Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Estimated Life-Time Savings in the Cost of Ongoing Care Following Specialist Rehabilitation for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in the United Kingdom Objectives: To evaluate cost-efficiency of rehabilitation following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and estimate the life-time savings in costs of care. Setting/Participants: TBI patients (n = 3578/6043) admitted to all 75 specialist rehabilitation services in England 2010–2018. Design: A multicenter cohort analysis of prospectively collated clinical data from the UK Rehabilitation Outcomes Collaborative national clinical database. Main Measures: Primary outcomes: (a) reduction in dependency (UK Functional Assessment Measure), (b) cost-efficiency, measured in time taken to offset rehabilitation costs by savings in costs of ongoing care estimated by the Northwick Park Dependency Scale/Care Needs Assessment (NPDS/NPCNA), and (c) estimated life-time savings. Results: The mean age was 49 years (74% males). Including patients who remained in persistent vegetative state on discharge, the mean episode cost of rehabilitation was £42 894 (95% CI: £41 512, £44 235), which was offset within 18.2 months by NPCNA-estimated savings in ongoing care costs. The mean period life expectancy adjusted for TBI severity was 21.6 years, giving mean net life-time savings in care costs of £679 776/patient (95% CI: £635 972, £722 786). Conclusions: Specialist rehabilitation proved highly cost-efficient for severely disabled patients with TBI, despite their reduced life-span, potentially generating over £4 billion savings in the cost of ongoing care for this 8-year national cohort.

Strengthening the Evidence Base: Recommendations for Future Research Identified Through the Development of CDC's Pediatric Mild TBI Guideline Objective: The recently published Centers for Disease Control and Prevention evidence-based guideline on pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) was developed following an extensive review of the scientific literature. Through this review, experts identified limitations in existing pediatric mTBI research related to study setting and generalizability, mechanism of injury and age of cohorts studied, choice of control groups, confounding, measurement issues, reporting of results, and specific study design considerations. This report summarizes those limitations and provides a framework for optimizing the future quality of research conduct and reporting. Results: Specific recommendations are provided related to diagnostic accuracy, population screening, prognostic accuracy, and therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Incorporation of the recommended approaches will increase the yield of eligible research for inclusion in future systematic reviews and guidelines for pediatric mTBI.

Comorbid Conditions Among Adults 50 Years and Older With Traumatic Brain Injury: Examining Associations With Demographics, Healthcare Utilization, Institutionalization, and 1-Year Outcomes Objectives: To assess the relationship of acute complications, preexisting chronic diseases, and substance abuse with clinical and functional outcomes among adults 50 years and older with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Prospective cohort study. Participants: Adults 50 years and older with moderate-to-severe TBI (n = 2134). Measures: Clusters of comorbid health conditions empirically derived from non-injury International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, demographic/injury variables, and outcome (acute and rehabilitation length of stay [LOS], Functional Independence Measure efficiency, posttraumatic amnesia [PTA] duration, institutionalization, rehospitalization, and Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended (GOS-E) at 1 year). Results: Individuals with greater acute hospital complication burden were more often middle-aged men, injured in motor vehicle accidents, and had longer LOS and PTA. These same individuals experienced higher rates of 1-year rehospitalization and greater odds of unfavorable GOS-E scores at 1 year. Those with greater chronic disease burden were more likely to be rehospitalized at 1 year. Individuals with more substance abuse burden were most often younger (eg, middle adulthood), black race, less educated, injured via motor vehicle accidents, and had an increased risk for institutionalization. Conclusion: Preexisting health conditions and acute complications contribute to TBI outcomes. This work provides a foundation to explore effects of comorbidity prevention and management on TBI recovery in older adults.

The Contribution of Social Support, Professional Support, and Financial Hardship to Family Caregiver Life Satisfaction After Traumatic Brain Injury Objectives: (a) To assess whether 3 changeable environmental variables (social support, professional support, and financial hardship) contribute to explaining differences in well-being of family caregivers after traumatic brain injury (TBI), above and beyond the influence of neurobehavioral functioning. (b) To assess the unique and relative contribution of social support, professional support, and financial hardship to life satisfaction of family caregivers. Participants: Adult family caregivers (n = 136) of individuals who received inpatient rehabilitation following a TBI. Measures: The Social Provisions Scale; Brief Scale of Financial Hardship after Brain Injury; Satisfaction with Life Scale; and adapted scales measuring professional support and neurobehavioral functioning. Design: Cross-sectional study using survey methodology. Results: Social support, professional support, and financial hardship explained a significant amount of variance in life satisfaction after controlling for neurobehavioral functioning (R2 change = 0.34, considered a large effect size). Social support and financial hardship were significant unique predictors within the model, but professional support was not. Conclusion: Social support and financial hardship are prominent environmental variables that may hold promise for targeted intervention development and testing designed to support family adaptation after TBI.

A Systematic Review of Sleep-Wake Disturbances in Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury: Relationship with Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life Objective: To systematically appraise the literature on the prevalence, types, and predictors of sleep-wake disturbances (SWD), and on the relationship between SWD, fatigue, depression, and quality of life in children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched, reference lists of retrieved articles were also searched for relevant articles, and study methods were evaluated for risk of bias. Results: Of the 620 articles assessed, 16 met inclusion criteria. Sleep-wake disturbances were common in childhood TBI. The most common types of SWD reported were insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness, with mild TBI participants showing a trend toward more sleep maintenance insomnia, while sleep-onset insomnia was typical in those with moderate-severe TBI. Predictors of SWD reported in studies involving mild TBI participants included TBI severity, male sex, preexisting SWD, high body weight, and depression; while injury severity and internalizing problems were associated with SWD in moderate-severe TBI participants. Sleep-wake disturbances were also associated with fatigue and poor quality of life following TBI. Conclusion: Sleep-wake disturbances are highly prevalent in childhood TBI, regardless of injury severity. Routine assessments of SWD in survivors of childhood TBI are recommended.

Healthcare Utilization and Missed Workdays for Parents of Children With Traumatic Brain Injury Background: We enrolled patients in a prospective study in which we obtained estimates of the direct and indirect burden for families of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) relative to a control group of families of children with orthopedic injury (OI). Methods: Parents were surveyed at 3 time points following injury: 3, 6, and 12 months. At each follow-up contact, we asked parents to list the number of workdays missed, number of miles traveled, amount of travel-related costs, and whether their child had an emergency department (ED) visit, hospital admission, any over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and any prescription medications during that time period. We assessed the difference in these outcomes between the TBI and OI groups using multivariable logistic and 2-part regression models to account for high concentrations of zero values. Results: Children with TBI had significantly greater odds of having an ED visit (3.04; 95% CI, 1.12-8.24), OTC medications (1.98; 95% CI, 1.34-2.94), and prescription medications (2.34; 95% CI, 1.19-4.59) than those with OI. In addition, parents of children with TBI missed significantly more days of work (19.91 days; 95% CI, 11.64-28.17) overall during the 12 months following injury than their OI counterparts. Conclusion: Extrapolating our results to the entire country, we estimate that pediatric TBI is associated with more than 670 000 lost workdays annually over the 12 months following injury, which translates into more than $150 million in lost productivity. These missed workdays and lost productivity may be prevented through safety efforts to reduce pediatric TBI.

Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of CI Therapy for Rehabilitation of Upper Extremity Motor Deficit: The Bringing Rehabilitation to American Veterans Everywhere Project Constraint-induced movement therapy (CI therapy) has been shown to reduce disability for individuals with upper extremity (UE) hemiparesis following different neurologic injuries. This article describes the study design and methodological considerations of the Bringing Rehabilitation to American Veterans Everywhere (BRAVE) Project, a randomized controlled trial of CI therapy to improve the motor deficit of participants with chronic and subacute traumatic brain injury. Our CI therapy protocol comprises 4 major components: (1) intensive training of the more-affected UE for target of 3 hour/day for 10 consecutive weekdays, (2) a behavioral technique termed shaping during training, (3) a "transfer package," 0.5 hour/day, of behavioral techniques to transfer therapeutic gains from the treatment setting to the life situation, and (4) prolonged restraint of use of the UE not being trained. The primary endpoint is posttreatment change on the Motor Activity Log, which assesses the use of the more-affected arm outside the laboratory in everyday life situations. Data from a number of secondary outcome measures are also being collected and can be categorized as physical, genomic, biologic, fitness, cognitive/behavioral, quality of life, and neuroimaging measures.

Prevalence of Medical and Psychiatric Comorbidities Following Traumatic Brain Injury Objective: To examine the prevalence of selected medical and psychiatric comorbidities that existed prior to or up to 10 years following traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring acute rehabilitation. Design: Retrospective cohort. Setting: Six TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) centers. Participants: In total, 404 participants in the TBIMS National Database who experienced TBI 10 years prior. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure: Self-reported medical and psychiatric comorbidities and the onset time of each endorsed comorbidity. Results: At 10 years postinjury, the most common comorbidities developing postinjury, in order, were back pain, depression, hypertension, anxiety, fractures, high blood cholesterol, sleep disorders, panic attacks, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. Comparing those 50 years and older to those younger than 50 years, diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 3.54; P = .0016), high blood cholesterol (OR = 2.04; P = .0092), osteoarthritis (OR = 2.02; P = .0454), and hypertension (OR = 1.84; P = .0175) were significantly more prevalent in the older cohort while panic attacks (OR = 0.33; P = .0022) were significantly more prevalent in the younger cohort. No significant differences in prevalence rates between the older and younger cohorts were found for back pain, depression, anxiety, fractures, or sleep disorders. Conclusions: People with moderate-severe TBI experience other medical and mental health comorbidities during the long-term course of recovery and life after injury. The findings can inform further investigation into comorbidities associated with TBI and the role of medical care, surveillance, prevention, lifestyle, and healthy behaviors in potentially modifying their presence and/or prevalence over the life span.

Factors Influencing Primary Care Follow-Up After Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Objective: To identify socioeconomic, demographic, and caregiver factors associated with children attending primary care provider (PCP) follow-up after emergency department (ED) evaluation for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Setting: Pediatric trauma center ED. Participants: Children 8 to 18 years of age sustaining mTBI less than 48 hours prior to an ED visit. Mean age of the 183 participants was 12 years with no significant differences between those who attended follow-up and those who did not in race, ethnicity, insurance provider, or PCP office setting. Design: Thirty-day longitudinal cohort study. Main Measures: Insurance type, PCP practice setting, and a caregiver attitudes survey regarding mTBI recovery and management (5 questions each scored on a 5-point Likert scale). The primary outcome was attending a PCP follow-up visit within 1 month of injury. Results: Females were more likely than males to attend PCP follow-up (adjusted odds ratio: 2.27 [95% confidence interval: 1.00-5.18]). Increasing scores on the caregiver attitudes survey indicating greater concerns about recovery were significantly associated with attending PCP follow-up (adjusted odds ratio: 1.12 per unit increase in composite score [95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.23]). No other socioeconomic, demographic, or injury characteristics were associated with attending PCP follow-up. Conclusions: The ED counseling regarding PCP follow-up of mTBI should stress the importance of follow-up care to monitor recovery and identify presence of lingering symptoms.

Performance Validity in Collegiate Football Athletes at Baseline Neurocognitive Testing Objective: To assess the prevalence of invalid performance on baseline neurocognitive testing using embedded measures within computerized tests and individually administered neuropsychological measures, and to examine the influence of incentive status and performance validity on neuropsychological test scores. Setting: Sport-related concussion management program at a regionally accredited university. Participants: A total of 83 collegiate football athletes completing their preseason baseline assessment within the University's concussion management program and a control group of 140 nonathlete students. Design: Cross-sectional design based on differential incentive status: motivated to do poorly to return to play more quickly after sustaining a concussion (athletes) versus motivated to do well due to incentivizing performance (students). Main Measures: Immediate Post-Concussion and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), performance validity tests, and measures of cognitive ability. Results: Half of the athletes failed at least 1 embedded validity indicator within ImPACT (51.8%), and the traditional neuropsychological tests (49.4%), with large effects for performance validity on cognitive test scores (d: 0.62-1.35), incentive status (athletes vs students; d: 0.36-1.15), and the combination of both factors (d: 1.07-2.20) on measures of attention and processing speed. Conclusion: Invalid performance on baseline assessment is common (50%), consistent across instruments (ImPACT or neuropsychological tests) and settings (one-on-one or group administration), increases as a function of incentive status (risk ratios: 1.3-4.0) and results in gross underestimates of the athletes' true ability level, complicating the clinical interpretation of the postinjury evaluation and potentially leading to premature return to play.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Future use of the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol for validation of automated sphygmomanometers No abstract available

Validation protocols for blood pressure measuring devices: the impact of the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol and the development of a Universal Standard In the last three decades protocols for the validation of blood pressure measuring devices have been developed by the US Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, the British Hypertension Society, the German Hypertension League, the European Society of Hypertension Working Group on blood pressure Monitoring and the International Organization for Standardization. The European Society of Hypertension International Protocol required much smaller sample size than the other protocols, aiming to reduce the time, resources and cost of validation studies and thereby increase the number of validated devices. Given its specifications, the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol was adequate for 'high- and low-accuracy' devices, yet assessment of 'moderate accuracy' devices had high uncertainty with resultant high rate of device failure. Thus, devices validated using the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol should be considered to be as accurate as those validated with the previous Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation or British Hypertension Society protocols. However, the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol did not allow subgroup evaluation (arm sizes, special populations, etc). The mission of the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol to promote the concept of validation has been well achieved, as almost double studies have been published using it than all the other protocols together. However, the maintenance of different validation protocols is confusing and therefore experts from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, European Society of Hypertension International Protocol and International Organization for Standardization have now developed the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2018) as the recommended 21st-century procedure for worldwide application. The European Society of Hypertension Working Group has published a practical guide for using the Universal Standard. It is in the interests of all scientific bodies to propagate the Universal Standard and ensure its wide implementation.

The characteristics of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and its relationship with cardiovascular target organ damage in Chinese Han patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes and hypertension Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and its relationship with cardiovascular target organ damage (left ventricular hypertrophy and carotid atherosclerosis) in Chinese Han patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Methods: A total of 830 hypertensive patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into four groups according to blood pressure patterns. Clinical characteristics and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring indexes were compared among the four groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the associations among clinical characteristics, blood pressure variability and cardiovascular target organ damage. Results: The prevalence of the non-dipper blood pressure profile (51.32% vs. 24.33%) was higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension than in those without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Logistic regression analysis showed that glycosylated haemoglobin A1c, 24hSBP, 24hSSD, dSBP, nSBP and nSSD were independently associated with the non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with the non-dipper blood pressure pattern showed a higher occurrence of target organ damage compared to patients in the other three groups. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that duration of hypertension, fasting blood glucose, dDBP and nDSD were associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Age, haemoglobin A1c, LDL-C, nSBP and HDL-C were independently related to carotid atherosclerosis. Conclusion: In the Chinese Han population, patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension showed a remarkably high prevalence of non-dipper blood pressure patterns. Abnormal systolic blood pressure level and hyperglycemia were significantly associated with a non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Non-dipper blood pressure pattern, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia were closely related to left ventricular hypertrophy and carotid atherosclerosis.

Comparison of routine and automated office blood pressure measurement Objectives From April to October 2018, we implemented a blood pressure measurement quality improvement project at our Hypertension Center. We aimed to compare blood pressure measured using routine, non-standardized office blood pressure and Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial-like automated office blood pressure protocols. Methods In 202 consecutive patients, we measured blood pressure using routine clinic methods and an automated office blood pressure protocol (5 min of rest followed by three blood pressure measurements at 1-min intervals). Results The mean routine blood pressure was 145.6/76.4 mmHg and the mean automated office blood pressure was 135.3/70.1 mmHg. The mean paired difference in blood pressure was 10.3/6.3 mmHg, and Bland-Altman plots demonstrated wide limits of agreement. Using the systolic blood pressure goal of 130 mmHg, 26.9% of the patients not at goal by routine blood pressure were at goal by automated office blood pressure. Conclusions Misclassifications of patient blood pressure control status and the wide variability between routine blood pressure and automated office blood pressure support the wider clinical implementation of automated office blood pressure to improve standardization, minimize incorrect blood pressure measurement and avoid over-treatment.

Prognostic value of average real variability of systolic blood pressure in elderly treated hypertensive patients Objective: The independent prognostic significance of ambulatory blood pressure variability in the elderly is incompletely clear. We investigated the prognostic value of average real variability of 24-hour blood pressure in elderly treated hypertensive patients. Methods: The occurrence of a combined end-point including stroke, coronary events, heart failure requiring hospitalization and peripheral revascularization was evaluated in 757 elderly treated hypertensive patients. According to tertiles of average real variability of 24-hour systolic blood pressure patients were classified as having low (≤8.66 mmHg; n = 252), medium (8.67–10.05 mmHg; n = 252) or high (>10.05 mmHg; n = 253) average real variability. Results: During the follow-up (6.9 ± 3.4 years, range 0.4–12.9 years), 195 events occurred. The event rate of the population was 3.74 per 100 patient-years. After adjustment for age, sex, previous events, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial enlargement, asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline, 24-hour systolic blood pressure, non-dipping and dipping with high morning surge of blood pressure, patients with high average real variability were at higher cardiovascular risk than those with low average real variability (hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.12–2.40). Conclusions: In elderly treated hypertensive patients, high average real variability of 24-hour systolic blood pressure is associated with higher cardiovascular risk independently of other risk markers, average 24-hour systolic blood pressure and circadian blood pressure changes.

Dry-weight reduction improves intradialytic hypertension only in patients with high predialytic blood pressure Background The aim of this study was to investigate whether additional volume reduction by ultrafiltration can improve blood pressure in patients with intradialytic hypertension (IDH) defined as at least 10 mmHg systolic blood pressure (SBP) rise during hemodialysis. Patients and methods This prospective, open-label, single-center study included 11 IDH patients with normal predialytic blood pressure (BP) (group A), 11 IDH patients with high predialytic BP (group B), and 18 patients without IDH as control. Serum angiotensin-II, aldosterone (ALD), angiotensin-converting enzyme, endothelin-1, nitric oxide, and asymmetric dimethylarginine were measured before and after the treatments. Results Basic angiotensin-converting enzyme, ALD, endothelin-1, and asymmetric dimethylarginine serum levels were significantly increased in group B compared with control (P < 0.05). On comparing the results from the first and 13th dialysis sessions in group A, the dry weight was reduced by − 0.15 ± 0.16 kg after 12 sessions and the predialytic SBP increased by 3.18 ± 6.25 mmHg before and by 7.37 ± 14.90 mmHg at 4 h during the 13th session. In group B, the dry weight was reduced by 0.67 ± 0.53 kg (P = 0.006 vs. group A) at the 13th session and they had − 12.09 ± 16.20 mmHg less SBP before (P = 0.009 vs. group A) and − 11.82 ± 14.66 mmHg at 4 h of the 13th session. The decrease in dry weight was associated with significantly higher decreases in angiotensin-II and ALD serum levels in group B compared with group A. Conclusion Reducing fluid overload in IDH patients with high predialytic BP can effectively improve their BP, but had no effect on BP in normal predialytic BP IDH cases.

Home blood pressure in pregnancy–the upper reference limit Objectives: To investigate whether the upper home blood pressure reference limit in healthy pregnant women correspond to 135/85 mmHg as used when diagnosing white coat hypertension outside pregnancy. Methods: In this prospective observational study 103 healthy, singleton pregnant women with a mean age of 32 ± 4 (±SD) years and with a median pre-pregnancy body mass index of 21 (interquartile range 20–24) kg/m2 were included. Home blood pressure was measured with the device Microlife® BP 3A Plus twice daily for three days (18 measurements in total) in addition to routine office blood pressure measurements in early (median 12+1 (weeks+days)), mid (20+0) and late pregnancy (35+3). Upper blood pressure reference limits were calculated as mean +2 SD. Results: Office blood pressure versus home blood pressure were 115 ± 11/72 ± 7 versus 103 ± 7/64 ± 5 mmHg in early pregnancy, 112 ± 11/74 ± 7 versus 102 ± 7/63 ± 5 mmHg in mid pregnancy and 118 ± 11/75 ± 8 versus 107 ± 8/66 ± 6 mmHg in late pregnancy. The mean difference between office blood pressure and home blood pressure was 10 mmHg. In late pregnancy, the upper reference limit was 140/91 mmHg for office blood pressure and 123/78 mmHg for home blood pressure with slightly lower values in early and mid pregnancy, respectively. Conclusion: In late pregnancy, the upper home blood pressure reference limit in a population of healthy women was 123/78 mmHg. This value questions the generally proposed level of 135/85 mmHg to define white coat hypertension in pregnancy.

Does the duration of ambulatory blood pressure measurement matter in diagnosing arterial hypertension in children? Objectives The aim of our study was to establish if 48-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is more reliable than 24-hour monitoring in order to reduce the impact of external factors on blood pressure (BP) in children. Methods Two hundred fifteen children with indications for ABPM underwent 48-hour ABPM. In the first part of the study, the values of systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and heart rate between the first 24 hours and the total 48 hours were compared. In the second part, the same parameters between the first and second 24 hours were compared. In the third part, we determined whether the differences in measurements between the first and second 24 hours had clinical significance and meant a change of diagnosis. Results The results of the first part of the study showed no statistically significant differences. In the second part, the average values of SBP and DBP were statistically significantly higher during the first 24 hours as compared with the second 24 hours. In the second 24 hours, more children had normal BP (NBP) and a smaller number of them had high NBP or arterial hypertension (AH) compared with the first 24 hours, suggesting that this has clinical significance. Conclusions Within certain limits, the results of our study suggest that 48-hour ABPM is more reliable than 24-hour ABPM, where especially the second 24 hours are a period of measurement that should be taken into consideration for this purpose. These results could impact the diagnostics of AH in children.

