Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · May 2008
Review Meta AnalysisUse of intrathecal midazolam to improve perioperative analgesia: a meta-analysis.
Intrathecal midazolam binds with gamma aminobutyric acid-A receptors in the spinal cord leading to an analgesic effect. Clinical studies suggested that intrathecal midazolam may also reduce nausea and vomiting when used as an adjunct to other spinal medications. However, the potential neurotoxic effect of intrathecal midazolam remains a concern. ⋯ The incidence of neurological symptoms after intrathecal midazolam was uncommon (1.8%) and did not differ from placebo (odds ratio 1.20, 95% CI 0.22 to 6.68, P=0.84). Based on the limited data available, intrathecal midazolam appears to improve perioperative analgesia and reduce nausea and vomiting during caesarean delivery. A multicentre registry or large randomised controlled study with a prolonged follow-up period would be useful to confirm the clinical safety of intrathecal midazolam.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Mar 2008
Review Historical ArticleThe role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treatment of the adult respiratory distress syndrome: review and quantitative analysis.
The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has not been formally validated for patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome. In anticipation of publication of the conventional ventilation versus ECMO in severe adult respiratory failure (CESAR) trial, the role of ECMO in this setting was reviewed. An electronic search for studies reporting the use of ECMO for the treatment of adult respiratory distress syndrome revealed two randomised controlled trials and three non-controlled trials. ⋯ ECMO, as rescue therapy for adult respiratory distress syndrome, appears to be an unvalidated rescue treatment option. Analysis and review of trial data does not support its application; however the body of reported cases suggests otherwise. Until the CESAR trial provides an authoritative answer ECMO will continue to be offered on a case by case basis.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Jan 2008
Review Case ReportsArterial gas embolism: a review of cases at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, 1996 to 2006.
Arterial gas embolism may occur as a complication of diving or certain medical procedures. Although relatively rare, the consequences may be disastrous. Recent articles in the critical care literature suggest the non-hyperbaric medical community may not be aware of the role for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in non-diving related gas embolism. ⋯ Two remained severely affected with major neurological injury. Both had non-diving-related arterial gas embolism. There was a good outcome in the majority of patients who presented with arterial gas embolism and were treated with compression.