Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 2010
Review Meta AnalysisRecompression and adjunctive therapy for decompression illness: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Decompression illness (DCI) is caused by bubble formation in the blood or tissues after a reduction in ambient pressure. Clinically, DCI may range from a trivial illness to paralysis, loss of consciousness, cardiovascular collapse, and death. Recompression is the universally accepted standard for the treatment of DCI. When recompression is delayed, a number of strategies have been suggested to improve the outcome. We examined the effectiveness and safety of both recompression and adjunctive therapies in the treatment of DCI. ⋯ Recompression therapy is the standard for treatment of DCI, but there is no RCT evidence. The addition of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (tenoxicam) or the use of heliox may reduce the number of recompressions required, but neither improves the odds of recovery. The application of either of these strategies may be justified. The modest number of patients studied demands a cautious interpretation. Benefits may be largely economic, and an economic analysis should be undertaken. There is a case for large randomized trials of high methodological rigor to define any benefit from the use of different breathing gases and pressure profiles during recompression.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jun 2010
Review Meta AnalysisShould in-line filters be used in peripheral intravenous catheters to prevent infusion-related phlebitis? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
In this systematic review, we assessed the effect of in-line filters on infusion-related phlebitis associated with peripheral IV catheters. The study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We used MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register up to August 10, 2009. ⋯ In-line filters in peripheral IV catheters cannot be recommended routinely, because evidence of their benefit is uncertain.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Jun 2010
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyBrief reports: paravertebral block for anesthesia: a systematic review.
The objective of this review was to assess the safety and efficacy of thoracic and lumbar paravertebral blocks (PVBs) for surgical anesthesia through a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature. PVBs for surgical anesthesia were compared with general anesthesia (GA) or other regional anesthetic techniques. ⋯ In conclusion, based on the current evidence, PVBs for surgical anesthesia at the level of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are associated with less pain during the immediate postoperative period, as well as less postoperative nausea and vomiting, and greater patient satisfaction compared with GA.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2010
Meta AnalysisMeta-analysis of average and variability of time to extubation comparing isoflurane with desflurane or isoflurane with sevoflurane.
We recently determined how to use anesthesia information management system data to model the time from end of surgery to extubation. We applied that knowledge for meta-analyses of trials comparing extubation times after maintenance with desflurane and sevoflurane. In this study, we repeated the meta-analyses to compare isoflurane with desflurane and sevoflurane. ⋯ The pharmacoeconomics of volatile anesthetics are highly sensitive to measurement of relatively small time differences. Therefore, surgical facilities should use these values combined with their local data (e.g., mean baseline extubation times) when making evidence-based management decisions regarding pharmaceutical purchases and usage guidelines.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 2010
Review Meta AnalysisCombining paracetamol (acetaminophen) with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: a qualitative systematic review of analgesic efficacy for acute postoperative pain.
There has been a trend over recent years for combining a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) with paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain management. However, therapeutic superiority of the combination of paracetamol and an NSAID over either drug alone remains controversial. We evaluated the efficacy of the combination of paracetamol and an NSAID versus either drug alone in various acute pain models. ⋯ Current evidence suggests that a combination of paracetamol and an NSAID may offer superior analgesia compared with either drug alone.