Stellate Ganglion Block for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Research Landscape

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a procedure involving the injection of a local anesthetic surrounding the stellate ganglion to inhibit sympathetic outflow. The objective of this review was to summarize existing evidence on the use of SGB in adults with psychiatric disorders. A systematic search identified 17 published studies and 4 registered clinical trials. Eighty-eight percent of published studies, including 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), used SGB for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although its use for schizophrenia spectrum disorders was also explored. Administration of 1 to 2 SGBs using right-sided laterality with 0.5% ropivacaine was most common. Preliminary evidence from clinical trials and case studies supports the feasibility of SGB for treating psychiatric disorders involving dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, although effectiveness evidence from RCTs is mixed. One RCT concluded that improvement in PTSD symptoms was significant, while the other concluded that it was nonsignificant. Improvements were noted within 5 minutes of SGB and lasted 1 month or longer. Registered clinical trials are exploring the use of SGB in new psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder. More studies with larger sample sizes and alternate protocols are needed to further explore therapeutic potential of SGB for psychiatric disorders.

Perioperative Pain and Addiction Interdisciplinary Network (PAIN): consensus recommendations for perioperative management of cannabis and cannabinoid-based medicine users by a modified Delphi process

In many countries, liberalisation of the legislation regulating the use of cannabis has outpaced rigorous scientific studies, and a growing number of patients presenting for surgery consume cannabis regularly. Research to date suggests that cannabis can impact perioperative outcomes. We present recommendations obtained using a modified Delphi method for the perioperative care of cannabis-using patients. A steering committee was formed and a review of medical literature with respect to perioperative cannabis use was conducted. This was followed by the recruitment of a panel of 17 experts on the care of cannabis-consuming patients. Panellists were blinded to each other's participation and were provided with rater forms exploring the appropriateness of specific perioperative care elements. The completed rater forms were analysed for consensus. The expert panel was then unblinded and met to discuss the rater form analyses. Draft recommendations were then created and returned to the expert panel for further comment. The draft recommendations were also sent to four independent reviewers (a surgeon, a nurse practitioner, and two patients). The collected feedback was used to finalise the recommendations. The major recommendations obtained included emphasising the importance of eliciting a history of cannabis use, quantifying it, and ensuring contact with a cannabis authoriser (if one exists). Recommendations also included the consideration of perioperative cannabis weaning, additional postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis, and additional attention to monitoring and maintaining anaesthetic depth. Postoperative recommendations included anticipating increased postoperative analgesic requirements and maintaining vigilance for cannabis withdrawal syndrome.

Understanding the Medical Chemistry of the Cannabis Plant is Critical to Guiding Real World Clinical Evidence

While cannabis has been consumed for thousands of years, the medical-legal landscape surrounding its use has dramatically evolved over the past decades. Patients are turning to cannabis as a therapeutic option for several medical conditions. Given the surge in interest over the past decades there exists a major gap in the literature with respect to understanding the products that are currently being consumed by patients. The current perspective highlights the lack of relevance within the current literature towards understanding the medical chemistry of the products being consumed. The cannabis industry must rigorously invest into understanding what people are consuming from a chemical composition standpoint. This will inform what compounds in addition to Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol may be producing physiologic/therapeutic effects from plant based extracts. Only through real-world evidence and a formalized, granular data collection process within which we know the chemical inputs for patients already using or beginning to use medical cannabis, we can come closer to the ability to provide targeted clinical decision making and design future appropriate randomized controlled trials.

Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use: A Systematic Literature Search of Definitions and Population-based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

While persistent opioid use after surgery has been the subject of a large number of studies, it is unknown how much variability in the definition of persistent use impacts the reported incidence across studies. The objective was to evaluate the incidence of persistent use estimated with different definitions using a single cohort of postoperative patients, as well as the ability of each definition to identify patients with opioid-related adverse events.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed to identify observational studies that evaluated persistent opioid use among opioid-naive patients requiring surgery, and any definitions of persistent opioid use were extracted. Next, the authors performed a population-based cohort study of opioid-naive adults undergoing 1 of 18 surgical procedures from 2013 to 2017 in Ontario, Canada. The primary outcome was the incidence of persistent opioid use, defined by each extracted definition of persistent opioid use. The authors also assessed the sensitivity and specificity of each definition to identify patients with an opioid-related adverse event in the year after surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine different definitions of persistent opioid use were identified from 39 studies. Applying the different definitions to a cohort of 162,830 opioid-naive surgical patients, the incidence of persistent opioid use in the year after surgery ranged from 0.01% (n = 10) to 14.7% (n = 23,442), with a median of 0.7% (n = 1,061). Opioid-related overdose or diagnosis associated with opioid use disorder in the year of follow-up occurred in 164 patients (1 per 1,000 operations). The sensitivity of each definition to identify patients with the composite measure of opioid use disorder or opioid-related toxicity ranged from 0.01 to 0.36, while specificity ranged from 0.86 to 1.00.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of persistent opioid use reported after surgery varies more than 100-fold depending on the definition used. Definitions varied markedly in their sensitivity for identifying adverse opioid-related event, with low sensitivity overall across measures.

