Clinical characteristics and predictors of in-hospital mortality of patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many acute coronary syndrome (ACS) care aspects. The aim was to compare the patient profile, ACS characteristics, and the outcomes in patients referred to the invasive cardiology department before (March 2019 - February 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 - February 2021). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical and demographic features, comorbidities, laboratory parameters at admission, and periprocedural data were recorded. The relationship of these parameters with in-hospital mortality was assessed. RESULTS: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 664 patients were admitted due to ACS (mean age 67.16 ± 11.94 years, females 32.1%), and during the COVID-19 pandemic 545 ACS patients were recorded [mean age 66.02 ± 12.02 years (p = 0.463), females 31% (p = 0.706)]. A 17.8% decrease in the ACS rate was observed. During the pandemic, there were more STEMI patients (44.3% vs. 52.1%, p < 0.001) and fewer patients treated conservatively (24.9% vs. 8%, p < 0.001). Most lesions were located in the left anterior descending artery (53.4% vs. 54.7%), but post-percutaneous coronary intervention TIMI 3 was observed more frequently before the pandemic (83.9% vs. 75.1%, p < 0.001). Periprocedural complication rates did not differ between the groups. In-hospital outcomes did not differ between analyzed periods regarding all-cause death nor cardiac death rates, 5.3% vs. 4.6% (p = 0.598) and 4.5% vs. 3.7% (p = 0.473), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the analysis of 1209 patients, a decrease in ACS patients admitted during the pandemic was recorded, but in-hospital mortality remained similar.

Ten-Year Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Coronary and Renal Angiography-Does Renal Artery Stenosis Matter?

Background: We aimed to characterize the population of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography with simultaneous renal artery angiography and assess prognostic factors at a 10 year follow-up. Methods: The KORONEF study was a prospective, single-center, observational, and descriptive study with 492 patients included. We analyzed several baseline demographics, clinical and periprocedural characteristics, and laboratory data, and we assessed the results of coronary angiography and renal artery angiography. Results: The study population consisted of 37.2% women, and the mean age was 64.4 ± 9.9 years (min. 30 years, max. 89 years). Angiography revealed significant renal artery stenosis (RAS) in 35 (7.1%) patients. Among patients with significant RAS (≥50%), we observed more women (57.1% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.011), and patients were older (69.1 ± 10.4 years vs. 64.0 ± 9.7 years, p = 0.005). In the whole population, all-cause death was reported in 29.9% of patients, myocardial infarction (MI) rate-in 11.8%, and stroke-in 4.9%. In the multivariable analysis, independent predictors of death were age 65-75 years (HR 2.88), age > 75 years (HR 8.07), diabetes (HR 1.59), previous MI (HR 1.64), chronic kidney disease (HR 2.22), unstable angina (HR 0.37), and left ventricular ejection fraction > 60% (HR 0.43). Conclusions: Over a 10 year follow-up, the all-cause death rate was 29.9%, showing no statistically significant differences between patients with and without significant RAS.

Decoding the Neurological Sequelae of General Anesthesia: A Review.

General anesthesia is an integral part of modern surgical practice, but it is associated with a number of complications, including neurological ones. This article provides a thorough analysis of these complications, taking into account the most common ones like drug complications, through delirium, postoperative cognitive impairment (POCD), to the rarest ones like perioperative stroke (POS), spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and postoperative visual loss (POVL). Its main goal is to familiarize healthcare professionals, especially those involved in anesthesiology, with the intricacies of neurological complications. Given their specificity and frequency of occurrence, it is well known that the diagnosis and management of these complications can sometimes cause problems for physicians without advanced neurological knowledge. Also, in addition to complex diagnostics, the pathomechanism of non-pharmacological complications is often not fully understood due to their multifactoriality and sometimes paucity of research. For this reason, an increasing amount of work is being done in the medical community to better understand this group of conditions, enabling faster diagnosis and more effective treatment, as well as perioperative prevention. This paper aims to increase awareness and vigilance among physicians across the spectrum of surgical patient care, from premedication to postoperative follow-up. Drawing on the authors' experience and the extensive medical literature, this paper includes 39 selected articles from 1994 to 2023, seeking the latest insights in the constantly evolving field of neurology and anesthesiology. This article aims to review the neurological complications of general anesthesia.

Mechanical Testing of the New Cage for Tibial Tuberosity Advancement with the Cranial Implant Fixation (TTA CF) Technique-Ex Vivo Study on Sheep Model.

