Anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Combined spinal-epidural vs. dural puncture epidural techniques for labour analgesia: a randomised controlled trial.
The dural puncture epidural technique is a modification of the combined spinal-epidural technique. Data comparing the two techniques are limited. We performed this randomised study to compare the quality of labour analgesia following initiation of analgesia with the dural puncture epidural vs. the combined spinal-epidural technique. ⋯ There were no significant differences in the quality of labour analgesia following initiation of a combined spinal-epidural compared with a dural puncture epidural technique.
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Observational Study
Eighteen-year trends in the rates of intra-operative cardiac arrest and associated mortality at a public university hospital in Brazil.
Intra-operative cardiac arrest is a rare but life-threatening event. Over the past two decades, various initiatives have improved the care of patients undergoing surgery at our quaternary teaching hospital in Brazil. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of intra-operative cardiac arrest and associated 30-day mortality over an 18-year period. A secondary aim was to identify associated risk factors. ⋯ We have shown an important reduction in intra-operative cardiac arrest and associated 30-day mortality over an 18-year period. Identification of relative risk factors associated with intra-operative cardiac arrest can be used to improve the safety and quality of patient care, especially in a resource-limited setting.