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In craniotomy surgery, it is important to maintain hemodynamics and prevent the increase of intracranial pressure. Using semi-invasive methods such as LiDCO monitoring is a good option in this situation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mannitol and hypertonic sodium on hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing elective craniotomy. This randomized clinical trial was done on 40 patients of both genders. Patients whose ages were between 18-65 years, who had American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score I and II, and who underwent craniotomy surgery were eligible for this study. Participants were divided into two groups receiving hypertonic sodium and mannitol. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated before surgery, 20 minutes, and 60 minutes after surgery in both groups, under Lithium dilution cardiac output (LiDCO) monitoring. The results showed that there was no difference between groups in terms of the average fluid intake, the duration of the operation, the amount of urinary output, and the primary hemodynamic characteristics. Significant differences were recorded in the evaluation of hemodynamic parameters. The results demonstrated a reduction in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure during 20 to 60 minutes after mannitol injection compared to hypertonic sodium injection. Additionally, the effectiveness of both therapies on maintaining cardiac function was similar, but the use of mannitol led to a greater decrease in arterial and peripheral vascular resistance. It can be concluded that mannitol may be more effective than hypertonic sodium during craniotomy procedures in terms of reducing blood pressure monitored with LiDCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess and compare patient satisfaction and sedation outcomes in bronchoscopy procedures using two distinct sedation protocols: fentanyl/chlorpheniramine (FC) and ketamine/chlorpheniramine (KC). Ninety patients undergoing simple bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were randomly assigned to receive either FC (1 µg/kg fentanyl and 10 mg chlorpheniramine) or KC (0.5 mg/kg ketamine and 10 mg chlorpheniramine). Lidocaine was also administered during bronchoscopy. Primary outcomes included patient satisfaction scores, while secondary outcomes encompassed sedation levels, bronchoscopist satisfaction, cough rates, lidocaine usage, and physiological parameters. Patients in the FC group exhibited significantly higher satisfaction levels compared to the KC group (P=0.002). Bronchoscopist satisfaction was also superior in the FC group (P=0.001). Although cough rates did not differ significantly, severe persistent coughs were more prevalent in the KC group. Physiological parameters such as oxygen saturation were comparable, but the KC group demonstrated higher increases in systolic blood pressure and heart rate. The use of fentanyl/chlorpheniramine resulted in higher patient and bronchoscopist satisfaction during simple bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage compared to ketamine/chlorpheniramine. This study suggests that the combination of fentanyl and chlorpheniramine may be a preferable sedation choice for bronchoscopy procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), identifying risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality has been a global priority. In this study, the purpose was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 to develop a predictive model and scoring system for in-hospital mortality. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 611 adult patients with COVID-19, admitted to Sina hospital were enrolled and followed up. Results: Out of the total number of 611 patients, 104 patients (17%) deceased during hospitalization, including 75 (12.2%) deaths in ICU and 29 (4.7%) deaths in the wards. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, several characteristics including age >55 years, previous history of malignancy, history of cerebrovascular accident, tachypnea on admission, CRP>54 on admission, D-dimer>1300, and bilateral pulmonary consolidation on chest Computed Tomography (CT) were shown to be the main determinants for stratifying the risk for in-hospital death. The factors were finally considered for introducing a new predictive scoring system for COVID-19 related death. Conclusion: In-hospital mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 is estimated to be 17%. A new scoring system for predicting in-hospital mortality in such patients was structured based on determinant factors of advanced age, history of malignancy, cerebrovascular accident, tachypnea, raised CRP, raised D-dimer on admission, and bilateral pulmonary consolidation on chest CT scan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonoscopy is a painful, embarrassing and short-term procedure that needs temporary sedation and rapid recovery. The aim of this study was to compare the sedation and analgesia effect and hemodynamic changes due to bolus intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine and ketamine during elective colonoscopy. This clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients aged 20-70 years, candidates for elective colonoscopy, who randomly divided into two equal groups. For all patients 0.03 mg/kg midazolam 10 min before procedure was injected. Fentanyl 1 µ/kg was administrated in both groups 5 min before procedure, and one min before colonoscopy. K group received 0.5 mg/kg ketamine and D group received 1 µ/kg dexmedetomidine. Then, the normal saline infusion was used as maintenance. Fentanyl 25-50 µg was prescribed as the rescue dose if needed during the procedure. Hemodynamic changes, sedation level during procedure, patients and colonoscopists satisfaction were recorded in recovery. The mean heart rate and mean blood pressure was significantly less in the dexmedetomidine group than in the ketamine group. All of the patients in the ketamine group were deep to moderately sedated during colonoscopy, and the amount of fentanyl required in this group is much less than dexmedetomidine