Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica最新文献

Introduction: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for pain treatment after elective hip and knee arthroplasties. However, evidence regarding the incidence of adverse effects with short-term NSAID treatment following surgery is limited. We, therefore, aim to assess the adverse effects with an eight-day postoperative treatment with ibuprofen after elective hip and knee arthroplasties.

Methods and analysis: PERISAFE is a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded multicenter trial with 90-day and one-year follow-up. Eligible patients undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty are allocated 1:1 to either ibuprofen 400 mg ×3/day or identical placebo ×3/day for eight days after surgery. The primary outcome is a composite of either death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, renal failure, major bleeding, re-operation, gastrointestinal ulcer, or readmission within 90 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes are hospital-free days within 90 days postoperatively, a composite of ibuprofen and opioid-related adverse reactions based on eight-day postoperative diary, and health related quality of life after 90 days postoperatively. A total of 2904 patients are needed to demonstrate a relative risk reduction of 33% in the placebo group, accepting a risk of type I error of 5% and type II error of 20% and a proportion of serious adverse events in the ibuprofen group of 8%. The primary analysis will be in the modified intention-to-treat population.

Ethics and dissemination: The trial is approved by the Danish Medicine Agency and the Research Ethics Committee (EU CT no. 2022-502, 502-32-00). We plan to submit for publication in a major international peer-reviewed journal and present results at scientific meetings.

Background: Classic teaching is that spinal anesthesia is safe at or below the L2-L3 interspace. To evaluate this, we sought to determine the percentage of individuals with a conus medullaris termination (CMT) level at or below the L1-L2 interspace. Further, the relationship of CMT level to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and spinal pathology was examined, as was the reliability of using Tuffier's line (TL) as an anatomical landmark.

Methods: This retrospective study evaluated magnetic resonance images of 944 adult patients to determine the CMT level. The relationship between age, sex, height, BMI, and spinal pathology and CMT level was explored by logistic regression. The correspondence of the TL line to the L4-L5 interspace and the presence of overlap with the CMT were examined using 720 lumbar x-rays of the same patient cohort.

Results: Of 944 patients (mean age, 57.8 years; 49% male), 18.9% had CMT at or below the L1-L2 interspace, and spinal anesthesia at the L2-L3 interspace was found to carry a 0.7% incidence of neuraxial risk. Only the presence of congenital spinal abnormalities was found to be significantly predictive of having a CMT at or below the L1-L2 interspace. TL was found to correspond to the L4-L5 interspace in 99.8% of patients with lumbar x-rays.

Conclusions: Spinal anesthesia at the L2-L3 interspace, using TL as an anatomical landmark, is safe in >99% of patients. However, caution must be exercised in all patients as demographic variables were found to be limited in predicting a low CMT level.

Editorial comment: Unlike previous smaller studies, this retrospective study included MRI data from a total of 944 patients. The present study confirms that spinal anesthesia at the L2-L3 interspace or below can be considered safe. The findings indicate that Tuffier's line can be used as a reliable anatomical landmark.

Background: During rapid sequence induction, either rocuronium 1.0 mg kg^-1 or suxamethonium 1.0 mg kg^-1 can be administered to facilitate endotracheal intubation. We hypothezised that rocuronium provided a larger proportion of excellent intubating conditions compared to suxamethonium in elderly patients.

Methods: A total of 90 patients 80 years or above with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical health Classes I-IV, and a body mass index < 35 kg m^-1-2 were randomised to either rocuronium 1.0 mg kg^-1 or suxamethonium 1.0 mg kg^-1 during rapid sequence induction with intubation using a video laryngoscope. After 60 s, tracheal intubating conditions were evaluated using the Fuchs-Buder scale by a blinded investigator, and the primary outcome was the proportion of patients with excellent intubating conditions. Further outcomes included first pass success rate, intubating conditions according to the intubating difficulty scale (IDS), onset time and postoperative occurrence of muscle soreness, hoarseness and sore throat.

