Clinical usefulness of a host signature based on TRAIL, IP10, and CRP (MeMed BV) as infection biomarkers in intensive care units' patients. A retrospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Infection complications are common in intensive care unit patients, and early detection remains a diagnostic challenge. Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are commonly used biomarkers. A novel diagnostic approach focuses on the host immune response. One of the approaches, the MMBV index, is based on measuring in a blood sample three parameters: (i) tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), (ii) interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP10), and (iii) CRP. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of MMBV as an infection biomarker in an ICU cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-six patients treated in the University Clinical Center in Gdansk ICU were enrolled in the study, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. In total, 91 MMBV results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Most of the patients had high MMBV values, suggesting bacterial etiology. A weak correlation between PCT and MMBV was observed, and no correlation between parameter changes was noted. There was a correlation between CRP/MMBV and between changes in CRP / changes in MMBV.

CONCLUSION

It seems that MMBV is not valuable for ICU patients neither in diagnosing nor monitoring infection. Higher MMBV values may predict unfavorable treatment outcomes.

The Impact of Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodiafiltration on the Efficacy of Administration of Prophylactic Doses of Enoxaparin: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients frequently require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). During CRRT, particles up to 10 kDa in size, such as enoxaparin, may be removed. The aim of this study was to determine if patients receiving prophylactic doses of enoxaparin and treated with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) reach prophylactic values of anti-Xa factor activity.

METHODS

In this observational trial, we compared two groups: 20 patients treated with CVVHDF and 20 patients not treated with CVVHDF. All of them received prophylactic doses of 40 mg of enoxaparin subcutaneously. Anti-Xa factor activity was determined on the third day of receiving a prophylactic dose of enoxaparin. The first blood sample was taken just before the administration of enoxaparin, and other samples were taken 3 h, 6 h, and 9 h after the administration of a prophylactic dose of enoxaparin.

RESULTS

At 3 and 6 h after administration of enoxaparin in both groups, we observed a significant increase in anti-Xa factor activity from baseline, with the peak after 3 h of administration. There were no significant differences in the numbers of patients who had anti-Xa factor activity within the prophylactic range between CVVHDF and control groups.

CONCLUSION

CVVHDF has only a mild effect on the enoxaparin prophylactic effect measured by anti-Xa factor activity. Thus, it seems there is no need to increase the dose of enoxaparin for patients requiring CVVHDF.

Evaluation of the relationship between baseline autonomic tone and the vagotonic effect of a bolus dose of remifentanil

Remifentanil stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, and patients with increased parasympathetic tone may be at greater risk of bradycardia after its administration. We aimed to establish if adult patients with increased baseline parasympathetic tone were at higher risk of bradycardia and hypotension when given a bolus dose of remifentanil. Seventy adults (age 20-60 years and ASA physical status 1 or 2) were given remifentanil 1 μg.kg(-1) . A Holter ECG monitor was used to assess heart rate changes. Heart rate variability in the frequency domain during the 5 min after remifentanil administration was analysed. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that baseline heart rate was the only independent predictor of remifentanil-induced bradycardia [odds ratio (95% CI) 0.877 (0.796-0.966)]. The vagotonic action of remifentanil does not appear to be related to baseline autonomic tone in adult patients.

Eye surgery in the elderly

Extending life expectancy is a human achievement. It does however entail problems. Ophthalmic treatments are widely recognized as having a low risk of general complications. A classic example is cataract surgery, considered to be one of the safest and most frequently performed surgical procedures in the world. However, advanced age brings with it risks that should be considered before surgery. Eye operations, as with procedures on other organs, are largely dependent on the quality of surgical tissues. Therefore, the elderly are at increased risk of complications. Improved general health and postoperative follow-up with the use of noninvasive technologies such as optical coherence tomography translate into lower intraoperative risk and better postoperative prognosis. In this review, we discuss the impact of general health on operational prognosis, therapeutic problems, and technical difficulties which a surgeon and anesthesiologist may encounter in the process. We also consider new technology and strategies specifically aimed at treating eye conditions in the elderly.

