Postoperative Oxygen Desaturation Research Articles

Interleukin 8 in children with obstructive sleep apnea before and after adenotonsillectomy

ObjectiveTo assess serum interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels after adenotonsillectomy in children with symptoms suggestive for OSA.Study designProspective interventional study.SettingsThe study was carried out on 30 children with OSA attending ENT clinic of Suez Canal University Hospital.MethodsIncluding, children with sleep-related chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and OSA symptoms performed an elective adenotonsillectomy, and aged (3–12 years). Excluding, children with acute tonsillitis, cardiorespiratory, craniofacial, or diseases affecting IL-8 level as cystic fibrosis, COVID-19 patients, and hepatitis C, taking drugs affecting IL-8 level as benzodiazepines or glutamine supplementation. Children were subjected to full history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Nocturnal pulse oximetry (ChoiceMMed) was performed (48–72 h preoperative and 3–4 weeks postoperative) used to determine the number of 4% dips in saturation from baseline, and the nadir saturation (nSAT). IL-8 was measured 1 month pre-operative and 1 month post-operative by flow cytometry using the Human Inflammatory Cytometric Bead Array kit.ResultsThe mean preoperative IL-8 (237.55 p/ml) and oxygen desaturation index (7.77%)cwere statistically significantly higher than mean postoperative IL-8 (207.98 p/ml) and oxygen desaturation index (2.90). The mean pre-operative SpO2 is 98.27 ranged (96.00–100.0%), while the mean postoperative SpO2 is 98.77 ranged (97.00–100.0%), with no statistically significant difference between them (p = 0.069). Preoperative IL-8 (p/ml), postoperative IL-8 (p/ml), and preoperative SpO2 (%) were found to be negatively correlated with IL-8 change.ConclusionIL-8 level significantly decreased after adenotonsillectomy in children with symptoms suggestive for OSA.

The respiratory and hemodynamic effects of alveolar recruitment in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Extensive surgical retraction combined with general anesthesia increase alveolar collapse. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the effect of alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) on arterial oxygenation tension (PaO2). The secondary aim was to observe its effect on hemodynamics parameters in hepatic patients during liver resection, to investigate its impact on blood loss, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), remnant liver function tests, and on the outcome. Adult patients scheduled for liver resection were randomized into two groups: ARM (n = 21) and control (C) (n = 21). Stepwise ARM was initiated after intubation and was repeated post-retraction. Pressure-control ventilation mode was adjusted to deliver a tidal volume (Vt) of 6 mL/kg and an inspiratory-to-expiratory time (I:E) ratio of 1:2 with an optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for the ARM group. In the C group, a fixed PEEP (5 cmH2O) was applied. Invasive intra-arterial blood pressure (IBP), central venous pressure (CVP), electrical cardiometry (EC), alanine transaminase (ALT, U/L), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, U/L) blood levels were monitored. ARM increased PEEP, dynamic compliances, and arterial oxygenation, but reduced ventilator driving pressure compared to group C (P < 0.01). IBP, cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume variation were not affected by the higher PEEP in the ARM group (P > 0.05) but the CVP increased significantly (P = 0.001). Blood loss was not different between the ARM and C groups (1700 (1150-2000) mL vs 1110 (900-2400) mL, respectively and P = 0.57). ARM reduced postoperative oxygen desaturation; however, it did not affect the increase in remnant liver enzymes and was comparable to group C (ALT, P = 0.54, AST, P = 0.41). ARM improved intraoperative lung mechanics and reduced oxygen desaturation episodes in recovery, but not PPC or ICU stay. ARM was tolerated with minimal cardiac and systemic hemodynamic effects.

