Correlation of important prognostic factors and CT scores in invasive and non-invasive ventilation of COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care workers received the largest share of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused nightmares to the whole world. In COVID-19 pneumonia cases which had high mortality rates, many prognostic factors and laboratory examinations were tried to evaluate the clinical severity quickly and accurately.This study was planned to investigate a correlation between the initially ventilation strategy and major prognostic parameters and CT scores in patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: In our study, we reviewed 50 consecutive non-invasive mv and 50 consecutive invasive mv treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia patients between March 23, 2020,and May 23, 2020, in the ICUs of our hospital. Patients who were divided into twogroups (non-invasive mechanical ventilation [NIMV] and invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV]) as an initial ventilation strategy according to clinical severity and P/F ratios were evaluated comparatively; demographic data, admission and lowest P/F ratios, admission and highest SOFA scores, comorbidity status, scores on CT at diagnosis, length of ICU stays, hospitalization periods, and mortality rates were examined. RESULTS: About 85% of all patients were 46 years and older. No significant difference was found in terms of gender and comorbidity status. The lowest P/F ratio was significantly lower in IMV group. The admission and highest SOFA values were higher in the IMV group. There was no significant difference between the CT scores and the number of lobes involved. The mortality rate in the IMV group was significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Patients who started treatment with NIMV had relatively low poor prognostic factors, their mortality was lower. However, the total CT score at diagnosis was expected to be higher in those who were performed IMV, no significant difference was found in our study. We concluded that the severity classification of the patients cannot be made according to CT scores. CT results should be evaluated as a whole according to the patient's clinic, predisposing factors, and response to treatment.

Factors affecting mortality in COVID-19 patients in intensive care.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic affects the whole world, causing high mortality. Some clinical parameters have already been implemented to be followed up to prevent mortality, but there is still a need for further information about optimum follow-up parameters and cutoff values. We aimed to investigate the reliability of the parameters used in patient follow-up by comparing survivors and non-survivors. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups as survivors and non-survivors.The parameters used in the follow-up of patients were evaluated for their prognostic value in the course of COVID-19. RESULTS: Of the 144 patients evaluated in our study, 57 patients were non-survivors (39.7%). Non-survivors were older with an average age of 67.8 years. Of the non-survivors, 59.6% were men. Male gender was found out to be associated with an increased risk concerning prognosis and mortality. The most common accompanying diseases were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In our study, it has been found that lymphocyte counts and levels of troponin, D-dimer, ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase are important prognostic predictors in estimating mortality risk. CONCLUSION: The use of prognostic markers appears to provide benefitsin estimating mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Effects of local anesthetics on wound healing / Efeitos dos anestésicos locais na cicatrização de feridas

Abstract Introduction Local anesthetic infiltration is used widely for post-operative analgesia in many situations. However the effects of local anesthetics on wound healing are not demonstrated clearly. This study planned to evaluate the effects of lidocaine, prilocaine, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on wound healing, primarily on wound tensile strength and on collagen ultrastructure. Methods This study was conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats. On days 0, 8th, 15th, and 21st, all animals were weighed and received a preincisional subcutaneous infiltration of 3 mL of a solution according the group. Control saline (C), lidocaine (L) 7 mg.kg-1, prilocaine (P) 2 mg.kg-1, bupivacaine (B) 2 mg.kg-1 and levobupivacaine (LVB) 2.5 mg.kg-1. The infiltrations were done at the back region 1.5 cm where incision would be performed at the upper, middle and lower part along the midline, under general anesthesia. Wound tensile strengths were measured after 0.7 cm × 2 cm of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue samples were obtained vertical to incision from infiltrated regions. Tissue samples were also obtained for electron microscopic examination. Evaluations were on the 8th, 15th and 21st days after infiltration. Results There was no difference between groups in the weights of the rats at the 0th, 8th, 15th and 21st days. The collagen maturation was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days. The maturation scores of the B and L groups at the 21st day was significantly lower than the Group C (1.40, 1.64 and 3.56; respectively). The wound tensile strength was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days but at the 21st day the Groups B and LVB had significantly lower value than Group C (5.42, 5.54 and 6.75; respectively). Conclusion Lidocaine and prilocaine do not affect wound healing and, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine affect negatively especially at the late period.

