Topical capsaicin 8% patch in peripheral neuropathic pain: Efficacy and quality of life.

Introduction: Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) is one of the most challenging diseases to treat with a significant negative impact on the patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Capsaicin 8% patch has arisen in the last decades as an alternative to oral drugs in the treatment of PNP with fewer side effects and promising results in efficacy. Objectives: This work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the topical application of capsaicin in PNP and its impact on patients' HRQoL based on the use of capsaicin in a tertiary hospital of Oporto. Methods: This study included 100 patients with localized PNP with poor pain control and without improvement with previous treatments that were treated at least once with an 8% capsaicin patch. Effectiveness on pain relief, number of treatments needed, safety and impact on HRQoL were assessed through a set of questionnaires. Results: Regarding the aetiology of PNP, 67.6% (N = 46) have post-surgery or trauma induced PNP with 64.7% (N = 44) of patients reporting pain in the lower limb. After the treatment, 30.9% (N = 21) felt minimally improved, 22.1 (N = 15) felt much improved and 13.2 (N = 9) felt very much improved. On a scale from 1 to 10, in the week prior to the survey, the median intensity of pain was 6 and the median interference in quality of life was 7. The majority of patients still report limitations in mobility and daily activities and moderate pain. Conclusion: Capsaicin 8% patch is effective in PNP treatment at least in the short term. Repeated applications may be important for long-term analgesia. The low systemic dose and few side effects mean that the treatment is generally well tolerated by patients. Due to the analgesic effect, capsaicin can improve the HRQoL of patients with PNP.

Adrenal Crisis During Cesarean Section in a Patient With Primary Adrenal Insufficiency.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a type of primary adrenal insufficiency (AI) that predisposes to adrenal crisis (AC) during stress. We describe a case of a primipara with CAH who was admitted in labor. To prevent AC, glucocorticoid replacement was given according to guidelines. Due to fetal decelerations, an emergency C-section was performed under general anesthesia following which refractory hypotension emerged. The diagnosis of AC was considered, and hydrocortisone was given with sustained hemodynamic improvement. AC is a life-threatening emergency whose diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Despite adequate steroid coverage, additional stressors may precipitate AC, so it is of paramount importance that anesthesiologists consider this emergency.

Chronic pain, functionality and quality of life in cancer survivors.

The increasing number of cancer survivors associated to a longer average life-span after diagnosis of an oncological disease facilitates the observation of deleterious long-term effects of both oncological disease and its treatment. Among these effects, chronic pain emerges as one of the most prevalent and, with its onset, there is a decrease in these patients' functionality and quality of life. The main focus in oncological disease treatment has been tumour eradication and average life expectancy extension after diagnosis, neglecting these deleterious long-term effects. This study aims at assessing the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in cancer survivors as well as pain interference in their quality of life and functionality. The study selected cancer survivors (n = 85) after dismissal from oncology service to assess the presence and characteristics of chronic pain, their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and pain-related disability through a combination of different questionnaires. Chronic pain prevalence was 23.5%. In total, 85% of patients reported neuropathic pain descriptors and 45% presented diagnostic criteria for neuropathic pain. Of these patients, 45% were followed-up for pain surveillance and 35% underwent analgesic medication. There was a median pain disability index of 20.50 (14.50-35.00) and an average HRQoL of 0.5338 in chronic pain patients and 0.8872 in patients without pain. We found that chronic pain was the main negative predictor of HRQoL and was associated with decreased functionality. This study also concluded that these patients often were not offered the appropriate long-term medical follow-up. These findings highlight a need to raise awareness among health professionals to the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of pain and its impact on HRQoL and functionality of long-term cancer survivors as well as the need to change clinical practice in order to improve healthcare provided to these patients.

Effectiveness of Opioids for Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Two-Year Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study With Propensity Score Matching.

