Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2015
ReviewAn update of the role of Renin Angiotensin in cardiovascular homeostasis.
The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is thought to be the body's main vasoconstrictor system, with physiological effects mediated via the interaction of angiotensin II with angiotensin I receptors (the "classic" RAS model). However, since the discovery of the heptapeptide angiotensin 1-7 and the development of the concept of the "alternate" RAS system, with its ability to reduce arterial blood pressure, our understanding of this physiologic system has changed dramatically. In this review, we focus on the newly discovered functions of the RAS, particularly the potential clinical significance of these developments, especially in the realm of new pharmacologic interventions for treating cardiovascular disease.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2015
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyCrystalloids Versus Colloids: Exploring Differences in Fluid Requirements by Systematic Review and Meta-Regression.
Positive fluid balance has been associated with worse outcomes, and knowledge of differences in the amounts of different types of fluid needed to achieve the same end points may have important clinical implications. Large molecules persist longer in the blood vessels than smaller molecules, such that less IV colloid may be needed to achieve similar hemodynamic end points compared with crystalloid. Recent clinical data have, however, challenged this physiological concept, with investigators reporting lower-than-expected crystalloid/colloid ratios in various populations. ⋯ Greater fluid volumes are required to meet the same targets with crystalloids than with colloids, with an estimated ratio of 1.5 (1.36-1.65), but there is marked heterogeneity among studies. The crystalloid/colloid ratio seems to have decreased over the years, and differences in ratios are correlated with the concentration of albumin solutions; however, the main reasons behind the high heterogeneity among studies remain unclear.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 2015
ReviewDeliberate practice for achieving and maintaining expertise in anesthesiology.
For the dedicated anesthesiologist, a high level of expertise is needed to deliver good care to patients and to provide excellent service to surgeons, anesthesia colleagues, and others. Expertise helps the anesthesiologist recover from difficult situations and generally makes the practice run more effectively. Expertise also contributes to quality of life through higher self-esteem and long-term career satisfaction. ⋯ Anesthesiology instruction with attending supervision provides all of the necessary components for deliberate practice, and it can be effective in anesthesia. Using deliberate practice in teaching requires organization in selecting training topics, effort in challenging students to excel, and skill in providing feedback. In this article, we discuss how educational programs can implement deliberate practice in anesthesiology training, review resources for instructors, and suggest how anesthesiologists can continue the practice after residency.