Risk factors and outcomes of persistent post-transplant hypotension among simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The risk factors and outcomes associated with post- transplant hypotension after simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) Transplantation are poorly defined.

METHODS

SPK recipients at our center between 2010 and 2021 with functioning pancreas and kidney grafts for >6 months were included. Recipients were then divided into three groups based on active medications for the treatment of hypo-or hypertension at 6-months post-transplant: those with normal blood pressure (NBP) not requiring medication (NBP group), those on antihypertensive medications (HTN group), and those on medications for hypotension (fludrocortisone and/or midodrine) (Hypotensive group).

RESULTS

A total of 306 recipients were included in the study: 54 (18%) in the NBP group, 215 (70%) in the HTN group, and 37 (12%) in the Hypotensive group. On multivariate analysis, the use of T-depleting induction (aHR = 9.64, p = .0001, 95% Cl = 3.12-29.75), pre-transplant use of hypotensive medications (aHR = 4.53, p = .0003, 95% Cl = 1.98-10.38), and longer duration of dialysis (aHR = 1.02, p = .01, 95% Cl = 1.00-1.04) were associated with an increased risk of post-transplant hypotension. Post-transplant hypotension was not associated with an increased risk of death-censored kidney or pancreatic allograft failure, or patient death.

CONCLUSION

Hypotension was common even 6 months post-SPK transplantation. With appropriate management, hypotension was not associated with detrimental graft or patient outcomes.

Incidence and risk factors for hypotension after carotid artery stenting: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Hypotension is recognized as a common complication after carotid artery stenting, but its incidence and the risk factors associated with it are uncertain. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate and identify risk factors for hypotension after surgery.

METHODS

We retrieved risk factors from eight databases for case-control and cross-sectional studies of hypotension after carotid artery stenting according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on 28 November 2022. Data were analyzed by using R4.2.1 and Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

A total of 2843 samples were searched, and 17 publications were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of hypotension after surgery was 28.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] (0.225, 0.347)). Age ⩾ 65 years (odds ratio [OR] = 4.55, 95% CI (2.50, 8.29), P < 0.00001), stenosis site (bulb) (OR = 4.41, 95% CI (2.50, 7.79), P < 0.00001), severe stenosis (OR = 3.56, 95% CI (1.62, 7.85), P = 0.002), stenosis proximity (⩽ 10 mm) to bifurcation (OR = 2.69, 95% CI (1.74, 4.15), P < 0.00001), calcified plaques (OR = 4.64, 95% CI (1.93, 11.14), P = 0.0006), post-balloon dilation (OR = 5.95, 95% CI (2.31, 15.31), P = 0.0002), bilateral carotid stenting (OR = 30.51, 95% CI (2.33, 399.89), P = 0.009), and intravenous fluid intake/mL on the first postoperative day (mean difference = 444.99, 95% CI (141.40, 748.59), P = 0.004) were risk factors for hypotension after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A high incidence of hypotension was observed after carotid artery stenting. Age, stenosis site, severe stenosis, stenosis proximity to bifurcation, calcified plaques, post-balloon dilation, type of surgery, and intravenous fluid intake were identified as risk factors.

The role of periprocedural hemodynamic variables during carotid stenting for the mid-term general mortality in advanced age patients

INTRODUCTION

Carotid stenting may produce significant bradycardia and/or hypotension. This may have negative short- and long-term effects for the elderly high-risk patients. Their cerebral hemodynamics is with exhausted adaptive capacity because of the multiple cardiovascular risk factors, advanced age, and significant stenosis.

The effects of esketamine on blood pressure and hypotension incidence during induction of bariatric surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity is high. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity; however, the induction phase of anesthesia in these patients poses a risk of hypotension. Esketamine, known for its sympathetic nervous system stimulation, may stabilize blood pressure during induction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of esketamine on blood pressure in bariatric surgery patients.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial included 145 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to receive esketamine or a control intervention during induction. Blood pressure and other vital signs were measured and compared between the 2 groups using statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Administration of esketamine increased blood pressure before intubation (T2). The incidence of hypotension was lower in the esketamine group at multiple time points during induction. Postoperatively, the esketamine group exhibited lower pain scores at 24 hours and a reduced need for rescue analgesics.

