Required Airway Intervention Research Articles

Angioedema Secondary to Tenecteplase Use in a Patient with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report.

Angioedema, a swelling of the subcutaneous or submucosal layers of the skin or gastrointestinal tract, is a potential complication to thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of acute ischemic strokes. In these cases, angioedema develops due to increased levels of bradykinin as a result of the activation of the fibrinolytic pathway and contact activation system. Angioedema can involve the tongue, larynx, and vocal cords, leading to occlusion of the airway and death due to asphyxiation. It is vital for the emergency physician to know that this complication can occur to ensure appropriate monitoring for development of angioedema. We report the case of a 65-year-old Black man who presented with signs of an acute ischemic stroke and was treated with tenecteplase. The patient's stroke symptoms mostly resolved within 90 minutes; however, he developed swelling of his right upper lip consistent with angioedema. The patient was treated with steroids and antihistamines. He was closely monitored and did not require airway intervention. The angioedema was almost fully resolved by the following day. Angioedema is a known complication of thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Risk factors for alteplase-associated angioedema include use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, female gender, diabetes, and infarcts of the insula and frontal cortex. As hospital systems switch from alteplase to tenecteplase for the treatment of acute ischemic strokes for reasons of cost and ease of administration, it is important to recognize that angioedema is also a potential complication of tenecteplase.

A Detailed Exploration of the Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment Procedure with Center-Specific Advancements

The Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) procedure has long been an invaluable tool in managing complex fetal conditions requiring airway interventions during the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. This technical note offers an in-depth examination of the EXIT procedure, emphasizing the refinements and innovations introduced at our center. The technique focuses on meticulous preoperative assessment and uses distinctive techniques and anesthetic methodologies. A multidisciplinary team assembles to plan the EXIT procedure, emphasizing patient communication and risk discussion. Our technique involves atraumatic access to the uterine cavity, achieved through the application of a uterine progressive distractor developed for this purpose. Following the use of this distractor, vascular clamps and a stapling device (Premium Poly Cs-57 Autosuture®, Medtronic) are employed. Our anesthetic approach employs general anesthesia with epidural catheter placement. Maternal operation involves low transverse laparotomy and intraoperative ultrasonography-guided hysterotomy. Fetal exposure includes gentle extraction or external version, ensuring airway access. After securing fetal airway access, umbilical cord clamping and maternal abdominal closure conclude the procedure. By revisiting the core principles of EXIT and incorporating center-specific advancements, we enhance our understanding and technical expertise. To our knowledge, this is the first time a detailed description of the technique has been published.

Airway Involvement and Intervention in Non-ACE-Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema.

Characterize the presentation of patients with non-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)-induced angioedema and determine risk factors associated with patient disposition and possible need for airway intervention. The medical records of adult patients in the Emergency Department (ED) and diagnosed with non-ACEI-induced angioedema over 4.5 years were included. Demographics, vital signs, etiology, timeline, presenting symptoms, physical exam including flexible laryngoscopy, medical management, and disposition were examined. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS V 23.0 software calculating and comparing means, standard deviations, medians, and correlation of categorical and ordinate variables. A total of 181 patients with non-ACEI-induced angioedema were evaluated with flexible laryngoscopy by otolaryngology. Notably, 11 patients (6.1%) required airway intervention and were successfully intubated. Statistically significant factors (p ≤ 0.05) associated with airway intervention included the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p = 0.006 and 0.01 respectively), symptoms of dysphonia (p = 0.018), the presence of oropharyngeal, supraglottic, and hypopharyngeal edema (p ≤ 0.001 for each site), and the number of edematous anatomic subsites documented on physical exam (p < 0.001). Other patient demographics, prior history of angioedema, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, symptom onset, number of symptoms at presentation, and medication administered in the ED did not correlate with airway intervention. Dysphonia, DBP, MAP, anatomic location of edema and edema in multiple sites are associated with airway intervention and a higher level of care in non-ACEI-induced angioedema and can be useful in risk assessment in patient management. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:2282-2287, 2024.

