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Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) is common in the intensive care unit (ICU). NMBAs have been used in critically ill patients with lung diseases to... (Review)
Review
The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) is common in the intensive care unit (ICU). NMBAs have been used in critically ill patients with lung diseases to optimize mechanical ventilation, prevent spontaneous respiratory efforts, reduce the work of breathing and oxygen consumption, and avoid patient-ventilator asynchrony. In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), NMBAs reduce the risk of barotrauma and improve oxygenation. Nevertheless, current guidelines and evidence are contrasting regarding the routine use of NMBAs. In status asthmaticus and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, NMBAs are used in specific conditions to ameliorate patient-ventilator synchronism and oxygenation, although their routine use is controversial. Indeed, the use of NMBAs has decreased over the last decade due to potential adverse effects, such as immobilization, venous thrombosis, patient awareness during paralysis, development of critical illness myopathy, autonomic interactions, ICU-acquired weakness, and residual paralysis after cessation of NMBAs use. The aim of this review is to highlight current knowledge and synthesize the evidence for the effects of NMBAs for critically ill patients with lung diseases, focusing on patient-ventilator asynchrony, ARDS, status asthmaticus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
PubMed: 38398494
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041182 -
Cureus Feb 2024Congenital lung agenesis is a rare congenital abnormality associated with an absence or under-development of either one or both lungs, and its presentation in adulthood...
Congenital lung agenesis is a rare congenital abnormality associated with an absence or under-development of either one or both lungs, and its presentation in adulthood is even rarer. We describe a 40-year-old female patient with a history of congenital agenesis of the right lung and a high-grade glioma in the frontal region of the brain presenting for craniotomy and excision of the tumor in an MRI suite. Lung protective strategies of ventilation were utilized intraoperatively. The remote location of the MRI suite made access to extra manpower support challenging. The patient was managed uneventfully and discharged stable to the high-dependency unit. Our case describes how congenital lung agenesis poses a unique set of challenges for anaesthetic management, particularly in neurosurgical patients, and provides guidance to a multidisciplinary team approach.
PubMed: 38380108
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54522 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular... Apr 2024Air leak syndromes (such as pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, or subcutaneous emphysema) are frequent complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)....
Air leak syndromes (such as pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, or subcutaneous emphysema) are frequent complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Unfortunately, the development of air leaks is associated with worse outcomes. In addition, it has been hypothesized that the development of pneumomediastinum could be a marker of disease severity in patients with respiratory failure receiving noninvasive respiratory support or assisted ventilation. The so-called Macklin effect (or pulmonary interstitial emphysema) is the air dissection of the lung bronchovascular tree from peripheral to central airways following injury to distal alveoli. Ultimately, the progression of the Macklin effect leads to the development of pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, or pneumothorax. The Macklin effect is identifiable on a chest computed tomography (CT) scan. The Macklin effect could be an accurate predictor of barotrauma in patients with ARDS (sensitivity = 89.2% [95% CI: 74.6-96.9]; specificity = 95.6% [95% CI: 90.6-98.4]), and may be a marker of disease severity. Accordingly, the detection of the Macklin effect on a chest CT scan could be used to select which patients with ARDS might benefit from different treatment algorithms, including advanced respiratory monitoring, early intubation, or, potentially, the institution of early extracorporeal support with or without invasive ventilation. In this video, the authors summarize the pathophysiology and potential clinical significance and applications of the Macklin effect in patients with acute respiratory failure.
Topics: Humans; Pneumothorax; Mediastinal Emphysema; Lung; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Subcutaneous Emphysema
PubMed: 38378321
DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2023.12.025 -
Experimental Neurology May 2024The utilization of explosives and chemicals has resulted in a rise in blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) in recent times. However, there is a dearth of...
Investigating neuropathological changes and underlying neurobiological mechanisms in the early stages of primary blast-induced traumatic brain injury: Insights from a rat model.
The utilization of explosives and chemicals has resulted in a rise in blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) in recent times. However, there is a dearth of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for bTBI due to a limited understanding of biological mechanisms, particularly in the early stages. The objective of this study was to examine the early neuropathological characteristics and underlying biological mechanisms of primary bTBI. A total of 83 Sprague Dawley rats were employed, with their heads subjected to a blast shockwave of peak overpressure ranging from 172 to 421 kPa in the GI, GII, and GIII groups within a closed shock tube, while the body was shielded. Neuromotor dysfunctions, morphological changes, and neuropathological alterations were detected through modified neurologic severity scores, brain water content analysis, MRI scans, histological, TUNEL, and caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining. In addition, label-free quantitative (LFQ)-proteomics was utilized to investigate the biological mechanisms associated with the observed neuropathology. Notably, no evident damage was discernible in the GII and GI groups, whereas mild brain injury was observed in the GIII group. Neuropathological features of bTBI were characterized by morphologic changes, including neuronal injury and apoptosis, cerebral edema, and cerebrovascular injury in the shockwave's path. Subsequently, 3153 proteins were identified and quantified in the GIII group, with subsequent enriched neurological responses consistent with pathological findings. Further analysis revealed that signaling pathways such as relaxin signaling, hippo signaling, gap junction, chemokine signaling, and sphingolipid signaling, as well as hub proteins including Prkacb, Adcy5, and various G-protein subunits (Gnai2, Gnai3, Gnao1, Gnb1, Gnb2, Gnb4, and Gnb5), were closely associated with the observed neuropathology. The expression of hub proteins was confirmed via Western blotting. Accordingly, this study proposes signaling pathways and key proteins that exhibit sensitivity to brain injury and are correlated with the early pathologies of bTBI. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of G-protein subunits in bTBI pathophysiology, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for early diagnosis and treatment strategies for primary bTBI.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Protein Subunits; Blast Injuries; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Brain Injuries
PubMed: 38373483
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114731 -
Otology & Neurotology : Official... Apr 2024The present study was conducted to explore the role of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in mouse otic barotrauma models.
