LOCAL ANAESTHETIC SYSTEMIC TOXICITY AWARENESS AMONG CLINICAL PRACTITIONERS: LAST – Critical Management

Sana Abbas; Amjad Akram; Beenish Abbas; Mohsin Fayyaz; Basit Mehmood; Umer Hayat

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v71i5.4035

Authors

Sana Abbas Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Amjad Akram Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Beenish Abbas Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Mohsin Fayyaz Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Basit Mehmood Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Umer Hayat Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v71i5.4035

Keywords:

Aspiration, Local anaesthetics, Lipid emulsion

Abstract

Objective: to assess comprehension of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity among clinical practitioners.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary Care Institute, from Dec 2019 to Mar 2020.

Methodology: Methodology constituted of a web-based questionnaire. A pilot study carried out at 15-20 participants forquestionnaire validation and reviewed by independent experts for face validity, a final questionnaire comprised of 10 multiple-choice questions in addition to demographic profile.

Results: A total of 950 participants participated in the study and data was extracted from their responses. Out of 738 (77.8%) participants declared that they are unaware of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity complication, 26 (2.7%) encountered local anaesthetic systemic toxicity and 185 (19.5%) never experienced. Ninety (9.5%) were aware of the availability and utilization of 'Lipid Emulsion' therapy to treat ‘Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity’ (LAST).

Conclusion: Although clinicians have significant awareness level regarding local anaesthetic toxicity but unfortunately compliance with management of this life-threatening complication is deficient.