Postoperative respiratory complications in children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

SUMMARYObjectiveWe aimed to prospectively assess the effect of comorbidities on the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications (PoRCs) after adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA) and whether otherwise healthy children need a higher level of postoperative monitoring.Methods577 children who had OSA and underwent adenotonsillectomy were enrolled. The effects of demographics, comorbidities and OSA on PoRCs were investigated with logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe PoRC rate was 4.3%. Postoperative oxygen desaturations were more marked in patients with comorbidities (p = 0.005). The presence of comorbidity increased the risk of PoRCs (odds ratio 4.234/3.226-5.241, 95% confidence intervals, p < 0.001). There was no difference in apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) values between comorbid patients with and without PoRCs [8.2 (3.8-50.2) vs 14.3 (11.7-23.3)]. (p = 0.37). In the group of patients without comorbidities, PoRCs were associated with a higher AHI [14.7 (3.4-51.3) vs 3.9 (2.0-8.0), p < 0.001].ConclusionsComorbidities are more closely linked with PoRCs than OSA severity. In patients without comorbidity, PoRCs are associated with OSA severity and usually occur within the first 2 hours after the intervention.

Study of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Parameters in Patients of Nasal Polyposis Using Peripheral Arterial Tonometry

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is characterized by partial or complete cessation of airflow and oxygen desaturation during sleep owing to upper airway collapse. This study assesses the OSA parameters in nasal polyposis patients before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with the help of peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) device. Methodology: This was a prospective study done in the months of April 2015 to June 2016. Patients with bilateral nasal polyps with Lund Mackay Scoring marking equal to and more than two of both sides. Thirty patients willing to undergo PAT sleep study before and after FESS were recruited. The sleep parameters thus obtained in the pre- and postoperative period were analyzed. Results: Out of 30 patients, 22 patients were male and eight patients were female. The mean age was 43.17 with standard deviation of 10.06 years. The mean body mass index was 29.12 with a standard deviation of 5.76. All patients underwent FESS. The PAT study was done before and after surgery. Snoring grading and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scoring improved in the majority of patients after surgery. The mean respiratory disturbance index (RDI) in the preoperative period was 32.7 which decreased to 11.34 in the postoperative period. The mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) in the preoperative period was 22.85 which decreased to 6.34 in the postoperative period. The mean oxygen desaturation index (ODI) in the preoperative period was 16.8 which decreased to 4.4 after surgery. Significant correlation (P &lt; 0.001) was found between pre- and postoperative RDI, AHI, ODI, and oxygen desaturation events. Conclusion: The OSA parameters before and after endoscopic sinus surgery in nasal polyposis patients got improved. The PAT device, which is the newest novel plethysmograph, proved to be a reliable device for the assessment of sleep apnea parameters in nasal polyposis in the pre- or postoperative period.

Prolonged postoperative cerebral oxygen desaturation after cardiac surgery: A prospective observational study.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used routinely to monitor cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) but is rarely employed outside the operating room. Previous studies indicate that patients are at risk of postoperative cerebral oxygen desaturation after cardiac surgery. We aimed to assess perioperative and postoperative changes in NIRS-derived SctO2 in cardiac surgery patients. Prospective observational study. The study was conducted in a tertiary referral university hospital in Australia from December 2017 to December 2018. We studied 34 adult patients (70.6% men) undergoing cardiac surgery requiring CPB and a reference group of 36 patients undergoing non-cardiac surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. We measured SctO2 at baseline, during and after surgery, and then once daily until hospital discharge, for a maximum of 7 days. We used multivariate linear mixed-effects modelling to adjust for all relevant imbalances between the two groups. In the cardiac surgery group, SctO2 was 63.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), 62.0 to 65.5] at baseline and 61.0% (95% CI, 59.1 to 62.9, P = 0.01) on arrival in the ICU. From day 2 to day 7 after cardiac surgery, SctO2 progressively declined. At hospital discharge, SctO2 was significantly lower than baseline, at 53.5% (95% CI, 51.8 to 55.2, P < 0.001). In the reference group, postoperative SctO2 was not significantly different from baseline. On multivariable analysis, cardiac surgery, peripheral vascular disease and time since the operation were associated with greater cerebral desaturation, whereas higher haemoglobin concentrations were associated with slightly better cerebral oxygenation. After cardiac surgery on CPB, but not after non-cardiac surgery, most patients experience prolonged cerebral desaturation. Such postoperative desaturation remained unresolved 7 days after surgery. The underlying mechanisms and time to resolution of such cerebral desaturations require further investigation.

