Safety and efficacy of remifentanil target-controlled infusion for conscious sedation in a pregnant woman: a case report

BACKGROUND

Every year 2% of pregnant women undergo nonobstetric surgical interventions worldwide. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice, pregnant women should never be denied the most appropriate surgical treatment, regardless of the trimester of pregnancy. However, additional attention should be paid during the first trimester since it has the highest risk of inducing teratogenic mutations; additionally, during the third trimester, due to the possibility of preterm birth and low birth weight of the newborn, great care should be paid.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a Caucasian 36-year-old woman during her 21st week of pregnancy, with a normal-sized fetus, according to the gestational age on ultrasound exam, and with no additional risk factors. The patient referred to an increasing nasal obstruction associated with rhinorrhea of the left nasal cavity. She also reported episodes of sleep apnea and hyposmia. The patient received a detailed otolaryngological examination, which allowed for identification of a mass within the left nasal cavity. The subsequent nasal endoscopy confirmed a grayish polypoid mass lesion with a multinodular surface occupying the entire left nasal fossa. The lesion totally obliterated the left maxillary sinus, resulting in obstruction of the anterior osteomeatal unit and ethmoidal sinusitis. She was referred for a functional endoscopic sinus surgery using analgosedation with remifentanil target-controlled infusion.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

To the very best of our knowledge, this is the first case described in English literature about the use of analgosedation with remifentanil target-controlled infusion for otolaryngology surgery, specifically in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. It could be an interesting option to avoid the use of inhaled anesthetics that could induce fetal damage, especially during the first months of pregnancy. Furthermore, patient intubation is not necessary, which avoids cases of difficult intubation or any trauma to the airways. An adequate informed consent and appropriate compliance are elements of paramount importance in tailoring the anesthetic strategy for pregnant women who need nonobstetric surgical management.

Continuous vs intermittent Non-Invasive blood pressure MONitoring in preventing postoperative organ failure (niMON): study protocol for an open-label, multicenter randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure has become one of the most important vital signs to monitor in the perioperative setting. Recently, the Italian Society of Anesthesia Analgesia Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) recommended, with low level of evidence, continuous monitoring of blood pressure during the intraoperative period. Continuous monitoring allows for early detection of hypotension, which may potentially lead to a timely treatment. Whether the ability to detect more hypotension events by continuous noninvasive blood pressure (C-NiBP) monitoring can improve patient outcomes is still unclear. Here, we report the rationale, study design, and statistical analysis plan of the niMON trial, which aims to evaluate the effect of intraoperative C-NiBP compared with intermittent (I-NiBP) monitoring on postoperative myocardial and renal injury.

METHODS

The niMon trial is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, international, open-label, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. Eligible patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive C-NiBP or I-NiBP as an intraoperative monitoring strategy. The proportion of patients who develop myocardial injury in the first postoperative week is the primary outcome; the secondary outcomes are the proportions of patients who develop postoperative AKI, in-hospital mortality rate, and 30 and 90 postoperative days events. A sample size of 1265 patients will provide a power of 80% to detect a 4% absolute reduction in the rate of the primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The niMON data will provide evidence to guide the choice of the most appropriate intraoperative blood pressure monitoring strategy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05496322, registered on the 5th of August 2023.

The role of beta-blocker drugs in critically ill patients: a SIAARTI expert consensus statement

BACKGROUND

The role of β-blockers in the critically ill has been studied, and data on the protective effects of these drugs on critically ill patients have been repeatedly reported in the literature over the last two decades. However, consensus and guidelines by scientific societies on the use of β-blockers in critically ill patients are still lacking. The purpose of this document is to support the clinical decision-making process regarding the use of β-blockers in critically ill patients. The recipients of this document are physicians, nurses, healthcare personnel, and other professionals involved in the patient's care process.

METHODS

The Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) selected a panel of experts and asked them to define key aspects underlying the use of β-blockers in critically ill adult patients. The methodology followed by the experts during this process was in line with principles of modified Delphi and RAND-UCLA methods. The experts developed statements and supportive rationales in the form of informative text. The overall list of statements was subjected to blind votes for consensus.

RESULTS

The literature search suggests that adrenergic stress and increased heart rate in critically ill patients are associated with organ dysfunction and increased mortality. Heart rate control thus seems to be critical in the management of the critically ill patient, requiring careful clinical evaluation aimed at both the differential diagnosis to treat secondary tachycardia and the treatment of rhythm disturbance. In addition, the use of β-blockers for the treatment of persistent tachycardia may be considered in patients with septic shock once hypovolemia has been ruled out. Intravenous application should be the preferred route of administration.

CONCLUSION

β-blockers protective effects in critically ill patients have been repeatedly reported in the literature. Their use in the acute treatment of increased heart rate requires understanding of the pathophysiology and careful differential diagnosis, as all causes of tachycardia should be ruled out and addressed first.

Unplanned admissions after day-case surgery in an Italian third-level pediatric hospital: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Increasing procedures in day-case surgery can mitigate the costs of health service, without reducing safety and quality standards. The Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù has adopted an educational program for healthcare personnel and patients' families to increase the number of day-case surgery procedures performed without reducing the level of safety. The unplanned admission rate after day-case surgery can be a quality benchmark for pediatric day-case surgery, and in literature, there are no Italian data.

METHODS

We made a retrospective analysis of the hospital database and focused on children requiring unplanned admission to the central venue of the hospital for the night. The audit covered the period from September 2012 to April 2018.

RESULTS

We performed general anesthesia for 8826 procedures (urology 33.60%, plastic surgery 30.87%, general surgery 17.44%, dermatology 11.66%, dentistry 3.16%, orthopedics 1.64%, digestive endoscopy 1.63%). Unplanned admission for anesthetic reasons resulted in two cases: one case of syncope and one case of vomit (0.023% rate). No one major complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Good quality of patient selection, the safety of the structure, family education, and an efficient organizational model combined with an educational program for anesthesiologists can improve the safety of anesthesia for day-case surgery.

Rethink analgo-sedation in digestive endoscopy: the role of scientific societies in tracing training path

OBJECTIVE

The Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Reanimation and Intensive Care Medicine (SIAARTI) and the Italian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SIED) worked together to produce a joint Good Clinical Practice (GCP) on analgo-sedation in digestive endoscopy and launched a survey to support the document. The aim was to identify and describe the actual clinical practice of sedation in Italian digestive endoscopy units and offer material for a wider and more widespread discussion among anesthetists and endoscopists.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A national survey was planned, in order to support the statements of the GCP. Twelve thousand and five hundred questionnaires were sent to the members of SIAARTI and SIED in June 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 662 forms (5.3%) returned completed. Highly complex procedures are performed according to 70% of respondents; daily anesthesiologist's assistance is guaranteed in 26%, for scheduled sessions in 14.5% and as needed in 8%. 69% of respondents declared not to have a dedicated team of anesthesiologists, while just 5% reported an anesthesiologist in charge. A complete monitoring system was assured by 70% of respondents. Dedicated pathways for COVID-19-positive patients were confirmed in <40% of the answers. With regard to moderate/deep sedation, 90% of respondents stated that an anesthetist decides timing and doses. Propofol was exclusively administered by anesthetists according to 94% of answers, and for 6% of respondents the endoscopist is allowed to administer propofol in presence of a dedicated nurse, but with a readily available anesthetist. Only 32.8% of respondents reported institutional training courses on procedural analgo-sedation.

