Characterizing Intraoperative Vasopressor Use in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Preoperative optimization and protocols for joint replacement care pathways have led to decreased length of stay (LOS)and narcotic use, and are increasingly important in delivering quality, cost savings, and shifting appropriate cases to an outpatient setting. The intraoperative use of vasopressors is independently associated with increased LOS and risk of adverse postoperative events including death, and in total hip arthroplasty, there is an increased risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Our aim is to characterize the patient characteristics associated with vasopressor use specifically in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of a cohort of patients who underwent inpatient primary TKA at a single academic hospital from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Demographics, comorbidities, perioperative factors, and intraoperative medication administration were compared with multivariate regression to identify patients who may require intraoperative vasopressors. Out of these, 748 patients underwent TKA, 439 patients required intraoperative vasopressors, while 307 did not. Significant independent predictors of vasopressor use were older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.08) and history of a prior cerebrovascular accident (CVA; OR = 11.80, CI: 1.48–93.81). While not significant, male sex (OR = 0.72, CI: 0.50–1.04) and regional anesthesia (OR = 0.64, CI: 0.40–1.05) were nearing significance as negative independent predictors of vasopressor use. In a secondary analysis, we did not observe an increase in complications attributable to vasopressor administration intraoperatively. In conclusion, nearly 59% of patients undergoing TKA received intraoperative vasopressor support. History of stroke and older age were significantly associated with increased intraoperative vasopressor use. As the first study to examine vasopressor usage in a TKA patient population, we believe that understanding the association between patient characteristics and intraoperative vasopressor support will help orthopaedic surgeons select the appropriate surgical setting during preoperative optimization.

Effect of focused cardiopulmonary ultrasonography on clinical outcome of septic shock: a randomized study

Objective To investigate the effect of focused ultrasonography on clinical outcomes of septic shock. Methods Patients with septic shock were randomized into an integrated cardiopulmonary ultrasonography (ICUS) group and conventional (CON) group. Within 1 hour of admission, the ICUS group underwent ICUS examination for hemodynamic decision-making, while the CON group received standard treatment. The primary endpoint was 28-day mortality after admission. The secondary endpoints were cumulative fluid administration in the first 6, 24, and 72 hours; use of vasoactive drugs; lactate clearance; duration of ventilation; and ICU stay. Results Ninety-four qualified patients were enrolled (ICUS group, 49; CON group, 45). ICUS showed no significant effect on 28-day mortality. Within the initial 6 hours, the ICUS group tended to have a higher fluid balance and fluid intake than the CON group. The duration of vasopressor support was shorter in the ICUS group. There were no differences in the cumulative fluid infusion within 24 or 72 hours, lactate clearance, ICU stay, or duration of ventilation. Conclusions The initially focused ICUS did not affect the clinical outcomes of septic shock, but it tended to be associated with a higher fluid balance within the initial 6 hours and shorter duration of vasopressor support.

Severe metabolic acidosis in critically Ill patients and its association with the outcome in North Karnataka

Background: Outcomes of metabolic acidosis remain unsure and needs to be explored deeply. This article presents a rational approach to diagnosis and management of metabolic acidosis. The data focusing specifically on severe metabolic acidosis (pH<7.20) is scanty. Methods: It was a prospective observational study. A total of 50 consecutive critically ill patients (APACHE II score of 18 or more) with single severe metabolic acidosis (pH<7.20) admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of Shri BM Patil Medical College, Vijayapura. Arterial blood gas analysis along with other relevant investigations was done within first 24 h of ICU admission.Results: Among 50 patients, 32 patients expired compared to 18 patients who were discharged from hospital in stable condition. Out of 29 patients, who had lactic acidosis, 21 (72%) patients died compared to 8 (28%) patients who were discharged in stable condition. Out of 22 patients who have low Strong Ion Difference (SID) 16 patients had expired (76%) remaining 6 (24%) patients are discharged at stable condition. Out of 27 patients who were put on mechanical ventilator on the first day, 22 (80%) patients expired. 18 patients required vasopressor support on admission out of which 16 (90%) patients had lactic acidosis. Conclusions: Lactic acidosis and strong ion gap are found to be associated with higher mortality. Hypotensive patients required vasopressor support on admission. Monitoring of serum pH, HCO3−, lactate levels and strong ion gap may have prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Increased crystalloid fluid requirements during zone 3 Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) versus Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT) after class II hemorrhage in swine

Purpose Pelvic and lower junctional hemorrhage result in a significant amount of trauma related deaths in military and rural civilian environments. The Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet (AAJT) and infra-renal (zone 3) Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) are two options for resuscitation of patients with life threatening blood loss from and distal to the pelvis. Evidence suggest differences in the hemodynamic response between AAJT and zone 3 REBOA, but fluid management during resuscitation with the devices has not been fully elucidated. We compared crystalloid fluid requirements (Ringer’s acetate) between these devices to maintain a carotid mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 60 mmHg. Methods 60 kg anesthetized and mechanically ventilated male pigs were subjected to a mean 1030 (range 900–1246) mL (25% of estimated total blood volume, class II) haemorrhage. AAJT (n = 6) or zone 3 REBOA (n = 6) were then applied for 240 min. Crystalloid fluids were administered to maintain carotid MAP. The animals were monitored for 30 min after reperfusion. Results Cumulative resuscitative fluid requirements increased 7.2 times (mean difference 2079 mL; 95% CI 627–3530 mL) in zone 3 REBOA (mean 2412; range 800–4871 mL) compared to AAJT (mean 333; range 0–1000 mL) to maintain target carotid MAP. Release of the AAJT required vasopressor support with norepinephrine infusion for a mean 9.6 min (0.1 µg/kg/min), while REBOA release required no vasopressor support. Conclusion Zone 3 REBOA required 7.2 times more crystalloids to maintain the targeted MAP. The AAJT may therefore be considered in a situation of hemorrhagic shock to limit the need for crystalloid infusions, although removal of the AAJT caused more severe hemodynamic and metabolic effects which required vasopressor support.