Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2018
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyBaseline Morphine Consumption May Explain Between-Study Heterogeneity in Meta-analyses of Adjuvant Analgesics and Improve Precision and Accuracy of Effect Estimates.
Statistical heterogeneity can increase the uncertainty of results and reduce the quality of evidence derived from systematic reviews. At present, it is uncertain what the major factors are that account for heterogeneity in meta-analyses of analgesic adjuncts. Therefore, the aim of this review was to identify whether various covariates could explain statistical heterogeneity and use this to improve accuracy when reporting the efficacy of analgesics. ⋯ We empirically identified baseline morphine consumption as the major source of heterogeneity in meta-analyses of adjuvant analgesics across all surgical interventions. Controlling for baseline morphine consumption, clinicians can use audit data to estimate the morphine-reducing effect of adding any adjuvant for their local population, regardless which surgery they undergo. Moreover, we have utilized these findings to present a novel method of reporting and an amended method of graphically displaying effect estimates, which both reduces confounding from variable baseline risk in included trials and is able to adjust for other clinical and methodological confounding variables. We recommend use of these methods in clinical practice and future reviews of analgesics for postoperative pain.
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Neuromuscular monitoring devices were introduced into clinical practice in the 1970s. Qualitative neuromuscular monitors, or peripheral nerve stimulators, provide an electrical stimulus to a motor nerve and the response of corresponding muscle subjectively evaluated. A standard peripheral nerve stimulator provides several patterns of nerve stimulation, including train-of-four (TOF), double-burst, tetanic, and post-tetanic count. ⋯ Lower doses of anticholinesterases may be used to effectively reverse neuromuscular blockade at TOF ratios of 0.4-0.6; quantitative monitoring is required to determine that this level of neuromuscular recovery has occurred. As clinical tests of muscle strength, peripheral nerve stimulators are unable to determine whether full recovery of neuromuscular function is present at the end of the surgical procedure. The use of quantitative monitors is essential in excluding clinically important muscle weakness (TOF ratios <0.9 to 1.0) at the time of tracheal extubation.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2018
ReviewMicroRNAs as Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutic Tools in Perioperative Medicine.
Over the past decade, evolutionarily conserved, noncoding small RNAs-so-called microRNAs (miRNAs)-have emerged as important regulators of virtually all cellular processes. miRNAs influence gene expression by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of protein-coding RNA, leading to its degradation and translational repression. In medicine, miRNAs have been revealed as novel, highly promising biomarkers and as attractive tools and targets for novel therapeutic approaches. miRNAs are currently entering the field of perioperative medicine, and they may open up new perspectives in anesthesia, critical care, and pain medicine. ⋯ We highlight current paradigms of miRNA-mediated effects in perioperative medicine and provide a survey of miRNA biomarkers in the field known so far. Finally, we provide a perspective on miRNA-based therapeutic opportunities and perspectives.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2018
Variability in the Use of Protective Mechanical Ventilation During General Anesthesia.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant variation exists in the use of protective ventilation across individual anesthesia providers and whether this difference can be explained by patient, procedure, and provider-related characteristics. ⋯ There was significant variability across individual anesthesia providers in the use of intraoperative protective mechanical ventilation. Our data suggest that this variability is highly driven by individual preference, rather than patient, procedure, or provider-related characteristics.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2018
Meta AnalysisThe Effect of Glycopyrrolate on the Incidence of Hypotension and Vasopressor Requirement During Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-analysis.
The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of glycopyrrolate at reducing spinal hypotension during cesarean delivery. ⋯ Prophylactic glycopyrrolate does not reduce the incidence of spinal-induced hypotension but results in a modest reduction in vasopressor requirements while increasing maternal HR.