Dysautonomia: perioperative implications

Analysis of predictors of fever after aortic valve replacement: Diabetic patients are less likely to develop fever after aortic valve replacement, a single-centre retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative temperature dysregulation affects the length of hospital stay and prognosis. This study evaluated the factors that influence the occurrence of fever in patients after aortic valve replacement surgery.

METHODS

Eighty-seven consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve replacement surgery were included. Patients' age, sex and body mass index; presence of diabetes mellitus; operation time; blood loss; blood transfusion volume; preoperative and postoperative laboratory findings; presence or absence of oral function management; and fever >38°C were retrospectively analysed through univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among the variables, only diabetes mellitus status was significantly associated with fever ⩾38°C. Postoperatively, patients with diabetes mellitus were significantly less likely to develop fever above 38°C and a fever rising to 38°C.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the presence of comorbid diabetes mellitus decreases the frequency of developing fever >38°C after aortic valve replacement surgery.

Effect of hypoglycemia on baroreflex sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes: implications for autonomic control of cardiovascular function in diabetes

PURPOSE

Hypoglycemia is associated with increased mortality, though the mechanisms underlying this association are not established. Hypoglycemia impairs the counterregulatory hormonal and autonomic responses to subsequent hypoglycemia. It is unknown whether hypoglycemia elicits a generalized impairment in autonomic control of cardiovascular function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. We tested the hypothesis that in individuals with type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia impairs a key measure of cardiovascular autonomic homeostasis, baroreflex sensitivity.

METHODS

Sixteen individuals with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and without known cardiovascular disease were exposed to two 90-min episodes of experimental hypoglycemia (2.8 mmol/L, 50 mg/dL) on the same day. All individuals experienced a hypoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in the morning (AM clamp) and again in the afternoon (PM clamp). Baroreflex sensitivity was assessed using the modified Oxford method before the initiation of each hypoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, during the last 30 min of hypoglycemia, and the following morning. A mixed effects model adjusting for sex, age, BMI, and insulin level, demonstrated a significant effect of hypoglycemia on baroreflex sensitivity. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03422471).

RESULTS

Baroreflex sensitivity during PM hypoglycemia was reduced compared to baseline, during AM hypoglycemia, and the next day. Insulin levels positively correlated with baroreflex sensitivity at baseline and during AM hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to hypoglycemia impairs a key measure of autonomic control of cardiovascular function and, thus, may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and blood pressure lability in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This effect is attenuated in part by increased insulin levels.

Perioperative Autonomic Dysfunction in a Patient With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Case Report

Autonomic dysfunction can lead to unexpected hemodynamic instability during surgery, and best practices for the perioperative care of patients with this condition are not well-defined. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease who experienced perioperative autonomic dysfunction characterized by severe fluctuations in blood pressure while under spinal anesthesia. However, <1 month later, a second hip surgery performed under general anesthesia with special precautions resulted in an uncomplicated perioperative course, with only mild fluctuations in blood pressure.

Anesthetic Considerations for Cataract Surgery in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Narrative Review

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurological degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system, which is responsible for progressive disorders such as slow movements, tremors, rigidity, and cognitive disorders. There are no specific recommendations and guidelines for anesthetic management of patients with PD undergoing ophthalmic procedures. This narrative review aims to summarise the anesthetic considerations in patients with PD presenting for cataract surgery.

The Utility of COMPASS-31 Questionnaire to Predict Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients With Cervical/Upper Thoracic Compressive Myelopathy

BACKGROUND

Patients with cervical/upper thoracic compressive myelopathy may have autonomic dysfunction. The composite autonomic severity score (CASS) is the gold standard test to detect autonomic dysfunction, and the self-rated composite autonomic system scale (COMPASS-31) questionnaire is a screening tool to diagnose autonomic dysfunction. This study compared the COMPASS-31 and modified CASS scores for the detection of autonomic dysfunction in patients with compressive myelopathy.

