Cardiac arrest, stony heart, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An updated revisit

The post-resuscitation period is recognized as the main predictor of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes. The first description of post-resuscitation syndrome and stony heart was published over 50 years ago. Major manifestations may include but are not limited to, persistent precipitating pathology, systemic ischemia/reperfusion response, post-cardiac arrest brain injury, and finally, post-cardiac arrest myocardial dysfunction (PAMD) after successful resuscitation. Why do some patients initially survive successful resuscitation, and others do not? Also, why does the myocardium response vary after resuscitation? These questions have kept scientists busy for several decades since the first successful resuscitation was described. By modifying the conventional modalities of resuscitation together with new promising agents, rescuers will be able to salvage the jeopardized post-resuscitation myocardium and prevent its progression to a dismal, stony heart. Community awareness and staff education are crucial for shortening the resuscitation time and improving short- and long-term outcomes. Awareness of these components before and early after the restoration of circulation will enhance the resuscitation outcomes. This review extensively addresses the underlying pathophysiology, management, and outcomes of post-resuscitation syndrome. The pattern, management, and outcome of PAMD and post-cardiac arrest shock are different based on many factors, including in-hospital cardiac arrest vs out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), witnessed vs unwitnessed cardiac arrest, the underlying cause of arrest, the duration, and protocol used for CPR. Although restoring spontaneous circulation is a vital sign, it should not be the end of the game or lone primary outcome; it calls for better understanding and aggressive multi-disciplinary interventions and care. The development of stony heart post-CPR and OHCA remain the main challenges in emergency and critical care medicine.

Acute Changes in Body Muscle Mass and Fat Depletion in Hospitalized Young Trauma Patients: A Descriptive Retrospective Study

Background: Loss of muscle mass, and its strength, is associated with adverse outcomes in many medical and surgical conditions. Trauma patients may get malnourished during their hospital course due to many interrelated contributing factors. However, there is insufficient knowledge on the acute muscle and fat changes in young trauma patients in the early days post-admission. Objective: to explore the diagnosis, feeding status, and outcome of muscle mass loss among young abdominal polytrauma patients. Methods: It was a retrospective study including hospitalized abdominal trauma patients who underwent an abdominal computerized tomographic (CT) examination initially and a follow-up one week later. CT scan-based automatic and manual analysis of the muscles and fat of the abdominal region was calculated and compared. Also, we evaluated the feeding and nutritional values to explore the adequacy of the provided calories and proteins and the potential influence of enteral feeding on the CT-based parameters for muscle loss and fat depletion. Results: There were 138 eligible subjects with a mean age of 32.8 ± 13.5 years; of them, 92% were males. Operative interventions were performed on two-thirds of the patients, including abdominal surgery (43%), orthopedic surgeries (34%), and neurosurgical procedures (8.1%). On admission, 56% received oral feeding, and this rate slightly increased to 58.4% after the first week. Enteral feed was prescribed for the remaining, except for two patients. The percentage of change in the total psoas muscle area was significantly reduced after one week of admission in patients on enteral feed as compared to those in the oral feeding group (p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the percentages of changes in the CT scan findings except for the total psoas muscle area (p = 0.001) and para-spinal muscle area (p = 0.02), which reduced significantly in the those who underwent laparotomy as compared to those who did not need laparotomy. Trauma patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgery lost muscle and fat over time. Conclusions: Loss of muscle mass and body fat is not uncommon among young trauma patients. Patients who underwent laparotomy are more likely to be affected. Further larger studies are needed to assess the specific features in the younger trauma population and how far this can be influenced by the nutrition status and its impact on the clinical outcomes. It could be early or impending stages of sarcopenia linked to trauma patients, or just acute changes in the muscle and fat, that need further investigation and follow-up after hospital discharge.

OUP accepted manuscript

Among the work-related injuries, meat grinder injuries are not uncommon. One of the major challenges in the trauma resuscitation room is the appropriate choice of anesthesia/analgesia when the patient is still conscious and the second challenge is to find the best way to early extract the patient’s limb out of the machine without adding more suffering. Herein, we presented a 23-year-old male patient who was brought fully conscious in a kneeling position with the right forearm entrapped in a big meat grinder machine with part of the crushed fingers being extruded out of the machine. The patient was in severe pain; however, his vital signs were stable. Analgo-sedation with Midazolam/Ketamine followed by ultrasound guided upper limb regional anesthesia was used and showed to be a fast and safe alternative in a conscious, not fasting patient when the extremity is still entrapped in a meat grinder machine.