Age and postoperative opioid prescriptions: a population-based cohort study of opioid-naïve adults

PURPOSE

Opioids are commonly prescribed for acute pain after surgery. However, it is unclear whether these prescriptions are usually modified to account for patient age and, in particular, opioid-related risks among older adults. We therefore sought to describe postoperative opioid prescriptions filled by opioid-naïve adults undergoing four common surgical procedures.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used individually linked surgery and prescription opioid dispensing data from Ontario, Canada to create a population-based sample of 135 659 opioid-naïve adults who underwent one of four surgical procedures (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, knee meniscectomy, or breast excision) between 2013 and 2017. Patient age, in years, was categorized as 18 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, and 75 and over. Postoperative opioid prescriptions were identified as those filled on or within 6 days of surgical discharge date. For those who filled a prescription, we assessed the total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose, types of opioids, and any subsequent opioid prescriptions filled within 30 days of surgical discharge date. Results were presented stratified by surgical procedure.

RESULTS

For three of the four surgical procedures we assessed, the proportion of patients who filled a postoperative opioid prescription decreased with age (P < 0.001 for trend), and there was a small shift in the type of opioid (more codeine or tramadol and less oxycodone; P < 0.001 for trend). However, the total MME dose of the initial prescription(s) filled showed minimal age-related trends.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of opioid-naïve patients filling postoperative opioid prescriptions decreases with age. However, postoperative opioid prescription dosage is not typically different in older adults.

Role of patient-centred outcomes after hospital discharge: a state-of-the-art review

The traditional approach for measuring outcomes after surgery involves ascertaining whether a patient survived surgery while avoiding major complications. This approach does not capture the full spectrum of events that are meaningful to patients, especially because mortality risks after elective surgery are relatively low, and different complication types vary considerably with respect to their impact on postoperative recovery. This review discusses the application, advantages, disadvantages and select examples of patient-centred outcomes in peri-operative medicine. When applied appropriately, these outcomes complement traditional clinical outcomes, identify important changes in postoperative function that impact patients without discernible complications and ensure that the definition of success after surgery is more meaningful to all relevant stakeholders.

The Impact of Perioperative Cannabis Use: A Narrative Scoping Review

As countries progressively embrace the legalization of both medicinal and recreational cannabis, there remains a significant knowledge gap when it comes to the perioperative uses of cannabis, as well as the management of cannabis users. This review summarizes the information available on the subject based on existing published studies. Articles outlining the physiological changes occurring in the human body during acute and chronic use of cannabis (outside the context of anesthesia) are also taken into consideration as understanding these changes allows a more calculated approach to better anticipate patients' needs in the perioperative setting. Common questions facing the anesthesiologist at each phase of the perioperative period will be addressed and a systematic approach to the effect of cannabinoids on various organ systems will also be presented. Issues unique to cannabis use such as cannabis withdrawal syndrome and alterations in post-operative pain processing will also be discussed. To date, the number of studies available for guidance is small and study designs are markedly heterogenous, if not limited, making conclusions challenging. While the currently available information can assist in making decisions, further studies of larger scale are eagerly anticipated to help guide future patient care.

