Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2020
ReviewDiaphragm-sparing brachial plexus blocks: a focused review of current evidence and their role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given that COVID-19 can severely impair lung function, regional anesthesia techniques avoiding phrenic nerve paralysis are relevant in the anesthetic management of suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients requiring shoulder and clavicle surgical procedures. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of recently published studies examining ultrasound-guided diaphragm-sparing regional anesthesia techniques for the brachial plexus (BP) to favor their preferent use in patients at risk of respiratory function compromise. ⋯ Existing diaphragm-sparing brachial plexus regional anesthesia techniques used for shoulder and clavicle surgery may help minimize pulmonary complications by preserving lung function, especially in patients prone to respiratory compromise. Used as an anesthetic technique, they can reduce the risk of exposure of healthcare teams to aerosol-generating medical procedures (AGMPs), albeit posing an increased risk for hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis. Reducing the incidence of phrenic nerve involvement and obtaining opioid-sparing analgesia without jeopardizing efficacy should be prioritized goals of regional anesthesia practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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To provide an overview of acute and chronic repeated concussion. We address epidemiology, pathophysiology, anesthetic utilization, and provide some broad-based care recommendations. ⋯ Brain physiology may be abnormal following concussion and these abnormalities may persist despite resolutions of clinical manifestations. Those with recent concussion or chronic repeated concussion may be susceptible to secondary injury in the perioperative period. Clinicians should suspect concussion in any patient with recent trauma and strive to maintain cerebral homeostasis in the perianesthetic period.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2020
Prospects of molecular hydrogen in perioperative neuroprotection from basic research to clinical application.
The current systematic review summarizes recent, basic clinical achievements regarding the neuroprotective effects of molecular hydrogen in distinct central nervous system conditions. ⋯ Fundamental and clinical evidence supports the antioxidant, antiinflammation, antiapoptosis and mitochondrial protective effects of hydrogen in the pathophysiology of nervous system diseases. The clinically preventive and therapeutic effects of hydrogen on different neural diseases, however, remain uncertain, and the lack of support by large randomized controlled trials has delayed its clinical application.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Oct 2020
ReviewCognitive declines after perioperative covert stroke: Recent advances and perspectives.
With the aging of the population, there are increasing number of aged patients who require surgical interventions. Perioperative covert stroke is emerging as an important health threat and social burden that could affect patients' long-term neurological outcomes. ⋯ The present review will summarize recent findings in perioperative covert stroke and highlight future perspectives of its early diagnosis and the impact of postoperative cognitive impairments.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Aug 2020
ReviewWhat we can learn from nonoperating room anesthesia registries: analysis of closed claims liability data.
The prevalence of procedures performed outside of the operating room is steadily growing around the world, especially in the United States. This review aims to discuss the risks and safety of anesthesia performed in remote locations based on an up-to-date literature review, with a focus on the results from closed claims and other database analyses. ⋯ The current literature demonstrates that procedures performed in the endoscopy suite make up the largest number of nonoperating room closed claims anesthesia cases. Oversedation and subsequent inadequate oxygenation/ventilation account for the majority of malpractice claims. Conclusions from the current literature emphasize the importance of complying with monitoring standards and having well prepared providers to improve patient outcomes in nonoperating room locations.