Presentation, management and outcome of aorto-esophageal fistula in young patients: two case-reports and literature review

Aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare serious surgical event. The first case developed hematemesis 2 weeks post-sleeve gastrectomy. A covered esophageal stent was placed endoscopically. The esophageal stent implantation was followed by massive bleeding due to an AEF. A thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed. Aggravated by infection of the aortic stent, another massive bleed occurred after 1 year. The final procedure was resection of the descending aorta with reconstruction using a bovine pericardial patch. The second case presented with hematemesis post-motor vehicle accident. AEF was confirmed by aortogram and treated by TEVAR followed by fully covered esophageal stent. The patient declined definite surgery. In conclusion, initial endovascular approach is useful as a bridge procedure. Once the patient hemodynamics are stabilized, a definitive surgical repair is required. The post-repair infection and life-long antibiotics could be overcome by using bovine pericardial grafts.

Early Outcomes of Pelvic Trauma Patients - Complications, ICU Stay and Treatment Concepts in Two ATLS Compliant Trauma Centers: Germany and Qatar

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Pelvic trauma causes severe threats especially to polytraumatized patients. Not only it is in itself a possible cause for significant bleeding, but it also indicates a high risk for intra-abdominal injuries. The initial treatment of patients with pelvic trauma follows the ATLS principles of priority-oriented treatment. To examine the value of this highly standardized concept and to evaluate the effect of different patient collectives on early outcome parameters, two large collectives from Germany and Qatar were analyzed regarding injury parameters and early outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients were recruited in Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar (HGH) and BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Germany (BG). All patients that were treated with a pelvic fracture between 2013 and 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis. Demographic parameters were collected as well as type of injury and the frequency of complication parameters as pneumonia, acute kidney failure, ARDS, sepsis and amount of blood transfusion. 1436 patients with pelvic fracture (645 from BG and 791 from HGH) were recruited. The mean age was 57.4 years in the BG and 33.6 years in the HGH group (p<0.000). The mean ISS was 17.81 in the BG and 15.88 in the HGH group (p=0.009). The mean pelvic AIS was 2.65 in the BG and 2.25 in the HGH group (p<0.000). RESULTS The mean frequency of complications was 9.3% in the BG and 9.9% in the HGH group (p=0.128). The mean frequency of ARDS was significantly higher in the BG group than in the HGH group (5.6% vs. 1.8%, p<0.000). The mean frequency of blood transfusion was significantly lower in the BG group than in the HGH group (28.8% vs. 39.2%, p<0.000). CONCLUSIONS Despite significant differences in the two collectives, this analysis shows comparable results regarding early outcome parameters in patients with pelvic injuries. In total, pelvic injuries are accompanied by a relatively high complication risk and need to be evaluated and treated according to priority-based algorithms. Key words: ATLS®, pelvic injury, complications, polytrauma.

Impact of sarcopenia in trauma and surgical patient population: A literature review

Sarcopenia refers to the progressive and generalised loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse outcomes such as physical disability, poor quality of life and mortality. The present review explored the impact, diagnosis, prevention and management of sarcopenia in surgical and trauma patients. Recent evidence suggests that there are many factors contributing to its development other than age. Pathophysiology of sarcopenia is complex which makes its diagnosis difficult and there is no universal approach. It is a predictor of poor outcomes including post-operative complications, length of hospital stay and mortality in trauma and surgery patients. Sedentary lifestyle, age-dependent hormone and cytokine imbalance, decreased protein synthesis and regeneration, and motor unit remodelling are some of the main risk factors for sarcopenia. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, bio-electrical impedance analysis and computed tomography are frequently utilized for its diagnosis. Management of sarcopenia involves appropriate management of comorbidities, interventions to facilitate physical activities, nutrition interventions and pharmacotherapy.

Prehospital administration of tranexamic acid in trauma patients: A 1:1 matched comparative study from a level 1 trauma center

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of prehospital administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) to injured patients on mortality, thromboembolic events and need for blood transfusion in a level 1 trauma center.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study comparing adult trauma patients receiving or not receiving prehospital TXA between January 2017 and September 2018. Patients not receiving TXA but transfused within 4 h of admission were 1:1 matched to TXA-treated patients for age, sex, injury severity score, head abbreviated injury score, prehospital heart rate and systolic blood pressure.

