A critical review of the perioperative fluid therapy and hemodynamic monitoring recommendations of the Enhanced Recovery of the Adult Pathway (RICA): A position statement of the fluid therapy and hemodynamic monitoring Subcommittee of the Hemostasis, Transfusion Medicine and Fluid Therapy Section (SHTF) of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR)

In an effort to standardize perioperative management and improve postoperative outcomes of adult patients undergoing surgery, the Ministry of Health, through the Spanish Multimodal Rehabilitation Group (GERM), and the Aragonese Institute of Health Sciences, in collaboration with multiple Spanish scientific societies and based on the available evidence, published in 2021 the Spanish Intensified Adult Recovery (RICA) guideline. This document includes 12 perioperative measures related to fluid therapy and hemodynamic monitoring. Fluid administration and hemodynamic monitoring are not straightforward but are directly related to postoperative patient outcomes. The Fluid Therapy and Hemodynamic Monitoring Subcommittee of the Hemostasis, Transfusion Medicine and Fluid Therapy Section (SHTF) of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR) has reviewed these recommendations and concluded that they should be revised as they do not follow an adequate methodology.

Fluid challenges in operating room: A planned sub study of the Fluid Day observational study

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative fluid administration is a ubiquitous intervention in surgical patients. But inadequate fluid administration may lead to poor postoperative outcomes. Fluid challenges (FCs), in or outside the so-called goal-directed fluid therapy, allows testing the cardiovascular system and the need for further fluid administration. Our primary aim was to evaluate how anesthesiologists conduct FCs in the operating room in terms of type, volume, variables used to trigger a FC and to compare the proportion of patients receiving further fluid administration based on the response to the FC.

METHODS

This was a planned substudy of an observational study conducted in 131 centres in Spain in patients undergoing surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 396 patients were enrolled and analysed in the study. The median [interquartile range] amount of fluid given during a FC was 250ml (200-400). The main indication for FC was a decrease in systolic arterial pressure in 246 cases (62.2%). The second was a decrease in mean arterial pressure (54.4%). Cardiac output was used in 30 patients (7.58%), while stroke volume variation in 29 of 385 cases (7.32%). The response to the initial FC did not have an impact when prescribing further fluid administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The current indication and evaluation of FC in surgical patients is highly variable. Prediction of fluid responsiveness is not routinely used, and inappropriate variables are frequently evaluated for assessing the hemodynamic response to FC, which may result in deleterious effects.

Research priorities in perioperative fluid therapy and hemodynamic monitoring: A Delphi Consensus Survey from the Fluid Therapy and Hemodynamic Monitoring Subcommittee of the Hemostasis, Transfusion Medicine and Fluid Therapy Section (SHTF) of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR)

BACKGROUND

Research in fluid therapy and perioperative hemodynamic monitoring is difficult and expensive. The objectives of this study were to summarize these topics and to prioritize these topics in order of research importance.

METHODS

Electronic structured Delphi questionnaire over three rounds among 30 experts in fluid therapy and hemodynamic monitoring identified through the Fluid Therapy and Hemodynamic Monitoring Subcommittee of the Hemostasis, Transfusion Medicine and Fluid Therapy Section of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care.

RESULTS

77 topics were identified and ranked in order of prioritization. Topics were categorized into themes of crystalloids, colloids, hemodynamic monitoring and others. 31 topics were ranked as essential research priority. To determine whether intraoperative hemodynamic optimization algorithms based on the invasive or noninvasive Hypotension Prediction Index versus other management strategies could decrease the incidence of postoperative complications. As well as whether the use of renal stress biomarkers together with a goal-directed fluid therapy protocol could reduce hospital stay and the incidence of acute kidney injury in adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, reached the highest consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

The Fluid Therapy and Hemodynamic Monitoring Subcommittee of the Hemostasis, Transfusion Medicine and Fluid Therapy Section of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care will use these results to carry out the research.