Background: Modifications of tibial tuberosity advancement are well accepted for cranial cruciate rupture repair. We compared the loads that were needed to pull the TTA CF cage out in the two groups. The first group consisted of five sheep in which osteotomy and TTA CF cage fixation were performed as assumed preoperatively. The second group consisted of five sheep in which intraoperative or postoperative discrepancies from preoperative planning were found. This is also the first report describing biomechanical testing after tibial tuberosity advancement with cranial implant fixation (TTA CF) surgical procedures. Results: A total of 10 ovine proximal tibiae were tested biomechanically by tearing out TTA CF implants from the bone. The mean maximal loaded forces to pull out the cage in Group 1, in which fixation of the implant was performed as assumed preoperatively, was 878 ± 61 N, and in Group 2, in which discrepancies from preoperative planning were found, was 330 ± 55 N. The mean implant displacement under maximal load to failure was 2.6 mm and 2.2 mm in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was a significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in the maximal loads-to-failure; however, the difference in the displacement at maximal loaded forces to pull out the cage was not significant between the groups. Conclusions: The mean maximal loaded forces to pull out the cage was significantly lower in Group 2, where discrepancies from preoperative planning were found (878 ± 61 N vs. 330 ± 55 N). The lower forces that were needed to extract the TTA CF implant from the tibia can lead to the conclusion that biointegration of the implant is also weaker. Correct positioning of the osteotomy line and TTA CF implant is essential for good biointegrity and thus for limiting complications in the form of tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture or tibial shaft fracture.

Complete Blood Count-Derived Indices as Prognostic Factors of 5-Year Outcomes in Patients With Confirmed Coronary Microvascular Spasm.

Background: Coronary microcirculatory dysfunction is a meaningful factor in the development of ischemic heart disease. We investigated the relationship between coronary microvascular spasm and complete blood count indices. Methods: Between 2010 and 2013, we performed acetylcholine test (AChT) in subjects with suspicion of angina evoked by epicardial coronary spasm or coronary microvascular spasm according to COVADIS criteria. We administered acetylcholine in increasing doses of 25, 50, and 75 µg into the right coronary artery and 25, 50, and 100 µg into the left coronary artery. Patients were followed up for 60 months. Results: In total, 211 patients (60.5 ± 7.8 years, 67.8% women) were included in the study. The AChT revealed angina due to epicardial coronary spasm in 99 patients (46.9%) and coronary microvascular spasm in 72 (34.1%). White blood cell (WBC), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), platelets (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) values were significantly higher in patients with coronary microvascular spasm than in patients from the other two groups, i.e., epicardial coronary spasm and negative AChT. PDW showed the highest sensitivity (65%) and specificity (72%) at the cutoff value of 15.32% [area under the curve, 0.723; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-0.83; P < 0.001]. Independent risk factors for coronary microvascular spasm diagnosis using AChT were as follows: female sex (OR, 1.199), PDW (OR, 2.891), and RDW (OR, 1.567). Conclusion: PDW and RDW are significantly associated with the diagnosis of coronary microvascular spasm in patients undergoing AChT as well as with poor prognosis in such patients at 5 years.

Methods of assessing fluid responsiveness in septic shock patients: a narrative review.

A growing body of evidence shows that some septic patients experience fluid overload, which leads to an increased number of serious complications and death. This is because the majority of septic patients are fluid non-responders. Therefore, a reliable distinction of which patient would benefit from fluid boluses is crucial in current sepsis mana-gement. Several methods used to assess fluid responsiveness have been developed. The principle of "dynamic" measurements (in contrast to static indices such as central venous pressure) involves the induction of a change in cardiac preload and the measurement of its effect on stroke volume. Dynamic methods are based on either heart-lung interaction during mechanical ventilation or on an assessment of change in cardiac stroke volume in response to fluid provocative stimuli such as rapid fluid administration, passive leg raising, or the end-expiratory occlusion test. Most dynamic measurements are easy to perform and interpret as well as being available at the bedside. However, they vary in their invasiveness, difficulty in performance, reliability, and limitations. In this study, we provide an overview of various methods for assessing fluid responsiveness and indicate those that potentially lead to haemodynamically guided fluid restrictive treatment that would prevent fluid overload in septic patients.

