Evaluation of Brachial Plexus Nerve Variations in Axilla by Ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: The use of ultrasound in peripheral blocks has now become the gold standard. Ultrasound is a method that is easy to apply and most importantly does not carry any risk, and its only disadvantage is based on the skill and knowledge of the practitioner. Injury to vascular structures, which is the most common occurrence in peripheral block applications, has been significantly reduced by the use of ultrasound. The aim of this study is to determine the location of nerve branches and to determine the most common anthropometric parameters in the axillary fossa. In this way, the common anatomy of the axillary BP will be determined and will guide the practitioners while performing the axillary plexus block. DESIGN: Observational Clinical Study. METHODS: The patients were positioned with forearm abducted 90 degrees and elbow flexed 90 degrees. Using a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe, it was placed on the lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle in the transverse plane. Pulsation of the axillary artery was visualized and shifted slowly to view the nerves around the artery. The axillary vein was also visualized to facilitate the movement of the transducer and to find the nerve localization more easily. The regions on the prepared wheel were marked. At the same time, demographic information such as gender, age, weight, and height of the patients were also recorded. FINDINGS: 248 patients, 61.3% female and 38.7% male. Our results showed that only 59% were compatible with the most common nerve locations in cadaveric dissections and the locations described in anatomy textbooks. CONCLUSIONS: Since there are many anatomical variations, validation of nerves with a nerve stimulator as well as simultaneous visual application under ultrasound guidance will increase the success chance of axillary brachial plexus block and protect it from unwanted complications.

Association Between Anterior Cingulate Cortex Neurochemical Profile and Clinical Remission After Electroconvulsive Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder: A Longitudinal 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neurochemical profile of patients with unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD) before and after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). METHOD: Using 1H-MRS, the metabolite levels of choline, glutamate + glutamine (Glx), myo-inositol, N-acetylaspartate, and total creatine were measured in ACC before and after 4-week ECT. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was implemented by blind raters to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy-remitter (ER) and nonremitter groups were compared using the 1-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Thirty patients with unipolar MDD (aged 41.3 ± 10.0 years, 66.7% female) were included in the study. The ER group (n = 16, 53.3%) and NR group did not differ regarding baseline Global Assessment of Functioning and MADRS scores. At the end of 4-week ECT treatment, results did not suggest any significant difference for metabolite levels in ACC. When compared with the NR group, the ER group had higher baseline levels of Glx (8.8 ± 1.8 vs 6.3 ± 2.0, P = 0.005) and total creatine (5.3 ± 0.6 vs 4.7 ± 0.5, P = 0.010). In addition, elevated baseline Glx (r = -0.68, P = 0.002) was associated with lower MADRS scores at the end treatment. Finally, the change in Glx levels was correlated with change in MADRS scores after ECT (r = 0.47, P = 0.049). LIMITATIONS: Modest sample size and 1H-MRS at 1.5 Tesla are limitations of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested that Glx levels could be a predictor of remission. Studies with larger samples should explore neurochemical correlates of ECT in unipolar MDD.

COVID-19 Pandemic Action Plan of a University Hospital.

In December 2019, in Wuhan, China, scientists observed a sudden and sharp increase in the number of cases of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome of an unknown origin. By the end of January 2020, the outbreak had spread to Asia, Europe, America, and Australia. In this article, we have outlined the pandemic action plan of our university hospital.

Effects of sugammadex on ischemia reperfusion in a rat extremity model.

