Anaesthesia
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Mild induced hypothermia improves neurological outcome and reduces mortality among initially comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Similar pathological processes occur in the heart and the brain, namely ischaemia followed by reperfusion injury. ⋯ There are variable reports of harm to the myocardium caused by mild induced hypothermia, including reduced myocardial contractility and cardiac output, electrocardiographic changes and arrhythmias, especially bradycardia. These harmful effects are reversible with rewarming.
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We measured the level of contamination in 207 breathing system filters of five different models. The median (IQR [range]) levels of contamination measured in relative light units on the machine side of the filters were: HMEF 750/S 27 (16-56 [4-13 615]); Ultipor BB25 26 (13-40 [9-66]); Humid-vent filter pedi 19 (15-34 [11-48]); Hygroboy 11 (7-19 [3-113]); and Hygrobaby 9 (6-14 [4-21]). ⋯ Excessive contamination on the machine side of the filter could be from the patient or from the re-used breathing system and could result in cross-infection. The level of contamination may need to be checked routinely during each list.