Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDesflurane versus sevoflurane for maintenance of outpatient anesthesia: the effect on early versus late recovery and perioperative coughing.
There is controversy regarding the relative perioperative benefits of desflurane versus sevoflurane when used for maintenance of anesthesia in the ambulatory setting. Although studies have consistently demonstrated a faster emergence with desflurane (versus sevoflurane), the impact of this difference on the later recovery end points has not been definitively established. Furthermore, the effect of desflurane (versus sevoflurane) on the incidence of coughing is also controversial. ⋯ Use of desflurane for maintenance of anesthesia was associated with a faster emergence and a higher incidence of coughing. Despite the faster initial recovery with desflurane, no significant differences were found between the two volatile anesthetics in the later recovery period. Both volatile anesthetics should be available for ambulatory anesthesia.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized trial of the traditional sitting position versus the hamstring stretch position for labor epidural needle placement.
Anecdotal and experimental evidence suggest that a sitting position with maximum knee extension, hip adduction, and forward lean (hamstring stretch position) may produce better reversal of the lumbar lordosis than a traditional sitting position. ⋯ The hamstring stretch position is equivalent to the traditional sitting position in terms of the number of needle-bone contacts encountered when placing labor epidural needles.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2009
ReviewPerioperative hemodynamic monitoring with transesophageal Doppler technology.
Invasive cardiac output (CO) monitoring, traditionally performed with transpulmonary thermodilution techniques, is usually reserved for high-risk patients because of the inherent risks of these methods. In contrast, transesophageal Doppler (TED) technology offers a safe, quick, and less invasive method for routine measurements of CO. After esophageal insertion and focusing of the probe, the Doppler beam interrogates the descending aortic blood flow. ⋯ TED can be used to guide perioperative intravascular volume substitution and therapy, with vasoactive or inotropic drugs. Various studies have demonstrated a reduced postoperative morbidity and shorter length of hospital stay in patients managed with TED compared with conventional clinical management, suggesting that it may be a valuable supplement to standard perioperative monitoring. We review not only the technical basis of this method and its clinical application but also its limitations, risks, and contraindications.
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The introduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, i.e., statins, constitutes a milestone in the prevention of cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. The effects of statins extend far beyond their effects on cholesterol levels: pleiotropic effects include vasoprotective mechanisms, comprising improved endothelial function, increased bioavailability of nitric oxide, immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory properties, stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as antioxidant and stem cell-regulating capacities. Large clinical trials have clearly demonstrated that statins reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. ⋯ Until now, statins were only available as oral drugs. An IV formulation may be warranted for acute treatment of severely ill patients, for example, those who are unable to swallow or scheduled for surgery. Hydrophilic statins would be suitable for an IV formulation and have been safely tested in healthy volunteers.