The effect of intravenous tranexamic acid on visual clarity during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TRX) use on visual clarity during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in patients scheduled for an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. In total, 60 patients were randomly distributed into two groups: control (28 patients: 11 male, 17 female; mean age=53 years, age range=19-65) and TRX (32 patients: 15 male, 17 female; mean age=50, age range=18-69). In the TRX group, the arthroscopy was performed through the bolus IV administration of 10 mg/kg TRX in 100 ml isotonic saline solution. In the control group, the arthroscopy was performed through the bolus IV administration of 100 ml isotonic saline solution. In both the groups, the IV administration was carried out after the induction of anesthesia. At the end of each procedure, the surgeon rated the visual clarity on a scale from 1 to 10. In addition, operation time (minutes), irrigation amount used in operation (lt), and the need of pressure increase because of bleeding were recorded. RESULTS: No adverse effects were seen during the study period. Visual clarity in TRX group was significantly better than the control group (the mean visual clarity scores=8.1/10 (range=7-10) vs 7/10 (range=5-9); p=0.018). The amount of solution was significantly less in the TRX group (10.2 lt (range=3.5-21)) than in the control group (15.8 lt (range=5.8-27); p=0.007, post-hoc power=95.7%), although the operation time was slightly longer in the TRX group (106 minutes (range=50-210)) than in the control group (99 minutes (range=45-165); p=0.24). Moreover, the need for the increase in pressure owing to bleeding was found significantly less in the TRX group (5.8 times (range=(0-9)) than in the control group (9.6 times (range=0-13); p=0.04, post-hoc power=94.5%). CONCLUSION: Preoperative IV TRX administration seems to be effective in improving visual clarity and reducing the need for high pressure and the amount of irrigation fluid during the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Therapeutic study.

The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in total knee and hip arthroplasty / Relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós-operatória em artroplastia total de joelho e quadril

Abstract Background and objectives: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple, cost-effective and easily applicable inflammation indicator that is being used frequently in mortality, morbidity and prognosis studies in the recent years. We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Material and methods: We included 101 patients who preferred spinal anesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in accordance and divided them into two groups, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. We recorded demographic information, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, analgesics consumption, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio results and postoperative pain using Visual Analog Scale. Results: The morphine consumption of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 7.38 mg, 7.80 mg; 8th hour: 12.19 mg, 13.29 mg; 12th hour: 16.94 mg, 19.18 mg; 24th hour: 25.97 mg, 27.98 mg; 48th hour: 36.38 mg, 39.59 mg. The Visual Analog Scale scores of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 4.10, 4.51; 8th hour: 3.02, 3.43; 12th hour: 2.29, 2.55; 24th hour: 1.90, 1.87; 48th hour: 1.08, 1.13. In group total hip arthroplasty, we found a statistically significant association between postoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the Visual Analog Scale values on the 48th hour in a positive direction (r = 0.311; P = 0.031; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be accepted as a relatively objective method for the diagnosis of postoperative pain.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A proporção entre neutrófilo/linfócito é um indicador de inflamação simples, custo-efetivo e de fácil aplicação que vem sendo usado com frequência em estudos de mortalidade, morbidade e prognóstico nos últimos anos. Avaliamos a relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho. Material e métodos: No total, 101 pacientes que preferiram a raquianestesia e a analgesia venosa controlada pelo paciente foram incluídos e divididos em dois grupos neste estudo: artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho. Os dados demográficos e os tempos de operação, internação hospitalar e consumo de analgésicos e os resultados da proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e da dor pós-operatória foram registrados usando uma escala visual analógica. Resultados: O consumo de morfina dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho nas horas 4, 8, 12, 24 e 45 foi de, respectivamente: 7,38 mg e 7,80 mg; 12,19 mg e 13,29 mg; 16,94 mg e 19,18 mg; 25,97 mg e 27,98 mg; 36,38 mg e 39,59 mg. Os escores obtidos na escala visual analógica dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho nas horas 4, 8, 12, 24 e 48 foram, respectivamente: 4,10 e 4,51; 3,02 e 3,43; 2,29 e 2,55; 1,90 e 1,87; 1,08 e 1,13. Na artroplastia total do quadril, uma associação estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito no pós-operatório e os valores da escala visual analógica na 48ª hora em uma direção positiva (r = 0,311; p = 0,031; p < 0,05). Conclusão: A proporção neutrófilo/linfócito pode ser aceita como um método relativamente objetivo para o diagnóstico da dor pós-operatória.

