EEG microstate quantifiers and state space descriptors during anaesthesia in patients with postoperative delirium: a descriptive analysis.

Postoperative delirium is a serious sequela of surgery and surgery-related anaesthesia. One recommended method to prevent postoperative delirium is using bi-frontal EEG recording. The single, processed index of depth of anaesthesia allows the anaesthetist to avoid episodes of suppression EEG and excessively deep anaesthesia. The study data presented here were based on multichannel (19 channels) EEG recordings during anaesthesia. This enabled the analysis of various parameters of global electrical brain activity. These parameters were used to compare microstate topographies under anaesthesia with those in healthy volunteers and to analyse changes in microstate quantifiers and EEG global state space descriptors with increasing exposure to anaesthesia. Seventy-three patients from the Surgery Depth of Anaesthesia and Cognitive Outcome study (SRCTN 36437985) received intraoperative multichannel EEG recordings. Altogether, 720 min of artefact-free EEG data, including 210 min (29.2%) of suppression EEG, were analysed. EEG microstate topographies, microstate quantifiers (duration, frequency of occurrence and global field power) and the state space descriptors sigma (overall EEG power), phi (generalized frequency) and omega (number of uncorrelated brain processes) were evaluated as a function of duration of exposure to anaesthesia, suppression EEG and subsequent development of postoperative delirium. The major analyses involved covariate-adjusted linear mixed-effects models. The older (71 ± 7 years), predominantly male (60%) patients received a median exposure of 210 (range: 75-675) min of anaesthesia. During seven postoperative days, 21 patients (29%) developed postoperative delirium. Microstate topographies under anaesthesia resembled topographies from healthy and much younger awake persons. With increasing duration of exposure to anaesthesia, single microstate quantifiers progressed differently in suppression or non-suppression EEG and in patients with or without subsequent postoperative delirium. The most pronounced changes occurred during enduring suppression EEG in patients with subsequent postoperative delirium: duration and frequency of occurrence of microstates C and D progressed in opposite directions, and the state space descriptors showed a pattern of declining uncorrelated brain processes (omega) combined with increasing EEG variance (sigma). With increasing exposure to general anaesthesia, multiple changes in the dynamics of microstates and global EEG parameters occurred. These changes varied partly between suppression and non-suppression EEG and between patients with or without subsequent postoperative delirium. Ongoing suppression EEG in patients with subsequent postoperative delirium was associated with reduced network complexity in combination with increased overall EEG power. Additionally, marked changes in quantifiers in microstate C and in microstate D occurred. These putatively adverse intraoperative trajectories in global electrical brain activity may be seen as preceding and ultimately predicting postoperative delirium.

Hepatokine-based identification of fibrotic NASH and improved risk stratification in a multicentre cohort of NAFLD patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The presence of significant liver fibrosis associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is regarded as the major prognostic factor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Identification of patients at risk for NASH with significant fibrosis is therefore important. Although the established fibrosis score FIB-4 is suitable to exclude advanced fibrosis, it does not allow the prediction of significant fibrosis in NAFLD patients. We therefore evaluated whether the hepatokine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism, might identify 'at-risk NASH' in NAFLD. METHODS: FGF21 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera from an exploration (n = 137) and a validation (n = 88) cohort of biopsy-proven NAFLD patients with different disease activity and fibrosis stages. In addition, we evaluated whether the use of FGF21 could improve risk stratification in NAFLD patients with low (<1.3) or intermediate (1.3-2.67) FIB-4. RESULTS: FGF21 levels could significantly discriminate between NASH and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) patients, even in the absence of diabetes. Moreover, patients with NASH and fibrosis ≥F2 showed significantly higher FGF21 levels compared to NAFLD patients without significant fibrosis. Significantly elevated FGF21 levels could even be detected in NAFLD patients with NASH and significant fibrosis despite low or intermediate FIB-4. CONCLUSION: Serological FGF21 detection might allow the identification of NAFLD patients at risk and improves patient stratification in combination with FIB-4.

