British journal of anaesthesia
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Children who are exposed to multiple general anaesthetics before age three demonstrate deficits on neurosphycological testing, although not children with a single exposure.
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Individuals genetically susceptible to malignant hyperthermia (MH) exhibit hypermetabolic reactions when exposed to volatile anaesthetics. Mitochondrial dysfunction has previously been associated with the MH-susceptible (MHS) phenotype in animal models, but evidence of this in human MH is limited. ⋯ We present evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in human MHS skeletal muscle both at baseline and after halothane exposure.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Association of electroencephalogram trajectories during emergence from anaesthesia with delirium in the post-anaesthesia care unit: an early sign of postoperative complications.
Postoperative delirium is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly. Delirium in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) could predict adverse clinical outcomes. ⋯ Specific EEG patterns were associated with PACU delirium. These findings provide valuable information regarding how the brain reacts to surgery and anaesthesia that may lead to strategies to predict PACU delirium and identify key areas of investigation for its prevention.
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Observational Study
Transient electroencephalographic alpha power loss during maintenance of general anaesthesia.
EEG activity in the extended alpha frequency range (7-17 Hz) during maintenance of general anaesthesia is primarily determined by effect-site concentrations of the hypnotic and analgesic drugs used. Intermittent alpha loss during surgery, unexplained by changes in anaesthetic or opioid concentrations, could represent arousal of the cortex as a result of increased surgical stimulation. ⋯ A loss of alpha power, unexplained by changes in anaesthetic or opioid concentrations, is suggestive of thalamocortical depolarisation induced by body cavity noxious stimuli, and could provide a measure of nociception during surgery.