Articles: function.
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Prostaglandins are naturally occurring lipids that are synthesised from arachidonic acid. Multiple studies have evaluated the benefits of prostaglandins in reducing ischaemia reperfusion injury after liver transplantation. New studies have been published since the previous review, and hence it was important to update the evidence for this intervention. ⋯ Eleven trials evaluated prostaglandins in adult liver transplanted recipients. Based on low-certainty evidence, prostaglandins may reduce all-cause mortality up to one month; may cause little to no difference in serious adverse events, liver retransplantation, early allograft dysfunction, primary non-function of the allograft, and length of hospital stay; and may have a large reduction in the development of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis. We do not know the effect of prostaglandins on adverse events considered non-serious. We lack adequately powered, high-quality trials evaluating the effects of prostaglandins for people undergoing liver transplantation.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Aug 2023
ReviewDirect oral anticoagulants and their antagonists in perioperative practice.
Review management strategies for patients receiving nonvitamin K direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs). ⋯ Most currently used DOACs are factor Xa inhibitors and should be stopped for 24-48 h for elective surgical procedures in patients at risk for bleeding and potentially longer for dabigatran, depending on renal function. Idarucizumab, a specific dabigatran reversal agent, has been studied in surgical patients and is currently approved for use. For Xa inhibitors apixaban and rivaroxaban, although andexanet alfa is approved for medical bleeds, it is not approved for surgical patients, has a short duration of effect, and costs $12 500 per gram. When managing DOAC-treated patients requiring emergency surgery, when stopping the DOAC and delaying surgery is not feasible, standard approaches should include hemostatic, hemodynamic, and transfusional support. Due to higher risk associated with therapeutic agents used to manage DOAC-related bleeding, increasing data supports the potential off-label use of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC).
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Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is common among critically ill patients and is associated with poor outcomes. In particular, nutrient delivery can be impaired in patients with GI dysfunction and pose a significant challenge to clinicians in daily clinical practice. This review aims to summarize the impact of GI dysfunction on nutrition therapy during critical illness and provide an update on recent advances in nutritional strategies during gastrointestinal dysfunction. ⋯ GI dysfunction frequently occurs during critical illness and negatively affects nutrition therapy. Strategies to improve nutrient delivery during GI dysfunction are available, though more research into the diagnosis and pathophysiology of GI dysfunction will likely further improve patient outcomes.
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Critical illness imposes a severe insult on the body, with various stressors triggering pronounced cell damage. This compromises cellular function, leading to a high risk of multiple organ failure. Autophagy can remove damaged molecules and organelles but appears insufficiently activated during critical illness. This review discusses insight into the role of autophagy in critical illness and the involvement of artificial feeding in insufficient autophagy activation in critical illness. ⋯ Insufficient autophagy during critical illness is at least partly explained by feeding-induced suppression. This may explain why early enhanced nutrition failed to benefit critically ill patients or even induced harm. Safe, specific activation of autophagy avoiding prolonged starvation opens perspectives for improving outcomes of critical illness.
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Practice Guideline
Respiratory Management of Patients with Neuromuscular Weakness: An American College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline and Expert Panel Report.
Respiratory failure is a significant concern in neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). This CHEST guideline examines the literature on the respiratory management of patients with NMD to provide evidence-based recommendations. ⋯ Evidence of best practices for respiratory management in NMD is limited and is based primarily on observational data in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The panel found that pulmonary function testing every 6 months may be beneficial and may be used to initiate noninvasive ventilation (NIV) when clinically indicated. An individualized approach to NIV settings may benefit patients with chronic respiratory failure and sleep-disordered breathing related to NMD. When resources allow, polysomnography or overnight oximetry can help to guide the initiation of NIV. The panel provided guidelines for mouthpiece ventilation, transition to home mechanical ventilation, salivary secretion management, and airway clearance therapies. The guideline panel emphasizes that NMD pathologic characteristics represent a diverse group of disorders with differing rates of decline in lung function. The clinician's role is to add evaluation at the bedside to shared decision-making with patients and families, including respect for patient preferences and treatment goals, considerations of quality of life, and appropriate use of available resources in decision-making.