Opioid use in chronic non cancer pain (CNCP) is still controversial regarding their effectiveness and safety. We conducted a 2-year prospective cohort study in 4 multidisciplinary chronic pain clinics to assess long-term opioid effectiveness in CNCP patients. All adult CNCP patients consecutively admitted to their first consultation were recruited. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences between opioid users and nonusers. The Brief Pain Inventory and the Short version of Treatment Outcomes in Pain Survey were used to measure pain outcomes and quality of life. A total of 529 subjects were matched and included in our analysis. Rate of prescription opioid use was 59.7% at baseline, which increased to 70.3% over 2 years, of which 42.7% of the prescriptions were for strong opioids. Opioid users reported no improvement regarding pain symptoms, physical function, emotional function, and social/familiar disability. Opioid users reported higher satisfaction with care and outcomes at 1 year of follow-up, but at 2 years, they only reported improvement in satisfaction with outcomes. Opioids have shown limited effectiveness in long-term CNCP management, as opioid users presented no improvements regarding functional outcomes and quality of life. These findings emphasize the need for proper selection and outcome assessment of CNCP patients prescribed opioids. PERSPECTIVE: This study adds important additional evidence concerning the controversial use of opioids in CNCP management. Opioid users presented no improvement regarding pain relief, functional outcomes and quality of life over 2 years of follow-up. Therefore, our results support and highlight the limited effectiveness of opioids in long-term CNCP management.

A Two-Year Prospective Multicenter Study of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Noncancer Pain: Prescription Trends and Predictors.

OBJECTIVES: Opioid use in chronic pain has increased worldwide in recent years. The aims of this study were to describe the trends and patterns of opioid therapy over two years of follow-up in a cohort of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) patients and to assess predictors of long-term opioid use and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A prospective cohort study with two years of follow-up was undertaken in four multidisciplinary chronic pain clinics. Demographic data, pain characteristics, and opioid prescriptions were recorded at baseline, three, six, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: Six hundred seventy-four CNCP patients were recruited. The prevalence of opioid prescriptions at baseline was 59.6% (N = 402), and 13% (N = 86) were strong opioid prescriptions. At 24 months, opioid prescription prevalence was as high as 74.3% (N = 501), and strong opioid prescription was 31% (N = 207). Most opioid users (71%, N = 479) maintained their prescription during the two years of follow-up. Our opioid discontinuation was very low (1%, N = 5). Opioid users reported higher severity and interference pain scores, both at baseline and after two years of follow-up. Opioid use was independently associated with continuous pain, pain location in the lower limbs, and higher pain interference scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a pattern of increasing opioid prescription in chronic pain patients. Despite the limited improvement of clinical outcomes, most patients keep their long-term opioid prescriptions. Our results underscore the need for changes in clinical practice and further research into the effectiveness and safety of chronic opioid therapy for CNPC.

Incidence and Health Related Quality of Life of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Chronic Noncancer Pain Patients: A Prospective Multicentre Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: High rates of opioid use for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) have been reported worldwide, despite its association with adverse events, inappropriate use, and limited analgesic effect. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most prevalent and disabling adverse effect associated with opioid therapy. Our aim was to assess the incidence, health related quality of life (HRQOL), and disability in OIC patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed, with 6 months of follow-up, of adult CNCP patients consecutively admitted in 4 multidisciplinary pain clinics (MPC). Demographic and clinical data have been collected. Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Short version of Treatment Outcomes in Pain Survey (S-TOPS) were used to measure functional outcomes and HRQOL. OIC was assessed using Bowel Function Index (BFI). RESULTS: 694 patients were recruited. OIC prevalence at baseline was 25.8%. At 6 months, OIC incidence was 24.8%. Female gender (OR = 1.65, p = 0.039), opioid therapy (OR 1.65, p = 0.026), and interference pain score on BPI (OR 1.10, p = 0.009) were identified as OIC independent predictors. OIC patients presented higher disability and pain interference and severity scores. OIC patients reported less satisfaction with outcome (p = 0.038). DISCUSSION: Constipation is a common adverse event among opioid users with major functional and quality of life impairment. These findings emphasise the need of OIC adequate assessment and management.