CONCLUSIONS

The need to provide patients scheduled for endoscopy procedures with an adequate analgo-sedation is becoming an increasing concern, well-known in almost all countries, but many factors compromise the quality of patient care. Results of a national survey would give strength to the need for a shared GCP in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Training and certification of non-anesthetist professionals should be one of the main ways to center the objective.

Burnout in Italian anesthesiologists and intensivists during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national survey

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 pandemic added additional burden upon healthcare systems and anesthesiology and intensive care physicians (AI) who possessed crucial expertise for dealing with the pandemic. Aim of the study was to uncover specific burnout patterns among Italian AI, exploring the hypothesis that burnout has a multicluster structure. Differences in social and professional characteristics between burnout patterns were explored.

METHODS

One thousand and nine AI (658 women) members of the Società Italiana di Anestesia Analgesia Rianimazione e Terapia Intensiva (SIAARTI) working during COVID-19 pandemic participated. Sociodemographic, working information and burnout levels evaluated through Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were collected.

RESULTS

According to the MBI cutoff, 39.7% and 25.8% of participants scored high in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization respectively, and 44.2% scored low in personal accomplishment. Cluster analysis highlighted four burnout profiles: resilience, detachment, burnout, and emotional reserve. The results showed that AI in the Resilience and Emotional Reserve groups were significantly older and more experienced than those in the Detachment and Burnout groups. Additionally, more of the individuals in the Resilience group were working in intensive care units and departments dedicated to COVID-19 patients. The Detachment group was comprised of more AI working in operating units, while the Burnout group contained a higher number of AI working in COVID-19 departments.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight different burnout patterns in Italian AI: older age, more professional experience, and work in intensive care units and departments dedicated to COVID-19 seemed to be protective factors during the pandemic. This appears a first step to promote focused interventions.

Tracheostomy in critically ill patients with SARS 2 COVID-19 infection: a prospective observational multi-center study of shortand long-term outcomes

Background

We report the characteristics, timing, and factors related to the decision to perform a tracheostomy in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to eight Italian intensive care units (ICUs).

Materials and methods

Prospective observational cohort study of patients with COVID-19 disease on mechanical ventilation. Long-term functional impairment (up to 180 days’ post-hospital discharge) was assessed using the Karnofsky scale. Kaplan–Meier analysis assessed differences in survival and freedom from tracheostomy in relation to ICU stay. Cox regression model was used to assess which variables impacted on tracheostomy as a categorical outcome.

Results

A total of 248 patients were recruited in the eight participating ICUs. Patients undergoing tracheostomy (n = 128) had longer ICU (25 (18–36) vs. 10 (7–16), P = 0.001) and hospital (37 (26.5–50) vs. 19 (8.5–34.5) P = 0.02) stays. ICU and hospital mortality of patients tracheostomized was 34% and 37%, respectively. Cumulative survival Kaplan–Meier analysis documented improved survival rates in patients undergoing tracheostomy (Log-Rank, Mantel–Cox = 4.8, P = 0.028). Median Karnofsky scale values improved over time but were similar between survivors receiving or not receiving tracheostomy. No healthcare worker involved in the tracheostomy procedure developed COVID-19 infection during the study period.

Conclusions

Patients with COVID-19 infection who underwent tracheostomy had a better cumulative survival but similar long-term functional outcomes at 30, 60, and 180 days after hospital discharge.

Changes in vital signs before, during and after bed bathing in the critical ill patient: an observational study

AIM

The aim of the study was evaluate the variability of the vital signs of patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) before, during and after bed bathing. Secondly to evaluate the possible relationship of vital signs changes and the perception of pain in patients ICU who do not have painkilling therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study is cross-sectional. The critically ill patients, adults, hospitalized for at least 24 hours and daily bathing in bed were recruited. The socio-demographic information and clinical data were collected using the clinical record. The vital functions data trend was collected at four different times of the bad bathing: before (T0), during (T1), immediately after (T2), 20/30 minutes from the term (T3). For each patients three observations of the vital parmeters trend were detected.

RESULTS

19 patients were enrolled. All vital functions show statistically variations during the follow-up (p <0.05), particularly between T0 versus T1. The trend of the all vital parameters in the subgroup of the females reported significantly changes (p<0.05) except for the pain score (p=0.390) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0. 183); the men reported significant differences in the trend of the all vital funcitons (p<0.05) except for the body temperature (p = 0.06) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.123).

CONCLUTIONS

This study confirms that the procedure for bed bathing modifies the parametric values of patients in a critical area; however, the potential influence of certain factors that may have compromised the data cannot be limited. The application of innovative techniques to minimize interference (control of the microclimate, use of electrodes resistant to shocks and water) was reccomnded, so too the adherence to the Evidence Based Care reduces the risk of complications and guides professional action in the best possible way.

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery: an Italian consensus statement

Background

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) is an approach developed to improve outcomes in obese surgical patients. Unfortunately, it is not evenly implemented in Italy. The Italian Society for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases and the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care joined in drafting an official statement on ERABS.

Methods

To assess the effectiveness and safety of ERABS and to develop evidence-based recommendations with regard to pre-, intra-, and post-operative care for obese patients undergoing ERABS, a 13-member expert task force of surgeons and anesthesiologists from Italian certified IFSO center of excellence in bariatric surgery was established and a review of English-language papers conducted. Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Grade Definitions were used to grade the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations, respectively. The supporting evidence and recommendations were reviewed and discussed by the entire group at meetings to achieve a final consensus.

Results

Compared to the conventional approach, ERABS reduces the length of hospital stay and does not heighten the risk of major post-operative complications, re-operations, and hospital re-admissions, nor does it increase the overall surgical costs. A total of 25 recommendations were proposed, covering pre-operative evaluation and care (7 items), intra-operative management (1 item, 11 sub-items), and post-operative care and discharge (6 items).

Conclusions

ERABS is an effective and safe approach. The recommendations allow the proper management of obese patients undergoing ERABS for a better outcome.

Perioperative goal-directed therapy and postoperative complications in different kind of surgical procedures: an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Goal-directed therapy (GDT) aims to assure tissue perfusion, by optimizing doses and timing of fluids, inotropes, and vasopressors, through monitoring of cardiac output and other basic hemodynamic parameters. Several meta-analyses confirm that GDT can reduce postoperative complications. However, all recent evidences focused on high-risk patients and on major abdominal surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present meta-analysis is to investigate the effect of GDT on postoperative complications (defined as number of patients with a least one postoperative complication) in different kind of surgical procedures.