Comparison of delayed bleeding to immediate bleeding following thyroidectomy

It is important to identify risk factors for post-thyroidectomy bleeding requiring airway intervention or reoperation. Therefore, we aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with postoperative bleeding after thyroid surgery according to the period until reoperation. We conducted a retrospective study analyzing data between April 2009 and July 2022 and included 126 patients who had postoperative bleeding. The patients were grouped according to the period between thyroidectomy and reoperation due to bleeding (0 day, 1–7 days, > 7 days). We performed among-group comparisons of patient characteristics and surgical aspects, including the extent of surgery. The ratios of male–female and lateral neck dissection were higher in the post-operative bleeding group than in the group without bleeding. In the analysis of patients with postoperative bleeding, grouped according to period between thyroidectomy and reoperation, there was a significant among-group difference in the male–female ratio. The male sex was positively correlated with the reoperation period. Further, the reoperation period was also positively correlated with total thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection and the operation time showed a significant among-group difference. Our results indicate that the male sex and lateral neck dissection are risk factors for postoperative bleeding after thyroidectomy. Furthermore, male sex, total thyroidectomy, and lateral neck dissection are risk factors for delayed bleeding. Therefore, clinicians should consider these factors for interventions against immediate or delayed bleeding after thyroidectomy.

Etomidate Versus Propofol for Monitored Anesthesia Care During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objectives Propofol-based sedation is one of the most commonly used methods for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The commonest complications during ERCP are in the form of adverse cardiopulmonary events as a result of sedation. Etomidate has a more stable cardiovascular and respiratory profile than propofol and has been used forsedation in simple gastrointestinal endoscopy but has not been studied for procedural sedation in ERCP. The objective of the present study was to compare the safety and feasibility of etomidate and propofol for sedation during ERCP procedures. Methods This single-center, randomized trial included 100 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class I to II patients who were scheduled for ERCP. All patients received midazolam 0.02 mg/kg, lignocaine (2%) 1 mg/kg, and fentanyl 1 µg/kg intravenously, followed by etomidate or propofol according to the group allocation. The primary outcome was to compare the mean arterial pressure (MAP) at various timepoints between the two groups and secondary outcomes were to compare oxygen saturation, induction and recovery times, and adverse events. Transient hypotension was defined as any decrease in MAPbelow 60 mmHg or 20% below the baseline. Transient hypoxia was defined as desaturation (saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) <92%) lasting for more than 10 seconds requiring airway intervention. Results Fifty patients were enrolled in each group (Group E: etomidate and Group P: propofol). Transient hypotension occurred in eight (16%) patients in Group P, and two (4%) patients in Group E (P= 0.045). Baseline MAP was comparable between the two groups but was significantly lower in Group P at three timepoints during the study. Nine (18 %) patients in Group P had a transient hypoxic episode, compared to none in Group E (p= 0.006). The induction and recovery times were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Etomidate offers better hemodynamic and respiratory stability than propofol and can be recommended for use during ERCP in ASA I/II patients.

Management of the Normal and Difficult Pediatric Airway: Unique Challenges in the Time of COVID-19.

This review focuses on the challenges faced by acute care healthcare workers in the management of the normal and difficult pediatric airway during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these protocols and practices evolved during the pandemic. The current state of knowledge on timing of surgery and anesthesia is also discussed. In the early days of the pandemic, information about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and disease process was scarce. Governmental, healthcare, and professional organizations created several guidelines to protect invaluable healthcare workers from the contagious virus while also delivering appropriate care to children with COVID-19. With the emergence of new studies and the deployment of new life-saving COVID-19 vaccines and other therapies, these guidelines evolved. The use of aerosol containment devices such as aerosol boxes and flexible barrier techniques was found to be ineffective in reliably containing virus particles while posing potential harm to both healthcare workers and patients. Also, the definition of aerosol-generating and dispersing medical procedures was vastly broadened. To date, use of appropriate personal protection equipment and COVID-19 vaccination are the most effective ways to protect healthcare workers and safely manage children infected with SARS-CoV-2 who require airway intervention. Evidence-based public health measures and appropriate personal protective equipment remain the best way to protect both healthcare workers and patients. As the virus and population evolve and COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, clinicians must be willing to adapt to the emerging evidence of their impact on how safe pediatric perioperative care is delivered.

