Maternal and foetal risks associated with teenage pregnancy - a comparative retrospective study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent pregnancy is defined as pregnancy occurring in young women between the ages of 10 and 19 years. Adolescent pregnancies, which are among the social healthcare concerns in developed and developing countries, have negative effects on maternal and infant health. Pregnancy in adolescence puts the health of both the mother and child at risk, as adolescent pregnancies have higher rates of eclampsia, systemic infection, low birth weight, and preterm delivery compared to other pregnancies. In this study, the effects of education level, smoking, and marital status on maternal and foetal outcomes in adolescent pregnancies were evaluated. METHODS: The records of a total of 960 pregnant women (480 pregnant adolescents aged 15-19 years and 480 pregnant adult women aged 20-26 years) were examined retrospectively. The demographic data of the groups and maternal and foetal outcomes of the pregnancies were compared. A logistic regression model was established as a statistical method for reducing confounding effects. RESULTS: Unmarried women were statistically significantly more prevalent in the adolescent group (38.3% vs. 7.3%). Among the considered risk factors, preeclampsia (2.9% vs. 0.8%) and smoking (29.8% vs. 9.8%) were statistically significantly more common in the adolescent group. When the groups were compared in terms of risk factors in pregnancy, it was found that pregnancy in adolescence was associated with a 3.04-fold higher risk of smoking, 5.25-fold higher risk of being unmarried, 3.50-fold higher risk of preeclampsia, and 1.70-fold higher risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an increased risk of preeclampsia, IUGR, and smoking during pregnancy in adolescent pregnant women. These findings can be used to identify adolescent pregnancies requiring specific assistance and to take measures to reduce the probability of adverse outcomes.

In this study, we examine the risks of adolescent pregnancies. Adolescent pregnancy is a public health problem, and it is more common in underdeveloped or developing countries. We believe that non-governmental organisations and governments should take precautions regarding adolescent pregnancies and protect this legally vulnerable sociodemographic group from pregnancy. For healthier and more conscientious pregnancy experiences, mothers must be of appropriate age, having passed the period of adolescence. Adolescent pregnancies, which come with many risks, and especially risks of preeclampsia, premature birth, and maternal death, should be minimised or prevented.

Correlation of Block Success with Perfusion Index Measurement in Cases of Pediatric Surgery Under Caudal Epidural Block Anesthesia.

PURPOSE: One of the regional anesthetic procedures, caudal epidural block, is important for lower extremities surgeries in the pediatric patient population. The perfusion index (PI) value, which reflects vasomotor tone, can be used to indicate block success. The aim was to compare the role of perfusion index, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure in detecting the success of caudal epidural block and to investigate whether perfusion index was an earlier indicator in determining the success of the block in pediatric surgery cases. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The study included 58 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists'classification 1, between the ages 1 and 6 years. In the left lateral decubitus posture, caudal epidural block was performed using a 23 or 25-gauge caudal needle and a dosage of 0.25% bupivacaine (1 mL/kg). At the 0, 1, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20th minutes, peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and PI values were obtained using a probe attached to the first toe of the left foot. A successful caudal epidural block indication was defined as an increase of at least 100% in the PI value over the baseline value and a 15% decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate FINDINGS: PI represents the ratio of the photoplethysmography signal to pulsatile over nonpulsatile light absorbance. An increase in the PI value indicates that the block is effective. In the 20-minute follow-up period after caudal epidural block, there was at least a 100% increase in PI value in all of the patients at the seventh minute. An expected 15% reduction in mean arterial pressure was observed in 14.5% of the patients and an expected 15% reduction in heart rate was observed in 45.6% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from our study show that the increase in PI values is associated with caudal epidural block success. The PI value is more rapid, sensitive and objective than those produced by other parameters. Benefits include an earlier change in anesthesia management due to block failure and faster initiation to surgery, which reduces exposure to anesthetic chemicals.

Successful treatment with eculizumab in a patient with pregnancy-associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare and potentially lethal complement-mediated disorder. It can mimic preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome. Thus, it can be hard to distinguish pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome from other causes in peri/post-partum women presenting with features of microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman in her third pregnancy at 32 weeks' gestation who underwent caesarean section due to fetal distress. She developed severe renal impairment, thrombocytopenia and neurologic symptoms within 24 hours after delivery. A diagnosis of pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome was provided, and treatment with plasma therapy followed by eculizumab was initiated. A rapid improvement of both clinical and laboratory parameters was observed. This case demonstrates the significance of early initiation of anti-complement therapy to prevent irreversible renal damage and possible death in women with pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

Collagen Scaffold Application in Arthroscopic Reconstruction of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Autologous Cancellous Bone Grafts.