RESULTS

In total 204 patients were included (102 TXA and 102 control), with a mean age of 31 years. On admission, shock index (p = 0.03) and serum lactate (p = 0.001) were greater in the control group, whereas the initial base deficit, hemoglobin levels and EMS time were comparable in both groups. The odd ratio (OR) for shock index ≥0.9 after TXA administration was 0.44 (95% CI 0.23-0.84). The median amount of blood transfusion was greater in the control group [eight units (range 1-40) vs three (range 0-40), p = 0.01] as well as the use of massive blood transfusion [OR 0.35 (95% CI 0.19-0.67)]. In the TXA group, VTE was higher [OR 2.0 (95% CI 0.37-11.40)]; whereas the overall mortality was lower [OR 0.78 (95% CI 0.42-1.45)] without reaching statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Prehospital TXA administration is associated with less in-hospital blood transfusion and massive transfusion protocol (MTP). There is no significant increase in the thromboembolic events and mortality, however, further evaluation in larger clinical trials is needed.

Traumatic sternal injury in patients with rib fracture: A single-center experience

Purpose:

We aimed to assess the pattern and impact of sternal injury with rib fracture in a Level 1 trauma center.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of trauma registry data to identify patients who presented with sternal fracture between 2010 and 2017. Data were analyzed and compared in patients with and without rib fracture.

Results:

We identified 212 patients with traumatic sternal injury, of them 119 (56%) had associated rib fractures. In comparison to those who had no rib fracture, patients with rib fractures were older (40.1 ± 13.6 vs. 37.8 ± 14.5), were frequently involved in traffic accidents (75% vs. 71%), had higher chest abbreviated injury scale (AIS 2.8 ± 0.6 vs. 2.2 ± 0.5) and Injury Severity Score ( ISS 17.5 ± 8.6 vs. 13.3 ± 9.6), were more likely to be intubated (33% vs. 19%), required chest tube insertion (13.4% vs. 4.3%), and received blood transfusion (29% vs. 17%). Rates of spine fracture, head injury, and solid organ injury were comparable in the two groups. Manubrium, clavicular and scapular fractures, lung contusion, hemothorax, and pneumothorax were significantly more evident in those who had rib fractures. Hospital length of stay was prolonged in patients with rib fractures (P = 0.008). The overall mortality was higher but not statistically significant in patients with rib fractures (5.0% vs. 3.2%).

Conclusions:

Sternal fractures are rare, and detection of associated injuries requires a high index of suspicion. Combined sternal and rib fractures are more evident in relatively older patients after chest trauma. This combination has certain clinical implications that necessitate further prospective studies.

Rapid sequence induction (RSI) in trauma patients: Insights from healthcare providers

BACKGROUND

We aimed to describe the current practice of emergency physicians and anaesthesiologists in the selection of drugs for rapid-sequence induction (RSI) among trauma patients.

METHODS

A prospective survey audit was conducted based on a self-administered questionnaire among two intubating specialties. The preferred type and dose of hypnotics, opioids, and muscle relaxants used for RSI in trauma patients were sought in the questionnaire. Data were compared for the use of induction agent, opioid use and muscle relaxant among stable and unstable trauma patients by the intubating specialties.

RESULTS

A total of 102 participants were included; 47 were anaesthetists and 55 were emergency physicians. Propofol (74.5%) and Etomidate (50.0%) were the most frequently used induction agents. Significantly higher proportion of anesthesiologist used Propofol whereas, Etomidate was commonly used by emergency physicians in stable patients (P=0.001). Emergency physicians preferred Etomidate (63.6%) and Ketamine (20.0%) in unstable patients. The two groups were comparable for opioid use for stable patients. In unstable patients, use of opioid differed significantly by intubating specialties. The relation between rocuronium and suxamethonium use did change among the anaesthetists. Emergency physicians used more suxamethonium (55.6% vs. 27.7%, P=0.01) in stable as well as unstable (43.4 % vs. 27.7%, P=0.08) patients.

CONCLUSION

There is variability in the use of drugs for RSI in trauma patients amongst emergency physicians and anaesthesiologists. There is a need to develop an RSI protocol using standardized types and dose of these agents to deliver an effective airway management for trauma patients.

