Incidence, risk factors and impact of anemia after elective neurosurgery: A retrospective cohort study

Objectives

Anemia after surgery is common and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Understanding the incidence and risk factors for postoperative anemia is important to reduce anemia-related complications and blood transfusion. There is lack of data regarding postoperative anemia and its contributing factors in neurosurgery. This study evaluates the incidence and risk factors of postoperative anemia, and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a single centre, retrospective study of patients who underwent elective neurosurgery over seven months. Data regarding age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, diagnosis, surgery, preoperative hemoglobin, surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, dose of tranexamic acid, intraoperative fluid balance, years of surgeon's experience, postoperative hemoglobin, postoperative RBC transfusion, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at hospital discharge, and duration of postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of postoperative anemia.

Results

The incidence of postoperative anemia was 11.3% (116/1025). On univariate analysis; age, preoperative hemoglobin, surgery duration, gender, ASA grade, surgery type, and surgeon's experience were associated with postoperative anemia. Lower preoperative hemoglobin (p<0.001) and non-tumor surgery (p<0.001) were predictive of postoperative anemia on multivariate analysis. Postoperative anemia resulted in increased RBC transfusion (p<0.001) and lower GCS score at discharge (p=0.012).

Conclusions

Atleast one in ten patients undergoing elective neurosurgery develop postoperative anemia. Lower preoperative hemoglobin and non-tumor surgery predict anemia. Anemia results in increased RBC transfusion and lower discharge GCS score.

Prevalence and predictors of preoperative cardiac autonomic dysfunction among elective neurosurgical patients: A prospective observational study

Background and Aims

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is cardinal for systemic homeostasis. Autonomic dysfunction is prevalent in as high as 65% of patients presenting for cardiac surgery in the Indian scenario. Pre-existing cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD) in surgical patients can accentuate perioperative haemodynamic fluctuations during stressful intraoperative events, predispose to adverse cardiac events, and contribute to morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and predictors of CAD in the elective neurosurgical population are unknown in the Indian scenario. The current study was conducted to bridge this knowledge gap.

Methods

In this single-centre prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care neurosciences centre, among 400 consenting adult patients of either gender, between 18 and 80 years of age, undergoing elective neurosurgery, the preoperative ANS function at the bedside was assessed as the primary outcome measure. The ANS status was evaluated using ANSiscope™-derived indices of heart rate variability. The diagnosis of CAD was made when the ANS index exceeded a threshold of 13.5. Data regarding predictors of CAD were collected from patient records as the secondary outcome measure. Statistical analysis was done using the R software. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of preoperative CAD in our study population was 79.7% (319/400 patients). None of the demographic and baseline clinical characteristics we studied predicted CAD in our study.

Conclusion

We observed a significant prevalence of preoperative CAD among elective neurosurgical patients. None of the parameters we evaluated predicted CAD in our study.

Paving the way to environment-friendly greener anesthesia

Health-care settings have an important responsibility toward environmental health and safety. The operating room is a major source of environmental pollution within a hospital. Inhalational agents and nitrous oxide are the commonly used gases during general anesthesia for surgeries, especially in the developing world. These greenhouse gases contribute adversely to the environmental health both inside the operating room and in the outside atmosphere. Impact of these anesthetic agents depends on the total consumption, characteristics of individual agents, and gas flows, with higher levels increasing the environmental adverse effects. The inimical impact of nitrous oxide is higher due to its longer atmospheric half-life and potential for destruction of the ozone layer. Anesthesiologist of today has a choice in the selection of anesthetic agents. Prudent decisions will help in mitigating environmental pollution and contributing positively to a greener planet. Therefore, a shift from inhalational to intravenous-based technique will reduce the carbon footprint of anesthetic agents and their impact on global climate. Propofol forms the mainstay of intravenous anesthesia technique and is a proven drug for anesthetic induction and maintenance. Anesthesiologists should appreciate growing concerns about the role of inhalational anesthetics on the environment and join the cause of environmental responsibility. In this narrative review, we revisit the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic considerations, clinical uses, and discuss the merits of propofol-based intravenous anesthesia over inhalational anesthesia in terms of environmental effects. Increased awareness about the environmental impact and adoption of newer, versatile, and user-friendly modalities of intravenous anesthesia administration will pave the way for greener anesthesia practice.

Incidence, predictors, and impact of acute post-operative pain after cranial neurosurgery: A prospective cohort study

Objectives

Pain is common after craniotomy. Its incidence and predictors in developing nations are not adequately studied. We aimed to assess the incidence, predictors, and impact of acute post-operative pain after intracranial neurosurgeries.

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in adult patients undergoing intracranial neurosurgeries. After patient consent, ethics committee approval, and study registration, we assessed the incidence of post-operative pain using numerical rating scale (NRS) score. Predictors and impact of pain on patient outcomes were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 497 patients were recruited during 10-month study period. Significant (4-10 NRS score) post-operative pain at any time-point during the first 3 days after intracranial neurosurgery was reported by 65.5% (307/469) of patients. Incidence of significant pain during the 1st post-operative h, on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd post-operative days was 20% (78/391), 50% (209/418), 38% (152/401), and 24% (86/360), respectively. Higher pre-operative NRS score and pain during the 1st h post-operatively, predicted the occurrence of pain during the first 3 days after surgery, P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively. Pain was significantly associated with poor sleep quality on the first 2 post-operative nights (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction score was higher in patients with post-operative pain, P = 0.002.

Conclusion

Every two in three patients undergoing elective intracranial neurosurgery report significant pain at some point during the first 3 postoperative days. Pre-operative pain and pain during 1st post-operative h predict the occurrence of significant post-operative pain.

Non-opioid versus Opioid Peri-operative Analgesia In Neurosurgery (NOPAIN): Study protocol for a multi-centric randomised controlled trial

Background and Aims

Many patients suffer from post-operative pain after neurosurgery despite using intra-operative opioids. Opioid side effects are problematic in neurosurgical patients. Hence, non-opioid alternatives for the management of nociception and pain are needed. Previous studies comparing opioids with non-opioids in the neurosurgical population were few, from single centres, of small sample sizes and were equivocal in findings, which prevented change in clinical practice. To overcome these limitations, we are conducting a multi-centre trial with objectives to compare intra-operative rescue opioid requirements and post-operative pain scores (primary objectives), adverse events, quality of recovery from anaesthesia, quality of sleep and patient satisfaction during hospital stay, and persistent post-surgical pain and quality of life at 3 and 6 months (secondary objectives) in patients receiving opioid and non-opioid analgesia for brain tumour surgeries.