DATA SOURCES

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on perioperative GDT in adult surgical patients were included. The primary outcome measure was complications, defined as number of patients with at least one postoperative complication. A subgroup-analysis was performed considering the kind of surgery: major abdominal (including also major vascular), only vascular, only orthopedic surgery. and so on.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Meta-analytic techniques (analysis software RevMan, version 5.3.5, Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, England, UK) were used to combine studies using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

In 52 RCTs, 6325 patients were enrolled. Of these, 3162 were randomized to perioperative GDT and 3153 were randomized to control. In the overall population, 2836 patients developed at least one complication: 1278 (40%) were randomized to perioperative GDT, and 1558 (49%) were randomized to control. Pooled OR was 0.60 and 95% CI was 0.49-0.72. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the main result. The analysis enrolling major abdominal patients showed a significant result (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.87, p = 0.0007, 31 RCTs, 4203 patients), both in high- and low-risk patients. A significant effect was observed in those RCTs enrolling exclusively orthopedic procedures (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.35-0.80, p = 0.002, 7 RCTs, 650 patients. Also neurosurgical procedures seemed to benefit from GDT (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21-0.78, p = 0.008, 2 RCTs, 208 patients). In both major abdominal and orthopedic surgery, a strategy adopting fluids and inotropes yielded significant results. The total volume of fluid was not significantly different between the GDT and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

The present meta-analysis, within the limits of the existing data, the clinical and statistical heterogeneity, suggests that GDT can reduce postoperative complication rate. Moreover, the beneficial effect of GDT on postoperative morbidity is significant on major abdominal, orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures. Several well-designed RCTs are needed to further explore the effect of GDT in different kind of surgeries.

Can we think of a TAT, that is a "tailored antiplatelet therapy"?

What can be seen from the case report by Verzelloni et al. has a double value, beyond the case itself. First of all, the use of platelet aggregation assessment tests, such as TEG-PM, allows clinicians to verify the exact timing between the suspension of thienopyridines and the possibility of surgery without further temporal delays and is also able to favor the evolution of ischemic problems or hemodynamic instability not easily treatable. It, therefore, allows clinicians to optimize the bleeding/thrombosis matching. Second, the use of point of care methodologies for the evaluation of platelet aggregation allows us to evaluate the adequacy of the antiaggregation, facilitating, where resistance or percentages of antiaggregation are lower than expected, modification of the therapeutic regimen.

Orthogeriatric co-management for the care of older subjects with hip fracture: recommendations from an Italian intersociety consensus

BACKGROUND

Health outcomes of older subjects with hip fracture (HF) may be negatively influenced by multiple comorbidities and frailty. An integrated multidisciplinary approach (i.e. the orthogeriatric model) is, therefore, highly recommended, but its implementation in clinical practice suffers from the lack of shared management protocols and poor awareness of the problem. The present consensus document has been implemented to address these issues.

AIM

To develop evidence-based recommendations for the orthogeriatric co-management of older subjects with HF.

METHODS

A 20-member Expert Task Force of geriatricians, orthopaedics, anaesthesiologists, physiatrists, physiotherapists and general practitioners was established to develop evidence-based recommendations for the pre-, peri-, intra- and postoperative care of older in-patients (≥ 65 years) with HF. A modified Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force system was used to rate the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 120 recommendations were proposed, covering 32 clinical topics and concerning preoperative evaluation (11 topics), perioperative (8 topics) and intraoperative (3 topics) management, and postoperative care (10 topics).

CONCLUSION

These recommendations should ease and promote the multidisciplinary management of older subjects with HF by integrating the expertise of different specialists. By providing a convenient list of topics of interest, they might assist in identifying unmet needs and research priorities.

Bacterial infections in critically ill patients with SARS-2-COVID-19 infection: results of a prospective observational multicenter study

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence, incidence and characteristics of bacterial infections and their impact on outcome in critically ill patients infected with COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in eight Italian ICUs from February to May 2020; data were collected through an interactive electronic database. Kaplan–Meier analysis (limit product method) was used to identify the occurrence of infections and risk of acquisition.

Results

During the study period 248 patients were recruited in the eight participating ICUs. Ninety (36.3%) patients developed at least one episode of secondary infection. An ICU length of stay between 7 and 14 days was characterized by a higher occurrence of infectious complications, with ventilator-associated pneumonia being the most frequent. At least one course of antibiotic therapy was given to 161 (64.9%) patients. Overall ICU and hospital mortality were 33.9% and 42.9%, respectively. Patients developing bacteremia had a higher risk of ICU mortality [45.9% vs. 31.6%, odds ratio 1.8 (95% CI 0.9–3.7), p = 0.069] and hospital mortality [56.8% vs. 40.3%, odds ratio 1.9 (95% CI 1.1–3.9), p = 0.04].

Conclusion

In critically ill patients infected with COVID-19 the incidence of bacterial infections is high and associated with worse outcomes. Regular microbiological surveillance and strict infection control measures are mandated.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s15010-021-01661-2.

An update on levosimendan in acute cardiac care: applications and recommendations for optimal efficacy and safety

Introduction: In the 20 years since its introduction to the palette of intravenous hemodynamic therapies, the inodilator levosimendan has established itself as a valuable asset for the management of acute decompensated heart failure. Its pharmacology is notable for delivering inotropy via calcium sensitization without an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption.Areas covered: Experience with levosimendan has led to its applications expanding into perioperative hemodynamic support and various critical care settings, as well as an array of situations associated with acutely decompensated heart failure, such as right ventricular failure, cardiogenic shock with multi-organ dysfunction, and cardio-renal syndrome. Evidence suggests that levosimendan may be preferable to milrinone for patients in cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery or for weaning from extracorporeal life support and may be superior to dobutamine in terms of short-term survival, especially in patients on beta-blockers. Positive effects on kidney function have been noted, further differentiating levosimendan from catecholamines and phosphodiesterase inhibitors.Expert opinion:Levosimendan can be a valuable resource in the treatment of acute cardiac dysfunction, especially in the presence of beta-blockers or ischemic cardiomyopathy. When attention is given to avoiding or correcting hypovolemia and hypokalemia, an early use of the drug in the treatment algorithm is preferred.

Good clinical practice for the use of vasopressor and inotropic drugs in critically ill patients: state-of-the-art and expert consensus

Vasopressors and inotropic agents are widely used in critical care. However, strong evidence supporting their use in critically ill patients is lacking in many clinical scenarios. Thus, the Italian Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) promoted a project aimed to provide indications for good clinical practice on the use of vasopressors and inotropes, and on the management of critically ill patients with shock. A panel of 16 experts in the field of intensive care medicine and hemodynamics has been established. Systematic review of the available literature was performed based on PICO questions. Basing on available evidence, the panel prepared a summary of evidence and then wrote the clinical questions. A modified semi-quantitative RAND/UCLA appropriateness method has been used to determine the appropriateness of specific clinical scenarios. The panel identified 29 clinical questions for the use of vasopressors and inotropes in patients with septic shock and cardiogenic shock. High level of agreement exists among the panel members about appropriateness of inotropes/vasopressors' use in patients with septic shock and cardiogenic shock.