BACKGROUND: The hypothesis of our study is that sugammadex has protective efficacy against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: Our study included 28 male Wistar Albino rats. The rats were assigned to four groups. The sham group had no procedure other than anesthesia administration. The control group received three hours of ischemia and 24 hours of reperfusion. The Sgdx4 group received 4 mg/kg, and the Sgdx16 group received 16 mg/kg sugammadex intravenously, and then, reperfusion was applied. Histopathological investigation, and serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) analyses were performed. RESULTS: When the sham group and the control group were compared, there were statistically significant differences histopathologically (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between the Sgdx4 group compared with the sham and control groups histopathologically (p>0.01). There was a significant difference between the Sgdx16 group and the sham group histopathologically (p<0.01). There were significant differences between the sham and control groups concerning CK and LDH levels (p<0.01). There was a significant difference in the levels of CK between the control group and Sgdx4 group and in the levels of CK and LDH between the control group and Sgdx16 group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: In our study, we examined the histological and biochemical protective effects of 4 mg/kg sugammadex on unilateral lower extremity I/R injury in rats. The findings suggest that a 4 mg/kg dose of sugammadex was more effective than a 16 mg/kg dose.

Comparison of three different insertion techniques with LMA-UniqueTM in adults: results of a randomized trial / Comparação de três técnicas diferentes de inserção com a máscara laríngea LMA-UniqueTM em adultos: resultados de um estudo randômico

Abstract Background The triple airway maneuver insertion technique allowed faster insertion of the LMA. This study compared three different insertion techniques of the laryngeal mask airway-UniqueTM. Methods One hundred and eighty ASA I-II patients aged 18-65 years were included into the study. Patients were randomly allocated to the standard, rotational and triple airway maneuver (triple) group. In the standard group (n = 60), the LMA (Laryngeal Mask Airway) was inserted with digital intraoral manipulation. In the triple group (n = 60), the LMA was inserted with triple airway maneuver (mouth opening, head extension and jaw thrust). In the rotational group (n = 60), LMA was inserted back-to-front, like a Guedel airway. Successful insertion at first attempt, time for successful insertion, fiber optic assessment, airway morbidity and hemodynamic responses were assessed. Results Successful insertion at the first attempt was 88.3% for the standard, 78.3% for the rotational and 88.3% for the triple group. Overall success rate (defined as successful insertion at first and second attempt) was 93% for the standard, 90% for the rotational and 95% for the triple group. Time for successful insertion was significantly shorter in the triple group (mean [range] 8.63 [5-19]s) compared with the standard (11.78 [6-24]s) and rotational group (11.57 [5-31]s). Fiber optic assessment, airway morbidity and hemodynamic responses were similar in all groups. Conclusions Rotational and triple airway maneuver insertion techniques are acceptable alternatives. Triple airway maneuver technique shows higher overall success rates and allows shorter insertion time for LMA insertion and should therefore be kept in mind for emergent situations.

Resumo Justificativa A técnica de inserção com a manobra tripla das vias aéreas permitiu a inserção mais rápida da ML. Este estudo comparou três técnicas de inserção da máscara laríngea UniqueTM. Métodos Foram incluídos no estudo 180 pacientes ASA I-II, entre 18-65 anos. Os pacientes foram aleatoriamente designados para grupos de manobra das vias aéreas padrão, rotacional e tripla. No grupo padrão (n = 60), a máscara laríngea (ML) foi inserida com a técnica digital intraoral. No grupo tripla (n = 60), a ML foi inserida com a técnica de manobra tripla das vias aéreas (abertura bucal, extensão da cabeça e elevação da mandíbula). No grupo rotacional (n = 60), a ML foi inserida com a técnica de inserção de trás para frente, como uma cânula de Guedel. Inserção bem-sucedida na primeira tentativa, tempo de inserção bem-sucedida, avaliação por fibra óptica, morbidade das vias aéreas e respostas hemodinâmicas foram avaliados. Resultados O sucesso da inserção na primeira tentativa foi de 88,3% para o grupo padrão, 78,3% para o grupo rotacional e 88,3% para o grupo tripla. A taxa de sucesso global (definida como inserção bem-sucedida na primeira e segunda tentativas) foi de 93% para o grupo padrão, 90% para o grupo rotacional e 95% para o grupo tripla. O tempo de inserção bem-sucedida foi significativamente menor no grupo tripla (média [intervalo] 8,63 [5-19]s), em comparação com o grupo padrão (11,78 [6-24]s) e o grupo rotacional (11,57 [5-31]s). A avaliação por fibra óptica, a morbidade das vias aéreas e as respostas hemodinâmicas foram semelhantes em todos os grupos. Conclusões As técnicas de inserção rotacional e de manobra tripla das vias aéreas são opções aceitáveis. A técnica de manobra tripla das vias aéreas apresenta taxas mais altas de sucesso global e permite um tempo menor de inserção da ML e, portanto, deve ser considerada em situações de emergência.