Predictors and Time-Based Hospital Mortality in Patients with Isolated and Polytrauma Brain Injuries

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We studied the predictors and time-based mortality in patients with isolated and polytrauma brain injuries in a rapidly developing country. We hypothesized that TBI-related 30-day mortality is decreasing over time.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients with moderate-to-severe TBI who were admitted directly to a level 1 trauma center between 2010 and 2014. Patient's data were analyzed and compared according to survival (survived vs. not survived), time (early death [2 days], intermediate [3-7 days] versus late [>7 days]) post-injury, and type (polytrauma vs. isolated TBI). Cox proportional hazards models were performed for the predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 810 patients were admitted with moderate-to-severe TBI with a median age of 27 years. Traffic-related injury was the main mechanism of TBI (65%). Isolated TBIs represented 22.6% of cases and 56% had head AIS >3. The overall mortality rate was 27%, and most of deaths occurred in the intermediate (40%) and early period (38%). The incidence of TBI was greater in patients aged 21-30 years but the mortality was proportionately higher among elderly. The average annual incidence was 8.43 per 100,000 population with an overall mortality of 2.28 per 100,000 population. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that polytrauma had greater mortality than isolated TBI. However, Cox survival analysis showed that age [Hazard ratio (HR) 1.02], scene GCS (HR 0.86),subarachnoid hemorrhage (HR 1.7), and blood transfusion amount (HR 1.03) were the predictors of mortality regardless of being polytrauma or isolated TBI after controlling for 14 relevant covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

The 30-day survival in patients with TBI is improving over the years in Qatar; however, the mortality remains high in the elderly males. The majority of deaths occurred within a week after the injury. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term survival in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI.

World Academic Council of Emergency Medicine Experience Document: Implementation of Point-of-Care Thromboelastography at an Academic Emergency and Trauma Center

Background:

We aimed to discuss the initial experience of the implementation of point-of-care thromboelastography (POC-TEG) at the Level 1 Trauma Center of an academic health institution in Qatar.

Materials and Methods:

A TEG protocol was developed and tailored to our hospital requirements and patient population, after an exhausting review of the literature and international published protocols, including a synthesis of a preexisting TEG protocol from our heart hospital. To successfully achieve the incorporation of point-of-care testing (POCT) in our clinical practice, a multidisciplinary organizational and education approach is required. The education and training of the physicians in this POCT modality during the first 3 months period has been described in detail.

Results:

A TEG protocol has been developed and implemented according to hospital standards. Ten physicians from the department of trauma surgery have been trained over a 3-month period to perform the daily quality control as well as the patient samples in order to provide a 24/7 service. In patients with major trauma, brain injury, bleeding, sepsis, and coagulopathy are the most important determinants of the clinical course and outcomes. Viscoelastic whole-blood assays have already proved their values in cardiac as well as liver surgery. Therefore, this POCT-directed approach would be considered as a part of the goal-directed management in severe polytrauma patients.

Conclusions:

Our experience shows that implementation of POC-TEG program is feasible and it is a promising tool in the management of major trauma patients with a potential compromised coagulation. However, further prospective research projects and well-trained personnel still warranted.

Use of local anaesthetics and adjuncts for spinal and epidural anaesthesia and analgesia at German and Austrian University Hospitals: an online survey to assess current standard practice

Background

The present anonymous multicenter online survey was conducted to evaluate the application of regional anaesthesia techniques as well as the used local anaesthetics and adjuncts at German and Austrian university hospitals.

Methods

39 university hospitals were requested to fill in an online questionnaire, to determine the kind of regional anaesthesia and preferred drugs in urology, obstetrics and gynaecology.

Results

33 hospitals responded. No regional anaesthesia is conducted in 47% of the minor gynaecological and 44% of the urological operations; plain bupivacaine 0.5% is used in 38% and 47% respectively. In transurethral resections of the prostate and bladder no regional anaesthesia is used in 3% of the responding hospitals, whereas plain bupivacaine 0.5% is used in more than 90%. Regional anaesthesia is only used in selected major gynaecological and urological operations. On the contrary to the smaller operations, the survey revealed a large variety of used drugs and mixtures. Almost 80% prefer plain bupivacaine or ropivacaine 0.5% in spinal anaesthesia in caesarean section. Similarly to the use of drugs in major urological and gynaecological operations a wide range of drugs and adjuncts is used in epidural anaesthesia in caesarean section and spontaneous delivery.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a certain agreement in short operations in spinal anaesthesia. By contrast, a large variety concerning the anaesthesiological approach in larger operations as well as in epidural analgesia in obstetrics could be revealed, the causes of which are assumed to be primarily rooted in particular departmental structures.

