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Background and objectives: Several anthropometric measurements have been suggested to identify a potentially difficult airway. We studied thyromental height (TMH) as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation. We also compared TMH, ratio of height to thyromental distance (RHTMD), and thyromental distance (TMD) as predictors of difficult airway. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 300 adult surgical patients requiring tracheal intubation. Preoperatively airway characteristics were assessed. Standard anesthesia was administered. Degree of difficulty with mask ventilation, laryngoscopic view, duration of laryngoscopy, and difficulty in tracheal intubation (intubation difficulty scale score) were noted. Multivariate logistics regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for difficult laryngoscopy. Results: Laryngoscopy was difficult in 46 of 300 (15.3%) patients; all 46 patients had Cormack-Lehane grade 3 view. Duration of laryngoscopy was 27........11...s in patients with difficult laryngoscopy and 12.7........3.9...s in easy laryngoscopy; p...=...0.001. Multivariate analysis identified that TMH, presence of short neck, and history of snoring were independently associated with difficult laryngoscopy. Incidence of difficult intubation was 17.0%. A shorter TMH was associated with higher IDS scores; r...=...-0.16, p...=...0.001. TMH and duration of laryngoscopy were found to be negatively correlated; a shorter TMH was associated with a longer duration of laryngoscopy; r...=...-0.13, p...=...0.03. The cut-off threshold value for TMH in our study is 4.4 cm with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 54%. Conclusion: Thyromental height predicts difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation.TMD and RHTMD did not prove to be useful as predictors of difficult airway.

Background and Aims: Hypotension following subarachnoid block for cesarean delivery (CD) is common. We compared the effect of bolus administration of norepinephrine and phenylephrine on umbilical artery pH (primary objective) and their efficacy for the treatment of maternal hypotension (secondary objective) in term parturients undergoing elective CD under spinal anesthesia. Material and Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded study, parturients received 1 mL boluses of either phenylephrine 100 μg/mL (group phenylephrine; n = 45) or norepinephrine 7.5 μg/mL (group norepinephrine; n = 45) whenever maternal systolic blood pressure decreased to ≤80% of baseline. Maternal hemodynamic changes, vasopressor, and atropine requirement and neonatal outcome (umbilical cord blood gas analysis, Apgar scores, neonatal neurobehavioral response) were assessed. Results: The Apgar scores and umbilical cord blood gas analysis were comparable between groups. The neurobehavioral scale score was significantly higher in group NE compared with that in group PE at 24 h and 48 h; P = 0.007 and 0.002, respectively. The number of vasopressor doses and time to the first vasopressor requirement for maintaining systolic pressure >80% of baseline was comparable in both groups. Incidence of bradycardia (P = 0.009), reactive hypertension (P = 0.003), and dose requirement of atropine (P = 0.005) was higher in group PE compared with group NE. Conclusions: In term normotensive parturients who received bolus norepinephrine 7.5 μg or phenylephrine 100 μg for the treatment of post-spinal hypotension during CD, neonatal umbilical cord blood gas analysis and Apgar scores were comparable. Norepinephrine use was associated with a lower incidence of maternal bradycardia and reactive hypertension compared with phenylephrine.

Abstract Background The brain is the potential viral reservoir, and estimating the antiviral drug concentration in the brain is a hurdle to the researchers as very few animal models are available for this study. The objective of the study was to develop and validate the RP-HPLC method for the estimation of antiviral drug efavirenz (EFV) in the brain of healthy Wistar rats. EFV was the first-line antiretroviral medication. The optimized HPLC condition used for the analysis had the mobile phase methanol to water (9:1) ratio. The flow rate was set at 0.8 mL/min, while the detection wavelength was 248 nm. Results The retention time was found to be 5.7 min, and the % RSD was found within the limit. Recovery was found to be nearly 78%. The validation results were found to be within the limit range; hence, the obtained method was accurate, specific, rapid, and repeatable for estimation of EFV in the brain. Conclusion This method for estimation of EFV in the rat brain can be applicable for pharmacokinetic and toxicology study of EFV in the brain after administration of EFV to rats. Graphical abstract .

