Resuscitation
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Cerebral resuscitation is the most important goal of advanced life support. Currently, there are no objective monitoring methods available to gauge the effectiveness of advanced life support on cerebral resuscitation. We assessed the utility of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring during cardiopulmonary resuscitation as a marker of cerebral resuscitation. ⋯ Illustrative data are presented, outlining the process of evaluation undertaken. A major component of the BIS tracing during external chest compressions appears to be due to movement artefact. Our pilot data indicate that with current technology, BIS monitoring is not a clinically reliable marker of the efficacy of external chest compressions.
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Levosimendan is an inotropic and vasodilator drug that has proved to be useful in cardiogenic shock. Pretreatment with levosimendan in experimental hypodynamic septic shock in pigs has shown valuable effects in oxygen transport. Our goal was to assess the effects of levosimendan in a normodynamic model of endotoxaemia. ⋯ Levosimendan improved oxygen transport and prevented the development of intramucosal acidosis in this experimental model of endotoxaemia. However, systemic hypotension and lactic acidosis occurred. Additional studies are needed to show if different doses and timing of levosimendan administration in septic shock might improve gut perfusion without adverse effects.