Contralateral Tongue Muscle Activation during Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation.

The effectiveness of upper airway stimulation via hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea depends upon the pattern of tongue muscle activation produced. This study investigated the nature of contralateral tongue muscle activation by unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation using intraoperative nerve integrity monitoring in conjunction with electromyography and explored the relationship between contralateral tongue muscle activation and polysomnographic measures of obstructive sleep apnea severity. Prospective case series. Tertiary care medical center. Fifty-one patients underwent unilateral (right) hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation for obstructive sleep apnea. Neurophysiological data included electromyographic responses in ipsilateral (right) and contralateral (left) genioglossus muscles in response to intraoperative bipolar probe stimulation (0.3 mA) of medial hypoglossal nerve branches. Clinical data included pre- and postoperative apnea-hypopnea indices and oxygen desaturation levels. A subset of patients (20/51, 39%) exhibited electromyographic responses in both the ipsilateral and contralateral genioglossus (bilateral), whereas the remaining patients (31/51, 61%) exhibited electromyographic responses only in the ipsilateral genioglossus (unilateral). The baseline characteristics of bilateral and unilateral responders were similar. Both groups exhibited significant and comparable improvements in apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturations after hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Neither the amplitude nor the latency of contralateral genioglossus responses was predictive of clinical outcomes. A subset of patients undergoing unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation exhibits activation of contralateral genioglossus muscles. Patients with unilateral and bilateral genioglossus responses exhibit comparable, robust improvements in apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation levels.

Predictive values of the combination of Friedman stage and sleep oximetry done early after surgery in predicting the treatment outcomes of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

OBJECTIVE To explore the predictive values of the combination of preoperative data, including medical history and physical examination, and results of sleep oximetry performed early after the surgery (one week) in predicting the treatment outcomes of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS All the patients who were diagnosed with OSAHS, underwent UPPP treatment and had complete follow-up data in our institution between Jan 2013 and May 2016 were enrolled in our study. The pre-operative data of these patients, including age, physical examination, and polysomnography (PSG) data, were all exactly collected for analysis. All these patients had received the evaluation of subjective efficacy scale and the sleep oximetry test in early post-operative days (within one week). The long-term efficacy evaluations including PSG and subjective efficacy scale were all finished at least three months after the surgery. RESULTS In the research 61 patients were finally studied, including 25 responders (41.0%) and 36 non-responders (59.0%). Regression analysis revealed that the pre-operative Friedman stage and early post-operative oxygen desaturation index of ≥4% (ODI4) were found to be independently predictive parameters for the UPPP treatment outcomes (P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis was used to estimate the predictive values of ODI4 to the treatment outcomes, and it was calculated with an area under the curve of 0.822. Using the ODI4 of 15 as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity of that calculated were up to 0.778 and 0.760 respectively. The response rate among the patients with an early post-operative ODI4 of <15 was 70.4%, which was significantly higher than that of the patients with an early post-operative ODI4 of ≥15, whose response rate was 17.6% (P<0.05). The similar results could also be obtained in the patients with pre-operative Friedman stage II (87.5% vs.25.0%) and Friedman stage III (33.3% vs. 6.7%). CONCLUSION The combination of early post UPPP operation oximetry parameters, especially ODI4, and pre-operative Friedman stage could be used in better evaluating the potential surgical outcomes of UPPP.