Non-Invasive Detection of Fibrotic NASH in NAFLD Patients with Low or Intermediate FIB-4.

Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis are the main prognostic factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The FIB-4 score has been suggested as an initial test for the exclusion of progressed fibrosis. However, increasing evidence suggests that also NASH patients with earlier fibrosis stages are at risk of disease progression, emphasizing the need for improved non-invasive risk stratification. Methods: We evaluated whether the apoptosis biomarker M30 can identify patients with fibrotic NASH despite low or intermediate FIB-4 values. Serum M30 levels were assessed by ELISA, and FIB-4 was calculated in an exploration (n = 103) and validation (n = 100) cohort of patients with histologically confirmed NAFLD. Results: The majority of patients with low FIB-4 (cut-off value < 1.3) in the exploration cohort revealed increased M30 levels (>200 U/L) and more than 80% of them had NASH, mostly with fibrosis. NASH was also detected in all patients with intermediate FIB-4 (1.3 to 2.67) and elevated M30, from which ~80% showed fibrosis. Importantly, in the absence of elevated M30, most patients with FIB-4 < 1.3 and NASH showed also no fibrosis. Similar results were obtained in the validation cohort. Conclusions: The combination of FIB-4 with M30 enables a more reliable identification of patients at risk for progressed NAFLD and might, therefore, improve patient stratification.

Circulating miR-21-5p level has limited prognostic value in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and is influenced by renal function.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested as biomarkers for malignant diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specifically, hsa-miR-21-5p (miR-21) is among the most frequently deregulated miRNA in cancer. The diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-21 has been demonstrated in HCC tissue, mostly in the Asian population. Although the impact of various factors has been recently reported for circulating hsa-miR-122-5p (miR-122), at present only limited knowledge is available for miR-21. AIM: To evaluate the value of miR-21 for the assessment of prognosis in HCC patients and to delineate the influence of clinical and preanalytical factors on miR-21 level in sera. METHODS: Patients with confirmed HCC from our European cohort with predominantly alcohol-associated liver damage were included in the study. All subjects were characterized according to their clinical and laboratory work-up and overall survival data were obtained. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for miR-21 and spiked-in cel-miR-39-3p. The results were compared to previously reported miR-122 data. RESULTS: Survival of HCC patients was comparable between patients with low and high serum miR-21 concentration. No association was observed between miR-21 level in sera and Child-Pugh score, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, or etiology of HCC/liver disease. Age, gender, or pretreatment had no association with miR-21 level. A positive correlation was observed between miR-21 and aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.2854, P = 0.0061), serum miR-122 (r = 0.2624, P = 0.0120), and the International Normalized Ratio (r = 0.2065, P = 0.0496). Negative correlation of miR-21 with serum creatinine (r = -0.2215, P = 0.0348) suggests renal function as a potential influencing factor in miR-21 biogenesis in blood. CONCLUSION: The results from this work do not support clinically relevant prognostic value of circulating miR-21 in HCC patients in real-life settings. Following systematic evaluation, we identified renal function and aspartate aminotransferase as potential factors that may affect miR-21 concentration in blood. This knowledge should be considered in future miRNA-based biomarker studies not only for HCC but also for other diseases.

The viral protein NSP1 acts as a ribosome gatekeeper for shutting down host translation and fostering SARS-CoV-2 translation

SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is responsible for Covid-19 pandemic. In the early phase of infection, the single-strand positive RNA genome is translated into non-structural proteins (NSP). One of the first proteins produced during viral infection, NSP1, binds to the host ribosome and blocks the mRNA entry channel. This triggers translation inhibition of cellular translation. In spite of the presence of NSP1 on the ribosome, viral translation proceeds however. The molecular mechanism of the so-called viral evasion to NSP1 inhibition remains elusive. Here, we confirm that viral translation is maintained in the presence of NSP1. The evasion to NSP1-inhibition is mediated by the cis-acting RNA hairpin SL1 in the 5UTR of SARS-CoV-2. NSP1-evasion can be transferred on a reporter transcript by SL1 transplantation. The apical part of SL1 is only required for viral translation. We show that NSP1 remains bound on the ribosome during viral translation. We suggest that the interaction between NSP1 and SL1 frees the mRNA accommodation channel while maintaining NSP1 bound to the ribosome. Thus, NSP1 acts as a ribosome gatekeeper, shutting down host translation or fostering SARS-CoV-2 translation depending on the presence of the SL1 5UTR hairpin. SL1 is also present and necessary for translation of sub-genomic RNAs in the late phase of the infectious program. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting SL1 should affect viral translation at early and late stages of infection. Therefore, SL1 might be seen as a genuine Achille heel of the virus.