Methods

This study protocol describes the methodology of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Ethics committee approval has been obtained from all five centres, the trial has been registered with the Clinical Trial Registry- India, and insurance has been obtained for this investigator-initiated funded study. In patients undergoing supra-tentorial brain tumour surgery (population), we will compare fentanyl (intervention) 1 µg/kg/h with dexmedetomidine (comparator) 0.5 µg/kg/h administered during surgery with regards to intra-operative rescue opioid requirement and post-operative pain (primary outcomes).

Results

We describe the study protocol of the multi-centre trial (protocol version 2, dated 29/01/2022). The first patient was recruited on 19/10/2022, and we will complete recruitment before March 2024.

Conclusion

We expect our study to establish dexmedetomidine as an effective non-opioid analgesic vis-à-vis opioids in the neurosurgical population.

Trans-nasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) in neuroanesthesia practice: A review

Respiratory management is an important aspect of care in neuroanesthesia practice for neurosurgical patients. A wide variety of procedures are performed under sedation in the neurosurgical population, and maintaining oxygenation is of paramount importance during these procedures. The high-flow oxygen devices improve arterial oxygenation by providing higher inspiratory oxygen concentration and maintaining higher dynamic positive airway pressure. These devices have gained importance during the recent years with regard to enhancing patient safety. This narrative review focuses on the role of trans-nasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) and high-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO) techniques in the neuroanesthesia practice and electroconvulsive therapy.

Association between patient characteristics and dissatisfaction after cranial neurosurgery: A prospective observational study

Objectives

Patient satisfaction is an indicator of the quality of healthcare. It can improve treatment adherence and health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence, predictive factors, and impact of post-operative patient dissatisfaction with perioperative care after cranial neurosurgery.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care academic university hospital. Adult patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery were assessed for satisfaction 24 h after surgery using a five-point scale. The data regarding patient characteristics that may predict dissatisfaction after surgery were collected along with ambulation time and hospital stay. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality of data. Univariate analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test and significant factors were entered into binary logistic regression model for identifying predictors. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Four hundred and ninety-six adult patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery were recruited into the study from September 2021 to June 2022. Data of 390 were analyzed. The incidence of patient dissatisfaction was 20.5%. On univariate analysis, literacy, economic status, pre-operative pain, and anxiety were associated with post-operative patient dissatisfaction. On logistic regression analysis, illiteracy, higher economic status, and no pre-operative anxiety were predictors of dissatisfaction. The patient dissatisfaction did not impact ambulation time or duration of hospital stay after the surgery.

Conclusion

One in five patients reported dissatisfaction after cranial neurosurgery. Illiteracy, higher economic status, and no pre-operative anxiety were predictors of patient dissatisfaction. Dissatisfaction was not associated with delayed ambulation or hospital discharge.

Opioid versus Nonopioid Analgesia for Craniotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Despite the use of intraoperative opioid analgesia, postoperative pain is often reported by patients undergoing craniotomies. Opioids also cause undesirable side effects in neurosurgical patients. Hence, the role of nonopioid analgesia has been explored for craniotomies in recent years.

METHODS

This systematic review evaluated evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing opioid and nonopioid analgesia during craniotomies regarding postoperative pain, recovery, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Of the 10,459 records obtained by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases, 6 RCTs were included. No difference was observed in pain scores between opioid and nonopioid analgesia at 1 and 24 hours after surgery: mean difference (MD), 1.11 units; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.16 to 2.38, P = 0.09 and MD, -0.06 units; 95% CI, -1.14 to 1.01, P = 0.91, respectively. The time for first postoperative analgesic requirement was shorter with opioids but was not statistically significant (MD, -84.77 minutes; 95% CI, -254.65 to 85.11; P = 0.33). Postoperative nausea and vomiting (relative risk = 1.60; 95% CI, 0.96-2.66; P = 0.07) was similar but shivering (relative risk = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.09-3.71; P = 0.03) was greater in the opioid group than nonopioid group.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no important differences in clinical outcomes between the groups in our review. The GRADE certainty of evidence was rated low for most outcomes. Available evidence does not suggest superiority of intraoperative nonopioid over opioid analgesia for postoperative pain in patients undergoing craniotomy. More studies are needed to firmly establish the role of nonopioid intraoperative analgesics as an alternative to opioids in this population.

Opioid versus non-opioid analgesia for spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

Opioids are the primary analgesics used in patients undergoing spine surgery. Postoperative pain is common despite their liberal use and so are opioid-associated side effects. Non-opioid analgesics are gaining popularity as alternative to opioids in spine surgery.

METHODS

This systematic review evaluated current evidence regarding opioid and non-opioid intraoperative analgesia and their influence on immediate postoperative pain and adverse events in spine surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 10,459 records were obtained by searching Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science databases and six randomized controlled trials were included. Differences in postoperative pain scores between opioid and non-opioid groups were not significant at 1 h: 4 studies, mean difference (MD) = 0.65 units, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-0.12 to 1.41], p = 0.10, but favored non-opioid at 24 h after surgery: 3 studies, MD = 0.75 units, 95%CI [0.03 to 1.46], p = 0.04. The time for first postoperative analgesic requirement was shorter (MD = -45.06 min, 95%CI [-72.50 to -17.62], p = 0.001), and morphine consumption during first 24 h after surgery was higher in opioid compared to non-opioid group (MD = 4.54 mg, 95%CI [3.26 to 5.82], p < 0.00001). Adverse effects of postoperative nausea and vomiting (Relative risk (RR) = 2.15, 95%CI [1.37 to 3.38], p = 0.0009) and shivering (RR = 2.52, 95%CI [1.08 to 5.89], p = 0.03) were higher and bradycardia was lower (RR = 0.35, 95%CI [0.17 to 0.71], p = 0.004) with opioid analgesia.

CONCLUSION

The certainty of evidence on GRADE assessment is low for studied outcomes. Available evidence supports intraoperative non-opioid analgesia for overall postoperative pain outcomes in spine surgery. More research is needed to find the best drug combination and dosing regimen. Prospero Registration: CRD42020209042.

Effect of Preanesthetic Fluid Loading on Postinduction Hypotension and Advanced Cardiac Parameters in Patients with Chronic Compressive Cervical Myelopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose  Hypotension during the early intraoperative phase is common and can lead to adverse perioperative outcomes. Fluid preloading is one of the methods to limit its occurrence. Patients with chronic compressive cervical myelopathy may have autonomic dysfunction, which can aggravate hemodynamic alterations during anesthesia. This study compared the occurrence of postinduction hypotension and changes in cardiac dynamic indices in patients with and without crystalloid preloading undergoing decompressive cervical spine surgery.

