European journal of anaesthesiology
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An understanding of the half-life (T1/2) of infused fluids can help prevent iatrogenic problems such as volume overload and postoperative interstitial oedema. Simulations show that a prolongation of the T1/2 for crystalloid fluid increases the plasma volume and promotes accumulation of fluid in the interstitial fluid space. The T1/2 for crystalloids is usually 20 to 40 min in conscious humans but might extend to 80 min or longer in the presence of preoperative stress, dehydration, blood loss of <1 l or pregnancy. ⋯ The commonly used colloid fluids have an intravascular persistence T1/2 of 2 to 3 h, which is shortened by inflammation. The fact that the elimination T1/2 of the infused macromolecules is 2 to 6 times longer shows that they also reside outside the bloodstream. With a colloid, fluid volume is eliminated in line with its intravascular persistence, but there is insufficient data to know if this is the same in the clinical setting.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of head position on laryngeal visualisation with the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope in paediatric patients: A randomised controlled trial.
The McGrath MAC video laryngoscope can improve visualisation of the glottis compared with the Macintosh direct laryngoscope. However, good visualisation of the glottis does not guarantee rapid or successful intubation because of difficulty in handling the McGrath device. ⋯ Visualisation of the glottis and handling of the McGrath MAC video laryngoscope were significantly better when the external auditory meatus and sternal notch were aligned in the horizontal plane.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Short-axis/out-of-plane or long-axis/in-plane ultrasound-guided arterial cannulation in children: A randomised controlled trial.
Even with ultrasound guidance, arterial cannulation in children can be challenging. ⋯ Despite the longer imaging time with the LAX approach, there was no significant difference in the total time to successful cannulation between the two techniques. The posterior wall puncture rate was lower in the LAX group than in the SAX group.