Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) is an effective intervention for restoring adequate circulatory perfusion after cardiac arrest. Ensuring high-quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) before initiating Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is critical to mitigate tissue hypoxia and ischemia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) Goal-Directed CPR (GDCPR) on neurological function before ECMO using a retrospective case-control analysis. Methods The medical records of all patients who received ECPR treated at Zhongshan City People's Hospital were collected between January 2020 and March 2023. In this retrospective cohort study, the patients were divided into Conventional CPR (CCPR) and ETCO2-GDCPR groups based on whether ETCO2 was used as a guide for CPR. Results A total of 71 patients were included, of whom 46 comprised the CCPR group and 25 comprised the GDCPR group. Approximately 37% of patients who received ECPR had good cerebral function at discharge, with a higher rate in the GDCPR group (52%) compared with the CCPR group (28%) (p = 0.047). Multivariate analysis showed that the Highest Interleukin-6 (H-IL6) levels after ECMO (Odds Ratio [OR = 1.001], 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI 1.000-1.003], p = 0.005) was a risk factor for neurological function at discharge. The other risk factors for poor prognosis in patients who received ECPR included pre-ECMO CPR protocols (OR = 10.74, 95% CI 1.90-60.48, p = 0.007) and IL6 levels after ECMO (OR = 1.002, 95% CI 1.001-1.003, p = 0.005). ECMO duration (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.94, p = 0.002) was identified as a protective factor. Patients with short ECMO duration have a poor prognosis. The area under the curve for ECMO duration was 0.86 (0.77-0.94, p < 0.01), while that for H-IL6 was 0.19 (0.09-0.29, p < 0.01). Conclusion ETCO2-guided ECPR is associated with improved neurological prognosis and patient outcomes. Therefore, monitoring ETCO2 levels should be considered a crucial component of evaluating resuscitation efficacy during CPR.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background Extreme hemodynamic changes, especially intraoperative hypotension (IOH), are common and often prolonged during Liver Transplant (LT) surgery and during initial hours of recovery. Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) software is one of the tools which can help in proactive hemodynamic management. The accuracy of the advanced hemodynamic parameters such as Cardiac Output (CO) and Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) obtained from HPI software and prediction performance of the HPI in LT surgery remains unknown. Methods This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary academic center with a large liver transplant program. We enrolled 23 adult LT patients who received both Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) and HPI software monitoring. Primarily, we evaluated agreement between PAC and HPI software measured CO and SVR. A priori, we defined a relative difference of less than 20% between measurements as an adequate agreement for a pair of measurements and estimated the Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient and Bland-Altman Limits of Agreement (LOA). Clinically acceptable LOA was defined as ± 1 L.min-1 for CO and ± 200 dynes s.cm-5 for SVR. Secondary outcome was the ability of the HPI to predict future hypotension, defined as Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) less than 65 mmHg lasting at least one minute. We estimated sensitivity, positive predictive value, and time from alert to hypotensive events for HPI software. Results Overall, 125 pairs of CO and 122 pairs of SVR records were obtained from 23 patients. Based on our predefined criteria, only 42% (95% CI 30%, 55%) of CO records and 53% (95% CI 28%, 72%) of SVR records from HPI software were considered to agree with those from PAC. Across all patients, there were a total of 1860 HPI alerts (HPI ≥ 85) and 642 hypotensive events (MAP < 65 mmHg). Out of the 642 hypotensive events, 618 events were predicted by HPI alert with sensitivity of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95). Many times, the HPI value remained above alert level and was followed by multiple hypotensive events. Thus, to evaluate PPV and time to hypotension metric, we considered only the first HPI alert followed by a hypotensive event (“true alerts”). The “true alert” was the first alert when there were several alerts before a hypotension. There were 614 “true alerts” and the PPV for HPI was 0.33 (95% CI 0.31, 0.35). The median time from HPI alert to hypotension was 3.3 [Q1, Q3: 1, 9.3] mins. Conclusion There was poor agreement between the pulmonary artery catheter and HPI software calculated advanced hemodynamic parameters (CO and SVR), in the patients undergoing LT surgery. HPI software had high sensitivity but poor specificity for hypotension prediction, resulting in a high burden of false alarms.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the inhalational anesthetic sevoflurane on postoperative myocardial injury and renal function in children under 2 years old with congenital heart disease (RACHS 1, 2, and 3) undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. Methods A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 66 patients divided into two groups: one receiving sevoflurane and the other Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA). The primary outcome was the serum troponin I levels within the first 48 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included urine output and serum urea levels. Results The median troponin I levels at 48 hours were 10.5 ng.mL−1 (IQR: 8.2-12.7) in the sevoflurane group and 11.0 ng.mL−1 (IQR: 8.7-13.0) in the TIVA group (p = 0.336). The sevoflurane group showed higher urine output on the second postoperative day (median: 800 mL [IQR: 420-913] vs. 541 mL [IQR: 312-718], p = 0.034) and lower serum urea levels (median: 24 mg.dL−1 [IQR: 16-35] vs. 36 mg.dL−1 [IQR: 23-49], p = 0.030). Conclusions While sevoflurane did not significantly impact myocardial injury markers, it demonstrated potential renal protective effects in this patient population. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings across different pediatric age groups and surgical contexts.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Introduction This study evaluates the impact of Fluid Balance (FB) patterns on outcomes after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (OLT). It hypothesizes that deviations from optimal FB increase morbidity. Methods In a single-center cohort post hoc analysis of 73 post-OLT patients, FB was categorized into three groups based on cumulative FB at 72 hours: Lowest (negative FB), Intermediate (0-2000 mL), and Highest (> 2000 mL). We analyzed Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, mortality rates, and causes of death. Logistic regression identified mortality predictors. Results The Highest FB group had the highest SOFA scores and mortality (Group “Lo”: 18.2%, Group “In”: 8.6%, Group “Hi”: 40.5%, p = 0.009). A U-shaped relationship between FB and hospital mortality was observed, with extremes of FB associated with higher mortality. Cumulative FB independently predicted all-cause mortality with a 29.5% increase in the risk of death. FB on day 3 also predicted all-cause mortality, increasing the risk by 83.9%. Furthermore, FB on day 1 was linked to a 134.5% increase in the risk of death due to primary non-function of the liver. SOFALIVER score strongly predicted all-cause mortality, with a one-point increase associated with a 98.8% to 114.7% increase in mortality risk. Discussion These findings suggest that both negative and positive extremes of FB are associated with worse outcomes after OLT, reinforcing the U-shaped relationship between FB and mortality. Our results underscore the importance of balanced fluid management, particularly in the early postoperative period. The study highlights the need for individualized FB strategies to optimize organ function and reduce mortality. The use of SOFALIVER scores as a predictor of mortality further emphasizes the importance of liver function monitoring in post-OLT patients. However, the single-centre design and convenience sample limit the generalizability of our findings, necessitating validation through multicenter studies. Conclusion Our study provides valuable insights into the relationship between FB patterns and mortality in OLT patients. Both negative and positive extremes of FB are associated with higher mortality, suggesting the need for a balanced and individualized fluid management approach. The strong predictive value of SOFALIVER scores for all-cause mortality highlights the importance of early and continuous monitoring of liver function. Future multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings and develop optimized fluid management protocols for OLT patients.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Growing evidence of the benefits of home ventilatory support in patients with chronic respiratory failure along with technological advances in ventilators have enabled their use in overly complex situations, shaping a new scenario for physicians. This has further given rise to new challenges related to their incorporation into current medical practice. However, this evolution needs to be coupled with knowledge and skills of physicians who are willing to prescribe Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV), in order to prevent them from making inappropriate choices or adjustments that may ultimately have ethical and legal implications. This article aims to provide guidance and information to support the indication for HMV and the ventilation modalities to be implemented, review basic ventilation concepts, including the ventilator modes most commonly used in patients outside the hospital setting, list the brands and models available in the Brazilian market, provide the means for obtaining equipment for HMV, and finally, describe the requirements for selection of equipment, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient to ensure safe perioperative care and earlier dehospitalization.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background The impact of choosing between inhalational anesthetics and propofol for maintenance anesthesia in liver transplantation or liver resections remains uncertain. Methods A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library on September 5, 2023, adhering to the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials and five observational studies, comprising 1,602 patients, were included. The statistical analysis was categorized into three groups: liver transplantation (four studies), living donor hepatectomy (four studies), and liver mass hepatectomy (twelve studies). The liver mass hepatectomy group was further subdivided based on the performance of the Pringle maneuver and the use of pharmacological preconditioning. Statistically significant results are described below. In liver transplant recipients, propofol anesthesia was associated with lower AST levels on the first postoperative day. Hepatic donors anesthetized with propofol had higher total infusion volumes and intraoperative urine output. Patients undergoing liver mass resection with the Pringle maneuver and propofol anesthesia had higher peak AST and ALT levels compared to those who received pharmacological preconditioning. Patients undergoing liver mass resection with the Pringle maneuver and propofol anesthesia had higher AST and ALT levels on both the first and third postoperative days, increased total infusion volumes, and shorter hospital stays, when compared to pharmacological conditioning. Conclusions Our findings do not offer sufficient evidence to inform clinical practice. The choice between propofol-based and inhalational anesthesia should be tailored to the individual patient's condition and the nature of the procedure being performed. Registration PROSPERO ID: CRD42023460715.