Potential Therapeutic Effects of Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 on Alzheimer's Disease Pathologies in AppNL-G-F Mice.

We previously demonstrated that orally supplemented Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 (B. breve MCC1274) mitigated Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies in both 7-month-old AppNL-G-F mice and wild-type mice; thus, B. breve MCC1274 supplementation might potentially prevent the progression of AD. However, the possibility of using this probiotic as a treatment for AD remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of this probiotic on AD using 17-month-old AppNL-G-F mice with memory deficits and amyloid beta saturation in the brain. B. breve MCC1274 supplementation ameliorated memory impairment via an amyloid-cascade-independent pathway. It reduced hippocampal and cortical levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase as well as heat shock protein 90, which might have suppressed tau hyperphosphorylation and chronic stress. Moreover, B. breve MCC1274 supplementation increased hippocampal synaptic protein levels and upregulated neuronal activity. Thus, B. breve MCC1274 supplementation may alleviate cognitive dysfunction by reducing chronic stress and tau hyperphosphorylation, thereby enhancing both synaptic density and neuronal activity in 17-month-old AppNL-G-F mice. Overall, this study suggests that B. breve MCC1274 has anti-AD effects and can be used as a potential treatment for AD.

Rapid Response System and Limitations of Medical Treatment Among Children With Clinical Deterioration in Japan: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: We investigated the role of rapid response systems (RRSs) in limitations of medical treatment (LOMT) planning among children, their families, and health care providers. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study examined children with clinical deterioration using the Japanese RRS registry between 2012 and 2021. Results: Children (n = 348) at 28 hospitals in Japan who required RRS calls were analyzed. Eleven (3%) of the 348 patients had LOMT before RRS calls and 11 (3%) had newly implemented LOMT after RRS calls. Patients with LOMT were significantly less likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit compared with those without (36% vs. 61%, p < 0.001) and were more likely to die within 30 days (45% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: LOMT issues existed in 6% of children who received RRS calls. RRS calls for clinically deteriorating children with LOMT were associated with less intensive care and higher mortality.

Association between postinduction hypotension and postoperative mortality: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to elucidate whether postinduction hypotension (PIH), defined as hypotension between anesthesia induction and skin incision, and intraoperative hypotension (IOH) are associated with postoperative mortality. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with an ASA Physical Status I-IV who underwent noncardiac and nonobstetric surgery under general anesthesia between 2015 and 2021 at Nagoya City University Hospital. The primary and secondary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality, respectively. We calculated four hypotensive indices (with time proportion of the area under the threshold being the primary exposure variable) to evaluate the association between hypotension (defined as a mean blood pressure < 65 mm Hg) and mortality using multivariable logistic regression models. We used propensity score matching and RUSBoost (random under-sampling and boosting), a machine-learning model for imbalanced data, for sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Postinduction hypotension and IOH were observed in 82% and 84% of patients, respectively. The 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were 0.4% (52/14,210) and 1.0% (138/13,334), respectively. Postinduction hypotension was not associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93 to 1.13; P = 0.60) and 90-day mortality (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.07; P = 0.82). Conversely, IOH was associated with 30-day mortality (aOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.27; P < 0.001) and 90-day mortality (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.19; P < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses supported the association of IOH but not PIH with postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: Despite limitations, including power and residual confounding, postoperative mortality was associated with IOH but not with PIH.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Nous avons cherché à déterminer si l'hypotension post-induction (HPI), définie comme une hypotension entre l'induction de l'anesthésie et l'incision cutanée, et l'hypotension peropératoire (HPO) étaient associées à la mortalité postopératoire. MéTHODE: Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective de patient·es adultes ayant un statut physique I-IV selon l'ASA et ayant bénéficié d'une chirurgie non cardiaque et non obstétricale sous anesthésie générale entre 2015 et 2021 à l'Hôpital universitaire de la ville de Nagoya. Les critères d'évaluation principal et secondaire étaient la mortalité postopératoire à 30 et 90 jours, respectivement. Nous avons calculé quatre indices d'hypotension (la proportion temporelle de la zone sous le seuil étant la principale variable d'exposition) pour évaluer l'association entre l'hypotension (définie comme une tension artérielle moyenne < 65 mm Hg) et la mortalité à l'aide de modèles de régression logistique multivariée. Nous avons utilisé l'appariement par score de propension et le RUSBoost (sous-échantillonnage et boosting aléatoire), un modèle d'apprentissage automatique pour les données déséquilibrées, pour les analyses de sensibilité. RéSULTATS: Une HPI et une HPO ont été observées chez 82 % et 84 % des patient·es, respectivement. Les taux de mortalité postopératoire à 30 et 90 jours étaient respectivement de 0,4 % (52/14 210) et de 1,0 % (138/13 334). L'hypotension post-induction n'était pas associée à la mortalité à 30 jours (rapport de cotes ajusté [RCa], 1,03; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 0,93 à 1,13; P = 0,60) et à la mortalité à 90 jours (RCa, 1,01; IC 95 %, 0,94 à 1,07; P = 0,82). À l'inverse, l'HPO était associée à une mortalité à 30 jours (RCa, 1,19; IC 95 %, 1,12 à 1,27; P < 0,001) et à la mortalité à 90 jours (RCa, 1,12; IC 95 %, 1,06 à 1,19; P < 0,001). Les analyses de sensibilité ont confirmé l'association de l'HPO, mais pas de l'HPI, avec la mortalité postopératoire. CONCLUSION: Malgré les limitations, y compris la puissance et persistance de facteurs confondants, la mortalité postopératoire était associée à l'hypotension peropératoire mais pas à l'hypotension post-induction seule.