CONCLUSION

A single dose of 0.2 mg/kg esketamine during the induction phase of bariatric surgery can improve blood pressure stability and decrease the incidence of hypotension. Furthermore, it is associated with reduced postoperative pain. Future studies could explore the effects of higher esketamine doses and validate these findings in a larger and more diverse patient population.

ABO blood types may affect transient neurological events after surgical revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease: a retrospective single center study

BACKGROUND

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a cerebrovascular disease with unknown cause. Patients with MMD disease usually experience transient neurological events (TNEs) after revascularization surgery. This retrospective single-center study was aimed to explore the risk factors of postoperative TNEs after surgical revascularization in patients with MMD.

METHODS

We selected 324 patients who underwent surgical revascularization between January 2017 and September 2022 in our center. The perioperative characteristics of the patients were recorded and the outcome was TNEs after surgery. An analysis of risk factors contributing to postoperative TNEs by using logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Three hundred twelve patients were enrolled, and the incidence of postoperative TNEs was 34% in our study. Males were more likely to suffer from postoperative TNEs (OR = 2.344, p = 0.002). Preoperative ischemic presentation (OR = 1.849, p = 0.048) and intraoperative hypotension (OR = 2.332, p = 0.002) were associated with postoperative TNEs. Compared to patients with blood type O, patients with blood type A (OR = 2.325, p = 0.028), B (OR = 2.239, p = 0.027) and AB (OR = 2.938, p = 0.019) had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative TNEs. A risk prediction model for postoperative TNEs was established, and the established risk prediction area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of the model was 0.741.

CONCLUSIONS

Males, preoperative ischemic presentation and intraoperative hypotension were associated with postoperative TNEs. We also found a possible link between postoperative TNEs and ABO blood types after surgical revascularization for moyamoya patients.

Treatment of postprandial hypotension with acarbose in an adult with cervical spinal cord injury: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Postprandial hypotension is a type of autonomic dysfunction where there is a decrease in systolic blood pressure of >20 mm HG within 2 h after eating thought to be due to poor cardiovascular compensation for splanchnic blood pooling that occurs with meals. This form of autonomic dysfunction is underdiagnosed in patients with spinal cord injury, likely in part because it can be asymptomatic.

CASE PRESENTATION

26-year-old with complete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) presented with neck pain described as severe 10/10 pain, which felt like "a rope around his neck." Pain came on during and after meals and was associated with a feeling of pressure behind his eyes, white spots in his vision along with feeling as if he was going to pass out. The caregiver noted a systolic blood pressure drop by about 30-40 points with meals and lost weight due to avoiding eating. A diagnosis of post-prandial hypotension (PPH) was made and Acarbose was started at a low dose 25 mg three times per day with meals. During follow up, the patient reported complete resolution of drops of blood pressure, neck pain, and all associated symptoms. The patient was able to eat comfortably and gained weight.

DISCUSSION

There are few case reports on PPH in SCI and none looking at acarbose on a young, nondiabetic person with SCI. Clinicians should be aware that PPH can occur in young otherwise healthy people with SCI. Further research is needed on PPH, including the use of acarbose, in the SCI population.

Evaluation and management of hypotensive patients in the emergency department

Hypotension can be a sign of significant underlying pathology, and if it is not rapidly identified and addressed, it can contribute to organ injury. Treatment of hypotension is best targeted at the underlying etiology, although this can be difficult to discern early in a patient's disease course. Expedited bedside evaluation with rapid initiation of treatment based on the most likely underlying etiology is paramount, followed by serial reassessment of the patient's condition. This review synthesizes the key aspects of the presentation and evaluation of a patient with hypotension, including salient historical features, physical examination findings, and diagnostic tests that can help guide treatment.

