Rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia via the intraosseous route: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Intraosseous (IO) drug infusion has been reported to have similar pharmacokinetics to intravenous (IV) infusion. In military and civilian trauma, the IO route is often used to obtain rapid and reliable parenteral access for drug administration. Only a few case reports have described the use of IO infusion to administer drugs for rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia (RSI). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the feasibility of the administration of RSI drugs via an IO catheter in a prospective observational study. METHODS: A prospective observational study was undertaken at a combat hospital in Afghanistan. A validated data form was used to record the use of IO drugs for RSI by the prehospital, physician-led Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), and by inhospital physicians. Data were captured between January and May 2012 by interview with MERT physicians and inhospital physicians directly after RSI. The primary outcome measure was the success rate of first-pass intubation with direct laryngoscopy. RESULTS: 34 trauma patients (29 MERT and 5 inhospital) underwent RSI with IO drug administration. The median age was 24 years and median injury severity score 25; all were male. The predominant mechanism of injury was blast (n=24), followed by penetrating (n=6), blunt (n=3) and burn (n=1). First-pass intubation success rate was 97% (95% CI 91% to 100%). A Cormack-Lehane grade 1 view, by direct laryngoscopy, was obtained at first look in 91% (95% CI 81% to 100%) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective, observational study, IO drug administration was successfully used for trauma RSI, with a comparable first pass intubation success than published studies describing the IV route. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RCDM/Res/Audit/1036/12/0162.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype and encephalopathy in Chernobyl cleanup workers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To identify, using a genetic model, a key role for the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the development of dyscirculatory encephalopathy (DE) in Chernobyl cleanup workers (CCW). The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene denotes a substantial individual variation in RAS activity with the D-allele being associated with higher ACE activity. METHODS: Ninety-three male, Caucasian CCW were recruited from those under regular review at the All-Russia Centre of Emergency and Radiation Medicine, St. Petersburg. The presence or absence of DE was determined using existing institutional guidelines. ACE genotype was determined using internationally accepted methodologies. RESULTS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype distribution in 59 subjects with DE was II: 10 (17%), ID: 31 (53%), DD: 18 (30%), D-allele frequency 56.8%. Whereas in those without the condition the distribution was II: 12 (35%), ID: 19 (56%), DD 3 (9%) and D-allele frequency 35.9% (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These data are the first to identify an association between the ACE D-allele and DE in CCW. They provide evidence of a significant role for the RAS in the development of DE and suggest that clinical trials of ACE inhibition would be profitable in this group.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype may predict survival following major trauma.

BACKGROUND: As a key component of the endocrine renin-angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) regulates circulatory homeostasis. Meanwhile, the local RAS influences tissue growth, inflammatory and metabolic responses. The absence (deletion, D) rather than the presence (insertion, I) of a 287 base pair fragment in the ACE gene is associated with higher circulating and tissue ACE activity, with excess mortality in critical illness (including adult acute respiratory distress syndrome and paediatric meningococcal infection) and with worse functional outcome from traumatic brain injury. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the ACE genotype is associated with mortality following major trauma. METHODS: 41 subjects with major trauma admitted to the Royal London Hospital over a 2-year period via the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service were enrolled. ACE genotype was available in 36. Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), age, sex and outcome data were recorded for each. ACE genotype was determined from leucocyte DNA using well described techniques. RESULTS: The presence of one or more D alleles was associated with a mortality of 36.4% compared with 7.1% for II alleles (p = 0.048). Age (p = 0.044) also predicted mortality whereas RTS (p = 0.08) and ISS (p = 0.46) did not. ACE genotype was significantly associated with RTS but not age or ISS. CONCLUSION: The ACE D allele may be associated with mortality from major trauma. Replication of these findings in larger studies may aid definition of high-risk subgroups that would benefit from early intensive management. New therapeutic targets might also be suggested.

Military perspective on the civilian response to the London bombings July 2005.

With the break up of the Warsaw Pact and changing global relations, current military deployments are becoming smaller and more expeditionary (e.g. Afghanistan, East Timor and Sierra Leone). During the Cold War, the use of weapons of mass effect was highly likely to have been seen on the battlefield. Ironically, the proliferation of CBRN agents and the knowledge of their application, as well as the manufacture of improvised explosive devices, have lead to the targeting of civilian populations by extremist groups. One of the benefits of military clinicians embedded in NHS hospital trusts, as well as a strong reservist cadre, is a greater understanding of the implications and management of asymmetric attacks against the U.K. The experience and skills of military clinicians may be of benefit to NHS trusts while this type of threat exists. Military clinicians are also likely to benefit from the experience that they get in certain NHS posts that provide skills that are readily transferable to military medicine. The events of 7th July highlighted the dynamic use of deployable medical resources and a rapid return to normal service provision. This type of 'Health Resilience' can only be achieved with a combination of effective emergency planning, on scene clinical risk management and clinical leadership.