group (68.02±25.63 vs 91.45±38.62 µg P-0.003). In terms of satisfaction, only 42% of patients in the dexmedetomidine group were completely satisfied with colonoscopy, while 65% of Ketamine group had complete satisfaction with colonoscopy (P=0.001). The level of colonoscopist satisfaction during colonoscopy was similar in both group, and complete satisfaction was 43%. In patients undergoing colonoscopy, IV bolus injection of dexmedetomidine in comparison with ketamine provides less patients satisfactory and low level of sedation with supplemental multiple doses of fentanyl during the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, the use of ketamine as a systemic and local analgesic drug in reducing post-operative pain is studied more frequently. Objectives:The aim of the present study was to assess the analgesic efficacy of IV ketamine injection inaddition to nephrostomy tract infiltration of ketamine-bupivacaine on postoperative pain relief after tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Patients and Methods: Patients (n = 100), with renal stone who were candidates for PCNL were randomized to five groups with 20 cases in each: Group C, 10 mL of saline solution was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract; Group B, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract; Group BK1, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine plus 0.5 mg/kg ketamine was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract; Group BK2, 10 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine plus 1.5 mg/kg ketamine was infiltrated into the nephrostomy tract; Group K, 10 mL of saline solution containing 0.5 mg/kg ketamine was intravenously administered. Post-operative pain scores were compared between groups as the primary objective. Comparison of Sedation Scores, rescue analgesic consumption, time to the first rescue analgesics administration, hemodynamic and SpO2 values were regarded as the secondary objective. Results: Mean VAS scores in the first 30 min and total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h of post-operative period were significantly lower in groups BK1 and BK2 in comparison with the other groups (P < 0.05). Also, time to first rescue analgesics administration was longer in the same groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Infiltration of ketamine plus bupivacaine provides superior analgesic effects in PCNL surgery compared with other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparin is frequently used in different clinical settings to reduce the coagulating ability of the blood. Because of probable adverse effects owing to heparin therapy and regarding variability of patients' responses to heparin, which make it very unreliable, it seems prudent to monitor meticulously its effects on the human body. There are a lot of laboratory tests to watch its effects on the body for example; aPTT and ROTEM are the most widely used tests that are performed today. We aimed to compare the aPTT test results against changes of CT parameter of the ROTEM test due to heparin administration. This study was conducted on 45 critically ill patients who needed to receive heparin according to their clinical status. All patients received 550 to 1500 unit heparin per hour (on average 17.5 unit heparin per kilogram weight). While the patients were under infusion of heparin, two blood samples (5 ml) were taken from a newly established cubital vein, just five hours after commencement of heparin therapy. One sample was used for aPTT and the other one for ROTEM. The correlation between aPTT and the changes of CT parameter of the ROTEM with heparin dosage and infusion was the primary outcome. The correlation between heparin therapy and the changes of other parameters like MCF, CFT, and a number of platelets were the secondary outcome of the study. The only significant correlation was between changes of CT and aPTT (P=0.000). The other variables were not correlated. Changes of CT parameter of ROTEM test can be used for monitoring of reduced coagulability during heparin infusion instead of aPTT test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The empiric antibiotic therapy can result in antibiotic overuse, development of bacterial resistance and increasing costs in critically ill patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of procalcitonin (PCT) guide treatment on antibiotic use and clinical outcomes of patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). A total of 60 patients were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into two groups, cases that underwent antibiotic treatment based on serum level of PCT as PCT group (n=30) and patients who undergoing antibiotic empiric therapy as control group (n=30). Our primary endpoint was the use of antibiotic treatment. Additional endpoints were changed in clinical status and early mortality. Antibiotics use was lower in PCT group compared to control group (P=0.03). Current data showed that difference in SOFA score from the first day to the second day after admitting patients in ICU did not significantly differ (P=0.88). Patients in PCT group had a significantly shorter median ICU stay, four days versus six days (P=0.01). However, hospital stay was not statistically significant different between two groups, 20 days versus 22 days (P=0.23). Early mortality was similar between two groups. PCT guidance administers antibiotics reduce antibiotics exposure and length of ICU stay, and we found no differences in clinical outcomes and early mortality rates between the two studied groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Surgery is one of the most effective treatments for morbid obesity. In a prospective cohort study, we examined the effects of Laparoscopic Gastric Plication (LGP) as a new restrictive technique on remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: During six years of study from June 2007 through December 2013, 62 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were recruited for our study to determine the effects of weight loss. Sixty patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 were selected for a one year follow up