Background and Aims: Several factors determine the success of dural puncture. We aimed to assess the association of first puncture success and number of attempts with characteristics of the patient, provider, technique and equipment. Material and Methods: This prospective, observational study was performed in 1647 adult patients undergoing surgery under spinal anesthesia. Patient characteristics, anatomical landmarks, spinal bony deformity, provider experience, technique, skin punctures, needle redirections, subarachnoid space depth, and complications, if any, were noted. Difficult dural puncture was assessed by first puncture success and number of attempts (skin punctures plus needle redirections) required for successful needle placement. Results: First puncture success was obtained in 872 (52.9%) patients. Failed dural puncture occurred in 4 (0.2%) of 1647 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that longer distance from C7 vertebral spine to tip of coccyx (P = 0.04), lower subarachnoid space depth (P = 0.001), good quality of bony landmarks (P = 0.001) and absence of crowded spine (P = 0.02) were associated with first puncture success. Male gender, poor or no spinal landmarks, presence of bony deformity and lower level of provider's experience predicted increased number of attempts for successful dural puncture. Conclusion: First puncture success of spinal block was influenced only by patient's anatomical factors, whereas the number of attempts required for successful block were predicted by both provider and patient factors.

Airway management of patients with maxillofacial trauma remains a challenging task for an anesthesiologist in the emergency and perioperative settings due to anatomical distortion. Detailed knowledge of maxillofacial and airway anatomy is desired for the correct diagnosis of extent and severity of the injury. Basic principles of advanced trauma life support protocols should be followed while managing such patients. Establishing unobstructed airway remains the top priority while maintaining C-spine immobilization and preventing aspiration. Although multiple options exist for securing the airway, a universal technique of airway management may not be applicable to all the patients. Hence, a high index of suspicion along with timely and skillful management is warranted. In this brief review, issues affecting the airway management in cases of maxillofacial trauma are addressed with the possible uses of a wide range of airway management devices available in emergency and elective scenarios.

Background Etomidate injection is often associated with myoclonus. Etomidate injection technique influences the incidence of myoclonus. This study was designed to clarify which of the two injection techniques—slow injection or priming with etomidate—is more effective in reducing myoclonus. Methods This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 189 surgical patients allocated to three study groups. Control group (Group C, n = 63) received 0.3 mg/kg etomidate (induction dose) over 20 s. Priming group (Group P, n = 63) received pretreatment with 0.03 mg/kg etomidate, followed after 1 min by an etomidate induction dose over 20 s. Slow injection group (Group S, n = 63) received etomidate (2 mg/ml) induction dose over 2 min. The patients were observed for occurrence and severity of myoclonus for 3 min from the start of injection of the induction dose. Results The incidence of myoclonus in Group P (38/63 [60.3%], 95% CI: 48.0–71.5) was significantly lower than in Group C (53/63 [84.1%], 95% CI: 72.9–91.3, P = 0.003) and Group S (49/63 [77.8%], 95% CI: 66.0–86.4, P = 0.034). Myoclonus of moderate or severe grade occurred in significantly more patients in Group C (68.3%) than in Group P (36.5%, P < 0.001) and Group S (50.8%, P = 0.046), but the difference between Groups P and S was not significant (P = 0.106). Conclusions Priming is more effective than slow injection in reducing the incidence of myoclonus, but their effects on the severity of myoclonus are comparable.

Background and Aims: Hypotensive anesthesia technique is used to reduce intraoperative bleeding and to improve the visibility of the operative field. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of desflurane with and without labetalol for producing hypotensive anesthesia. Material and Methods: Sixty adult patients undergoing elective middle ear surgery were administered general anesthesia and randomly divided into two groups – Group D and Group L. The target mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 55–65 mmHg during hypotensive period. Group D patients received an increasing concentration of desflurane alone. Group L patients received 3% desflurane plus labetalol (loading dose 0.3 mg/kg intravenously, followed by 10 mg increments every 10 min). Student's t-test and paired t-test were used to compare the hemodynamic parameters. Visibility of the operative field, anesthetic and rescue drug requirement, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood, time taken for induction and reversal of hypotension and recovery characteristics were noted. Results: Target MAP was achieved in both the groups. Group D was associated with a higher mean heart rate compared with Group L (77.3 ± 11.0/min vs. 70.5 ± 2.5/min, respectively; P < 0.001) during the hypotensive period, along with a higher requirement for desflurane (P = 0.000) and metoprolol (P = 0.01). Time taken to achieve target MAP was lesser in Group L compared with Group D (33.7 ± 7.1 vs. 39.8 ± 6.2 min, respectively; P = 0.000). Time taken to return to baseline MAP was faster in Group D (P = 0.03). Emergence time was longer with desflurane alone (P = 0.000) resulting in greater sedation (P = 0.000) in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusion: Although desflurane is effective for inducing deliberate hypotension in middle ear microsurgery, the combination of desflurane with labetalol is associated with decreased requirement of desflurane, absence of reflex tachycardia, faster induction of hypotension, faster recovery from anesthesia, and less postoperative sedation.