Postoperative arterial hypotension: the unnoticed enemy

Postoperative hypotension is a frequently underestimated health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality and increased use of health care resources. It also poses significant clinical, technological, and human challenges for healthcare. As it is a modifiable and avoidable risk factor, this document aims to increase its visibility, defining its clinical impact and the technological challenges involved in optimizing its management, taking clinical-technological, humanistic, and economic aspects into account.

Effect of height versus height/weight-based spinal bupivacaine on maternal hemodynamics for elective cesarean in short stature patients: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Doses of spinal bupivacaine adjusted to patient height or height/weight have been shown to provide hemodynamic stability during cesarean section. However, their effects in short stature parturients are unknown.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, we randomly assigned short parturients (height < 150 cm) undergoing elective cesarean section, to receive doses of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine either height or height/weight-adjusted, in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was post-spinal hypotension (defined as systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 90% of baseline between spinal administration and delivery of the baby). Secondary outcomes included severe post-spinal hypotension (SBP < 80% of baseline), post-delivery hypotension (SBP < 90% and < 80% of baseline), intraoperative bradycardia, nausea and vomiting, shivering, rescue analgesic needed, and spinal block characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients underwent randomization. Post-spinal hypotension (SBP < 90% of baseline) occurred in 52% of the patients in the height/weight group and in 55% in the height group (difference - 3.5%: 95% confidence interval [CI] - 22 to 14.8, P = 0.705). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the occurrences of post-spinal severe hypotension (SBP < 80% of baseline), post-delivery hypotension, and spinal block characteristics. Six patients (11%) in the height/weight group needed intraoperative rescue analgesic compared to none in the height group (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

We found that height-based dosing in short parturients provides the optimal trade-off between intraoperative hemodynamic instability and provision of pain-free anesthesia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrial.gov-NCT04082676. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04082676 .

Tissue plasminogen activator challenge thrombelastography is the most accurate assay in predicting the need for massive transfusion in hypotensive trauma patients

BACKGROUND

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) added to thrombelastography (TEG) detects hyperfibrinolysis by measuring clot lysis at 30 min (tPA-challenge-TEG). We hypothesize that tPA-challenge-TEG is a better predictor of massive transfusion (MT) than existing strategies in trauma patients with hypotension.

METHODS

Trauma activation patients (TAP, 2014-2020) with 1) systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg (early) or 2) those who arrived normotensive but developed hypotension within 1H postinjury (delayed) were analyzed. MT was defined as >10 RBC U/6H postinjury or death within 6H after ≥1 RBC unit. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves were used to compare predictive performance. Youden index determined optimal cutoffs.

RESULTS

tPA-challenge-TEG was the best predictor of MT in the early hypotension subgroup (N = 212) with positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of 75.0%, and 77.6%, respectively. tPA-challenge-TEG was a better predictor of MT than all but TASH (PPV = 65.0%, NPV = 93.3%) in the delayed hypotension group (N = 125).

CONCLUSIONS

The tPA-challenge-TEG is the most accurate predictor of MT in trauma patients arriving hypotensive and offers early recognition of MT in patients with delayed hypotension.

Association between postoperative hypotension and acute kidney injury after noncardiac surgery: a historical cohort analysis

PURPOSE

The extent to which postoperative hypotension contributes to renal injury remains unclear, much less what the harm thresholds might be. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that there is an absolute hypotensive arterial pressure threshold for acute kidney injury during the initial seven days after noncardiac surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a single-centre historical cohort analysis of adults who had noncardiac surgery and had creatinine recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Our exposure was the lowest postoperative mean arterial pressure, defined as the average of the three lowest postoperative pressure measurements. Our primary analysis was the association between the lowest mean arterial pressure and acute kidney injury, defined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes initiative criteria. Our analysis was adjusted for potentially relevant confounding factors including intraoperative hypotension.