METHODS

Patients with cervical/upper thoracic compressive myelopathy scheduled for decompressive surgery completed a COMPASS-31 questionnaire and underwent autonomic function tests to calculate the modified CASS score before surgery.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were included in the study; 19 (45.2%) had mild autonomic dysfunction, 5 (11.9%) had moderate autonomic dysfunction, and 18 (42.9%) had severe autonomic dysfunction. Median (interquartile range) of modified CASS and COMPASS-31 scores were 19 (6.33) and 3 (2.5), respectively. There was a positive correlation between modified CASS and COMPASS-31 scores ( r =0.43; P =0.004). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed that COMPASS-31 had fair accuracy for prediction of moderate to severe autonomic dysfunction (area under the curve, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.82; P =0.009). A cut-off of 30 for total COMPASS-31 score had a sensitivity of 52.2% and specificity of 89.5% to detect moderate to severe autonomic dysfunction, with positive and negative predictive values of 85.7% and 60.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with cervical/upper thoracic compressive myelopathy had varying degrees of autonomic dysfunction based on the modified CASS. There was a positive correlation between the modified CASS and COMPASS-31 questionnaire. A COMPASS-31 score of >30 30 could be utilized to predict moderate to severe autonomic dysfunction in patients with compressive myelopathy.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on intraoperative core temperature in patients with breast cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Clinical evidence suggests that chemotherapeutic agents are associated with neuropathy and peripheral autonomic dysfunction. However, the possible effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on intraoperative temperature remain poorly characterised.

Methods

We evaluated patients who underwent a mastectomy for breast cancer between April 2016 and July 2020. Propensity scores were used to match patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with those who did not, and intraoperative core temperature patterns were analysed in the matched cohort. The independent associations between vasopressor use and heart rate during general anaesthesia in the matched cohort were also analysed.

Results

Data from 1764 patients were analysed (882 patients in each group). Both groups presented a similar pattern of heat redistribution and subsequent rewarming; however, the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group did not reach the same intraoperative plateau temperature as the group that did not receive prior chemotherapy, with differences of up to 0.4°C (95% confidence interval: 0.11-0.63°C; P=0.005). In a subgroup analysis, neuropathy in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with increased use of vasopressors and higher heart rate.

Conclusions

In patients with breast cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with lower plateau core temperatures, increased vasopressor use, and higher heart rates during general anaesthesia, which is more severe in the presence of neuropathy.

Clair J. Jaw-in-a-Riley-Day: Mandibular Free Flap Reconstruction With Virtual Surgical Planning in a Patient With Familial Dysautonomia

We present a unique case of mandibular reconstruction using virtual surgical planning (VSP) of a post-traumatic mandibular non-union defect for a patient with familial dysautonomia (FD), also known as Riley-Day Syndrome. In this case, the complexity related to perioperative and surgical challenges illustrates the utility of VSP and the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in jaw-free flap reconstructive surgery. We highlight our experience with the “Jaw-In-A-Day” approach in conjunction with tailored preoperative planning and perioperative care resulting in successful mandibular free flap reconstruction.

Cancer Immunotherapies: What the Perioperative Physician Needs to Know

Purpose of Review

For patients with cancer, treatment may include combination therapy, including surgery and immunotherapy. Here, we review perioperative considerations for the patient prescribed immunotherapeutic agents.

Recent Findings

The perioperative period is a poignant moment in the journey of a patient with cancer, potentially deemed most influential compared to other moments in the care continuum. Several immunotherapeutic medications have been employed near the time of surgery to potentially increase effectiveness. Of the various drug classes, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, toll-like receptor agonists, and oncolytic viruses, among others, several notable immune-related adverse effects were noted. They range from minor effects to more serious ones, such as renal failure, myocarditis, and tumor growth.

Summary

Surgery and immunotherapy are often employed in combination for primary treatment and prevention of cancer recurrence. Careful review and consideration of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicities of immunotherapy benefit the perioperative physician and their patients.

[Sitting position in neurosurgery: realizing the risks]

The author discusses potential intraoperative complications following neurosurgical interventions in sitting position: venous air embolism and paradoxical air embolism, postural hypotension, pneumocephalus, cervical flexion neuropathy, positional damage to peripheral nerves and others. Naturally, prevention of these complications is also considered, and the most effective approach is surgery in lying position.

Anaesthesia techniques and advanced monitoring in CANVAS patients - Implications for postoperative morbidity and patient recovery: A case report

Introduction

Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a rare multisystem neurodegenerative disorder. We describe our perioperative evaluation and care of a patient with CANVAS undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy for an ampullary adenocarcinoma, with a focus on perioperative risk stratification and optimisation, intraoperative advanced haemodynamic monitoring and the postoperative care.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old female with CANVAS presented with asymptomatic obstructive jaundice, icterus and abdominal pain. She had limited mobility and deconditioning due to severe generalised neuropathy. Computed tomography confirmed a resectable periampullary tumour. Her Duke Activity Status Index was 8.25 points and Edmonton Frailty Scale score was 11, confirming moderate frailty. However, the Charlson Comorbidity Index was five, indicative of a 21% estimated 10-year survival. Further risk stratification including respiratory function testing, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing was conducted. The patient proceeded with surgery after multidisciplinary discussions with her treating medical teams.