Results: All patients were evaluated for the primary outcome. Excellent intubating conditions occurred in 36 patients (73%) versus 31 (75%) in the rocuronium group and suxamethonium group, respectively (95% confidence interval [CI]: -16 to 20) (p = .82). The first pass success rate was 48 (98%) versus 40 (98%) comparing the rocuronium group with the suxamethonium group, respectively (p = .90). No difference in IDS score was found; median 0 (interquartile ranges [IQR]: 0-1) versus median 0 (IQR: 0-1) (p = .48). Onset time was significantly shorter in the suxamethonium group 99 versus 131 s (p = .01) (95% CI: 7 to 57). Finally, no difference was found in the occurrence of muscle soreness, hoarseness or sore throat postoperatively.

Conclusion: No important difference in intubating conditions was found during rapid sequence induction after the administration of either rocuronium 1.0 mg kg^-1 or suxamethonium 1.0 mg kg^-1 in patients 80 years or above.

Editorial comment: This reports a superiority trial comparing standardised doses of rocuronium and suxamethonium at 60 s for quality of intubating conditions in the rapid sequence context, and this in an elderly cohort. The findings showed no difference between the drugs concerning intubation outcomes, though the onset or time to peak effect was shorter for suxamethonium, again demonstrated in a cohort 80 years old or older.

Background: Pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of sublingual dexmedetomidine have not been established in children. The primary aim was to compare peak plasma concentration, time to reach peak plasma concentration and area under the curve with 2 μg/kg sublingual and intranasal dexmedetomidine. The secondary aims were to compare the depth of sedation, parental separation anxiety, mask acceptance, heart rate changes, analgesic requirements and recovery time with 2 μg/kg sublingual and intranasal dexmedetomidine in children.

Method: Thirty children between 2 and 12 years, weighing 10-30 kg, scheduled for surgeries were divided into two groups. Thirty minutes before the induction of anaesthesia, children were premedicated with 2 μg/kg dexmedetomidine either by intranasal drops (Group N) or sublingual wafer (Group S). Five venous blood samples were collected to measure dexmedetomidine plasma concentrations at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 min from dexmedetomidine administration. Sedation, parental separation anxiety, mask acceptance and heart rate were recorded. Recovery, pain and fentanyl requirements were assessed.

Results: Demographic data was comparable. Median interquartile range (IQR) dexmedetomidine peak plasma concentration in Group N (0.764 [0.650-0.820]) ng/mL was significantly higher than in Group S (0.593 [0.364-0.754]) ng/mL (p = .014). Plasma concentration was significantly higher at 30 and 45 min in Group N as compared to Group S (p < .05). The median (IQR) time to reach peak plasma concentration was shorter in Group N (45 [45-120]) minutes than in Group S (60 [45-60]) minutes, (p = .814). The median (IQR) area under the concentration-time curve was significantly higher in Group N (1.062 [0.848-1.20]) ng/mL.h in comparison to Group S (0.866 [0.520-1.05]) ng/mL.h (p = .031). Comparable sedation was achieved at 25 min in both groups. No child required treatment for decreased heart rate. Parental separation anxiety, mask acceptance, recovery and analgesic requirements were comparable.

Conclusions: Intranasal 2 μg/kg dexmedetomidine resulted in significantly higher peak plasma concentration and time to reach peak plasma concentration than sublingual wafers. Sublingual and intranasal dexmedetomidine resulted in comparable sedation, parental separation and mask acceptance.

Editorial comment: This study compared the pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of sublingual versus intranasal dexmedetomidine in children, finding that intranasal administration resulted in significantly higher peak plasma concentration and faster time to peak concentration. Both routes achieved comparable sedation, parental separation anxiety scores and mask acceptance, with no significant adverse effects observed.

Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to introduce the concept of Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) in Denmark and to explore the TEMS providers' and the Danish Police Forces' confidence in the TEMS concept in case of a terrorist attack within the Capital Region of Denmark.