Interventional Pain Management in Multidisciplinary Chronic Pain Clinics: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study with One-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Interventional Pain Management (IPM) is performed in multidisciplinary chronic pain clinics (MCPC), including a range of invasive techniques to diagnose and treat chronic pain (CP) conditions. Current patterns of use of those techniques in MCPC have not yet been reported. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe quantitatively and qualitatively the use of IPM and other therapeutic procedures performed on-site at four Portuguese MCPC. METHODS: A prospective cohort study with one-year follow-up was performed in adult patients. A structured case report form was systematically completed at baseline and six and 12 months. RESULTS: Among 808 patients referred to the MCPC, 17.2% had been prescribed IPM. Patients with IPM were on average younger and had longer CP duration and lower levels of maximum pain and pain interference/disability. The three main diagnoses were low back pain (n = 28), postoperative CP, and knee pain (n = 16 each). From 195 IPM prescribed, nerve blocks (n = 108), radiofrequency (n = 31), and viscosupplementation (n = 22) were the most prevalent. Some IPM techniques were only available in few MCPC. One MCPC did not provide IPM. CONCLUSIONS: IPM are seldom prescribed in Portuguese MCPC. Further studies on IPM safety and effectiveness are necessary for clear understanding the role of these techniques in CP management.

Avaliação do delírio em pacientes pós-operatórios: validação da versão portuguesa da Nursing Delirium Screening Scale na terapia intensiva / Delirium assessment in postoperative patients: validation of the portuguese version of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale in critical care / Evaluación del delirio en pacientes postoperatorios: validación de la versión portuguesa de la Nursing Delirium Screening Scale en cuidados intensivos

EXPERIÊNCIA E OBJETIVOS: O objetivo desse estudo foi validar a versão portuguesa da escala Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) para uso em anbientes de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Simultânea e independentemente, avaliamos para ocorrência de delírio todos os pacientes pós-operatórios internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Cirúrgica (UTIC) ao longo de um período de um mês, utilizando as versões portuguesas de Nu-DESC e da escala Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) dentro de 24 horas a contar da internação, tanto pelo médico da equipe de pesquisa como pelo enfermeiro diretamente encarregado do paciente. Determinamos a acurácia diagnóstica de Nu-DESC utilizando análises de sensibilidade, especificidade e da curva ROC. Avaliamos a confiabilidade entre enfermeiros/médico da equipe de pesquisa para Nu-DESC pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI). Avaliamos concordância e confiabilidade entre Nu-DESC e ICDSC por percentuais globais e específicos de concordância, e por estatística kappa. RESULTADOS: Com base na escala ICDSC, diagnosticamos delírio em 12 dos 78 pacientes. Para o escore Nu-DESC total, consideramos como alta a confiabilidade entre enfermeiros/médico da equipe. Quanto ao diagnóstico, consideramos perfeita a concordância entre enfermeiros e médico da equipe. O percentual de concordância global entre Nu-DESC e ICDSC para o diagnóstico de delírio foi 0,88, e kappa variou de 0,79 a 0,93. A sensibilidade da escala Nu-DESC foi 100%, e a especificidade, 86%. CONCLUSÕES: A versão portuguesa da escala Nu-DESC parece ser instrumento de avaliação e monitoramento acurado e confiável para o diagnóstico de delírio em ambientes de terapia intensiva.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese version of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) for use in critical care settings. METHODS: We simultaneously and independently evaluated all postoperative patients admitted to a surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) over a 1-month period for delirium, using the Portuguese versions of both the Nu-DESC and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) within 24 hours of admission by both the research staff physician and one bedside nurse. We determined the diagnostic accuracy of the Nu-DESC using sensitivity, specificity and ROC curve analyses. We assessed reliability between nurses and the research staff physician for Nu-DESC by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We assessed agreement and reliability between Nu-DESC and ICDSC by overall and specific proportions of agreement and by kappa statistics. RESULTS: Based on the ICDSC, we diagnosed delirium in 12 of the 78 patients. Reliability between nurses and the staff physician for total Nu-DESC score was high. Agreement between nurses and staff physician in the delirium diagnosis was perfect. The proportion of overall agreement between Nu-DESC and ICDSC in the delirium diagnosis was 0.88 and the kappa ranged from 0.79 to 0.93. Nu-DESC Sensitivity was 100 and specificity was 86%. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the Nu-DESC appears to be an accurate and reliable assessment and monitoring instrument for delirium in critical care settings.

