Bio


Dr. Pervez Sultan is an Associate Professor of Obstetric Anesthesiology at Stanford University School of Medicine and an Honorary Professor at University College London in the department of Targeted Intervention. His research interests include defining, characterizing, measuring and improving postpartum recovery.

Dr. Sultan is an NIH funded researcher. He is a principal investigator for a R01 grant awarded by the NHLBI aiming to develop and validate a new PROMIS-based measure to assess postpartum sleep. He is also a co-investigator for a Maternal Centers of Excellence U54 award from the NICHD entitled: Stanford PRIHSM: PReventing Inequities in Hemorrhage-related Severe Maternal Morbidity.

Dr. Sultan is an elected member of the Association of University Anesthesiologists. He serves on the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) Board as the Director from Academic Practice, and on the Annual Meeting and Live Events and Research Committees. He also serves on the International Anesthesia Research Society and is the vice chair of the ASA abstract review subcommittee on obstetric anesthesia and perinatology.

Dr. Sultan is a former Arline and Pete Harman Endowed Faculty Scholar of the Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute at Stanford University and a previous recipient of the UK National Institute of Academic Anesthesia Research Award.

Researchgate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pervez_Sultan2
Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Z2ftv_IAAAAJ&hl=en
Twitter: @PervezSultanMD
Website: www.postpartumrecovery.net

Clinical Focus


  • Anesthesia
  • Obstetric Anesthesia

Academic Appointments


Honors & Awards


  • Best paper award, Oral Finalist (middle author), Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, New Orleans (2023)
  • Best paper award, Oral Finalist (senior author), Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, New Orleans (2023)
  • Ostheimer Lecture: What's new in Obstetric Anesthesia? 2023, Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, New Orleans (2023)
  • Best paper award, Oral Finalist, Obstetric Anaesthesia Association, Newport, UK (2022)
  • Gertie Marx award (senior author). 1st prize, Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, Chicago (2022)
  • Best paper award, Society for Obesity and Bariatric Anaesthesia (SOBA) (2019)
  • Best paper award, Oral finalist, British Journal of Anaesthesia research forum, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK (2018)
  • Best paper award. Oral finalist, Obstetric Anaesthesia Association, Belfast (2018)
  • 2nd place poster prize, Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, Winter scientific meeting, London, UK (2017)
  • Best poster prize., Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology meeting, Seattle (2017)
  • 1st place poster prize., Obstetric Anaesthesia Association meeting, Manchester. (2016)
  • Clinical Excellence Award, University College London Hospital, UK (2016)
  • National Institute of Academic Anaesthesia Research award, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK (2016)
  • Best paper award., Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology meeting, Toronto (2014)
  • Best paper award. Oral finalist, Obstetric Anaesthesia Association, Dublin (2014)
  • Best paper award, Oral finalist., Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico (2013)
  • 1st place poster prize., 5th London Peri-operative Trainee Research Forum (2012)
  • 2nd place history prize., Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology meeting, Monterey (2012)
  • 3rd prize Gertie Marx research award, Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology meeting, Monterey (2012)
  • Best paper award, Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society meeting, Quebec (2012)
  • Best paper award, Oral finalist., Obstetric Anaesthesia Association meeting, Liverpool (2012)
  • Young historians’ essay competition. Oral finalist., International Symposium on the History of Anaesthesia, Sydney, Australia (2012)
  • 1st Prize in C. Ronald Stephen Resident’s Essay Contest., Anaesthesia History Association, Grapevine, Texas, USA (2011)
  • Best case report., Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, Las Vegas, USA (2011)
  • Best paper, Oral finalist., Western anaesthesia residents’ conference, Tucson, Arizona, USA (2011)
  • Certificate of merit., Group of Anaesthetists in Training conference, Cardiff, UK (2010)
  • 2nd place poster prize., South East. Scotland Society of Anaesthesia Annual Trainees’ Meeting, Dunfermline, UK (2006)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations


  • Board Director from Academic Practice, Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology (2023 - Present)
  • Annual Meeting and Live Events Committee, Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology (2022 - Present)
  • Annual Meeting and Live Events Committee intersociety sub-committee chair, Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology (2022 - Present)
  • Curriculum Committee, Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology (2022 - Present)
  • Vice chair of the ASA Abstract Review Subcommittee on Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, American Society of Anesthesiologists (2022 - Present)
  • Working group for 'Antenatal provision of high-risk obstetric anesthesia clinics', American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on obstetric anesthesia (2022 - 2022)
  • Working group for 'Statement on metrics', American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on obstetric anesthesia (2022 - 2022)
  • Abstract Review Subcommittee on Obstetric Anesthesia, International Anesthesia Research Society (2021 - Present)
  • Working group for ‘Reducing Maternal Peripartum Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Anesthesia Care: Statement and Recommendations,’, American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on obstetric anesthesia (2021 - 2022)
  • Working group for ‘Statement on post-dural puncture headache management’, American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on obstetric anesthesia (2021 - 2022)
  • Abstract Review Subcommittee on Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, American Society of Anesthesiologists (2020 - Present)
  • Obstetric Anesthesia Subcommittee member, American Society of Anesthesiologists (2020 - Present)
  • Working group for ‘Guidelines for Neuraxial analgesia or anesthesia in obstetrics.’, American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on obstetric anesthesia (2020 - 2021)
  • Steering committee member formulating guidelines for enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery, Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology (2019 - Present)
  • International Outreach Committee, Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology (2018 - Present)
  • Research committee member, Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology (2018 - Present)
  • Steering committee member formulating guidelines for postoperative monitoring following neuraxial opioid administration in obstetrics, Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology (2017 - 2018)

Professional Education


  • MD (Res), University College London, UK, Molecular mechanisms of postoperative lymphopenia (2016)
  • FRCA, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK, Board Certification (2007)
  • MBChB, University of Edinburgh (2003)
  • Fellowship: North Central London Training Number (2013) England
  • Residency: SE Scotland SHO Anaesthesia Rotation (2007) Scotland
  • Residency: Wythenshawe Hospital Accident and Emergency (2005) England
  • Internship: University Of Edinburgh Western General Hospital (2004) Scotland

Research Interests


  • Assessment, Testing and Measurement
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Data Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • Sociology

Clinical Trials


  • Breath Metabolomics in the Laboring Parturient Not Recruiting

    This is primarily a feasibility study to determine whether quantitative measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath of parturients undergoing labor is possible. Aim A: To determine baseline values of breath metabolites and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath for term pregnant women. Aim B: To gather preliminary data to determine breath metabolite and volatile organic compound (VOCs) signature change during labor and delivery. Aim C: Compare the breath metabolite and volatile organic compound (VOCs) signature women undergoing induction compared to spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

    View full details

  • Evaluation of Inpatient Sleep and Activity Following Childbirth Not Recruiting

    Sleep is critical to mental and physical health following childbirth. However, patients who are hospitalized for labor and delivery may be admitted for days with significant impacts on sleep levels. Little is known about sleep and activity levels in inpatients during nighttime and daytime following childbirth and how this may affect their mental and physical health and wellbeing. If abnormalities are identified, targeted interventions may be possible to optimize recovery following delivery.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

    View full details

  • Immune and Physical Recovery Following Cesarean Delivery Not Recruiting

    Pregnancy results in an altered immune state compared to the nonpregnant population. A significant proportion of women undergoing cesarean delivery recover poorly. The first step to determining whether this is an immune driven / associated process is to characterise what effects this surgery has on maternal immune function. "Normal" changes will be evaluated in maternal immune function and activity precipitated by surgery and delivery of the neonate. Immune response to surgery will be compared to historical immune data from patients undergoing non-obstetric surgery (orthopaedic patients).

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

    View full details

All Publications


  • Ethnicity, socio-economic deprivation and postpartum outcomes following caesarean delivery: a multicentre cohort study. Anaesthesia O'Carroll, J. E., Zucco, L., Warwick, E., Radcliffe, G., Moonesinghe, S. R., El-Boghdadly, K., Guo, N., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2024

    Abstract

    Disparities relating to postpartum recovery outcomes in different socio-economic and racial ethnic groups are underexplored. We conducted a planned analysis of a large prospective caesarean delivery cohort to explore the relationship between ethnicity, socio-economic status and postpartum recovery. Eligible patients were enrolled and baseline demographic, obstetric and medical history data were collected 18 h and 30 h following delivery. Patients completed postpartum quality of life and recovery measures in person on day 1 (EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L, including global health visual analogue scale; Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 item score; and pain scores) and by telephone between day 28 and day 32 postpartum (EQ-5D-5L and pain scores). Socio-economic group was determined according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile of each patient's usual place of residence. Data from 1000 patients who underwent caesarean delivery were included. There were more patients of Asian, Black and mixed ethnicity in the more deprived quintiles. Patients of White ethnicities had shorter postpartum duration of hospital stay compared with patients of Asian and Black ethnicities (35 (28-56 [18-513]) h vs. 44 (31-71 [19-465]) h vs. 49 (33-75 [23-189]) h, respectively. In adjusted models at day 30, patients of Asian ethnicity had a significantly greater risk of moderate to severe pain (numerical rating scale ≥ 4) at rest and on movement (odds ratio (95%CI) 2.42 (1.24-4.74) and 2.32 (1.40-3.87)), respectively). There were no differences in readmission rates or incidence of complications between groups. Patients from White ethnic backgrounds experience shorter postpartum duration of stay compared with patients from Asian and Black ethnic groups. Ethnic background impacts pain scores and recovery at day 1 postpartum and following hospital discharge, even after adjusting for socio-economic group. Further work is required to understand the underlying factors driving differences in pain and recovery and to develop strategies to reduce disparities in obstetric patients.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.16241

    View details for PubMedID 38359531

  • Quality of recovery following childbirth: a prospective, multicentre cohort study. Anaesthesia O'Carroll, J. E., Zucco, L., Warwick, E., Arbane, G., Moonesinghe, S. R., El-Boghdadly, K., Guo, N., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2023

    Abstract

    To better understand outcomes in postpartum patients who receive peripartum anaesthetic interventions, we aimed to assess quality of recovery metrics following childbirth in a UK-based multicentre cohort study. This study was performed during a 2-week period in October 2021 to assess in- and outpatient post-delivery recovery at 1 and 30 days postpartum. The following outcomes were reported: obstetric quality of recovery 10-item measure (ObsQoR-10); EuroQoL (EQ-5D-5L) survey; global health visual analogue scale; postpartum pain scores at rest and movement; length of hospital stay; readmission rates; and self-reported complications. In total, 1638 patients were recruited and responses analysed from 1631 (99.6%) and 1282 patients (80%) at one and 30 days postpartum, respectively. Median (IQR [range]) length of stay postpartum was 39.3 (28.5-61.0 [17.7-513.4]), 40.3 (28.5-59.1 [17.8-220.9]), and 35.9 (27.1-54.1 [17.9-188.4]) h following caesarean, instrumental and vaginal deliveries, respectively. Median (IQR [range]) ObsQoR-10 score was 75 ([62-86] 4-100) on day 1, with the lowest ObsQoR-10 scores (worst recovery) reported by patients undergoing caesarean delivery. Of the 1282 patients, complications within the first 30 days postpartum were reported by 252 (19.7%) of all patients. Readmission to hospital within 30 days of discharge occurred in 69 patients (5.4%), with 49 (3%) for maternal reasons. These data can be used to inform patients regarding expected recovery trajectories; facilitate optimal discharge planning; and identify populations that may benefit most from targeted interventions to improve postpartum recovery experience.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.16039

    View details for PubMedID 37226593

  • Expert Consensus Regarding Core Outcomes for Enhanced Recovery after Cesarean Delivery Studies: A Delphi study. Anesthesiology Sultan, P., George, R., Weiniger, C. F., El-Boghdadly, K., Pandal, P., Carvalho, B., CRADLE Study Investigators, Ansari, J. R., Benhamou, D., Baluku, M., Bernstein, P. S., Bollag, L. A., Bowden, S. J., Fay, E., Habib, A. S., Halder, S., Landau, R., Lim, G., Liu, V., Moreno, C., Nelson, G. S., Powell, M. F., Pujic, B., Sharawi, N., Singh, N., Smith, R., Stockert, E., Sultan, E., Tiouririne, M., Wilson, R. D., Wrench, I. J., Yun, R., Zakowski, M. 2022

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Heterogeneity among reported outcomes from enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery impact studies is high. This study aimed to develop a standardized enhanced recovery core outcome set for use in future enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery studies.METHODS: An international consensus study involving physicians, patients and a director of Midwifery and Nursing Services, was conducted using a three-round modified Delphi approach (2 rounds of electronic questionnaires and a 3rd round e-discussion), to produce the core outcome set. An initial list of outcomes was based on a previously published systematic review. Consensus was obtained for the final core outcome set, including definitions for key terms, and preferred units of measurement. Strong consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement and weak consensus as 50-69% agreement. Of the 64 stakeholders who were approached, 32 agreed to participate. All 32, 31 and 26 stakeholders completed Rounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively.RESULTS: The number of outcomes in the final core outcome set was reduced from 98 to 15. Strong consensus (≥70% stakeholder agreement) was achieved for 15 outcomes. The core outcome set included: length of hospital stay; compliance with enhanced recovery protocol; maternal morbidity (hospital re-admissions or unplanned consultations); provision of optimal analgesia (maternal satisfaction, compliance with analgesia, opioid consumption / requirement and incidence of nausea or vomiting); fasting times; breastfeeding success; and times to mobilization and urinary catheter removal. The Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 item composite measure was also included in the final core outcome set. Areas identified as requiring further research included readiness for discharge and analysis of cost savings.CONCLUSIONS: Results from an international consensus to develop a core outcome set for enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery are presented. These are outcomes that could be considered when designing future enhanced recovery studies.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000004263

    View details for PubMedID 35511169

  • Proposed domains for assessing postpartum recovery: A concept elicitation study. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Sultan, P., Jensen, S. E., Taylor, J., El-Sayed, Y., Carmichael, S., Cella, D., Angst, M. S., Gaudilliere, B., Lyell, D. J., Carvalho, B. 2021

    Abstract

    To propose postpartum recovery domains.Concept elicitation study SETTING: Semi-structured interviews POPULATION: 10 writing committee members and 50 stakeholder interviews (23 postpartum women, 9 general obstetricians, 5 maternal fetal medicine specialists, 8 nurses and 5 obstetric anaesthetists).Alternating interviews and focus group meetings until concept saturation was achieved (no new themes in 3 consecutive interviews). Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed, and an iterative coding process utilised to identify domains.The primary outcome was to identify recovery domains. We also report key symptoms and concerns. Discussion frequency and importance scores (0-100; 0=not important; 100=vitally important to recovery) were used to rank domains. Discussion frequency was used to rank factors helping and hindering recovery, and determine the greatest challenges experienced postpartum.34 interviews and 2 focus group meetings were performed. The 13 postpartum recovery domains identified, (ranked highest to lowest) were: psychosocial distress, surgical / medical factors, infant feeding and breast health, psychosocial support, pain, physical function, sleep, motherhood experience, infant health, fatigue, appearance, sexual function and cognition. The most frequently discussed factors facilitating postpartum recovery were: family support, lactation / breastfeeding support and partner support. The most frequently discussed factor hindering recovery was inadequate social support. The most frequent challenges reported were: breastfeeding (week 1), breastfeeding (week 3) and sleep (week 6).We propose 13 domains, which comprehensively describe recovery in women delivering in a single centre within the United States. This provides a novel framework to study the postpartum recovery process.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/1471-0528.16937

    View details for PubMedID 34536324

  • Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to Assess Outpatient Postpartum Recovery: A Systematic Review. JAMA network open Sultan, P., Sharawi, N., Blake, L., Ando, K., Sultan, E., Aghaeepour, N., Carvalho, B., Sadana, N. 2021; 4 (5): e2111600

    Abstract

    Outpatient postpartum recovery is an underexplored area of obstetrics. There is currently no consensus regarding which patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) clinicians and researchers should use to evaluate postpartum recovery.To evaluate PROMs of outpatient postpartum recovery using Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines.An initial literature search performed in July 2019 identified postpartum recovery PROMs and validation studies. A secondary search in July 2020 identified additional validation studies. Both searches were performed using 4 databases (Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL), with no date limiters. Studies with PROMs evaluating more than 3 proposed outpatient postpartum recovery domains were considered. Studies were included if they assessed any psychometric measurement property of the included PROMs in the outpatient postpartum setting. The PROMs were assessed for the following 8 psychometric measurement properties, as defined by COSMIN: content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, cross-cultural validity and measurement invariance, reliability, measurement error, hypothesis testing, and responsiveness. Psychometric measurement properties were evaluated in each included study using the COSMIN criteria by assessing (1) the quality of the methods (very good, adequate, doubtful, inadequate, or not assessed); (2) overall rating of results (sufficient, insufficient, inconsistent, or indeterminate); (3) level of evidence assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations assessment tool; and (4) level of recommendation, which included class A (recommended for use; showed adequate content validity with at least low-quality evidence for sufficient internal consistency), class B (not class A or class C), or class C (not recommended).In total, 15 PROMs (7 obstetric specific and 8 non-obstetric specific) were identified, evaluating outpatient postpartum recovery in 46 studies involving 19 165 women. The majority of psychometric measurement properties of the included PROMs were graded as having very-low-level or low-level evidence. The best-performing PROMs that received class A recommendations were the Maternal Concerns Questionnaire, the Postpartum Quality of Life tool, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. The remainder of the evaluated PROMs had insufficient evidence to make recommendations regarding their use (and received class B recommendations).This review found that the best-performing PROMs currently available to evaluate outpatient postpartum recovery were the Maternal Concerns Questionnaire, the Postpartum Quality of Life tool, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF; however, these tools all had significant limitations. This study highlights the need to focus future efforts on robustly developing and validating a new PROM that may comprehensively evaluate outpatient postpartum recovery.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11600

    View details for PubMedID 34042993

  • Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology: Consensus Statement and Recommendations for Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean. Anesthesia and analgesia Bollag, L. n., Lim, G. n., Sultan, P. n., Habib, A. S., Landau, R. n., Zakowski, M. n., Tiouririne, M. n., Bhambhani, S. n., Carvalho, B. n. 2020

    Abstract

    The purpose of this article is to provide a summary of the Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean delivery (ERAC) protocol written by a Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) committee and approved by the SOAP Board of Directors in May 2019. The goal of the consensus statement is to provide both practical and where available, evidence-based recommendations regarding ERAC. These recommendations focus on optimizing maternal recovery, maternal-infant bonding, and perioperative outcomes after cesarean delivery. They also incorporate management strategies for this patient cohort, including recommendations from existing guidelines issued by professional organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. This consensus statement focuses on anesthesia-related and perioperative components of an enhanced recovery pathway for cesarean delivery and provides the level of evidence for each recommendation.

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005257

    View details for PubMedID 33177330

  • Evaluation of Domains of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Recovery After Childbirth: A Scoping and Systematic Review. JAMA network open Sultan, P. n., Sadana, N. n., Sharawi, N. n., Blake, L. n., El-Boghdadly, K. n., Falvo, A. n., Ciechanowicz, S. n., Athar, W. n., Shah, R. n., Guo, N. n., Jensen, S. n., El-Sayed, Y. n., Cella, D. n., Carvalho, B. n. 2020; 3 (5): e205540

    Abstract

    Despite the global delivery rate being approximately 259 deliveries per minute in 2018, postpartum recovery remains poorly defined.To identify validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess outpatient and inpatient postpartum recovery, evaluate frequency of PROM use, report the proportion of identified PROMs used within each recovery domain, report the number of published studies within each recovery domain, summarize descriptive data (country of origin, year of study, and journal specialty) for published studies using PROMs to evaluate postpartum recovery, and report PROMs used to evaluate global postpartum recovery.This study followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search of 4 databases (MEDLINE through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL) was performed on July 1, 2019, to identify PROMs used to evaluate 12 author-defined domains of postpartum recovery. All psychometrically evaluated PROMs used to evaluate inpatient or outpatient postpartum recovery after all delivery modes were included.From 8008 screened titles and abstracts, 573 studies (515 outpatient and 58 inpatient) were identified in this review. A total of 201 PROMs were used to assess recovery for outpatient studies and 73 PROMs were used to assess recovery for inpatient studies. The top 5 domains (with highest to lowest numbers of PROMs) used to assess outpatient recovery were psychosocial distress (77 PROMs), surgical complications (26 PROMs), psychosocial support (27 PROMs), motherhood experience (16 PROMs), and sexual function (13 PROMs). Among inpatient studies, the top 5 domains were psychosocial distress (32 PROMs), motherhood experience (7 PROMs), psychosocial support (5 PROMs), fatigue (5 PROMs), and cognition (3 PROMs). The 3 most frequently used PROMs were the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (267 studies), Short-Form 36 Health Questionnaire (global recovery assessment; 40 studies), and Female Sexual Function Index (35 studies). A total of 24 global recovery PROMs were identified among all included studies. Most studies were undertaken in the United States within the last decade and were published in psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology journals.Most PROMs identified in this review evaluated a single domain of recovery. Future research should focus on determining the psychometric properties of individual and global recovery PROMs identified in this review to provide recommendations regarding optimum measures of postpartum recovery.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5540

    View details for PubMedID 32442292

  • Postpartum recovery: what does it take to get back to a baseline? Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology Sultan, P. n., Carvalho, B. n. 2020; Publish Ahead of Print

    Abstract

    Limited guidance exists regarding how to assess postpartum recovery. In this article, we discuss various aspects of inpatient and outpatient postpartum recovery.The postpartum period for many women includes sleep deprivation, maternal-neonatal bonding, breastfeeding, and integrating a new life into the family unit. Factors which impact inpatient quality of recovery include pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, shivering, comfort, mobilization, ability to hold and feed the baby, personal hygiene maintenance, and feeling in control. Outpatient recovery domains include psychosocial distress, surgical/medical factors, feeding and breast health, psychosocial support, pain, physical function, sleep, motherhood experience, infant health, fatigue, appearance / cosmetic factors, sexual function, and cognition. Postpartum recovery is likely to take longer than six weeks; however, no consensus regarding recovery duration exists among professional societies. Obstetric quality of recovery (ObsQoR) is a recommended measure of inpatient postpartum recovery; however, studies are needed to determine the optimum outpatient recovery assessment tool.Postpartum recovery is an important area that requires clinical and research attention. Future studies should focus on identifying and developing valid, reliable, and responsive measures of recovery as well as tracking and optimizing recovery domains following all delivery modes.http://links.lww.com/COOG/A65.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000684

    View details for PubMedID 33395109

  • Evaluation of inpatient postpartum recovery using the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 patient-reported outcome measure: a single-center observational study. American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM Sultan, P. n., Kamath, N. n., Carvalho, B. n., Bansal, P. n., Elkhateb, R. n., Dougan, S. n., Whittington, J. n., Guo, N. n., El-Sayed, Y. n., Mhyre, J. n., Sharawi, N. n. 2020; 2 (4): 100202

    Abstract

    Few adequately validated patient-reported outcome measures are available, which can assess recovery profiles following childbirth.We aimed to determine whether quantitative recovery (using the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 patient-reported outcome measure) was superior following vaginal delivery compared with cesarean delivery and evaluate validity, reliability, and responsiveness of this patient-reported outcome measure in the obstetrical setting in the United States.Women recruited into this single-center observational cohort study completed the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 and EuroQol 5-dimension 3L patient-reported outcome measures within 72 hours of childbirth. We assessed the validity with hypothesis testing and structural validity. In hypothesis testing, the primary outcome was Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores after vaginal vs cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes were differences in Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores for vaginal delivery following induction of labor vs spontaneous labor and scheduled vs unplanned cesarean delivery, correlation with clinical parameters (American Society of Anesthesiologists classification grade, body mass index, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirement, antiemetic use, and neonatal intensive care unit admission), and qualitative ranking of Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 items for each delivery mode. Structural validity was assessed by determining the correlation of the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores with the EuroQol 5-dimension 3L and global health visual analog scale scores. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach alpha and inter-item correlation of Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 items. Responsiveness was assessed by evaluating the change in Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores over the 72-hour postpartum period.Data from 215 women were analyzed. In hypothesis testing, the median (interquartile range) Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores were higher following vaginal delivery than cesarean delivery (86 [77-94] vs 77 [64-86], respectively; P<.001). Multivariate model demonstrated that Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores were significantly lower after cesarean delivery when adjusting for American Society of Anesthesiologists classification grade, age, body mass index, and ethnicity (R=-8.97; P<.001). Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores were similar between induction of labor and spontaneous labor, and scheduled cesarean delivery and unplanned cesarean delivery. Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 was correlated with length of hospital stay (R=-0.248; P<.001), estimated blood loss (R=-0.3429; P<.001), transfusion requirement (R=-0.140; P=.041), and antiemetic use (R=-0.280; P<.001). The highest ranked Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 items were ability to hold baby, feeling in control, and ability to look after personal hygiene. The lowest ranked items were pain and shivering. In structural validity, correlation of Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 score was moderate with the global health visual analog scale (r=0.511) and EuroQol 5-dimension 3L scores (r=-0.509). In reliability, Cronbach alpha was 0.72 and more than 80% of individual items correlated. In responsiveness, Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores did not change significantly over the study period.Quantitative inpatient recovery following vaginal delivery is superior to cesarean delivery. The Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 appears to be a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measure following these delivery modes. Further studies are needed to determine how to improve recovery domains identified in this study, to evaluate Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 in different languages and determine whether these domains impact outcomes beyond hospitalization.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100202

