Introduction
Perioperative opioid use has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Additionally, opioid disposal carries significant costs, due to the waste of pharmaceutical products and the ...time needed by skilled labor to report the waste. In this study, we aimed to estimate costs and predict factors of opioid-associated intraoperative product waste, as well as to evaluate whether higher intraoperative opioid doses are associated with increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes.
Methods
We included 170,607 patients undergoing general anesthesia and receiving intraoperative fentanyl, hydromorphone, or morphine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA, between January 2010 and June 2020. We estimated product waste-associated costs based on various opioid syringe sizes and determined predictors of opioid waste. Further, we evaluated whether higher opioid doses were associated with postoperative adverse events according to the severity-indexed, incident report-based medication error-reporting program classification. The primary outcome included post-extubation desaturation, postoperative nausea or vomiting, or postoperative somnolence or sedation.
Results
The use of the smallest syringe sizes (50 mcg for fentanyl, 0.2 mg for hydromorphone, and 2 mg for morphine) resulted in the lowest product waste-associated costs. The main predictor of opioid waste was the administration of more than one intraoperative opioid (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 7.64, 95% CI 7.40–7.89,
P
< 0.001). Intraoperative doses of fentanyl > 50–100 mcg (aOR = 1.17 1.10–1.25,
P
< 0.001, adjusted risk difference ARD 2%) and > 100 mcg (aOR = 1.24 1.16–1.33,
P
< 0.001, ARD 3%), hydromorphone > 1 mg (aOR = 1.13 1.06–1.20,
P
< 0.001, ARD 2%), and morphine > 2–4 mg (aOR = 1.26 1.02–1.56,
P
= 0.04, ARD 3%) and > 4 mg (aOR = 1.45 1.18–1.77,
P
< 0.001, ARD 5%) were associated with higher risk of the primary outcome.
Conclusion
Smaller syringe sizes of intraoperative opioids may help to reduce product waste and associated costs, as well postoperative adverse events through utilization of lower intraoperative opioid doses.
Background Acetaminophen and 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists are administered as standard prophylaxes for postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting. Preclinical studies, ...however, suggest that 5-HT3 antagonists may compromise acetaminophen’s analgesic effect. This hospital registry study investigates whether 5-HT3 antagonists mitigate the analgesic effect of prophylactic acetaminophen in a perioperative setting. Methods This study included 55,016 adult patients undergoing general anesthesia for ambulatory procedures at a tertiary healthcare center in Massachusetts from 2015 to 2022. Using binary exposure variables and a comprehensive selection of preplanned patient- and procedure-related covariates for confounder control, the authors investigated whether intraoperative 5-HT3 antagonists affected the association between pre- or intraoperative acetaminophen and postoperative opioid consumption, gauged by opioid dose in milligram oral morphine equivalents (OME) administered in the postanesthesia care unit. A multivariable, zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was applied. Results A total of 3,166 patients (5.8%) received only acetaminophen, 15,438 (28.1%) only 5-HT3 antagonists, 31,850 (57.9%) both drugs, and 4,562 (8.3%) neither drug. The median postanesthesia care unit opioid dose was 7.5 mg OME (interquartile range, 7.5 to 14.3 mg OME) among 16,640 of 55,016 (30.2%) patients who received opioids, and the mean opioid dose was 3.2 mg OME across all patients (maximum cumulative dose, 20.4 mg OME). Acetaminophen administration was associated with a –5.5% (95% CI, –9.6 to –1.4%; P = 0.009; adjusted absolute difference, –0.19 mg OME; 95% CI, –0.33 to –0.05; P = 0.009) reduction in opioid consumption among patients who did not receive a 5-HT3 antagonist, while there was no effect in patients who received a 5-HT3 antagonist (adjusted absolute difference, 0.00 mg OME; 95% CI, –0.06 to 0.05; P = 0.93; P for interaction = 0.013). Conclusions A dose-dependent association of pre- or intraoperative acetaminophen with decreased postoperative opioid consumption was not observed when 5-HT3 antagonists were coadministered, suggesting that physicians might consider reserving 5-HT3 antagonists as rescue medication for postoperative nausea or vomiting when acetaminophen is administered for pain prophylaxis. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Previous studies suggested that surgeon sex is associated with differential patient outcomes. Whether this also applies to anaesthesia providers is unclear. We hypothesised that female sex of the ...primary anaesthesia provider is associated with lower risk of perioperative complications.
