Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Conventional laboratory tests of blood coagulation yield only partial diagnostic information. "Point of care" (POC) devices are increasingly being used at the bedside perioperatively for rapid, detailed testing of hemostatic function and for treatment monitoring in patients with coagulopathies. In this review, we discuss the benefits and limitations of POC coagulation testing-in particular, its effects on the rate of perioperative transfusion of allogeneic blood products, on the frequency of other types of hemostatic treatment, and on the clinical outcome. ⋯ Despite certain limitations that must be borne in mind, POC techniques are a valuable means of testing various aspects of hemostasis rapidly and in detail. Their implementation in hemostatic treatment algorithms may reduce both the rate of transfusion of allogeneic blood products and the total cost of treatment for blood loss and coagulopathies. The putative effect of POC testing on perioperative morbidity and mortality has not yet been demonstrated.
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Delirium is common, has multiple causes and causes distress to numerous patients and their relatives. ⋯ In many cases, delirium can be diagnosed and treated in good time. Prevention is preferable to treatment.
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Review
Cataract surgery in patients taking alpha-1 antagonists: know the risks, avoid the complications.
The growing use of alpha-1 receptor antagonists in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has created a new problem in ophthalmic surgery, the so-called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS). This consists of a billowing iris, insufficient pupillary dilation with progressive intraoperative miosis, and protrusion of iris tissue through the tunnel and side port incision that are made for access to the anterior chamber during surgery. IFIS presents particular difficulties in cataract surgery which is carried out through the pupil with manipulations in the immediate vicinity of the iris. The complications range from poor visibility of the operative field to iris damage with the surgical instruments and to rupture of the posterior capsule, with loss of lens material into the vitreous body. ⋯ A thorough medical history and an optimized information flow among all physicians treating the patient-the urologist, the family physician, and the ophthalmic surgeon-are essential for safe cataract surgery.