Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · May 2017
ReviewUltrasonography for neuraxial blocks: a review of the evidence.
This narrative review summarizes the evidence derived from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) pertaining to the use of adjunctive ultrasonography (US) for neuraxial blocks. ⋯ Published reports of RCTs provide evidence to formulate limited recommendations regarding the use of adjunctive US for neuraxial blocks. Further well-designed RCTs are warranted.
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Owing to their immune modulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombotic, and endothelial action, statins are widely used in the critical care setting in several disease scenarios. The present review focuses on the evidence supporting an even wider utilization of statins in intensive care practice for diverse indications. A search of the literature was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE databases up to January 2016. ⋯ References were also searched for other potentially useful articles. It was concluded that beneficial effects of statins are observed in cardiac surgery; however, no robust evidence supports their effectiveness in diverse critical care settings. The decision to discontinue statins in native users should be taken in consideration of particular clinical circumstances.