Central Noninvasive Hemodynamics in Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia with Expansion of the Epidural Space in Obese Patients

The objective: to substantiate the safety of using combined spinal epidural anesthesia with expansion of the epidural space in hernioplasty in obese patients.Subjects and Methods. Hemodynamic parameters were studied in 100 obese patients who underwent elective hernioplasty of the anterior abdominal wall using the neuroaxial block of two types ‒ combined spinal epidural anesthesia with epidural volume extension (CSEA with EVE) and spinal anesthesia (SA). The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 60) ‒ patients operated under combined spinal epidural anesthesia with the epidural volume extension, Group 2 (n = 40) ‒ patients operated under spinal anesthesia. The assessment of changes in main parameters of central hemodynamics, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and cardiac index (CI) was performed using the Estimated Continuous Cardiac Output technology based on the measurement of pulse wave transit time.Results. It was revealed that in Group 1 patients, the listed parameters fluctuated slightly during the entire follow-up period. The average values were: SV 76.4 ± 0.37 ml, CO 5.8 ± 0.04 l/min, CI 3.56 ± 0.03 l/min/m2. In patients of Group 2, there was an increase in SV by 35.5%, CO by 24.2%, and CI by 23.6% at minutes 2-4 of the regional blockade.Conclusions. The most obvious fluctuations in hemodynamic parameters are observed in the group of patients who underwent spinal anesthesia using relatively high doses of local anesthetic. When using CSEA with EVE with low doses of bupivacaine, stable hemodynamic parameters are noted with a constant level of the neuroaxial block.

Differential Diagnostics of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell’s Syndrome) in ICU: Case Reports

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a critical life-threating condition developing as the total detachment of epidermidis and characterized by severe pathological reactions of all body systems. The current article describes two cases of TEN with similar clinical and laboratory signs. In one case the diagnosis of TEN was subsequently refused.The objective: analysis of methods of clinical and differential diagnostics of conditions accompanied with massive epidermidis detachment in ICU patients.Results. The immunomorphological evaluation of skin specimen obtained from the patient with a torpid form of TEN showed linear IgG fixation in the intercellular space of stratum basale, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum and C3 fixation in the intercellular space of stratum basale.Conclusion. The complex of anamnesis data and pathomorphological evaluation of skin are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with atypical TEN.

Comparative Evaluation of Vibratory Physiotherapy Methods in the Early Period after Cardiac Surgery

Postoperative respiratory complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery occur in 20‒30% cases, and the most of them can be associated with ineffective cough and bronchial mucus evacuation.The objective. Comparative assessment of effectiveness and safety of methods for stimulating the evacuation of bronchial secretions using oscillatory PEP-therapy (Acapella Duet), oscillatory chest compression insufflator-aspirator “Comfort Cough Plus”, and the traditional method of manual chest percussion in the early period after cardiac surgery.Subjects and Methods. The prospective study included 120 cardiac surgery patients. They were divided into 3 groups (40 in each), depending on the type of the applied respiratory procedure. Distribution into groups was carried out by random selection. All procedures were performed 10‒12 hours after tracheal extubation. Before the procedure and 20 minutes after it, the efficiency of sputum discharge was assessed, gas exchange indices on room air breathing and maximum inspiratory lung capacity (MILC) were measured.Results. Ineffective bronchial mucus evacuating in the early period after tracheal extubation was observed in 86.7% of the patients. A single procedure of both PEP-therapy (Group 1) and mechanical cough stimulation (Group 2) led to improved sputum passage, as evidenced by an increase in the number of patients with productive cough by 4.25 times (p < 0.0009) and 5.3 times (p < 0.0007), respectively. In patients of Groups 1 and 2, an increase in MILC was observed (by 42.2% and 60.0%, respectively, p = 0.000001), the difference between the groups was statistically significant. In Control Group 3, with manual physiotherapy, the average increase in MILC was only 11.6%. Mechanical respiratory therapy procedures led to significant improvement in gas exchange variables, as evidenced by an increase in SpO2 in Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.000009 and 0.000001, respectively) and a decrease in the proportion of patients with impaired oxygenating lung function (SpO2 below 92%) by 11 and 12 times, respectively (p < 0.01). The most significant changes were revealed in case of mechanical stimulation with aspirator-insufflator due to combination of two methods (oscillatory chest compression and lung inflation). In Control Group, no significant changes of gas exchange variables were observed.Conclusion: Mechanical vibratory methods for stimulating the bronchial secretion evacuation have significant advantages over classical manual chest massage in patients after cardiac surgery. Their positive effect on sputum passage, ventilatory parameters and gas exchange was noted, and the most pronounced effect was observed after oscillatory chest compression with insufflator-aspirator. The procedures were well tolerated and there were no complications associated with them.

