Absence of association between inflammatory dietary pattern and low trauma fractures: Results of the French cohort NutriNet-Santé

IntroductionThe aim of our study was to assess the association between the Alternate Dietary Inflammatory Index (ADII) and the risk of fracture in a French cohort of women and men older than 50 years.MethodsA total of 15,096 participants were included from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort. The ADII score was calculated at inclusion. Incident low trauma fractures were retrospectively self-reported by participants on a specific additional questionnaire. Multivariate hazard ratio obtained from Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to characterize an association between ADII (in quartiles) and incident low trauma fractures.ResultsIn all, 12,046 participants (7607 (63.2%) women and 4439 (36.8%) men) were included in our study. For fractures, 806 (10.6%) and 191 (4.3%) low trauma fractures were recorded respectively in women and in men. Mean ADII was −1.23 (± 3.13) for women and −0.87 (± 3.64) for men. No association was detected between the ADII score and the risk of vertebral fracture (P = 0.21), major osteoporotic fracture (P = 0.93) and any low trauma fracture (P = 0.72) in women nor in men (P = 0.06 for major fracture and P = 0.10 for low trauma fracture) after adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle variables and for bone treatments.ConclusionThis study in postmenopausal women and men older than 50 years from the general population did not show any association between inflammatory dietary pattern measured using the ADII and the risk of incident low trauma fracture.     

Factors influencing cesarean delivery operative times: a prospective observational cohort study

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the distribution of operative delivery times for uncomplicated parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia. A secondary aim was to explore patient and surgical factors associated with longer cesarean delivery times.MethodsA prospective observational study of 331 parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia was conducted. Factors examined included age, body mass index, ethnicity, number of previous cesarean deliveries, stretch mark and scar severity and surgical experience.ResultsOperative times ranged from 13 to 108 min with a mean (SD) of 43.4 (±15.7) min. Only 6 (1.8%) parturients had operative times >90 min and none were converted to general anesthesia. As the number of previous cesarean deliveries increased, the mean operative time increased linearly from 39.5 (±13.0) min in subjects with no previous cesarean deliveries to 52.8 (±18.1) min in subjects with 3 or 4 previous cesarean deliveries (P < 0.0005). For parturients with previous cesarean deliveries, operative times were longer for those with scar scores ?5 than for those with scores <5 (P < 0.01). Stretch mark scores were not associated with operative times. Tubal ligation prolonged the total operative time by a mean of 7 min (P < 0.0005), and attending staff required a mean of 6 more min than residents or fellows (P < 0.01). There was no correlation between operative times, age and body mass index and little variation with ethnicity.ConclusionsThese findings identify previous cesarean deliveries, increased scar intensity, tubal ligation and surgical experience as factors that increase operative times for cesarean delivery. The data also suggest that neuraxial anesthesia lasting 90 min should provide adequate analgesia for most uncomplicated parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery.     

Complications associated with operative fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fractures

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to review the complication rate and profile associated with surgical fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fracture in a large cohort of patients treated in a level I trauma centre.Patients and methodsWe identified all patients who underwent surgical treatment of acute midshaft clavicle fracture between 2002 and 2010. The study group consisted of 138 fractures (134 patients) and included 107 men (78%) and 31 women (22%); the median age of 35 years (interquartile range (IQR) 24–45). The most common mechanism of injury was a road traffic accident (78%). Sixty percent (n = 83) had an injury severity score of ≥15 indicating major trauma. The most common fracture type (75%) was simple or wedge comminuted (2B1) according to the Edinburgh classification. The median interval between the injury and operation was 3 days (IQR 1–6). Plate fixation was performed in 110 fractures (80%) and intramedullary fixation was performed in 28 fractures (20%). There were 85 men and 25 women in the plate fixation group with median age of 35 years (IQR 25–45) There were 22 men and six women in the intramedullary fixation group with median age of 31 years (IQR 24–42 years). Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t test, Mann Whitney test, and Chi square test. Significant P-value was <0.05.ResultsThe overall incidence of complication was 14.5% (n = 20). The overall nonunion rate was 6%. Postoperative wound infection occurred in 3.6% of cases. The incidence of complication associated with plate fixation was 10% (11 of 110 cases) compared to 32% associated with intramedullary fixation (nine of 28 cases; P = 0.003). Thirty-five percent of complications were related to inadequate surgical technique and were potentially avoidable. Symptomatic hardware requiring removal occurred in 23% (n = 31) of patients. Symptomatic metalware was more frequent after plate fixation compared to intramedullary fixation (26% vs 7%, P = 0.03).ConclusionsIntramedullary fixation of midshaft clavicle fracture is associated with a higher incidence of complications. Plate fixation is associated with a higher rate of symptomatic metalware requiring removal compared to intramedullary fixation. Approximately one in three complications may be avoided by attention to adequate surgical technique.     