Discussion

CANVAS is a rare and challenging condition requiring careful perioperative planning and management. There is no effective treatment for CANVAS. The management approach focuses on mitigating symptoms and improving quality of life. Given that no specific guidelines for managing these patients in the perioperative period have been provided, this report highlights several critical medical issues and implications that should be considered for the successful management of these patients. We demonstrate the role of specific anaesthesia techniques and advanced haemodynamic monitoring in both preventing postoperative morbidity and optimising patient recovery.

Conclusion

CANVAS is a rare and challenging condition in anaesthesia requiring careful perioperative planning and management.

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CANVAS is a rare multisystem neurological disorder

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There is no effective treatment for CANVAS

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Perioperative management for patients with CANVAS is complex

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Perioperative risk stratification requires multidisciplinary involvement

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CANVAS patients can present with unique anaesthesia challenges

Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension. Lessons From Synucleinopathies

Maintenance of upright blood pressure critically depends on the autonomic nervous system and its failure leads to neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH). The most severe cases are seen in neurodegenerative disorders caused by abnormal α-synuclein deposits: multiple system atrophy (MSA), Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and pure autonomic failure (PAF). The development of novel treatments for NOH derives from research in these disorders. We provide a brief review of their underlying pathophysiology relevant to understand the rationale behind treatment options for NOH. The goal of treatment is not to normalize blood pressure but rather to improve quality of life and prevent syncope and falls by reducing symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion. Patients not able to recognize NOH symptoms are at a higher risk for falls. The first step in the management of NOH is to educate patients on how to avoid high-risk situations and providers to identify medications that trigger or worsen NOH. Conservative countermeasures, including diet and compression garments, should always precede pharmacologic therapies. Volume expanders (fludrocortisone and desmopressin) should be used with caution. Drugs that enhance residual sympathetic tone (pyridostigmine and atomoxetine) are more effective in patients with mild disease and in MSA patients with spared postganglionic fibers. Norepinephrine replacement therapy (midodrine and droxidopa) is more effective in patients with neurodegeneration of peripheral noradrenergic fibers like PAF. NOH is often associated with other cardiovascular diseases, most notably supine hypertension, and treatment should be adapted to their presence.

A Pragmatic Approach to the Perioperative Management of Parkinson's Disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may undergo several elective and emergency surgeries. Motor fluctuations, the presence of a wide range of non-motor symptoms (NMS), and the use of several medications, often not limited to dopaminergic agents, make the perioperative management of PD challenging. However, the literature on perioperative management of PD is sparse. In this descriptive review article, we comprehensively discuss the issues in the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases which may negatively affect the PD patients and discuss the approach to their prevention and management. The major preoperative challenges include accurate medication reconciliation and administration of the dopaminergic medications during the nil per os (NPO) state. While the former can be addressed with staff education and PD-specific admission protocols, knowledge of non-oral formulations of dopaminergic agents (apomorphine, inhalational levodopa, and rotigotine transdermal patch) is the key to the management of the Parkinsonian symptoms in NPO state. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices should be turned off to avert potential electromagnetic interference with surgical appliances. Choosing the appropriate anesthesia and avoiding and managing respiratory issues and dysautonomia are the major intraoperative challenges. Timely reinitiation of dopaminergic medications, adequate management of pain, nausea, and vomiting, and prevention of postoperative infections and delirium are the postoperative challenges. Overall, a multidisciplinary approach is pivotal to prevent and manage the perioperative complications in PD. Administration of anti-Parkinson medications during NPO state, prevention of anesthesia-related complications, and timely rehabilitation remain the key to healthy surgical outcomes.

ANSiscope™: Can it be the crystal ball of cardiac anesthesia?

Background

: Autonomic dysfunction (AD) is infrequently evaluated preoperatively despite having profound perioperative implications. The ANSiscope™ is a monitoring device that quantifies AD. This study aims to determine the potential of the device to predict hypotension following anesthetic induction, occurrence of arrhythmias, and inotrope requirement for patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB).

Study Design

: Prospective observational double-blinded study.

Materials and Methodology

Seventy-five patients undergoing OPCAB had their autonomic function assessed by ANSiscope™. They were classified into four groups based on their AD and compared to perioperative adverse events.