STOP-BANG: a Mandatory Tool for Targeted Respiratory Therapy in Bariatric Patients

Identification of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and high respiratory risk, optimization of the screening algorithm for these patients and administration of preventive non-invasive lung ventilation, makes it possible to prevent the development of perioperative complications, reduce duration of hospital stay and reduce mortality in patients undergoing surgery and bariatric surgery specifically.The objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of STOP-BANG questionnaire for preventive targeted respiratory therapy to reduce the risk of complications in bariatric patients. Subjects and Methods. We examined 60 patients with BMI above 30 kg/m2 referred to elective secondary surgery, the age made 44.2 ± 10.1 years, 23 men and 37 women. Before the operation, patients underwent STOP-BANG questionnaire survey, night respiratory monitoring with the calculation of the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and/or saturation during sleep. The standard preoperative examination included clinical and biochemical analyzes.Results. Based on results of STOP-BANG survey, a correlation was revealed between the score and AHI as well as the score and average saturation. The higher score the patients had according to the STOP-BANG questionnaire, the higher AHI was (r = 0.4748, p = 0.002), and the lower mean SpO2 was (r = -0.6958, p < 0.001). Using the ROC analysis, we chose the optimal threshold value - 4 points according to STOP-BANG questionnaire, where the sensitivity of the method was 93% for the AHI, the specificity was 56%, and for the average saturation it was 100% and 63%, respectively. Of the total number of bariatric patients included in the study, 30% required preventive ventilation. In the high respiratory risk group, no significant intraoperative incidents and deaths were reported by the surgical and anesthetic teams. All patients were discharged on time (5‒7 days). Based on the results, a screening procedure has been offered for bariatric patients with high respiratory risk associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.Conclusion. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a reliable screening tool for high respiratory risk in morbid obese patients. Early diagnosis of high respiratory risk and implementation of preventive ventilation reduces the incidence of perioperative respiratory and cardiovascular complications.

Informational Value of Proadrenomedullin Blood Levels in Patients with Septic Shock, Once Measured Upon Admission to ICU

The objective: to assess the information value of proadrenomedullin (PAM), once measured upon admission to ICU in predicting mortality and differential diagnosis of septic and hypovolemic shock.Subjects and Methods. A prospective cohort retrospective study was carried out. 134 patients in a state of shock were included in the study. Of these, 125 patients had septic shock; 9 ‒ hypovolemic one. The diagnosis of septic shock was established according to the Sepsis-3 criteria. To compare hypovolemic and septic shock, blood levels of proadrenomedullin (PAM), procalcitonin (PCT) and lactate were tested in 9 patients with obvious hypovolemic shock. Samples (venous blood) were collected within 24 hours from the moment the vasopressors began to be used in ICU or by the ambulance team (EMS).Results. The ROC analysis showed comparable predictive value with APACHE II, SOFA and lactate scales in patients with septic shock with cut-off > 4.23 nmol/L. The range of PAM values in patients with septic shock was Me 4.56 (2.9‒6.7) in patients with hypovolemic shock – Me 0.6 (0.1‒1.4).Conclusion. Proadrenomedullin can be used for differential diagnosis of septic shock and hypovolemic shock. Blood levels greater than 2.9 nmol/L are of absolute value for the diagnosis of septic shock. Procalcitonin is inferior to PAM within the range of 1.0–6.45 ng/ml. PAM unlike SCT is a statistically significant predictor of global outcome in septic shock along with lactate and scales. But such scales as SOFA and ARACНE-II are more laborious in comparison with testing proadrenomedullin blood level.

