Basak Ceyda Meco

Double filtration plasmapheresis for a case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), is a fatal viral infection transmitted to humans through a tick bite or exposure to blood or tissues of viremic hosts. The clinical presentation is characterized by sudden onset high fever, headache, myalgia, abdominal pain and nausea-vomiting followed by gastrointestinal, urinary, respiratory tract and brain hemorrhage. Laboratory findings include leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. We report a case of CCHF who was treated with a combination of DFPP and ribavirin therapy. As a result of this multimodal treatment, patients clinical symptoms and laboratory findings improved gradually.

Does ultrasonographic volume of the thyroid gland correlate with difficult intubation? An observational study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38 ± 14 mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p = 0.011; r = 0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p = 0.041; r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p = 0.041; r = 0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p = 0.041; r = 0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n = 19: intubation difficulty scale = 0; Group II, n = 31: 1< intubation difficulty scale ≤ 5) and difficult intubation predictors and thyroid-related parameters were compared. Only Mallampati score was significantly different between groups (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION The thyroid volume is not associated with difficult intubation. However clinical assessment parameters may predict difficult intubation.

Does Type of Pharyngeal Packing during Sinonasal Surgery Have an Effect on PONV and Throat Pain

Objective Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common problem that affects up to 30% of all surgical patients after general anaesthesia, which increases in sinonasal surgery due the very potent emetic effect of ingested blood that is swallowed during the procedures. Therefore, a hypo/oropharyngeal packing is commonly placed in an effort to prevent blood ingestion. The primary aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 3 packing types in preventing PONV and to compare the results with patients who received no packing. The secondary aim was to compare the postoperative throat pain in all 4 groups. Study Design A prospective double-blind randomized controlled study. Setting A university hospital. Subjects and Methods After Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent, 201 adult patients scheduled for sinonasal surgery were randomized to 4 groups to have dry packing (n = 52), packing soaked with water (n = 48), packing soaked with chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride (n = 51), or no packing (n = 50). Postoperative PONV and throat pain were assessed. Results Demographic data, procedural characteristics, and PONV risk scores were similar among groups. The PONV incidences, throat pain scores, and analgesic use were comparable in all 4 groups. Conclusion Despite commonly used practices, usage of different types of pharyngeal packing did not affect incidence of PONV and throat pain, nor did usage of no packing.

Comparison of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) with cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes in infants

We aimed to compare cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) with ProSealTM laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) in terms of airway security and extubation, starting out from the hypothesis that PLMA will provide alternative airway safety to the endotracheal tubes, and that airway complications will be less observed. After obtaining approval from the local Ethics Committee and parental informed consent, 120 pediatric patients 1-24 months old, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, requiring general anesthesia for elective lower abdominal surgery, were randomized into PLMA (Group P, n = 40), cuffed ETT (Group C, n = 40), and uncuffed ETT (Group UC, n = 40) groups. The number of intubation or PLMA insertion attempts was recorded. Each patients epigastrium was auscultated for gastric insufflation, leak volumes and air leak fractions (leak volume/inspiratory volume) were recorded. Post-operative adverse events related to airway management were also followed up during the first post-operative hour. Demographic and surgical data were similar among the groups. There were significantly fewer airway manipulations in the Group P than in the other groups (p < 0.01), and leak volume and air leak fractions were greater in the Group UC than in the other two groups (p < 0.01). Laryngospasm was significantly lower in the Group P during extubation and within the first minute of post-extubation than in the other groups (p < 0.01). Based on this study, PLMA may be a good alternative to cuffed and uncuffed ETTs for airway management of infants due to the ease of manipulation and lower incidence of laryngospasm.

Existe correlação entre o volume ultrassonográfico da glândula tireóide e intubação difícil? Um estudo observacional☆

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38±14mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p=0.011; r=0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p=0.041; r=0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p=0.041; r=0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p=0.041; r=0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n=19: intubation difficulty scale=0; Group II, n=31: 1<intubation difficulty scale≤5) and difficult intubation predictors and thyroid-related parameters were compared. Only Mallampati score was significantly different between groups (p=0.025). CONCLUSION The thyroid volume is not associated with difficult intubation. However clinical assessment parameters may predict difficult intubation.