period. The amount of weight loss, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), changes in the lipid profile, HbA1c and blood pressure were assessed during this period. The primary outcomes were safety and the percentage of patients experiencing diabetes remission. Results: Sixty patients with the mean age of 39.7 ± 12.8 years, ranging from 18 to 62 years, were enrolled in the study for an average 12 months of follow up. The maximal weight loss of 57 kg was achieved at average after six months. FBS significantly decreased during this period, and after one year, remission of diabetes was achieved in 92 % of patients. In five patients, diabetes was controlled with decrease in taking oral medications. Conclusions: Laparoscopic Gastric Plication (LGP) resulted in significant and sustained weight loss with minimal physiologic changes in gastrointestinal tract and ameliorated blood glucose control of type 2 diabetes in morbid obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to limitations in blood product resources and to prevent unnecessary transfusions and afterwards complications in perioperative period of total hip arthroplasty, authors administered fibrinogen concentrate in a pilot randomized clinical trial to evaluate bleeding and need to blood transfusion in preoperative period. Thirty patients (3-75 years old) with ASA physical status class I or II and candidate for total hip arthroplasty consequently enrolled in this study and randomly assigned into two groups: taking fibrinogen concentrate and control. Two groups were similar in serum concentration of fibrinogen, hemoglobin, and platelet preoperatively. After induction of general anesthesia 30mg/kg fibrinogen concentrate was administered in the fibrinogen group. Blood loss, need to blood transfusion and probable complications were compared between two groups. The mean operation time was 3.3 ± 0.8 hours in the fibrinogen group and 2.8 ± 0.6 hours in the placebo group, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.04). There was a significant correlation between operation time and blood loss during surgery (P=0.002). The mean transfused blood products in the fibrinogen and control group was 0.8 ± 1.01 units and 1.06 ± 1.2 units respectively (P=0.53). The mean of perioperative blood loss was 976 ± 553 ml in the fibrinogen group and 1100 ± 350 ml in the control group, but this difference was not significant between two groups. By adjusting time factor for two groups, we identified that the patients in fibrinogen group had lower perioperative bleeding after adjusting time factor for two groups (P=0.046). None of the patients had complications related to fibrinogen concentrate administration. The prophylactic administration of fibrinogen concentrate was safe and effective in reducing bleeding in the perioperative period of total hip arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Today Anesthesiologists occasionally face with bradycardia during gastric surgery and recognized this phenomenon as a vagal reflex. The objective of this study is finding of anesthesia risk factors for bradycardia and prevention of its hazardous complications during gastric surgeries. Methods: In this retrospective study, fifty patients undergoing laparatomy and gastric surgery in Sina hospital between September 2009 to September 2013. They had been anesthetized with propofol or thiopental and their maintenance was kept by isoflurane or propofol were enrolled. The age, gender, underlying diseases, drug history, chemotherapy, kind of surgery, heart rate variability, onset time of bradycardia and its complication during a period of four years was noted. Results: Of Fifty patients, 31 males and 19 females was enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 48±8.3 yr; all patients had laparatomy under general anesthesia. The kind of surgery were mainly gasterectomy and gastrojejunostomy. The mean onset of episode bradycardia was 24.5±3.5 min after initiation of surgery incision, and most of the bradycardia was mild to moderate (47 patients) that with injection of atropine it resolved. There was no relationships between anesthetic drugs and anesthetic maintenance, age, gender, and incidence of bradycardia event during the surgery. The risk factors of bradycardia were, diabetes mellitus in seven patients, use of beta blockers in 17 patients in perioperative period and gastric cancer and chemotherapy (neoadjuant therapy) in three patients that lead to asystole, they were not response to standard treatment during surgery and lead to death. Conclusion: The history of gastric cancer and previous chemotherapy might be the only common factors that cause to bradycardia and irresponsible asystole during gastric surgery in these patients. It seems that only close monitoring and vigilant anesthesiologist require for treatment and prevention from adverse effect of such a sever bradycardia event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tissue injuries may provoke neuro-hormonal response which in turn may lead to release of inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesize that block of afferent sensory pathways by infiltration of 0.5% bupivacaine in the scalp may decrease neuro-hormonal response in the neurosurgical patient. Methods: After obtaining informed consent, forty ASA physical statuses I, II, or III patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years were enrolled randomly into two equal groups to receive either 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine (group A) or 20 ml of 0.9% normal saline as a placebo (group B) in the site of pin insertion and scalp incision. As the primary outcome we checked serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before implementation of noxious stimulus, 24h, and 48h after the end of surgery to compare these values between groups. In addition, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were checked at baseline (after the induction of anesthesia), one minute after pin fixation and 5, 10, and 15 minute after skin incision and the recorded values were compared between groups. Results: No significant difference was found between serum CRP levels of the two