Results

Patients with diabetes had a higher ANSindex (P = 0.0263). They had a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (P = 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (P = 0.004) postinduction, had an increased incidence of arrhythmias (P = 0.009), required higher inotropic support immediately (P = 0.010) and at 24 h after surgery (P = 0.018), and longer duration of postoperative ventilation (P < 0.001). They also had a higher incidence of emergency conversion of OPCAB to on-pump surgery (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

An increased association between AD as quantified by the ANSiscope™ and perioperative adverse outcomes was observed. An increased rate of emergency conversion of OPCAB to on-pump surgery with higher dysfunction was noted. The authors opine that the threshold for conversion must be lower in patients deemed to be at a higher risk. Proper evaluation of the autonomic nervous system empowers the anesthesiologist to anticipate and adequately prepare for complications.

Role of heart-rate variability in preoperative assessment of physiological reserves in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background

Major abdominal surgery (MAS) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the predictive value of heart-rate variability (HRV) concerning development of postoperative complications in patients undergoing MAS. The secondary objectives were to identify the relationship of HRV and use of vasoactive drugs during anesthesia, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU-LOS), and hospital length of stay (H-LOS).

Patients and methods

Sixty-five patients scheduled for elective MAS were enrolled in a prospective, single-center, observational study. HRV was measured by spectral analysis (SA) preoperatively during orthostatic load. Patients were divided according to cardiac autonomic reactivity (CAR; n=23) and non-cardiac autonomic reactivity (NCAR; n=30).

Results

The final analysis included 53 patients. No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding type of surgery, use of minimally invasive techniques or epidural catheter, duration of surgery and anesthesia, or the amount of fluid administered intraoperatively. The NCAR group had significantly greater intraoperative blood loss than the CAR group (541.7±541.9 mL vs 269.6±174.3 mL, p<0.05). In the NCAR group, vasoactive drugs were used during anesthesia more frequently (n=21 vs n=4; p<0.001), and more patients had at least one postoperative complication compared to the CAR group (n=19 vs n=4; p<0.01). Furthermore, the NCAR group had more serious complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ Grade III n=6 vs n=0; p<0.05) and a greater number of complications than the CAR group (n=57 vs n=5; p<0.001). Significant differences were found for two specific subgroups of complications: hypotension requiring vasoactive drugs (NCAR: n=10 vs CAR: n=0; p<0.01) and ileus (NCAR: n=11 vs CAR: n=2; p<0.05). Moreover, significant differences were found in the ICU-LOS (NCAR: 5.7±3.5 days vs CAR: 2.6±0.7 days; p<0.0001) and H-LOS (NCAR: 12.2±5.6 days vs CAR: 7.2±1.7 days; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Preoperative HRV assessment during orthostatic load is objective and useful for identifying patients with low autonomic physiological reserves and high risk of poor post-operative course.

Anesthetic experience of frontotemporal dementia patient with severe autonomic dysfunction: a case report

Anesthetic experience in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with severe hypotension associated autonomic dysfunction has not yet been reported. Here in case, we report on the case of treatment with vasopressin to refractory hypotension in FTD patient. A 54-year-old male presented with a ten-year history of FTD with frequent syncope. The patient was scheduled to undergo subtotal gastrectomy for resection of stomach cancer. During the operation, sudden hypotension occurred and it was refractory to fluid and 1 unit of blood resuscitation and did not respond to catecholamine. Transesophageal echocardiography showed normal heart with adequate volume state. After intravenous administration of arginine vasopressin, the patient's vital signs returned to baseline values. Arginine vasopressin might be considered as a valuable alternative for treatment of severe refractory hypotension in autonomic dysfunction patients with FTD.

Perioperative implications of the patient with autonomic dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The autonomic nervous system functions to control heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, gastrointestinal motility, hormone release, and body temperature on a second-to-second basis. Here we summarize some of the latest literature on autonomic dysfunction, focusing primarily on the perioperative implications.

RECENT FINDINGS

The variety of autonomic dysfunction now extends to a large number of clinical conditions in which the cause or effect of the autonomic component is blurred. Methods for detecting dysautonomia can be as simple as performing a history and physical examination that includes orthostatic vital signs measured in both recumbent and vertical positions; however, specialized laboratories are required for definitive diagnosis. Heart rate variability monitoring is becoming more commonplace in the assessment and understanding of autonomic instability. Degenerative diseases of the autonomic nervous system include Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, with the most serious manifestations being postural hypotension and paradoxical supine hypertension. Other conditions occur in which the autonomic dysfunction is only part of a larger disease process, such as diabetic autonomic neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury.