RESULTS

Among 64,349 patients analyzed, 2,812 (4.4%) patients had postoperative acute kidney injury. Each 5-mm Hg decrease in the lowest mean arterial pressure was associated with a 28% (97.5% confidence interval [CI], 23 to 32; P < 0.001) increase in the odds of acute kidney injury for lowest mean arterial pressures < 80 mm Hg. Higher lowest pressures were not associated with acute kidney injury (odds ratio, 1.08; 97.5% CI, 0.99 to 1.17; P = 0.04) for each 5-mm Hg decrease in the lowest mean arterial pressure.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative hypotension, defined as the lowest postoperative mean arterial pressure < 80 mm Hg, was associated with acute kidney injury after noncardiac surgery. A prospective trial will be required to determine whether the observed association is causal and thus amenable to modification.

Norepinephrine prevents hypotension in older patients under spinal anesthesia with intravenous propofol sedation: a randomized controlled trial

Reducing hypotension is crucial as hypotension is the most common side effect of spinal anesthesia, and in older patients with various comorbidities, it can lead to fatality. We hypothesized that continuous infusion of norepinephrine could effectively prevent hypotension in older patients undergoing hip surgery under spinal anesthesia with propofol sedation. The study randomly assigned patients aged ≥ 70 years to either a control (Group C, n = 35) or a norepinephrine group (Group N, n = 35). After spinal anesthesia, continuous infusion of propofol and normal saline or norepinephrine was initiated. The number of hypotensive episodes, the primary outcome, as well as other intraoperative hemodynamic events and postoperative complications were compared. In total, 67 patients were included in the final analysis. The number of hypotensive episodes was significantly higher in Group C than in Group N (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Group C required a greater amount of fluid to maintain normovolemia (p = 0.008) and showed less urine output (p = 0.019). However, there was no difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. Continuous intravenous infusion of prophylactic norepinephrine prevented hypotensive episodes, reduced the requirement of fluid, and increased the urine output in older patients undergoing unilateral hip surgery under spinal anesthesia with propofol sedation.Clinical trial registration number: KCT0005046 ( https://cris.nih.go.kr ). IRB number: 2020-0533 (Institutional Review Board of Asan Medical Center, approval date: 13/APR/2020).

Severe refractory hypotension during induction of general anesthesia in patient after 48 hours of azilsartan discontinuation: A case report

RATIONALE

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are currently considered first-line antihypertensive drugs, effectively inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. However, ARBs have been associated with intraoperative hypotension during general anesthesia. Although it is recommended to discontinue ARBs for 24 hours before surgery, the optimal duration of discontinuation remains unclear. We present a severe refractory hypotension encountered during general anesthesia despite discontinuing ARBs for 48 hours before anesthesia.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A severe refractory hypotension occurred during the induction of general anesthesia for cranioplasty in a 66-year-old male patient (170 cm/75 kg). The patient was taking azilsartan, angiotensin receptor blocker, for hypertension, which was discontinued 48 hours before anesthesia induction. Despite repeated administration of ephedrine and continuous infusion of norepinephrine, hemodynamic instability did not improve. Therefore, the surgery was postponed.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with angiotensin receptor blocker-induced refractory hypotension.

INTERVENTIONS

Before the second surgery, the angiotensin receptor blocker was discontinued 96 hours prior to the surgery. Invasive blood pressure monitoring was performed before anesthesia induction, and vasopressin was prepared. General anesthesia was induced using remimazolam and maintained with desflurane.

OUTCOMES

The surgery was completed successfully without occurrence of refractory hypotension.

LESSONS

Refractory hypotension induced by Angiotensin receptor blockers can still occur even after discontinuing the medication for 48 hours before induction of general anesthesia. Despite withholding the medication, caution should be practiced regarding hypotension during general anesthesia in patient taking ARBs.

Dynamic Arterial Elastance as a Predictor of Supine-to-Prone Hypotension (SuProne Study): An Observational Study