groups. Comparison of mean HR between groups shows no significant difference. The mean of MAP was significantly lower in the group A in comparison with the group B (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that 0.5% bupivacaine scalp infiltration before skull-pin holder fixation and skin incision could not decrease post-operative C-reactive protein level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinations of hypnotics with or without opiates are commonly used in agitated patients. We hypothesized that combination of haloperidol--propofol in comparison with midazolam--propofol would lower consumption of propofol and lead to better hemodynamic and respiratory profile during sedation of agitated patients. Among 108 patients admitted in our ICU, 60 patients were agitated according to Ramsay Sedation Score (RSS) and randomly divided into two groups. Morphine sulfate (0.05 mg/kg) was administered to all patients for relief of postoperative pain. In one group, sedative infusion was started with 1 mg/h of haloperidol plus 25 µg/kg/ min of propofol after bolus injection of 2 mg haloperidol. In the other group, midazolam 1 mg/h and propofol 25 µg/kg/min were infused after a bolus injection of 2 mg midazolam. Propofol infusion was adjusted to keep bi-spectral index between 61-80 and the RSS between 3-5. Hourly propofol consumption was recorded during 24 h of sedation and compared statistically. We also compared SpO2, arterial blood gas variables, hemodynamic parameters and episodes of respiratory depression (SpO2 ≤85%) requiring respiratory support between the groups. Haloperidol, when added to propofol infusion, decreased its consumption at all the measured times (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in hemodynamic variables between two groups, but the episodes of respiratory depression was significantly higher in propofol--midazolam group (P = 0.02). We conclude that haloperidol--propofol infusion decreases propofol requirements in the agitated patients. Besides, this combination showed a better profile in terms of occurrence of respiratory depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare intubating conditions and hemodynamic changes between Bonfils Intubation Fiberscope and Macintosh laryngoscopy without administering neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs). METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial,80 male and female patients, scheduled for elective surgery, aged 15 to 60 years, ASA class II or I, non-obese, non smokers, without anticipated difficult intubation; were randomly allocated into two groups of 40: Bonfils and Macintosh. Following adequate hydration and preoxygenation, midazolam 0.03 mg.kg-1 was administered, followed by intravenous alfentanil 20 µg.kg-1 , lidocaine 1.0 mg.kg-1 , and propofol 2 mg.kg-1 sequentially. Trachea was then intubated using Bonfils Intubation Fiberscope in the Bonfils group and conventional Macintosh laryngoscopy in the Macintosh group. Intubating condition, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oximetry, and success rate were measured. RESULTS: Clinically acceptable intubating condition scores did not differ significantly between the groups (P=0.465). Compared to the baseline values, heart rate rose significantly after intubation only in the Macintosh group (P<0.001). Although mean arterial blood pressure increased immediately after intubation in the Macintosh group (P=0.022), its post-intubation values were significantly less than baseline in both groups (P<0.001). Intubation time took much longer in the Bonfils group (40 s) than the Macintosh group (11 s), P<0.001. In the absence of NMBDs, Bonfils Intubation Fiberscope compares well with Macintosh laryngoscopy in terms of success rate and intubating conditions, but with less mechanical stress and hemodynamic compromise and longer intubation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2001, a Liver Transplantation (LT) program was commenced in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex as the first one in the capital city of Tehran which is the second liver transplantation center in Iran. This study presents the results of our 10-year experience with LT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is one of the main reasons of agitation after surgery, leading to urgency and frequency during recovery. Ketamine has been used as an effective drug for reducing the signs and severity of this problem. We hypothesized that intraurethral instillation of ketamine-lidocaine gel before urinary catheterization can reduce the incidence of CRBD in the postoperative period., Materials and Methods: A total of 136 male patients, who underwent two-level laminectomy/discectomy were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized into the two groups before urinary catheterization. The ketamine group received urethral lubrication with 5 mL xylocaine jelly (2%) in conjunction with 2 mL (100 mg) ketamine. Patients in control group received urethral lubrication with 5 mL xylocaine jelly (2%) in conjunction with 2 mL distilled water. The primary outcome was the incidence of CRBD. CRBD was assessed using four-stage criteria when arriving in the recovery room and at 1, 2, and 6 h after surgery. Postsurgical pain and the number of sedatives given and opioid requirement were also the secondary outcomes in this study., Results: Intraurethral instillation of ketamine-lidocaine gel reduced the incidence of CRBD at recovery ( P < 0.001) along with a reduction in the severity of CRBD ( P < 0.05) during the 1 st and 2 nd visit compared with control group. The mean pain intensity score (visual analog scale) and opioid requirement to relieve postsurgical pain were lower in the ketamine group during all the study timepoints from recovery and after transfer to the ward ( P < 0.008). A higher rate of sedation (72% vs. 11%) also was seen at recovery period in the ketamine group ( P < 0.008)., Conclusion: Intraurethral instillation of ketamine-lidocaine gel before bladder catheterization is an effective technique for reducing the incidence and severity of postoperative CRBD., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.