[Prehospital analgesia with femoral nerve block following lower extremity injury. A 107 cases survey]. / Bloc fémoral en analgésie préhospitalière pour traumatisme du membre inférieur. Enquête de pratique observationnelle sur 107 cas.

OBJECTIVE: Femoral Nerve Block (FNB) has been proposed for femoral fracture analgesia in a prehospital setting. METHODS: Descriptive case-series survey. All suspected femoral fractures that were managed by our extrahospital service and had a femoral block were prospectively included. The physician was free to choose any block technique (paravascular femoral block [BFPV], nerve stimulation femoral block [BFNS], or fascia iliaca block [BFI]), as well as local anesthetic mixture and volume. Pain was assessed using a simplified verbal scale (0-4) before (T0), 10minutes after block (T1), and at hospital arrival (T2). Demographic values, actual trauma diagnosis, the technique used, the local anesthetic mixture and volume, incidents and complications were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and seven blocks were included. Eighty-six percent of the blocks were performed by an anesthesiologist, although they represent 50% of the prehospital physician staff. Pain on the simplified verbal scale (EVS) decreased from T0 to both T1 and T2 for the whole population and also in each technique subgroup (eight BFPV, 36 BFNS, and 63 BFI). Two BFI blocks required a re-injection to be successful. Ten blocks failed (eight BFI, and two BFNS). Among those 10 failed blocks, two were first wrongly quoted as successful and two successful BFNS blocks appeared inadequate with regard to the trauma location outside the femoral dermatoma. No complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Prehospital FNB appeared to be efficacious in routine practice. Teaching FNB to non-anesthesiologist physicians is challenging.

[Use of indicators of fluid responsiveness in septic shock: a survey in public emergency departments]. / Indices de réponse au remplissage vasculaire lors de la prise en charge d'un choc septique : utilisation par les médecins urgentistes.

INTRODUCTION: Fluid therapy is one of the major elements of severe sepsis and septic shock management. A systematic initial fluid bolus is recommended before evaluation of left ventricular filling pressure by the use of indicators of fluid responsiveness, preferentially dynamic ones. A massive fluid therapy could be damaging for the patient. Dynamic indicators of fluid responsiveness are not often relevant in the emergency department. This study was aimed to evaluate the use of indicators of fluid responsiveness by emergency practitioners during septic shock management. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional survey using anonymous self-questionnaire. METHODS: We included all practitioners working in public emergency department of Languedoc-Roussillon (France). Primary-end point was the use of one indicator of fluid responsiveness at least. Uni- and multivariate analysis was conducted to find associated factors. RESULTS: Of 232 practitioners included, we collected 149 questionnaires (response rate=64%). Hundred and eight practitioners (72% [64-79%]) used at least one indicator of fluid responsiveness. Fifty-six practitioners (38% [30-46%]) used echocardiography, 54 practitioners (36% [29-44%]) used blood lactate concentration, 45 practitioners (30% [23-38%]) used passive leg raising. The use of indicators of fluid responsiveness is associated with easy access to echography device (odd ratio=2.94 [1.16-7.62], P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Emergency practitioners use preferentially less invasive and less time-consuming indicators of fluid responsiveness.

[Flexible laryngeal mask airway use during surgical burn management with head mobilisation: a feasibility study]. / Intérêt du masque laryngé renforcé au cours de la chirurgie réparatrice chez les patients brûlés nécessitant une mobilisation de la tête : étude de faisabilité.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the flexible laryngeal mask airway (LMA flexible) use during scalp skin harvesting for surgical reparation of burn sequella. STUDY DESIGN: Observational prospective descriptive study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Following local ethic committee approval, 26 patients were included in the study during their preanaesthesia visit. The general anaesthesia induction of each patient was followed by the insertion of a LMA flexible. The number of attempts required to insert the mask and the procedure were documented. The oropharyngeal leak pressure, expired tidal volume and end tidal CO(2) were recorded in five different head positions (neutral, hyperflexion, hyperextension, right and left rotation) at the start and end of surgical procedure. In all ten study periods of 2-3 min each were evaluated. RESULTS: The airway device was inserted easily in all patients. While similar in four of the five head positions (neutral: 27.9+/-8.1 cmH(2)O, hyperextension, left and right rotation), the oropharyngeal leak pressure was significantly higher in the hyperflexion position (33.3+/-7.3 cmH(2)O). The end tidal volume was stable in all positions except hyperflexion (419+/-114 ml). While this value was significantly lower than the 471+/-68 ml recorded in the neutral position, it remained greater than 7 ml/kg. No significant change was observed for end tidal CO(2) for the ten study periods. CONCLUSION: The use of LMA flexible during surgical burn repair procedures, including head mobilisation for the harvesting of scalp skin grafts is feasible.