    View details for PubMedID 33345919

  • Continuous wound infusion catheter as part of a multimodal analgesia regimen for post-Caesarean delivery pain: a quality improvement impact study. BJA open Fowler, C., Stockert, E., Hoang, D., Guo, N., Riley, E., Sultan, P., Carvalho, B. 2024; 9: 100242

    Abstract

    The role of continuous wound infusion catheters as part of a multimodal analgesia strategy after Caesarean delivery is unclear. We introduced continuous wound infusion catheters to our multimodal analgesia regimen to evaluate the impact on analgesic outcomes after Caesarean delivery.After institutional review board (IRB) approval, a 4-month practice change was instituted as a quality improvement initiative. In addition to multimodal analgesia, continuous wound infusion catheters for up to 3 days were offered on alternate weeks for all women undergoing Caesarean deliveries. The primary outcome was postoperative in-hospital opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were static and dynamic pain scores at 24 and 72 h, time until first analgesic request, opioid-related side-effects, length of stay, satisfaction (0-100%), and continuous wound infusion catheter-related complications.All women scheduled for Caesarean delivery (n=139) in the 4-month period were included in the analysis, with 70 women receiving continuous wound infusion catheters, and 69 in the control group. Opioid consumption (continuous wound infusion catheter group 11.3 [7.5-61.9] mg morphine equivalents vs control group 30.0 [11.3-48.8] mg morphine equivalents), pain scores (except 24 h resting pain scores which were higher in the control group 2 [1-3] vs 1.5 [0-3] in the continous wound infusion catheters group; P=0.05), side-effects, length of stay, and complications were similar between groups. Satisfaction scores at 24 h were higher with continuous wound infusion catheters (100% [91-100%] vs 90% [86-100%]; P=0.003) with no differences at 72 h. One patient demonstrated symptoms of systemic local anaesthetic toxicity which resolved without significant harm.The addition of continuous wound infusion catheters to a multimodal analgesia regimen for post-Caesarean delivery pain management demonstrated minimal clinically significant analgesic benefits. Future studies are needed to explore the use of continuous wound infusion catheters in populations that may benefit most from this intervention.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bjao.2023.100242

    View details for PubMedID 38179106

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10761342

  • Essential notes: impacted fetal head. BJA education Baycroft, A., Conti, D., Sultan, P. 2024; 24 (3): 81-83

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bjae.2023.12.006

    View details for PubMedID 38375491

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10874754

  • The Accuracy of ChatGPT-Generated Responses in Answering Commonly Asked Patient Questions About Labor Epidurals: A Survey-Based Study. Anesthesia and analgesia Mootz, A. A., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P., Nguyen, T. P., Reale, S. C. 2024

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006801

    View details for PubMedID 38180897

  • A narrative review of the literature relevant to obstetric anesthesiologists: the 2023 Gerard W. Ostheimer lecture. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Sultan, P. 2024: 103973

    Abstract

    This narrative review of the 2023 Gerard W. Ostheimer lecture presented at the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology 2023 annual meeting summarizes 2022 literature relevant to obstetric anesthesiologists.Neonatal morbidity is reduced with antenatal maternal buprenorphine compared with methadone for treatment of opioid use disorder. Antenatal pregnancy allergy testing is safe and feasible.Intrathecal (IT) 3% chloroprocaine for cervical cerclage results in faster sensory block resolution and discharge readiness compared with bupivacaine. The ED90 of 3% chloroprocaine (with IT fentanyl 10 µg) is 49.5 mg. Dural puncture epidural technique does not improve the quality of labor analgesia in obese parturients compared with epidural analgesia. Low- (>0.08 to ≤0.1%) and ultra-low (<0.08%) concentrations of bupivacaine for epidural analgesia maintenance result in similar maternal and neonatal outcomes. Lower doses of first line uterotonic agents are non-inferior to higher doses (oxytocin 0.5 IU vs. 5 IU and carbetocin 20 vs. 100 µg) in patients at low risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Supplemental analgesia or conversion to general anesthesia is necessary in approximately 15% of elective cesarean deliveries. Intravenous dexamethasone improves analgesia outcomes, however optimal dosing and timing remain unclear; it may induce neonatal hypoglycemia in the setting of gestational diabetes.A core outcome set may help evaluate enhanced recovery protocol implementation. History of migraine and accidental dural puncture (ADP) above the L3 level are associated with epidural blood patch (EBP) failure and ADP at or below L3 and >48 h interval between ADP and EBP are associated with success.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2023.103973

    View details for PubMedID 38508963

  • Quality of recovery following childbirth: a multidimensional concept ANAESTHESIA O'Carroll, J. E., Sultan, P. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.16199

    View details for Web of Science ID 001124754900001

    View details for PubMedID 38093548

  • Prevalence and predictors for postpartum sleep disorders: a nationwide analysis. The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians Sultan, P., Guo, N., Kawai, M., Barwick, F. H., Carvalho, B., Mackey, S., Kallen, M. A., Gould, C. E., Butwick, A. J. 2023; 36 (1): 2170749

    Abstract

    To describe the prevalence and predictors of postpartum sleep disorders.A retrospective cohort study.Postpartum.Commercially insured women delivering in California (USA) between 2011 and 2014.Using the Optum Clinformatics Datamart Database.Prevalence of a postpartum sleep disorder diagnosis with and without a depression diagnosis up to 12 months following hospital discharge for inpatient delivery. We also identified predictors of a postpartum sleep disorder diagnosis using multivariable logistic regression.We identified 3535 (1.9%) women with a postpartum sleep disorder diagnosis. The prevalence of sleep disorder diagnoses was insomnia (1.3%), sleep apnea (0.25%), and other sleep disorder (0.25%). The odds of a postpartum sleep disorder were highest among women with a history of drug abuse (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.79-4.09); a stillbirth delivery (aOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.53-3.01); and chronic hypertension (aOR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.57-2.11). A comorbid diagnosis of a postpartum sleep disorder and depression occurred in 1182 women (0.6%). These women accounted for 33.4% of all women with a postpartum sleep disorder. The strongest predictors of a comorbid diagnosis were a history of drug abuse (aOR: 4.13; 95% CI: 2.37-7.21) and a stillbirth delivery (aOR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.74-4.92).Postpartum sleep disorders are underdiagnosed conditions, with only 2% of postpartum women in this cohort receiving a sleep diagnosis using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Insomnia was the most common disorder and one-third of women diagnosed with a postpartum sleep disorder had a co-morbid diagnosis of depression. Future studies are needed to improve the screening and diagnostic accuracy of postpartum sleep disorders.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/14767058.2023.2170749

    View details for PubMedID 36710393

  • Association of inpatient postpartum quality of recovery with postpartum depression: A prospective observational study. Journal of clinical anesthesia Ben Hayoun, D. H., Sultan, P., Rozeznic, J., Guo, N., Carvalho, B., Orbach-Zinger, S., Weiniger, C. F. 2023; 91: 111263

    Abstract

    To explore the relationship between Obstetric Quality of Recovery survey (ObsQoR-10-Heb) and Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) measured 6 weeks after delivery, adjusted for potential confounding factors.Prospective, longitudinal cohort study.Large postpartum department, 13,000 annual deliveries, quaternary medical center in Israel.Women ≥18 years old, gestational age ≥ 37 weeks after term delivery (spontaneous vaginal, operative vaginal, planned, and unplanned cesarean delivery), with non-anomalous neonates not requiring special support after delivery or at the time of recruitment. Written informed consent was provided. Women unable to read or understand Hebrew were excluded.No interventions were done.We investigated the relationship between inpatient postpartum recovery and positive postpartum depression (PPD) screening at 6 weeks postpartum. Enrolled women completed the validated Hebrew version of ObsQoR-10 survey (ObsQoR-10-Heb; scored between 0 and 100 with 0 and 100 representing worst and best possible recovery) from 24 to 48 h after delivery, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 6- and 12 weeks postpartum. We assessed the univariate association between ObsQoR-10-Heb; patient factors; obstetric factors; and positive PPD screening at 6 weeks postpartum. Potential confounders were adjusted in a multiple logistic regression model.Inpatient ObsQoR-10-Heb has been completed by 325 postpartum women; 270 (83.1%) and 253 (77.9%) completed the 6- and 12 weeks EPDS respectively. Lower ObsQoR-10-Heb (aOR 0.95 (95% CI 0.92, 0.98); p = 0.001); depression or anxiety before delivery (aOR 4.53 (95% CI 1.88, 10.90); p = 0.001); and hospital readmission (aOR 9.08 (95% CI 1.23, 67.14); p = 0.031) were associated with positive screening for postpartum depression at 6 weeks.Our study demonstrates that worse inpatient postpartum recovery is an independent risk factor for positive PPD screening at 6 weeks postpartum. Other risk factors found in our study were maternal hospital readmission and a previous history of anxiety or depression.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2023.111263

    View details for PubMedID 37717463

  • Outcomes and outcome measures utilised in randomised controlled trials of postoperative caesarean delivery pain: a scoping review. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Ciechanowicz, S., Kim, J., Mak, K., Blake, L., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2023: 103927

    Abstract

    Inadequately treated postoperative pain following caesarean delivery can delay recovery and the ability to care for a newborn. Effectiveness studies of interventions to treat postoperative caesarean delivery pain measure different outcomes, limiting data pooling for meta-analysis. We performed a comprehensive review of existing outcomes with the aim of recommending core outcomes for future research.A scoping review to identify all outcomes reported in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical trial registries of interventions to treat or prevent postoperative caesarean delivery pain, with postoperative pain as a primary outcome measure. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, CDSR and CRCT for studies from May 2016 to 2021. Outcomes were extracted and frequencies tabulated.Ninety RCTs and 11 trial registries were included. In total, 392 outcomes (375 inpatient and 17 outpatient) were identified and categorised. The most reported outcome domain was analgesia (n = 242/375, 64.5%), reported in 96% of inpatient studies, with analgesic consumption accounting for 108/375, 28.8% of analgesia outcomes. The second most common domain was pain intensity (n = 120/375, 32%), reported in 97% of inpatient studies, using the visual analogue scale (68/120, 59%) and the numerical reporting scale (37/120, 25%). Maternal and neonatal adverse effects accounted for 65/375 (17.3%) and 19/375 (5.1%) of inpatient outcomes, respectively.Outcomes reported in RCTs for postoperative caesarean delivery pain vary widely. The results of this review suggest that standardisation is needed to promote research efficiency and aid future meta-analyses to identify optimal postoperative caesarean delivery pain management.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2023.103927

    View details for PubMedID 37852907

  • Postpartum recovery of nulliparous women following scheduled cesarean delivery and spontaneous vaginal delivery: a prospective observational study. AJOG global reports Mazda, Y., Ando, K., Kato, A., Noguchi, S., Sugiyama, T., Hizuka, K., Nagai, A., Ikeda, Y., Sakamaki, D., Guo, N., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2023; 3 (3): 100226

    Abstract

    Inpatient postpartum recovery trajectories following cesarean delivery and spontaneous vaginal delivery are underexplored.This study primarily aimed to compare recovery following cesarean delivery and spontaneous vaginal delivery in the first postpartum week, and secondarily to evaluate psychometrically the Japanese version of the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scoring tool.Following institutional review board approval, the EQ-5D-3L (EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level) questionnaire and a Japanese version of the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 measure were used to evaluate inpatient postpartum recovery in uncomplicated nulliparous parturients delivering via scheduled cesarean delivery or spontaneous vaginal delivery.A total of 48 and 50 women who delivered via cesarean delivery and spontaneous vaginal delivery, respectively, were recruited. Women delivering via scheduled cesarean delivery experienced significantly worse quality of recovery on days 1 and 2 compared with those who had spontaneous vaginal delivery. Quality of recovery significantly improved daily, plateauing at days 4 and 3 for cesarean delivery and spontaneous vaginal delivery groups, respectively. Compared with cesarean delivery, spontaneous vaginal delivery was associated with prolonged time to analgesia requirement, decreased opioid consumption, reduced antiemetic requirement, and reduced times to liquid/solid intake, ambulation, and discharge. Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10-Japanese is a valid (correlates with the EQ-5D-3L including a global health visual analog scale, gestational age, blood loss, opioid consumption, time until first analgesic request, liquid/solid intake, ambulation, catheter removal, and discharge), reliable (Cronbach alpha=0.88; Spearman-Brown reliability estimate=0.94; and intraclass correlation coefficient=0.89), and clinically feasible (98% 24-hour response rate) measure.Inpatient postpartum recovery is significantly better in the first 2 postpartum days following spontaneous vaginal delivery compared with scheduled cesarean delivery. Inpatient recovery is largely achieved within 4 and 3 days following scheduled cesarean delivery and spontaneous vaginal delivery, respectively. Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10-Japanese is a valid, reliable, and feasible measure of inpatient postpartum recovery.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100226

    View details for PubMedID 37334251

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10276254

  • Effect of Dural-Puncture Epidural vs Standard Epidural for Epidural Extension on Onset Time of Surgical Anesthesia in Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA network open Sharawi, N., Williams, M., Athar, W., Martinello, C., Stoner, K., Taylor, C., Guo, N., Sultan, P., Mhyre, J. M. 2023; 6 (8): e2326710

    Abstract

    Dural-puncture epidural (DPE) and standard epidural are common modes of neuraxial labor analgesia. Little is known about conversion of DPE-initiated labor analgesia to surgical anesthesia for cesarean delivery.To determine whether DPE provides a faster onset and better-quality block compared with the standard epidural technique for cesarean delivery.This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted between April 2019 and October 2022 at a tertiary care university hospital (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences). Participants included women aged 18 years and older undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery with a singleton pregnancy.Participants were randomized to receive DPE or standard epidural in the labor and delivery room. A T10 sensory block was achieved and maintained using a low concentration of bupivacaine with fentanyl through the epidural catheter until the time of surgery. Epidural extension anesthesia was initiated in the operating room.The primary outcome was the time taken from chloroprocaine administration to surgical anesthesia (T6 sensory block). The secondary outcome was the quality of epidural anesthesia, as defined by a composite of the following factors: (1) failure to achieve a T10 bilateral block preoperatively in the delivery room, (2) failure to achieve a surgical block at T6 within 15 minutes of chloroprocaine administration, (3) requirement for intraoperative analgesia, (4) repeat neuraxial procedure, and (5) conversion to general anesthesia.Among 140 women (mean [SD] age, 30.1 [5.2] years), 70 were randomized to the DPE group, and 70 were randomized to the standard epidural group. The DPE group had a faster onset time to surgical anesthesia compared with the standard epidural group (median [IQR], 422 [290-546] seconds vs 655 [437-926] seconds; median [IQR] difference, 233 [104-369] seconds). The composite rates of lower quality anesthesia were 15.7% (11 of 70 women) in the DPE group and 36.3% (24 of 66 women) in the standard epidural group (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14-0.74; P = .007).Anesthesia initiated following a DPE technique resulted in faster onset and improved block quality during epidural extension compared with initiation with a standard epidural technique. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in the setting of intrapartum cesarean delivery.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03915574.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.26710

    View details for PubMedID 37526934

  • Pharmacological agents for prevention of pruritus in women undergoing Caesarean delivery with neuraxial morphine: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. British journal of anaesthesia Singh, P. M., Sultan, P., O'Carroll, J., Blake, L., Carvalho, B., Singh, N. P., Monks, D. T. 2023

    Abstract

    Neuraxial opioids provide effective analgesia for Caesarean delivery, however, pruritus can be a troubling side-effect. Effective agents to prevent pruritus are needed. Our objective was to perform an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis to provide clinicians with a comparison of relative efficacy of available interventions to reduce the incidence of pruritus, induced by either intrathecal or epidural single-shot morphine, in women undergoing Caesarean delivery.Databases systematically searched (up to January 2022) included PubMed MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCO CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, and two Cochrane databases. We included randomised, controlled trials involving adult female patients undergoing Caesarean delivery. We pooled trials comparing interventions used for preventing pruritus after Caesarean delivery and performed a Bayesian model network meta-analysis.The final primary network included data from comparisons of 14 distinct interventions (including placebo) used to reduce the incidence of pruritus in 6185 participants. We judged five interventions to be 'definitely superior' to placebo: propofol, opioid agonist-antagonists (neuraxial), opioid antagonists, opioid agonist-antagonists (systemic), and serotonin antagonists. For the network evaluating the incidence of severe pruritus (warranting additional therapeutic treatment of pruritus), data were available for 14 interventions (including placebo) in 4489 patients. For this outcome, we judged three interventions to be 'definitely superior' to placebo: dopamine antagonists (neuraxial) and systemic and neuraxial opioid agonist-antagonists.Our analysis found several interventions to be effective in reducing the incidence of pruritus. Although sub-hypnotic doses of propofol appear to have an antipruritic effect, replication of this finding and further investigation of optimal dosing are warranted.PROSPERO (CRD42022367058).

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2023.05.028

    View details for PubMedID 37455197

  • A systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures used in maternal postpartum anxiety. American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM O'Carroll, J., Ando, K., Yun, R., Panelli, D., Nicklin, A., Kennedy, N., Carvalho, B., Blake, L., Coker, J., Kaysen, D., Sultan, P. 2023: 101076

    Abstract

    To perform a systematic review and evaluate the psychometric measurement properties of instruments in postpartum anxiety using Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines and identify the best available patient-reported outcome measure.We searched 4 databases (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science in July 2022) including studies which evaluated at least one psychometric measurement property of a patient reported outcome measurement instrument. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO CRD42021260004 and followed the COSMIN guidelines for systematic reviews.Studies eligible for inclusion included those that assessed a patient-reported outcome measure examining postpartum anxiety. We included studies where the instruments had undergone some form of psychometric property assessment in the postpartum maternal population, consisted of at least 2 questions, and were not subscales.This systematic review used COSMIN and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify the best patient reported outcome measurement instrument for postpartum anxiety. A risk of bias assessment was performed, and a modified GRADE approach used to assess the level of evidence with recommendations being made for the overall quality of each instrument.A total of 28 studies evaluating 13 instruments in 10,570 patients were included. Content validity was sufficient in 9, with 5 instruments receiving a class A recommendation (recommended for use). Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale, Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale Research Short Form, Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale Research Short Form Covid, Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale- Persian and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory demonstrated adequate content validity and sufficient internal consistency. Nine instruments received a recommendation of class B (further research required). No instrument received a class C recommendation (not recommended for use).Five instruments received a class A recommendation, all with limitations such as not being specific to the postpartum population, not assessing all domains, lacking generalizability or evaluation of cross-cultural validity. There is currently no freely available instrument assessing all domains of postpartum anxiety. Future studies are needed to determine the optimum current instrument or development and validation of a more specific measure for maternal postpartum anxiety.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101076

    View details for PubMedID 37402438

  • Elucidating the effects of labor analgesia on fetal immune function and in utero temperature: A novel approach to understanding epidural-related maternal fever. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Sultan, P., Blumenfeld, Y. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.04.035

    View details for PubMedID 37120048

  • Comparison of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for cesarean section: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Korean journal of anesthesiology Murdoch, I., Carver, A., Sultan, P., O'Carroll, J., Blake, L., Carvalho, B., Onwochei, D. N., Desai, N. 2023

    Abstract

    Cesarean section is associated with moderate to severe pain and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly employed. The optimal NSAID, however, has not been elucidated. In this network meta-analysis and systematic review, we compared the influence of control and individual NSAIDs on indices of analgesia, side effects and quality of recovery.CDSR, CINAHL, CRCT, Embase, LILACS, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials which compared a specific NSAID to either control or another NSAID in the context of elective or emergency cesarean section under general or neuraxial anesthesia. Network plots and league tables were constructed, and the quality of evidence was evaluated with GRADE analysis.In all, we included 47 trials. Cumulative intravenous morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h, the primary outcome, was examined in 1228 patients and 18 trials, and control was found to be inferior to diclofenac, indomethacin, ketorolac and tenoxicam (very low quality of evidence owing to serious limitations, imprecision and publication bias). Indomethacin was superior to celecoxib for the pain score at rest at 8-12 h and celecoxib + parecoxib, diclofenac and ketorolac for the pain score on movement at 48 h. In regard to the need for and time to rescue analgesia, cyclooxygenase two inhibitors such as celecoxib were inferior to other NSAIDs.Our review suggests the presence of minimal differences among the NSAIDs studied. Nonselective NSAIDs may be more effective than selective NSAIDs, and some NSAIDs such as indomethacin might be preferable to other NSAIDs.

    View details for DOI 10.4097/kja.23014

    View details for PubMedID 37066603

  • Epidural-related maternal fever: incidence, pathophysiology, outcomes, and management. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Patel, S., Ciechanowicz, S., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Sultan, P. 2023

    Abstract

    Epidural-related maternal fever affects 15% to 25% of patients who receive a labor epidural. Two meta-analyses demonstrated that epidural-related maternal fever is a clinical phenomenon, which is unlikely to be caused by selection bias. All commonly used neuraxial techniques, local anesthetics with or without opioids, and maintenance regimens are associated with epidural-related maternal fever, however, the impact of each component is unknown. Two major theories surrounding epidural-related maternal fever development have been proposed. First, labor epidural analgesia may lead to the development of hyperthermia through a sterile (noninfectious) inflammatory process. This process may involve reduced activation of caspase-1 (a protease involved in cell apoptosis and activation of proinflammatory pathways) secondary to bupivacaine, which impairs the release of the antipyrogenic cytokine, interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, from circulating leucocytes. Detailed mechanistic processes of epidural-related maternal fever remain to be determined. Second, thermoregulatory mechanisms secondary to neuraxial blockade have been proposed, which may also contribute to epidural-related maternal fever development. Currently, there is no prophylactic strategy that can safely prevent epidural-related maternal fever from occurring nor can it easily be distinguished clinically from other causes of intrapartum fever, such as chorioamnionitis. Because intrapartum fever (of any etiology) is associated with adverse outcomes for both the mother and baby, it is important that all parturients who develop intrapartum fever are investigated and treated appropriately, irrespective of labor epidural utilization. Institution of treatment with appropriate antimicrobial therapy is recommended if an infectious cause of fever is suspected. There is currently insufficient evidence to warrant a change in recommendations regarding provision of labor epidural analgesia and the benefits of good quality labor analgesia must continue to be reiterated to expectant mothers.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.06.026

    View details for PubMedID 36925412

  • Measuring enhanced recovery in obstetrics: a narrative review. AJOG global reports Ciechanowicz, S., Ke, J. X., Sharawi, N., Sultan, P. 2023; 3 (1): 100152

    Abstract

    Enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery is a protocolized approach to perioperative care, with the aim to optimize maternal recovery after surgery. It is associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, including decreased length of hospital stay, opioid consumption, pain scores, complications, increased maternal satisfaction, and increased breastfeeding success. However, the pace and enthusiasm of adoption of enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery internationally has not yet been matched with high-quality evidence demonstrating its benefit, and current studies provide low- to very low-quality evidence in support of enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery. This article provides a summary of current measures of enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery success, and optimal measures of inpatient and outpatient postpartum recovery. We summarize outcomes from 22 published enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery implementation studies and 2 meta-analyses. A variety of disparate metrics have been used to measure enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery success, including process measures (length of hospital stay, bundle compliance, preoperative fasting time, time to first mobilization, time to urinary catheter removal), maternal outcomes (patient-reported outcome measures, complications, opioid consumption, satisfaction), neonatal outcomes (breastfeeding success, Apgar scores, maternal-neonatal bonding), cost savings, and complication rates (maternal readmission rate, urinary recatheterization rate, neonatal readmission rate). A core outcome set for use in enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery studies has been developed through Delphi consensus, involving stakeholders including obstetricians, anesthesiologists, patients, and a midwife. Fifteen measures covering key aspects of enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery adoption are recommended for use in future enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery implementation studies. The use of these outcome measures could improve the quality of evidence surrounding enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery. Using evidence-based evaluation guidelines developed by the COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) group, the Obstetric Quality of Recovery score (ObsQoR) was identified as the best patient-reported outcome measure for inpatient postpartum recovery. Advances in our understanding of postpartum recovery as a multidimensional and dynamic construct have opened new avenues for the identification of optimum patient-reported outcome measures in this context. The use of standardized measures such as these will facilitate pooling of data in future studies and improve overall levels of evidence surrounding enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery. Larger studies with optimal study designs, using recommended outcomes including patient-reported outcome measures, will reduce variation and improve data quality to help guide future recommendations.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100152

    View details for PubMedID 36699096

  • Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients With Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Obstetrics and gynecology Miller, S. E., Leonard, S. A., Meza, P. K., Ku, S., Ren, L. Y., Lyell, D. J., Sultan, P., Butwick, A. 2023; 141 (1): 49-58