The first case for all adult patients undergoing anaesthesia care between 2008 and 2022 at two academic healthcare networks in the USA was included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary exposure was the sex of the anaesthesia provider who spent the most time in the operating theatre during the case. The primary outcome was intraoperative complications, defined as hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure <55 mm Hg for ≥5 cumulative minutes) or hypoxaemia (oxygen saturation <90% for >2 consecutive minutes). The co-primary outcome was 30-day adverse postoperative events (including complications, readmission, and mortality). Analyses were adjusted for a priori defined confounders.
Among 364,429 included patients, 57,550 (15.8%) experienced intraoperative complications and 55,168 (15.1%) experienced adverse postoperative events. Care by female compared with male anaesthesia providers was associated with lower risk of intraoperative complications (adjusted odds ratio aOR 0.95, 95% confidence interval CI 0.94–0.97, P<0.001), which was magnified among non-trainees (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.82–0.87, P-for-interaction<0.001). Anaesthesia provider sex was not associated with the composite of adverse postoperative events (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98–1.02, P=0.88).
Care by a female anaesthesia provider was associated with a lower risk of intraoperative complications, which was magnified among non-trainees. Future studies should investigate underlying mechanisms.
Acetaminophen and 5-hydroxytryptamine-type-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists are administered as standard prophylaxes for postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting. Preclinical studies however suggest ...that 5-HT3 antagonists may compromise acetaminophen's analgesic effect. This hospital registry study investigates whether 5-HT3 antagonists mitigate the analgesic effect of prophylactic acetaminophen in a perioperative setting.
This study included 55,016 adult patients undergoing general anesthesia for ambulatory procedures at a tertiary healthcare center in Massachusetts, United States of America, from 2015 to 2022. Using binary exposure variables and a comprehensive selection of pre-planned patient- and procedure-related covariates for confounder control, we investigated whether intraoperative 5-HT3 antagonists affected the association between pre- or intraoperative acetaminophen and postoperative opioid consumption, gauged by opioid dose in mg oral morphine equivalents (OME) administered in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). A multivariable, zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was applied.
3,166 (5.8%) patients received only acetaminophen, 15,438 (28.1%) only 5-HT3 antagonists, 31,850 (57.9%) both drugs, and 4,562 (8.3%) neither drug. The median PACU opioid dose was 7.5 mg OME (interquartile range 7.5 to 14.3 mg OME) among 16,640/55,016 (30.3%) patients who received opioids and the average opioid dose was 3.2 mg OME across all patients (maximum cumulative dose: 20.4 mg OME). Acetaminophen administration was associated with a 5.5% (95%CI -9.6% to -1.4%;p=0.009; adjusted absolute difference -0.19 mg OME;95%CI -0.33 to -0.05;p=0.009) reduction in opioid consumption among patients who did not receive a 5-HT3 antagonist, while there was no effect in patients who received a 5-HT3 antagonist (adjusted absolute difference 0.00 mg OME; 95%CI -0.06 to 0.05;p=0.93,p-for-interaction=0.012).
A dose-dependent association of pre- or intraoperative acetaminophen with decreased postoperative opioid consumption was not observed when 5-HT3 antagonists were co-administered, suggesting that physicians might consider reserving 5-HT3 antagonists as rescue medication for postoperative nausea or vomiting when acetaminophen is administered for pain prophylaxis.