The influence of epidural blockade on gut permeability in patients undergoing open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic clamping during aneurysm repair may cause a decrease in splanchnic blood flow and deterioration of gut barrier integrity. Epidural blocks have beneficial effects on vital organs during abdominal surgery, but sparse data are available on the influence on gut permeability during open aortic surgery. The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that epidural blocks may have beneficial effects on intestine permeability changes.

METHODS

Seventy individuals undergoing elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were randomly assigned to receive either balanced anaesthesia (continuous epidural and general anaesthesia, group E&G) or only general anaesthesia (group G). For group E&G, an epidural catheter was inserted into the epidural space before the induction of general anaesthesia. Ropivacaine was used for intraoperative and postoperative blocks. For both groups general anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. For group G, analgesia was provided with remifentanil. The assessments of gut function were based on measurements of the absorption and percentages of urinary excretion of four sugars (m 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, D-xylose, L-rhamnose and lactulose) and the lactulose/rhamnose (L/R) ratio.

RESULTS

No intergroup differences were observed for sugar recovery or L/R ratio. Significant decreases in 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, D-xylose, and L-rhamnose recoveries were revealed in both examined groups when comparing the results obtained at 12 and 24 hours following the administration of anaesthesia. The rate of blood pressure decrease was significantly higher in group E&G.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic clamping during open abdominal aortic repair led to unfavorable changes in intestinal permeability. Epidural block did not attenuate this deterioration.

Subtotal Cerebral Circulatory Arrest With Preserved Breathing Activity: A Case Report

A suspicion of brain death (BD) is the 1st step in the process of BD certification. Owing to its utmost importance, the process must yield an unequivocal answer so that the committee for the determination of BD has no doubts. We present a case of a patient with suspected BD, with a diagnosis of no intracranial flow in 4-vessel digital-subtraction angiography, who developed some reflexes just before clinical examination for BD assessment. The source of clinical findings was determined to be an extracranial blood supply, which enabled the preservation of trace lower brain stem functioning.

Ondansetron attenuates the decrease in blood pressure due to spinal anesthesia in the elderly: a double blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Ondansetron was effectively used to prevent spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in the general population and women anesthetised for cesarean section. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that blocking type 3 serotonin receptors with intravenous ondansetron administration reduces hypotension and bradycardia induced by spinal anesthesia in elderly patients.

METHODS

Fifty-three patients participated in the study with 26 in the ondansetron group (received 8 mg intravenous ondansetron) and 27 in the placebo group (received 0.9% NaCl solution). The heart rate and arterial blood pressure were measured every 5 minutes after spinal anaesthesia, which was performed with 2.5 to 3 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution.

RESULTS

Decreases in both the heart rate and mean systolic, as well as diastolic, arterial pressure compared to the baseline values were noted in both groups. The minimum diastolic and mean blood pressure values obtained over a 20-minute observation period were significantly higher in the ondansetron group. There were no significant differences in the systolic blood pressure and heart rate values between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Administration of intravenous ondansetron prior to spinal anesthesia in geriatric patients attenuates the drop in the diastolic and mean arterial pressure without substantially affecting the systolic blood pressure.

Administration of CD4+CD25highCD127- regulatory T cells preserves β-cell function in type 1 diabetes in children

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which pancreatic islets are destroyed by self-reactive T cells. The process is facilitated by deficits in the number and suppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, we show for the first time that the infusion of autologous Tregs prolongs remission in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes in children.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We have administered Tregs in 10 type 1 diabetic children (aged 8-16 years) within 2 months since diagnosis. In total, 4 patients received 10 × 10(6) Tregs/kg body wt, and the remaining 6 patients received 20 × 10(6) Tregs/kg body wt. The preparation consisted of sorted autologous CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(-) Tregs expanded under good manufacturing practice conditions.

RESULTS

No toxicity of the therapy was noted. A significant increase in the percentage of Tregs in the peripheral blood has been observed since the day of infusion. These patients were followed along with matched type 1 diabetic patients not treated with Tregs. Half a year after type 1 diabetes onset (4-5 months after Tregs infusion), 8 patients treated with Tregs still required <0.5 UI/kg body wt of insulin daily, with 2 patients out of insulin completely, whereas the remission was over in the nontreated group. In addition, plasma C-peptide levels were significantly higher in the treated group as compared with those not treated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the administration of Tregs is safe and tolerable in children with recent-onset type 1 diabetes.