Tracheal intubation and alternative airway management devices used by healthcare professionals with different level of pre-existing skills: a manikin study

The classic Laryngeal Mask Airway (cLMA), ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA), Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA), Combitube (CT), Laryngeal Tube (LT) and tracheal intubation (TI) were compared in a manikin study. Nurses, anaesthetic nurses, paramedics, physicians and anaesthetists inserted the devices three times in a randomised sequence. Time taken for successful insertion, success rates and ease of insertion were evaluated. Anaesthetists performed tracheal intubation significantly faster than other healthcare professionals (p < 0.05). Insertion times for the cLMA, PLMA, LT and CT were not significantly different between the groups. Insertion of the CT, ILMA and TI was associated with a significant learning effect in all groups. This was not observed with the cLMA, PLMA or LT. All non-anaesthetists were able to insert the cLMA, PLMA and LT within two attempts with a > 90% success rate on the first attempt. The ILMA and TI were the only devices where more than one subject experienced some difficulty in insertion. The cLMA, PLMA and LT should be evaluated for use in situations where only limited airway training is possible.

In vivo ultrasound real-time motion of the cervical spine during intubation under manual in-line stabilization: a comparison of intubation methods

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In emergency trauma situations, manual in-line stabilization of the cervical spine is recommended to reduce cervical spine movement during intubation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of manual in-line stabilization during different intubation techniques on three-dimensional cervical spine movements and times to intubation.

METHODS

Forty-eight subjects without any history of trauma, inflammatory or degenerative disorder of the cervical spine were randomly grouped, regardless of gender or age. All underwent elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Under manual in-line stabilization, laryngeal intubation with Macintosh laryngoscope, intubating laryngeal mask airway, fibre-endoscopic oral intubation and fibre-endoscopic nasal intubation was performed. During the intubation process, cervical three-dimensional motion was detected by an ultrasound real-time motion analysis system and intubation times were measured.

RESULTS

Cervical spine range in the extension/flexion direction of orolaryngeal intubation with Macintosh (17.57 +/- 8.23 degrees ) showed significantly more movement than using the intubating laryngeal mask airway (4.60 +/- 1.51 degrees ) and fibreoptic procedures. Intubating laryngeal mask airway was significantly different than the fibreoptic intubation techniques. There was also a significant difference between oral (3.61 +/- 2.25 degrees ) nasal and (5.88 +/- 3.11 degrees ) fibreoptic intubation. Times to intubation all differed significantly (P < 0.05) for the Macintosh laryngoscope (27.25 +/- 8.56 s) and for the intubating laryngeal mask airway (16.5 +/- 9.76 s). Fibreendoscopic laryngoscopic oral (52.91 +/- 56.27 s) and nasal (82.32 +/- 54.06 s) intubation resulted in further prolongation of the times to intubation.

CONCLUSIONS

The intubating laryngeal mask airway with manual in-line stabilization is a potentially useful adjunct to intubation of patients with potential cervical spine injury, if there are no contraindications to these methods. These results predict that fibreoptic procedures may be a safe instrument for airway management in patients with potential cervical spine injuries; however, the main disadvantages are the longer intubation times.

[Structural damage of epidural catheters during combined spinal epidural anaesthesia: a lightmicroscopical study]

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a risk of epidural catheter damage during the advancement of the spinal needle through an epidural needle in clinical use.

METHODS

A total of 100 catheters (50 from CSE kits with a pencil-point type spinal needle and 50 from CSE kits with a Quincke type spinal needle) which had been used for routine CSE blocks were microscopically examined for any defects within the first 150 mm of the catheter. Additionally 10 unused new catheters were investigated.

RESULTS

Among 10 unused catheters 5 slight scratches were found, 92 out of 100 used catheters did not show any signs of use or scratches, 7 showed some signs of use and longitudinal scratches whereas another 1 showed a moderate scratch of less than 25% of the wall thickness. There was no difference in the prevalence of scratches between the CSE kits with pencil-point type spinal needles compared to those with Quincke-type spinal needles.

