The concept of bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is not yet fully understood. In patients undergoing cemented hip arthroplasty, it is a significant factor in intraoperative mortality and morbidity. It may also manifest in a milder form postoperatively, resulting in hypoxia and confusion. In the older population, hip replacement surgery is becoming more prevalent. The risks of elderly patients suffering BCIS may be increased due to co-existing conditions. In this article, we present a narrative review of BCIS including its definition, incidence, risk factors, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, prevention, and management, all from an anesthetic point of view.

High-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) is a respiratory support system, through which high flows of humidified and heated gas are delivered to hypoxemic patients. Several mechanisms explain how HFOT improves arterial blood gases and enhances patients’ comfort. Some mechanisms are well understood, but others are still unclear and under investigation. HFOT is an interesting oxygen-delivery modality in perioperative medicine that has many clinical applications in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the operating room (OR). The purpose of this article was to review the literature for a comprehensive understanding of HFOT in the perioperative period, as well as its uses in procedural sedation. This review will focus on the HFOT definition, its physiological benefits, and their mechanisms, its clinical uses in anesthesia, and when it is contraindicated.

Sepsis, the most serious complication of infection, occurs when a cascade of potentially life-threatening inflammatory responses is triggered. Potentially life-threatening septic shock is a complication of sepsis that occurs when hemodynamic instability occurs. Septic shock may cause organ failure, most commonly involving the kidneys. The pathophysiology and hemodynamic mechanisms of acute kidney injury in the case of sepsis or septic shock remain to be elucidated, but previous studies have suggested multiple possible mechanisms or the interplay of multiple mechanisms. Norepinephrine is used as the first-line vasopressor in the management of septic shock. Studies have reported different hemodynamic effects of norepinephrine on renal circulation, with some suggesting that it could possibly exacerbate acute kidney injury caused by septic shock. This narrative review briefly covers the updates on sepsis and septic shock regarding definitions, statistics, diagnosis, and management, with an explanation of the putative pathophysiological mechanisms and hemodynamic changes, as well as updated evidence. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury remains a major burden on the healthcare system. This review aims to improve the real-world clinical understanding of the possible adverse outcomes of norepinephrine use in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) represent a significant public health concern, with mild-to-moderate cases comprising a substantial portion of incidents. Understanding the predictors of mortality among adult patients with mild-to-moderate TBIs is crucial for optimizing clinical management and improving outcomes. This literature review examines the existing research to identify and analyze the mortality predictors in this patient population. Through a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles and clinical studies, key prognostic factors, such as age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, the presence of intracranial hemorrhage, pupillary reactivity, and coexisting medical conditions, are explored. Additionally, this review investigates the role of advanced imaging modalities, biomarkers, and scoring systems in predicting mortality following a mild-to-moderate TBI. By synthesizing the findings from diverse studies, this review aims to provide clinicians and researchers with valuable insights into the factors influencing mortality outcomes in adult patients with a mild-to-moderate TBI, thus facilitating more informed decision making and targeted interventions in clinical practice.

Periodontal health is connected to many systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative diseases. The oral–brain axis has gained increasing interest in the pathogenesis of diseases. Emerging studies have highlighted the potential role of periodontal disease in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. However, Alzheimer’s disease also affects periodontal disease and oral health. In this review, we address the correlation between the two diseases and the mechanisms by which one contributes to the other. Exploring the correlation between Alzheimer’s disease and periodontal disease will assist in better understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and pave the way for the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Background and Objectives: Pneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse. While cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor, the role of electronic cigarettes is less understood. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the outcomes of vaping-associated pneumothorax, in addition to its clinical features and management strategies, by compiling published case reports and case series. Materials and Methods: The choice to use case reports and case series was due to the limited availability of other types of studies on this emerging condition, as vaping-associated pneumothorax is relatively rare and primarily reported in isolated cases. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of six databases for case reports and case series. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers. Results: Seven case reports and four case series with a total number of 16 patients were included. Most patients were young, underweight men who presented with chest pain and shortness of breath. Conventional cigarette and cannabis use were commonly reported alongside vaping. The main treatment was the insertion of a chest tube, with surgical interventions reserved for severe cases. Patients who were treated non-surgically exhibited a higher recurrence rate. Additionally, specific symptoms such as chest pain radiating to the ipsilateral shoulder were associated with a higher recurrence rate. Conclusions: Clinicians should be vigilant for pneumothorax in at-risk individuals, consider targeted screening for symptomatic vapers, and prioritize early surgical intervention in recurrent cases to reduce complications. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of vaping-associated spontaneous pneumothorax and optimal management strategies.