Hemorrhagic Risks of Percutaneous Dilated Tracheotomy in Thrombocytopenia

The objective: to assess the incidence and influence of platelets level on the hemorrhagic complications during percutaneous dilated tracheotomy (PDT) in patients with thrombocytopenia.Subjects and Methods. The study included 85 consecutive patients with varying degrees of thrombocytopenia at the stages of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The control group included 56 patients who underwent classical tracheotomy. The study group included 29 patients who underwent PDT (Griggs method). The operations were performed for prolonged artificial pulmonary ventilation. When the platelets level was below 20 × 109/L, platelet concentrate transfusion was performed before the operation.Results. The incidence of hemorrhagic complications in patients with thrombocytopenia during PDT was 13.8% (95% CI 9.13–18.45%). In open tracheotomy, the bleeding rate was 3.8% (95% CI 2.65–4.49%). These results are comparable to the incidence of hemorrhagic complications in patients with normal platelet counts. The influence of the platelet level on the presence of hemorrhagic complications in both groups was not established.Conclusion. Thrombocytopenia is not a contraindication to performing PDT. However, platelet concentrate transfusion should be performed in patients with platelet counts less than 20 × 109/L. An experienced team of anesthesiologists and endoscopists can reduce the incidence of other complications.

Acute Kidney Injury in Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Changes in classification criteria and active introduction of biomarkers of acute kidney injury (KDIGO, 2012) are changing approaches to diagnosis and treatment of postoperative renal dysfunction including cardiac surgery patients operated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The objective: to compare the detection rate of AKI after surgery with CPB with the use of biomarkers and kidney disease improving global outcomes criteria, as well as to evaluate the cause and localization of structural changes of the nephron.Subjects and Methods. A monocenter observational study among elective cardiac surgery patients (n = 97) was conducted. Inclusion criteria: age over 18 years, duration of surgery (coronary bypass surgery, prosthetic heart valves) from 90 to 180 minutes, no signs of end stage kidney disease. AKI was diagnosed based on changes in serum creatinine and biomarkers (NGAL, IgG, albumin in urine). The studied parameters were recorded 15 minutes after the start and end of anesthesia, as well as 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Retrospectively, the group was divided into three subgroups: 1) patients without AKI after surgery; 2) patients in whom signs of AKI were detected after 24 hours but regressed by the 48th hour; 3) patients in whom AKI persisted during all 48 hours of follow-up.Results. 24 hours after surgery, AKI based on KDIGO criteria was recorded in 56.3% of patients. Using biomarkers, signs of tubular damage (NGAL) at the end of anesthesia were detected in 95.9% of patients; after 24 hours, they were registered in 73.2% of cases. In a subgroup where AKI persisted for more than 24 hours, glomeruli were damaged in addition to tubules which was manifested not only by selective but also by non-selective proteinuria. The duration of CPB, hemodilution (Hb < 90 g/l), the release of free hemoglobin in the blood (> 1.5 mg/l) at low (< 1 g/l) values of haptoglobin were significantly associated with AKI development.Conclusion. The KDIGO criteria do not allow detecting a subclinical form of renal dysfunction which may occur in about 40% of patients after surgery with CPB. AKI can be caused by damage to both the tubular part of the nephron and glomeruli in cases of prolonged CPB with the development of hemolysis, the release of free hemoglobin in the blood, and persisting anemia at the end of the surgery. The NGAL assessment makes it possible to detect subclinical kidney injury in the absence of elevated serum creatinine levels.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Using Membranes with Increased Adsorption Capacity in Patients with Septic Shock after Neurosurgical Interventions

