Airway management in patients with suspected or confirmed cervical spine injury: Guidelines from the Difficult Airway Society (DAS), Association of Anaesthetists (AoA), British Society of Orthopaedic Anaesthetists (BSOA), Intensive Care Society (ICS), Neuro Anaesthesia and Critical Care Society (NACCS), Faculty of Prehospital Care and Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM).

BACKGROUND: There are concerns that airway management in patients with suspected or confirmed cervical spine injury may exacerbate an existing neurological deficit, cause a new spinal cord injury or be hazardous due to precautions to avoid neurological injury. However, there are no evidence-based guidelines for practicing clinicians to support safe and effective airway management in this setting. METHODS: An expert multidisciplinary, multi-society working party conducted a systematic review of contemporary literature (January 2012-June 2022), followed by a three-round Delphi process to produce guidelines to improve airway management for patients with suspected or confirmed cervical spine injury. RESULTS: We included 67 articles in the systematic review, and successfully agreed 23 recommendations. Evidence supporting recommendations was generally modest, and only one moderate and two strong recommendations were made. Overall, recommendations highlight key principles and techniques for pre-oxygenation and facemask ventilation; supraglottic airway device use; tracheal intubation; adjuncts during tracheal intubation; cricoid force and external laryngeal manipulation; emergency front-of-neck airway access; awake tracheal intubation; and cervical spine immobilisation. We also signpost to recommendations on pre-hospital care, military settings and principles in human factors. CONCLUSIONS: It is hoped that the pragmatic approach to airway management made within these guidelines will improve the safety and efficacy of airway management in adult patients with suspected or confirmed cervical spine injury.

Targeted temperature management in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, or acute ischaemic stroke: updated consensus guideline recommendations by the Neuroprotective Therapy Consensus Review (NTCR) group.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consistent, evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with fever after brain injury. The aim was to update previously published consensus recommendations on targeted temperature management after intracerebral haemorrhage, aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and acute ischaemic stroke in patients who require admission to critical care. METHODS: A modified Delphi consensus, the Neuroprotective Therapy Consensus Review (NTCR), included 19 international neuro-intensive care experts with a subspecialty interest in the acute management of intracerebral haemorrhage, aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and acute ischaemic stroke. An online, anonymised survey was completed ahead of the meeting before the group came together to consolidate consensus and finalise recommendations on targeted temperature management. A threshold of ≥80% for consensus was set for all statements. RESULTS: Recommendations were formulated based on existing evidence, literature review, and consensus. After intracerebral haemorrhage, aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and acute ischaemic stroke in patients who require critical care admission, core temperature should ideally be monitored continuously and maintained between 36.0°C and 37.5°C using automated feedback-controlled devices, where possible. Targeted temperature management should be commenced within 1 h of first fever identification with appropriate diagnosis and treatment of infection, maintained for as long as the brain remains at risk of secondary injury, and rewarming should be controlled. Shivering should be monitored and managed to limit risk of secondary injury. Following a single protocol for targeted temperature management across intracerebral haemorrhage, aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and acute ischaemic stroke is desirable. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a modified Delphi expert consensus process, these guidelines aim to improve the quality of targeted temperature management for patients after intracerebral haemorrhage, aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and acute ischaemic stroke in critical care, highlighting the need for further research to improve clinical guidelines in this setting.