EXPERIENCIA Y OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este estudio fue validar la versión portuguesa de la escala Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) para uso en ambientes de cuidados intensivos. MÉTODOS: Simultánea e independientemente, evaluamos el aparecimiento de delirio en todos los pacientes postoperatorios ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Quirúgica (UCIQ) a lo largo de un período de un mes, utilizando las versiones portuguesas de Nu-DESC y de la escala Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) dentro de 24 horas a partir del momento del ingreso, tanto por el médico del equipo de investigación, como por el enfermero directamente encargado del paciente. Determinamos la exactitud diagnóstica de Nu-DESC utilizando análisis de sensibilidad, especificidad y de la curva ROC. Evaluamos la confiabilidad entre enfermeros/médico del equipo de investigación para Nu-DESC por el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI). Evaluamos la concordancia y la confiabilidad entre Nu-DESC y ICDSC por porcentajes globales y específicos de concordancia, y por estadística kappa. RESULTADOS: Basándonos en la escala ICDSC, diagnosticamos delirio en 12 de los 78 pacientes. Para la puntuación Nu-DESC total, consideramos como alta la confiabilidad entre enfermeros/médico del equipo. En cuanto al diagnóstico, consideramos perfecta la concordancia entre enfermeros y médico del equipo. El porcentaje de concordancia global entre Nu-DESC y ICDSC para el diagnóstico de delirio fue de 0,88, y kappa varió de 0,79 a 0,93. La sensibilidad de la escala Nu-DESC fue de un 100%, y el de especificidad de un 86%. CONCLUSIONES: La versión portuguesa de la escala Nu-DESC parece ser un instrumento de evaluación y monitoreo exacto y confiable para el diagnóstico del delirio en ambientes de cuidados intensivos.

Outcome and quality of life in patients with postoperative delirium during an ICU stay following major surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is an acute disturbance of consciousness and cognition that has been shown to be associated with poor outcomes, including increased mortality. We aimed to evaluate outcome after postoperative delirium in a cohort of surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted over a 10-month period in a SICU. Postoperative delirium was diagnosed in accordance with the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). The primary outcome was mortality at 6-month follow-up. Hospital mortality and becoming dependent were considered as secondary outcomes, on the basis of the evaluation of the patient's ability to undertake both personal and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) before surgery and 6 months after discharge from the SICU. For each dichotomous outcome - hospital mortality, mortality at 6-month follow-up, and becoming dependent - a separate multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, which included delirium as an independent variable. Another outcome analyzed was changes in health-related quality of life, as determined using short-form 36 (SF-36), which was administered before and 6 months after discharge from the SICU. Additionally, for each SF-36 domain, a separate multiple linear regression model was used for each SF-36 domain, with changes in the SF-36 domain as a dependent variable and delirium as an independent variable. RESULTS: Of 775 SICU-admitted adults, 562 were enrolled in the study, of which 89 (16%) experienced postoperative delirium. Delirium was an independent risk factor for mortality at the 6-month follow-up (OR = 2.562, P <0.001) and also for hospital mortality (OR = 2.673, P <0.001). Delirium was also an independent risk factor for becoming dependent for personal ADL (P-ADL) after SICU discharge (OR = 2.188, P <0.046). Moreover, patients who experienced postoperative delirium showed a greater decline in SF-36 domains after discharge, particularly in physical function, vitality, and social function, as compared to patients without postoperative delirium. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative delirium was an independent risk factor for 6-month follow-up mortality, hospital mortality, and becoming independent in P-ADL after SICU discharge. It was also significantly associated with a worsening in the quality of life after surgery.

