Anesthesiology
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Prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with muscle weakness, pharyngeal dysfunction, and symptomatic aspiration. The authors hypothesized that muscle strength measurements can be used to predict pharyngeal dysfunction (endoscopic evaluation-primary hypothesis), as well as symptomatic aspiration occurring during a 3-month follow-up period. ⋯ In critically ill patients, muscle weakness is an independent predictor of pharyngeal dysfunction and symptomatic aspiration. Manual muscle strength testing may help identify patients at risk of symptomatic aspiration.
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The authors investigated the impact of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) on intrarenal oxygenation and its functional short-term consequences in pigs. ⋯ ANH to a hematocrit of 15% statistically significantly impaired µPO2 and renal function in the crystalloid group. Less tissue edema formation and an unimpaired renal µPO2 in the colloid group might account for a preserved renal function.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a useful neuromodulatory technique for treatment of certain neuropathic pain conditions. However, the optimal stimulation parameters remain unclear. ⋯ Kilohertz SCS attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity in a time course and amplitude that differed from conventional 50 Hz SCS, and may involve different peripheral and spinal segmental mechanisms.