Methods  This randomized controlled trial was conducted over 15 months after obtaining patient consent, approval of the institute ethics committee, and trial registration. We compared preanesthetic fluid loading with Ringer's lactate (20 mL/kg over 30 minutes) with no preloading (2 mL/kg/h maintenance) in 60 consecutive patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. The ANSiscope was used to determine baseline cardiac autonomic function. Noninvasive cardiac output monitor was used to assess changes in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index (CI), stroke volume variation (SVV), and total peripheral resistance index during study intervention, anesthetic induction, tracheal intubation, and change in position from supine to prone.

Results  The incidences of postinduction hypotension were 26.7% (8/30) and 86.7% (26/30) and the median doses of mephentermine used were 0 and 6 mg, respectively, in patients with and without fluid preloading (both p  < 0.001). Preloading resulted in improvement in CI, reduction in SVV, and lesser vasopressor use.

Conclusion  Preloading reduced the occurrence of postinduction hypotension and vasopressor use, improved CI, and reduced SVV during the early intraoperative period.

Registration number of Clinical Trial  The trial was registered with Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2018/07/014970 on 19/07/2018).

Comparison of Perioperative Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Neurosurgery—A Retrospective Analysis

Background Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presenting for neurosurgery are not rare. Considering the lack of literature informing the outcomes in this subset, present study was conducted to compare perioperative management and postoperative outcomes between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 neurosurgical patients.

Methods After ethics committee approval, data of all patients with COVID-19 along with an equal number of age and diagnosis matched non-COVID-19 patients undergoing neurosurgery between April 2020 and January 2021 was analyzed retrospectively. Predictors of poor outcome were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results During the study period, 50 COVID-19 patients (28 laboratory confirmed (group-C) and 22 clinicoradiological diagnosed [group-CR]) underwent neurosurgery and were compared with 50 matched non-COVID-19 patients. Preoperatively, clinicoradiological diagnosed COVID-19 patients had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade (p = 0.01), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (p < 0.001), and more pulmonary involvement (p = 0.004). The duration of intensive care unit stay was significantly longer in laboratory confirmed patients (p = 0.03). Poor clinical outcome (in-hospital mortality or discharge motor-GCS ≤ 5) did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.28). On univariate analysis, younger age, higher ASA grade, lower preoperative GCS, and motor-GCS, higher intraoperative blood and fluid administration and traumatic brain injury diagnosis were associated with poor outcome. On multivariable logistic regression. only lower preoperative motor-GCS remained the predictor of poor outcome.

Conclusions The concomitant presence of COVID-19 infection did not translate into poor outcome in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Preoperative motor-GCS predicted neurological outcome in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 neurosurgical patients.

Effect of Respiratory Physiological Changes on Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Patients With Acute Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Ultrasonographic measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is a noninvasive method for the assessment of raised ICP. Manipulation of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) are often used to optimize ICP and improve oxygenation in TBI patients. This study evaluated the effects of PEEP and ETCO2 on ONSD and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) in patients with acute TBI.

METHODS

A total of 14 patients (11 males) aged older than 18 years with acute severe TBI were included in this study. ONSD and rScO2 were assessed before and after changes in PEEP from 5 to 10 cm H2O and in ETCO2 from 40 to 30 mm Hg on both pathologic and nonpathologic sides.

RESULTS

Increasing PEEP and reducing ETCO2 resulted in changes in ONSD and rScO2 on both pathologic and nonpathologic sides. On the pathologic side, ONSD and rScO2 were highest with a PEEP of 10 cm H2O:ETCO2 40 mm Hg combination and lowest with PEEP of 5 cm H2O:ETCO2 30 mm Hg (ONSD 5.24±0.49 vs. 4.27±0.36 mm, P<0.001; rScO2 70.7±9.91% vs. 66.3±9.75%, P<0.001); both PEEP and ETCO2 had significant effects on ONSD and rScO2 (P<0.001). On the nonpathologic side, ONSD and rScO2 were highest and lowest with PEEP of 10 cm H2O:ETCO2 40 mm Hg and PEEP of 5 cm H2O:ETCO2 30 mm Hg combinations, respectively (ONSD: 4.93±0.46 vs. 4.02±0.40 mm, P<0.001; rScO2: 74.77±8.30% vs. 70.69±8.12%, P<0.001). ETCO2 had a significant effect on rScO2 (P<0.001), but the impact of PEEP on rScO2 was not statistically significant (P=0.05).

CONCLUSION

Increasing PEEP resulted in significant increases in ONSD and rScO2, whereas reducing ETCO2 significantly decreased ONSD and rScO2.

Full-text publications of presentations at neuroanesthesia meetings of India: A 5-year audit and analysis

Backgroud and Aims:

Conference presentations provide an opportunity to rapidly share findings of new research despite limitations of details and reach. Earlier studies have examined publication rates of conference presentations in anesthesia. However, conversion rate of neuroanesthesia meeting presentations to publications is unknown. We assessed the publication rate of neuroanesthesia conference presentations from India over a 5-year period and identified factors contributing to subsequent publications.

Material and Methods:

Conference abstracts of the Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care (ISNACC) from 2014 to 2018 were studied with regard to conversion to full-length publications. Details of presentations were obtained from abstracts published in the journal of ISNACC and details of publications were collected by searching Google and PubMed using title and author details.

Results:

Only 17.5% (40/229) of the abstracts presented at ISNACC conferences over a 5-year period resulted in subsequent full-text publications in peer-reviewed journals. Prospective cohort studies (OR [95% CI] 2.84 [1.05–8.56], P = 0.048), randomized trials (OR [95% CI] 2.69 [1.04 to 7.9], P = 0.053), and abstracts from public institutions (OR [95% CI] 3.44 [1.4 to 10.42], P = 0.014) were significantly associated with publications after conference presentations.

Conclusion:

The conversion rate of conference presentations of neuroanesthesia society of India into journal publications is significantly low. There is need for neuroanesthesia community of India to work together to improve the translation of presentations into publications.

Effect of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange on Plasma Constituents in Neurointensive Care Unit Patients: A Retrospective Study

Purpose Plasma exchange is one of the recommended therapeutic procedures for autoimmune neurological conditions and involves removal of plasma over multiple sessions for exclusion of autoantibodies responsible for the disease process. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the concentration of plasma constituents with five cycles of alternate day therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), identify contributing factors for hypoproteinemia, and examine its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study involving patients with autoimmune neurological diseases who underwent at least five cycles of TPE in the neurointensive care unit (NICU). Data regarding plasma protein concentrations, serum electrolytes, fluid input/output before and after every TPE cycle and clinical outcomes in terms of duration of ventilation, and NICU and hospital stay were collected from the medical records over a 1-year period.