Effect of Bilateral Quadratus Lumborum Block Type I on Patient Satisfaction and Incidence of Chronic Postsurgical Pain Following Cesarean Section-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) provides a reduction in pain scores and opioid consumption after cesarean section (CS). Intrathecal morphine (ITM) is still considered as the gold standard of acute postoperative pain therapy, but it does have some significant side effects. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate whether performing the quadratus lumborum block type I in patients undergoing CS would be associated with an increased satisfaction of pain therapy and a decreased incidence of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective CS were enrolled. All patients received spinal anesthesia and were randomly allocated to either the QLB group (received bilateral quadratus lumborum block type I with the use of 24 m mL 0.375% ropivacaine) or the control group (received no block). The level of satisfaction was evaluated using a three-step scale and the answers provided in a questionnaire regarding the patients' satisfaction with the method of postoperative pain treatment in the first 48 h. After a 6-month period, all patients were interviewed to evaluate the incidence and possible severity of CPSP. RESULTS: Satisfaction scores were significantly lower in the QLB group than in the control group (p = 0.0000). There were no significant differences between the QLB and control groups regarding the occurrence of chronic postsurgical pain after 6 months following CS (p = 0.102). No statistical differences between the groups were recorded when we compared the results of the questionnaire after a period of 48 h from CS (the number of participants were limited in number). CONCLUSIONS: QLB type I is an analgetic option that increased the satisfaction of parturients with pain therapy after CS compared to patients who did not receive the block, and there is a tendency for a lower incidence of CPSP.

Incidence of Suture-Method Catheter Dislocation with Femoral Nerve Block and Femoral Triangle Block after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Catheter dislocation with continuous peripheral nerve blocks represents a major problem in clinical settings. There is a range of factors affecting the incidence of catheter dislocation, including catheter type. This study aimed to assess the incidence of suture-method catheter (SMC) dislocation 24 h after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) and continuous femoral triangle block (CFTB), respectively. In the prospective randomized trial, 40 patients qualified for TKA with SMC and were divided into two groups, those who received CFNB (Group 1, n = 20) and those who received CFTB (Group 2, n = 20). After 24 h, the degree of catheter displacement (cm), pain intensity (NRS) and opioid consumption (mg) was assessed. The catheter dislocation rates were found to be 15% in Group 1 versus 5% in Group 2, with the catheter dislocated by 0.83 cm (SD = ±0.87) and 0.43 cm (SD = ±0.67), respectively. There were no differences in NRS score (p = 0.86) or opioid consumption (p = 0.16) between the groups. In each case, a displaced catheter was successfully repositioned by pulling, which clinically resulted in a lower NRS score. The results of the study suggest that CFTB with SMC may be used after TKA with a good effect, as it is associated with low catheter dislocation rates and an adequate analgesic effect.

The Impact of Sclerostin Levels on Long-Term Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Personalized Approach with 9-Year Follow-Up.

Sclerostin might play a role in atherosclerosis development. This study aimed to analyze the impact of baseline sclerostin levels on 9-year outcomes in patients without significant renal function impairment and undergoing coronary angiography. The primary study endpoint was the rate of major cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a combined rate of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or death at 9 years. We included 205 patients with a mean age of 62.9 ± 0.6 years and 70.2% male. Median serum sclerostin concentration was 133.22 pg/mL (IQR 64.0-276.17). At 9 years, in the whole population, the rate of MACE was 34.1% (n = 70), MI: 11.2% (n = 23), stroke: 2.4% (n = 5), and death: 20.5% (n = 42). In the high sclerostin (>median) group, we observed statistically significant higher rates of MACE and death: 25.2% vs. 43.1% (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.1-2.10, p = 0.02) and 14.6% vs. 26.5% (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.02-3.41, p = 0.049), respectively. Similar relationships were observed in patients with chronic coronary syndrome and SYNTAX 0-22 subgroups. Our results suggest that sclerostin assessment might be useful in risk stratification, and subjects with higher sclerostin levels might have a worse prognosis.

Levosimendan in the modern treatment of patients with acute heart failure of various aetiologies.

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a common clinical problem associated with a high mortality rate. Because ADHF has various aetiologies, there are a range of therapeutic options, among others, positive inotropes (inotropic drugs). As an inotropic agent whose mechanism is different than that of "classical" medicines, levosimendan (LSM) is one of the most common therapeutic options. Despite many publications on LSM, some issues related to its application remain unclear. The authors of this paper have attempted to summarise expert recommendations and reports available in the literature.

