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Abstract Background Questions remain on the optimal management of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients once they are admitted to the referring center, before and after the aneurysm treatment. To address these issues, we created a consensus of experts endorsed by the Italian Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) to provide clinical guidance regarding this topic. Specifically, in this manuscript (part 2), we aim to provide a list of experts’ recommendations regarding the management of SAH patients in a center with neurosurgical/neuroendovascular facilities after aneurysm treatment. Methods A multidisciplinary consensus panel composed by 24 physicians selected for their established clinical and scientific expertise in the acute management of SAH patients with different specializations (anesthesia/intensive care, neurosurgery, and interventional neuroradiology) was created. A modified Delphi approach was adopted. Results A total of 33 statements were discussed, voted, and approved. Consensus was reached on 30 recommendations (28 strong and 2 weak). In 3 cases, where consensus could not be agreed upon, no recommendation was provided. Conclusions This consensus provides practical recommendations (and not mandatory standard of practice) to support clinician’s decision-making in the management of SAH patients in centers with neurosurgical/neuroendovascular facilities after aneurysm securing.

Abstract Background The use of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) is less invasive than extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and intraoperative control of gas exchange could be feasible. The aim of this study in intermediate intraoperative severity patients undergoing LT was to assess the role of intraoperative ECCO2R on emergency ECMO requirement in patients. Methods Thirty-eight consecutive patients undergoing lung transplantation (LT) with “intermediate” intraoperative severity in the intervals 2007 to 2010 or 2011 to 2014 were analyzed as historical comparison of case-matched cohort retrospective study. The “intermediate” intraoperative severity was defined as the development of intraoperative severe respiratory acidosis with maintained oxygenation function (i.e., pH 60 mmHg, and PaO2/FiO2 >150), not associated with hemodynamic instability. Of these 38 patients, twenty-three patients were treated in the 2007–2010 interval by receiving “standard intraoperative treatment,” while 15 patients were treated in the 2011–2014 interval by receiving “standard intraoperative treatment + ECCO2R.” Results ECMO requirement was more frequent among patients that received “standard intraoperative treatment” alone than in those treated with “standard intraoperative treatment + ECCO2R” (17/23 vs. 3/15; p = 0.004). The use of ECCO2R improved pH and PaCO2 while mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) decreased. Conclusion In intermediate intraoperative severity patients, the use of ECCO2R reduces the ECMO requirement.

Abstract Background Issues remain on the optimal management of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients once they are admitted to the referring center, before and after the aneurysm treatment. To address these issues, we created a consensus of experts endorsed by the Italian Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SIAARTI). In this manuscript, we aim to provide a list of experts’ recommendations regarding the early management of SAH patients from hospital admission, in a center with neurosurgical/neuro-endovascular facilities, until securing of the bleeding aneurysm. Methods A multidisciplinary consensus panel composed of 24 physicians selected for their established clinical and scientific expertise in the acute management of SAH patients with different background (anesthesia/intensive care, neurosurgery, and interventional neuroradiology) was created. A modified Delphi approach was adopted. Results Among 19 statements discussed. The consensus was reached on 18 strong recommendations. In one case, consensus could not be agreed upon and no recommendation was provided. Conclusions This consensus provides practical recommendations for the management of SAH patients in hospitals with neurosurgical/neuroendovascular facilities until aneurysm securing. It is intended to support clinician’s decision-making and not to mandate a standard of practice.

Abstract Background Since the appearance of the first report on postoperative cognitive impairment in 1955, the number of papers focusing on perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) has constantly increased, both in the field of basic science and clinical research. A critical comprehensive review may explore the perception of how noteworthy PND is for physicians and clinical researchers. The aim of this systematic review is to describe how the clinical papers published to date with PND as primary or secondary outcome have changed over time in terms of editorial characteristics. Results A literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, up to March 2021. Human prospective or retrospective clinical studies in which incidence, risk factors, treatments, or outcomes associated with PND are described among primary or secondary outcomes were included. A total of 2109 articles were considered. Conclusions The bibliometric analysis suggests a stable increase in attention towards PND, particularly in general surgery adult-elderly patients, and underlines the importance for the clinicians not to underestimate this specific field.