Results The levels of plasma proteins (total protein, albumin and globulin) (p < 0.001), sodium (p < 0.001), calcium (p < 0.001), and hemoglobin (p = 0.002) declined significantly after TPE. Difference in plasma protein levels before and after TPE did not correlate with durations of mechanical ventilation and hospital and NICU stay. Difference in total protein and globulin correlated negatively with fluid balance and positively with daily protein intake (p < 0.05 for both).

Conclusion A significant decrease in plasma proteins and other plasma constituents is seen with TPE. Changes in plasma proteins are related to hemodilution and protein intake. Decrease in plasma proteins did not affect duration of hospital or NICU stay and duration of mechanical ventilation.

Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Perioperative Analgesia in Cervical and Thoracic Spine Surgeries - A Case Series

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a recently introduced regional technique for pain management. However, its usefulness for perioperative analgesia in cervical and thoracic spine surgeries is underutilized. In this case series, we reviewed the case records of seven patients who received ultrasound-guided ESP block for perioperative analgesia for cervical and thoracic spine surgeries during a two-month period. We evaluated the performance of the ESP block with regards to intraoperative nociception and hemodynamics, postoperative pain, and need of rescue analgesia in these patients. The median age of our patients was 28 years (range 5-74 years) and the duration of surgery was 300 minutes (range 240-540 minutes). The surgical pleth index, a marker of intraoperative nociception, was below the threshold of 50 at most time-points during the surgery. Similarly, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters (HR and BP) were stable throughout the surgery. Postoperative pain control was good during the initial 48 after surgery with median NRS score of 2 at rest and 4 with movement. The ESP block results in good intraoperative and postoperative analgesia and also provides hemodynamic stability and opioid-sparing effect for cervical and thoracic spine surgeries.

Effect of Opioid Versus Non-Opioid Analgesia on Surgical Pleth Index and Biomarkers of Surgical Stress During Neurosurgery for Brain Tumors: Preliminary Findings

Background

Stress response to surgery is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and manifests as changes in hemodynamic and neuroendocrine parameters. Recently, the surgical pleth index (SPI) is employed for objective and continuous monitoring of nociceptive response during surgery. Opioids are the mainstay of managing stress response to nociception during the perioperative period. However, due to the well-known adverse effects of opioids, α2 agonists are increasingly used to ablate stress response and reduce opioid usage.

Objectives

This study compared SPI and biomarkers of surgical stress between opioid (fentanyl) and non-opioid (dexmedetomidine) analgesia during craniotomy.

Methods

Patients aged 18 to 60 years undergoing elective craniotomies for brain tumor resection under general anesthesia were randomized to receive fentanyl 1 μg/kg/h or dexmedetomidine 0.5 μ/kg/h infusion as the primary intraoperative analgesic. Our objective was to compare SPI and biomarkers of surgical stress-serum cortisol, blood glucose, arterial pH, and leucocyte count between the two groups.

Results

Data of all 24 patients recruited into the study were analyzed. There was no difference in the demographic parameters between the groups. The SPI remained similar with both the drugs over various time points during the study period. There was no difference between the groups in the biomarkers of surgical stress-cortisol, blood glucose, and pH while leucocyte count was higher in the fentanyl group.

Conclusions

The stress response to surgery during craniotomy for brain tumors is similar with opioid (fentanyl) and non-opioid (dexmedetomidine) analgesia as assessed by SPI and blood markers such as cortisol, glucose, and pH.

Perioperative Analgesia in Neurosurgery (PAIN): A national survey of pain assessment and management among neuroanesthesiologists of India

BACKGROUND

Perioperative pain assessment and management in neurosurgical patients varies widely across the globe. There is lack of data from developing world regarding practices of pain assessment and management in neurosurgical population. This survey aimed to capture practices and perceptions regarding perioperative pain assessment and management in neurosurgical patients among anesthesiologists who are members of the Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care (ISNACC) and evaluated if hospital and pain characteristics predicted the use of structured pain assessment protocol and use of opioids for postoperative pain management.

METHODS

A 26-item English language questionnaire was administered to members of ISNACC using Kwiksurveys platform after ethics committee approval. Our outcome measures were adoption of structured protocol for pain assessment and opioid usage for postoperative pain management.

RESULTS

The response rate for our survey was 55.15% (289/524). One hundred eighteen (41%) responders informed that their hospital setup had a structured pain protocol while 43 (15%) responders reported using opioids for postoperative pain management. Predictors of the use of structured pain protocol were private setup (odds ratio [OR] 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52-4.59; P = .001), higher pain intensity (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.21-0.64; P < .001) and use of pain scale (OR 7.94; 95% CI 3.99-15.81; P < .001) while availability of structured pain protocol (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.02-4.05; P = .043) was the only significant variable for postoperative opioid use.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than half of the Indian neuroanesthesiologists who are members of ISNACC use structured protocol for pain assessment and very few use opioids for postoperative pain management in neurosurgical patients.

The Neurocritical Care Society of India (NCSI) and the Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care (ISNACC) Joint Position Statement and Advisory on the Practice of Neurocritical Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread across the world including India. Management of patients complicated with neurological illness requiring neurocritical care is challenging during this time. Patients with neurological disease may develop COVID-19 infection or there could be independent neurological manifestations of COVID-19. Critically ill neurological patients are more vulnerable to contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Also, neurological patients with comorbidities and multisystem involvement are at increased risk of adverse outcomes. Though SARS-CoV-2 predominantly affects the pulmonary system, it can complicate the assessment and management of neurological patients. With increasing COVID-19 numbers, the hospitalizations of both non-COVID and COVID-19 neurological patients will bring significant strain on the hospital and neurocritical care facilities. Streamlining work pattern, understanding the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and its impact on neurological function, establishing general and specific neurocritical care management strategies, ensuring protection and well-being of health care providers, and implementing effective infection control policies are key elements of efficient neurocritical care management during this pandemic. This joint position statement and advisory on the practice of neurocritical care during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Neurocritical Care Society of India and the Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care has been developed to guide clinicians providing care to the critically ill neurological patients in the neurocritical care unit during the current pandemic. As the situation from this novel disease is rapidly evolving, readers must constantly update themselves with newly emerging evidence to provide the best possible care to the critically ill neurological patients.

Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care (ISNACC) Position Statement and Advisory for the Practice of Neuroanesthesia during COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major health emergency in today’s time. In December 2019, a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China was attributed to a novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization declared it as a pandemic. As the majority of the cases suffering from COVID-19 are mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic, it becomes a great challenge to identify the infected persons in the absence of extensive testing. In the hospital environment, it can infect several other vulnerable patients and healthcare providers, significantly impacting the hospital services. Anesthesiologists are at an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission from the patients, as they are frequently involved in several aerosol-generating procedures. It is not possible to identify asymptomatic COVID-19 patients solely based on history-taking during their first point of contact with the anesthesiologists at the preanesthetic checkup clinic.