Perioperative colloids: From theory to practice

INTRODUCTION

Fluid administration is the cornerstone in hypovolemic patient's reanimation. Clinical guidelines restrict colloid administration favouring crystalloids. Currently, we don't know exactly which is the daily clinical practice during the perioperative period. The objective of this study is to describe perioperative use of colloids analysing possible reasons aiming to use them.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective, cross-section, national, multicentre observational study. Fluid Day sub-study. We enrolled all patient's older than 18 years old who underwent surgery during the 24 h of the 2-days study (February, 2019, 18th and 20th). We registered demographic data, comorbidities, anaesthetic and surgical procedure data, fluids administered, perioperative bleeding and monitoring type used during the perioperative period.

RESULTS

A total of 5928 cases were analysed and 542 patients (9.1%) received any type of colloids, being hydroxiethyl-starch the most frequently used (5.1%). Patients receiving colloids suffered more longing surgery (150 [90-255] vs. 75 [45-120] min), were urgently operated (13.7 vs. 7.5%) and were more frequent classified as high risk (22 vs. 4.8%). Their recovery was mostly in critical care units (45.1 vs.15.8%). Patients with bleeding less than 500 ml received colloids in a percentage of 5.9 versus 45.9% when this figure was overcome. Patients who received colloids were anaemic more frequently: 29.4 vs. 16.3%. Colloids administration had a higher risk for transfusion (OR 15.7). Advanced monitoring also increased the risk for receiving colloids (OR 9.43).

CONCLUSIONS

In our environment with routine clinical practice, colloids administration is limited and close linked to perioperative bleeding.

Association between preoperative baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity and acute renal failure and mortality following colorectal surgery. A single-centre observational study

BACKGROUND

Elevated pulse wave velocity is a haemodynamic parameter considered to be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular alterations, while pulse pressure is a predictor of cardiovascular complications and development of acute renal failure after both cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Our objective was to determine whether baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity are associated with renal failure and 30-day mortality following colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study. A total of 816 adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were evaluated by performing multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine whether baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity were independently associated with complications, specifically renal failure and 30-day postoperative mortality, and whether pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity thresholds correlated with outcomes.

RESULTS

Baseline pulse pressure was 56.00 mmHg (45.00;68.00) and estimated pulse wave velocity was 13.16 m/s (10.76;14.85). Baseline pulse pressure was not associated with acute renal failure or mortality in the univariate model. Baseline estimated pulse wave velocity was not associated with complications, acute renal failure, or mortality. An estimated pulse wave velocity of 13.78 m/s significantly predicted acute renal failure (AUC 0.654 [0.588-0.720]) and mortality (AUC 0.698 [0.600-0.796]).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither pulse pressure nor preoperative baseline estimated pulse wave velocity were associated with acute renal failure or postoperative mortality. The preoperative estimated pulse wave velocity threshold of 13.78 m/s predicted an increased risk of acute renal failure and postoperative mortality.

Intraoperative crystalloid utilization variability and association with postoperative outcomes: A post hoc analysis of two multicenter prospective cohort studies

BACKGROUND

The optimal regimen for intravenous administration of intraoperative fluids remains unclear. Our goal was to analyze intraoperative crystalloid volume administration practices and their association with postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We extracted clinical data from two multicenter observational studies including adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery and total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). We analyzed the distribution of intraoperative fluid administration. Regression was performed using a general linear model to determine factors predictive of fluid administration. Patient outcomes and intraoperative crystalloid utilization were summarized for each surgical cohort. Regression models were developed to evaluate associations of high or low intraoperative crystalloid with the likelihood of increased postoperative complications, mainly acute kidney injury (AKI) and hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

7580 patients were included. The average adjusted intraoperative crystalloid infusion rate across all surgeries was to 7.9 (SD 4) mL/kg/h. The regression model strongly favored the type of surgery over other patient predictors. We found that high fluid volume was associated with 40% greater odds ratio (OR 1.40; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.95, p = 0.044) of postoperative complications in patients undergoing THA, while we found no associations for the other types of surgeries, AKI and LOS CONCLUSIONS: A wide variability was observed in intraoperative crystalloid volume administration; however, this did not affect postoperative outcomes.

Association between preoperative baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity and acute renal failure and mortality following colorectal surgery. A single-centre observational study

BACKGROUND

Elevated pulse wave velocity is a haemodynamic parameter considered to be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular alterations, while pulse pressure is a predictor of cardiovascular complications and development of acute renal failure after both cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Our objective was to determine whether baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity are associated with renal failure and 30-day mortality following colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study. A total of 816 adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were evaluated by performing multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine whether baseline pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity were independently associated with complications, specifically renal failure and 30-day postoperative mortality, and whether pulse pressure and estimated pulse wave velocity thresholds correlated with outcomes.