Congestive heart failure as a determinant of postoperative delirium.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequent post-surgical complication that is associated with increased mortality and poor patient outcomes. POD is a complex disorder with multiple risk factors such as pre-existing patient comorbidities and perioperative complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of POD and to identify risk factors for the development of POD in a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). METHODS: We enrolled 97 adult patients admitted to a PACU over a five-day period (start date September 6, 2010). Patient demographics and intraoperative and postoperative data were collected. Patients were followed for the development of delirium using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Descriptive analyses of variables were used to summarize data, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables; the chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used for comparisons. Univariate analysis was performed using simple binary logistic regression with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The significance level for multiple comparisons was controlled by applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons and variables were deemed significant if p≤0.0025. RESULTS: Six percent of patients developed POD. These patients were older and more likely to have higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status (83 vs. 22% with ASA III/IV, p=0.004) as well as a higher frequency of congestive heart failure (50 vs. 3%, p=0.003) and a higher Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) score (33 vs. 6% with RCRI ≥2, p=0.039). The duration of anesthesia for patients with POD was also longer and they received a greater volume of crystalloids, colloids, and erythrocytes during surgery. Congestive heart disease was an independent risk factor for POD (OR 29.3, 95% CI 4.1-210.6; p<0.001). In addition, patients who developed POD had higher in-hospital mortality and longer PACU and hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who developed POD had longer hospital and PACU stays and higher in-hospital mortality. Congestive heart disease was considered an independent risk factor for POD.

Outcome after hepatectomy-delirium as an independent predictor for mortality.

BACKGROUND: Most studies that follow up hepatectomy cases are limited in scope to an investigation of mortality and morbidity rates or the costs and length of hospital stay. In this study the authors aimed to characterize the quality of life and to evaluate mortality and its determinants after hepatectomy. METHODS: This prospective study was carried in a Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) over 15 months, and 70 patients submitted to hepatectomy were enrolled. Demographic and peri-operative characteristics were evaluated for associations with mortality. At admission and 6 months after discharge, patients completed a Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36) and have their independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was evaluated. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate of associations with mortality, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare SF-36 scores before and after 6 months after hepatectomy. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 19% at 6 months. Multivariate analysis identified postoperative delirium as an independent determinant for mortality. Six months after discharge, 46% patients stated that their health in general was better or much better than that 1 year previously. Six months after hepatectomy, patients had worse scores in the physical function domain of SF-36; however, scores for all the other domains did not differ. At this time point, patients were more dependent in instrumental ADL than before surgery (32% versus 7%, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: This study identified postoperative delirium as an independent risk factor for mortality 6 months after hepatectomy. After 6 months, survivors were more dependent in instrumental ADL tasks and had worse scores in the physical function domain of SF-36.

Delirium assessment in postoperative patients: Validation of the Portuguese version of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale in critical care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese version of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) for use in critical care settings. METHODS: We simultaneously and independently evaluated all postoperative patients admitted to a surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) over a 1-month period for delirium, using the Portuguese versions of both the Nu-DESC and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) within 24 hours of admission by both the research staff physician and one bedside nurse. We determined the diagnostic accuracy of the Nu-DESC using sensitivity, specificity and ROC curve analyses. We assessed reliability between nurses and the research staff physician for Nu-DESC by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We assessed agreement and reliability between Nu-DESC and ICDSC by overall and specific proportions of agreement and by kappa statistics. RESULTS: Based on the ICDSC, we diagnosed delirium in 12 of the 78 patients. Reliability between nurses and the staff physician for total Nu-DESC score was high. Agreement between nurses and staff physician in the delirium diagnosis was perfect. The proportion of overall agreement between Nu-DESC and ICDSC in the delirium diagnosis was 0.88 and the kappa ranged from 0.79 to 0.93. Nu-DESC Sensitivity was 100 and specificity was 86%. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the Nu-DESC appears to be an accurate and reliable assessment and monitoring instrument for delirium in critical care settings.

