The Journal of international medical research
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Optimal dose of dexmedetomidine for attenuating cardiovascular response during emergence in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
To investigate the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine for attenuating the haemodynamic response during emergence from anaesthesia. ⋯ Intravenous infusion of 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine 30 min before the end of surgery attenuated the haemodynamic responses during emergence without prolonging the extubation time. Dexmedetomidine doses higher than 0.5 µg/kg did not exert additional positive effects on cardiovascular responses, but did significantly prolong the extubation time.
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Comparative Study
Noninvasive ventilation with complex critical care ventilator in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To compare the clinical effect of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), delivered via critical care ventilator or miniventilator, in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). ⋯ NIPPV delivered via critical care ventilator has a better treatment effect than miniventilator NIPPV in patients with AECOPD. The use of P-SIMV + PSV + PEEP mode provides a significantly better treatment effect than PSV + PEEP alone.
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The usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as individual biomarkers, and in combination, for the identification of infections in a critically ill patient cohort was evaluated retrospectively. ⋯ For critically ill patients, CRP and CRP in combination with PCT were found to be suitable biomarkers for diagnosing sepsis, based on their NPV and PPV.
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To determine the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) among South African adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. ⋯ DPNP is widely prevalent in South Africa. Despite its negative impact on HRQoL and sleep, DPNP is inadequately treated. DN4 is an easy-to-use, validated questionnaire that can be used widely as a DPNP screening tool in clinical practice.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Influence of levosimendan on organ dysfunction in patients with severely reduced left ventricular function undergoing cardiac surgery.
Levosimendan is an inotropic drug with organ-protective properties due to its activation of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether administration of levosimendan prior to cardiopulmonary bypass could reduce organ dysfunction and influence subsequent secondary endpoints. ⋯ These preliminary results show that timely perioperative levosimendan treatment is feasible, has a favourable safety profile safe and may help to prevent low cardiac output syndrome. However, organ function was not preserved. Further studies, using larger sample sizes, are required.