Adsorption of vancomycin, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin and tygecycline on the filters in continuous renal replacement therapy circuits: in full blood in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro adsorption of antibiotics: vancomycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and tigecycline on both polyethyleneimine-treated polyacrylonitrile membrane of AN69ST filter and polysulfone membrane of AV1000 filter using porcine blood as a model close to in vivo conditions. The porcine blood with antibiotic dissolved in it was pumped into hemofiltration circuit (with AN69ST or AV1000 filter), ultrafiltration fluid was continuously returned to the reservoir containing blood with antibiotic. Blood samples to determine antibiotic concentrations were taken at minutes 0, 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 from the pre- blood pump of the hemofiltration circuit. To assess possible spontaneous degradation of the drug in the solution there was an additional reservoir prepared for each antibiotic, containing blood with the drug, which was not connected to the circuit. In the case of vancomycin, ciprofloxacine and tigecycline, a statistically significant decrease in the drug concentration in the hemofiltration circuit in comparison to initial value as well as to the concentrations in the control blood was observed, both for polyacrylonitrile and plolysulfone membrane. In the case of gentamicin, significant adsorption was noted only on polyacrylonitrile membrane. Our studies demonstrated that in full blood adsorption of antibiotics may be big enough to be of clinical significance. In particular in the case of polyacrylonitrile membrane.

Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin during continuous renal replacement therapy in intensive care patients - new assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The first studies on the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin during continuous renal replacement therapy were conducted using filters with a relatively small surface area and with lower intensity of the procedure than nowadays. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics and the probability of achieving pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target for ciprofloxacin during renal replacement therapy using a filter with large surface area and higher intensity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients were considered eligible for treatment with ciprofloxacin (400 mg every eight hours intravenously) during continuous renal replacement therapy. Blood samples were collected from the arterial line of the renal replacement circuit before (time 0) and after 30, 60, 75, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 480 minutes following the initiation of ciprofloxacin infusion. Ciprofloxacin concentrations in the collected samples were determined using fully validated liquid chromatography. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using non-compartmental analysis. The measure adopted to assess the efficacy of the antibiotic therapy was the proportion of patients for whom pre-defined PK/PD indices were achieved. RESULTS: There was a considerable inter-individual variability observed in pharmacokinetic parameters for ciprofloxacin. 100% of patients achieved PK/PD target AUC0-24/MIC > 40, AUC0-24/MIC > 125, AUC0-24/MIC > 250 for MIC 1, 0.25, and 0.125 µg mL-1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: High doses of ciprofloxacin (400 mg every eight hours intravenously) during continuous renal replacement therapy should be used to maximally increase the proportion of patients in whom clinical efficacy, expressed as achieving the PK/PD target, is reached.

Nonstationary Pharmacokinetics of Caspofungin in ICU Patients.

Standard dosing of caspofungin in critically ill patients has been reported to result in lower drug exposure, which can lead to subtherapeutic 24-h area under the curve to MIC (AUC0-24/MIC) ratios. The aim of the study was to investigate the population pharmacokinetics of caspofungin in a cohort of 30 intensive care unit patients with a suspected invasive fungal infection, with a large proportion of patients requiring extracorporeal therapies, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Caspofungin was administered as empirical 70 mg antifungal therapy administered intravenously (i.v.) on the first day and at 50 mg i.v. on the consecutive days once daily, and the concentrations were measured after three subsequent doses. Population pharmacokinetic data were analyzed by nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The pharmacokinetics of caspofungin was described by two-compartment model. A particular drift of the individual clearance (CL) and the volume of distribution of the central compartment (V1) with time was discovered and described by including three separate typical values of CL and V1 in the final model. The typical CL values at days 1, 2, and 3 were 0.563 liters/h (6.7% relative standard error [6.7%RSE]), 0.737 liters/h (6.1%RSE), and 1.01 liters/h (9.1%RSE), respectively. The change in parameters with time was not explained by any of the recorded covariates. Increasing clearance with subsequent doses was associated with a clinically relevant decrease in caspofungin exposure (>20%). The use of ECMO, CRRT, albumin concentration, and other covariates did not significantly affect caspofungin pharmacokinetics. Additional pharmacokinetic studies are urgently required to assess the possible lack of acquiring steady-state and suboptimal concentrations of the drug in critically ill patients. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT03399032.).

Population pharmacokinetics of standard-dose meropenem in critically ill patients on continuous renal replacement therapy: a prospective observational trial.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of meropenem, based on the population of critically ill adult patients undergoing CRRT. The secondary one was to examine the relationship between patient characteristics (covariates) and individual PK parameters. Finally, we aimed to perform Monte Carlo simulations to assess the probability of target attainment (PTA) of %T > MIC considering the uncertainty of PK parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 19 adult critically ill patients on CRRT, receiving 1 g of meropenem in 1-h infusions every 8 h. Blood samples were collected prior to (time zero) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 480 min after the start of meropenem administration. Population nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was conducted using NONMEM software, Fortran, and Wings for NONMEM. RESULTS: A two-compartment model was used to describe the available data. Typical values of the central and peripheral volume of distribution, and the CRRT and inter-compartmental clearance for a theoretical patient with 24.6 g/l albumin concertation were V1 = 27.9 l, V2 = 33.7 l, ClCRRT = 15.1 l/h, and Q = 21.1 l/h. A significant covariate relationship between V1 and albumin concentration was observed in the data that was described by a power relationship with - 2.87 exponent. Subsequently performed Monte Carlo simulations of the model allowed us to assess the impact of albumin concentration on PTA. The 40%T > 2 mg/l target was reached in more than 90% of subjects after 1-h infusion of 1000 mg q8h and steady-state conditions. The more stringent 100%T > 2 mg/l target requires higher doses and/or longer infusion durations that depend on the albumin concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The population PK model was successfully developed to describe the time course of meropenem concentrations. The hypoalbuminemia was found to be associated with higher PTA in the CRRT patients after multiple short-term infusions.

Comparison of two methods of continuous femoral nerve block with elastomeric pump after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The best method of continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been determined. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of CFNB based on patient-controlled regional analgesia (PCRA) with basal infusion of local anesthetic in decreasing pain and providing functional restoration after TKA and to compare it with the method of basal infusion only. METHODS: The prospective randomized controlled trial included 90 patients who were divided into three groups. Group I: control group with basal morphine infusion, without CFNB. Group II: CFNB with continuous infusion of ropivacaine. Group III: CFNB with basal infusion of ropivacaine plus boluses. Intensity of pain, morphine consumption, patient satisfaction, adverse effects, the effect on range of motion (ROM) in the knee joint, as well as using the measure of a distance were analyzed. RESULTS: A lower level of pain was observed (P < 0.005), as was reduced opioid consumption (P < 0.005), a greater ROM (P < 0.005), a longer distance covered (P < 0.005), and a smaller incidence of nausea in group III when compared with group II. No statistically significant difference was noted between the groups in terms of other side effects. There was higher satisfaction between group II and group III on days 1 and 2 (P < 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that CFNB with continuous infusion of 5 mL h-1 of 0.2% ropivacaine plus 5 mL as a bolus causes a greater reduction in pain intensity and opioid consumption; it also shortens the time of functional restoration in comparison to perineural infusion of 5mL h-1 only during the first 4 days after TKA and constitutes an effective and safe alternative to using an electronic pump.

Transversus abdominis plane block versus quadratus lumborum block type 2 for analgesia in renal transplantation: A randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown an analgesic efficacy of a transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in reducing opioid requirements during and after cadaveric renal transplantation surgery, but the effect of a quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in this type of surgery is unclear. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this prospective, randomised, double-centre clinical study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of a one-sided lateral approach TAPB with a unilateral QLB type 2 in cadaveric renal transplantation surgery. DESIGN: Randomised, single-blinded trial. SETTING: Two University-affiliated tertiary care hospitals between April 2016 and May 2017. PATIENTS: A total of 101 patients aged more than 18 years, scheduled for cadaveric renal transplantation. INTERVENTIONS: On receiving ethical board approval and individual informed consent, consecutive patients were allocated randomly to receive either an ultrasound-guided single-shot lateral TAPB or an ultrasound-guided single-shot QLB type 2 on the surgical side using 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline after a standardised induction of general anaesthesia. All patients on surgical completion and recovery from general anaesthesia were admitted to the postanaesthesia care unit for 24 h. They received standardised intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl, and their pain scores were noted at regular intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was total cumulative fentanyl dose used per kg body mass in the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the need to start a continuous infusion of fentanyl in addition to patient-controlled analgesia boluses during the stay in post-anaesthesia care unit, postoperative pain severity measured using a numerical rating scale, patient satisfaction with analgesic treatment, evidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus and sedation level. RESULTS: The 49 patients allocated to the QLB type 2 group used significantly less fentanyl per kg in the first 24 h after surgery than the 52 patients who received a TAPB (median [IQR] 4.2 [2.3 to 8.0] µg kg versus 6.7 [3.5 to 10.7] µg kg, P = 0.042). No statistically significant differences were noted in the secondary endpoints within the study, including the frequency of adverse effects of opioids. CONCLUSION: The reduction of fentanyl consumption in the first 24 h after renal transplantation with no difference in pain intensity and patient satisfaction shows a beneficial effect of one-sided QLB type 2 over a one-sided TAPB in regards to postoperative analgesia. However, the reduction in opioid consumption did not affect the frequency of opioid-related adverse effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02783586.