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate red blood cell use during delivery in patients with placenta accreta spectrum.DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus for clinical trials and observational studies published between 2000 and 2021 in countries with developed economies.METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Abstracts (n=4,275) and full-text studies (n=599) were identified and reviewed by two independent reviewers. Data on transfused red blood cells were included from studies reporting means and SDs, medians with interquartile ranges, or individual patient data. The primary outcome was the weighted mean number of units of red blood cells transfused per patient. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed with an I2 statistic. Secondary analyses included red blood cell usage by placenta accreta subtype.TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Of the 599 full-text studies identified, 20 met criteria for inclusion in the systematic review, comprising 1,091 cases of placenta accreta spectrum. The number of units of red blood cells transfused was inconsistently described across studies, with five studies (25.0%) reporting means, 11 (55.0%) reporting medians, and four (20.0%) reporting individual patient data. The weighted mean number of units transfused was 5.19 (95% CI 4.12-6.26) per patient. Heterogeneity was high across studies (I2=91%). In a sensitivity analysis of five studies reporting mean data, the mean number of units transfused was 6.61 (95% CI 4.73-8.48; n=220 patients). Further quantification of units transfused by placenta accreta subtype was limited due to methodologic inconsistencies between studies and small cohort sizes.CONCLUSION: Based on the upper limit of the CI in our main analysis and the high study heterogeneity, we recommend that a minimum of 6 units of red blood cells be available before delivery for patients with placenta accreta spectrum. These findings may inform future guidelines for predelivery blood ordering and transfusion support.SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42021240993.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004976

    View details for PubMedID 36701609

  • Intra-operative breakthrough pain during caesarean delivery: a path forward. Anaesthesia Sultan, P., Patel, R. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15949

    View details for PubMedID 36518015

  • Postpartum care visits among commercially insured women in the United States. AJOG global reports Butwick, A. J., Bentley, J., Daw, J., Sultan, P., Girsen, A., Gibbs, R. S., Guo, N. 2022; 2 (4): 100106

    Abstract

    To reduce postpartum morbidity and mortality, optimizing routine outpatient postpartum care has become a focus of national attention and a healthcare priority.This study aimed to examine the timing, content, and predictors of routine outpatient postpartum visit attendance within a large, commercially insured patient population.We performed a retrospective cohort study using a national US database of commercial insurance beneficiaries with a delivery hospitalization between 2011 and 2015. We calculated the proportion of patients who had an outpatient postpartum visit within 8 weeks of hospital discharge. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified independent predictors of an outpatient postpartum visit. To gain insight into the nature and extent of any postpartum medical or surgical morbidity, we also identified the most frequent International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes associated with postpartum visits.The study cohort comprised 431,969 patients who underwent delivery hospitalization, of whom 257,727 (59.7%; 95% confidence interval, 59.5-59.8) had at least 1 outpatient postpartum visit within 8 weeks of hospital discharge. The distribution of postpartum visits was bimodal, occurring most frequently in the first week (23.2%) and sixth week (21.7%) after hospital discharge. The median period between hospital discharge and the postpartum visit was 28 days (interquartile range, 8-41 days). In our multivariable model, patient-level factors that were most strongly associated with a postpartum visit were preexisting medical morbidities, which included: thyroid disease (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-1.52), seizure disorder (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-1.70), chronic hypertension (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.58-1.67), and psychiatric disease (adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-1.47). Between 29% and 42% of patients with preexisting medical morbidity and between 35% and 41% of patients who experienced peri- or postpartum complications did not attend a postpartum visit.Our findings indicate that among a large, commercially-insured patient population, postpartum visit attendance was suboptimal. A high proportion with preexisting medical and peripartum morbidities was not evaluated within 8 weeks of hospital discharge. Multifaceted interventions and healthcare reform are suggested to address patients' concerns and healthcare needs after delivery.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100106

    View details for PubMedID 36275400

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9563203

  • Corrigendum to 'Analgesia for Caesarean section' [BJA Education 22 (2022) 197-203]. BJA education Neall, G., Bampoe, S., Sultan, P. 2022; 22 (11): 448

    Abstract

    [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.bjae.2021.12.008.].

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bjae.2022.05.001

    View details for PubMedID 36304912

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9596285

  • Assessment of fatigue in postpartum women using patient-reported outcome measures: a systematic review utilising Consensus Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines FATIGUE-BIOMEDICINE HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR Ciechanowicz, S., Pandal, P., Carvalho, B., Blake, L., Van Damme, S., Taylor, J., Sultan, P. 2022
  • Development and Validation of a Turkish Version of Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10. Turkish journal of anaesthesiology and reanimation Kozanhan, B., Yıldız, M., Polat, A., Günenç, O., Tutar, S. M., İyisoy, M. S., Kulhan, N. G., Sultan, P. 2022; 50 (5): 366-372

    Abstract

    The 10-item Obstetric Quality-of-Recovery 10 scale is a validated patient-reported outcome questionnaire that measures the quality of recovery following delivery. This study aims to develop a Turkish version of the Obstetric Quality of Recovery 10 to evaluate its validity, reliability, and clinical feasibility.Term parturients who underwent vaginal delivery or elective caesarean delivery were asked to complete a Turkish version of Obstetric Quality-of-Recovery 10 scoring tool and EuroQol 5-dimension 3L scores (including a global health visual analogue scale) 24 hours after delivery. To validate the Obstetric Quality of Recovery 10-Turkish, we assessed validity, reliability, and clinical feasibility and compared it with the EQ-5D-3L questionnaires.One hundred parturients completed the questionnaire in 24 hours (100% response rate). Obstetric Quality of Recovery 10-Turkish correlated highly with EQ-5D-3L score (r=-0.611) and global health visual analogue scale score (r = 0.652) at 24 hours and discriminated well between good versus poor recovery (global health visual analogue scale score ≥70 vs <70; median interquartile range were 86 [80-90] and 68 [59-75] (P < .001), respectively). Scores were similar for caesarean and vaginal deliveries, 83 (76-89) and 82.5 (69-90), respectively (P = .5). Twenty-four-hour Obstetric Quality of Recovery 10-Turkish scores did not correlate with any baseline demographic and clinical data parameters. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha=0.87 and inter-item correlation=0.41), and split-half reliability was very good (Spearman-Brown prophesy reliability estimate=0.86). Test-retest reliability was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient=0.99). No floor or ceiling effects were demonstrated.The Obstetric Quality of Recovery 10-Turkish is a valid, reliable, and clinically feasible measure of inpatient postpartum recovery following caesarean and vaginal delivery modes.

    View details for DOI 10.5152/TJAR.2022.21441

    View details for PubMedID 36301286

  • In-Circuit High-Frequency Jet Ventilation for Radiological Tumor Ablation: A Case Series. A&A practice Salih, T., Elgie, L., Hari, B., Williams, B., Thomas, R. M., Bandula, S., Walkden, M., Sultan, P., McPherson, K., Jenkins, K. 2022; 16 (8): e01608

    Abstract

    High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) can reduce organ movement that otherwise complicates percutaneous image-guided ablation (IGA) procedures. This study describes feasibility and safety of the technique in routine use. We describe our method for the use of HFJV and present 169 consecutive cases, including IGA of tumors of the lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas. Intended oncological treatment was delivered in all cases and HFJV used for the duration of treatment in all except one case. We describe the characteristics of patients, procedures, and adverse events. It is feasible to use HFJV as the routine standard of care for IGA.

    View details for DOI 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001608

    View details for PubMedID 35960937

  • Obstetric services in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national survey. Anaesthesia, critical care & pain medicine O'Carroll, J. E., Zucco, L., Warwick, E., Arbane, G., Moonesinghe, R., El-Boghdadly, K., Guo, N., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2022: 101137

    Abstract

    The management of obstetric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires unique considerations. Many aspects of labour and delivery practice required adaptation in response to the global pandemic and were supported by guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists. The adoption and adherence to these guidelines is unknown.Participating centres in "Quality of Recovery in Obstetric Anaesthesia study - a multicentre study" (ObsQoR) completed an electronic survey based on the provision of services and care related to COVID-19 in October 2021. The survey was designed against the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists COVID-19 guidelines.One hundred and five of the 107 participating centres completed the survey (98% response rate representing 54% of all UK obstetric units). The median [IQR] annual number of deliveries among the included sites was 4389 [3000-5325]. Ninety-nine of the 103 (94.3%) sites had guidelines for the management of peripartum women with COVID-19. Sixty-one of 105 (58.1%) had specific guidance for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. Thirty-seven of 104 (35.6%) centres restricted parturient birthing plans if a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 was made. A COVID-19 vaccination referral pathway encouraging full vaccination for all pregnant women was present in 63/103 centres (61.2%).We found variability in care delivered and adherence to guidelines related to COVID-19. The clinical implications for this related to quality of peripartum care is unclear, however there remains scope to improve pathways for immunisation, birth plans and VTE prophylaxis.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.accpm.2022.101137

    View details for PubMedID 35914704

  • Incidence, prevalence, and timing of postpartum complications and mortality in Canada and the United States: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. JBI evidence synthesis Ke, J. X., Vidler, M., Dol, J., Carvalho, B., Blake, L. E., George, R. B., Bone, J., Seligman, K., Coombs, M., Chau, A. A., Saville, L., Gibbs, R. S., Sultan, P. 2022

    Abstract

    The goal of this systematic review is to assess the incidence, prevalence, and timing of common postpartum (up to one year after delivery) medical, surgical/procedural, and psychosocial complications and mortality.Childbirth is the most common cause for hospitalization, and cesarean delivery is the most commonly performed inpatient surgery. After delivery, mothers are at risk of short- and long-term complications that can impact their well-being. The results of this review will inform evidence-based recommendations for patient education, monitoring, and follow-up.We will include studies performed in Canada and/or the United States that report the incidence or prevalence of medical, procedural/surgical, and psychosocial complications within one year postpartum. Observational studies (analytical cross-sectional studies, retrospective and prospective cohorts), randomized or non-randomized controlled trials with a control or standard of care group, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses will be included. Studies with <100 patients, age <18 years, no reporting of duration, and focus on patients with a specific condition rather than a general postpartum population will be excluded.The search strategy was co-developed with a medical librarian and included full-text English-language articles published within the past 10 years (2011-2021) in PubMed, CINHAL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Screening, critical appraisal, and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers using Covidence, standardized JBI tools, and a standardized form, respectively. For each complication, the incidence or prevalence, timing of the frequency measurement, and duration of follow-up from individual studies will be determined. Meta-analysis will be performed if feasible.PROSPERO CRD42022303047.

    View details for DOI 10.11124/JBIES-21-00437

    View details for PubMedID 35975310

  • Assessment of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Maternal Postpartum Depression Using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments Guideline: A Systematic Review. JAMA network open Sultan, P., Ando, K., Elkhateb, R., George, R. B., Lim, G., Carvalho, B., Chitneni, A., Kawai, R., Tulipan, T., Blake, L., Coker, J., O'Carroll, J. 2022; 5 (6): e2214885

    Abstract

    Importance: Maternal depression is frequently reported in the postpartum period, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 15% during the first postpartum year. Despite the high prevalence of postpartum depression, there is no consensus regarding which patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) should be used to screen for this complex, multidimensional construct.Objective: To evaluate psychometric measurement properties of existing PROMs of maternal postpartum depression using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guideline and identify the best available patient-reported screening measure.Evidence Review: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science were searched on July 1, 2019, for validated PROMs of postpartum depression, and an additional search including a hand search of references from eligible studies was conducted in June 2021. Included studies evaluated 1 or more psychometric measurement properties of the identified PROMs. A risk-of-bias assessment was performed to evaluate methods of each included study. Psychometric measurement properties of each PROM were rated according to COSMIN criteria. A modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the level of evidence supporting each rating, and a recommendation class (A, recommended for use; B, further research required; or C, not recommended) was given based on the overall quality of each included PROM.Findings: Among 10 264 postpartum recovery studies, 27 PROMs were identified. Ten PROMs (37.0%) met the inclusion criteria and were used in 43 studies (0.4%) involving 22 095 postpartum women. At least 1 psychometric measurement property was assessed for each of the 10 validated PROMs identified. Content validity was sufficient in all PROMs. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) demonstrated adequate content validity and a moderate level of evidence for sufficient internal consistency (with sufficient structural validity), resulting in a recommendation of class A. The other 9 PROMs evaluated received a recommendation of class B.Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this systematic review suggest that the EPDS is the best available patient-reported screening measure of maternal postpartum depression. Future studies should focus on evaluating the cross-cultural validity, reliability, and measurement error of the EPDS to improve understanding of its psychometric properties and utility.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.14885

    View details for PubMedID 35749118

  • Enhancing recovery after cesarean delivery - A narrative review. Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology O'Carroll, J., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2022; 36 (1): 89-105

    Abstract

    Enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery (ERAC) is increasingly being implemented worldwide with the aim to improve patient care for women undergoing this procedure. ERAC is associated with superior maternal outcomes including decreased length of hospital stay, opioid consumption, pain scores, times to mobilization and urinary catheter removal and hospitalization costs,without increasing hospital readmission rates. A number of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative interventions have been incorporated into ERAC protocols. The evidence base for each intervention varies, and there is a lack of consensus as to which are the best and most appropriate interventions. The quality of evidence of studies evaluating ERAC is low, and the measurements for reporting its success are varied and disparate. Protocols rarely assess patient-reported outcome measures, patient satisfaction, or patient experience. The best measures of ERAC success are yet to be fully elucidated. Further work is required to evaluate protocols, interventions, and how best to measure the effect of ERAC.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bpa.2022.01.001

    View details for PubMedID 35659963

  • Analgesia for Caesarean section. BJA education Neall, G., Bampoe, S., Sultan, P. 2022; 22 (5): 197-203

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bjae.2021.12.008

    View details for PubMedID 35496649

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9039532

  • Development and validation of a Portuguese version of Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR-10-Portuguese). Anaesthesia, critical care & pain medicine Mathias, L., Carlos, R. V., Siaulys, M., Gabriades, P., Guo, N., Domingue, B., O'Carroll, J., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2022: 101085

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: We aimed to develop and validate a Portuguese version of the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR-10-Portuguese) patient-reported outcome measure and evaluate its psychometric properties.METHODS: After ethical approval, we recruited term pregnant women undergoing uncomplicated elective cesarean delivery in a single Brazilian institution. Women were invited to complete the translated ObsQoR-10-Portuguese and EuroQoL (EQ-5D) questionnaires (including a global health visual analog scale [GHVAS]) at 24hours (±6hours) following delivery, and a subset of women an hour later. We assessed validity and reliability of ObsQoR-10-Portuguese.RESULTS: One hundred thirteen and 29 enrolled women completed the surveys at 24h and 25h (100% response rate).VALIDITY: (i) Convergent validity: ObsQoR-10-Portuguese correlated moderately with EuroQoL score (r=-0.587) and GHVAS score (r=0.568) at 24h. (ii) Discriminant validity: ObsQoR-10 discriminated well between good versus poor recovery (GHVAS score ≥ 70 versus < 70; difference in mean scores 14.2; p<0.001). (iii) Hypothesis testing: 24-h ObsQoR-10-Portuguese scores correlated with gestational age (r=0.191; p=0.043). (iv) Cross-cultural validity: Differential item functioning analysis suggested bias in 2 items. Reliability: (i) Internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha=0.82 and inter-item correlation=0.31). (ii) Split-half reliability was very good (Spearman-Brown Prophesy Reliability Estimate=0.80). (iii) Test re-test reliability was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient=0.87). (iv) Floor and ceiling effects: <5% women scored either 0 or 100 (lowest and highest scores, respectively).CONCLUSION: ObsQoR-10-Portuguese is valid and reliable, and should be considered for use in Portuguese-speaking women to assess their quality of inpatient recovery following cesarean delivery.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.accpm.2022.101085

    View details for PubMedID 35487408

  • Divinum sedare dolorem: it is divine to alleviate pain. Anaesthesia Sultan, P., Patel, R., Sharawi, N., Moonesinghe, S. R. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15743

    View details for PubMedID 35437745

  • Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Fernando, R., Sultan, P., Phillips, S. Springer. 2022
  • Inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia in patients undergoing elective caesarean section: a systematic review. Anaesthesia Patel, R., Kua, J., Sharawi, N., Bauer, M. E., Blake, L., Moonesinghe, S. R., Sultan, P. 2022

    Abstract

    Neuraxial anaesthesia is widely utilised for elective caesarean section, but the prevalence of inadequate intra-operative anaesthesia is unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia for elective caesarean section; prevalence of conversion from neuraxial anaesthesia to general anaesthesia following inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia; and the effect of mode of anaesthesia. We searched studies reporting inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia that used ≥ ED95 doses (effective dose in 95% of the population) of neuraxial local anaesthetic agents. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia, defined as the need to convert to general anaesthesia; the need to repeat or abandon a planned primary neuraxial technique following incision; unplanned administration of intra-operative analgesia (excluding sedatives); or unplanned epidural drug supplementation. Fifty-four randomised controlled trials were included (3497 patients). The overall prevalence of requirement for supplemental analgesia or anaesthesia was 14.6% (95%CI 13.3-15.9%); 510 out of 3497 patients. The prevalence of general anaesthesia conversion was 2 out of 3497 patients (0.06% (95%CI 0.0-0.2%)). Spinal/combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia was associated with a lower overall prevalence of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia than epidural anaesthesia (10.2% (95%CI 9.0-11.4%), 278 out of 2732 patients vs. 30.3% (95%CI 26.5-34.5%), 232 out of 765 patients). Further studies are needed to identify risk factors, optimise detection and management strategies and to determine long-term effects of inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15657

    View details for PubMedID 35064923

  • Cesarean delivery Nelson G, Ramirez PT, Dowdy SC, Wilson RD, and Scott MJ (Eds). The ERAS® Society Handbook for Obstetrics & Gynecology. Fay, E., Sultan, P., Bollag, L. Elsevier Inc./Academic Press. 2022; 1: 249-81
  • Anesthetic Management of Pregnant Patients with Novel Coronavirus Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Sheikh, M., Abir, G., Sultan, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 483-492
  • Failed Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean Delivery . Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Sng, B. L., Sia, A., Ramage, S., Armstrong, S., Sultan, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 365-372
  • Failed Epidural Analgesia During Labour Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Sia, A., Sng, B. L., Ramage, S., Armstrong, S., Sultan, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 359-364
  • Intrapartum Fever Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Patel, S., Sultan, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 353-358
  • Placenta Accreta Spectrum Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Sharawi, N., Whittington, J., Sultan, P., Chawla, S. Springer. 2022; 1: 237-244
  • Placenta Praevia Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Sharawi, N., Whittington, J., Sultan, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 229-236
  • Pre-term Birth Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Chawla, S., Sultan, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 209-220
  • Antenatal Care for Uncomplicated Pregnancies Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Chawla, S., Sultan, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 177-184
  • Expedited and Emergency Caesarean Delivery Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Sara, P., O'Brien, P., Sultan, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 107-114
  • Umbilical COrd Prolapse Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Yan, A., Sultan, P., O'Brien, P. Springer. 2022; 1: 101-106
  • Cervical Cerclage(Insertion and Removal) Quick Hits in Obstetric Anesthesia Monks, D., Sultan, P., Tuuli, M. Springer. 2022; 1: 75-80
  • Impact of enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery on maternal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Anaesthesia, critical care & pain medicine Pervez, S., Sharawi, N., Blake, L., Habib, A. S., Brookfield, K. F., Carvalho, B. 2021: 100935

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis explores the impact of enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery (ERAC) on maternal outcomes.METHODS: We searched 4 databases (Web of Science, Embase, PubMed and CINAHL) in October 2020 without date limiters for studies quantitatively comparing ERAC implementation to a control group. The primary outcome was length of hospital stay and secondary outcomes included time to mobilization and time to urinary catheter removal, opioid consumption, readmission rates and cost savings. Mean differences and odds ratios (MD and OR with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated. Level of evidence was assessed using GRADE.RESULTS: Twelve studies involving 17,607 patients (9,693 without ERAC and 7,914 with ERAC) were included. ERAC was associated with reduced: length of hospital stay (MD -0.51 days [-0.94, -0.09]; p = 0.018; I2 = 99%), time to first mobilization (MD -11.05hours [-18.64, -3.46]; p = 0.004; I2 = 98%), time to urinary catheter removal (MD -13.19hours [-17.59, -8.79]; p < 0.001; I2 = 97% and opioid consumption (MD -21.85mg morphine equivalents [-33.19, -10.50]; p = < 0.001; I2 = 91%), with no difference in maternal readmission rate (OR 1.23 [0.96, 1.57]; p = 0.10; I2 = 0%). Three studies reported cost savings associated with ERAC. The GRADE level of evidence was rated as low or very low quality for all study outcomes.CONCLUSION: ERAC is associated with reduction in length of stay, times to first mobilization and urinary catheter removal and opioid consumption. ERAC does not significantly affect maternal hospital readmission rates following discharge. Further studies are required to determine which ERAC interventions to implement and which outcomes best determine ERAC efficacy.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.accpm.2021.100935

    View details for PubMedID 34390864

  • Evidence-based guidance for use of intrathecal morphine as an alternative to diamorphine for Caesarean delivery analgesia. British journal of anaesthesia Sultan, P., Carvalho, B. 2021

    Abstract

    Intrathecal morphine in combination with fentanyl is an effective and safe alternative to diamorphine for Caesarean delivery analgesia. Evidence suggests minimal differences in clinical efficacy and side-effects between intrathecal morphine and diamorphine. Recommended intrathecal morphine doses for Caesarean delivery analgesia are 100-150 ug.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2021.06.023

    View details for PubMedID 34362559

  • Incidence of accidental awareness during general anaesthesia in obstetrics: a multicentre, prospective cohort study. Anaesthesia Odor, P. M., Bampoe, S., Lucas, D. N., Moonesinghe, S. R., Andrade, J., Pandit, J. J. 2021

    Abstract

    General anaesthesia for obstetric surgery has distinct characteristics that may contribute towards a higher risk of accidental awareness during general anaesthesia. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, experience and psychological implications of unintended conscious awareness during general anaesthesia in obstetric patients. From May 2017 to August 2018, 3115 consenting patients receiving general anaesthesia for obstetric surgery in 72 hospitals in England were recruited to the study. Patients received three repetitions of standardised questioning over 30 days, with responses indicating memories during general anaesthesia that were verified using interviews and record interrogation. A total of 12 patients had certain/probable or possible awareness, an incidence of 1 in 256 (95%CI 149-500) for all obstetric surgery. The incidence was 1 in 212 (95%CI 122-417) for caesarean section surgery. Distressing experiences were reported by seven (58.3%) patients, paralysis by five (41.7%) and paralysis with pain by two (16.7%). Accidental awareness occurred during induction and emergence in nine (75%) of the patients who reported awareness. Factors associated with accidental awareness during general anaesthesia were: high BMI (25-30 kg.m-2 ); low BMI (<18.5 kg.m-2 ); out-of-hours surgery; and use of ketamine or thiopental for induction. Standardised psychological impact scores at 30 days were significantly higher in awareness patients (median (IQR [range]) 15 (2.7-52.0 [2-56]) than in patients without awareness 3 (1-9 [0-64]), p = 0.010. Four patients had a provisional diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. We conclude that direct postoperative questioning reveals high rates of accidental awareness during general anaesthesia for obstetric surgery, which has implications for anaesthetic practice, consent and follow-up.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15385

    View details for PubMedID 33434945

  • Comment on the editorial relating to: Transversus abdominis plane block compared with wound infiltration for postoperative analgesia following Cesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie Sultan, P. n., Carvalho, B. n., Halpern, S. n. 2021

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-020-01872-5

    View details for PubMedID 33403553

  • Objective Activity Parameters Track Patient-Specific Physical Recovery Trajectories After Surgery and Link With Individual Preoperative Immune States. Annals of surgery Fallahzadeh, R., Verdonk, F., Ganio, E., Culos, A., Stanley, N., Marić, I., Chang, A. L., Becker, M., Phongpreecha, T., Xenochristou, M., De Francesco, D., Espinosa, C., Gao, X., Tsai, A., Sultan, P., Tingle, M., Amanatullah, D. F., Huddleston, J. I., Goodman, S. B., Gaudilliere, B., Angst, M. S., Aghaeepour, N. 2021

