Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Aug 2011
Differential effects of the calcitonin gene-related peptide on cardiac performance in acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in isolated rat hearts.
The cardioprotective effects of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are known; however, the profiles of CGRP given pre- and postischemia as a therapeutic agent in acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion remain elusive. ⋯ The results indicated a differential effect of CGRP on cardiac performance following acute ischemia/reperfusion.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Aug 2011
Fluid balance in critically ill patients. Should we really rely on it?
The computation of fluid balances (FBs) by subtracting fluid outputs from inputs is a common critical care practice. Limited information exists about the accuracy and consistency of nurse-registered cumulative FBs and regarding the value of suggested corrections for non-measurable losses. ⋯ For a large portion of patients nurse-registered cumulative FBs are neither accurate nor do they agree with standardised BW measurements. Patient care and clinical decision-making should be based on more objective techniques.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Aug 2011
Sevoflurane as a potential replacement for halothane in diagnostic testing for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility: results of a preliminary study.
To diagnose malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility, muscle bundles are exposed to halothane and caffeine. We investigated whether sevoflurane, which is more clinically relevant but less potent of an anesthetic, could replace halothane in diagnostic MH testing. ⋯ The rapid application of a high sevoflurane concentration but not an increasing stepwise application allowed for the diagnostic discrimination of susceptible individuals.