British journal of anaesthesia
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The influence of frontal brain tumours on bispectral index (BIS) measurements and propofol requirements is unknown. The primary aim of our study was to determine whether BIS values recorded at loss and return of consciousness (LOC and ROC, respectively) differ between patients with unilateral frontal brain tumours and control patients. Secondary goals were to compare propofol requirements for LOC and to determine whether there were significant inter-hemispheric differences between BIS values in tumour and control patients. ⋯ The presence of a frontal brain tumour did not affect ipsilateral BIS values, and so need not influence the placement of unilateral BIS electrodes if BIS monitoring is used to titrate propofol anaesthesia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Earplugs and eye masks vs routine care prevent sleep impairment in post-anaesthesia care unit: a randomized study.
Post-anaesthesia care units (PACUs) with 24/7 activity and consequently artificial light and noise may disturb the sleep of patients who require prolonged medical supervision. After one postoperative night, we compared sleep quality in patients with and without noise (earplug) and light (eye mask) protection. ⋯ Earplugs and eye masks applied in the PACU during the first postoperative night significantly preserve sleep quality. Such non-invasive and cheap devices may be generalized in the PACU or in intensive care units.
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Cancer patients present a high risk of sepsis and are exposed to cardiotoxic drugs during chemotherapy. Myocardial dysfunction is common during septic shock and can be evaluated at bedside using echocardiography. The aim of this study was to identify early cardiac dysfunctions associated with intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in cancer patients presenting with septic shock. ⋯ Early diastolic dysfunction is a strong and independent predictor of mortality in cancer patients presenting with septic shock. It is not associated with exposure to cardiotoxic drugs. Further studies incorporating monitoring of diastolic function and therapeutic interventions improving cardiac relaxation need to be evaluated in cancer patients presenting with septic shock.