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Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder characterized by recurrent fever and attacks of abdominal pain, chest pain, and joint pain. Attacks of recurrent fever and serositis are encountered clinically. Attacks may present either with only one symptom or many simultaneous symptoms. Although most of the patients are diagnosed clinically above the age of 2, those cases who are diagnosed before 2 years of age and with clinical course of isolated fever are believed to have a more serious course and tend to develop amyloidosis. In this article, a case who was admitted first on the 22nd day of life and later diagnosed to have FMF with recurrent attacks of isolated fever and no other focus is presented. We emphasize that FMF may present as early as in the first month of life, and it should be considered in cases presenting with fever of unknown origin and misdiagnosed to have late neonatal sepsis or occult bacteremia at this age group.

INTRODUCTION The aims of this randomized prospective mannequin study were to determine the amount of attempts required for successful intubation using different fiberscopes (Bonfils and SensaScope) by inexperienced anesthesiologists in a difficult airway scenario and to build the associated learning curves. METHODS Difficult airway simulation was achieved with tongue edema in mannequin. After approval of volunteers, we asked 15 anesthesiology residents without any experience with fiberscopes to intubate with each device in a random order. Intubation success (endotracheal intubation within 120 seconds), the degree of difficulty of intubation, and reality of simulation using a 10-point scale were recorded. Learning curves were generated with cumulative sum method. RESULTS With Bonfils, 13 volunteers were able to pass lower decision boundary with a median number of 26 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.4-25.9] attempts, whereas in SensaScope, the same outcome was observed in 10 residents with a median number of attempts of 26 (95% CI = 23.5-32.5). Total success rate was found significantly higher with Bonfils compared with SensaScope (550/600 vs 512/600, respectively, P < 0.001). Intubation with Bonfils was considered as less difficult compared with SensaScope [median = 4 (95% CI = 3.32-4.42) and 6 (95% CI = 4.96-6.64), P = 0.01, respectively]. The reality of the simulation was rated as a median of 5 (95% CI = 4.37-5.8). CONCLUSIONS Although a similar number of attempts were required to reach predetermined competency for both fiberscopes, only 10 of residents were able to obtain the targeted success using SensaScope as compared with 13 with Bonfils. Inexperienced residents found intubation via Bonfils less difficult than SensaScope. High individual variability in obtaining competency observed in this study with cumulative sum analysis underlines the importance of defining success a priori to simulation, the need for follow-up of individual progress, and the need to offer adequate trials to achieve competency. Therefore, learning opportunities should be adapted accordingly.

Background and objectives: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple, cost-effective and easily applicable inflammation indicator that is being used frequently in mortality, morbidity and prognosis studies in the recent years. We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Material and methods: We included 101 patients who preferred spinal anesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in accordance and divided them into two groups, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. We recorded demographic information, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, analgesics consumption, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio results and postoperative pain using Visual Analog Scale. Results: The morphine consumption of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 7.38 mg, 7.80 mg; 8th hour: 12.19 mg, 13.29 mg; 12th hour: 16.94 mg, 19.18 mg; 24th hour: 25.97 mg, 27.98 mg; 48th hour: 36.38 mg, 39.59 mg. The Visual Analog Scale scores of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 4.10, 4.51; 8th hour: 3.02, 3.43; 12th hour: 2.29, 2.55; 24th hour: 1.90, 1.87; 48th hour: 1.08, 1.13. In group total hip arthroplasty, we found a statistically significant association between postoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the Visual Analog Scale values on the 48th hour in a positive direction (r = 0.311; P = 0.031; P

Objective In this prospective randomized study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of tracheal intubation with four different laryngoscopes [Macintosh direct laryngoscope-classic laryngoscope (CL), McCoy (MC), C-Mac video-laryngoscope (CM) and McGrath video-laryngoscope (MG)] on haemodynamic responses in patients with a normal airway. Methods One hundred and sixty patients were included. Succeeding haemodynamic measurements were performed immediately after intubation (T2) and for 5 min with 1-min intervals (T3-T4-T5-T6-T7). The primary outcome was the heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) change triggered by the four different laryngoscopes. The intubation time, the number of intubation attempts, need for stylet or additional manipulation, glottic view and traumatic complications caused by intubation procedure were recorded as secondary outcomes. Results HR values significantly increased with the completion of laryngoscopy and intubation at T2 for the CL, MC and CM groups. Lesser fluctuation in HR and SBP was observed in the MG group. Intubation time was significantly shorter in the MG group (p