HYPOTHESIS
The present study was conducted to explore the role of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in mouse otic barotrauma models.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of middle ear disease. However, whether middle ear negative pressure injury underlies NLRP3 inflammasome activation remains unclear.
METHODS
Wild-type and Nlrp3 -/- mice were randomly assigned to control and pressure injury groups, respectively. Pressure loading was performed using a pressure cabin with the pressure level set to 20 kPa higher than that of the ambient atmosphere. This was achieved in approximately 15 seconds and maintained for 10 minutes. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to detect morphological changes of the middle ear mucosa, tissue IL-1β was measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and cleaved caspase-1 was detected by Western blot.
RESULTS
We found that the maturation of caspase-1 and IL-1β production in the middle ear significantly increased after otic barotrauma. In Nlrp3 -/- mice, inflammasome activation is downregulated and mucosal hyperplasia is reduced compared with those of wild-type mice during recovery.
CONCLUSION
The NLRP3 inflammasome likely plays an important role in the pathogenesis of otic barotrauma. Controlling activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome may promote middle ear recovery after negative pressure injury.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Inflammasomes; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Pressure Ulcer; Caspase 1; Ear, Middle; Barotrauma; Interleukin-1beta
PubMed: 38361329
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004135 -
Annals of African Medicine 2024Hyperbaric therapy is generally considered a safe therapy for the treatment of wounds, mucormycosis, and orthopedic injuries. It is fraught with complications such as... (Review)
Review
Hyperbaric therapy is generally considered a safe therapy for the treatment of wounds, mucormycosis, and orthopedic injuries. It is fraught with complications such as barotrauma, pulmonary toxicity, fire hazards, and claustrophobia. This article discusses the safety protocols and preventive aspects on usefulness of this new emerging therapy.
Topics: Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Barotrauma
PubMed: 38358163
DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_16_22 -
Bone Apr 2024Blast-related traumatic heterotopic ossification (tHO) impacts clinical outcomes in combat-injured patients, leading to delayed wound healing, inflammatory...
Blast-related traumatic heterotopic ossification (tHO) impacts clinical outcomes in combat-injured patients, leading to delayed wound healing, inflammatory complications, and reduced quality of life. Blast injured patients often have significant burns. This study investigated whether a partial thickness thermal burn injury exacerbates blast-related tHO in a clinically relevant polytrauma animal model. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to an established model involving a whole-body blast overpressure exposure (BOP), complex extremity trauma followed by hind limb amputation (CET) followed by the addition of a 10 % total body surface area (TBSA) second degree thermal burn (BU). Micro-CT scans on post-operative day 56 showed a significant increase in HO volume in the CET + BU as compared to the CET alone injury group (p < .0001; 22.83 ± 3.41 mm vs 4.84 ± 5.77 mm). Additionally, CET + BU concomitant with BOP significantly increased HO (p < .0001; 34.95 ± 7.71 mm) as compared to CET + BU alone, confirming BOP has a further synergistic effect. No HO was detectable in rats in the absence of CET. Serum analysis revealed similar significant elevated (p < .0001) levels of pro-inflammatory markers (Cxcl1 and Il6) at 6 h post-injury (hpi) in the CET + BU and BOP + CET + BU injury groups as compared to naïve baseline values. Real-time qPCR demonstrated similar levels of chondrogenic and osteogenic gene expression in muscle tissue at the site of injury at 168 hpi in both the CET + BU and BOP+CET + BU injury groups. These results support the hypothesis that a 10 % TBSA thermal burn markedly enhances tHO following acute musculoskeletal extremity injury in the presence and absence of blast overpressure. Furthermore, the influence of BOP on tHO cannot be accounted for either in regards to systemic inflammation induced from remote injury or inflammatory-osteo-chondrogenic expression changes local to the musculoskeletal trauma, suggesting that another mechanism beyond BOP and BU synergistic effects are at play. Therefore, these findings warrant future investigations to explore other mechanisms by which blast and burn influence tHO, and testing prophylactic measures to mitigate the local and systemic inflammatory effects of these injuries on development of HO.