Background: Single-step all-arthroscopic techniques have gained popularity recently in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). Concomitant subchondral bone defects led surgeons to add autologous bone grafting to the surgical procedures. Collagen scaffolds have been used widely for stabilization of the reconstruction and regeneration of the articular surface. Purpose: To compare single-step all-arthroscopic treatment of OLT consisting of debridement, microfracture, autologous bone grafting, and application of fibrin sealant in 2 patient groups: with versus without collagen scaffold. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 94 patients who underwent single-step all-arthroscopic treatment for OLT. Autologous bone grafting was applied to 48 patients (BG group), while autologous bone grafting plus collagen scaffold was applied to 46 patients (BG+S group). A fibrin sealant was applied to both groups. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Radiological outcomes were evaluated with the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue score. The mean follow-up time was 69.3 ± 20.7 months. Results: Patients in both groups showed statistically significant improvement in pre- to postoperative AOFAS and VAS scores (P < .001 for all), with no difference between groups in AOFAS and VAS score improvement. Complete healing with or without hypertrophy was achieved in 42 patients in the BG group (87.5%) and 38 patients in the BG+S group (82.6%). Conclusion: The treatment of bone lesions in OLT may be the ultimate goal to obtain successful outcomes, in which case using a collagen scaffold besides grafting may not affect clinical and radiological outcomes.

Investigation of infraclavicular block success using the perfusion index: A randomized clinical trial.

The results of the pinprick and cold tests performed on the arm, forearm, and wrist-wrist areas of patients scheduled for upper extremity procedures are subjective and dependent on patient's compliance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the perfusion index (PI) could be used as an objective indicator to demonstrate block efficacy. Fifty patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years who were scheduled for upper extremity procedures and had an American Society of Anesthesiologists risk assessment class of I-II were included in this study. Infraclavicular block was performed on the patients using the peripheral nerve stimulation and ultrasonography. Preoperative and postoperative PI values were measured and recorded. The pinprick test took an average of 7.98 ± 1.49 minutes to turn positive, whereas the grade 3 of Modified Bromage Scale took an average of 11.08 ± 1.71 minutes. Differences between baseline values and perioperative values were found to be significantly different in the paired comparisons of the PI values. With 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity, increases in the PI value by or above 3.8 units were indicative for sensory block. With 84% sensitivity and 84% specificity, increases in the PI value by or above 3.9 units were indicative for grade 3 of Modified Bromage Scale in patients. It was determined that the PI is a faster, more reliable, and simpler technique than conventional methods for determining the efficacy of a block because of the vasodilatation that occurs before sensory and motor block.

Perfusion Index Value in Determining the Success of Axillary Block.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the perfusion index (PI) can be used to predict and provide a cut-off value for ultrasound-guided axillary nerve block success. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey, from July to August 2020. METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who were in the ASA 1-2 group, undergoing hand, wrist and forearm surgery, were included in the study. PI value was measured from the extremity to the block and the healthy extremity before and after the procedure. Sensory block was evaluated with the pin-prick test, Motor block was evaluated with the Modified Bromage Scale. The minutes when sensory and motor blocks occurred were recorded, and the PI value at these moments were recorded. RESULTS: Pin-prick test was positive in patients at average 8.4±2.4 minutes. The average PI value for which the pin-prick test was positive was 7.41±2.54, and the cut-off value of the sensory block PI ratio was determined as 1.7 times. The modified Bromage scale reached a score of 2 in 7.6±2.3 minutes on average. The average PI value is 7.27±2.69 for which the modified Bromage Scale score is 2. At modified Bromage Scale-2, PI ratio cut-off value was determined as 1.7 times. The modified Bromage Scale reached a score of 3 in an average of 12.6±4.2 minutes. The mean PI value for the modified Bromage Scale score of 3 is 9.56±6.97. The motor block PI ratio cut-off value was determined as 1.9 times. CONCLUSION: Pulse oximetry perfusion index is a sensitive and simple method that can be used to evaluate the success of axillary block. The cut-off value, indicating successful block for the rate of sensory block and modified Bromage scale PI, was determined as 1.7 times and the motor block PI ratio as 1.9 times. KEY WORDS: Axillary block, Perfusion index, Oximetry, Ultrasonography, Modified bromage scale.