RESULTS

Baseline pulse pressure was 56.00mmHg (45.00;68.00) and estimated pulse wave velocity was 13.16m/s (10.76;14.85). Baseline pulse pressure was not associated with acute renal failure or mortality in the univariate model. Baseline estimated pulse wave velocity was not associated with complications, acute renal failure, or mortality. An estimated pulse wave velocity of 13.78m/s significantly predicted acute renal failure (AUC 0.654 [0.588-0.720]) and mortality (AUC 0.698 [0.600-0.796]).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither pulse pressure nor preoperative baseline estimated pulse wave velocity were associated with acute renal failure or postoperative mortality. The preoperative estimated pulse wave velocity threshold of 13.78m/s predicted an increased risk of acute renal failure and postoperative mortality.

Intraoperative crystalloid utilization variability and association with postoperative outcomes: A post hoc analysis of two multicenter prospective cohort studies

BACKGROUND

The optimal regimen for intravenous administration of intraoperative fluids remains unclear. Our goal was to analyze intraoperative crystalloid volume administration practices and their association with postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We extracted clinical data from two multicenter observational studies including adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery and total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). We analyzed the distribution of intraoperative fluid administration. Regression was performed using a general linear model to determine factors predictive of fluid administration. Patient outcomes and intraoperative crystalloid utilization were summarized for each surgical cohort. Regression models were developed to evaluate associations of high or low intraoperative crystalloid with the likelihood of increased postoperative complications, mainly acute kidney injury (AKI) and hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

7,580 patients were included. The average adjusted intraoperative crystalloid infusion rate across all surgeries was to 7.9 (SD 4) mL/kg/h. The regression model strongly favored the type of surgery over other patient predictors. We found that high fluid volume was associated with 40% greater odds ratio (OR 1.40; 95% confidence interval1.01-1.95, p = 0.044) of postoperative complications in patients undergoing THA, while we found no associations for the other types of surgeries, AKI and LOS CONCLUSIONS: A wide variability was observed in intraoperative crystalloid volume administration; however, this did not affect postoperative outcomes.

Patient Blood Management for primary hip and knee replacement. A survey among POWER.2 study researchers

BACKGROUND

Implementation of Patient Blood Management programs remain variable in Europe, and even in centres with well-established PBM programs variability exists in transfusion practices.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

We conducted a survey in order to assess current practice in perioperative Patient Blood Management in patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement among researchers involved in POWER.2 Study in Spain (an observational prospective study evaluating enhanced recovery pathways in orthopaedic surgery).

RESULTS

A total of 322 responses were obtained (37.8%). Half of responders check Haemoglobin levels in patients at least 4 weeks before surgery; 35% treat all anaemic patients, although 99.7% consider detection and treatment of preoperative anaemia could influence the postoperative outcomes. Lack of infrastructure (76%) and lack of time (51%) are the main stated reasons not to treat anaemic patients. Iron status is routinely checked by 19% before surgery, and 36% evaluate it solely in the anaemic patient. Hb<9.9 g/dl is the threshold to delay surgery for 61% of clinicians, and 22% would consider transfusing preoperatively clinically stable patients without active bleeding. The threshold to transfuse patients without cardiovascular disease is 8 g/dl for 43%, and 7 g/dl for 34% of the responders; 75% of clinicians consider they use "restrictive thresholds", and 90% follow the single unit transfusion policy.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our survey show variability in clinical practice in Patient Blood Management in major orthopaedic surgery, despite being the surgery with the greatest tradition in these programs.

Monitoring of nociception, reality or fiction?

There are currently various projects underway that attempt to monitor the nociceptive responses caused by surgical stress and ensure patients the best analgesic conditions. The systemic response to surgical stress has repercussions in the postoperative period, such as worse pain control, delayed recovery, greater complications, longer stay in resuscitation and hospital units, and increased healthcare costs. However, treatment with higher doses of opioids than necessary may lead to slower awakening, increased drowsiness and adverse effects, as well as situations of postoperative opioid-induced hyperalgesia. There are 2 large groups of nociceptive monitoring according to the origin of the theoretical objective of monitoring response to the stimulus, that may derive from changes in the electroencephalogram or the response of the autonomic nervous system.

