Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · May 2017
ReviewEndothelial glycocalyx: basic science and clinical implications.
The classic Starling principle proposed that microvascular fluid exchange was determined by a balance of hydrostatic and oncotic pressures relative to the vascular wall and this movement of water was regulated by gaps in the intercellular spaces. However, current literature on the endothelial glycocalyx (a jelly-like protective layer covering the luminal surface of the endothelium) has revised Starling's traditional concepts. ⋯ Pathological shedding of the glycocalyx occurs in response to mechanical cellular stress, endotoxins, inflammatory mediators, atrial natriuretic peptide, ischaemia-reperfusion injury, free oxygen radicals and hyperglycaemia. Increased understanding of the endothelial glycocalyx may change perioperative fluid management, and therapeutic strategies aimed at its preservation may improve patient outcomes.
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With increasing emphasis on patient autonomy, patients are encouraged to be more involved in end-of-life issues, including the use of extraordinary efforts to prolong their lives. Being able to make anticipatory decisions is seen to promote autonomy, empower patients and optimise patient care. To facilitate shared decision-making, patients need to have a clear and accurate understanding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ Most of the participants agreed that they should personally be involved in making end-of-life decisions (n=44, 86.3%). Many patients had a poor knowledge of CPR and other resuscitation measures and the majority overestimated the success rate of CPR. However, a majority were receptive to improving their knowledge and keen to discuss end-of-life issues with physicians.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · May 2017
Patient and community attitudes toward perioperative biobanking and genomic research.
We surveyed hospital patients and clinicians to ascertain their attitudes to the establishment of a perioperative biobank for future genomics research, and whether the requirements for an opt-out approach to consent can be met. We enrolled hospital patients (n=187), patient spouse/family members (n=64), ethics committee members (n=14), and clinical staff (doctors and nurses [n=67]), and unspecified community members (n=10). They were asked to rate and describe their views on medical research and biobanking, the need for individual consent, and the importance of confidentiality. ⋯ Participants with chronic medical and surgical conditions were significantly more supportive and comfortable with genetic research, as were most in the hospital community. Most hospital patients, community members and clinicians are supportive of the development of a perioperative biobank used for genomic research. This supports the adoption of an opt-out approach to consent model.