COMPARISON OF FLEXIBLE LARYNGEAL MASK INSERTION AND ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION IN ADENOTONSILLECTOMY SURGERY.

This study compared the effectiveness of flexible laryngeal mask (F-LMA) insertion and endotracheal intubation in pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy surgery. A total of 60 patients aged 2-12 years were included in the study. Patients were divided into the F-LMA group (n=30) and endotracheal tube (ETT) group (n=30). The groups were compared according to intubation time, heart rate, SpO2, EtCO2, airway pressure, surgical field of view, and recovery time. Both the insertion time and recovery time were shorter in the F-LMA group than in the ETT group (16.93±4.84 s vs. 23.93±8.74 s; and 10±2 min vs. 14.5±3 min; p<0.001 both). The airway pressure measurements at 5-min intervals were significantly lower in the F-LMA group than in the ETT group (p<0.001). F-LMA may be a useful alternative to ETT for adenotonsillectomy surgery because it is safe, provides shorter induction and recovery times, reduces intraoperative airway pressure, and provides an adequate operative field of view.

The videos on YouTube® related to hallux valgus surgery have insufficient information.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have determined the videos on YouTube® have misleading information in medicine, however the assessment of the information for hallux valgus surgery is lacking. METHODS: YouTube® was analyzed using two keywords as 'hallux valgus surgery' and 'bunion surgery'. Once redundancies were eliminated, each video was evaluated for the characteristic as following: duration, number of views, likes and dislikes, days since upload, view and like ratios and video power index (VPI). The quality of the information was evaluated using DISCERN, JAMA and hallux valgus score (HVS). RESULTS: A total of 49 videos included. Fair or poor results for DISCERN and HVS (90% and 69% of videos, respectively) were found. No difference was found between video source and quality scores. Number of likes and VPI negatively correlated with all scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: YouTube® had poor quality of information for hallux valgus surgery.

Can Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume and Red Cell Distribution Width Be Used as a Prognostic Factor for Mortality in Intensive Care Unit?

Introduction Critical patients are those patients who have psychological unstability that can cause morbidity and mortality in a short period of time. These patients need to be intensively monitored for organ function like cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological system. The most critical patients are transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) for close watch. It is not rare that hematological system of critical patient is affected from strong inflammation. The main purpose of this study is to be able to determine platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW) admission value to predict mortality in ICU. Secondary purpose is to present a view about clinical use of these blood parameters. Material and methods In this study, RDW, MPV and PLT values of the patients in the first intensive care admission were evaluated and were compared with the last hemogram values before death. Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and other risk factors for mortality were tried to be determined to show determinants of scoring systems on mortality in patients admitted to ICU. Results When compared with ICU entry in all patient groups and laboratory markers prior to exitus, the value of the input RDW was 14.66 ± 3.08 and the output RDW was 15.94 ± 9.59. Admission value of MPV was 8.180 ± 2.09, and before death the value of MPV was 9.199 ± 2.24. Statistically, it was significantly high (p < 0.001). The MPV values increased in all groups and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), respiratory failure, cardiac causes, head trauma and malignancies were statistically significantly high (p < 0.05). Admission value of PLT was 215.46 ± 116.8, and before death the value of PLT was 154.73 ± 101.32. Statistically, it was significantly low (p < 0.001). Conclusions The study showed that the difference between PLT, MPV and RDW values in the ICU and values before death, and decrease in PLT and increase in MPV and RDW in all patients were statistically significant. We believe that decrease in PLT, increase in MPV and RDW is a prognostic factor for mortality.

Effects of Prostaglandin Analogue Iloprost Treatment on Distant Organ Damage Following Ovarian Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats: An Experimental Study.

