Anesthesia and analgesia
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2018
ReviewBias in Before-After Studies: Narrative Overview for Anesthesiologists.
Before-after study designs are effective research tools and in some cases, have changed practice. These designs, however, are inherently susceptible to bias (ie, systematic errors) that are sometimes subtle but can invalidate their conclusions. ⋯ Improved reporting with enforcement of the Enhancing Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) checklists will serve to increase transparency and aid in interpretation. By highlighting the potential types of bias and strategies to improve transparency and mitigate flaws, this overview aims to better equip anesthesiologists in designing and/or critically appraising before-after studies.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2018
ReviewPhysiology and Role of Intraocular Pressure in Contemporary Anesthesia.
More than 26 million Americans suffer with cataracts, and with 3.6 million cataract extractions performed annually in the United States, it is the most common surgical procedure. The integrity of the delicate structures of the eye that mediate vision is dependent on the intraocular pressure (IOP). Yet, IOP acts to compress the vessels within the globe-akin to a Starling resistor-and is a key component that determines the ocular perfusion pressure, defined as the difference between arterial pressure and IOP. ⋯ Anesthetic management significantly influences the pressure changes in the eye throughout the perioperative period. Strategies to safeguard retinal perfusion, reduce the ischemic risk, and minimize the potential for expulsive bleeding must be central to the anesthetic techniques selected. This review outlines: important physiological principles; ophthalmic and general procedures most likely to develop damaging IOP levels and their causative factors; the effect of anesthetic agents and techniques on IOP; recent scientific evidence highlighting the significance of perfusion changes during surgery; and key aspects of postoperative visual loss and management approaches for high-risk patients presenting for surgery.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2018
Unexpected Cardiac Computed Tomography Findings in Patients With Postoperative Myocardial Injury.
Postoperative myocardial injury (PMI) is a strong predictor of mortality after noncardiac surgery. PMI is believed to be attributable to coronary artery disease (CAD), yet its etiology is largely unclear. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of significant CAD in patients with and without PMI using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). ⋯ In patients without a history of cardiac disease, PMI after noncardiac surgery was associated with CAD. In addition, a clinically silent pulmonary embolism was found in one-third of patients with PMI. This urges further research to improve clinical workup using imaging and may have important clinical implications.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2018
Perioperative Management May Improve Long-term Survival in Patients After Lung Cancer Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Surgical resection is the main treatment for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but patients' long-term outcome is still challenging. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of long-term survival in patients after lung cancer surgery. ⋯ Certain factors in particular perioperative dexamethasone and flurbiprofen axetil therapy may improve patients' long-term survival after surgery for NSCLC. Given the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution, and randomized clinical trials are needed for further clarification.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · May 2018
Observational StudyTreatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes in Neonates Diagnosed With Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Low-Income Country: A Report From Bangladesh.
Respiratory distress syndrome remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. This retrospective study describes practice patterns for respiratory distress syndrome in a resource-limited setting and seeks to identify both risk factors for mortality and beneficial treatment modalities. Health, demographic, and treatment data were collected. ⋯ Although most children were initially treated with noninvasive respiratory support, 59 progressed to invasive ventilation. Requirement for invasive ventilation was associated with death. A clear trend toward improved survival in mechanically ventilated patients was seen with surfactant administration.