Proactive Management of Intraoperative Hypotension Reduces Biomarkers of Organ Injury and Oxidative Stress during Elective Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Intraoperative hypotension is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods: We randomly assigned patients undergoing major general surgery to early warning system (EWS) and hemodynamic algorithm (intervention group, n = 20) or standard care (n = 20). The primary outcome was the difference in hypotension (defined as mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg) and as secondary outcome surrogate markers of organ injury and oxidative stress. Results: The median number of hypotensive episodes was lower in the intervention group (−5.0 (95% CI: −9.0, −0.5); p < 0.001), with lower time spent in hypotension (−12.8 min (95% CI: −38.0, −2.3 min); p = 0.048), correspondent to −4.8% of total surgery time (95% CI: −12.7, 0.01%; p = 0.048).The median time-weighted average of hypotension was 0.12 mmHg (0.35) in the intervention group and 0.37 mmHg (1.11) in the control group, with a median difference of −0.25 mmHg (95% CI: −0.85, −0.01; p = 0.025). Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) correlated with time-weighted average of hypotension (R = 0.32; p = 0.038) and S100B with number of hypotensive episodes, absolute time of hypotension, relative time of hypotension and time-weighted average of hypotension (p < 0.001 for all). The intervention group showed lower Neuronal Specific Enolase (NSE) and higher reduced glutathione when compared to the control group. Conclusions: The use of an EWS coupled with a hemodynamic algorithm resulted in reduced intraoperative hypotension, reduced NSE and oxidative stress.

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury after femoral neck fracture in elderly patients: a retrospective case-control study

Background Hip fracture is highly associated with disability and consequently, mortality in the elderly population. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is not unusual and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine the incidences and potential risk factors for postoperative AKI in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. Methods We retrospectively evaluated patients over 65 years of age who had been subjected to surgery for femoral neck fracture at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019. Demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Guidelines (KDIGO). Results A total of 308 elderly patients with femoral neck fracture were included in the study. The overall incidence of postoperative AKI was 12% (37 cases). Through binary logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, intraoperative blood loss and BMI, we identified that early postoperative albumin levels, hemoglobin changes and intraoperative hypotension are independent risk factors for postoperative AKI. The model considering the three factors can improve accuracy of predicting the possibility of developing AKI. The patients with AKI had a significantly higher mortality of 40.5% than those without AKI (24.0%, p < 0.001) Conclusion The incidence of postoperative AKI in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture was 12%. Independent risk factors for postoperative AKI included hemoglobin changes, early postoperative hypoalbuminemia and intraoperative hypotension. At the same time, postoperative AKI significantly increased mortality in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. Taking multiple possible factors into consideration can better predict the possibility of elderly patients developing AKI after surgery.

The Use of the Hypotension Prediction Index Integrated in an Algorithm of Goal Directed Hemodynamic Treatment during Moderate and High-Risk Surgery

(1) Background: The Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) is an algorithm that predicts hypotension, defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 65 mmHg for at least 1 min, based on arterial waveform features. We tested the hypothesis that the use of this index reduces the duration and severity of hypotension during noncardiac surgery. (2) Methods: We enrolled adults having moderate- or high-risk noncardiac surgery with invasive arterial pressure monitoring. Participating patients were randomized 1:1 to standard of care or hemodynamic management with HPI guidance with a goal directed hemodynamic treatment protocol. The trigger to initiate treatment (with fluids, vasopressors, or inotropes) was a value of HPI of 85 (range, 0–100) or higher in the intervention group. Primary outcome was the amount of hypotension, defined as time-weighted average (TWA) MAP less than 65 mmHg. Secondary outcomes were time spent in hypertension defined as MAP more than 100 mmHg for at least 1 min; medication and fluids administered and postoperative complications. (3) Results: We obtained data from 99 patients. The median (IQR) TWA of hypotension was 0.16 mmHg (IQR, 0.01–0.32 mmHg) in the intervention group versus 0.50 mmHg (IQR, 0.11–0.97 mmHg) in the control group, for a median difference of −0.28 (95% CI, −0.48 to −0.09 mmHg; p = 0.0003). We also observed an increase in hypertension in the intervention group as well as a higher weight-adjusted administration of phenylephrine in the intervention group. (4) Conclusions: In this single-center prospective study of patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery, the use of this prediction model resulted in less intraoperative hypotension compared with standard care. An increase in the time spent in hypertension in the treatment group was also observed, probably as a result of overtreatment. This should provide an insight for refining the use of this prediction index in future studies to avoid excessive correction of blood pressure.