Incidence and factors associated with newly implemented do-not-attempt-resuscitation orders among deteriorating patients after rapid response system activation: A retrospective observational study using a Japanese multicenter database.

Aim: The rapid response system (RRS) was initially aimed to improve patient outcomes. Recently, some studies have implicated that RRS might facilitate do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) orders among patients, their families, and healthcare providers. This study aimed to examine the incidence and factors independently associated with DNAR orders newly implemented after RRS activation among deteriorating patients. Methods: This observational study assessed patients who required RRS activation between 2012 and 2021 in Japan. We investigated patients' characteristics and the incidence of new DNAR orders after RRS activation. Furthermore, we used multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models to explore independent predictors of new DNAR orders. Results: We identified 7904 patients (median age, 72 years; 59% male) who required RRS activation at 29 facilities. Of the 7066 patients without pre-existing DNAR orders before RRS activation, 394 (5.6%) had new DNAR orders. Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that new DNAR orders were associated with age category (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.17 [65-74 years old reference to 20-64 years old], aOR, 2.56; 1.92-3.42 [75-89 years old], and aOR, 6.58; 4.17-10.4 [90 years old]), malignancy (aOR, 1.82; 1.42-2.32), postoperative status (aOR, 0.45; 0.30-0.71), and National Early Warning Score 2 (aOR, 1.07; 1.02-1.12 [per 1 score]). Conclusion: The incidence of new DNAR orders was one in 18 patients after RRS activation. The factors associated with new DNAR orders were age, malignancy, postoperative status, and National Early Warning Score 2.

Combined use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker vs. a double-lumen endobronchial tube in thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The combined use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker may reduce postoperative hoarseness and sore throat. We aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of this combination technique in thoracoscopic surgery. DESIGN: A single-center, patient-assessor blinded, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Nagoya City University Hospital (between November 2020 and April 2022). PATIENTS: A total of 100 adult patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy by video- or robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to either group using a combination of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker (pLMA+BB group) or a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT group). MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the hoarseness incidence on 1-3 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes included sore throat, intraoperative complications (hypoxemia, hypercapnia, surgical interruption, malposition of devices, unintended lung expansion, and ventilatory difficulty), lung collapse, device placement-related outcomes, and coughing during emergence. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 100 patients underwent randomization (51 to the pLMA+BB group and 49 to the DLT group). After drop outs, a total of 49 patients in each group were analyzed per-protocol. The incidences of hoarseness in the pLMA+BB and DLT groups were 42.9% and 53.1% (difference, -10.2%; 95% confidence interval, -30.1% to 10.3%; p = 0.419), 18.4% vs. 32.7%, and 20.4% vs. 24.5% on postoperative day 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The incidences of sore throat in the pLMA+BB and DLT groups were 16.3% vs. 34.7% (difference, -18.4%; 95% confidence interval, -35.9% to -0.9%; p = 0.063) on postoperative day 1. In the pLMA+BB group, more intraoperative complications and less coughing during emergence were observed compared to the DLT group. Lung collapse and placement-related outcomes were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and bronchial blocker did not significantly reduce hoarseness compared to the double-lumen endobronchial tube.

