Sultan Qaboos University medical journal
-
Although triage systems based on the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) have many advantages in terms of simplicity and clarity, previous research has questioned their reliability in practice. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the reliability of ESI triage scales. ⋯ ESI triage scales showed an acceptable level of overall reliability. However, ESI scales require more development in order to see full agreement from all rater groups. Further studies concentrating on other aspects of reliability assessment are needed.
-
Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J · Nov 2014
Non-invasive haemoglobin estimation in patients with thalassaemia major.
This study aimed to validate pulse CO-oximetry-based haemoglobin (Hb) estimation in children and adults with thalassaemia major (TM) and to determine the impact of different baseline variables on the accuracy of the estimation. ⋯ The Pronto-7(®) pulse CO-oximetry device was found to overestimate Hb levels in patients with TM and therefore cannot be recommended. Further larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
-
Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J · Nov 2014
Increased Resistin Levels in Intra-abdominal Sepsis: Correlation with proinflammatory cytokines and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores.
Resistin, a hormone secreted from adipocytes and considered to be a likely cause of insulin resistance, has recently been accepted as a proinflammatory cytokine. This study aimed to determine the correlation between resistin levels in patients with intra-abdominal sepsis and mortality. ⋯ The levels of resistin were significantly positively correlated with the severity of disease and were a possible mediator of a prolonged inflammatory state in patients with intra-abdominal sepsis.
-
Gastric intubation is a common and simple procedure that is often performed on patients who are sedated or anaesthetised. If the gastric tube (GT) is inserted blindly while the patient is unconscious, this procedure may result in easily preventable complications such as laryngeal trauma. ⋯ The movement of the GT from the oropharyngeal area to the upper oesophageal sphincter can be visualised and controlled with the use of Magill forceps and a laryngoscope. Therefore, this report highlights the need for GT insertion procedures to be performed under direct vision in patients who are unconscious (due to sedation, anaesthesia or an inherent condition) in order to prevent trauma to the laryngeal structures.
-
Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J · May 2014
Successful Management of Phaeochromocytoma using Preoperative Oral Labetalol and Intraoperative Magnesium Sulphate: Report of four cases.
Phaeochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine catecholamine-secreting tumour. This type of tumour poses multidimensional anaesthetic challenges as it has an unpredictable clinical course during surgical resection. The alpha-blocking agent phenoxybenzamine remained the mainstay in preoperative preparation before the introduction of beta-blocking agents. ⋯ Rare intraoperative surges in blood pressure during tumour manipulation were treated with sodium nitroprusside infusions and phentolamine boluses. All of the patients had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Preoperative treatment with labetalol has rarely been reported and can be considered as a potential therapeutic option with optimal patient monitoring if phenoxybenzamine is unavailable.