[Sciatic nerve block in prehospital care]. / Bloc sciatique en médecine préhospitalière.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the analgesic efficiency of the sciatic nerve block in prehospital care at the time of some severe legs or feet traumas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, monocentric study upon a period of time 1998-2008. RESULTS: Twenty-three sciatic nerve blocks have been colligated, five by upper way and heighten by lateral popliteal lower way among which fourteen without neurostimulator. The pain decrease evaluated by the EVS at T0 (before block), T1 (10 min after block) and T2 (arriving in emergency department), has been significative, whatever the measure time interval (T0-T1, T0-T2, T1-T2), the ways used and the local anaesthetics given. The analgesia installation was faster when approaching the sciatic nerve block by the upper way and when using a neurostimulator. Only one analgesic failure was observed while doing a lateral popliteal way without neurostimulator. Any complication was reported. CONCLUSION: The sciatic nerve block done in prehospital shows a significant analgesic efficiency which would worth a deeper evaluation and a thought on its introduction in the ED physician's therapeutic gear.

A prospective study on the user-friendliness of four anaesthesia workstations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Unlike for intensive care unit and home mechanical ventilators, no study has evaluated the user-friendliness of the recently introduced new anaesthesia workstations. METHODS: We performed a prospective study to evaluate the user-friendliness of four anaesthesia workstations, which were categorized into two groups: first-generation (Kion) and second-generation (Avance, Felix and Primus). Twenty users (12 nurse-anaesthetists and 8 anaesthesiologists) from three different anaesthesia departments at the same univeristy hospital participated in the study. The user-friendliness scale evaluated 10 criteria, including two design and monitoring criteria, four maintenance criteria and four ventilation use criteria. Each criterion was evaluated from 0 (poor) to 10 (excellent). RESULTS: The mean score obtained for the first-generation workstation was lower than those obtained for the three second-generation workstations (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the overall user-friendliness score was observed for the three second-generation workstations. The first-generation workstation obtained a significantly lower score than the three second-generation workstations for the design criteria (P < 0.01). For the screen criteria, the highest score was obtained by Felix, which has the largest screen and associated characters. For the main maintenance criteria, Kion and Felix obtained the lowest scores. No significant differences between the four anaesthesia workstations were found for only three of the user-friendliness criteria (self-test, alarms and settings). CONCLUSIONS: Anaesthesia machines have benefited from considerable advances in design and technology. This novel user-friendliness scale revealed that the most recent workstations were more appreciated by users than the first-generation of anaesthesia workstations. This user-friendliness scale may help the anaesthetic staff to 'consensually' choose the future workstation for their anaesthesia department.

[Paraumbilical block for strangulated umbilical hernia in emergency]. / Bloc paraombilical pour l'anesthésie de la hernie ombilicale étranglée en urgence.

The authors describe a strangulated umbilical hernia surgery performed in emergency with a paraumbilical block associated with a local infiltration. For this patient, 3-4 ASA status, in occlusion, with iterative vomiting and coagulation disorders, general or spinal anaesthesia were high-risk technics. Paraumbilical block, sometimes used for anaesthesia or/and analgesia for programmed umbilical hernia surgery, allowed surgery with good conditions and procured prolonged postoperative analgesia. This block, easy to perform, is an interesting alternative in emergency for general or spinal anaesthesia in high-risk patients.

[Ventilator-associated pneumonia: follow the guidelines!]. / Pneumonies acquises sous ventilation mécanique: suivez les recommandations!

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcomes and the causative pathogens of early-onset and late-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational, epidemiological study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 7-years period, all first episodes of VAP were prospectively included. Diagnosis was confirmed by a BAL with a threshold of 10(4) cfu/ml. Late-onset pneumonia was defined if occurred after the seventh day after mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen VAP were studied. Fifty were early-onsets and 63 late-onsets. Thirty-four per cent of early-onset VAP and 73% of late-onset VAP were due to potential multiresistants pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonly isolated bacteria both in early-onset and late-onset VAP (16 and 39% respectively). Morbidity and mortality (29 vs 29%, ns) were not statically different between the two groups (early-onset and late-onset VAP). CONCLUSION: In our study, both early-onset and late-onset VAP were mainly caused by potentially multiresistants bacteria, most commonly Gram negative bacilli. Even for early VAP, clinicians should be aware about all risk factors for potentially multiresistants pathogens and not only the delay of onset of the VAP episode.

