Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2017
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyNeuraxial and Combined Neuraxial/General Anesthesia Compared to General Anesthesia for Major Truncal and Lower Limb Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Neuraxial anesthesia may improve perioperative outcomes when compared to general anesthesia; however, this is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using randomized controlled trials and population-based observational studies identified in MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE from 2010 to May 31, 2016. Studies were included for adult patients undergoing major surgery of the trunk and lower extremity that reported: 30-day mortality (primary outcome), cardiopulmonary morbidity, surgical site infection, thromboembolic events, blood transfusion, and resource use. ⋯ Neuraxial anesthesia when combined with general anesthesia or when used alone was not associated with decreased 30-day mortality. Neuraxial anesthesia may improve pulmonary outcomes and reduce resource use when compared with general anesthesia. However, because observational studies were included in this analysis, there is a risk of residual confounding and therefore these results should be interpreted with caution.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Dec 2017
Review Case ReportsDexmedetomidine-Associated Hyperthermia: A Series of 9 Cases and a Review of the Literature.
Dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic agonist, can be used to perform mild to moderate sedation in critically ill patients. In this case series, 9 cardiovascular intensive care unit patients with hyperthermia during dexmedetomidine administration, suggestive of drug fever, are presented. Hyperthermia (>38.5°C) occurred 6 (4-10) hours (median [interquartile range]) after dexmedetomidine initiation at a dose of 1.0 (0.8-1.3) μg/kg/h and was resolved 3 (1-8) hours after discontinuation of dexmedetomidine. ⋯ This resulted in a "probable" ADR in all 9 patients (WHO) and a "probable" and "possible" ADR in 1 and 8 patients (Naranjo), respectively. This case series supports published case reports, suggesting that dexmedetomidine administration may be associated with the occurrence of clinically relevant hyperthermia. The underlying mechanisms and risk factors are uncertain and require further research.
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High quality and safe cardiac anesthesia is a prerequisite for success in cardiac care. Cardiac surgery has developed rapidly over recent years in China. ⋯ We aim to provide a review of the history, new developments, and a current cross section of cardiac anesthesia practice patterns in China. The goal is to allow Western readers to understand the unique achievements and challenges in Chinese cardiovascular anesthesiology, thus promoting further communications with Chinese cardiovascular anesthesiologists.