Prognostic value of serum microRNA-122 in hepatocellular carcinoma is dependent on coexisting clinical and laboratory factors.

BACKGROUND: There is ongoing search for new noninvasive biomarkers to improve management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies, mostly from the Asian-Pacific region, demonstrated differential expression of liver-specific microRNA-122 (miR-122) in tissue as well as in sera of patients with hepatitis B virus- and hepatitis C virus-induced HCC. AIM: To evaluate prognostic value of miR-122 in patients with HCC in a European population and determine potential factors related to alteration of miR-122 in sera. METHODS: Patients with confirmed HCC (n = 91) were included in the study over a two-year period. Patients were characterized according to Child-Pugh score, Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging system, etiology of liver disease, laboratory parameters and overall survival. MiR-122 was measured in sera using TaqMan assay normalized to spiked-in cel-miR-39. RESULTS: Serum miR-122 quantity was independent of the Child-Pugh score, the BCLC stage or the underlying etiology. Significant positive correlation was found between miR-122 and alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.0001), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (P = 0.0034) and hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.076). Negative correlation was observed between miR-122 level and creatinine concentration (P = 0.0028). AFP, Child-Pugh score and BCLC staging system were associated with survival differences. In overall cohort low miR-122 in sera was only associated with a trend for a better overall survival without reaching statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that low miR-122 was significantly associated with better prognosis in patients with advanced cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class B/C), advanced tumor stage (BCLC B/C/D) and normal AFP (< 7 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: Our results strongly support the value of miR-122 as potential biomarker of liver injury and probably prognosis. Nevertheless, the value of miR-122 in prediction of prognosis of HCC patients was limited to certain patients' subgroups. Since circulating miR-122 may be influenced by impaired renal function, AFP and hemoglobin concentration, those factors need to be considered while interpreting miR-122 level.

Molecular characterization of measles virus strains circulating in Cameroon during the 2013-2016 epidemics.

The first genotyping data on measles virus (MeV) strains in Cameroon dates from 1994, while other studies were realized in 2001 and 2011 with the establishment of MeV virological surveillance. However, the genetic data of MeV strains circulating in Cameroon remains fragmented and concentrated in certain regions, hence the need for an update. The objective of this study was to have recent data on MeV genotypes circulating in Cameroon. Ninety throat swabs collected during recent measles outbreaks were analyzed by MeV genotyping RT-PCR using the nucleoprotein gene N. The resulting sequences were analyzed on the basis of 450 nucleotides with MEGA 7 software. Overall genome analysis was performed on 40/90 sequences. The strains were from all ten regions and all belonged to cluster 1 of genotype B3. The genotype B3 has been circulating in Cameroon for long periods of time; efforts must be made in immunization for its elimination.

First report of the genomic characterization of rubella viruses circulating in Cameroon.