Background: Several morphometric airway measurements have been used to predict difficult laryngoscopy (DL). This study evaluated sternomental distance (SMD) and sternomental displacement (SMDD, difference between SMD measured in neutral and extended head position), as predictors of DL and difficult intubation (DI). Materials and Methods: We studied 610 adult patients scheduled to receive general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. SMD, SMDD, physical, and airway characteristics were measured. DL (Cormack-Lehane grade 3/4) and DI (assessed by Intubation Difficulty Scale) were evaluated. The optimal cut-off points for SMD and SMDD were identified by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict DL and ROC curve was used to assess accuracy on developed regression model. Results: The incidence of DL and DI was 15.4% and 8.3%, respectively. The cut-off values for SMD and SMDD were ≤14.75 cm (sensitivity 66%, specificity 60%) and ≤5.25 cm (sensitivity 70%, specificity 53%), respectively, for predicting DL. The area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for SMD was 0.66 (0.60–0.72) and that for SMDD was 0.687 (0.63–0.74). Multivariate analysis with logistic regression identified inter-incisor distance, neck movement

Consent is a legal requirement of medical practice and not a procedural formality. Getting a mere signature on a form is no consent. If a patient is rushed into signing consent, without giving sufficient information, the consent may be invalid, despite the signature. Often medical professionals either ignore or are ignorant of the requirements of a valid consent and its legal implications. Instances where either consent was not taken or when an invalid consent was obtained have been a subject matter of judicial scrutiny in several medical malpractice cases. This article highlights the essential principles of consent and the Indian law related to it along with some citations, so that medical practitioners are not only able to safeguard themselves against litigations and unnecessary harassment but can act rightfully.

Congenital Lobar Emphysema (CLE) is a developmental anomaly, characterized by hyperinflation of one or more pulmonary lobes. It presents in infancy with variable degree of respiratory distress due to compression atelectasis. It is most often associated with mediastinal shift with subsequent hypoxia. CLE poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We report a case of five-monthold infant of CLE requiring left lobectomy, who was previously being treated for pneumonia which was unresponsive to medical therapy. Anaesthetic challenges experienced during the case and a brief review of literature is presented.

Background and Aims: A pre-puncture estimate of skin to subarachnoid space depth (SSD) may guide spinal needle placement and reduce complications associated with lumbar puncture. Our aim was to determine (1) The SSD in Indian males, females, parturients and the overall population; (2) To derive formulae for predicting SSD and (3) To determine which previously suggested formula best suited our population. Methods: In this prospective, observational study, 800 adult Indian patients undergoing surgery under spinal anaesthesia were divided into three groups: Males (Group M), females (Group F) and parturients (Group PF). SSD was measured after lumbar puncture. The relationship between SSD and patient characteristics was studied and statistical models were used to derive formula for predicting SSD. Statistical analysis included One-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis, forward stepwise multivariate regression analysis and paired t-tests. Results: Mean SSD was 4.71 ± 0.70 cm in the overall population. SSD in adult males (4.81 ± 0.68 cm) was significantly longer than that observed in females (4.55 ± 0.66 cm) but was comparable with SSD in parturients (4.73 ± 0.73 cm). Formula for predicting SSD in the overall population was 2.71 + 0.09 × Body Mass Index (BMI). Stocker′s formula when applied correlated best with the observed SSD. Formulae were derived for the three groups. Conclusions: We found gender-based differences in SSD, with SSD in males being significantly greater than that observed in the female population. SSD correlated with BMI in the parturient and the overall population. Amongst the previously proposed formulae, Stocker′s formula was most accurate in predicting SSD in our population.

Despite technological, therapeutic and diagnostic advancements, surgical intervention in pheochromocytoma may result in a life-threatening situation. We report a patient who developed unilateral pulmonary edema during laparoscopic resection of adrenal tumor.

