Can plethysmographic capillary refill time predict lactate during sepsis? An observational study from Morocco.

Introduction: Blood lactate is a marker of tissue hypoxia while capillary refill time (CRT) is a surrogate of tissue perfusion. Measuring these parameters is recommended for assessing circulatory status and guiding resuscitation. However, blood lactate is not widely available in African emergency departments.

What happened during COVID-19 in African ICUs? An observational study of pulmonary co-infections, superinfections, and mortality in Morocco.

Background: There is a growing literature showing that critically ill COVID-19 patients have an increased risk of pulmonary co-infections and superinfections. However, studies in developing countries, especially African countries, are lacking. The objective was to describe the prevalence of bacterial co-infections and superinfections in critically ill adults with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Morocco, the micro-organisms involved, and the impact of these infections on survival.

Thoracic spinal anaesthesia for abdominal surgery in a humanitarian military field hospital: a prospective observational study.

Background: Providing safe and effective anaesthesia in the context of humanitarian medicine is always a challenging situation. Spinal anaesthesia, and in particular its thoracic approach, represents a promising technique for such a limited-resource environment. This prospective observational study investigated the feasibility of thoracic spinal anaesthesia (TSA) for abdominal surgery in a field-deployed military hospital.

Prediction of post-induction hypotension by point-of-care echocardiography: A prospective observational study.

Background: Post-induction hypotension (PIH) is a common side effect of general anaesthesia and is associated with poor perioperative outcomes. We assessed the ability of two point-of-care echocardiographic variables to predict the occurrence of PIH: the passive leg raising-induced changes in the velocity-time integral of the left ventricular outflow tract (ΔVTI-PLR) and the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI).

Methods: We studied 64 patients > 50 years scheduled for elective abdominal surgery.

[Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome at a chronic hemodialysis].

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome is an acute and systemic infectious syndrome associated with the super-antigenic activity of staphylococcal toxins. It is a pathology that is rather rare but remains burdened with a considerable mortality despite the therapeutic management. The gateway is usually cutaneous with secondary bacteremic spread could be subject to preventive measures.

The parasacral sciatic nerve block does not induce anesthesia of the obturator nerve.

Purpose: The ability of the parasacral sciatic nerve block (PSNB) to induce anesthesia of the obturator nerve remains controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the anesthesia of the obturator nerve after a PSNB.

Methods: Forty patients scheduled to undergo knee surgery (anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction) were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Magnesium sulphate: an adjuvant to tracheal intubation without muscle relaxation--a randomised study.

Context: Tracheal intubation without administration of a neuromuscular blocking drug is used frequently in anaesthesia. Several techniques and adjuvants have been tried to improve intubating conditions. Magnesium sulphate is an agent with analgesic, anaesthetic and muscle relaxant effects.

A randomized controlled trial of pudendal nerve block for pain relief after episiotomy.

Background: Pain from episiotomy or perineal tears during childbirth is associated with significant pain in the postpartum period. We performed this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of nerve stimulator-guided unilateral pudendal nerve block for pain relief after episiotomy.

Methods: Forty women who gave birth vaginally with mediolateral episiotomy were randomized to receive pudendal nerve block with 15 mL of either ropivacaine 7.

[Thrombocytopenia in a surgical intensive care unit: incidence, risk factors and effect on outcome].

Objective: To determine the incidence of thrombocytopenia in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU), the risk factors associated with it, and its effect on patient outcome.

Methods: During a 6-month period, all patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit were studied prospectively. The factors associated with thrombocytopenia were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Validation of a behavioral pain scale in critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients.

Assessing pain in critically ill patients, particularly in nonverbal patients, is a great challenge. In this study, we validated a behavioral pain scale (BPS) in critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients. The BPS score was the sum of 3 subscales that have a range score of 1-4: facial expression, upper limb movements, and compliance with mechanical ventilation.