Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Jan 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA comparison of the effect of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil and inhalational anaesthesia with isoflurane on the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy.
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of two anaesthetic techniques (total intravenous technique vs. inhalational technique) on changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels during open cholecystectomy. Forty ASA PS I-II patients undergoing open cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to two groups. Group R received total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil and group F received balanced inhalational anaesthesia with isoflurane. ⋯ By the end of anaesthesia and surgery, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were significantly lower in group R than in group F (P < 0.05). At the end of anaesthesia and 12 hours postoperatively, IL-10 levels in group R were higher than in group F (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that total intravenous anaesthesia using propofol and remifentanil suppresses the inflammatory response caused by surgery to a greater extent than a balanced inhalation technique using isoflurane.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Sep 2008
Case ReportsAbdominal compartment syndrome complicating paediatric extracorporeal life support: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
We report three paediatric cases, and summarise the reported experience in two others, with cardiorespiratory failure requiring extracorporeal life support for which supportive pump flows could not be maintained due to abdominal compartment syndrome. In two of our patients, the mechanism of abdominal compartment syndrome was massive intra-abdominal fluid extravasation secondary to sepsis, while in the third, the mechanism was post-traumatic intra-abdominal haemorrhage. ⋯ Once correctable causes of inadequate venous cannula drainage have been excluded, abdominal compartment syndrome should be considered in any patient on extracorporeal life support with a taut abdomen and reduced venous return. If abdominal compartment syndrome can be proven or is strongly suspected, there may be a role for selective decompressive laparotomy.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · May 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyIntra-ocular pressure changes associated with intubation with the intubating laryngeal mask airway compared with conventional laryngoscopy.
This open, prospective, randomised study was designed to evaluate the changes in intra-ocular pressure and haemodynamics after tracheal intubation using either the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) or direct laryngoscopy. Sixty adult patients, ASA physical status 1 or 2 with normal intra-ocular pressure were randomly allocated to one of the two techniques. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol followed by rocuronium. ⋯ Mucosal trauma was more frequent with the ILMA (eight of 30) compared with the laryngoscopy group (three of 30) (P<0.01). The postoperative complications were comparable. In terms of minimising increases in intra-ocular pressure and blood pressure, we conclude that the ILMA has an advantage over direct laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation.
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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 · Nov 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyAcid-base effects of a bicarbonate-balanced priming fluid during cardiopulmonary bypass: comparison with Plasma-Lyte 148. A randomised single-blinded study.
Fluid-induced metabolic acidosis can be harmful and can complicate cardiopulmonary bypass. In an attempt to prevent this disturbance, we designed a bicarbonate-based crystalloid circuit prime balanced on physico-chemical principles with a strong ion difference of 24 mEq/l and compared its acid-base effects with those of Plasma-Lyte 148, a multiple electrolyte replacement solution containing acetate plus gluconate totalling 50 mEq/l. Twenty patients with normal acid-base status undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomised 1:1 to a 2 litre prime of either bicarbonate-balanced fluid or Plasma-Lyte 148. ⋯ We conclude that a bicarbonate-based crystalloid with a strong ion difference of 24 mEq/l is balanced for cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with normal acid-base status, whereas Plasma-Lyte 148 triggers a surge of unmeasured anions, persisting throughout bypass. These are likely to be gluconate and/or acetate. Whether surges of exogenous anions during bypass can be harmful requires further study.