Abstract Background Postoperative delirium is a serious complication that can occur within the 5th postoperative day. In 2017, the European Society of Anesthesiologists delivered dedicated guidelines that reported the need for routine monitoring using validated scales. Objective Aim of this systematic review is to identify clinical studies related to postoperative delirium that included postoperative monitoring with validated scales. Design Systematic review Methods Searched keywords included the following terms: postoperative, postsurgical, post anesthesia, anesthesia recovery, delirium, and confusion. Two researchers independently screened retrieved studies using a data extraction form. Results Literature search led to retrieve 6475 hits; of these, 260 studies (5.6% of the retrieved), published between 1987 and 2021, included in their methods a diagnostic workup with the use of a postoperative delirium validated scale and monitored patients for more than 24 h, therefore are qualified to be included in the present systematic review. Conclusion In conclusion, available clinical literature on postoperative delirium relies on a limited number of studies, that included a validated diagnostic workup based on validated scales, extracted from a large series of studies that used inconsistent diagnostic criteria. In order to extract indications based on reliable evidence-based criteria, these are the studies that should be selectively considered. The analysis of these studies can also serve to design future projects and to test clinical hypothesis with a more standardized methodological approach.

The recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a health emergency all over the world. Several health care professionals are currently putting their best efforts to deal with this situation. The aim of this review is to report insights from the literature and “on the field” experience in clinical management of critical COVID-19 patients. Respiratory support varies from high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, often associated with nitric oxide, prone position, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Experienced specialists have to manage the airways minimizing any contamination and virus spread. The hemodynamic management of critical COVID-19 patients requires not only an accurate fluid strategy, but also an appropriate use of vasopressors and inotropes. Various adjuvant treatments have been proposed: antiviral drugs, immunomodulators, anticoagulants, antibiotics, and nutrition.

Hydatid cyst in the cervical region is an extremely rare condition that can create challenges for anesthesiologists. Timely recognition of difficult airway and preparing the management plan is crucial to avoid life-threatening complications such as hypoxic brain damage. We describe a case of difficult airway management in a patient with massive cervical hydatid cyst. We used a low-dose ketamine-propofol sedation and lidocaine spray for local oropharyngeal anesthesia. Muscular relaxants were not used, and spontaneous breathing was maintained during intubation. Recognition, assessment, and perioperative planning are essential for difficult airway management in patients with cervical hydatid cyst. Resumo: O cisto hidático na região cervical é uma condição extremamente rara que pode criar desafios para os anestesiologistas. O reconhecimento oportuno das vias aéreas difíceis e a preparação do plano de manejo são cruciais para evitar complicações com risco de vida, como danos cerebrais hipóxicos. Descrevemos um caso de difícil controle das vias aéreas em um paciente com cisto hidático cervical maciço. Utilizamos sedação com cetamina-propofol em baixa dose e spray de lidocaína para anestesia local orofaríngea. Relaxantes musculares não foram utilizados e a respiração espontânea foi mantida durante a intubação. O reconhecimento, a avaliação e o planejamento perioperatório são essenciais para o manejo difícil das vias aéreas em pacientes com cisto hidático cervical.

Abstract Introduction and objectives: Ropivacaine is a long-acting local anesthetic that causes prolonged anesthesia and is beneficial for a wide variety of surgeries. Systemic toxicity has been reported after usage of high dose ropivacaine or inadvertent intravascular administration. We report a case of ropivacaine withdrawal, which to our knowledge has not been previously described in the literature. Case report: The patient presented to our department with uncontrolled belt-like upper-abdominal pain, self-rated as a 9/10 on the numeric rating scale. We decided to use continuous epidural analgesia with ropivacaine through a multi-port epidural catheter. Pain was well controlled for one month without significant adverse effects. However, ropivacaine unexpectedly ran out and two hours later the patient developed agitation, generalized tremor, tachycardia, and tachypnea. These symptoms resolved 30 minutes after reinitiating epidural ropivacaine. Discussion: Our hypothesis of ropivacaine withdrawal was related to the timing of symptoms in relation to drug administration over two episodes. The possible mechanism of the observed withdrawal syndrome is upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels after prolonged inhibition, resulting in increase in sodium influx and genetic variation.