Objective Microlaryngeal surgery requires teamwork between surgeons and anesthesiologists. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is an artificial breathing technique, preferred during endolaryngeal interventions, which offers a good solution for the requirements. Most studies investigating independent risk factors for intraoperative complications during HFJV in endolaryngeal surgery (ELS) has been retrospective and not standardized and the anesthetic approach has not been standardized. This prospective cohort study aimed to identify risk factors of complications related to HFJV in ELS under a standardized anesthesia regimen. Methods 243 patients who underwent ELS with infraglottic HFJV were investigated. Infraglottic jet ventilation catheter was placed and anesthesia was standardized. Demographic and operative data were noted. Hemodynamics, SpO2 and end-tidal CO2 were recorded at regular intervals. Complications such as hemodynamic disturbances, respiratory problems, barotrauma, equipment failure and requirement for conventional ventilation were also documented. Results 222 patients were included. Hypoxia, hypercapnia and the need for intubation were observed in 20(9%), 4(1.8%), 10(4.5%) patients. Bradycardia, hypotension and arrhythmia were observed in six (2.7%), 24(10.8%), and four (1.8%) patients respectively. Respiratory complications were associated with body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001, OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.31–1.88) and previous major airway surgery (p < 0.001, OR: 34.0, 95%CI:3.52–328.24), whereas hemodynamic complications were associated with duration of the operation (p = 0.034, OR:1.04, 95%CI:1.0–1.09) and history of previous major airway surgery (p = 0.005, OR:9.57, 95%CI:1.97–46.49). Conclusion Infraglottic HFJV can be evaluated as an alternative breathing technique to conventional ventilation during endolaryngeal interventions. However, longer operation and previous laryngeal surgeries can increase the incidence of respiratory complications.

To compare the course of the transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) values of early-term newborns with those of term newborns in the first month of life and to investigate whether early-term newborns have an increased risk of significant hyperbilirubinemia requiring treatment.A prospective, controlled cohort analysis.A tertiary level mother-child birth and health care center.Four hundred early-term (37 0/7 to 38 6/7 weeks) and 320 term (39 0/7 to 41 6/7 weeks) newborns born during a 27-month period.A total of six TcB measurements in a longitudinal manner were made in early-term and term newborns: the first two at 6 and 48 hours after birth and the next four on routine examination days (Days 4, 7, 15, and 30). Demographic characteristics, values of daily TcB measurements, number of newborns with significant hyperbilirubinemia, and risk of jaundice requiring treatment were compared between the two groups.All six TcB values were significantly greater in the early-term group than in the term group (p .001 for each). Early-term newborns had a statistically significant increased risk of jaundice requiring treatment compared to term newborns (risk ratio = 1.91; 95% confidence interval [1.23-2.96]; p = .0046). Results of the repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc adjusted multiple comparison analysis showed that TcB levels increased to and peaked at 96 hours after birth and then gradually decreased to baseline (first measurement) levels at 30 days after birth in each group.Early-term newborns should not be treated as full-term newborns because they have significantly higher TcB levels. These newborns should be closely monitored for pathologic jaundice because they have increased risk for significant hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy.

Objectives Pre-operative airway evaluation is essential to decrease the proportion of possible mortality and morbidity due to difficult airway (DA). The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pre-operative ultrasonographic airway assessment (UAA) and indirect laryngoscopy (IL) in predicting DA. Study design Prospective obsevational study. Methods Preoperative clinical examination (body mass index [BMI], mallampati classification [MP], thyromental distance, sternomental distance, neck circumference), UAA (epiglottis-skin distance [ESD], hyoid bone-skin distance [HSD], the thickness of tongue root [ToTR], anterior commissure-skin distance [ACSD]) and IL with the rigid 70-degree laryngoscope were performed to predict DA (Cormack-Lehane grade 3 and 4). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PP), and negative predictive values of the parameters were assessed. Results Twenty-two of 140 (15.7%) patients were diagnosed with DA. The cut-off points of ESD, HSD, ToTR, ACSD, and BMI were 2.09 cm, 0.835 cm, 4.05 cm, 0.545 cm, and 27.10, respectively. AUC values were 0.874, 0.885, 0.871, 0.658, and 0.751 in the same order. AUC values for IL and MP were 0.773 and 0.925, respectively. MP and HSD had the best sensitivity (91%), IL grading had the best specificity (100%), and PP (100%) value among all measurements. The best-balanced sensitivity (91%), specificity (97%), and PP (88%) values were obtained by combining the IL with MP and ESD or with MP and HSD. Conclusions Ultrasonographic measurements and IL were found significantly correlated to predict DA. Combined parameters, the IL with MP and ESD or with MP and HSD, are the best parameters in predicting the DA. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E555-E560, 2021.