Background: There is paucity of data regarding prevalence and key harms of non-medical cannabis use in surgical patients. We investigated whether cannabis use in patients undergoing surgery or ...interventional procedures patients was associated with a higher degree of post-procedural healthcare utilisation. Methods: 210,639 adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery between January 2008 and June 2020 at an academic healthcare network in Massachusetts, USA, were included. The primary exposure was use of cannabis, differentiated by reported ongoing non-medical use, self-identified during structured, preoperative nursing/physician interviews, or diagnosis of cannabis use disorder based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th/10th Revision, diagnostic codes. The main outcome measure was the requirement of advanced post-procedural healthcare utilisation (unplanned intensive care unit admission, hospital re-admission or non-home discharge). Findings: 16,211 patients (7.7%) were identified as cannabis users. The prevalence of cannabis use increased from 4.9% in 2008 to 14.3% by 2020 (p < 0.001). Patients who consumed cannabis had higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities (25.3 versus 16.8%; p < 0.001) and concomitant non-tobacco substance abuse (30.2 versus 7.0%; p < 0.001). Compared to non-users, patients with a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder had higher odds of requiring advanced post-procedural healthcare utilisation after adjusting for patient characteristics, concomitant substance use and socioeconomic factors (aOR adjusted odds ratio 1.16; 95% CI 1.02–1.32). By contrast, patients with ongoing non-medical cannabis use had lower odds of advanced post-procedural healthcare utilisation (aOR 0.87; 95% CI 0.81–0.92, compared to non-users). Interpretation: One in seven patients undergoing surgery or interventional procedures in 2020 reported cannabis consumption. Differential effects on post-procedural healthcare utilisation were observed between patients with non-medical cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. Funding: This work was supported by an unrestricted philantropic grant from Jeff and Judy Buzen to Maximilian S. Schaefer.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
There is paucity of data regarding prevalence and key harms of non-medical cannabis use in surgical patients. We investigated whether cannabis use in patients undergoing surgery or interventional ...procedures patients was associated with a higher degree of post-procedural healthcare utilisation.
210,639 adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery between January 2008 and June 2020 at an academic healthcare network in Massachusetts, USA, were included. The primary exposure was use of cannabis, differentiated by reported ongoing non-medical use, self-identified during structured, preoperative nursing/physician interviews, or diagnosis of cannabis use disorder based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th/10th Revision, diagnostic codes. The main outcome measure was the requirement of advanced post-procedural healthcare utilisation (unplanned intensive care unit admission, hospital re-admission or non-home discharge).
16,211 patients (7.7%) were identified as cannabis users. The prevalence of cannabis use increased from 4.9% in 2008 to 14.3% by 2020 (p < 0.001). Patients who consumed cannabis had higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities (25.3 versus 16.8%; p < 0.001) and concomitant non-tobacco substance abuse (30.2 versus 7.0%; p < 0.001). Compared to non-users, patients with a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder had higher odds of requiring advanced post-procedural healthcare utilisation after adjusting for patient characteristics, concomitant substance use and socioeconomic factors (aOR adjusted odds ratio 1.16; 95% CI 1.02–1.32). By contrast, patients with ongoing non-medical cannabis use had lower odds of advanced post-procedural healthcare utilisation (aOR 0.87; 95% CI 0.81–0.92, compared to non-users).
One in seven patients undergoing surgery or interventional procedures in 2020 reported cannabis consumption. Differential effects on post-procedural healthcare utilisation were observed between patients with non-medical cannabis use and cannabis use disorder.
This work was supported by an unrestricted philantropic grant from Jeff and Judy Buzen to Maximilian S. Schaefer.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
This study aimed at evaluation and comparison of PastoCovac Plus protein-subunit vaccine in parallel with ChAdOx1-S (AstraZeneca) and BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) in primarily vaccinated volunteers with ...two doses of ChAdOx1-S or BBIBP-CorV. 194 volunteers enrolled the study who were previously primed with 2 doses of ChAdOx1-S or BBIBP-CorV vaccines. They were divided into two heterologous regimens receiving a third dose of PastoCovac Plus, and two parallel homologous groups receiving the third dose of BBIBP-CorV or ChAdOx1-S. Serum samples were obtained just before and 4 weeks after booster dose. Anti-spike IgG and neutralizing antibodies were quantified and the conventional live-virus neutralization titer, (cVNT50) assay was done against Omicron BA.5 variant. Moreover, the adverse events data were recorded after receiving booster doses. ChAdOx1-S/PastoCovac Plus group reached 73.0 units increase in anti-Spike IgG rise compared to the ChAdOx1-S/ ChAdOx1-S (P: 0.016). No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding neutralizing antibody rise (P: 0.256), indicating equivalency of both booster types. Adjusting for baseline titers, the BBIBP-CorV/PastoCovac Plus group showed 135.2 units increase (P<0.0001) in anti-Spike IgG, and 3.1 (P: 0.008) unit increase in mean rise of neutralizing antibodies compared to the homologous group. PastoCovac Plus booster application in primed individuals with BBIBP-CorV or ChAdOx1-S successfully increased specific antibodies' levels without any serious adverse events. This vaccine could be administrated in the heterologous regimen to effectively boost humoral immune responses.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The citric acid cycle (CAC) metabolite fumarate has been proposed to be cardioprotective; however, its mechanisms of action remain to be determined. To augment cardiac fumarate levels and to assess ...fumarate's cardioprotective properties, we generated fumarate hydratase (Fh1) cardiac knockout (KO) mice. These fumarate-replete hearts were robustly protected from ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R). To compensate for the loss of Fh1 activity, KO hearts maintain ATP levels in part by channeling amino acids into the CAC. In addition, by stabilizing the transcriptional regulator Nrf2, Fh1 KO hearts upregulate protective antioxidant response element genes. Supporting the importance of the latter mechanism, clinically relevant doses of dimethylfumarate upregulated Nrf2 and its target genes, hence protecting control hearts, but failed to similarly protect Nrf2-KO hearts in an in vivo model of myocardial infarction. We propose that clinically established fumarate derivatives activate the Nrf2 pathway and are readily testable cytoprotective agents.
