Management of difficult airway with laryngeal mask in a child with mucopolysaccharidosis and mitral regurgitation: a case report

Predicting readmission to the cardiovascular intensive care unit using recurrent neural networks

If a patient can be discharged from an intensive care unit (ICU) is usually decided by the treating physicians based on their clinical experience. However, nowadays limited capacities and growing socioeconomic burden of our health systems increase the pressure to discharge patients as early as possible, which may lead to higher readmission rates and potentially fatal consequences for the patients. Therefore, here we present a long short-term memory-based deep learning model (LSTM) trained on time series data from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) dataset to assist physicians in making decisions if patients can be safely discharged from cardiovascular ICUs. To underline the strengths of our LSTM we compare its performance with a logistic regression model, a random forest, extra trees, a feedforward neural network and with an already known, more complex LSTM as well as an LSTM combined with a convolutional neural network. The results of our evaluation show that our LSTM outperforms most of the above models in terms of area under receiver operating characteristic curve. Moreover, our LSTM shows the best performance with respect to the area under precision-recall curve. The deep learning solution presented in this article can help physicians decide on patient discharge from the ICU. This may not only help to increase the quality of patient care, but may also help to reduce costs and to optimize ICU resources. Further, the presented LSTM-based approach may help to improve existing and develop new medical machine learning prediction models.

Can soluble urokinase plasminogen receptor predict outcomes after cardiac surgery?

OBJECTIVES

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker that has been implicated in several cardiac pathologies and has been shown to be elevated in critically ill populations. We measured plasma suPAR in a cohort of cardiac surgical patients to evaluate its ability to predict prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay and development of complications following surgery. We compared suPAR against EuroSCORE II and C-reactive protein (CRP).

METHODS

Ninety patients undergoing cardiac surgery were recruited with samples taken preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 2 and 3. suPAR was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) was used to test predictive capability of suPAR. Comparison was made with EuroSCORE II and CRP.

RESULTS

suPAR increased over time (P < 0.001) with higher levels in patients requiring prolonged ICU and hospital stay, and prolonged ventilation (P < 0.05). suPAR was predictive for prolonged ICU and hospital stay, and prolonged ventilation at all time points (AUROC 0.66-0.74). Interestingly, this association was also observed preoperatively, with preoperative suPAR predicting prolonged ICU (AUROC 0.66), and hospital stay (AUROC 0.67) and prolonged ventilation (AUROC 0.74). The predictive value of preoperative suPAR compared favourably to EuroSCORE II and CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

suPAR increases following cardiac surgery and levels are higher in those who require prolonged ICU stay, prolonged hospital stay and prolonged ventilation. Preoperative suPAR compares favourably to EuroSCORE II and CRP in the prediction of these outcomes. suPAR could be a useful biomarker in predicting outcome following cardiac surgery, helping inform clinical decision-making.

CLINICAL REGISTRATION

West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee Reference: 12/WS/0179 (AM01).

[Rhinosinusitis in Hurler syndrome patients requiring hematopoietic stem cells transplantation]

INTRODUCTION

Allogenic transplantation of hemopoetic stem cells (allo-THSC) is one of the most effective treatment methods for Hurler syndrome, aimed at maximal correction of complications related to the genetic disorder. Presence of infection in the recipient is an adverse risk factor, affecting the possibility of starting the conditioning regimen and THSC peforming in general.

AIM

To assess the condition of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in Hurler syndrome patients before the allo-THSC, dynamics of these changes after the transplantation taking into account the correction of alpha-L-iduronidase enzyme level with donor blood cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From February 2012 to December 2017, In the Raisa Gorbacheva Research Institute of Child Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology of the Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, eighteen Hurler syndrome patients (10 girls and 8 boys) received an allo-THSC. Median age at the time of the procedure was 23,5 months (min - 3,4; max - 24,8). Each patient with the shadowing of paranasal sinuses, rhinitis or nasal breathing difficulty received a standard rhinosinusitis treatment before the transplantation, effect of which was insignificant. Symptoms of rhinitis, condition of pharyngeal tonsil and paranasal sinuses were assessed before and auto the allo-THSC.

RESULTS

In the post-allo-THSC, with the correction of alpha-L-iduronidase level each evaluated parameter has improved reliably (p-value < 0,05). Comparative analysis of the condition of the nasal cavity and pharyngeal tonsil before and after THSC was conducted on 14 patients out of 18. Rhinitis symptoms decreased in 9 (64,2%) patients; in 11 patients (78,5%) adenoids size reduced. Comparative analysis of the condition of paranasal sinuses was possible in 12 patients out of 18. Sinuses aeration improved in eight (66,6%) if patients.

CONCLUSION

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses changes in Hurler syndrome patients before and after allo-THSC is poorly studied. Our experience demonstrates the normalization of nasal cavity, pharyngeal tonsila and paranasal sinuses symptoms in the majority of the patients receiving allo-THSC. These symptoms are, it seems a consequence of the underlying disease.

