Anaesthesia
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Introduction of an algorithm for ROTEM-guided fibrinogen concentrate administration in major obstetric haemorrhage.
We compared blood component requirements during major obstetric haemorrhage, following the introduction of fibrinogen concentrate. A prospective study of transfusion requirements and patient outcomes was performed for 12 months to evaluate the major obstetric haemorrhage pathway using shock packs (Shock Pack phase). The study was repeated after the pathway was amended to include fibrinogen concentrate (Fibrinogen phase). ⋯ The median (IQR [range]) quantity of fibrinogen administered was significantly greater in the Shock Pack phase, 3.2 (0-7.1 [0-20.4]) g, than in the Fibrinogen phase, 0 (0-3.0 [0-12.4]) g, p = 0.0005. Four (9.5%) of 42 patients in the Shock Pack phase developed transfusion associated circulatory overload compared with none of 51 patients in the Fibrinogen phase (p = 0.038). Fibrinogen concentrate allows prompt correction of coagulation deficits associated with major obstetric haemorrhage, reducing the requirement for blood component therapy and the attendant risks of complications.
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Review Meta Analysis
The effect of ondansetron on the efficacy of postoperative tramadol: a systematic review and meta-analysis of a drug interaction.
It is likely that there is an interaction between tramadol and ondansetron that decreases the early-postoperative analgesic efficacy of tramadol.
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Although electroencephalogram reactivity (i.e. transient changes in electrical brain activity following external stimulus) might be useful in depth-of-anaesthesia monitoring, it has not been systematically examined with different anaesthetics at doses titrated to unresponsiveness. Three 10-subject groups of healthy volunteers received dexmedetomidine, propofol or sevoflurane in escalating pseudo-steady-state concentrations at 10-min intervals until they did not open their eyes to command. The electroencephalogram was continuously recorded and spectral variables were calculated with short-time Fourier transform and time-varying autoregressive modelling. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine, propofol and sevoflurane induced distinct suppression patterns on the electroencephalogram reactivity at the same clinical endpoint (unresponsiveness). Reactivity was best maintained with propofol, while only minimally preserved with dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane. Thus, it may be difficult to harness reactivity for depth-of-anaesthesia monitoring.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of the C-MAC(®) and GlideScope(®) videolaryngoscopes in patients with cervical spine disorders and immobilisation.
In-line stabilisation of the neck can increase the difficulty of tracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy. We randomly assigned 56 patients with cervical spine pathology scheduled for elective surgery to tracheal intubation using either the C-MAC(®) (n = 26) or GlideScope(®) (n = 30), when the head and neck were stabilised in-line. There was no significant difference in the median (IQR [range]) intubation times between the C-MAC (19 (14-35 [9-90]) s and the GlideScope (23, (15-32 [8-65]) s. ⋯ The laryngeal view was excellent and comparable with both devices, with the C-MAC requiring significantly more attempts and optimising manoeuvers (11 vs 5, respectively, p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in postoperative complaints e.g. sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia. Both devices provided an excellent glottic view in patients with cervical spine immobilisation, but tracheal intubation was more often successful on the first attempt with the GlideScope.