Post-General Anesthesia Angioedema After General Anesthesia

&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: General anesthesia includes the administration of avariety medicines to patient/in/ fairly short/period. Numerous negative consequences can occur because of reaction from the drugs given, one example is anaphylaxis that may lead to death if not been recognized and handled quickly &amp;amp; promptly.&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Case Illustration:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;A sixty-seven years old male patient 152 cm 65 kg with multiple cholecystitis and obstructive jaundice, who was scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patient had no records of allergy to medication and food. Family has no records to hypersensitive reactions or angioedema. At initial evaluation, blood pressure was 190/90 mmHg and hemoglobin 10,4 g/dL while the rest parameter was within normal limits. We given propofol and rocuronium to induce relaxation and facilitate intubation in surgery. Approximately 90 minutes after rocuronium injection, patient evolved angioedema across the face/area, tongue, and floor of the mouth. Patient also complained of not being able to talk. Soon after that, we give 10 mg of dexamethasone and 100 mg hydrocortisone to the patient. Within 60 minutes after hydrocortisone administration the patient shows/clinical improvement that marked by swelling began to decrease and the patient was able to speak again. Then we educate patient about angioedema and its alert.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Anaphylaxis is a type of hypersensitivity response that take place to a particular allergen and mostly self-limited, but 11% of hypersensitive reaction require airway intervention. Most of anesthetic medication such as thiopental sodium, propofol, muscle relaxants, and etomidate may induce anaphylactic reaction during anesthesia induction. Discontinuation of underlying agent and airway control may prevent mortality and morbidity.&lt;/p&gt;

Ketamine-dexmedetomidine combination for sedation in pediatric major surgery in a low-income country.

Anorectal malformations are one of the most frequent congenital malformations treated by pediatric surgeons. In low-income countries, the surgical and anesthetic management of children in need of these procedures can be challenging. Limited oxygen supply, lack of equipment, especially pediatric, and intensive care units make the use of regional anesthesia appealing. We present a series of four cases of anorectal malformations corrections in Guinea Bissau, in children up to 13 months of age, under regional anesthesia and sedation with ketodex, a mixture of ketamine and dexmedetomidine (in a proportion of 1mg to 1μg). No child developed respiratory depression requiring airway intervention or supplemental oxygen, or had hemodynamic instability.

Acute infectious supraglottitis in adult population: epidemiology, management, outcomes and predictors of airway intervention.

PurposeThe purpose is to analyze the incidence of acute infectious supraglottitis in our center between 2010 and 2020, define the characteristics and trends of those patients and identify factors associated with the need of airway intervention.MethodsA retrospective single-center observational study of a cohort of patients diagnosed with acute infectious supraglottitis between January 2010 and December 2020. Patients were stratified according to airway management.ResultsEighty eight patients were included: 59 men (67%) and 29 women (33%). A significant upward trend of 9% in the annual incidence rate of supraglottitis was seen during 2010–2020, with an important increase in cases during 2019. Muffled voice (41%) and respiratory distress (38%) were the most common presenting symptoms; and the median duration of symptoms before hospital admission was 2 days [IQR 1; 3]. Airway intervention was performed in fifteen patients (17%). Nine patients (10%) were intubated and six required tracheotomy (7%). Comparing the patients who required airway intervention with those who received a conservative treatment, younger patients (p < 0.01) were more likely to need airway intervention. In logistic regression analysis, we found that epiglottic abscess (p = 0.015), hypersalivation (p = 0.027) and smoking (p = 0.036) were independent factors with a significant association with airway intervention.ConclusionThere was an important increase in cases and its severity in 2019, but due to COVID-19 pandemic, it was not possible to define if it was an isolate event or an upward trend. Epiglottic abscess, hypersalivation and smoking could be possible risk factors for airway intervention.