[Anaesthetic management of oesophagectomy: advances and perspectives]. / Prise en charge anesthésique de l'oesophagectomie: avancées et perspectives.

Oesophagectomy is still characterized by a high postoperative mortality and respiratory morbidity. Nevertheless, epidemiological, medical and surgical advances have improved the management of this surgical procedure. The anaesthesiologist influence is present at each level, from the preoperative evaluation to the management of postoperative complications. The preoperative period is improved by the use of assessment scores, the better knowing of respiratory risk factors and of the neoadjuvant therapy adverse effects. The main objective of the operative period is to ensure a rapid weaning procedure and stability of the respiratory and haemodynamic functions, warranting the anastomotic healing. The interest of the association between respiratory rehabilitation and thoracic epidural analgesia is highlighted in the postoperative period. The management of postoperative complications, mainly represented by respiratory failure and anastomotic leakages, requires a multidisciplinary analysis. The potential interest of non-invasive ventilation and of the modulation of postoperative inflammatory response needs further investigation.

[Effects of music therapy in intensive care unit without sedation in weaning patients versus non-ventilated patients]. / Effets de la musicothérapie en réanimation hors sédation chez des patients en cours de sevrage ventilatoire versus des patients non ventilés.

OBJECTIVES: Music has been found to be an effective nonpharmacologic adjunct for managing anxiety and promoting relaxation in limited trials of critically ill patients. However, its effects have not been compared in intubated patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation with non-intubated patients spontaneously breathing. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-over randomized experimental design. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients were studied (intubated group n = 15, non-intubated group n = 15). Patients were randomized to receive either 20 minutes of uninterrupted rest or then 20 minutes of music therapy or the music therapy first and then the uninterrupted rest period. Patients selected a relaxing music of their choice from a selection including different types of music. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SAP), respiratory rate (RR) and bispectral index (BIS score) were recorded each 5-min intervals throughout both periods (rest and music). Agitation/sedation state and pain were evaluated by the Richmond-Agitation-Sedation-Scale (RASS) and the Numerical-Rating-Scale (NRS) respectively, before and after each studied periods. Music have not been performed in five patients (5/35 = 14%). RESULTS: Music significantly decreased HR (88+/-15 vs 82+/-15, P<0.05), SAP (137+/-17 vs 128+/-14, P<0.05), RR (25+/-3 vs 22+/-4, P<0.05), BIS (94+/-5 vs 81+/-10, P<0.01), RASS (+0.1+/-0.7 vs -0.7+/-0.9, P<0.05) and NRS (4.4+/-1.7 vs 1.9+/-1.3, P<0.01) in both intubated and non-intubated groups whereas no significant change was observed during the rest period. The variations level studied parameters induced by music were comparable for the two groups. CONCLUSION: A single music therapy session was found to be effective for decreasing anxiety and promoting relaxation, as indicated by decreases in heart rate, blood pressure, BIS and respiratory rate over the intervention period in intubated patients during weaning phase.

[Analgesia after hip fracture repair in elderly patients: the effect of a continuous femoral nerve block: a prospective and randomised study]. / Analgésie postopératoire par cathéter fémoral après fracture du col du fémur chez la personne âgée: étude prospective randomisée.

