Effect of pneumatic leg compression on post-induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

Post-induction hypotension is common and associated with postoperative complications. We hypothesised that pneumatic leg compression reduces post-induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. In this double-blind randomised study, patients were allocated randomly to the pneumatic leg compression group (n = 50) or control (n = 50). In the intervention group, pneumatic leg compression was initiated before induction of anaesthesia. In the control group, pneumatic leg compression was initiated 20 min after anaesthesia induction. The primary outcome was the incidence of post-induction hypotension in these groups. Post-induction hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg during the first 20 min after induction. Haemodynamic variables and area under the curve of post-induction systolic blood pressure over time were assessed. Complications associated with pneumatic leg compression were recorded, including: peripheral neuropathy; compartment syndrome; extensive bullae beneath the leg sleeves; and pulmonary thromboembolism. The incidence of post-induction hypotension decreased in the pneumatic leg compression group compared with that in the control group; 5 (10%) vs. 29 (58%), respectively, p < 0.001. In the pneumatic leg compression group, the lowest systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures 20 min after induction of anaesthesia were significantly greater than the control group. Pneumatic leg compression resulted in an increased area under the curve of systolic blood pressure in the first 20 min after induction, p = 0.001. There were no pneumatic leg compression-related complications. Pneumatic leg compression reduced post-induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, suggesting that it is an effective and safe intervention to prevent post-induction hypotension among elderly patients undergoing general anaesthesia.     

“Evaluation of a Very Low-Cost and Simple Teleradiology Technique”

This paper describes and analyzes a proposed solution of fundamental limitative factor of teleradiology to overcome the teleradiology usages problems in underdeveloped and developing countries. The goal is to achieve a very simple and cost-efficient way to take advantage of teleradiology in anywhere even in remote and rural areas. To meet the goal of this study, the following methodology which is consists of two main procedures was done: (1) Using a digital camera in order to provide a digital image from radiographs. (2) Using an image compression tool in order to compress digital images. The results showed that there is no significant difference between digital images (non-compress and compress images) and radiographic films. Also, there was a logic relationship between the diagnostic quality and diagnostic accuracy. Since the maximum percent of diagnostic accuracy can be seen among “Good” quality images and the minimum to was related “Poor”. The results of our study indicate that a digital camera could be utilized to capture digital images from radiographic films of chest x-ray. To reduce the size of digital images, a lossy compression technique could be applied at compression percent of 50 or less without any significant differences. The compressed images can be sent easily by email to other places for consultation and also they can be stored with a smaller size.     

Effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section on post-spinal hypotension and neonatal hemodynamic parameters: nonrandomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section (CS) on post-spinal hypotension (PSH) and neonatal hemodynamic parameters.MethodsThis study is a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the cesarean delivery unit of the National Medical institute, Damanhour, Egypt. The sample included 120 parturients (60 intervention and 60 control). The researchers developed three tools for data collection: sociodemographic data and reproductive history interview schedule, electronic monitoring of maternal hemodynamic parameters, and neonatal hemodynamic assessment sheet. All parturients received ordinary pre-operative care. For the intervention group, a long elastic stocking (ordinary pressure 20–30 mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) was applied on both legs during cesarean section. The control group received the same care without the elastic stocking.ResultsSystolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly higher in the intervention group throughout the entire operation period except in the last 5–15 min. Heart rate was significantly lower in the intervention group. Only 13.3% of the intervention group took ephedrine compared with 45% of the control group. Apgar score was higher among neonates of intervention group compared with the control group at 1 min. Neonatal acidosis was significantly higher in the control group than in the contral group.ConclusionLower leg compression technique can effectively reduce PSH and neonatal acidosis.     

不同剂量骨水泥PKP联合雌激素对绝经后女性骨质疏松性腰椎体压缩性骨折患者的影响

目的探讨不同剂量骨水泥PKP联合雌激素对绝经后女性骨质疏松性腰椎体压缩性骨折患者的影响。方法选取2015年1月至2018年6月我院收治的120例老年女性骨质疏松性腰椎体压缩性骨折患者为研究对象,按行PKP手术治疗时骨水泥注入的剂量不同分为三组(A组2-4 mL、B组4-5 mL、C组5-6 mL),所有患者均随访1年,比较术后三组患者VAS评分、ODI评分、伤椎椎体前缘高度、椎体中部高度及并发症的发生率。结果三组患者相比,治疗前VAS评分、ODI评分组间比较差异无显著性(P0.05);术后3天及1年后随访时,三组患者各项指标均较治疗前显著改善,组内比较差异具有显著性(P0.05),组间比较差异无显著性(P0.05);治疗前伤椎椎体前缘高度及椎体中部高度组间比较差异无显著性(P0.05);术后3天及1年后随访时,三组患者治疗后椎体前缘、中间高度均较术前明显增加(P0.05),组间比较椎体前缘高度:C组B组A组,椎体中间高度:C组B组A组,且组间比较有统计学差异(P0.05); A组患者并发症的发生率(12.5%)明显低于B组(30.0%)、C组(41.0%),有统计学差异(P0.05)。结论 PKP术中注入小剂量骨水泥(2-4 mL)对于治疗老年女性OVCFs具有良好的治疗效果及较高的安全性。