Background Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury causes oxidative stress, which, in turn, may impair the oxidant/antioxidant balance in tissues and cause damage to the tissues. The local effects of I/R injury can be typically observed in the related organ while systemic effects can be observed predominantly in the heart, brain, lung, and kidney. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of iloprost on heart tissues after an ovarian I/R injury in an experimental rat model. Materials and methods A total of 32 female Sprague Dawley rats were used for the experiment. The rats were divided into four groups with eight rats each: Group I, control group; Group II, ischemia group; Group III, I/R group; Group IV, I/R + iloprost group. Surgical intervention was performed in each group and after the procedures, heart tissues were obtained and examined histopathologically. Results No significant pathological finding was found in Group I and II while degeneration of muscle fibers and interstitial edema was observed in group III and dilation of the vessels was detected in Group IV. No fibrosis or inflammation was observed in any group. Conclusion Iloprost provided protection against I/R injury and thus may be an alternative treatment for I/R injury.

Caudal Anesthesia for Pediatric Subumbilical Surgery, Less Load on the Postoperative Recovery Unit.

Introduction Caudal epidural anesthesia, when used as a sole method for surgical anesthesia, has favorable effects on the recovery duration and the time spent in the recovery unit. In this study we made a retrospective analysis of pediatric surgery operations under local, regional and general anesthesia. We aimed to find shorter postoperative recovery times with local and regional anesthesia. Materials and methods Data of the pediatric patients undergone subumbilical surgery during the two-year period in Pediatric Surgery clinic were collected. The patients' age, sex, surgery type, anesthesia and airway control routes, as well as duration of anesthesia, operation and recovery were obtained. Results Data of 937 patients were analyzed, of whom 811 (86.6%) were males. Caudal anesthesia was performed in 240 patients (25.6%) and the mean age of these patients was 3.83 ± 3.00 years. The patients with caudal and local anesthesia spent significantly less time in the postoperative recovery unit, compared with general anesthesia groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion Caudal anesthesia as a sole method for pediatric subumbilical surgery is a relatively safe method. Patients having operation under caudal anesthesia have faster discharge times from postoperative recovery units, compared with general anesthesia. This probably reduces recovery unit expenditures.

Pseudocholinesterase Enzyme Deficiency in Adiyaman City Area.

OBJECTIVE: Pseudocholinesterase (PChE) is an enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of succinylcholine. In case of its deficiency, the effect of succinylcholine that is approximately 5-10 min is prolonged up to few hours. The use of succinylcholine has been declined recently. However, it is still actively used in some special conditions and in developing countries. In this study, incidence of PChE enzyme deficiency around Adiyaman city was investigated and presented with the literature review. METHODS: After obtaining an approval from the investigational board of our hospital (Adiyaman University Medical School, Biomedical Research Ethics Board, 30.12.2012, Nr: B.30.2.ADY.0.20.00-600/51), patients undergoing any elective operation under general anaesthesia in the Adiyaman University Medical School Hospital between March and December 2013 were recruited for the study. After obtaining the patients' written consents, blood PChE, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, international normalisation ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values of the patients were analysed. Possible association of the PChE deficiency with other values was also investigated. The normal value of PChE was taken as 4260-11250 for females aged 16-40 years and 5320-12920 U L(-1) for other patients. RESULTS: The study was completed with 964 patients, 702 (72.8%) of whom were females. PChE enzyme levels were under the normal in 7.2% of the patients. There were no correlation between patient group, ALT, INR, aPTT and creatinine elevation with PChE deficiency (p>0.05), whereas AST and urea level elevation was significantly associated with PChE deficiency (p<0.05). The risk of PChE deficiency was 4.5 and 9 times higher in the patients with the elevation of AST and urea levels, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pathological elevations of AST and urea that are a part of normal pre-operative biochemical analysis of blood will indicate the possible deficiency of PChE enzyme.

[Comparison of early and late percutaneous tracheotomies in adult intensive care unit]. / Comparação de traqueotomia percutânea precoce e tardia em unidade de terapia intensiva para adultos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous tracheotomy has become a good alternative for patients thought to have prolonged intubation in intensive care units. The most important benefits of tracheotomy are early discharge of the patient from the intensive care unit and shortening of the time spent in the hospital. Prolonged endotracheal intubation has complications such as laryngeal damage, vocal cord paralysis, glottic and subglottic stenosis, infection and tracheal damage. The objective of our study was to evaluate potential advantages of early percutaneous tracheotomy over late percutaneous tracheotomy in intensive care unit. METHODS: Percutaneous tracheotomies applied to 158 patients in adult intensive care unit have been analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as early and late tracheotomy according to their endotracheal intubation time before percutaneous tracheotomy. Tracheotomies at the 0-7th days of endotracheal intubation were grouped as early and after the 7th day of endotracheal intubation as late tracheotomies. Patients having infection at the site of tracheotomy, patients with difficult or potential difficult intubation, those under 18 years old, patients with positive end-expiratory pressure above 10cmH2O and those with bleeding diathesis or platelet count under 50,000dL(-1) were not included in the study. Durations of mechanical ventilation and intensive care stay were noted. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference among the demographic data of the patients. Mechanical ventilation time and time spent in intensive care unit in the group with early tracheotomy was shorter and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Early tracheotomy shortens mechanical ventilation duration and intensive care unit stay. For that reason we suggest early tracheotomy in patients thought to have prolonged intubation.

