Minerva anestesiologica
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Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to anaesthetic and associated agents used during the perioperative period have been reported with increasing frequency in most developed countries. Most reactions are of immunologic origin (IgE mediated, anaphylaxis) or related to direct stimulation of histamine release (anaphylactoid reactions). The incidence of anaphylaxis is estimated between 1 in 10000 and 1 in 20000 anaesthesia, and any drug administered in the perioperative period can potentially produce life-threatening immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. ⋯ In addition, since no specific treatment has been shown to reliably prevent the occurrence of anaphylaxis, allergy assessment must be performed in all high-risk patients. The need for proper epidemiological studies and the relative complexity of allergy investigation should be underscored. They represent an incentive for further development of allergo-anaesthesiology clinical networks to provide expert advice for anaesthetists and allergologists.
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The last few years have clarified the tight link between inflammation and coagulation. In addition to the identification of new regulatory mechanisms of the coagulation system and of an explosive number of mediators of inflammation, it is now clear that the existence of a positive feed-back between inflammation and coagulation leads to reciprocal activation of both pathways. Plasma levels of acute phase proteins involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis are elevated during inflammation, while natural anticoagulant mechanisms are depressed. ⋯ The protein C system, in addition to dumping thrombin formation, specifically modulates inflammation by cell signaling. This system is markedly depressed in severe sepsis. The infusion of activated protein C, or restoring normal levels of protein C within the circulation - depending on the individual bleeding risk are powerful tools to treat the endothelitis responsible for the clinical sequelae of severe sepsis.
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Xenon is an interesting anesthetic as it appears to lack negative inotropicy and vasodilatation, giving great advantages to both patients with limited cardiovascular reserve or those who require hemodynamic stability. It has low toxicity and is not teratogenic. Xenon gives rapid induction and recovery, due to its low blood/gas partition coefficient (0.15), and has a MAC of 63%. ⋯ It has been shown that, compared to other anesthetic regimens, Xenon anesthesia produces the highest regional blood flow in the brain, liver, kidney and intestine. In conclusion, the most important positive effects of Xenon are cardiovascular stability, cerebral protection and favourable pharmacokinetics. Negative points are high cost and the limited number of ventilators supplying Xenon.
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Minerva anestesiologica · May 2004
Comparative Study[The fluid balance in the critically ill patient].
In the critically ill patient the hemodynamic management is essential. Usually the hemodynamic status is estimated by the measurement of the intravascular pressure or volume and by computing the fluid balance, while the change in body weight estimates the total body water. The fluid balance is computed by subtracting the fluid output to the input. Although the input (fluids, drugs, infusion.) are well known, the output are difficult to correctly compute, because they depend on several factors such as the body-room temperature, amount of humidity and may change with time. Aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of the fluid balance compared to the body weight measured by a dedicated mattress (Hill-Rom). ⋯ Although the fluid balance was not accurate, the only body weight without any intravascular measurement is not helpful for a correct clinical hemodynamic management of the patient.
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Minerva anestesiologica · May 2004
ReviewAnesthetic considerations in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases.
Increasing age and co-morbidities of patients admitted for surgery impose new challenges on the anesthesiologist. ⋯ Assessing the functional status of patients admitted to surgery remains a difficult task, and in patients identified at risk by clinical examination additional spirometry and blood gases may be helpful. If there are signs of respiratory failure, the anaesthetist should monitor the patient closely and invasively, yet there is no reason to deny any patient a substantially beneficial operation.