Anesthesiology
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The authors examined changes in the frequency of pain medicine malpractice claims and associated treatment modalities and outcomes over time. ⋯ Pain medicine claims have increased over time and have increased in severity. Claims related to cervical procedures were out of proportion to the frequency with which they are performed. These liability findings suggest that pain specialists should aggressively continue the search for safer and more effective therapies.
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The authors describe the preclinical pharmacological properties of GAL-021, a novel peripheral chemoreceptor modulator. ⋯ GAL-021 behaved as a breathing control modulator in rodents and nonhuman primates and diminished opioid-induced respiratory depression without compromising opioid analgesia. It acted predominantly at the carotid body, in part by inhibiting KCa1.1 channels. Its preclinical profile qualified the compound to enter clinical trials to assess effects on breathing control disorders such as drug (opioid)-induced respiratory depression and sleep apnea.