Goal directed hemodynamic therapy based in esophageal Doppler flow parameters: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have compared perioperative esophageal doppler monitoring (EDM) guided intravascular volume replacement strategies with conventional clinical volume replacement in surgical patients. The use of the EDM within hemodynamic algorithms is called 'goal directed hemodynamic therapy' (GDHT).

METHODS

Meta-analysis of the effects of EDM guided GDHT in adult non-cardiac surgery on postoperative complications and mortality using PRISMA methodology. A systematic search was performed in Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (last update, March 2015).

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which perioperative GDHT was compared to other fluid management.

PRIMARY OUTCOMES

Overall complications.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Mortality; number of patients with complications; cardiac, renal and infectious complications; incidence of ileus. Studies were subjected to quantifiable analysis, pre-defined subgroup analysis (stratified by surgery, type of comparator and risk); pre-defined sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA).

RESULTS

Fifty six RCTs were initially identified, 15 fulfilling the inclusion criteria, including 1,368 patients. A significant reduction was observed in overall complications associated with GDHT compared to other fluid therapy (RR=0.75; 95%CI: 0.63-0.89; P=0.0009) in colorectal, urological and high-risk surgery compared to conventional fluid therapy. No differences were found in secondary outcomes, neither in other subgroups. The impact on preventing the development of complications in patients using EDM is high, causing a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 50% for a number needed to treat (NNT)=6.

CONCLUSIONS

GDHT guided by EDM decreases postoperative complications, especially in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and high-risk surgery. However, no differences versus restrictive fluid therapy and in intermediate-risk patients were found.

Spanish survey on enhanced recovery after surgery

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the interest in ERAS protocols, and the extent to which clinicians are familiar with and apply these protocols during perioperative care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Free access survey hosted on the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care; Spanish Association of Surgeons and Spanish Society of Enteral and Parenteral nutrition and ERAS Spain (GERM) websites conducted between September and December 2014.

RESULTS

The survey was answered by 272 professionals (44.5% anaesthetists, 45.2% general surgeons) from 110 hospitals, 73% of whom had experience in ERAS protocols. Most (86.1%) had specific knowledge of ERAS protocols, whereas only 50.9% were familiar with ERAS recommendations and 42.4% with GERM recommendations. Most (73.1%) respondents reported that ERAS protocols are performed in their hospitals, mainly in colorectal surgery (93%), and 52.2% reported that GERM/ERAS recommendations are followed. Nearly all (95.5%) would be interested in the development of multidisciplinary national guidelines. Less than half (46.6%) perform preoperative nutritional assessment, albeit without a universal malnutrition screening method (56.8%). Preoperative loading with carbohydrate drinks is carried out in only 51.4% of cases; nasogastric tube and drainage are avoided (79.3%), prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting (73.4%), goal directed fluid therapy (73.3%), and active normothermia maintenance (87.4%) are performed. In most cases, mobilization (90.1%) and early feeding (87.9%) are performed. The leading causes of protocol failure are postoperative nausea and vomiting (46.5%) and ileus (58.9%).

CONCLUSION

Clinicians in Spain are familiar with fast track protocols, although there is no overall consensus, and hospitals do not adhere to existing guidelines. Overall compliance with the items of the protocol is adequate, although perioperative nutritional management is poor.

A systematic review of sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular blockade

We reviewed systematically sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversing neuromuscular blockade. We included 17 randomised controlled trials with 1553 participants. Sugammadex reduced all signs of residual postoperative paralysis, relative risk (95% CI) 0.46 (0.29-0.71), p = 0.0004 and minor respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.51 (0.32-0.80), p = 0.0034. There was no difference in critical respiratory events, relative risk (95% CI) 0.13 (0.02-1.06), p = 0.06. Sugammadex reduced drug-related side-effects, relative risk (95% CI) 0.72 (0.54-0.95), p = 0.02. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative nausea or the rate of postoperative vomiting, relative risk (95% CI) 0.94 (0.79-1.13), p = 0.53, and 0.87 (0.65-1.17), p = 0.36 respectively.