3M microfoam™ surgical tape prevents nasal pressure injury associated with nasotracheal intubation: A randomized double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: 3M microfoam™ surgical tape (3ST: 3M Japan Limited) is used for pressure wound control of medical equipment. It is cushioned and can be fitted to any body part. Here we investigated whether 3ST prevents nasal pressure injury associated with nasotracheal intubation (NTI). METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized double-blind study, enrolling 63 patients aged 20 to 70 years, who underwent general anesthesia with NTI. They were divided into 2 groups; those treated with 3ST (group S; n = 31) and control (group C; n = 31). After NTI and before securing the nasotracheal tube, a 35 × 25 mm 3ST was used to protect the nasal wing in group S, and the nasotracheal tube was fixed in place after NTI without protection in group C. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of nasal pressure injury after extubation. The Chi-Square test was used to assess the association between the 2 categorical variables. RESULTS: Nasal pressure injury was observed in 7 and 19 patients from groups S and C, respectively, representing a significant difference between the 2 groups (24.1% vs 67.8%, P = .001). Remarkably, none of the patients developed ulcers. CONCLUSION: 3ST prevents nasal pressure injury associated with NTI.

Remimazolam for induction of anesthesia in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis: a prospective, observational pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam, a novel benzodiazepine, has been reported to cause less hypotension than propofol during induction of anesthesia. Therefore, remimazolam might be a valuable option in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered to be the most vulnerable to hemodynamic instability. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and hemodynamic effects of remimazolam as an induction agent in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, single-arm, observational pilot study was conducted in a university hospital between November 2020 and April 2021. We included 20 patients aged 65 years or older scheduled for transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis under general anesthesia. Patients were administered intravenous remimazolam infusion at 6 mg/kg/h combined with 0.25 µg/kg/min of remifentanil infusion. The primary outcome was the vasopressor dosage between the induction of anesthesia and the completion of tracheal intubation. The secondary outcomes included hemodynamic changes, bispectral index changes, and the time from the start of remimazolam infusion to loss of consciousness. We also recorded awareness during anesthesia induction and serious adverse events related to death, life-threatening events, prolonged hospitalizations, and disability due to permanent damage. RESULTS: Twenty patients aged 84 [79-86] (median [interquartile range]) with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 4 were analyzed. Ephedrine 0 [0-4] mg and phenylephrine 0.1 [0-0.1] mg were administered to 14/20 patients (3 doses in 1 patient, 2 doses in 4 patients, and one dose in 9 patients). Loss of consciousness was achieved at 80 [69-86] s after the remimazolam infusion was started. The mean arterial pressure decreased gradually after loss of consciousness but recovered immediately after tracheal intubation. The bispectral index values gradually decreased and reached < 60 at 120 s after loss of consciousness. Neither awareness during induction of anesthesia nor serious adverse events, such as severe bradycardia (< 40 bpm), life-threatening arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, or anaphylactic reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Remimazolam could be used as an induction agent with timely bolus vasopressors in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, identifier UMIN000042318 .