Application of Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine Combined with General Anesthesia in Anesthesia of Patients with Traumatic Tibiofibular Fractures and Its Effect on the Incidence of Adverse Reactions

Objective. To explore the application of different doses of dexmedetomidine combined with general anesthesia in patients with traumatic tibiofibular fractures. Methods. A total of 120 patients with traumatic tibiofibular fractures treated in our hospital (January 2018–January 2021) were selected as the research subjects and equally grouped into group A, group B, group C, and group D according to the dosage of dexmedetomidine. Group B, group C, and group D were pumped with 0.3 μg/kg, 0.5 μg/kg, and 0.8 μg/kg load doses of dexmedetomidine before anesthesia induction, with the same doses for maintenance during surgery. Group A was intravenously pumped with the same amount of normal saline and received tracheal intubation after anesthesia induction, with propofol and remifentanil to maintain general anesthesia during surgery. Results. No notable differences in general data were observed among the groups ( P > 0.05). Ramsay sedation scores of all groups showed a downward trend after drug withdrawal. At 10 min, 30 min, and 60 min, the scores of groups C and D were markedly higher than those of groups A and B ( P < 0.05), and the scores were higher in group D than those in group C ( P < 0.05). The HR changes at each period were close between groups A and B ( P > 0.05). The HRs at T1 and T2 in group C were slightly lower than those in group D ( P > 0.05), and the HRs at T1 in groups A and B were remarkably higher than those in groups C and D, and were higher than those at T0 and T2 ( P < 0.05). The SBP levels of all groups began to rise at T0, peaked at T1, and decreased to a lower level at T2 than that at T0. Moreover, the SBP levels of groups C and D at T1 and T2 were notably lower compared with groups A and B ( P < 0.05). With a lower DBP level in group C than the other three groups at T1, the DBP levels were notably lower in groups C and D than those in groups A and B at T2 ( P < 0.05). With no statistical difference in the MAP levels at T0 among the four groups ( P > 0.05), the MAP levels in group A at T1 and T2 were obviously higher compared with groups C and D ( P < 0.05). The extubation time in group A was notably longer than that that in groups B, C, and D ( P < 0.05), with longer extubation time in group B than that in groups C and D ( P < 0.05). The orientation recovery time in group D was markedly shorter than that in groups A, B, and C ( P < 0.05). The incidence of cognitive dysfunction, chills, and restlessness in groups C and D was notably lower compared with groups A and B ( P < 0.05), with a higher incidence of chills, intraoperative hypotension, and delayed awakening in group D than in group C ( P < 0.05). Conclusion. Dexmedetomidine at doses of 0.5 μg/kg and 0.8 μg/kg has a better effect in the maintenance of general anesthesia for patients with traumatic tibiofibular fractures, with faster orientation recovery, better recovery of postoperative cognitive function, and a lower incidence of adverse reactions. Dexmedetomidine at 0.5 μg/kg is recommended in view of the increased risk of excessive sedation, chills, restlessness, and intraoperative hypotension in patients at 0.8 μg/kg.

Norepinephrine in Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy during General Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Spinal Operation: Determining Effective Infusion Rate to Enhance Postoperative Functions

Background and Objective: Intraoperative hypotension is a common complication in general anesthesia that could result in different serious complications particularly in elderly patients. This Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) aims to determine effective continuous infusion rate of norepinephrine to prevent intraoperative hypotension during spinal surgery under general anesthesia in elderly patients. Methods: This RCT was conducted on elderly patients (n= 108) undergoing general anesthesia for posterior lumbar spinal fusion. The patients were randomly divided into 0.030, 0.060, and 0.090 μg.kg-1.min-1 groups of norepinephrine infusion rates. The outcomes were assessed at entrance to operation room (T0), 15 mins after anesthesia induction (T1), 60 mins following surgery (T2), and immediately after surgery (T3). The intraoperative and postoperative complications and rehabilitation outcomes were comparatively assessed. Results: All three groups significantly reduced the incidence of delayed wound healing (0.030 vs. 0.060 vs. 0.090 μg.kg-1.min-1; 33.3% vs. 10% vs. 10%, P=0.024) and wound infection (26.7% vs. 6.7% vs. 6.7%, P=0.031). Intraoperative total fluid volume and colloids volume in the 0.030 group were significantly higher than 0.060 and 0.090 groups (P=0.005, P=0.003, and P=0.01, respectively). The 0.060 and 0.090 groups significantly increased mean-arterial-pressure than the 0.030 group at T2 and T3. Both 0.060 and 0.090 infusion rates significantly reduced intraoperative hypotension than 0.030 dosage (P=0.01 and P=0.003, respectively). The bradycardia incidence in the 0.090 group was significantly higher than the 0.030 (P=0.026) and 0.060 groups (P=0.038). The 0.060 group decreased the first intake by 1.4 hours (P=0.008) and first flatus by 1.1 hours (P=0.004) and postoperative hospital stay by 1 day (P=0.066). Conclusion: The 0.060 µg·kg-1·min-1 norepinephrine infusion combined with goal-directed fluid therapy exhibited adequate intraoperative management and postoperative outcomes.