Validation of the HL868ED upper-arm blood pressure monitor for clinical use and self-measurement according to the British Hypertension Society Protocol Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the Health & Life automated oscillometric upper-arm blood pressure monitor HL868ED for blood pressure monitoring according to the British Hypertension Society Protocol. Method: We recruited individuals until there were 85 eligible participants and their blood pressure could meet the blood pressure distribution requirements specified by the British Hypertension Society Protocol. For each individual, we sequentially measured systolic and diastolic blood pressures using a mercury sphygmomanometer (two observers) and the HL868ED device (one supervisor). Data analysis was carried out according to the British Hypertension Society Protocol. Results: The device achieved grade A. The percentage of blood pressure differences within 5, 10 and 15 mmHg was 68%, 91% and 98%, respectively, for systolic blood pressure, and 79, 96 and 99%, respectively, for diastolic blood pressure. The average (±SD) of the device-observer differences was −1.8 ± 6.0 mmHg for systolic and 0.1 ± 4.7 mmHg for diastolic blood pressures, respectively. Conclusion: The Health & Life automated upper-arm blood pressure monitor HL868ED has passed the requirements of the British Hypertension Society Protocol, and hence can be recommended for blood pressure measurement in adults.

Evaluation of Meditech ABPM-06 ambulatory blood pressure measuring device, according to the European Society of Hypertension, the British Hypertension Society and the International Organization for Standardization Protocol Objective: The devices to be used in clinical practice should be tested for accuracy and should be validated through the validation protocol. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the Meditech-ABPM-06 ambulatory blood pressure monitor. Materials and methods: The test was carried out in accordance with the protocol established by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH-IP), the British Hypertension Society, and the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2-2013 protocols. Results: In the European Society of Hypertension validation procedure the subjects with two or three of the absolute differences between observer and device SBP/DBP measurements within 5 mmHg were 31/31. The average device-observer difference was −0.4 ± 3.9 mmHg for SBP and −0.4 ± 2.8 mmHg for DBP. In the British Hypertension Society validation procedure the mean differences of the test device and observer readings were −1.0 ± 4.6 (systolic) and −1.1 ± 4.5 (diastolic). In the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2-2013 validation procedure (criterion 1) the mean ± SD of the differences between the test device and reference BP was −0.5 ± 4.0/−0.3 ± 4.5 mmHg (systolic/diastolic). The two criteria of the ANSI/AAMI/ISO were fulfilled. Conclusion: The Meditech ABPM-06 blood pressure measure device met the requirements specified by the British Hypertension Society, the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol and the AAMI, and therefore was considered acceptable to clinical use with a Grade of A/A.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Neuroscience Nursing

The Science of Being a Charge Nurse No abstract available

Executive Summary: Post–Intensive Care Syndrome in the Neurocritical Intensive Care Unit No abstract available

Resolving Clinical Trial Subject Disengagement in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Subjects BACKGROUND: Clinical trialists may be reluctant to enroll socioeconomically disadvantaged participants because of concerns for subject disengagement leading to noncompliance with longitudinal measures and high lost to follow-up (LTFU) rates. OBJECTIVES: We describe the LTFU problem associated with disadvantaged participants and propose strategies to reduce clinical trial disengagement. METHODS: Difficulties encountered in recruiting and retaining socioeconomically disadvantaged participants along with antecedents of disengagement are discussed. Data in the public domain were used to derive, symbolize, and map engagement by census tract. Exemplars of engaged and disengaged clinical trial participants are shared, and geospatial distribution of socio-spatial disengagement risk is presented. RESULTS: Subject disengagement can be visualized by geospatial informatics suggesting areas of low and high socio-spatial disengagement risk. By failing to enroll socioeconomically disadvantaged subjects, researchers may deliberately exclude those who may benefit the most because of significant health disparities. DISCUSSION: We propose a study of realistic LTFU rates for disadvantaged participants. Realistic clinical trial end points and methods may reduce disengagement among disadvantaged participants.

Pupillary Light Reflex Variability as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage BACKGROUND: A change in the pupillary light reflex (PLR) is a sensitive indicator for detecting expanding intracranial lesions. Changes in PLR may be a prognostic marker for patients with intracranial lesions. The purpose of this analysis was to explore how PLR readings, size, constriction velocity (CV), dilation velocity (DV), Neurologic Pupil Index (NPi), and latency predict clinical outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of prospectively collected multicenter registry data. The within-subject standard deviation (WSD) of PLR values, NPi, size, CV, DV, and latency were explored as predictors of discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhagic. RESULTS: Among 4403 pupillary readings from 82 patients with a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage, with a mean age of 57.7 years, the admission Glasgow Coma Scale median score was 14 (eye, 4; verbal, 4; motor, 6), and the mRS median was 0 on admission and 4 at discharge. Correlation between standard deviation of PLR values and discharge mRS was moderate and negative (r = −0.3 to −0.47, P < .01). The standard deviations for NPi, size, CV, and DV were significant for predicting discharge mRS (r2 = 0.23–0.28, P < .05) after controlling for admission Glasgow Coma Scale. CONCLUSION: Patients with higher WSD PLR values showed better outcomes (ie, lower mRS at discharge), suggesting that patients with narrower WSD PLR are at a higher risk for poor outcomes.

Pupillary Light Reflex Variability as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage No abstract available

The Effect of Low Back Pain on Daily Activities and Sleep Quality in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Pilot Study The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low back pain on the daily activities and sleep quality of patients with lumbar disc herniation. This cross-sectional study was performed between January and July 2015 in 77 patients. A visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used for patient assessment. The mean (SD) ODI score was 58.84 (9.51), and the mean (SD) VAS score of patients was 73.26 (24.37) mm. The VAS and ODI scores increased with age. This disability was mainly observed during weight lifting (67.6%), walking (48.1%), and standing (50.7%). A positive correlation was found between VAS score and ODI (r = 0.49, P < .001) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (r = 0.23, P = .039) scores. In patients with lumbar disc herniation, disability in activities of daily living and sleep quality are directly affected by low back pain and increase with pain intensity. Findings of this study provide useful information for healthcare professionals.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis Acute flaccid myelitis is a poliolike illness affecting mainly children, which seems to occur every 2 years in the late summer and early fall. The 2018 outbreak was alarming to parents and healthcare providers because the etiology is still under investigation and long-term outcomes are unclear. Becoming familiar with what is known about the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of acute flaccid myelitis enables neuroscience nurses to disseminate accurate information and recognize and report suspicious symptoms.

Successful Intrathecal Rituximab Administration in Refractory Nonteratoma Anti–N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antibody encephalitis is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by the presence of anti-NMDA antibody in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, with a characteristic combination of psychological and neurological signs and symptoms. The scientific knowledge pertaining to the management of anti–NMDA-R encephalitis is growing. It is important that neuroscience nurses be aware of treatments as well as the newest novel treatment options available. Early aggressive intervention is imperative to recovery. The first line of treatment often includes high-dose steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and therapeutic plasma exchange. Second-line therapy for refractory NMDA-R encephalitis includes intravenous rituximab and cyclophosphamide. Even with these treatments, up to 25% of patients may be left with severe deficits or have a fatal outcome.1 It is well known that penetration of monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody therapy (rituximab) into the cerebrospinal fluid is 0.1% of that in the serum.2 Therefore, efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of NMDA encephalitis may be improved by intrathecal administration in selected cases with a poor response to intravenous rituximab. We present a case of anti–NMDA-R encephalitis that was refractory to first- and second-line therapies, who responded to intrathecal rituximab, to highlight a novel treatment that may be able to prevent long-term disability and improve clinical outcomes.

Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Therapy for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Nursing Perspective Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy, is frequently treated with long-term maintenance intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). However, disadvantages of IVIG are the systemic adverse reactions, lengthy infusions, and need for vascular access. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) addresses many of the issues encountered by those unable, or unwilling, to tolerate the treatment burden of long-term IVIG. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin, a 20% solution stabilized with L-proline, is US Food and Drug Administration–approved for CIDP maintenance therapy in patients after being stabilized with IVIG. Approval was based on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where SCIG demonstrated superiority over placebo and was safe and efficacious in maintaining function. In addition to reviewing the primary efficacy results from the clinical trial, this article aims to update the neurology nursing community on a new option for long-term management of CIDP, including the practicalities of initiating and maintaining patients on SCIG therapy.

Glasgow Coma Scale: Generating Clinical Standards: Erratum No abstract available

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Anesthesia-Analgesia

Retrieval of a Esophageal pH Monitoring Probe Dislodged Into the Laryngopharynx: A Case Report Esophageal pH monitoring via wireless probes is used to evaluate chest pain and atypical symptoms and diagnose gastroesophageal reflux. These probes are commonly placed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed by gastroenterologists in an ambulatory anesthesia setting. Dislodgment and aspiration of these probes can cause morbidity, require surgical removal, and involve the anesthesia provider in prolonged emergency care. We present a case of a probe dislodgment where aspiration was avoided and describe how retrieval of this device is different from typical hypopharyngeal foreign body removal.

Urgent Complex Intraoperative Reintubation in a Known Difficult Airway After Endotracheal Tube Damage: A Case Report Treacher Collins syndrome is an inherited disorder resulting in maldevelopment of the first and second branchial arches. Patients have complex orofacial anatomy often requiring airway interventions from birth. A 17-year-old boy with Treacher Collins syndrome and history of difficult ventilation and intubation presented for elective maxillofacial reconstruction. After uneventful awake nasal fiberoptic intubation, the nasotracheal tube was damaged intraoperatively. Due to the patient's unique anatomy, a fiberoptic bronchoscope and ventilating exchange catheter were utilized together to facilitate a nasotracheal tube exchange. This case demonstrates the utilization of a combination of advanced airway techniques in an urgent perioperative setting.

Supraglottic Airway Rescue After Failed Fiberoptic Intubation in a Patient With Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Case Report We describe the management of a pregnant patient with osteogenesis imperfecta with a history of numerous fractures, severe scoliosis, and anticipated difficult airway. Her pregnancy was complicated by progressive shortness of breath and a fetal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta. Spine anatomy precluded neuraxial anesthesia. Cesarean delivery was performed under general anesthesia at 34 weeks. Immediately after awake fiberoptic intubation and induction of general anesthesia, capnography waveform was lost with rapid profound oxygen desaturation. A supraglottic airway device was placed, oxygenation maintained with supraglottic airway and positive pressure ventilation throughout case, and the baby was delivered with Apgars of 8 and 9.

Successful Use of Cangrelor and Heparin for Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a Patient With Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and End-Stage Renal Disease: A Case Report Heparin is the only well-established anticoagulant medication for cardiopulmonary bypass making selecting an alternative anticoagulant challenging in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Other anticoagulant medications can cause significant postoperative bleeding, especially in patients with end-stage renal disease. We present a case of a 63-year-old woman requiring aortic valve replacement with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and end-stage renal disease. Cangrelor and heparin were successfully used during cardiopulmonary bypass, offering an option for anticoagulation management for a uniquely challenging patient population.

Extraluminal Use of a Pediatric Bronchial Blocker With Confirmation by Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Case Report Lung isolation for pediatric thoracic surgery is especially challenging in a patient with chronic lung infection and need to protect the nonoperative lobes from the spread of infection during anesthesia and surgery. Typically, for pediatric thoracic surgery, a mainstem intubation or placement of an intraluminal bronchial blocker is sufficient for lung isolation. The patient whose case is reported here suffered from a pleuropulmonary blastoma compressing the left lower lobe bronchus and resultant chronic infection involving the left lower lobe. In this unusual situation, to isolate the chronic lung infection and to provide the needed adequate operative conditions, endobronchial intubation of the right, nonoperative lung and placement of an endobronchial blocker into the left lower lobe bronchus were performed. Intraoperative point-of-care ultrasound was then used to confirm ventilation of the right lung segments and absence of air movement in the left upper lobe.

Efficacy of Sugammadex in Preventing Skin Test Reaction in a Patient With Confirmed Rocuronium Anaphylaxis: A Case Report The curative role of sugammadex has been challenged in several observations of rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis because sugammadex may not completely encapsulate the molecule of rocuronium. In such conditions, rocuronium remains able to cause immunoglobulin E cross-linkage and the anaphylaxis mechanism can continue. We describe a case of rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis in which clinical improvement followed sugammadex administration. Intradermic skin tests confirmed rocuronium immunoglobulin E–mediated anaphylaxis but also showed intradermal injection of mixing in equal molecular ratio of sugammadex with rocuronium preventing rocuronium anaphylactic skin reaction. This observation demonstrates the efficacy of sugammadex to prevent rocuronium interaction with the skin immune system.

Nebulized Lidocaine in the Treatment of Refractory Postoperative Laryngospasm: A Case Report Intraoperative laryngospasm occurs in <1% of cases. Recurrent laryngospasm is rarer. Some risk factors include shared airway and pediatric surgery, secretions, pungent volatile anesthetics, and patient factors, such as smoking and asthma. Conventional management includes the application of positive airway pressure, jaw thrust, the removal of any offending stimuli, deepening anesthesia, or administering muscle relaxants. Nebulized lidocaine is used to anesthetize the vocal cords before awake fiberoptic intubation. This case highlights the novel use of nebulized lidocaine to successfully treat refractory postoperative laryngospasm in a fully conscious adult patient after conventional measures were unsuccessful.

Failed Awake Intubation for Critical Airway Obstruction Rescued With the Ventrain Device and an Arndt Exchange Catheter: A Case Report A 71-year-old man with advanced vocal cord carcinoma presented with severe airway obstruction. Therapeutic anticoagulation with enoxaparin complicated management. Failure of an oral awake bronchoscopic intubation was rescued by passing a guidewire through the working channel and threading an Arndt exchange catheter into the trachea under videoscopic vision. Ventilation with the Ventrain device lasting 40 minutes (15 L/min, inspiration/expiration 1:1, 15 breaths/min), during IV anesthesia with muscle paralysis, resulted in excellent blood gas values until placement of the tracheal cannula. This case report highlights the effectiveness of a novel ventilation technique that should be considered as back-up when bronchoscopic intubation fails.

Localized Corticosteroid Injections for Malignant Joint Pain in the Oncologic Population: A Case Series Pain is a common issue that is present in cancer survivors as well as those with active malignant processes. Despite opioid analgesics and adjuvant therapies such as systemic corticosteroids, many patients have persistent localized pain. We describe a case series of 3 cancer patients who have concurrent hip- and greater trochanteric–related pain. We performed a single-insertion-site, ultrasound-guided injection to target both the intra-articular hip and greater trochanteric bursa for each patient. All patients reported an improvement in pain symptoms and function with no major complications. Targeted corticosteroid injections provide a potential for relief of malignant joint pain.

