Pulmonary Artery Pressures and Mortality During Venoarterial ECMO: An ELSO Registry Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic hemodynamics and specific ventilator settings have been shown to predict survival during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). How the right heart (the right ventricle and pulmonary artery) affect survival during venoarterial ECMO is unknown. We aimed to identify the relationship between right heart function with mortality and the duration of ECMO support. METHODS: Cardiac ECMO runs in adults from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry between 2010 and 2022 were queried. Right heart function was quantified via pulmonary artery pulse pressure (PAPP) for pre-ECMO and on-ECMO periods. A multivariable model was adjusted for modified Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions stage, age, sex, and concurrent clinical data (ie, pulmonary vasodilators and systemic pulse pressure). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4442 ECMO runs met inclusion criteria and had documentation of hemodynamic and illness severity variables. The mortality rate was 55%; nonsurvivors were more likely to be older, have a worse Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions stage, and have longer pre-ECMO endotracheal intubation times (P<0.05 for all) than survivors. Increasing PAPP from pre-ECMO to on-ECMO time (ΔPAPP) was associated with reduced mortality per 2 mm Hg increase (odds ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97-0.99]; P=0.002). Higher on-ECMO PAPP was associated with mortality reduction across quartiles with the greatest reduction in the third PAPP quartile (odds ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.63-0.90]; P=0.002) and longer time on ECMO per 10 mm Hg (beta, 15 [95% CI, 7.7-21]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early on-ECMO right heart function and interval improvement from pre-ECMO values were associated with mortality reduction during cardiac ECMO. Incorporation of right heart metrics into risk prediction models should be considered.

Tidal volume selection in volume-controlled ventilation guided by driving pressure versus actual body weight in healthy anesthetized and mechanically ventilated dogs: A randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare static compliance of the respiratory system (CstRS) and the ratio of partial pressure of end-tidal to arterial carbon dioxide (Pe'CO2/PaCO2), in healthy dogs using two approaches for tidal volume (VT) selection during volume-controlled ventilation: body mass based and driving pressure (ΔPaw) guided. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, nonblinded, crossover, clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 19 client-owned dogs anesthetized for castration and ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: After a stable 10 minute baseline, each dog was mechanically ventilated with a VT selection strategy, randomized to a constant VT of 15 mL kg-1 of actual body mass (VTBW) or ΔPaw-guided VT (VTΔP) of 7-8 cmH2O. Both strategies used an inspiratory time of 1 second, 20% end-inspiratory pause, 4 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure and fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.4. Respiratory frequency was adjusted to maintain Pe'CO2 between 35 and 40 mmHg. Respiratory mechanics, arterial blood gases and Pe'CO2/PaCO2 were assessed. Continuous variables are presented as mean ± SD or median (interquartile range; quartiles 1-3), depending on distribution, and compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: The VT was significantly higher in dogs ventilated with VTΔP than with VTBW strategy (17.20 ± 4.04 versus 15.03 ± 0.60 mL kg-1, p = 0.036). CstRS was significantly higher with VTΔP than with VTBW strategy [2.47 (1.86-2.86) versus 2.25 (1.79-2.58) mL cmH2O-1 kg-1, p = 0.011]. There were no differences in Pe'CO2/PaCO2 between VTΔP and VTBW strategies (0.94 ± 0.06 versus 0.92 ± 0.06, p = 0.094). No discernible difference in ΔPaw was noted between the strategies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While no apparent difference was observed in the Pe'CO2/PaCO2 between the VT selection strategies employed, CstRS significantly increased during the VTΔP approach. A future trial should explore if VTΔP improves perioperative gas exchange and prevents lung damage.

Effect of continuous positive airway pressure helmet on respiratory function following surgical procedures in brachycephalic dogs: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on respiratory function in the early postoperative period of brachycephalic dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 32 dogs. METHODS: Dogs were assigned to recover with or without CPAP (control) and assessed at specific time points over 1 h. Treatment was discontinued for dogs with a CPAP tolerance score of 3 or more (from a range of 0-4). The primary outcome was pulse oximetry (SpO2). Secondary outcomes were arterial O2 pressure (PaO2)/FiO2 ratio (PaO2/FiO2), arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2), and rectal temperature. For dogs that reached a CPAP tolerance score of 3 or more, only the data collected up to the time point before discontinuation were included in the analysis. The treatment effect (ß) was analyzed using random effects models and the results were reported with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Dogs were assigned randomly to each protocol. Baseline characteristics in both groups were comparable. Arterial blood gases were obtained in seven control group dogs and nine CPAP group dogs. Treatment did not affect SpO2 (ß = -0.1, -2.1 to 2.0) but affected the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (ß = 58.1, 2.6 to 113.6), with no effects on PaCO2 (ß = -4.3, -10.5 to 1.9) or temperature (ß = 0.4, -0.8 to 1.6). CONCLUSION: In postoperative brachycephalic dogs, CPAP had no effect on SpO2 but improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio in brachycephalic dogs postoperatively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Continuous positive airway pressure offers a valuable solution to improve gas exchange efficiency, a prevalent concern in postoperative brachycephalic dogs, with the potential to enhance overall outcomes.

