Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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In diabetics, elevated preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are associated with increased complication rates after cardiac surgery. While many non-diabetics also have elevated HbA1c, the relationship with outcome in these patients is not well understood. Therefore, in a cohort of non-diabetic patients, we tested the hypothesis that preoperative HbA1c is associated with early mortality risk after cardiac surgery. ⋯ In non-diabetics, an elevated preoperative HbA1c level (>6.0%) is independently associated with significantly greater early mortality risk after elective cardiac surgery. Our findings suggest that HbA1c may have value as a screening tool to identify high-risk non-diabetic cardiac surgery patients.
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The Canadian STOP-PAIN Project was designed to document the human and economic burden of chronic pain in individuals on waitlists of Multidisciplinary Pain Treatment Facilities (MPTF). This paper describes the societal costs of their pain. ⋯ The economic burden of chronic pain is substantial in patients on waitlists of MPTFs. Consequently, it is essential to consider this burden when making decisions regarding resource allocation and waitlist assignment for a MPTF. Resource allocation decision-making should include the economic implications of having patients wait for an assessment and for care.
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Bombay red blood cell phenotype is an extremely rare blood type for which patients can receive only autologous or Bombay phenotype red blood cells. We report a case of urgent repeat sternotomy for replacement of a mechanical mitral prosthesis in a patient with Bombay phenotype anticoagulated with warfarin, to emphasize the transfusion challenges in such patients. ⋯ Patients with Bombay phenotype red blood cells present as type O, but they are unable to receive red blood cells from any phenotype other than Bombay phenotype. They are able to receive all other blood products, including fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, platelets, prothrombin complex concentrate, and recombinant activated factor VIIa. Coordination between Canadian Blood Services, transfusion medicine, surgery, and anesthesia is important in managing these patients.
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Strabismus surgery is one of the most common pediatric ophthalmic procedures. The purpose of this continuing professional development module is to update physicians on the anesthetic considerations of pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery. ⋯ To provide optimal care for the pediatric patient undergoing strabismus surgery, it is important to understand the unique anesthetic considerations for strabismus surgery and to appreciate how each decision regarding the anesthetic technique can alter these considerations.