Procedimento e complicações anestésicas no manejo de lavagem pulmonar total em paciente obeso com proteinose alveolar pulmonar: relato de caso / Anaesthetic, procedure and complications management of serial whole lung lavage in an obese patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: case report / Procedimiento y complicaciones anestésicas en el manejo del lavado pulmonar total en paciente obeso con proteinosis alveolar pulmonar: relato de caso

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O primeiro caso de proteinose alveolar pulmonar (PAP) foi descrito por Rose em 1958, mas ainda é um distúrbio raro. PAP é caracterizada pela deposição de material lipoproteico secundário ao processamento anormal de surfactantes pelos macrófagos. Os pacientes podem ter dispneia progressiva e tosse, às vezes acompanhadas pelo agravamento da hipóxia, e seu curso pode variar de deterioração progressiva a melhora espontânea. Muitas terapias foram usadas, incluindo antibióticos, drenagem postural e ventilação com pressão positiva intermitente com acetilcisteína, heparina e soro fisiológico em aerossol. Atualmente, a base do tratamento é a lavagem pulmonar total (LPT). A LPT, embora seja geralmente bem-tolerada, pode estar associada a algumas complicações. RELATO DE CASO: Relatamos um caso de PAP grave durante o procedimento anestésico e as complicações no manejo da proteinose alveolar pulmonar em um paciente que havia sido submetido a múltiplas e alternadas lavagens de um dos pulmões ao longo de sete anos (os últimos três em nosso hospital), com melhora dos sintomas depois de cada tratamento.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The first case of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) was described by Rose in 1958, but it is still a rare disorder. PAP is characterized by deposition of lipoproteinaceous material secondary to abnormal processing of surfactant by macrophages. Patients may suffer from progressive dyspnea and cough that at times is accompanied by worsening hypoxia and its course can vary from progressive deterioration to spontaneous improvement. Many therapies have been used to treat PAP including antibiotics, postural drainage, and intermittent positive pressure breathing with aerosolized Acetylcysteine, heparin and saline. At present, the mainstay of treatment is whole lung lavage (WLL). Although generally well tolerated, WLL can be associated with some complications. CASE REPORT: We report a case of severe PAP through the anaesthetic, procedure and complications management of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in one patient who has undergone multiple, alternating, single-lung lavages over the past seven years, the last three in our hospital, with improvements in her symptoms following each therapy.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El primer caso de proteinosis alveolar pulmonar (PAP) fue descrito por Rose en 1958, pero todavía continúa siendo un trastorno raro. La PAP se caracteriza por la deposición de material lipoproteico secundario al procesamiento anormal de surfactantes por los macrófagos. Los pacientes pueden tener disnea progresiva y tos, a veces seguidas de un agravamiento de la hipoxia, y su curso puede variar de deterioración progresiva a una mejoría espontánea. A lo largo de los años, muchas terapias han sido usadas para tratar la PAP, incluyendo antibióticos, drenaje postural y ventilación con presión positiva intermitente con acetilcisteína, heparina y suero fisiológico en aerosol. Hoy por hoy, la base del tratamiento es el lavado pulmonar total (LPT), descrito por primera vez por Ramirez-Rivera y col. Existen tres variantes de la enfermedad: congénita, secundaria y adquirida. Las recientes investigaciones sugieren que en la forma más común (PAP adquirida [idiopática]), la autoinmunidad contra el factor estimulador de las colonias de granulocitos y macrófagos (FEC-GM) pulmonares desempeña un importante papel. El factor recombinante que estimula las colonias de granulocitos y macrófagos parece beneficiarse con un subconjunto de pacientes adultos con PAP y puede representar una alternativa en el tratamiento de la enfermedad, pero la tasa de éxito todavía no es suficiente para substituir la LPT. La LPT, aunque sea generalmente bien tolerada, puede estar asociada con algunas complicaciones. RELATO DE CASO: Relatamos un caso de PAP grave durante el procedimiento anestésico y las complicaciones en el manejo de la proteinosis alveolar pulmonar en un paciente que había sido sometido a múltiples y alternados lavados de uno de los pulmones a lo largo de siete años (los últimos tres en nuestro hospital), con una mejoría de los síntomas después de cada tratamiento.