Rubella is an acute and contagious viral infection whose gravidity resides in infection during pregnancy, which can result in miscarriage, fetal death, stillbirth, or infants with congenital malformations. This study aimed to describe the genome of rubella viruses (RUBVs) circulating in Cameroon. Throat swabs were collected from health districts as part of the measles surveillance program from 2010 to 2016 and sent to the Centre Pasteur of Cameroon. Samples were amplified by genotyping reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the search of two overlapping fragments of the gene that encodes the E1 envelope glycoprotein of RUBV. PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed with MEGA 6 software. Overall, 9 of 43 samples (20.93%) were successfully amplified and sequenced but only eight sequences could be exploited for phylogenetic analysis with respect to the required fragment length of 739 nucleotides. Analysis of viral sequences from Cameroon with other epidemiologically relevant sequences from around the world showed that all RUBVs belonged to lineage L1 of genotype 1G. Cameroon sequences clustered with viruses from West Africa including Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana with a percentage similarity of 95.4% to 99.2%. This study will enable an update on the molecular epidemiology of RUBV in Cameroon and help in monitoring circulating RUBV for a better implementation of elimination strategies.

Detection and serotyping of dengue viruses in febrile patients consulting at the New-Bell District Hospital in Douala, Cameroon.

Arboviruses are a major public health problem worldwide and are predominantly present in intertropical areas. Chikungunya, dengue and zika viruses have been implicated in recent epidemics in Asia, America and Africa. In Cameroon, data on these viruses are fragmentary. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of detection of these three viruses in febrile patients in Douala, Cameroon. A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted from March to April 2017 at the New-Bell District Hospital in Douala. Blood samples were collected from febrile patients and tested for malaria infections using Rapid Diagnostic test. Plasma harvested was later analyzed for the presence of chikungunya, dengue and zika viruses by a Trioplex real-time RT-PCR at Centre Pasteur of Cameroon. A total of 114 participants were included, of which 63.2% were females, reflecting a sex ratio (female/male) of 1.7. The median age was 26 years, range [0.25-81]. Eight (7%) of the 114 participants were infected with Dengue virus (DENV) among which 5 were identified as serotype 1. No cases of infection by either Zika virus or Chikungunya virus were detected. Three cases of dengue-malaria co-infection (13%) were recorded. No association was found between socio-demographic factors and dengue infection. The phylogenetic analysis of the partial envelope E gene showed that all the five DENV serotype 1 samples belonged to subtype V, similarly to strains from West African countries, particularly those from Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. This study showed the circulation of DENV serotype 1 in febrile patients and raises the alarm for the establishment of a sustained surveillance system to detect cases and prevent potential outbreaks in Cameroon. The existence of dengue-malaria co-infections suggests that surveillance of arboviruses should not be limited to febrile, non-malarial cases.

How can postoperative delirium be predicted in advance? A secondary analysis comparing three methods of early assessment in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative impairment of the cerebral function can appear immediately after general anesthesia and may be predictive for a postoperative delirium. We compared three tools assessing patients on recovery room admission in order to detect early signs of postoperative brain dysfunction: the Postanesthetic Recovery Score (PARS), the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) and the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). METHODS: Inclusion criteria of this secondary analysis of the randomized SuDoCo trial were: age ≥60 years, schedule for elective non-cardiac surgery with an anticipated duration of ≥60 minutes, general anesthesia, ability to communicate in German language. A total of 996 patients were analyzed. Investigated scores were assessed 10 minutes after recovery room admission and analyzed in terms of association with postoperative delirium, mortality and length of stay in the recovery room. Multivariate analysis: linear or logistic regression. RESULTS: Abnormal scores in patients: RASS (values ≤-2 and ≥1) 36.8%, Nu-DESC (≥2 points) 54.2%, PARS (≤7 points) 20.3%. Abnormal RASS values were associated with postoperative delirium (RASS values ≥1: odds ratio (OR) 3.1, 95% CI: 1.7-5.6, P<0.001; RASS values ≤-2: OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.3, P=0.001). Abnormal Nu-DESC values were also associated with postoperative delirium (OR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.9, P<0.001). Abnormal PARS values were associated with a longer recovery room stay (in minutes, OR=16.6, 95% CI: 1.7-31.4, P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: The RASS and Nu-DESC were independent predictors for a delirium within seven postoperative days. Very early assessment of the cerebral function may help to advance detection, prevention and treatment of postoperative delirium in elderly patients.

Theta Burst Firing Recruits BDNF Release and Signaling in Postsynaptic CA1 Neurons in Spike-Timing-Dependent LTP.