Inconsistent Methods Used to Set Airway Pressure Release Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis.

Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is a protective mechanical ventilation mode for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that theoretically may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and ARDS-related mortality. However, there is no standard method to set and adjust the APRV mode shown to be optimal. Therefore, we performed a meta-regression analysis to evaluate how the four individual APRV settings impacted the outcome in these patients. Methods: Studies investigating the use of the APRV mode for ARDS patients were searched from electronic databases. We tested individual settings, including (1) high airway pressure (PHigh); (2) low airway pressure (PLow); (3) time at high airway pressure (THigh); and (4) time at low pressure (TLow) for association with PaO2/FiO2 ratio and ICU length of stay. Results: There was no significant difference in PaO2/FiO2 ratio between the groups in any of the four settings (PHigh difference -12.0 [95% CI -100.4, 86.4]; PLow difference 54.3 [95% CI -52.6, 161.1]; TLow difference -27.19 [95% CI -127.0, 72.6]; THigh difference -51.4 [95% CI -170.3, 67.5]). There was high heterogeneity across all parameters (PhHgh I2 = 99.46%, PLow I2 = 99.16%, TLow I2 = 99.31%, THigh I2 = 99.29%). Conclusions: None of the four individual APRV settings independently were associated with differences in outcome. A holistic approach, analyzing all settings in combination, may improve APRV efficacy since it is known that small differences in ventilator settings can significantly alter mortality. Future clinical trials should set and adjust APRV based on the best current scientific evidence available.

A newly developed recovery-enhancing device improves recovery scores during emergence from general anesthesia in horses: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of recovery in horses emerging from general anesthesia with or without the assistance of a novel device (recovery-enhancing device [RED]) designed to minimize high-energy falls. ANIMALS: 20 mixed-breed horses, between July 1, 2023, and January 24, 2024. METHODS: A computer-controlled belay system designed to slow the acceleration of a horse during a fall was evaluated in this study. Horses were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: RED (belay, assisted) or FREE (unassisted). An inertia-measuring unit was fitted to all horses and data were live streamed and recorded onto a computer for further analysis. Recoveries were scored using the composite grading scale (CGS; 0 to 100) by 3 independent observers. Two additional unitless recovery scores (RS and RS'), based on accelerometry values (high accelerations, less desirable), were calculated for each recovery. All the recovery scores were compared between the 2 treatment groups. RESULTS: Composite grading scale scores were 26 ± 10 and 46 ± 13 in the RED and FREE groups, respectively (P = .001). The RS was 120 ± 79 and 198 ± 34 for the RED and FREE treatment groups, respectively (P = .015). The RS' was 32 (7 to 50) and 46 (28 to 44) for the RED and FREE treatment groups, respectively (P = .038). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The RED improves the recovery scores compared with unassisted recoveries. This device may lead to a potential reduction in the number and severity of injuries in horses and personnel involved during the recovery period.