    Abstract

    The longitudinal assessment of physical function with high temporal resolution at a scalable and objective level in patients recovering from surgery is highly desirable to understand the biological and clinical factors that drive the clinical outcome. However, physical recovery from surgery itself remains poorly defined and the utility of wearable technologies to study recovery after surgery has not been established.Prolonged postoperative recovery is often associated with long-lasting impairment of physical, mental, and social functions. While phenotypical and clinical patient characteristics account for some variation of individual recovery trajectories, biological differences likely play a major role. Specifically, patient-specific immune states have been linked to prolonged physical impairment after surgery. However, current methods of quantifying physical recovery lack patient specificity and objectivity.Here, a combined high-fidelity accelerometry and state-of-the-art deep immune profiling approach was studied in patients undergoing major joint replacement surgery. The aim was to determine whether objective physical parameters derived from accelerometry data can accurately track patient-specific physical recovery profiles (suggestive of a 'clock of postoperative recovery'), compare the performance of derived parameters with benchmark metrics including step count, and link individual recovery profiles with patients' preoperative immune state.The results of our models indicate that patient-specific temporal patterns of physical function can be derived with a precision superior to benchmark metrics. Notably, six distinct domains of physical function and sleep are identified to represent the objective temporal patterns: "activity capacity" and "moderate and overall activity" (declined immediately after surgery); "sleep disruption and sedentary activity" (increased after surgery); "overall sleep", "sleep onset", and "light activity" (no clear changes were observed after surgery). These patterns can be linked to individual patients' preoperative immune state using cross-validated canonical-correlation analysis. Importantly, the pSTAT3 signal activity in M-MDSCs predicted a slower recovery.Accelerometry-based recovery trajectories are scalable and objective outcomes to study patient-specific factors that drive physical recovery.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/SLA.0000000000005250

    View details for PubMedID 35129529

  • A systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures used to assess postpartum pain using Consensus Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. British journal of anaesthesia Sultan, P. n., Ando, K. n., Sultan, E. n., Hawkins, J. E., Chitneni, A. n., Sharawi, N. n., Sadana, N. n., Blake, L. E., Singh, P. M., Flood, P. n., Carvalho, B. n. 2021

    Abstract

    We performed a systematic review using Consensus Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines to identify the best available patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) of postpartum pain.This review follows COSMIN guidelines. We searched four databases with no date limiters, for previously identified validated PROMs used to assess postpartum pain. PROMs evaluating more than one author-defined domain of postpartum pain were assessed. We sought studies evaluating psychometric properties. An overall rating was then assigned based upon COSMIN analysis, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the level of evidence for psychometric properties of included PROMs. These assessments were used to make recommendations and identify the best PROM to assess postpartum pain.We identified 19 studies using seven PROMs (involving 3511 women), which evaluated postpartum pain. All included studies evaluated ≥1 psychometric property of the included PROMs. An adequate number of pain domains was assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Short Form-BPI (SF-BPI), and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). The SF-BPI was the only PROM to demonstrate adequate content validity and at least a low-level of evidence for sufficient internal consistency, resulting in a Class A recommendation (the best performing instrument, recommended for use).SF-BPI is the best currently available PROM to assess postpartum pain. However, it fails to assess several important domains and only just met the criteria for a Class A recommendation. Future studies are warranted to develop, evaluate, and implement a new PROM designed to specifically assess postpartum pain.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2021.03.035

    View details for PubMedID 34016441

  • A systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures used to assess sleep in postpartum women using Consensus Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Sleep Sultan, P. n., Ando, K. n., Sultan, E. n., Hawkins, J. n., Blake, L. n., Barwick, F. n., Kawai, M. n., Carvalho, B. n. 2021

    Abstract

    We performed a systematic review to identify the best patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) of postpartum sleep in women.We searched 4 databases for validated PROMs used to assess postpartum sleep. Studies were considered if they evaluated at least 1 psychometric measurement property of a PROM. An overall rating was assigned for each psychometric measurement property of each PROM based upon COSMIN criteria. A modified GRADE approach was used to assess the level of evidence and recommendations were then made for each PROM.We identified 15 validation studies of 8 PROMs, in 9,070 postpartum women. An adequate number of sleep domains was assessed by 5 PROMs: Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and the Sleep Symptom Checklist (SSC). BIS and GSDS were the only PROMs to demonstrate adequate content validity and at least a low level of evidence of sufficient internal consistency, resulting in Class A recommendations. The BIS was the only PROM, which is easily accessible and free to use for non-commercial research, that achieved a Class A recommendation.The BIS is the best currently available PROM of postpartum sleep. However, this PROM fails to assess several important domains such as sleep duration (and efficiency), chronotype, sleep-disordered breathing and medication usage. Future studies should focus on evaluating the psychometric measurement properties of BIS in the North American setting and in different cultural groups, or to develop a more specific PROM of postpartum sleep.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/sleep/zsab128

    View details for PubMedID 34013345

  • A Peripheral Immune Signature of Labor Induction. Frontiers in immunology Ando, K., Hédou, J. J., Feyaerts, D., Han, X., Ganio, E. A., Tsai, E. S., Peterson, L. S., Verdonk, F., Tsai, A. S., Marić, I., Wong, R. J., Angst, M. S., Aghaeepour, N., Stevenson, D. K., Blumenfeld, Y. J., Sultan, P., Carvalho, B., Stelzer, I. A., Gaudillière, B. 2021; 12: 725989

    Abstract

    Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women in the United States undergo labor induction. The onset and establishment of labor, particularly induced labor, is a complex and dynamic process influenced by multiple endocrine, inflammatory, and mechanical factors as well as obstetric and pharmacological interventions. The duration from labor induction to the onset of active labor remains unpredictable. Moreover, prolonged labor is associated with severe complications for the mother and her offspring, most importantly chorioamnionitis, uterine atony, and postpartum hemorrhage. While maternal immune system adaptations that are critical for the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy have been previously characterized, the role of the immune system during the establishment of labor is poorly understood. Understanding maternal immune adaptations during labor initiation can have important ramifications for predicting successful labor induction and labor complications in both induced and spontaneous types of labor. The aim of this study was to characterize labor-associated maternal immune system dynamics from labor induction to the start of active labor. Serial blood samples from fifteen participants were collected immediately prior to labor induction (baseline) and during the latent phase until the start of active labor. Using high-dimensional mass cytometry, a total of 1,059 single-cell immune features were extracted from each sample. A multivariate machine-learning method was employed to characterize the dynamic changes of the maternal immune system after labor induction until the establishment of active labor. A cross-validated linear sparse regression model (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, LASSO) predicted the minutes since induction of labor with high accuracy (R = 0.86, p = 6.7e-15, RMSE = 277 min). Immune features most informative for the model included STAT5 signaling in central memory CD8+ T cells and pro-inflammatory STAT3 signaling responses across multiple adaptive and innate immune cell subsets. Our study reports a peripheral immune signature of labor induction, and provides important insights into biological mechanisms that may ultimately predict labor induction success as well as complications, thereby facilitating clinical decision-making to improve maternal and fetal well-being.

    View details for DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2021.725989

    View details for PubMedID 34566984

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8458888

  • Efficacy of regional blocks or local anaesthetic infiltration for analgesia after caesarean delivery: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Anaesthesia Singh, N. P., Monks, D., Makkar, J. K., Palanisamy, A., Sultan, P., Singh, P. M. 2021

    Abstract

    Caesarean delivery is common and can cause severe postoperative pain but injection of local anaesthetic at various sites for regional blocks or local anaesthetic infiltration may reduce this. We aimed to compare and rank these sites. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and CENTRAL to June 2021 for randomised controlled trials and performed a random-effects Bayesian model network meta-analysis. The primary outcome was dose of parenteral morphine equivalents in the first 24 postoperative hours. We used surface under cumulative ranking probabilities to order techniques. We analysed 114 trials (8730 participants). The ordered mean (95% credible interval) reduction in morphine equivalents, from 34 mg with placebo, were as follows: ilio-inguinal 15 (1-32) mg; ilio-inguinal-iliohypogastric 13 (6-19) mg; transversalis fascia 11 (4-26) mg; erector spinae 11 (10-32); transverse abdominis 9 (4-13) mg; wound catheter infusion 8 (2-15) mg; quadratus lumborum 8 (1-15) mg; wound infiltration 8 (2-13) mg; and no intervention -4 (-10 to 2) mg. Ordered efficacies for injection sites were different for other relevant outcomes, including pain (to 4-6 h and to 24 h) and time to rescue analgesia: there was no single preferred route of injection. The ordered mean (95% credible interval) reduction in dynamic pain scores (0-10 scale) at 24 h compared with placebo were as follows: wound infusion 1.2 (0.2-2.1); erector spinae 1.3 (-0.5 to 3.1); quadratus lumborum 1.0 (0.1-1.8); ilio-inguinal-iliohypogastric 0.6 (-0.5 to 1.8); transverse abdominis 0.6 (-0.1 to 1.2); wound infiltration 0.5 (-0.3 to 1.3); transversalis fascia -0.8 (-3.4 to 1.9); ilio-inguinal -0.9 (-3.6 to 1.7); and no intervention -0.8 (-1.8 to 0.2). We categorised our confidence in effect sizes as low or very low.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15645

    View details for PubMedID 34958680

  • Pain after vaginal delivery and during breastfeeding: underexplored and underappreciated. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Sultan, P. n., Carvalho, B. n. 2021; 46: 102969

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2021.102969

    View details for PubMedID 33794439

  • Advances in anesthetic and obstetric management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum. Current opinion in anaesthesiology Merrill, J. n., Sultan, P. n., Sharawi, N. n. 2021; 34 (3): 260–68

    Abstract

    The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum is increasing and it is a leading cause of peripartum hysterectomy and massive postpartum hemorrhage. The purpose of the present article is to provide a contemporary overview of placenta accreta spectrum pertinent to the obstetric anesthesiologist.Recent changes in the terminology used to report invasive placentation were proposed to clarify diagnostic criteria and guidelines for use in clinical practice. Reduced morbidity is associated with scheduled preterm delivery in a center of excellence using a multidisciplinary team approach. Neuraxial anesthesia as a primary technique is increasingly being used despite the known risk of major bleeding. The use of viscoelastic testing and endovascular interventions may aid hemostatic resuscitation and improve outcomes.Accurate diagnosis and early antenatal planning among team members are essential. Obstetric anesthesiologists should be prepared to manage a massive hemorrhage, transfusion, and associated coagulopathy. Increasingly, viscoelastic tests are being used to assess coagulation status and the ability to interpret these results is required to guide the transfusion regimen. Balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta has been proposed as an intervention that could improve outcomes in women with placenta accreta spectrum, but high-quality safety and efficacy data are lacking.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACO.0000000000000985

    View details for PubMedID 33935172

  • Regional anaesthesia for labour, operative vaginal delivery and caesarean delivery: a narrative review. Anaesthesia Sultan, P. n., Sultan, E. n., Carvalho, B. n. 2021; 76 Suppl 1: 136–47

    Abstract

    This narrative review discusses recent evidence surrounding the use of regional anaesthesia in the obstetric setting, including intrapartum techniques for labour and operative vaginal delivery, and caesarean delivery. Pudendal nerve blockade, ideally administered by an obstetrician, should be considered for operative vaginal delivery if neuraxial analgesia is contraindicated. Regional techniques are increasingly utilised in clinical practice for caesarean delivery to minimise opioid consumption, reduce pain, improve postpartum recovery and facilitate earlier discharge as part of enhanced recovery protocols. The evidence surrounding transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blockade supports their use when: long-acting neuraxial opioids cannot be administered due to contraindications; if emergency delivery necessitates general anaesthesia; or as a postoperative rescue technique. Current data suggest quadratus lumborum blockade is no more effective than transversus abdominis plane blockade after caesarean delivery. Transversus abdominis plane blockade, wound catheter insertion and single shot wound infiltration are all effective techniques for reducing postoperative opioid consumption, with transversus abdominis plane blockade favoured, followed by wound catheters and then wound infiltration. Ilio-inguinal and iliohypogastric, erector spinae plane and rectus sheath blockade all require further studies to determine their efficacy for caesarean delivery in the presence or absence of long-acting neuraxial opioids. Future studies are needed to: compare approaches for individual techniques; determine which combinations of techniques and dosing regimens result in optimal analgesic and recovery outcomes following delivery; and elucidate the populations that benefit most from regional anaesthesia in the obstetric setting.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15233

    View details for PubMedID 33426655

  • Spinal prilocaine for caesarean section: walking a fine line. Anaesthesia Carvalho, B. n., Sultan, P. n. 2021

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15341

    View details for PubMedID 33428235

  • Can Noninferior be Superior? Anesthesia and analgesia Toledo, P. n., Singh, P. M., Sultan, P. n. 2021; 132 (3): 663–65

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005267

    View details for PubMedID 33591090

  • Correction to: Transversus abdominis plane block compared with wound infiltration for postoperative analgesia following Cesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie Sultan, P., Patel, S. D., Jadin, S., Carvalho, B., Halpern, S. H. 2020

    Abstract

    The original article was updated to amend number "0.09" in Table2a (instead "-0.09").

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-020-01839-6

    View details for PubMedID 33089415

  • General anaesthetic and airway management practice for obstetric surgery in England: a prospective, multicentre observational study. Anaesthesia Odor, P. M., Bampoe, S., Moonesinghe, S. R., Andrade, J., Pandit, J. J., Lucas, D. N. 2020

    Abstract

    There are no current descriptions of general anaesthesia characteristics for obstetric surgery, despite recent changes to patient baseline characteristics and airway management guidelines. This analysis of data from the direct reporting of awareness in maternity patients' (DREAMY) study of accidental awareness during obstetric anaesthesia aimed to describe practice for obstetric general anaesthesia in England and compare with earlier surveys and best-practice recommendations. Consenting patients who received general anaesthesia for obstetric surgery in 72 hospitals from May 2017 to August 2018 were included. Baseline characteristics, airway management, anaesthetic techniques and major complications were collected. Descriptive analysis, binary logistic regression modelling and comparisons with earlier data were conducted. Data were collected from 3117 procedures, including 2554 (81.9%) caesarean deliveries. Thiopental was the induction drug in 1649 (52.9%) patients, compared with propofol in 1419 (45.5%). Suxamethonium was the neuromuscular blocking drug for tracheal intubation in 2631 (86.1%), compared with rocuronium in 367 (11.8%). Difficult tracheal intubation was reported in 1 in 19 (95%CI 1 in 16-22) and failed intubation in 1 in 312 (95%CI 1 in 169-667). Obese patients were over-represented compared with national baselines and associated with difficult, but not failed intubation. There was more evidence of change in practice for induction drugs (increased use of propofol) than neuromuscular blocking drugs (suxamethonium remains the most popular). There was evidence of improvement in practice, with increased monitoring and reversal of neuromuscular blockade (although this remains suboptimal). Despite a high risk of difficult intubation in this population, videolaryngoscopy was rarely used (1.9%).

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15250

    View details for PubMedID 32959372

  • Epidural-Related Maternal Temperature Rise Is Dependent on the Duration of the Block Response ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Sultan, P., Segal, S. 2020; 131 (3): E162
  • In Response. Anesthesia and analgesia Sultan, P., Segal, S. 2020; 131 (3): e162

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000004991

    View details for PubMedID 33035031

  • A prospective, up-down sequential allocation study investigating the effectiveness of vital capacity breaths using high-flow nasal oxygenation versus a tight-fitting face mask to pre-oxygenate term pregnant women. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Al-Sulttan, S., Bampoe, S., Howle, R., Setty, T., Columb, M., Patel, A., Fernando, R., Husain, T., Sultan, P. 2020

    Abstract

    The role of high flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO) for pre-oxygenation before obstetric general anaesthesia remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the number of vital capacity breaths using HFNO required to pre-oxygenate 90% of parturients to an end-tidal oxygen concentration fraction (FETO2) of ≥0.90 (termed EN90).Using up-down, sequential allocation trial design, volunteer term parturients undergoing caesarean delivery were investigated with HFNO with their mouths closed, followed by mouths open, and if FETO2 ≥0.90 was not achieved after a maximum of 20 vital capacity breaths, pre-oxygenation was attempted with a face mask. The primary outcome was the number of vital capacity breaths required using HFNO (mouth open and closed) to achieve EN90. Secondary outcomes included assessment of EN90 using mouth open versus mouth closed and face mask pre-oxygenation, maternal satisfaction and evaluation of fetal cardiotocography.Twenty women at term were recruited. Successful pre-oxygenation occurred in 4 (20%), 3 (15%) and 14 (70%) women with HFNO mouth closed, HFNO mouth open, and via face mask respectively. At up to 20 vital capacity breaths, face mask pre-oxygenation was more successful at achieving EN90 compared with both HFNO with a closed (P=0.006) or open (P=0.001) mouth. Closed mouth HFNO did not outperform open-mouth pre-oxygenation.Face mask pre-oxygenation is more effective at achieving EN90 compared to HFNO within a clinically acceptable number of vital capacity breaths. Further studies are needed to determine the role of HFNO in optimising the time before desaturation and for apnoeic oxygenation in term parturients.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.08.004

    View details for PubMedID 33129656

  • Gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) during pregnancy and the postpartum period: a systematic review. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Howle, R., Sultan, P., Shah, R., Sceales, P., Van de Putte, P., Bampoe, S. 2020; 44: 24-32

    Abstract

    Personalised risk assessment of the likelihood of pulmonary aspiration is recommended for pregnant women undergoing general anaesthesia and gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) may help to achieve this. Traditionally, risk assessment is based upon adherence to fasting times, but gastric emptying may vary during pregnancy and surgery often needs to be expedited. We systematically reviewed the evidence for gastric PoCUS up to August 2018 in pregnant and postpartum women to determine whether it can identify and quantify stomach contents, provide aspiration risk assessment via qualitative or quantitative means, and determine how gastric emptying is affected by pregnancy. Twenty-two articles comprising 1050 participants were included and studies were classified by qualitative or quantitative findings. The evidence suggests that gastric PoCUS is a reliable and feasible method of imaging the stomach in pregnancy in clinical practice. Qualitative assessment via the Perlas grading system can provide rapid assessment of gastric volume states. If fluid is visible, identification of patients at high risk of pulmonary aspiration requires measurement of antral cross-sectional area. Cut-off values of 608 mm2 and 960 mm2 are recommended in the semi-recumbent and right lateral semi-recumbent positions, respectively. Validated methods to quantify stomach volumes are available, however their usefulness is currently restricted to research. Gastric PoCUS also provides evidence that gastric emptying of ingested food is delayed by term pregnancy, labour and during the early postpartum period. However, the passage of fluids through the stomach appears unaffected throughout the peripartum period.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.05.005

    View details for PubMedID 32693329

  • Impact of enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery on maternal outcomes: A meta-analysis Taylor, J., Sultan, P., Sharawi, N., Habib, A. S., Carvalho, B., Blake, L. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2020: 541
  • Early elevation in plasma high-sensitivity troponin T and morbidity after elective noncardiac surgery: prospective multicentre observational cohort study. British journal of anaesthesia Ackland, G. L., Abbott, T. E., Jones, T. F., Leuwer, M., Pearse, R. M. 2020

    Abstract

    Elevated high-sensitivity troponin (hsTnT) after noncardiac surgery is associated with higher mortality, but the temporal relationship between early elevated troponin and the later development of noncardiac morbidity remains unclear.Prospective observational study of patients aged ≥45 yr undergoing major noncardiac surgery at four UK hospitals (two masked to hsTnT). The exposure of interest was early elevated troponin, as defined by hsTnT >99th centile (≥15 ng L-1) within 24 h after surgery. The primary outcome was morbidity 72 h after surgery, defined by the Postoperative Morbidity Survey (POMS). Secondary outcomes were time to become morbidity-free and Clavien-Dindo ≥grade 3 complications.Early elevated troponin (median 21 ng L-1 [16-32]) occurred in 992 of 4335 (22.9%) patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery (mean [standard deviation, sd] age, 65 [11] yr; 2385 [54.9%] male). Noncardiac morbidity was more frequent in 494/992 (49.8%) patients with early elevated troponin compared with 1127/3343 (33.7%) patients with hsTnT <99th centile (odds ratio [OR]=1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-2.25). Patients with early elevated troponin had a higher risk of proven/suspected infectious morbidity (OR=1.54; 95% CI, 1.24-1.91) and critical care utilisation (OR=2.05; 95% CI, 1.73-2.43). Clavien-Dindo ≥grade 3 complications occurred in 167/992 (16.8%) patients with early elevated troponin, compared with 319/3343 (9.5%) patients with hsTnT <99th centile (OR=1.78; 95% CI, 1.48-2.14). Absence of early elevated troponin was associated with morbidity-free recovery (OR=0.44; 95% CI, 0.39-0.51).Early elevated troponin within 24 h of elective noncardiac surgery precedes the subsequent development of noncardiac organ dysfunction and may help stratify levels of postoperative care in real time.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2020.02.003

    View details for PubMedID 32147104

  • Epidural-Related Maternal Fever: Still a Hot Topic, But What Are the Burning Issues? Anesthesia and analgesia Sultan, P., Segal, S. 2020; 130 (2): 318–20

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000004576

    View details for PubMedID 31934906

  • Protocol for direct reporting of awareness in maternity patients (DREAMY): a prospective, multicentre cohort study of accidental awareness during general anaesthesia. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Odor, P. M., Bampoe, S. n., Lucas, D. N., Moonesinghe, S. R., Andrade, J. n., Pandit, J. J. 2020; 42: 47–56

    Abstract

    Accidental awareness during general anaesthesia (AAGA) is a complex and rare outcome to investigate in surgical patient populations, particularly obstetric patients. We report the protocol of the Direct Reporting of Awareness in Maternity patients (DREAMY) study, illustrating how the research was designed to address practical and methodological challenges for investigating AAGA in an obstetric cohort.This is the trial protocol of a prospective, multicentre cohort study of patients undergoing obstetric surgery under general anaesthesia. Accidental awareness during general anaesthesia will be detected using three repetitions of standardised direct questioning over 30 days, with responses indicating memories during general anaesthesia verified using structured interviews. Reports will be adjudicated, then classified, in accordance with pre-defined and pre-validated structures, including the Michigan Awareness Classification tool. Quantitative data will be collected on general anaesthesia conduct for all participants. This descriptive study is being conducted in England and aims to recruit a minimum of 2015 patients.The DREAMY study was prospectively registered (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03100396) and ethical approval granted. Participant recruitment began in May 2017 and one year follow up concluded in August 2019. Publication of the results is anticipated in 2020.The DREAMY study will provide data on incidence, experience and implications of AAGA for obstetric patients, using a robust methodology that will reliably detect and translate subjective AAGA reports into objective outcomes. In addition, the study is expected to improve vigilance for AAGA in participating hospitals and encourage adoption of recommendations for support of patients experiencing AAGA.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.02.004

    View details for PubMedID 32139144

  • Obstetric Anesthesia During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anesthesia and analgesia Bauer, M. n., Bernstein, K. n., Dinges, E. n., Delgado, C. n., El-Sharawi, N. n., Sultan, P. n., Mhyre, J. M., Landau, R. n. 2020

    Abstract

    With increasing numbers of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) cases due to efficient human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the United States, preparation for the unpredictable setting of labor and delivery is paramount. The priorities are two-fold in the management of obstetric patients with COVID-19 infection or persons under investigation (PUI): (1) caring for the range of asymptomatic to critically ill pregnant and postpartum women; (2) protecting health care workers and beyond from exposure during the delivery hospitalization (health care providers, personnel, family members). The goal of this review is to provide evidence-based recommendations, or expert opinion when evidence is limited, for anesthesiologists caring for pregnant women during the COVID 19 pandemic, with a focus on preparedness and best clinical obstetric anesthesia practice.