Most of the neurosurgical conditions are of urgent in nature and cannot be postponed for a longer duration. In view of this, the position statement and practice advisory from the Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care (ISNACC) provides guidance to the practice of neuroanesthesia in the present scenario. The advisory has been prepared considering the current disease status of the COVID-19 pandemic, available literature, and consensus from experts in the field of neuroanesthesiology. Since the pandemic is still progressing and the nature of the disease is dynamic, readers are advised to constantly look for updated literature from ISNACC and other neurology and neurosurgical societies.

Perioperative Complications and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Congenital Cyanotic Heart Disease Undergoing Surgery for Brain Abscess

Background  Brain abscess is a rare neurological complication in patients with congenital cyanotic heart disease (CCHD). Perioperative complications are high in patients with CCHD. We evaluated incidence of and risk factors for perioperative complications and their impact on clinical outcomes in patients with CCHD undergoing brain abscess surgery with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or general anesthesia (GA).

Methods  In this single-center retrospective cohort study, data were collected from consecutive patients with CCHD who presented with brain abscess and underwent surgery from January 2006 to December 2018. Data regarding demographics, type of CCHD, signs and symptoms of brain abscess and CCHD, type and duration of surgery, details of anesthesia, perioperative complications, and clinical outcomes were collected. Chi-square test was used to analyze nonparametric data and student t -test for parametric data.

Results  Of the 402 patients with brain abscess, data of 34 patients with CCHD who underwent brain abscess surgery were analyzed. The mean age at presentation of brain abscess was 15.8 ± 10.8 years and duration of symptoms was 17.3 ± 15.5 days. The incidence of perioperative complications was 82.4% (28/34 patients). Seven patients (20.6%) developed perioperative cyanotic spells which led to cardiac arrest in 5 patients (14.7%) and death in 2 patients (5.9%). Patients on cardiac medications and with high heart rate had higher incidence of cyanotic spells and mortality. Technique of anesthesia did not affect cardiac and neurological outcome.

Conclusions  Perioperative complications are high after brain abscess surgery in patients with CCHD. Perioperative characteristics and outcomes were similar with MAC and GA techniques.

Completeness of manual data recording in the anaesthesia information management system: A retrospective audit of 1000 neurosurgical cases

Background and Aims:

Anaesthesia information management system (AIMS) is increasingly implemented in many hospitals. Considering the capital cost involved in its installation and maintenance, it is important to evaluate its performance and adoptability by end users. This study assessed the completeness of manual data recording in the AIMS one year after its implementation and also evaluated potential predictors for completeness.

Methods:

In this retrospective audit of AIMS, 1000 electronic anaesthesia records of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures over one year were assessed for completeness of 41 preidentified items, one year after its implementation. Parameters evaluated were patient identifiers, personnel identifiers, demographics, airway management parameters, anaesthesia management items and end-of-anaesthesia parameters. We hypothesised that completeness of anaesthesia record can be predicted by nature of surgeries, case sequence, seniority of anaesthesiologist and phase ( first or second) of the study period.

Results:

We observed higher completeness of manual data recording during phase 2 of AIMS use compared to phase 1. Higher grade of anaesthesiologist, second case of the day and emergency surgery led to reduction in completeness of data entry. Anaesthesiologist grade significantly predicted complete entry of 18 (44%) variables, case number predicted 8 (20%) variables and phase- and procedure-type predicted 6 (15%) and 5 (12%) variables, respectively.

Conclusion:

Completeness of manual data recording in the electronic AIMS is poor after one year of implementation. First case of the day, second phase of study period, elective cases and trainee anaesthesiologist are associated with better completeness of manual data recording in the AIMS.

Analgesia nociception index and hemodynamic changes during skull pin application for supratentorial craniotomies in patients receiving scalp block versus pin-site infiltration: A randomized controlled trial

Background:

Noxious stimulation such as skull pin insertion for craniotomy elicits a significant hemodynamic response. Both regional analgesic techniques (pin-site infiltration [PSI] and scalp block [SB]), and systemic strategies (opioids, alpha-2 agonists, anesthetics, and beta-blockers) have shown to attenuate this response. Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) provides objective information about the magnitude of nociception and adequacy of analgesia. This study compared ANI and hemodynamic changes in patients receiving local anesthetic SB versus PSI during skull pin application for craniotomy.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty adult patients scheduled for elective supratentorial tumor surgery were randomly allocated to receive local anesthetic SB or PSI for skull pin insertion after the induction of anesthesia. Data regarding heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and ANI were collected every minute for 5 min after the skull pin insertion beginning from the baseline.

Results:

A significant difference was observed in ANI values between the SB (higher ANI) and the PSI groups during skull pin insertion, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003 for ANIi and ANIm, respectively. Similarly, a significant difference was seen in HR and BP both within and between the two groups during skull pin insertion (P < 0.001 for both). The magnitude and duration of change were smaller in the SB group compared with the PSI group for the parameters studied. A strong negative linear correlation was noted between ANI and hemodynamic parameters.

Conclusions:

The changes in HR, BP, and ANI were significantly less with local anesthetic SB compared with PSI during skull pin insertion in patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy.

Comparison of intraoperative fentanyl with dexmedetomidine for perioperative analgesia and opioid consumption during craniotomies: A randomised controlled pilot study with non-inferiority design

BACKGROUND

Moderate to severe pain is common despite the use of potent opioids during craniotomies. Non-opioid agents such as dexmedetomidine reduce undesirable opioid effects and are successfully used as primary analgesic during bariatric surgeries. This study assessed the feasibility of conducting a large randomised controlled trial comparing fentanyl with dexmedetomidine for perioperative analgesia during craniotomy.

METHODS

This was a prospective single-centre randomised controlled feasibility trial. Twenty-four consenting adult patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy at NIMHANS, Bangalore, India, were recruited after ethical approval in March and April 2018. They received either fentanyl 1 µg kg^-1  h^-1 (n = 12) or dexmedetomidine 0.5  µg kg^-1  h^-1 (n = 12) as primary intraoperative analgesic drug. Patient, anaesthesiologist, outcome assessor and data analyst were blinded to the study intervention. Our feasibility outcomes (primary) were recruitment and adherence rates. We also explored the potential efficacy of intervention and adverse events.

RESULTS

We recruited 24 out of 30 eligible patients and had 100% protocol adherence, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of a larger randomised controlled trial. All 24 patients completed the study. The demographic and clinical parameters were similar between the groups. Compared between fentanyl and dexmedetomidine, there was no difference in the intraoperative fentanyl (top-up) consumption (µg), expressed as median and interquartile range: 25 (0-50) and 0 (0-50); P = 0.844; and no difference in postoperative pain at 15 and 60 minutes. Adverse events were few and similar with fentanyl and dexmedetomidine.

