British journal of anaesthesia
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Multicenter Study
Relationship between perioperative troponin elevation and other indicators of myocardial injury in vascular surgery patients.
In 2000 the European Society of Cardiology and the American College of Cardiology published a consensus document revising the definition of myocardial infarction. The usefulness of this revised definition has been challenged. It has been suggested that, rather than any release of cardiac troponin being potentially diagnostic of myocardial infarction, a diagnostic threshold consistent with significant myocardial injury should be defined. ⋯ These data suggest that further studies are required to define the optimal cardiac troponin diagnostic threshold for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in the non-cardiac surgery population.
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Until recently epidural abscess was considered a rare, almost theoretical, complication of central nerve block, but anecdotal reports suggest that this is no longer the case. Thus a review of the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical features and outcome of this condition is appropriate, the primary aim being to make recommendations on best anaesthetic practice to minimize the risk of this serious complication. A search of EMBASE(c), PUBMED(c) and MEDLINE(c) databases from 1966 to September 2004 was performed using several strategies, supplemented by reference list screening. ⋯ Epidural abscess can be a catastrophic consequence of central nerve block. Early diagnosis will minimize permanent damage, but primary prevention should be the aim. There is a need for a large survey to indicate the true incidence to better inform the risk-benefit ratio for central nerve block.
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A computer controlled infusion device for S(+) ketamine was used in combination with a Diprifusor device to provide anaesthesia for 20 ASA I or II patients undergoing elective colonoscopy. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of the pharmacokinetic model for S(+) ketamine used in the delivery algorithm of the device. ⋯ It was necessary to modify the original published pharmacokinetic parameters incorporated into the S(+) ketamine delivery system in order to simulate improved PK performance during short procedures (<1 h duration) where propofol was concurrently administered. This improved performance was confirmed in a further prospective study.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Large volume N2O uptake alone does not explain the second gas effect of N2O on sevoflurane during constant inspired ventilation.
The second gas effect (SGE) is considered to be significant only during periods of large volume N(2)O uptake (VN(2)O); however, the SGE of small VN(2)O has not been studied. We hypothesized that the SGE of N(2)O on sevoflurane would become less pronounced when sevoflurane administration is started 60 min after the start of N(2)O administration when VN(2)O has decreased to approximately 125 ml min(-1), and that the kinetics of sevoflurane under these circumstances would become indistinguishable from those when sevoflurane is administered in O(2). ⋯ We confirmed the existence of a SGE of N(2)O. Surprisingly, when using an Fa of 65% N(2)O, the magnitude of the SGE was the same with large or small VN(2)O. The classical model and the graphical representation of the SGE alone should not be used to explain the magnitude of the SGE. We speculate that changes in ventilation/perfusion inhomogeneity in the lungs during general anaesthesia result in a SGE at levels of VN(2)O previously considered by most to be too small to exert a SGE.
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We describe the anaesthetic management of a pair of thoracopagus twins of 14 months of age undergoing complex cardiac evaluation. Synchronous ventilation of the twins, needed for the ECG-gated magnetic resonance imaging-angiography, was achieved through a Carlens (Y) adaptor during procedures and transport. The complex logistical implications are obvious. We also describe the first use of bispectral index monitor for detection of cross-circulation in conjoint twins.