Levosimendan Efficacy and Safety: 20 years of SIMDAX in Clinical Use

Levosimendan was first approved for clinic use in 2000, when authorisation was granted by Swedish regulatory authorities for the haemodynamic stabilisation of patients with acutely decompensated chronic heart failure. In the ensuing 20 years, this distinctive inodilator, which enhances cardiac contractility through calcium sensitisation and promotes vasodilatation through the opening of adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels on vascular smooth muscle cells, has been approved in more than 60 jurisdictions, including most of the countries of the European Union and Latin America. Areas of clinical application have expanded considerably and now include cardiogenic shock, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, advanced heart failure, right ventricular failure and pulmonary hypertension, cardiac surgery, critical care and emergency medicine. Levosimendan is currently in active clinical evaluation in the US. Levosimendan in IV formulation is being used as a research tool in the exploration of a wide range of cardiac and non-cardiac disease states. A levosimendan oral form is at present under evaluation in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To mark the 20 years since the advent of levosimendan in clinical use, 51 experts from 23 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and Ukraine) contributed to this essay, which evaluates one of the relatively few drugs to have been successfully introduced into the acute heart failure arena in recent times and charts a possible development trajectory for the next 20 years.

Acute Kidney Injury in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infected Patients: A Meta-Analytic Study

Introduction

In clinical reports on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is extremely variable, although AKI is described as an independent risk factor for mortality. A meta-analysis was performed to clarify the incidence and the impact of COVID-19-related AKI on mortality.

Methods

All trials reporting the incidence of AKI in COVID-19 patients were searched using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases (last update April 26, 2020).

Results

Ten trials with a sample of 5,166 patients were included. AKI occurred in 947 out of 5,166 (18.3%) patients. AKI incidence was higher in severe cases: 62/305 severe patients developed AKI (20%) versus 27/1,268 nonsevere patients (2%) (p = 0.00001). AKI occurred in 475 out of 915 (52%) deceased patients versus 183 out of 2,678 (7%) survivors (p = 0.00001). Continuous renal replacement therapy was significantly more frequent in severe cases and in dead patients.

Conclusion

A significant increase in mortality rate was observed in COVID patients who developed AKI, and AKI incidence was also higher in severe cases. Any supportive strategies to protect kidney could represent valuable intervention to reduce mortality in severe COVID-19 patients.

Management of hip fracture in the older people: rationale and design of the Italian consensus on the orthogeriatric co-management

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture (HF) is a burdening health problem in older people. The orthogeriatric approach has been shown to favour functional recovery and reduce mortality, but its implementation in clinical practice cannot rely upon shared management protocols and greatly varies among different healthcare systems. Here, we present the rationale and design of the Italian consensus document on the management of HF in older people.

METHODS

A panel of multidisciplinary experts from ten Italian scientific societies involved in the care of HF and including geriatricians, orthopaedics, anaesthesiologists, physiatrists and general practitioners, will join to establish the content validity of a list of statements. A Delphi consensus methodology will be applied to obtain the opinions of the panel and to provide the final recommendations.

OBJECTIVES

The document will include indications on the following relevant topics: (1) optimal care path of older subjects with HF; (2) management of comorbidities and pre-operative alteration of physiological parameters; (3) management of selected categories of patients at expected increased risk of adverse outcomes; (4) continuity of care out of hospital; (5) screening and correction of risk factors for HF in older subjects; (6) information and divulgation of shared management strategies. The objective of the consensus will be to inform clinicians, patients, researchers, and health policy makers about the best management strategies for HF in older people and their inherent limitations, thus facilitating communication between stakeholders and promoting the most cost/effective models of care.

Levosimendan Efficacy and Safety: 20 Years of SIMDAX in Clinical Use

Levosimendan was first approved for clinical use in 2000, when authorization was granted by Swedish regulatory authorities for the hemodynamic stabilization of patients with acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (HF). In the ensuing 20 years, this distinctive inodilator, which enhances cardiac contractility through calcium sensitization and promotes vasodilatation through the opening of adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels on vascular smooth muscle cells, has been approved in more than 60 jurisdictions, including most of the countries of the European Union and Latin America. Areas of clinical application have expanded considerably and now include cardiogenic shock, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, advanced HF, right ventricular failure, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac surgery, critical care, and emergency medicine. Levosimendan is currently in active clinical evaluation in the United States. Levosimendan in IV formulation is being used as a research tool in the exploration of a wide range of cardiac and noncardiac disease states. A levosimendan oral form is at present under evaluation in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To mark the 20 years since the advent of levosimendan in clinical use, 51 experts from 23 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine) contributed to this essay, which evaluates one of the relatively few drugs to have been successfully introduced into the acute HF arena in recent times and charts a possible development trajectory for the next 20 years.

A randomized trial comparing the acute coronary, systemic, and environmental effects of electronic vaping cigarettes versus heat-not-burn cigarettes in smokers of combustible cigarettes undergoing invasive coronary assessment: rationale and design of the SUR-VAPES 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Traditional combustible cigarette (TCC) smoking remains a major cause of preventable cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Modified risk products (MRP) such as electronic vaping cigarettes (EVC) and heat-not-burn cigarettes (HNBC) may be safer than TCC but may still have detrimental oxidative, platelet and vascular effects of particular importance to people with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

We aimed to compare the acute coronary, systemic and environmental effects of two leading MRP in 20 TCC smokers admitted for invasive coronary assessment of CAD and willing to quit or after prior failed quitting attempts. After confirmation at angiography of an intermediate coronary stenosis, coronary flow reserve (CFR) will be appraised. Patients will then be randomized 1:1 to use a single EVC or a single HNBC in the catheterization laboratory, followed by repeat CFR measurement. The primary endpoint will be the change in CFR before and after product use. Quantitative coronary angiography, fractional flow reserve (FFR), and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) will also be measured.

RESULTS

We expected to accrue results able to: 1) test whether MRP have in general a detrimental impact on coronary vascular function in TCC smokers; 2) test whether EVC have a different impact than HNBC on coronary function; 3) provide ancillary pathophysiologic and translational insights on the acute risk and safety profile of MRP in TCC smokers with established cardiovascular disease, including complex correlations between coronary, cardiac, systemic and environmental effects. In addition, by directly informing participants of their individual results, they will be further empowered to quit TCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sapienza University of Rome-Vascular Assessment of Proatherosclerotic Effects of Smoking (SUR-VAPES) 3 trial will provide important insights into the pathophysiologic cardiovascular impact of EVC and HNBC, also suitable to inform patients and individualize their smoking cessation strategy.