Low-Dose Intrathecal Ziconotide for Spasticity From Primary Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report Spasticity can be very debilitating and painful. We present a case of severe spasticity from primary lateral sclerosis refractory to intrathecal baclofen in doses up to 1100 μg/d. Baclofen was weaned down and switched to intrathecal ziconotide at 0.6 μg/d. The dose was then titrated up to 3 μg/d with excellent control of spasticity. This case suggests that low-dose intrathecal ziconotide should be considered in patients with lower extremity spasticity refractory to intrathecal baclofen.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Wound Ostomy & Continence Nursing

Foot and Nail Care: A New Platform Section in the: Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing No abstract available

Charles Lachenbruch, PhD No abstract available

Definition and Characteristics of Chronic Tissue Injury: A Unique Form of Skin Damage BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to examine the evidence related to a unique phenomenon of purple-maroon discoloration of the buttocks found in homecare patients and to recommend a label for this phenomenon. CASES: Initially, we searched the literature to identify and retrieve any evidence related to this unique form of purple-maroon discoloration of the buttocks. No evidence was found. To illustrate the condition, we compared 4 cases of what we have labeled chronic tissue injury to 6 patients with purple-maroon discoloration of the buttocks from different causes. CONCLUSION: Chronic tissue injury is characterized by a persistent purple-maroon discoloration located on the fleshy portion of the buttocks that does not improve or deteriorate. Unlike other causes of purple discoloration such as deep tissue pressure injury, there is minimal change in the discoloration over time. Additional research is needed to further our understanding of the histopathology of this phenomenon.

Definition and Characteristics of Chronic Tissue Injury: A Unique Form of Skin Damage No abstract available

Commentary: Chronic Tissue Injury: Making the Case for a New Form of Skin Damage No abstract available

Impact of Pressure Injuries on Patient Outcomes in a Korean Hospital: A Case-Control Study PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of pressure injuries on mortality, hospital length of stay, healthcare costs, and readmission rates in hospitalized patients. DESIGN: A case-control study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 5000 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital located in Seoul Korea; 1000 patients with pressure injuries (cases) were compared to 4000 patients who acted as controls. METHODS: We retrospectively extracted clinical data from electronic health records. Study outcomes were mortality, hospital length of stay, healthcare costs, and readmission rates. The impact of pressure injuries on death and readmission was analyzed via multiple logistic regression, hospital deaths within 30 days were analyzed using the survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression, and impact on the length of hospitalization and medical costs were analyzed through a multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Developing a pressure injury was significantly associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 3.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.91-5.33), 30-days in-hospital mortality (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.59-3.00), and healthcare cost (β = 11,937,333; P < .001). Pressure injuries were significantly associated with an extended length of hospitalization (β = 20.84; P < .001) and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (β = 8.16; P < .001). Having a pressure injury was significantly associated with an increased risk of not being discharged home (OR, 5.55; 95% CI, 4.35-7.08), along with increased risks of readmission (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05-1.62) and emergency department visits after discharge (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.29-2.23). CONCLUSIONS: Development of pressure injuries influenced mortality, healthcare costs, ICU and hospital length of stay, and healthcare utilization following discharge (ie, readmission or emergency department visits). Hospital-level efforts and interdisciplinary approaches should be prioritized to develop interventions and protocols for pressure injury prevention.

Epidemiology of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis and Intertriginous Dermatitis (Intertrigo) in an Acute Care Facility PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and intertriginous dermatitis (ITD) upon admission, and the incidence of hospital-acquired IAD and ITD in a sample of acutely ill adults. DESIGN: This was a descriptive, retrospective-cohort observational study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 417 adults admitted to an urban community hospital licensed for 249 acute and 52 acute rehabilitation beds in Charleston, South Carolina, and referred to WOC nurses for evaluation and treatment. METHODS: Prevalence and incidence rates were calculated from data previously collected for quality improvement purposes from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2016, by the WOC nurses and documented in a secure, password-protected electronic spreadsheet. The prevalence of IAD/ITD was calculated as the proportion of patients diagnosed with IAD/ITD on admission to our facility. The incidence of IAD and ITD was calculated as percentage of patients who developed IAD/ITD during the course of their hospital stay. All units in the hospital were included. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of IAD present on admission was 16%; the prevalence decreased over the data collection period; it was 21% in 2014, 15% in 2015, and 13% in 2016. The mean incidence of hospital-acquired IAD during the data collection period was 23%; the highest rate (26%) occurred in 2016. Patients classified as normal weight from their body mass index and patients 60 years and older had the highest incidence of hospital-acquired IAD. The mean prevalence of ITD for patients admitted to the hospital was 40% for the 3-year time; annual rates varied from a low of 36% in 2015 to a high of 42% in 2016. The mean incidence of hospital-acquired ITD was 33% over the data collection period; mean incidence rates were 32% in 2014, 39% in 2015, and 29% in 2016. The incidence of ITD was higher in patients classified as obese based on body mass index in patients 60 years and older. The most common location was the gluteal cleft. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IAD fell within the range of prior epidemiologic studies, but the facility-acquired IAD incidence rates were higher than other studies based in the acute care setting. The prevalence of ITD was higher than rates reported in prior studies; we searched the literature and found no previous reports of ITD occurrences over the course of a hospital stay. Additional research regarding IAD prevention and ITD in the gluteal cleft is needed. Data collection regarding IAD and ITD prevalence and incidence could be incorporated into the data collection tool used for pressure injury data collection for the National Database of Nursing Sensitive Indicators.

Pressure Injury Prevention: Outcomes and Challenges to Use of Resident Monitoring Technology in a Nursing Home PURPOSE: We examined the usability, user perceptions, and nursing occupational subculture associated with introduction of a patient monitoring system to facilitate nursing staff implementation of standard care for pressure ulcer/injury prevention in the nursing home setting. DESIGN: Mixed methods, pre-/posttest design. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Resident (n = 44) and staff (n = 38) participants were recruited from a 120-bed nursing home in the Southeast United States. METHODS: Digital data on frequency and position of residents were transmitted wirelessly from sensors worn on each resident's anterior chest to estimate nursing staff compliance with repositioning standard of care before and after visual monitors were activated to cue staff. The validated Nursing Culture Assessment Tool was used to determine changes in nursing culture. Benefits and challenges of implementation were assessed by 2 focus groups composed of 8 and 5 female members of the nursing staff (RN, LPN, CNA), respectively, and led by the three authors. Descriptive statistics were used for all quantitative variables, and inferential statistics were applied to categorical variables (χ2 test or Fisher exact test) and continuous variables (analyses of variance or equivalent nonparametric tests), respectively, where a 2-sided P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: System use significantly (P = .0003) improved compliance with every 2-hour repositioning standards. The nursing culture normative ranking percentage increased from 30.9% to 58.2%; this difference was not statistically significant. Focus groups expressed satisfaction with the monitoring system and recommended improvements to support adaptation and use of technology. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings support the usability of the patient monitoring system to facilitate repositioning. Implementation of multiple strategies for training, supplies, and communication may enhance uptake and effectiveness.