Timing-dependent LTP (t-LTP) is a physiologically relevant type of synaptic plasticity that results from repeated sequential firing of action potentials (APs) in pre- and postsynaptic neurons. t-LTP can be observed in vivo and is proposed to be a cellular correlate of memory formation. While brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential to high-frequency stimulation-induced LTP in many brain areas, the role of BDNF in t-LTP is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate a striking change in the expression mechanism of t-LTP in CA1 of the hippocampus following two distinct modes of synaptic activation. Single postsynaptic APs paired with presynaptic stimulation activated a BDNF-independent canonical t-LTP. In contrast, a theta burst of postsynaptic APs preceded by presynaptic stimulation elicited BDNF-dependent postsynaptic t-LTP that relied on postsynaptic BDNF secretion. This suggests that BDNF release during burst-like patterns of activity typically observed in vivo may play a crucial role during memory formation.

Postoperative delirium is an independent risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder in the elderly patient: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may appear after hospitalisation for surgery with general anaesthesia in elderly patients. Prevalence and risk factors in this setting are unknown. Postoperative delirium could be a risk factor. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of, and risk factors for, PTSD 3 months after surgery with general anaesthesia in elderly patients. DESIGN: A prospective, clinical observational study. SETTING: This study was carried out between March 2009 and May 2010 in a German university hospital in Berlin and was part of a larger study focusing on depth of anaesthesia. INCLUSION CRITERIA: at least 60 years of age; noncardiac surgery with general anaesthesia. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: impaired preoperative cognitive function [mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score <24]; expected surgery time less than 1 h; nonproficiency in the German language. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Screening for PTSD 3 months after surgery using the screening instrument Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome 14-Questions Inventory Score (PTSS-14). The following risk factors for PTSD 3 months after surgery were tested: age; American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status; sex; duration of anaesthesia; postoperative delirium; PTSS-14 score 7 days after surgery; postoperative vomiting and nausea; postoperative pain; and preoperative depression. STATISTICS: Univariate statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test and Spearman correlation. A backward logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: A total of 559 out of 1277 patients were included. Sixty-six patients (12%) were identified with PTSD 3 months after surgery. Seventy-seven patients (14%) were identified with postoperative delirium. Independent associated factors in the backward logistic regression were postoperative delirium (risk factor) and preoperative depression (protective factor). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PTSD 3 months after surgery in elderly patients was high using the screening instrument PTSS-14. Postoperative delirium is a risk factor for PTSD 3 months after surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Register: 36437985. http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN36437985/

How to implement monitoring tools for sedation, pain and delirium in the intensive care unit: an experimental cohort study.

PURPOSE: Systematic monitoring of sedation, pain and delirium in the ICU is of paramount importance in delivering adequate patient care. While the use of systematic monitoring instruments is widely agreed upon, these tools are infrequently implemented into daily ICU care. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two different training strategies (training according to the local standard vs. modified extended method) on the implementation rate of scoring instruments on the ICU. METHODS: In this experimental cohort study we analyzed the frequency of scoring on three surgical ICUs before and after training, and in a 1 year follow-up. A modified extended training included establishing a local support team helping to resolve immediate problems. In addition we evaluated the impact on patients' outcome. RESULTS: ICUs trained by the modified extended method showed increased documentation rates of all scores per patient and day. In a 1 year follow-up, increased scoring rates for all scores were maintained. Scoring rates with training according to the local standard training protocol did not increase significantly. Implementation of delirium and pain monitoring were associated with a decrease in mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.451; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.22-0.924, and, respectively, OR 0.348; 95 % CI: 0.140-0.863]. Monitoring had no significant influence on ventilation time or ICU length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: A modified extended training strategy for ICU monitoring tools (sedation, pain, delirium) leads to higher intermediate and long-term implementation rates and is associated with improved patient outcome. However, these findings may have been biased by unmeasured confounders.

[Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) - recommendations for risk assessment, prophylaxis and therapy - results of an expert panel meeting]. / Übelkeit und Erbrechen nach Operationen in Allgemeinanästhesie - Empfehlungen zur Risikoeinschätzung, Prophylaxe und Therapie.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to update recommendations concerning the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for German speaking countries. METHODS: An expert panel produced evidence-based, consented statements graded according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). RESULTS: Relevant risk factors for PONV include female gender, non-smoking status, history of PONV, history of motion sickness, use of intra- and postoperative opioids, volatile anesthetics and nitrous oxide. PONV scoring systems allow for an approximative risk assessment as a basis for a risk adapted approach. Since a risk-adapted prophylaxis vs. a risk-independent, fixed (combined) prophylaxis has not yet proven superior and because of inherent limitations of PONV scoring systems a fixed prophylaxis may be favourable. Regardless of the strategy for prophylaxis of PONV, high risk patients must be given a multimodal prophylaxis by avoiding known risk factors and applying multiple validated and effective antiemetic interventions. In the case of PONV immediate treatment is indicated due to its relevance for patients as well as the economic and medicolegal implications PONV may have. CONCLUSIONS: Given the impact of PONV on patient satisfaction and the availability of effective and safe measures to prevent and treat PONV, further efforts should be taken to actually implement present evidence in order to improve patient?s outcome following surgical procedures.

[The Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome 14-Questions Inventory (PTSS-14) - Translation of the UK-PTSS-14 and validation of the German version]. / Die posttraumatische Stressskala-14 (PTSS-14) - Validierung der richtlinienkonformen Übersetzung für den deutschsprachigen Raum.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization may represent a stressor that can lead to Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: Translation of the UK-PTSS-14, conducted in accordance with ISPOR principles and validation with the PDS (86 patients). RESULTS: The ROC analysis showed that the German version of PTSS-14 is a valid instrument with high sensitivity (82%) and specificity (92%) with the optimum cut-off point at 40 points. The translation process was authorized by the author of the UK-PTSS-14. CONCLUSION: The validated German version of PTSS-14 is now ready for use as an efficient and reliable screening-tool for PTSD in a clinical setting.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction: computerized and conventional tests showed only moderate inter-rater reliability.

PURPOSE: The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) depends on the test battery and calculation method used. The measurements may be performed with a paper and pencil test battery or with a computerized test battery. The objective of this study was to measure the incidence and congruence of POCD by comparing a computerized test battery with a paper and pencil test battery in the same patient population. METHODS: In total, 67 patients were included: 30 consecutive in-patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia and 37 non-surgical out-patients as control. Patients were tested with a paper and pencil test battery and a computerized test battery on inclusion in the study and 7 days later. Both test batteries covered the cognitive domains: visual attention, visual learning, memory, and speed of processing. RESULTS: The computerized test battery classified 10.0% (95% CI 3.5-25.6%) of the patients as suffering from POCD whereas the paper and pencil test battery classified 30.0% (95% CI 16.7-47.9%) as suffering (95% CI for difference 3.9-36.5%, P = 0.03). The inter-rater reliability between both test batteries showed moderate agreement (Cohen's kappa of 0.41). All patients identified by use of the computerized test battery were also identified with the paper and pencil test battery. The paper and pencil test battery identified 6 additional cases. CONCLUSION: In our study we demonstrated that the incidence of POCD measured with computerized test battery and paper and pencil test battery showed moderate inter-rater reliability. Use of neuropsychological test batteries theoretically covering the same cognitive domains does not automatically lead to the same classification of POCD.

