F1000Research
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Postoperative delirium is a common and harrowing complication in older surgical patients. Those with cognitive impairment or dementia are at especially high risk for developing postoperative delirium; ominously, it is hypothesized that delirium can accelerate cognitive decline and the onset of dementia, or worsen the severity of dementia. Awareness of delirium has grown in recent years as various medical societies have launched initiatives to prevent postoperative delirium and alleviate its impact. ⋯ Non-pharmacologic multicomponent initiatives, such as the Hospital Elder Life Program, have consistently reduced delirium incidence and burden across various hospital settings. However, a substantial portion of delirium occurrences are still not prevented, and effective prevention and management strategies are needed to complement such multicomponent non-pharmacologic therapies. In this narrative review, we examine the current understanding of delirium neurobiology and summarize the present state of prevention and management efforts.
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A recent meta-analysis of nine cohort studies in youths reported that baseline ever e-cigarette use strongly predicted cigarette smoking initiation in the next 6-18 months, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.62 (95% confidence interval 2.42-5.41). A recent review of e-cigarettes agreed there was substantial evidence for this "gateway effect". However, the number of confounders considered in the studies was limited, so we investigated whether the effect might have resulted from inadequate adjustment, using Waves 1 and 2 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study. ⋯ We found that confounding is a major factor, explaining most of the observed gateway effect. However, our analyses are limited by small numbers of new smokers considered and the possibility of over-adjustment if taking up e-cigarettes affects some predictor variables. Further analyses are intended using Wave 3 data which should avoid these problems.
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Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is the most common neuromuscular impairment in critically ill patients. We discuss critical aspects of ICU-AW that have not been completely defined or that are still under discussion. Critical illness polyneuropathy, myopathy, and muscle atrophy contribute in various proportions to ICU-AW. ⋯ Early mobilization improves activity limitation at hospital discharge if it is started early in the ICU, but beneficial long-term effects are not established. Determinants of ICU-AW can be many and can interact with each other. Therefore, future studies assessing early mobilization should consider a holistic patient approach with consideration of all components that may lead to muscle weakness.
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Review
Lifting the fog in intermediate-risk (submassive) PE: full dose, low dose, or no thrombolysis?
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a disease frequently encountered in clinical practice. While the management of haemodynamically stable, low risk patients with acute PE is well established, managing intermediate disease often presents a therapeutic dilemma. ⋯ This includes thrombolysis, surgical embolectomy and catheter directed techniques. We have also explored the role of specialist PE response teams in the management of such patients. .
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Randomized Controlled Trial Pragmatic Clinical Trial
Protocol for the electroencephalography guidance of anesthesia to alleviate geriatric syndromes (ENGAGES-Canada) study: A pragmatic, randomized clinical trial.
Background: There is some evidence that electroencephalography guidance of general anesthesia can decrease postoperative delirium after non-cardiac surgery. There is limited evidence in this regard for cardiac surgery. A suppressed electroencephalogram pattern, occurring with deep anesthesia, is associated with increased incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) and death. However, it is not yet clear whether this electroencephalographic pattern reflects an underlying vulnerability associated with increased incidence of delirium and mortality, or whether it is a modifiable risk factor for these adverse outcomes. Methods: The Electroe ncephalography Guidance of Anesthesia to Alleviate Geriatric Syndromes ( ENGAGES-Canada) is an ongoing pragmatic 1200 patient trial at four Canadian sites. The study compares the effect of two anesthetic management approaches on the incidence of POD after cardiac surgery. One approach is based on current standard anesthetic practice and the other on electroencephalography guidance to reduce POD. ⋯ Discussion: The ENGAGES-Canada trial will help to clarify whether or not using the electroencephalogram to guide anesthetic administration during cardiac surgery decreases the incidence, severity, and duration of POD. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02692300) 26/02/2016.