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background Recent randomized clinical trials have compared the perioperative use of Intravenous (IV) lidocaine and Thoracic Epidural Analgesia (TEA) for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Methods A systematic search was conducted on Embase, Web of Science (all databases), Cochrane Library, and PubMed on March 25, 2024, adhering to the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines. Results Out of 1261 screened studies, 6 were included. TEA provided superior pain relief on a 0 to 10 pain scale at rest compared to IV lidocaine at 2 (n = 335, MD = -0.72, 95% CI -0.19 to -1.25, p = 0.007423, I2 = 83%) and 24 hours postoperatively (n = 402; MD = -0.18, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.23; p < 0.000001, I2 = 18%). However, no statistically significant differences were observed on pain scores at rest at 48 and 72 hours. TEA provided superior pain relief on a 0 to 10 pain scale during coughing at 24 hours postoperatively (n = 360; MD = -0.36, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.52, p = 0.000019, I2 = 2%), but no statistically significant differences were observed in pain scores on coughing at 48 and 72 hours. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to first flatus, or length of hospital stay. Conclusions TEA provides more effective postoperative pain relief compared to IV lidocaine during the first postoperative day, as evidenced by analyses of pain both at rest and during coughing.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Introduction Results from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on mixed Local Anesthetics (LA) are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on whether using mixed LA leads to faster onset of surgical block. Method We conducted systemic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Medline and Embase without language restriction from inception to June 15, 2024, were searched. Included RCTs had to compare mixed LA to long-acting LA in adult surgical patients for onset or duration of nerve blocks. Onset time to surgical block was the primary outcome. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool with GRADE methodology was utilized to assess evidence quality. Results Nineteen trials including 1060 participants met the inclusion criteria. Mixed LA modestly reduced time to surgical block (-8.4 minutes; 95% CI -12.0 to -4.8 minutes; p = 0.0001; I2 = 0.99), sensory block duration (-226.2 minutes; 95% CI -352.2 to -100.1 minutes; p = 0.002; I2 = 0.98) and motor block duration (-259.2 minutes; 95% CI -399.5 to -119.0 minutes; p = 0.003; I2 = 0.98) but not time to analgesic request duration (-130.5 minutes; 95% CI -265.9 to 4.9 minutes; p = 0.057; I2 = 0.98). GRADE scoring ranged from low to very low. Conclusion The existing evidence showed mixed LA led to a modest reduction in surgical block latency but also shortened block duration. Future studies should evaluate the role of mixed LA in lower limb blocks and optimal dosing of long-acting LA to balance onset latency and analgesic duration. PROSPERO registration CRD42024552801.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background Blood transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and maintaining global blood supplies can be a challenge. This systematic review investigates the impact of preoperative iron supplementation on the risk of blood transfusion among non-anemic patients undergoing major surgeries. Methods We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for randomized controlled trials published up to May 2024. Studies involving the use of erythropoietin, or patients already using iron supplementation when trial randomization was conducted were excluded. Outcomes assessed included the number of individuals who received blood transfusions, and mean hemoglobin levels at the first day and by the first postoperative week. Results A total of 1,162 non-anemic patients from 9 studies were included. Of these, 54% received preoperative iron supplementation. The average age was 71 years, and 44% were women. Preoperative iron supplementation was associated with a significantly lower risk of receiving a blood transfusion (OR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.75; p < 0.001). At the first postoperative day, the iron supplementation group had significantly higher mean hemoglobin levels compared to the no-treatment group (MD = 0.22 g.dL-1; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.42; p = 0.03). However, the pooled results could not rule out the null hypothesis for the difference in mean hemoglobin levels throughout the first week (MD = 0.12 g.dL-1; 95% CI -0.12 to 0.35; p = 0.34). Conclusion Preoperative intravenous iron supplementation in non-anemic patients undergoing major surgeries, particularly cardiac procedures, significantly reduces transfusion requirements. However, the benefits of oral iron remain uncertain, and further research is warranted to establish standardized perioperative supplementation protocols. PROSPERO identifier CRD42024552559.