The Delicate Dance of Intraoperative Anesthesia: Addressing Patient and Anesthesiologist Concerns

Background In the realm of surgical procedures, patients and anesthesiologists have distinct concerns that can have an impact on their relationship. Patients are often riddled with anxiety about the unknowns of anesthesia and the possible risks. Anesthesiologists, too, face their own set of concerns. Despite the importance of this interaction, there has been little research on the specific concerns of both parties. Our study aims to fill this gap by describing and comparing the concerns of patients and anesthesiologists in Jordan. Methodology This cross-sectional study evaluated anesthesia-related problems based on specific questionnaires. The responses to the questionnaires were on a voluntary basis. The consent of the participants was granted after the aims of the study were clarified. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results A total of 155 Jordanian anesthesiologists and 1,858 participants from the population who had undergone anesthesia participated in the study. In general anesthesia, over 60% of the anesthesiologists were most worried about ventilation and intubation difficulties during anesthesia induction and death at the end of anesthesia. Regarding regional anesthesia, the primary concerns included toxicity from local anesthesia infiltration (64.5%) and total spinal anesthesia (49.0%). Patients were concerned about various anesthesia-related scenarios, with the highest worries about pain (3.41/4), a sharp drop in vital signs (3.40/4), and an irregular heartbeat (3.39/4). Female patients, those with lower incomes, and those with a bachelor\u27s degree reported higher anesthesia concern levels. Additionally, anesthesiologists\u27 mean concern score was significantly lower than that of patients. Conclusions Patients concentrated on pain, a drop in vital signs, and irregular heartbeats, whereas anesthesiologists were worried about ventilation, intubation, and hypoxia. Patients placed more emphasis on personal experiences and social factors than technical issues. Therefore, patient education about anesthesia and discussion about intra and postoperative expectations are imperative to improve the surgical experience and the relationship between patients and anesthesiologists

Life-Threatening Complications of Influenza vs Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in US Children

BACKGROUND: Clinical differences between critical illness from influenza infection vs coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been well characterized in pediatric patients. METHODS: We compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of US children (aged 8 months to 17 years) admitted to the intensive care or high-acuity unit with influenza or COVID-19. Using mixed-effects models, we assessed the odds of death or requiring life support for influenza vs COVID-19 after adjustment for age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, and underlying conditions including obesity. RESULTS: Children with influenza (n = 179) were younger than those with COVID-19 (n = 381; median, 5.2 years vs 13.8 years), less likely to be non-Hispanic Black (14.5% vs 27.6%) or Hispanic (24.0% vs 36.2%), and less likely to have ≥1 underlying condition (66.4% vs 78.5%) or be obese (21.4% vs 42.2%), and a shorter hospital stay (median, 5 days vs 7 days). They were similarly likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation (both 30.2%), vasopressor support (19.6% and 19.9%), or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2.2% and 2.9%). Four children with influenza (2.2%) and 11 children with COVID-19 (2.9%) died. The odds of death or requiring life support in children with influenza vs COVID-19 were similar (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, .78-2.15; P = .32). CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in demographics and clinical characteristics of children with influenza or COVID-19, the frequency of life-threatening complications was similar. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing prevention measures to reduce transmission and disease severity of influenza and COVID-19

Life-Threatening Complications of Influenza vs Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in US Children

Our multicenter comparison of severe pediatric influenza to severe coronavirus disease 2019 demonstrated similar frequencies of life-threatening complications. However, children with influenza critical illness were younger and more often previously healthy. Effective vaccination against influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is essential for child health