Association between postoperative delirium and postoperative cerebral oxygen desaturation in older patients after cardiac surgery

BackgroundNear-infrared spectroscopy non-invasively measures regional cerebral oxygen saturation. Intraoperative cerebral desaturations have been associated with worse neurological outcomes. We investigated whether perioperative cerebral desaturations are associated with postoperative delirium in older patients after cardiac surgery. MethodsPatients aged 70 yr and older scheduled for on-pump cardiac surgery were included between 2015 and 2017 in a single-centre, prospective, observational study. Baseline cerebral oxygen saturation was measured 1 day before surgery. Throughout surgery and after ICU admission, cerebral oxygen saturation was monitored continuously up to 72 h after operation. The presence of delirium was assessed using the confusion assessment method for the ICU. Association with delirium was evaluated with unadjusted analyses and multivariable logistic regression. ResultsNinety-six of 103 patients were included, and 29 (30%) became delirious. Intraoperative cerebral oxygen saturation was not significantly associated with postoperative delirium. The lowest postoperative cerebral oxygen saturation was lower in patients who became delirious (P=0.001). The absolute and relative postoperative cerebral oxygen saturation decreases were more marked in patients with delirium (13 [6]% and 19 [9]%, respectively) compared with patients without delirium (9 [4]% and 14 [5]%; P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively). These differences in cerebral oxygen saturation were no longer present after excluding cerebral oxygen saturation values after patients became delirious. Older age, previous stroke, higher EuroSCORE II, lower preoperative Mini-Mental Status Examination, and more substantial absolute postoperative cerebral oxygen saturation decreases were independently associated with postoperative delirium incidence. ConclusionsPostoperative delirium in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with absolute decreases in postoperative cerebral oxygen saturation. These differences appear most detectable after the onset of delirium. Clinical trial registrationNCT02532530.

Inguinal hernia repair in preterm neonates: is there evidence that spinal or general anaesthesia is the better option regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesWhether spinal anaesthesia (SA) reduces intraoperative and postoperative complications compared with general anaesthesia (GA) was investigated.DesignThe meta-analysis was structured based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and...

NASAL HIGH FLOW THERAPY VERSUS OXYGEN SUPPLEMENTATION IN POSTOPERATIVE CARE OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA PATIENTS WITH CPAP NON-COMPLIANCE: A PILOT RANDOMIZED STUDY

SESSION TITLE: Comorbid Diseases and Sleep Apnea SESSION TYPE: Original Investigations PRESENTED ON: 10/10/2018 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM PURPOSE: Increased postoperative oxygen desaturations in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients have being associated with increased ICU admissions and adverse cardiopulmonary events. Nasal High Flow (NHF) therapy in OSA improves oxygen stores by increasing upper airway patency and lung volumes and by decreasing dead space. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of Nasal High Flow Therapy (NHF) with low-flow oxygen supplementation in improving postoperative intermittent desaturations of OSA patients with CPAP non-compliance. METHODS: We conducted a single blinded randomized controlled trial, in which OSA patients with CPAP non-compliant were recruited from the pre-operative evaluation (POE) clinic. Patients were confirmed to have OSA by polysomnographic study, and declined to use of CPAP for upcoming elective surgery. Participants with an apnea–hypopnea index of ≥ 5 events per hour were randomly assigned to receive NHF at 30 LPM plus oxygen at 1 LPM or oxygen supplement at 1 LPM via nasal cannula (control) during the first post-surgical night. Baseline demographic, cardiovascular risks and post-operative recovery room’s vital signs were collected. The primary outcome was the 4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI 4%) in the first postoperative night. The analysis was done by using JMP 12.2 (SAS, NC) RESULTS: Of 50 OSA patients who underwent randomization, 42 (84%) completed the study, All of them were evaluated for the ODI 4% in the first postoperative night. On average, the ODI 4% was statistically higher in the group receiving NHF [7.4 median (IQR=3.5-13.3) events per hour] than in the group receiving oxygen supplementation alone [3.1 median (IQR=1.5-6.7) events per hour]; p=0.024. NHF was equally effective to supplemental oxygen alone to reduce ODI 4% < 10 events/h [19 patients (90.5%) in NHF vs. 15 patients (71.4%) in control group; p = 0.24) CONCLUSIONS: In moderate-severe OSA patients with CPAP non-compliance, NHF therapy did not offer any advantage over supplemental oxygen alone, but both therapies were equally effective in reducing the 4%ODI to < 10 events/h during the first postoperative night. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nasal High Flow Therapy (NHF) at low flow (30 LPM) did not offer any advantage over supplemental oxygen alone to treat postoperative oxygen desaturations in moderate-severe OSA patients with CPAP non-compliance. NHF at higher flow rates may be needed to reach increased upper airway patency and decreased dead space in these patients. Alternatively, NHF may have a role in milder forms of OSA. Further studies are needed to determine the role of NHF in the perioperative management of OSA patients. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Bhargavi Gali, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Peter Gay, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Rahul Kashyap, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Timothy Morgenthaler, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Bernardo Selim, source=Web Response