Background and Objectives: Supine-to-prone hypotension is caused by increased intrathoracic pressure and decreased venous return in the prone position. Dynamic arterial elastance (Eadyn) indicates fluid responsiveness and can be used to predict hypotension. This study aimed to investigate whether Eadyn can predict supine-to-prone hypotension. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, observational study, 47 patients who underwent elective spine surgery in the prone position were enrolled. Supine-to-prone hypotension is defined as a decrease in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) by more than 20% in the prone position compared to the supine position. Hemodynamic parameters, including systolic blood pressure (SAP), diastolic blood pressure, MAP, stroke volume variation (SVV), pulse pressure variation (PPV), stroke volume index, cardiac index, dP/dt, and hypotension prediction index (HPI), were collected in the supine and prone positions. Supine-to-prone hypotension was also assessed using two different definitions: MAPprone < 65 mmHg and SAPprone < 100 mmHg. Hemodynamic parameters were analyzed to determine the predictability of supine-to-prone hypotension. Results: Supine-to-prone hypotension occurred in 13 (27.7%) patients. Eadyn did not predict supine-to-prone hypotension [Area under the curve (AUC), 0.569; p = 0.440]. SAPsupine > 139 mmHg (AUC, 0.760; p = 0.003) and dP/dtsupine > 981 mmHg/s (AUC, 0.765; p = 0.002) predicted supine-to-prone hypotension. MAPsupine, SAPsupine, PPVsupine, and HPIsupine predicted MAPprone <65 mm Hg. MAPsupine, SAPsupine, SVVsupine, PPVsupine, and HPIsupine predicted SAPprone < 100 mm Hg. Conclusions: Dynamic arterial elastance did not predict supine-to-prone hypotension in patients undergoing spine surgery. Systolic arterial pressure > 139 mmHg and dP/dt > 981 mmHg/s in the supine position were predictors for supine-to-prone hypotension. When different definitions were employed (mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg in the prone position or systolic arterial pressure < 100 mmHg in the prone position), low blood pressures in the supine position were related to supine-to-prone hypotension.

The risks of sedation and pain control during burn resuscitation: Increased opioids lead to over-resuscitation and hypotension

INTRODUCTION

Pain management and sedation are necessary in severely burned persons. Balancing pain control, obtundation, and hemodynamic suppression can be challenging. We hypothesized that increased sedation during burn resuscitation is associated with increased intravenous fluid administration and hemodynamic instability.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single burn center was performed from 2014 to 2019 for all admissions to the burn unit with > 20% total body surface area (TBSA) burns. Within 48 h of admission, we compared total amounts of sedation/pain medications (morphine milligram equivalents (MME), propofol, dexmedetomidine, benzodiazepines) with total resuscitation volumes and frequency of hypotensive episodes. Resuscitation volumes and frequency of hypotension were modeled with multivariable linear regression adjusting for burn severity and weight.

RESULTS

208 patients were included with median age of 43 years (IQR 29-55) and median %TBSA of 31 (IQR 25-44). Median 48-hour resuscitation milliliters per weight per %TBSA were 3.3 (IQR 2.28-4.92). Pain/sedative medications included a combination of opioids in 99%, benzodiazepines in 73%, propofol in 31%, and dexmedetomidine in 11% of patients. MMEs were associated with greater resuscitation volumes (95% CI: 0.15-0.54, p = 0.01) as well as number of hypotensive events (95% CI: 1.57-2.7, p < 0.001). No associations were noted with other sedative medications when comparing the number of hypotensive events and resuscitation volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased opioid administration has physiological consequences and should be carefully monitored during resuscitation as higher volume administrations lead to worse outcomes. Opioids and sedating medications should be titrated to the least amount needed to achieve reasonable comfort and sedation.

Can subclavian/infraclavicular axillary vein collapsibility index predict spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in cesarean-section operations?

OBJECTIVE

Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAIH) is relatively common in pregnant women and has serious maternal and fetal side effects. In patients who are hypovolemic during spinal anesthesia, there may be a significant decrease in blood pressure caused by the decrease in preload. Subclavian vein sonography is a useful method for evaluating preoperative intravascular volume status. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the pre-operative subclavian vein or infraclavicular axillary vein (SCV-AV) collapsibility index for predicting SAIH in cesarean-section (C-section).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 82 women undergoing elective C-sections were recruited. Sonographic evaluation of SCV-AV was assessed before spinal anesthesia. After spinal anesthesia, changes in blood pressure were noted. The main outcome was the association between the SCV-AV measurements (diameter and collapsibility index) and SAIH.