Comparison of hemostatic effect and safety between epinephrine and tramazoline during nasotracheal intubation: a double-blind randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Nasal bleeding is the most common complication during nasotracheal intubation (NTI). To reduce nasal bleeding, the nasal mucosa is treated with vasoconstrictors (epinephrine [E] or tramazoline [T]) prior to NTI. This study aimed to determine whether E or T is more effective and safe for reducing nasal bleeding during NTI. METHODS: This study was preregistered on UMIN-CTR after being approved by the IRB of the School of Dentistry at Aichi Gakuin University. Written consent was received from all the patients. Total 206 patients aged 20-70 years and classified as 1-2 on American Society of Anesthesiologists-physical status were scheduled to undergo general anesthesia with NTI. At last, 197 patients were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either E (n = 99; 3 patients were discontinued) or T (n = 98; 2 patient were discontinued). After induction of general anesthesia, each patient's nasal mucosa was treated using either E or T. The E used in this study was BOSMIN® SOLUTION 0.1% (Daiichi-Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo), and the T used in this study was TRAMAZOLIN Nasal Solution 0.118% AFP, (Alfresa Pharma Corporation, Osaka). E was diluted five times according to the package insert (final concentration of E = 0.02%), and T was used in its original solution. After 2 min, NTI was performed via the right nostril. Primary outcome were the presence of nasal bleeding (if bleeding was recognized at the posterior pharyngeal wall via nasal cavity during intubation, it was defined as bleeding) and the degree of bleeding (classified as none, mild, moderate, or severe). Secondary outcomes were arrhythmia, and hemodynamic (mean atrial pressure and heart rate) changes associated with vasoconstrictors. RESULTS: The presence of bleeding was comparable in both groups (12.5%, E; 14.5%, T; P = 0.63). No significant difference between the groups regarding the degree of bleeding (P = 0.78) was observed, with most patients having no bleeding (n = 84, E; n = 82, T). No severe bleeding and no arrhythmias induced by vasoconstrictor were observed in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal treatment with E or T shows no difference in nasal bleeding during NTI. Although no arrhythmia associated with E was observed in this study, it has been reported in literature. Therefore, as frequency and degree of nasal bleeding were comparable, nasal treatment with T could reduce the risk of NTI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR (Registration No. UMIN000037907 ). Registered (05/09/2019).

Macintosh laryngoscope and i-view™ and C-MAC® video laryngoscopes for tracheal intubation with an aerosol box: a randomized crossover manikin study.

BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that the C-MAC® video laryngoscope (C-MAC) with an external display is more useful than the disposable i-view™ video laryngoscope (i-view) with an integrated display or a Macintosh direct laryngoscope (Macintosh) for tracheal intubation with an aerosol box. METHODS: In this randomized, crossover manikin study, we recruited 37 medical personnel with > 2 years of dedicated anesthesia experience from five hospitals. After the three successful intubations within 60 s using each laryngoscope without a box, the participants performed tracheal intubation thrice with each laryngoscope with at least 2-h intervals in a determined order. The primary outcome was the intubation time. The secondary outcomes were success rate, Cormack-Lehane grade, and subjective difficulty scale score. RESULTS: Thirty-seven personnel (11 women and 26 men) with 12 [5-19] (median [interquartile range]) years of anesthesia and intensive care experience were enrolled. There was no significant difference in the intubation time: 30 [26-32] s for Macintosh, 29 [26-32] s for i-view, and 29 [25-31] s for C-MAC (P = 0.247). The success rate was 95-100%, without a significant difference (P = 0.135). The i-view and C-MAC exhibited superior Cormack-Lehane grades and lower subjective difficulty scale scores than the Macintosh; however, there were no differences between the i-view and C-MAC. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid and highly successful tracheal intubation was possible with both Macintosh, i-view, and C-MAC on a normal airway manikin in an aerosol box. Improved Cormack-Lehane grade and the ease of performing the procedure may support the use of video laryngoscopes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000040269 . Registered 30 April 2020.

Anesthetic management of a patient with Freeman-Sheldon syndrome undergoing oral surgery: A case report.

In the anesthetic management in this case was how to manage the patient without causing respiratory depression and respiratory muscle fatigue.

Perioperative management of thyroglossal duct cystectomy in a pediatric patient: A case report.

