Anaesthesiology intensive therapy
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2016
Observational StudyAn acid-base disorders analysis with the use of the Stewart approach in patients with sepsis treated in an intensive care unit.
Patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit often present with acid-base disorders. As the traditional interpretation might be clinically misleading, an alternative approach described by Stewart may allow one to quantify the individual components of acid-base abnormalities and provide an insight into their pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to compare the traditional and Stewart approaches in the analysis of acid-base disturbance. ⋯ The use of the Stewart model may improve our understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanism and the true etiology of the derangements of acid-base disorders. Indeed, it proves that patients may suffer from mixed arterial blood gas disorders hidden under normal values of SBE and pH.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialAnaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy. Ultrasound-guided superficial/intermediate cervical plexus block combined with carotid sheath infiltration.
Carotid endarterectomy carries a significant risk of intraoperative brain ischaemia. Various methods for intraoperative cerebral function monitoring can be utilized, but the assessment of the patient's consciousness remains the easiest and most available method, requiring that the patient remain awake and under local/regional anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to compare infiltration anaesthesia with an ultrasound-guided superficial/combined cervical plexus block for patient safety and comfort. ⋯ Compared with infiltration anaesthesia, an US-guided superficial/combined cervical plexus block is an effective method for improving the comfort of the patient and the surgeon. The technique is safe, relatively simple and easy to master and requires little time to perform.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2016
Case ReportsIntra-abdominal hypertension complicating pancreatitis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome in three patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Severe acute pancreatitis is associated with sever multiorgan failure from 15 to 50%, depending on the series. In some of these patients, conventional methods of ventilation and respiratory support will fail, demanding the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Abdominal compartment syndrome is potentially harmful in this cohort of patients. We describe the successful treatment of three patients with severe acute pancreatitis who underwent respiratory ECMO and where intra abdominal pressure was monitored regularly. ⋯ Monitoring intraabdominal pressure is a valuable adjunct to decision making while caring for these high-risk critically ill patients.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2016
Anaesthetic perioperative management according to the ERAS protocol.
After many years of experience in surgery, a series of recommendations have been created by a group of European specialists to improve the quality of perioperative care and maximize postoperative outcomes. Early mobilization and oral feeding, preoperative oral intake of carbohydrate-rich fluids, proper fluid and pain management, intensive postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis, and antimicrobial and thromboembolism prophylaxis are the interventions that may decrease surgery-induced metabolic stress and facilitate the return of bowel function and early discharge. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society is the group that focuses on these perioperative issues. This paper aims to summarize the role of anaesthesiologists in the implementation of the ERAS protocol.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2016
Observational StudyIncidence and prognosis of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in severely burned patients: Pilot study and review of the literature.
Burn patients are at high risk for secondary intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) due to capillary leak and large volume fluid resuscitation. Our objective was to examine the incidence the incidence of IAH and ACS and their relation to outcome in mechanically ventilated (MV) burn patients. ⋯ Based on our preliminary results we conclude that IAH and ACS have a relatively high incidence in MV burn patients compared to other groups of critically ill patients. The percentage of TBSA burned correlates with the mean IAP. The combination of high CLI, positive (daily and cumulative) fluid balance, high IAP, high EVLWI and low APP suggest a poor outcome. Non-surgical interventions appear to improve end-organ function. Non-resolution of IAH is related to a worse outcome.