Pneumocephalus after endoscopic odontoidectomy in a pediatric patient: the lesson learned

IntroductionPostoperative pneumocephalus is an unexpected condition after endoscopic odontoidectomy surgery.CaseWe present the first case of pneumocephalus after odontoidectomy in a pediatric patient. The clinical presentation, radiological findings, and surgical procedures are described with related pathophysiology.ConclusionWe outline the key for management of a rare intracranial air entrapment case after an endoscopic odontoidectomy surgery in a pediatric patient and the measures taken to prevent its occurrence in the future.

Maintenance of balance between airway pressure and intracranial pressure in a patient with tracheal stenosis undergoing craniotomy: a case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Tracheal stenosis is a rare but a life-threatening condition and anesthesia of a patient with tracheal stenosis is challenging for anesthesiologists. Maintaining stable hemodynamics and ventilation parameters are important issues in neuroanesthesia. Any increase in airway peak pressure and ETCO2 will result in increase in intracranial pressure which must be avoided during craniotomies. Tracheal stenosis could be a reason for increased airway pressure. CASE REPORT We described a patient undergoing craniotomy with tracheal stenosis. CONCLUSION Detailed preparation for intubation, to stabilize airway dynamics and to make the right decision for the surgery were important points. To maintain of a good balance between cerebral dynamics and airway dynamics were the pearls of this case.

Influence of Different Doses of Ketamine on Intubating Conditions during a Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation Model.

OBJECTIVE This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study aimed to compare the effects of three different doses of ketamine or lidocaine on intubating conditions and haemodynamics in a rapid-sequence induction model with 3 mg kg(-1) propofol and 0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium. METHODS A total of 128 ASA I-III patients who were scheduled for elective surgery were randomized in the following five groups: Group 1 (n=24), 1 mg kg(-1) lidocaine+3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium; Group 2 (n=23), 0.1 mg kg(-1) ketamine+3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium; Group 3 (n=29), 0.3 mg kg(-1) ketamine+3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium; Group 4 (n=26), 0.5 mg kg(-1) ketamine+3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium and Group 5 (n=26), 3 mg kg(-1) propofol+0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium+saline as placebo. After preoxygenation, induction was performed with the assigned combination, and intubation was initiated after 60 s. The time to intubation, intubation score (Viby-Mogensen score) and haemodynamic data were recorded. Postoperative hoarseness, sore throat and hallucination incidences were followed up. RESULTS Demographic, time to intubation and haemodynamic data were comparable among groups. Group 4 [13.5 (4-14)] revealed a higher intubation score then groups 1, 2 and 5 [12 (3-14), 11 (2-14) and 9.5 (0-13) and p=0.026, p=0.001 and p=0.000001, respectively]. Groups 3 [13 (4-14)] and 4 [13.5 (4-14)] had similar intubation scores. Side effects were comparable among all groups. CONCLUSION The combination of 0.5 mg kg(-1) ketamine and 0.6 mg kg(-1) rocuronium along with propofol improves intubation conditions in a stimulated rapid-sequence induction model.

A comparison of two different doses of morphine added to spinal bupivacaine for inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different doses of intrathecal morphine on postoperative analgesia, postoperative first mobilization and urination times and the severity of side effects. METHODS After Institutional Ethical Committee approval, 48 ASA I-II patients were enrolled in this randomized double-blinded study. Spinal anesthesia was performed with 0.1mg (Group I, n=22) or 0.4mg (Group II, n=26) ITM in addition to 7.5mg heavy bupivacaine. The first analgesic requirement, first mobilization and voiding times, and postoperative side effects were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 15.0 and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The numeric data were analyzed by the t-test and presented as mean±SD. Categorical data were analyzed with the chi-square test and expressed as number of patients and percentage. RESULTS Demographic data were similar among groups. There were no differences related to postoperative pain, first analgesic requirements, and first mobilization and first voiding times. The only difference between two groups was the vomiting incidence. In Group II 23% (n=6) of the patients had vomiting during the first postoperative 24h compared to 0% in Group I (p=0.025). CONCLUSION For inguinal hernia repairs, the dose of 0.1mg of ITM provides comparable postoperative analgesia with a dose of 0.4mg, with significantly lower vomiting incidence when combined with low dose heavy bupivacaine.

The airway device preference may affect the overlapping of the common carotid artery by the internal jugular vein

Anatomical variation in the internal jugular vein (IJV), as well as its small size, tendency to collapse, and proximity to the common carotid artery (CCA) makes central venous cannulation via the IJV a technically challenging procedure, especially in pediatric patients.