Thyroglossal duct on the dorsum of the tongue in the pediatric patient can cause a difficult airway due to the large mass and risk of airway obstruction associated with a swollen tongue after surgery.

The characteristics, types of intervention, and outcomes of postoperative patients who required rapid response system intervention: a nationwide database analysis.

PURPOSE: Improving the safety of general wards is a key to reducing serious adverse events in the postoperative period. We investigated the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of postoperative patients managed by a rapid response system (RRS) in Japan to improve postoperative management. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed cases requiring RRS intervention that were included in the In-Hospital Emergency Registry in Japan. We analyzed data reported by 34 Japanese hospitals between January 2014 and March 2018, mainly focusing on postoperative patients for whom the RRS was activated within 7 days of surgery. Non-postoperative patients, for whom the RRS was activated in all other settings, were used for comparison as necessary. RESULTS: There were 609 (12.7%) postoperative patients among the total patients in the registry. The major criteria were staff concerns (30.2%) and low oxygen saturation (29.7%). Hypotension, tachycardia, and inability to contact physicians were observed as triggers significantly more frequently in postoperative patients when compared with non-postoperative patients. Among RRS activations within 7 days of surgery, 68.9% of activations occurred within postoperative day 3. The ordering of tests (46.8%) and fluid bolus (34.6%) were major interventions that were performed significantly more frequently in postoperative patients when compared with non-postoperative patients. The rate of RRS activations resulting in ICU care was 32.8%. The mortality rate at 1 month was 16.2%. CONCLUSION: Approximately, 70% of the RRS activations occurred within postoperative day 3. Circulatory problems were a more frequent cause of RRS activation in the postoperative group than in the non-postoperative group.

First report based on the online registry of a Japanese multicenter rapid response system: a descriptive study of 35 institutions in Japan.

AIM: Although the concept of a rapid response system (RRS) has been gradually accepted in Japan, detailed information on the Japanese RRS is not well known. We provide the first report of the RRS epidemiological situation based on 4 years of RRS online registry data. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study. All patients registered between January 2014 and March 2018 were eligible for this study. Data related to RRS including physiological measurements were recorded. The mortality rates after rapid response team/medical emergency team (RRT/MET) intervention and after 30 days were recorded as outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 6,784 cases were registered at 35 facilities. Cancer (23.1%) was the most common existing comorbidity. Limitation of medical treatment was identified in 12.7% of the cases. The respiratory category was most frequently activated in 41.3% of the cases. Only two institutions had received more than 15 calls per 1,000 admissions. During RRT/MET intervention, death occurred in 3.6% and transfers to intensive care units occurred in 28.2% of the cases. After 30 days, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the night than in the day shift (30.7% versus 20.4%, respectively, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We report the first epidemiological study of RRS in Japan. Japanese facilities had a very low rate of RRT/MET calls and a higher mortality rate in the night than in the day shift. Further promotion to increase the number of calls and implementation of a 24-h RRT/MET is required.

Comparison of disinfection effect between benzalkonium chloride and povidone iodine in nasotracheal intubation: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Nasotracheal intubation can potentially result in microbial contamination from the upper respiratory tract to the lower respiratory tracts. However, an ideal nasotracheal disinfection method is yet to be determined. Therefore, we compared the disinfection effects between benzalkonium chloride and povidone iodine in nasotracheal intubation. METHODS: Overall, this study enrolled 53 patients aged 20-70 years who were classified into classes 1 and 2 as per American Society of Anesthesiologists-physical status and were scheduled to undergo general anesthesia with NTI. Patients who did not give consent (n = 2) and who has an allergy for BZK or PVI were excluded from the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of the disinfection method: BZK (n = 26, one patient was discontinued intervention) and PVI (n = 25). 50 patients were assessed finally. The subjects' nasal cavities were swabbed both before (A) and after disinfection (B), and the internal surface of the endotracheal tube was swabbed after extubation (C). The swabs were cultured on Brain heart infusion agar and Mannitol salt agar. The number of bacteria per swab was determined and the rates of change in bacterial count (B/A, C/B) were calculated. The growth inhibitory activity of the disinfectants on Staphylococcus aureus were also investigated in vitro. RESULTS: Although the initial disinfection effects (B/A) were inferior for benzalkonium chloride compared with those for povidone iodine, the effects were sustained for benzalkonium chloride (C/B). In the in vitro growth inhibitory assay against S. aureus, benzalkonium chloride showed higher inhibitory activity than povidone iodine. CONCLUSION: Although both disinfectants were inactivated or diffused/diluted over time, benzalkonium chloride maintained the threshold concentration and displayed antimicrobial effects longer than povidone iodine; therefore, benzalkonium chloride appeared to show a better sustained effect. Benzalkonium chloride can be used for creating a hygienic nasotracheal intubation environment with sustained sterilizing effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR (Registration No. UMIN000029645 ). Registered 21 Oct 2017.

