British journal of anaesthesia
-
Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) designates individuals at risk of developing a hypermetabolic reaction triggered by halogenated anaesthetics or the depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent suxamethonium. Over the past few decades, beyond the operating theatre, myopathic manifestations impacting daily life are increasingly recognised as a prevalent phenomenon in MHS patients. At the request of the European Malignant Hyperthermia Group, we reviewed the literature and gathered the opinion of experts to define MHS-related myopathy as a distinct phenotype expressed across the adult lifespan of MHS patients unrelated to anaesthetic exposure; this serves to raise awareness about non-anaesthetic manifestations, potential therapies, and management of MHS-related myopathy. ⋯ Myopathic manifestations can significantly impact patient quality of life and lead to functional limitations and socio-economic burden. While currently available therapies can provide symptomatic relief, there is a need for further research into targeted treatments addressing the underlying pathophysiology. Counselling early after establishing the MHS diagnosis, followed by multidisciplinary management involving various medical specialties, is crucial to optimise patient care.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Family supplemented patient monitoring after surgery (SMARTER): a pilot stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial.
Mortality after surgery in Africa is twice that in high-income countries. Most deaths occur on wards after patients develop postoperative complications. Family members might contribute meaningfully and safely to early recognition of deteriorating patients. ⋯ NCT04341558.
-
As few anaesthetists provide lumbar erector spinae block for disc surgery, there is a need to provide training to enable a randomised controlled trial investigating analgesia after painful spinal surgery (NIHR153170). The primary objective of the study was to develop and measure the construct validity of a checklist for assessment of skills in performing lumbar and thoracic erector spinae fascial plane injection using soft-embalmed Thiel cadavers. ⋯ An 11-point checklist developed through a modified Delphi process to provide best practice guidance for fascial plane injection showed construct validity in performing lumbar and thoracic erector spinae fascial plane injection in soft-embalmed Thiel cadavers.
-
Comparative Study Observational Study
Effects of inhalation versus total intravenous anaesthesia on long-term mortality in older patients after noncardiac surgery: a retrospective observational study.
Whether the anaesthetic agent used influences postoperative mortality in older patients remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) vs inhalation anaesthesia on long-term mortality in older patients after noncardiac surgery. ⋯ Clinical Research Information Service of the Republic of Korea (KCT 0006363).
-
Debriefing in operating theatre environments leads to benefits in mortality, efficiency, productivity, and safety culture; however, it is still not regularly performed. TALK© is a simple and widely applicable team self-debriefing method to collaboratively learn and improve. ⋯ A simple intervention introducing TALK© for voluntary debriefing in theatres prompted significant changes in team behaviour and sustained growth regarding consideration and performance of debriefing, especially in the first 6 months.