The effects of a resistive warming mattress during caesarean section: a randomised,controlled trial

BackgroundThe adverse effects of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia in the surgical population are well established. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a resistive warming mattress would reduce the incidence of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia in patients undergoing elective caesarean section.MethodsA total of 116 pregnant women booked for elective caesarean section were randomised to either intraoperative warming with a mattress or control. The primary outcome was the incidence of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia, defined as a temperature <36.0°C on admission to the recovery room. Shivering in the perioperative period, severity of shivering and the need for treatment, total blood loss, fall in haemoglobin, incidence of blood transfusion, immediate health of baby, and length of hospital stay were also recorded.ResultsThe incidence of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia in the mattress-warmed group was significantly lower than in the control group (5.2% vs. 19.0%, P = 0.043); mean temperatures differed between the two groups, 36.5°C and 36.3°C, respectively (P = 0.046). There was also a significantly lower mean (± SD) haemoglobin change in the mattress-warmed group at −1.1 ± 0.9 g/dL versus −1.6 ± 0.9 g/dL in the control group (P = 0.007). There was no difference in shivering (P = 0.798).ConclusionsA resistive warming mattress reduced the incidence of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia and attenuated the fall in haemoglobin. The use of resistive mattress warming should be considered during caesarean section.     

The use of phenylephrine to obtund oxytocin-induced hypotension and tachycardia during caesarean section

BackgroundOxytocin causes clinically significant hypotension and tachycardia. This study examined whether prior administration of phenylephrine obtunds these unwanted haemodynamic effects.MethodsForty pregnant women undergoing elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were randomised to receive either an intravenous 50 μg bolus of phenylephrine (Group P) or saline (Group S) immediately before oxytocin (3 U over 15 s). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded using a continuous non-invasive arterial pressure device. Baseline values were averaged for 20 s post-delivery. Between-group comparisons were made of the mean peak changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and the mean percentage changes from baseline, during the 150 s after oxytocin administration.ResultsThe mean ± SD peak percentage change in systolic blood pressure was −16.9 ± 2% in Group P, and −19.0 ± 1.9% in Group S and the estimated mean difference was 2.1% (95% CI −3.5% to 7.8%; P=0.44); corresponding changes in heart rate were 13.5 ± 2.3% and 14.0 ± 1.5% and the mean estimated difference was 0.5% (95% CI −6.0% to 5%; P=0.87). The mean percentage change from the baseline measurements during the 150 s period of measurement was greater for Group S than Group P: systolic blood pressure −5.9% vs −3.4% (P=0.149); diastolic blood pressure −7.2% vs −1.5% (P=0.014); mean arterial pressure −6.8% vs −1.5% (P=0.007); heart rate 2.1% vs −2.4% (P=0.033).ConclusionIntravenous phenylephrine 50 μg immediately before 3 U oxytocin during elective caesarean section does not prevent maternal hypotension and tachycardia.     