CONCLUSIONS

A large-scale randomised controlled trial of perioperative dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl is feasible. Dexmedetomidine has the potential to be non-inferior to fentanyl for perioperative analgesia during craniotomies.

Urinary Sodium Loss following Hypertonic Saline Administration Curtails its Superior Osmolar Effect in Comparison to Mannitol in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Mannitol and hypertonic saline (HTS) are used as boluses during episodes of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We recently demonstrated that ICP reduction and neurological outcomes are similar with mannitol and HTS in TBI. In the current post hoc analysis, we hypothesized that this lack of difference between mannitol and HTS is due to increased urinary sodium losses after HTS.

Methods In this post hoc analysis of our earlier randomized controlled trial, we analyzed serum and urine osmolarity and sodium levels in 38 patients with severe TBI over 6 days. Equiosmolar boluses of mannitol and HTS were administered whenever ICP increased above 20 mm Hg. Seven hundred sixty samples each of serum sodium, urine sodium, serum osmolarity, and urine osmolarity were analyzed during this period.

Results Three hundred and one and 187 boluses of mannitol and HTS, respectively, were required to maintain ICP below 20 mm Hg. The urinary osmolarity was similar between mannitol and HTS groups (p = 0.63). The urinary sodium excretion was significantly higher in HTS group compared with mannitol group (p = 0.002). Serum sodium and osmolarity values were similar between mannitol and HTS groups (p = 0.16 and 0.31, respectively). There was no difference in the mean ICP between the groups (p = 0.31).

Conclusion Increased urinary sodium loss after HTS contributes to its lack of superiority over mannitol in controlling raised ICP.

Analgesia Nociception Index-guided intraoperative fentanyl consumption and postoperative analgesia in patients receiving scalp block versus incision-site infiltration for craniotomy

BACKGROUND

Scalp block or local anesthetic infiltration for craniotomy blunts hemodynamic response to noxious stimuli, reduces opioid requirement and decreases postoperative pain. Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) provides objective information about the magnitude of pain (rated from 0 to 100 with 0 indicating extreme nociception and 100 indicating absence of nociception) and adequacy of intra-operative analgesia. This study compared intra-operative fentanyl consumption guided by ANI and postoperative pain in patients who receive scalp block with those who receive incision-site local anesthetic infiltration for craniotomy.

METHODS

Sixty adult patients undergoing elective supra-tentorial tumor surgery were randomly allocated to receive scalp block or incision-site infiltration after induction of anesthesia. Throughout the intra-operative period, patients received fentanyl 0.5 µg/kg/h and ANI was continuously monitored. Fentanyl 1 µg/kg bolus was administered when ANI decreased to <50. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption was compared using unpaired t-test. Correlation between ANI and postoperative numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score was done using Spearman's rho.

RESULTS

The fentanyl consumption (µg/kg/h) was less with scalp block when compared to incision-site infiltration (median [interquartile range]; 1.04 [0.92-1.34] vs. 1.34 [1.18-1.59], P=0.001). Postoperative pain scores were similar [median (interquartile range); 1.5 (0-4) vs. 3 (0-4), P=0.840]. No correlation was observed between postoperative NRS Score and ANI (correlation coefficient = 0.072; P=0.617).

CONCLUSIONS

ANI-guided analgesic administration during craniotomy demonstrated lower intra-operative fentanyl consumption in patients receiving scalp block as compared to incision-site local anesthetic infiltration. No correlation was seen between postoperative NRS and ANI.

Influence of acute haemodynamic changes on the oxygen saturation during electro-convulsive therapy

Background: Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for various psychiatric disorders. Among the various complications associated with ECT, acute haemodynamic responses and decrease in the oxygen saturation are the most common. The current study is designed to evaluate the relationship between the haemodynamic response and oxygen de-saturation occurring during ECT. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing modified ECT for their psychiatric illness over a one-year period were prospectively included in this observational study. The following parameters were collected from each patient: Age, body mass index (BMI), doses of thiopentone and suxamethonium, stimulus current, ECT session number, pre-and post-ECT heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure, seizure duration and pre- and post-ECT oxygen saturation. Results: The incidence of oxygen de-saturation was 27% (139/507 sessions). The change in the heart rate and systolic blood pressure caused by ECT and the BMI of the patient were independently predictive of the change in the oxygen saturation. Conclusions: The current study identified ECT-induced acute haemodynamic changes as independent predictors of severity of oxygen de-saturation.

Airway management in the presence of cervical spine instability: A cross-sectional survey of the members of the Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is a paucity of clinical practice guidelines for the ideal approach to airway management in patients with cervical spine instability (CSI). The aim of this survey was to evaluate preferences, perceptions and practices regarding airway management in patients with CSI among neuroanaesthesiologists practicing in India.

METHODS

A 25-item questionnaire was circulated for cross-sectional survey to 378 members of the Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care (ISNACC) by E-mail. We sent four reminders and again submitted our survey to non-responders during the 2017 annual ISNACC meeting. Apart from demographic information, the survey captured preferred methods of intubation and airway management for patients with CSI and their justification. Regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the use of indirect technique for intubation.

RESULTS

Only 122 out of the 378 anaesthesiologists responded to our survey. Most respondents were senior consultants, working in training hospitals, and performed ≥25 intubations per year for CSI patients. The majority of neuroanaesthesiologists (78.7%; n = 96) preferred indirect techniques for elective intubation. However, 45 anaesthesiologists (36.9%) preferred indirect techniques for emergency intubation. In an adjusted analysis, preference for patients to be conscious during intubation was significantly associated with the use of indirect techniques (odds ratio = 3.79; confidence interval = 1.52-9.49, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Among ISNACC members, indirect techniques are preferred for elective intubation of patients with CSI, while direct laryngoscopy is preferred for emergency intubation.

The framing of research questions using the PICOT format in randomized controlled trials of venous ulcer disease is suboptimal: A systematic survey

Despite several publications on venous ulcers, there is still a lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to support certain treatments for patients with this disorder. Well-designed research questions using the PICOT (Population; Intervention; Comparator; Outcome; Time-frame) format in RCTs can improve the quality of research. The objectives of this study were to assess how the PICOT format is used to frame research questions in RCTs published on venous ulcer disease and to determine the factors associated with better adherence to the PICOT format. We conducted a systematic survey of RCTs on venous ulcers published in the PubMed database between January 2009 and May 2016. All RCTs published in English addressing therapeutic interventions for venous ulcer disease in human subjects were included. We examined whether the five elements of the PICOT format were used in formulating the research question and scored them between 0 and 5. The primary outcome of this systematic survey was the percentage of studies that adequately reported all five PICOT elements. Eighty-five (85) RCTs were included with median PICOT score of 3 (IQR = 1.5). Four elements of PICOT were present in 28 reports (32.9%) and only 2 RCTS (2.3%) reported all the PICOT elements. Population and intervention were often appropriately described, in (70/85) 82.4% and (83/85) 97.6% of the studies, respectively; however, comparison intervention and outcome were presented in only (53/85) 62.3% and (48/85) 56.5% of studies, respectively. Very few RCTs (7.1%; 6/85) reported the study time frame. No journal or RCT characteristics were found to be significantly associated with better reporting. Use of the PICOT format to frame research questions in RCTs published on venous ulcers is suboptimal, and our study reinforces the importance of framing a good research question to improve the design of trials and quality of evidence in venous ulcer disease.

