Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Currently, there is no generalized consensus regarding perioperative prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing spine surgery. In the absence of large-scale studies, we aimed to use national data to study the association between anticoagulant prophylaxis and VTE in spine surgical patients. Our secondary outcomes were hematoma and blood transfusion. ⋯ Although low molecular weight heparin was used much less frequently than regular heparin, it was associated with a lower incidence of transfusion compared with aspirin and regular heparin. All three anticoagulants were associated with similar incidence of VTE and hematoma. Varying subgroup-specific VTE risks may further inform future studies to identify patients expected to benefit the most from chemical thromboprophylaxis.
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Worldwide, patients experience difficulties accessing elective surgical care. This study examined the perceived health, social, and functional impacts of elective surgical cancellations and postponements in Canada. ⋯ Results highlight the multifaceted perceived impacts of surgical cancellations/postponements. These findings suggest there is a need for improvements in reducing elective surgical cancellations and postponements. Results may also inform the development of targeted interventions to improve patients' health and quality of life while waiting for surgery.
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Present clinical updates, current research findings, and consensus statements relevant to the care of the acute kidney injury (AKI) patient. ⋯ Acute kidney injury continues to affect large numbers of patients receiving surgery or in the intensive care unit, but specific advances in resuscitation techniques, endpoint refinements, epidemiology, biomarkers, and pathology are providing the necessary framework to reduce AKI and associated morbidity.