Background and Aim: Differences in patient characteristics due to race or ethnicity may influence the incidence of difficult airway. Our purpose was to determine the incidence of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation, as well as the anatomical features and clinical risk factors that influence them, in the Indian population. Methods: In 330 adult patients receiving general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation, airway characteristics and clinical factors were determined and their association with difficult laryngoscopy (Cormack and Lehane grade 3 and 4) was analysed. Intubation Difficulty Scale score was used to identify degree of difficult laryngoscopy. Results: The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation was 9.7% and 4.5%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that increasing age and weight, male gender, modified Mallampati class (MMC) 3 and 4 in sitting and supine positions, inter-incisor distance (IID) ≤3.5 cm, thyromental (TMD) and sternomental distance, ratio of height and TMD, short neck, limited mandibular protrusion, decreased range of neck movement, history of snoring, receding mandible and cervical spondylosis were associated with difficult laryngoscopy. Multivariate analysis identified four variables that were independently associated with difficult laryngoscopy: MMC class 3 and 4, range of neck movement

Background: The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to compare tracheal intubating conditions and the duration of apnoea following administration of 0.4, 0.6 and 1.0 mg/kg of succinylcholine during simulated rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia. Methods: Anaesthesia was induced with fentanyl 2 μg/kg and propofol 2 mg/kg followed by application of cricoid pressure. Patients were randomly allocated to three groups according to the dose of succinylcholine administered (0.4, 0.6 or 1.0 mg/kg). Intubating conditions were assessed at 60 s after succinylcholine administration. Time to first diaphragmatic contraction (apnoea time) and time to resumption of regular spontaneous breathing were noted. Results: Excellent intubating conditions were obtained in 52.4%, 95.7% and 100% of the patients after 0.4, 0.6 and 1.0 mg/kg succinylcholine, respectively; P

The spectrum of presentation of a victim of neurotoxic snake bite can range from mild ptosis to complete paralysis and ophthalmoplegia. We report a case of snake bite in a 10-year-old child who was comatosed with bilateral fixed dilated pupils and absent doll′s eye movement that was interpreted as brain death. Physicians need to be aware of the likelihood of snakebite presenting as locked in syndrome.

This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of early- and late-onset nosocomial pneumonia, gastric colonization, and gastrointestinal bleeding in 50 orotracheally intubated, mechanically ventilated patients treated with sucralfate or ranitidine for stress ulcer prophylaxis in the intensive care unit. Patients received either iv ranitidine (50 mg every 6h) in Ranitidine group or nasogastric sucralfate suspension (1 g every 6h) in Sucralfate group. The overall incidence of pneumonia and incidence of early-onset pneumonia was comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). Late- onset pneumonia was observed in 10 (23.8%) patients in the Ranitidine group and 2 (4.8%) patients in the Sucralfate group (P= 0.001). The mean gastric pH (6.04 ± 1.34 and 3.64 ± 1.55, respectively; P= 0.001)), rate of gastric colonization (92% and 16%, respectively; P=0.000), and gastric source of pneumonia (10 patients and 1 patient, respectively; P= 0.017) was higher in the Ranitidine group as compared to the Sucralfate group. Mortality and gastrointestinal bleeding were comparable between groups. We concluded that stress ulcer prophylaxis with ranitidine increases the risk for late- onset pneumonia in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients by favoring gastric colonization by gram- negative bacilli compared with sucralfate. In patients receiving mechanical ventilation, the use of sucralfate may be preferable to H 2 blockers.

Central venous catheter placement can induce dysrhythmia. We report a case of supraventricular tachycardia following inadvertent over-insertion of a guidewire during femoral central venous catheterization in a 10-year-old child with 35% body surface area deep thermal burns. Immediate withdrawal of the guidewire, vagal manoeuvres and metoprolol administration were not successful in terminating the dysrhythmia. The dysrhythmia responded to intravenous amiodarone.

Baroreflex failure results in wide excursions of blood pressure and heart rate. We report two cases that developed severe postoperative hypertension after radical neck dissection. Carotid sinus denervation during neck dissection may be the cause of the reflex hypertension once general anesthesia-induced vasodilatation has ended.

The effect of patient position on mask ventilation, laryngoscopic view, intubation difficulty, and the stance adopted by the anesthesiologist during laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was investigated in 546 anesthetized adults in this prospective, randomized study. Patients were randomly assigned to either the sniffing position group or the simple extension group. The distribution of Cormack grades was comparable between the two groups (P=0.144). The IDS score [median (IQR)] was 0 (0–2) in the sniffing group and 1 (0–2) in the simple extension group; P=0.002. There were significant differences between groups with regard to intensity of lifting force, external laryngeal manipulation, alternate techniques used, number of attempts, and the stance adopted by anesthesiologist. We conclude that the sniffing position is superior to simple head extension with regard to ease of intubation as assessed by IDS. An upright stance is adopted by more anesthesiologists performing intubation with patients in the sniffing position.

Byline: Mishra. Shivan, Prakash. Smita, Mullick. Parul, Mishra. Keshaban Background and Aims: Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) following caesarean delivery (CD) is a cause for concern for anaesthesiologists. We aimed [...]