CONCLUSION

The CSE technique with either pencil-point type or Quincke-type spinal needles for subarachnoidal punctures was safe and showed no relevant epidural catheter damage.

Three-dimensional cervical spine movement during intubation using the Macintosh and Bullard laryngoscopes, the bonfils fibrescope and the intubating laryngeal mask airway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cervical spine movement may be limited for morphological reasons or through injury. The major goal of the present study was to evaluate the three-dimensional cervical spine movement during intubation with a Macintosh or Bullard laryngoscope, a Bonfils fibrescope or an intubating laryngeal mask using an ultrasound-based motion system.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients without any history of cervical spine problems who had to undergo elective surgery in general anaesthesia were intubated using a Macintosh or Bullard laryngoscope, a Bonfils fibrescope or an intubating laryngeal mask airway. During intubation, cervical motion as well as overall time to intubation, number of attempts, and postoperative complaints were noted.

RESULTS

The range of cervical spine motion during intubation, especially concerning extension, using the Macintosh laryngoscope was much greater (22.5 degrees +/- 9.9 degrees) than using Bullard (3.4 degrees +/- 1.4 degrees), Bonfils (5.5 degrees +/- 5.0 degrees) or intubating laryngeal mask (4.9 degrees +/- 2.1 degrees). Time to intubate the trachea using Bonfils (52.1 +/- 22.0 s) and intubating laryngeal mask (49.8 +/- 18.7 s) were much longer than with Macintosh (18.9 + 7.1s) and Bullard laryngoscope (16.1 + 6.2 s) (significance level: 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the Bullard laryngoscope may be a useful adjunct to intubate patients with cervical spine injuries. In elective situations when time to intubation is not critical Bonfils as well as intubating laryngeal mask airway should also be considered as serious alternatives to direct laryngoscopy.

How long should patients refrain from oral food and fluid intake after general anaesthesia? An assessment of the swallowing reflex of postoperative neurosurgical patients

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to detect swallowing abnormalities in patients after short-term neurosurgical interventions under general anaesthesia, comparing patients with supratentorial operations with a group undergoing extracranial neurosurgery (nucleotomy).

METHODS

20 patients in each group were examined by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) after general anaesthesia.

RESULTS

No patient demonstrated dysphagia, aspiration, or oxygen desaturation.

CONCLUSION

In these patient groups, early postoperative feeding was safe. Postoperative food intake can probably be allowed early after general anaesthesia.

Gastric insufflation pressure, air leakage and respiratory mechanics in the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in children

BACKGROUND

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prelaryngeal position of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA(TM)) in children, and to determine the influence of mask positioning on gastric insufflation and oropharyngeal air leakage.

METHODS

A total of 100 children, 3-11 years old, scheduled for surgical procedures in the supine position under general anaesthesia were studied. After clinically satisfactory LMA placement, tidal volumes were increased stepwise until air entered the stomach, airway pressure exceeded 30 cmH(2)O, or air leakage from the mask seal prevented further increases in tidal volume. LMA position in relation to the laryngeal entrance was verified using a flexible bronchoscope.

RESULTS

The insertion of the LMA with a clinically satisfactory position was achieved in all patients at the first attempt. Gastric air insufflation occurred in five of 49 patients with malpositioned LMA. No incident of gastric air insufflation was observed in 51 patients with correctly positioned LMA. The minimum inspiratory pressure leading to mask leakage was 17 cmH(2)O for incorrectly positioned LMA, and 25 cmH(2)O for correctly positioned LMA. Clinically unrecognized LMA malposition was associated with a significantly increased incidence of either oropharyngeal leakage (r = 0.59; P = 0.0001) or gastric insufflation (r = 0.25; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically undetected LMA malpositioning is a significant risk factor for gastric air insufflation in children between 3 and 11 years, undergoing positive pressure ventilation, especially at inspiratory airway pressures above 17 cmH(2)O.

Measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide in spontaneously breathing patients in the pre-hospital setting. A prospective evaluation of 350 patients

OBJECTIVE

Monitoring of end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO(2)) is good clinical practice in the patient who is intubated and ventilated. This study investigated the EtCO(2) values in spontaneously breathing patients treated in a physician-staffed mobile intensive care unit (MICU). This article also discusses whether EtCO(2) monitoring may have an influence on therapeutic decisions by emergency physicians by providing additional information.