Resumo Introdução A infiltração de anestésico local é amplamente usada para analgesia pós-operatória em muitas situações. No entanto, os efeitos dos anestésicos locais na cicatrização de feridas não foram demonstrados claramente. Neste estudo planejamos avaliar os efeitos de lidocaína, prilocaína, bupivacaína e levobupivacaína sobre a cicatrização de feridas, principalmente sobre a força tênsil da ferida e a ultraestrutura do colágeno. Métodos Este estudo foi feito em ratos machos da linhagem Sprague Dawley. Nos dias 0, 8, 15 e 21, todos os animais foram pesados e receberam uma infiltração subcutânea pré-incisional de 3 mL de uma solução, de acordo com a designação dos grupos: Grupo C recebeu salina (controle); Grupo L recebeu lidocaína (7 mg.kg-1); Grupo P recebeu prilocaína (2 mg.kg-1); Grupo B recebeu bupivacaína (2 mg.kg-1); Grupo LVB recebeu levobupivacaína (2,5 mg.kg-1). As infiltrações foram feitas na região posterior a 1,5 cm de onde a incisão seria feita na parte superior, média e inferior ao longo da linha média, sob anestesia geral. A força tênsil da ferida foi medida após amostras de 0,7 × 2 cm de tecido cutâneo e subcutâneo serem obtidas das regiões infiltradas, verticalmente à incisão. Amostras de tecido também foram obtidas para exame microscópico eletrônico. As avaliações foram feitas nos dias 8, 15 e 21 após a infiltração. Resultados Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação ao peso dos ratos nos dias 0, 8, 15 e 21. A maturação do colágeno não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos nos dias 8 e 15. Os escores de maturação dos grupos B e L no dia 21 foram significativamente inferiores aos do Grupo C (1,40, 1,64 e 3,56, respectivamente). A força tênsil da ferida não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos nos dias 8 e 15, mas no dia 21 os grupos B e LVB apresentaram valores significativamente menores que o Grupo C (5,42, 5,54 e 6,75, respectivamente). Conclusão Lidocaína e prilocaína não afetam a cicatrização de feridas, enquanto bupivacaína e levobupivacaína afetam negativamente, especialmente no período tardio.

[Effects of local anesthetics on wound healing]. / Efeitos dos anestésicos locais na cicatrização de feridas.

INTRODUCTION: Local anesthetic infiltration is used widely for post-operative analgesia in many situations. However the effects of local anesthetics on wound healing are not demonstrated clearly. This study planned to evaluate the effects of lidocaine, prilocaine, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on wound healing, primarily on wound tensile strength and on collagen ultrastructure. METHODS: This study was conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats. On days 0, 8th, 15th, and 21st, all animals were weighed and received a preincisional subcutaneous infiltration of 3mL of a solution according the group. Control saline (C), lidocaine (L) 7mg.kg-1, prilocaine (P) 2mg.kg-1, bupivacaine (B) 2mg.kg-1 and levobupivacaine (LVB) 2.5mg.kg-1. The infiltrations were done at the back region 1.5cm where incision would be performed at the upper, middle and lower part along the midline, under general anesthesia. Wound tensile strengths were measured after 0.7cm×2cm of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue samples were obtained vertical to incision from infiltrated regions. Tissue samples were also obtained for electron microscopic examination. Evaluations were on the 8th, 15th and 21st days after infiltration. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in the weights of the rats at the 0th, 8th, 15th and 21st days. The collagen maturation was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days. The maturation scores of the B and L groups at the 21st day was significantly lower than the Group C (1.40, 1.64 and 3.56; respectively). The wound tensile strength was no statistically different between groups at the 8th and 15th days but at the 21st day the Groups B and LVB had significantly lower value than Group C (5.42, 5.54 and 6.75; respectively). CONCLUSION: Lidocaine and prilocaine do not affect wound healing and, bupivacaine and levobupivacaine affect negatively especially at the late period.

Our intraoperative boost radiotherapy experience and applications.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience since November 2013, and case selection criteria for intraoperative boost radiotherapy (IObRT) that significantly reduces the local recurrence rate after breast conserving surgery in patients with breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who were suitable for IObRT were identified within the group of patients who were selected for breast conserving surgery at our breast council. A MOBETRON (mobile linear accelerator for IObRT) was used for IObRt during surgery. RESULTS: Patients younger than 60 years old with <3 cm invasive ductal cancer in one focus (or two foci within 2 cm), with a histologic grade of 2-3, and a high possibility of local recurrence were admitted for IObRT application. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed and advancement flaps were prepared according to the size and inclination of the conus following evaluation of tumor size and surgical margins by pathology. Distance to the thoracic wall was measured, and a radiation oncologist and radiation physicist calculated the required dose. Anesthesia was regulated with slower ventilation frequency, without causing hypoxia. The skin and incision edges were protected, the field was radiated (with 6 MeV electron beam of 10 Gy) and the incision was closed. In our cases, there were no major postoperative surgical or early radiotherapy related complications. CONCLUSION: The completion of another stage of local therapy with IObRT during surgery positively effects sequencing of other treatments like chemotherapy, hormonotherapy and radiotherapy, if required. IObRT increases disease free and overall survival, as well as quality of life in breast cancer patients.

Effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Our study is a prospective, randomized study on patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach-chair position to evaluate the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on hemodynamic stability, providing a bloodless surgical field and surgical satisfaction. METHODS: Fifty patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=25) had zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) administered under general anesthesia, and group II (n=25) had +5 PEEP administered. During surgery, intraarticular hemorrhage and surgical satisfaction were evaluated on a scale of 0-10. During surgery, at the 5th, 30th, 60th, and 90th minutes and at the end of surgery, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and positive inspiratory pressure were recorded. At the end of the surgery, the amount of bleeding and duration of the operation were recorded. RESULTS: In group I, the duration of operation and amount of bleeding were found to be significantly greater than those in group II (p<0.05). The surgical satisfaction score and clarity of the surgical field were found to be significantly lower in group I than in group II (p<0.05). MAP values in group I were significantly lower than those in group II. The SPO² values in group I were significantly lower than those in group II. CONCLUSION: Adding PEEP to the ventilation parameters of arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach-chair position reduces the amount of hemorrhage in the surgical field and thus increases surgical satisfaction without requiring the creation of controlled hypotension.

Effects of glutamine on wound healing.

Studies reporting the need for replacing amino acids such as glutamine (Gln), hydroxymethyl butyrate (HMB) and arginine (Arg) to accelerate wound healing are available in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to present the effects of Gln on tissue hydroxyproline (OHP) levels in wound healing. This study was conducted on 30 female Sprague Dawley rats with a mean weight of 230 ± 20 g. Secondary wounds were formed by excising 2 × 1 cm skin subcutaneous tissue on the back of the rats. The rats were divided into three equal groups. Group C (Control): the group received 1 ml/day isotonic solution by gastric gavage after secondary wound was formed. Group A (Abound): the group received 0·3 g/kg/day/ml Gln, 0·052 g/kg/day/ml HMB and 0·3 g/kg/day/ml Arg by gastric gavage after secondary wound was formed. Group R (Resource): the group received 0·3 g/kg/day/ml Gln by gastric gavage after secondary wound was formed. The OHP levels of the tissues obtained from the upper half region on the 8th day and the lower half region on the 21st day from the same rats in the groups were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistics program SPSS version 17.0. No statistically significant differences were reported with regard to the OHP measurements on the 8th and 21st days (8th day: F = 0·068, P = 0·935 > 0·05; 21st day: F = 0·018, P = 0·983 > 0·05). The increase in mean OHP levels on the 8th and 21st days within each group was found to be statistically significant (F = 1146·34, P = 0·000 < 0·001). We conclude that in adults who eat healthy food, who do not have any factor that can affect wound healing negatively and who do not have large tissue loss at critical level, Gln, Arg and HMB support would not be required to accelerate secondary wound healing.

[The cognitive effects of using transdermal fentanyl in cancer pain]. / Kanser agrisinda transdermal fentanil kullaniminin kognitif fonksiyonlar üzerine etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of using transdermal fentanyl (TDF) on cognitive functions in cancer pain. METHODS: After approval and informed consent of patients by the Ethical Committee, fifty patients with cancer pain who had no previous opioid treatments were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) while, cognitive functions were assessed using by Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination final revised version (ACE-R). In addition, performance was evaluated with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG) and adverse reactions were noted. Patient algological evaluation was done in the first application and the normal cognitive functions were established using ACE-R. In most cases the treatment began with 25 µg/h TDF and, at certain stages of the treatment, the dose was increased so that VAS ≤2. ACE-R was applied again on day 30 under sufficient analgesia. All patients were compared using ACE-R total scores and subgroups (attention-orientation, memory, fluency, language, visuospatial abilities) at before and after TDF treatment. RESULTS: At the end of the study, attention-orientation, memory, fluency, language, and ACER total scores showed a statistically significant improvement after TDF treatment than before. No significant change was obtained for the visuospatial abilities. No difference was detected in performance status. CONCLUSION: The use of TDF for the treatment of cancer pain is not associated with impairment in cognitive performance. Even some cognitive test scores demonstrated significant improvement. Our data shows that the absence of pain increased the quality of life.