Low-dose sugammadex reverses moderate rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block in horses.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular block (NMB) during general anaesthesia has an implicit risk of inadvertent residual NMB during recovery. Reversal of NMB is commonly encouraged to decrease this risk, and has historically been performed with neostigmine/atropine, two agents with important cardiac and gastrointestinal side effects. Sugammadex is a new selective relaxant binding agent that can reverse rocuronium-induced NMB efficiently and without these complications. Recommended doses are possibly cost-prohibitive. OBJECTIVES: To measure the recovery time from rocuronium-NMB after administration of low-dose sugammadex, compared with spontaneous recovery. STUDY DESIGN: Nonrandomised in vivo experiments. METHODS: Fourteen adult horses undergoing different research procedures were anaesthetised with detomidine and isoflurane. All horses received NMB with rocuronium 0.3 mg/kg IV. Neuromuscular function was measured with acceleromyographic train-of-four (TOF) ratio. Recovery occurred spontaneously in five horses weighing (median [range]) 548 (413-594) kg and was enhanced with sugammadex 200 mg (total dose) in nine horses (433 [362-515]) kg. Recovery time from moderate NMB to a TOF ratio 1.0, and total duration of NMB were compared between groups. Cases of recurarisation (decrease in the TOF ratio <0.9 after recovery) were identified within 30 min after sugammadex. RESULTS: The dose of sugammadex was 0.46 (0.39-0.55) mg/kg. The recovery period lasted 21 (17-39) minutes for spontaneous and 4 (3-7) minutes for sugammadex. Total duration of NMB was 58 (41-70) minutes for spontaneous and 36 (21-43) for sugammadex (both p ≤ 0.003). There were no instances of recurarisation. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: A dose of sugammadex of approximately 0.5 mg/kg substantially shortened the recovery period from rocuronium-induced NMB from a median of 21 to 4 min, when given at a moderate depth of NMB. No recurarisation was observed within the next 30 min.

A proposed rescue transesophageal echocardiographic protocol for anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the acquisition and pitfalls of a 3-view transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) protocol in anesthetized, dorsally recumbent dogs. ANIMALS: 8 beagles, 1 to 2 years old, 7.4 to 11.2 kg. METHODS: Dogs were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and placed in dorsal recumbency. A TEE probe was advanced, and 3 views were performed: midesophageal 4-chamber and long axis (ME 4C and ME LAX) and caudal esophageal short axis (CE SAX) at the level of the papillary muscles. Probe insertion depth, flexion, omniplane angle, and image acquisition time were recorded. Two observers assessed 24 video clips each and identified anatomical structures. RESULTS: The ME 4C and ME LAX were obtained at 35 (30 to 40) cm insertion depth, omniplane at 0° and 103° (90 to 116), respectively. Views were obtained in ≤30 seconds once the TEE was in the cervical esophagus. Left-sided structures were identified in all cases, whereas right-sided structures were not always simultaneously obtained in the ME 4C, requiring further probe manipulation. All structures were identified on ME LAX. CE SAX was obtained at 40 (35 to 45) cm, omniplane at 0°, and in 15 (10 to 90) seconds. A true SAX view (circular left ventricle at the level of papillary muscles) could not be obtained in all dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A 3-view TEE protocol using core views as those described in humans may be applicable to dogs under general anesthesia and in dorsal recumbency. The CE SAX view at the level of the papillary muscles appears more difficult to obtain with consistency than midesophageal views.

Systolic Time Interval Extraction in Hypertensive and Hypotensive Pig Models Using Wearable Near-Field Radio-Frequency Sensors.

Screening and monitoring for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) can be enabled by analyzing systolic time intervals (STIs). As CVDs have a strong causal correlation with hypertension, it is important to validate STI sensor accuracy in hypertensive hearts to ensure consistent performance in this prevalent cardiac disease state. This work presents STI extraction using a non-invasive near-field radio-frequency (RF) sensor during normotension, hypertension, and hypotension in a pig model. Waveform features of semilunar and atrioventricular valve dynamics during systole were extracted to derive isovolumic contraction time (ICT) and left ventricular ejection time (LVET), benchmarked by a phonocardiogram and aortic catheterization. Study-wide mean relative ICT and LVET errors were -4.4ms and -3.6ms, respectively, demonstrating high accuracy during both normal and abnormal systemic pressures.Clinical relevance- This work demonstrates accurate STI extraction with relative error less than 5 ms from a non-invasive near-field RF sensor during normotensive, hypotensive, and hypertensive systemic pressures, validating the sensor's accuracy as a screening tool during this disease state.

The Latest in Resuscitation Research: Highlights From the 2022 American Heart Association's Resuscitation Science Symposium.

BACKGROUND: Every year the American Heart Association's Resuscitation Science Symposium (ReSS) brings together a community of international resuscitation science researchers focused on advancing cardiac arrest care. METHODS AND RESULTS: The American Heart Association's ReSS was held in Chicago, Illinois from November 4th to 6th, 2022. This annual narrative review summarizes ReSS programming, including awards, special sessions and scientific content organized by theme and plenary session. CONCLUSIONS: By exploring both the science of resuscitation and important related topics including survivorship, disparities, and community-focused programs, this meeting provided important resuscitation updates.