A comparison of three scores to screen for delirium on the surgical ward.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium is associated with adverse outcome. The aim of this study was to find a valid and easy-to-use tool to screen for postoperative delirium on the surgical ward. METHODS: Data were collected from 88 patients who underwent elective surgery. Delirium screening was performed daily until the sixth postoperative day using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC), and the Delirium Detection Score (DDS), and the DSM-IV criteria as the gold standard. RESULTS: Seventeen of 88 patients (19%) developed delirium on at least one of the postoperative days according to the gold standard. The DDS scored positive for 40 (45%) patients, the CAM for 15 (17%), and the Nu-DESC for 28 (32%) patients. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.71 and 0.87 for the DDS, 0.75 and 1.00 for the CAM, and 0.98 and 0.92 for the Nu-DESC. The interrater reliability was 0.83 for the Nu-DESC, 0.77 for the DDS, and 1.00 for the CAM. CONCLUSIONS: All scores showed high specificity but differed in their sensitivity. The Nu-DESC proved to be the most sensitive test for screening for a postoperative delirium on the surgical ward followed by the CAM and DDS when compared to the gold standard.

Independent risk factors for postoperative pain in need of intervention early after awakening from general anaesthesia.

Despite advances in postoperative pain management, the proportion of patients with moderate to severe postoperative pain is still ranging 20-80%. In this retrospective study, we investigated 1736 patients to determine the incidence of postoperative pain in need of intervention (PPINI)defined as numeric rating scale >4 at rest in the post anaesthesia care unit early after awakening from general anaesthesia, and to identify possible risk factors. The proportion of patients with PPINI was 28.5%. On multivariate analysis, younger age (OR=1.300 [1.007-1.678], p=0.044), female gender (OR=1.494 [1.138-1.962], p=0.004), obesity (OR=1.683 [1.226-2.310], p=0.001), use of nitrous oxide (OR=1.621 [1.110-2.366], p=0.012), longer duration of surgery (OR=1.165 [1.050-1.292], p=0.004), location of surgery (musculoskeletal OR=2.026 [1.326-3.095], p=0.001; intraabdominal OR=1.869 [1.148-3.043], p=0.012), and ASA-PS I-II (OR=1.519 [1.131-2.039], P=0.005) were identified as independent risk factors for PPINI. Patients with PPINI experienced significantly more PONV (10.3% vs. 6.2%, p=0.003), more psychomotor agitation (5.5% vs. 2.7%, p=0.004), needed more application of opioid in PACU (62.8% vs. 24.2%, p<0.001), stayed significantly longer in PACU (89.6min [70-120] vs. 80min [60-100], p<0.001), had a longer median length of hospital stay (6.6 days [4.0-8.8] vs. 6.0 days [3.2-7.8]], p<0.001), and longer postoperative stay (5.0 days [3.0-6.5] vs. 4.1 days [2.5-5.8], p<0.001]). Patients with PPINI required more piritramid (8.0mg [5.0-12.0] vs. 5.0mg [3.0-7.8], p<0.001) in PACU than patients without. The identification of patients at high risk for immediate postoperative pain in need of intervention would enable the formation of effective postoperative pain management programs.

Duration of fluid fasting and choice of analgesic are modifiable factors for early postoperative delirium.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Most therapeutic options for postoperative delirium are only symptom oriented; therefore, the best approach remains prevention. The aim of this study was to identify predisposing and precipitating factors for early postoperative delirium. METHODS: A total of 1002 patients were screened for delirium in an observational, cohort study. Nine hundred and ten patients were observed in the recovery room and 862 patients on the first postoperative day in the ward at the Charité-Universitaetsmedizin, Berlin. Delirium was measured with the nursing delirium screening scale. Risk factors were analysed in a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Delirium was seen in 11.0% of the patients in the recovery room and in 4.2% of the patients on the ward. Delirium in the recovery room was associated with delirium on the ward (McNemar's test P = <0.001). Apart from age and site of surgery, we found the duration of preoperative fluid fasting to be a modifiable precipitating factor for delirium in the recovery room (odds ratio 2.69, 95% confidence interval 1.4-5.2) and on the ward (odds ratio 10.57, 95% confidence interval 1.4-78.6) and the choice of intraoperative opioid for delirium on the ward (odds ratio 2.27, 95% confidence interval 1.0-5.1). CONCLUSION: Duration of preoperative fluid fasting and the choice of intraoperative analgesic are risk factors for postoperative delirium, and their modification provides a promising approach to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.