SUMMARY

Patients with dysautonomia often have unpredictable and paradoxical physiological responses to various perioperative stimuli. Knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of their condition is required in order to reduce symptom exacerbation and limit morbidity and mortality during the perioperative period.

Does Goal-directed Fluid Therapy Affect Postoperative Orthostatic Intolerance?

Background:

Early mobilization is important for postoperative recovery but is limited by orthostatic intolerance (OI) with a prevalence of 50% 6 h after major surgery. The pathophysiology of postoperative OI is assumed to include hypovolemia besides dysregulation of vasomotor tone. Stroke volume–guided fluid therapy, so-called goal-directed therapy (GDT), corrects functional hypovolemia, and the authors hypothesized that GDT reduces the prevalence of OI after major surgery and assessed this in a prospective, double-blinded trial.

Methods:

Forty-two patients scheduled for open radical prostatectomy were randomized into standard fluid therapy (control group) or GDT groups. Both groups received a fixed-volume crystalloid regimen supplemented with 1:1 replacement of blood loss with colloid, and in addition, the GDT group received colloid to obtain a maximal stroke volume (esophageal Doppler). The primary outcome was the prevalence of OI assessed with a standardized mobilization protocol before and 6 h after surgery. Hemodynamic and hormonal orthostatic responses were evaluated.

Results:

Twelve (57%) versus 15 (71%) patients in the control and GDT groups (P = 0.33), respectively, demonstrated OI after surgery, group difference 14% (CI, −18 to 45%). Patients in the GDT group received more colloid during surgery (1,758 vs. 1,057 ml; P = 0.001) and reached a higher stroke volume (102 vs. 89 ml; P = 0.04). OI patients had an increased length of hospital stay (3 vs. 2 days; P = 0.02) and impaired hemodynamic and norepinephrine responses on mobilization.

Conclusion:

GDT did not reduce the prevalence of OI, and patients with OI demonstrated impaired cardiovascular and hormonal responses to mobilization.

[Clinical relevance of cardiopulmonary reflexes in anesthesiology]

The baroreflex, chemoreflex, pulmonary reflexes, Bezold-Jarisch and Bainbridge reflexes and their interaction with local mechanisms, are a demonstration of the richness of cardiovascular responses that occur in human beings. As well as these, the anesthesiologist must contend with other variables that interact by attenuating or accentuating cardiopulmonary reflexes such as, anesthetic drugs, surgical manipulation, and patient positioning. In the present article we review these reflexes and their clinical relevance in anesthesiology.

Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in the Early Phase after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implant: Implications for Surgery and Follow-Up?

Purpose

In congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, a profound cardiac autonomic derangement, clinically expressed by reduced heart rate variability (HRV), is present and is related to the degree of ventricular dysfunction. Implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can progressively improve HRV, associated with an increased circulatory output. Data from patients studied at different times after LVAD implantation are controversial. The aims of this study were to assess cardiac autonomic function in the early phases after axial-flow LVAD implantation, and to estimate the potential relevance of recent major surgical stress on the autonomic balance.

Methods

HRV (time-domain; 24-h Holter) was evaluated in 14 patients, 44.8 ± 25.8 days after beginning of Jarvik-2000 LVAD support; 47 advanced stage CHF, 24 cardiac surgery (CS) patients and 30 healthy subjects served as control groups. Inclusion criteria: sinus rhythm, stable clinical conditions, no diabetes or other known causes of HRV alteration.

Results

HRV was considerably reduced in LVAD patients in the early phases after device implantation in comparison to all control groups. A downgrading of HRV parameters was also present in CS controls. Circadian oscillations were highly depressed in LVAD and CHF patients, and slightly reduced in CS patients.

Conclusions

In CHF patients supported by a continuous-flow LVAD, a profound cardiac dysautonomia is still evident in the first two months from the beginning of circulatory support; the degree of cardiac autonomic imbalance is even greater in comparison to advanced CHF patients. The recent surgical stress could be partly linked to these abnormalities.

Anesthetic considerations for rapid-onset obesity, hypoventilation, hypothalamic dysfunction, and autonomic dysfunction (ROHHAD) syndrome in children

Rapid-onset obesity, hypoventilation, hypothalamic dysfunction, and autonomic dysfunction is an increasingly common diagnosis in patients who are being seen at tertiary care children's hospitals. We present two cases of anesthetics from the authors' own experience in addition to a comprehensive review of the disorder and anesthetic implications.