[The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in total knee and hip arthroplasty]. / Relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós­operatória em artroplastia total de joelho e quadril.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple, cost-effective and easily applicable inflammation indicator that is being used frequently in mortality, morbidity and prognosis studies in the recent years. We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 101 patients who preferred spinal anesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in accordance and divided them into two groups, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. We recorded demographic information, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, analgesics consumption, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio results and postoperative pain using Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: The morphine consumption of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 7.38mg, 7.80mg; 8th hour: 12.19mg, 13.29mg; 12th hour: 16.94mg, 19.18mg; 24th hour: 25.97mg, 27.98mg; 48th hour: 36.38mg, 39.59mg. The Visual Analog Scale scores of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 4.10, 4.51; 8th hour: 3.02, 3.43; 12th hour: 2.29, 2.55; 24th hour: 1.90, 1.87; 48th hour: 1.08, 1.13. In group total hip arthroplasty, we found a statistically significant association between postoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the Visual Analog Scale values on the 48th hour in a positive direction (r=0.311; P=0.031; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be accepted as a relatively objective method for the diagnosis of postoperative pain.

Patient state index and cerebral blood flow changes during shoulder arthroscopy in beach chair position / Patient State Index e alterações do fluxo sanguíneo cerebral durante artroscopia do ombro em posição de cadeira de praia

Abstract Background and objectives: The aim of the study were to demonstrate the possible hemodynamic changes and cerebral blood flow alterations in patients who were positioned from supine to beach chair position; and to detect if the position change causes any cortical activity alteration as measured by the 4-channeled electroencephalography monitor. Methods: 35 patients were included. Before the induction, mean arterial pressure and patient state index values were recorded (T0). After the intubation, doppler-ultrasonography of the patients’ internal carotid and vertebral arteries were evaluated to acquire cerebral blood flow values from the formula. In supine position, mean arterial pressure, patient state index and cerebral blood flow values were recorded (T1) and the patient was positioned to beach chair position. After 5 min all measurements were repeated (T2). Measurements of patient state index and mean arterial pressure were repeated after 20 (T3), and 40 (T4) min. Results: There was a significant decrease between T0 and T1 in heart rate (80.5 ± 11.6 vs. 75.9 ± 14.4 beats/min), MAP (105.8 ± 21.9 vs. 78.9 ± 18.4 mmHg) and PSI (88.5 ± 8.3 vs. 30.3 ± 9.7) (all p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after position change, and remained decreased, compared to T1. The overall analysis of patient state index values (T1-T4) showed no significant change; however, comparing only T1 and T2 resulted in a statically significant decrease in patient state index. There was a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow after beach chair position. Conclusion: Beach chair position was associated with a decrease in cerebral blood flow and patient state index values. Patient state index was affected by the gravitational change of the cerebral blood flow; however, both factors were not directly correlated to each other. Moreover, the decrease in patient state index value was transient and returned to normal values within 20 min.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Demonstrar as possíveis alterações hemodinâmicas e do fluxo sanguíneo cerebral (FSC) em pacientes que foram posicionados de supinação para cadeira de praia (CP) e detectar se a mudança de posição causa alguma alteração na atividade cortical como mensurado pelo monitor de EEG com quatro canais. Métodos: Foram incluídos 35 pacientes. Antes da indução, os valores da PAM e do IEP foram registrados (T0). Após a intubação, ultrassonografias com Doppler da carótida interna e artérias vertebrais dos pacientes foram avaliadas para adquirir os valores do FSC a partir da fórmula. Em supinação, os valores da PAM, IEP e FSC foram registrados (T1) e o paciente foi posicionado em CP. Após cinco minutos, todas as mensurações foram repetidas (T2). As mensurações do IEP e PAM foram repetidas após 20 (T3) e 40 minutos (T4). Resultados: Houve uma diminuição significativa entre T0 e T1 na FC (80,5 ± 11,6 vs. 75,9 ± 14,4 bpm), PAM (105,8 ± 21,9 vs. 78,9 ± 18,4 mmHg) e IEP (88,5 ± 8,3 vs. 30,3 ± 9,7) (p < 0,05 para todos). A PAM diminuiu significativamente após a mudança de posição e permaneceu diminuída em relação a T1. A análise global dos valores do IEP (T1-T4) não mostrou mudança significativa, mas a comparação de apenas T1 e T2 resultou em redução estatisticamente significativa do IEP. Houve redução significativa do FSC após o posicionado em CP. Conclusão: O posicionado em CP foi associado à diminuição do FSC e dos valores do IEP. O IEP foi afetado pela mudança gravitacional do FSC; no entanto, ambos os fatores não estavam diretamente correlacionados. Além disso, a diminuição do valor do IEP foi transitória e voltou aos valores normais dentro de 20 minutos.

