Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Mar 2018
Review Meta AnalysisEpidemiology of septic meningitis associated with neuraxial anesthesia: a historical review and meta-analysis.
Neuraxial anesthesia in the form of spinal and epidural are two of the most frequent forms of regional anesthesia. We aimed to describe and compare the relevant epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of all reported cases of septic meningitis associated with the use of spinal and epidural anesthetics. ⋯ While the true incidence remains speculative, this review suggests that given increasing indications for spinals and epidurals, septic meningitis remains an important associated with neuraxial anesthesia.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Mar 2018
ReviewHeterogenic control groups in randomized, controlled, analgesic trials of total hip- and knee arthroplasty.
Postoperative analgesic interventions are often tested adjunct to basic non-opioid analgesics in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Consequently, treatment in control groups, and possible assay sensitivity, differs between trials. We hypothesized that postoperative opioid requirements and pain intensities vary between different control groups in analgesic trials. ⋯ Analgesic treatment in RCT control groups varies considerably. Control groups receiving various combinations of opioid, NSAID and acetaminophen did not differ consistently in pain and opioid requirements. Pain and opioid requirements were lower in trials administering NSAID as an intervention compared with trials administering NSAID in a control group.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Mar 2018
ReviewRational approach to transfusion in liver transplantation.
For over 50 years patients with liver cirrhosis were considered to be at markedly increased risk of bleeding. This dogma was seemingly supported by abnormalities in standard laboratory tests (SLTs), such as the prothrombin time, that were interpreted as indicating a bleeding diathesis. However, publications from the last decade have revealed SLTs to be poor predictors of bleeding and it is now understood that stable patients with cirrhosis have a rebalanced haemostatic system and preserved thrombin generation. ⋯ Bleeding risk should be assessed in every patient undergoing invasive intervention and must consider markers of disease severity, underlying coagulation incompetence, anaemia and surgical factors. The recognition that bleeding in this patient cohort is predominantly linked to mechanistic factors such as portal hypertension, rather than primary coagulopathy, has led to a paradigm shift in their perioperative management. Cognizant of their detrimental effect, the use of large volumes of fresh frozen plasma to correct derangements in SLTs has given way to more refined haemostatic management with specific factor concentrates guided by VETs, coupled with measures to minimize portal venous pressure and meticulous surgical hemostasis.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Mar 2018
ReviewSupraglottic airway devices: indications, contraindications and management.
Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) have become an essential tool in airway management. Over the past three decades, these devices have been increasingly adopted as an alternative to face mask ventilation and/or endotracheal intubation. The range of proposed uses and features has increased significantly. ⋯ With SADs, serious complications such as aspiration and loss of airway are rare and largely preventable. Adequate operator experience, familiarity with the selected device, attention to details and careful patient selection are fundamental to safety and proficiency. In this review, we explore the increasing proposed uses for SADs and discuss possible complications and the management of these.