Double Barrel Nasal Trumpets to Prevent Upper Airway Obstruction after Nasal and Non-Nasal Surgery.

Objectives During anesthesia emergence, patients are extubated and the upper airway can become vulnerable to obstruction. Nasal trumpets can help prevent obstruction. However, we have found no manuscript describing how to place nasal trumpets after nasal surgery (septoplasties or septorhinoplasties), likely because (1) the lack of space with nasal splints in place and (2) surgeons may fear that removing the trumpets could displace the splints. The objective of this manuscript is to describe how to place nasal trumpets even with nasal splints in place. Materials and Methods The authors describe techniques (Double Barrel Technique and Modified Double Barrel Technique) that were developed over three years ago and have been used in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other patients who had collapsible or narrow upper airways (i.e., morbidly obese patients). Results The technique described in the manuscript provides a method for placing one long and one short nasal trumpet in a manner that helps prevent postoperative upper airway obstruction. The modified version describes a method for placing nasal trumpets even when there are nasal splints in place. Over one-hundred patients have had nasal trumpets placed without postoperative oxygen desaturations. Conclusions The Double Barrel Technique allows for a safe emergence from anesthesia in patients predisposed to upper airway obstruction (such as in obstructive sleep apnea and morbidly obese patients). To our knowledge, the Modified Double Barrel Technique is the first description for the use of nasal trumpets in patients who had nasal surgery and who have nasal splints in place.

Barbed expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty for the treatment of oropharyngeal collapse in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: A retrospective study on 17 patients.

Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty (ESP) was introduced in 2007 and represents a promising surgical technique to treat patients with oropharyngeal walls collapse with reduced morbidity and high success rates. Between December 2012 and January 2015 17 patients underwent ESP at the department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Brescia (Italy), using barbed knotless sutures to improve the biomechanical effect of sutures on tissue collapse (BESP). Patients with moderate to severe OSAS and BMI < 30 kg/m2, who did not tolerate or refused ventilation therapy, were selected for BESP based on the presence of oropharyngeal collapse, as determined by upper airway examination and drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Overall success of BESP was 94,1%. Postoperative oxygen desaturation index (ODI) showed significant improvement (P<0.01). Likewise, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was significantly reduced (P<0.05). No patient complained of uncontrolled pain after the procedure and/or reported unsatisfactory analgesia at follow-up visits. Albeit limited by the sample size and duration of follow-up, our experience confirms the validity of BESP in this selected patient population. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Impact of absence of critical respiratory rate change on oxygen desaturation following tracheal extubation after general anaesthesia: a propensity score-matched analysis.

