Anesthesiology clinics
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Previously undiagnosed anemia is often identified during routine assessment of surgical patients. Although studies suggest that perioperative anemia is associated with worse outcomes and a strong predictor for postoperative red cell transfusions, anemia is frequently ignored. ⋯ In most situations, anemia can be corrected prior to elective surgeries and interventions. Future research should assess the timing and methods of optimization of preoperative anemia in surgery and which patients are best candidates for therapy.
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Anesthesiology clinics · Mar 2016
ReviewStratification and Risk Reduction of Perioperative Acute Kidney Injury.
Perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. The incidence of AKI varies depending on preoperative risk factors and the surgical setting. ⋯ Current advances in the development of biomarkers may offer the opportunity for early diagnosis and the implementation of therapeutic strategies. Increased awareness and concerted efforts by all perioperative physicians are needed to provide an improved outcome for surgical patients.
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Anesthesiology clinics · Mar 2016
ReviewPreoperative Assessment of the Patient with Cardiac Disease Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery.
The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association has published Guidelines on Perioperative Evaluation. Preoperative evaluation should focus on identifying patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic coronary artery disease. ⋯ Indications for coronary interventions are the same in the perioperative period as in the nonoperative setting. In patients with a prior coronary stent, optimal antiplatelet therapy and timing of elective noncardiac surgery is evolving.
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Shared decision-making is a paradigm of patient engagement that is assuming greater importance in the era of value-based health care. The basic tenets include patient engagement on clinical decisions, taking into account multiple factors that influence physician and patient decision-making. ⋯ Many patients with Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders are undergoing procedures to improve quality of life. This article explores shared decision-making and DNR.
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Geriatric patients are over-represented in hospitalizations, surgeries, and perioperative complications. Special consideration is required for this patient group in the perioperative period because of the prevalence of comorbid diseases, functional impairments, and other deficits. ⋯ Systematic, multidomain assessments should be performed and paired with risk reduction efforts. A shared understanding of patient function and long-term health goals is also important for providing patient-centered care of the geriatric surgical patient.