Comparison of early and late percutaneous tracheotomies in adult intensive care unit / Comparação de traqueotomia percutânea precoce e tardia em unidade de terapia intensiva para adultos / Comparación de traqueotomía percutánea precoz y tardía en unidad de cuidados intensivos para adultos

Background and objectives: Percutaneous tracheotomy has become a good alternative for patients thought to have prolonged intubation in intensive care units. The most important benefits of tracheotomy are early discharge of the patient from the intensive care unit and shortening of the time spent in the hospital. Prolonged endotracheal intubation has complications such as laryngeal damage, vocal cord paralysis, glottic and subglottic stenosis, infection and tracheal damage. The objective of our study was to evaluate potential advantages of early percutaneous tracheotomy over late percutaneous tracheotomy in intensive care unit. Methods: Percutaneous tracheotomies applied to 158 patients in adult intensive care unit have been analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as early and late tracheotomy according to their endotracheal intubation time before percutaneous tracheotomy. Tracheotomies at the 0–7th days of endotracheal intubation were grouped as early and after the 7th day of endotracheal intubation as late tracheotomies. Patients having infection at the site of tracheotomy, patients with difficult or potential difficult intubation, those under 18 years old, patients with positive end-expiratory pressure above 10 cmH2O and those with bleeding diathesis or platelet count under 50,000 dL−1 were not included in the study. Durations of mechanical ventilation and intensive care stay were noted. Results: There was no statistical difference among the demographic data of the patients. Mechanical ventilation time and time spent in intensive care unit in the group with early tracheotomy was shorter and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Early tracheotomy shortens mechanical ventilation duration and intensive care unit stay. For that reason we suggest early tracheotomy in patients thought to have prolonged intubation. .

Justificativa e objetivos: A traqueotomia percutânea tornou-se uma boa alternativa para os pacientes com previsão de intubação prolongada em unidades de terapia intensiva. Os benefícios mais importantes da traqueotomia são alta precoce da unidade de terapia intensiva e menos tempo de permanência no hospital. As complicações da intubação intratraqueal prolongada são: lesão da laringe, paralisia das pregas vocais, estenose glótica e subglótica, infecção e lesão traqueal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as potenciais vantagens da traqueotomia percutânea precoce versus traqueotomia percutânea tardia em unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Traqueotomias percutâneas foram realizadas em 158 pacientes em unidade de terapia intensiva para adultos e analisadas retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram alocados em dois grupos para traqueotomia precoce e tardia, de acordo com o tempo de intubação intratraqueal antes da traqueotomia percutânea. As traqueotomias consideradas precoces foram realizadas nos dias 0-7 de intubação intratraqueal e as tardias realizadas após o sétimo dia de intubação intratraqueal. Os pacientes com infecção no local da traqueotomia, intubação difícil ou potencialmente difícil, idade inferior a 18 anos, pressão positiva ao final da expiração acima de 10 cmH2O e aqueles com diátese hemorrágica ou contagem de plaquetas em 50.000 dL−1 foram excluídos do estudo. Os tempos de ventilação mecânica e internação em UTI foram registrados. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística entre os dados demográficos dos pacientes. Os tempos de ventilação mecânica e de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva do grupo traqueotomia precoce foram ...