Opioid Prescribing After Surgery in the United States, Canada, and Sweden

IMPORTANCE

Small studies and anecdotal evidence suggest marked differences in the use of opioids after surgery internationally; however, this has not been evaluated systematically across populations receiving similar procedures in different countries.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there are differences in the frequency, amount, and type of opioids dispensed after surgery among the United States, Canada, and Sweden.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study included patients without previous opioid prescriptions aged 16 to 64 years who underwent 4 low-risk surgical procedures (ie, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, arthroscopic knee meniscectomy, and breast excision) between January 2013 and December 2015 in the United States, between July 2013 and March 2016 in Canada, and between January 2013 and December 2014 in Sweden. Data analysis was conducted in all 3 countries from July 2018 to October 2018.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was postoperative opioid prescriptions filled within 7 days after discharge; the percentage of patients who filled a prescription, the total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose, and type of opioid dispensed were compared.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 129 379 patients in the United States, 84 653 in Canada, and 9802 in Sweden. Overall, 52 427 patients (40.5%) in the United States were men, with a mean (SD) age of 45.1 (12.7) years; in Canada, 25 074 patients (29.6%) were men, with a mean (SD) age of 43.5 (13.0) years; and in Sweden, 3314 (33.8%) were men, with a mean (SD) age of 42.5 (13.0). The proportion of patients in Sweden who filled an opioid prescription within the first 7 days after discharge for any procedure was lower than patients treated in the United States and Canada (Sweden, 1086 [11.1%]; United States, 98 594 [76.2%]; Canada, 66 544 [78.6%]; P < .001). For patients who filled a prescription, the mean (SD) MME dispensed within 7 days of discharge was highest in United States (247 [145] MME vs 169 [93] MME in Canada and 197 [191] MME in Sweden). Codeine and tramadol were more commonly dispensed in Canada (codeine, 26 136 patients [39.3%]; tramadol, 12 285 patients [18.5%]) and Sweden (codeine, 170 patients [15.7%]; tramadol, 315 patients [29.0%]) than in the United States (codeine, 3210 patients [3.3%]; tramadol, 3425 patients [3.5%]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings indicate that the United States and Canada have a 7-fold higher rate of opioid prescriptions filled in the immediate postoperative period compared with Sweden. Of the 3 countries examined, the mean dose of opioids for most surgical procedures was highest in the United States.

Opioid Use Disorders and the Risk of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications

BACKGROUND

As the rate of opioid use disorders continues to rise, perioperative physicians are increasingly faced with the challenge of providing analgesia to these patients after surgery. Due to the likelihood of opioid dose escalation in the perioperative period, we hypothesized that opioid-dependent patients would be at increased risk for postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients undergoing 6 representative elective surgical procedures was performed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2011. The primary outcome was a composite including prolonged mechanical ventilation, reintubation, and acute respiratory failure. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and total hospital costs. Both multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching were used to determine the impact of opioid use disorder on outcomes.

RESULTS

The total sample-weighted cohort consisted of 7,533,050 patients. Patients with opioid use disorders were more likely to suffer pulmonary complications, with a frequency of 4.2% compared to 1.6% in the nonopioid-dependent group (P < .001), and had a 1.62 times higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.27) in multivariable regression analysis. In a secondary subgroup analysis, only patients undergoing a colectomy had a greater odds of suffering pulmonary complications (odds ratio, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.42-4.91; P = .0021). Additionally, patients with an opioid use disorder had a longer length of stay (0.84 days [95% CI, 0.52-1.16; P < .001]) and greater costs ($1816 [95% CI, 935-2698; P < .001]).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that patients with opioid use disorders are at increased risk for postoperative pulmonary complications, and have prolonged length of stay and resource utilization. Further research is needed regarding interventions to reduce the risk of complications in this subset of patients.

Perioperative Pain and Addiction Interdisciplinary Network (PAIN) clinical practice advisory for perioperative management of buprenorphine: results of a modified Delphi process

Until recently, the belief that adequate pain management was not achievable while patients remained on buprenorphine was the impetus for the perioperative discontinuation of buprenorphine. We aimed to use an expert consensus Delphi-based survey technique to 1) specify the need for perioperative guidelines in this context and 2) offer a set of recommendations for the perioperative management of these patients. The major recommendation of this practice advisory is to continue buprenorphine therapy in the perioperative period. It is rarely appropriate to reduce the buprenorphine dose irrespective of indication or formulation. If analgesia is inadequate after optimisation of adjunct analgesic therapies, we recommend initiating a full mu agonist while continuing buprenorphine at some dose. The panel believes that before operation, physicians must distinguish between buprenorphine use for chronic pain (weaning/conversion from long-term high-dose opioids) and opioid use disorder (OUD) as the primary indication for buprenorphine therapy. Patients should ideally be discharged on buprenorphine, although not necessarily at their preoperative dose. Depending on analgesic requirements, they may be discharged on a full mu agonist. Overall, long-term buprenorphine treatment retention and harm reduction must be considered during the perioperative period when OUD is a primary diagnosis. The authors recognise that inter-patient variability will require some individualisation of clinical practice advisories. Clinical practice advisories are largely based on lower classes of evidence (level 4, level 5). Further research is required in order to implement meaningful changes in practitioner behaviour for this patient group.