The influence of low flow anaesthesia on renal function in cancer patients previously treated with nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess renal morbidity, associated with the use of low flow anaesthesia (LFA), in cancer patients previously treated with nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients, aged 30-70 years, scheduled for elective surgery, were randomly allocated to three groups: Group A included those patients who had received nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin, carboplatin, methotrexate or cyclophosphamide) within 90 days before surgery, and who were anaesthetised with low flow (0.8(-1) L min(-1)) air-oxygen-sevoflurane (1-3 MAC) anaesthesia; Group B included similar patients who received high flow (6 L min-1) anaesthesia. Non-cancer patients receiving low flow anaesthesia served as controls. Blood was sampled for serum creatinine, BUN, cistatin C, and electrolytes (Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), Ca(2+), P(3+), Mg(2+)) before anaesthesia, and one, three and five days after.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of low flow sevoflurane anaesthesia is not associated with an increased risk of nephrotoxicity in those previously exposed to nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agents.

The influence of anesthesia on cardiac repolarization

The drugs and techniques used in contemporary anaesthesia may provoke numerous side effects, including cardiac rhythm disturbances. The prolongation of the repolarization time, reflected by the QT interval in a surface electrocardiogram, is one of the mechanisms that lead to the occurrence of arrhythmias. In the paper, we present the primary mechanism that is responsible for QT interval prolongation and subsequent torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia. The influence of anesthetics, regional anesthesia and perioperative supportive therapy on cardiac repolarization is described.

Analysis of intraoperative transfusions of red blood cell concentrates in adults

BACKGROUND

Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) concentrates is the most common allogeneic transplantation. The aim of the study was to analyse the indications for RBC transfusions, compared to the estimated intraoperative blood loss and the actual requirements for blood transfusion.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the files of 250 adult patients who were transfused over the year 2006, during various general, oncologic, trauma, vascular, plastic and thoracic surgical procedures. Preoperative screening was done in a hospital laboratory, whereas postoperative haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit were assessed at the bedside using a co-oximeter.

RESULTS

The majority of RBC transfusions were started at relatively high haemoglobin concentrations (mean 5.6 mmol L⁻¹), contrary to the current guidelines. A high correlation coefficient (r=0.82) was found between the estimated blood loss and the volume of RBCs transfused; therefore we concluded that the observed blood loss was the main factor in transfusion decisions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite enormous progress in transfusion science, the current practice in our institution is still far from ideal; RBCs are frequently transfused too early and without a real indication.

[Does the time of admission to ITU affect mortality?]

BACKGROUND

Among many factors that may affect mortality among ITU patients, the time of admission has been reported to play some, but ill-defined role. In the retrospective study, we analysed the time of admission, severity of the underlying disease, clinical status on admission and mortality among adult patients treated in a single ITU over a six-year period.

METHODS

We compared the mortality of patients who were admitted during daytime (7 a.m. to 6:59 p.m.) and at night (7 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.). We also compared those admitted on weekdays (Monday 7 p.m. to Friday 6:59 a.m.) to those admitted during weekends (Friday 7 p.m. to Monday 7 a.m.). The patients condition was assessed using the APACHE II scale. Brain dead organ donors and readmissions were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

The retrospective study involved the data of 1789 patients. Mortality was higher in patients who were admitted during the night and during weekends, when compared to daytime and weekdays, respectively. Mortality was also higher in patients admitted directly from the operating theatre after emergency surgery, but only during nights and weekends. The following independent factors in ITU mortality have been identified: length of ITU stay (OR 1.015; % CI 1.005-1.024), admission from a hospital ward (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.04-1.86) and APACHE II score (OR 1.177; 95% CI 1.156-1.198).

CONCLUSION

Time of admission has not been identified as a single independent factor of ITU mortality, but admissions at night and during weekends were associated with higher mortality, probably because of emergency conditions.

Tracheal tube cuff pressure depends on the anaesthesiologist's experience. A follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Excessive tracheal tube cuff pressure can cause ischemia of the tracheal mucosa, and possible serious complications, such as tracheal stenosis, formation of tracheo-oesophageal fistula or even life-threatening haemorrhage. Inadequate cuff pressure increases the risk of aspiration of gastric contents.