Prevalence of Airway Abnormality after Tracheotomy at a Tertiary Safety Net Children’s Hospital

Introduction: Over 4500 pediatric tracheotomies are performed an-nually in the United States. However, there is no consensus on the appropriate time for surveillance endoscopy. The St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children implemented the Trach Safe Initiative to improve airway safety in tracheotomy-dependent children. A major component of this initiative is surveillance endoscopy. The objectives of this study are to describe the prevalence of abnormal airway changes in trach dependent patients, to identify and describe the frequency of airway interventions, and to ultimately minimize morbidity in this population. Method: A report consisting of a list of patients meeting our inclusion criteria was generated using CPT codes for tracheotomy and direct bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy at SCHC. A retrospective chart review of patients under the age of 18 who has had a tracheotomy from 2010 to 2020 was conducted in order to describe airway abnormalities after tracheotomy quantitatively andqualitatively. Result: 55 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in our study. Our study found the overall rate of abnormal findings onen-doscopy after tracheotomy is 72.7 % (p &lt; 0.05). The average time from tracheotomy to the time of initial surveillance endoscopy at SCHC was 884 days (95%CI 684 -1084). The most common abnormal finding was granulation tissue (29.1%), followed by supra-stomal collapse (12.7%), and subglottic stenosis (12.7%). 58.2% of patients undergoing endoscopy had an intervention. The most common intervention during endoscopy was excision of granulation tissue (25.4%) and trach change (23.6%) followed by tracheoplasty/stomoplasty (7.2%). Conclusion:Our study found a high rate of airway abnormality on surveillance endoscopy with a significant percentage of our patients requiring airway intervention. Our findings necessitate a guideline for routine surveillance endoscopy for our tracheotomy patients and the development of a database tracking airway abnormalities of patients in order to prepare a safe airway plan.

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Acute Epiglottitis in Adults.

IntroductionAdult epiglottitis is a disease process distinct from pediatric epiglottitis in microbiology, presentation, and clinical course. While traditionally considered more indolent and benign than in children, adult epiglottitis remains a cause of acute airway compromise with a mortality rate from 1–20%. Our objective was to characterize the disease course and evaluate the rate and type of airway management in this population at a tertiary, academic referral center.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult patients (age ≥ 18) who were definitively diagnosed with infectious “epiglottitis,” “supraglottitis,” or “epiglottic abscess” by direct or indirect laryngoscopy during a nine-year period. Double data abstraction and a standardized data collection form were used to assess patient demographic characteristics, presenting features, and clinical course. The primary outcome was airway intervention by intubation, cricothyroidotomy, or tracheostomy, and the secondary outcome was mortality related to the disease.ResultsSeventy patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 50.2 years (standard deviation ± 16.7), 60% of the patients were male, and 14.3% were diabetic. Fifty percent had symptoms that were present for ≥ 48 hours; 38.6% had voice changes, 13.1% had stridor, 12.9% had fever, 45.7% had odynophagia, and 47.1% had dysphagia noted in the ED. Twelve patients (17.1%) received an acute airway intervention including three who underwent emergent cricothyroidotomy, and one who had a tracheostomy. Two patients died and one suffered anoxic brain injury related to complications following difficult airway management.ConclusionIn this case series the majority of patients (82.9%) did not require airway intervention, but a third of those requiring intervention (5.7% of total) had a surgical airway performed with two deaths and one anoxic brain injury. Clinicians must remain vigilant to identify signs of impending airway compromise in acute adult epiglottitis and be familiar with difficult and failed airway algorithms to prevent morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Predictors of airway intervention in acute supraglottitis (AS), a recent 7- year experience

