Introduction: There is no single haemodynamic parameters either static central venous pressure (CVP) or dynamic stroke volume variation, inferior vena cava distensibility index (SVV,IVCd) that can be used precisely to assess fluid responsiveness. It must be performed concurrently with clinical assessment. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the correlation between these 3 parameters. Methods: This was a cross sectional non-interventional study conducted in intensive care unit. Each patient who fulfilled the criteria will have their CVP, SVV and IVCd measured instantaneously. Analysis of correlation was done using bivariate (Pearson) correlation, while agreement between SVV and IVCd was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa analysis. Results: A total of 37 patients were enrolled in this study. 70.3% were males and 29.7% were females. Mean age was 59.7 ± 13.3. Mean APACHE score was 24.1 ± 6.1. IVCd had significant positive correlation with SVV (r = 0.391, p = 0.017). Agreement between IVCd and SVV was 0.329 (0.95 CI = 0.0174 – 0.6412; p = 0.033). There was non-significant negative correlation between IVCd with CVP and SVV with CVP with r = -0.155 (p=0.359) and r = -0.068 (p= 0.691) respectively. Conclusion: There is only fair cor- relation between IVCd and SVV in determining fluid responsiveness. However, CVP does not correlate to both SVV and IVCd. Neither one of them is a good method in assessing fluid responsiveness during standard care in our centre. Therefore, the usage of above methods needs to combine with clinical parameters to yield better result.
Ludwig angina is a submandibular space cellulitis secondary to oral cavity infection. It is strongly associated with difficult intubation due to limitation in the mouth opening. The presentation of Ludwig angina varies according to the severity of the infection. The extreme presentations include upper airway obstruction and respiratory failure. We present a female teenager with right submandibular abscess as the consequence of Ludwig angina, who was planned for incision and drainage. Successful awake fibre optic intubation was performed as a method of induction due to trismus, deferring the need for tracheostomy.
Plasmodium knowlesi has been discovered as the fifth species causing malaria in humans. It is a major public health problem in South East Asia especially in Borneo. We report a case of pericardial effusion that rapidly progressing to cardiac tamponade, an atypical presentation of P. knowlesi malaria. Our patient had no underlying known medical illness, presented with high grade fever with chills and rigors, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and with poor oral intake. Initial bedside cardiac ultrasound showed minimal pericardial effusion. Within a few hours, she became hypotensive, deteriorated rapidly despite fluid resuscitation requiring mechanical ventilation and inotropic sup- port. Bedside cardiac ultrasound showed cardiac tamponade and pericardiocentesis was done. We highlight the importance of having high level of suspicion for this atypical presentation of cardiac tamponade when a patient is hypotensive in P. knowlesi infection. Prompt diagnosis and management may prevent potentially fatal complication.
Giant haemangioma of the tongue is a disease which can
obstruct the oropharyngeal airway and is presented with
obstructive symptoms. Due to its vascularity, inserting
laryngoscope for intubation can cause high risks, such as
inducing bleeding. Hypoxia and excessive bleeding must be
anticipated while securing the airway. We present a case of
novel usage of dexmedetomidine as a conscious sedation agent
for awake fibre optic intubation in a 9-year-old child with
obstructive symptoms secondary to a huge tongue
haemangioma, who was presented for interventional
sclerotherapy of the lesion.
Background: Existing techniques of predicting difficult laryngoscopy are inadequate requiring evaluation of Maxillopharyngeal Angle (MP-A) on lateral cervical radiograph described. Objectives: This study aimed to compare MP-A test with Modified Mallapati Test (MMT) in predicting their diagnostic values and Area Under Curve of Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUCROCC) of both test. Methods: This is a double blinded interventional study of 93 patients. Each patient’s MMT score was assessed during preoperative assessment and subsequent MP-A test done by obtaining lateral cervical radiograph with the head in neutral position. Laryngeal view was assessed using Cormack-Lehane grade after induction of anesthesia, was used as reference standard to determine the diagnostic values of MMT and MP-A respectively. Results: The MP-A compared to MMT in predicting difficult larngoscopy had higher sensitivity (77.78 vs 44.44) specificity (88.10 vs 67.86) and accuracy (87.10 vs 65.59) with higher Odd Ratio(26.12 vs 1.68). The AUCROCC was significantly higher in MP-A test 0.83(95%CI: 0.67, 0.99) (P = 0.001) vs MMT 0.56(95%CI: 0.36, 0.76) (P = 0.546) with LR+ of 6.53 vs 1.38. Conclusion: The Maxillopharyngeal Angle test was superior in predicting difficult laryngoscopy as compared to Modified Mallampati Test.