Surgery in COVID-19 patients: operational directives

The current COVID-19 pandemic underlines the importance of a mindful utilization of financial and human resources. Preserving resources and manpower is paramount in healthcare. It is important to ensure the ability of surgeons and specialized professionals to function through the pandemic. A conscious effort should be made to minimize infection in this sector. A high mortality rate within this group would be detrimental.This manuscript is the result of a collaboration between the major Italian surgical and anesthesiologic societies: ACOI, SIC, SICUT, SICO, SICG, SIFIPAC, SICE, and SIAARTI. We aim to describe recommended clinical pathways for COVID-19-positive patients requiring acute non-deferrable surgical care. All hospitals should organize dedicated protocols and workforce training as part of the effort to face the current pandemic.

Hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury on renal replacement therapies

Hypophosphatemia is a common but often underestimated electrolyte derangement among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Low phosphate levels can lead to cellular dysfunction with potentially relevant clinical manifestations (e.g., muscle weakness, respiratory failure, lethargy, confusion, arrhythmias). In critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) renal replacement therapies (RRTs) represent a well-known risk factor for hypophosphatemia, especially if the most intensive and prolonged modalities of RRT, such as continuous RRT or prolonged intermittent RRT, are used. Currently, no evidence-based specific guidelines are available for the treatment of hypophosphatemia in the critically ill; however, considering the potentially negative impact of hypophosphatemia on morbidity and mortality, strategies aimed at reducing its incidence and severity should be timely implemented in the ICUs. In the clinical setting of critically ill patients on RRT, the most appropriate strategy could be to anticipate the onset of RRT-related hypophosphatemia by implementing the use of phosphate-containing solutions for RRT through specifically designed protocols. The present review is aimed at summarizing the most relevant evidence concerning epidemiology, prognostic impact, prevention and treatment of hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients with AKI on RRT, with a specific focus on RRT-induced hypophosphatemia.

Lag3+ regulatory T lymphocytes in critical carotid artery stenosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate CD25⁺ and Lag3⁺ T regulatory subpopulations in patients with critical carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and Stanford-A acute aortic dissection (AAD). CD25⁺ and Lag3⁺ were measured in 36 patients affected by CAS and 24 patients with Stanford type A AAD. Based on neurological symptoms, patients affected by CAS were further divided in 25 asymptomatic (CAS-A) and 11 symptomatic (CAS-S) subjects. Twenty-five patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors (RF), matched for age and sex, were used as control group. Interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β-levels were also measured. CD25⁺ T cells were significantly increased in CAS-S versus CAS-A (p > 0.05), AAD (p > 0.05) and RF (p > 0.05). Moreover, a significant increase in Lag3⁺ Tregs was observed in CAS e CAS-S versus AAD (p < 0.05) and RF (p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed between CAS-S and CAS-A. IL-6 was higher in AAD compared to the other groups. Patients with neurological symptoms display a peculiar expansion of CD25⁺ T cells, strongly confirming a relationship between ischemic brain damage and this regulatory subpopulation, whereas Lag3⁺ Tregs early distinguish CAS from AAD and probably exert protective actions against aortic wall rupture throughout their anti-inflammatory functions.

Clinical guidelines for perioperative hemodynamic management of non cardiac surgical adult patients

Perioperative hemodynamic management, through monitoring and intervention on physiological parameters to improve cardiac output and oxygen delivery (goal-directed therapy, GDT), may improve outcome. However, an Italian survey has revealed that hemodynamic protocols are applied by only 29.1% of anesthesiologists. Aim of this paper is to provide clinical guidelines for a rationale use of perioperative hemodynamic management in non cardiac surgical adult patients, oriented for Italy and updated with most recent studies. Guidelines were elaborated according to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations of Assessment Development and Evaluations). Key questions were formulated according to PICO system (Population, Intervention, Comparators, Outcome). Guidelines and systematic reviews were identified on main research databases and strategy was updated to June 2018. There is not enough good quality evidence to support the adoption of a GDT protocol in order to reduce mortality, although it may be useful in high risk patients. Perioperative GDT protocol to guide fluid therapy is recommended to reduce morbidity. Continuous monitoring of arterial pressure may help to identify short periods of hemodynamic instability and hypotension. Fluid strategy should aim to a near zero balance in normovolemic patients at the beginning of surgery, and a slight positive fluid balance may be allowed to protect renal function. Drugs such as inotropes, vasocostrictors, and vasodilatator should be used only when fluids alone are not sufficient to optimize hemodynamics. Perioperative GDT protocols are associated with a reduction in costs, although no economic study has been performed in Italy.

Routine practice in mechanical ventilation in cardiac surgery in Italy

BACKGROUND

Management of mechanical ventilation is a key issue in the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and the improvement of surgical outcome. This is especially true in cardiac surgery where the use of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) increases the risk of lung injury. In the last years a growing number of studies have shown that protective ventilation has led to excellent results. However, the literature in this regard is lacking in cardiac surgery and there are no univocal guidelines in this sense. The aim of this survey was to investigate the actual clinical practice about ventilation techniques used in the Italian cardiac surgery centers.

METHODS

A questionnaire of 32-item was sent to 69 Italian cardiac surgery centers, 56 of which return a completed form (81.2%). The questionnaire was assembled by three independent researchers and the final version was e-mailed to all members of the SIAARTI (Italian society of anesthesia resuscitation and intensive care medicine) Study Group on Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. The answers were collected using a Google Forms sheet. In case of multiple questionnaires returned from the same center (i.e., different physicians from the same center responded) the head of department was asked to give a definite answer. Furthermore, for the 17 centers who reported multiple questionnaires, no large differences were found between the responses of different doctors belonging to the same center (12.3%±4.2% of discordant answers).

RESULTS

Intraoperatively, patients were ventilated with a tidal volume (TV) of 6-8 mL/kg (91.1% of centers), a positive end-expiration pressure of 3-5 cmH2O (76.8% of centers) and a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 50-80% (60.7% of centers). During the CPB, the "stop ventilation" technique was frequently adopted (73.2%). Before the discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was never applied in 32.1% of the centers, but it was used in 46.4% of patients with postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a significant heterogeneity in ventilatory techniques among the Italian centers during CPB, whereas in the other surgical time the majority of the responding centers adopted a protective mechanical ventilation strategy.

Giant right atrium and subvalvular pulmonary stenosis: A case report of an interesting combination

A 20-year-old Congolese woman presented with presyncope, dyspnea, and anasarca. Past medical history was unremarkable. Echocardiography revealed a rare combination of giant right atrium (RA), a dilated and hypertrophied right ventricle, subvalvular pulmonary stenosis (subPS), severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), pericardial effusion and what appeared to be a spontaneously closed ventricular septal defect (VSD). Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Cardiac Computed Tomography confirmed the findings excluding the presence of intra-cardiac and extra-cardiac shunt and other associated congenital anomalies. The patient underwent subPS resection, right atrioplasty, and tricuspid annuloplasty. Multimodality approach facilitated the detection of the abnormalities and provided clarity when determining the optimal surgical strategy.