Endovascular Repair of the Thoracic Aorta: Predictors of 30-Day Mortality in Patients on the New Zealand Thoracic Aortic Stent Database (NZ TAS)

ObjectivesTo evaluate data in the New Zealand Thoracic Aortic Stent database to try and identify a scoring system that could predict 30-day mortality in patients undergoing stenting of the descending thoracic aorta (TEVAR).DesignRetrospective analysis of the New Zealand thoracic aortic stent database between December 2001 and August 2007.Materials and methodsThe 30-day mortality of the 122 patients is 7.38% (n = 9). Risk factors were recorded based on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score. Glasgow aneurysm score was calculated and the pathology being treated analysed. Univariate analyisis was carried out.ResultsThe mortality of three pathology groups was compared. 30-day mortality was 2.04% (n = 1) in the elective aneurysm group, 17.95% (n = 7) in the complicated Stanford type B dissection group, and 0% (n = 0) in the trauma group. Thirty-day mortality is significantly higher in the dissection group compared with the elective aneurysm (p = 0.02) and trauma (p = 0.03) groups. The most frequent risk factors in the dissection group of patients were peripheral vascular disease, smoking and hypertension. Although percentage mortality is higher with increasing GAS, the results are not statistically significant (p = 0.34). No independent risk factors were identified from the STS risk score data.ConclusionNo specific risk score system seems to be able to predict mortality in TEVAR patients.     

Care burden and outcome of the surgical management of ulcerative colitis: A retrospective analysis of the last 20 years in a tertiary hospital in Spain

AimTo analyze the surgical burden of UC care in the last two decades, analyzing the characteristics of the patients, surgical indications along with the short and long-term results.MethodSingle-center retrospective cohort analysis of UC patients undergoing abdominal and anorectal surgery between January 2000 and December 2020. The care burden, clinical data and results were analyzed according to distribution by decades.Results128 patients, 37% female, underwent 376 surgical interventions (296 intestinal procedures and 80 anorectal). Mean follow-up for the cohort was 106 ± 64 months. Timing from diagnosis to first surgery was under 5 years in 53.3%. In the second decade of the study there were fewer operated patients (73 vs. 48) as well as the total number of interventions per patient (2.7 vs. 2.0). The proportion between elective and urgent surgery was reversed in the second decade, observing an increase in laparoscopic surgery (70% vs. 8%) together with a decrease in major postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa) (20% vs 8.4%). 80 patients underwent a restorative proctocolectomy, with a failure of 5% at 1 year but 23.7% in the long term. 37 patients required anorectal surgery, of which 26 (71%) were serial interventions, most due to septic complications of the pouches.ConclusionsThe number of colectomies and interventions per patient decreased in the last decade, while there were improvements in morbidity and surgical approach. The need for sequential surgeries and long-term active instrumental surveillance for possible functional deterioration constitutes a significant clinical burden.     

A prospective analysis of the functional and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive plating in proximal humerus fractures

BackgroundLocking-plate osteosynthesis is a well-established treatment option for proximal humerus fractures. The standard approach is delta-pectoral, but few data using the minimally invasive antero-lateral delta-split approach exist.The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate shoulder function and radiological outcome after a minimally invasive antero-lateral delta-split approach.Materials and methodsFrom December 2007 to October 2010, 124 patients with proximal humerus fractures were treated with locking-plate osteosynthesis using a minimally invasive antero-lateral delta-split approach. Complete prospective clinical and radiographic data were available for 97 patients for a minimum 1-year follow-up period.ResultsAfter a follow-up period of 18 ± 6 months, the patients achieved a mean absolute Constant score of the injured shoulder of 75 ± 11, equalling 91% of the contralateral shoulder Constant score (p < 0.01).Implant-related complications (e.g., screw perforation) were observed in seven patients (7.2%), and avascular necrosis occurred in eight patients (8.2%). Damage to the ventral branch of the axillary nerve was recorded in four cases (4%) without any clinical consequences. The mean delay between trauma and surgery was 0.5 days. The procedures were performed by a total of 16 surgeons who required an average of 73 ± 27 min of OR time and 108 ± 121 s of fluoroscopy time.ConclusionsMinimally invasive osteosynthesis using angle-stable implants for proximal humerus fractures demonstrated good functional results. Compared to the literature, this minimally invasive procedure resulted in a shorter operation time and may have reduced the avascular necrosis rate.Level of evidenceLevel IIb, monocentric prospective cohort study.     

Fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures in young adults: Fixed-angle devices or Pauwel screws?

BackgroundWe sought to compare the incidence of complications after fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures in young adults treated with fixed-angle devices versus multiple cancellous screws and a trochanteric lag screw (Pauwel screw).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study at a level I trauma centre. Sixty-two skeletally mature patients (age range, 16–60 years) with displaced femoral neck fractures were included in the study. Forty-seven were treated with a fixed-angle device (sliding hip plate with screw or helical blade) and 15 with multiple cancellous screws placed in a Pauwel configuration. The main outcome measure was postoperative complication of osteonecrosis or nonunion treated with a surgical procedure.ResultsSignificantly fewer failures occurred in the fixed-angle group (21%) than in the screws group (60%) (p = 0.008). Osteonecrosis was rare in the fixed-angle group, occurring in 2% of cases versus 33% of cases in the screws group (p = 0.002). Consistent with previous studies, good to excellent reductions were associated with a failure rate of 25% and fair to poor reductions were associated with a failure rate of 55% (p = 0.07). The best-case scenario of a good to excellent reduction stabilised with a fixed-angle device yielded a success rate of 85%.ConclusionIn young patients with displaced high-energy femoral neck fractures, fixed-angle devices resulted in fewer treatment failures than did Pauwel screws.     

Mortality,functional and return to work outcomes of major trauma patients injured from deliberate self-harm

BackgroundSelf-harm and intentional injuries represent a significant public health concern. People who survive serious injury from self-harm can experience poor outcomes that negatively impact on their daily life. The aim of this study was to investigate a cohort of major trauma patients hospitalised for self-harm in Victoria, and to identify risk factors for longer term mortality, functional recovery and return to work.Method482 adult major trauma patients who were injured due to self-harm and survived to hospital discharge, and were captured by the population-based Victorian State Trauma Registry (VSTR), were included. For those with a date of injury from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2013, demographics and injury event data, Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS-E) and return to work (RTW) outcomes at 6, 12 and 24 months post-injury were extracted from the registry. Post-discharge mortality was identified through the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of the GOS-E and RTW and survival analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality.ResultsA total of 37 (7.7%) deaths occurred post-discharge. There were no clear predictors of all-cause mortality. Overall, 36% of patients reported making a good recovery at 24 months. Older age (p = 0.01), transport-related methods of self-harm (p = 0.02), higher Injury Severity Score (p < 0.001) and having a Charlson Comorbidity Index weighting of one or more (p = 0.02) were predictive of poorer functional recovery. Of patients who were working or studying prior to injury, 54% reported returning to work by 24 months post-injury. Higher Injury Severity Score was an important predictor of not returning to work (p = 0.002).ConclusionThe vast majority of major trauma patients who self-harmed and survived to hospital discharge were alive at two years post-injury, yet only half of this cohort returned to work and just over a third of patients experienced a good recovery.     

A 20-year Experience with Portal and Superior Mesenteric Venous Injuries: Has Anything Changed?