Comparison of adsorption of selected antibiotics on the filters in continuous renal replacement therapy circuits: in vitro studies.

The aim of this study was to assess the adsorption of selected antibiotics: vancomycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacine and tigecycline in an experimental continuous veno-venous hemofiltration circuit with the use of both polyethyleneimine-treated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and the polysulfone (PS) filter membranes. The crystalloid fluid dosed with one of antibiotic was pumped from a reservoir through a hemofiltration circuit (with PAN or PS membrane) and back to reservoir. All ultrafiltrate was also returned to the reservoir. During the procedures samples were collected from the post-hemofilter port at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. To determine spontaneous degradation of the antimicrobials, an additional bag with each study drug was prepared, which was not attached to the hemofiltration circuit. The samples from these bags were used as controls. In the case of vancomycin, gentamycin and tigecycline there was a statistically significant decrease in the drug concentration in the hemofiltration circuit in comparison to the control for PAN membrane (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). In the case of ciprofloxacine adsorption was reversible and the drug concentrations increase to achieve the initial level for both membranes. Our studies indicated that a large portion of the administered dose of antibiotics may be adsorbed on a PAN membrane. In the case of gentamicin and tigecycline this amount is sufficiently big (over 90% of the administered dose) to be of clinical importance. In turn, adsorption on PS membranes is clearly lower (up to 10%) and may be clinically unimportant.

Survey of postoperative pain control in different types of hospitals: a multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND: Current pain assessment and treatment does not address every patient's requirements. Although the Polish national guidelines for post-operative pain management have been published, many patients experience severe pain in the postoperative period. The main goal of our study was to assess pain severity among patients from different types of hospitals (primary, secondary, and tertiary centers) after similar types of surgeries. We also aimed to determine if there were any differences in pain severity associated with anesthesia technique, type of surgery, and the patient's age and sex. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study. A questionnaire form was used to collect demographic data, type of hospital, surgery, anesthesia, and patient satisfaction of pain control in the postoperative period. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure pain severity at four time points after surgery (4, 8, 12, and 24 h). RESULTS: The study was conducted from November 2015 to June 2016 in seven hospitals in Eastern Poland, and 269 women and 293 men participated. At the 4-h measurement, 39.32% of patients assessed the pain as moderate and 19.75% as severe. A difference was found in pain intensity between patients treated in primary and secondary hospitals. Vascular surgery patients had the lowest pain intensity (19 (13-26)), especially in comparison to those undergoing thoracic surgery (30 (27-33)). A sudden elevation in pain severity among patients anesthetized with single-shot spinal technique was observed. Only 4.9% of participants received strong opioids during the first 24 h after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain control seems to be unexpectedly poor after single-shot subarachnoid anesthesia. Despite concerns, the use of analgesics may be insufficient in some groups of patients. Our study indicates new variables that influence the severity of pain, such as operated region, anesthetic technique, and type of surgical department. The results obtained in our study are in discrepancy with recommendations presented by the national guidelines for post-operative pain management.

Use of levosimendan in the treatment of cerebral vascular vasospasm: a case study.

Despite the progress in the management of cerebral arterial aneurysms, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains the major cause of neurological disability. While SAH-related deaths usually occur as a result of brain impairment due to hemorrhage, permanent neurological deficits are caused by cerebral ischemia due to edema and spasm of cerebral arteries. Additionally, ~20%-30% of patients with SAH develop secondary cardiomyopathy; this phenomenon is known as neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy (NSC), which is associated with increased mortality and poor long-term prognosis. Levosimendan is a new inotropic drug that causes calcium sensitization of troponin C, thus increasing contraction force of myofilaments. The drug also causes opening of ATP-dependent potassium channels in vascular smooth muscles, which results in dilatation of veins and arteries, including cerebral arteries. To date, there have been several reports of levosimendan application in patients with SAH and neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy, and the effect of the drug on vasospasm has been previously advocated. This paper presents a case report of a 57-year-old patient with massive SAH, where levosimendan was used for reducing vasospasm.