We documented brachial plexus injury by electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging secondary to needle sticks for central line insertion. This type of complication is rare in the literature, as few case reports exist. Brachial plexus injury can happen because of anatomic variations. Nevertheless, multiple attempts or introducer needle rotations should be avoided during subclavian vein catheterization. Pain that emerges in the ipsilateral arm after subclavian catheter placement should be taken into serious consideration. It is important to identify the cause of pain as soon as possible so that the correct treatment can be efficiently provided. Use of an ultrasound-guided catheterization may be a better choice for preventing complications.

SummaryBackground The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the success of ultrasound in pediatric patients in determining the appropriate sized cuffed endotracheal tube and to compare the results with conventional height-based (Broselow) tape and age-based formula tube size. Methods One hundred and fifty-two children of 1-10 years of age, who received general anesthesia for adenotonsillectomy were enrolled to the study. In all participants, the transverse diameter of the subglottis was measured with ultrasound during apnea. An endotracheal tube was chosen with the outer diameter matched to the measured subglottic airway diameter. An age-based (Motoyama-Khine) and height-based (Broselow) endotracheal tube size was calculated. If there was resistance to passage of the tube into the trachea or an airway pressure >25 cmH20 was required to detect an audible leak, the endotracheal tube was replaced with internal diameter of 0.5 mm smaller. If there was an audible leak at airway pressure 25 cmH20 or a cuff pressure > 25 cmH2O was required to seal, the tube was changed to the 0.5 mm larger internal diameter. Best-fit tube internal diameter was the resultant tube internal diameter that met the previously stated conditions. The need for endotracheal tube replacement and peak airway pressure were recorded. Results The internal diameter of ultrasound determined tube was the same as best-fit tube in 88% of children. Endotracheal tube was replaced in 15 patients with a one size larger, and in three patients with one size smaller tube. Using Bland-Altman analysis, a better agreement was observed with ultrasound measurement rather than height-based estimation and age-based formulas. Conclusion Our findings show that subglottic diameter measured by ultrasound appears to be a reliable predictor for the assessment of the subglottic diameter of the airway in estimating appropriate size pediatric endotracheal tube.

Background Hypotension after anesthesia induction is a common problem and is partly related to patient volume status. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between blood pressure change and pulse pressure variation (PPV), and percentage of weight loss while determining threshold for hypotension by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Methods We analyzed 231 neurosurgery patients. In all patients, propofol was used for standard anesthesia induction. Patient demographics, medical histories, fasting duration, percentage weight loss, baseline blood pressure, and PPV during normal tidal volume breathing and that during forced inspiratory breathing (PPVfi) were recorded. Hemodynamic changes within 10 minutes of intubation were observed. Patients developing hypotension and severe hypotension were determined; lowest mean arterial pressure (MAP) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) values were recorded, and their differences relative to baseline values were calculated. Results The incidence of hypotension was 18.6%. Both percentage weight loss and PPVfi were correlated with the changes in MAP and SAP. A PPVfi>14 identified all observed hypotensive episodes with 86% sensitivity and 86.2% specificity, whereas percentage weight loss >1.75% identified all observed hypotensive episodes with 81.4% sensitivity and 70.7% specificity. Furthermore, PPVfi>16.5 identified severe hypotension with 85% sensitivity and 90.5% specificity, whereas percentage weight loss >1.95% identified severe hypotension with 85% sensitivity and 73% specificity. Conclusions Percentage weight loss and PPVfi are good predictors of hypotension after anesthesia induction and, thus, may allow anesthesiologists to adopt preventative measures and ensure safer anesthesia induction.