RESULTS

Hypotension developed in 53 (64%) patients after spinal anesthesia. The collapsibility index of the SCV-AV during spontaneous breathing and deep inspirium was not a significant predictor of a decrease in mean blood pressure (MBP) after spinal anesthesia (p<0.979, p<0.380).

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that the SCV-AV collapsibility index is not a predictor of SAIH in pregnant women undergoing elective C-sections.

Safety and efficacy of continuous intravenous labetalol for blood pressure control in neurosurgical patients

OBJECTIVES

Current evidence supporting the use of continuous intravenous labetalol for blood pressure (BP) control in neurosurgical patients is limited. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of labetalol in neurosurgical patients and identify potential contributing factors to these outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of neurosurgical patients who received continuous labetalol infusion for BP control. Efficacy was assessed based on the time needed to achieve the target BP (systolic BP ≤ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≤ 90 mmHg). Safety was assessed according to adverse events that occurred during labetalol administration. Factors associated with efficacy and safety were analyzed using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Among 79 patients enrolled in this study, 47 (59.49%) achieved the target BP within 1 hour (early response). No factors were significantly associated with an early response. Hypotension was observed in 11 patients (13.9%), and bradycardia was observed in 8 patients (10.1%). Hypotension was significantly associated with patient age and motor impairment, while bradycardia was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy and safety profiles of labetalol infusion suggest this treatment as a promising option for BP control in neurosurgical patients.

Postprandial hypotension as a predictor of respiratory failure in patients with foodborne botulinum intoxication - a case-control study in outbreak investigation

OBJECTIVES

Botulism is a rare syndrome characterized by acute, flaccid paralysis with possible involvement of respiratory muscle-producing pump failure requiring mechanical ventilation. A predominance of autonomic involvement can occur.

METHODS

We enrolled patients affected by foodborne botulism during an outbreak. All patients underwent the detection of the toxin in stool specimens, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). A blinded expert operator analyzed ABPM data for the diagnosis of hypertension and postprandial hypotension (PPH).

RESULTS

Twenty male patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-four healthy subjects matched for sex and age were enrolled as a control group. PPH was significantly more frequent in the botulin group than in healthy subjects (40% vs 2.9%, P <0.0001). At the logistic regression, the probability that patients affected by botulinum could require ventilation was increased by 733% (adjusted odds ratio: 8.33) when PPH is encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

The likelihood of resorting to ventilation in subjects with botulinum intoxication was seven times greater in patients presenting PPH. These results could allow the prompt identification of patients at high risk for requiring ventilation.

Safety and tolerability of esketamine in propofol based sedation for endoscopic variceal ligation with or without injection sclerotherapy: Randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Esketamine is an S (+) enantiomer of ketamine with greater potency and similar psychomimetic effects compared to racemic ketamine. We aimed to explore the safety of esketamine in different doses as an adjuvant to propofol in patients undergoing endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) with or without injection sclerotherapy.

METHODS

One hundred patients were randomized to receive sedation with propofol 1.5 mg/kg in combination with sufentanil 0.1 μg/kg (group S), esketamine 0.2 mg/kg (group E0.2), esketamine 0.3 mg/kg (group E0.3), or esketamine 0.4 mg/kg (group E0.4) for EVL (n = 25 each). Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded during the procedure. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypotension; secondary outcomes included the incidence of desaturation, positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) after the procedure, pain score after the procedure, and secretion volume.

RESULTS

The incidence of hypotension was significantly lower in groups E0.2 (36%), E0.3 (20%), and E0.4 (24%) than in group S (72%). The incidence of SpO2  ≤94% was significantly lower in group E0.4 (4%) than in group S (32%). No significant intergroup difference was found in the PANSS assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining 0.4 mg/kg esketamine with propofol sedation was optimal to facilitate EVL with stable hemodynamic status and better respiratory function during the procedure, without significant psychomimetic side-effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Trial ID: ChiCTR2100047033, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=127518).