It has been suggested that oxygen desaturation may be paradoxically related to the absence of an abnormal respiratory rate (RR) during acoustic respiratory rate (RRa) monitoring in a postoperative setting. We retrospectively compared the incidence of desaruration in patients without an abnormal RR with that in patients with an abnormal RR using propensity scorer matching. We also explored the factors contributing to oxygen desaturation without an RR monitoring alert. We used ≤ 8 h postoperative data of the first 935 patients. Outcomes of patients with and without critical RR changes (RR > 30 or < 8 beats per min for > 2 min) (critical RR change vs. noncritical RR change) were first compared according to oxygen desaturation levels (SpO₂< 90% for > 10 s). Multivariate analysis was used to determine oxygen desaturation-associated explanatory factors. Propensity score matching yielded 259 patients without critical RR changes and 259 patients with critical RR changes, respectively. Oxygen desaturation rates were higher in patients without critical RR changes [noncritical RR change vs. critical RR change: 39/220 (15.1%) vs. 16/243 (6.2%)]. An odds ratio and 95% CI for the noncritical RR change was 2.56 (1.38-4.55, P = 0.002). A critical change in the RRa was not observed in 576 patients; of these, oxygen desaturation was observed in 76 (13.2%) patients. Surgery duration (OR, 1.018 per 10 min increase; 95% CI, 1.002 to 1.035) was independently associated with oxygen desaturation without critical RR change. Postoperative oxygen desaturation paradoxically occurred more frequently in patients without critical RR changes, whose RR was monitored by the RRa under oxygen therapy. The duration of surgery may explain the possibility of postoperative oxygen desaturation without an RRa device alert.

Undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Postoperative Outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: The prevalence of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during preoperative evaluation and the best method to screen OSA and its association with postoperative complications remain unclear. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed OSA in preoperative Indian patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the STOP-BANG questionnaire to a preoperative level III sleep study, and to assess the association of OSA with postoperative complications. Methods: A prospective cohort of 245 consecutive adults with ≥2 risk factors for OSA who underwent noncardiac surgery between July 2011 and February 2013 were studied. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was administered to all patients, and 182/245 (74.2%) patients underwent a preoperative level III sleep study. Patients were followed for postoperative complications in hospital and contacted at 30 days after surgery. Results: 70/182 (38.5%) obtained a new diagnosis of OSA, including 11/182 (6%) with moderate to severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥15/h). On logistic regression analyses, the presence of OSA was independently associated with postoperative oxygen desaturation (OR 5.96, 95% CI 2.35-15.1, p < 0.01), a postoperative complication within 7 days (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.77-7.45, p < 0.01) and within 30 days (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.74-7.1, p < 0.01). The STOP-BANG questionnaire did not identify 12/70 (17%) of the patients diagnosed with OSA and classified 28% of the cohort as OSA when the level III sleep study was negative. Conclusions: Unrecognized OSA is common in preoperative patients and is independently associated with postoperative complications. The STOP-BANG questionnaire had a lower performance in the diagnosis of OSA in a South Indian population than the level III sleep study.

A Retrospective Analysis of Oxygen Desaturation during Acoustic Respiratory Rate Monitoring in Non-ICU Patients following Tracheal Extubation after General Anesthesia.

Purpose. Acoustic respiratory rate (RRa) monitoring provides an accurate estimation of the respiratory rate (RR). We investigated the incidence of oxygen desaturation under RRa monitoring in a postoperative setting and identified its related factors. Methods. This study was a retrospective chart review of postoperative patients outside an intensive care unit setting. Using the data collected during the first 8 h postoperatively, patients were divided into oxygen desaturated (SpO2 < 90% for >10 s) and nondesaturated groups under oxygen administration. Multivariate analysis was used to determine oxygen desaturation-associated explanatory factors. Results. Oxygen desaturation was detected in 102 of 935 patients (10.9%). % vital capacity [odds ratio (OR), 0.885 per 10% increase; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.790 to 0.992], coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 2.195; 95% CI, 1.088 to 4.428), and absence of a critical RRa change (RR > 30 or <8 beats/min for >2 min) (OR, 1.972; 95% CI, 1.226 to 3.172) were independently associated with oxygen desaturation. Conclusion. Postoperative oxygen desaturation was observed in more than 10% of the patients whose RR was monitored by RRa under oxygen therapy. It is more likely to occur in patients with impaired pulmonary function or morbid pulmonary status and can also occur in the absence of abnormal RR.