ObjectivesTo identify predictive factors causing mortality in patients with injuries to the portal (PV) and superior mesenteric veins (SMV).DesignRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.Materials and methodsAdults admitted with blunt or penetrating PV and SMV injuries at an academic level I trauma center during a 20-year period.ResultsOf 26,387 major trauma victims admitted from 1987 through 2006, 26 sustained PV or SMV injuries (PV = 15, SMV = 11). Mechanism of injury was penetrating in 19 (73%) and 20 were in shock. Active hemorrhage occurred in 21. Most patients had associated injuries (2.9 ± 1.8/patient). Mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 27.8 ± 16.8. All PV injuries underwent suture repair and 27% of SMV injuries were ligated. Overall mortality was 46% (PV = 47%, SMV = 45%). Stab wounds had a lower mortality (31%) compared to gunshot wounds (67%) and blunt injuries (57%). Nonsurvivors had a higher ISS (35.8 vs. 20.9; p = 0.02), more associated injuries (3.7 vs. 2.2; p = 0.02), were older, and had active hemorrhage. Active hemorrhage (p = 0.04) was independently related to death while shock on admission (odds ratio = 6.1, p = 0.61) trended toward higher mortality.ConclusionDespite improvements in trauma care, mortality of PV and SMV injuries remains high. Shock, active hemorrhage, and associated injuries were predictive of increased mortality.     

Subsidence of collarless uncemented femoral stems in total hips replacements performed for trauma

IntroductionCollarless, uncemented, femoral stems give excellent results in elective hip replacements but few studies look at outcomes in trauma patients. The presence of osteoporosis and subsequent widened femoral canal may compromise the mechanical stability of uncemented femoral stems resulting in early subsidence. The aim of this study was to assess whether early subsidence occurred when collarless uncemented stems were used to treat trauma patients.Materials and methodsPost-operative radiographs of 46 patients, mean age 71, who underwent an uncemented, collarless, total hip replacement for trauma, were reviewed. The difference in distance from the calcar to the prosthesis tip between the immediate post operative radiograph and the subsequent follow-up radiograph was calculated and adjusted for magnification. The same procedure was performed on 36 age-matched patients, who underwent elective hip replacements for osteoarthritis. Hospital notes were reviewed to assess for complications and DEXA scans reviewed for trauma patients where available.ResultsThe mean femoral stem subsidence was significantly greater in the fracture cohort than in elective patients (p = 0.001) with mean subsidence of 4.27 mm (range 0.02–22.05 mm) and 1.57 mm (range 0–5.5 mm), respectively. In the fracture cohort there were 4 revisions within 6 months of surgery, 1 for infection and 3 for femoral stem subsidence leading to dislocation. There were no revisions in the elective cohort.Discussion and conclusionsThis study showed that collarless uncemented stems subsided significantly more when performed for fractures and had a high early revision rate. We recommend that uncemented collarless should not be used in trauma patients requiring total hip replacement.     

A randomized study of maternal serum cytokine levels following cesarean section under general or neuraxial anesthesia

BackgroundCytokines are significant mediators of the immune response to surgery and also play a role in parturition. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of the anesthetic technique for cesarean section on plasma levels of cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α.MethodsThirty-five parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section were randomly assigned to general (n = 18) or neuraxial (n = 17) anesthesia. The general anesthesia group received thiopental 4 mg/kg, succinylcholine 1–1.5 mg/kg and 1% end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane in nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. The neuraxial anesthesia group received intrathecal 0.5% levobupivacaine 1.8–2.2 mL and epidural fentanyl 1 μg/kg. Blood samples were taken for IL-6 and TNF-α immediately after positioning the parturient on the operating table, after uterine incision and before the umbilical cord clamping and 24 h after surgery (T₁, T₂ and T₃ respectively).ResultsThe two groups did not differ in IL-6 (P = 0.15) or TNF-α (P = 0.73) serum concentrations at any time point. In the general and neuraxial anesthesia groups, IL-6 serum concentrations were significantly higher in the third blood sample, T₃ (12.2 ± 5.0 and 15.2 ± 4.3 pg/mL), than in T₁ (0.41 ± 0.38 and 0.29 ± 0.10 pg/mL) and T₂ (0.37 ± 0.47 and 0.24 ± 0.05) respectively (P < 0.001). Within each group, serum TNF-α concentrations did not differ significantly over time (P = 0.44).ConclusionsUnder the present study design anesthetic technique did not affect IL-6 or TNF-α concentrations in parturients undergoing elective cesarean section. Serum IL-6 levels increased 24 h postoperatively independently of anesthetic technique.     