Objective The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate the first attempt success of ultrasonography (USG) in paediatric patients in predicting an appropriate cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) size. Methods Fifty children who were 1-10 years of age and who received general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation for adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy were enrolled in the study. In all participants, the transverse diameter of the subglottic airway was measured with USG at the cricoid level without ventilation. The outer diameter (OD) of the maximum allowable ETT was chosen according to the measured subglottic airway diameter. In the presence of resistance to passage of the tube into the trachea or in the absence of an audible leak at airway pressure of >25 cm H2O, the ETT was replaced with a tube whose internal diameter (ID) was 0.5 mm smaller. If a leak was audible at airway pressures of 25 cm H2O or if a peak airway pressure of >25 cm H2O was observed during ventilation, the tube was changed to a tube one size larger. The OD of the best-fit ETT was converted to the ID. The best-fit ID, the requirement for ETT replacement, the duration of airway diameter measurement by USG and the peak airway pressure were recorded. Results The success rate of the first attempt with USG was 86%; the ETT was replaced in five patients with a tube one size larger and in two patients with a tube one size smaller. Conclusion Our findings show the subglottic diameter measured by USG to be a reliable predictor in estimating the appropriate paediatric ETT size.

In this study, we evaluate 25 cases who were admitted to the emergency service and transferred to the intensive care unit subsequently due to snakebite, prospectively. Clinical courses, toxic effects, complications and treatment approaches were aimed to be presented. Among the patients, 16 were female and 9 were male; the mean age was 42.1 (17-74 years). It was determined that all the cases were admitted to the hospital during working in the field in Eastern Anatolia Region, between the months of May and June, and between the hours of 15:00 to 18:00. When the cases were considered in terms of bitten body part, 15 were bitten from upper extremity and 10 were bitten from lower extremity. Within an hour the patients were admitted to a health facility with the complaints of nausea, pain, numbness, swelling and redness, and patients were transferred to emergency unit approximately within 1 hour (0.5 to 2 hours) following the first intervention. Tetanus immunization is administered in all cases as the first intervention. Antivenom was administered to the 9 (36%) of the patients in whom steroid, antihistamine and prophylactic antibiotic therapy was given in the intensive care unit. Under the control of infection clinic, antibiotic therapy was initiated to 13 (52%) patients in who cellulitis, abscess, lymphedema and compartment syndrome were developed. Healing was observed approximately within 4 days (2-6 days) and recovery was observed in all the cases. Patients admitted due to snake bites should be followed closely for at least 6 to 8 hours. According to the patient’s clinical condition and laboratory test results, early intervention therapy should be regulated and antivenom therapy should be administered in the presence of systemic symptoms.

Background Endotracheal tube size can be predicted according to ultrasound measurement of subglottic airway diameter. The learning curve for this method is not yet established. The aim was to evaluate the learning curve of anesthesiology residents in ultrasound measurement of subglottic airway diameter for prediction of endotracheal tube size using cumulative sum analysis. Methods Sixteen anesthesiology residents measured transverse subglottic airway diameter in children undergoing general anesthesia with cuffed endotracheal intubation. Each resident performed 30 ultrasound examinations. Primary outcome was the successful prediction of endotracheal tube size according to ultrasound measurement. Cumulative sum analysis was performed with acceptable and unacceptable failure rates set as 20 and 40%, respectively. Results Ten out of 16 residents (62.5%) were deemed successful as they were able to pass lower decision boundary, whereas six residents' CUSUM scores were between the decisions lines deeming them indeterminate. The overall success rate for determining the correct endotracheal tube size was 77.5%. Median number of attempts to cross lower decision boundary was 29 with minimum of 18 and maximum of 29 attempts among successful residents. Conclusion Learning curves constructed with cumulative sum analysis in this study showed that only 62.5% of residents were able to correctly predict cuffed endotracheal tube size with 80% success rate. Considerable variability in achieving competency necessitates objective follow-up of individual improvement.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the success rates of ultrasound (US) and palpation methods in identifying the cricothyroid membrane (CTM), and compare the results with the gold standard method-computed tomography (CT) scan. METHODS A total of 110 patients were included into the study. The midline was estimated by a single investigator using both the US and palpation methods from the prominence of the thyroid cartilage to the center of the sternal notch, and the distance was measured (in millimeters) between the two points: Point A (the midpoint of CTM) and Point B (the inferior process of thyroid cartilage). Furthermore, the distance between Point A and Point B was calculated using the CT images. Time taken to assess the CTM by using US and palpation methods were recorded. Moreover, difficulty in using the two methods was measured with the visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, demographic and morphometric characteristics of the patients were noted. RESULTS The CTM was detected accurately in 50 (45.5%) patients with palpation and 82 (74.5%) with US. In the Bland-Altman analysis, a better agreement was observed with US. The time to assess CTM was shorter with US than with palpation, p