Anesthesiological risks in mucopolysaccharidoses

Background

Patients suffering from mucopolysaccharidosis are among the most complex from the anesthesiological point of view, especially regarding the management of the airway. The evidence base for anesthesia management is often limited to case reports and small case series.

Aims

To identify useful information about experience with each subtype of mucopolysaccharidosis reported in the literature and propose a guide on the best options for airway management to the anesthesiologists who take care of these patients.

Methods

A query of the PubMed database specific for “anesthesia” and “mucopolysaccharidosis” and a further query specific for “mucopolysaccharidosis and difficult airway management” was conducted. We looked for those items that offered practical guidance to anesthesiological management. We did not exclude case reports, especially those that reported a specific technique, because of their practical suggestions.

Results

We identified 15 reviews, 17 retrospective case series, 5 prospective studies, and 28 case reports that focused on airway managements in anesthesia or had practical suggestions for preoperative evaluation and risk assessment. An accurate preoperative evaluation and the need for an experienced team are emphasized in all the reviewed articles and for each type of mucopolysaccharidosis. Many suggestions on how to plan the perioperative period have been highlighted. Insertion of a laryngeal mask airway generally improves ventilation and facilitates intubation with a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Furthermore, the videolaryngoscope is very useful in making intubation easier and facilitating bronchoscope passage.

Conclusions

Patients with mucopolysaccharidosis are at high risk for anesthesia-related complications and require a high level of attention. However, a multidisciplinary approach, combined with expertise in the use of new techniques and new devices for airway management, makes anesthesiological management safer. Further research with prospective studies would be useful.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13052-018-0554-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anesthesia for patients with mucopolysaccharidoses: Comprehensive review of the literature with emphasis on airway management

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare, inherited, lysosomal storage diseases that cause accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, resulting in anatomic abnormalities and organ dysfunction that can increase the risk of anesthesia complications. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in order to describe the anesthetic management and perioperative outcomes in patients with MPS. We reviewed English-language literature search using an OVID-based search strategy of the following databases: 1) PubMed (1946-present), 2) Medline (1946-present), 3) EMBASE (1946-present), and 4) Web of Science (1946-present), using the following search terms: mucopolysaccharidosis, Hurler, Scheie, Sanfilippo, Morquio, Maroteaux, anesthesia, perioperative, intubation, respiratory insufficiency, and airway. The review of the literature revealed nine case series and 27 case reports. A substantial number of patients have facial and oral abnormalities posing various challenges for airway management, however, evolving new technologies that include videolaryngoscopy appears to substantially facilitate airway management in these patients. The only type of MPS that appears to have less difficulty with airway management are MPS III patients, as the primary site of glycosaminoglycan deposition is in the central nervous system. All other MPS types have facial and oral characteristics that increase the risk of airway management. To mitigate these risks, anesthesia should be conducted by experienced anesthesiologists with expertise in using of advanced airway intubating devices.

Role of opioids as coinduction agent with propofol and their effect on apnea time, recovery time, and sedation score

Background

Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a supraglottic device which requires lesser depth of anaesthesia, evokes lesser hemodynamic response and causes lesser stimulation of airway as compared to traditional definitive airway device endotracheal tube. Its placement is possible without muscle relaxants thereby allowing maintenance of anaesthesia on spontaneous respiration thus preventing apnoea or minimizing apnoea time. Propofol, the commonly used induction agent, causes cardiorespiratory depression at higher induction doses. To attenuate this, co-induction agents combined with propofol has been a regular I/V anaesthetic technique these days.

Aim

Comparing apnoea time, recovery time and sedation scores using propofol-fentanyl and propofol-butorphanol combination.

Methodology

Hundred patients scheduled for various elective surgical procedures were randomly selected and divided into two groups of 50 each. As coinduction drug Group F received fentanyl and Group B received butorphanol. In both the groups induction was achieved with I/V propofol and LMA was placed. Apnoea time was noted after induction. Recovery time and sedation scores were recorded after anaesthetic agents were turned off.

Results

As compared to group F apnoea time was significantly less and recovery time was significantly more in group B (P < 0.05). Statistically postoperative sedation was significantly higher in group B than in group F at 1/2 hr but clinically, majority were responding to verbal commands. At 1 hour no significant difference in sedation was noted between the groups.

Conclusion

Considering respiratory and recovery profile propofol -butorphanol combination is a safer alternative to propofol-fentanyl combination for LMA insertion.

Differences in maxillomandibular morphology among patients with mucopolysaccharidoses I, II, III, IV and VI: a retrospective MRI study

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to analyze the maxillomandibular morphology of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type I, II, III, IVa and VI and to evaluate the craniofacial effect of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCST) in MPS I.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred head magnetic resonance images were retrospectively analyzed from 41 MPS and 27 control individuals. The width, height and length of the maxilla and mandible were plotted against age and the means of controls, MPS I, MPS II and MPS III were statistically compared. To determine the effect of HSCT in MPS I, jaw morphology was compared between MPS I patients with full donor chimerism versus patients with mixed/no donor chimerism.