A prospective observational study of the impact of an electronic questionnaire (ePAQ-PO) on the duration of nurse-led pre-operative assessment and patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: Standard pre-operative assessment at our institution involves a comprehensive history and examination by a nurse practitioner. An electronic pre-operative assessment questionnaire, ePAQ-PO® (ePAQ, Sheffield, UK) has previously been developed and validated. This study aimed to determine the impact of ePAQ-PO on nurse consultation times and patient satisfaction in low-risk patients. METHODS: The duration of pre-operative assessment consultation was recorded for American Society of Anesthesiology physical classification 1 and 2 patients undergoing pre-operative assessment by an electronic questionnaire (ePAQ-PO group) and standard face-to-face assessment by a nurse practitioner (standard group). Patients were also asked to complete an eight-item satisfaction questionnaire. Eighty-six patients were included (43 in each group). RESULTS: After adjusting for the duration of physical examination, median (IQR [min-max]) consultation time was longer in the standard compared to the ePAQ-PO group (25 (18-33 [10-49]) min vs. 12 (8-17 [4-45]) min, respectively; p <0.001). Response rate for the satisfaction questionnaire was 93%. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction scores (38/39 in standard group vs. 39/41 in ePAQ-PO group were fully satisfied with their pre-operative assessment; p = 0.494). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative assessment using ePAQ-PO is associated with a significant reduction of over 50% in the duration of the assessment without impacting on patient satisfaction.

European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Neurosurgery.

: Although there are numerous publications addressing venous thromboembolism and its prevention in neurosurgery, there are relatively few high-quality studies to guide decisions regarding thromboprophylaxis. In patients undergoing craniotomy, we recommend that if intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is used, it should be applied before the surgical procedure or on admission (Grade 1C). In craniotomy patients at particularly high risk for venous thromboembolism, we suggest considering the initiation of mechanical thromboprophylaxis with IPC preoperatively with addition of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) postoperatively when the risk of bleeding is presumed to be decreased (Grade 2C). In patients with non-traumatic intracranial haemorrhage, we suggest thromboprophylaxis with IPC (Grade 2C). For patients who have had non-traumatic intracranial haemorrhage, we suggest giving consideration to commencement of LMWH or low-dose unfractionated heparin when the risk of bleeding is presumed to be low (Grade 2C). We suggest continuing thromboprophylaxis until full mobilisation of the patient (Grade 2C). For patients undergoing spinal surgery with no additional risk factors, we suggest no active thromboprophylaxis intervention apart from early mobilisation (Grade 2C). For patients undergoing spinal surgery with additional risk factors, we recommend starting mechanical thromboprophylaxis with IPC (Grade 1C), and we suggest the addition of LMWH postoperatively when the risk of bleeding is presumed to be decreased (Grade 2C).

The Pathophysiology of Early Hypotension Following Epinephrine-containing Local Anesthetic Infiltration of the Nasal Mucosa in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy: A Prospective, Observational Study.

In patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, the nasal mucosa is often infiltrated with local anesthetic solutions that contain epinephrine to aid hemostasis. This may, however, result in hemodynamic changes, especially hypotension. We characterized the cardiovascular changes using a LiDCOrapid monitor in 13 patients after the infiltration of 4% articaine containing 1:200,000 epinephrine. Nine (69%) had a >20% decrease in mean arterial pressure at a median time of 116 seconds after the infiltration of articaine with epinephrine. Analysis of the cardiac output data revealed that this was caused by a sustained reduction in systemic vascular resistance. The arterial blood pressure normalized over a period of 60 to 90 seconds secondary to increases in stroke volume and heart rate producing an elevation in cardiac output. Transient hypotension following the infiltration of epinephrine-containing local anesthetics may be caused by epinephrine stimulation of ß2-adrenoceptors producing vasodilation.

Cumulative radiation dose due to diagnostic investigations in seriously injured trauma patients admitted to critical care.

A retrospective review of case notes and radiology records was performed in order to estimate the amount and sources of ionising radiation multiply injured trauma patients are exposed to, during their initial investigations and subsequent critical care admission. Data were available for 431 radiological investigations from 36 patients. Results showed initial emergency department imaging (combined computed tomography (CT) and plain radiographs) contributed 70% of the total radiation dose. Overall, CT scans were responsible for 80% and plain radiographs 15% of the total radiation dose. Plain radiographs performed after the initial resuscitation period contributed the greatest number of investigations but accounted for only 8% of total radiation exposure. Median cumulative effective dose was estimated to be between 16 and 29 millisieverts, resulting in an estimated increased life time risk of carcinogenesis of between 1 in 614 and 1 in 1075 above baseline.