► Cardiac fumarase deletion (cFH1-KO) results in mice with elevated cardiac fumarate ► cFH1-KO is compensated for by amino acid influx into the citric acid cycle ► Nrf2 and its target genes are activated in the hearts of cFH1-KO mice ► Fumarate-related Nrf2 activation is cytoprotective and may be of therapeutic use
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The optimal booster vaccine schedule against COVID-19 is still being explored. The present study aimed at assessment of the immunogenicity and antibody persistency of inactivated-virus based vaccine, ...BBIP-CorV and protein-subunit based vaccines, PastoCovac/Plus through heterologous and homologous prime-boost vaccination. Totally, 214 individuals who were previously primed with BBIBP-CorV vaccines were divided into three arms on their choice as heterologous regimens BBIBP-CorV/PastoCovac (n = 68), BBIBP-CorV/PastoCovac Plus (n = 72) and homologous BBIBP-CorV (n = 74). PastoCovac booster recipients achieved the highest rate of anti-Spike IgG titer rise with a fourfold rise in 50% of the group. Anti-RBD IgG and neutralizing antibody mean rise and fold rise were almost similar between the PastoCovac and PastoCovac Plus booster receivers. The antibody durability results indicated that the generated antibodies were persistent until day 180 in all three groups. Nevertheless, a higher rate of antibody titer was seen in the heterologous regimen compared to BBIP-CorV group. Furthermore, no serious adverse event was recorded. The protein subunit-based booster led to a stronger humoral immune response in comparison with the BBIP-CorV booster receivers. Both the protein subunit boosters neutralized SARS-CoV-2 significantly more than BBIP-CorV. Notably, PastoCovac protein subunit-based vaccine could be successfully applied as a booster with convenient immunogenicity and safety profile.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
ObjectivesTo determine the safety and effectiveness of home oximetry monitoring pathways for patients with COVID-19 in the English National Health Service.DesignRetrospective, multisite, ...observational study of home oximetry monitoring for patients with suspected or proven COVID-19.SettingThis study analysed patient data from four COVID-19 home oximetry pilot sites in England across primary and secondary care settings.ParticipantsA total of 1338 participants were enrolled in a home oximetry programme across four pilot sites. Participants were excluded if primary care data and oxygen saturations at rest at enrolment were not available. Data from 908 participants were included in the analysis.InterventionsHome oximetry monitoring was provided to participants with a known or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19. Participants were enrolled following attendance to emergency departments, hospital admission or referral through primary care services.ResultsOf 908 patients enrolled into four different COVID-19 home oximetry programmes in England, 771 (84.9%) had oxygen saturations at rest of 95% or more, and 320 (35.2%) were under 65 years of age and without comorbidities. 52 (5.7%) presented to hospital and 28 (3.1%) died following enrolment, of which 14 (50%) had COVID-19 as a named cause of death. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients enrolled after admission to hospital (OR 8.70 (2.53–29.89)), compared with those enrolled in primary care. Patients enrolled after hospital discharge (OR 0.31 (0.15–0.68)) or emergency department presentation (OR 0.42 (0.20–0.89)) were significantly less likely to present to hospital than those enrolled in primary care.ConclusionsThis study finds that home oximetry monitoring can be a safe pathway for patients with COVID-19; and indicates increases in risk to vulnerable groups and patients with oxygen saturations <95% at enrolment, and in those enrolled on discharge from hospital. Findings from this evaluation have contributed to the national implementation of home oximetry across England.