Objective: Cathelicidin is an important antimicrobial peptide in the urinary tract. Cathelicidin expression is strongly stimulated by 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D in epithelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, and neutrophils. Vitamin D and cathelicidin status in children with urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Escherichia coli is unknown. To establish the relationship between serum vitamin D and urine cathelicidin levels in children with a UTI caused by Escherichia coli. Methods: Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and urine cathelicidin levels were measured in 36 patients with UTI (mean age 6.8±3.6 years, range: 0.25-12.6 years) and 38 controls (mean age 6.3±2.8 years, range: 0.42-13 years). Results: There were no significant differences in urine cathelicidin levels between the study and control groups (p>0.05). Eight (22.2%) patients in the study group and 21 (58.3%) children in the control group were found to have sufficient vitamin D (≥20 ng/mL). Patients with sufficient vitamin D had higher urine cathelicidin levels than the controls with sufficient vitamin D (respectively 262.5±41.1 vs. 168±31.6 ng/mL, p=0.001). There were no significant differences between the patients and controls with insufficient vitamin D (p>0.05). Conclusion: The children with vitamin D insufficiency may not be able to increase their urine cathelicidin level during UTI caused by Escherichia coli. There is a need of prospective studies in order to prove a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation for the restoration of cathelicidin stimulation and consequently for prevention of UTI recurrence.

Objective Urinary netrin-1 is a new marker to demonstrate early tubular damage. The aim of this study was to determine whether urinary netrin-1 is increased in obese children. Methods A total of 68 normoalbuminuric and normotensive obese patients and 65 controls were included in the study. Urine samples were collected for assessment of urinary phosphorus, sodium, potassium, creatinine, albumin, and netrin-1. Blood samples were collected for measurements of fasting glucose, insulin, lipid, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels. Homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index was calculated. Results Gender and age were similar between obese and control groups (12.01±3.03 vs. 11.7±3.2 years, p=0.568 and 33 vs. 35 girls, p=0.543, respectively). Obese patients had significantly higher netrin-1 excretion than the controls (841.68±673.17 vs. 228.94±137.25 pg/mg creatinine, p=0.000). Urinary netrin-1 level was significantly higher in obese subjects with insulin resistance compared to those without insulin resistance (1142±1181 vs. 604.9±589.91 pg/mg creatinine, p=0.001). Conclusion In normotensive and normoalbuminuric obese children, urinary netrin-1 level can increase before onset of albuminuria. Urinary netrin-1 excretion appears to be affected predominantly by insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Urinary netrin-1 may be a new biomarker for determining early tubular injury in obese children.

Our aim was to investigate the association of liver fibrosis and necroinflammation with HS in untreated young patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).A retrospective study was conducted in a military hospital in Turkey. A total of 254 subjects with CHB were included in this study. These subjects were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of patients with hepatic steatosis (HS) according to ultrasonography (USG) and group 2 consisted of non-HS subjects. Sociodemographic, biochemical, histopathological, virological and USG results were recorded for both groups retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0.The prevalence of HS was found to be 11.4%. A significant statistical difference was found between group 1 and group 2 regarding the fibrosis degree (p = 0.045). No statistically significant difference was noted between two groups for age, levels of ALT, AST, HBeAg, HBV-DNA levels, HAI scores, diagnosis age and duration of CHB. No difference was noted between the grade of HS and variables. A positive correlation was found between fibrosis groups and the grade of HS (p = 0.012, r = 0.158) and between HAI groups and the grade of HS (p = 0.029, r = 0.137).The prevalence of steatosis was not higher in patients with CHB. HS is associated with advanced hepatic fibrosis, but not viral liver disease.