Exercise After Ostomy Surgery and Peristomal Hernia: A View From Here No abstract available

Role of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse in Continence Care: 2018 Update The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society believes the tri-specialty certified nurse (Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse [CWOCN]) or advanced practice tri-specialty certified nurse (Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse-Advanced Practice [CWOCN-AP]) possesses unique knowledge, expertise for assessment, and first-line management of incontinence as well as for prevention of incontinence. The CWOCN or CWOCN-AP provides care and consultation in the treatment of potential and actual skin complications through absorption, and containment, in persons with urinary, fecal, or dual incontinence. This executive summary describes the role of the CWOCN or CWOCN-AP in the delivery of continence care across care settings. The original statement is available at https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.wocn.org/resource/collection/6D79B935-1AA0-4791-886F-E361D29F152D/Role_of_Continence_Nurse__2018_.pdf.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

European Journal of Anaesthesiology (EJA)

Medical training in anaesthesiology: Updated European requirements No abstract available

Resistance towards nondepolarising muscle relaxants: prolonged onset time: A systematic review BACKGROUND Nondepolarising muscle relaxants (NDMRs) provide optimal conditions for tracheal intubation and improve surgical conditions. Several clinical conditions, diseases and pharmacological interactions have been suggested to cause resistance towards NDMRs that may translate into difficult intubation or inadequate operating conditions during surgery. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the current evidence of patient groups with resistance towards NDMRs. A prolonged onset time was defined as a difference that exceeded 25% compared with controls. DESIGN A systematic review of randomised controlled trials and cohort studies. DATA SOURCES A comprehensive search was performed in 2016 in PubMed and EMBASE. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Patients with conditions or diseases, or patients taking medication, which lead to resistance towards current NDMRs (rocuronium, vecuronium, cisatracurium, atracurium, mivacurium and pancuronium). Included outcomes were onset time defined as the time between administration of NDMR to maximal (90, 95 or 100%) depression of baseline twitch height of the first twitch in a train-of-four. RESULTS Twenty-five studies were included. Strong evidence supports a prolonged onset time of rocuronium in patients with thermal injury and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Moderate evidence supports a prolonged onset time of NDMRs during hypothermia and in patients with infection, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, liver cirrhosis treated with ulinastatin, when remifentanil is administered prior to administration of an NDMR, in fasting patients being rehydrated intravenously prior to administration of NDMR, in children with end-stage renal failure and in patients with atrial or ventricular septal defects. CONCLUSION A prolonged onset time should be suspected in patients with thermal injury and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Further, evidence supports a prolonged onset time in patients with infection, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, congenital heart defects, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis treated with ulinastatin along with remifentanil or intravenous fluids administered prior to NDMR.

Deep neuromuscular blockade improves surgical conditions during gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity: A randomised controlled trial BACKGROUND There is a controversy in the literature whether deep compared with moderate neuromuscular block (NMB) improves surgical conditions for laparoscopic surgery. OBJECTIVES The primary outcome measure was to examine whether switching from moderate to deep NMB improves surgical conditions for laparoscopic surgery in the obese; secondary outcome measures were changes in intra-abdominal pressure, time required to perform the gastrojejunal anastomosis and peri-operative surgical complications. DESIGN A single-centre, randomised controlled study. Each patient was taken as their own control and examined twice: at the first evaluation (E1), all patients had a moderate NMB, thereafter patients were randomised to deep or moderate block and a second evaluation (E2) was performed within 10 min. Patients with excellent rating at E1 were excluded from E2, as their surgical condition could not be further improved. SETTING University Hospital France. PATIENTS Patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery under general anaesthesia were included. Main exclusion criteria were hypersensitivity to the drugs used and absence of written informed consent. INTERVENTIONS According to the group assignment, patients received bolus doses of rocuronium or 0.9% saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Surgical conditions were assessed with a 4-point rating scale. Intra-operative adverse events were assessed with the Kaafarani-classification and postoperative complications with the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS Eighty-nine patients were initially included and data from 85 could be assessed at E1; surgical rating was excellent in 20, good in 35, acceptable in 18, poor in 12. After excluding those with an excellent rating, the remaining 65 patients were randomly assigned to deep or moderate block. At E2, an improvement of surgical conditions was observed in 29 out of 34 patients with deep block and in four out of 31 with moderate block; P < 0.0001. Poor surgical conditions were more frequently associated with surgical complications (61.5 versus 15.3%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Switching from moderate to deep block improves surgical conditions. Poor surgical conditions were associated with a higher incidence of surgical complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02118844

Efficacy of profound versus moderate neuromuscular blockade in enhancing postoperative recovery after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: A randomised controlled trial BACKGROUND Profound neuromuscular blockade (NMB) during anaesthesia has been shown to reduce postoperative pain scores, when compared with a moderate block. We hypothesised that profound NMB during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) could also improve the early quality of recovery after surgery. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness of profound versus moderate NMB during LDN in enhancing postoperative recovery. DESIGN A phase IV, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial. SETTING Multicentre trial, from November 2016 to December 2017. PATIENTS A total of 101 living kidney donors scheduled for LDN were enrolled, and 96 patients were included in the analyses. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomised to receive profound (posttetanic count 1 to 3) or moderate (train-of-four count 1 to 3) neuromuscular block. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the early quality of recovery at postoperative day 1, measured by the Quality of Recovery-40 Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, postoperative pain, analgesic consumption and length-of-stay. RESULTS The intention-to-treat analysis did not show a difference with regard to the quality of recovery, pain scores, analgesic consumption and length-of-stay. Less intra-operative adverse events occurred in patients allocated to profound NMB (1/48 versus 6/48). Five patients allocated to a profound NMB received a moderate block and in two patients neuromuscular monitoring failed. The as-treated analysis revealed that pain scores were significantly lower at 6, 24 and 48 h after surgery. Moreover, the quality of recovery was significantly better at postoperative day 2 in patients receiving a profound versus moderate block (179.5 ± 13.6 versus 172.3 ± 19.2). CONCLUSION Secondary analysis indicates that an adequately maintained profound neuromuscular block improves postoperative pain scores and quality of recovery. As the intention-to-treat analysis did not reveal a difference regarding the primary endpoint, future studies should pursue whether a thoroughly maintained profound NMB during laparoscopy improves relevant patient outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02838134.

Effect of pretreatment with magnesium sulphate on the duration of intense and deep neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium: A randomised controlled trial BACKGROUND Magnesium sulphate is an important adjuvant drug in multimodal anaesthesia. In combination with rocuronium it can enhance neuromuscular blockade (NMB). Limited data exist concerning the effect of magnesium sulphate on the duration of deep or intense NMB and the period of no response. OBJECTIVE(S) To determine the role of magnesium sulphate on the duration of rocuronium-induced deep and intense NMB, and the period of no response to nerve stimulation. DESIGN A randomised controlled trial. SETTING A public tertiary care hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from February 2017 to March 2018. PATIENTS All patients between 18 and 65 years of age scheduled to undergo elective otorhinolaryngological surgery, with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg m−2 and an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification of I or II. INTERVENTION(S) Before induction of anaesthesia 60 patients were pretreated with an intravenous infusion of either 100 ml 0.9% saline (saline group), or 60 mg kg−1 magnesium sulphate (magnesium group). After loss of consciousness, a bolus of rocuronium (0.6 mg kg−1) was administered. Neuromuscular function was measured by TOF-Watch SX monitor. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary and secondary outcomes were the duration of the period of no response to nerve stimulation and intense and deep NMB, respectively. An additional outcome was the NMB onset time. RESULTS Median [IQR] durations of deep NMB were 20.3 [12.0 to 35.4] and 18.3 [11.2 to 26.3] min in the magnesium and saline groups, respectively (P = 0.18). Median durations of intense NMB were 21.7 [0.0 to 32.2] min and 0.0 [0.0 to 6.2] min (P = 0.001) in the magnesium and saline groups, respectively. Median durations of the period of no response were 40.8 [51.4 to 36.0] min and 28.0 [21.9 to 31.6] min (P = 0.0001) in the magnesium and saline groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Magnesium sulphate increased both the duration of intense NMB and the period of no response. The duration of deep NMB was similar in the magnesium sulphate group and saline group. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02989272.