Comparison of the anesthetic effects of intrathecal levobupivacaine + fentanyl and bupivacaine + fentanyl during caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia techniques are increasingly preferred for caesarean section. The aim of the present study was to compare the anesthetic effects of levobupivacaine + fentanyl and bupivacaine + fentanyl on the mother and newborn during elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective study, 50 gravidas, who were scheduled for cesarean section were enrolled after Ethics Committee approval had been obtained. The patients were randomized into one of the following two groups: bupivacaine + fentanyl group (group B; n = 25), 7.5 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine + 15 microg fentanyl intrathecally; levobupivacaine + fentanyl group (group L; n = 25), 7.5 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine + 15 microg fentanyl intrathecally. The patients were immediately placed in supine position with 20-30 degrees head up-tilt. The level of sensory and motor blocks were evaluated by pin-prick test and Bromage scale, respectively. RESULTS: The time to sensory block at the T4 dermatome was shorter in group B (group B, 4.8 min; group L, 6.0 min; p < 0.05). The time to maximum motor block was also shorter in group B (group B, 3.4 min; group L, 4.7 min; p < 0.05). The duration of analgesia was longer in group L compared to group B (group B, 102 min; group L, 118 min; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Time to sensory and maximum motor block was shorter in the bupivacaine + fentanyl group. On the other hand, a longer duration of analgesia was achieved in the levobupivacaine + fentanyl group. Although levobupivacaine is a novel drug, it is a good alternative for bupivacaine.

[Comparison of non-invasive mechanical ventilation with helmet or face mask in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Kronik obstrüktif akciger hastaliginin akut alevlenmesinde uygulanan noninvaziv mekanik ventilasyonda helmet ile yüz maskesinin karsilastirilmasi

Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the frequent causes of acute respiratory failure. In our study, we aimed to compare helmet with face mask in noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) on patients who had acute respiratory failure because of exacerbation of COPD in intensive care unit (ICU). Thirty patients, taken into ICU for exacerbation of COPD, were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as face mask group (Group Y) and helmet group (Group H). Appropriate mechanical ventilation settings were recorded after the starting period and NIMV was applied to patients continuously for two hours with these settings. Respiratory frequency (f), blood gas (PaO(2), PaCO(2), PH) and PaO(2)/FiO(2) values and hemodynamic data of all patients were recorded periodically. Compliance of patients were evaluated with patient tolerance scale (PTS). Duration of stay of the patients in ICU and complications were also noted. Demographic characteristics of patients, mechanical ventilator settings and hemodynamic data of the patients in the two groups were found to be similar (p>0.05). Frequency values measured during NIMV are also similar at all measurement times (p>0.05). It was determined that there was a remarkable decrease in respiratory frequency, in both groups after the application of NIMV (p< 0.001). There was no difference with respect to PaO(2), PH and PaO(2)/FiO(2) values at all measurement times, between groups (p> 0.05). PaCO(2) values in the beginning were similar in both groups but PaCO(2) measured at other measurement times for group H were statistically higher compared to the other group (p< 0.05). PTC score measured at during NIMV in group H were remarkably higher (p< 0.05). Helmet developed as an alternative to face mask has a better patient tolerance and accordingly in increases success rate in NIMV. But it must be keeping mind that the decrease in PaCO(2) value is slow with helmet.

Comparison of the laryngeal mask airway Supreme and laryngeal mask airway Classic in adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is an important airway device that was developed in 1983. From the first classic LMA models up to now, LMA models have been developed that are easily and quickly inserted, provide ventilation at higher airway pressures, have lower cuff pressure, a reduced risk of gastric aspiration and cause fewer stress responses. We aimed to compare the LMA Classic with the LMA Supreme in assessing the success rate and time for insertion, number of attempts and leak pressure. METHODS: A total of 70 patients of ASA group I or II were included in our study. Regarding the airway device used during surgery, the patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the LMA Supreme group and the LMA Classic group. In order to provide common conditions for inserting the laryngeal mask, insertion was made while the bispectral index was between 50 and 60 and T1 was 0. The success rate of inserting the LMA, the duration of insertion, the number of attempts, the insertion complications, ventilation parameters, haemodynamic parameters and postoperative adverse effects were recorded for each group. RESULTS: In the LMA Classic group and the LMA Supreme group, the LMA was successfully inserted in 27 (88.5%) and 34 (97%) patients, respectively. The duration of insertion in the LMA Supreme group was shorter and the cuff pressure was lower than that in the LMA Classic group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The LMA Supreme is superior to the LMA Classic because of its ease of insertion with low cuff pressure and high oropharyngeal leakage pressure.