Burnout in Cardiac Anesthesiologists: Results From a National Survey in Italy

OBJECTIVE

There is increasing burnout incidence among medical disciplines, and physicians working in emergency settings seem at higher risk. Cardiac anesthesiology is a stressful anesthesiology subspecialty dealing with high-risk patients. The authors hypothesized a high risk of burnout in cardiac anesthesiologists.

DESIGN

National survey conducted on burnout.

SETTING

Italian cardiac centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Cardiac anesthesiologists.

INTERVENTIONS

The authors administered via email an anonymous questionnaire divided into 3 parts. The first 2 parts evaluated workload and private life. The third part consisted of the Maslach Burnout Inventory test with its 3 constituents: high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The authors measured the prevalence and risk of burnout through the Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire and analyzed factors influencing burnout. Among 670 contacts from 71 centers, 382 cardiac anesthesiologists completed the survey (57%). The authors found the following mean Maslach Burnout Inventory values: 14.5 ± 9.7 (emotional exhaustion), 9.1 ± 7.1 (depersonalization), and 33.7 ± 8.9 (personal accomplishment). A rate of 34%, 54%, and 66% of respondents scored in "high" or "moderate-high" risk of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment, respectively). The authors found that, if offered to change subspecialty, 76% of respondents would prefer to remain in cardiac anesthesiology. This preference and parenthood were the only 2 investigated factors with a protective effect against all components of burnout. Significantly lower burnout scores were found in more experienced anesthesiologists.

CONCLUSION

A relatively high incidence of burnout was found in cardiac anesthesiologists, especially regarding high depersonalization and low personal accomplishment. Nonetheless, most of the respondents would choose to remain in cardiac anesthesiology.

A Simple Method for Emax Trend Evaluation: In Vitro and in Vivo Results

The aim of this study is the evaluation of end systolic ventricular elastance trend (as a measure of heart contractility) by hemodynamic variables available in intensive care units or during heart surgery: heart rate, cardiac output, left atrial, mean and diastolic arterial pressure. Its basic assumption is the description of ejection as the interaction between variable left ventricular and arterial compliances (reciprocal of the corresponding elastances) connected in parallel. As pressure is the same in each compliance at systole beginning and ending, ventricular elastance can be estimated by assuming that energy variation is the same on both compliances. The algorithm has been tested on a numerical simulator of the circulatory system and on six sheep at basal conditions and during drug infusion. Correlation function in numerical simulation, between true and computed ventricular elastance (range 0.45÷5 mm Hg-cm-3), yields 0.985. In vivo comparison between computed ventricular elastance trend and ventricular dp/dt trend yields a correlation function ranging between 0.87 and 0.99.

The result of the algorithm cannot be assumed to be Emax value. However, it can be considered a contractility index as it closely follows any change in dp/dt. It can be computed by simple calculations and needs no variables other than those usually measured in intensive care. It allows the extrapolation of useful information for evaluating the trend in heart contractility and for setting up a control strategy for mechanical or pharmacological assistance during heart recovery.

Levosimendan for patients with severely reduced left ventricular systolic function and/or low cardiac output syndrome undergoing cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown beneficial effects of levosimendan in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Two large randomized controlled trials (RCTs), however, showed no advantages of levosimendan.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (MEDLINE and Embase from inception until March 30, 2017), investigating whether levosimendan offers advantages compared with placebo in high-risk cardiac surgery patients, as defined by preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% and/or low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). The primary outcomes were mortality at longest follow-up and need for postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT). Secondary postoperative outcomes investigated included myocardial injury, supraventricular arrhythmias, development of LCOS, acute kidney injury (AKI), duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, and incidence of hypotension during drug infusion.

RESULTS

Six RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, five of which investigated only patients with LVEF ≤ 35% and one of which included predominantly patients with LCOS. Mortality was similar overall (OR 0.64 [0.37, 1.11], p = 0.11) but lower in the subgroup with LVEF < 35% (OR 0.51 [0.32, 0.82], p = 0.005). Need for RRT was reduced by levosimendan both overall (OR 0.63 [0.42, 0.94], p = 0.02) and in patients with LVEF < 35% (OR 0.55 [0.31, 0.97], p = 0.04). Among secondary outcomes, we found lower postoperative LCOS in patients with LVEF < 35% receiving levosimendan (OR 0.49 [0.27, 0.89], p = 0.02), lower overall AKI (OR 0.62 [0.42, 0.92], p = 0.02), and a trend toward lower mechanical support, both overall (p = 0.07) and in patients with LVEF < 35% (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Levosimendan reduces mortality in patients with preoperative severely reduced LVEF but does not affect overall mortality. Levosimendan reduces the need for RRT after high-risk cardiac surgery.

Role of oral nystatin prophylaxis in cardiac surgery with prolongedextracorporeal circulation

Duration >120 minutes of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) during cardiopulmonary bypass procedure was associated to an increased risk of candidemia in the intensive care unit (ICU). To evaluate oral nystatin prophylaxis in cardiac surgery considering its exclusive effect on Candida, in the absence of systemic effects and selection of resistant strains to polyene. We conducted an observational study in the postcardiac surgery ICU of Policlinico "Umberto I" of Rome. From January 2014, all patients with a prolonged ECC >120 minutes were systematically treated with oral nystatin (Prophylaxis group). This group was compared with all patients hospitalised in the same ICU, who have not received oral nystatin after ECC >120 minutes (No prophylaxis group). Overall, 672 consecutive patients were analyzed: 318 (47.3%) patients belonged to the no prophylaxis group, and 354 (52.7%) patients to the prophylaxis group. Diagnosis of candidemia was confirmed in 7 (2.2%) patients, all belonged to the no prophylaxis group. At multivariate analysis, oral nystatin prophylaxis showed a protective effect for development of candidemia after cardiac surgery. Oral nystatin prophylaxis, in patients who underwent a ECC >120 minutes, seems to reduce development of candidemia; however, the real efficacy of such prophylaxis approach requires further investigation.

Regulatory T CD4 + CD25+ lymphocytes increase in symptomatic carotid artery stenosis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease characterized by an immune-inflammatory remodeling of the arterial wall. Treg and Th17 subpopulations are detectable inside atherosclerotic plaque; however, their behavior in symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate Th17 and Treg subsets and their ratio in patients affected by symptomatic and asymptomatic CAS.