AimsAcute supraglottitis (AS) can be a life threatening infection that may lead to sudden airway obstruction. Thankfully, paediatric instances have decreased with public health vaccination programmes. Owing to the nature of the location of pathology, this time sensitive emergency requires astute clinical acumen and awareness of early warning signs. This study aimed to i) determine if the incidence of AS has changed over time; ii) investigate geographical and seasonal variation of infection; iii) identify features of presentation which may predict airway intervention; iv) assess efficacy of treatment and make recommendations for management. Materials and methodAll adult patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with the diagnosis of acute supraglottitis between 2013 and 2021 were included. Diagnosis was confirmed with flexible nasendoscopy and consultant review. Demographics, management and outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating means and standard deviation for descriptive purposes. Fischer's exact test and two tailed t-test for categorical and continuous variables respectively. Results were deemed significant if P values of less than or equal to 0.05 were calculated. ResultsForty-three adults were identified. Five patients (11.6%) required airway intervention. Stridor, respiratory distress and CRP of >100 mg/L were noted to be significant predictive factors for airway intervention. Intubated patients had a significantly longer hospital stay. Regions with a higher population density were noted to have a higher incidence but this did not prove to be significant. ConclusionThis is the largest study of AS in Ireland to date. There is a trend towards increasing incidence of acute supraglottitis in adults. Factors such as stridor, respiratory distress and elevated CRP should alert the clinician to the possible need for airway intervention. Acute supraglottitis is more common in higher density populated regions.

The barrier techniques for airway management in covid-19 patients - review of literature.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a pandemic and shall prevail for some time around the globe. The disease can manifest from asymptomatic to severe respiratory compromise requiring airway intervention. Transmission of COVID-19 has been reported to be by droplets, fomites, and aerosols, and airway management is an aerosol-generating procedure. The high viral load in the patient's airway puts the clinician performing intubation at a very high risk of viral load exposure. So, the need for barrier devices was considered and led to reporting of various such devices. All these devices have been reported individually and have not been compared. We present a review of all the information on these devices based on the reported literature.

Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Pediatric bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) is a rare but impactful diagnosis. Stridor and respiratory distress are common presenting symptoms, often requiring airway intervention. Historically, tracheostomy has been the mainstay of management of BVFP in children, but alternative interventions have more recently been described in an attempt to avoid or minimize the morbidity associated with pediatric tracheostomy. This review aims to summarize current knowledge surrounding etiology, workup, and management options for children with bilateral vocal fold immobility. The past several years have seen an increase in the understanding of, and range of, surgical options for pediatric patients with BVFP. Early studies have demonstrated that endoscopic interventions, including anterior-posterior cricoid split and suture lateralization, may be effective means of airway management in this population. Further studies are needed on the topic, but alternative surgical techniques may aid in reducing the frequency of tracheostomy for pediatric patients with BVFP.

Recurrent angioedema: Experience at a tertiary care urban medical center.

ObjectiveTo determine the demographics, presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with recurrent angioedema. To compare the findings to patients with ACE inhibitor related angioedema.MethodsRetrospective case series with chart review of patients who presented to a tertiary‐care hospital between January 2010 and December 2017 with two or more episodes of angioedema. Excluded were patients with anaphylactic reaction, medication induced angioedema, or angioedema secondary to an infectious etiology. A group of 88 patients who presented during the same time period with ACE inhibitor related angioedema was used as a control. Statistical analysis was conducted using a two‐tailed Fisher exact test and a multivariate logistical regression model to determine significant associations.ResultsNinety‐one patients were identified; 61 met the selection criteria and had 217 total episodes of angioedema episodes presenting to the emergency department. Fifty percent were Caucasian or Hispanic. The average number of episodes was 3.5 (range: 2‐23). The lips and tongue were the most commonly affected sites (37% and 39%). The larynx and floor of mouth were least likely to be involved (7% and 6%). Only 1 patient was found to have C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. Twenty‐eight percent of patients had asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, or atopic dermatitis. Only 11% of episodes required airway intervention. No patients required airway intervention after admission.ConclusionRecurrent angioedema was primarily idiopathic, was less severe than ACE inhibitor angioedema, and was associated with an atopic history. There was less frequent worsening of symptoms after admission, and recurrences occurred more frequently are at the same anatomic subsite.Level of EvidenceIV.