Post-operative C-reactive protein profile following abdominal wall reconstruction with transversus abdominis posterior components separation

IntroductionAbdominal wall reconstruction using posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (AWTAR) produces a unique post-operative CRP profile, when compared to routine elective colorectal operations. Therefore, we aim to establish the normal post-operative C-reactive protein (poCRP) profile following AWRTAR and reduce the unnecessary invasive interventions in patients already at greater risk of septic complications.MethodsA retrospective analysis of daily poCRP levels was performed both for patients who underwent uncomplicated AWRTAR (n = 12), and a comparator group of uncomplicated open right hemicolectomies (RH) matched for age and sex (n = 24). All operations in both groups were performed by a single surgeon from 2013 to 2015.ResultsThe median (IQR) age was 62 (16) and 67 (16) years respectively, with a higher proportion of males to females in both groups (10:2 vs. 17:7). The poCRP profile follows an initial steep rise, peaking at day 2 followed by a gradual washout phase. The poCRP peak is significantly greater in the AWRTAR group compared to the RH group (274 [95%CI ±25] vs. 160 [95%CI ± 27]; p = 0.0001), with a positive correlation between day 2 CRP levels and operative length (r = 0.56).ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that uncomplicated AWRTAR provokes a significantly greater poCRP rise (>200) compared to that well described in the literature for uncomplicated open colectomy. As poCRP is an important marker of post-operative recovery with abnormally high levels associated with septic complications, these data should help clinicians interpret the post-operative clinical course after AWRTAR.     

At most hospitals in the state of Iowa,most surgeons' daily lists of elective cases include only 1 or 2 cases: Individual surgeons' percentage operating room utilization is a consistently unreliable metric

Study objectivePercentage utilization of operating room (OR) time is not an appropriate endpoint for planning additional OR time for surgeons with high caseloads, and cannot be measured accurately for surgeons with low caseloads. Nonetheless, many OR directors claim that their hospitals make decisions based on individual surgeons' OR utilizations. This incongruity could be explained by the OR managers considering the earlier mathematical studies, performed using data from a few large teaching hospitals, as irrelevant to their hospitals. The important mathematical parameter for the prior observations is the percentage of surgeon lists of elective cases that include 1 or 2 cases; “list” meaning a combination of surgeon, hospital, and date. We measure the incidence among many hospitals.DesignObservational cohort study.Setting117 hospitals in Iowa from July 2013 through September 2015.SubjectsSurgeons with same identifier among hospitals.MeasurementsSurgeon lists of cases including at least one outpatient surgical case, so that Relative Value Units (RVU's) could be measured.Main resultsAveraging among hospitals in Iowa, more than half of the surgeons' lists included 1 or 2 cases (77%; P < 0.00001 vs. 50%). Approximately half had 1 case (54%; P = 0.0012 vs. 50%). These percentages exceeded 50% even though nearly all the surgeons operated at just 1 hospital on days with at least 1 case (97.74%; P < 0.00001 vs. 50%). The cases were not of long durations; among the 82,928 lists with 1 case, the median was 6 intraoperative RVUs (e.g., adult inguinal herniorrhaphy).ConclusionsAccurate confidence intervals for raw or adjusted utilizations are so wide for individual surgeons that decisions based on utilization are equivalent to decisions based on random error. The implication of the current study is generalizability of that finding from the largest teaching hospital in the state to the other hospitals in the state.     