Perioperative Pain and Addiction Interdisciplinary Network (PAIN): protocol of a practice advisory for the perioperative management of buprenorphine using a modified Delphi process

INTRODUCTION

The ongoing opioid epidemic has necessitated increasing prescriptions of buprenorphine, which is an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder, and also shown to reduce harms associated with unsafe opioid administration. A systematic review of perioperative management strategies for patients taking buprenorphine concluded that there was little guidance for managing buprenorphine perioperatively. The aim of this project is to develop consensus guidelines on the optimal perioperative management strategies for this group of patients. In this paper, we present the design for a modified Delphi technique that will be used to gain consensus among patients and multidisciplinary experts in addiction, pain, community and perioperative medicine.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A national panel of experts identified by perioperative, pain and/or addiction systematic review authorship established an international profile in perioperative, pain and/or addiction research, community clinical excellence and by peer referral. A steering group will develop the first round with a list of indications to be rated by the panel of national experts, patients and allied healthcare professionals. In round 1, the expert panel will rate the appropriateness of each individual item and provide additional suggestions for revisions, additions or deletions. The definition of consensus will be set a priori. Consensus will be gauged for both appropriateness and inappropriateness of treatment strategies. Where an agreement is not reached and items are suggested for addition/deletion/modification, round 2 will take place over teleconference in order to obtain consensus.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Institutional research ethics board provided a waiver for this modified Delphi protocol. We plan on developing a national guideline for the management of patients taking buprenorphine in the perioperative period that will be generalisable across three sets of preoperative diagnoses including opioid use disorder and/or co-occurring pain disorders. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

High intraoperative inspiratory oxygen fraction and risk of major respiratory complications

Background

High inspiratory oxygen fraction ( FIO2 ) may improve tissue oxygenation but also impair pulmonary function. We aimed to assess whether the use of high intraoperative FIO2 increases the risk of major respiratory complications.

Methods

We studied patients undergoing non-cardiothoracic surgery involving mechanical ventilation in this hospital-based registry study. The cases were divided into five groups based on the median FIO2 between intubation and extubation. The primary outcome was a composite of major respiratory complications (re-intubation, respiratory failure, pulmonary oedema, and pneumonia) developed within 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality. Several predefined covariates were included in a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

The primary analysis included 73 922 cases, of whom 3035 (4.1%) developed a major respiratory complication within 7 days of surgery. For patients in the high- and low-oxygen groups, the median FIO2 was 0.79 [range 0.64-1.00] and 0.31 [0.16-0.34], respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the median FIO2 was associated in a dose-dependent manner with increased risk of respiratory complications (adjusted odds ratio for high vs low FIO2 1.99, 95% confidence interval [1.72-2.31], P -value for trend <0.001). This finding was robust in a series of sensitivity analyses including adjustment for intraoperative oxygenation. High median FIO2 was also associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio for high vs low FIO2 1.97, 95% confidence interval [1.30-2.99], P -value for trend <0.001).

Conclusions

In this analysis of administrative data on file, high intraoperative FIO2 was associated in a dose-dependent manner with major respiratory complications and with 30-day mortality. The effect remained stable in a sensitivity analysis controlled for oxygenation.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02399878.

Opioid Overdose After Surgical Discharge

This pharmacoepidemiology study uses commercial claims database data to describe the rate of opioid overdose 1 to 3 months after surgical discharge by dose and procedure from 2004 to 2015.

Codifying healthcare--big data and the issue of misclassification

The rise of electronic medical records has led to a proliferation of large observational studies that examine the perioperative period. In contrast to randomized controlled trials, these studies have the ability to provide quick, cheap and easily obtainable information on a variety of patients and are reflective of everyday clinical practice. However, it is important to note that the data used in these studies are often generated for billing or documentation purposes such as insurance claims or the electronic anesthetic record. The reliance on codes to define diagnoses in these studies may lead to false inferences or conclusions. Researchers should specify the code assignment process and be aware of potential error sources when undertaking studies using secondary data sources. While misclassification may be a short-coming of using large databases, it does not prevent their use in conducting meaningful effectiveness research that has direct consequences on medical decision making.