Introduction and objectives: Ropivacaine is a long-acting local anesthetic that causes prolonged anesthesia and is beneficial for a wide variety of surgeries. Systemic toxicity has been reported after usage of high dose ropivacaine or inadvertent intravascular administration. We report a case of ropivacaine withdrawal, which to our knowledge has not been previously described in the literature. Case report: The patient presented to our department with uncontrolled belt-like upper-abdominal pain, self-rated as a 9/10 on the numeric rating scale. We decided to use continuous epidural analgesia with ropivacaine through a multi-port epidural catheter. Pain was well controlled for one month without significant adverse effects. However, ropivacaine unexpectedly ran out and two hours later the patient developed agitation, generalized tremor, tachycardia, and tachypnea. These symptoms resolved 30 minutes after reinitiating epidural ropivacaine. Discussion: Our hypothesis of ropivacaine withdrawal was related to the timing of symptoms in relation to drug administration over two episodes. The possible mechanism of the observed withdrawal syndrome is upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels after prolonged inhibition, resulting in increase in sodium influx and genetic variation. Resumo: Justificativa e objetivos: A ropivacaína é um anestésico local de ação prolongada indicado em uma ampla variedade de cirurgias. Toxicidade sistêmica tem sido relatada após o uso de dose alta de ropivacaína ou administração intravascular inadvertida. Relatamos um caso de crise de abstinência de ropivacaína que, até onde sabemos, não foi descrita anteriormente na literatura. Relato do caso: O paciente procurou nosso departamento com dor não controlada abdominal do tipo em cinta, avaliada pelo paciente como sendo 9/10 no escala de avaliação numérica. Decidimos usar analgesia peridural contínua com ropivacaína através de cateter peridural multiperfurado. A dor foi bem controlada por um mês sem efeitos adversos significativos. No entanto, a ropivacaína inesperadamente se esgotou e, duas horas depois, o paciente desenvolveu agitação, tremor generalizado, taquicardia e taquipneia. Esses sintomas regrediram completamente 30 minutos após o reinício da ropivacaína por via peridural. Discussão: Nossa hipótese de abstinência de ropivacaína foi relacionada à cronologia dos sintomas em relação à administração da droga ao longo de dois episódios. O possível mecanismo da síndrome de abstinência observada é a regulação positiva dos canais de sódio dependentes de voltagem após inibição prolongada, resultando em aumento do influxo de sódio e variação genética.

Sedation is an essential therapeutic strategy in the care of neurocritical patients. Intravenous sedative agents are the most widely used, with promising alternatives (dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and volatile agents) to propofol and midazolam arising. Studies designed to evaluate superiority and avoid biases are required. A neurological awakening test is safe in most patients. Potential risks and benefits of limiting deep sedation and daily interruption of sedation in these patients remain unclear. The aim of this review was to report recent clinical evidence on sedation in this subgroup of patients, focusing on its effects on clinical prognosis.

In patients admitted to a neurocritical care (NCC) unit, management of blood glucose concentration (BGC) is a challenging clinical task. Several studies have shown that episodes of hypo- and hyperglycemia and high BGC variability are associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes. Optimal BGC target-range and BGC management in NCC patients have dramatically evolved in the past decades and new insulin infusion and adequate nutrition protocols are now available. The aim of this narrative review is to report the state-of-the-art on clinical relevance on BGC and hyperglycemia management in NCC patients.

Background and Aims: In patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy, induction of general anesthesia can induce systemic arterial hypotension that may worsen spinal cord hypoperfusion and precipitate spinal injury. In this randomized, controlled, clinical trial study, we compared the hemodynamic changes related to anesthesia induction with intravenous (IV) propofol- and sevoflurane-based inhalational induction in patients undergoing fiberoptic intubation for cervical spine surgery. Material and Methods: A total of 72 patients were studied. Hemodynamic effects were assessed measuring mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the echocardiographic evaluation of the left ventricular function. A Student's t-test with Bonferroni correction or Chi-squared test was used, when appropriate, to assess differences in hemodynamic (extent of MAP drop and incidence of episodes of severe arterial hypotension) and other variables (occurrence and duration of episodes of apnea). Results: Patients assigned to total IV anesthetic approach had a lower MAP, and more significant changes in cardiac function compared to those who received the inhalational approach (68.1 ± 9.3 mmHg vs. 75.5 ± 10.3 mmHg; 25% vs. 5.5%). Conclusion: Anesthesia induction with both propofol or sevoflurane is safe and effective. However, total IV anesthesia induction is associated with more pronounced MAP drop which can worsen spinal cord hypoperfusion.

It is important for the anesthesiologist to understand the etiology of free radical damage and how free-radical scavengers attenuate this, so that this knowledge can be applied to diverse neuro-pathological conditions. This review will concentrate on the role of reactive species of oxygen in the pathophysiology of organ dysfunction, specifically sub arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as global central nervous system (CNS) hypoxic, ischemic and reperfusion states. We enumerate potential therapeutic modalities that are been currently investigated and of interest for future trials. Antioxidants are perhaps the next frontier of translational research, especially in neuro-anesthesiology.

Abstract Hydatid cyst in the cervical region is an extremely rare condition that can create challenges for anesthesiologists. Timely recognition of difficult airway and preparing the management plan is crucial to avoid life-threatening complications such as hypoxic brain damage. We describe a case of difficult airway management in a patient with massive cervical hydatid cyst. We used a low-dose ketamine-propofol sedation and lidocaine spray for local oropharyngeal anesthesia. Muscular relaxants were not used, and spontaneous breathing was maintained during intubation. Recognition, assessment, and perioperative planning are essential for difficult airway management in patients with cervical hydatid cyst.