METHODS

14 patients with symptomatic CAS (CAS-S group), 41 patients with asymptomatic CAS (CAS-A group), 32 subjects with traditional cardiovascular risk factors (RF group), and 10 healthy subjects (HS group) were enrolled. Th17 and Treg frequency was determined by flow cytometry and by histology and immunohistochemistry. Interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, and metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 levels were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Th17 were significantly increased in CAS-A versus RF and versus HS. Tregs were significantly increased in CAS-S versus CAS-A. Tregs/Th17 ratio was significantly reduced in CAS-A versus RF and versus HS, whereas it was significantly increased in CAS-S versus CAS-A.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that Th17 are related to the late stages of CAS but not to plaque instability. Moreover, Treg expansion seems to represent a specific cellular pattern displayed by patients with symptomatic CAS and associated with brain injury. KEY MESSAGES Tregs expansion seems to represent a specific cellular pattern displayed by patients with symptomatic CAS and associated with CD4+ effector depletion and brain ischemic injury. Th17 lymphocytes are related to the late stages of CAS but not to plaque instability.

Experienced Use of Dexmedetomidine in the Intensive Care Unit: A Report of a Structured Consensus

Objective

Management of pain, agitation and delirium (PAD) remains to be a true challenge in critically ill patients. The pharmacological proprieties of dexmedetomidine (DEX) make it an ideal candidate drug for light and cooperative sedation, but many practical questions remain unanswered. This structured consensus from 17 intensivists well experienced on PAD management and DEX use provides indications for the appropriate use of DEX in clinical practice.

Methods

A modified RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used. In four predefined patient populations, the clinical scenarios do not properly cope by the current recommended pharmacological strategies (except DEX), and the possible advantages of DEX use were identified and voted for agreement, after reviewing literature data.

Results

Three scenarios in medical patients, five scenarios in patients with acute respiratory failure undergoing non-invasive ventilation, three scenarios in patients with cardiac surgery in the early postoperative period and three scenarios in patients with overt delirium were identified as challenging with the current PAD strategies. In these scenarios, the use of DEX was voted as potentially useful by most of the panellists owing to its specific pharmacological characteristics, such as conservation of cognitive function, lack of effects on the respiratory drive, low induction of delirium and analgesia effects.

Conclusion

DEX might be considered as a first-line sedative in different scenarios even though conclusive data on its benefits are still lacking.

Preventing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy-Induced Hypophosphatemia: An Extended Clinical Experience with a Phosphate-Containing Solution in the Setting of Regional Citrate Anticoagulation

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a commercially available phosphate-containing solution for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in preventing CRRT-related hypophosphatemia. Methods: In heart surgery patients undergoing continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) with regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA), we combined an 18 mmol/l citrate solution with a phosphate-containing (1.2 mmol/l) dialysate/replacement fluid evaluating the incidence of hypophosphatemia and the need for parenteral phosphorus supplementation. Results: In 75 patients on RCA-CVVHDF, the mean filter life was 53.9 ± 33.6 h. Regardless of baseline levels, phosphoremia was progressively corrected and maintained in a narrow normality range throughout RCA-CRRT days (after 72 h: 1.14 ± 0.25 mmol/l). Considering the whole CRRT period, 45 out of 975 (4.6%) serum phosphorus determinations met the criteria for mild (<0.81 mmol/l) or moderate (<0.61 mmol/l) hypophosphatemia; severe hypophosphatemia (<0.32 mmol/l) never occurred. After 72 h 88% of the patients were normophosphatemic, 9% hyperphosphatemic and 3% hypophosphatemic. Conclusions: RCA-CVVHDF with a phosphate-containing solution enabled the maintenance of phosphorus levels within normophosphatemic range in most of the patients, minimizing the occurrence of CRRT-related hypophosphatemia.

Procalcitonin is useful whereas C-reactive protein is not, to predict complications following coronary artery bypass surgery

Background: The respective value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as markers of postoperative complications after coronary bypass surgery is unclear. Therefore, complications during one week after surgery were studied to evaluate the predictive role of PCT and CRP changes during the immediate postoperative period.

Methods: Thirty-two patients, in whom an uneventful immediate postoperative course was anticipated, were prospectively enrolled and followed-up to the 7th postoperative day. At the end of the follow-up, patients were divided into two groups. Group A were patients with an uncomplicated postoperative course and Group B were patients with a complicated postoperative course.

Results: Serum samples were drawn for PCT and CRP determination after induction of anesthesia (baseline), at the end of surgery and daily until postoperative day 2. Baseline serum PCT concentrations were 0.119 ± 0.09 and 0.209 ± 0.21 ng/mL in Groups A and B, respectively (NS). Serum PCT concentration increased compared with baseline in both groups during the first two days after surgery. The increase in serum PCT concentration was significantly greater in Group B than A patients ( p<0.0002). Considering a perioperative abnormal cut-off value of > 0.5 ng/mL, there were none in Group A versus 57% in Group B ( p<0.0001). Baseline serum CRP concentrations were 1.449 ± 1.30 and 1.589 ± 1.35 ng/mL in Groups A and B, respectively (NS). After surgery, CRP increased significantly compared with baseline in both groups. When changes in time-varying variables were included in a logistic model, complications were predicted by changes (between baseline and end of surgery values) of PCT (coefficient=9.410; t=2.18) and heart rate (coefficient=0.075; t=1.57), whereas changes of CRP, white blood cells, mean blood and central venous pressures did not contribute statistically. The model constant was -4.827 (t= -2.43) and the ROC curve area was 0.8971. Thus, absolute PCT changes of 0.20, 0.40 and 0.60 ng/mL carry an approximate risk of 5, 26 and 69%, respectively, of postoperative complications in the time frame of this study.

Conclusions: A postoperative serum PCT concentration of >0.5 ng/mL is highly suggestive of a postoperative complication. CRP changes do not contribute to predictive information.

The mechanisms of cardio-protective effects of desflurane and sevoflurane at the time of reperfusion: anaesthetic post-conditioning potentially translatable to humans?

Myocardial conditioning is actually an essential strategy in the management of ischaemia-reperfusion injury. The concept of anaesthetic post-conditioning is intriguing, its action occurring at a pivotal moment (that of reperfusion when ischaemia reperfusion lesions are initiated) where the activation of these cardio-protective mechanisms could overpower the mechanisms leading to ischaemia reperfusion injuries. Desflurane and sevoflurane are volatile anaesthetics frequently used during cardiac surgery. This review focuses on the efficacy of desflurane and sevoflurane administered during early reperfusion as a potential cardio-protective strategy. In the context of experimental studies in animal models and in human atrial tissues in vitro, the mechanisms underlying the cardio-protective effect of these agents and their capacity to induce post-conditioning have been reviewed in detail, underlining the role of reactive oxygen species generation, the activation of the cellular signalling pathways, and the actions on mitochondria along with the translatable actions in humans; this might well be sufficient to set the basis for launching randomized clinical studies, actually needed to confirm this strategy as one of real impact.