Optimization of lung ventilation and perfusion in anesthetized horses using a ventilation mode with flow-limited expiration.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms underlying the improved arterial oxygenation described with flow-limited expiration (FLEX) ventilation in anesthetized horses. ANIMALS: 5 healthy adult research horses. METHODS: Horses underwent volume-controlled ventilation for 60 minutes (VCV1), followed by 60 minutes of FLEX, and 30 minutes of VCV (VCV2). Main outcomes included the arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-Fio2 (PF) ratio and electrical impedance tomography (EIT)-derived functional indices at the end of each phase. The EIT data were used to create regional maps of relative lung ventilation and perfusion as well as regional maps of ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) ratios. Ventilation indices derived from EIT included the fraction of expired volume in 1 second (FEV1; %) and the time it took for the EIT signal to drop to 50% of the peak signal at end-inspiration (TClose50; seconds). Data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The PF ratio increased significantly with FLEX compared to both VCV1 and VCV2 (P < .01). There were no differences in the relative distribution of ventilation nor perfusion between ventilation strategies. However, when ventilation and perfusion were superimposed and V/Q ratio maps were constructed, FLEX had a homogenizing effect toward values of 1.0. The FEV1 was shorter (P < .01) and the TClose50 was longer (P < .001) in all regions during FLEX compared to both VCV1 and VCV2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that FLEX ventilation in anesthetized horses enhances regional V/Q matching, likely by prolonging expiratory aeration and reducing airway closure.

Phenylephrine and norepinephrine increase blood pressure through opposing physiologic mechanisms in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs receiving acepromazine.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the cardiovascular effects of escalating doses of phenylephrine and norepinephrine in dogs receiving acepromazine and isoflurane. ANIMALS: 8 beagles aged 1 to 2 years (7.4 to 11.2 kg). METHODS: All dogs received acepromazine 0.01 mg/kg, propofol 4 to 5 mg/kg, and isoflurane and were mechanically ventilated. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) from a femoral artery catheter and continuous electrocardiogram were recorded. Cardiac output (CO) was measured with transpulmonary thermodilution. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR), global end-diastolic volume (GEDV), and global ejection fraction (GEF) were subsequently calculated. Phenylephrine and norepinephrine were infused in random order at 0.07, 0.3, 0.7, and 1.0 µg/kg/min. All variables were measured after 15 minutes of each infusion rate. The effects of dose, agent, and their interaction on the change of each variable were evaluated with mixed-effect models. A P < .05 was used for significance. RESULTS: Atrial premature complexes occurred in 3 dogs during norepinephrine infusion at doses of 0.3, 0.7, and 1 µg/kg/min; no dysrhythmias were seen with phenylephrine administration. MAP increased during dose escalation (P < .0001) within each agent and did not differ between agents (P = .6). The decrease in HR was greater for phenylephrine (P < .0001). Phenylephrine decreased CO and GEF and increased GEDV and SVR (all P < .03). Norepinephrine decreased the SVR and increased CO, GEDV, and GEF (all P < .03). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results confirm that phenylephrine increases arterial pressures mainly through vasoconstriction in acepromazine-premedicated dogs while norepinephrine, historically considered a vasopressor, does so primarily through an increase in inotropism.

Three-dimensional electrical impedance tomography to study regional ventilation/perfusion ratios in anesthetized pigs.

This study aimed to develop a three-dimensional (3-D) method for assessing ventilation/perfusion (V/Q̇) ratios in a pig model of hemodynamic perturbations using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). To evaluate the physiological coherence of changes in EIT-derived V/Q̇ ratios, global EIT-derived V/Q̇ mismatches were compared with global gold standards. The study found regional heterogeneity in the distribution of V/Q̇ ratios in both the ventrodorsal and craniocaudal directions. Although global EIT-derived indices of V/Q̇ mismatch consistently underestimated both low and high V/Q̇ mismatch compared with global gold standards, the direction of the change was similar. We made the software available at no cost for other researchers to use. Future studies should compare regional V/Q̇ ratios determined by our method against other regional, high-resolution methods.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we introduce a novel 3-D method for assessing ventilation-perfusion (V/Q̇) ratios using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Heterogeneity in V/Q̇ distribution showcases the significant potential for enhanced understanding of pulmonary conditions. This work signifies a substantial step forward in the application of EIT for monitoring and managing lung diseases.

