Current Issue : October-December Volume : 2024 Issue Number : 4 Articles : 7 Articles
Background Bethlem Myopathy is a collagen VI-related myopathy presenting as a rare hereditary muscular disorder with progressive muscular weakness and joint contractures. Despite its milder clinical course relative to other myopathies, anaesthetic management can be challenging. High arched palates and fixed flexion deformities may contribute to a difficult airway. A progressive decline in pulmonary function can present later into adulthood. This respiratory decline can carry secondary cardiovascular consequences due to the progressive nature of restrictive lung disease, including right sided heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. We describe a case of a male patient with Bethlem Myopathy undergoing anaesthesia, to contribute to the limited body of literature on this condition and enhance awareness and guidance amongst anaesthesiologists on approaching patients with this condition. This is the first case report within the literature of its kind. Case presentation This case details a 33-year-old male with Bethlem Myopathy undergoing tonsillectomy. Diagnosed in childhood following developmental delays, the patient had no prior anaesthetic exposure and no family history of anaesthetic complications. Anaesthetic induction was achieved without complications, avoiding depolarizing muscle relaxants and careful airway management. Extreme care was taken in patient positioning to prevent complications. The surgery proceeded without incident and muscle paralysis was reversed with Suggammadex, resulting in no adverse post-operative respiratory complications. The patient was discharged on the first post-operative day without any respiratory or cardiovascular compromise. Conclusions Bethlem Myopathy, while often exhibiting a mild clinical course, can present anaesthetic challenges. Awareness of potential complications including a difficult airway, cardiovascular and respiratory implications as well as the need for specialised monitoring and positioning is crucial to ensure a safe peri-operative course....
Background The anesthetic management of parturients with ascending aortic aneurysm for cesarean section can be particularly challenging, primarily because of increased risk for aortic dissection or aneurysm rupture. Case presentation We present some aspects of the anesthetic management of two parturients with ascending aortic aneurysm for cesarean sections; amongst, the use of remifentanil with its effects on patient and newborn. We emphasize the importance of a cardio-obstetric team in the context of preoperative planning of such patients. Also, we reviewed some literature on the anesthetic management with its effect on peri-operative hemodynamic stability. Conclusion Maintaining hemodynamic stability is paramount in the prevention of the rupture or dissection of ascending aortic aneurysm during labor of parturient....
Background Dynamic fluctuations of arterial blood pressure known as blood pressure variability (BPV) may have short and long-term undesirable consequences. During surgical procedures blood pressure is usually measured in equal intervals allowing to assess its intraoperative variability, which significance for peri and post-operative period is still under debate. Lidocaine has positive cardiovascular effects, which may go beyond its antiarrhythmic activity. The aim of the study was to verify whether the use of intravenous lidocaine may affect intraoperative BPV in patients undergoing major vascular procedures. Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of the data collected during the previous randomized clinical trial by Gajniak et al. In the original study patients undergoing elective abdominal aorta and/or iliac arteries open surgery were randomized into two groups to receive intravenous infusion of 1% lidocaine or placebo at the same infusion rate based on ideal body weight, in concomitance with general anesthesia. We analyzed systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean arterial blood (MAP) pressure recorded in 5-minute intervals (from the first measurement before induction of general anaesthesia until the last after emergence from anaesthesia). Blood pressure variability was then calculated for SBP and MAP, and expressed as: standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), average real variability (ARV) and coefficient of hemodynamic stability (C10%), and compared between both groups. Results All calculated indexes were comparable between groups. In the lidocaine and placebo groups systolic blood pressure SD, CV, AVR and C10% were 20.17 vs. 19.28, 16.40 vs. 15.64, 14.74 vs. 14.08 and 0.45 vs. 0.45 respectively. No differences were observed regarding type of surgery, operating and anaesthetic time, administration of vasoactive agents and intravenous fluids, including blood products. Conclusion In high-risk vascular surgery performed under general anesthesia, lidocaine infusion had no effect on arterial blood pressure variability....