The STBUR questionnaire for identifying children at risk for sleep-disordered breathing and postoperative opioid-related adverse events.

Children with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) appear to be at risk for perioperative respiratory events (PRAE). Furthermore, these children may be more sensitive to the respiratory-depressant effects of opioids compared with children without SDB. The aim of this prospective observational study was to confirm that otherwise healthy children with symptoms of SDB are at greater risk for PRAE compared with children with no symptoms and to determine if these children are also at increased risk for postoperative opioid-related adverse events (ORAE). Six hundred and seventy-eight parents of children scheduled for surgery completed the Snoring, Trouble Breathing, and Un-Refreshed (STBUR) questionnaire preoperatively. Data regarding the incidence of PRAE were collected prospectively. Postoperative pulse oximetry desaturation alarm events were downloaded from the institutional secondary alarm notification system. Children with symptoms of SDB per STBUR (≥3 symptoms) had a two-fold increased likelihood of PRAE compared with children without SDB (52.8% vs 27.9% respectively, LR(+) = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.60-2.49, P = 0.0001). A subset analysis of children undergoing airway procedures requiring hospital admittance (n = 179) showed that those with SDB were given the same postoperative opioid doses as children without SDB. However, children with SDB symptoms generated a greater number of postoperative oxygen desaturation alarms (14.14 ± 29.3 vs 7.12 ± 13.2, mean difference = 7.02, 95% CI = 0.39-13.64, P = 0.038) and more frequently required escalation of care (15.3% vs 7.1%, LR(+) = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.22-2.16, P = 0.001) compared with children with no SDB symptoms. Children presenting for surgery with SDB symptoms are at increased risk for PRAE. Children undergoing airway-related procedures also appear to be at increased risk for ORAE. Furthermore, regardless of the preoperative assessment of risk using the STBUR questionnaire, children received the same doses of opioids postoperatively. Given the increased incidence of postoperative oxygen desaturations among children with SDB symptoms, it would seem prudent to consider titration of opioid doses according to identified risk.

Does epidural anaesthesia reduce the incidence of postoperative oxygen desaturation episodes in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair?

Postoperative desaturation can lead to severe hypoxaemia and even tissue hypoxia, followed by cardiological and neurological complications. Opioid usage is the one of the most important risk factors of postoperative desaturation and hypoxemia. Epidural anaesthesia is recommended for vascular surgery for many reasons; the reduction or elimination of opioid doses is one reason. The aims of the study were to evaluate the incidence of desaturation episodes in patients after surgical procedures with abdominal aortic clamping, to determine whether the episodes in question lead to clinical symptoms of hypoxia and to determine whether epidural anaesthesia decreases the incidence of desaturation episodes. After abdominal aortic repair, 58 patients who did not have any respiratory disease, were classified as ASA II-III, and were aged from 46 to 80 years were observed in the ICU during spontaneous breathing with oxygen supplementation. Non-invasive O₂ saturation measurements were taken continuously, and all desaturation incidents (defined as O₂ saturation ≤ 93% for 4 min) were noted. Patients were divided into two equal groups: A - epidural blockade used after the operation for pain relief and B - intravenous opioids administered during the postoperative period. We evaluated and compared the desaturation frequency during the postoperative period. Desaturation was observed among 26 (89%) patients in group A and 27 (93%) patients in group B. There were no statistical differences among the groups (P = 1.0). Severe hypoxemia (O₂ saturation ≤ 84%) was observed among 7 (24.1%) patients in group A and 10 patients in group B (34.5%) (P = 0.38). Clinical symptoms of hypoxia were similar in both groups (P = 1.0). Epidural anaesthesia did not protect against postoperative desaturation. Though oxygen therapy was used, desaturation was observed in approximately 90% of patients.

