Current opinion in anaesthesiology
-
The article reviews the reality of anesthetic resource constraints in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Understanding these limitations is important to volunteers from high-income countries who desire to teach or safely provide anesthesia services in these countries. ⋯ Anesthesia can be safely given in LMICs with basic supplies and equipment, if the anesthesia provider is trained and vigilant. Neuraxial and regional anesthesia and the use of ketamine as a general anesthetic appear to be the safest alternatives in low-resource countries. Environmentally appropriate equipment should be encouraged and pulse oximeters should be in every anesthetizing location. LMICs will continue to need support from outside sources until capacity building has made more progress.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Aug 2017
ReviewDexmedetomidine: the new all-in-one drug in paediatric anaesthesia?
Dexmedetomidine is a drug with sedative, anxiolytic, sympatholytic and analgesic properties, which is finding widespread practice in paediatric anaesthesia and related practices. The present review summarizes its pharmacology and current experience with the drug. ⋯ Most of the paediatric published studies concerning dexmedetomidine are observational in nature, with limited control groups or comparators. Adverse effects (e.g. bradycardia) still require greater scrutiny in the paediatric population and particularly with respect to different age groups. Dexmedetomidine currently has a firm position in the armamentarium of anaesthesia pharmacology. It is not the new all-in-one drug, but it is shaping up as a valuable adjunct for diverse indications within paediatric anaesthesia. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COAN/A44.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Aug 2017
ReviewTumescent anaesthesia: its applications and well tolerated use in the out-of-operating room setting.
Tumescent anaesthesia is a method of administering dilute local anaesthetic into the subcutaneous tissue. Many anaesthesiologists are unfamiliar with the technique, its applications and potential risks. ⋯ Although appealing because of its ability to provide prolonged analgesia, high doses of local anaesthetic are frequently administered using the tumescent technique, and absorption of local anaesthetic from the subcutaneous tissue is variable. When caring for patients having procedures in which tumescent anaesthesia is used, the risk of local anaesthetic toxicity should be acknowledged and lipid emulsion should be available for prompt treatment if needed.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2017
ReviewCurrent applications of big data in obstetric anesthesiology.
The narrative review aims to highlight several recently published 'big data' studies pertinent to the field of obstetric anesthesiology. ⋯ 'Big data' research has important implications for obstetric anesthesia care and warrants continued study. Real-time electronic surveillance is a potentially useful application of big data technology on the labor and delivery unit.
-
Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2017
ReviewThe use of vasopressors during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
Hypotension remains one of the most researched subjects in obstetric anaesthesia. The purpose of this study is to review the most recent published articles on the use of vasopressors during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. ⋯ Evidence continues to support phenylephrine as the first-line vasopressor in obstetrics. However, recent research is emerging to suggest that low-dose norepinephrine may be a better alternative. Prophylactic infusions are effective and automated systems have potential for the future.