A comparison of usage of the laryngeal mask UniqueTM in denticulate and edentulate geriatric patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Mask ventilation in geriatric and edentulous patients can be ineffective or even impossible because of the shape inside the patients' cheeks. For patients for whom a mask cannot be used for long, the use of a laryngeal mask can ease the administration of anesthesia. The aim of this study was to compare the use of the laryngeal mask UniqueTM in denticulate and edentulate patients aged over 65 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included patients according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III classification, aged 65 years or more. The patients were divided into two groups: a dentulous group (n = 33) and an edentulous group (n = 33). The success of the first attempt of insertion, ease of insertion, time taken to insert, and oropharyngeal leak pressure were measured. After insertion of the laryngeal mask UniqueTM, a researcher who was unaware of whether the patients had teeth or not conducted an oropharyngeal leak test. RESULTS: The success rate of inserting the laryngeal mask UniqueTM on the first attempt was higher in the dentulous group than in the edentulous group. Ease of insertion, time taken to insert, oropharyngeal leak pressure, and laryngopharyngeal morbidity were similar for each group. CONCLUSION: In this study, successful insertion of the laryngeal mask UniqueTM was higher in dentulous than in edentulous patients. We conclude that this effect could have important implications for anesthesiologists managing edentulous geriatric patients with supraglottic airway devices.

[Comparison of three different insertion techniques with LMA-Unique™ in adults: results of a randomized trial]. / Comparação de três técnicas diferentes de inserção com a máscara laríngea LMA­Unique™ em adultos: resultados de um estudo randômico.

BACKGROUND: The triple airway maneuver insertion technique allowed faster insertion of the LMA. This study compared three different insertion techniques of the laryngeal mask airway-Unique™. METHODS: One hundred and eighty ASA I-II patients aged 18-65 years were included into the study. Patients were randomly allocated to the standard, rotational and triple airway maneuver (triple) group. In the standard group (n=60), the LMA (Laryngeal Mask Airway) was inserted with digital intraoral manipulation. In the triple group (n=60), the LMA was inserted with triple airway maneuver (mouth opening, head extension and jaw thrust). In the rotational group (n=60), LMA was inserted back-to-front, like a Guedel airway. Successful insertion at first attempt, time for successful insertion, fiber optic assessment, airway morbidity and hemodynamic responses were assessed. RESULTS: Successful insertion at the first attempt was 88.3% for the standard, 78.3% for the rotational and 88.3% for the triple group. Overall success rate (defined as successful insertion at first and second attempt) was 93% for the standard, 90% for the rotational and 95% for the triple group. Time for successful insertion was significantly shorter in the triple group (mean [range] 8.63 [5-19]s) compared with the standard (11.78 [6-24]s) and rotational group (11.57 [5-31]s). Fiber optic assessment, airway morbidity and hemodynamic responses were similar in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Rotational and triple airway maneuver insertion techniques are acceptable alternatives. Triple airway maneuver technique shows higher overall success rates and allows shorter insertion time for LMA insertion and should therefore be kept in mind for emergent situations.

Morbidity and mortality predictivity of nutritional assessment tools in the postoperative care unit.