Ultrasound as a new tool in the assessment of airway difficulties: An observational study BACKGROUND Prediction of difficult mask ventilation (DMV) is as challenging as difficult laryngoscopy. Ultrasound could be a helpful tool in the prediction of these difficulties. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of pre-operative ultrasound assessment of neck anatomy in predicting DMV and difficult laryngoscopy in patients undergoing during elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation. DESIGN Prospective, single blind, observational study. SETTING Operating theatre of a teaching hospital in Italy from April 2018 to July 2018. PATIENTS A total of 194 patients aged more than 18 years, without neck masses, previous thyroid surgery or tracheotomy undergoing general anaesthesia and tracheal intubation for elective ear, nose and throat-surgery were included in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES Ultrasound distances were recorded with a linear 6 to 13 MHz ultrasound transducer: measurements included the minimum distance from the thyroid isthmus to skin surface, the minimum distance from the hyoid bone to skin surface (DSHB), the minimum distance from skin to anterior commissure of the vocal cords, the minimum distance from skin to trachea at the level of the jugular notch and the distance from skin to epiglottis midway. The degree of DMV and difficult laryngoscopy was quantified. RESULTS The mean (SD) of DSHB was 0.88 (0.3) cm in the easy mask ventilation group, 1.4 (0.19) cm in DMV group. The mean of DSHB and of the other ultrasound distances increased according to the DMV and difficult laryngoscopy level. The DSHB was correlated with an increase in the risk for DMV (0.61 [IQR 0.5 to 0.69]). DMV groups were associated with a greater ultrasound-measured DSHB. CONCLUSION The prospective observational study confirms the relationship between ultrasound assessment of the anterior soft tissues of the neck and difficult laryngoscopy and DMV. DSHB and the other distances extend the available evidence, not only for difficult laryngoscopy but also for DMV. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov. identified NCT03592758.

Necessity to depict difficult neck anatomy for training of cricothyroidotomy: A pilot study evaluating two surgical devices on a new hybrid training model BACKGROUND Everyone dealing with airway emergencies must be able to accomplish cricothyroidotomy, which cannot be trained in real patients. Training models are necessary. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the suitability of a hybrid training model combining synthetic and porcine parts to depict variable neck anatomy. DESIGN Model-based comparative trial. SETTING Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Germany, August 2018. INTERVENTION On four anatomical neck variations (long slim/long obese/short slim/short obese) we performed two surgical approaches to cricothyroidotomy (SurgiCric II vs. ControlCricTM). PARTICIPANTS Forty-eight volunteers divided into two groups based on their personal skill level: beginners group and proficient performers group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time to completion was recorded for each procedure. Once the operator had indicated completion, the correct anatomical tube placement was confirmed by dissection and structures were inspected for complications. Primary outcomes were successful tracheal placement of an airway tube and time needed to achieve a patent airway. Secondary outcome was assessment of complications. RESULTS Overall, 384 procedures were performed. Median time to completion was 74 s. In total, 284 procedures (74%) resulted in successful ventilation. Time to completion was longer in short obese than in long slim and the risk of unsuccessful procedures was increased in short obese compared with long slim. Even if ControlCric resulted in faster completion of the procedure, its use was less successful and had an increased risk of complications compared with SurgiCric II. Proficient performers group performed faster but had an increased risk of injuring the tracheal wall compared with beginners group. CONCLUSION Participants had difficulties in performing cricothyroidotomy in obese models, but various and difficult anatomical situations must be expected in airway management and therefore must be taught. A new hybrid model combining porcine and synthetic materials offers the necessary conditions for the next step in training of surgical airway procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was performed without human tissue or living animals, and was therefore exempted from ethical review by the University of Ulm Ethical Committee, Germany (Chairperson Prof Dr C. Lenk) on 9 August 2018. Hence a protocol number was not attributed.

Initial end-tidal carbon dioxide as a predictive factor for return of spontaneous circulation in nonshockable out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: A retrospective observational study BACKGROUND Early outcome prediction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is still a challenge. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) has been shown to be a reliable parameter to reflect the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the chance of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). OBJECTIVES This study assessed the validity of early capnography as a predictive factor for ROSC and survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims with an underlying nonshockable rhythm. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTING/PATIENTS During a 2-year observational period, data from 2223 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims within the city of Vienna were analysed. The focus was on the following patients: age more than 18 years, an underlying nonshockable rhythm, and advanced airway management within the first 15 min of advanced life support with subsequent capnography. INTERVENTION No specific intervention was set in this observational study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The first measured ETCO2, assessed immediately after placement of an advanced airway, was used for further analysis. The primary outcome was defined as sustained ROSC, and the secondary outcome was 30-day survival. RESULTS A total of 526 patients met the inclusion criteria. These were stratified into three groups according to initial ETCO2 values (<20, 20 to 45, >45 mmHg). Baseline data and resuscitation factors were similar among all groups. The odds of sustained ROSC and survival were significantly higher for patients presenting with higher values of initial ETCO2 (>45 mmHg): 3.59 [95% CI, 2.19 to 5.85] P = 0.001 and 5.02 [95% CI, 2.25 to 11.23] P = 0.001, respectively. On the contrary ETCO2 levels less than 20 mmHg were associated with significantly poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION Patients with a nonshockable out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who presented with higher values of initial ETCO2 had an increased chance of sustained ROSC and survival. This finding could help decision making as regards continuation of resuscitation efforts.

Assessment of cerebral and renal autoregulation using near-infrared spectroscopy under normal, hypovolaemic and postfluid resuscitation conditions in a swine model: An observational study BACKGROUND The impact of blood pressure changes on tissue oxygenation differs between vital organs and with blood volume conditions. OBJECTIVE To assess cerebral and renal autoregulation simultaneously and compare the impact of blood pressure, hypovolaemia and fluid resuscitation on tissue oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy. DESIGN Animal observational study. SETTING An animal laboratory in Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan, from April 2018 to August 2018. ANIMALS Fifteen pigs, (mean ± SD) 25.2 ± 0.4 kg. INTERVENTIONS The pigs were anaesthetised with 2.5% isoflurane and phenylephrine 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 μg kg−1 min−1 was administered in a stepwise fashion at 10-min intervals (baseline), followed by similar administration of sodium nitroprusside. Hypovolaemia was induced by a 600-ml bleed (33% of estimated total blood volume). Then phenylephrine was administered again (same protocol). Hypovolaemia was reversed by infusion of 600-ml hydroxyethyl starch. Phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside were then administered again (same protocol). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Average of the relation between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebral or renal tissue oxygenation index (TOI) and individual TOI response during vasoactive drug infusions. RESULTS The average relationship between MAP and cerebral or renal TOI both showed classic autoregulation patterns, whereas the renal TOI was more pressure-dependent than the cerebral TOI. Hypovolaemia shifted the relationship downward, reducing the cerebral and renal TOIs by approximately 5 and 20%, respectively, at similar MAPs. Subsequent fluid resuscitation preserved the autoregulatory pattern in both organs, not changing cerebral TOI but reducing renal TOI to 10% under baseline. TOI responses in both organs included paradoxical changes (tissue oxygenation changed inversely with MAP) in 60% of animals. Animals with paradoxical reactions maintained more stable cerebral and renal oxygenation. CONCLUSION Renal oxygenation is more pressure-dependent than pressure-tolerant cerebral oxygenation, and autoregulation is not robust. Renal oxygenation decreased four-fold compared with cerebral oxygenation during hypovolaemia and two-fold during isovolaemic anaemia. Thus, paradoxical responses are part of normal autoregulatory function and beneficial for maintaining stable oxygenation.

New device and technique for lung deflation in bronchial blocker No abstract available

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com