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000004856

    View details for PubMedID 32265365

  • Obstetric quality of recovery scoring tool: assessment of validity, reliability and feasibility in an Israeli cesarean delivery population. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Shalev, S. n., Orbach-Zinger, S. n., Sultan, P. n., Guo, N. n., Ronel, I. n., Davis, A. n., Weiniger, C. F. 2020; 44: 51

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.07.009

    View details for PubMedID 32799064

  • Comparison of spontaneous versus operative vaginal delivery using Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR-10): An observational cohort study. Journal of clinical anesthesia Sultan, P. n., Kormendy, F. n., Nishimura, S. n., Carvalho, B. n., Guo, N. n., Papageorgiou, C. n. 2020; 63: 109781

    Abstract

    We aimed to determine whether patient-reported quality of recovery differed between spontaneous and operative vaginal delivery. We also aimed to psychometrically evaluate the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scoring tool (ObsQoR-10) for use in this setting.Single center observational cohort study.Labour and delivery ward at a peripheral general hospital within the United Kingdom, over a 10-month period.123 women delivering via either spontaneous (n = 68) or operative vaginal delivery (n = 55).Women were asked to complete the ObsQoR-10 and global health visual analogue scale (0-100) on postpartum day 1. A convenience sample of consenting parturients delivering via spontaneous or operative vaginal delivery (forceps or vacuum assisted), were included. In total, 123 deliveries were included (68 via spontaneous and 55 via operative vaginal delivery), with no dropouts.Primary outcome was ObsQoR-10 score and secondary outcomes included measures of validity, reliability and feasibility of ObsQoR-10.Quality of recovery was better following spontaneous vaginal delivery. ObsQoR-10 scores were 80.2 (95% CI 76.4-83.9) and 72.1 (95% CI 67.3-76.9], (a difference in score of 8.1 [95% CI 2.1-14.0]) following spontaneous and operative vaginal delivery respectively (p = 0.008).ObsQoR-10 correlated with global health visual analogue scale score (R = 0.52; p = 0.01) and scores were higher in women requiring <36 h compared to ≥36 hour postpartum hospital stay (81.3 (95% CI 77.9-84.7) versus 72.6 (95% CI 67.9-77.2] hours respectively, (a difference in score of 8.7 [95% CI 2.8-14.6]; p = 0.004). Reliability: ObsQoR-10 demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82 and inter-item correlation = 0.32) good split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown Prophesy Reliability Estimate = 0.88) and excellent test-re-test reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.86 [95% CI 0.72-0.93]). Feasibility: All women completed the survey with a median completion time of 2.5 min.Quality of recovery appears to be better following spontaneous compared to operative vaginal delivery. This study also demonstrates that ObsQoR-10 is a valid and reliable tool for use following these delivery modes.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2020.109781

    View details for PubMedID 32203873

  • Enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery versus standard care studies: a systematic review of interventions and outcomes. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Sultan, P. n., Sharawi, N. n., Blake, L. n., Carvalho, B. n. 2020

    Abstract

    This systematic review aimed to determine whether enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery (ERAC) protocols should be adopted.We searched four databases and abstracts from meetings for studies comparing ERAC to standard care. We report interventions, outcomes, qualitative impact of ERAC implementation and use GRADE scoring to determine quality of evidence and make recommendations regarding ERAC adoption, based on key outcomes (length of stay, financial savings, satisfaction, re-admission, opioid usage, breastfeeding success and maternal-neonatal bonding).Eleven published studies and 36 abstracts evaluating ERAC were included. Forty-two study interventions (40 in published studies) and 90 outcome measures (60 in published studies) were used. Most studies showed a reduction in hospital stay (6/7 studies) and reduced costs (2/2 studies) with ERAC compared with standard care. Satisfaction was inconsistently reported. Re-admission rates were similar between groups. Two studies showed a reduction and two showed no difference in opioid consumption with ERAC. One study showed improvement and another showed no change in outpatient breastfeeding rates with ERAC. One study showed better inpatient maternal-neonatal bonding. The GRADE level of evidence was low or very low for all outcomes.Studies evaluating ERAC used heterogeneous interventions and outcomes. Although there is currently low- or very low-level evidence supporting all outcomes evaluated, the majority of studies showed some benefits and none reported harm. On balance, we recommend the use of ERAC. Future studies are needed to strengthen ERAC recommendations by standardising interventions and reported outcomes.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2020.03.003

    View details for PubMedID 32299662

  • Transversus abdominis plane block compared with wound infiltration for postoperative analgesia following Cesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie Sultan, P. n., Patel, S. D., Jadin, S. n., Carvalho, B. n., Halpern, S. H. 2020

    Abstract

    This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) compared postoperative analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks with that of wound infiltration for Cesarean delivery (CD) without long-acting neuraxial opioid administration.We sought randomized-controlled trials comparing TAP vs wound infiltration, and inactive control vs either TAP or wound infiltration. Wound infiltration included single-dose infiltration (WI), or continuous infusion via a catheter (WC). The primary outcome was 24 hr opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included 12 and 24 hr pain scores (resting and movement), time to first analgesia request, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), maternal sedation, and pruritus. We performed a NMA incorporating both direct and indirect comparisons and reported standardized mean differences and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for continuous and dichotomous outcomes.Forty-two studies were included, comprising 2,906 participants. Transversus abdominis plane blocks and WC were associated with significantly lower 24 hr opioid consumption than inactive controls, but there were no significant differences between WI and inactive controls. There was no statistically significant difference in 24 hr opioid consumption between TAP blocks and WC or WI techniques. The network ranking of treatments was TAP block, followed by WC or WI. No significant differences were shown between TAP, WC, and WI groups for 24 hr pain scores, time to first analgesia, PONV, sedation, and pruritus. Quality of evidence was moderate for most of the outcomes assessed.In the absence of long-acting neuraxial opioid after CD, single-dose TAP blocks and WC are effective opioid-sparing strategies.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-020-01818-x

    View details for PubMedID 33033957

  • Quadratus lumborum block vs. transversus abdominis plane block for caesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Anaesthesia El-Boghdadly, K. n., Desai, N. n., Halpern, S. n., Blake, L. n., Odor, P. M., Bampoe, S. n., Carvalho, B. n., Sultan, P. n. 2020

    Abstract

    Caesarean delivery is the most commonly performed inpatient surgical procedure globally. Pain after caesarean delivery is moderate to severe if not adequately treated, and is a primary anaesthetic concern for patients. Transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks are fascial plane blocks that have the potential to improve analgesia following caesarean delivery. Although proponents of the quadratus lumborum block suggest that this technique may provide better analgesia compared with transversus abdominis plane block, there are limited data directly comparing these two techniques. We, therefore, performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block approaches, seeking randomised controlled trials comparing both techniques to each other, or to control, with or without intrathecal morphine. In all, 31 trials with 2188 patients were included and our primary outcome, the cumulative intravenous morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h, was reported in 12 trials. In the absence of intrathecal morphine, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks were equivalent, and both were superior to control (moderate-quality evidence). In the presence of intrathecal morphine, no differences were found between control, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks (moderate-quality evidence). Similar results were found for resting and active pain scores at 4-6 h, 8-12 h, 24 h and 36 h, although quadratus lumborum block was associated with lower pain scores at 36 h when compared with transversus abdominis plane block (very low-quality evidence). However, transversus abdominis plane block was associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (moderate-quality evidence) and sedation when compared with inactive control following intrathecal morphine administration (low-quality evidence). There are insufficient data to draw definitive conclusions, but transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block appear to be superior to control in the absence of intrathecal morphine, but provide limited additional benefit over inactive control when intrathecal morphine is also used.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.15160

    View details for PubMedID 32621529

  • Bupivacaine reduces release of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist from circulating neutrophils obtained from women in active labour del Arroyo, A. G., Sanchez, J., Reyes, A., Ackland, G. L., EPIFEVER Investigators ELSEVIER SCI LTD. 2019: E497
  • Evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures of functional recovery following caesarean section: a systematic review using the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Anaesthesia Sharawi, N., Klima, L., Shah, R., Blake, L., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2019

    Abstract

    We performed a systematic review using 'consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments' (COSMIN) criteria to identify and evaluate the quality of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) instruments that have been utilised to assess functional recovery following caesarean section, and determine the optimal instrument for use in this setting. A literature search was performed using five databases. Studies were included if a psychometrically validated instrument was used to assess functional recovery following caesarean section. The COSMIN appraisal checklist was utilised to: assess the quality of included studies reporting PROMs; determine psychometric quality of instruments; and identify the most promising instruments for use after caesarean section. We identified 13 PROMs used to assess the quality of recovery after caesarean section in 20 studies that included 9214 patients. All PROMs contained between two and seven domains. Five out of the 13 PROMs were specific to postpartum recovery. Only two of these PROM instruments were specifically designed for use after caesarean section (Obstetric Quality of Recovery-11 and Recovery from Caesarean SectionScale). We found very few adequate measures of functional recovery following caesarean section. Overall, the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-11 achieved the highest COSMIN standards for any PROM. Future development of PROMs for use after caesarean section should include multiple domains, and undergo validation as outlined by the COSMIN criteria.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.14807

    View details for PubMedID 31429919

  • Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Consensus Statement: Monitoring Recommendations for Prevention and Detection of Respiratory Depression Associated With Administration of Neuraxial Morphine for Cesarean Delivery Analgesia ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Bauchat, J. R., Weiniger, C. F., Sultan, P., Habib, A. S., Ando, K., Kowalczyk, J. J., Kato, R., George, R. B., Palmer, C. M., Carvalho, B. 2019; 129 (2): 458–74
  • Evaluation of the Obstetric Quality-of-Recovery score (ObsQoR-11) following non-elective caesarean delivery INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Ciechanowicz, S., Howie, R., Heppolette, C., Nakhjavani, B., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2019; 39: 51–59
  • Oral vs intravenous iron therapy for postpartum anemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Sultan, P., Bampoe, S., Shah, R., Guo, N., Estes, J., Stave, C., Goodnough, L., Halpern, S., Butwick, A. 2019; 222 (1): 19-+
  • Local anaesthetic techniques for post-caesarean delivery analgesia. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Patel, S. D., Sharawi, N., Sultan, P. 2019

    Abstract

    In this narrative review we summarise pertinent data from published studies investigating the use of local anaesthetic techniques as adjuncts for managing post caesarean delivery pain. Based on currently available evidence, ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP), quadratus lumborum (QL) and ilio-inguinal and iliohypogastric (ILIH) blocks are preferable to landmark techniques. When intrathecal morphine is used for caesarean delivery analgesia, TAP blocks do not confer any additional benefit. In the absence of intrathecal morphine, TAP blocks have been shown to reduce pain scores and opioid consumption in the first 24 hours postoperatively. In the absence of intrathecal morphine, single-dose local anaesthetic wound infiltration also results in a moderate reduction in opioid consumption postoperatively. If a wound catheter is to be incorporated into a multimodal analgesic regimen, a position below the fascia and a continuous infusion of low-concentration local anaesthetic solutions should be considered. Intraperitoneal local anaesthetic instillation may be of benefit in patients who undergo peritoneal closure but larger studies are still needed. Quadratus lumborum and ILIH blocks show promising results but the data are limited, so recommendations for routine use cannot be made. In summary, evidence supports the use of local anaesthetic techniques for post-caesarean delivery pain but additional research is required to determine the optimum dosing regimens, and the potential role of liposomal local anaesthetics. Further studies are required to compare techniques and determine their role in conjunction with low-dose long-acting neuraxial opioids.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2019.06.002

    View details for PubMedID 31262444

  • General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery Occasionally Essential but Best Avoided ANESTHESIOLOGY Mhyre, J. M., Sultan, P. 2019; 130 (6): 864–66
  • Evaluation of the Obstetric Quality-of-Recovery score (ObsQoR-11) following non-elective caesarean delivery. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Ciechanowicz, S., Howle, R., Heppolette, C., Nakhjavani, B., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2019

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Few robust scoring tools exist to assess recovery following caesarean delivery (CD). We evaluated a new obstetric quality of recovery score (ObsQoR-11, initially formulated for elective CD) following non-elective CD.METHODS: ObsQoR-11 questionnaires were completed by women at day one post non-elective CD. Convergent validity was assessed by correlation of ObsQoR-11 with a 100 mm numerical rating scale (NRS) of general health status; discriminant validity by correlation with good versus poor recovery (NRS of ≥70 vs. <70 mm, respectively); and content validity by correlation with length of stay (LOS), CD category, parity, gestation, previous CD, duration, blood loss, haemoglobin, age and body mass index. Cronbach's alpha, inter-item, split-half and test-retest correlation assessed reliability. Feasibility was tested by recruitment rate and time for ObsQoR-11 completion.RESULTS: 100 women completed ObsQoR-11 at 24 h and 20 women repeated it at 25 h. ObsQoR-11 correlated strongly with NRS (r = 0.72 [95% CI 0.61 to 0.81], P <0.0001); discriminated well between good versus poor recovery (median [IQR] score 97 [86.5-101] versus 64 [50.5-78.5], P <0.0001); correlated to LOS (r = -0.24 [-0.42 to -0.04], P=0.02) and parity (r = 0.24 [0.04 to 0.42], P=0.02). Reliability was acceptable: Cronbach's alpha 0.75; inter-item correlation >0.15; split-half reliability 0.96; and intra-class correlation >0.6; no floor or ceiling effects. One hundred percent completed the ObsQoR-11 (median [IQR] completion time 117 [89-156] s).CONCLUSIONS: ObsQoR-11 is valid and reliable in assessing recovery after non-elective CD. Further research should assess generalisability and use following vaginal delivery.

    View details for PubMedID 30885691

  • Preoperative systemic inflammation and perioperative myocardial injury: prospective observational multicentre cohort study of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. British journal of anaesthesia Ackland, G. L., Abbott, T. E., Cain, D., Edwards, M. R., Sultan, P., Karmali, S. N., Fowler, A. J., Whittle, J. R., MacDonald, N. J., Reyes, A., Paredes, L. G., Stephens, R. C., Del Arroyo, A. G., Woldman, S., Archbold, R. A., Wragg, A., Kam, E., Ahmad, T., Khan, A. W., Niebrzegowska, E., Pearse, R. M. 2019; 122 (2): 180-187

    Abstract

    Systemic inflammation is pivotal in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. As inflammation can directly cause cardiomyocyte injury, we hypothesised that established systemic inflammation, as reflected by elevated preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >4, predisposes patients to perioperative myocardial injury.We prospectively recruited 1652 patients aged ≥45 yr who underwent non-cardiac surgery in two UK centres. Serum high sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) concentrations were measured on the first three postoperative days. Clinicians and investigators were blinded to the troponin results. The primary outcome was perioperative myocardial injury, defined as hsTnT≥14 ng L-1 within 3 days after surgery. We assessed whether myocardial injury was associated with preoperative NLR>4, activated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in circulating monocytes, or both. Multivariable logistic regression analysis explored associations between age, sex, NLR, Revised Cardiac Risk Index, individual leukocyte subsets, and myocardial injury. Flow cytometric quantification of ROS was done in 21 patients. Data are presented as n (%) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.Preoperative NLR>4 was present in 239/1652 (14.5%) patients. Myocardial injury occurred in 405/1652 (24.5%) patients and was more common in patients with preoperative NLR>4 [OR: 2.56 (1.92-3.41); P<0.0001]. Myocardial injury was independently associated with lower absolute preoperative lymphocyte count [OR 1.80 (1.50-2.17); P<0.0001] and higher absolute preoperative monocyte count [OR 1.93 (1.12-3.30); P=0.017]. Monocyte ROS generation correlated with NLR (r=0.47; P=0.03).Preoperative NLR>4 is associated with perioperative myocardial injury, independent of conventional risk factors. Systemic inflammation may contribute to the development of perioperative myocardial injury.NCT01842568.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2018.09.002

    View details for PubMedID 30686303

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6354048

  • Development and evaluation of an obstetric quality-of-recovery score (ObsQoR-11) after elective Caesarean delivery. British journal of anaesthesia Ciechanowicz, S., Setty, T., Robson, E., Sathasivam, C., Chazapis, M., Dick, J., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2019; 122 (1): 69–78

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Whilst validated quality-of-recovery (QoR) tools exist for general surgery, there is no specific obstetric equivalent. We aimed to develop and evaluate a modified QoR score after elective Caesarean delivery.METHODS: Twenty-two obstetric specific items were selected following review and modification of the QoR-40 survey by 16 experts and interviews with 50 stakeholders. Item selection was based on relevance to Caesarean delivery and endorsement by >66% of stakeholders. Items were tested on women pre-delivery, at 24 h, and 25 h post-delivery. An 11-item obstetric-specific QoR score (ObsQoR-11) was created based on correlation with a numerical rating scale (NRS) of global health status (r>0.20) at all time points. Reliability, responsiveness, acceptability, and feasibility were tested.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-two women responded to the 22-item questionnaire pre-delivery (complete in 146), 100 at 24 h, and 10 at 25 h. The ObsQoR-11 correlated with the global health status NRS (r=0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.62; P<0.0001) and discriminated good vs poor recovery (NRS score ≥70 vs <70 mm) at 24 h. There was a negative correlation between the ObsQoR-11 score at 24 h and hospital length of stay (r=-0.39; P=0.003). ObsQoR-11 was reliable (internal consistency: 0.85; split-half 0.76; test-retest intra-class correlation coefficient ri>0.6 in 82% of items) and responsive (Cohen effect size: 1.36; standardised response mean: 0.85). A longer 22-item ObsQoR had high (97%) completion rates and short (median: 2 min) completion times.CONCLUSIONS: The ObsQoR-11 provides a valid, reliable, and responsive global assessment of recovery after elective Caesarean delivery.

    View details for PubMedID 30579408

  • Development and evaluation of an obstetric quality-of-recovery score (ObsQoR-11) after elective Caesarean delivery BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Ciechanowicz, S., Setty, T., Robson, E., Sathasivam, C., Chazapis, M., Dick, J., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2019; 122 (1): 69-78
  • Abnormal Placentation Obstetric Anesthesiology: An Illustrated Case-Based Approach Olearo, E., Sultan, P., David, A. Cambridge University Press. 2019; 1: 107-113
  • Management of Thromboembolic Phenomena in Pregnancy Obstetric Anesthesiology: An Illustrated Case-Based Approach Pushpanathan, E., Sultan, P. Cambridge University Press. 2019; 1: 263-267
  • Role of leucocyte caspase-1 activity in epidural-related maternal fever: a single-centre, observational, mechanistic cohort study. British journal of anaesthesia Del Arroyo, A. G., Sanchez, J., Patel, S., Phillips, S., Reyes, A., Cubillos, C., Fernando, R., David, A. L., Sultan, P., Ackland, G. L. 2019; 122 (1): 92-102

    Abstract

    Epidural-related maternal fever (ERMF) has been reported in ∼26% of labouring women. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesised that ERMF is promoted by bupivacaine disrupting cytokine production/release from mononuclear leucocytes [mononuclear fraction (MNF)]. We examined whether bupivacaine (i) reduces caspase-1 activity and release of the anti-pyrogenic cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and (ii) is pro-inflammatory through mitochondrial injury/IL-1β.In labouring women, blood samples were obtained before/after epidural analgesia was implemented. Maternal temperature was recorded hourly for the first 4 h of epidural analgesia. Time-matched samples/temperatures were obtained from labouring women without epidural analgesia, pregnant non-labouring, and non-pregnant women. The primary clinical outcome was change in maternal temperature over 4 h after the onset of siting epidural catheter/enrolment. The secondary clinical outcome was development of ERMF (temperature ≥ 38°C). The effect of bupivacaine/saline on apoptosis, caspase-1 activity, intracellular IL-1ra, and plasma IL-1ra/IL-1β ratio was quantified in MNF from labouring women or THP-1 monocytes (using flow cytometry, respirometry, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).Maternal temperature increased by 0.06°C h-1 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.09; P=0.003; n=38] after labour epidural placement. ERMF only occurred in women receiving epidural analgesia (five of 38; 13.2%). Bupivacaine did not alter MNF or THP-1 apoptosis compared with saline control, but reduced caspase-1 activity by 11% (95% CI: 5-17; n=10) in MNF from women in established labour. Bupivacaine increased intracellular MNF IL-1ra by 25% (95% CI: 10-41; P<0.001; n=10) compared with saline-control. Epidural analgesia reduced plasma IL-1ra/IL-1β ratio (mean reduction: 14; 95% CI: 7-30; n=30) compared with women without epidural analgesia.Impaired release of anti-pyrogenic IL-1ra might explain ERMF mechanistically. Immunomodulation by bupivacaine during labour could promote ERMF.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2018.09.024

    View details for PubMedID 30579413

  • Validation of an obstetric quality-of-recovery scoring tool (ObsQoR-10) following vaginal delivery: an interim analysis Obstetric Anesthesia Association Nishimura, S., Kormendy, F., Ciechanowicz, S., Papageorgiou, C., Sultan, P. 2019
  • Management of Thromboembolic Phenomena in Pregnancy In T. Husain, R. Fernando, & S. Segal (Eds.), Obstetric Anesthesiology: An Illustrated Case-Based Approach. Cambridge: Pushpanathan, E., Sultan, P. Cambridge University Press. 2019; 1: 263–267
  • Abnormal placentation T. Husain, R. Fernando, & S. Segal (Eds.), Obstetric Anesthesiology: An Illustrated Case-Based Approach. Cambridge: Olearo, ., Sultan, P., David, A. Cambridge University Press. 2019; 1: 107–113
  • Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) oxygen in women having planned caesarean delivery Obstetric Anaesthesia Association Al-Sulttan, S., Bampoe, S., Howle, R., Setty, T., Columb, M., Sultan, P. 2019: 40–41
  • A Systematic Review Evaluating Neuraxial Morphine and Diamorphine-Associated Respiratory Depression After Cesarean Delivery ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Sharawi, N., Carvalho, B., Habib, A. S., Blake, L., Mhyre, J. M., Sultan, P. 2018; 127 (6): 1385–95

    Abstract

    The prevalence of neuraxial opioid-induced clinically significant respiratory depression (CSRD) after cesarean delivery is unknown. We sought to review reported cases of author-reported respiratory depression (ARD) to calculate CSRD prevalence. A 6-database literature search was performed to identify ARD secondary to neuraxial morphine or diamorphine, in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery. "Highest" (definite and probable/possible) and "lowest" (definite) prevalences of CSRD were calculated. Secondary outcomes included: (1) prevalence of CSRD associated with contemporary doses of neuraxial opioid, (2) prevalence of ARD as defined by each study's own criteria, (3) case reports of ARD, and (4) reports of ARD reported by the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database between 1990 and 2016. We identified 78 articles with 18,455 parturients receiving neuraxial morphine or diamorphine for cesarean delivery. The highest and lowest prevalences of CSRD with all doses of neuraxial opioids were 8.67 per 10,000 (95% CI, 4.20-15.16) and 5.96 per 10,000 (95% CI, 2.23-11.28), respectively. The highest and lowest prevalences of CSRD with the use of clinically relevant doses of neuraxial morphine ranged between 1.63 per 10,000 (95% CI, 0.62-8.77) and 1.08 per 10,000 (95% CI, 0.24-7.22), respectively. The prevalence of ARD as defined by each individual paper was 61 per 10,000 (95% CI, 51-74). One published case report of ARD met our inclusion criteria, and there were no cases of ARD from the Closed Claims database analysis. These results indicate that the prevalence of CSRD due to neuraxial morphine or diamorphine in the obstetric population is low.

    View details for PubMedID 30004934

  • Does the addition of active body warming to in-line intravenous fluid warming prevent maternal hypothermia during elective caesarean section? A randomised controlled trial INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Sultan, P., Carvalho, B. 2018; 35: 115–16

    View details for PubMedID 29343417

  • Validation of an obstetric quality-of-recovery scoring tool (ObsQoR-11) after emergency Caesarean delivery Howle, R., Ciechanowicz, S., Heppolette, C., Nakhjavani, B., Sultan, P. ELSEVIER SCI LTD. 2018: E19-E20
  • A Systematic Review of Postoperative Pain Outcome Measurements Utilised in Regional Anesthesia Randomized Controlled Trials. Anesthesiology research and practice Pushpanathan, E., Setty, T., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2018; 2018: 9050239

    Abstract

    Regional anesthesia is a rapidly growing subspecialty. There are few published meta-analyses exploring pain outcome measures utilised in regional anesthesia randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which may be due to heterogeneity in outcomes assessed. This systematic review explores postoperative pain outcomes utilised in regional anesthesia RCTs.A literature search was performed using three databases (Medline, Embase, and CINAHL). Regional anesthesia RCTs with postoperative pain as a primary outcome were included if written in English and published in one of the top 20 impact factor journals between 2005 and 2017. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias.From the 31 included articles, 15 different outcome measures in total were used to assess postoperative pain. The most commonly (16/31) used outcome measures were verbal numerical grading of pain out of 10, total opioid consumption, and visual analogue scale 10 cm (VAS). The need for analgesia was used as an outcome measure where studies did not use a pain rating score. Ten studies reported pain scores on activity and 27/31 studies utilised ≥2 pain outcomes. Time of measurement of pain score also varied with a total of 51 different time points used in total.Analysis of the articles demonstrated heterogeneity and inconsistency in choice of pain outcome and time of measurement within regional anesthesia studies. Identification of these pain outcomes utilised can help to create a definitive list of core outcomes, which may guide future researchers when designing such studies.

    View details for DOI 10.1155/2018/9050239

    View details for PubMedID 30151005

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6087609

  • High-Frequency Jet Ventilation During Cryoablation of Small Renal Tumours CARDIOVASCULAR AND INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY Buchan, T., Walkden, M., Jenkins, K., Sultan, P., Bandula, S. 2018; 41 (7): 1067–73

    Abstract

    To evaluate the effect of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) in place of standard intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV) on procedure duration, patient radiation dose, complication rates, and outcomes during CT-guided cryoablation of small renal tumours.One hundred consecutive CT-guided cryoablation procedures to treat small renal tumours under general anaesthesia were evaluated-50 with standard IPPV and 50 after the introduction of HFJV as standard practice. Anaesthesia and procedural times, ionising radiation dose, complications, and 1-month post-treatment outcomes were collected.HFJV was feasible and safe in all cases. Mean procedure time and total anaesthetic time were shorter with HFJV (p = <0.0001). The number of required CT acquisitions (p = 0.0002) and total procedure patient radiation dose (p = 0.0027) were also lower in the HFJV group compared with the IPPV group. There were a total of four complications of Clavien-Dindo classification 3 or above-three in the IPPV group and one in the HFJV group. At 1-month follow-up, two cases (both in the IPPV group) demonstrated subtotal treatment. Both cases were subsequently successfully retreated with cryoablation.By reducing target tumour motion during CT-guided renal cryoablation, HFJV can reduce procedure times and exposure to ionising radiation. HFJV provides an important adjunct to complex image-guided interventions, with potential to improve safety and treatment outcomes.

