nociception Index is a valuable parameter for monitoring of perioperative and postoperative analgesia. In spine surgery, similar analgesia can be provided in both Total Intravenous Anesthesia with remifentanil and sevoflurane administration. Analgesia Nociception Index is efficient for prediction of the need for analgesia during the early postoperative period, and therefore is the provision of patient comfort.

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation after the successful weaning: a comparison with the venturi mask / Ventilação mecânica não invasiva após desmame bem-sucedido: uma comparação com a máscara de Venturi

Abstract Background and objectives: This study compared the rates of acute respiratory failure, reintubation, length of intensive care stay and mortality in patients in whom the non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) was applied instead of the routine venturi face mask (VM) application after a successful weaning. Methods: Following the approval of the hospital ethics committee, 62 patients who were under mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours were scheduled for this study. 12 patients were excluded because of the weaning failure during T-tube trial. The patients who had optimum weaning criteria after the T-tube trial of 30 minutes were extubated. The patients were kept on VM for 1 hour to observe the hemodynamic and respiratory stability. The group of 50 patients who were successful to wean randomly allocated to have either VM (n = 25), or NIV (n = 25). Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), PaO2, PCO2, and pH values were recorded. Results: The number of patients who developed respiratory failure in the NIV group was significantly less than VM group of patients (3 reintubation vs. 14 NIV + 5 reintubation in the VM group). The length of stay in the ICU was also significantly shorter in NIV group (5.2 ± 4.9 vs. 16.7 ± 7.7 days). Conclusions: The ratio of the respiratory failure and the length of stay in the ICU were lower when non-invasive mechanical ventilation was used after extubation even if the patient is regarded as ‘successfully weaned’. We recommend the use of NIMV in such patients to avoid unexpected ventilator failure.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Este estudo comparou as taxas de insuficiência respiratória aguda, reintubação, tempo de internação em UTI e mortalidade em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica não invasiva (VMNI) em vez da habitual máscara facial de Venturi (MV) após desmame bem-sucedido. Métodos: Após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética do hospital, 62 pacientes que estavam sob ventilação mecânica por no mínimo 48 horas foram inscritos neste estudo. Doze foram excluídos devido à falha de desmame durante o teste de tubo-T. Os que apresentaram critérios de desmame ótimos após o teste de tubo-T de 30 minutos foram extubados. Foram mantidos em MV por uma hora para observação da estabilidade hemodinâmica e respiratória. O grupo de 50 pacientes que obtiveram sucesso no desmame ventilatório foi alocado aleatoriamente para MV (n = 25) ou VNI (n = 25). Os valores de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), PaO2, PCO2 e pH foram registrados. Resultados: O número de pacientes que desenvolveu insuficiência respiratória no grupo VNI foi significativamente menor do que o do grupo MV (3 reintubações vs. 14 VNI + 5 reintubações no grupo MV). O tempo de permanência em UTI também foi significativamente menor no grupo NIV (5,2 ± 4,9 vs. 16,7 ± 7,7 dias). Conclusões: As taxas de insuficiência respiratória e do tempo de permanência em UTI foram menores quando a ventilação mecânica não invasiva foi usada após a extubação, mesmo se o paciente foi considerado como “desmame bem-sucedido”. Recomendamos o uso de VMNI em tais pacientes para evitar a falha inesperada do ventilador.

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation after the successful weaning: a comparison with the venturi mask.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared the rates of acute respiratory failure, reintubation, length of intensive care stay and mortality in patients in whom the non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) was applied instead of the routine venturi face mask (VM) application after a successful weaning. METHODS: Following the approval of the hospital ethics committee, 62 patients who were under mechanical ventilation for at least 48hours were scheduled for this study. 12 patients were excluded because of the weaning failure during T-tube trial. The patients who had optimum weaning criteria after the T-tube trial of 30minutes were extubated. The patients were kept on VM for 1hour to observe the hemodynamic and respiratory stability. The group of 50 patients who were successful to wean randomly allocated to have either VM (n=25), or NIV (n=25). Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), PaO2, PCO2, and pH values were recorded. RESULTS: The number of patients who developed respiratory failure in the NIV group was significantly less than VM group of patients (3 reintubation vs. 14 NIV+5 reintubation in the VM group). The length of stay in the ICU was also significantly shorter in NIV group (5.2±4.9 vs. 16.7±7.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of the respiratory failure and the length of stay in the ICU were lower when non-invasive mechanical ventilation was used after extubation even if the patient is regarded as 'successfully weaned'. We recommend the use of NIMV in such patients to avoid unexpected ventilator failure.

[Non-invasive mechanical ventilation after the successful weaning: a comparison with the venturi mask]. / Ventilação mecânica não invasiva após desmame bem­sucedido: uma comparação com a máscara de Venturi.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study compared the rates of acute respiratory failure, reintubation, length of intensive care stay and mortality in patients in whom the non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) was applied instead of the routine venturi face mask (VM) application after a successful weaning. METHODS: Following the approval of the hospital ethics committee, 62 patients who were under mechanical ventilation for at least 48hours were scheduled for this study. 12 patients were excluded because of the weaning failure during T-tube trial. The patients who had optimum weaning criteria after the T-tube trial of 30minutes were extubated. The patients were kept on VM for 1hour to observe the hemodynamic and respiratory stability. The group of 50 patients who were successful to wean randomly allocated to have either VM (n=25), or NIV (n=25). Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), PaO2, PCO2, and pH values were recorded. RESULTS: The number of patients who developed respiratory failure in the NIV group was significantly less than VM group of patients (3 reintubation vs. 14 NIV+5 reintubation in the VM group). The length of stay in the ICU was also significantly shorter in NIV group (5.2±4.9 vs. 16.7±7.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of the respiratory failure and the length of stay in the ICU were lower when non-invasive mechanical ventilation was used after extubation even if the patient is regarded as "successfully weaned". We recommend the use of NIMV in such patients to avoid unexpected ventilator failure.

Rocuronium: automatic infusion versus manual administration with TOF monitorisation.

TOF (train-of-four) monitoring provides objective data in application of neuromuscular blocking agent. Thus, applicator-based differences are eliminated and optimum muscle relaxation is maintained during operation. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effects of target-controlled infusion system and standard TOF monitoring, on use of rocuronium. ASA I-II patients, who were aged between 18 and 75 years and scheduled for elective abdominal surgery at Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, were enrolled in the study. In order to evaluate neuromuscular blockade, the patients in Group 1 were connected to the acceleromyography device of the target-controlled infusion pump (Veryark-CLMRIS-I-China) while the ones in Group 2 were connected to the routinely used acceleromyography device (TOF Watch SX). There was no significant difference between groups regarding patient characteristics, the durations of anaesthesia and surgery, quality of intubation, time to extubation and time to recovery (TOF ratio of 0.9). Intubation time was significantly longer in Group 1 (Automated group) as compared to Group 2 (Control group) (p < 0.05). The total rocuronium amount used in Group 1 was found to be significantly higher than the amount used in Group 2 (p < 0.05). There was no clinical evidence of residual neuromuscular blockage or reoccurrence of neuromuscular blockage in any patient in either group. Both methods can be used for administration of neuromuscular blocker agent during moderate time anesthesia. No advantage was noted when rocuronium was administered via automatical infusion pump during anaesthesia.

The comparison of ProSeal and I-gel laryngeal mask airways in anesthetized adult patients under controlled ventilation.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the insertion time, ease of device insertion, ease of gastric tube insertion, airway leakage pressure, and complications between the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) ProSeal (P-LMA) and I-gel (I-gel) groups. METHODS: Eighty patients with age range 18-65 years who underwent elective surgery were included in the study. The study took place in the operation rooms of Haydarpasa Numune Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey from November 2013 to April 2014. Patients were equally randomized into 2 groups; the I-gel group, and the P-LMA group. In both groups, the same specialist inserted the supraglottic airway devices. The insertion time of the devices, difficulty during insertion, difficulty during gastric tube insertion, coverage of airway pressure, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean insertion time in the I-gel group was significantly lower than that of the P-LMA group (I-gel: 8±3; P-LMA: 13±5 s). The insertion success rate was higher in the I-gel group (100%, first attempt) than in the P-LMA group (82.5%, first attempt). The gastric tube placement success rate was higher in the I-gel group (92.5%, first attempt) than in the P-LMA group (72.5%, first attempt). The airway leakage pressures were similar. CONCLUSION: Insertion was easier, insertion time was lower, and nasogastric tube insertion success was higher with the I-gel application, and is, therefore, the preferred LMA.

Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Hand Hygiene Approach, over 8 years, in 11 cities of Turkey.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Hand Hygiene Approach in Turkey and analyse predictors of poor hand hygiene compliance. DESIGN: An observational, prospective, interventional, before-and-after study was conducted from August 2003 to August 2011 in 12 intensive care units (ICU) of 12 hospitals in 11 cities. The study was divided into a baseline and a follow-up period and included random 30-minute observations for hand hygiene compliance in ICU. The hand hygiene approach included administrative support, supplies availability, education and training, reminders in the workplace, process surveillance, and performance feedback. RESULTS: We observed 21,145 opportunities for hand hygiene. Overall hand hygiene compliance increased from 28.8% to 91% (95% CI 87.6-93.0, p 0.0001). Multivariate and univariate analyses showed that several variables were significantly associated with poor hand hygiene compliance: males vs. females (39% vs. 48%; 95% CI 0.79-0.84, p 0.0001), ancillary staff vs. physicians (35% vs. 46%, 95% CI 0.73-0.78, p 0.0001), and adult vs. pediatric ICUs (42% vs. 74%, 95% CI 0.54-0.60, p 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to hand hygiene was significantly increased with the INICC Hand Hygiene Approach. Specific programmes should be directed to improve hand hygiene in variables found to be predictors of poor hand hygiene compliance.

Alterations in bacterial spectrum and increasing resistance rates in isolated microorganisms from device-associated infections in an intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in Istanbul (2004-2010).

The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of device-associated infection (DAI) and the change in profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of the causative microorganisms in a medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU), as well as to evaluate the effect of a new nationwide hospital infection control program (NHICP), which has been implemented in Turkey. In this study, 5,772 patients that were hospitalized for a total of 43,658 days acquired 1,321 DAIs, with an overall rate of 30.2% per 1,000 ICU days. Between 2004 (before the NHICP) and 2010, the incidence densities of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) decreased from 10.2 to 5.7 per 1,000 device-days (P < 0.0001), and central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CVC-BSI) decreased from 5.3 to 2.1 per 1,000 device-days (P < 0.0001). However, ventilator-associated pneumonia increased from 27.0 to 31.5 per 1,000 device-days. Multidrug-resistant species rates increased from 5.8% to 76.6% (P < 0.0001) for Acinetobacter spp. and from 6.8% to 53.1% (P < 0.0001) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae rate increased from 23.1% to 54.2% (P = 0.01); the vancomycin-resistance rate among Enterococcus spp. increased from 0% in 2004 to 12.5% in 2010 (P = 0.0003). In conclusion, while a significant decrease was achieved in the incidences of CAUTI and CVC-BSI, the NHICP was not completely effective in our ICU. The high incidence of DAI and the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms indicate that further interventions are urgently needed.