Introduction. The combination of primary brain injury with cytokine storm and hemodynamic disturbance in septic shock leads to secondary brain damage and growing neurological deficit. Blood purification procedures can be considered as an additional option in the treatment of septic shock in this group of patients.Subjects and Methods. The study included 11 patients after neurosurgical interventions with septic shock and acute kidney injury who underwent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) using membranes with increased adsorption capacity.Results. During CRRT there was a significant regression in severity of multiorgan dysfunction according to SOFA score, a decrease in the requirement for vasopressor support with norepinephrine, and a decrease in lactate blood level. In addition, after the end of the procedure, there was a significant decrease in procalcitonin blood level. Septic shock reversal was observed in 8/11 patients (72.7%). In 3/11 patients, neurological deficits regressed during the procedure.Conclusions. The results indicate the possibility of using CRRT with membranes with increased adsorption capacity in patients after neurosurgical interventions with septic shock. Changes in neurological status can be considered as an additional parameter for the effectiveness of therapy for septic shock in patients with primary brain injury.

Neurometabolic Therapy in Patients with Encephalopathy Associated with COVID-19

The objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of neurometabolic therapy in patients with severe course of the new coronavirus infection of COVID-19 complicated by the development of encephalopathy.Subjects and Methods. A pilot prospective study was carried out with the participation of 61 patients with a severe course of COVID-19 complicated by encephalopathy. The patients were randomized into two groups: the study group (n = 34), the patients in which, in contrast to the control group (n = 27), received Cytoflavin in addition to the main therapy in a daily dose of up to 40 ml for 5 days. The dynamics of the general and neurological status was assessed on days 3‒4 and 6‒7 days of treatment using the NEWS (National Early Warning Score), Glasgow coma and ICDSC (Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist) scales. Additionally, the blood level of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was investigated at baseline and on days 6‒7.Results. Patients in most cases were elderly or senile with a high comorbidity index (up to 4 points according to Charlson). The persistence of delirious symptoms correlated with their age and low SpO2 levels. In half of the cases (50.8%), the disease had an unfavorable outcome. In the study group, by the 6‒7th day of treatment, there was a significant positive dynamics of the general condition, assessed by the NEWS scale (p = 0.012), a tendency towards a faster recovery of the overall score on the Glasgow scale (p = 0.083), a tendency towards more rapid regression of delirious symptoms by ICDSC scale (p = 0.055) versus the comparison group.Conclusions. Given the high risk of an unfavorable outcome in patients with a severe course of COVID-19 complicated by the development of encephalopathy, the additional use of Cytoflavin is advisable since it contributes to the regression of the symptoms of encephalopathy and may have a positive effect on the course of the disease.

Use of exogenic phosphocreatine in ICU rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19 (pilot study)

The objective: to establish the possible effectiveness of exogenous phosphocreatine as a component of pharmacological support during the resuscitation stage of rehabilitation measures in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Subjects and Methods. Within a randomized study, 21 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were divided into two groups: Group 1 (patients received the infusion of exogenous phosphocreatine as part of intensive care) and Group 2 (patients received standard intensive care) against the background of rehabilitation measures. Patients were assessed for muscle strength using the MRC scale, exercise tolerance by Borg rating, oxygenation parameters, routine clinical laboratory blood tests, dependence on respiratory support, outcome on day 10 of therapy, and hospital outcome.Results. The effectiveness of the use of the exogenous phosphocreatine as a component of pharmacological support during the resuscitation stage of rehabilitation measures in critical patients has been confirmed by positive dynamics: an increase in muscle strength (the MRC score in the group receiving exogenous phosphocreatine on day 10 was 0.5 points higher) and an increase in exercise tolerance (Borg rating in the group receiving exogenous phosphocreatine on day 10 was 1.5 points higher), significant increase in oxygenation based on arterial blood saturation data, and significant increase in lymphocyte count by 25% in the group receiving exogenous phosphocreatine.Conclusion. Exogenous phosphocreatine is a candidate drug for pharmacological support during resuscitation stage of rehabilitation of critical patients with COVID-19.