Background: Terrorist attacks pose a major challenge to prehospital emergency medical services when it comes to reaching trapped victims. The threat to healthcare professionals limits access and creates a so-called therapeutic vacuum, leading to delayed treatment and evacuation of victims and ultimately increases mortality.

Methods: This study used a mixed methods triangulation approach, integrating qualitative data from an interview study and quantitative data from a register study. The interview study consisted of 18 semistructured interviews conducted across three interview groups (Copenhagen TEMS physicians/paramedics, senior on-site commanders, and tactical and medical officers from the Copenhagen Police Department) with six participants in each group. Data from the interview study were analyzed using thematic framework analysis. The register study used data from the TEMS database, including 61 assignments from 2019 to 2020, that were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The interview study found three core themes in each interview group. The main findings included insights on the advantages of having healthcare professionals in the warm zone, the prerequisites for the concept's success, TEMS's cooperation with the Danish Police Force, and challenges concerning healthcare providers inside tactical zones. The participants expected TEMS' presence inside the warm zone could improve triage and medical treatment, free police resources, increase police safety, optimize preparedness of the health sector, and significantly reduce the therapeutic vacuum. Data from the register study demonstrated that TEMS have had prior assignments in the warm and hot zones.

Conclusion: All participating groups have high confidence in TEMS to close the gap of the therapeutic vacuum and deliver advanced physician and paramedic-based tactical medicine inside the warm zone in case of a terrorist attack in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Editorial comment: This study includes both provider interviews and registry data to support insight into processes of Tactical Emergency Medicine. The authors discuss possible advantages of having emergency medical personnel in the major incident area early to support a coordinated response.

Introduction: Leadership is a key skill for physicians, but studies show that many junior doctors feel unprepared for the role as a leader. In recent years, there has been increasing interest and research into the training and development of clinical leadership, revolving around leadership in situations with direct patient care and as opposed to the administrative leadership of a department. However, the lack of consensus on how best to teach leadership, how the education should be structured, as well as a standardized definition and measure for good leadership, complicates training, assessment, and comparison of approaches in both research and education.

Objective: The aim of this study is to map out the existing body of research on leadership education for physicians and medical students and identify any gaps in this literature.

Methods: The scoping review will follow the Arksey and O'Malley (Arksey and O'Malley, Int J Soc Res Methodol. 2005; 8(1):19-32) framework, Joanna Briggs Institute methodology (JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis-JBI Global Wiki) and PRISMA_ScR (Tricco et al., Ann Intern Med. 2018; 169(7):467-473). A systematic search will be conducted across the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Ebsco, Medline, and Google scholar. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, then review the full texts of articles. Data will be extracted and presented in line with the review questions.

Strengths and limitations of this study: The study will use a structured approach, as guided by Arksey and O'Malley and JBI methodology. Studies not written in English, Danish, German, Swedish, and Norwegian will be translated using available software. This review will not include a formal assessment of the study quality or meta-analysis, as it is a scoping review.

Background: Hypotension is commonly observed after induction of anesthesia. Risk factors for intraoperative hypotension include higher ASA class, older age, propofol use, combined general/regional anesthesia, emergency surgery, and use of antihypertensives. Patients who are treated with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may develop severe hypotension in connection with surgery and anesthesia, not responding to vasopressors such as phenylephrine and ephedrine, and use of adrenaline or noradrenaline are necessary to restore the blood pressure. Anaphylaxis may be suspected due to the rapid onset and resistance to usual treatments leading to referral for allergy investigation. The aim of this paper was to identify and describe the clinical characteristics of patients referred to the Danish Anesthesia Allergy Center (DAAC) with perioperative hypotension, without elevation in tryptase, and with negative allergy investigations, who were on regular treatment with TCAs. The pharmacological mechanism behind this phenomenon will also be explored.

Methods: Patients were identified from the DAAC database. Patients with hypotension (systolic blood pressure <75 mmHg) as the only symptom and negative allergy investigations and patients on antidepressants were included. The study period was 2011-2019.

