Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Improved perioperative patient monitoring is a crucial step toward better predicting postoperative outcomes. Wearable devices capable of measuring various health-related metrics represent a novel tool that can assist healthcare providers. However, the literature surrounding wearables is wide-ranging, preventing clinicians from drawing definitive conclusions regarding their utility. This review intends to consolidate the recent literature on perioperative wearables and summarize the most salient information. ⋯ Perioperative wearables are valuable tools for tracking postoperative health metrics, predicting adverse events, and improving patient satisfaction. Future research on removing barriers such as technological illiteracy, artifact generation, and false-positive alarms would enable better integration of wearables into the hospital setting.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2025
Individualized and targeted coagulation management in bleeding trauma patients.
This review aims to summarize current evidence on hemostatic management of bleeding trauma patients, with a focus on resuscitation strategies using either coagulation factor concentrates or fixed-ratio transfusion concepts. It discusses the potential benefits and limitations of both approaches. ⋯ Individualized, goal-directed hemostatic management offers several advantages over fixed-ratio transfusion therapy for trauma patients. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the direct comparison of these two approaches.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2025
Restoring hemostasis with prothrombin complex concentrate: benefits and risks in trauma-induced coagulopathy.
To provide evidence for the use of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) as a potential hemostatic treatment for trauma-induced coagulopathy with and without anticoagulants. ⋯ PCC is a valuable option for managing coagulopathy in specific settings, especially VKA and DOAC reversal. Based on current evidence, we caution against the use of PCC as a versatile hemostatic agent suitable for indications involving multiple clotting factor deficiencies for uncontrolled coagulopathic bleeding in trauma or other clinical settings outside anticoagulation reversal. The risk vs. benefit profile should be carefully examined, similar to any other agent.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2025
Outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and ethics in patient blood management.
In this narrative review, we evaluate the recent evidence for benefits, cost-effectiveness, and ethical considerations of patient blood management (PBM) programs. ⋯ PBM is an important concept as it promotes the rational use of allogeneic blood products and reduces transfusion and wastage of precious and limited blood products.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2025
Integrating regional blocks into Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols for cesarean delivery: optimizing postoperative recovery.
This review aims to synthesize the current literature on the use of regional blocks to enhance and optimize postoperative recovery after cesarean delivery, highlighting key strategies, challenges, and emerging trends. ⋯ Managing pain after cesarean delivery continues to pose a significant challenge. The overall prevalence of acute postoperative pain remains high (58%) and, even when strict adherence to established guidelines is ensured, approximately 25% of patients report inadequate pain control. Within a multimodal analgesic framework, when neuraxial morphine - still considered the gold standard - is not an option, the use of peripheral nerve and fascial plane blocks has demonstrated clear benefits. Recent literature suggests that quadratus lumborum block may serve as a promising alternative to intrathecal morphine for women who cannot tolerate opioids. Additionally, incorporating certain regional techniques alongside neuraxial morphine may further improve postoperative analgesia, especially for patients at high risk of severe postoperative pain and those who have contraindications to other analgesic modalities.