Topics: Humans; Rats; Male; Animals; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Osteogenesis; Quality of Life; Burns; Blast Injuries; Extremities; Risk Factors; Ossification, Heterotopic
PubMed: 38331307
DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2024.117029 -
World Neurosurgery Jun 2024Radiotherapy (RT) is a feasible adjuvant therapeutic option for managing intracranial pathologies. One of the late complications of RT that frequently develops within... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy (RT) is a feasible adjuvant therapeutic option for managing intracranial pathologies. One of the late complications of RT that frequently develops within months following RT is radiation necrosis (RN). Corticosteroids are the first-line therapeutic option for RNs; however, in case of unfavorable outcomes or intolerability, several other options, including bevacizumab, laser interstitial thermal therapy, surgery, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Our goal was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the application of HBOT in RNs following RT and help physicians make decisions based on the latest data in the literature.
METHODS
We provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the current issues of utilization of HBOT in RNs.
RESULTS
We included 11 studies with a total of 46 patients who underwent HBOT. Most of the cases were diagnosed with brain tumors or arteriovenous malformations. Improvement was achieved in most of the cases.
DISCUSSION
HBOT is a noninvasive therapeutic intervention that can play a role in adjuvant therapy concurrent with RT and chemotherapy and treating RNs. HBOT resolves the RN through 3 mechanisms, including angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory modulation, and cellular repair. Previous studies demonstrated that HBOT is a feasible and well-tolerated therapeutic option that has shown promising results in improving clinical and radiological outcomes in intracranial RNs. Complications of HBOT are usually mild and reversible.
CONCLUSIONS
HBOT is a feasible and effective therapeutic option in steroid-refractory RNs and is associated with favorable outcomes and a low rate of side effects.
Topics: Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Radiation Injuries; Brain Neoplasms; Necrosis; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations; Radiotherapy
PubMed: 38325705
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.161 -
Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China) 2024Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe, life-threatening medical condition characterized by poor oxygenation due to non-compliant lungs secondary diffuse... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe, life-threatening medical condition characterized by poor oxygenation due to non-compliant lungs secondary diffuse alveolar damage. Encouragingly, the incidence of ARDS has declined steadily recently, attributed mainly to implementation of keystone guidelines and continuous research efforts. Mechanical ventilation is the cornerstone of supportive care for ARDS patients. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on pneumothorax (PNX) and pneumomediastinum (PMD) and to enhance the understanding of the readers. The objectives are to (I) explore the etiology and risk factors of PNX and PMD, (II) discuss the various diagnostic modalities available, (III) evaluate management options, and (IV) recent advancements.
METHODS
A search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for relevant articles pertaining to PNX and PMD in ARDS population. The clinical presentation, diagnostic and management strategies of PNX, PMD, and ARDS were summarized, and all authors reviewed the selection and decide which studies to include.
KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS
The adoption of lung-protective ventilation strategies, based on the review of literature from the recent years, shows that it has played a significant role in reducing the occurrence of barotrauma, such as PNX and PMD. However, PNX and PMD remains to be a challenging complication to manage. With a specific focus on PNX and PMD, this review provides valuable insights into effectively managing and understanding these critical complications among ARDS patients.
CONCLUSIONS
ARDS, with its evolving definition, continues to pose a life-threatening threat. Despite the widespread adoption of lung-protective ventilation strategies, PNX and PMD present persistent challenges in management. Further research is imperative to enhance the risk assessment of ARDS patients prone to developing PNX and PMD and to institute more effective prevention and treatment measures.
PubMed: 38322185
DOI: 10.21037/med-23-39 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Feb 2024During the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq most injuries to service members involved the musculoskeletal system. These wounds often occurred around joints, and in some...
BACKGROUND
During the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq most injuries to service members involved the musculoskeletal system. These wounds often occurred around joints, and in some cases result in traumatic arthrotomy-a diagnosis that is not always clear, especially when there is no concomitant articular fracture. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of peri-articular blast injuries without fracture.
METHODS
The study cohort included 12 consecutive patients (12 involved extremities) who sustained peri-articular blast wounds of the extremities without fractures. The diagnosis of penetrating articular injury was based on clinical examination, radiographic findings, or aspiration. A peri-articular wound was defined as any wound, or radio-opaque blast fragment, within 5 cm of a joint. The New Injury Severity Score (NISS) was calculated for each patient. Four patients had upper, and 8 patients had lower extremity injuries. Nine of 12 patients had joint capsular penetration and underwent joint irrigation and debridement.
RESULTS
Two patients had retained intra-articular metal fragments. One patient had soft tissue blast wounds within 5 cm of a joint but did not have joint capsule penetration. There were no significant differences (p = 0.23) between the distribution of wounds to upper versus lower extremities. However, there were a significantly greater number of blast injuries attributed to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) than from other blast mechanisms (p = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Extremity blast injuries in the vicinity of joints involving only soft tissues present a unique challenge in surgical management. A high index of suspicion should be maintained for joint capsular penetration so that intra-articular injuries may be appropriately treated.
Topics: Humans; Blast Injuries; Fractures, Bone; Extremities; Wounds, Penetrating; Injury Severity Score; Soft Tissue Injuries; Military Personnel; Wounds, Gunshot
PubMed: 38321483
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04598-y