Airway Dimensions in Children with Neurological Disabilities During Dexmedetomidine and Propofol Sedation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Objective

Children with neurological disabilities are at an increased risk of airway complications during anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with spontaneous respiration. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate airway dimensions during propofol and dexmedetomidine sedation for MRI in children with neurological disabilities. The secondary objective was to examine the adverse respiratory and sedation-related events.

Methods

Seventy-two children aged 1-6 years undergoing MRI were randomly selected to receive sedation with either 2 mg kg^-1 h^-1 of propofol or 2 μg kg^-1 h^-1 of dexmedetomidine. The airway dimensions were measured at soft palate, the base of tongue and mid-epiglottis. Adverse airway events were noted, and the quality of sedation was determined based on the need for dose modification, patient movement and repeat imaging requirements.

Results

There was no significant difference in airway dimensions observed between the dexmedetomidine and propofol groups, except for maximum and minimum transverse diameter (15.4±3.4 vs. 13.4±4.7, p=0.04 and 14.6±3.3 vs. 12.4±4.7, p=0.02 respectively) at soft palate and for cross sectional area difference at the base of tongue (14.5±13.9 vs. 20.1±19.3, p=0.03). Airway obstruction (2/36 vs. 3/36), apnoea (0/36 vs. 3/36) and desaturation (0/36 vs 2/36) occurred less frequently with dexmedetomidine. Additional requirement of sedation (6 vs. 3 patients; p=0.48), movement during imaging (9 vs. 5 patients; p=0.37) and poor image quality necessitating re-acquisition (4 vs. 0 patients; p=0.08) were more frequent with propofol.

Conclusion

Airway dimensions were similar during dexmedetomidine and propofol sedation, except for the transverse diameters at soft palate, and for cross-sectional area difference at the base of tongue in spontaneously breathing children with neurological disabilities. Airway complications were less frequent and the quality of sedation was better with dexmedetomidine.

Dynamic local connectivity uncovers altered brain synchrony during propofol sedation

Human consciousness is considered a result of the synchronous "humming" of multiple dynamic networks. We performed a dynamic functional connectivity analysis using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) in 14 patients before and during a propofol infusion to characterize the sedation-induced alterations in consciousness. A sliding 36-second window was used to derive 59 time points of whole brain integrated local connectivity measurements. Significant changes in the connectivity strength (Z Corr) at various time points were used to measure the connectivity fluctuations during awake and sedated states. Compared with the awake state, sedation was associated with reduced cortical connectivity fluctuations in several areas connected to the default mode network and around the perirolandic cortex with a significantly decreased correlation of connectivity between their anatomical homologues. In addition, sedation was associated with increased connectivity fluctuations in the frequency range of 0.027 to 0.063 Hz in several deep nuclear regions, including the cerebellum, thalamus, basal ganglia and insula. These findings advance our understanding of sedation-induced altered consciousness by visualizing the altered dynamics in several cortical and subcortical regions and support the concept of defining consciousness as a dynamic and integrated network.

Quality of abstracts of randomized control trials in five top pain journals: A systematic survey

Background

The reporting quality of abstracts of randomized control trials (RCTs) is inadequate despite the publication of consolidated standards of reporting trials extension for abstracts (CONSORT-A). We compared the reporting quality of abstracts in pain journals before and after the publication of CONSORT-A.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE in April-2016 for RCTs published in five pain journals: Pain, Pain Physician, European Journal of Pain, Clinical Journal of Pain and Pain Practice for pre- and post-CONSORT-A period (2005–2007 and 2013–2015). Data were extracted in duplicate from 250 abstracts for compliance with CONSORT-A, and for items known to affect reporting quality: journal endorsement of CONSORT, number of trial centers, sample-size, type of intervention, industry-sponsorship and significance of results. The primary outcome was mean number of items reported and the secondary outcome was the reporting of each item. We used logistic regression and Poisson regression for analyses.

Results

Most trials were single centric (76%), had sample size <100 (63%), involved pharmacological intervention (59%) and were non-industry funded (70%). The mean number of items reported was better for 2013–2015 (mean difference 0.94; 95% confidence-interval [CI]: 0.50–1.38, p < 0.001). Post-CONSORT-A, trials were more likely to report as randomized in the title (odds ratio (OR) 2.69; 95% CI 1.61–4.49), describe eligibility criteria and settings (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.35–4.54), provide effect size and precision for primary outcome (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.19–5.16), inform harms (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.05–3.07) and report trial registration (OR 5.13; 95% CI 1.44–18.32). Post-CONSORT-A period (incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.15; 95% CI 1.07–1.24), endorsement of CONSORT statement by the journal (IRR 1.08; 95% CI 1.02–1.14), multi-centric studies (IRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.08–1.20), and studies with pharmacological interventions (IRR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02–1.13) were significantly associated with reporting of more items.

Conclusions

Abstract reporting for trials in pain literature was better in the post-CONSORT-A period, but there is room for improvement.

Effect of propofol anesthesia on resting state brain functional connectivity in Indian population with chronic back pain

OBJECTIVE

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in healthy volunteers have shown alterations in brain connectivity following anesthesia as compared to the awake state. It is not known if the anesthesia-induced changes in brain connectivity are different in a pathological state. This study aims to evaluate changes in the resting state functional connectivity in the brain, after propofol anesthesia, in patients with chronic back pain (CBP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen adults with CBP were included in this prospective study over 6 months. After excluding structural brain pathology, a resting state fMRI was performed in the awake state, and the sequences were repeated after propofol anesthesia. The primary outcome measure was change in resting state connectivity after propofol. Student's t-test was performed between the pre and post-propofol sedation data of all patients with total brain volume as covariates of interest. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare pre- and post-propofol changes in cardiorespiratory parameters.