The aim was to evaluate the nutritional situation of patients admitted to the Postoperative Acute Care Unit using classic methods of objective anthropometry, systemic evaluation methods, and Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (NUTRIC) score, and to compare them as a predictor of morbidity and mortality.At admission to the postoperative care unit, patients undergoing various surgeries were assessed for the following items: Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS)-2002, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and NUTRIC score, anthropometric measurements, serum total protein, serum albumin, and lymphocyte count. Patients were monitored for postoperative complications until death or discharge. Correlation of complications with these parameters was also analyzed.A total of 152 patients were included in the study. In this study a positive correlation was determined between mortality and NRS-2002, SGA, CCI, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation , Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment, and NUTRIC score, whereas a negative correlation was determined between mortality and NRI. There was a correlation between NUTRIC score and pneumonia, development of atrial fibrillation, delirium, renal failure, inotrope use, and duration of mechanical ventilation. In our study group of postoperative patients, MNA had no predictive properties for any complication, whereas SGA had no predictive properties for any complications other than duration of hospital stay and mortality.The NUTRIC score is an important indicator of mortality and morbidity in postoperative surgical patients. NRI correlated with many postoperative complications, and though SGA and NRS were correlated with mortality, they were not correlated with the majority of complications. MNA was determined not to have any correlation with any complication, mortality, and duration of hospital stay in our patient group.

Comparison of Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme(TM) Versus Unique(TM) in Edentulous Geriatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE: It is more difficult to perform bag-mask ventilation in edentulous patients than in patients with intact dentition. The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) provides a better alternative to the standard face mask if the facial contours of the patient are not suited for the standard face mask. We aimed to compare these two different LMAs in edentulous geriatric patients. METHODS: Edentulous patients aged ≥65 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to Supreme group (n=30) and Unique group (n=30). Success of first insertion attempt, ease and time of insertion and oropharyngeal leak pressure were recorded. RESULTS: The success rate of the first insertion attempt was higher in the Supreme group than in the Unique group (86.6 and 73.3%, respectively; p=0.04). Time of insertion was similar (10.04 s and 11.87 s, respectively) and insertion was easy in 90% and 100% of patients, respectively. Oropharyngeal leak pressures were measured as 20.56-cm H2O and 17.10-cm H2O for LMA Supreme™ and LMA Unique™, respectively. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety in both groups were comparable in edentulous geriatric patients during short surgical procedures. Even the success rate of insertion with both was lower than that mentioned in the literature; the success of insertion at the first attempt was superior with the LMA Supreme™ in our edentulous study group.

Cardioprotective Effects of Remifentanil in a Sympathetic Hyperactivity Model in Rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the antiarrhythmic and anti-ischemic effects of a 6 µg kg(-1) min(-1) infusion dose of remifentanil are investigated in a central sympathetic hyperactivity model in rabbits. METHODS: In this study, 18 New Zealand rabbits were used. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups (n=6) and received 10 µmol L(-1) glutamate intracerebroventricularly to provide the central sympathetic hyperactivity. In group 1, 10 µmol L(-1) glutamate was used; in group 2, 1 h before L-glutamate injection, 40 mg kg(-1) N (omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was intravenously (iv) administered; and in group 3, also 1 h before L-glutamate injection, 40 mg kg(-1) N (omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was iv administered. A 6 µg kg(-1) min(-1) dose of remifentanil infusion was administered 5 min before L-glutamate injection. Heart rate, systolic arterial pressure and mean arterial pressure were measured and recorded. Within 15 min of the intracerebroventricular L-glutamate injection, premature ventricular complexes, bigeminy ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia, ST-segment shift and T-wave inversions were recorded. RESULTS: When incidences of heart rate, rate pressure product, premature ventricular complexes and bigeminy ventricular arrhythmia were compared between groups, significant differences were not determined. Mean arterial pressure was more significantly increased in group 2 than in the other groups (p<0.05). Ventricular tachycardia, ST-segment shift and T-wave inversions were significantly lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Remifentanil (6 µg kg(-1) min(-1) for 5 min of infusion) prevented life-threatening ventricular tachycardia and electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia in a model of arrhythmia resulting from the association of central sympathetic overactivity.

Retrospective Evaluation of Anaesthetic Techniques for Caesarean.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the maternal, foetal and neonatal effects of anaesthetic techniques used in caesarean sections (C/S) retrospectively over 6 years at the Hospital of Medical School of Dokuz Eylül University and to compare the results with the literature from Turkey and developed countries. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the ethics committee, anaesthetic and gestational data from all caesarean operations performed over a 6-year period between 2005 and 2010 was retrospectively obtained from hospital archives. RESULTS: During this period, a total of 10,819 labours was conducted and C/S ratio was 55% with 5953 patients. General anaesthesia was performed in 1479 patients (24.8%) and regional anaesthesia was performed in 4474 patients (75.2%) [Spinal anaesthesia for 1203 patients (26.9%), epidural anaesthesia for 830 patients (18.5%) and combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for 2441 patients (54.6%)]. In 2010, regional anaesthesia ratio increased to 84.6%, whereas in 2005, it was 63.8%. Regional anaesthesia was used significantly more often in both elective and urgent patients (82% elective and 65.2% emergency). Because of failed regional anaesthesia or surgical complications, anaesthesia was changed to general anaesthesia in 215 patients (4.8%). APGAR scores in 1 and 5 min were significantly higher with regional anaesthesia when compared with general anaesthesia. CONCLUSION: Regional anaesthesia rate for C/S patients in the Hospital of Medical School of Dokuz Eylül University is increased and is higher than Turkey's average; but these figures are still lower than those in the developed countries.

In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic examination of benzodiazepine action in humans.

In an examination of the effect of benzodiazepines on brain chemistry, 44 healthy controls underwent a short echo-time proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) session after induced sedation with intravenous midazolam (0.03mg/kg) plus fentanyl (2µg/kg). The regions of interest were the anterior cingulate cortex, right basal ganglia, right frontal lobe, and right hippocampus. Twenty-five of these subjects underwent the second (1)H MRS session while awake. The measured (1)H MRS metabolites included N-acetyl-aspartate, creatine-containing compounds (PCr+Cr), choline-containing compounds, myo-inositol, and glutamate plus glutamine, which were quantified both as absolute values and metabolite/PCr+Cr ratios. The results were analyzed using independent group t tests and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA, with alpha values set at 0.025 to minimize the risk of false-positive findings arising from multiple comparisons. No significant difference between subjects under midazolam plus fentanyl induced sedation and awake could be detected with unpaired analyses. Paired comparisons by ANOVA with repeated measures found that neither drug (midazolam plus fentanyl) nor the drug by time (interval between two scan times) interaction had a significant effect on the quantified metabolites. These findings encourage utilization of benzodiazepine-induced brief sedation during in vivo (1)H MRS experiments of the brain, and may help with elucidation of state-dependent neurochemical alterations during the course of bipolar and schizoaffective disorders.

Neuroprotective effects of ketorolac tromethamine after spinal cord injury in rats: an ultrastructural study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intrathecally administered ketorolac tromethamine on ultrastructural changes of the spinal cord in spinal cord-traumatised rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were used and divided into three groups for this study. The rats in Group S (n=6) were control animals and received 10 mul of saline. Groups K50 (n=6) and K400 (n=6) received intrathecally 50 mug and 400 mug of ketorolac tromethamine, respectively, immediately after trauma was induced. All rats underwent laminectomy and the spinal cord was traumatised using the clip-compression technique. Electron microscopic examination of the cord samples was carried out 3 days after spinal cord injury. RESULTS: Ultrastructural findings showed severe injury with extensive axoplasmic and cytoplasmic oedema in Group S. Minor neural damage occurred in Group K50 and increased ultrastructural protection was observed in the Group K400. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that intrathecal administration of ketorolac tromethamine protects the spinal cord following injury in rats.