Pulmonary Artery Pressures and Mortality during VA ECMO: An ELSO Registry Analysis.

Background: Systemic hemodynamics and specific ventilator settings have been shown to predict survival during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). While these factors are intertwined with right ventricular (RV) function, the independent relationship between RV function and survival during VA ECMO is unknown. Objectives: To identify the relationship between RV function with mortality and duration of ECMO support. Methods: Cardiac ECMO runs in adults from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry between 2010 and 2022 were queried. RV function was quantified via pulmonary artery pulse pressure (PAPP) for pre-ECMO and on-ECMO periods. A multivariable model was adjusted for Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) stage, age, gender, and concurrent clinical data (i.e., pulmonary vasodilators and systemic pulse pressure). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 4,442 ECMO runs met inclusion criteria and had documentation of hemodynamic and illness severity variables. The mortality rate was 55%; non-survivors were more likely to be older, have a worse SCAI stage, and have longer pre-ECMO endotracheal intubation times (P < 0.05 for all) than survivors. Improving PAPP from pre-ECMO to on-ECMO time (Δ PAPP) was associated with reduced mortality per 10 mm Hg increase (OR: 0.91 [95% CI: 0.86-0.96]; P=0.002). Increasing on-ECMO PAPP was associated with longer time on ECMO per 10 mm Hg (Beta: 15 [95% CI: 7.7-21]; P<0.001). Conclusions: Early improvements in RV function from pre-ECMO values were associated with mortality reduction during cardiac ECMO. Incorporation of Δ PAPP into risk prediction models should be considered.

Low-dose epidural anesthesia decreases the use of intraoperative systemic analgesics in goats undergoing lower urinary tract surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether the use of low-dose epidural anesthesia (EA) in goats undergoing lower urinary tract surgery reduces the requirements of perioperative analgesics, contributes to intraoperative hypotension, and improves postoperative comfort during the first 24 hours after surgery. ANIMALS: Retrospective analysis of 38 goats between January 2019 and July 2022. PROCEDURES: Goats were divided into 2 groups (EA or no EA). Demographic characteristics, surgical procedure, time of anesthesia, and anesthetic agents used were compared between treatment groups. Outcome variables potentially related to the use of EA included dose of inhalational anesthetics, incidence of hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 60 mm Hg), intraoperative and postoperative administration of morphine, and time to first meal after surgery. RESULTS: EA (n = 21) consisted of bupivacaine or ropivacaine 0.1% to 0.2% with an opioid. There were no differences between groups except for age (EA group was younger). Less inhalational anesthetic (P = .03) and less intraoperative morphine (P = .008) were used in the EA group. The incidence of hypotension was 52% for EA and 58% for no EA (P = .691). Administration of postoperative morphine was not different between groups (EA, 67%, and no EA, 53%; P = .686). Time to first meal was 7.5 hours (3 to 18 hours) for EA and 11 hours (2 to 24 hours) for no EA (P = .057). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low-dose EA reduced the use of intraoperative anesthetics/analgesics in goats undergoing lower urinary tract surgery without an increased incidence of hypotension. Postoperative morphine administration was not reduced.

Effect of end-inspiratory pause on airway and physiological dead space in anesthetized horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a 30% end-inspiratory pause (EIP) on alveolar tidal volume (VTalv), airway (VDaw) and physiological (VDphys) dead spaces in mechanically ventilated horses using volumetric capnography, and to evaluate the effect of EIP on carbon dioxide (CO2) elimination per breath (Vco2br-1), PaCO2, and the ratio of PaO2-to-fractional inspired oxygen (PaO2:FiO2). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective research study. ANIMALS: A group of eight healthy research horses undergoing laparotomy. METHODS: Anesthetized horses were mechanically ventilated as follows: 6 breaths minute-1, tidal volume (VT) 13 mL kg-1, inspiratory-to-expiratory time ratio 1:2, positive end-expiratory pressure 5 cmH2O and EIP 0%. Vco2br-1 and expired tidal volume (VTE) of 10 consecutive breaths were recorded 30 minutes after induction, after adding 30% EIP and upon EIP removal to construct volumetric capnograms. A stabilization period of 15 minutes was allowed between phases. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effect linear model. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The EIP decreased VDaw from 6.6 (6.1-6.7) to 5.5 (5.3-6.1) mL kg-1 (p < 0.001) and increased VTalv from 7.7 ± 0.7 to 8.6 ± 0.6 mL kg-1 (p = 0.002) without changing the VTE. The VDphys to VTE ratio decreased from 51.0% to 45.5% (p < 0.001) with EIP. The EIP also increased PaO2:FiO2 from 393.3 ± 160.7 to 450.5 ± 182.5 mmHg (52.5 ± 21.4 to 60.0 ± 24.3 kPa; p < 0.001) and Vco2br-1 from 0.49 (0.45-0.50) to 0.59 (0.45-0.61) mL kg-1 (p = 0.008) without reducing PaCO2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The EIP improved oxygenation and reduced VDaw and VDphys, without reductions in PaCO2. Future studies should evaluate the impact of different EIP in healthy and pathological equine populations under anesthesia.