INTRODUCTION: The usefulness of peripheral femoral nerve block for pain management after hip fracture has been established. This prospective and randomised study compared the analgesia effect of a continuous femoral nerve block (CF) versus two conventional analgesia procedures after hip fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients. (n=62) scheduled for surgery under spinal anaesthesia were prospectively included. After surgery, analgesia (48 hours) was randomised: group FC (femoral catheter, anterior paravascular approach, initial bolus followed by continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2%), group P (iv 2 g propacetamol/6 hours), group M (sc morphine, 0.05 mg/kg per 4 hour). Intravenous morphine titration was performed, followed by subcutaneous (sc) morphine every 4 hours according to the VAS score. The primary end-point was the morphine requirements. Secondary end-points were VAS score, side effects, and mortality. RESULTS: Demographic data and surgical procedures were similar between groups. After morphine titration, the VAS pain score did not differ between groups. All patients in-group M received additional morphine. Morphine mean consumption was increased in CF group: 26 mg (5-42) versus P: 8 mg (3-12) (p=0.0001) or M: 19 mg (8-33) (p<0.006) while constipation was decreased in P group vs CF. Percentage of patients requiring no morphine was similar between P (n=6; 28%) and CF (n=6; 28%) and greater than M (n=0; 0%). Hospital discharge, cardiovascular or pulmonary complications and mortality after 6 months showed no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Continuous femoral nerve block provided limited pain relief after hip fracture did not reduced side effects and induced an expensive cost.

[Validation of the french translated Richmond vigilance-agitation scale]. / Validation de l'échelle de vigilance-agitation de Richmond traduite en langue française.

OBJECTIVE: To test reliability of the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) after French translation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective psychomotor evaluation study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two bilingual physicians performed the translation from English to French language. The French version was then translated to English by a bilingual non physician ("backtranslation") and compared to the original version. The translated scale was tested according to usual guidelines concerning the translation of neuropsychological evaluation tools. The French version of RASS was tested on the morning of every fifth or sixth day, and 30-min after any procedure, in 43 consecutive patients admitted to a 12-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit during two months, by a group of four observers: the principal investigator, two anaesthesiology residents and one pharmacology student. Inter-rater reliability was tested using the simple and weighted Kappa coefficients (with their 95% confidence interval). A consensual and detailed "operating instructions" guide of RASS, intended for medical and nursing staff, has been added in the Annexe section. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty measures were performed during 105 grouped observations. Reliability of the French version of RASS was substantial. Simple Kappa coefficient, testing the concordance between observers, was ranged from 0.72 (0.62-0.81) to 0.87 (0.79-0.94) and weighted Kappa coefficient from 0.95 (0.92-0.98) to 0.99 (0.98-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The French translation of RASS was acceptable. The translated scale preserved substantial inter-rater reliability. Monitoring of vigilance status in intensive care settings can be performed with this reliable clinical tool.

[General practitioners' and intensivists' relationships: intensivists' point of view from eight French southern regional areas]. / Relations entre médecin traitant et médecin réanimateur: l'opinion des réanimateurs de huit départements du sud de la France.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of relationship between general practitioners and intensivists. STUDY DESIGN: Intensivists were questioned by phone from June 14th to September 28th 2004. METHODS: 245 out of 264 intensivists from 8 French Southern regional areas were questioned concerning their relationship with critically ill patients' general practitioner. RESULTS: Patients were mainly admitted into Intensive care Unit (ICU) from the Emergency Department (55%). An information letter from the general practitioner was reported for 20% of admitted patients but 50% of these letters was assumed as not informative. The informations concerning the patient's medical history, therapies, and disease leading to admission and the patient's status were assessed with 6.5, 7.0, 6.0 and 2.0, respectively (maximal note=10). The intensivists contacted the general practitioner for 30% of admitted patients. During the stay in ICU, 33% general practitioners were reported to request informations by phone or visit in ICU. When the stay in ICU was>10 days, the general practitioner was nearly never regularly informed about patient's status. When the patient was discharged from the ICU, 80% of intensivists used an exhaustive typed report to inform the general practitioner. The overall relationship between the general practitioner and the intensivist was assessed as 5.5/10. Insufficient information in the general practitioner's letter at admission, the lack of request for information during the stay in ICU, the lack of contact with the general practitioner by the intensivist and an intensivist's age between 46 and 55 were associated with a relationship assessment<4/10).

[Postoperative pneumonia: nosocomial, predictable, iatrogenic, preventable or not?]. / Pneumonie postopératoire: nosocomiale, iatrogène, prévisible, évitable ou non?

We report the case of a 52-year-old man, ASA 3-4, malnourished, heavy smoker and drinker at the stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cirrhosis. The postoperative course of a cervical cancer surgery was complicated by a pneumonia with fatal outcome in the intensive care unit. Taking into account the patient's history and surgical requirements, this nosocomial infection did not appear easily preventable. The multiple risk factors and the few preventive measures usable were analyzed. In this context, the media and legal trend to make the doctors responsible for the nosocomial infections should be revised.