Malnutrition – An underestimated factor in the inpatient treatment of traumatology and orthopedic patients: A prospective evaluation of 1055 patients

IntroductionSuboptimal nutritional status is often observed among hospitalized patients across all medical specialties. The objective of the present study was to (1) analyze the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized orthopedic and trauma patients and (2) to evaluate the relationship between malnutrition and selected clinical outcomes.Materials and methodsThe prospective field study was conducted between 06/2014 and 06/2015 in a German level I trauma center (Department of Traumatology, Septic Trauma Surgery and Arthroplasty) with a total number of 1055 patients. At hospital admission, patients were checked for malnutrition using the validated Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS). Patients at risk for malnutrition were defined as NRS ≥ 3. Quality of life (SF-36) was assessed to evaluate the physical and mental health status prior to hospitalization. Clinical outcomes under consideration included 1) rate of adverse events, 2) length of hospitalization, and 3) mobilization after operative and conservative treatment. Patients were included independently of surgical intervention or age.Results22.3% (235) of our patients were at risk for malnutrition (NRS ≥ 3) while a regular nutritional status (NRS < 3) was diagnosed in 77.7% (819). The highest prevalence of malnutrition was found in Septic Surgery with 31.0% (106), followed by Traumatology with 19.2% (100) and Arthroplasty with 15.1% (29). Higher prevalence of malnutrition was observed among patients with typical fractures of the elderly, such as lumbar spine and pelvis (47.4%), proximal femur (36.4%) and proximal humeral (26.7%) fractures. Furthermore, patients at risk for malnutrition showed prolonged hospitalization (13.7 ± 11.1 vs. 18.2 ± 11.7 days), delayed postoperative mobilization (2.2 ± 2.9 vs. 4.0 ± 4.9 days) and delayed mobilization after conservative treatment (1.1 ± 2.7 vs. 1.8 ± 1.9 days). A statistically significant correlation of NRS with each parameter (Spearman's rank correlation, p < 0.05) was observed. The incidence of adverse events in patients at risk for malnutrition was statistically significantly higher compared to that of patients with a regular nutritional status (37.2% vs. 21.1%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsMalnutrition is widespread regarding hospitalized patients in the field of orthopedic and trauma surgery and results in suboptimal clinical outcome. It should be considered as an important factor that significantly contributes to delayed recovery. Especially elderly trauma patients and patients suffering from postoperative infections should be monitored carefully during hospitalization.     

Incidência de delírio ao despertar e fatores de risco após o uso de sevoflurano em pacientes pediátricos para cirurgia ambulatorial,Kingston, Jamaica

Background and objectivesEmergence delirium is a distressing complication of the use of sevoflurane for general anesthesia. This study sought to determine the incidence of emergence delirium and risk factors in patients at a specialist pediatric hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional, observational study including pediatric patients aged 3–10 years, ASA I and II, undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane for elective day‐case procedures. Data collected included patients’ level of anxiety pre‐operatively using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, surgery performed, anesthetic duration and analgesics administered. Postoperatively, patients were assessed for emergence delirium, defined as agitation with non‐purposeful movement, restlessness or thrashing; inconsolability and unresponsiveness to nursing and/or parental presence. The need for pharmacological treatment and post‐operative complications related to emergence delirium episodes were also noted.Results145 children were included, with emergence delirium occurring in 28 (19.3%). Emergence delirium episodes had a mean duration of 6.9 ± 7.8 min, required pharmacologic intervention in 19 (67.8%) children and were associated with a prolonged recovery time (49.4 ± 11.9 versus 29.7 ± 10.8 min for non‐agitated children; p < 0.001). Factors positively associated with emergence delirium included younger age (p = 0.01, OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2–8.6) and moderate and severe anxiety prior to induction (p < 0.001, OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.3–13.0). Complications of emergence delirium included intravenous line removal (n = 1), and surgical site bleeding (n = 3).ConclusionChildren of younger age with greater preoperative anxiety are at increased risk of developing emergence delirium following general anesthesia with sevoflurane. The overall incidence of emergence delirium was 19%.