Prospective Observational Study of Predictors of Re-Intubation Following Extubation in the Surgical ICU

BACKGROUND

Re-intubation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is limited information regarding the risk factors that predispose patients admitted to the surgical ICU to re-intubation. We hypothesized that preoperative comorbidities, acquired muscular weakness, and renal dysfunction would be predictors of re-intubation in the surgical ICU population.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study in 2 surgical ICUs of a large tertiary hospital. All patients who were extubated during their surgical ICU stay were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected before and after extubation. The primary outcome was re-intubation within 72 h. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors of re-intubation were determined, and a prediction score was developed.

RESULTS

Between December 1, 2012, and January 31, 2014, we included 764 consecutive subjects. Of these, 65 subjects (8.5%) required re-intubation. Independent risk factors of re-intubation were blood urea nitrogen level of >8.2 mmol/L (odds ratio [OR] 3.66, 95% CI 1.97-6.80), hemoglobin level of <75 g/L (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.23-3.61), and muscle strength of ≤3 (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.16-3.55). The presence of all 3 risk factors was associated with an estimated probability for re-intubation of 26.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

In noncardiac surgery, surgical ICU subjects, elevated blood urea nitrogen level, low hemoglobin level, and muscle weakness were identified as independent risk factors for re-intubation. The presence of these risk factors can potentially aid clinicians in making informed decisions regarding optimal airway management in patients considered for an extubation attempt. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01967056.).

Association of Vitamin D Status and Acute Rhinosinusitis: Results From the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2006

Although vitamin D status may be a modifiable risk factor for various respiratory ailments, limited data exists regarding its role in sinonasal infections. Our goal was to investigate the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) in a large, nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized individuals from the United States. In this cross-sectional study of individuals ≥ 17 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2006, we used multivariable regression analysis to investigate the association of 25OHD levels with ARS, while adjusting for season, demographics (age, sex, race, and poverty-to-income ratio), and clinical data (smoking, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and neutropenia). A total of 3921 individuals were included in our analyses. Median 25OHD level was 22 (interquartile range 16-28) ng/mL. Overall, 15.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.4-17.7) of participants reported ARS within the 24 hours leading up to their survey participation. After adjusting for season, demographics, and clinical data, 25OHD levels were associated with ARS (odds ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.99 per 10 ng/mL). When vitamin D status was dichotomized, 25OHD levels < 20 ng/mL were associated with 33% higher odds of ARS (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI 1.03-1.72) compared with levels ≥ 20 ng/mL. Our analyses suggest that 25OHD levels are inversely associated with ARS. Randomized, controlled trials are warranted to determine the effect of optimizing vitamin D status on the risk of sinonasal infections.

The Deyo-Charlson and Elixhauser-van Walraven Comorbidity Indices as predictors of mortality in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to compare the utility of the Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Index (DCCI) and Elixhauser-van Walraven Comorbidity Index (EVCI) to predict mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

SETTING

Observational study of 2 tertiary academic centres located in Boston, Massachusetts.

PARTICIPANTS

The study cohort consisted of 59,816 patients from admitted to 12 ICUs between January 2007 and December 2012.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME

For the primary analysis, receiver operator characteristic curves were constructed for mortality at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days using the DCCI as well as EVCI, and the areas under the curve (AUCs) were compared. Subgroup analyses were performed within different types of ICUs. Logistic regression was used to add age, race and sex into the model to determine if there was any improvement in discrimination.

RESULTS

At 30 days, the AUC for DCCI versus EVCI was 0.65 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.67) vs 0.66 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.66), p=0.02. Discrimination improved at 365 days for both indices (AUC for DCCI 0.72 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.72) vs AUC for EVCI 0.72 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.72), p=0.46). The DCCI and EVCI performed similarly across ICUs at all time points, with the exception of the neurosciences ICU, where the DCCI was superior to EVCI at all time points (1-year mortality: AUC 0.73 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.74) vs 0.68 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.70), p=0.005). The addition of basic demographic information did not change the results at any of the assessed time points.

CONCLUSIONS

The DCCI and EVCI were comparable at predicting mortality in critically ill patients. The predictive ability of both indices increased when assessing long-term outcomes. Addition of demographic data to both indices did not affect the predictive utility of these indices. Further studies are needed to validate our findings and to determine the utility of these indices in clinical practice.

Age as a predictor of rescue opioid administration immediately after the emergence of general anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

While previous studies have shown that elderly patients require lower dosages of opioids, the literature suggests that pain is undertreated in the geriatric population, which may lead to postoperative pain and high rescue analgesia requirements. The purpose of this study is to determine whether elderly patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty require higher levels of postoperative rescue opioids than their younger counterparts early after emergence from anesthesia.