METHODS

Over a period of 6 months, 350 spontaneously breathing patients (162 males, 137 females) were treated and transported in our MICU and monitored using a LifePak 12 monitor (EtCO(2), respiratory rate, pO(2), blood pressure, heart rate). Only 299 were enrolled in the study.

RESULTS

Pathological EtCO(2) values were detected in 19 patients (6.3%). EtCO(2) levels of >55 mmHg (7.3 kPa) were found in nine of 12 (75%) patients with asthma, in one of 23 patients with hypoglycaemia (4.3%), and in all patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, acute seizures and drug intoxications. With the exception of the asthma patients, all patients had an initial Glasgow Coma Score <8. EtCO(2) levels <20 mmHg (2.7 kPa) were found in all patients with hyperventilation or shock due to volume deficiency. Errors in EtCO(2) measurement occurred in 5% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Although EtCO(2) monitoring may be a useful additional variable in spontaneously breathing patients. Consideration of the respective disease and the cost to benefit ratio suggests that this method should only be used for selected indications.

[Initial medical treatment by paramedics in combined first aid operations of paramedics and emergency physicians]

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to evaluate the quality of paramedic care and the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of sending a well-trained paramedic team to the sight of a medical emergency to initiate active medical treatment prior to the arrival of the mobile intensive care unit (MICU).

METHODS

We examined 200 cases of medical treatment initiated by paramedics before arrival of the MICU team at the site of the medical emergency. Using a questionnaire, all emergency procedures performed by the paramedic team on scene were recorded and defined as "required", "carried out", and "accurately performed". The documented emergency procedures were divided into three categories: basic procedures (e. g. positioning, CRP, oxygen administration), additional procedures (e. g. placement of iv-lines, application of intravenous medication), and routine emergency diagnostic measures (e. g. monitoring of cardiopulmonary status). Further documented were the time of onset of emergency physician treatment, and the definitive transport vehicle used. To evaluate the time required for the measures performed, three different groups were identified according to the time gap between the arrival of the paramedic and the emergency physician teams (< 3 min, 3 - 5 min and > 5 min).

RESULTS

In the 200 emergencies included in the study, 76 - 95 % of the required procedures were accurately performed prior to the arrival of the MICU team, at a success rate ranging from 87 to 100 %.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a large number of emergency procedures could be performed by the paramedic team within a short period of time (in some cases < 3 min), and adequate effectiveness. Based on our results, the activation of paramedic-staffed first-tier ambulances with shorter response times is recommended in addition to the MICU system.

Near-hanging

Each year, thousands of people are strangled. Survival from strangulation or hanging is often associated with various complications including a large variety of neurological consequences. As it is common knowledge that the GCS and other initial presenting findings bear a poor correlation to the ultimate outcome, aggressive resuscitation and treatment of post anoxic brain injury is indicated in every patient in absence of definite signs of death and irrespective of the duration of hypoxia or unconsciousness in cases of strangulation, especially in cases of suicidal near-hanging. These case reports describe two near-hanging episodes in patients with a normal neurological outcome.

[Anesthesia in ambulatory general practice]

Over the last years, ambulatory anaesthesia has gained more significance within the realm of anaesthesiology in Germany. The German health care system aspires to improve the link between ambulatory and clinical health care. Also, the increasing percentage of older people has changed the demographics of society considerably. As potential patients, older people tend to suffer from more pre-existing diseases than younger people, without necessarily being willing to forego ambulatory treatments. According to the guidelines of the "Bundesärztekammer", procedures in an ambulatory setting--and thus ambulatory anaesthesia--may not pose greater risks to patients than the same procedures performed in a clinical setting. The guidelines specifically include the pre-, intra- and post-operative care. This article reviews the guidelines of the "German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine" (DGAI) and other professional organizations with respect to ambulatory anaesthesia. It also reviews important structural and procedural requirements and recommendations for the implementation of ambulatory anaesthesia. Topics included are technical requirements, equipment, selection of patients, informed consent, fasting regulations, choice of anaesthetics and postoperative care. In order to accomplish a favourable outcome quality in ambulatory anaesthesia, professional judgement and implementation of the respective guidelines appear to be important rules of conduct.