Patient state index and cerebral blood flow changes during shoulder arthroscopy in beach chair position.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study were to demonstrate the possible hemodynamic changes and cerebral blood flow alterations in patients who were positioned from supine to beach chair position; and to detect if the position change causes any cortical activity alteration as measured by the 4-channeled electroencephalography monitor. METHODS: 35 patients were included. Before the induction, mean arterial pressure and patient state index values were recorded (T0). After the intubation, doppler-ultrasonography of the patients' internal carotid and vertebral arteries were evaluated to acquire cerebral blood flow values from the formula. In supine position, mean arterial pressure, patient state index and cerebral blood flow values were recorded (T1) and the patient was positioned to beach chair position. After 5min all measurements were repeated (T2). Measurements of patient state index and mean arterial pressure were repeated after 20 (T3), and 40 (T4)min. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease between T0 and T1 in heart rate (80.5±11.6 vs. 75.9±14.4beats/min), MAP (105.8±21.9 vs. 78.9±18.4mmHg) and PSI (88.5±8.3 vs. 30.3±9.7) (all p<0.05). Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after position change, and remained decreased, compared to T1. The overall analysis of patient state index values (T1-T4) showed no significant change; however, comparing only T1 and T2 resulted in a statically significant decrease in patient state index. There was a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow after beach chair position. CONCLUSION: Beach chair position was associated with a decrease in cerebral blood flow and patient state index values. Patient state index was affected by the gravitational change of the cerebral blood flow; however, both factors were not directly correlated to each other. Moreover, the decrease in patient state index value was transient and returned to normal values within 20min.

[Patient state index and cerebral blood flow changes during shoulder arthroscopy in beach chair position]. / Patient State Index e alterações do fluxo sanguíneo cerebral durante artroscopia do ombro em posição de cadeira de praia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study were to demonstrate the possible hemodynamic changes and cerebral blood flow alterations in patients who were positioned from supine to beach chair position; and to detect if the position change causes any cortical activity alteration as measured by the 4-channeled electroencephalography monitor. METHODS: 35 patients were included. Before the induction, mean arterial pressure and patient state index values were recorded (T0). After the intubation, doppler-ultrasonography of the patients' internal carotid and vertebral arteries were evaluated to acquire cerebral blood flow values from the formula. In supine position, mean arterial pressure, patient state index and cerebral blood flow values were recorded (T1) and the patient was positioned to beach chair position. After 5min all measurements were repeated (T2). Measurements of patient state index and mean arterial pressure were repeated after 20 (T3), and 40 (T4)min. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease between T0 and T1 in heart rate (80.5±11.6 vs. 75.9±14.4beats/min), MAP (105.8±21.9 vs. 78.9±18.4mmHg) and PSI (88.5±8.3 vs. 30.3±9.7) (all p<0.05). Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after position change, and remained decreased, compared to T1. The overall analysis of patient state index values (T1-T4) showed no significant change; however, comparing only T1 and T2 resulted in a statically significant decrease in patient state index. There was a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow after beach chair position. CONCLUSION: Beach chair position was associated with a decrease in cerebral blood flow and patient state index values. Patient state index was affected by the gravitational change of the cerebral blood flow; however, both factors were not directly correlated to each other. Moreover, the decrease in patient state index value was transient and returned to normal values within 20min.

Critical Incident Reporting System in Teaching Hospitals in Turkey: A Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: Critical incident reporting systems (CIRS) and morbidity-mortality meetings (MMMs) offer the advantages of identifying potential risks in patients. They are key tools in improving patient safety in healthcare systems by modifying the attitudes of clinicians, nurses and staff (human error) and also the system (human and/or technical error) according to the analysis and the results of incidents. METHODS: One anaesthetist assigned to an administrative and/or teaching position from all university hospitals (UHs) and training and research hospitals (TRHs) of Turkey (n=114) was contacted. In this survey study, we analysed the facilities of anaesthetists in Turkish UHs and TRHs with respect to CIRS and MMMs and also the anaesthetists' knowledge, experience and attitudes regarding CIs. RESULTS: Anaesthetists from 81 of 114 teaching hospitals replied to our survey. Although 96.3% of anaesthetists indicated CI reporting as a necessity, only 37% of departments/hospitals were reported to have CIRS. True definition of CI as "an unexpected /accidental event" was achieved by 23.3% of anaesthetists with CIRS. MMMs were reported in 60.5% of hospitals. Nevertheless, 96% of anaesthetists believe that CIRS and MMMs decrease the incidence of CI occurring. CI occurrence was attributed to human error as 4 [1-5]/10 and 3 [1-5]/10 in UHs and TRHs, respectively (p=0.005). In both hospital types, technical errors were evaluated as 3 [1-5]/10 (p=0.498). CONCLUSION: This first study regarding CIRS in the Turkish anaesthesia departments/hospitals highlights the lack of CI knowledge and CIRS awareness and use in anaesthesia departments/teaching hospitals in Turkey despite a safety reporting system set up by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Regional anaesthesia in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient for upper extremity amputation.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common of the neuromuscular disorders. DMD is usually a challenge for the anaesthesiologist, with poor cardiac function, a high risk of developing rhabdomyolysis, and the probable life-threatening complications of general anaesthesia. To avoid possible morbidity associated with general anaesthesia, we applied a supraclavicular blockade. In this report, we present a 17-year-old DMD patient with a massive rhabdomyosarcoma, for whom a left arm amputation was indicated. In the post-operative period, a malignant hyperthermia-like reaction occurred, which resolved in a short time. We suggest a regional blockade as a safer alternative to general anaesthesia for the management of high risk DMD patients during orthopedic procedures.