Positioning a proned patient with cauda equina syndrome who presents at 15 weeks gestation: a case report.

Cauda equina syndrome is a neurosurgical emergency that requires prompt intervention to prevent irreversible spinal cord paralysis. This article describes how we managed a case of an obese pregnant patient who was placed in the prone position for surgery. We discuss the evidence behind the management options and choice of operating tables available.

The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score as a predictor of early discharge following fractured neck of femur.

BACKGROUND: hip fracture represents a huge medical, social and financial burden on patients, their carers and the health and social care systems. For survivors, return to their own home may be a key outcome. The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) is a validated score, based on admission characteristics, for predicting 30-day and 1-year mortality that may be of benefit in predicting return-to-home, directly from the acute orthopaedic ward. OBJECTIVE: to assess the utility of the NHFS as a predictor of return-to-home in patients following hip fracture. METHODS: the NHFS was calculated for all patients admitted from their own home and the correlation between the NHFS and eventual return-to-home was calculated, as well as the probability of discharge by within 7, 14 and 21 days. RESULTS: a total of 6,123 patients were available for analysis. Of which, 3,699 (60%) were discharged from acute hospital to their own home. Increasing NHFS was negatively correlated with eventual return-to-home (r(2) = 0.949) and with the proportion of patients discharged back to their own home at 7, 14 and 21 postoperative days, respectively (r(2) = 0.84, 0.94, 0.96, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: the NHFS is a reliable tool for predicting return-to-home. It may be useful for discharge planning, and for the design of future research trials.

The use of LiDCO based fluid management in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery under spinal anaesthesia: neck of femur optimisation therapy - targeted stroke volume (NOTTS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 70,000 patients/year undergo surgery for repair of a fractured hip in the United Kingdom. This is associated with 30-day mortality of 9% and survivors have a considerable length of acute hospital stay postoperatively (median 26 days). Use of oesophageal Doppler monitoring to guide intra-operative fluid administration in hip fracture repair has previously been associated with a reduction in hospital stay of 4-5 days. Most hip fracture surgery is now performed under spinal anaesthesia. Oesophageal Doppler monitoring may be unreliable in the presence of spinal anaesthesia and most patients would not tolerate the probes. An alternative method of guiding fluid administration (minimally-invasive arterial pulse contour analysis) has been shown to reduce length of stay in high-risk surgical patients but has never been studied in hip fracture surgery. METHODS: Single-centre randomised controlled parallel group trial. Randomisation by website using computer generated concealed tables. SETTING: University hospital in UK. PARTICIPANTS: 128 patients with acute primary hip fracture listed for operative repair under spinal anaesthesia and aged > 65 years. INTERVENTION: Stroke volume guided intra-operative fluid management. Continuous measurement of SV recorded by a calibrated cardiac output monitor (LiDCOplus). Maintenance fluid and 250 ml colloid boluses given to achieve sustained 10% increases in stroke volume. CONTROL GROUP: fluid administration at the responsible (blinded) anaesthetist's discretion. The intervention terminates at the end of the surgical procedure and post-operative fluid management is at the responsible anaesthetist's discretion. PRIMARY OUTCOME: length of acute hospital stay is determined by a blinded team of clinicians. Secondary outcomes include number of complications and total cost of care. Funding NIHR/RfPB: PB-PG-0407-13073. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN88284896.

Computed tomography of the brain in the emergency department: how often is tracheal intubation and general anaesthesia required?

As a result of national guidance in the UK, the number of computed tomography brains performed in patients with minor head injury has increased significantly. The aim of this survey was to establish the requirement for general anaesthesia and tracheal intubation in the management of emergency department patients requiring an urgent computed tomography of the brain. About 300 consecutive scans in emergency department patients were reviewed. The majority (>90%) did not require anaesthetic airway management despite an overall acute scan diagnosis rate of around 25% and 30 day mortality of 10%.