Journal of clinical monitoring and computing
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J Clin Monit Comput · Aug 2008
Noninvasive detection of the hemodynamic stress of exercise using the photoplethysmogram.
Exercise induced hemodynamic stress has been studied extensively using a wide range of physiological sensors. While athletes can modulate their training intensity using EKG-based heart rate monitors, there are currently no noninvasive monitors that can be used to ascertain with a high degree of certainty the hemodynamic stress an individual is experiencing because of fatigue or an underlying pathology. We propose that cardiac stress will result in detectable changes in skin blood flow. ⋯ As volitional fatigue approached, the low frequency (f = 0.05-0.2 Hz) amplitude modulation observed in the PPG became more pronounced; then, within several seconds of the cessa- tion of the protocol, they disappeared. Using a software-based detector, these distinct waves are reliably detected, with a low incidence of false positives, in all subjects before the onset of volitional fatigue. We hypothesize that the low frequency waves observed in the PPG of individuals exercising to volitional fatigue provide a mechanism for noninvasively detecting hemodynamic stress to the human vascular system.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Aug 2008
Computerized recording of neuromuscular monitoring and the risk of residual paralysis at the time of extubation.
We tested whether a newly installed neuromuscular monitoring device (NMT) with a computerized anesthesia recording system, incorporated in all anesthesia stations, could enhance the commitment to objective neuromuscular monitoring in a teaching hospital anesthesia department. ⋯ Despite the presence of quantitative objective neuromuscular monitoring in all operating rooms, and the automatic data recording system, the rate of monitoring neuromuscular blockade was not high enough to rule out the potential risk of residual paralysis at the time of extubation.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Aug 2008
A measure of confidence in Bland-Altman analysis for the interchangeability of two methods of measurement.
Bland-Altman (B-A) analysis has largely replaced the correlation coefficient as the predominant tool for evaluating the interchangeability of two methods of clinical measurement. However, we contend that B-A analysis might lead to erroneous conclusions when the data range is small. We provide an example to illustrate this and explore a possible analysis technique to address this limitation.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Aug 2008
Postoperative discomfort (other than pain) - a neglected feature of postanesthesia patient care.
Patients may experience various kinds of discomfort other than pain during the immediate period following surgery and anesthesia. These complaints may not be dealt with, especially when they are shadowed by the more pressing need to alleviate pain. The issue of discomfort in the setting of an adult post anesthesia care unit (PACU) has not been adequately addressed. We assessed the extent of unreported distressing or unpleasant events among patients who had undergone general surgery or orthopedic procedures under standard general anesthesia and their recall 24 h afterwards. ⋯ Almost one-fourth of the patients undergoing general surgery and orthopedic procedures under general anesthesia suffered from postoperative discomfort other than pain. Of these, >90% recalled 24 h after surgery having had postoperative discomfort. PACU staff needs to inquire for and attempt reducing such events.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Jun 2008
Accuracy of continuous central venous oxygen saturation monitoring in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Continuous assessment of central venous oxygen saturation (S(cevox)O(2)) with the CeVOX device (Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany) was evaluated against central venous oxygen saturation (S(cv)O(2)) determined by co-oximetry. ⋯ In adult patients during and after cardiac surgery, the current version of the CeVOX device might not be the tool to replace S(cv)O(2) determined by co-oxymetry, although sensitivity and specificity of S(cevox)O(2 )to predict substantial changes in S(cv)O(2) were acceptable.