Journal of anesthesia
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The impact of postoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF) on patient outcomes has prompted intense investigation into the optimal methods for prevention and treatment of this complication. In the prevention of PAF, β-blockers and amiodarone are particularly effective and are recommended by guidelines. However, their use requires caution due to the possibility of drug-related adverse effects. ⋯ In the future, dabigatran could be used for perioperative management of PAF, because it does not require regular monitoring and has a quick onset of action with short serum half-life. Preventing PAF is an important goal and requires specific perioperative management as well as other approaches. PAF is also associated with lifestyle-related diseases, which emphasizes the ongoing need for appropriate lifestyle management in individual patients.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2012
Postoperative neurological complications and risk factors for pre-existing silent brain infarction in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
Elderly patients with multiple infarctions revealed a high prevalence of postoperative stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, postoperative neurological complications and characteristics of silent brain infarction (SBI) have not been evaluated in elderly patients undergoing CABG. ⋯ Patients with SBI were ranked at moderate risk of neurological complications after CABG between control and BI. Increased age, renal dysfunction, and preoperative cognitive impairment appeared to be strongly associated with SBI.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2012
Dexmedetomidine and hydroxyzine synergistically potentiate the hypnotic activity of propofol in mice.
Investigation into the characteristics of anesthetic interactions may provide clues to anesthesia mechanisms. Dexmedetomidine, an α(2)-adrenergic receptor agonist, has become a popular sedative in intensive care, and hydroxyzine, a histamine receptor antagonist, is well known as a tranquilizing premedication for anesthesia. However, no experimental or pharmacological evaluation has been reported concerning their combination with propofol. Thus, we studied their combined effect with a hypnotic dose of propofol in ddY mice. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine and hydroxyzine demonstrated no hypnotic action alone; however, their coadministration potentiated the hypnotic activity of propofol. Although reduction in the dose of propofol was similar, only dexmedetomidine prolonged the duration of hypnosis.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialTransversus abdominis plane block reduces postoperative pain intensity and analgesic consumption in elective cesarean delivery under general anesthesia.
It is reported that following abdominal surgery, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block can reduce postoperative pain. The primary outcome of this study was the evaluation of the efficacy of TAP block on pain intensity following cesarean delivery with Pfannenstiel incision. ⋯ Two-sided TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine in parturients who undergo cesarean section with a Pfannenstiel incision under general anesthesia can decrease postoperative pain and analgesic consumption. The time to the first analgesic rescue was longer in the parturients who received the TAP block.