Preoperative cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium among Holocaust survivors who achieved longevity.

BACKGROUND: Holocaust survivors (HS) experience higher rates of physiological and psychological morbidities, increasing their vulnerability to perioperative complications. Limited information exists regarding their perioperative neurocognitive disorders. This study aimed to assess the rates of preoperative cognitive impairment, postoperative delirium, and other complications among HS aged 75+ undergoing elective surgery. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study that analyzed prospectively collected data. All surgical patients born before 1945 who underwent elective noncardiac surgery at a tertiary hospital in Israel during 2020-2021 were included. The HS group was identified through the hospital's information system. Preoperative cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Cog test. Postoperative delirium was defined as a combined outcome, which included a positive 4A's-Test (4AT) result during the postanesthesia care unit stay up to the second postoperative day, a positive 3-Minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method (3D-CAM) test administered by the geriatric team, and identification through the medical records using the Chart-based Delirium Identification Instrument (CHART-DEL). We used multivariable regression to assess the risk factors for postoperative delirium. RESULTS: Out of 1332 eligible patients, 422 (32%) were HS, while the others served as controls. Both groups had a similar rate of preoperative cognitive impairment (24%, p = 0.89) and postoperative delirium (16%, p = 0.95). HS exhibited a higher risk of the composite adverse events (24% vs. 20%, p = 0.05, aOR [95% CI] 1.3 [1.0-1.7]), driven mainly by falls during hospitalization (4% vs. 2%, p = 0.03, aOR 2.1 [1.1-4.1]). HS patients were more likely to be childless (33% vs. 11%, p = 0.001) and had higher rates of chronic antidepressant and benzodiazepine use. CONCLUSIONS: HS achieving longevity do not face increased risks of preoperative cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium. However, special care is still warranted due to their elevated rate of other complications during hospitalization.

Preoperative Cognitive Impairment and Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Surgical Patients: A Retrospective Large Cohort Study (The CIPOD Study).

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that in surgical patients ≥70 years, preoperative cognitive impairment is independently associated with postoperative delirium. BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium is common among elderly surgical patients and is associated with longer hospitalization and significant morbidity. Some evidence suggest that baseline cognitive impairment is an important risk factor. Routine screening for both preoperative cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium is recommended for older surgical patients. As of 2019, we implemented such routine perioperative screening in all elective surgical patients ≥70 years. METHODS: Retrospective single-center analysis of prospectively collected data between January and December 2020. All elective noncardiac surgical patients ≥70 years without pre-existing dementia were included. Postoperative delirium, defined as 4A's test score ≥4, was evaluated in the postanesthesia care unit and during the initial 2 postoperative days. Patients' electronic records were also reviewed for delirium symptoms and other adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Of 1518 eligible patients, 1338 (88%) were screened preoperatively [mean (SD) age 77 (6) years], of whom 21% (n=279) had cognitive impairment (Mini-Cog score ≤2). Postoperative delirium occurred in 15% (199/1338). Patients with cognitive impairment had more postoperative delirium [30% vs. 11%, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 3.3 (2.3-4.7)]. They also had a higher incidence of a composite of postoperative complications [20% vs. 12%, adjusted odds ratio: 1.8 (1.2-2.5)], and median 1-day longer hospital stay [median (interquartile range): 6 (3,12) vs. 5 (3,9) days]. CONCLUSIONS: One-fifth of elective surgical patients ≥70 years present to surgery with preoperative cognitive impairment. These patients are at increased risk of postoperative delirium and major adverse outcomes.

Changes in mean systemic filling pressure as an estimate of hemodynamic response to anesthesia induction using propofol.

BACKGROUND: Even a small change in the pressure gradient between the venous system and the right atrium can have significant hemodynamic effects. Mean systemic filling pressure (MSFP) is the driving force of the venous system. As a result, MSFP has a significant effect on cardiac output. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the hemodynamic instability during induction of general anesthesia by intravenous propofol administration is caused by changes in MSFP. METHODS: We prospectively collected data from 15 patients undergoing major surgery requiring invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Hemodynamic parameters, including MSFP, were measured before and after propofol administration and following intubation, using venous return curves at a no-flow state induced by a pneumatic tourniquet. RESULTS: A significant decrease in MSFP was observed in all study patients after propofol administration (median (IQR) pressure 17 (9) mmHg compared with 25 (7) before propofol administration, p = 0.001). The pressure gradient for venous return (MSFP - central venous pressure; CVP) also decreased following propofol administration from 19 (8) to 12 (6) mmHg, p = 0.001. Central venous pressure did not change. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the hypothesis that induction of anesthesia with propofol causes a marked reduction in MSFP. A possible mechanism of propofol-induced hypotension is reduction in preload due to a decrease in the venous vasomotor tone.