    View details for PubMedID 29516243

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5976690

  • Operating room-to-incision interval and neonatal outcome in emergency caesarean section: a retrospective 5-year cohort study. Anaesthesia Palmer, E., Ciechanowicz, S., Reeve, A., Harris, S., Wong, D. J., Sultan, P. 2018; 73 (7): 825-831

    Abstract

    We conducted a 5-year retrospective cohort study on women undergoing caesarean section to investigate factors influencing the operating room-to-incision interval. Time-to-event analysis was performed for category-1 caesarean section using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Covariates included: anaesthetic technique; body mass index; age; parity; time of delivery; and gestational age. Binary logistic regression was performed for 5-min Apgar score ≥ 7. There were 677 women who underwent category-1 caesarean section and who met the entry criteria. Unadjusted median (IQR [range]) operating room-to-incision intervals were: epidural top-up 11 (7-17 [0-87]) min; general anaesthesia 6 (4-11 [0-69]) min; spinal 13 (10-20 [0-83]) min; and combined spinal-epidural 24 (13-35 [0-75]) min. Cox regression showed general anaesthesia to be the most rapid method with a hazard ratio (95%CI) of 1.97 (1.60-2.44; p < 0.0001), followed by epidural top-up (reference group), spinal anaesthesia 0.79 (0.65-0.96; p = 0.02) and combined spinal-epidural 0.48 (0.35-0.67; p < 0.0001). Underweight and overweight body mass indexes were associated with longer operating room-to-incision intervals. General anaesthesia was associated with fewer 5-min Apgar scores ≥ 7 with an odds ratio (95%CI) of 0.28 (0.11-0.68; p < 0.01). There was no difference in neonatal outcomes between the first and fifth quintiles for operating room-to-incision intervals. General anaesthesia is associated with the most rapid operating room-to-incision interval for category-1 caesarean section, but is also associated with worse short term neonatal outcomes. Longer operating room-to-incision intervals were not associated with worse neonatal outcomes.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.14296

    View details for PubMedID 29633251

  • Caspase-1 and epidural-related maternal fever Ackland, G., del Arroyo, A., Sanchez, J., Patel, S., Phillips, S., Reyes, A., Sultan, P., David, A. ELSEVIER SCI LTD. 2018: E20–E21
  • The Effect of Glycopyrrolate on the Incidence of Hypotension and Vasopressor Requirement During Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-analysis ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Patel, S. D., Habib, A. S., Phillips, S., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2018; 126 (2): 552–58

    Abstract

    The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of glycopyrrolate at reducing spinal hypotension during cesarean delivery.A literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of glycopyrrolate on spinal-induced hypotension during cesarean delivery. Primary outcomes were intraoperative hypotension and vasopressor requirement (phenylephrine equivalents). Secondary outcomes included heart rate (HR), nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, and Apgar scores. Risk ratios (RRs), and mean differences (MDs) were calculated using random-effects modeling with 95% confidence intervals for primary outcomes and 99% confidence intervals for secondary outcomes.Five randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria. A total of 311 patients were included: 153 received glycopyrrolate and 158 placebo. The incidence of spinal-induced hypotension was no different with prophylactic glycopyrrolate compared to control (RR, 0.93 [0.71-1.21]; P = .59), but the total phenylephrine dose required was significantly reduced with glycopyrrolate (MD, -62.64 μg [-107.61 to -17.66 μg]; P = .006). The maximal HR achieved in the glycopyrrolate group was significantly higher compared to controls (MD, 15.85 bpm [5.40-26.31]; P < .0001); however, the incidence of bradycardia was not statistically different. The incidence of intraoperative nausea and vomiting was not different between groups; however, glycopyrrolate increased the risk of dry mouth (RR, 5.15 [1.82-14.57]; P < .0001). Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes did not differ between groups.Prophylactic glycopyrrolate does not reduce the incidence of spinal-induced hypotension but results in a modest reduction in vasopressor requirements while increasing maternal HR.

    View details for PubMedID 28704246

  • High-dose versus low-dose local anaesthetic for transversus abdominis plane block post-Caesarean delivery analgesia: a meta-analysis BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Ng, S. C., Habib, A. S., Sodha, S., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2018; 120 (2): 252–63

    Abstract

    The optimal local-anaesthetic (LA) dose for transversus-abdominis-plane (TAP) block is unclear. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to determine whether TAP blocks for Caesarean delivery (CD) with low-dose (LD) LA demonstrated non-inferiority in terms of analgesic efficacy, compared with high-dose (HD) LA.A literature search was performed for randomised controlled trials examining the analgesic efficacy of TAP blocks vs control after CD. The different dosing used in these studies was classified as HD or LD (bupivacaine equivalents >50 or ≤50 mg per block side, respectively). The pooled results of each dose group vs control were indirectly compared using the Q test. The primary outcome was 24 h opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included 6 and 24 h postoperative pain scores, time to first analgesia, 6 h opioid consumption, opioid-related side-effects, and maternal satisfaction.Fourteen studies consisting of 770 women (389 TAP and 381 control) were included. Compared with controls, the 24 h opioid consumption (milligram morphine equivalents) was lower in HD [mean difference (MD) 95% confidence interval (CI) -22.41 (-38.56, -6.26); P=0.007; I2=93%] and LD [MD 95% CI -16.29 (-29.74, -2.84); P=0.02; I2=98%] TAP groups. However, no differences were demonstrated between the HD and LD groups (P=0.57). There were also no differences between the HD and LD groups for the 6 h opioid consumption, time to first analgesia, 6 and 24 h pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and maternal satisfaction.Low-dose TAP blocks for Caesarean delivery provide analgesia and opioid-sparing effects comparable with the high-dose blocks. This suggests that lower doses can be used to reduce local anaesthetic toxicity risk without compromising the analgesic efficacy.

    View details for PubMedID 29406174

  • A late presentation of acute fatty liver of pregnancy resulting in massive haemorrhage during twin delivery managed with epidural analgesia Das, D., Shah, R., Sultan, P., Bampoe, S. 2018
  • A Systematic Review of Postoperative Pain Outcome Measurements Utilised in Regional Anesthesia Randomized Controlled Trials ANESTHESIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE Pushpanathan, E., Setty, T., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2018
  • Comparing TAP block and wound infiltration for postoperative analgesia following cesarean delivery: A meta-analysis Patel, S., Halpern, S., Jadin, S., Howle, R., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2018
  • Ambient operating room temperature: mother, baby or surgeon? British journal of anaesthesia Sultan, P., Habib, A. S., Carvalho, B. 2017; 119 (4): 839

    View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aex307

    View details for PubMedID 29121314

  • Medical identification or alert jewellery: an opportunity to save lives or an unreliable hindrance? Anaesthesia Rahman, S., Walker, D., Sultan, P. 2017; 72 (9): 1139-1145

    Abstract

    Medical identification jewellery can convey vital information to emergency responders, but mistakes and ambiguity may lead to misdiagnosis and morbidity. We performed a review of relevant articles retrieved from Pubmed® , Embase® and Scopus® and Google UK Inc. to investigate the commercial availability and issuance of these products. From 84 identified studies, we shortlisted 74 for review. The Google search retrieved 1,090,000 results within 0.57 s (January 2017). We explored 32 websites selling medical alert jewellery in the first five pages of these results. We found that patients themselves are currently responsible for the engraved wording on medical alert jewellery, with no mandatory physician checks. The accuracy and appropriateness of this information may thus vary. In the absence of national guidance in the UK, we suggest that there should be a list of specific indications warranting their use, a requirement for regular review of information, and clarity around the level of physician input into the engraving chosen. We discuss the potential benefits vs. risks of wearing medical alert jewellery and clarify the limitations of medical teams' responsibilities in relation to patients found to be wearing them.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.13958

    View details for PubMedID 28677832

  • Association of Postoperative High-Sensitivity Troponin Levels With Myocardial Injury and 30-Day Mortality Among Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION Devereaux, P. J., Biccard, B. M., Sigamani, A., Xavier, D., Chan, M. V., Srinathan, S. K., Walsh, M., Abraham, V., Pearse, R., Wang, C. Y., Sessler, D. I., Kurz, A., Szczeklik, W., Berwanger, O., Carlos Villar, J., Malaga, G., Garg, A. X., Chow, C. K., Ackland, G., Patel, A., Borges, F., Belley-Cote, E. P., Duceppe, E., Spence, J., Tandon, V., Williams, C., Sapsford, R. J., Polanczyk, C. A., Tiboni, M., Alonso-Coello, P., Faruqui, A., Heels-Ansdell, D., Lamy, A., Whitlock, R., LeManach, Y., Roshanov, P. S., McGillion, M., Kavsak, P., McQueen, M. J., Thabane, L., Rodseth, R. N., Buse, G., Bhandari, M., Garutti, I., Jacka, M. J., Schuenemann, H. J., Lucia Cortes, O., Coriat, P., Dvirnik, N., Botto, F., Pettit, S., Jaffe, A. S., Guyatt, G. H., Writing Comm Vision Study Investig 2017; 317 (16): 1642–51

    Abstract

    Little is known about the relationship between perioperative high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) measurements and 30-day mortality and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS).To determine the association between perioperative hsTnT measurements and 30-day mortality and potential diagnostic criteria for MINS (ie, myocardial injury due to ischemia associated with 30-day mortality).Prospective cohort study of patients aged 45 years or older who underwent inpatient noncardiac surgery and had a postoperative hsTnT measurement. Starting in October 2008, participants were recruited at 23 centers in 13 countries; follow-up finished in December 2013.Patients had hsTnT measurements 6 to 12 hours after surgery and daily for 3 days; 40.4% had a preoperative hsTnT measurement.A modified Mazumdar approach (an iterative process) was used to determine if there were hsTnT thresholds associated with risk of death and had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 3.0 or higher and a risk of 30-day mortality of 3% or higher. To determine potential diagnostic criteria for MINS, regression analyses ascertained if postoperative hsTnT elevations required an ischemic feature (eg, ischemic symptom or electrocardiography finding) to be associated with 30-day mortality.Among 21 842 participants, the mean age was 63.1 (SD, 10.7) years and 49.1% were female. Death within 30 days after surgery occurred in 266 patients (1.2%; 95% CI, 1.1%-1.4%). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that compared with the reference group (peak hsTnT <5 ng/L), peak postoperative hsTnT levels of 20 to less than 65 ng/L, 65 to less than 1000 ng/L, and 1000 ng/L or higher had 30-day mortality rates of 3.0% (123/4049; 95% CI, 2.6%-3.6%), 9.1% (102/1118; 95% CI, 7.6%-11.0%), and 29.6% (16/54; 95% CI, 19.1%-42.8%), with corresponding adjusted HRs of 23.63 (95% CI, 10.32-54.09), 70.34 (95% CI, 30.60-161.71), and 227.01 (95% CI, 87.35-589.92), respectively. An absolute hsTnT change of 5 ng/L or higher was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (adjusted HR, 4.69; 95% CI, 3.52-6.25). An elevated postoperative hsTnT (ie, 20 to <65 ng/L with an absolute change ≥5 ng/L or hsTnT ≥65 ng/L) without an ischemic feature was associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted HR, 3.20; 95% CI, 2.37-4.32). Among the 3904 patients (17.9%; 95% CI, 17.4%-18.4%) with MINS, 3633 (93.1%; 95% CI, 92.2%-93.8%) did not experience an ischemic symptom.Among patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, peak postoperative hsTnT during the first 3 days after surgery was significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Elevated postoperative hsTnT without an ischemic feature was also associated with 30-day mortality.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jama.2017.4360

    View details for Web of Science ID 000400014000014

    View details for PubMedID 28444280

  • Apnoeic oxygenation during maternal cardiac arrest in a parturient with extreme obesity. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Phillips, S., Subair, S., Husain, T., Sultan, P. 2017; 29: 88-90

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2016.11.003

    View details for PubMedID 28017512

  • Urgency of caesarean delivery, anaesthetic times and neonatal outcomes Palmer, E., Phillips, S., Harris, S., Reeve, A., Sultan, P. 2017
  • Optimal administration of cefazolin prophylaxis for cesarean delivery. Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association Duffield, A., Sultan, P., Riley, E. T., Carvalho, B. 2017; 37 (1): 16-20

    View details for DOI 10.1038/jp.2016.210

    View details for PubMedID 28050017

  • An analysis of anaesthetic times for caesarean delivery over a 5-year period in a London Teaching Hospital. Palmer, E., Phillips, S., Reeve, A., Harris, S., Sultan, P. 2017
  • Development of an obstetric 'Quality of Recovery' scoring tool (ObsQoR-15) Ciechanowicz, S., Chazapis, M., Sathasivam, C., Robson, E., Setty, T., Sultan, P. 2017
  • Survey of external cephalic version for breech presentation and neuraxial blockade use. Journal of clinical anesthesia Weiniger, C. F., Sultan, P., Dunn, A., Carvalho, B. 2016; 34: 616-622

    Abstract

    Neuraxial blockade may increase external cephalic version (ECV) success rates. This survey aimed to assess the frequency and characteristics of neuraxial blockade used to facilitate ECV.We surveyed Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology members regarding ECV practice using a 15-item survey developed by 3 obstetric anesthesiologists and tested for face validity. The survey was e-mailed in January 2015 and again in February 2015 to the 1056 Society of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Perinatology members. We present descriptive statistics of responses.Our survey response rate was 322 of 1056 (30.5%).Neuraxial blockade was used for ECV always by 18 (5.6%), often by 52 (16.1%), sometimes by 98 (30.4%), rarely by 78 (24.2%), and never by 46 (14.3%) of respondents. An anesthetic sensory block target was selected by 141 (43.8%) respondents, and analgesic by 102 (31.7%) respondents. Epidural drug doses ranged widely, including sufentanil 5-25 μg; lidocaine 1% or 2% 10-20 mL, bupivacaine 0.0625% to 0.5% 6-15 mL, and ropivacaine 0.2% 20 mL. Intrathecal bupivacaine was used by 182 (56.5%) respondents; the most frequent doses were 2.5 mg used by 24 (7.5%), 7.5 mg used by 35 (10.9%), and 12 mg used by 30 (9.3%).Neuraxial blockade is not universally offered to facilitate ECV, and there is wide variability in neuraxial blockade techniques, in drugs and doses administered, and in the sensory blockade (anesthetic or analgesic) targeted. Future studies need to evaluate and remove barriers to allow for more widespread use of neuraxial blockade for pain relief and to optimize ECV success rates.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2016.05.040

    View details for PubMedID 27687460

  • Reply. British journal of anaesthesia Sultan, P., Habib, A. S., Carvalho, B. 2016; 117 (5): 676-677

    View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aew351

    View details for PubMedID 27799193

  • Neuraxial blockade increases external cephalic version success: a well-known finding needing to be disseminated within the obstetric domain AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Sultan, P., Weiniger, C. F., Carvalho, B. 2016; 215 (5): 675–76

    View details for PubMedID 27423524

  • The Effect of Intrathecal Morphine Dose on Outcomes After Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-Analysis ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Sultan, P., Halpern, S. H., Pushpanathan, E., Patel, S., Carvalho, B. 2016; 123 (1): 154-164

    Abstract

    The intrathecal morphine dose achieving optimal analgesia for cesarean delivery while minimizing side effects has not yet been deduced. In this meta-analysis, our objective was to determine whether low- or high-dose intrathecal morphine provides acceptable duration and intensity of analgesia with fewer side effects.A literature search (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) was performed to identify randomized controlled trials involving patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia comparing low-dose (LD; 50-100 μg) morphine with higher dose (HD; >100-250 μg). The primary outcome was the time for first request for supplemental analgesia. The secondary outcomes included pain scores, morphine use, maternal side effects (vomiting and pruritus), and Apgar scores. Mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random effects modeling with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Eleven articles met our inclusion criteria. Four hundred eighty patients were recruited in all study groups (233 patients in the HD and 247 in the LD groups). The mean time to first analgesic request was longer (MD, 4.49 hours [95% CI, 1.85-7.13]; P = 0.0008) in the HD group compared with the LD group. Pain scores (0-100 scale) at 12 hours (MD, 2.54 [95% CI, -2.55 to 7.63]; P = 0.33) as well as morphine consumption at 24 hours (MD, 1.31 mg [95% CI, -3.06 to 7.31]; P = 0.42) were not significantly different. The incidence of nausea or vomiting (OR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.27-0.73]; P = 0.002) and pruritus (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.20-0.59]; P = 0.0001) was lower in the LD group. The incidence of Apgar scores <7 at 1 minute was not different between groups (OR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.06-20.49]; P = 0.94).This meta-analysis shows that HDs of intrathecal morphine prolong analgesia after cesarean delivery compared with lower doses. The MD of 4.5 hours (95% CI, 1.9-7.1 and 99% CI, 1.0-8.2 hours) of pain relief must be balanced against the increased risk of maternal pruritus and vomiting. Results from this study can be used by clinicians to weigh the benefits and potential side effects of using HDs of intrathecal morphine for cesarean delivery.

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001255

    View details for PubMedID 27089000

  • Amniotic fluid embolism: update and review CURRENT OPINION IN ANESTHESIOLOGY Sultan, P., Seligman, K., Carvalho, B. 2016; 29 (3): 288-296

    Abstract

    This article reviews our current understanding of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), specifically the pathogenesis, treatment strategies, potential diagnostic tests and future therapeutic interventions for AFE.The incidence and case mortality of AFE varies widely because of heterogeneous diagnostic criteria and varying reporting mechanisms across the world. Amniotic fluid embolism is thought to be caused by abnormal activation of immunologic mechanisms following entry of fetal antigens into maternal circulation. Mast cell degranulation and complement activation may play a role in this anaphylactoid or systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Development of serum biomarkers and immune-histochemical staining techniques to aid diagnosis and develop treatments are under development and evaluation. Treatment of AFE is supportive and directed at treating cardiovascular, pulmonary, and coagulation derangements. Treatment for coagulopathy (fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate/fibrinogen concentrate, and antifibrinolytics) should be initiated promptly. Recombinant factor VIIa may lead to increased mortality and should not routinely be used. C1 esterase inhibitors may be a potential therapeutic option.AFE is a devastating obstetric complication that requires early and aggressive intervention with optimal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as hemorrhage and coagulopathy management. Biomarkers offer promise to aid the diagnosis of AFE, and immunomodulation may provide future therapeutic interventions to treat this lethal condition.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACO.0000000000000328

    View details for PubMedID 27153475

  • Inflammation and Epidural-Related Maternal Fever: Proposed Mechanisms ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Sultan, P., David, A. L., Fernando, R., Ackland, G. L. 2016; 122 (5): 1546–53

    Abstract

    Intrapartum fever is associated with excessive maternal interventions as well as higher neonatal morbidity. Epidural-related maternal fever (ERMF) contributes to the development of intrapartum fever. The mechanism(s) for ERMF has remained elusive. Here, we consider how inflammatory mechanisms may be modulated by local anesthetic agents and their relevance to ERMF. We also critically reappraise the clinical data with regard to emerging concepts that explain how anesthetic drug-induced metabolic dysfunction, with or without activation of the inflammasome, might trigger the release of nonpathogenic, inflammatory molecules (danger-associated molecular patterns) likely to underlie ERMF.

    View details for PubMedID 27101499

  • A Longitudinal Study to Evaluate Pregnancy-Induced Endogenous Analgesia and Pain Modulation REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Carvalho, B., Granot, M., Sultan, P., Wilson, H., Landau, R. 2016; 41 (2): 175-180

    Abstract

    The phenomenon of pregnancy-induced analgesia has been demonstrated in animal models but less consistently in human studies. This study aimed to assess endogenous pain modulation, evaluating inhibitory and excitatory pain pathways, over the course of pregnancy and postpartum.Healthy pregnant women were approached for participation in this prospective multicenter cohort study. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM), mechanical temporal summation (mTS), and temperature that induced pain 6 out of 10 (pain-6) were assessed toward the end of each trimester of pregnancy (8-12, 18-22, and 36 weeks) and at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. To assess how pregnancy affects CPM, mTS, and pain-6, a mixed-effects analysis of variance was performed.Thirty-three pregnant women were enrolled. Pregnancy did not significantly impact CPM (F3,39 = 0.30, P = 0.83, partial η = 0.02), and there was no significant difference between CPM scores in the third trimester compared with postpartum. The mTS scores and pain-6 ratings were also not significantly changed by pregnancy (F3,42 = 1.20, P = 0.32, partial η = 0.08; and F3,42 = 1.90, P = 0.14, partial η = 0.12, respectively).This is the first study to assess CPM and mTS changes in pregnancy and postpartum. Endogenous pain modulation evaluating both inhibitory and excitatory pain pathways did not significantly change during pregnancy or postpartum. Future studies are required to determine the magnitude and clinical significance of pregnancy-induced analgesia.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0000000000000359

    View details for PubMedID 26866295

  • A Prospective Cohort Study Evaluating the Ability of Anticipated Pain, Perceived Analgesic Needs, and Psychological Traits to Predict Pain and Analgesic Usage following Cesarean Delivery. Anesthesiology research and practice Carvalho, B., Zheng, M., Harter, S., Sultan, P. 2016; 2016: 7948412-?

    Abstract

    Introduction. This study aimed to determine if preoperative psychological tests combined with simple pain prediction ratings could predict pain intensity and analgesic usage following cesarean delivery (CD). Methods. 50 healthy women undergoing scheduled CD with spinal anesthesia comprised the prospective study cohort. Preoperative predictors included 4 validated psychological questionnaires (Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Fear of Pain (FPQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) and 3 simple ratings: expected postoperative pain (0-10), anticipated analgesic threshold (0-10), and perceived analgesic needs (0-10). Postoperative outcome measures included post-CD pain (combined rest and movement) and opioid used for the 48-hour study period. Results. Bivariate correlations were significant with expected pain and opioid usage (r = 0.349), anticipated analgesic threshold and post-CD pain (r = -0.349), and perceived analgesic needs and post-CD pain (r = 0.313). Multiple linear regression analysis found that expected postoperative pain and anticipated analgesic needs contributed to post-CD pain prediction modeling (R (2) = 0.443, p < 0.0001); expected postoperative pain, ASI, and FPQ were associated with opioid usage (R (2) = 0.421, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Preoperative psychological tests combined with simple pain prediction ratings accounted for 44% and 42% of pain and analgesic use variance, respectively. Preoperatively determined expected postoperative pain and perceived analgesic needs appear to be useful predictors for post-CD pain and analgesic requirements.

    View details for DOI 10.1155/2016/7948412

    View details for PubMedID 27143966

  • The identification of postoperative pain core outcomes used in regional anaesthesiatrials and the development of a core outcome set. Pushpanathan, E., Sultan, P. 2016
  • Molecular mechanisms of postoperative lymphopenia: MD (Res) degree Thesis Sultan, P. University College London. London. 2016

    Abstract

    Low anaerobic threshold (AT), a marker of decreased exercise capacity, is associated with poorer outcomes following surgery. In this thesis I demonstrate a relationship between low preoperative AT and preoperative lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count). I subsequently demonstrate that preoperative lymphopenia is associated with prolonged hospitalisation and increased postoperative complications in 2 surgical cohorts (n=240 and n=881). Significant metabolic (bioenergetic) and functional changes occur in lymphocytes postoperatively, which may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Lymphocytes demonstrate a postoperative decrease in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Altered postoperative bioenergetic function are accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and a reduction in lymphocyte mitochondrial membrane potential, which are associated with apoptosis or cell death. Increased apoptosis of lymphocytes following surgery is the likely mechanism for acquired lymphopenia postoperatively (reduction in lymphocyte count which occurs postoperatively). A decrease in glycolysis is accompanied by increased CD8+ lymphocyte cytokine production. Postoperative inflammasome activation as demonstrated by increased caspase-1 activity, appears to occur secondary to glucocorticoid release associated with the stress response to surgery. Caspase-1 is associated with glycolysis inhibition (decreased glycolysis postoperatively) and increased apoptosis (reduced lymphocyte count postoperatively). Increased Interleukin-1-beta expression, which is associated with activation of the inflammasome and increased cytokine production, is demonstrated following incubation of lymphocytes with glucocorticoid. I hypothesise that postoperative changes in lymphocyte function occur secondary to increased glucocorticoid levels activating the inflammasome pathway during the stress response to surgery. This thesis provides translational data introducing the concept that lymphocyte metabolic abnormalities underlie the postoperative immune phenotype.