Results: Ten patients were identified. Hypotension occurred after anesthesia induction, the median time from induction to the onset of hypotension was 7.5 min. Eight needed adrenaline or noradrenaline to restore blood pressure. No allergen was identified on detailed investigation and serum tryptase was not significantly elevated.

Conclusion: Monosymptomatic perioperative hypotension without a significant increase in serum tryptase can be caused by TCAs and this is an important differential diagnosis to anaphylaxis. In patients on regular treatment with TCA perioperative hypotension responds well to noradrenaline or adrenaline but less well to vasopressors such as phenylephrine and ephedrine used perioperatively.

Background: The impact of demographic- and surgical factors on individual perioperative opioid requirements is not fully understood. Anaesthesia personnel adjust opioid administrations based on their own clinical experience, expert opinions and local guidelines. This survey aimed to assess the current practice of anaesthesia personnel regarding intraoperative opioid treatment for postoperative analgesia and rescue opioid dosing strategies in the post-anaesthesia care unit in Denmark.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 37 questions addressing pain management and opioid-dosing strategies. Local site investigators from 46 of 47 public Danish anaesthesia departments distributed the survey. Data collection took place from 5 February to 30 April 2024.

Results: Of the 4187 survey participants, 2025 (48%) answered. Intra- and postoperative opioid doses were adjusted based on chronic pain, age, preoperative opioid use, body weight and type of surgery. Between 84% and 89% of respondents adhered to and had perioperative pain management guidelines available. Respondents preferred intraoperative fentanyl (44%) and morphine (36%) to prevent postoperative pain. Median intraoperative intravenous morphine equivalents ranged from 0.12 to 0.38 mg/kg in clinical scenarios. In these cases, the following variables were assembled in different combinations to assess their impact on dosing: age (30 vs. 65 years), sex (female vs. male), ASA score (1 vs. 3) and type of surgery (anterior cruciate ligament vs. laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery). Respondents preferred intravenous morphine and fentanyl for moderate and severe postoperative pain, respectively. Median postoperative rescue doses were 0.06-0.12 mg/kg in clinical scenarios based on shifting combinations of the variables: age (30 vs. 65 years), ASA score (1 vs. 3) and degree of expected pain (moderate vs. severe).

Conclusion: Respondents preferred fentanyl and morphine for postoperative pain control with considerable variation in choice of opioid and morphine equivalent dose. Respondents expressed that guidelines were highly available and strongly adhered to. Opioid dosing was predominantly guided by chronic pain, age, preoperative opioid use, body weight and type of surgery.

Introduction: Decision-support tools for detecting physiological deterioration are widely used in clinical medicine but have been criticised for fostering a task-oriented culture and reducing the emphasis on clinical reasoning. Little is understood about what influences clinical decisions aided by decision-support tools, including professional standards, policies, and contextual factors. Therefore, we explored management reasoning employed by anaesthesiologists and PACU nurses in the post-anaesthesia care unit during the discharge of high-risk postoperative patients.

Methods: A qualitative constructivist study, conducting 18 semi-structured with 6 anaesthesiologists and 12 nurses across three Danish teaching hospitals. We analysed data through thematic analysis, utilising Michael Lipsky's theory of "street-level bureaucracy" in combination with David A. Cook's Management Reasoning Framework as a sensitising concept.

Results: Standards are frequently ambiguous, requiring interpretation and prioritisation. This allows for professional discretion by circumventing established policies, reducing task-oriented culture and enhancing the clinical reasoning processes. However, discretion in management reasoning depends on whether the clinician is inclined to uphold or adjust policies to maintain professional standards, influencing discharge decisions.

Conclusion: While decision-support tools offer cognitive aid and help standardise patient trajectories, they also limit professional discretion in management reasoning and can potentially compromise care and treatment. This highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers both the benefits and limitations of these tools in clinical decision-making.