BMC anesthesiology
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Historically, the elective ventilatory flow pattern for neonates has been decelerating flow (DF). Decelerating flow waveform has been suggested to improve gas exchange in the neonate when compared with square flow (SF) waveform by improving the ventilation perfusion. However, the superiority of DF compared with SF has not yet been demonstrated during ventilation in small infants. The aim of this study was to compare SF vs. DF, with or without end-inspiratory pause (EIP), in terms of oxygenation and ventilation in an experimental model of newborn piglets. ⋯ The present study showed that there are no differences between SF, DF, SF-EIP and DF-EIP in oxygenation, ventilation, lung mechanics, or hemodynamics in this experimental model of newborn piglets with healthy lungs.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a potentially devastating refractory hypoxemic illness with multi-organ involvement. Although several randomised controlled trials into ventilator and fluid management strategies have provided level 1 evidence to guide supportive therapy, there are few, established guidelines on how to manage patients with ARDS. In addition, and despite their continued use, pharmacotherapies for ARDS disease modulation have no proven benefit in improving mortality. Little is known however about the variability in diagnostic and treatment practices across the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of this survey, therefore, was to assess the use of diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for ARDS in critical care units across the UK. ⋯ There is substantial variation in the diagnostic and management strategies employed for patients with ARDS across the UK. National and/or international guidelines may help to improve standardisation in the management of ARDS.
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Presepsin is useful for differentiating sepsis from non-infection related systemic inflammatory response syndrome. However, there are no studies investigating the usefulness of presepsin in diagnosing sepsis involving patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). The purpose of this study is to determine levels of blood presepsin in patients with or without sepsis and among non-AKI patients or patients with different degrees of AKI severity. ⋯ Presepsin level can be a reliable indicator of sepsis not only among non-AKI patients but also patients with less severe forms of AKI. However, it may not be a reliable indicator of sepsis in patients with a more advanced form of AKI.
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In critically ill patients, glucose control with insulin mandates time- and blood-consuming glucose monitoring. Blood glucose level fluctuations are accompanied by metabolomic changes that alter the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are detectable in exhaled breath. This review systematically summarizes the available data on the ability of changes in VOC composition to predict blood glucose levels and changes in blood glucose levels. ⋯ There is a relation between blood glucose levels and VOC composition in exhaled air. These results warrant clinical validation of exhaled breath analysis to monitor blood glucose levels.
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Comparative Study
Brachial artery reactivity and vascular reactive hyperemia for preoperative anaesthesia risk assessment - an observational study.
Non-invasive measures of vascular reactivity have emerged to refine cardiovascular risk. However, limited data exists investigating vascular reactivity as a preoperative diagnostic tool for anesthesiologists. In this study, we compare the utility of two non-invasive techniques, Brachial Artery Reactivity Testing (BART) and Digital Thermal Monitoring (DTM), as surrogates for measuring vascular reactivity. ⋯ Our study suggests that impaired vascular reactivity as measured by BART is associated with the incidence of hyperlipidemia. Also, using a novel technique such as DTM may provide a simpler and more accessible point of care testing for vascular reactivity in a perioperative setting. Both non-invasive techniques assessing vascular function warrant further refinement to better assist preoperative optimization strategies aimed at improving perioperative vascular function.