Prolonged Washout Period for Avoiding Azilsartan-Induced Refractory Hypotension During General Anesthesia for a Patient With Renal Impairment

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used to treat hypertension, but severe refractory hypotension during general anesthesia is a well-known complication associated with the continuation of ARBs during the perioperative period. It has therefore been recommended that ARBs be withheld for 24 hours before induction of general anesthesia. However, impaired renal function affects the pharmacokinetics of each ARB differently. The half-life of azilsartan is prolonged in accordance with the degree of renal impairment. Herein, we describe a patient with chronic kidney disease grade 3B who experienced severe refractory hypotension after induction of general anesthesia requiring administration of dopamine following inadequate responses to ephedrine and phenylephrine despite a 24-hour azilsartan washout period. When the same patient underwent general anesthesia for a subsequent surgery, azilsartan was withheld for 48 hours before induction, resulting in mild intraoperative hypotension that responded adequately to phenylephrine. Severe refractory hypotension during general anesthesia cannot always be avoided by holding azilsartan for 24 hours in patients with significant renal impairment. Therefore, a longer washout period may be preferable for patients regularly taking azilsartan who also have concurrent substantial renal impairment.

Intraoperative hypotension, oliguria and operation time are associated with pulmonary embolism after radical resection of head and neck cancers: a case control study

Background Postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious thrombotic complication in the patients with otolaryngologic cancers. We investigated the risk factors associated with postoperative PE after radical resection of head and neck cancers. Methods A total of 3512 patients underwent head and neck cancers radical resection from 2013 to 2019. A one-to-three control group without postoperative PE was selected matched by age, gender, and type of cancer. Univariate analyses were performed for the perioperative patient data including hemodynamic management factors. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the factors and their odds ratios. Results Postoperative PE was prevalent in 0.85% (95%CI = 0.56–1.14). Univariate analyses showed that a high ASA grade, high BMI, and smoking history may be related to postoperative PE. There was significantly difference in operation time between the two groups, especially for> 4 h [22(78.6%) vs 43(51.2%), P = .011]. The urine output was lower [1.37(0.73–2.21) ml·kg− 1·h− 1 vs 2.14(1.32–3.46) ml·kg− 1·h− 1, P = .006] and the incidence of oliguria was significantly increased (14.3% vs 1.2%, P = .004) in the PE group. Multivariable conditional logistic regression showed postoperative PE were associated with the cumulative duration for intraoperative hypotension (OR = 2.330, 95%CI = 1.428–3.801, P = .001), oliguria (OR = 14.844, 95%CI = 1.089–202.249, P = .043), and operation time > 4 h (OR = 4.801, 95%CI = 1.054–21.866, P = .043). Conclusions The intraoperative hypotension, oliguria, and operation time > 4 h are risk factors associated with postoperative PE after radical resection of head and neck cancers. Improving intraoperative hemodynamics management to ensure adequate blood pressure and urine output may reduce the occurrence of such complications.

Comparison of three neuraxial anesthesia approaches in parturient women with obesity and pregnancy-induced hypertension who underwent cesarean section

Objective To compare the effectiveness of different approaches of neuraxial anesthesia in parturient women with obesity and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) who undergo cesarean section (CS). Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 108 parturient women with obesity and PIH who underwent CS. All women were divided into the following three groups according to the neuraxial anesthesia approach: spinal anesthesia (SA), epidural anesthesia (EA), and combined spinal–epidural anesthesia (CSE). Clinical variables were compared. Results The mean age of the patients was 27.3 ± 2.2 years. Women in the CSE group had a longer duration from puncture to surgery, smaller intraoperative change in mean arterial pressure, higher Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, shorter surgery time, lower rates of nausea and vomiting, and lower rate of intraoperative hypotension compared with those in the SA and EA groups. Conclusion CSE takes longer to administer in parturient women with obesity and PIH who undergo CS compared with those who have SA or EA. However, CSE has several advantages over SA or EA, including a shorter surgery time, more stable intraoperative mean arterial pressure, lower rates of nausea, vomiting, and intraoperative hypotension, and better Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes.