Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialPreoperative carbohydrate loading in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass or spinal surgery.
Surgical stress creates a state of insulin resistance which may contribute to the development of hyperglycemia and, subsequently, postoperative complications. Consumption of an oral carbohydrate supplement before surgery may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hyperglycemia. In this trial, we investigated the effects of carbohydrate supplementation on insulin resistance in coronary artery bypass graft and spinal decompression and fusion surgical patients. ⋯ Preoperative carbohydrate loading did not improve postoperative insulin sensitivity. However, the observed postoperative blood glucose levels and β-cell function as well as secondary outcomes warrant further study to reevaluate traditional fasting practices in surgical patients.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2013
Biography Historical ArticleSpecial article: sites and artifacts related to horace wells in hartford, connecticut.
Horace Wells, a contender for recognition as the discoverer of anesthesia, is celebrated in the town where he conducted most of his work, Hartford, CT. His only descendant was his son, Charles Thomas Wells (1839-1909), an influential and successful business executive at Aetna Insurance Company. He was a man of considerable influence, and he worked tirelessly with city officials and the Connecticut Dental Association in celebrating the 50th anniversary of his father's contribution to medicine. ⋯ Sites in Jefferson, GA; Hartford, CT; and Boston, MA and their environs celebrate this most precious contribution to modern medicine, especially since the introduction of safe anesthesia permitted the development of surgical specialties and obstetrics. We trace the history and relationship between Horace Wells and several sites and artifacts in Hartford, CT. These sites span the most important, distinctive, and attractive parts of the city: Bushnell Park, Trinity College, Cedar Hill Cemetery, the Athenaeum, and the Connecticut Historical Society.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of a bolus dose of intravenous lidocaine on the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
The anesthetic effect of volatile anesthetics can be quantified by the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of the drug that prevents movement in response to a noxious stimulus in 50% of patients. The underlying mechanism regarding how immobilization is achieved by volatile anesthetics is not thoroughly understood, but several drugs affect MAC. In this study, we investigated the effect of a single IV bolus dose of lidocaine on the MAC of sevoflurane in humans. ⋯ IV 1.5 mg·kg(-1) lidocaine decreased the MAC by at least 0.03% sevoflurane (mean difference 0.23% sevoflurane [95% adjusted CI, 0.03-0.43]). We did not observe a significant reduction in the MAC of sevoflurane with the IV administration of 0.75 mg·kg(-1) lidocaine.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Aug 2013
Comparative StudyThe Influence of Laboratory Coagulation Tests and Clotting Factor Levels on Rotation Thromboelastometry (ROTEM(R)) During Major Surgery with Hemorrhage.
The aim of this study was to determine the association between standard laboratory tests, coagulation factor concentrations, and Rotation Thromboelastometry (ROTEM® delta, TEM® International GmbH, Munich, Germany) in patients undergoing major surgery with hemorrhage. ⋯ The results confirm the clinical assumption that EXTEM, INTEM, and APTEM are associated with fibrinogen and platelets levels; INTEM-CT significantly to aPTT; and FIBTEM significantly to fibrinogen. Factor VIII showed a significant correlation with all ROTEM parameters except CT of EXTEM, INTEM, FIBTEM, and CFT and MCF of APTEM.