Postoperative Hypoxemia Is Common and Persistent: A Prospective Blinded Observational Study.

The incidence, severity, and duration of postoperative oxygen desaturation in the general surgical population are poorly characterized. We therefore used continuous pulse oximetry to quantify arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) in a cross-section of patients having noncardiac surgery. Oxygen saturation, blinded to clinicians, was recorded at 1-minute intervals in patients >45 years old for up to 48 hours after noncardiac surgery in 1250 patients from Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and 250 patients from the Juravinski Hospital. We determined (1) the cumulative minutes of raw minute-by-minute values below various hypoxemic thresholds; and (2) the contiguous duration of kernel-smoothed (sliding window) values below various hypoxemic thresholds. Finally, we compared our blinded continuous values with saturations recorded during routine nursing care. Eight hundred thirty-three patients had sufficient data for analyses. Twenty-one percent had ≥10 min/h with raw SpO2 values <90% averaged over the entire recording duration; 8% averaged ≥20 min/h <90%; and 8% averaged ≥5 min/h <85%. Prolonged hypoxemic episodes were common, with 37% of patients having at least 1 (smoothed) SpO2 <90% for an hour or more; 11% experienced at least 1 episode lasting ≥6 hours; and 3% had saturations <80% for at least 30 minutes. Clinical hypoxemia, according to nursing records, measured only in Cleveland Clinic patients (n = 594), occurred in 5% of the monitored patients. The nurses missed 90% of smoothed hypoxemic episodes in which saturation was <90% for at least one hour. Hypoxemia was common and prolonged in hospitalized patients recovering from noncardiac surgery. The SpO2 values recorded in medical records seriously underestimated the severity of postoperative hypoxemia.

Regional (spinal, epidural, caudal) versus general anaesthesia in preterm infants undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy in early infancy.

Regional (spinal, epidural, caudal) versus general anaesthesia in preterm infants undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy in early infancy.

Are nocturnal hypoxemia and hypercapnia associated with desaturation immediately after adenotonsillectomy?

Children who undergo adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing frequently have postoperative oxygen desaturations. Nocturnal hypoxia has been shown to predict postoperative respiratory complications; however, other gas exchange abnormalities detected on polysomnography (PSG) have not been evaluated. We sought to determine whether hypercapnia seen on preoperative nocturnal PSG can predict postoperative hypoxemia. We conducted a retrospective review of 319 children who underwent polysomnography before adenotonsillectomy. Saturation levels were recorded for at least 2h postoperatively, and the primary outcome was desaturation (<90%). The median patient age was 5years (range, 5months-17years). Patients who desaturated postoperatively had higher median peak endtidal CO2 (EtCO2 ) levels (55.5 vs 52mmHg; P=0.02), lower saturation nadirs (80.5% vs 88%; P=0.048), and were younger (2 vs 6years; P<0.001) than those without desaturation. Age was significantly correlated with peak EtCO2 (r=-0.16), respiratory disturbance index (RDI; r=-0.23), and oxygen saturation nadir (r=0.25; all P<0.01). In unadjusted analysis, age <3years compared to ≥9years (odds ratio [OR]=10.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.13-96.26), peak EtCO2 >55mmHg (OR=3.38; 95% CI=1.21-9.47), and RDI≥10 (OR=2.89; 95% CI=1.05-8.42) were associated with increased odds of desaturation. Multivariable logistic regression on age, race, sex, peak EtCO2 , RDI, opioid use, and saturation nadir showed that only age was significantly associated with postoperative desaturation. Patients 0-2years old were 10.43 (95% CI=1.89-110.9) times more likely to have desaturation than patients 9-17years old. Patients <3years of age are most likely to have postoperative hypoxemia after adenotonsillectomy. Gas exchange abnormalities did not correlate with postoperative desaturations, although age and peak EtCO2 did strongly correlate.