Objective The aim of the present study is to compare the effect of 20% mannitol and 3% NaCl on blood coagulation in vitro using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Methods Twenty-millilitre blood samples were obtained from 15 volunteers. In each group, 2 mL blood samples were collected into both polypropylene tubes and EDTA tubes for ROTEM and hemogram analysis. After sampling, blood samples were diluted with test solutions. Group C (control): Only blood, Group M (mannitol): 7% vol 20% mannitol concentration in the blood, Group hypertonic saline (HS): 7% vol 3% hypertonic saline (NaCl) in the blood, Group M/H (mannitol and hydroxyethyl starch solutions [HES]): 6% vol 20% mannitol concentration and 8% vol HES in the blood and Group HS/H (hypertonic saline and HES): 6% vol 3% hypertonic saline concentration and 8% vol HES in the blood. The following thromboelastometric parameters were measured automatically: clotting time (CT) and clot formation time (CFT) with intrinsic activation by tissue factor (InTEM), CT, CFT and maximum clot firmness (MCF) with extrinsic activation by tissue factor (ExTEM) and MCF with FibTEM. Results The ExTEM CT value was found to be significantly longer in the M/H group than in the controls. The ExTEM CFT median and percentile values were: group C: 85 s (70-95 s), group M: 115 s (94-128 s), group HS: 102 s (84-114 s), group M/H: 128 s (110-144 s) and group HS/H: 118 s (107-132 s). In all the groups, FibTEM MCF values were significantly lower than the control and also there was a significant difference between groups M and HS according to FibTEM MCF values. Conclusion Whole-blood coagulation disorder induced by these solutions is mainly dependent on fibrinogen and fibrin interaction. However, 3% HS has much less negative effect on coagulation.

Objective The Supreme™ laryngeal mask airway (SLMA) is a supra glottic airway (SGA) device that is used as an alternative to endotracheal tubes. In the present study, we aimed to compare the use of the SLMA with normal cuff pressure and low cuff pressure, primarily for haemodynamic response. Methods In the present study, 120 patients diagnosed with hypertension and scheduled for varicose vein or inguinal hernia operation were enrolled and 99 patients finished. Using randomization, patients were divided into two groups according to cuff pressure as a low-pressure group (Group L, 45 cm H2O) and a normal-pressure group (Group N, 60 cm H2O). Demographics, Mallampati score and the type and duration of surgery, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), percentage of tidal volume leakage, Ppeak, Pmean, etCO2, seal pressure, fibreoptic scores and postoperative adverse effects of all patients were recorded. Results MAP and HR values immediately and 2 minutes after SLMA insertion were significantly lower in Group L (p 0.05). Conclusion SLMA use with a cuff pressure of 45 cm H2O significantly decreases haemodynamic response and post-operative side effects compared with a normal cuff pressure. Therefore, except for some specific surgeries that require higher seal pressures, we recommend the use of the SLMA with cuff pressures as low as 45 cm H2O.

BACKGROUND There are few studies examining development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the various types of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Presently described is evaluation of risk factors and development of AKI in different groups of ICU patients. METHODS Present study was performed in 3 different ICUs. Development of AKI was measured using Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) classification system. Total of 300 patients who were treated in trauma, neurosurgery, or general ICU departments (due to head injury, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage [aSAH], or severe sepsis/septic shock, respectively) were assessed for incidence, risk factors, and development of AKI. RESULTS AKI did not develop in aSAH patients when evaluated based on serum creatinine level; however, it was observed in 5% of aSAH patients according to volume adjusted creatinine (VACr) level. AKI developed in 76% of sepsis group, and in 20% of head injury group, based on AKIN classification, according to both serum and VACr levels. Incidence of AKI was significantly higher in sepsis group (p

Background and purpose: Etiologic role, incidence, demographic, and response-to-treatment characteristics of urinary tract infection (UTI) among neonates, its relationship with significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and abnormalities of the urinary system were studied in a prospective investigation in early (≤10 days) idiopathic neonatal jaundice in which all other etiologic factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were ruled out. Patients and methods: Urine samples for microscopic and bacteriologic examination were obtained with bladder catheterization from 155 newborns with early neonatal jaundice. Newborns with a negative urine culture and with a positive urine culture were defined as group I and group II, respectively, and the 2 groups were compared with each other. Results: The incidence of UTI in whole of the study group was 16.7%. Serum total and direct bilirubin levels were statistically significantly higher in group II when compared with group I ( P = .005 and P = .001, respectively). Decrease in serum total bilirubin level at the 24th hour of phototherapy was statistically significantly higher in group I compared with group II ( P = .022). Conclusions: Urinary tract infection should be investigated in the etiologic evaluation of newborns with significant hyperbilirubinemia. The possibility of UTI should be considered in jaundiced newborns who do not respond to phototherapy well or have a prolonged duration of phototherapy treatment.