METHODS

The cuff pressures were analysed on the basis of the anaesthesiologists' experience. The results were compared to those obtained during the previous study which had been conducted seven years earlier (2002). The physicians were divided into three groups, according to their experience: group I - less than 2 years of practice; group II--2 to 10 years of practice; and group III--over 10 years of practice. High-volume, low-pressure tubes were used for intubation. The anaesthesiologists were not informed of the planned audit.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between cuff pressure readings in the respective study groups. Cuff pressures in group II (p < 0.05) and group III (p < 0.0005) were greater than those in group I. In 2002, no statistically significant differences had been observed between the three groups (p = 0.1156). When comparing results from 2002 and present one differences were observed inside individual groups, concerning group II (p < 0.05) and group III (p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

There is a tendency to overinflation of endotracheal tube cuffs in all groups. This problem is more common in the group of highly experienced anaesthesiologists, and is more more prevalent at present than in 2002.

Dexmedetomidine sedation for carotid endarterectomy

BACKGROUND

General anaesthesia and deep sedation during endarterectomy exclude direct contact with the patient, required for safe performance of the surgery. The aim of the study was to assess sedation with dexmedetomidine and its cardiovascular effects.

METHODS

Sixty-four adult patients, scheduled on internal carotid artery surgery under infiltration analgesia, were randomly divided to receive dexmedetomidine in the loading dose of 1 microg kg(-1) over 10 min, followed by 0.2 microg kg(-1) h(-1) continuous infusion (group D) or placebo (group P).The BIS score, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were noted.

RESULTS

In the group D, during carotid artery clamping (CAC) mean BIS scores were lower, compared to the baseline and to the values recorded in the group P. The BIS scores in the group P did not differ from baseline. In the group D, we did not observe cardiovascular reactions that could be attributed to CAC; in the group P, MAP and HR increased during CAC, and returned to normal 10 min after clamp release. Significant decrease of HR was observed after 12 min of dexmedetomidine infusion, at 10 and 15 min after CAC in group D. Urapidil and fentanyl were administered more often in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

The 0.2 microg kg(-1) h(-1) dexmedetomidine infusion, administered during carotid endarterectomy, secured cardiovascular stability and reduced the need for additional analgesia.

[The use of heart rate variability analysis to determine changes in autonomic nervous system activity induced by laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation]

BACKGROUND

Laryngoscopy and intubation are associated with marked autonomic system activation that can be assessed by heart rate variability analysis (HRV)--a new method, comparing R-R intervals in 12-lead continuous ECG recording.

METHODS

Fifty-two ASA I and II adults patients of both sexes were enrolled in the study. Patients were induced with fentanyl and thiopental, paralysed with vecuronium, and intubated. Continuous ECG was recorded and selected time-domain parameters (RMSSD, SDNN, NN50 and pNN50) were analyzed before and after intubation at 5- min intervals.

RESULTS

Endotracheal intubation resulted in transient supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles in six patients. Seven patients developed transient bigeminy. Equivocal changes of RMSSD, SDNN, NN50 and pNN50 were observed.

CONCLUSION

Because of the large incidence of cardiac rhythm disturbances, the HRV proved to be useless for assessment of autonomic system changes.

The effect of intravenous lidocaine on QT changes during tracheal intubation

Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation may provoke changes of cardiac repolarisation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of intravenous lidocaine on the ECG changes induced by laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Forty-three female patients were randomly allocated to receive lidocaine (1.5 mg.kg(-1)) or placebo immediately after induction of anaesthesia and changes in the ECG and arterial blood pressure were recorded. Correction of QT interval was calculated using Bazett's formula (QTcb), Fridericia's correction (QTcf), and Framingham formula (QTcF). Transmural dispersion of repolarisation (TDR) was determined as Tpeak-Tend time. There were no changes in the QTc value in the lidocaine group. In the placebo group, significant increases in QTcb, QTcf and QTcF values were observed after intubation compared to either control measurements or to comparative measurements in the lidocaine group. There were no significant differences in TDR either between or within the groups. Lidocaine diminishes prolongation of QTc, induced by tracheal intubation but there is no effect of intubation on TDR.