Background Patients often desire involvement in anesthesia decisions, yet clinicians rarely explain anesthesia options or elicit preferences. We developed My Anesthesia Choice-Hip Fracture, a conversation aid about anesthesia options for hip fracture surgery and tested its preliminary efficacy and acceptability. Methods We developed a 1-page, tabular format, plain-language conversation aid with feedback from anesthesiologists, decision scientists, and community advisors. We conducted an online survey of English-speaking adults aged 50 and older. Participants imagined choosing between spinal and general anesthesia for hip fracture surgery. Before and after viewing the aid, participants answered a series of questions regarding key outcomes, including decisional conflict, knowledge about anesthesia options, and acceptability of the aid. Results Of 364/409 valid respondents, mean age was 64 (SD 8.9) and 59% were female. The proportion indicating decisional conflict decreased after reviewing the aid (63–34%, P < 0.001). Median knowledge scores increased from 50% correct to 67% correct (P < 0.001). 83% agreed that the aid would help them discuss options and preferences. 76.4% would approve of doctors using it. Conclusion My Anesthesia Choice-Hip Fracture decreased decisional conflict and increased knowledge about anesthesia choices for hip fracture surgery. Respondents assessed it as acceptable for use in clinical settings. Practice implications Use of clinical decision aids may increase shared decision-making; further testing is warranted....
The exact mechanisms and the neural circuits involved in anesthesia induced unconsciousness are still not fully understood. To elucidate them valid animal models are necessary. Since the most commonly used species in neuroscience are mice, we established a murine model for commonly used anesthetics/sedatives and evaluated the epidural electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns during slow anesthesia induction and emergence. Forty-four mice underwent surgery in which we inserted a central venous catheter and implanted nine intracranial electrodes above the prefrontal, motor, sensory, and visual cortex. After at least one week of recovery, mice were anesthetized either by inhalational sevoflurane or intravenous propofol, ketamine, or dexmedetomidine. We evaluated the loss and return of righting reflex (LORR/RORR) and recorded the electrocorticogram. For spectral analysis we focused on the prefrontal and visual cortex. In addition to analyzing the power spectral density at specific time points we evaluated the changes in the spectral power distribution longitudinally. The median time to LORR after start anesthesia ranged from 1080 [1st quartile: 960; 3rd quartile: 1080]s under sevoflurane anesthesia to 1541 [1455; 1890]s with ketamine. Around LORR sevoflurane as well as propofol induced a decrease in the theta/alpha band and an increase in the beta/gamma band. Dexmedetomidine infusion resulted in a shift towards lower frequencies with an increase in the delta range. Ketamine induced stronger activity in the higher frequencies. Our results showed substance-specific changes in EEG patterns during slow anesthesia induction. These patterns were partially identical to previous observations in humans, but also included significant differences, especially in the low frequencies. Our study emphasizes strengths and limitations of murine models in neuroscience and provides an important basis for future studies investigating complex neurophysiological mechanisms....
Background Post-anesthetic emergence agitation is common after general anesthesia and may cause adverse consequences, such as injury as well as respiratory and circulatory complications. Emergence agitation after general anesthesia occurs more frequently in nasal surgery than in other surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of emergence agitation in patients undergoing nasal surgery who were extubated under deep anesthesia or when fully awake. Methods A total of 202 patients (18–60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification: I–II) undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized 1:1 into two groups: a deep extubation group (group D) and an awake extubation group (group A). The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence agitation. The secondary outcomes included number of emergence agitations, sedation score, vital signs, and incidence of adverse events. Results The incidence of emergence agitation was lower in group D than in group A (34.7% vs. 72.8%; p < 0.001). Compared to group A, patients in group D had lower Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores, higher Ramsay sedation scores, fewer agitation episodes, and lower mean arterial pressure when extubated and 30 min after surgery, whereas these indicators did not differ 90 min after surgery. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. Conclusions Extubation under deep anesthesia can significantly reduce emergence agitation after nasal surgery under general anesthesia without increasing the incidence of adverse events....
This article examines the intersection of simulation-based education and the AI revolution in anesthesia medicine. With AI technologies reshaping perioperative management, simulation education faces both challenges and opportunities. The integration of AI into anesthesia practice offers personalized management possibilities, particularly in preoperative assessment and monitoring. However, the ethical, legal, and social implications necessitate careful navigation, emphasizing patient data privacy and accountability. Anesthesiologists must develop non-technical skills, including ethical decision-making and effective AI management, to adapt to the AI era. The experience-based medical education (EXPBME) framework underscores reflective learning and AI literacy acquisition, fostering lifelong learning and adaptation. Learner-centered approaches are pivotal in anesthesia education, promoting active engagement and self-regulated learning. Simulation-based learning, augmented by AI technologies, provides a dynamic platform for technical and non-technical skills development. Ultimately, by prioritizing non-technical skills, embracing learner-centered education, and responsibly leveraging AI technologies, anesthesiologists can contribute to enhanced patient care and safety in the evolving perioperative landscape....
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