RESULTS

Maxillary dimensions were not statistically different between the MPS types. The height and length of the mandible were clearly smaller in MPS I as compared to those in controls, MPS II and MPS III. This was associated with progressive resorption of the mandibular condyles in MPS I, which was also observed in MPS II and VI, but not in MPS III or IVa. Whereas the success of HCST did not affect these changes, mandibular width was significantly smaller in MPS I individuals with full donor chimerism.

CONCLUSION

MPS I individuals have a smaller mandible as compared to control, MPS II and MPS III individuals due to progressive condylar degeneration. These abnormalities are also evident following successful HSCT.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians should be aware of specific differences in mandibular morphology and condylar involvement among the MPS subtypes.

What happens to the hemodynamic responses for laryngeal mask airway insertion when we supplement propofol with butorphanol or fentanyl for induction of anesthesia: A comparative assessment and critical review

Background:

There is a delicate balance between respiratory tract anatomy, its physiology, physiological response to anesthetic agents, and airway management. The traditional gadgets to secure airway are face masks or endotracheal tubes. Recently, laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is gaining popularity. It does not require laryngoscopy thereby minimizing hemodynamic responses. For LMA placement, propofol is the induction agent of choice. Propofol, when used alone, requires large doses and leads to undesirable cardiorespiratory depression. To culminate its dose, various adjuncts are combined with it.

Aim:

Comparison of hemodynamic response of LMA using either butorphanol or fentanyl (according to group allocated) in combination with propofol.

Methodology:

Hundred patients scheduled for various surgical procedures were randomly selected and divided into two groups of 50 patients each, Group F (propofol and fentanyl) and Group B (propofol and butorphanol). One minute after giving intravenous (IV) opioids, induction was achieved with IV propofol 2.5 mg/kg. Depth of anesthesia was assessed, and LMA was inserted. Hemodynamic variables were measured before premedication, after premedication; 1, 3, and 5 min after insertion and after extubation of LMA.

Results:

After insertion of LMA, statistically significant drop in mean heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, and mean BP was noted in Group F as compared to Group B (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The use of propofol-butorphanol combination produces stable hemodynamics as compared to propofol-fentanyl combination.

Success rate of airway devices insertion: laryngeal mask airway versus supraglottic gel device

Background

The main important method for airway management during anesthesia is endotracheal intubation. Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and supraglottic gel device (I-Gel) are considered alternatives to endotracheal tube.

Objectives

This study sought to assess the success rate of airway management using LMA and I-Gel in elective orthopedic surgery.

Patients and Methods

This single-blinded randomized clinical trial was performed on 61 ASA Class 1 and 2 patients requiring minor orthopedic surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups of LMA and I-Gel. Supraglottic airway placement was categorized into three groups regarding the number of placement attempts, i.e. on the first, second, and third attempts. Unsuccessful placement on the third attempt was considered failure and endotracheal tube was used in such cases. The success rate, insertion time, and postoperative complications such as bleeding, sore throat, and hoarseness were recorded.

Results

In the I-Gel group, the success rate was 66.7% for placement on the first attempt, 16.7% for the second, and 3.33% for the third attempt. In the LMA group, the success rates were 80.6% and 12.9% for the first and second attempts, respectively. Failure in placement occurred in four cases in the I-Gel and two cases in LMA groups. The mean insertion time was not significantly different between two groups (21.35 seconds in LMA versus 27.96 seconds in I-Gel, P = 0.2). The incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly different between study groups.

Conclusions

I-Gel can be inserted as fast as LMA with adequate ventilation in patients and has no major airway complications. Therefore, it could be a good alternative to LMA in emergency airway management or general anesthesia.

New aspects of anesthetic management in congenital heart disease "common arterial trunk"

Now-a-days truncus arteriosus has been known as "common arterial trunk" (CAT) and is an uncommon congenital cardiac defect presenting in about 1-3% congenital heart disease. Environmental and genetic factors effects on incidence of CAT and other conotruncal anomalies. The majority patients with CAT and 22q11 deletion have other anomalies such as hypoplasia or aplasia of the thymus or parathyroid glands and immune deficits (T-cell deficiency), calcium metabolism disorder (hypocalcemia), palatal defects, learning and speech disorder, craniofacial anomalies, and neuropsychological abnormalities. CAT without surgical treatment frequently involves early severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or early death from heart failure and associated conditions. Therefore, without corrective surgical repair, most CAT patients die in the initial years of life. In numerous centers early surgical repair associated with superior than 80% long-standing survival. Anesthesiologist must be performs comprehensive preoperative evaluation of infants or neonates with this disorder. In CAT patient exactly hemodynamic monitoring and suitable techniques to regulate pulmonary vascular resistance and systemic vascular resistance and cardiac function are more important than the select of a special anesthetic drug. Therefore, anesthetic drugs should be carefully administrated and titrate and under monitoring. Management of CAT after surgical repair depends on the adequacy of treatment, cardiac function, level of PAH, and degree of bleeding. Inotropic support is frequently necessary after the cardiac ischemia associated to the surgical repair. Pulmonary vasodilator drugs were used to PAH treatment.