General anesthetic management of a patient with multiple chemical sensitivity for oral surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) was first described in 1987. It is said that MCS is caused by neurological and immunological mechanisms in addition to psychosomatic mechanisms. When performing general anesthesia in patients with MCS, careful perioperative management is necessary. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 32-year-old man. Wisdom teeth extraction under general anesthesia was scheduled under the diagnosis of pericoronitis. In 2015, he was diagnosed with MCS. Since then, he experienced sweating and urticaria when exposed to artificial fragrances. We prepared the surgical surroundings by letting the patient touch every possible equipment. In selecting the anesthetic drugs, a completely intravenous route was selected because of the possibility that artificial fragrance of inhalation anesthesia could induce symptoms. There was no allergic reaction during the preoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to reduce psychological burden of patient and to eliminate all possible reactive substances to prevent symptom onset.

The past, present and future of the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) in Japan.

The postanesthesia care unit (PACU), which is run and coordinated by anesthesiologists, delivers general medical supervision as well as close and constant care to patients who have just undergone a surgical procedure under anesthesia. Although PACU management has been considered a standard procedure in many developed countries since the 1940s, Japanese hospitals have tended to cease their management, and only 16.1% of hospitals in Japan currently have PACUs. In today's efficiency-required atmosphere in Japan, we need to consider a better postoperative management method, including facilities similar to the PACU, to prevent serious adverse events and improve the postoperative outcomes and quality of life. Nevertheless, the way postoperative patients are treated and cared for, and the location in which they receive such attention, will likely need to be modified to fit the Japanese style due to Japan's unique medical systems and traditions. Here, we describe the past, present and future of the PACU and postanesthesia care in Japan compared with other countries.

Effects of landiolol on refractory tachyarrhythmia after total cavopulmonary connection: a retrospective, observational, cohort study.

The onset of tachyarrhythmia after the Fontan procedure (total cavopulmonary connection; TCPC) should be considered a medical emergency. Landiolol is an ultra-short-acting ß1-selective blocker whose effect on tachyarrhythmia after TCPC is unclear. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of landiolol for tachyarrhythmia after TCPC. Consecutive patients undergoing TCPC were enrolled from January 2007 to December 2011. Of 435 pediatric open heart surgeries, 28 patients underwent TCPC. Of the 28 patients, 13 were treated with landiolol for critical tachyarrhythmia. Excluding three patients who received landiolol during surgery, we investigated the remaining 10 patients and statistical analysis was performed without a 10-year-old patient as outlier. The median age was 4.08 years. The subjects comprised five patients with sinus tachycardia, four with junctional ectopic tachycardia and one with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The initial dose was 4.7 ± 2.3 µg/kg/min, without a loading dose. Landiolol reduced the heart rate from 151.8 ± 23.2 at the start to 132.9 ± 20.0 at 1 h and 126.1 ± 24.9 at 2 h (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), without blood pressure decrease (P = 0.235). Landiolol was effective in treating critical tachyarrhythmia without hemodynamic deterioration. We believe that landiolol is a promising option for postoperative tachyarrhythmia after the Fontan procedure.