Post-COVID-19 syndrome increased the requirement for corticosteroids in a dialysis patient with preexisting adrenal insufficiency

A 77-year-old male patient on maintenance hemodialysis therapy who underwent unilateral adrenonephrectomy 9 years ago was transferred to our hospital after 4 months of acute treatment for skull base osteomyelitis. He presented with unexplained hypotension during dialysis sessions. Further evaluation led to a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency, followed by the start of oral hydrocortisone. Six months after admission, the patient was found to have a positive COVID-19 result on a rapid antigen test and mild symptoms. The patient complained of fatigue after the disappearance of the symptoms. Subsequently, the systolic blood pressure gradually declined despite the additional administration of fludrocortisone and caused difficulties in undergoing hemodialysis. The patient's lasting fatigue raised a suspicion of post-COVID-19 syndrome, requiring larger dosages of corticosteroids by stress dosing. Hypotension was interpreted as a symptom associated with adrenal insufficiency. The dosages of corticosteroids were increased beyond the upper recommended limits. The effect eventually stabilized the patient's hemodynamics. Hydrocortisone was increased as follows: 35 mg/day for nondialysis days and 55 mg/day for dialysis days, divided into three or four doses per day (20 mg in the morning, 20 mg before dialysis, 10 mg in the afternoon, and 5 mg in the evening). The dosage of fludrocortisone was increased up to 0.5 mg/day. In conclusion, the requirement for corticosteroids significantly increased in association with post-COVID-19 syndrome. The management of patients with adrenal insufficiency in the context of concomitant post-COVID-19 syndrome needs further investigation.

SHoC-IVC: Does assessment of the inferior vena cava by point-of-care ultrasound independently predict fluid status in spontaneously breathing patients with undifferentiated hypotension?

BACKGROUND

Accurately determining the fluid status of a patient during resuscitation in the emergency department (ED) helps guide appropriate fluid administration in the setting of undifferentiated hypotension. Our goal was to determine the diagnostic utility of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) for inferior vena cava (IVC) size and collapsibility in predicting a volume overload fluid status in spontaneously breathing hypotensive ED patients.

METHODS

This was a post hoc secondary analysis of the SHOC-ED data, a prospective randomized controlled trial investigating PoCUS in patients with undifferentiated hypotension. We prospectively collected data on IVC size and collapsibility for 138 patients in the PoCUS group using a standard data collection form, and independently assigned a fluid status (volume overloaded, normal, volume deplete) from a composite clinical chart review blinded to PoCUS findings. The primary outcome was the diagnostic performance of IVC characteristics on PoCUS in the detection of a volume overloaded fluid status.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-nine patients had completed determinant IVC assessment by PoCUS, with one hundred twenty-five receiving successful final fluid status determination, of which one hundred and seven were classified as volume deplete, thirteen normal, and seven volume overloaded. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted using several IVC size and collapsibility categories. The best overall performance utilized the combined parameters of a dilated IVC (> 2.5 cm) with minimal collapsibility (less than 50%) which had a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 86.4% with an area under the curve (AOC) of 0.92 for predicting an volume overloaded fluid status.

CONCLUSION

IVC PoCUS is feasible in spontaneously breathing hypotensive adult ED patients, and demonstrates potential value as a predictor of a volume overloaded fluid status in patients with undifferentiated hypotension. IVC size may be the preferred measure.

Intraoperative blood pressure: could less be more?

Retrospective observational studies have reported a significant association between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative morbidity. However, association does not imply causation, and whether preventing intraoperative hypotension can improve patient outcome remains to be demonstrated. In this issue of the British Journal of Anaesthesia, D'Amico and colleagues meta-analysed 10 prospective randomised trials comparing low (≤60 mm Hg) and higher mean arterial pressure targets during anaesthesia and surgery. They did not observe an increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality in the low target group. In contrast, they reported a statistically significant (but not clinically relevant) reduction in postoperative cardiac arrhythmia and hospital length of stay when targeting mean arterial pressure ≤60 mm Hg. These findings suggest that during most surgical cases, intraoperative hypotension is a marker of the severity, frailty, or both rather than a mediator of postoperative complications.