Anaesthesia
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This prospective study was conducted to determine the level of radiation exposure of trainee anaesthetists working in urology, orthopaedics and radiology environments. Anaesthetists wore lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badges over a 6-month period. The position of badges was standardised at the collar site (TLD1) and at waist level (TLD2). ⋯ The net combined exposure over a 6-month period was 0.2177 mSv in urology, 0.4265 mSv in orthopaedics and 3.8457 mSv in radiology. The combined exposure was less than the 20 mSv recommended as the maximum exposure per year. Our data does not support the need for routine dosimetric monitoring of anaesthetists working in the above settings.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of tolerance of facemask vs. mouthpiece for non-invasive ventilation.
This prospective, single centre, randomised, cross-over study compares patient tolerance of the facemask and mouthpiece for delivery of non-invasive ventilation in an intensive care unit. Twenty-seven patients with acute respiratory failure were scheduled for two 45-min sessions of non-invasive ventilation with facemask and mouthpiece. The order of the sessions was chosen at random. ⋯ Non-invasive ventilation with both facemask and mouthpiece improved the P(a)o(2)/F(i)o(2) ratio, increased the pH and decreased the P(a)co(2). Only non-invasive ventilation with the facemask lowered the respiratory rate. The facemask appears to be a better initial choice for non-invasive ventilation when compared to mouthpiece, but both can be effective.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomised double-blind controlled study evaluating the hypothermic effect of 150 microg morphine during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section.
We studied the hypothermic effect of adding 150 microg morphine during spinal anaesthesia in 60 parturients scheduled for elective caesarean section. All the parturients received intrathecal injection of a solution containing 150 mug morphine or normal saline in addition to 10-12 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%. ⋯ The lowest temperature observed in the morphine group was 34.3 degrees C. We conclude that intrathecal injection of 150 microg morphine intensified the intra-operative hypothermic effect of bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.