METHODS

Using a nonconcurrent retrospective cohort study design, patients who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty under general anesthesia at a tertiary academic hospital from 2007 to 2012 were identified. Demographic information and data regarding patients' anesthetic care were obtained from the institution's anesthesia information management system. To assess the presence of pain after the emergence of anesthesia, we used, as a proxy, opioid administration by the anesthesia provider after leaving the operating room and before the end of anesthesia care.

RESULTS

A total of 2731 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 487 (17.8%) received rescue opioids. Patients older than 80 years were less likely to receive opioids after leaving the operating room (odds ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.88; P = .01) and received 1.37 mg less of hydromorphone equivalent opioid compared to patients younger than the age of 50 years (95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.55; P < .001). The proportion of patients who received rescue opioids varied significantly between anesthesia providers from 0% to 38% (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

While elderly patients received lower doses of opioids intraoperatively, they were less likely to require rescue analgesia. The variability among providers in rescue opioid administration after emergence presents an opportunity for further research.

Weight based heparin dosing for thromboembolic disease is associated with earlier anticoagulation in surgical patients

INTRODUCTION

Achievement of early therapeutic anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin (UFH) is associated with improved outcomes in thromboembolic disease. Weight based UFH expedites time to therapeutic anticoagulation. Treatment with UFH is challenging in surgical patients due to their high propensity for bleeding. We sought to test the hypothesis that an initial weight based UFH infusion in surgical patients increases the percentage of patients who achieve early therapeutic anticoagulation without increasing the risk of hemorrhagic events.

METHODS

Using a non-concurrent retrospective cohort study design, adult surgical patients receiving UFH for venous thromboembolism (VTE) at a tertiary care center were included. Two groups were identified: the weight based (WB) and the under-dosed (UD) heparin groups. For our primary outcome, we compared percentage of patients in each group that achieved a therapeutic PTT within 24 h. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of supratherapeutic PTT levels, hemorrhagic events, and complications associated with VTE.

RESULTS

73 subjects met study criteria, which included 8 subjects in the WB group and 65 in the UD group. The demographic, baseline laboratory, admitting service and type of VTE were similar between the 2 groups. The percentages of WB and UD subjects who achieved a therapeutic PTT within 24 h were 75% and 28%, respectively (p < 0.01). There was no difference in the incidence of supratherapeutic PTT or hemorrhagic events.

CONCLUSION

Surgical patients who received an initial weight based UFH infusion achieved earlier therapeutic anticoagulation compared to under-dosed UFH without increasing the occurrence of supratherapeutic PTT levels or hemorrhagic events.

Association between intentional injury and long-term survival after trauma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk-adjusted mortality of intentionally injured patients within 7 to 9 years postinjury, compared with unintentionally injured patients.

BACKGROUND

Violent injury contributes significantly to trauma mortality in the United States. Homicide is the second leading killer of American youth, aged 15 to 24 years. Long-term survival among intentionally injured patients has not been well studied. It is also unknown whether intentionally injured patients have worse long-term survival compared with unintentionally or accidentally injured patients with equivalent injuries.

METHODS

Adult trauma patients admitted for 24 hours or more and discharged alive from the Johns Hopkins Hospital from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2000, were included. The primary outcome was mortality within 7 to 9 years postinjury. Long-term patient survival was determined using the National Death Index. The association between injury intentionality and mortality was investigated using a Cox proportional hazard regression model, adjusted for confounders such as injury severity and patient race, socioeconomic status, and comorbid conditions. Overall differences in survival between those with intentional versus unintentional injury were also determined by comparing adjusted Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

A total of 2062 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 56.4% were intentionally injured and 43.6% were unintentionally injured. Compared with unintentionally injured patients, intentionally injured patients were younger and more often male and from a zip code with low median household income. Approximately 15% of all patients had died within 7 to 9 years of follow-up. Older age and presence of comorbidities were associated with this outcome; however, intentional injury was not found to be significantly associated with long-term mortality rates. There was also no significant difference in survival curves between groups; intentionally injured patients were much more likely to die of a subsequent injury, whereas those with unintentional injury commonly died of noninjury causes.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in mortality between intentionally injured and unintentionally injured patients within 7 to 9 years postinjury. These results confirm the long-term effectiveness of lifesaving trauma care for those with intentional injury. However, given that patients with intentional injuries were more likely to suffer a subsequent violent death, interventions focused on breaking the cycle of violence are needed.