Anaesthesia and intensive care
-
Anaesth Intensive Care · Nov 2012
Case ReportsFailure to investigate anaesthetic anaphylaxis resulting in a preventable second anaphylactic reaction.
We present a case of anaphylaxis to suxamethonium and/or vecuronium in a patient who had previously suffered an anaphylactic reaction, presumably to rocuronium. The patient had not been referred for formal allergy testing after the first anaphylactic reaction. Subsequent formal allergy testing revealed sensitivities to suxamethonium, rocuronium and vecuronium. ⋯ It is recommended that all patients with suspected perioperative anaphylaxis are referred for testing. This is the responsibility of the anaesthetist. Particular caution should be used with suspected neuromuscular blocking drug allergy as cross-reactivity is common and not predictable by drug structure.
-
Anaesth Intensive Care · Nov 2012
Point-of-care testing of coagulation and fibrinolytic status during postpartum haemorrhage: developing a thrombelastography®-guided transfusion algorithm.
Thrombelastography® is a monitor of coagulation and fibrinolytic status, with point-of-care applications in managing haemorrhaging patients. Advocates have suggested a possible role in managing obstetric haemorrhage. This study aims to develop a pregnancy-specific thrombelastography-guided transfusion algorithm, which could be integrated into the management of postpartum haemorrhage. ⋯ From the assay-specific reference intervals obtained, it was possible to establish a pregnancy-specific thrombelastography-guided transfusion algorithm. Specific features of this transfusion algorithm included the preferential use of activated assays, the need for duplicates and a recommendation that an initial baseline thrombelastography measurement is established for subsequent serial comparisons. This transfusion algorithm has been developed to assist with assessment of coagulation and fibrinolytic status during postpartum haemorrhage.
-
Anaesth Intensive Care · Nov 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA pilot study of cerebral and haemodynamic physiological changes during sedation with dexmedetomidine or propofol in patients with acute brain injury.
Sedation for the mechanically-ventilated, brain-injured patient remains challenging. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the cerebral physiologic effects of sedation with propofol versus dexmedetomidine in mechanically-ventilated, brain-injured patients. Using a randomised, crossover, unblinded clinical trial, we enrolled patients with severe brain injury (Glasgow Coma Score ≤8) from traumatic injury, subarachnoid haemorrhage or intracerebral haemorrhage undergoing multimodal monitoring (intracranial pressure, brain temperature, oximetry and microdialysis). ⋯ Though differences were noted in cerebral metabolic substrates (lactate/pyruvate ratio), none were statistically significant. In our pilot cohort, dexmedetomidine and propofol appear equally effective in sedating severely brain-injured patients and neither is associated with adverse physiological effects as measured by multimodal monitoring. Larger long-term studies are required to determine whether clinically favourable benefits demonstrated in the medical critical care setting also apply to this patient population.
-
Anaesth Intensive Care · Nov 2012
ReviewThe meaning of acute kidney injury and its relevance to intensive care and anaesthesia.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the new consensus term for acute renal failure. The term describes a continuum of kidney injury, a common condition in the critically ill and after major surgery, which is associated with increased mortality. The incidence of AKI in intensive care unit patients in Australia is >30% and sepsis is a major contributory factor. ⋯ In this review, we explore the limitations of animal and human models of AKI and the implications of recent research on our current understanding of the pathophysiology of AKI. In addition, we describe conventional and novel diagnostic methods and therapies, and explore the clinical implications of the effect of fluid administration and perioperative management. Finally, we identify priorities for clinical investigations and future directions in AKI research.