  • Reducing spinal hypotension during caesarean delivery with glycopyrrolate: A meta-analysis PAtel, S., Habib, A., Sodha, S., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2016
  • Regulation of leukocyte caspase-1 activity by bupivacaine in labour Gutierrez Del Arroyo, A., Patel, S., Crean, A., Sanchez, J., David, A., Fernando, R., Sultan, P., Ackland, G. 2016
  • High-versus low-dose transversus abdominis plane block for analgesia post-caesarean delivery: A metaanalysis Sodha, S., Habib, A., Ng, S., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2016
  • Randomized controlled trial of vagal modulation by sham feeding in elective non-gastrointestinal (orthopaedic) surgery. British journal of anaesthesia Karmali, S., Jenkins, N., Sciusco, A., John, J., Haddad, F., Ackland, G. L. 2015; 115 (5): 727-35

    Abstract

    Enhanced recovery, in part, aims to reduce postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGID). Acquired - or established- vagal dysfunction may contribute to PGID, even for surgery not involving the gastrointestinal tract. However, direct evidence for this is lacking. We hypothesized that chewing gum reduces morbidity (including PGID) by preserving efferent vagal neural activity postoperatively after elective orthopaedic surgery.In a two-centre randomized controlled trial (n=106), we explored whether patients randomized to prescribed chewing gum for five days postoperatively sustained less morbidity (primary outcome, defined by the Postoperative Morbidity Survey), PGID and faster time to become morbidity free (secondary outcomes). In a subset of patients (n=38), cardiac parasympathetic activity was measured by serial Holter monitoring and assessed using time and frequency domain analyses.Between September 2011 and April 2014, 106 patients were randomized to chewing gum or control. The primary clinical outcome did not differ between groups, with similar morbidity occurring between patients randomized to control (26/30) and chewing gum (21/28; absolute risk reduction (ARR):13% (95%C I:- 6-32); P=0.26). However, chewing gum reduced PGID (ARR:20% (95% CI: 1-38); P=0.049). Chewing gum reduced time to become morbidity-free (relative risk (RR): 1.62 (95% CI: 1.02-2.58); P=0.04) and was associated with a higher proportion of parasympathetic activity contributing to heart rate variability (11% (95% CI: 1-20); P=0.03).Chewing gum did not alter overall morbidity, but reduced PGID. These data show for the first time that prescription of sham feeding preserves vagal activity in surgery not directly involving the gastrointestinal tract.ISRCTN20301599.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aev283

    View details for PubMedID 26323293

  • The Effect of patient warming during Caesarean delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a meta-analysis BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA Sultan, P., Habib, A. S., Cho, Y., Carvalho, B. 2015; 115 (4): 500-510

    Abstract

    Perioperative warming is recommended for surgery under anaesthesia, however its role during Caesarean delivery remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of active warming on outcomes after elective Caesarean delivery.We searched databases for randomized controlled trials utilizing forced air warming or warmed fluid within 30 min of neuraxial anaesthesia placement. Primary outcome was maximum temperature change. Secondary outcomes included maternal (end of surgery temperature, shivering, thermal comfort, hypothermia) and neonatal (temperature, umbilical cord pH and Apgar scores) outcomes. Standardized mean difference/mean difference/risk ratio (SMD/MD/RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects modelling (CMA, version 2, 2005).13 studies met our criteria and 789 patients (416 warmed and 373 controls) were analysed for the primary outcome. Warming reduced temperature change (SMD -1.27°C [-1.86, -0.69]; P=0.00002); resulted in higher end of surgery temperatures (MD 0.43 °C [0.27, 0.59]; P<0.00001); was associated with less shivering (RR 0.58 [0.43, 0.79]; P=0.0004); improved thermal comfort (SMD 0.90 [0.36, 1.45]; P=0.001), and decreased hypothermia (RR 0.66 [0.50, 0.87]; P=0.003). Umbilical artery pH was higher in the warmed group (MD 0.02 [0, 0.05]; P=0.04). Egger's test (P=0.001) and contour-enhanced funnel plot suggest a risk of publication bias for the primary outcome of temperature change.Active warming for elective Caesarean delivery decreases perioperative temperature reduction and the incidence of hypothermia and shivering. These findings suggest that forced air warming or warmed fluid should be used for elective Caesarean delivery.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/bja/aev325

    View details for Web of Science ID 000362305700007

    View details for PubMedID 26385660

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4574493

  • Metabolic dysfunction in lymphocytes promotes postoperative morbidity CLINICAL SCIENCE Edwards, M. R., Sultan, P., del Arroyo, A., Whittle, J., Karmali, S. N., Moonesinghe, S., Haddad, F. S., Mythen, M. G., Singer, M., Ackland, G. L. 2015; 129 (5): 423–37

    Abstract

    Perioperative lymphopenia has been linked with an increased risk of postoperative infectious complications, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that bioenergetic dysfunction is an important mechanism underlying lymphopenia, impaired functionality and infectious complications. In two cohorts of patients (61-82 years old) undergoing orthopaedic joint replacement (n=417 and 328, respectively), we confirmed prospectively that preoperative lymphopenia (≤1.3 x 10(9)·l(-1); <20% white cell count; prevalence 15-18%) was associated with infectious complications (relative risk 1.5 (95% confidence interval 1.1-2.0); P=0.008) and prolonged hospital stay. Lymphocyte respirometry, mitochondrial bioenergetics and function were assessed (n=93 patients). Postoperative lymphocytes showed a median 43% fall (range: 26-65%; P=0.029; n=13 patients) in spare respiratory capacity, the extra capacity available to produce energy in response to stress. This was accompanied by reduced glycolytic capacity. A similar hypometabolic phenotype was observed in lymphocytes sampled preoperatively from chronically lymphopenic patients (n=21). This hypometabolic phenotype was associated with functional lymphocyte impairment including reduced T-cell proliferation, lower intracellular cytokine production and excess apoptosis induced by a range of common stressors. Glucocorticoids, which are ubiquitously elevated for a prolonged period postoperatively, generated increased levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, activated caspase-1 and mature interleukin (IL)-1β in human lymphocytes, suggesting inflammasome activation. mRNA transcription of the NLRP1 inflammasome was increased in lymphocytes postoperatively. Genetic ablation of the murine NLRP3 inflammasome failed to prevent glucocorticoid-induced lymphocyte apoptosis and caspase-1 activity, but increased NLRP1 protein expression. Our findings suggest that the hypometabolic phenotype observed in chronically lymphopenic patients and/or acquired postoperatively increases the risk of postoperative infection through glucocorticoid activation of caspase-1 via the NLRP1 inflammasome.

    View details for PubMedID 25891048

  • Pharmacokinetics of Prophylactic Cefazolin in Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery (vol 58, pg 3504, 2014) ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY Elkomy, M. H., Sultan, P., Drover, D. R., Epshtein, E., Galinkin, J. L., Carvalho, B. 2015; 59 (6): 3694

    View details for PubMedID 25977453

  • Perioperative considerations of the patient with malaria CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA-JOURNAL CANADIEN D ANESTHESIE Soltanifar, D., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2015; 62 (3): 304-318

    Abstract

    Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. Increased global travel has resulted in an escalation in the number of imported cases seen in developed countries. Patients with malaria may present for surgery in both endemic and non-endemic countries. This article reviews the perioperative considerations when managing patients with malaria.A literature review of anesthesia, perioperative care, and malaria-related articles was performed using the MEDLINE(®), EMBASE™, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant articles published in English during 1945-2014. Of the 303 articles matching the search criteria, 265 were excluded based on title and abstract. Eleven of the remaining 38 articles were relevant to anesthesia/perioperative care, and 27 articles were identified as having direct relevance to critical care medicine.The majority of imported malaria cases are caused by the falciparum species, which is associated with the greatest degree of morbidity and mortality. Various organ systems may be impacted as a consequence of changes in the structure and function of parasitized erythrocytes. Preoperative assessment should focus on establishing the species of malaria, the severity of disease, assessing the degree of end-organ impairment, and initiating treatment of malaria prior to surgery. Intravenous artesunate is the treatment of choice for severe falciparum malaria. Quinine is a second-line agent but has a narrow therapeutic index and particularly hazardous side effects. Intraoperatively, attention should focus on fluid management, dynamics of cerebral blood flow, and avoidance of hypoglycemia. Postoperative care of severe cases should ideally take place in a critical care unit as there may be ongoing requirements for multi-organ support, including renal replacement therapy, ventilation, and/or inotropic support. The safety of neuraxial anesthesia has not been well studied in the setting of malaria.Malaria remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases worldwide. Multiple organ systems can be impacted as a consequence of changes in structure and function of parasitized erythrocytes. Safe perioperative management requires a sound knowledge of all these potential system effects.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-014-0286-7

    View details for Web of Science ID 000349912900010

    View details for PubMedID 25471683

  • Ondansetron pharmacokinetics in pregnant women and neonates: towards a new treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome. Clinical pharmacology & therapeutics Elkomy, M., Sultan, P., Carvalho, B., Peltz, G., Wu, M., Clavijo, C., Galinkin, J., Drover, D. 2015; 97 (2): 167-176

    Abstract

    Ondansetron is the drug of choice to prevent nausea in women undergoing cesarean surgery and can be used to prevent neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The pharmacokinetics of ondansetron have not been characterized in pregnant women or in newborns. A nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach was used to analyze plasma samples obtained from 20 nonpregnant and 40 pregnant women following a single administration of 4 or 8 mg ondansetron, from umbilical cord blood at delivery, and from neonates after birth. The analysis indicates that: ondansetron disposition is not affected by pregnancy (P > 0.05), but influenced by dose (P < 0.05), and is characterized by rapid transplacental transfer and longer elimination half-life in neonates compared to their mother. A dosing regimen for prevention of NAS was designed based on the model. The regimen involves IV administration of 4 mg to the mothers shortly before cord clamping, or oral administration of 0.07 mg/kg (or equivalently 0.04 mg/kg IV) to neonates.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/cpt.5

    View details for PubMedID 25670522

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4325425

  • Spinal anaesthesia for emergency caesarean delivery in a parturient with falciparum malaria. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Soltanifar, D., Jacobs, M., Jones, T., McGlennan, A., Sultan, P. 2015; 24 (1): 91

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2014.07.003

    View details for PubMedID 25433574

  • Survey of Accepted Practice following Failed Intubation for Emergency Caesarean Delivery. Anesthesiology research and practice Soltanifar, D., Bogod, D., Harrison, S., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2015; 2015: 192315-?

    Abstract

    Background. There is no consensus on the optimum management of failed tracheal intubation in emergency cesarean delivery performed for fetal compromise. The decision making process on whether to wake the patient or continue anesthesia with a supraglottic airway device is an underexplored area. This survey explores perceptions and experiences of obstetric anesthetists managing failed intubation. Methods. Anesthetists attending the Group of Obstetric Anaesthetists London (GOAL) Meeting in April 2014 were surveyed. Results. Ninety-three percent of anesthetists surveyed would not always wake the patient in the event of failed intubation for emergency cesarean delivery performed for fetal compromise. The median (interquartile range) of perceived acceptability of continuing anesthesia with a well-fitting supraglottic airway device, assessed using a visual analogue scale (0-100; 0 completely unacceptable; 100 completely acceptable), was 90 [22.5]. Preoperative patient consent regarding the use of a supraglottic airway device for surgery in the event of failed intubation would affect the decision making of 40% of anaesthetists surveyed. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that a significant body of anesthetists with a subspecialty interest in obstetric anesthesia in the UK would not always wake up the patient and would continue with anesthesia and surgery with a supraglottic airway device in this setting.

    View details for DOI 10.1155/2015/192315

    View details for PubMedID 25821464

  • Keep calm and carry on? A survey of accepted practice following failed intubation for emergency caesarean delivery. Soltanifar, D., Harrison, S., Bogod, D., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2015
  • Maternal fever and epidural insertion: An OAA approved survey Liu, Y., Patel, S., Mon, W., Fernando, R., Columb, M., Sultan, P. 2015
  • Effect of intrathecal morphine dose for caesarean delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes: A metaanalysis Sultan, P., Halpern, S., Pushpanathan, E., Carvalho, B. 2015
  • Effect of active warming for elective caesarean delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes: A meta-analysis Sultan, P., Habib, A., Cho, Y., Carvalho, B. 2015
  • Caesarean delivery in a parturient with type III hereditary angioedema. International journal of obstetric anesthesia Soltanifar, D., Afzal, S., Harrison, S., Sultan, P. 2014; 23 (4): 398-9

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2014.05.010

    View details for PubMedID 25201314

  • Abstracts of the AAGBI Annual Congress, 17-19 September 2014, Harrogate, UK. Anaesthesia 2014; 69 Suppl 4: 11-88

    View details for DOI 10.1111/anae.12866

    View details for PubMedID 25219491

  • Pharmacokinetics of Prophylactic Cefazolin in Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY Elkomy, M. H., Sultan, P., Drover, D. R., Epshtein, E., Galinkin, J. L., Carvalho, B. 2014; 58 (6): 3504-3513

    Abstract

    The objectives of this work were (i) to characterize the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean delivery and in their neonates; (ii) to assess cefazolin transplacental transmission; (iii) to evaluate the dosing and timing of preoperative, prophylactic administration of cefazolin to pregnant women; and (iv) to investigate the impact of maternal dosing on therapeutic duration and exposure in newborns. Twenty women received 1 g of cefazolin preoperatively. Plasma concentrations of total cefazolin were analyzed from maternal blood samples taken before, during, and after delivery; umbilical cord blood samples obtained at delivery; and neonatal blood samples collected 24 h after birth. The distribution volume of cefazolin was 9.44 liters/h. The values for pre- and postdelivery clearance were 7.18 and 4.12 liters/h, respectively. Computer simulations revealed that the probability of maintaining free cefazolin concentrations in plasma above 8 mg/liter during scheduled caesarean surgery was <50% in the cord blood when cefazolin was administered in doses of <2 g or when it was administered <1 h before delivery. Therapeutic concentrations of cefazolin persisted in neonates >5 h after birth. Cefazolin clearance increases during pregnancy, and larger doses are recommended for surgical prophylaxis in pregnant women to obtain the same antibacterial effect as in nonpregnant patients. Cefazolin has a longer half-life in neonates than in adults. Maternal administration of up to 2 g of cefazolin is effective and produces exposure within clinically approved limits in neonates.

    View details for DOI 10.1128/AAC.02613-13

    View details for Web of Science ID 000338776900064

  • Pharmacokinetics of prophylactic cefazolin in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy Elkomy, M. H., Sultan, P., Drover, D. R., Epshtein, E., Galinkin, J. L., Carvalho, B. 2014; 58 (6): 3504-3513

    Abstract

    The objectives of this work were (i) to characterize the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean delivery and in their neonates; (ii) to assess cefazolin transplacental transmission; (iii) to evaluate the dosing and timing of preoperative, prophylactic administration of cefazolin to pregnant women; and (iv) to investigate the impact of maternal dosing on therapeutic duration and exposure in newborns. Twenty women received 1 g of cefazolin preoperatively. Plasma concentrations of total cefazolin were analyzed from maternal blood samples taken before, during, and after delivery; umbilical cord blood samples obtained at delivery; and neonatal blood samples collected 24 h after birth. The distribution volume of cefazolin was 9.44 liters/h. The values for pre- and postdelivery clearance were 7.18 and 4.12 liters/h, respectively. Computer simulations revealed that the probability of maintaining free cefazolin concentrations in plasma above 8 mg/liter during scheduled caesarean surgery was <50% in the cord blood when cefazolin was administered in doses of <2 g or when it was administered <1 h before delivery. Therapeutic concentrations of cefazolin persisted in neonates >5 h after birth. Cefazolin clearance increases during pregnancy, and larger doses are recommended for surgical prophylaxis in pregnant women to obtain the same antibacterial effect as in nonpregnant patients. Cefazolin has a longer half-life in neonates than in adults. Maternal administration of up to 2 g of cefazolin is effective and produces exposure within clinically approved limits in neonates.

    View details for DOI 10.1128/AAC.02613-13

    View details for PubMedID 24733461

  • In response. Anesthesia and analgesia Macario, A., Carvalho, B., Tan, J. M., Sultan, P., El-Sayed, Y. Y. 2014; 118 (4): 884-885

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000114

    View details for PubMedID 24651247

  • Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery: a large, international, prospective cohort study establishing diagnostic criteria, characteristics, predictors, and 30-day outcomes. Anesthesiology Botto, F., Alonso-Coello, P., Chan, M. T., Villar, J. C., Xavier, D., Srinathan, S., Guyatt, G., Cruz, P., Graham, M., Wang, C. Y., Berwanger, O., Pearse, R. M., Biccard, B. M., Abraham, V., Malaga, G., Hillis, G. S., Rodseth, R. N., Cook, D., Polanczyk, C. A., Szczeklik, W., Sessler, D. I., Sheth, T., Ackland, G. L., Leuwer, M., Garg, A. X., Lemanach, Y., Pettit, S., Heels-Ansdell, D., Luratibuse, G., Walsh, M., Sapsford, R., Schünemann, H. J., Kurz, A., Thomas, S., Mrkobrada, M., Thabane, L., Gerstein, H., Paniagua, P., Nagele, P., Raina, P., Yusuf, S., Devereaux, P. J., Devereaux, P. J., Sessler, D. I., Walsh, M., Guyatt, G., McQueen, M. J., Bhandari, M., Cook, D., Bosch, J., Buckley, N., Yusuf, S., Chow, C. K., Hillis, G. S., Halliwell, R., Li, S., Lee, V. W., Mooney, J., Polanczyk, C. A., Furtado, M. V., Berwanger, O., Suzumura, E., Santucci, E., Leite, K., Santo, J. o., Jardim, C. A., Cavalcanti, A. B., Guimaraes, H. P., Jacka, M. J., Graham, M., McAlister, F., McMurtry, S., Townsend, D., Pannu, N., Bagshaw, S., Bessissow, A., Bhandari, M., Duceppe, E., Eikelboom, J., Ganame, J., Hankinson, J., Hill, S., Jolly, S., Lamy, A., Ling, E., Magloire, P., Pare, G., Reddy, D., Szalay, D., Tittley, J., Weitz, J., Whitlock, R., Darvish-Kazim, S., Debeer, J., Kavsak, P., Kearon, C., Mizera, R., O'Donnell, M., McQueen, M., Pinthus, J., Ribas, S., Simunovic, M., Tandon, V., Vanhelder, T., Winemaker, M., Gerstein, H., McDonald, S., O'Bryne, P., Patel, A., Paul, J., Punthakee, Z., Raymer, K., Salehian, O., Spencer, F., Walter, S., Worster, A., Adili, A., Clase, C., Cook, D., Crowther, M., Douketis, J., Gangji, A., Jackson, P., Lim, W., Lovrics, P., Mazzadi, S., Orovan, W., Rudkowski, J., Soth, M., Tiboni, M., Acedillo, R., Garg, A., Hildebrand, A., Lam, N., Macneil, D., Mrkobrada, M., Roshanov, P. S., Srinathan, S. K., Ramsey, C., John, P. S., Thorlacius, L., Siddiqui, F. S., Grocott, H. P., McKay, A., Lee, T. W., Amadeo, R., Funk, D., McDonald, H., Zacharias, J., Villar, J. C., Cortés, O. L., Chaparro, M. S., Vásquez, S., Castañeda, A., Ferreira, S., Coriat, P., Monneret, D., Goarin, J. P., Esteve, C. I., Royer, C., Daas, G., Chan, M. T., Choi, G. Y., Gin, T., Lit, L. C., Xavier, D., Sigamani, A., Faruqui, A., Dhanpal, R., Almeida, S., Cherian, J., Furruqh, S., Abraham, V., Afzal, L., George, P., Mala, S., Schünemann, H., Muti, P., Vizza, E., Wang, C. Y., Ong, G. S., Mansor, M., Tan, A. S., Shariffuddin, I. I., Vasanthan, V., Hashim, N. H., Undok, A. W., Ki, U., Lai, H. Y., Ahmad, W. A., Razack, A. H., Malaga, G., Valderrama-Victoria, V., Loza-Herrera, J. D., De Los Angeles Lazo, M., Rotta-Rotta, A., Szczeklik, W., Sokolowska, B., Musial, J., Gorka, J., Iwaszczuk, P., Kozka, M., Chwala, M., Raczek, M., Mrowiecki, T., Kaczmarek, B., Biccard, B., Cassimjee, H., Gopalan, D., Kisten, T., Mugabi, A., Naidoo, P., Naidoo, R., Rodseth, R., Skinner, D., Torborg, A., Paniagua, P., Urrutia, G., Maestre, M. L., Santaló, M., Gonzalez, R., Font, A., Martínez, C., Pelaez, X., De Antonio, M., Villamor, J. M., García, J. A., Ferré, M. J., Popova, E., Alonso-Coello, P., Garutti, I., Cruz, P., Fernández, C., Palencia, M., Díaz, S., Del Castillo, T., Varela, A., de Miguel, A., Muñoz, M., Piñeiro, P., Cusati, G., Del Barrio, M., Membrillo, M. J., Orozco, D., Reyes, F., Sapsford, R. J., Barth, J., Scott, J., Hall, A., Howell, S., Lobley, M., Woods, J., Howard, S., Fletcher, J., Dewhirst, N., Williams, C., Rushton, A., Welters, I., Leuwer, M., Pearse, R., Ackland, G., Khan, A., Niebrzegowska, E., Benton, S., Wragg, A., Archbold, A., Smith, A., McAlees, E., Ramballi, C., Macdonald, N., Januszewska, M., Stephens, R., Reyes, A., Paredes, L. G., Sultan, P., Cain, D., Whittle, J., Del Arroyo, A. G., Sessler, D. I., Kurz, A., Sun, Z., Finnegan, P. S., Egan, C., Honar, H., Shahinyan, A., Panjasawatwong, K., Fu, A. Y., Wang, S., Reineks, E., Nagele, P., Blood, J., Kalin, M., Gibson, D., Wildes, T. 2014; 120 (3): 564-78

    Abstract

    Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) was defined as prognostically relevant myocardial injury due to ischemia that occurs during or within 30 days after noncardiac surgery. The study's four objectives were to determine the diagnostic criteria, characteristics, predictors, and 30-day outcomes of MINS.In this international, prospective cohort study of 15,065 patients aged 45 yr or older who underwent in-patient noncardiac surgery, troponin T was measured during the first 3 postoperative days. Patients with a troponin T level of 0.04 ng/ml or greater (elevated "abnormal" laboratory threshold) were assessed for ischemic features (i.e., ischemic symptoms and electrocardiography findings). Patients adjudicated as having a nonischemic troponin elevation (e.g., sepsis) were excluded. To establish diagnostic criteria for MINS, the authors used Cox regression analyses in which the dependent variable was 30-day mortality (260 deaths) and independent variables included preoperative variables, perioperative complications, and potential MINS diagnostic criteria.An elevated troponin after noncardiac surgery, irrespective of the presence of an ischemic feature, independently predicted 30-day mortality. Therefore, the authors' diagnostic criterion for MINS was a peak troponin T level of 0.03 ng/ml or greater judged due to myocardial ischemia. MINS was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.96-5.08) and had the highest population-attributable risk (34.0%, 95% CI, 26.6-41.5) of the perioperative complications. Twelve hundred patients (8.0%) suffered MINS, and 58.2% of these patients would not have fulfilled the universal definition of myocardial infarction. Only 15.8% of patients with MINS experienced an ischemic symptom.Among adults undergoing noncardiac surgery, MINS is common and associated with substantial mortality.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000113

    View details for PubMedID 24534856

  • Cardiopulmonary Exercise Capacity and Preoperative Markers of Inflammation MEDIATORS OF INFLAMMATION Sultan, P., Edwards, M. R., del Arroyo, A., Cain, D., Sneyd, J., Struthers, R., Minto, G., Ackland, G. L. 2014: 727451

    Abstract

    Explanatory mechanisms for the association between poor exercise capacity and infections following surgery are underexplored. We hypothesized that aerobic fitness-assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)-would be associated with circulating inflammatory markers, as quantified by the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte subsets. The association between cardiopulmonary reserve and inflammation was tested by multivariable regression analysis with covariates including anaerobic threshold (AT) and malignancy. In a first cohort of 240 colorectal patients, AT was identified as the sole factor associated with higher NLR (P = 0.03) and absolute and relative lymphopenia (P = 0.01). Preoperative leukocyte subsets and monocyte CD14(+) expression (downregulated by endotoxin and indicative of chronic inflammation) were also assessed in two further cohorts of age-matched elective gastrointestinal and orthopaedic surgical patients. Monocyte CD14(+) expression was lower in gastrointestinal patients (n = 43) compared to age-matched orthopaedic patients (n = 31). The circulating CD14(+)CD16(-) monocyte subset was reduced in patients with low cardiopulmonary reserve. Poor exercise capacity in patients without a diagnosis of heart failure is independently associated with markers of inflammation. These observations suggest that preoperative inflammation associated with impaired cardiorespiratory performance may contribute to the pathophysiology of postoperative outcome.

