Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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This review outlines the analgesic role of perineural adjuvants for local anesthetic nerve block injections, and evaluates current knowledge regarding whether adjuvants modulate the neurocytologic properties of local anesthetics. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine added as a peripheral nerve blockade adjuvant improves block duration without neurotoxic properties. The combined adjuvants clonidine, buprenorphine, and dexamethasone do not appear to alter local anesthetic neurotoxicity. Midazolam significantly increases local anesthetic neurotoxicity in vitro, but when combined with clonidine-buprenorphine-dexamethasone (sans local anesthetic) produces no in-vitro or in-vivo neurotoxicity. Further larger-species animal testing and human trials will be required to reinforce the clinical applicability of these findings.
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The goal of this review was to update the reader on the developments and advancements that have transpired in the previous few years and to encourage an open dialogue amongst readers and researchers alike. ⋯ The impact of paravertebral analgesia on cancer pain and prevention of metastasis could be huge once enough data have accumulated. The steady influx of data on PVBs has led to the resurgence of this block in almost every area of acute pain management.
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Ultrasound guidance is frequently utilized for needle placement and observation of local anesthetic spread when performing peripheral nerve blocks. Although there is evidence that ultrasound technology can reduce complications, there are limitations to 2-dimensional (2-D) ultrasound. Three-dimensional (3-D) and especially real-time 3-D (4-D) ultrasound may allow for optimized and well tolerated needle positioning and enhanced observation of local anesthetic spread around the target structure. This article reviewed the current literature regarding the use of 3-D and 4-D ultrasound technology in a regional anesthesia setting. ⋯ At present, there are limited data regarding the use of 3-D ultrasound and a complete lack of randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating the potential benefits of real-time 3-D (4-D) ultrasound. This may be in part due to technical limitations associated with these techniques.
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Increased understanding of the pathophysiology in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has resulted in the development of core physiological targets and therapies to preserve cerebral oxygenation, and in doing so prevent secondary insult. This review addresses the many systemic complications of TBI that make achieving these targets challenging and can influence outcome. ⋯ Effective management of TBI should go beyond formulaic-based pursuit of physiological targets and requires a detailed understanding of the multisystem response of the body.
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Monitoring and therapy of patients in neurocritical care are areas of intensive research and the current evidence needs further confirmation. ⋯ Although strong evidence is lacking, multimodal monitoring is of great value in neurocritical care patients and may help to provide patients with the optimal therapy based on the individual pathophysiological changes.