Duration of neuromuscular block is more variable and recovery time is shorter with rocuronium than cisatracurium in anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the variability in the duration of action of a single dose of rocuronium or cisatracurium, and duration of subsequent top-up doses in anesthetized dogs. ANIMALS: Thirty dogs requiring ophthalmic surgery with neuromuscular block. PROCEDURES: Neuromuscular function was monitored with train-of-four (TOF) and acceleromyography. Dogs received an initial dose of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg, or cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg IV, which produced complete neuromuscular block. Upon return of the first response (T1) of TOF, a third of the initial dose was repeated. The duration of the initial dose and its variability were compared between agents. Duration of subsequent top-up doses was assessed with mixed effect models. Spontaneous (from last return of T1) or neostigmine-enhanced (from administration to complete recovery) recovery times were measured for each agent. RESULTS: Duration of action of the initial dose was [median (range)] 25 (10-60) min with rocuronium and 35 (15-45) min with cisatracurium (p = .231). The variability of rocuronium was 3.25 times larger than cisatracurium (p = .034). Duration of top-up doses did not vary for either agent. Spontaneous recovery was shorter for rocuronium [15 (10-20) min] than cisatracurium [25 (15-45) min] (p = .02). Neostigmine-enhanced recovery times were 5 (5-25) for rocuronium and 10 (5-10) for cisatracurium (p = .491). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of action for a single dose is significantly more variable with rocuronium than cisatracurium. Time to spontaneous recovery was longer for cisatracurium, and cases of unexpectedly long recovery times were observed with both agents. Objective monitoring is recommended.

Caudal vena cava measurements and fluid responsiveness in hospitalized cats with compromised hemodynamics and tissue hypoperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the caudal vena cava collapsibility index (CVCCI) and the inspiratory/minimum and expiratory/maximum diameters of the vena cava to predict fluid responsiveness in hospitalized, critically ill cats with hemodynamic and tissue perfusion abnormalities. DESIGN: Diagnostic test study in a prospective cohort of hospitalized cats. SETTING: Private practice referral hospital. ANIMALS: Twenty-four hospitalized cats with spontaneous breathing and compromised hemodynamics and tissue hypoperfusion. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasonographic examination before and after fluid expansion with 10 ml/kg of lactated Ringer's solution. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fluid responsiveness was evaluated using the velocity-time integral (VTI) of the subaortic blood flow, by measuring it before and after a fluid load of 10 ml/kg of lactated Ringer's solution. The CVCCI was calculated using the following formula: (maximum diameter - minimum diameter / maximum diameter) × 100. Ten cats were fluid responders (42 %) and 14 were nonresponders (58 %). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) with their 95% confidence interval for the predictors and the best cutoff values were as follows: CVCCI, AUROC = 0.83 (0.66-1.00) and cutoff = 31%; inspiratory/minimum diameter, AUROC = 0.86 (0.70-1.00) and cutoff = 0.24 cm; expiratory/maximum diameter, AUROC = 0.88 (0.74-1.00) and cutoff = 0.22 cm. A significant lineal correlation was observed between the percentage of increase in VTI after expansion and CVCCI (rs  = 0.68, P < 0.001), expiratory/maximum diameter (rs  = -0.72, P < 0.001), and inspiratory/minimum diameter (rs  = -0.71, P < 0.001). The intraobserver and interobserver variability was low for VTI, and the expiratory/maximum diameter and inspiratory/minimum diameter were high for CVCCI. CONCLUSIONS: Caudal vena cava measurements could be useful to predict the response to fluids in hospitalized cats with hemodynamic and tissue perfusion alterations. Additional studies are required to draw definitive conclusions about the role of these variables to guide fluid administration in cats.