Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2019
Observational StudyViscoelastic Signals for Optimal Resuscitation in Trauma: Kaolin Thrombelastography Cutoffs for Diagnosing Hypofibrinogenemia (VISOR Study).
Acute traumatic coagulopathy is common in trauma patients. Prompt diagnosis of hypofibrinogenemia allows for early treatment with cryoprecipitate or fibrinogen concentrate. At present, optimal cutoffs for diagnosing hypofibrinogenemia with kaolin thrombelastography (TEG) have not been established. We hypothesized that kaolin kaolin-TEG parameters, such as kinetic time (K-time), α-angle, and maximum amplitude (MA), would accurately diagnose hypofibrinogenemia (fibrinogen <200 mg/dL) and severe hypofibrinogenemia (fibrinogen <100 mg/dL). ⋯ Kaolin-TEG parameters can accurately diagnose hypofibrinogenemia and severe hypofibrinogenemia in trauma patients. Currently recommended cutoffs for the treatment of hypofibrinogenemia are skewed toward high specificity and low sensitivity. Many patients are likely to be undertreated for hypofibrinogenemia using current national guidelines.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2019
Comparative StudyDo Epidural Catheter Size and Flow Rate Affect Bolus Injection Pressure in Different Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus Regimens? An In Vitro Study.
The optimal programmed intermittent epidural bolus regimen for labor analgesia remains unknown. Some studies indicate that better drug spread in the epidural space results from greater injection pressure; however, there is a lack of data regarding the maximum pressure generated by epidural bolus injection using different catheters and flow rates. ⋯ Significant differences were observed in the in vitro maximum pressure value among the various catheter and flow rate combinations with a higher pressure value for wire-reinforced catheters used in the study. The optimal flow rate and epidural catheter combination may allow for delivery of the bolus with high flow rate without triggering the occlusion alarm.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2019
A Mixed-Method Design Evaluation of the SAFE Obstetric Anaesthesia Course at 4 and 12-18 Months After Training in the Republic of Congo and Madagascar.
Maternal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is higher than in high-income countries (HICs), and poor anesthesia care is a contributing factor. Many anesthesia complications are considered preventable with adequate training. The Safer Anaesthesia From Education Obstetric Anaesthesia (SAFE-OB) course was designed as a refresher course to upgrade the skills of anesthesia providers in low-income countries, but little is known about the long-term impact of the course on changes in practice. We report changes in practice at 4 and 12-18 months after SAFE-OB courses in Madagascar and the Republic of Congo. ⋯ Participation at a SAFE-OB course in the Republic of Congo and in Madagascar was associated with personal and organizational changes in practice and sustained improvements in knowledge and skill at 12-18 months.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2019
Clinical TrialA Prospective, Ex Vivo Trial of Endobronchial Blockade Management Utilizing 3 Commonly Available Bronchial Blockers.
Lung isolation with bronchial blockers is a well-described and accepted procedure, often described for use during the management of massive hemoptysis. Recommendations for balloon inflation are sparse, with some advocating for saline whereas other suggest air, including the manufacturers. We sought to evaluate the optimal method for balloon inflation in an ex vivo trial. ⋯ The utilization of saline for balloon inflation during bronchial blockade allows for more consistent balloon inflation. The use of saline during balloon inflation appears to delay passive, spontaneous balloon deflation time when compared to air during a model of endobronchial blockade. The approach of saline inflation should be tested in humans to demonstrate the overall applicability and validity of the current findings.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2019
Observational StudyHow Do Common Comorbidities Modify the Association of Frailty With Survival After Elective Noncardiac Surgery? A Population-Based Cohort Study.
Older people with frailty have decreased postoperative survival. Understanding how comorbidities modify the association between frailty and survival could improve risk stratification and guide development of interventions. Therefore, we evaluated whether the concurrent presence of common and high-risk comorbidities (dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], coronary artery disease [CAD], diabetes mellitus, heart failure [HF]) in conjunction with frailty might be associated with a larger decrease in postoperative survival after major elective surgery than would be expected based on the presence of the comorbidity and frailty on their own. ⋯ Common comorbidities modify the association of frailty with postoperative survival; however, this effect was only apparent when analyses accounted for effect modification on the absolute risk difference, as opposed to relative scale. While the relative scale is more commonly used in biomedical research, smaller effects may be easier to detect on the risk difference scale. The concurrent presence of dementia, COPD, and HF with frailty were all associated with excess mortality on the absolute risk difference scale.