Introducción y objetivos: La traqueotomía percutánea se ha convertido en una buena alternativa para los pacientes con previsión de intubación prolongada en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Los beneficios más importantes de la traqueotomía son el alta precoz de la UCI y menos tiempo de permanencia en el hospital. Las complicaciones de la intubación endotraqueal prolongada son: lesión de la laringe, parálisis de las cuerdas vocales, estenosis glótica y subglótica, infección y lesión traqueal. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las potenciales ventajas de la traqueotomía percutánea precoz versus traqueotomía percutánea tardía en la UCI. Métodos: Se realizaron traqueotomías percutáneas en 158 pacientes en la UCI para adultos, siendo analizadas retrospectivamente. Los pacientes fueron divididos en 2 grupos para traqueotomía precoz y tardía, de acuerdo con el tiempo de intubación endotraqueal antes de la traqueotomía percutánea. Las traqueotomías consideradas precoces fueron realizadas en los días 0-7 de intubación endotraqueal, y las tardías, después del séptimo día de intubación endotraqueal. Los pacientes con infección en la región de la traqueotomía, intubación difícil o potencialmente difícil, con una edad inferior a 18 años, presión positiva al final de la espiración por encima de 10 cmH2O y los que tenían diátesis hemorrágica o conteo de plaquetas en 50.000 dl−1 fueron excluidos del estudio. Se registraron los tiempos de ventilación mecánica y de ingreso en la UCI. Resultados: No hubo diferencia estadística entre los datos demográficos de los pacientes. Los tiempos de ventilación mecánica y de ingreso en la UCI del grupo traqueotomía precoz fueron ...

[Flail chest due to blunt trauma: clinical features and factors affecting prognosis]. / Künt travmaya bagli yelken gögüs: Klinik özellikler ve prognozu etkileyen faktörler.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the clinical features of patients with flail chest, together with treatment results, and the factors affecting prognosis. METHODS: The study included 34 patients (27 males, 7 females; mean age 41 years; range 15-61 years) who underwent treatment for flail chest. A retrospective analysis was made regarding the etiology, injury to the chest wall, pulmonary contusion, hemothorax and pneumothorax requiring chest tube, associated injuries, injury severity score (ISS), the presence of shock on admission, the amount of blood transfusions within the first 24 hours, treatment, and the results. RESULTS: The most common cause of flail chest was traffic accidents (79.4%). Shock was detected in 41.2% and pulmonary contusions in 55.9%. Ventilatory support was required in 70.6%. The mean ISS was 36; mortality occurred in 32.4%. In seven patients without associated injuries and who did not receive ventilatory support, the mean ISS was 22.8 and all survived. However, in 18 patients with associated organ injuries, the mean ISS was 43.6, with mortality being 50% (p<0.05). Factors responsible for prolonged ventilatory support, pneumonia, and septic deaths included ISS above 31, associated fractures and injuries, blood transfusions, the need for chest tube, age equal to or above 50 years, and the presence of bilateral flail chest. The incidences of pneumonia and mortality were significantly less in patients treated with internal fixation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data show that careful fluid management and effective pain control, stabilization of the chest wall, immediate ventilatory support and early weaning from ventilation are the mainstays of treatment.

Intermittent infusion of 0.25% bupivacaine through an intrapleural catheter for post-thoracotomy pain relief.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of intrapleural 0.25% bupivacaine delivered by intermittent infusions for post-thoracotomy pain relief. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing elective lobectomy were randomly, but equally, placed into two groups. An intrapleural catheter was inserted under direct vision during surgery. Group I received intrapleural 40 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, group II was administered 40 mL of saline solution as a control group. Diclofenac sodium was administered as an additional analgesic, if required. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), and Prince Henry pain scale. Arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, and systemic arterial pressures were monitored. All observations were recorded 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after the injection, and thereafter at hourly intervals through the postoperative 24 hours. RESULTS: The mean analgesia times were 5 hours and 2 hours in group I and group II, respectively. Therefore, bupivacaine administrations were repeated every 6 hours in group I, and saline with additional analgesic were administered every 4 hours in group II. The heart rate and arterial pressures did not show a significant difference. While the additional analgesic requirement was 180 +/- 10 mg/d in group II, there was no need for additional analgesic administration in the group I patients. Arterial oxygen was significantly higher in group I than in group II. Arterial carbon dioxide tension of group II was significantly higher than that of group I. While the postoperative atelectasis and pneumonia developed in four patients and one, respectively, in group II, no such complication was observed in group I. CONCLUSIONS: The easy placement of an intrapleural catheter and better pain relief observed in the present study suggest that intermittent pleural infusion of 0.25% bupivacaine has proven to be a safe and effective method for relief of post-thoracotomy pain.