Effects of intrathecal opioids use in cesarean section on breastfeeding and newborns’ weight gaining

Objective: To assess the association between intrapartum intrathecal opioid use and breastfeeding and weight gain following cesarean section. Materials and methods: The prospective double-blinded study was conducted on term pregnant women, undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. They divided into two groups. In the first group, intrathecal Morphine was used to achieve analgesia during or after the operation. The remainder divided into two subgroups, those who did not receive any opioid or those received systemic opioids. Following labor breastfeeding accessed in a follow-up, two month latter. Results: There was no difference between the demographic variables of the mothers and newborns APGAR score and weight at the time of birth. Breastfeeding rate was similar in intrathecal group in compare with other patents (P value = 0.518). While, the infants’ weight at the end of second month was lower in spinal opioid group (P value = 0.036). Conclusion: The present study was the first to suggest that spinal (intrathecal) opioids do not have any impact on breastfeeding. However the relationship between spinal anesthesia on weight gaining needs more investigation

Porównanie wpływu leczenia metforminą i insuliną na kontrolę glikemii u krytycznie chorych pacjentów

Introduction: It is accepted that preventing hyperglycaemia during critical illness while assuring adequate caloric intake can reduce mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic effects of metformin and insulin on hyperglycaemia in ICU patients. Methods: This double-blind randomised clinical trial was performed on 24 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from 20 March to 20 September 2007. All patients with serious injuries or with major non-abdominal surgeries were included if they met the inclusion criteria, and were assigned randomly to one of the study groups. Patients in Group 1 received intensive insulin therapy, and patients in Group 2 were treated with metformin. Moreover, the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scoring system was used to grade disease severity. Results: Both glycaemic management protocols led to significantly improved glucose levels without any report of hypoglycaemia. The mean initial glucose levels for the insulin group decreased significantly after the intravenous infusion of insulin (p < 0.001). Additionally, the blood glucose concentration was significantly lower after two weeks of metformin administration compared to baseline measurements (p < 0.001). Moreover, the blood glucose concentration decrease during these two weeks was significantly higher in the insulin group (p = 0.01). Besides, APACHE II score was lower than baseline at the end of the study for both therapeutic groups (score of 10 vs. 15 [insulin] and 16 [metformin]). Finally, new renal dysfunction (maximum serum creatinine level at least double the initial value) was observed in three of the patients (two patients from the metformin group and one from the insulin group) in the last days of the protocol, although none of the patients showed lactic acidosis after ICU admission. Conclusions: Both metformin and intensive insulin therapy significantly decreased hyperglycaemia in ICU patients. Insulin caused a greater reduction in blood glucose concentration but required more attention and trained personnel.Wstęp: Dowody naukowe wskazują, że zapobieganie hiperglikemii u osób w stanie krytycznym przy zapewnieniu odpowiedniego poboru kalorii może zmniejszyć śmiertelność i chorobowość. Celem niniejszego badania było porównanie wpływu metforminy i insuliny na występowanie hiperglikemii u pacjentów leczonych na oddziale intensywnej opieki medycznej (OIOM). Materiał i metody: Badanie z randomizacją przeprowadzone metodą podwójnie ślepej próby obejmowało 24 chorych przyjętych na OIOM w okresie od 20 marca do 20 października 2007 roku. Wszystkich pacjentów z ciężkimi obrażeniami lub po poważnych zabiegach chirurgicznych niedotyczących jamy brzusznej, którzy spełniali kryteria włączenia, przydzielono losowo do jednej z grup terapeutycznych. U chorych przydzielonych do grupy 1. stosowano intensywną insulinoterapię, natomiast chorym z grupy 2. podawano metforminę. Do oceny ciężkości stanu chorych wykorzystano skalę APACHE (Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation) II. Wyniki: Oba protokoły leczenia hipoglikemizującego spowodowały istotną poprawę wyrównania glikemii, przy czym nie odnotowano żadnego przypadku hipoglikemii. W grupie stosującej insulinoterapię średnie stężenie glukozy obniżyło się istotnie w stosunku do wartości wyjściowych po dożylnym wlewie insuliny (p < 0, 001). U osób leczonych metforminą po 2 tygodniach przyjmowania leku stężenie glukozy we krwi było istotnie niższe od poziomu wyjściowego (p < 0,001). Redukcja stężenia glukozy w ciągu tych 2 tygodni była istotnie większa w grupie przyjmującej insulinę (p = 0,01). W obu grupach terapeutycznych punktacja w skali APACHE II w momencie zakończenia badania była niższa od wartości wyjściowych (10 punktów v. 15 [insulina] i 16 [metformina]). U 3 chorych (2 osoby przydzielone do leczenia metforminą i 1 osoba przydzielona do insulinoterapii) zaobserwowano rozwój niewydolności nerek de novo (maksymalne stężenie kreatyniny w surowicy co najmniej 2-krotnie większe od wartości wyjściowych) w ostatnich dniach stosowania protokołu leczenia hipoglikemizującego, chociaż u żadnego z pacjentów nie stwierdzono kwasicy mleczanowej po przyjęciu na OIOM. Wnioski: Zarówno leczenie metforminą, jak i intensywna insulinoterapia istotne zmniejszają hiperglikemię u pacjentów na OIOM. Insulina powoduje większą redukcję stężenia glukozy, jednak jej stosowanie wymaga większej uwagi, a personel medyczny musi być odpowiednio przeszkolony

Effect of vitamin C on coagulation factors and endothelium function in patients with sepsis

Objective: Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality in intensive care unit. Despite advances in its management, its mortality rate remains high. Recently, high dose of vitamin C in sepsis treatment has attracted the attention of researchers. In the current study, the impacts of 25 mg/kg of vitamin C every 6 hours as a bolus for 3 days were assessed in septic patients in intensive care unit (ICU).&nbsp;Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that was performed on adult patients with diagnosis of sepsis. Patients were assigned to control group (administration of placebo) or intervention group, i.e., those receiving a 25 mg/kg dose of vitamin C every 6 hours as a bolus for 3 days. Clinical data were recorded before and after the experiment. Also, plasma levels of antithrombin III, syndecan-1, fibrin degradation product (FDP), D-dimer, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours.&nbsp;Results: In septic patients receiving vitamin C, a significant upregulation of antithrombin III and significant decreases in the levels of syndecan-1 (at 48 hours; P-value=0.046 and at 72 hours; P-value=0.007), D-dimer and CRP were observed compared to the control. Reductions in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, in-hospital mortality, and ICU length of stay were seen in septic patients receiving vitamin C.&nbsp;Conclusion: Prescribing high dose of intravenous vitamin C can reduce the mortality of sepsis patients and reduce the length of stay in the ICU

Evaluation of the Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Coagulation in Patients with Haemorrhagic Stroke; A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Introduction: Considering that hemorrhagic stroke patients are at higher risk for bleeding, administration of higher doses of melatonin with a controversial coagulation profile is a serious concern.&nbsp;Objective: This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of high doses of melatonin on bleeding parameters and blood hemostasis in hemorrhagic stroke patients.&nbsp;Methods: This study is a randomized, double-blind, prospective, controlled trial. Confirmed hemorrhagic stroke patients were divided into two groups. Participants were randomly assigned into the melatonin group (30 mg daily via gastric tube gavage for 5 consecutive days) or the control group. Each patient was monitored for 5 days, and 2 blood samples were taken and the effect of the intervention on coagulation factors and blood hemostasis were investigated.&nbsp;Result: In total, 30 patients were randomly assigned to melatonin (n=15) or control groups (n=15). there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic and clinical characteristics. There was a significant decline in prothrombin time (PT) and fibrinogen levels in the melatonin group (p=0.011 &amp; p&lt;0.001, respectively). P-values for VII and VWB factors showed a significant increment in these two factors in the melatonin group after the intervention (p=0.035 &amp; p=0.002, respectively). No significant changes in serum levels of D-dimer factor, APACHE II, and GCS scores were evident in the two groups after the intervention (p&gt;0.05).&nbsp;Conclusion: Considering the favorable changes in coagulation parameters observed in this study, it could be concluded that melatonin can have both procoagulant and antithrombin properties

Sanyar Video Laryngoscope Improved Time and First Pass Success of Tracheal Intubation in Intensive Care Unit in Compared to Direct Laryngoscopy

Background: Airway management and tracheal intubation in the ICU is a difficult procedure that may be concomitant with major complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the SANYAR ® video laryngoscope(S-VL) on laryngeal view and first Pass Success of tracheal Intubation compared with direct laryngoscopy. Methods: This comparative, prospective clinical study was conducted on 120 adult patients in a single-center, in a surgical ICU under the supervision of an anesthesiologist in a university hospital. Difficult airway predictors, glottic view, first Pass Success of tracheal Intubation and time of intubation were evaluated with Macintosh laryngoscopy (ML) or the SANYAR® Video Laryngoscope(S-VL). Results: Tracheal intubation was performed in 58 critically ill patients using ML and 62 patients using S-VL. According to Cormack and Lehane (C&L) grading glottic visualization was more difficult using ML (41%, C&L grade 3 and 4) compared with S-VL (13%, C&L grade 3 and 4) p<0.001. Intubation of trachea was more successful in the first attempt, in patients with at least one difficult airway predictor with a S-VL compared to ML (87% vs. 38%; P = 0.001), time of intubation was also shorter by using S-VL. Conclusion: Among critically ill patients in the intensive care unit, who require intubation, the SANYAR video laryngoscopy improved glottis view compared to the Macintosh direct laryngoscopy and first-pass orotracheal intubation rate especially in patients with potentially difficult airways

Intensive care unit-acquired urinary tract infections in patients admitted with sepsis: etiology, risk factors, and patterns of antimicrobial resistance

SummaryObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the etiology, risk factors, and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients admitted with sepsis.MethodsIn this observational study, 100 septic patients hospitalized in a general ICU were selected. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were obtained by chart review. Antibiotic resistance/susceptibility was determined using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) technique.ResultsA UTI was present in 28 (28%) patients; the male to female ratio was 19:9 and the mean age of the patients was 58.71±19.45 years. From the total of 28 isolates, 27 were resistant to ciprofloxacin, 23 to amikacin, 27 to meropenem, 28 to cefepime, 26 to ceftazidime, and 27 to ceftriaxone.ConclusionsOn the basis of our results, the rate of multidrug-resistant UTIs may be very high in some ICUs in patients admitted with sepsis. This antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance should be determined, and a special antimicrobial treatment protocol should be planned based on the results for each ICU. The use of antibiotics for treating UTIs should be guided only through this protocol because of the different spectra of pathogens and susceptibility patterns in each ICU

The role of glutathione-S-transferase polymorphisms on clinical outcome of ALI/ARDS patient treated with N-acetylcysteine

SummaryOxidative stress has a proven role in pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The antioxidant drugs, especially N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have been used for years to overcome oxidative stress effects in patients. In the present study we have investigated the effects of NAC treatment (IV NAC in 150mg/kg at the first day followed by 50mg/kg/day for three days) on 27 ICU patients with ALI/ARDS considering the glutathione-S-transferase genetic variations, as an important enzyme contributing in oxidative stress pathways. The results indicated that NAC improved oxygenation (increase in PaO2/FiO2) and decreased mortality rate in treated patients compared to control group (p<0.05). Evaluation of three isoforms of glutathione-S-transferase (GST M1, P1 and T1), in these patients have showed an association between GST M1 null, and GST M1 and T1 double null polymorphisms with increased mortality in control group, suggesting antioxidant therapy critical for this group of patients

The role of magnesium sulfate in the intensive care unit

Magnesium (Mg) has been developed as a drug with various clinical uses. Mg is a key cation in physiological processes, and the homeostasis of this cation is crucial for the normal function of body organs. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is a mineral pharmaceutical preparation of magnesium that is used as a neuroprotective agent. One rationale for the frequent use of MgSO4 in critical care is the high incidence of hypomagnesaemia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Correction of hypomagnesaemia along with the neuroprotective properties of MgSO4 has generated a wide application for MgSO4 in ICU

Evaluation of the Role of Hemoperfusion on Mortality and Morbidity in Patients with Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19)

Background: Cytokine storm in severe Covid-19 disease is one of the leading causes of death in these patients. Hemoperfusion is a method used to purify the blood from toxins and inflammatory factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hemoperfusion on mortality and morbidity in patients with severe Covid - 19 disease. Methods: This was a retrospective study which performed by reviewing the files of 30 patients with severe Covid-19 disease referred to Sina Hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Thirty patients with severe covid-19 disease and positive PCR participated in the study. All patients received routine treatment protocol for covid-19. Hemoperfusion was used for 15 patients in addition to receiving routine care. The remaining 15 patients were included in the control group. Patients in the hemoperfusion group underwent four sessions of hemoperfusion using continuous renal replacement therapy with continuous venovenous hemofiltration. Results: the ICU length of stay in the control and hemoperfusion groups was 3.40 ± 11.40 and 9.65 ± 16.33 days, respectively (P= 0.075). 8 patients died and 7 patients were discharged in the control group, but 11 patients died and 4 patients were discharged in the hemoperfusion group (P= 0.256). The respiratory rate of patients in the control and hemoperfusion groups decreased from 7.43 ± 29.40 to 4.03 ± 24.60 and from 6.11 ± 31.60 to 5.04 ± 24.46, respectively (P < 0.001). The percentage of arterial blood oxygen saturation in the control and hemoperfusion groups increased from 90.86 ± 5.61 to 93.06 30 4.30 and from 92.33 26 3.26 to 92.06 31 5.31, respectively (P= 0.456). Conclusion: Hemoperfusion could not prevent the mortality of patients and finally out of 15 patients, 11 patients died and 4 patients were discharged. Also, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of arterial blood oxygen saturation

Platelet kinetics after slow versus standard transfusions: A pilot study

Background. Platelet transfusion is required in the acute phase of some thrombocytopenic disorders in order to prevent potentially dangerous hemorrhages. The purpose of this study was to assess the increase in platelet count following a slow platelet transfusion. Methods. Patients suffering from thrombocytopenia due to various underlying diseases were enrolled in the prospective pilot feasibility trial and were randomly divided into two groups. Standard platelet transfusion was administered in one group, while slow transfusion was used in the other. The platelet count was examined at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 1 week following the transfusions. Results. Although the platelet count was higher following 1 hour after transfusion via the standard method, the count tended to be higher 1 week after the transfusion in the slow transfusion group. This difference, however, only turned out to be statistically significant amongst females. Conclusion. A therapy of slow platelet transfusion might be more effective for the prevention of platelet loss. Further studies will be required to strengthen this hypothesis