Evaluation of staging criteria for disposition and airway intervention in emergency department angioedema patients.

AimAngioedema is a nonpitting edema that can lead to death secondary to airway obstruction. Previously, a staging system based on localization of the angioedema was proposed for risk stratification of likelihood of need for admission or airway intervention. This study aims to evaluate a staging system based on angioedema localization as a method of predicting need for admission or airway intervention.MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of angioedema cases that presented to an academic emergency department (ED) from August 1, 2006, to January 31, 2018. Data were collected on location of swelling, treatment setting, and medical and procedural interventions. Cases were categorized by modified Ishoo criteria, defined as follows: 1, lips, face, periorbital, extremities, total body/diffuse swelling; 2, soft palate, posterior pharynx; 3, tongue; 4, larynx. Predictive probability of disposition by stage was then compared.ResultsA total of 320 patients were included in this study (median age, 44 years; 54.4% female). Stage 4 was more likely to require intensive care unit care without (probability 17%) and with (67%) airway intervention compared with stage 1 without (2.5%) and with (0.1%) airway intervention. Conversely, stage 1 was more likely to be treated in ED and discharged (85%) compared with stage 4 (0%). Stage 4 was also more likely to require airway intervention (67%) compared with other stages (1, 0.1%; 2, 8.6%; 3, 16%).ConclusionHigher‐stage patients were more likely to require higher levels of care and airway intervention. Thus, the staging system appears to be a valid method of predicting risk among ED angioedema patients.

Outcomes of Airway Management in Micrognathia and Retrognathia Patients Born at Fetal versus Nonfetal Centers

Objectives: There is a paucity of evidence to guide the perinatal management of difficult airways in fetuses with micrognathia. We aimed to (1) develop a postnatal grading system based on the extent of airway intervention required at birth to assess the severity of micrognathic airways and (2) compare trends in airway management and outcomes by location of birth [nonfetal center (NFC), defined as a hospital with or without an NICU and no fetal team, versus fetal center (FC), defined as a hospital with an NICU and fetal team]. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the prenatal and postnatal records of all neonates diagnosed with micrognathia from January 2010 to April 2018 at a quaternary children’s hospital. We developed a novel grading scale, the Micrognathia Grading Scale (MGS), to grade the extent of airway intervention at birth from 0 (no airway intervention) to 4 (requirement of EXIT or advanced airway instrumentation for airway securement). Results: We identified 118 patients with micrognathia. Eighty-nine percent (105/118) were eligible for grading using the MGS. When the MGS was applied, the airway grades were as follows: grade 0 (30%), grade 1 (10%), grade 2 (9%), grade 3 (48%), and grade 4 (4%). A quarter of micrognathic patients with grade 0–2 airways had postnatal hospital readmissions for airway obstruction after birth, of which all were born at NFC. Over 40% of patients with grade 3–4 micrognathic airways required airway intervention within 24 h of birth. Overall, NFC patients had a readmission rate of (27%) for airway obstruction after birth compared to FC patients (17%). Conclusions: Due to the high incidence of grade 3–4 airways on the MGS in micrognathic patients, fetuses with prenatal findings suggestive of micrognathia should be referred to a comprehensive fetal care center capable of handling complex neonatal airways. For grade 0–2 airways, infants frequently had postnatal complications necessitating airway intervention; early referral to a multidisciplinary team for both prenatal and postnatal airway management is recommended.

Transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring during flexible bronchoscopy under sedation: A prospective observational study

Aim: It is difficult to maintain the necessary depth of sedation during bronchoscopy, and hypoxemia, hypoventilation, and undesirable cardiovascular effects are often encountered. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring is a reliable means of detecting hypoventilation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of transcutaneous carbon dioxide (tPCO₂) monitoring on the amount of propofol required for sedation and examine sedation-induced hypoventilation and other adverse events requiring intervention, such as stopping the procedure to ventilate during flexible bronchoscopy. Methods: This prospective observational study included 60 patients undergoing bronchoscopy who were administered propofol. Of these, 30 patients were observed with transcutaneous carbon dioxide, and 30 were observed without. Propofol was used for sedation in all patients and the amount of propofol was compared between the groups monitored and not monitored transcutaneously for carbon dioxide. The sedation level was determined with the subjective sedation scale of the group that was not monitored. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of propofol consumption or the number of patients who required airway interventions during the procedure (P>0.05 for both). In this observational study, the partial carbon dioxide pressure in arterial blood was measured with a transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitor, which is a non-invasive method, and the maximum carbon dioxide value measured in prolonged interventions was 85 mmHg. Hypoxia was not observed in patients who developed hypoventilation. Conclusions: Hypoventilation is inevitable during bronchoscopy. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring may be important for high-risk cardiovascular patients.

Regional anesthesia in the time of COVID-19: a minireview.

The treatment of surgical patients who are confirmed or suspected of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a challenge for all anesthesiologists. The safety of both patients and healthcare workers should be taken into consideration when performing anesthesia management for patients with COVID-19. General anesthesia requiring airway intervention may exacerbate COVID-19 pneumonia, and aerosol generation during airway intervention risks COVID-19 transmission to medical staff. However, regional anesthesia is not an aerosol-generating procedure. The neuraxial anesthesia may have little adverse influence on clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 after reviewing previous case reports. Regional anesthesia may have some advantages over general anesthesia for this group of patients, but unplanned conversion to general anesthesia during surgery is not preferred. Thus, careful consideration should be given to ensure that the surgery is performed entirely under regional anesthesia. The use of ultrasound guidance and the performance by an experienced physician may reduce the incidence of failed block and complications. The use of long-acting local anesthetic prolongs the anesthetic effect of regional anesthesia. Besides, a safe and sufficient dose of local anesthetic should be used.

Low rates of airway intervention in adult supraglottitis: A case series and meta-analysis.

Acute supraglottitis (SG) can potentially lead to rapid airway obstruction. The last few decades have witnessed a shift towards a more conservative approach in airway management of adult SG. This study aims to evaluate this watchful approach based on a large case series combined with a high-level meta-analysis of all reports in the English literature. Retrospective case series and meta-analysis. The medical records of all adult patients diagnosed as having SG who were hospitalized in a large-volume tertiary referral center between January 2007 and December 2018 were reviewed. A meta-analysis was conducted on all English literature published between 1990 and 2018. A total of 233 patients (median age 49.1years, 132 males), were admitted due to acute SG during the study period. No airway intervention was required in 228 patients (97.9%). Five patients (2.1%) required preventive intubation, and two of them (0.9%) were later surgically converted to a tracheotomy. Patients who required airway intervention had higher rates of diabetes (P=.001), cardiovascular diseases (P=.036) and other comorbidities (P=.022). There was no mortality. The meta-analysis revealed that the overall intubation rates random effects model was 8.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6%-14.0%] and that the tracheotomy random effects model was 2.2% (95% CI; 0.5%-4.8%). The overall mortality rate was 0.89%. This study provides evidence of low rates of surgical airway intervention in patients diagnosed with SG worldwide. A conservative approach in adult SG is safe and should be advocated. 2.