BACKGROUND This study investigates whether ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral blocks would improve postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty. METHODS After obtaining ethics committee approval, data of 70 patients who underwent bilateral reduction mammaplasty were reviewed. Sixty-four patients' data were evaluable; 30 were in the general anesthesia group and 34 were in the thoracic paravertebral block group. Data such as time to first pain, intraoperative fentanyl requirement, postoperative numeric rating scale scores, number of patients who required tramadol in the postoperative care unit, and rescue analgesic consumption through the first 2 postoperative days were analyzed. RESULTS Time to first pain was 311 minutes (range, 0 to 1605 minutes) and 20 minutes (range, 0 to 120 minutes) in the thoracic paravertebral block and general anesthesia groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Fentanyl requirement was 52.94 ± 11.94 µg and 115 ± 29.79 µg in the thoracic paravertebral block and general anesthesia groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Numeric rating scale scores were lower in the thoracic paravertebral block group through the first 2 postoperative hours (p < 0.001), and only two of 34 patients required tramadol in the postoperative care unit (p < 0.001). On postoperative day 1, both metamizole sodium (p < 0.001) and paracetamol (p = 0.018), and on day 2, only metamizole sodium (p < 0.001) consumption was lower in the thoracic paravertebral block group. CONCLUSION Adding ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral blocks to general anesthesia postponed time to first pain and reduced analgesic consumption in patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, III.

Introduction HSCT is the curative therapeutic option in PIDs. Due to the increase in survival rates, reduced-toxicity conditioning regimens with treosulfan have become another alternative. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the outcome of treosulfan-based conditioning before HSCT for patients with PID. Method A total of 15 patients that received a treosulfan-based conditioning regimen for HSCT were recruited. Type of diagnosis, donor and stem cell source, pretransplant organ damage, infections, engraftment, chimerism, and transplant-related toxicities were analyzed. Results At a median follow-up time of 32 months, the overall survival was 86.7%. Following HSCT, 14 of 15 patients had engraftment, with 86.7% of the cohort having full-donor chimerism. The most common toxicity was seen on the skin (53.3%). Acute GVHD and chronic GVHD were documented in 53% and 20% of the study population, respectively. Although the cohort consisted of patients with pretransplant liver damage, SOS manifestations were documented in 20%. Conclusion Treosulfan-based conditioning regimens before HSCT are associated with lower toxicity compared to myeloablative regimens, are safe, and have high engraftment rates with full-donor chimerism in patients having PID, regardless of the specified genetic diagnosis and donor type.

Introduction The performance of laryngoscopes that have been developed for difficult airways can vary widely. The aim of the study was to compare Macintosh, McCoy, McGrath MAC, and C-MAC laryngoscopes in cervical immobilization and tongue edema scenarios in a mannequin, primarily to evaluate the time to intubation. Methods In this randomized crossover study, 41 anesthesiology residents used 4 laryngoscopes in a mannequin (SimMan 3G) in 2 different scenarios. Intubation time (insertion of the blade between the teeth, to placement of the endotracheal tube into the trachea) longer than 120 seconds or inability to successfully place the endotracheal tube into the trachea after 5 or more attempts was defined as intubation failure. Besides intubation time, laryngoscopic view, number of intubation attempts, presence of esophageal intubation, need for stylet, difficulty of intubation, and success rate were recorded as secondary outcomes. Results Intubation time was observed from longest to shortest as McGrath > McCoy > C-MAC > Macintosh in both scenarios. Laryngeal view was better with C-MAC laryngoscope. McGrath laryngoscope performed poorly specifically in tongue edema scenarios, which resulted in higher number of intubation attempts, esophageal intubation, need for intubation stylets, and overall intubation failure. Conclusions The short intubation time observed with the Macintosh underlines the necessity of familiarity in success. Tongue edema is a more challenging scenario for simulated difficult airway and the McGrath may not be a good choice for such a scenario.

