Ultrasound-guidance outperforms the palpation technique for peripheral venous catheterisation in anaesthetised toddlers: a randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Traditional palpation technique for peripheral venous catheter (PVC) placement can be challenging. We aimed to compare the Dynamic Needle Tip Positioning (DNTP) ultrasound technique with the palpation technique for PVC placement in anaesthetised toddlers undergoing elective, low-risk procedures. METHODS: The study was a randomised, controlled, crossover study. Five operators applied both techniques for PVC on 50 children < 4 years. The primary endpoint was first attempt success rate. The secondary endpoints were: (1) overall success rate, (2) number of skin perforations, (3) number of needle redirections, (4) number of catheters used, (5) total time, (6) needle manipulation time, (7) distance to the nearest flexion crease, (8) anatomical region of catheterisation, (9) size of the catheters and (10) the effects of visibility, and palpability of the veins. RESULTS: The first attempt success rate and the overall success rate were significantly higher in the DNTP group (42/50 vs. 30/50, P = 0.029), (50/50 vs. 42/50, P = 0.008). Furthermore, a lower number of skin perforations (60 vs. 84, P = 0.013) and needle redirections (14 vs. 131, P < 0.001) and increased distance to the nearest flexion crease (P < 0.001) were seen in the DNTP group. There were no significant differences in number of catheters used (60 vs. 75 P = 0.050) or total time (P = 0.073), however, the needle manipulation time was longer in the DNTP group (P = 0.011). The success rate decreased with less visible and palpable veins in the palpation group (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guidance outperforms the traditional palpation technique for peripheral venous catheterisation in anaesthetised toddlers undergoing elective, low-risk procedures.

Fibrinogen substitution improves whole blood clot firmness after dilution with hydroxyethyl starch in bleeding patients undergoing radical cystectomy: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Infusion of artificial colloids such as hydroxyethyl starch (HES) induces coagulopathy to a greater extent than simple dilution. Several studies have suggested that the coagulopathy could be corrected by substitution with a fibrinogen concentrate. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial were to investigate the hemostatic effect of a fibrinogen concentrate after coagulopathy induced by hydroxyethyl starch in patients experiencing sudden excessive bleeding during elective cystectomy. METHODS: Twenty patients were included. Blood loss was substituted 1:1 with HES 130/0.4. At a dilution level of 30%, patients were randomly selected for intra-operative administration of a fibrinogen concentrate or placebo. The primary endpoint was maximum clot firmness (MCF), as assessed by thromboelastometry. Secondary endpoints were blood loss and transfusion requirements, other thromboelastometry parameters, thrombin generation and platelet function. RESULTS: Whole-blood MCF was significantly reduced after 30% dilution in vivo with HES. The placebo resulted in a further decline of the MCF, whereas randomized administration of fibrinogen significantly increased the MCF. Furthermore, only 2 out of 10 patients randomly chosen to receive fibrinogen substitution required postoperative red blood cell transfusions, compared with 8 out of 10 in the placebo group (P = 0.023). Platelet function and thrombin generation were reduced after 30% hemodilution in vivo, and fibrinogen administration caused no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: During cystectomy, fluid resuscitation with HES 130/0.4 during sudden excessive bleeding induces coagulopathy that shows reduced whole-blood maximum clot firmness. Randomized administration of fibrinogen concentrate significantly improved maximum clot firmness and reduced the requirement for postoperative transfusion.