    View details for PubMedID 25061264

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4098894

  • Pharmacokinetics of ondansetron in non-pregnant and pregnant women International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia Sultan, P., Elkomy, M., Peltz, G., Clavijo, C., Wu, M., Galinkin, J., Drover, D., Carvalho, B. 2014
  • Combined-spinal-epidural for cesarean delivery In a parturient with heriditary angioedema type III Soltanifar, D., Afzal, S., Harrison, S., Sultan, P. 2014
  • Obstetric ICU admissions: An audit of a London teaching hospital Patel, S., Ward, S., Sultan, P. 2014
  • Provision of critical care services for the obstetric population. Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology Sultan, P., Arulkumaran, N., Rhodes, A. 2013; 27 (6): 803-9

    Abstract

    Management of the peripartum patient is a challenging aspect of critical care that requires consideration of both the physiological changes associated with pregnancy as well as the well-being of the foetus. In the UK, for every maternal death, approximately 118 near-miss events or severe acute maternal morbidities (SAMMs) occur. While a dedicated anaesthetic cover is usually provided on larger labour wards in the UK and US, a close communication with intensive care and other medical specialties must still be maintained. Medical outreach teams and early warning scores may help facilitate the early identification of clinical deterioration and prompt treatment. Ultimately level of care is allocated according to the clinical need, not the location, which may be a designated room, a normal labour room or a recovery area. Specialist obstetric units that provide high-dependency care facilities show lower rates of maternal transfer to critical care units and improved continuity of care before and after labour. The benefits of obstetric high-dependency units (HDUs) are likely to be determined by a number of logistic aspects of the hospital organisation, including hospital size and available resources. There remains a striking contrast in the burden of maternal mortality and morbidity and intensive care unit (ICU) resources between high- and low-income countries. The countries with the highest maternal mortality rates have the lowest number of ICU beds per capita. In under-resourced countries, patients admitted to ICUs tend to have higher illness severity scores, suggesting delayed admission to the ICU. The appropriate training of midwives is essential for successful HDUs located within labour wards.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.07.005

    View details for PubMedID 23972289

  • Platelet Counts and Coagulation Tests Prior to Neuraxial Anesthesia in Patients With Preeclampsia A Retrospective Analysis CLINICAL AND APPLIED THROMBOSIS-HEMOSTASIS Sultan, P., Butwick, A. 2013; 19 (5): 529-534

    Abstract

    This retrospective, descriptive study aimed to assess hematologic testing practices in 100 patients with preeclampsia undergoing neuraxial blockade (NB). Prior to NB, platelet (PLT) count was performed in 61 (98%) of 62 women in labor and in 37 (97%) of 38 women undergoing cesarean delivery (CD). No patients had a pre-NB PLT count <70 × 10(9)/L. Pre-NB tests for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were less common and varied among laboring patients (15 [24%] of 62) and patients prior to CD (18 [47%] of 38). Prior to NB, PT and APTT values were within normal limits in all patients. The time intervals between laboratory testing and NB ranged from <2 to >12 hours. The lack of consistency in pre-NB coagulation testing and the variable time intervals between laboratory tests and NB may be due to a lack of consensus among anesthesiologists for determining "safe" hemostatic conditions for NB placement in patients with preeclampsia.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1076029612441860

    View details for PubMedID 22531481

  • The effect of low concentrations versus high concentrations of local anesthetics for labour analgesia on obstetric and anesthetic outcomes: a meta-analysis CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA-JOURNAL CANADIEN D ANESTHESIE Sultan, P., Murphy, C., Halpern, S., Carvalho, B. 2013; 60 (9): 840-854

    Abstract

    The influence that different concentrations of labour epidural local anesthetic have on assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) and many obstetric outcomes and side effects is uncertain. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether local anesthetics utilized at low concentrations (LCs) during labour are associated with a decreased incidence of AVD when compared with high concentrations (HCs).We searched PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials of labouring patients that compared LCs (defined as ≤ 0.1% epidural bupivacaine or ≤ 0.17% ropivacaine) of epidural local anesthetic with HCs for maintenance of analgesia. The primary outcome was AVD and secondary outcomes included Cesarean delivery, duration of labour, analgesia, side effects (nausea and vomiting, motor block, hypotension, pruritus, and urinary retention), and neonatal outcomes. The odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effects modelling. An OR < 1 or a WMD < 0 favoured LCs.Eleven studies met our criteria (eight bupivacaine and three ropivacaine studies), providing 1,145 patients in the LCs group and 852 patients in the HCs group for analysis of the primary outcome. Low concentrations were associated with a reduction in the incidence of AVD (OR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86; P < 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of Cesarean delivery (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.33; P = 0.7). The LCs group had less motor block (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.59 to 9.55; P = 0.003), greater ambulation (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 7.14; P = 0.03), less urinary retention (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.73; P = 0.002), and a shorter second stage of labour (WMD -14.03; 95% CI -27.52 to -0.55; P = 0.04) compared with the HCs group. There were no differences between groups in pain scores, maternal nausea and vomiting, hypotension, fetal heart rate abnormalities, five-minute Apgar scores, and need for neonatal resuscitation. One-minute Apgar scores < 7 favoured the HCs group (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.21; P = 0.02), and there was more pruritus in the LCs group (OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.00 to 11.31; P = 0.05).When compared with HCs of local anesthetics, the use of LCs for labour epidural analgesia reduces the incidence of AVD. This may be due to a reduction in the amount of local anesthetic used and the subsequent decrease in motor blockade. We therefore recommend the use of LCs of local anesthetics for epidural analgesia to optimize obstetric outcome.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-013-9981-z

    View details for Web of Science ID 000323340700002

    View details for PubMedID 23925722

  • Brief report: a cost analysis of neuraxial anesthesia to facilitate external cephalic version for breech fetal presentation. Anesthesia and analgesia Carvalho, B., Tan, J. M., Macario, A., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Sultan, P. 2013; 117 (1): 155-159

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND:In this study, we sought to determine whether neuraxial anesthesia to facilitate external cephalic version (ECV) increased delivery costs for breech fetal presentation.METHODS:Using a computer cost model, which considers possible outcomes and probability uncertainties at the same time, we estimated total expected delivery costs for breech presentation managed by a trial of ECV with and without neuraxial anesthesia.RESULTS:From published studies, the average probability of successful ECV with neuraxial anesthesia was 60% (with individual studies ranging from 44% to 87%) compared with 38% (with individual studies ranging from 31% to 58%) without neuraxial anesthesia. The mean expected total delivery costs, including the cost of attempting/performing ECV with anesthesia, equaled $8931 (2.5th-97.5th percentile prediction interval $8541-$9252). The cost was $9207 (2.5th-97.5th percentile prediction interval $8896-$9419) if ECV was attempted/performed without anesthesia. The expected mean incremental difference between the total cost of delivery that includes ECV with anesthesia and ECV without anesthesia was $-276 (2.5th-97.5th percentile prediction interval $-720 to $112).CONCLUSION:The total cost of delivery in women with breech presentation may be decreased (up to $720) or increased (up to $112) if ECV is attempted/performed with neuraxial anesthesia compared with ECV without neuraxial anesthesia. Increased ECV success with neuraxial anesthesia and the subsequent reduction in breech cesarean delivery rate offset the costs of providing anesthesia to facilitate ECV.

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e31828e5bc7

    View details for PubMedID 23592608

  • Experiences and challenges in achieving sustainable quality improvement in two UK hospitals BRITISH JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL MEDICINE Fernandez-Caballero, S., Becic, D., Bouras, I., Walker, D., Sultan, P. 2013; 74 (7): 403–7

    View details for PubMedID 24159644

  • A Cost Analysis of Neuraxial Anesthesia to Facilitate External Cephalic Version for Breech Fetal Presentation ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Carvalho, B., Tan, J. M., Macario, A., El-Sayed, Y. Y., Sultan, P. 2013; 117 (1): 155-159

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND:In this study, we sought to determine whether neuraxial anesthesia to facilitate external cephalic version (ECV) increased delivery costs for breech fetal presentation.METHODS:Using a computer cost model, which considers possible outcomes and probability uncertainties at the same time, we estimated total expected delivery costs for breech presentation managed by a trial of ECV with and without neuraxial anesthesia.RESULTS:From published studies, the average probability of successful ECV with neuraxial anesthesia was 60% (with individual studies ranging from 44% to 87%) compared with 38% (with individual studies ranging from 31% to 58%) without neuraxial anesthesia. The mean expected total delivery costs, including the cost of attempting/performing ECV with anesthesia, equaled $8931 (2.5th-97.5th percentile prediction interval $8541-$9252). The cost was $9207 (2.5th-97.5th percentile prediction interval $8896-$9419) if ECV was attempted/performed without anesthesia. The expected mean incremental difference between the total cost of delivery that includes ECV with anesthesia and ECV without anesthesia was $-276 (2.5th-97.5th percentile prediction interval $-720 to $112).CONCLUSION:The total cost of delivery in women with breech presentation may be decreased (up to $720) or increased (up to $112) if ECV is attempted/performed with neuraxial anesthesia compared with ECV without neuraxial anesthesia. Increased ECV success with neuraxial anesthesia and the subsequent reduction in breech cesarean delivery rate offset the costs of providing anesthesia to facilitate ECV.

    View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e31828e5bc7

    View details for Web of Science ID 000326512300025

  • Should endotracheal cuff pressure be routinely measured during elective surgery? British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) Ramadan, M., Pushpanathan, E., Sultan, P. 2012; 73 (9): 538

    View details for PubMedID 23124413

  • Performance on a probabilistic inference task in healthy subjects receiving ketamine compared with patients with schizophrenia. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) Evans, S., Almahdi, B., Sultan, P., Sohanpal, I., Brandner, B., Collier, T., Shergill, S. S., Cregg, R., Averbeck, B. B. 2012; 26 (9): 1211-7

    Abstract

    Evidence suggests that some aspects of schizophrenia can be induced in healthy volunteers through acute administration of the non-competitive NMDA-receptor antagonist, ketamine. In probabilistic inference tasks, patients with schizophrenia have been shown to 'jump to conclusions' (JTC) when asked to make a decision. We aimed to test whether healthy participants receiving ketamine would adopt a JTC response pattern resembling that of patients. The paradigmatic task used to investigate JTC has been the 'urn' task, where participants are shown a sequence of beads drawn from one of two 'urns', each containing coloured beads in different proportions. Participants make a decision when they think they know the urn from which beads are being drawn. We compared performance on the urn task between controls receiving acute ketamine or placebo with that of patients with schizophrenia and another group of controls matched to the patient group. Patients were shown to exhibit a JTC response pattern relative to their matched controls, whereas JTC was not evident in controls receiving ketamine relative to placebo. Ketamine does not appear to promote JTC in healthy controls, suggesting that ketamine does not affect probabilistic inferences.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/0269881111435252

    View details for PubMedID 22389244

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3546628

  • Continuous spinal anesthesia for Cesarean hysterectomy and massive hemorrhage in a parturient with placenta increta CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA-JOURNAL CANADIEN D ANESTHESIE Sultan, P., Hilton, G., Butwick, A., Carvalho, B. 2012; 59 (5): 473-477

    Abstract

    We present anesthetic management using a continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) technique in a patient with placenta increta who underwent elective Cesarean hysterectomy with massive postpartum hemorrhage.A 34-yr-old parturient (G3P2) was scheduled for Cesarean delivery and possible hysterectomy at 35(+3) weeks due to suspected placenta accreta. Her body mass index was 21 kg·m(-2) and she had a reassuring airway. Inadvertent dural puncture occurred during combined spinal-epidural (CSE) placement, and a decision was made to thread the epidural catheter and utilize a CSA technique. Following delivery of a healthy infant, morbid adherence of the placenta to the myometrium was confirmed, and a supracervical hysterectomy was performed. Eight litres of blood loss occurred postpartum requiring resuscitation with crystalloid 3,800 mL, colloid 1,500 mL, red blood cells 16 units, fresh frozen plasma 16 units, platelets 4 units, and cryoprecipitate 1 unit. The patient developed pulmonary edema requiring conversion to general anesthesia. The patient's cardiovascular status was stable throughout surgery, and her lungs were mechanically ventilated for 18 hr postoperatively in the intensive care unit. The intrathecal catheter was removed 24 hr after placement. She developed no adverse neurological sequelae and reported no postdural puncture headache. The pathology report confirmed placenta increta.A CSA technique may be a viable option in the event of inadvertent dural puncture during planned CSE or epidural placement in patients with a reassuring airway undergoing Cesarean delivery. Although a catheter-based neuraxial technique is appropriate for Cesarean hysterectomy for abnormal placentation, conversion to general anesthesia may be required in the event of massive perioperative hemorrhage and fluid resuscitation.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-012-9681-0

    View details for PubMedID 22395824

  • Spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery in a parturient with babesiosis and Lyme disease ANAESTHESIA Sultan, P., Green, C., Riley, E., Carvalho, B. 2012; 67 (2): 180-183

    Abstract

    We present a case of a parturient with babesiosis and Lyme disease who was scheduled for elective caesarean section. The caesarean section was performed under spinal anaesthesia, and the patient had a coronary artery dissection 4 days postoperatively. Neuraxial anaesthesia and possible mechanisms for the coronary artery dissection in a patient with babesiosis and Lyme disease are discussed.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2011.06941.x

    View details for Web of Science ID 000299158200012

    View details for PubMedID 22251109

  • Neuraxial Blockade for External Cephalic Version: A Systematic Review EDITORIAL COMMENT OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY Sultan, P., Carvalho, B. 2012; 67 (2): 69-70
  • Preoperative muscle weakness as defined by handgrip strength and postoperative outcomes: a systematic review BMC ANESTHESIOLOGY Sultan, P., Hamilton, M. A., Ackland, G. L. 2012; 12: 1

    Abstract

    Reduced muscle strength- commonly characterized by decreased handgrip strength compared to population norms- is associated with numerous untoward outcomes. Preoperative handgrip strength is a potentially attractive real-time, non-invasive, cheap and easy-to-perform "bedside" assessment tool. Using systematic review procedure, we investigated whether preoperative handgrip strength was associated with postoperative outcomes in adults undergoing surgery.PRISMA and MOOSE consensus guidelines for reporting systematic reviews were followed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (1980-2010) were systematically searched by two independent reviewers. The selection criteria were limited to include studies of preoperative handgrip strength in human adults undergoing non-emergency, cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Study procedural quality was analysed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment score. The outcomes assessed were postoperative morbidity, mortality and hospital stay.Nineteen clinical studies (17 prospective; 4 in urgent surgery) comprising 2194 patients were identified between1980-2010. Impaired handgrip strength and postoperative morbidity were defined inconsistently between studies. Only 2 studies explicitly ensured investigators collecting postoperative outcomes data were blinded to preoperative handgrip strength test results. The heterogeneity of study design used and the diversity of surgical procedures precluded formal meta-analysis. Despite the moderate quality of these observational studies, lower handgrip strength was associated with increased morbidity (n = 10 studies), mortality (n = 2/5 studies) and length of hospital stay (n = 3/7 studies).Impaired preoperative handgrip strength may be associated with poorer postoperative outcomes, but further work exploring its predictive power is warranted using prospectively acquired, objectively defined measures of postoperative morbidity.

    View details for PubMedID 22251661

  • Ultra-low compared to higher concentration epidural local anesthetic solutions in labor: A meta-analysis. Murphy, C., Sultan, P., Halpern, S., Carvalho, B. 2012
  • Comparison of ultra-low and higher-concentration epidural local anaesthetic solutions in labour: A metaanalysis Sultan, P., Murphy, C., Halpern, S., Carvalho, B. 2012
  • Endotracheal tube cuff pressure monitoring: a review of the evidence. Journal of perioperative practice Sultan, P., Carvalho, B., Rose, B. O., Cregg, R. 2011; 21 (11): 379-386

    Abstract

    Tracheal intubation constitutes a routine part of anaesthetic practice both in the operating theatre as well as in the care of critically ill patients. The procedure is estimated to be performed 13-20 million times annually in the United States alone. There has been a recent renewal of interest in the morbidity associated with endotracheal tube cuff overinflation, particularly regarding the rationale and requirement for endotracheal tube cuff monitoring intra-operatively.

    View details for PubMedID 22165491

  • Neuraxial blockade for external cephalic version: a systematic review INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA Sultan, P., Carvalho, B. 2011; 20 (4): 299-306

    Abstract

    The desire to decrease the number of cesarean deliveries has renewed interest in external cephalic version. The rationale for using neuraxial blockade to facilitate external cephalic version is to provide abdominal muscular relaxation and reduce patient discomfort during the procedure, so permitting successful repositioning of the fetus to a cephalic presentation. This review systematically examined the current evidence to determine the safety and efficacy of neuraxial anesthesia or analgesia when used for external cephalic version.A systematic literature review of studies that examined success rates of external cephalic version with neuraxial anesthesia was performed. Published articles written in English between 1945 and 2010 were identified using the Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE and Web of Sciences databases.Six, randomized controlled studies were identified. Neuraxial blockade significantly improved the success rate in four of these six studies. A further six non-randomized studies were identified, of which four studies with control groups found that neuraxial blockade increased the success rate of external cephalic version. Despite over 850 patients being included in the 12 studies reviewed, placental abruption was reported in only one patient with a neuraxial block, compared with two in the control groups. The incidence of non-reassuring fetal heart rate requiring cesarean delivery in the anesthesia groups was 0.44% (95% CI 0.15-1.32).Neuraxial blockade improved the likelihood of success during external cephalic version, although the dosing regimen that provides optimal conditions for successful version is unclear. Anesthetic rather than analgesic doses of local anesthetics may improve success. The findings suggest that neuraxial blockade does not compromise maternal or fetal safety during external cephalic version.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijoa.2011.07.001

    View details for Web of Science ID 000297087100006

    View details for PubMedID 21925869

  • Crossing the pond: applying to train in the USA. British journal of hospital medicine Qadan, M., Kastenberg, Z., Carvalho, B., Sultan, P. 2011; 72 (4): M50-2

    View details for PubMedID 21537230

  • The postoperative anaesthetic review. Journal of perioperative practice Sultan, P., Jigajinni, S., McGlennan, A., Butwick, A. 2011; 21 (4): 135-139

    Abstract

    An anaesthetic preoperative assessment for all patients is the standard of care in UK hospitals. The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) 2009 guidelines state that a postoperative visit, within 24 hours following surgery, is recommended for patients only in certain circumstances. This article critiques these guidelines and explores factors which must be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not anaesthetists should routinely visit their patients after they leave the recovery area. We discuss the physiological rationale for performing a postoperative anaesthetic visit; the identification of post-operative morbidity including provision of adequate post-operative analgesia; patient benefits; limitations of performing postoperative review, and the implications that expanding anaesthetists' responsibilities as perioperative physicians has had upon anaesthetic training and service provision. Finally, this article offers an alternative model for deciding when to perform a post-anaesthetic visit.

    View details for PubMedID 21560554

  • Neuraxial Morphine and Respiratory Depression Finding the Right Balance DRUGS Sultan, P., Gutierrez, M. C., Carvalho, B. 2011; 71 (14): 1807-1819

    Abstract

    Morphine is a drug commonly administered via the epidural or intrathecal route, and is regarded by many as the 'gold-standard' single-dose neuraxial opioid due to its postoperative analgesic efficacy and prolonged duration of action. However, respiratory depression is a recognized side effect of neuraxial morphine administered in the perioperative setting. We conducted an extensive review of articles published since 1945 that examine respiratory depression or failure associated with perioperative intrathecal or epidural morphine use. Respiratory depression was previously thought to result from the interaction of opioid in the cerebrospinal fluid with ventral medullary opioid receptors. More recently, the preBötzinger complex located in the medulla has been identified as the site responsible for the decrease in respiratory rate following systemic administration of opioids. Neurons in the preBötzinger complex expressing neurokinin-1 receptors are selectively inhibited by opioids, and therefore are the mediators of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Epidural, intrathecal and plasma pharmacokinetics of opioids are complex, vary between neuraxial compartments, and can even differ within the epidural space itself depending upon level of insertion. Caution should be exercised when prescribing systemic opioids (intravenous or oral) in addition to neuraxial morphine as this can compound the potential for early or delayed respiratory depression. There is a wide range of incidences for respiratory depression following neuraxial morphine in a perioperative setting. Disparity of definitions used for the diagnosis of respiratory depression in the literature precludes identification of the exact incidence of this rare event. The optimal neuraxial opioid dose is a balance between the conflicting demands of providing optimal analgesia while minimizing dose-related adverse effects. Dose-response studies show that neuraxial morphine appears to have an analgesic efficacy 'ceiling'. The optimal 'single-shot' intrathecal dose appears to be 0.075-0.15 mg and the ideal 'single-shot' epidural morphine dose is 2.5-3.75 mg. Analgesic efficacy studies have not been adequately powered to show differences in the incidence of clinically significant respiratory depression. Opioid antagonists such as naloxone to prevent or treat opioid-induced respiratory depression have a number of limitations. Researchers have recently focused on non-opioid drugs such as serotonin receptor agonists. Early evidence suggests that ampakine (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid [AMPA]) receptor modulators may be effective at reducing opioid-induced respiratory depression while maintaining analgesia. Sodium/proton exchanger type 3 (NHE3) inhibitors, which act centrally on respiratory pathways, also warrant further study.

    View details for PubMedID 21942973

  • Via the lungs or the veins? British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) John, S., Jigajinni, S., Pushpanathan, E., Sultan, P. 2010; 71 (11): 658

    View details for DOI 10.12968/hmed.2010.71.11.79666

    View details for PubMedID 21063267

  • A practical guide to undertaking out of programme experience in the United States of America. British journal of hospital medicine Sultan, P., Qadan, M., Pushpanathan, E., Carvalho, B. 2010; 71 (10): M158-9

    View details for PubMedID 20944517

  • What makes a good anaesthetist? Sultan, P., Gilbert, E., Burdett, E., Clarke, S. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2010: 229–30
  • Intermittent positive pressure ventilation: endotracheal tube vs laryngeal mask airway? British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) Jigajinni, S., Sultan, P. 2010; 71 (5): 297

    View details for DOI 10.12968/hmed.2010.71.5.47924

    View details for PubMedID 20448504

  • The intensive care unit handover: the most stressful part of the shift. British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) Jigajinni, S., Sultan, P. 2010; 71 (2): M25-7

    View details for DOI 10.12968/hmed.2010.71.Sup2.46506

    View details for PubMedID 20220710

  • Anaesthesia for the bleeding tonsil. British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) Pushpanathan, E., Sultan, N., Sultan, P. 2010; 71 (2): 117

    View details for DOI 10.12968/hmed.2010.71.2.46497

    View details for PubMedID 20220706

  • Not just a patient that snores. Obstructive sleep apnoea: the perioperative concerns through the eye of the anaesthetist. Journal of perioperative practice Jigajinni, S., Sultan, P., Radhakrishnan, D. 2009; 19 (11): 395-9

    Abstract

    Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has life threatening perioperative cardiorespiratory implications. As patients present to hospital for incidental surgery unaware of their condition, perioperative practitioners need a thorough knowledge of OSA to allow optimisation before theatre. Elective cases should be delayed for investigation and treatment if OSA is suspected. In theatre cardiorespiratory problems should be managed by a senior anaesthetist and a perioperative team alert to the risk of post-operative hypoxia.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/175045890901901104

    View details for PubMedID 20041627

  • Regional anaesthesia for caesarean section: a choice of three techniques. British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) Campbell, J., Sultan, P. 2009; 70 (10): 605

    Abstract

    Over the last 20 years, there has been a large increase in the proportion of caesarean sections (Brown and Russell, 1995) which are performed under regional rather than general anaesthesia. A bilateral sensory block from the T4 dermatome (nipple level) to the sacral nerve roots (perineum) is necessary.

    View details for DOI 10.12968/hmed.2009.70.10.44637

    View details for PubMedID 19966715

  • Is there a role for thiopentone in modern anaesthetic practice? British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) Sultan, P., Campbell, J. 2008; 69 (9): 541

    View details for DOI 10.12968/hmed.2008.69.9.31058

    View details for PubMedID 18819313

  • Is cricoid pressure needed during rapid sequence induction? British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) Sultan, P. 2008; 69 (3): 177

    View details for DOI 10.12968/hmed.2008.69.3.28763

    View details for PubMedID 18422234

  • Anaesthetic rooms: luxury or necessity? British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005) Sultan, P. 2008; 69 (2): 116

    View details for DOI 10.12968/hmed.2008.69.2.28365

    View details for PubMedID 18386748

  • Contamination of anaesthetic machines with pathogenic organisms. Anaesthesia Baillie, J. K., Sultan, P., Graveling, E., Forrest, C., Lafong, C. 2007; 62 (12): 1257-61

    Abstract

    Hospital-acquired infections are commonly resistant to antibiotics and cause substantial morbidity and mortality in susceptible populations. Although there is no direct contact between the anaesthetic machine's controls and the patient, there is considerable potential for colonising organisms to be carried between the anaesthetic machine and the patient on the anaesthetist's hands. We performed two cross-sectional studies of bacterial contamination on anaesthetic machines before and after a simple intervention. Without warning, during theatre sessions, bacterial cultures were obtained from anaesthetic equipment. A new departmental policy of cleaning anaesthetic equipment with detergent wipes between cases was then introduced. Six weeks later, again without warning, a further set of cultures was taken. There was significant reduction in the proportion of cultures containing pathogenic bacteria (from 14/78 cultures (18%; 95% CI 9.4-26.5%) before the intervention to 5/77 cultures (6%; 95% CI 1.0-12%) after the intervention (p = 0.03)). The intervention was quick, easy and enthusiastically taken up by the majority of staff. We conclude that cleaning of anaesthetic equipment between cases should become routine practice.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2007.05261.x

    View details for PubMedID 17991263