Video assistance in mitral surgery: reaching the "Thru" port access

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive and video assisted mitral valve surgery has been used widely since beginning of 20^th. Different reduced surgical approaches allowed replacing or repairing a mitral valve sparing sternal incision. Nevertheless the most used strategy has been in the last years the right mini thoracotomy and the extra thoracic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The main goal is avoiding sternal approach for mitral valve procedures and improve postoperative course of the patients. Some postoperative complication likes blood loss, need for transfusion, prolonged intubation and infection has been reduced using this alternative technique. A special advantages has been reported in elderly or high risk patients and in redo cases.

METHODS

Several cardiac centres using videoscopy and a revolutionary set up for CPB management and aortic occlusion have adopted the approach. The team approach, including surgeon, anaesthesiologist, nurse, cardiologist and perfusionist, is crucial for a safe and effective realization of this surgical strategy. The proper use of catheters and Seldinger skilfulness, and the guidance of trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) during the procedure are two milestones of this technique. A careful and progressive learning curve is required for all the components of the team. In fact some peculiarity likes modified surgical instruments, 3D and Full HD video assisted view, percutaneous canulation for CPB and myocardial protection, etc., make this procedure challenging for all members of the operative room (OR) team.

RESULTS

Our favourite set-up include right mini thoracotomy in the IV intercostal space, femoral vein and arterial canulation and an additional venous cannula in the superior vena cava for the drainage of the upper part of the body. Aortic occlusion is achieved usually using an endo-aortic clamp positioned by means of continuous and careful TEE guidance. A mitral valve procedure is realized by direct or video guided view; using adapted and shaft instruments or special atrial retractors all standard techniques are used in this setting.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature reports and our published results showed the technique is safe, easy to replicate and allows an excellent rate of valve repair even in more complex patients.

Cholesterol metabolites exported from human brain

The human brain contains approximately 25% of the body's cholesterol. The brain is separated from the circulation by the blood brain barrier. While cholesterol will not passes this barrier, oxygenated forms of cholesterol can cross the barrier. Here by measuring the difference in the oxysterol content of blood plasma in the jugular vein and in a forearm vein by mass spectrometry (MS) we were able to determine the flux of more than 20 cholesterol metabolites between brain and the circulation. We confirm that 24S-hydroxycholesterol is exported from brain at a rate of about 2-3mg/24h. Gas chromatography (GC)-MS data shows that the cholesterol metabolites 5α-hydroxy-6-oxocholesterol (3β,5α-dihydroxycholestan-6-one), 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-oxocholesterol, generally considered to be formed through reactive oxygen species, are similarly exported from brain at rates of about 0.1, 2 and 2mg/24h, respectively. Although not to statistical significance both GC-MS and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS methods indicate that (25R)26-hydroxycholesterol is imported to brain, while LC-MS indicates that 7α-hydroxy-3-oxocholest-4-enoic acid is exported from brain.

FGF-23 levels in patients with critical carotid artery stenosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 serum levels and its tissue expression in patients with critical carotid artery stenosis (CAS). We selected 35 patients with critical CAS undergoing carotid thromboendoarterectomy. In each patient, FGF-23 serum levels were evaluated just prior to the surgery (t0) and 30 min (t1) thereafter. Moreover, macrophage cytokines were measured at baselines. Carotid artery specimens were used for immune histochemistry. On the basis of the histology, the patients were divided into 2 groups: A with complicated plaque and B with uncomplicated plaque. Twenty complicated plaques (57.14%, group A,) and 15 uncomplicated (42.86%, group B) were evaluated: calcifications were present in 16/20 (80%) complicated plaques and in 6/15 (40%) uncomplicated plaques. An inflammatory infiltrate was observed in 26/35 carotid samples: 18/26 (69.23%) complicated and 8/26 (30.76%) uncomplicated. FGF-23(+) cells were present in 17/20 complicated (85%) and in 8 uncomplicated (53%) plaques. The double-staining immunofluorescence confirmed that macrophage cells (CD68(+)) were also positive for FGF-23 staining. Serum levels of FGF-23 were significantly higher in group A versus group B at t0 (p < 0.05) and t1 (p 0.0047). Moreover, in group A patients a significant increase of FGF-23 serum levels was observed at t1 in comparison with t0 (p 0.0011). Our results suggest that FGF-23 acts in the late phases of atherosclerotic disease and may potentially represent a marker of complications in critical CAS.

Quantitative Charge-Tags for Sterol and Oxysterol Analysis

BACKGROUND

Global sterol analysis is challenging owing to the extreme diversity of sterol natural products, the tendency of cholesterol to dominate in abundance over all other sterols, and the structural lack of a strong chromophore or readily ionized functional group. We developed a method to overcome these challenges by using different isotope-labeled versions of the Girard P reagent (GP) as quantitative charge-tags for the LC-MS analysis of sterols including oxysterols.

METHODS

Sterols/oxysterols in plasma were extracted in ethanol containing deuterated internal standards, separated by C18 solid-phase extraction, and derivatized with GP, with or without prior oxidation of 3β-hydroxy to 3-oxo groups.

RESULTS

By use of different isotope-labeled GPs, it was possible to analyze in a single LC-MS analysis both sterols/oxysterols that naturally possess a 3-oxo group and those with a 3β-hydroxy group. Intra- and interassay CVs were &lt;15%, and recoveries for representative oxysterols and cholestenoic acids were 85%–108%. By adopting a multiplex approach to isotope labeling, we analyzed up to 4 different samples in a single run. Using plasma samples, we could demonstrate the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism and also the export of oxysterols from brain via the jugular vein.

CONCLUSIONS

This method allows the profiling of the widest range of sterols/oxysterols in a single analytical run and can be used to identify inborn errors of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism.

Stanford-A acute aortic dissection, inflammation, and metalloproteinases: a review

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening disease with an incidence of about 2.6-3.6 cases per 100,000/year. Depending on the site of rupture, AAD is classified as Stanford-A when the ascending aortic thoracic tract and/or the arch are involved, and Stanford-B when the descending thoracic aorta and/or aortic abdominal tract are targeted. It was recently shown that inflammatory pathways underlie aortic rupture in both type A and type B Stanford AAD. An immune infiltrate has been found within the middle and outer tunics of dissected aortic specimens. It has also been observed that the recall and activation of macrophages inside the middle tunic are key events in the early phases of AAD. Macrophages are able to release metalloproteinases (MMPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines which, in turn, give rise to matrix degradation and neoangiogenesis. An imbalance between the production of MMPs and MMP tissue inhibitors is pivotal in the extracellular matrix degradation underlying aortic wall remodelling in dissections occurring both in inherited conditions and in atherosclerosis. Among MMPs, MMP-12 is considered a specific marker of aortic wall disease, whatever the genetic predisposition may be. The aim of this review is, therefore, to take a close look at the immune-inflammatory mechanisms underlying Stanford-A AAD.