Effect of anaesthetic agents on p-wave dispersion on the electrocardiogram: comparison of propofol and desflurane

Anaesthetics influence cardiac electrical activity by various mechanisms; thus, they may have pro-arrhythmic or anti-arrhythmic actions. Increased P-wave dispersion is associated with a risk of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The aim of the present study was to analyse the impact of propofol and desflurane on changes in P wave dispersion, which may reflect the anti-arrhythmic effects of these drugs. Fifty patients undergoing scheduled surgery were included in the study. Patients were divided into two equal groups: a propofol group and a desflurane group. Patients in the propofol group were initially administered 2.5 mg/kg propofol, followed by infusion of 6 mg/kg per h propofol. Anaesthesia in the desflurane group was achieved using inhalation induction, with concentrations up to 8-12.5 vol%. When signs of adequate anaesthesia were observed, the concentration of desflurane was reduced to 6 vol%. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained before induction and then again 1, 3 and 5 min after the initiation of propofol infusion or the induction of anaesthesia in the desflurane group; additional measurements were performed after tracheal intubation. P-wave dispersion was assessed by differences in maximal and minimal P-wave duration on a 12-lead ECG. P-wave dispersion did not change over time in the desflurane group. In the propofol group, there was a significant decrease in P-wave dispersion after 3 and 5 min of anaesthesia. Significant differences were observed between study groups after 1, 3 and 5 min of anaesthesia, and disappeared after tracheal intubation. Mean and maximal P-wave duration did not change in either group. In conclusion, propofol decreases P-wave dispersion and this seems to be connected with the anti-arrhythmic properties of the drug.

Wernicke’s Syndrome after Sleeve Gastrectomy

We report a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy after sleeve gastrectomy, which had been complicated by stomach wall edema and aggravated by dietary non-compliance. Despite intense parenteral nutrition, thiamine deficiency became clinically evident. It suggests that nutritional preparations used were unable to cover the increased thiamine requirement. After intense thiamine supplementation, gradual improvement occurred during the 6 months after the diagnosis, without permanent cognitive impairment. Clinicians involved in postoperative management of bariatric surgery patients must consider Wernicke's syndrome in hyper-emetic patients, who show unclear neurological deterioration. Early diagnosis and treatment can instantly improve the patient's condition without permanent sequelae.

Influence of spinal anesthesia on corrected QT interval

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Prolongation of the QT interval may result in grave cardiac arrhythmias, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia ("torsades de pointes"), and ventricular fibrillation. We assessed the influence of spinal anesthesia on the QTc interval and the potential arrhythmogenicity of this method of anesthesia.

METHODS

Assessment was performed in 20 male unpremedicated patients, I or II American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, who underwent spinal anesthesia for elective surgical procedures. Values of the QTc interval, heart rate, and arterial pressure were measured before spinal anesthesia as well as after 1, 3, 5, and 15 minutes of adequate blockade.

RESULTS

Statistically significant lengthening of the QTc interval (compared with initial values) was observed in the first minute after blockade and in subsequent measurements. No differences were observed between mean values of the QTc interval after the onset of blockade. No significant changes in heart rate were noted. From the third minute on, significant decreases of the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were observed as compared with baseline. These decreases in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure persisted for the entire study duration. No one patient developed clinically important cardiac arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal anesthesia provokes significant QTc interval prolongation in patients without cardiovascular disorders.

The Influence of desflurane on QTc interval

Volatile anesthetics may prolong the QTc interval and this may result in grave cardiac arrhythmias. We assessed the effect of desflurane on the QTc interval in 40 ASA physical status I or II patients. Volatile anesthetic induction with desflurane was performed, and after obtaining adequate level of anesthesia, QTc interval, heart rate, and noninvasive arterial blood pressure were measured. Prolongation of the QTc interval was observed within the first minute of anesthesia. There were no differences in QTc interval changes between sexes at any time. We conclude that desflurane prolongs the QTc interval, but that there are no differences between genders in sensitivity to this action.

IMPLICATIONS

We assessed the effect of desflurane on QTc interval in patients without cardiac diseases. Prolongation of the interval was evident by the first minute of desflurane anesthesia. There were no differences between female and male patients.