RESULTS

There were 8 male and 6 female patients in the study, and the mean age of the study population was 46.9 ± 11.3 years. Propofol sedation resulted in an increased strength of functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and thalamus in patients with CBP, whereas there was a generalized decrease in functional integration within the large scale brain networks. The changes in cardiorespiratory parameters before and after propofol administration were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Strengthening of functional connectivity was seen between PCC and thalamus with decrease in large scale brain networks following propofol anesthesia in patients with CBP. These changes are similar to those previously described in normal volunteers.

Comparative study of fiberoptic guided versus intubating laryngeal mask airway assisted awake orotracheal intubation in patients with unstable cervical spine

BACKGROUND

A safe airway technique minimizes intubation-associated cervical-spine movement and consequent neurological injury in patients with unstable cervical spine (UCS). Awake fiberoptic-guided intubation (FGI) is preferred in patients with UCS. Alternatively, intubating laryngeal mask airway assisted intubation (ILMA-AI) can be performed both during elective and emergency, requires less expertise and is cost-effective. This study evaluated cervical-spine movement during FGI and ILMA-AI in patients with UCS.

METHODS

This was a parallel-group randomized controlled trial performed at a tertiary neurosciences hospital. Thirty-two patients with UCS scheduled for corrective surgery were allocated equally to receive FGI or ILMA-AI according to centralized computer-generated randomization. Primary outcome measure was cervical-spine movement as assessed using fluoroscopy at C1/2 level during intubation. Secondary outcomes were movement at C2/3 and new-onset motor deficit after intubation.

RESULTS

All the sixteen patients in each group were successfully intubated and their data was analyzed. No significant difference in angles (indicating cervical spine movement) was observed at both C1/2 and C2/3 levels between FGI and ILMA-AI groups at various time points studied (P>0.05). No new-onset motor deficit was observed after intubation in both groups. One patient in FGI group developed desaturation during intubation while four patients in ILMA-AI group developed postoperative sore-throat.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar degree of angulations was observed at various time-points during awake FGI and awake ILMA-AI at C1/2 and C2/3 spinal levels in patients with UCS. No patient developed new-onset motor deficits. ILMA can serve as a suitable alternative to fiberoptic-scope for awake intubation in cervical-spine instability.

Reporting quality of abstracts of trials published in top five pain journals: a protocol for a systematic survey

INTRODUCTION

Abstracts of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are often the first and the only source read in a journal by busy healthcare providers. This necessitates good reporting of abstracts. The quality of reporting of abstracts, though gradually improving over time, is still not uniform across medical journals. Improvement in completeness of reporting of abstracts has been documented in general medical journals after the publication of the consolidated standards of reporting trials (CONSORT) extension for abstracts in 2008. Currently, this aspect has not been assessed with regards to pain journals. This study aims to compare the completeness of reporting of abstracts before and after the publication of CONSORT statement for abstracts in five pain journals.

METHODS AND ANALYSES

The abstracts of RCTs published from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2007 (pre-CONSORT) and from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015 (post-CONSORT) will be assessed for the quality of reporting. Studies without abstracts, non-English abstracts, abstracts not reporting on RCTs or on humans and conference abstracts will be excluded. A thorough search of MEDLINE will be carried out in April 2016. All identified studies will be screened for inclusion based on titles and abstracts. Data will be extracted by two sets of independent reviewers for each abstract in duplicate regarding compliance with CONSORT statement for abstracts. Full-text review will be performed to obtain additional characteristics which are likely to affect reporting quality. The unadjusted and adjusted differences in the mean number of items reported will be analysed using a two sample t-test and generalised estimation equation in SPSS.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

As far as we know, this is the first study to evaluate reporting quality of abstracts of pain journals based on CONSORT extension for abstracts. The findings of this study will be disseminated by a presentation at a conference and through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Ethics committee approval was not sought for this survey.

Framing of research question using the PICOT format in randomised controlled trials of venous ulcer disease: a protocol for a systematic survey of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Although venous ulcers have a great social and economic impact, there is a lack of evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to support appropriate management for this disease. Framing the research question using the Population; Intervention; Comparator; Outcome; Time frame (PICOT) format in RCTs can improve the quality of the research design.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate how the PICOT format is used to frame a research question in reports of RCTs of venous ulcer disease and to determine the factors associated with better adherence to the PICOT format in framing the research question.

METHODS AND ANALYSES

We will conduct a systematic survey of RCTs on venous ulcers published in the National Institute of Health, PubMed database between January 2009 and May 2016. We will include all RCTs addressing therapeutic intervention for venous ulcer disease involving human subjects, and published in the English language. The selection process will be carried out in duplicate by two independent investigators. First, titles and abstracts will be screened, then full-text articles. We will examine whether the five elements of the PICOT format are used in formulating the research question and give a score between 0 and 5. The primary outcome will be the proportion of studies that have adequately reported all five PICOT elements.

DISSEMINATION

This will be the first survey to assess how the PICOT format is used to frame research questions on the management of venous ulcers in reports of RCTs. On completion, this review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed biomedical journal for publication and the findings will also be presented at scientific conferences.

A brief overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Systematic reviews (SRs) are performed to acquire all evidence to address a specific clinical question and involve a reproducible and thorough search of the literature and critical appraisal of eligible studies. When combined with a meta-analysis (quantitatively pooling of results of individual studies), a rigorously conducted SR provides the best available evidence for informing clinical practice. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SRs and meta-analyses for anaesthesiologists.

Anesthetic factors and outcome in children undergoing indirect revascularization procedure for moyamoya disease: An Indian perspective

BACKGROUND

Moya Moya disease (MMD) is one of the most common cerebro-vascular diseases in children resulting in stroke. Surgical revascularization aims at improving the perfusion to the 'at-risk' ischemic brain. Several factors including peri-operative anesthetic related ones, affect the outcome in these children. This study was performed with the aim to explore the role of anesthetic techniques, pharmacological agents and perioperative management strategies on the neurological outcome following an indirect revascularization procedure for the treatment of MMD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of pediatric indirect revascularization procedures for MMD during a three year period at a tertiary neurosciences hospital in southern India. Demographic details, disease characteristics and variables related to anesthetic management were obtained from the patient's charts and analyzed. The main outcome measure was occurrence of postoperative new neurological complications; and, the secondary outcome was length of hospital stay after surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-two children underwent thirty indirect revascularization procedures, of which four patients had new postoperative neurological complications. One child died due to bilateral cerebral infarcts following bilateral surgery as a single stage under the same anesthesia. Female gender and a higher opioid dose were associated with occurrence of postoperative neurological deficits. Younger age, prolonged anesthetic duration and occurrence of postoperative neurological deficits were associated with prolonged postoperative hospital stay. However, none of these factors were predictive of either an adverse neurological outcome or a prolonged hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

In this study, anesthetic techniques or medications did not influence the occurrence of postoperative neurological deficits or prolonged hospital stay after an indirect revascularization procedure in children with MMD.