Anaesthetic, procedure and complications management of serial whole-lung lavage in an obese patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The first case of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) was described by Rose in 1958, but it is still a rare disorder. PAP is characterized by deposition of lipoproteinaceous material secondary to abnormal processing of surfactant by macrophages. Patients may suffer from progressive dyspnea and cough that at times is accompanied by worsening hypoxia and its course can vary from progressive deterioration to spontaneous improvement. Many therapies have been used to treat PAP including antibiotics, postural drainage, and intermittent positive pressure breathing with aerosolized Acetylcysteine, heparin and saline. At present, the mainstay of treatment is whole lung lavage (WLL). Although generally well tolerated, WLL can be associated with some complications. CASE REPORT: We report a case of severe PAP through the anaesthetic, procedure and complications management of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in one patient who has undergone multiple, alternating, single-lung lavages over the past seven years, the last three in our hospital, with improvements in her symptoms following each therapy.

Delirium pós-operatório em pacientes críticos: fatores de risco e resultados / Postoperative delirium in intensive care patients: factores de riesgo y resultados / risk factors and outcome / Delirio postoperatorio en pacientes en cuidados intensivos

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O delirium pós-operatório (DPO) em pacientes cirúrgicos em terapia intensiva é um resultado independente importante e determinante. O objetivo do nosso estudo foi avaliar a incidência e os determinantes do DPO. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de coorte realizado durante um período de 10 meses em uma unidade de recuperação pós-anestesia (URPA) com cinco leitos especializados em terapia intensiva. Todos os consecutivos pacientes adultos submetidos à cirurgia de grande porte foram incluídos. Os dados demográficos, as variáveis perioperatórias, o tempo de internação (TI) e a mortalidade na URPA, no hospital e nos 6 meses de acompanhamento foram registrados. Delirium pós-operatório foi avaliado utilizando o Checklist para triagem de delirium em terapia intensiva (Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist - ICDSC). Análises descritivas foram realizadas e o teste de Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher foram usados para comparações. Análise de regressão logística avaliou os fatores determinantes do DPO com o cálculo da razão de chances (RC) e seu intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). RESULTADOS: Houve admissão de 775 pacientes adultos na URPA e 95 pacientes não atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Dos 680 pacientes restantes, 128 (18,8%) desenvolveram DPO. Os determinantes independentes de DPO identificados foram a idade, ASA-PS, cirurgia de emergência e a quantidade total de plasma fresco congelado (PFC) administrada durante a cirurgia. Os pacientes com delirium tiveram taxas mais elevadas de mortalidade, estavam mais gravemente doente e permaneceram mais tempo na URPA e no hospital. DPO foi um fator de risco independente para mortalidade hospitalar. DISCUSSÃO: A incidência de delirium foi elevada nos pacientes cirúrgicos em terapia intensiva. DPO foi associado a uma pior pontuação de gravidade da doença, tempo de permanencia mais longo no hospital e na URPA e a taxas mais elevadas de mortalidade. Os fatores de risco independentes para DPO foram a idade, ASA-PS, cirurgia de emergência e quantidade de plasma administrado durante a cirurgia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative delirium (POD) in Surgical Intensive Care patients is an important independent outcome determinant. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence and determinants of POD. METHODS: Prospective cohort study conducted during a period of 10 months in a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with five intensive care beds. All consecutive adult patients submitted to major surgery were enrolled. Demographic data, perioperative variables, length of stay (LOS) and the mortality at PACU, hospital and at 6-months follow-up were recorded. Postoperative delirium was evaluated using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). Descriptive analyses were conducted and the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used for comparisons. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the determinants of POD with calculation of odds ratio (OR) and its confidence interval 95% (95% CI). RESULTS: There were 775 adult PACU admissions and 95 patients had exclusion criteria. Of the remaining 680 patients, 128 (18.8%) developed POD. Independent determinants of POD identified were age, ASA-PS, emergency surgery and total amount of fresh frozen plasma administered during surgery. Patients with delirium had higher mortality rates, were more severely ill and stayed longer at the PACU and in the hospital. POD was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality DISCUSSION: There was a high incidence of delirium had a high incidence in intensive care surgical patients. POD was associated with worse severity of disease scores, longer LOS in hospital, and in PACU and higher mortality rates. The independent risk factors for POD were age, ASA-PS, emergency surgery and the amount of plasma administered during surgery.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El delirio postoperatorio (DPO) en pacientes quirúrgicos en cuidados intensivos es un resultado independiente y un importante determinante. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar la incidencia y los determinantes del DPO. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo de cohorte realizado durante un período de 10 meses en una unidad de recuperación de postanestesia (URPA) con cinco camas especializadas en cuidados intensivos. Todos los pacientes adultos consecutivos que fueron sometidos a cirugía mayor fueron incluidos. Los datos demográficos, las variables perioperatorias, el tiempo de ingreso (TI) y la mortalidad en la URPA en el hospital y en los 6 meses de seguimiento quedaron registrados. El delirio postoperatorio se evaluó utilizando el Checklist para la selección de delirio en cuidados intensivos (Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist - ICDSC). Los análisis descriptivos fueron realizados y el test de Mann-Whitney, Xi-Cuadrado (Xi²) y el test exacto de Fisher fueron usados para las comparaciones. El análisis de regresión logística evaluó los factores determinantes del DPO con el cálculo de la razón de chances (RC) y su intervalo de confianza de 95% (IC 95%). RESULTADOS: La admisión fue de 775 pacientes adultos en la URPA y 95 pacientes no respetaron los criterios de inclusión. De los 680 pacientes restantes, 128 (18,8%) desarrollaron DPO. Los determinantes independientes de DPO identificados fueron la edad, ASA-PS, cirugía de emergencia y la cantidad total de plasma fresco congelado (PFC) administrado durante la cirugía. Los pacientes con delirio tuvieron tasas más elevadas de mortalidad, estaban más gravemente enfermos y permanecieron más tiempo en la URPA y en el hospital. El DPO fue un factor de riesgo independiente para la mortalidad hospitalaria. DISCUSIÓN: La incidencia de delirio fue elevada en los pacientes quirúrgicos en cuidados intensivos. El DPO estuvo asociado con una peor puntuación de gravedad de la enfermedad, tiempo de permanencia más largo en el hospital y en la URPA y tasas más elevadas de mortalidad. Los factores de riesgo independientes para DPO fueron la edad, ASA-PS, cirugía de emergencia y cantidad de plasma administrado durante la cirugía.

