Anaesthesia
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In-vitro analysis of a novel 'add-on' silicone cuff to improve sealing properties of tracheal tubes.
Leakage of colonised oropharyngeal secretions across the tracheal tube cuff may cause iatrogenic pulmonary infection. We studied a novel 'add-on' cuff, which can be inserted over an existing tracheal tube and advanced into the subglottic region. The physical properties of the novel silicone cuff (BronchoGuard, Ciel Medical, USA) were evaluated in comparison with the Hi-Lo® tracheal tube. ⋯ Although massive leak was found when the novel cuff transmitted pressures ≤ 20 cmH2 O against the trachea, leakage was avoided with pressures ≥ 25 cmH2 O, owing to optimal contact between the cuff and the tracheal wall. In contrast, the standard cuff consistently leaked irrespective of the pressure. We conclude that the novel cuff has advantageous properties that warrant clinical corroboration.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of a single pre-operative 125 mg dose of methylprednisolone on postoperative delirium in hip fracture patients; a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Postoperative delirium is common after hip fracture surgery, and may have a neuro-inflammatory cause. We conducted a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 117 older hip fracture patients to see if a single, pre-operative intravenous dose of 125 mg methylprednisolone could reduce the severity and/or incidence of postoperative delirium, assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method delirium severity score. Modified intention-to-treat analysis found no significant difference in our primary outcome, median (IQR [range]) cumulative Confusion Assessment Method delirium severity score over the first three postoperative days between the methylprednisolone and placebo groups (1 (0-6 [0-39]) vs. 2 (0-10 [0-32]), p = 0.294). ⋯ There were no significant between-group differences in the rate of completing physiotherapy, postoperative pain, the administration of antipsychotic drugs, infection, length of inpatient stay or 30- and 90-day mortality. No major adverse reactions related to methylprednisolone were recorded. We conclude that a single, pre-operative dose of 125 mg methylprednisolone does not reduce the severity of postoperative delirium, but may reduce both the prevalence of delirium and the severity of fatigue after hip fracture surgery in older patients, enabling remobilisation and recovery.
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Patients with pre-surgery cognitive impairment cannot currently be assessed for cognitive recovery after surgery using the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale (PostopQRS), as they would mathematically be scored as recovered. We aimed to validate a novel method to score cognitive recovery in patients with low-baseline cognition, using the number of low-score tests rather than their numerical values. Face validity was demonstrated in 86 participants in whom both the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale and an 11-item neuropsychological battery were performed. ⋯ Postoperative length of stay was longer in patients with failed cognitive recovery whether they had normal mean (SD) (10.4 (10.0) vs. 8.0 (5.9) days, p = 0.02) or low-baseline cognition (12.0 (11.1) vs. 8.2 (4.7) days, p < 0.01). Overall quality, as well as cognitive, emotive and physiological recovery was independent of baseline cognition. The modified scoring method for the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale cognitive domain demonstrates acceptable face and discriminant validity.
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Observational Study
Characteristics of children aged 2-17 years undergoing anaesthesia in Danish hospitals 2005-2015: a national observational study.
Provision of paediatric anaesthesia requires careful consideration of the child's cognitive state, unique body composition and physiology. In an observational cohort study, we describe the population characteristics and conduct of anaesthesia in children aged 2-17 years from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2015. Children were identified from the Danish Anaesthesia Database. ⋯ Complications occurred in 3.3% of anaesthesia episodes among 2-5 year olds compared with 3.7% of anaesthesia episodes among children aged 6-17 years. In conclusion, we found younger children (aged 2-5), compared with older children (aged 6-17) were more frequently anaesthetised for non-surgical reasons, at a university hospital and using inhalational agents. Complications were rare.