Remifentanil-propofol vs dexmedetomidine-propofol--anesthesia for supratentorial craniotomy.

The aim of the present study was to compare the perioperative hemodynamics, propofol consumption and recovery profiles of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine when used with air-oxygen and propofol, in order to evaluate a postoperative analgesia strategy and explore undesirable side-effects (nausea, vomiting, shivering). In a prospective randomized double-blind study 50 ASAI-III patients scheduled for supratentorial craniotomy, were allocated into two equal Groups. Group D patients (n = 25), received i.v. dexmedetomidine 1 microg kg(-1) as preinduction over a 15-min period and 0.2-1 microg kg(-1) hr(-1) by continuous i.v. infusion during the operation period. Group R patients (n = 25), received remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1) as induction i.v. over a 15-min period and 0.05-1 microg kg(-1) min(-1) as maintenance. The propofol infusion was started at a rate of 10 mg kg(-1) h(-1) and titrated to maintain BIS in the range 40-50. Propofol doses for induction and maintenance of anesthesia was lower with dexmedetomidine (respectively p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The time for BIS to reach 50 was significantly shorter in Group D (p < 0.01). Comparison of the parameters of recovery revealed; extubation time (p < 0.01); response to verbal commands (p < 0.05) and time for orientation (p < 0.05) were longer with Group D. With respect to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) discharge time, dexmedetomidine patients required longer time when compared to remifentanil patients to achieve their first normal neurological score (33 min vs 31 min). The earliest opioid administration was at 38 min. in the dexmedetomidine group and 33 min. in the remifentanil group. Propofol-remifentanil and propofol-dexmedetomidine are both suitable for elective supratentorial craniotomy and provide similar intraoperative hemodynamic responses and postoperative adverse events. Propofol-remifentanil allows earlier cognitive recovery; however, it leads to earlier demand for postoperative analgesics. Undesirable side-effects were similar in two Groups.

Comparison of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy with surgical tracheostomy.

RATIONALE: Tracheostomy is done mostly in critically ill patients, many of whom may not survive. We still do not know the long term complications of tracheostomy itself; tracheal and subglottic stenosis, and tracheomalacia. OBJECTIVES: To compare the complications of surgical tracheostomy (ST) versus percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) by means of MRI control up to 1 month after closed tracheostomy. RESULTS: There was no death related to tracheostomy. In both groups there were two preoperative complications: one minor hemorrhage and one subcutaneous empysema in the ST group, and one minor bleeding and one puncture ofendotracheal tube cuff in the PDT group. When the early and the late postoperative complications of the two groups were compared, it was observed that in the ST group, five early (one minor bleeding, three stomal infections and one accidental decannulation), and two late (one peristomal granuloma and one persistent stoma) postoperative complications had occurred. In the PDT group, four early (minor bleeding) and two late postoperative complications (two minor bleeding) were observed. MRI of two patients in the PDT group demonstrated tracheal stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is as safe and as effective as ST. Although the early and late postoperative complication rates were not significant in the PDT group, we believe that further investigations with larger groups are necessary to find long-term outcome following PDT. MRI scanning provides an excellent non-invasive method of assessing the tracheal lumen.

Positive end-expiratory pressure reduces pneumocephalus in spinal intradural tumor surgery.

We tested the hypothesis that 5 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) reduces the incidence of pneumocephalus in patients who undergo spinal intradural tumor surgery. Fifty-three ASA I to III patients who underwent thoracolumbar intradural tumor surgery between the years 2003 and 2006 were included in this study. All patients received propofol, fentanyl, and cisatracurium for induction of the anesthesia. Maintenance was provided by propofol infusion and, oxygen (50%) and air (50%). Group I (n=28) did not receive PEEP whereas group II (n=25) received PEEP as 5 cm H2O. Cranial computerized tomography was taken at 8 hours after the surgery and cases were evaluated for pneumocephalus using BAB Bs200ProP Image System software. Pneumocephalus areas between 0.03 and 4.24 cm2 were observed in 9 patients, 8 in group I and 1 patient in group II at the 8th postoperative hour, at various localizations. There were no neurologic findings in other patients except for 2 patients in group I who presented with headache and mental status change. Although the cerebrospinal fluid leakage is minimal, N2O is not used and the patients are well hydrated, pneumocephalus with neurologic deficits may occur in patients undergoing microsurgical spinal intradural tumor surgery in prone position. In our study, we showed that using 5 cm H2O PEEP perioperatively reduced the risk of pneumocephalus. However, more cases must be studied to support this hypothesis.