Postoperative delirium in intensive care patients: risk factors and outcome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative delirium (POD) in Surgical Intensive Care patients is an important independent outcome determinant. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence and determinants of POD. METHODS: Prospective cohort study conducted during a period of 10 months in a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with five intensive care beds. All consecutive adult patients submitted to major surgery were enrolled. Demographic data, perioperative variables, length of stay (LOS) and the mortality at PACU, hospital and at 6-months follow-up were recorded. Postoperative delirium was evaluated using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). Descriptive analyses were conducted and the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used for comparisons. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the determinants of POD with calculation of odds ratio (OR) and its confidence interval 95% (95% CI). RESULTS: There were 775 adult PACU admissions and 95 patients had exclusion criteria. Of the remaining 680 patients, 128 (18.8%) developed POD. Independent determinants of POD identified were age, ASA-PS, emergency surgery and total amount of fresh frozen plasma administered during surgery. Patients with delirium had higher mortality rates, were more severely ill and stayed longer at the PACU and in the hospital. POD was an independent risk factor for hospital mortality DISCUSSION: There was a high incidence of delirium had a high incidence in intensive care surgical patients. POD was associated with worse severity of disease scores, longer LOS in hospital, and in PACU and higher mortality rates. The independent risk factors for POD were age, ASAPS, emergency surgery and the amount of plasma administered during surgery.