Age and pain score before gastrointestinal endoscopies in children are predictors for post procedure pain.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal endoscopy may be associated with pain and anxiety. Predictors for high pain scores after endoscopies in children are not known. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for prolonged recovery and higher pain scores after gastrointestinal endoscopy in children. METHODS: All the children that were electively admitted for gastrointestinal endoscopies were included. We retrospectively collected demographic, clinical and endoscopic data as well as information on the recovery process. A numerical rating scale and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale were used for pain scoring. RESULTS: During the study period (01/2016-10/2016), 284 children (median age 10.7 years, interquartile range 6.7-14.8) were recruited. In a univariate analysis, older age, higher pre-procedure pain scores, longer procedure durations, higher number of biopsies and longer recovery duration were associated with higher post-procedure pain scores. In a multivariate analysis higher pain scores before the procedure (OR 12.42, 95% CI 3.67-42, P < 0.001) and older age (OR 1.016, 95% CI 1.007-1.025, P < 0.001) were associated with higher pain scores after the procedure. Children with a higher pain score before the procedure also had a longer recovery period (OR 5.28, 95% CI (1.93-14.49), P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Older age and higher pain score before the procedure were identified as predictors for higher pain score after pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopies. Children with these risk factors should be identified before the procedure in order to personalize their post-procedure management.

Respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy in high-risk children with obstructive sleep apnea: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs in 1%-4% of children; adenotonsillectomy is an effective treatment. Mortality/severe brain injury occurs among 0.6/10 000 adenotonsillectomies; in children, 60% are secondary to airway/respiratory events. Earlier studies identified that children aged <2 years, extremes of weight, with co-morbidities of craniofacial, neuromuscular, cardiac/respiratory disease, or severe OSA are at high risk for adverse post-operative respiratory events (AE). We aimed to: Firstly, investigate which risk factors were associated with AEs either in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), or both in this population. Secondly, we investigated factors associated with post-operative PICU AE despite no event in the PACU in order to predict need of post-operative PICU after their PACU stay. METHODS: Retrospective study of children admitted to the PICU after adenotonsillectomy between 08/2006-09/2015. Demographics, risk factors, and occurrence of AE (oxygen saturation <92, stridor, bronchospasm, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, re-intubation) were recorded. RESULTS: During the studied time period 4029 tonsil/adenoid procedures were performed in 3997 children. 179, admitted to the PICU post-operatively, met criteria for analysis. PICU AEs occurred in 59%: 44%-83% in any particular risk category. PACU AEs occurred in 42%. Of those with PACU events: 92% suffered AEs in the PICU; however, 35% of those without a PACU AE still suffered a PICU AE. CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk children undergoing TA, absence of adverse events in PACU during a 2-hour observation period does not predict absence of subsequent AEs in the PICU.

Hyperchloremia and Diuresis in Children Undergoing Scoliosis Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperchloremia is frequent in adult surgical patients and is associated with renal dysfunction. Studies in surgical pediatric patients are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To identify both the incidence of postoperative hyperchloremia in children undergoing surgery for idiopathic and non-idiopathic scoliosis, and the association of postoperative hyperchloremia with intraoperative fluid management and postoperative diuresis. METHODS: The records of 74 children and adolescents who underwent elective scoliosis surgery were retrospectively evaluated. The primary endpoint was the incidence of serum chloride level ≥ 110 mEq/L at the end of surgery and 12 hours postoperatively. Secondary endpoints were the type and volume of administered fluids, 12 hours postoperative diuresis, and the incidence of postoperative oliguria. RESULTS: Hyperchloremia occurred in 55% of the patients at the end of surgery and in 52% 12 hours postoperatively. Hyperchloremic patients received larger intraoperative volume of 0.9% NaCl diluted cell-saver blood and 10% HAES than did normochloremic patients [median (interquartile range) 6.8 (2.5-11.0) ml/kg vs. 0 (0-7.3), P = 0.003 and 10.0 (0-12.8) vs. 4.4 (0-9.8), P = 0.02, respectively]. Additionally, when compared with normochloremic patients, diuresis during the first 12 hours postoperatively was lower in hyperchloremic patients. Postoperative oliguria (urine output < 0.5 ml/kg/hr for 12 hours) was diagnosed in 7 children (9%), of whom 6 were hyperchloremic at the end of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative hyperchloremia is common in children undergoing scoliosis repair surgery and may be attributed to the administration of 0.9% NaCl diluted cell-saver blood and 10% HAES. Postoperative hyperchloremia might be associated with postoperative oliguria.

Major liver resection in pregnancy: three cases with different etiologies and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Major liver resection during pregnancy is extremely rare. When required, the associated physiologic and anatomic changes pose specific challenges and greater risk for both mother and fetus Materials and methods: Three cases of major liver resection during pregnancy due to different etiologies are presented. The relevant literature is reviewed and discussed. RESULTS: We present three cases of major liver resection due to giant liver hemangioma with Kasabach-Merrit syndrome, giant hydatid cyst, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, at gestational week (GW) 17, 19, and 30, respectively. All patients had an uneventful postoperative course, continued the pregnancy and gave birth at GW 38. CONCLUSION: Major liver resection can be performed safely during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists and gynecologists, in a highly experienced tertiary hepatobiliary center, should be involved.