Der Anaesthesist
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Gender differences can have a relevant influence on the perioperative outcome as male and female patients are affected differently by adverse events, e.g. side effects of drugs. Furthermore, differences relating to specific drug effects, comorbidities and outcome after anesthesia or intensive care have been demonstrated. ⋯ There is a need to study the influence of gender, age and race in order to optimize treatment towards a more individualized therapy. This article highlights already identified differences and discusses potential underlying mechanisms.
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Review Meta Analysis
[Corticosteroid administration for acute respiratory distress syndrome : therapeutic option?].
Despite a number of clinical trials there is still controversy about the role of corticosteroid therapy in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition recent meta-analyses differed markedly in the conclusions. ⋯ A low-dose corticosteroid regime given for 4 weeks may potentially be helpful and can be considered in acute or unresolved ARDS in less than 14 days after onset of ARDS, if a close infection surveillance program is available, if neuromuscular blockade can be avoided and if a stepwise dose reduction of corticosteroids is performed. The total daily dose at the beginning of treatment should not exceed 2 mg/kg body weight (BW) methylprednisolone.
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Review Meta Analysis
[Age rationing : means of resource allocation in healthcare systems].
The necessity of limiting resource in healthcare systems is becoming increasingly more evident. The population has requirements especially in the field of healthcare which are principally unlimited. ⋯ One example of these models is called age rationing which means that defined services are only offered to patients up to a particular age. The aim of this article is to discuss the model of age rationing in the context of an optimized use of resources in the healthcare system.
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Treatment of patients suffering from acute lung injury is a challenge for the treating physician. In recent years ventilation of patients with acute hypoxic lung injury has changed fundamentally. ⋯ Additionally computed tomography techniques to assess the pulmonary situation and recruitment potential as well as bed-side techniques to adjust PEEP on the ward have been modified and improved. This review gives an outline of recent developments in PEEP adjustment for patients suffering from acute hypoxic and hypercapnic lung injury and explains the fundamental pathophysiology necessary as a basis for correct treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
[Comparison of ready-to-use devices for emergency cricothyrotomy : randomized and controlled feasibility study on a mannequin].
According to various algorithms of airway management, emergency cricothyrotomy (coniotomy) represents the ultimate step for managing the difficult airway. As most physicians have limited experience with this technique several ready-to-use devices have emerged on the market with the aim of simplifying the procedure. However, they differ in details, such as configuration or the order of particular steps. Therefore, the intention of this randomized and controlled feasibility study was to test various sets and compare them to the classical surgical approach. ⋯ This study allowed the comparison of surgical coniotomy to several ready-to-use devices in a standardized setting utilizing a reusable plastic mannequin. The interpretation for real emergency conditions is limited as individual anatomy, traumatic alterations of the neck or complications, such as bleeding or damage of important structures were not part of the study objectives. However, all participating emergency physicians successfully used the coniotomy sets provided at the first attempt. No device required significantly more time than the surgical approach. The procedures using cuffed devices lasted longer in comparison to procedures using uncuffed ones; however, this difference would only play a minor role in reality as effective ventilation with minute volumes greater than 7 l/min will only be achieved by a cuffed cannula with a minimum internal diameter of 4 mm. Devices with no cuff or with tube diameters smaller than 4 mm will only allow oxygenation of the patient, which in turn requires an inspiratory oxygen concentration of 100% and a relatively high ventilation frequency.