Der Anaesthesist
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Patients undergoing non-cardiac surgical procedures who carry coronary artery stents have to be classified as high risk patients. Perioperative myocardial infarction and severe bleeding are possible. ⋯ The urgency of the surgical procedure, perioperative risk and an antiplatelet regimen have to be discussed with the patient and the surgeon in advance. In the case of cardiac complications, rapid therapy by an interventional cardiologist must be available.
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Review
[Neuronal apoptosis following cerebral ischemia. Basis, physiopathology and treatment strategies].
Neuronal injury following cardiac arrest (global cerebral ischaemia) and stroke (focal cerebral ischaemia) is one of the major causes of the high morbidity and mortality associated with these pathological events. One of the major characteristics of this kind of neuronal injury is delayed neuronal degeneration. An increasing body of evidence indicates that apoptosis (programmed cell death) is involved in this process after global and focal cerebral ischaemia. ⋯ This article reviews the molecular basis of apoptosis and its physiological and pathophysiological relevance. The mechanisms of delayed neuronal death following focal and global cerebral ischaemia are presented with particular emphasis on the role of apoptosis. Based on this, possible future therapeutic interventions are highlighted and discussed.