Patients with haematological malignancies requiring invasive mechanical ventilation: differences between survivors and non-survivors in intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Mortality of patients with haematological malignancies requiring intensive therapy is high. We wanted to establish reasons for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and treatment as well as outcome in subjects who required invasive mechanical ventilation. We were also interested in differences between ICU survivors and non-survivors at the moment of admission.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty patients (21 women and 19 men) were included in the study. Median of age was 42 (range 16-73) years. All patients required mechanical ventilation. We analysed age, gender, disease character (acute/chronic), diagnosed pneumonia, multiple organ failure (MOF), history of bone marrow transplantation, peripheral blood parameters (leukocyte, neutrocyte, erythrocyte and thrombocyte counts, haemoglobin level and haematocrit), mean arterial pressure (obtained through direct measurement), necessity of catecholamine administration and symptoms of the acute renal insufficiency at the moment of ICU admission.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixty-five percent of patients died in ICU. Intergroup comparisons between survivors and non-survivors revealed statistically significant differences in the presence of neutropenia, thrombocyte count, mean arterial pressure and the necessity of catecholamines administration, as well as scores obtained through patient evaluation according to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and the New Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) scales. Multivariate logistic regression revealed only one independent risk factor for ICU mortality in the analysed group--SAPS II score (p=0.009). Calculated value of the unitary odds ratio was 1.065 (95% confidence interval 1.017-1.116).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality of patients with haematological malignancies requiring intensive mechanical ventilation remains high. Scoring with the SAPS II system was a useful tool for determination of ICU mortality risk in those patients.

Is prolongation of the QTc interval during isoflurane anaesthesia more prominent in women pretreated with anthracyclines for breast cancer? †

BACKGROUND

Inhalation anaesthetics and anthracycline chemotherapeutic drugs may both prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. We investigated whether isoflurane may induce or augment QTc prolongation in patients who had previously received cancer chemotherapy including anthracycline drugs.

METHODS

Forty women undergoing surgery for breast cancer were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: (A) women previously treated with anthracyclines (n=20); and (B) women not treated with antineoplastic drugs (n=20). All patients received a standardized balanced anaesthetic in which isoflurane 0.5 vol% was used. The QT and corrected QT intervals were measured before anaesthesia, after induction and tracheal intubation, after 1, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 min of anaesthesia, and during recovery.

RESULTS

In both groups we observed a tendency to QTc prolongation, but statistically significant differences among baseline values and values observed during isoflurane-containing anaesthesia were seen only in group A. During anaesthesia, significant differences in QTc values between the two groups were observed.

CONCLUSION

In female patients pretreated with anthracyclines for breast cancer, the tendency to QTc prolongation during isoflurane-containing general anaesthesia was more strongly expressed than in patients without previous chemotherapy.

[Monitoring of tracheal tube cuff pressure in patients treated in intensive therapy unit and intensive care units]

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Proper tracheal tube cuff pressure (CP) can diminish the risk of side effects. Excessive tracheal tube cuff pressure can cause ischaemic changes in the tracheal mucosa, decubitation, granuloma, rupture of a trachea, tracheo-oesophageal fistulae or tracheal stenosis. Too low CP is also undesirable, because it can increase the leakage of colonized subglottic secretions around the tracheal tube cuff, which is the risk factor of ventilatory associated pneumonia. Accidental extubation may also occur. The aim of the study was to find out if there are any differences in maintenance of the proper CP between the staff of intensive therapy unit (ITU) under the supervision of anaesthesiologists and staff of intensive care units (ICU) led by non-anaesthesiologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured the CP in 219 intubated patients. There were 107 patients hospitalized in ITU, under anaesthesiologists's surveillance, the other 112 patients in ICUs were supervised by non-anaesthesiologists. The patients were intubated with Portex Profile Soft-Seal Cuff and Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo with low-pressure and high-volume cuffs. The manometer PORTEX with the recommended range of CP 16-26 cm H2O (1.56-2.54 kPa). The teams were unaware that the audit was taking place. If the CP was out of range, it was corrected to the proper values.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The data analysis did not reveal any differences between values of CP in both groups of subjects. Over-inflation was more frequent than under-inflation in both groups of patients. Regular measurement of tracheal cuff pressure was not a routine procedure in the controlled units.