OBJECTIVE Determining the blood flow through intra and extra-cranial arteries during neck extension may be helpful but is a controversial issue. We aimed to elucidate the changes in cerebral blood flow related to head positioning during thyroid surgery by carotid Doppler examination and regional oxygen saturation variations. METHODS Thirty patients were recruited to the study. Patients were positioned with a final position of thyroidectomy consisting a 30° semi Fowler with the extension of neck and head. Values of peak systolic velocity, average velocity, arterial diameter and blood flow volume of the common carotid artery were calculated. Bilateral regional cerebral oxygen saturation were monitored continuously. RESULTS At the end of the operation, peak systolic velocity, average velocity and blood flowvolume of the common carotid artery decreased significantly compared to the baseline measurement (p

Objective Critical incident reporting systems (CIRS) and morbidity-mortality meetings (MMMs) offer the advantages of identifying potential risks in patients. They are key tools in improving patient safety in healthcare systems by modifying the attitudes of clinicians, nurses and staff (human error) and also the system (human and/or technical error) according to the analysis and the results of incidents. Methods One anaesthetist assigned to an administrative and/or teaching position from all university hospitals (UHs) and training and research hospitals (TRHs) of Turkey (n=114) was contacted. In this survey study, we analysed the facilities of anaesthetists in Turkish UHs and TRHs with respect to CIRS and MMMs and also the anaesthetists' knowledge, experience and attitudes regarding CIs. Results Anaesthetists from 81 of 114 teaching hospitals replied to our survey. Although 96.3% of anaesthetists indicated CI reporting as a necessity, only 37% of departments/hospitals were reported to have CIRS. True definition of CI as "an unexpected /accidental event" was achieved by 23.3% of anaesthetists with CIRS. MMMs were reported in 60.5% of hospitals. Nevertheless, 96% of anaesthetists believe that CIRS and MMMs decrease the incidence of CI occurring. CI occurrence was attributed to human error as 4 [1-5]/10 and 3 [1-5]/10 in UHs and TRHs, respectively (p=0.005). In both hospital types, technical errors were evaluated as 3 [1-5]/10 (p=0.498). Conclusion This first study regarding CIRS in the Turkish anaesthesia departments/hospitals highlights the lack of CI knowledge and CIRS awareness and use in anaesthesia departments/teaching hospitals in Turkey despite a safety reporting system set up by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

We report a case of anesthetic management of a 43-year-old patient with Eagle’s syndrome (ES) in whom post-extubation acute airway obstruction occurred due to bilateral hypoglossal nerve paralysis. After an accurate examination, elongated bilateral stylohyoid ligament was observed and surgical resection was planned. After completion of the surgery following extubation, significant dysfunction in swallowing, speech function, and tongue motion was observed. The clinical situation was evaluated as bilateral hypoglossal nerve paralysis related to the procedure. The patient was closely observed over 48 h in the intensive care unit. After 2 days, the patient was discharged to a surgical ward. Following clinical assessment, the patient was discharged from hospital for monthly return. At the 6-month follow-up, there were no further episodes of paresthesia and other symptoms. In conclusion, patients with ES represent a real challenge for physicians from diagnosis to treatment, especially regarding perioperative complications, and close collaboration between surgeons and anesthesiologists is of crucial importance.

Melatonin modulates central nervous system neuronal activity. We compared the melatonin levels of patients with febrile and afebrile seizures during and after seizure with those of healthy controls.We enrolled 59 individuals with afebrile and febrile seizures (mean age, 6.09 ± 4.46 years) and 28 age-, sex-, and weight-matched healthy children. Melatonin levels were measured near the time of a seizure (0 to 1 hour) and at 12 and 24 hours post-seizure, and control melatonin levels were measured from a single venous blood sample.Plasma melatonin levels increased during seizures in the study group (P 0.001). Post-seizure plasma melatonin levels were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P 0.05). Plasma melatonin levels did not differ between patients with afebrile seizures who had and had not used antiepileptic drugs. Daytime (8 AM to 8 PM) and nighttime (8 PM to 8 AM) post-seizure melatonin levels were not significantly different.Melatonin levels were lower in pediatric patients prone to seizures than in healthy children and increased during seizures. Further research is needed to test the role of melatonin in the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy.